The District of Houston is chipping in $1,200 to help finance an update of a region-wide air quality improvement plan sponsored by the non-profit Bulkley Valley – Lakes District Airshed Management Society.
The District of Houston is chipping in $1,200 to help finance an update of a region-wide air quality improvement plan sponsored by the non-profit Bulkley Valley – Lakes District Airshed Management Society.
The current plan was last crafted in 2012 and it’s time for an update and review, society coordinator Sue Brookes told council during a briefing and in a request letter.
Among the society’s current projects are sponsoring programs to replace older domestic wood-burning appliances and to monitor airshed quality in the area roughly from Kitwanga to Burns Lake.
“Since smoke and road dust have the largest impacts on local air quality, or plan currently targets a pollutant knows as particulate matter,” said Brookes.
“There is common recognition that particulate matter pollution is a public health concern and can affect economic opportunities in the region.
Particulate matter is very fine and when breathed in can trigger pregnancy problems, cancers, lung problems and diabetes.
On past years Houston has registered among the highest levels of fine particulate matter having a diameter of 2.5 micrometers of less.
“We are searching for a balance between environmental, social and economic concerns,” Brookes added.
Concerns have also been raised as to the increased amount of train traffic passing through the region as the Prince Rupert port develops its import and export capacity.
Cannabis store move wanted
The District of Houston will be looking for public comment on the proposed relocation of Rural Leaf Cannabis from the mall to 3356 10th St.
There won’t be a session for public comment but council will welcome written comments. Council must also give its blessing to the move.
“Given that the current application is for the relocation of an existing store, it is recommended that public input be obtained through written comment,” planning and development deputy director Amy Wainwright wrote in a lengthy memo to council.
She noted that the cannabis business has purchased the former laundromat at 335 10th Street and that the business is the only approved cannabis retailer with the District of Houston.
A preliminary review by District staffers determined there would be no issues with the proposed move.
“The property is zoned C1, which permits a cannabis retail store as a principal use and the preliminary review of the application did not identify any concerns,’ Wainwright wrote.
Support letters approved
Social services agency Houston Link to Learning is getting two support letters from council as it applies for two grants to help finance its activities.
One was sent to the Northern Development Initiative Trust which received a substantial provincial grant to distribute among communities along the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline route from the northeast to the LNG Canada facility about to start full production in Kitimat.
The provincial grant distribution is meant to buffer the effects of such a large-scale industrial venture in more remote areas.
Houston Link to Learning’s executive director Marian Ells said the organization wants full develop a support centre for local residents.
“The fund specifies the growth that was attached to LNG but now Houston is on the other side of that and also facing significant economic changes,” Ells noted in a request letter to council members.
“The centre would support community members with acces to online programs, services, benefits and courses,” she said.
A second application is being sent to Catapult Canada, an organization support programs for youth.
Youth between 12 and 29 would receive help to “eliminate barriers to learning opportunities and to increase equity of access to learning pathways,” Ells wrote.
She said a grant, if successful, would built on Houston Link to Learning’s current teen drop in program.
“We have created a sense of community and belonging,” Ells added.
