Sean Bujtas knows that all roads lead to Terrace. As the mayor of this mountain-rimmed hub of 12,000 people, he oversees a community acting as the “epicentre to a lot of major projects happening in Northwest B.C.”
From the LNG Canada terminal down the road to the critical minerals of the Golden Triangle, Terrace sits at the heart of a massive industrial engine. Bujtas, a long-time resident with a background in the hospitality industry, brings a pragmatic, service-oriented perspective to city hall. He understands that while the “604” area code of the Lower Mainland enjoys the fruits of this labour, the North often feels overlooked.
Carrying the lion’s share
Bujtas is quick to point out the disconnect between urban policy and rural reality. He notes that folks in the south often misunderstand northern industry, particularly forestry and mining. He argues that the province cannot fund its urban aspirations without northern resources.
“We are the folks that are carrying the lion’s share of that work,” Bujtas says. He believes the revenue from the Golden Triangle and the Port of Prince Rupert provides the “nice to haves” for the rest of British Columbia. Without these projects, the province would struggle to build new schools or attract international business. Bujtas wants urban residents to recognize that their quality of life depends on northern grit.
Investing in the foundation
The mayor is not asking for charity. He is asking for a fair share of the wealth generated in his backyard. While he supports provincial growth, he insists that “we’ve got to make sure that we’re not leaving these small communities behind.”
Bujtas often sees massive investments funnelled into SkyTrain expansions and Vancouver health care. Meanwhile, Terrace faces the daily pressure of maintaining basic services for a growing industrial workforce. He advocates for a funding model where resource revenue returns to the source. He wants to ensure “our roads are in good shape, our sewer lines are working and our water is working.”
A call for provincial balance
The message to Victoria and Ottawa is clear. Support the people who support the economy. Bujtas remains happy to help make the country better through northern industry. However, he expects the government to invest in these communities as projects move forward.
He challenges those who oppose resource extraction to consider the financial consequences. “How are you planning to pay the bills in the Lower Mainland?” he asks. For Bujtas, a strong British Columbia requires a strong Terrace. He will continue to pressure both levels of government to ensure the North remains a viable, well-funded place to live and work.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
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