It’s time to Save Big during NORTHERN BC’S LARGEST RV • PARTS • ACCESSORIES
FALL CLEARANCE
Inside
u NEWS Paving delay is normal, P. 3 u NEWS Masonic Hall rezoned, P. 4
u SPORTS They’re pitch perfect, P. 23 u CLASSIFIEDS, P. 14-20
Free
SALE
Sale Ends October 31, 2015
NO PAYMENTS UNTIL SPRING OF 2016 OAC!
2015 - Model 258RL
STK#5258
0 00.0 SAVE $4,0
Published by Black Press Ltd. at 3210 Clinton Street, Terrace, B.C.
FRIDAY, September 25, 2015
Volume 10 Issue 12
TMC 20,200
On tour …
MSRP $31,995 Fall Clearance Price $27,995
OPEN TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00am to 6:00pm MONDAY & SATURDAY 8:00am to 5:00pm
250-635-6945 www.norburdrv.ca 74 Currie St.
$429,000
Sunken living room/family M L S room. Lots of room in this one!
115 Whittlesey St.
$389,000
RV parking and a fabulous garden. Don’t miss this one!
ED
REDUC
M L S
102 Carswell St.
$317,000
Large family home with room for your RV.
M L S
ADRIENNE DUNTON / THE NORTHERN CONNECTOR
STEWART - Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon poses with the Stewart Canadian Rangers contingent during a tour of the north last week. Back, left to right, Constable Jason Dickinson, Eric Drew, Principal Andy Calhoun, Brock Nelson, Scott Hopkins. Front, left to right, Donald Barker, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Stewart mayor Galina Durant.
76 White St.
$305,000
Close to schools. Great deck big enough for your hot tub.
M L S
24 Eagle St.
NEW
$250,000
3bdrms/1bath. Lg lot. Perfect for the first time home buyer!
M L S
59 Swallow St.
$249,000
3bdrms/1bath Lg backyard backing onto green space.
M L S
5 Stikine
$189,000
M L S
Multifamily building lot.
ILONA KENNY REALTOR Re/Max Kitimat Realty 250-632-7000 ilona@kitimatrealty.com
For the service you deserve
250-632-1021
Aboriginal claim laid to LNG plant location By Shaun Thomas
THE NORTHERN CONNECTOR
PORT EDWARD - The Lax Kw’alaams First Nation is proceeding with a title action for Lelu Island and Flora Bank to establish existing Aboriginal title to the land, something that band says would obligate the government to seek their consent before proceeding with the Pacific NorthWest (PNW) LNG terminal development. The band says it was opposed to test drilling that began this week and that the terminal itself would not have band support on Lelu Island. “Our traditional law, backed by our scientific reports, has made it clear that Flora Bank cannot be touched by PNW or any other company that propos-
es development. This decision is backed by the community and an alternate site must be found if the project is to proceed,” said Lax Kw’alaams Mayor Garry Reece. “We are open to development, including PNW’s project, but not the way the project is currently constituted. We have serious concerns about Flora Bank and its environmental importance. The project needs to change before its embraced by the Lax Kw’alaams members.” As well as the location of the terminal, Reece said the band has been “extremely concerned with the apathy and indifference shown by the Government of Canada and its delegated body, the Prince Rupert Port Authority” who Reece said has com-
pletely ignored concerns about the terminal’s location. As well, Reece said the current federal and provincial environmental assessments are simply inadequate. “We need a proper process and good science. Lax Kw’alaams requires all projects be reviewed to a standard set by our scientists and experts,” he said. Metlakatla, meanwhile, said it “has a strong interest in any title actions concerning Lelu Island and the Skeena River estuary” and said discussions with the company are ongoing. “Our concerns regarding the environmental impact of PNW project have not been resolved. However, we acknowledge a constructive relationship and that design modifications have been
incorporated as a result of ongoing discussions,” read a statement from the band. “As leaders we have a duty to our children and future generations to fairly and thoroughly assess the potential benefits and impacts of project development in our territory. We will continue to participate in the CEAA process and will ultimately decide whether to support this project based on our rights and titles interest.” While noting geotechnical, environmental and geophysical studies were undertaken after consultation and engagement with First Nations including the Lax Kw’alaams Band, the Prince Rupert Port Authority declined comment on the title claim given that it might end up in the courts.
Mackenzie Furniture • 150 1st Ave West, Prince Rupert • Open Monday to Saturday • 9am to 6pm