The Tides of Change Sweep Prince Rupert
- Municipal Affairs
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Welcome to Municipal Affairs.
Earlier this month, over 150 municipal leaders from across Northern British Columbia came together in the coastal city of Prince Rupert for the annual North Central Local Government Association Convention.
It was a gathering of shared purpose and diverse perspectives, where elected officials and staff from towns, cities, and regional districts met to tackle the pressing issues shaping our communities today.
This year’s convention featured a keynote address from none other than Janet Austin, former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, alongside plenary panels that dove deep into some of the most important challenges local governments are facing—like Indigenous title agreements, housing, climate adaptation, and legislative reform.
City staff also took the stage to showcase the remarkable transformation of Watson Island—offering a case study in industrial redevelopment that holds lessons for communities across the region.
At the Healthy Communities Forum, the spotlight turned to healthcare—specifically, how municipalities can support recruitment and retention in a strained system. And in concurrent sessions, delegates explored everything from firefighting capacity and leadership mental health, to the role of AI in local governance, and the evolving state of healthcare in B.C.
Themes emerging from this year's AGM included the local government impacts of global trade tensions, reforms for regional districts, regional economic development, and the continuing need for mental health and healthcare support at the local level.
The convention also marked a leadership transition. Gladys Atrill, Mayor of the Town of Smithers, was acclaimed as President-Elect of the NCLGA, alongside First Vice President-Elect Tony Zabinsky, Councillor for the City of Fort St. John, and Second Vice President-Elect Kyle MacDonald, Councillor for Dawson Creek.
An election for three Director at Large positions brought in Councillor Jesse Wright, Councillor Melanie Woods, and Councillor Julie Nelson.
During the convention, we had the opportunity to sit down with Judy Greenway, then-President of the NCLGA and Area Director for the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. We talked about her experience as President, her reflections as she passes the torch, and what this convention means for the region.
After that, we caught up with NCLGA Executive Director Terry Roberts to hear his thoughts on the biggest takeaways from this year’s gathering—and what lies ahead as local leaders look to the UBCM Convention this September.
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