The old Nechako Centre buildings in Kitimat have now been demolished, closing the door on decades of decline and opening the way for redevelopment.
For many in the community, the teardown was long overdue, with the site often described as an eyesore that no longer reflected Kitimat’s future.
Kitimat mayor Phil Germuth said that’s exactly why council felt it was the right moment to act.
“I think it was probably the most demoralizing property in residential Kitimat for years. So it was important to council to… at least get the eyesore out of the way.”
The demolition also carried a personal weight for Germuth, who grew up in the neighbourhood. He recalled how central the site once was to residents and how much it has deteriorated over the years.
“It was really the first shopping centre. I was born and raised here in 1957, and lived right across from it. Over the years, it’s been vacant and rundown, and it just looked terrible.”
With the buildings gone, the District is moving from vision to planning. A community concept plan was shaped through engagement sessions in 2021 and 2022, but the next stage will look at the technical requirements of redevelopment. Germuth noted that the concept plan laid a clear foundation.
“The concept plan supported basically mixed commercial residential development, retaining and enhancing recreational use of facilities, and improving public spaces.”
The development plan will be more detailed, involving utilities, servicing, and engineering considerations, as well as input from potential developers. Germuth added that council is preparing to bring in outside expertise to guide this phase.
“We will probably end up putting out an RFP or something like that, and seeing what the potential developers might come back with.”
Another key factor will be ensuring the redevelopment is compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood, especially the nearby school. Germuth said council will be careful about what goes forward on the site.
“That’s one of the most important things, that you want something that’s gonna be okay right next to the elementary school.”
For many residents, the Nechako site represents more than just a redevelopment project. It’s a chance to breathe new life into a part of town that has been underused for decades. Germuth emphasized that the location still makes it valuable for Kitimat’s growth.
“It’s still true that more people live up the hill than down the hill, so I think that’s important. There’s many different opportunities and thoughts from people, it might also be a great place for a city hall one day.”
Mixed-use development is also on the table, with Germuth noting that residential space could complement retail or civic services.
“You might have a commercial on the bottom and some residential on top. Knowing there’s an elementary school right next to it, as long as something is okay working with that, I think council will be fairly flexible and what might work there.”
Community involvement has been central to the process from the beginning, with hundreds of residents providing input into the concept plan. Germuth highlighted that the strong response showed how invested people are in Nechako’s future.
“That was one of our best engagements ever, the public reacted so great. You like to see as much public engagement as you can in any kind of concept review you’re putting forward, and that was a shiny example of it.”
He shared that public involvement won’t end there, and residents will continue to help shape the project.
“There’s no doubt the public will continue to be interested in what happens there.”
As the planning process continues, Germuth said he’s confident the final outcome will reflect community priorities.
“When a plan comes forward, there will be something that’s going to work out well for the people of Kitimat.”
