As a symbol of working partnership and shared purpose, the District of Chetwynd presented a striking chainsaw masterpiece to the City of Prince Rupert, celebrating the bond between the two northern communities.
Titled "Survival of the Fittest," the art piece by Jarette Dahl was unveiled at the Totem Park during the kickoff of the 2025 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference.
The shiny-brown sculpture captures northern wildlife in motion with bears, ravens, and an eagle in mid-flight clutching a salmon.
Chetwynd has proudly hosted the International Chainsaw Carving Championship for nearly two decades. This world-class event draws top-tier artists from countries such as the U.K., U.S., Australia, Ireland and beyond. Mayor Allen Courtoreille, who attended the NCLGA in Prince Rupert, highlighted the global recognition the competition has earned.
While the District keeps winning pieces, it follows a tradition of gifting other carvings to communities across the region. Courtoreille said the piece chosen for Prince Rupert felt especially fitting, a tribute well-matched to the spirit and wildlife of the North Coast.
Prince Rupert Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven shared on Facebook that the piece represents more than just a working partnership between the two communities. It also symbolizes Rupert and Chetwynd's resilience through challenging times and the boom-and-bust cycles they have both endured.
Mayor Courtoreille shared that some of the highlights of his trip to the NCLGA included touring the port terminals by catamaran and connecting with local community members.
He emphasized the value of networking at the event, particularly with companies involved in energy transportation, such as Enbridge and Coastal GasLink. His goal is to discuss how the movement of oil and energy through Chetwynd affects the district and explore opportunities for collaboration.
