14 May 2026—Many residents of the Kitimat-Stikine showed up for the open house hosted by the board of Regional District of the Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS).
This started with disapproval of the RDKS Electoral Area C (Greater Terrace) Zoning Bylaw made rounds in Facebook groups where residents found out that they could lose their livestock as well as buildings under the guidelines they were willing to pass.
Courtney Uykens a resident from Area C Resident - Jackpine said “We specifically bought this property to have the lifestyle and the luxuries of owning farm animals chickens, goats, rabbits, cows, horses. And they’re trying to restrict us on having that kind of lifestyle. And what’s the point of buying the house that we bought if we can’t even have the things that we want to use it for?”
Jennifer Keys another resident in Area C from Gossen said “I’m pretty upset with the whole situation right now. Pretty almost enraged. We moved out here to live 13 years ago. We moved out here so we could live self-sufficient on our land. Have a garden, raise some chickens. We loved having the agricultural purposes on our property. And now we’re being told that we’re going to be downgraded to residential”.
We spoke to Kyrcee Dray, another resident. She get her eggs and chicken from her farm. Her chickens give her 5 eggs every day. And she said that this is a major point for affording groceries. She also has 20 more chickens that she uses to supply her family with meat.
Claire Ratee was also present also in attendance and she said that the province is pushing for an update in zoning in this region. This is with respect to increase the density of housing to address housing needs. With respect to the upset constituents, she said that she will be having meetings with the representatives in the upcoming weeks.
Out of the 12 board members in RDKS, only 2 were present. Bruce Bidgood of Electoral Area C, Greater Terrace area and south coast, and Ted Ramsey of Electoral Area E in Thornhill.
Bidgood said that the RDKS Electoral Area C (Greater Terrace) Zoning Bylaw are not something to vote on. They are an invitation to a conversation. He also added that the bylaws presented do not work for the entire Kitimat and Stikine Region.
In the area of livestock he said, “lot of is people are concerned about having too much restriction, especially regarding food sustainability and farming. And I think that that’s terrific because I’m not a farmer. But I need to hear the input of people who are active farmers now, to say what is a reasonable practice and what is not. We can’t have a situation where somebody has five times more cattle than they should and end up poisoning their neighbor as well. So we are obligated to get involvement now”.
Bidgood also said that the RDKS Electoral Area C (Greater Terrace) Zoning Bylaw document has been out for more than 18 months but residents found out about it recently.
However, another resident told us that before this document was created, they did not receive any form or survey or communication regarding the bylaws, they just found the bylaws.
Bidgood also said that before moving forward, they will also be consulting with the First nation bands. And that an updated bill will be presented six months from now.
Multiple residents also told us that they don’t want any zoning updates and this is a government overreach.