Public Invited to Annual Meeting June 29th
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C., June 16th, 2026 – Each year, the City’s distribution of the Annual Report is an opportunity for the community to review what was achieved in the previous year, what’s ahead, and provide an overview of key projects. Not only that, but it includes reporting of financial statements, an overview of community enhancement grants, and other financial information.
“This is our yearly opportunity to take stock of where we’ve been, and where we’re headed,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “As we look back on the past few years, it’s remarkable what we’ve been able to accomplish. We’re excited to keep up the positive momentum to leave behind a Rupert the future can be proud of.”
Following last night’s Council Meeting, the report is now available for circulation. The City will be holding it’s Annual Public Meeting on June 29th at 7 pm in Council Chambers (424 3rd Avenue West) to give the community a chance to ask questions and provide feedback. The meeting will include a presentation on key highlights from the report, followed by a public comment period.
Highlights from the report include:
- Grand opening of the new RCMP detachment in 2025
- Occupancy of the new Public Works facility in Summer 2026
- Addition of Peace Officer in 2025 to enhancement community safety programming and capacity
- A settlement agreement with the Prince Rupert Port Authority on the Payment in Lieu of Taxes for Port properties in 2026
- A comprehensive review of existing City policies
- Development of a local Indigenous Cultural Safety Program for staff in collaboration with the North Coast Regional District and District of Port Edward
- Alignment of City Zoning, Official Community Plan and Housing Needs Assessment to meet Provincial legislation relating to housing
- Extension of development incentives downtown and for housing to 2029
- Updating of the City’s Fire Protection Bylaw
- Completion of a Climate Action Plan
The above refer to completed actions, while the City continues to work on major infrastructure renewal that will continue to occupy substantial capacity and attention. This includes water and sewer infrastructure replacement and treatment, management of our local landfills, continued activities of our Indigenous Relations Committee, attention to memorial programming, and development of new amenities at our community waterfront.
Critical to achieving our goals has been tapping into new sources of revenue, made possible through the re-invention of Watson Island and also the securing of funding through the Provincial Resource Benefits Agreement, signed in 2024.
Formed in 2014, the RBA is a regional association of 21 local governments, including three regional districts (North Coast, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine), and its 18 member municipalities, including Prince Rupert. Since 2015, the RBA has worked closely with the BC government to address the unique challenges facing the Northwest. This includes securing the revenue needed to build essential community infrastructure that supports responsible resource development, as well as the social infrastructure that makes the Northwest a region where industries, businesses, workers, and their families can truly thrive. In 2024, the Province signed a 5-year $250 million agreement to inject funding back into our communities. This has been a huge benefit to Prince Rupert.
RBA projects funded in 2026 for our community include;
- Rehabilitation of 2nd Avenue Bridge
- Relocation of Public Works
- City contributions to sewer works associated with the BIG Project
- The ongoing wetland wastewater treatment system being installed off of Park Avenue
- Elimination of local outfalls as we move towards wastewater treatment
- Resurfacing of Mariners Park Playground
- Activities of the Indigenous Relations Committee
- Additional leachate treatment at our landfill lagoon on Ridley Island
- Replacement of filtration systems at the pool
- And more
As the community can see, this funding is supporting many of our most critical initiatives. It is important that we maintain this funding through further negotiations with the Province and with community support and awareness.
Interested in learning more? The Annual Municipal Report is available for public review online at www.princerupert.ca and in print at City Hall during regular business hours. Additional information on current and future RBA-funded projects is available here: Our Projects - Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca