Prince Rupert, B.C.

Who We Are

Formed in 2014, the RBA is a regional association of 21 local governments, including three regional districts (North Coast, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine), and its 18 member municipalities.

Why We Were Formed

Since 2015, the RBA has worked closely with the BC government to address the unique challenges facing the Northwest. These include securing the revenue needed to build essential community infrastructure that supports responsible resource development, as well as the social infrastructure that makes the Northwest a region where industries, businesses, workers, and their families can truly thrive.
Northwest BC RBA Backgrounder (2023)

Onion Lake, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Our
Priorities

Our members came together to pursue two core goals:

  • Recognition of the Northwest’s significant contribution to the provincial economy; and
  • Commitment from the Province to provide long-term funding for local government capital projects, essential services, and operating costs.

The Role of Local Government

Local governments are the backbone of community life in the Northwest. They are responsible for delivering and maintaining the services that make our communities sustainable and liveable, including:

Services

Land-use planning, parks and recreation programming, police and fire protection, bylaw enforcement, and other core services.

Environmental Protection

Implement policies and regulations that safeguard natural resources, reduce pollution, and ensure sustainable development.

Local Infrastructure

Development and maintenance of local infrastructure like roads and sidewalks, trails, public buildings, recreation facilities, sewer and water systems and solid waste management.

Community Well-Being

Fostering the economic, social and environmental well-being of their communities.

Smithers, B.C.

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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)