Smithers, B.C.

BUILDING STRONG
NORTHWEST COMMUNITIES

The Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (the RBA) was established to pursue a simple but vital mission: to secure a funding agreement with the Province of British Columbia that ensures more of the revenue generated by industry in our region stays here.

3 REGIONAL DISTRICTS

18 MUNICIPALITIES

50+ COMMUNITIES

The RBA is an alliance of 21 local governments, working together to strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for our residents.

In 2024, after nearly a decade of steadfast advocacy by the RBA, the Province took a pivotal step forward by committing to a five-year, $250 million investment through the Northwest BC Regional Funding Agreement. This transformative funding will support the planning and construction of essential infrastructure—roads, water systems, sewers and more—that are needed to build and sustain liveable communities.

With this landmark investment, our local governments are empowered to shape our region’s future by driving economic growth, creating well-paying jobs, and building sustainable, vibrant communities that will thrive for generations to come. As many long-overdue infrastructure projects now get underway, we are continuing to work in close partnership with the Province as proud collaborators in the economic development of Northwest BC.

Hazelton, B.C.
Port Edward, B.C.

Ensuring a Sustainable Future

While this agreement with the Province marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of what we will achieve together. With many major industrial projects expected to be developed in the Northwest in the coming years (see the BC government’s Major Projects Inventory for more details), we are committed to working together to ensure a sustainable future for our communities, our region, and the Province as a whole.

Five-year, $250 Million Agreement for
Northwest Communities

Victoria, B.C., February 22, 2024
During today’s provincial budget announcement, the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) was given $250 million over five years. This funding will support planning and construction of infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and other community facilities needed to create liveable communities.

Key Milestones

July 2014

July 2014

The Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) was formed by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS), the City of Terrace, the Districts of Kitimat, Stewart and New Hazelton, and the Village of Hazelton.
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August 2017

August 2017

The RBA met with various BC MLAs in Victoria, including Doug Donaldson, Selina Robinson, Carole James, Jennifer Rice, and Andrew Weaver, and Chief of Staff to Premier Horgan, Geoff Meggs. They reaffirmed their commitment to Revenue Sharing for Northwest BC.
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July 2024

July 2024

A new community funding agreement benefiting people living and working in Northwest BC was officially announced between the Province and the RBA.
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RBA Steering Committee

3 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) from each regional district who sit in an advisory role:
CAO Daniel Fish,

North Coast Regional District (NCRD)

CAO Lina Gasser,

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)

CAO Curtis Helgesen,

Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN)

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RBA Steering Committee

1 elected official appointed by each regional district:
Mayor Herb Pond,

City of Prince Rupert, North Coast Regional District (NCRD)

Mayor Sean Bujtas,

City of Terrace, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)

Mayor Gladys Atrill,

Town of Smithers, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN)