The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine board has voted to pause adding new money into its Regional Trust, a move that prompted formal opposition from two directors during debate over the district’s five-year financial plan.
The decision was made Jan. 16 as part of an amendment to the 2025–2029 financial plan.
Acting chief administrative officer Marc Schibli told the board the change does not remove the reserve, but instead halts further contributions while its future is reviewed.
“This does not do away with the Regional Trust,” Schibli said during the meeting. “It’s just not adding funds to it.”
Schibli added that the reserve, which currently holds about $760,000, remains available and could receive new funding again in the future if the board chooses.
“We could at a later date decide to continue the trust and in the next iteration of the budget potentially that contribution and start putting money into it again,” he said.
Despite that explanation, Electoral Area C Director Bruce Bidgood said he could not support the amendment without continued contributions to the fund.
“That is the only mechanism politically that I can see that we can use to fund local projects,” Bidgood told the board.
Bidgood asked that his opposition be formally recorded, arguing the Regional Trust has become increasingly important as funding agreements grow more restrictive.
“I still would like to leave the regional trust contributions the same and will oppose the five-year plan if the contributions do not continue as we have in the past,” he said.
Electoral Area E Director Ted Ramsey also requested that his opposition be noted in the minutes.
Schibli emphasized the amendment does not remove any existing funds and does not prevent future boards from changing course.
“There’s still about $760,000 in there,” he said. “That money’s still there. It doesn’t go away.”
The amendment to the financial plan passed, with Bidgood and Ramsey recorded as opposed.
The board indicated further discussion on the Regional Trust and its long-term role is expected during future budget deliberations.
