Photo courtesy of smithers.ca
The Prince Rupert Port Authority Community Investment Fund is an award financed by a share of the port authority's annual net income. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by local volunteers, the port authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it.
This year marks the end of a ten-year stretch of community projects that had a positive effect on the residents of the communities in Northern BC. At the end of those ten years, the port authority awards one project $10,000 reward for their work, called "The Project of the Decade."
Some of the community projects that were up for consideration for the award were the "Salmon Enhancement project," an Oldfield Creek Fish Hatchery that supports local salmon enhancement and provides a place for people in Prince Rupert to learn through community education and participation; "Community Kitchens and Greenhouses," the Friendship House kitchen in Prince Rupert, along with projects in Lach Klan and Metlakatla, have also played a critical role in providing food security for community members of all ages, through fresh food hampers, as well as produce and meal deliveries.
You can see the full list of potential award recipients here. The winner this year was Shames Mountain, the skiing destination in Terrace, and the "My Mountain Co-op" project.
Shames Mountain is run by Canada's first non-profit community service ski co-operative. We spoke with the Recreational Manager Christian Theberge about their response to the award.
New arena closure
Smithers Minor Hockey Association received disappointing news last week when town council announced they would be closing the new arena in town. Mayor Gladys Atrill said both the public health orders by Dr. Bonnie Henry that have been put in place until Feb. 5 and an ammonia leak led to the decision. The ammonia leak at the new arena caused an immediate closure and is currently under repair.
CICK News caught up with Minor Hockey Head Coach and Technical Director Brendan Hutchinson to discuss what that means for memberships, fees, and the future of hockey in Smithers.
Here is CICK speaking with Christian Theberge about "My Mountain Co-op" and his recent award win: