Kitimat council approved three key motions during its Jan. 3 meeting, addressing infrastructure, borrowing for water system upgrades, and fire training facility fees. Each initiative aims to enhance community resources and services.
Aquatic centre seeks funding for air system upgrade
The District of Kitimat will seek funding for a major upgrade to the air control system at the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre.
Council approved an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure Program to replace the pool’s aging duct sox system, which regulates humidity and improves air quality for swimmers and spectators. The original system, installed in 2008, has undergone multiple repairs, but recent assessments determined it needs full replacement.
Temporary borrowing approved for water treatment project
Council has approved a temporary borrowing bylaw to help finance the District of Kitimat’s water treatment system upgrade.
The bylaw allows the district to access up to $13.5 million through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) while construction is underway. Once the project is complete, the balance will be converted to long-term debt. Temporary borrowing ensures funds are available as needed, minimizing unnecessary interest payments.
The district secured loan authorization in October 2024, and the temporary borrowing process enables flexibility in managing cash flow. By structuring borrowing in increments, the district can reduce interest costs while ensuring construction proceeds smoothly.
Council’s decision aligns with its commitment to upgrading Kitimat’s water infrastructure efficiently while keeping financial impacts in check.
Fees set for fire training ground use
A new bylaw establishing fees for third-party use of Kitimat’s fire training grounds has been approved by council.
The updated fire training facility, completed in 2022, has drawn interest from other emergency services organizations. The fee structure is designed to recover costs such as staff wages, water usage, and handling of training materials.
Regional live fire training enhances collaboration among emergency responders, ensuring standardized, high-quality instruction. By providing access to specialized facilities, the initiative strengthens preparedness for large-scale emergencies and mutual aid efforts.
Fees will be reviewed annually to reflect operational costs. The bylaw ensures that while the facility remains a valuable training resource, costs incurred by the district are appropriately recovered.
