Council has approved a one-time engagement session to gauge community support for environmental projects funded through the Ecological Reserve Fund, aiming to address longstanding divisions over spending priorities and stakeholder involvement.
At its Jan. 20 meeting, council approved the session following months of contentious debate over the fund's use, with councillors divided on the need for an environmental committee and public engagement on spending priorities.
Councillor Michelle Martins, who proposed the motion, said the meeting would allow for a compromise on divisive issues. “I think a one-time engagement is a good compromise amongst the different comfort levels on various environmental priorities that exist with council. It will give us a good starting place to determine next steps without having to establish another committee,” she said.
The motion directs staff to engage local groups, comprised of the Douglas Channel Watch, the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, the Kitimat Valley Naturalists, the Kitimat Economic Development Association, the Kitimat Rod and Gun Association, the Kitimat Airshed Group, the Terrace Kitimat Clean Air Coalition and the Haisla Nation Council. The meeting will explore support for two proposed initiatives: improving mapping of old growth forests and wetlands, and compiling a baseline report on local flora and fauna.
Discussions at the meeting reflected differing views on the fund's administration and the inclusion of non-environmental groups. Martins sought clarification on staff’s proposed list of stakeholders, noting it included organizations like the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and Kitimat Economic Development Association. District CAO Warren Waycheshen explained that the list was broad to reflect council’s past emphasis on inclusive community representation.
Councillor Terry Marleau proposed and successfully passed an amendment to exclude the Skeena Roundtable, citing its regional focus as a potential distraction from Kitimat’s priorities.
“I believe the focus should be on Kitimat, and taking the roundtable out doesn’t affect the focus,” Mayor Phil Germuth said in agreement.
The motion reflects council’s efforts to address environmental concerns without committing to the formation of a new committee—a proposal that has faced repeated opposition in the past. Martins acknowledged these challenges, saying, “I don’t have any intention to push for an environmental committee with this council. Maybe if I’m fortunate enough to be reelected next term. But I see there isn’t the interest now that I hoped for.”
Councillor Gerry Liebel supported the motion, stressing the importance of establishing baseline environmental data before the LNG Canada facility becomes fully operational. “We need to accurately plot the effects, or lack of effects, of LNG Canada on our environment. I think this is something that, in the absence of employing a biologist, this is a good way to engage with our community groups and use the environmental fund in a useful way,” he said, referencing a prior council decision to reject hiring a district biologist.
Mayor Germuth and Councillor Mario Feldhoff expressed trust in the industry’s monitoring efforts, which are vetted by the B.C. Ministry of Environment. However, several councillors underscored the importance of obtaining data independent of industry involvement. Martins clarified that her motion’s intent was not to duplicate existing studies but to focus on understanding and maintaining the district’s natural assets.
The amended motion passed unanimously.