The staff and Board of Directors at the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) wish to convey their sadness at the passing of Alice Maitland, and express sympathy and condolences to her loved ones.
In addition to being the mayor of the Village of Hazelton from 1976 to 2018, Alice served as a member of the RDKS Board of Directors for a total of 41 years. Her first term began in 1967 with the creation of the Regional District, and she served her last term in 2018.
As the Director for the Village of Hazelton, Alice was a fierce advocate for her community and the region. She was passionate about community gathering spaces and was a fundamental figure in the development and construction of the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre. She was recognized for her service by the Union of BC Municipalities in 1996 for 25 years of service, and again in 2010 for 35+ years. Many community members and politicians from around the province have expressed how much Alice and her work meant to them, a true testament of her positive impact and influence.
Alice’s legacy in local government continues with her daughter, Julie Maitland, current mayor of the Village of Hazelton and a Director on the RDKS Board.
"Alice Maitland – a person I’ll never forget. A person who could inspire to never give up the fight, to prove that persistence pays off. She was a gentle woman until you got on her tough side, particularly politicians and bureaucrats. She was well-known and respected across the province by friend and foe. The “little engine that could” reminds me of her.
Her village, the Kispiox, the Regional District, the Hospital District and particularly the people who reside here were her priority. Her accomplishments were many – the Sports Centre and Wrinch Memorial Hospital being just a couple of examples. I learned so much at the Board table from her. Rest in peace, Alice, the hard fight is behind you."
Area D Director, Dave Brocklebank
"One of the qualities I admired most about Alice was her "we can do this" attitude for the projects she was passionate about, and the USRC was a prime example. When we didn't think it would ever get the funding to build the arena, Alice would respond with "we can do this" and kept that attitude until it did get built.
Alice was also a fierce advocate for small communities and spoke up for all of us at every opportunity. Alice was a mentor to many and especially women - she was the person who convinced me to run for council when I had doubts, telling me I could do it. Alice will be missed by many as no one can replace her."
Director for the District of Hazelton, Gail Lowry
"Alice was a strong advocate for regional government, and often said that the strength of the regional district was when all the member municipalities and rural areas spoke together in a united voice to fight for the best interests of the region and our communities."
RDKS Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Ted Pellegrino
Please note the Maitland family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alice Maitland Fund at the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre. Donations can be accepted at the USRC or at the RDKS office.