Join the E-Newsletter – Reflections on City Council

Coastal Growth

Prince Rupert is positioned to grow from the ground up because it is uniquely positioned with abundant resources — such as a deep water and ice-free port, rail access to major trade centres throughout Canada and the United States, and proximity to marine, forest, and mineral resources.

Given all this, Prince Rupert is ready to grow. But our aim should not “growth for the sake of growth” — instead let’s grow for the sake of the people here. The put of economic growth should be to improve people’s lives, to build a stronger community, and support the region as a whole.

We already have what’s needed to build, expand, and grow our community — in terms of people, skills, knowledge, resources, and opportunity. So, let’s put it all to work by growing our economy, growing our community, and doing it together.

• Grow the population by growing the economy — by focusing on providing opportunities for young families to work and stay, supporting older residents with housing and health care so that they can remain here, and expanding economic opportunities for workers and businesses alike
• Build housing for families, seniors, and communities — housing that’s affordable for low and middle income earners, that’s safe and secure for everyone, and that’s livable for a good quality of life – the bedrock of a strong community
• Continue to invest in community amenities, essential public services, and critical infrastructure — especially health care infrastructure, education infrastructure, transportation and trade infrastructure, basic infrastructure (pipes, water, sewer), and arts and entertainment facilities

Growth from the Ground Up

Prince Rupert is the region’s largest city and it serves as a regional transportation and services hub for the region. The health and vitality of Prince Rupert, and the region as whole, relies on a growing economy, growing population, and strong community.

Growth of the Prince Rupert economy strengthens services and provides infrastructure for the region as a whole. That is one reason why we should focus on growing the city’s population from within, developing its economy, expanding opportunities for people and businesses across the region — so that more young people remain here and that families who remain here will prosper in this community.

This starts with a focus on building housing and community amenities that serve everyone — from low to middle income — that provides housing security for current and future residents alike. As we build homes, we should also invest in parks and recreation, our local library, walkable pathways, cultural programs.

A livable city provides the foundation for a strong economy to attract and retain skilled workers, small and big businesses, and effective government services. Secure housing and quality community amenities must allow older people to remain in the city as they age (especially as health care needs increase), will provide opportunities for young people to start a family here, and will increase the services available for residents and businesses. 

A larger population base will ensure that we have the health care, shops, schools, library, and trades that are all essential to our quality of life. Families need good and stable jobs – building on the skills and resources of our region. Young people need opportunities that challenge them and that rely on their skill and dedication. And everyone relies on the services provided by health care workers, builders, and other community workers.

• Focus on building the community as part of a pro-growth strategy — housing, jobs, infrastructure, and expanded economic development at all levels of the economy (big and small business, private and public sector, etc.) are key to growing the region to better meet people’s needs
• Create a great business environment — the best way to attract and retain a competitive marketplace (that delivers jobs and services to the community) is by making this a good place to start and grow a business
• Align education, library services, and training with needed jobs and careers for our community and ensure that there are entry-level and career-paths in place to attract and retain young workers with plans of settling in the North Coast region and other coastal communities

Prosperity and Growth Through Innovation

Sustaining a strong innovation, resource, trade, and craft economy should be a top priority for every community in the region. This requires a commitment to effective government, building partnerships with businesses, and supporting economic opportunity for everyone. It also requires respect and reciprocity – a commitment by all levels of government to local decision making and regional coordination.

• Focus on building from our current base of skilled workers — in the innovation, resource, trades, and crafts industries
• Incubate business development at the scale of Prince Rupert and for the region itself — focus on the marine economy, on trade and transportation, resource development, and local expertise
• Focus on value added crafts and industries — prioritize economic conditions for industries based in northwestern BC resources and expertise, build from our strengths and focus on whatever we can do best
• Start small and go medium — build a diverse economy with mid-sized enterprises at the heart of regional economic development — centred in Prince Rupert and expanding out to support our region as a whole
• Improve performance of government-run public services and programs by shifting decisions to the local level, ensuring transparency, and focusing on accountable governance models

Image Source: Miko Fox