Latest news with #NCLGA
Hamilton Spectator
28-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Vandalism of chainsaw sculpture gift from Chetwynd deeply disappoints Prince Rupert's city council
A striking chainsaw carving has been vandalized just days after the District of Chetwynd gifted it to Prince Rupert at the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference in May. In a press release, the city council of Prince Rupert expressed that they are deeply disappointed after witnessing the damage done to the wood carving installation at the beloved Totem Park. Someone has removed the wing of the mighty eagle in the sculpture. 'It's heartbreaking to see something that was gifted to us as a sign of friendship damaged in this way. We hope to see it soon restored to its former glory,' said Mayor Herb Pond. The chainsaw carving, created by Jarette Dahl titled 'Survival of the Fittest,' highlights the area's wildlife. It was presented to the City by Chetwynd's mayor, Allen Courtoreille. The City says this gift was intended to be a lasting symbol of inter-community connection and shared appreciation for local artistry. 'The City is currently assessing the extent of the damage and will be working with Chetwynd and the carver to determine how and when repairs can be made,' City said. The press release urges anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the City.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Northern local government conference highlights climate action, housing, and reconciliation
The second day of the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference spotlighted the Nisga'a Nation's pioneering efforts in climate adaptation, sustainable housing, and reconciliation through projects in partnership with the Community Energy Association (CEA). The May 14 plenary session featured a presentation by Gaëtane Carignan, who works in climate leadership and energy retrofits at CEA (a non-profit society), and Kaitlyn Robinson, climate coordinator with the Nisga'a Lisims Government. Participants are undertaking an ambitious housing energy retrofitting initiative in the Nisga'a Nation, aiming to renovate approximately 900 homes across four villages located in northwestern British Columbia. Robinson explains that housing needs in her Nation are extremely urgent, with a large number of homes facing serious structural issues such as mould, electrical failures, foundation damage, roofing and gutter problems, and plumbing deficiencies. In addition, many homes suffer from significant energy efficiency challenges, including air leakage, poor insulation, heat loss, high energy bills, inadequate ventilation, condensation buildup, and aging infrastructure. The high cost of both energy and home renovation further compounds these issues. Together, these conditions put community members at increased climate-related risk, as many homes are just not equipped to adapt to changing environmental conditions. 'This is not just a housing issue, it is a climate issue, a health issue,' said Robinson. The energy retrofitting process follows a coordinated, community-driven approach that brings together homeowners, contractors, and local leaders. It starts with assessing the home's current condition and then uses the Integrated Design Process (IDP) to plan upgrades based on building science and homeowner priorities. The focus is on improving the building envelope first, such as sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, and installing efficient windows, followed by upgrading heating, ventilation, and appliances. Local contractors are trained and held accountable for quality work, while the process also supports Nisga'a employment and mentorship. The presentation also highlighted housing retrofitting as a form of decolonization and a practical way to put the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into action. Carignan explained that this work is about more than fixing homes. It's about reconnecting with the land and rebuilding relationships with First Nations that were damaged by colonization. It is part of the broader reconciliation process, rooted in Indigenous leadership and vision, and focused on co-creating solutions that address long-standing inequities in housing and energy systems, she said. 'Building relationships is productive,' said Carignan. 'Retrofitting a home is not just about energy use; it's about improving the indoor air quality, extending the life of the home, producing long-term maintenance,' said Robinson. 'After retrofitting, homes are more comfortable and better equipped to handle extreme weather like storms, wildfires, and heat waves. Energy use drops significantly; homes switch to cleaner fuels and greenhouse gas emissions are greatly reduced. Canada and British Columbia have set a net-zero emissions target for 2050. To meet this goal, local governments will need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, according to the CEA. The association pitches itself to support local governments and Indigenous communities in transitioning to a low-carbon future by identifying sources of greenhouse gas emissions and implementing practical solutions. In the Skeena North region, they emphasize that local governments have a key role to play, as 48 per cent of the emissions they control come from buildings. The remaining chunk of emissions can be addressed through better transportation options and waste management. 'That's why Community Energy Association is interested in working with local governments and the new communities to better both new construction and retrofits,' said Carignan. CEA has hosted various retrofitting workshops and activities across northern B.C., including in communities such as Terrace, Prince George, Kitimat, Fort St. John, Smithers, and more. The work of the Community Energy Association and the Nisga'a Nation received loud applause at the NCLGA conference. NCLGA is a non-profit organization representing more than 240 elected officials in 42 local, regional and First Nations governments spanning from 100 Mile House in the south to the Yukon border in the north and from the Alberta border in the east to Haida Gwaii in the west. The North Coast Regional District, the City of Prince Rupert, and the District of Port Edward co-hosted the 2025 conference from May 12 to 15.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Chetwynd gifts chainsaw carving to Prince Rupert to kick off local government conference
As a symbol of working partnership and shared purpose, the District of Chetwynd presented a striking chainsaw masterpiece to the City of Prince Rupert, celebrating the bond between the two northern communities. Titled 'Survival of the Fittest,' the art piece by Jarette Dahl was unveiled at the Totem Park during the kickoff of the 2025 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference. The shiny-brown sculpture captures northern wildlife in motion with bears, ravens, and an eagle in mid-flight clutching a salmon. Chetwynd has proudly hosted the International Chainsaw Carving Championship for nearly two decades. This world-class event draws top-tier artists from countries such as the U.K., U.S., Australia, Ireland and beyond. Mayor Allen Courtoreille, who attended the NCLGA in Prince Rupert, highlighted the global recognition the competition has earned. While the District keeps winning pieces, it follows a tradition of gifting other carvings to communities across the region. Courtoreille said the piece chosen for Prince Rupert felt especially fitting, a tribute well-matched to the spirit and wildlife of the North Coast. Prince Rupert Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven shared on Facebook that the piece represents more than just a working partnership between the two communities. It also symbolizes Rupert and Chetwynd's resilience through challenging times and the boom-and-bust cycles they have both endured. Mayor Courtoreille shared that some of the highlights of his trip to the NCLGA included touring the port terminals by catamaran and connecting with local community members. He emphasized the value of networking at the event, particularly with companies involved in energy transportation, such as Enbridge and Coastal GasLink. His goal is to discuss how the movement of oil and energy through Chetwynd affects the district and explore opportunities for collaboration.
