NWBC Infrastructure Screening Analysis

The purpose of this work was to prepare a high-level program of infrastructure projects and services needed for 21 local governments located in northwest BC and describe investment needs as they relate to accommodating anticipated growth related to unprecedented major project investment in the region such as LNG, port terminal expansions, transmission line expansions, smelter modernization, mining exploration, and wind farm development. (Specific communities included: North Coast Regional District, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, and the local governments of Masset, Port Clements, Queen Charlotte, Port Edward, Prince Rupert, Stewart, Kitimat, Terrace, Hazelton, New Hazelton, Smithers, Telkwa, Houston, Granisle, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, and Vanderhoof). 

As part of the project, baseline documentation was reviewed including asset management plans, asset inventories, engineering reports, scoping reports, feasibility studies, master plans, capital plans, environmental impact assessments, and the Province’s major projects inventory. Supplementing this information involved in-person meetings with local government staff (chief administrative officers, financial officers, planners, engineers, fire chiefs, bylaw enforcement officers, recreation coordinators, and special project coordinators). A summary of local government infrastructure and service needs was developed by asset category (potable water, wastewater, drainage and flood protection, fire protection, solid waste, transportation, institutional infrastructure, and recreational infrastructure), including an order of magnitude capital cost estimate and a snapshot of key issues and project types. 

This was a complex process of preparing a business case in the context of accelerated investment in resource development, job creation, and identifying potential impacts on communities when an influx of temporary and permanent workers migrate to high-growth communities. 

Preliminary findings were shared with the Provincial government leading up to UBCM 2019. At UBCM, the Premier signaled investment was to come for these communities as a result of our findings. The final report was completed in December 2019 – a one year timeline to undertake all aspects of project work. 

Read the report here.

CLIENT: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Resource Benefits Alliance