A new Shared Prosperity Agreement, which commits to working together on common interests, was officially signed by the City of Prince Rupert and the District of Port Edward on January 31st.
A press release from the City of Prince Rupert describes the agreement as including “the introduction of parameters for the negotiation of a shared services agreement, a commitment to provide long-term mutual assistance to the fire service, as well as a commitment to the continuous supply of water to Watson Island.” However, the media release states that the Mutual Aid Agreement and the Water Supply Agreement were signed back in May 2022.
As part of the prosperity deal, Port Edward District will pay the City of Prince Rupert $110,000 a year for services and uses such as the performing arts center, library, recreation center and swimming pool, Port Edward Mayor Knut Borndal said The north view.
The Shared Prosperity Agreement has been a long time coming and is different from the Shared Services Agreement, he said.
“We’ve been going back and forth with the city for years, how much Port Ed. should contribute to services we share at Prince Rupert. We have come to a mutually acceptable agreement and the prosperity part is really the good part, said Bjornda. “We have agreed to work together on housing issues, the North Pacific Cannery, a tourist destination, and other things that will move the two communities forward. We really never had that before.”
“The prosperity deal covers what we do going forward, like working on housing issues, transport issues. Really what philosophers say is working for the “common good”. Prince Rupert and Port Ed are in this together, no matter what we say. So let’s make it work,” Bjorndal said.
The prosperity deal provides for the two communities to work on common regional interests such as recreation, tourism, infrastructure renewal, highway considerations, land use planning, and labor attraction and retention. She is also committed to a jointly considered appointment to the board of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the city said in its press release.
“This is a huge step forward for both of our communities. We understand and share the same challenges in serving isolated northern communities. As neighbors, it’s important that we work together to improve the position of the region as a whole,” said Herb Pond, Mayor of Prince Rupert.
City of Prince Rupert District of Port Edward
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