Final report - Integrated Land Management Bureau

Transportation Assessment of the Central & North Coast of BC
there were 2,035 workers in Kitimat’s manufacturing sector, and this number is
expected to growth if proposed new projects go ahead. Agriculture & resources
accounted for 95 jobs in the same year, with 200 more in construction, and 675 in
health care and education.
Between $11 and $16 billion in pending investment is proposed for Kitimat over the
next decade. 56 This includes the proposed $3 billion+ natural gas liquefaction and
marine export facility, which would be connected to the proposed Pacific Trail,
and Alcan's $3.2 billion expansion and upgrade of its Kitimat aluminum plant to
400,000 tons/yr. In addition, there are at least two independent power projects in
the works, four major pipelines (for natural gas, and condensate for the Alberta oil
sands project), and two new marine terminals. If only a few of these projects
proceed during the next few years, it will generate new employment in both the
construction and operations phases.
A description of the Kitimat transportation setting is provided in Sections 2.2.2,
2.2.6 and 2.2.7 of this report.
Kitamaat Village is the Haisla First Nation community located at the north end of
the Douglas Channel, approximately 3 km from Kitimat along a paved road, and has
an approximate population of 500. The band council is in the midst of finalizing an
interim treaty agreement (ITA) with the BC Government that would transfer almost
2,500 acres of fee simple land, an area larger than its current reserves, to the
Haisla. It is only the second ITA in the province, and includes lands where the
Haisla plan a joint venture hydroelectricity project at Europa Lake. The Haisla
First Nation has an active forestry management program and is discussing benefits
agreements with various parties in regard to industrial activities carried out within
their traditional territories. It has developed a concept plan for a passenger and
freight service between Kitimat and Hartley Bay, Klemtu and Bella Bella.
Residents work in nearby Kitimat industrial, retail and services operations and with
the village’s public services.
Kitamaat Village is well positioned to access the extensive transportation
infrastructure of the Kitimat area. There is a small craft harbour dock operated by
the band, which has a breakwater that is perceived as needing upgrading or relocation.
The Haisla see a potential vessel-based tourism opportunity using some
of their cabins along Douglas Channel and are using a boat for initial tours and test
runs.
56 Source: http://www.kitimat.ca/ (January 2009).
Chisholm Consulting 56