North Coast Regional District, British Columbia

management planning analysis was undertaken. It focused on the recycling facility and identified some capital servicing requirements based on different community growth scenarios. Fish notes, “Those were in the tune of $1.8 million and range from roof upgrades to electrical upgrades to some structural considerations all the way down to the installation of weighted truck scales, new auto-tie balers, and some of the more heavy capital equipment you’d find in the depot.” The North Coast RD is also in the process of completing a housing-needs assessment, based on the changes they saw between the 2011 and 2016 census. “We have lost some residents in the regional district as a whole,” Fish says. “But it’s going to be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of years. I think you’re going to see a push from people wanting to leave larger, urban centers for more rural and remote areas. We are already starting to see that, but I would say probably even more so over the next few years. Certainly, that’s on our radar and one of the reasons we are trying to take stock of housing needs in the region and put together a strategy based on those findings.” Another major focus for North Coast is on the environment, since the regional district covers a vast and lush landscape. “Tying back to this whole coastal piece and our rich, First Nations culture, I think environmental stewardship has always been first and foremost on a lot of people’s minds,” Fish explains. “Certainly, we want to take care of the natural beauty that we’re surrounded by day in and day out.” The effects of climate change is a major concern. He adds, “We are taking a look at an assessment for the communities on Haida Gwaii; looking at some areas of concern where we are already seeing degradation of road infrastructure, tree-fall events, etc. We are in the process of completing a coastal erosion flood hazard emergency planning services and funding assistance to various museums and cultural organizations. The latter is of utmost importance. As Fish attests, “If you look at our purpose, heritage and culture are certainly another one of our core values. First Nation heritage and culture are a proud and prominent aspect of the regional district and much effort is made to educate about the past, as well as keep practices alive for future generations.” The RD also provides a community water system in Sandspit, as well as waste management and recycling services, including a landfill on Haida Gwaii and a recycling depot in Prince Rupert. “The facility we have here in Prince Rupert actually processes the material from all the communities in the regional district,” says Fish. “It’s the end processing facility for all of our communities.” They are currently working on a plan to improve the recycling center through a number of capital upgrades. In 2016, an asset