Message from the Mayor: 2024 Recap
As we close out 2024, I am proud to reflect on what has been a busy and productive year for the Town of Smithers. While we’ve faced challenges, we’ve also embraced opportunities that have brought meaningful progress to our community.
Notably, we secured $21.9 million in funding over the next five years through the Northwest Resource Benefits Alliance to support critical projects; we celebrated the announcement of a
216-bed long-term care facility—a much-needed addition for our residents; we hired a new Chief Administrative Officer to lead our organization; and we continued our commitment to addressing housing and homelessness by advocating to other levels of government and by working with our dedicated community partners.
Throughout 2024, Town staff worked to advance the initiatives outlined in the 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities set by Council. Below is an overview of some of the significant accomplishments that were achieved this year in line with Council’s strategic Priorities:
Economic Prosperity
Economic Development:
- Completed the Smithers Economic Development Plan, set for Council’s final approval in early 2025.
Smithers Regional Airport:
- Completed the Regional Airport Funding Needs Analysis and approved alternative funding strategies and budget allocations to meet capital and operational requirements.
Community Livability
Housing Affordability and Diversity:
- Updated the Town of Smithers Housing Needs report and Housing Need Analysis.
- Amended zoning bylaws and the Official Community Plan to align with B.C.’s new Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Legislation, permitting higher density and diverse development options on single-family lots.
- Approved a Zoning Amendment application from BC Housing for a 40-unit supportive housing project to provide subsidized housing with on-site supports for single adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities or those at risk of homelessness.
- Received the certificate of compliance for the LB Warner site, allowing construction to begin on the Town-supported Dze L K’ant 37-unit Indigenous-led housing project, located at 1611 Main Street.
Active Transportation:
- Construction started on the Town’s Cycle16 - Fulton Ave Connector and is expected to be completed in 2025.
Recreation:
- Adopted the Smithers Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will guide investments in parks and recreation services over the next 10 years.
- Launched the Main Street Markets, supporting local businesses and fostering community connections.
- Recorded the highest guest count ever at the Riverside Municipal Campground.
Accessibility:
- Installed two accessible benches along the Railway Avenue footpath and in Ambleside, with three more benches planned for 2025.
- Launched the Age-Friendly Wayfinding Project, funded by BC Healthy Communities, which includes new signage at trailheads detailing accessibility features.
Community Well-Being:
- Announced a 216-bed long-term care facility in collaboration with Northern Health, the Province, and Providence Living. Construction will begin in 2028, with completion expected in 2030.
- Completed the Smithers Child Care Plan Implementation Project and designated part of Ranger Park for a new childcare facility, pending approval from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
Community Safety:
- Established the Community Safety and Well-Being Committee.
- A second Community Safety Officer was hired, funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
- Continued participation in the Smithers Situation Table, facilitating collaboration among public safety and social service providers.
- Conducted comprehensive Emergency Operations Centre training for staff.
Environmental – Sustainability and Responsibility
Smithers Community Energy and Emissions Plan:
- Completed over half of the energy assessment for 18 Town-owned buildings, funded by the FCM Green Municipal Fund.
- Finalized the HVAC fuel-switching design for Town Hall, with the replacement project set to begin in 2025.
Climate Resiliency:
- Partial grant funding was secured for the Rosenthal Road project, and permitting is in progress.
- Applied for funding to finalize the design of the Airport South Slope Geotechnical Plan.
Remediate Contaminated Land:
- Advanced the remediation of contaminated airport lands.
Infrastructure and Asset Management
Town Assets:
- Completed $1 million in road paving.
- Began the development of an asset management strategy.
Water Supply:
- Construction started on the Airport water treatment plant.
Sewer and Storm:
- Secured over $5.5 million in funding for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant from the Federal and Provincial governments.
- The detailed design for the waste treatment plant upgrades in the final stages.
Partnerships
Our relationship with the Wet’suwet’en:
- Facilitated the Community to Community Forum with the Office of Wet’suwet’en.
- Staff and Council took part in National Indigenous Peoples training.
Build Community Partnerships:
- Hosted the 2024 North Central Local Government Association Annual General Meeting, connecting regional communities and fostering collaboration.
Organizational Excellence
Culture and Effectiveness:
- Completed respectful workplace training for all staff members.
- Implemented succession planning positions and strategies for the organization.
- Established the new Engagement and Communications division.
- Began developing the Town of Smithers Communication Plan, with completion expected in early 2025.
These accomplishments reflect the dedication of Town staff, Council members, and our community members. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue building on this momentum, achieving many goals, and working collaboratively to advance Smithers in key areas that are vital to the long-term well-being and vitality of our community. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the residents of Smithers for their support, engagement, and commitment to making our town a better place for everyone.
Sincerely,
Gladys Atrill, Mayor