Home > News & Notices > Job Postings
Job Postings
2022 JOB POSTINGS
Position | Type | Posted Date | Closed Date | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
#22-15 Prevention and Community Safety Officer I | Full Time | July 15 | July 29 | Screening |
#22-14 Economic Development Officer | Full Time | June 9 | July 4 | Final Process |
#22-12 Clerk Typist - Casual | Casual | April 27 | May 20 | Filled |
#22-09 Clerk Typist/Dispatch RCMP - Casual | Casual | April 11 | April 29 | Filled |
#22-08 Executive Assistant | Full Time | April 6 | April 26 | Filled |
#22-07 Planning Technician IV | Full Time | February 25 | March 21 | Filled |
#22-06 Garbage Truck/Swamper II | Full Time | February 8 | February 25 | Filled |
#22-03 Airport Maintenance Mechanic Operator I | Full Time | January 12 | February 1 | Filled |
#22-02 Equipment Operator I | Full Time | January 5 | January 27 | Filled |
#22-01 Clerk Typist | Casual | January 5 | January 27 | Filled |
Job Status Legend
Open |
Resumes are being accepted |
Screening |
Posting has closed; applications are being shortlisted |
Interviewing |
Short-listed candidates have been contacted for interviews |
Final Process |
Reference checking and/or testing being conducted; a job offer is pending |
Filled |
The competition has been closed |
Cancelled |
The Job Posting has been withdrawn (cancelled) |
Home > News & Notices > Are you interested in running for the Town of Smithers Council?
Are you interested in running for the Town of Smithers Council?
The Municipal Election is taking place October 15, 2022, to elect six (6) Councillors and one (1) Mayor.
Nomination documents are available at the Town of Smithers Municipal Hall, 1027 Aldous Street, beginning August 2, 2022, during regular business hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, to the close of the nomination period on Friday, September 9, 2022.
Nominations will be received by the Chief Election Officer or a designated person by hand, mail or other delivery service to the Town of Smithers Municipal Hall, 1027 Aldous Street, during regular business hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 30, to 4:00 pm on Friday, September 9, 2022. If documents are provided by fax or email, the original documents must be received by the Chief Election Officer by Friday, September 16, 2022.
The Town of Smithers is hosting an information session for individuals who may be interested in becoming a member of Council. The information evening will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Smithers Municipal Hall, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, BC. Attendees will receive an overview regarding the operations of the Municipality, the responsibilities of Council, the required time commitments, remuneration and more.
For more information please contact:
David Schroeter
Chief Election Officer
1027 Aldous Street, Town of Smithers
250-847-1600
Home > News & Notices > Public Notice: Mustang Helicopters Inc.
Public Notice: Mustang Helicopters Inc.
In accordance with Section 26 of the Community Charter, the Town of Smithers intends to dispose of the following lands located at 6280 Hurricane Street at the Smithers Regional Airport, comprising of 2,016.5 sq. metres by way of a five year Lease to Mustang Helicopters Inc., to expire July 14, 2027.
The monthly rent schedule, plus appliable taxes as follows: Year 1: $6,287.21 per annum plus applicable taxes; Year 2: $6,475.83 per annum plus applicable taxes; Year 3: $6,670.10 per annum plus applicable taxes; Year 4: $6,870.20 per annum plus applicable taxes; and Year 5: $7,076.31 per annum plus applicable taxes.
This is not a tender nor a request for offers. Further information, including a map of the leased lands, can be obtained by contacting David Schroeter, Director of Corporate Services at (250) 847-1600, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Home > News & Notices > Election Officials - 2022 Municipal Election
Election Officials - 2022 Municipal Election
The Town of Smithers is seeking individuals to work as Election Officials for the 2022 Municipal Election. Preference will be given to those individuals who have experience working Municipal, Provincial, or Federal Elections.
You will be required to attend a training session on Thursday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Officials are needed on the following days:
Advance Voting Day One – Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Advance Voting Day Two – Wednesday, October 12, 2022
General Voting Day - Saturday, October 15, 2022
You may apply for as many voting days as you are available, however, Election Officials must attend the training session. You will be required to be on site from approximately 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. each day and will be paid a total stipend of $250. Lunch and dinner will be provided.
Interested individuals should contact:
David Schroeter
Chief Election Officer
1027 Aldous Street, Town of Smithers
250-847-1600
The deadline to submit your interest is Monday, August 29, 2022.
The Town of Smithers would like to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however only successful candidates will be contacted.
Home > News & Notices > Notice of Upcoming Traffic Changes - King Street Cycling Spine
Notice of Upcoming Traffic Changes - King Street Cycling Spine
Traffic patterns and parking control along King Street between Railway Avenue and Highway 16 will undergo significant changes later this summer with the establishment of the King Street Cycling Spine.
The King Street Cycling Spine is the first of two projects designed create a new east-west cycling corridor. Designated cycling lanes 1.45 meters wide and separated from traffic with a 0.5 meter wide painted buffer will be installed on each side of King Street between Railway Avenue and the Highway. Yellow curb and No Stopping/No Parking signs will prohibit parking along both sides of King Street.
Drawings illustrating the proposed changes can be viewed or downloaded here.
The new bike lanes and parking restrictions are expected to come into effect by late summer. Part 2 of this project (scheduled for 2023) will extend the east-west cycling spine along upper Main Street between Highway 16 and Sixteenth Avenue. In addition, cycling and accessibility improvements are being planned for Third Avenue between King Street and Queen Street.
Home > News & Notices > News Release #2022-08 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #3
News Release #2022-08 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #3
For Immediate Release
#2022-08
July 7, 2022
SMITHERS – Work is progressing on the landscaping on our beautiful Main Street. Approximately two thirds of the concrete planters have been poured and we will soon see the plants arriving! Over 80 trees are scheduled to arrive and begin being planted the week of July 20th and more than 750 shrubs the week after that. Irrigation specialists will be on site in mid July to complete work and test the irrigation system. 10 new waste receptacles with separate garbage and recycling bins have arrived in Town and will be installed in the coming weeks along with 26 new benches. The concrete retaining walls will have river rock facia installed and receive light sandblast finish to ensure long lasting easy maintenance.
The contractor, Lyon’s Landscaping, is currently working to remove the existing landscaping features and continuing work pouring the new concrete planters and replacing the sidewalk paving stones. After a bit of a slow start, partly due to complications with the irrigation system along Main St, work is progressing at a rapid pace and on target to be completed within the original contract deadline. The Town of Smithers and Lyon’s Landscaping greatly appreciate everyone’s patience while work on this exciting project moves forward.
Work to revitalize our Main Street will proceed along Main Street with 2 blocks closed to vehicle traffic at a time. Work will take place Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with occasional extended hours with the majority of the work to be completed mid August. All sidewalks will remain open for the duration of the project, however, some parking spaces will need to be closed at times even when Main Street is open to vehicle traffic. All sidewalks will remain open for people looking to access businesses along Main Street.
The Town of Smithers has received numerous requests from members of the public for items from along Main Street, such as trees or concrete planters, please note that these items are being recycled and cannot be given away or sold.
The Town of Smithers will be in continuous communication with the contractor, Lyon’s Landscaping of Kamloops, and will keep the public and downtown businesses updated throughout the project. We are looking forward to seeing the transformation of Main Street and thank you in advance for your patience as the temporary disturbance takes place for the long-term gain of an even more beautiful downtown core.
For further information contact:
Development Services Department
Phone: 250-847-1600
PDF - News Release #2022-08 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #3
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Home > News & Notices > Recycled Asphalt Grindings For Sale
Recycled Asphalt Grindings For Sale
The Smithers Regional Airport has an abundance of Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP) from the 2021 runway repaving project that is now being made available for public purchase.
Contact Airport Administration 250-847-3664 for more information and to coordinate access.
You load and haul between Monday to Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm. The pile has been in place for a while and will likely require an excavator to load.
Payment via invoice
• Tandem gravel truck = $75 per load ($60 for 10+ loads)
• Tri-axel gravel truck = $105 per load ($80 for 10+ loads)
Home > News & Notices > Bulkley-Nechako Emergency and Public Alerts
Bulkley-Nechako Emergency and Public Alerts
Regional Mass Notification System launched June 1st, 2020
Residents in the Bulkley-Nechako Region now have new avenues of notifications in an emergency event and for other local government public notices.
The Bulkley-Nechako Emergency and Public Alerts system provides emergency and public alerts over a wide variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email and landline.
The municipalities of Smithers, Telkwa, Houston, Granisle, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako have partnered to provide residents with a regional mass notification system.
Registration for the service is FREE, simple, and totally anonymous.
Take steps towards your personal preparedness. Sign up today by clicking on the link:
If you would like to update your contact information, add addresses that matter to you (work, school, etc.) or additional communities you would like to receive alerts for, log into your account at: https://login.voyent-alert.com. Simply enter the phone number or email you receive alerts on, and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you wish to Unsubscribe from the system: login to your account, then select the "My Profile" option from the menu selector at the top of the page and click on the "Unsubscribe" button.
For more information see the Voyent Alert! FAQ and the Voyent Alert! Privacy Policy
Home > News & Notices > Sign Up for Online Property Tax e-Docs
Sign Up for Online Property Tax e-Docs
Home > News & Notices > News Release #2022-07: Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #2
News Release #2022-07: Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #2
For Immediate Release
#2022-07
May 24, 2022
SMITHERS – The landscape revitalization project along Main Street is well underway. While it is sad to see the Main Street that many of us grew up with getting torn down rest assured, the end result will be beautiful. The new Main Street landscaping will include: 26 benches, 10 more garbage-recycling combined bins, 88 staked trees, 29 deciduous, 15 coniferous, 753 shrubs, 734 perennial flowers, and all new irrigation in the planter areas.
The contractor, Lyon’s Landscaping, is currently working to remove the existing landscaping features and preparing for the installation of the new curbs and retaining walls that will outline new planting areas. This work is currently proceeding slightly slower than originally hoped due to complications with the irrigation system along Main Street, we are still confident that the majority of the work requiring road closures can be completed by early July and we greatly appreciate everyone’s patience while work on this exciting project moves forward.
Work to revitalize our Main Street will proceed along Main Street two blocks at a time and those active blocks will be closed to vehicle traffic to facilitate a quick construction process. Work will take place Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with occasional extended hours, the majority of the work to be completed mid August. All sidewalks will remain open for the duration of the project, however some parking spaces will need to be closed at times even when Main Street is open to vehicle traffic. All sidewalks will remain open for people looking to access businesses along Main Street.
The Town of Smithers has received numerous requests from members of the public for items from along Main Street, such as trees or concrete planters, please note that these items are being recycled and will not be given away or sold.
While construction is ongoing, please do not toss your garbage in the old round garbage bins. Green drums have been placed along Main Street for use as temporary garbage bins, as well as the 3 new garbage-recycling bins that were installed previously.
The Town of Smithers will be in continuous communication with the contractor, Lyon’s Landscaping, and will keep the public and downtown businesses updated throughout the project. We are looking forward to seeing the transformation of Main Street and thank you in advance for your patience as the temporary disturbance takes place for the long-term gain of an even more beautiful downtown core.
For further information contact:
Development Services Department
Phone: 250-847-1600
Home > News & Notices > News Release: #2022-05 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #1
News Release: #2022-05 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #1
For Immediate Release
#2022-05
April 8, 2022
SMITHERS – The Town of Smithers is pleased to share that the downtown landscape will be significantly revitalized during the summer of 2022. All along Main Street, from Highway 16 to Alfred Avenue, the downtown core’s trees, shrubs, planters, and hardscape items such as benches and bins will be rejuvenated and replaced.
There will be periods of disruption and temporary unsightliness as the work takes place but the end result will be beautiful!
Please refer to the images from the approved design:
Beginning April 25, 2022, the contractor will remove existing plants and trees. Unfortunately, after extensive consultation with the landscape experts, the trees along Main Street cannot be salvaged nor viably replanted due to the age of the trees and the severe constriction of their roots in the raised planters. We know this removal of existing vegetation will come as a shock to the look of the downtown core, but we are confident in the vision of the landscape revitalization and know the results will be worth the temporary disturbance.
Work to revitalize our Main Street will proceed along Main Street two blocks at a time and those active blocks will be closed to vehicle traffic to facilitate a quick construction process. Work will take place Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with occasional extended hours with the majority of the work to be completed mid August. All sidewalks will remain open for the duration of the project however some parking spaces will need to be closed at times even when Main Street is open to vehicle traffic.
The Town of Smithers will be in continuous communication with the contractor, Lyon’s Landscaping of Kamloops, and will keep the public and downtown businesses updated throughout the project. We are looking forward to seeing the transformation of Main Street and thank you in advance for your patience as the temporary disturbance takes place for the long-term gain of an even more beautiful downtown core.
PDF:
For further information contact:
Development Services Department
Phone: 250-847-1600
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Home > News & Notices > News Release #2022-06: New Building Bylaw
News Release #2022-06: New Building Bylaw
For Immediate Release
#2022-06
SMITHERS – As of April 12, 2022, Smithers Town Council has adopted “Bylaw No. 1924 – Building”. This new Building Bylaw replaces “Bylaw No. 1673 – Building”, which was adopted in 2011.
The construction industry is undergoing rapid change in terms of the laws, materials, building methods and energy efficiency standards that guide construction projects in British Columbia. This new Building Bylaw modernizes regulations for the design and construction of buildings in Smithers and provides greater clarity to developers on the permitting and inspection of construction projects.
The following is a brief summary at some interesting parts of the new Building Bylaw that are either new or changed from our previous Bylaw:
- New - the ability for the Town to refuse and/or revoke building permits.
- New - the requirement for a security deposit when an application for a new building is submitted, this deposit will help cover any potential costs borne by the Town to make a site safe, or complete unfinished work, if required.
- New – a building permit fee may be doubled if construction begins before a permit is issued, to a maximum of $10,000.
- A clarification of the scope of the Bylaw and exemptions.
- A clarification and expansion of the powers of a Building Official.
- Clarification on when Registered Professionals are required, and what their responsibilities are.
- An increase to some building permit related fees. The application fee for a building permit is now $75 for both residential and commercial projects.
- A change to the method for determining construction value.
- A clarification on permit expiration dates.
- Clarified and expanded language about violations, offences against the Bylaw and ticketing.
- New and expanded forms and application documents.
It is strongly recommended that anybody engaged in construction within the Town of Smithers read the entire document, which can be found here.
BYLAW NO. 1924 - BUILDING
For any additional information, please contact Morgan Widen, Building Inspector, at (250) 847-1600.
Media Contact:
Morgan Widen, Building Inspector
(250) 847-1600
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Home > News & Notices > News Release: #2022-04 Water Quality Advisory - Manganese in Drinking Water Health Advisory
News Release: #2022-04 Water Quality Advisory - Manganese in Drinking Water Health Advisory
For Immediate Release
#2022-04
April 5, 2022
WATER QUALITY ADVISORY - MANGANESE IN DRINKING WATER HEALTH ADVISORY - BOTTLE-FED INFANTS
The Town of Smithers is issuing a Water Quality Advisory (WQA) due to the levels of manganese in its drinking water supply. A WQA is the lowest-level notification. A WQA is used in situations where the public health threat is modest, and actions can be taken to reduce the risks by ways other than a ‘boil water notice’ or ‘do not use water’ notice.
While the quality of the Town’s drinking water has not changed, the Guideline for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ) has. Manganese in the water supply has been measured at levels up to 0.18 mg/L, which slightly exceeds Health Canada’s Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.12 mg/L.
About Manganese:
Manganese is an essential element (or nutrient) for all living organisms and is present in various kinds of foods as well as some drinking water sources; consuming a small amount of manganese from food or water is needed to stay healthy.
- Manganese has long been considered to only be an aesthetic concern in drinking water, causing discoloured water and/or staining of laundry or fixtures.
- However, new research has shown that exposure to high levels of manganese in drinking water poses a greater health risk than previously thought, and that consuming drinking water with high levels of manganese may impact the memory, attention, motor function, and the overall intellectual development of infants.
Out of an abundance of caution Northern Health would like water users to be aware of the following:
- An alternate source of water that is below the GCDWQ should be used for preparing infant formula.
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The GCDWQ and the BC Guidance on Manganese in Drinking Water recommends that, water with levels of manganese seen in Smithers, not be used to make formula for infants but can be used for all other purposes;
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This includes:
- consumption of water for other community members,
- use of water for showering, bathing and other household uses without concern.
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This includes:
The Town of Smithers tests water regularly in accordance with Provincial requirement and the GCDWQ. Last year sampling for Manganese was increased to better assess manganese concentrations prescribed within the GCDWQ. On review of the results, it was determined that a Water Quality Advisory was best suited to inform potentially impacted community members.
The Town is actively working with Northern Health to develop strategies to reduce the concentration of manganese within the distribution system.
For further information contact:
Chris Lawrence, Director of Operations
Town of Smithers
250-847-1649
works@smithers.ca
For those who would like more information, the following links offer more information about manganese in drinking water and the Town’s Water Quality Monitoring Program overall:
Health Canada
Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Manganese (FAQ)
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-manganese/guidance-document.html
Ministry of Health – Province of British Columbia
HealthLinkBC Health File Number 49g
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/manganese-drinking-water
Northern Health Authority
https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/environmental-health/drinking-water
Town of Smithers
Updates will be posted here:
https://www.smithers.ca/news
Frequently Asked Questions:
https://smithers.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/195842
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Home > News & Notices > Smithers Storefront Spruce Up Program - 2022
Smithers Storefront Spruce Up Program - 2022
This program provides grants to property and business owners to renovate, restore or redesign retail and commercial building façades and storefronts in downtown Smithers. The goal of this program is to encourage owners or commercial tenants to invest in building façade upgrades that create a more interesting and appealing streetscape, attracting locals and visitors to the commercial downtown core.
This initiative will contribute towards:
- Making Smithers ever more inviting as a place to walk, bike, shop, and play;
- Promoting the marketability of retail, commercial businesses and non-profit organizations;
- Helping building owners to create value and attract and retain tenants;
- Enhancing the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors in the downtown core;
- Building civic pride among the business community and Smithers’ citizens;
- Maintaining downtown Smithers’ Alpine Theme and its reputation of having the best downtown of any northern BC community.
Deadline for applications is June 1st, 2022.
- Spruce Up Poster 2022.pdf
- Smithers Storefront Spruce Up Program Guide 2022.pdf
- Form & Character Development Permit Areas & Map.pdf
- Alpine_Theme_Design_Guidelines.pdf
Home > News & Notices > Dollars to the Door Program
Dollars to the Door Program
The Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) provides funding support to northern communities in various spheres of community economic development and capacity building. With the objective to encourage the creation of new market-based multi-family housing units in communities and thereby to create additional business and local employment opportunities, NDIT launched the Northern Housing Incentive Program in April 2019. The program provides grant funding to local governments to establish a ‘Dollars to the Door’ program, by incentivizing multi-family housing developments undertaken by private sector developers.
The program will benefit new multi-family residential developments in Smithers – both rental and for sale – providing up to $10,000 per newly created dwelling unit, to a maximum contribution of $200,000 to a project/community, at a given time.
As per the Town’s Multi-Family Housing Incentive Program Policy, which established the program requirements and processing procedures for the ‘Dollars to the Door’ Program, eligible projects shall meet the following criteria:
i. Create a minimum of four market-based multi-family self-contained dwelling units in a new development or by converting an existing non-residential building;
ii. Location outside the ‘Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Area’ identified in “Attachment 1” of this policy;
iii. Developments must address one or more specific housing needs:
(a) market rental housing; (b) entry-level home ownership; (c) senior housing; (d) small-family housing; and (e) housing for families;
iv. Compliance of the proposed development with all the relevant Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw requirements and should be ‘shovel ready’ upon funding approval;
v. Aim to complete the proposed project within two years from the data of Building Permit issuance unless otherwise extended by the maximum of one year by the General Manager, Integrated Growth and Infrastructure;
vi. The Applicant must be the registered owner of the property; and
vii. All the newly created units must meet the BC Energy STEP Code 2 or above as per BC Building Code.
Please note that the maximum funding available under this program to all the eligible projects in the Town at a given time is $200,000. The Town will receive applications on a first-come-first-serve basis. An application that was not considered for a given intake -- either due to time constraints or NDIT’s funding requirements -- will be considered for the subsequent intake.
Approved Project(s):
NDIT recently approved the Town’s first application to the Northern Housing Incentive (NHI) Program, submitted for the Spring 2021 Quarterly intake. As part of the approved multi-family residential development at 3030 Pacific Street, Ambleside Projects Ltd. has undertaken the construction of three fourplexes, designed as townhouses for sale, creating twelve (12) 2-bedroom housing units, with direct access from Pacific Street. The 3.15-million-dollar project is anticipated to complete in mid-June 2022. In accordance with the agreement signed between the Town and NDIT, this project will receive $120,000 in grant from NDIT upon project completion. Please click here to know more about this project.
New Application(s):
The Town is currently accepting applications to the Dollars to the Door Program for the Spring 2022 Quarterly Intake of the Northern Housing Incentive (NHI) Program. The deadline for application submission is March 31st, 2022. Given that $120,000 of the maximum grant funding available to the Town of Smithers through the NHI program has already been approved for a 2021-project, the maximum funding that an eligible project(s) may apply for is $80,000, or $10,000 per door for a maximum of eight (8) units to be created in one or more developments. If more than one application is received, funding request to NDIT will be prioritized in the order the applications are received. Interested applicants must obtain all the necessary land use approvals and/or development permits for a proposed multi-family development project prior to submitting the Dollars to the Door program application to the Town. Applications either not considered for this term’s funding or submitted after the above-stated application submission deadline will be placed in queue for the Summer 2022 Quarterly Intake of the program.
Interested applicants are advised to contact the Planner, Deepa Chandran, at dchandran@smithers.ca or 250-847-1600.
Related Documents and links:
1. Dollars to the Door Program Application
2. Multi-Family Housing Incentive Policy
3. Dollars to the Doors Program Guide
4. NDIT Official Website
Home > News & Notices > Rental Housing Incentive Program
Rental Housing Incentive Program
This program provides financial and regulatory incentives to individuals and organizations to create long term rental housing.
The goal of this program is to encourage the development of rental housing (market, non-market, and secondary rental), with a focus on housing for low and low to moderate-income households.
This initiative will contribute towards:
• Increasing the supply of affordable rental housing in the Town of Smithers.
• Supporting the development of a broader range of housing choices for Smithers residents.
• Housing development that makes efficient use of established municipal infrastructure.
• Housing development that helps to build vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods.
There is no deadline for applications as this program is ongoing.
DEV-014 Rental Housing Incentive Program Policy.pdf
GUIDE - Rental Housing Incentive Program.pdf
APPLICATION - Rental Housing Incentive Program.pdf
Home > News & Notices > Smithers 2040; Your Voice - Your Future
Smithers 2040; Your Voice - Your Future
The Town is currently reviewing the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws. The anticipated timeline for the completion of the review project, entitled ‘SMITHERS 2040 Your Voice Your Future’, is September 2022.
To learn more about this project, including the project’s purpose, process involved, and the wide range of opportunities available to actively participate in this much-awaited community building endeavor, please click here.
Home > News & Notices > 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Summary
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Summary
The Town of Smithers is committed to ensuring citizens are kept informed of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are taking direction from the Federal Government, Provincial Government, Northern Health, and the BC Centre for Disease Control in order to do our part to help minimize the spread of this virus. This includes recommendations for social distancing, a tactic to minimize close contact with others in the community by avoiding crowding and cancelling public gatherings, among other measures.
The public is advised to report any complaints of social distancing and self-isolation to the Ministry of Health at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Federal Government of Canada - COVID-19 Information
To learn more about Canada’s actions to help Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, refer to Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER
The Provincial Health Officer is the senior public health official for British Columbia, and is responsible for monitoring the health of the population of British Columbia and providing independent advice to the ministers and public officials on public health issues.
For more information, please click here.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
- BC Government COVID 19 Provincial Support and Information website provides a hub through which you can access critical information as it is updated, including the Provincial Health Officer’s Pandemic Preparedness Page and the BC Centre for Disease Control COVID site.
- Toll-free non-health phone line at: 1 888 268-4319 (1-888-COVID19), is open between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. seven days a week for non-medical information about the emergency (including latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and services from the provincial and federal governments).
For more information, please click here.
NORTHERN HEALTH
For more information and Northern Health Authority Updates, please click here. *Updated February 23, 2022.
Northern Health is actively monitoring COVID-19 in Smithers and the Bulkley Valley. To receive up to date information please follow the following link to Northern Health, which links to the BC Centre for Disease Control, COVID-19 on HealthLinkBC and Handwashing on HealthLink BC.
Northern Health has launched a COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line to help answer questions and concerns from Northern BC residents. Northern Health Authority - COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line.
The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.
TOWN OF SMITHERS
News Releases COVID-19 Updates *Last update was posted June 5, 2020
For more information, please click here. *Updated April 9, 2020.
SMITHERS AND AREA BUSINESS
For more information, please click here.
TRANSIT
BC Transit Coronavirus COVID-19 Information, please click here.
OTHER COVID-19 UPDATES
For more information, please click here. *Updated December 30, 2020
Home > News & Notices > 2021 Wood Stove Exchange Program
2021 Wood Stove Exchange Program
Wood Stove Exchange On Again!
To get your rebate see a wood burning appliance dealer near you or contact Sue Brookes or the society: coordinator@cleanairplan.ca, 250 877-8739.
For a program near you:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-pollution/smoke-burning/exchange/programs
More information can be found at:
Click here here to view the following PDF documents:
- 2021 Wood Stove Exchange Rebate Voucher (posted Nov 2021)
- 2021 Wood Stove Exchange Rebate Form (posted Nov 2021)
Home > News & Notices > Air Quality Advisory
Air Quality Advisory
An air quality advisory is issued when pollutant concentrations approach or exceed predetermined limits, or when degraded-air-quality episodes are expected to continue or worsen.
Advisories are issued in order to:
- inform about degraded air quality;
- help people make informed choices about reducing their exposure to elevated concentrations of air pollutants;
- affect emission reduction actions (such as a limit on industrial emissions and/or wood stove use); and
- provide vulnerable individuals and the general public with health advice developed by BC health agencies.
For more information on what to do, go to www.gov.bc.ca/BC Air Quality or Health Link BC.
Smithers Muheim Memorial - Air Monitoring Station Data
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Home > News & Notices > Apply for your Home Owner Grant
Apply for your Home Owner Grant
Effective January 1, 2021, all Home Owner Grant applications are to be submitted directly to the Province of British Columbia.
Residents in municipalities no longer apply through their municipal office. Everyone now applies directly to the Province using a new online system that’s easy to use and will process applications faster. The system will be available in early 2021.
Province of British Columbia - Home Owner Grant www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
Home > News & Notices > Public Notice: Closure of Tennis Courts & Outdoor Rink
Public Notice: Closure of Tennis Courts & Outdoor Rink
Attention: The Town of Smithers would like to inform the public that the Tennis Courts and the Outdoor Rink are closed until further notice.
We apologize for this inconvenience and an update to these facilities will be provided as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Home > News & Notices > Water Restriction Bylaw No. 1811
Water Restriction Bylaw No. 1811
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
WATERING RESTRICTIONS AS PER BYLAW NO. 1811
The Town of Smithers wishes to remind all residents that water restrictions are in force from April 15 until October 31 for residents on Town water supply only.
Water sprinkling is permitted on:
- ODD numbered addresses – on ODD numbered days
- EVEN numbered addresses – on EVEN numbered days
These restrictions are required to ensure that adequate water supply is available for fire fighting purposes, and to keep the costs of delivering water to a minimum. Further restrictions may be imposed if required.
Hand sprinkling of flowers and shrubs with a controlled nozzle is allowed at any time.
The Town of Smithers thanks you for your assistance in the sensible and moderate use of water.
Please click to view the PDF document "Bylaw No. 1811 - Water Restriction"
For more information, please visit website at www.smithers.ca.
Home > News & Notices > News Release: #2021-04 Economic Development Program Business Retention and Expansion (BRE)
News Release: #2021-04 Economic Development Program Business Retention and Expansion (BRE)
For Immediate Release
#2021-04
March 30, 2021
SMITHERS – The Town of Smithers is launching a new Economic Development Program, Business Retention and Expansion (BRE).
The Business Retention and Expansion Program will be an active ongoing program to engage with our businesses on a regular basis. The Program’s primary focus is Business Retention and Business Expansion.
The goals of the Program are to address local issues that detract from a healthy business climate and demonstrate that local businesses are valued and appreciated for investing in our community.
The Business Retention and Expansion Program is an Economic Development activity designed to support and engage with local businesses so they can grow, contribute to community stability, job creation and retention.
The Business Retention and Expansion Program will:
- Identify business and community challenges and provide support (immediate and ongoing).
- Learn trends of development, impacts from COVID-19, work through action items and follow up with businesses.
- Work to find solutions to challenges and to support opportunities, to create positive connections with local businesses.
- Collect business and market data to support economic development planning.
Economic Development successes in our community will be based on robust Business Retention and Expansion activities.
- News Release: #2021-04 Economic Development Program Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) - PDF
- Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Brochure - PDF
To learn more about the Business Retention and Expansion program or to get involved, contact:
Kaitlyn Morris, Community Economic Development Coordinator
Email: ecdev@smithers.ca
Phone: 250-847-1600.
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Home > News & Notices > Smithers Housing Needs Assessment Project
Smithers Housing Needs Assessment Project
For more information on the Smithers Housing Needs Assessment Project - please go to this webpage.
Home > News & Notices > News Release: #2020-16 Special Events in Smithers
News Release: #2020-16 Special Events in Smithers
For Immediate Release
#2020-16
October 2, 2020
SMITHERS – The Town of Smithers requires Event organizers to complete a Special Event Application Form for a public event held on any Town of Smithers’ owned land, streets, sidewalks, parks, and/or buildings. This form must be completed in full and submitted to the Town of Smithers for approval prior to the event proceeding in accordance with the Town of Smithers Events Bylaw No. 1342.
As a Special Event Application – COVID-19 Requirement, Event Organizers MUST ensure Safety Protocols:
A sanctioned public event held on any Town of Smithers’ owned land, streets, sidewalks, parks, and/or buildings MUST have fewer than 50 people to align with the public heath officer’s prohibition on mass gatherings.
To ensure the safety of those participating Event Organizers MUST include a COVID-19 Safety Protocol Plan for the event (PPE, Physical Distancing, Sanitization etc.).
Organizers of approved Gathering and Events are required to collect the contact information of all persons attending their event. The Organizer must provide the event attendee information to the Town of Smithers to be retained for thirty days in case there is a need for contact tracing, in which case the information will be provided to the regional medical health officer.
For more information call the Town Office or visit www.smithers.ca
Media Contact:
Alan L. Harris
(250) 847-1600
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PDF - News Release #2020-16
Home > News & Notices > Smithers and District Transit Service
Smithers and District Transit Service
Please click on the link below to go to the Smithers & District Transit webpage:
Home > News & Notices > Highway 16 & 97 Transportation Options
Highway 16 & 97 Transportation Options
Did you know, there are now four Transportation Options for travelling along Highway 16 & 97:
- Community Vehicles Program – Designed for rural and remote communities along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Prince George. Each community has its own vehicle and sets its own schedule and routes.
- BC Transit – For travel between communities along Highway 16, such as Terrace, Kitimat, the Hazeltons, Smithers, Burns Lake and Prince George. (This augments BC Transit’s services within cities, such as in Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Prince George).
- Northern Health Connections – For all northern residents travelling outside their community to non-emergency health care facilities in the north, Kamloops and Vancouver. This service is also available for seniors (over 60) and people with mobility challenges.
- BC Bus North – For anyone wanting to travel between communities along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Valemount. This service is also available along Highway 97, from Prince George to Dawson Creek and up to Fort Nelson.
More information on Highway 16 & 97 Transportation Options:
- Highway 16 & 97 Transportation Options Brouchure
- Highway 16 & 97 Transportation Options Information Sheet
Home > News & Notices > Council Strategic Plan: 2019-2022
Council Strategic Plan: 2019-2022
Council adopted their Strategic Plan at their Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.
Please click the following link to view the Council Strategic Plan 2019 - 2022.
Home > News & Notices > Northwest BC Resource Benefit Alliance
Northwest BC Resource Benefit Alliance
November 2019 Update:
The RBA Infrastructure Needs Analysis Report is now live, in the “downloads” section under “resources” https://www.nwresourcebenefits.ca/resources-nbc-rba/
- News item regarding Premier Horgan’s UBCM speech https://www.nwresourcebenefits.ca/premier-horgan-continues-to-support-revenue-sharing-in-northwest-bc/
- Posted links to the news item on the RBA’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nwbcrba/ and Twitter accounts https://twitter.com/nwbc_rba
July 2017:
The Resource Benefits Alliance was formed to seek a share of revenues that will flow to government from future development. This revenue would enable communitiies to address current impacts arising from major resource development, service and infrastructure deficits in communities and to leave a legacy in Northwest British Columbia.
For more information, please visit their webpage at: https://www.nwresourcebenefits.ca/
Home > News & Notices > Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Report 2018
Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Report 2018
The following Report meets the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) requirements to publicly report the work the local government is undertaking to reduce both corporate and community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the current year and intended actions for the following year.
Visit the Climate Action Charter website here.
Click for more information on the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Report 2018
Click to view the PDF of past CARIP Reports:
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Report 2017
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report 2016
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report 2015
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report 2014
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report 2013
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report 2012
Home > News & Notices > BC Energy Step Code
BC Energy Step Code
For more information, please vist the BC Energy Step Code website
Home > News & Notices > Smithers Age Friendly Assessment & Action Plan 2016
Smithers Age Friendly Assessment & Action Plan 2016
In early 2016 the Town of Smithers applied for and received funding through UBCM’s BC Healthy Communities’ Seniors Housing and Support Initiative Age Friendly Planning grant program to carry out an Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan.
In the summer and fall of 2016 Access Smithers and four independent contractors carried out an assessment and drafted this action plan. The Town of Smithers requested the assessment and action plan, focus on outdoor spaces, sidewalks, trails, public buildings and municipal recreation infrastructure as well as current town policy and plans.
This age friendly assessment and action plan will be helpful in developing implementation strategies, prioritizing municipal projects, budgeting for improvements and allocating staff for the identified and recommended improvements. Engaging the local community through surveys, direct outreach and meetings helped to identify priority areas and tested our assumptions about accessibility in Smithers.
Smithers' Age Friendly Assessment & Action Plan 2016 is the result of community engagement, surveys, meetings and discussions with seniors and stakeholder groups in the community.
The plan is divided into the following sections:
- The Background - introduces the age friendly community concept and the role of local government.
- The Assessment - reviews the current status of Smithers based on public statistics, survey results, detailed assessments and public feedback on the municipality’s outdoor spaces, sidewalks, trails, public buildings, recreation infrastructure and policies/plans. This section includes top recommendations for each location and general recommendations for the Town.
- The Action Plan - takes the recommendations from the above focused assessment, identifies priority areas and suggests action steps as well as indicators for success.
You can read the plan here.
Home > News & Notices > New Library & Art Gallery Concept Design & Business Case Project
New Library & Art Gallery Concept Design & Business Case Project
The Town of Smithers is currently completing a “Library & Art Gallery Concept Design & Business Case”. The project includes stakeholder/community consultation, program refinement, concept design (both for a new building & Veteran’s Peace Park redesign) and a business case analysis. The facility is to meet Passive House Building Standards or BC Energy Step Code Level 5 and be a maximum of 12,000 ft2.
There were two public Open House events, held July 25, 2018, and August 20, 2018, for the community to brainstorm, discuss & provide ideas for a new shared facility and park redesign.
Open House Poster
Background
Smithers Council identified the development of a new Cultural Centre as one of its Strategic Priorities for 2015-2018. In 2017 the Town engaged the services of Public Architecture + Communication to complete a Bulkley Valley Arts & Culture Centre Pre-feasibility Study. The study identified potential tenants, uses and produced high level conceptual design options for a new multi-purpose facility. In consultation with the community, Smithers Council endorsed a phased approach to a preferred concept, which envisions a new shared Library/Art Gallery facility in Veteran’s Peace Park being the first phase.
This project also builds on the 2009 Smithers Public Library Expansion Project Design, completed by Urban Arts Architecture, which included a new library and Veteran’s Peace Park design. Other related background documents include:
- Town of Smithers Official Community Plan
- Downtown Charrette Final Report (2008)
- Community & Corporate Energy and GHG Emissions Reduction Plans (2012)
Contact
Questions regarding this project can be directed to:
Alison Watson, MCIP, RPP
Project Coordinator
alison@watsonprojects.ca
Home > News & Notices > People and Bears Can Live Together
People and Bears Can Live Together
Bear Insight - For Better Living Alongside Bears
The black bear is a long-time resident of Smithers and one of our most prevalent forms of wildlife. As Smithers continues to develop and encroach on wildlife habitat, the need for people and bears to coexist safely increases. Whether you're hiking the Perimeter Trail or strolling through the neighbourhood, you may encounter a black bear.
Black bears are most active from mid-March to November, but may remain active during the winter months if non-natural foods are available. Their constant search for new food sources may draw them into Smithers’ urban areas and into your backyard. The residents of Smithers have chosen to live in harmony with their bears. We strive for our community to be porous to bear activity, so that bears can pass through, but are not tempted to stop and get into trouble with people and their non-natural attractants.
Bears live to eat, consuming up to 25,000 calories a day (10 times more than the average person). While they prefer natural vegetation, they will eat almost anything and will do almost anything to obtain food. Smithers is located in the midst of prime bear country. Therefore, we all have to be extra careful with what we leave accessible to bears.
Bears have a keen sense of smell. They are attracted by scents as diverse as vinyl and citronella. Bears learn quickly and will repeat behaviours that lead to food rewards. Carelessly stored garbage, birdfeeders, or an unclean barbeque are open invitations to bears. Bears in pursuit of an easy meal may damage property or, in rare cases, cause injury to people. Paying attention to common household activities will reduce encounters and contribute to creating a more Bear Friendly community. Encourage your friends and neighbours to participate as well.
You can keep your neighbourhood safe and prevent the unnecessary destruction of bears by following these simple guidelines:
Bear safety at home
Respect bears! If you see a bear in a residential area, act responsibly!
- Remain calm - Often the bear is just passing through, and if it finds no food, will simply move on.
- Keep well away - Do not crowd the bear – give it plenty of space. Warn others to be respectful; bring small children and untrained pets inside.
- Let the bear know it is not welcome - Do not allow the bear to feel comfortable in your backyard. After, ensuring the bear has a safe avenue of escape, make lots of noise to encourage the bear to leave. After it has left the area, remove any non-natural foods that attracted the bear.
When to call for help
Call the R.A.P.P. Line (1-877-952-7277 or text to #7277) to report:
(1) A bear sighting in any human-developed area; (2) A human-bear conflict; (3) Property damage caused by a bear; or (4) Wildlife attractants such as garbage.
You have an important role to play in preventing conflict. Be aware that your behaviour does have an impact.
What can you do to help reduce human/wildlife confrontations?
- Keep garbage securely stored prior to disposal – minimizing odours.
- Dispose of household garbage in Town of Smithers supplied garbage containers. Ensure garbage is fully contained within container and only placed on street the morning of scheduled garbage collection.
- Do not store food of any kind outside, even if it is inside a locked refrigerator or freezer.
- Don’t leave trash, groceries, pet food, coolers or any odorous items in your vehicle. Bears can easily pry open car/truck windows and doors to access the food inside.
- Ensure birdfeeders are inaccessible to bears. Fallen seed should be removed daily before nightfall.
- It’s best not to have any fruit-bearing trees/bushes or gardens on your property. If you do, harvest fruits and vegetables as they ripen. Remove fallen fruit from the ground below the tree. Keep your lawn mowed and free of weeds, especially dandelions and clover.
- Burn your barbeque clean immediately after use, wash and store it covered out of the wind – preferably indoors (without the propane tank). At minimum, remove the grease can and store it securely indoors.
- Feed your pets indoors and store their food inside. Don’t leave dog bones lying around your yard.
- Keep your compost clean and odour free.
- If you raise chickens on your property, ensure enclosure is secure and that chicken feed is not accessible to wildlife.
A few useful resources...
W.A.R.P.
WARP is the Wildlife Activity Reporting Program. When a wildlife sighting/confrontation occurs, residents can report it using the R.A.P.P. number (1-877-952-7277 or text to #7277) Once a report has been filed, it will appear on the WARP Provincial map. You can log on to WARP using the link below and see what types of animals have been reported in your geographic area. By clicking on the individual animal, you can see additional information such as; Type of contact, sighting, injured, distressed, aggressive, as well as, what follow-up actions were taken by conservation.
Follow the link below marked “getting started with warp” and follow directions to register with WARP. Registered users can then subscribe to location alerts in their geographic area which can be sent to an electronic device.
Wildsafe BC
Wildsafe BC is an excellent resource for information and education regarding all types of wildlife that live in our area. Check out the “brochures” tab for useful information on each individual species.
LINKS
You can help to create a safer community for people and bears.
For detailed information about preventing conflicts and staying safe around bears, cougars and other wildlife visit
Province of B.C. Website: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife
WildSafeBC Website: https://wildsafebc.com/
Conservation Officer Service: To report a serious wildlife conflict, call toll free 1-877-952-7277.
https://wildsafebc.com/getting-started-with-warp/
https://warp.wildsafebc.com/warp/
Education and Enforcement
Education
2017 Saw a marked increase in the number of wildlife sighting/confrontations in and around the Town of Smithers. In an effort to try and reduce any negative impact this may have on wildlife and our citizens, the Town of Smithers is taking an enhanced role in educating the public.
The Prevention and Community Safety Officer (PCSO) and volunteers of the Smithers Community Policing Office will be distributing notices outlining “best practices” to homes that openly exhibit wildlife attractants on the property.
Reasons for issuing a notice may include;
Garbage that is not completely contained within the Town supplied bins, garbage that is put out to the road prior to your specified garbage collection day, un-harvested fruit trees with ripened fruit, accumulation of fruit on the ground, easily accessible pet or animal food (including bird and chicken feed), accumulation of odorous compost or other vegetative material, any food stored outside.
Enforcement
The BC Wildlife Act specifically prohibits the feeding of bears and many other predatory animals. Residents can receive a fine issued by BC Conservation Officers for feeding or providing attractants to animals.
The Town of Smithers does not currently regulate providing animal attractants in it’s bylaws. There are a number of Bylaws that regulate activities that may result in wildlife conflicts. Repeat offenders may be penalized for failing to comply with these regulations. Please review the following bylaws for more specific information;
Bylaw 1859 – Solid Waste Collection
Bylaw 1778 – Property Maintenance
Bylaw 1780 – Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw (section 6)
If you have any questions or require further information please call the Prevention and Community Safety Officer at 250-847-1600 or e-mail mdavey@smithers.ca
Home > News & Notices > Water Conservation Tips
Water Conservation Tips
Assess and Prioritize
The first thing you need to do when water conservation is suggested is to assess your property and make decisions about lawns, plantings and water use.
- Re-think your lawn. Perhaps your priorities have changed and you can do with less lawn. Irrigated lawns require five times more water than other landscape plants and although it is the least expensive planting initially, in the long run it takes far more in maintenance time and cost than other plantings and is the largest drain on outdoor water.
- If reducing or eliminating your lawn is not an option, make sure your grass is growing where it will thrive. Many homeowners try to maintain grass where it simply does not grow well. Even in the best of watering conditions, grass is not the best choice under trees, on steep slopes, along paved or cemented areas or where there is heavy foot traffic. There are alternatives to grass: plants; ground covers like kinnikinick (dried leaves and bark of various plants); and hardscaping with bricks and pebbles.
- You may need to prioritize which of your plants will receive the most water. If your garden is small enough, watering by hand or with a hose equipped with a shut-off device should not be difficult. However, if your gardens are extensive, you may not be able to adequately care for all vegetation with hand watering and may wish to consider a micro/drip irrigation system. If you already have an in-ground irrigation system, you can convert it to micro system. To make outdoor watering work, you should determine which plants are most susceptible to stress or are most valuable in terms of replacement cost, prominence in the landscape and enjoyment.
- Examine all garden areas to make sure that plantings are grouped according to water requirements. You may need to move or adjust plantings to make their water needs match; placing water guzzlers next to water sippers is inefficient. Place plants with high water requirements in areas that receive water naturally, like drainage ways, depressions or at the bottom of hills.
Lawn Care
Lawns normally go into a summer dormancy when regular rainfall decreases and temperatures increase. They stop growing and often turn brown. This is a normal process and does not mean the lawn will die. In dry weather, keep off the lawn as much as possible. Grass blades become brittle without water and are more easily damaged.
How much water?
Lawns need only 25 mm (1 inch) of water per week, including rain. Longer, infrequent watering will help to develop deeper, healthier roots. Keep your grass two to two and half inches high and you will help the soil retain moisture and reduce evaporation from sunlight and wind.
Aerate your lawn
Aerating promotes grass roots to absorb all the natural moisture that is available. Aerating also lets air flow into the soil and provides the grass roots with oxygen. You can aerate simply by stabbing the lawn with a gardening fork or by renting a powered aerator.
De-thatch you lawn.
Thatch is the layer of organic matter that forms between the blades of grass and the soil. A thin layer of thatch can be beneficial, preventing evaporation of water from the topsoil. Too much thatch can be harmful and can rob the roots of the oxygen and water needed for healthy growth. Remove the thatch from your lawn at least once a year, using a rake, a thatching attachment on your mower or a thatching machine.
Fertilizer
A well-balanced soil that is properly watered should not need fertilizer. Don’t give your lawn too much fertilizer, as it might outgrow its soil limitations and watering regime. Avoid applying fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides during the dormant period.
Lawn Alternatives
Consider replacing some areas of the lawn with low-growing ground covers or herbs. Another alternative is to cover parts of your garden with hardscape made from natural or synthetic materials, such as flat rocks, flagstones, concrete, asphalt or compact gravel.
Mowing Tips
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
- Don’t cut wet grass
- Set mower height to leave 50 to 65 mm (two to two and half inches)
- Leave grass clippings to decompose; they act as mini-mulch to reduce evaporation.
Flower and Vegetable Gardens
- About 70 to 80 per cent of all plant problems are directly related to incorrect watering.
- Water around the base of plants slowly and deeply — moistening the top 4 to 6 inches of soil — at least once a week. Light, frequent watering is harmful because it encourages shallow root growth and enhances germination of weed seeds. You can check the soil wetting depth with a screwdriver or stake.
- Water plants early in the morning to avoid evaporation from the sun and wind.
- Watering in the middle of the day increases the amount of water lost to evaporation by as much as 40 percent.
- Consider installing drought-tolerant native plantings. A drought-tolerant plant can survive with very little, if any, artificial watering or irrigation once it is established. Natural rainfall is usually enough for these plants, if they’re growing in the right habitat (i.e. one similar to their natural habitat), and they can usually survive weeks of dry weather.
- Plants with gray, fuzzy, waxy or finely divided leaves are also considered drought- tolerant. Perennials like daylilies, flax, pinks, bellflowers and peonies thrive under dry conditions. Annuals like cosmos, sage, mallow and California poppies are also drought-tolerant and provide season-long colour in your garden. Check with your garden centre for further suggestions.
Mulching
Mulching around plants reduces the number of weeds (which compete for water) and conserves soil moisture and moderates soil temperatures. The recommended depth for mulches is 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). Good mulches are straw, bark, gravel or wood chips.
Trees and Shrubs
- When watering trees and large shrubs, water around the drip-line of the tree (area below the branches where water drips from the leaves) — not at the trunk. A great way to water trees is to use milk or water jugs. Fill with water and poke small holes about 8 in the bottom of each. Place these around the drip line of each tree. The water seeps out slowly into soil near the roots, where the tree needs water the most.
- Avoid heavy direct watering by hose, which can wash away soil, exposing the roots to pests and disease, and making shrubs and small trees more susceptible to blow down.
- Keep turf at least two feet from the trunks of young or newly planted trees as it will compete with the trees for water. Consider applying mulch in this area.
General Tips
- Weed regularly. Weeds will compete with your plantings for moisture.
- Consider installing a micro/drip irrigation system. These systems can be tailored effectively to individual plant and garden needs. During even the most stringent water conservation measure, micro and drip irrigation systems can be used to water flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables.
- Make sure hoses are in perfect condition. A hose delivers about 27 litres of water per minute so a leaking hose or coupling can add up to significant water waste.
- Use nonporous containers like glazed pots, as they are more efficient at retaining water. Also, use larger containers (pots 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and larger) as the larger the volume of soil, the slower it dries. Nest smaller pots inside larger ones and insulate the space between the pots with potting soil. This will keep the roots cool and will slow down evaporation.
- Consider collecting and recycling water by installing rain barrels outside of your home. Installing rain barrels at the downspouts of your eaves troughs is a great way to collect rainwater to use on your planters or in the garden during our dry summer months. Make sure each barrel has a secured lid to prevent children gaining access; this also will discourage breeding mosquitoes, prevent contamination and keep out wildlife. You will also need an overflow attachment and hose attachment for watering.
Please click here to view the PDF of this document.
Home > News & Notices > Advertising Opportunities at YYD
Advertising Opportunities at YYD
Please click here for more information and to view the Bylaw.
Home > News & Notices > SAGA Releases “Smithers 2014 Homelessness Council Findings Report”
SAGA Releases “Smithers 2014 Homelessness Council Findings Report”
The “Smithers 2014 Homelessness Council Findings Report” report represents the findings of a mixed-methods research project commissioned by the Smithers Action Group Association (SAGA) to identify the number of homeless individuals in Smithers, the issues facing them and their service housing needs. An additional component of this report is a small survey conducted with individuals potentially facing housing affordability issues or at risk of homelessness who were accessing meal programs in Smithers. The Smithers Homeless Count was conducted on November 28, 2014. The Count provides an estimate of the Smithers homeless population on one day – November 28, 2014. It also provides results of key informant interviews, and the results of a survey of two meal programs hosted on November 28 and 29th, 2014.
On Thursday, March 26th, the Smithers Action Group Association will be releasing our Homelessness Count Report.
Drop in anytime between 3pm - 7pm to learn more about homelessness in our community.
Two presentations, on the recent homelessness count and findings of the report, will be held at 3.00pm and 7pm.
Contact: smithersactiongroup@gmail.com
Please click to view the PDF document:
Home > News & Notices > Smithers Airport Promotional Video
Smithers Airport Promotional Video
Home > News & Notices > Smithers Community Profile
Smithers Community Profile
Now available, Smithers' Community Profile, for access to a wealth of information on the community's labour market, employers, land availability, taxation, and infrastructure. Click here to view the 2012 Smithers Community Profile.
News & Notices
News & Notices
Job Postings
posted 02 Aug 2022
Are you interested in running for the Town of Smithers Council?
posted 29 Jul 2022
Public Notice: Mustang Helicopters Inc.
posted 27 Jul 2022
Election Officials - 2022 Municipal Election
posted 18 Jul 2022
Notice of Upcoming Traffic Changes - King Street Cycling Spine
posted 08 Jul 2022
News Release #2022-08 Downtown Landscape Revitalization Project Update #3
posted 07 Jul 2022
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Sunday August 07, 2022: - full forecast
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