District of Kitimat city council members have said the feedback on the 2026 budget indicates a clear and consistent set of priorities that will guide the budget process.
Kitimat council received the Get Involved Kitimat Budget Feedback Report at its Jan. 26 meeting. The report summarizes 57 public submissions received through the District’s online engagement platform. According to the Kitimat council, the number and consistency of the feedback comments were surprising, with many residents expressing similar concerns about the condition of roads, sidewalks, drainage, and drinking water infrastructure.
“There are a lot of really, really good comments. There’s some themes in here as well, a number of things that are repeated. It’s also a good thing to see as well,” Councillor Terry Marleau said during discussion.
A number of the submissions encouraged council to first repair existing infrastructure before pursuing on new infrastructure, with calls to rebuild the streets, sidewalks, and water and sewer mains being a regular theme. Some residents also brought up the issue of the current concerns with drinking water quality, drainage problems in certain areas of the city, and the need for better long-term planning.
Councillors have stated that the submissions reflect issues that are already being discussed at the council table.
“I appreciate this feedback and I’m hanging on to this one for the future, for if we can’t get the right way, we look at some of these things done in the future,” Councillor Mario Feldhoff said.
Marleau said council agrees with several of the priorities raised by residents, while stopping short of committing to specific changes before budget deliberations are complete.
“You know, I certainly agree with a number of them, and I think that it is time we did certainly put some real effort in a couple of these that are suggested in here,” Marleau said.
The report was received for information, with council noting the public input will continue to inform discussions as it works toward finalizing the District’s 2026 financial plan in the weeks ahead.
