Terrace City Council Reviews Bi-Annual Departmental Reports for the First Half of 2025

Strategic Insights -

The Terrace city council reviewed a series of bi-annual departmental reports at its July 28 meeting, providing the public with updates on municipal operations, finances, infrastructure, and community services. These reports, presented twice annually, offer a snapshot of key accomplishments, challenges, and spending across eight city departments. The reports cover the period from January to June 2025 and highlight notable initiatives and accomplishments across various departments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Terrace Fire Department responded to 457 incidents between January and June, representing a 16.2 per cent decrease from the previous six months. The incidents included 131 medical emergencies, 179 fire responses, 40 motor vehicle accidents, and nine hazardous materials incidents.
  • The Fire Department conducted 187 inspections, with 58 passes and 129 failures, averaging 2.4 violations per inspection. Routine inspections made up 83.5 per cent of the total. Operational improvements included hiring a full-time Deputy Fire Chief in May and completing a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan under the FireSmart program.
  • The Finance Department completed the annual budget, financial plan, and tax rate bylaws, followed by the mailing of property tax notices to 4,171 property owners. The City collected $21.7 million in taxes by the July deadline, with a 96 per cent collection rate.
  • The Administration Department supported the transition to the city's new strategic plan, implemented council's resolutions, and improved public engagement. Initiatives included preparing for a governance review and coordinating the city's new website launch.
  • The Lands and Economic Development Department advanced lease negotiations, updated land inventories, and participated in regional planning discussions. The department also supported downtown revitalization and local businesses.
  • The Human Resources Department focused on recruitment, labour relations, policy reviews, and workplace training programs. The department also oversee health and wellness initiatives for staff.
  • The Occupational Health & Safety department conducted training in first aid, fall protection, and incident investigation, along with workplace inspections and hazard assessments.
  • The Development Services Department processed 62 building permits valued at $13.5 million and advanced planning work, including zoning bylaw updates and development permit reviews.
  • The Engineering & Public Works department reported progress on several major projects, including the North Thomas Reconstruction, the Howe Creek culvert replacement, and Sparks Street sidewalk widening.
  • The Parks, Recreation & Culture department focused on capital projects, including the Sportsplex ammonia ice plant replacement, safety upgrades to Terrace Mountain Wolves Trail, and improvements to the Skeenaview Park pathway.

Statistics:

  • 457: The number of incidents responded to by the Terrace Fire Department between January and June 2025.
  • 16.2 per cent: The decrease in incidents responded to by the Terrace Fire Department between January and June 2025 compared to the previous six months.
  • 131: The number of medical emergencies responded to by the Terrace Fire Department between January and June 2025.
  • 62: The number of building permits processed by the Development Services Department between January and June 2025.
  • $13.5 million: The total value of building permits processed by the Development Services Department between January and June 2025.
  • $21.7 million: The total amount collected in taxes by the Finance Department by the July deadline.
  • 96 per cent: The collection rate of taxes by the Finance Department by the July deadline.
  • 187: The number of inspections conducted by the Terrace Fire Department between January and June 2025.
  • 2.4: The average number of violations per inspection found by the Terrace Fire Department between January and June 2025.
  • 13 months: The time period covered by the reports reviewed by the city council at its July 28 meeting.

Sources:

  • Terrace Standard, July 2025, "City Council Reviews Bi-Annual Departmental Reports for the First Half of 2025"