Council Timeline: Monday, October 3, 2022

With incumbents on the clock towards Election Day and a pair of council members preparing to make for their Goodbyes later this month, the second last Council session for the Class of 2018 provided for two key policy initiatives in one evening.

The First and the topic that made for much of the discussion on the night was the release of the City's Framework for Reconciliation, crafted by the City's Communication Office, Planning office and Councillor Reid Skelton Morven, the framework was introduced as a living document which will evolve over the next decade.

The second piece of the policy making on the night was some additional work on Climate Change issues, with a report towards application for provincial funding towards some of the City's climate goals.

Council members also approved the motion to have Mayor Lee Brain forward a letter to the Premier and Provincial cabinet requesting immediate action to provide funding and new/restored revenues to enable the City to respond to critical infrastructure renewals as soon as possible.

Other items on the night included approval for a Temporary Use Permit for the Industrial Park, changes to some fees related to Airport Transportation, approval of the Temporary Borrowing Bill and final reading for the Permissive Tax Exemptions.

Some background on the work of Council for the night can be reviewed from the Regular Council Agenda 

Council also hosted a Closed Meeting, making for the seventeenth of the in camera sessions for 2022.

The details related to the reasons for the behind closed door gathering can be reviewed here.

Further information from our overview and placement in the video archives can be found below, with the permanent record of the council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.

In attendance Tuesday, October 3, 2022

Mayor Lee Brain -- Present 
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present 
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present 
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present (Participated for part of session Remotely)
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present 
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present

Video Archive for Tuesday, October 3, 2022 

 

  

REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL

(0:00 - 1:00)  Adoption of Agenda and Past minutes -- The Mayor reviewed the agenda for the evening and Council adopted the minutes of past meetings. They added one item to the night's work and moved the Reconciliation Framework item to the top of the council session.

Reports and Resolutions

(1:00 - 40:00 )  Report from Communications Manager  -- Framework for Reconciliation Policy Document --  In his introduction to the agenda item, Mayor Brain observed how the city had been working behind the scenes on the document for quite some time and how it was a city wide policy of what the city wants to do towards reconciliation.  

Prior to the delivery of the report from the City's Communication Manager Veronica Stewart, council received a presentation from Hereditary Chief Clarence Nelson, Nis Toyx from Metlakatla. 

He observed that he had not had opportunity to review the full document as of yet, though to the spirit of the framework he offered up a number of observations.  

He started his presentation with an oral history of some of the pivotal moments in recent North Coast times for the Indigenous nations of the region, collectively known as the Nine Tribes.

He observed of the changes that have come to the region through the course of history, with a particular focus on the story of the people of Metlakatla, His commentary included the current focus on education for youth in his community and how it creates opportunity for expanded learning of their history.

Noting of the involvement of Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven in the creation of the Framework for the City, Mr. Nelson observed of how he hoped that the work taken on by the city on reconciliation would also have an impact on bringing the regional First Nations together, recounting how the days of a unified Tribal Council in the region had splintered, hoping that this new emphasis on reconciliation that it may bring people back to together.

As part of his narrative to the presentation he outlined the transition of the area of the City of Prince Rupert from a First Nation community to that with people from other areas of Canada and from around the world, most of them drawn to the region at the time by then flourishing fishing industry. Noting now towards the current dominance for the Port and how it is providing jobs for many in the region.

Towards the City's Framework he framed it as a document that puts in motion plans towards "how we  are all going to work together, regardless of who we are".  

He also made note of the large presence of First Nations residents in the community and of the investment of money that the area which Bands and First Nations have put into Prince Rupert, with much of that money being put towards improving the city.

For examples he pointed to the Metlakatla led Elders/Seniors facility and the gas station located in the Industrial Park.

To conclude his commentary he offered the council his best wishes as they work forward with their Framework.

Ms. Stewart then formally introduced the Framework for Reconciliation, observing how the Framework is a living document, noting of some of the key elements of the document.

Among those notes included for review by the Communications Manager: working with employment equity policies, entrenching more visual and cultural identity in Prince Rupert, areas such as renaming parks after Indigenous people where they are just currently named after a street or to make use of Indigenous names for  streets in new subdivisions. Continued focus on development of additional MOU's and actions on shared objectives such as housing and economic development. 

She also observed how the living document would include a committee of people from the community to direct staff towards the evolution of the Framework and how it needs to be community driven.

Councillor Skelton-Morven who was involved in the drafting of the Framework spoke to his absence on the night and how it was related to a family issue which required his travel to Vancouver, his travel resulting in him not being able to provide a copy of the document to the Hereditary Chief before the Council session.

To the theme of the Framework presentation, Mr Skelton-Morven compared it to building a foundation which will become something else in the future, a living breathing document that will advance relationships with each other and relationships with Nations.

Noting of the upcoming election, the councillor observed how it was important to lay the framework as to how the municipality would address the topic in the future. 

He recounted some of the elements of the framework and how they would work with previous MOU's, housing and developments, shared prosperity agreements and the work required to enhance them.

He spoke of the wall between the two sides and how the framework would be taking those bricks down bit by bit.

The Councillor also highlighted the importance of the land acknowledgement piece of the Framework which will put the emphasis on the Ts'msyen territory and Nation.

Mayor Brain thanked both the Councillor and Ms. Stewart for their work on the Framework.

Towards commentary most of the Council members shared some thoughts on the Framework. Councillor Nick Adey calling on some of his early experiences in the region starting with his arrival as a 23 year old teacher in Kitkatla and the welcome he received from the community.  He noted how that has shaped his views and how he was very supportive of the City's Framework.

Noting of the the work in progress that the document is, the living document that will make for an important aspect of the work that the City is taking on and how it offers a guide for the next council as it looks to develop it along with the regional First Nations.

Mr. Adey also called attention to the opportunity that the Framework offers and how it will create 'a visible, this is who we are face to it', noting of the areas related to street naming as important to those goals.

He also observed how the Framework's emphasis of being supportive to Indigenous preservation and revitalization of language and culture was a proper emphasis to that element of the Framework.

Councillor Niesh offered up a short commentary to the document, noting how it offers the community a chance to move things forward and trying to make things better.

Councillor Cunningham offered his full support to the Framework noting how the document brings a meaning to the word Reconciliation, noting how many people talk about it but don't do anything about it. 

He observed how the City is putting action to the words, with it coming from different agencies right up to the UN and how it offers the city a chance to do something towards reconciliation, observing how all in the region need to work together if we want the region to prosper and this is a step in that direction with a lot of partners.

Councillor Randhawa also offered his support of the document and congratulated both Mr. Skelton Morven and Ms. Steward for their work on the Framework.

The introduction of the Framework came to an end with a few more words from the Metlakatla Hereditary Chief who spoke on the theme for protocols, recounting a story on a totem Pole for the College that created some controversy as a guiding message towards communication for the Council members to keep in mind.  

Mayor Brain then reviewed some of the previous agreements that the City has taken on with area Indigenous Nations and how he would like to create a form of a Ts'msyen Mecca. 

Observing of his dream of creating a reflection of the culture that has been here for thousand of years with street names and signage and other cultural elements integrated into the community and how the Framework in place would  work towards those ambitions over the next decade.

The Mayor highlighting the aspect of the positive energy it will build for the community.

Councillor Skelton-Morven offered up some final thoughts on reconciliation, expressing his view as to how it offers the chance for the community to walk together as one.

The Council members then approved the motion with a unanimous vote.

The City  Council members then gathered for a photo to commemorate the introduction of the Framework on Reconciliation document.

(see page 15 of the Agenda package  for the full test of the Framework for Reconciliation  )

( 40: 00 -- 45:00  )  Recommendation  -- Correspondence to the Premier and Provincial Government to seek action on providing funding and new/restored revenues for the City's critical infrastructure renewals  -- Council approved the motion that will see Mayor Lee Brain forward a correspondence to the Premier and Provincial Cabinet to seek out additional resources towards infrastructure issues. The Mayor noting that the focus of the recommendation is that of the Port Property Tax Act and the concerns that the city has voiced about it. 

The Mayor observing that of note is how the Provincial government has issues at the Ministry of Finance level towards interpreting their own reports and how there is a need for more encouragement at the provincial level.  He called on the Provincial cabinet to come together and make a decision on the Act specifically and how it should not be left to one Ministry alone.  

Mr. Brain also made note of a recent provincial statement that had indicated that the municipality had been compensated for the Act, a statement which he described as not necessarily true. 

With the Mayor stating the City is still required to make up for tax loss on resident and small businesses. Following his commentary, Mr. Brain observed that the letter would also include some of the immediate infrastructure needs, noting how some are reaching a critical failure state which could lead to longer term consequences.  

None of the Council members offered up any comments to the topic following the mayor's talking points towards the correspondence. 

( 45 - 52:00 )  Report from Planning - Temporary Use Permit   -- Proposed use of land in the Industrial park for ship breaking work --  Ms. Miller noted that the city had not received any letters of concern related to the proposed used. Councillor Mirau raised a question on the nature of hazardous material disposal and what would happen. 

The City Manager Mr. Rob Buchan explained the parameters of the Temporary use permit observing that an amendment be added to the motion to address any materials that the city is not aware of to ensure that they are taken care of by the permit applicant.  

Councillor Cunningham relayed some thoughts to the topic, expressing his concerns over would be monitoring the work, to which the City Manager did not have any process in place for monitoring but if made aware they could take action to respond to any issues.  

Mr. Buchan followed up with a review of some of the provincial measures in place to address hazardous materials.

Mr. Cunningham also suggested that the City use the salvage barge that will be taking the material away to transport some of the derelict vehicles the City may have at the time. 

The City Manager observed how part of the current proposal at hand. Suggesting that if council is seeking to move derelict or scrap vehicles city staff could look into the issue and seek out an answer to the issue, noting how there are other circumstances to consider such as who would receive them at the other end.

The Mayor observed how there could be economies of scale to explore from the Councillors suggestion.

(see page 9 of the Agenda package  for report on the requested variances)

( 52:00 - 58:00)  Report from Planning - Prince Rupert Low Carbon Resilience Climate Action Plan    -- Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller outlined the scope of the Report noting how it builds on climate  commitments in the City's 2021official community plan, with a focus on the climate crisis identified as a significant and a pressing issue. 

Ms. Miller noted that  while the City is not viewed as vulnerable to such incidents as forest fires and heat domes, other climate change vulnerabilities such as sea level rising, flooding,  tsunami and landslides have become more and more likely as climate change continues. 

Towards discussion of the report, Councillor Adey spoke of his support noting how its an issue of critical importance, observing the report as a practical step on the horizon towards the climate change initiative.  He also observed of the potential for cohesion with other elements that the City is working on. 

The Councillor noted of the September 30th deadline for the funding application, in response to that inquiry, Ms. Miller outlined how the city's request would meet the deadline.

Councillor Cunningham raised the topic of how most of the heavy industry in the community is not under the city's control and is under the domain of the Port, suggesting that the city should seek out some cooperation with the port on shared goals.

The Mayor addressed the observation as to how the proposal for the Climate Plan would create a process for the City to have that kind of engagement. 

Referencing the OCP the Mayor outlined some of the areas that could be taken on, from local food production, local energy production, electrification of the fleet, Net Zero buildings. 

Mr. Brain also pointed to the city's waste treatment solution ambitions, noting how Council had also elected to purposely raise the height of the dam toward the future potential for electric generation  from the dam which could  create renewal energy for the community and be a revenue generator for it. 

Councillor Cunningham also observed how the measures could not only enhance the quality of life in the community but enhance the tax situation in the community.

Council then voted to approve the motion. (see page  22 of the Agenda package  for report)

Bylaws

(59:00 - 1:00:00 )  Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Digby Island Ferry and Prince Rupert Airport Ground Transportation, Systems Tariffs, Feeds and Charges Amendment Bylaw, 3503, 2022  -- Council received a presentation on the report from CFO Corinne Bomben, who provided an overview of the proposed changes.  

She observed how it will provide clarity for charter services outside of regular hours and how the increases would be three percent  over the next four years, making for the first changes in ten years.   

The exception  to the increases is directed towards aircraft passenger bus fares and monthly passes for passenger vehicles, they will remain unchanged to continue to encourage the use of the local airport for commercial air travel. Council approved the motion without any discussion.   (see page  44 of the Agenda package for report)

(1:00:00 - 1:00:15)  Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Police Detachment Borrowing Bylaw  -- Council provided Fourth and Final reading towards the bylaw to authorize borrowing for the new Detachment build at Third Avenue East and McBride   (see page 48  of the Agenda package for report)

(1:00:15 -1:00:30 )  Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Permissive Property Tax Exemption Bylaw Not 3501, 2022  -- Council reviewed the request to repeal the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw from 2019 and a 2021 amendment, and then to provide Fourth and Final Reading of the new Tax exemption bylaw for 2022.  Council had no discussion for the topic and approved the motion  (see page 49  of the Agenda package for report)

(1:00:30 - 1:01:55)  Reports, Questions, Comments, Reports and Inquiries from Members of Council.

The Council membership had no discussion topics to bring forward on the night, with the Mayor making note of the upcoming election wishing good luck to those seeking a seat on Council.

He observed that there would be one final council session set for October 24th, with the new council to be sworn in to office on November 7th at 7PM in council chambers.

He also noted of the advance polling opportunities to come prior to General Election Day of October 15th, Ms. Bomben reminded voters that the advance polling takes place at the Recreation Complex in the Raven Youth Lounge and not at City hall as it has in previous years.

Council then brought the session to a close.

You can access our Council Archive for the October 3rd session here, where a number of items regarding the Council Session, including links to any local media coverage can 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 the City website for further review.

Official minutes of the Regular Council Session from October 3, 2022 (not available yet)

The Next Session for Prince Rupert City Council is set for Monday, October 24, 2022.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.