BCCA Secures Extended Funding from LNG Canada
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Construction Association (BCCA) announces a two-year extension to its current collaboration with LNG Canada to deliver the Trades Training Fund (TTF) and CONNECT programs. TTF provides training and support funds to apprentices in high-demand trades in Northwest BC, in addition to specifically targeted occupations needed to support the growing local population. CONNECT plays a specific role in connecting local job seekers with construction-related opportunities in BC’s Northwest region. Both programs have been renewed through March 31st, 2026. Read more here.
Electrical Contractors Call for Prompt Payment Legislation
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia (ECABC) is asking BC’s political parties to commit to enacting prompt payment legislation as soon as possible, to bring payment timeline certainty and fairness to contractors and skilled tradespeople.
BC currently has no requirements for payment timelines on construction projects, and contractors often are forced to wait months to be paid for work that has been completed and invoiced. In the meantime, they must meet payroll and supplier obligations.
See full story here.
Altagas and Vopak Reach Decision on Ridley Island Energy Export Facility
PRINCE RUPERT – AltaGas Ltd. (TSX: ALA) and Royal Vopak (XAMS: VPK) are pleased to announce a positive final investment decision (FID) on the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bulk liquids terminal with rail, logistics and marine infrastructure on Ridley Island, British Columbia. Following a five-year environmental preparation and review process, extensive engagement with multiple stakeholders including Indigenous rights holders and local communities, the Joint Venture is set to deliver a world class export facility that will operate with industry-leading environmental stewardship. Read full story here
BC Games 2028 Celebrates 50th Anniversary Announces Host Cities
PENTICTON/KAMLOOPS – The BC Games Society will celebrate 50 years of competition in 2028 by returning to the roots of the Games, as original host communities Kamloops and Penticton have been announced as the hosts of the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
The announcement was made at a pair of events in Kamloops and Penticton. The communities were invited to apply to host through a sole bid process in recognition of their pivotal roles in shaping the history of the Games.
Read full story here
CIB To Lend BC Ferries $75 Million To Launch Its Vessel Electrification Program
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close on a $75 million loan to BC Ferry Services Inc. to help finance the purchase of four zero-emission ferries and install the required charging infrastructure.
The Island class vessels, which will be used on small volume and shorter routes, are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to replace its existing Island class fleet with quieter and more environmentally friendly ferries. The existing diesel-hybrid vessels will be transferred to other routes to replace ferries that have reached their end of life.
See full report here.
Collaboration Needed For Stronger Future As Major Projects Near Completion
PRINCE GEORGE – As the ‘generational major projects era’ nears, Northern Development’s “State of the North” report is calling upon the northern B.C. region to work collaboratively to identify new projects and work together towards diversification.
“With Coastal GasLink now complete, and LNG Canada, Site C and TMX not far behind it, the region – and province – will face a considerable downshift in economic activity,” the report states. “Our advice to address these challenges is simple: the region must collaborate to identify and work together on shared priorities to diversify and create community resiliency, and we must look to ourselves and senior levels of government to create the conditions for economic success.”
See full report here.
Enhanced Patrols Coming Downtown Prince George
PRINCE GEORGE – Council approved enhanced collaborative patrols between Prince George Fire Rescue, Prince George Bylaw Services and the RCMP in the downtown core area.
The goal of these patrols is to reduce the number of fires and burning complaints in the downtown area, with the further goal of reducing property damage stemming from these fires.
These joint patrols will be between the hours of 10 p.m and 3-4 a.m three times per week for four to six weeks (12 to 18 patrols). Existing budgets for each department will absorb the costs of the extra patrols.
Business Examiner Staff
