January 2017 | Business View Magazine

140 141 Terrace is keeping a strong focus on the health and vibrancy of its downtown, as many of the medical professional services for the NW region are located there. Revitalization of the downtown core for retail and professional services has been in the forefront since 2008. Of note: a revitalization tax incentive program for new downtown development with a 5-year exemption of 100 percent of the value of any improvements. Streetscape renewal to enhance walkability is also ongoing. While many of these initiatives are based on economic sustainability, Block says, “there is a ‘green side’ to the story. “We partnered with the district on a new regional landfill. We’re a member agent and all our municipal waste is now going there. It’s a leading-edge facility developed for waste diversion– recycling, composting, organics – all of those initiatives are coming online with some sig- nificant environmental benefits.” Terrace is a member city of the Province of BC Climate Action Charter with clear goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions–as a municipal corporation, and commu- nity wide. Outreach and education through the City Planning Department offers op- TERRACE, BRITISH COLUMBIA portunities for residents and businesses to participate in achieving energy reductions. Tourists love Terrace. Its breathtaking mountain location is ideal for skiing, hiking, photography, and some of the best fishing in North America. In fact, the world record for the largest spring salmon catch (weighing in at 99 lbs.) is held by a visiting German tourist. Doddridge says,“Tourism is thriving this year. Numbers were up substantially, partially due to the lowCanadian dollar, but also because Terrace is becoming known as a go-to des- tination. Three new hotels (93 rooms each) have opened in the last year, so the accom- modation sector is increasing, too.” Cultural tourism is another growing mar- ket in the region. With close to 20 percent of the NW area population being of First Nations descent, their heritage sites and museums are drawing visitors eager to experience the natural beauty and history of the Skeen River and Nass Valley. Not surprisingly, the NW Regional Airport located in Terrace has a high volume of traf- fic that continues to grow. An $18-million expansion to the terminal and associated parking infrastructure is currently in progress. Block wants everyone to know that “even though Terrace is fairly far north in BC, it’s easily accessible. There’s a highway and rail through the city, and we have excellent daily, multiple-flight air service to Vancouver (1 ½ hours), and connecting to North America and the world.” Preferred vendors n D. R. Holtom Ltd. www.drholtomltd.ca n Northern Geo Testing & Engineering Ltd. www.northerngeo.ca n Roy Northern www.roynorthern.com n Northwest Regional Airport www.yxt.ca The population of Terrace in 2015 was just under 12,500, though the regional district has between 17,000 and 18,000 residents. Doddridge notes, “We actually service an area of communities with a combined population of anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000, depending on where you draw the circle.”