Development Moratorium Issued By Prince Rupert Port Authority

Jan 17, 2019 | 3:18 PM

PRINCE RUPERT – The Prince Rupert Port Authority issued a development moratorium on Flora, Agnew and Horsey Banks Thursday. It will prohibit any industrial work in the marine area that could pose a health and ecology risk to salmon populations in the mouth of the Skeena River. 

The decision was made through an ongoing dialogue with hereditary and elected leaders from Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams. 

The Prince Rupert Port Authority says it recognizes the importance of what a healthy salmon population means to the community and that there are challenges as well as concerns with development at the site. 

“The hereditary leaders of the Gitwilgyoots tribe of Lax Kw’alaams welcome the moratorium on industrial development on Flora, Horsey and Agnew Banks,” said Wii Smooygit Lyoon’anns (Carl Sampson Sr.). “The decision signifies a recognition of the concerns raised in regard to potential environmental impacts that port development could have in the area.”

“The Metlakatla First Nation welcomes the development moratorium on Flora, Agnew and Horsey Banks in Coast Tsimshian territory,” said Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor for the Metlakatla First Nation. “These areas are part of the Skeena River estuary and provide important juvenile habitat for several species of salmon that are of critical importance to our members. This moratorium is a positive step toward ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource.”

Click here to report an error or typo in this article