Throughout the Budget 2025 consultation process we received many questions about a wide range of topics - from bigger picture items to questions about specific projects, properties, streets and more.

We aim to respond to as many questions as we can. We will periodically add questions and answers to the list below as we gather and summarize the information requested. We will also post on the City of Terrace Facebook page as questions are added to the list. Note that questions and answers are listed in no particular order.

Public input is so important in helping Mayor, Council and staff know what's important to community members, so a big thank to you all who took the time you took to provide feedback and questions. Much appreciation to all those who participated in the 2025 budget process - by filling out a survey, sending us your thoughts in an email, calling us, or attending the town hall with Mayor & Council!

Your Questions Answered

Questions and answers are listed in no particular order.

1. Can you explain why taxes go up and City services stay the same or go down?
   The City experiences inflation the same way residents do. The cost of items such as wages, supplies, materials, and utilities increase every year requiring increased taxation and/or user fees to provide the same services.
   
   
2. Can you explain why taxes went up despite the City receiving the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance money?
   The agreement between the Province and the City of Terrace, through which we received almost $35 million over five years, is intended to support the renewal or replacement of capital assets and construction of infrastructure. Examples of this are roads, water, sewer and other amenities, needed for economic development and growth in the region. The agreement states that funding is restricted to the purposes identified in the agreement, and the funds may not be used to reduce property taxes.
   
   Find out more about the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance.
   
   
3. What does the $70,051 salary of the City's 'part-time seasonal gardener' include?
   The City's seasonal gardener position is a full-time position for approximately seven months of the year. The budgeted salary amount covers the salary and all applicable benefits (as defined in a collective agreement).
   
   
4. The park/trail I visit isn't always maintained. How do I make sure it is?
   The Parks, Recreation and Culture staff do their best to stay on top of park and trail maintenance and clean up. Staff do weekly checks at minimum. The work that gets done week-to-week varies however, as staff, at times, need to focus on problem areas. During the summer we have more staff who can cover more ground. We appreciate a heads up if you notice any locations that need special attention. Let us know! Email the parks department at pr@terrace.ca, or call the Sportsplex at 250.615.3000, or message us through the City of Terrace Facebook page.
   
   
5. What does cultural/community partners refer to? Why is the art gallery not a community partner?
   The City's community/cultural partners include the Terrace Public Library, Terrace & District Museum Society, and the Terrace Community Foundation. The City provides some funding to these partners and they provide a service on behalf of the municipality. One of our partners, the Community Foundation, provides funding to local, not-for-profit community organizations. The Terrace Art Gallery is eligible to apply for this funding.
   
   
6. Aquatic Centre revenues are listed as: public swim and lessons - $373,300 revenue. What does this include?
   This is the revenue expected in 2025 for swimming classes and public swimming which comes in the form of memberships and drop ins. Fees for this include the use of the fitness. Pool rentals and merchandise are not included in this amount, however. They are in addition to revenues collected for swim classes and public swimming.
   
   
7. What is the situation at Skeena Sawmills?
   The City is aware that Kitsumkalum First Nation is in the process of purchasing Skeena Sawmills and that Kitsumkalum hopes to revive the business. Anyone wanting more information should contact the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group.
   
   
8. We want a new skatepark for youth in the community. How do we make this happen?
   We agree. We recognize that the design of the current skate park, which was constructed in the 1980s, is outdated and a new skate park would be great for the community. As per the City’s 2025 Capital Projects Plan, the Parks, Recreation and Culture department are planning to complete a feasibility and design study for a new skatepark. This will give us a better sense of potential costs as well as options for the actual construction of a new park in the future.
   
   A feasibility study is often the first step necessary for a project like this. However, it’s important to note, the completion of a feasibility study does not guarantee a project will move forward. Community members should also consider the following list of why some projects are more successful than others, though the list is in no way complete.
   
   i. The project fits into the City’s already existing plans (eg. Official Community Plan, Active Transportation plan, etc.).
   ii. An organized group such as a local, non-profit organization (not just one individual) champions the project, takes initiative and works closely with the City to move the project forward.
   iii. The group championing the project has resources in place, for example, a feasibility study, a professional business plan, a budget, and/or more.
   
   
9. Has the City had a FireSmart program in the past?
   The City’s FireSmart program is funded by the Government of BC’s Community Resilient Investment Funding. The City has received this funding several times over the past few years with the funding going towards different activities. In 2024, it funded the City’s Firesmart Coordinator. position.
   
   In years before that, the funding went towards public education, emergency preparedness, and wildfire prevention. Examples of public education activities include events, signage, and social media and door-to-door campaigns. Examples of emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention activities include identifying high-risk neighbourhoods and working with local home owners to complete FireSmart property assessments, and mitigation work such as brushing, tree clearing and more. External groups, including local companies and contractors, helped complete this work.
   
   
10. Are there plans to further expand household recycling collection, for example, glass?
    Some larger communities have multi-stream recycling. This means residents must sort their recycling (such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal) into separate carts versus combining all eligible recyclables into a single cart. The collection trucks in these communities have separate compartments for each of the sorted materials.
    
    The City of Terrace offers single stream recycling through our agreement with Recycle BC. That means all eligible metal, paper, carboard and plastics go into one cart. The City's collection trucks have one compartment, where all these materials are dumped. The materials are sorted afterwards at the recycling facility. Single stream recycling is what is viable for our automated trucks with one recycling compartment. Glass pick up is not an option.

Stay tuned for more of your questions answered