Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Caitlin Birdsall from the North Coast Ecology Society provided a fast paced review of many of the Society plans for this summe and beyond
The enthusiasm of Caitlin Birdsall for all things marine and ecology is an infectious thing, her one woman show on Monday Night updating City Council on the plans ahead for the Society one that should bring in a growing volume of volunteers to share in the journey being charted ahead.
Ms. Birdsall took the Council membership on an audio visual tour of some of the plans moving forward this year as we all move out of COVID and into more familiar and social times.
Among some of the plans for this summer the Society wlll be using some space in the Northland Cruise Terminal for a pop up Ecology Centre, which will take place from July 21st to August 15th and will be open Five Days a week.
As part of that pop up event, the exhibits will include salt water tanks, a touch tank, static displays and other elements along with interpretive educators to provide information for those who drop in to explore the event.
They will also use the event as a way to gauge the interest in a more permanent facility and what local residents will be looking towards when it comes to that development.
The long range goal for the Society was introduced to the public in 2020 and it has suffered a slowing of the pace for progress owing to COVID, but as we move back towards more familiar themes of our day to day life the plans it seems are back in motion.
Towards the plans for the permanent facility, Ms. Birdsall provided a thumbnail sketch of the vision that the Society has for the project.
"We really think that this would be a huge benefit for Prince Rupert, we think that there are three kind of main things an Ecology Centre would create. A connection points for residents to learn about nature, to steward environmental stewardship in this region as well and how it realigns well with Redesign Rupert process as it would activate and revitalize the waterfront, if we are part mini-aquarium we must be on the waterfront and as we all know that is limited real estate so we would be looking at using something that is down there but perhaps needs a new lease on life"
She also put some focus on regional economic development and tourism aspects and noted how it could provide for Prince Rupert to be a hub for cool environmental things in the region.
In follow up comments Councillor Adey noted of the positive impressions he had from some of their past events and asked for a sense of what they would take from the upcoming pop up event to move forward on their plans for a larger centre.
The North Coast Ecology Society has been talking with the City's Paul Venditelli about potential use of part of the city's rental prorate at the Canfisco warehouse for a community Ecology Centre
In reply, Ms. Birdsall noted of the importance of working with local First Nations and educators in the region, access funding for their capital requirements then securing and finding a place on the waterfront, with one potential option being that of leasing space from the city at the Canfisco Warehouse at Rushbrook, though she noted that the facility is not the only location or option that they are considering.
"Funding is always the big ticket, we do hope that for the most part that we can be self sustaining once we are operational but of course do need a lot of capital funding so we will be looking at some of the bigger funding pots, such as the Community investment fund put forth by from the Prince Rupert Port Authority ... then securing and finding the right place for us on the waterfront.
Some of you may be aware that we have been talking with Paul and looking at potentially a corner of the Canfisco Warehouse as potential use. But I'm sure for those of you who have been in that warehouse also know it's a shell and it would definitely require a lot of infrastructure to be put in there to make it into this kind of centre ... We know that real estate is tight on the waterfront but also looking at could something floating be a possibility"
Councillor Cunningham also offered his encouragement towards their efforts, while Councillor Randhawa spoke to the opportunities for tourism.
On that theme, some of the work that the Society has engaged with Tourism Prince Rupert on was relayed with a look at the scope of some of the guidance that they have offered.
"To date we have mostly been talking with Prince Rupert Tourism ... talking about how this might fit into their Strategic plan that they have been developing recently. Some ideas that have been discussed ... a look at festivals and ways we could work together to bring back to life and can we create a really engaging Wildlife Festival on the North Coast that we would help partner with them on"
She also outlined some of the advice that they have offered related to tourism in the region and what visitors are looking for and what expectations there may be from them.
Councillor Niesh offered his congratulations and encouragement towards their efforts.
Councillor Cunningham also inquired about any future plans to revive the Whale Festival, Ms. Birdsall provided a snapshot of some of the challenges of timing and the recent year of COVID, with a potential return in years to come.
At the moment they are coordinating volunteer opportunities for the Pop Up event with details available through their social media options.
Mayor Brain thanked the Society for their community involvement calling on his past experience with forming a community organization for some of his commentary, the Mayor also noted of the city's willingness to lend a hand in support towards the final endeavour of the permanent facility.
You can take in her presentation from the City's Video Archive starting at the one minute mark of the nights session.
After two and a half weeks of delivering pokes to the arms of willing Prince Rupert and area residents, Northern Health will close the doors to their second and final public COVID clinic tonight.
The final session got underway at 9AM today, with the final jab to come before the doors close at 7PM.
Over the last few days the focus has shifted somewhat from the booked appointments to also offer a drop in option for those that have not been vaccinated as of yet.
No statistics have been released by northern Health to date to indicate what level of participation has been found from the Prince Rupert opportunity.
If you missed your chance for a shot at the clinic, you can contact Northern Health to learn how you can access the vaccine following the end of the clinic today.
More notes on the clinic and other health themes in Prince Rupert can be explored from the Northern Health Facebook page.
Further items of note on Northern Health can be found from our archive pages.
A project that was proposed prior to the City's adotption of the new Official Community Plan and then found itself on the outside looking in towards land use will now move forward, after Prince Rupert Council voted to move a proposed hotel or Traveller's accommodation development forward towards a future public hearing.
The proposed development for the Park Avenue area made for two blocks of the Council members time on Monday, the first portion of the review coming from a presentation from the proponents, the second as part of the approval for a zoning change and the forward progress now for a Public Hearing on the topic.
The presentation for council which took place by phone with Daniel MacGregor noted of the need for a rezoning and return to Commercial status for the land which is now listed under residential provisions of a new Official Community plan,.
The focus of the update made note of the work by the local investors and the partners from outside of the city who have made for a significant amount of background work on the land in question and a review of some of the challenges that they have found with the property in question requiring some changes towards their planning.
The structure related to their application would feature three floors of modular construction, along with 60 units and parking for 66 vehicles, the clientele would be a range of customers from backpackers to temporary workers in town for the range of port projects underway.
From the presentation package provided to Prince Rupert City Council for Monday's session
Mr. MacGregor observed that he believes the development is the most appropriate use of the land in question, noting of similar C3 Zoning properties nearby and observing of some of the drawbacks towards developing family housing along the busy Park Avenue corridor.
He also provided a look at the expansive amount of support that they have received from both local organizations nearby and residents in the adjacent neighbourhood to the proposed development, observing that the proponents were quite humbled by the support that they received from those in the immediate area.
"On the public feedback ... a fantastic and overwhelming amount of support from the public through our public consultation program, from May 29 to date we received 34 letters or emails of support which is in your package. You can see a sample of some from the Transition Society, Prince Rupert Indigenous Housing Society a lot of community business support for this proposal" -- Daniel MacGregor to City Council on Monday night
Mr. MacGregor also outlined how their proposal makes for a better fit for the location in question as opposed to any plans for residential housing.
"We believe it makes sense here as its on a major highway halfway strategically between the Ferry Terminal and downtown, the current multi family development RM2 would be less desirable here. The building that we are proposing is a new modern high quality hotel provides benefits to the city and helps to meet that need for accommodations"
The council members offered up no questions to Mr. MacGregor following his presentation, with Mayor Brain noting that the zoning request would be up for consideration later on in the evening by the Council membership.
From the presentation package provided to Prince Rupert City Council for Monday's session
When they did take up that request for new zoning later in the evening, the Council members stressed that while the land is now zoned as residential, the allowance for a return to commercial was still within the spirit of their plan to direct commercial activity to the downtown core.
With Councillor Randhawa excusing himself from the discussion noting that he lives in proximity to the proposed development, many of the Council members then shared some opinions or comments on the zoning change request.
Councillor Adey was the first to speak to the topic, noting of the presentation at the start of the evening from the proponents and some of the previous times that it has been brought before council. He noted how he had been struck by the number of letters of support that the project gained, but also called attention to some of the concerns related to the development.
Among his top item of note, those concerns expressed by the Prince Rupert Fire Department, with the Councillor asking where Council members would find details as to how those concerns have been addressed.
With no members of the city's contract planners in attendance at the session, Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller offered up a response, observing how this was only a first and second reading and that details could still be provided before the process moved forward, she also noting how she would contact the Deputy Fire Chief for further background.
Mayor Brain also added some notes on how the process could evolve and observed how this is the first project that has taken place as a rezoning issue under the new provisions of the Official Community Plan making note of the volume of community engagement that the proponents had engaged in prior to this first appearance.
"Just a note, this project is I think probably the first rezoning that's in our new development guidelines, which we have mandated to have all the public engagement up front. So it's rare for us to see letters of support and engagement at a first presentation. And the reason why we did that is because most of the time we have rezoning it takes almost months for the community to have a chance to have a say which allows speculation in the community to occur. So in this case it's up to the developer to reach out to the community and present their project to the community just as they did tonight, that was their presentation to the community" -- Mayor Lee Brain
The Mayor also outlined that there will be more opportunity for commentary as part of the Public hearing that will come in the future as part of the proposed development.
Ms. Miller did note for the record that one letter of opposition had been received by the city towards the developments. She also provided some further clarification on the covenant that would specify the nature of the development and limit it to the accommodation use proposed.
Councillor Mirau echoed the Mayors comments and noted how he was impressed with the applicant's work on the community engagement aspect of the file, suggesting that future developers could use it as a guide towards how to proceed.
"I don't think we've seen a project at first reading have that much input ... from what I read in that report the applicant was out handing delivering the notifications which was fantastic so I want to commend them for that and I think other developers would do well to take note of that approach in the future"
He also spoke to the city's change in zoning, suggesting that the reversal from residential to commercial is not as such against their commitment to shifting commercial development to the downtown core, adding how he feels the covenant serves to limit any other development other than the travellers accommodation proposal.
"Our intent was to cluster commercial development closer to Cow Bay and you know there was some suggestion that rezoning this back to commercial or letting it remain commercial was contrary to that objective ... the covenant question I think was an important one because it strikes a really great balance on land use as well as size, because by restricting the land use for the purposes of temporary accommodation you're not now opening up the door for retail development ..."
He also expressed his interest in the feedback that the public will provide at the Public Hearing.
Councillor Niesh also noted of the change in zoning that came from the new Official Community Plan and suggested it was all unfortunate timing for these proponents and with an amendment now something he considered the right move.
"As it was pointed out to us in the presentation earlier. .. We did make a move to change this zoning, but I do believe it was just a matter of unfortunate thing for these proponents and I think that this Council is open to hear you know even though it is kind of funny that here we are after just approving our Official Community Plan we are doing an amendment to it, but I think that is the right move"
He followed up with some thoughts on how the accommodation would help to address some of the temporary housing issues in the community.
Council then moved the process forward and will set a Public Hearing in the future for the development application.
You can review both the presentation and Council's follow up commentary from the City's Video Archive starting with the presentation at the 19 minute mark and then the forward momentum for the approval of the zoning change at the 58 minute mark.
The last of the twice a month sessions of Council until fall took place this Monday evening. Council now moves to their summer schedule through to October
City Council members brought their work of June to a close on Monday night, hosting a near hour and forty minute session which included two presentations on the evening and featured an extensive review of housing themes for the community.
Despite a relaxation of the restrictions for the public when it comes to attending sessions again at the Council chamber, no residents of Prince Rupert took Council up on their offer of access on the night, the hot temperatures and late into the night sun of the heat wave perhaps offering them other options on the evening.
A presentation from the North Coast Ecology Centre, along with a number of agenda items focused on housing dominated much of the night, along with extensive discussions related to a proposed expansion on code of conduct themes and the plan to increase the fees at the city's recreation facilities.
The night ended with Questions and Comments from Councillors Adey and Cunningham
The details related to the reasons for the in camera session can be reviewed here.
Further information from our overview and placement in the video archive can be found below, with the permanent record of the council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.
In attendance Monday, June 28, 2021
Mayor Lee Brain -- Present Councillor Nick Adey -- Present Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present
( 0:00 - 1:00) Committee of the Whole Session for Monday, June 28, 2021 -- Mayor Lee Brain called the session to order, adopting past minutes and the Agenda for the session underway,
( 1:00 -- 17:30) Presentation from Caitlin Birdsall of the North Coast Ecology Society-- Ms. Birdsall provided an overview for Council of the North Coast Ecology Society and their work in the community, expanding on the Society's plans towards development of an interpretive centre in the city, describing it as a part mini-aquarium, part nature house. The proposed location would be to based somewhere in the waterfront area and she observed that it would fit in well with in location that needs a new lease on life, noting of the opportunity to appeal to tourism as well as local centre for knowledge sharing.
The presentation included a review of some of the past events and workshops hosted by the Society to engage with the community on their plans.
This summer the Society wlll be using some space in the Northland Cruise Terminal for a pop up Ecology Centre, which will take place from July 21st to August 15th and will be open Five Days a week. Among the exhibits will be salt water tanks, a touch tank, static displays and other elements along with interpretive educators to provide information for those who drop in to explore the event.
They will also use the event as a way to gauge the interest in a more permanent facility and what local residents will be looking towards when it comes to that development.
In follow up comments Councillor Adey noted of the positive impressions he had from some of their past events and asked for a sense of what they would take from the upcoming pop up event to move forward on their plans for a larger centre.
In reply, Ms. Birdsall noted of the importance of working with local First Nations and educators in the region, access funding for their capital requirements then securing and finding a place on the waterfront, with one potential option being that of leasing space from the city at the Canfisco Warehouse at Rushbrook, though she noted that it is not the only location they are considering.
Councillor Cunningham offered his encouragement towards their efforts, while Councillor Randhawa spoke to the opportunities for tourism.
On that theme, some of the work that the Society has engaged with Tourism Prince Rupert on was relayed with a look at the scope of some of the guidance that they have offered.
Councillor Niesh offered his congratulations and encouragement towards their efforts.
Councillor Cunningham also inquired about any future plans to revive the Whale Festival, Ms. Birdsall provided a snapshot of some of the challenges of timing and the recent year of COVID, with a potential return in years to come.
At the moment they are coordinating volunteer opportunities for the Pop Up event with details available through their social media options.
Mayor Brain thanked them for their community involvement calling on his past experience with forming a community organization for some of his commentary, the Mayor also noted of the city's willingness to lend a hand in support towards the final endeavour of the permanent facility.
( 17:30 -- 18:00) Presentation from the Corporate Administrator on the 2020 Annual Public Report-- Ms. Rosa Miller observed that there had been no comments or questions related to the report and noted that there were no members of the public in attendance at the council session, she assumed that there were no members of the public wishing to speak to Council on the topic.
( 18:00 - 19:00) Regular City Council Session for Monday, June 28, 2021 -- Mayor Lee Brain called the session to order, adopting past minutes and the Agenda for the session underway, there would be two additions to the night's agenda.
( 19:00 -- 27:00 ) Delegation representing the proposed development of a Hotel/Traveller's Accommodation on Park Avenue -- Proponents for a Traveller's Accommodation provided Council with an update on their hopes to develop the property located along Park Avenue, with Daniel MacGregor participating by phone to accompany a slide show presentation for Council.
The update noted of the need for a rezoning and return to Commercial status for the land which is now listed under residential provisions of a new Official Community plan, the presentation focused on the local investors and the partners from outside of the city who have made for a significant amount of background work on the land in question and a review of some of the challenges that they have found with the property in question requiring some changes towards their planning.
The structure related to their application would feature three floors of modular construction, along with 60 units and parking for 66 vehicles, the clientele would be a range of customers from backpackers to temporary workers in town for the range of port projects underway.
Mr. MacGregor observed that he believes the development is the most appropriate use of the land in question, noting of similar C3 Zoning properties nearby and observing of some of the drawbacks towards developing family housing along the busy Park Avenue corridor.
He also provided a look at the expansive amount of support that they have received from both local organizations nearby and residents in the adjacent neighbourhood to the proposed development, observing that the proponents were quite humbled by the support that they received from those in the immediate area.
The council members offered up no questions to Mr. MacGregor, with Mayor Brain noting that the zoning request would be up for consideration later on in the evening by the Council membership.
( 27:00 -- 28:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator related to the City of Prince Rupert Annual Report for 2020 -- Ms. Miller once again noted that there had been no feedback from the public on the report she asked for approval of Council of the Report. Mayor Brain took the opportunity to provide a short overview of what the report provides for the public.
( 28:00 -- 31:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator on the variance request for a property on Third Avenue West -- With no members of the city's contract planners iPlan participating in the night's session, Ms. Miller spoke to the topic noting of the request for a change of the siding on the property known as Crane's Crossing which will host transitional housing in the city.
Councillor Niesh noted of his experience in construction and offered his endorsement of their plans to switch to the suggested siding.
Councillor Mirau asked for clarification as to why Council had to review a proposal that was consistent with the guidelines and with a previous variance having already been granted, Mr. Mirau noting how he was seeking a way to reduce the amount of time required for the process.
Ms. Miller could not answer the main theme of the Councillor's question offering to make inquiries towards it further, she did observe that it came back in the spirit of transparency with the switch to metal cladding needed to be introduced.
Mayor Brain observed that he is looking forward to seeing the development moving ahead.
( 31:00 -- 33:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator on a proposed housing development for Drake Place -- Once again, with no members of the city's contract planners iPlan participating in the night's session, Ms. Miller spoke to the topic, noting of the scope of the proposed development of townhomes for the Drake Crescent area.
The applicant has proposed to construct 11 new buildings which will provide for up 42 dwelling units in a lot along Prince Rupert Boulevard, the application complies with guidelines and comes with a set back variance request.
Councillor Mirau was curious as to the nature of the setback requirements, as well as to note of a commitment by the proponent to retain trees on the Prince Rupert Boulevard side.
Mayor Brain offered his enthusiasm for the proposed housing which will add to the housing stock in the community, noting that it was somewhat of a housing theme on the night.
( 33:00 -- 45:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator outlining the findings of the Recent Housing Workshop and Housing Action items -- Mayor Brain provided the overview of a report compiled by iPlan's Chris Buchan which included a list of Housing Actions that the City Councillors have accepted for further progress.
Councillor Cunningham noted of the positive nature of the report and urged council to take quick action towards the Renoviction elements of their Housing actions, observing of the current increase in such activity in the community, calling for a bylaw from the City to prohibit renovictions.
Mayor Brain noted that a Supreme Court decision is still awaited on a similar law from the Lower Mainland, noting how the city's contract planner would be moving on the concept of Prince Rupert version real quick.
He also spoke to some of the policy elements of the Housing actions that could be moved forward.
Councillor Mirau concurred with the renoviction themes and added his own interpretation of how the court has approached the bylaw issue and what actions are included in the New Westminster option and how the city could learn from their work on the issue.
Mayor Brain observed that their list of housing actions make for fifteen big moves for the community to add towards housing stock, adding that at the moment there are between 200 to 400 housing unit proposals scheduled to move forward in Prince Rupert.
He also spoke of the challenges of developing housing noting of the need for developable land with muskeg among the issues of concern, he noted how increasing for the development of flat land for housing would assist for the pace of development, which would be accelerated and would serve as an incentive for that forward momentum.
He spoke to some of the city owned land in the community and outlined how the city could reduce some of the red tape for those looking to build housing in the community and how the need for housing is key to the city's vision planning.
Councillor Cunningham also noted of the opportunity for secondary suites and some of the changes the city has in mind through their action list to spur on development, as well as the need for the city to lobby the senior levels of government to help move that option forward.
Councillor Niesh joined the discussion sharing his observations on the need to encourage the development of secondary suites and how it could help address some of the city's housing concerns.
Towards moving the Housing Action plans forward council will be awaiting further word from city staff as to the progress of the list of actions that the Council has endorsed.
( 45:00 --58:00 ) Resolution from last Council Session towards Code of Conduct revisions - Councillor Mirau spoke to his call from the last session to review the city's current approach to a Council Code of Conduct and explore some of the mechanisms in place in other communities. He observed how a Code of Conduct is an important stage and would provide for more than the bare minimum of expectations.
Mr. Mirau outlined how it could be proactive and involve such elements as lobbying, interactions with developers, contractors, tenders, proponents and consultants, as well as to protect confidentiality, avoiding conflict of interest and improper use of influence, the kind of things he noted that could get elected officials into trouble if not they're not paying attention.
He also made note of the possibilities for complaint processes, compliance and enforcement as well as how some municipalities have addressed issues of social media and how statements in social media could be troublesome.
He suggested that council could ask the City Manager to come back to the members with a number of different options that may be available to them. Obseving that he did have a lengthy conversation with him about his proposal.
The Councillor then recounted some of the history of Council Codes of Conduct as well as the work of the UBCM on the topic, he suggested that he would like to see it move forward now with the prospect of more development coming to the community and that council should look beyond they own term of council but look forward towards the next council members to come.
Council Nick Adey offered his support towards the initiative noting that the principle of it is important and how the pace of change is accelerating in the community.
Councillor Cunningham also supported the issue, but expressed his concerns over any potential load on the City Manager, who he observed is now doing dual jobs, adding that he believes that the timing is a bit off, asking for some more time towards the proposal not wishing to add on to the load of senior staff. He further observed that right now he doesn't think the city has a problem this time and didn't want to put any time constraints on the office of the City Manager to come up with a report right now.
Councillor Mirau countered that commentary noting that he had not placed any timeline on the provision of any report, adding that he had spoken to the City Manager in advance and did not want to be over burdening anyone and noted that in his opinion if the city isn't going to work on a Code of Conduct now, when would they work on one.
He observed that he doesn't think that Council is asking a lot for a report on best practices that have been done elsewhere, adding that the City Manager had not expressed any concerns to him on the topic.
Mayor Brain concurred with Councillor Mirau, noting of his experience over the last seven years and some of the conversations he has had in the past with other community leaders, noting of the Wild West situation in other municipalities.
To that theme he observed how he views Prince Rupert as fortunate not to have that dysfunction as all the members in Prince Rupert operate as a team and don't have the same kind of divisions as those found in other communities, adding he doesn't think that those communities are served well by those situations.
He called on some of the Council's recent achievements such as Redesign and how those elements will serve to set a standard and provide clarity and an expectation for the councils that will be elected in the future.
Council then voted to move forward on Councillor Mirau's motion.
( 58:00 -- 58:30 ) Letter of support recommendation for the North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Society -- The society is seeking a letter of support towards their quest for funding, council approved the motion.
( 58:30 -- 1:09:30 ) Report for an amendment to the Official community plan for a property on Park Avenue -- Council members reviewed the nature of the amendment which includes a covenant to ensure that the land use is only specific to the Travellers Accommodation. Councillor Randhawa excused himself from the discussion noting that he lives in proximity to the proposed development.
Councillor Adey was the first to speak to the topic, noting of the presentation at the start of the evening from the proponents and some of the previous times that it has been brought before council. He noted how he had been struck by the number of letters of support that the project gained, but also called attention to some of the concerns related to the development. Among his top item of note, those concerns expressed by the Prince Rupert Fire Department, whit the Councillor asking where Council members would find details as to how those concerns have been addressed.
With no members of the city's contract planners in attendance at the session, Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller offered up a response, observing how this was only a first and second reading and that details could still be provided before the process moved forward, she also noting how she would contact the Deputy Fire Chief for further background.
Mayor Brain also added some notes on how the process could evolve and observed how this is the first project that has taken place as a rezoning issue under the new provisions of the Official Community Plan making note of the volume of community engagement that the proponents had engaged in prior to this first appearance.
The Mayor also outlined that there will be more opportunity for commentary as part of the Public hearing that will come in the future as part of the proposed development. Ms. Miller did note for the record that one letter of opposition had been received by the city towards the developments.
She also provided some further clarification on the covenant that would specify the nature of the development.
Councillor Mirau echoed the Mayors comments and noted how he was impressed with the applicant's work on the community engagement aspect of the file, suggesting that future developers could use it as a guide towards how to proceed.
He also spoke to the city's change in zoning, suggesting that the reversal from residential to commercial is not as against their commitment to shifting commercial development to the downtown core, adding how he feels the covenant serves to limit any other development other than the travellers accommodation proposal.
He also expressed his interest in the feedback that the public will provide at the Public Hearing.
Councillor Niesh also noted of the change in zoning that came from the new Official Community Plan and suggested it was all unfortunate timing for these proponents and with an amendment now something he considered the right move. He followed up with some thoughts on how the accommodation would help to address some of the temporary housing issues in the community.
Council then moved the process forward and will set a Public Hearing in the future for the development application.
( 1:09:30 -- 1:34:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator on amendments to the City's Recreation Fees bylaws -- Ms. Miller outlined the nature of the proposed revisions to the city's fees and charges for recreation services in the community, which includes general family admission rate increases of 5%, the addition of a damage deposit requirement and fees to be charged for filed maintenance
Much of the discussion revisiteded the topic from four years ago when the Rates and Fees were last increased, with many of the Council members returning to the same themes of that time, noting of the need to increase the fees in order to address ongoing maintenance issues at the city's aging facilities, while also making note of the assistance that is available for residents who may need assistance to participate in the recreation activities that are offered in the community.
Most of the memberships notes related to how previous councils had chosen not to address those facility concerns with increases at the time and how the latest recommended increases would serve to continue on with ongoing maintenance.
Of those who spoke to the topic, Councillors Niesh and Cunningham led off the discussion noting how they were in favour of the rate increases, only Councillor Randhawa spoke out against the proposed rate increases, noting that many in the community were still facing financial challenges owing to COVID or were living on fixed incomes.
Mayor Brain admitted that it was a tough decision but that without the rate increases the city would be looking at tax increases and asked Ms. Miller to provide some further background on the financial assistance program that is available, she observed that anyone looking to access it should contact the Civic Centre for details on how the program works, the Mayor noting that the initiative is a discreet one.
Mr Brain noted of the city subsidization of two million dollars for the facility and the fee increase is needed to help with the ongoing maintenance, he observed how he hates raising the cost of anything and how the City has done its part to keep fees low and that a balance needs to be struck towards the facility.
Of concern for Mr. Cunningham was that the fees may impact on drop in activities, noting that in the past the city once had a recreation director who ensured that any child that was at the civic centre did not fall through the cracks towards participation with the drop in programs.
Ms. Miller provided a snapshot of some of the programs that the city has in place at the Civic Centre that provide services for youth as well as to update on the plans for more after school programs come September.
Councillor Niesh spoke of the many improvements that the current council has put in place at the Civic Centre while keeping taxes down in the community, noting that costs continue to rise and someone has to pay for them, expressing his opinion that the city can't keep pushing the need for ongoing maintenance off to the future.
The discussion did not sway Mr. Randhawa who remained opposed to the fee increase expressing a concern that higher fees would mean less participation at the Civic Centre facilities.
Councillor Adey joined the discussion noting that the Civic Centre keeps records on the usage of the facility and that they would alert the Council as to any decline in use, he outlined that the middle ground would be to keep an eye on those numbers and address any concerns as they move through the five year period.
Mayor Brain also observed how some of the Council members were on the Recreation Committee and would have seen the data that indicates that facility usage has not declined other than in the recent COVID periods.
Councillor Mirau observed that the fee increases goes beyond inflation and is designed towards improvement of services and investments into the facilities.
Councillor Cunningham provided the final rebuttal towards Mr. Randhawa's concerns stating that along as there are programs available to assist children in accessing services he has no problem with any fee increases. He further noted how when the taxi company requires a fee increase to address their requirements, they raise the fees.
Council then voted to approve the motion, with Councillor Randhawa the only member to vote against the increases.
( 1:34:00 -- 1:38:00 ) Questions, Comments, Reports or Inquiries from Council
Councillor Adey took advantage of the opportunity to note of a recent media story that stated that there may have been mistakes around the ownership of waterfront property and how some of the land currently owned by CN Rail may actually be owned by the City. He asked for an update on what staff has determined so far on the situation.
In reply, Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller advised that once they were made aware of that potential mistake that staff began to look into the issue and they continue to investigate the details towards it.
Councillor Cunningham offered up praise to a local hotel owner who has taken on work to make her properties look more welcoming, posting to the work at the Moby Dick and other properties owned by Theresa Lee as a good example for the community.
And with that the June 28th session came to an end.
You can access our Council Session Archive page,where a number of items regarding the Council session, including links to local media coverage can also be found.
As always, our Council Timeline is only a reflection of our observations from the Council Session of the night. Be sure to consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to their website for further review.
Official minutes of the Regular Council Session from June 28, 2021
(not available yet)
With the end of June, City Council enters into its summer session mode, with only one Council session scheduled through July, August and September.
The next City Council session will take place on Monday, July 26th.
