Meziadin Landfill
The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine board was informed that the Meziadin Landfill requires the second phase of the facility to be constructed as the first phase of the landfill is near capacity and expected to reach its end of use by late spring of 2020.
The district’s consultant, Sperling Hansen Associates, are finalizing the design and proposed budget for the second phase which will be submitted to staff for review and approval this April. The first Meziadin landfill will now undertake steps of closure in the form of clay capping.
ESS grant
The regional district has agreed to support the 2020 Emergency Support Services grant application for $25,000 to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund that will allow for Skeena Valley ESS to update equipment and prove further access to training for all volunteers.
This grant will help align the organization with the Provincial ESS modernization.
A stronger economy
Directors approved the application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for grants to support the regional district, Village of Hazelton and District of New Hazelton which will strengthen economic development capacity through the amount of $50,000 each.
These grants are intended to help fund a robust workforce and resident attraction project alongside tourism marketing initiatives.
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Money for athletes
The district approves supporting elite athletes in the region through the Athletic Excellence Grant Policy that would allocate up to $2,000 each year per application to help cover training and competition fees. Each application would be evaluated thoroughly to ensure the money is distributed properly.
It was also recommended at the meeting to expand this policy or create a new one to include arts and academics, which will be presented back to the board at a later date.
New fish habitats
The regional district has no objections to KSM Mining, Glacier and Taft Creek creating new fish habitats in the vicinity of the Bell-Irving River in the Cassiar District. They also ordered that referral must be sent to appropriate First Nations for review, that environmental concerns are addressed.
Wind power
The board has granted an investigative licence to Sea Breeze Power Corp. to conduct studies for wind power generating potential in the vicinity of Mount Clague and Anderson Creek. The proponent has engaged in wind farm projects in the past and this study will work toward creating a wind farm near Kitimat to, if built, sell electricity into the BC Hydro grid.