Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth has received the Community Achievement Award from Resource Works, recognizing his leadership through what the organization calls a defining period for the city.
The award was presented Monday at the second annual GET IT DONE B.C. forum in Vancouver, held the night before the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. Resource Works Chair Richard Prokopanko gave Germuth a hand-carved and hand-painted red cedar paddle, made by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Ross Henderson.
“Phil Germuth has led Kitimat through a remarkable period in its history,” Prokopanko said. “His focus has been on making sure investment translates into infrastructure, stronger relationships and lasting benefits for the people who call Kitimat home.“
During Germuth’s time in office, Kitimat has become a major player in B.C.’s LNG sector, drawing significant investment while grappling with the growing pains that come with it, including housing, infrastructure and transportation pressures.
Two milestones stand out from his tenure: the new Haisla Bridge, and a 2024 Friendship Agreement between the District of Kitimat and the Haisla Nation, formalizing closer cooperation between the neighbouring communities.
Resource Works CEO Stewart Muir says Kitimat’s experience offers a lesson for the rest of the province.
“Economic development cannot just be measured by the size of an investment,” Muir said. “It has to be measured by what remains in the community.”
The award is meant to highlight local leadership in communities absorbing the impacts of major resource projects.
