Watch City Council meetings live or view recordings at www.campbellriver.ca/webcasts.

The City of Campbell River acknowledges that we are on the territory of the Laich-Kwil-Tach people of the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai First Nations.

DELEGATIONS
Presentation from Sealand Flight Limited
Mike Andrews, Sealand Flight Limited, shared a presentation on Sealand Aviation and Sealand Flight’s electrical aviation pursuits, and sustainable aviation in Campbell River. Mike requested an opportunity for Sealand Flight to work with the City owned and operated Campbell River Airport (YBL) to investigate procedures and funding opportunities for creating a public electric aircraft charger, which they indicated would be the first in Canada. Staff are looking into the request.

LED Lighting
Paula Bourque submitted a letter and presented to Council regarding LED lighting, and requested the implementation of a nuisance lighting bylaw. Council directed the report to staff for consideration.

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATES
Noise Exemption for Golf Courses
Council gave Public Nuisance Amendment Bylaw No. 3944, 2024, first and second reading and directed staff to notify residents in the vicinity of golf courses in Campbell River of the proposed amendments. The proposed bylaw would allow early morning golf course care and maintenance and follows a report and request from Brad Sinclair, Superintendent, Naturally Pacific Resort. The public is invited to submit written feedback prior to third reading, which will be considered by Council at a future Council meeting.

2024 UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Grant Applications
Council directed staff to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities for funding under the 2024 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Emergency Support Services and Emergency Operation Centre grant programs, in collaboration with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD). If successful, the SRD would manage the grants and receive all funding on the City’s behalf.

2024 FireSmart Community Resiliency Investment Grant Application
As part of the City's ongoing initiative of reducing wildfire risk in the community, Council directed staff to submit a 2024 Community Resiliency Investment Program grant application to the Union of BC Municipalities as recommended in the Fire Department's January 3, 2024, report.

Correspondence from Fort St. John regarding the Community Safety Act and Community Safety Amendment Act
Council received a letter from the Mayor of Fort St. John, addressed to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General regarding the Community Safety Act and Community Safety Amendment Act. Council commended the letter from Fort St. John and directed staff to send a follow-up letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General that voices the City’s support and includes the Campbell River perspective. The City will include Fort St. John and other Canadian municipalities in this response. Once sent, the letter will be published on the City’s website at campbellriver.ca/downtown-safety.

Expansion of Integrated Major Crime Services on Vancouver Island
Council received correspondence from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General inviting the City to collaborate with the Province and the BC RCMP on a joint initiative to expand integrated major crime services to all communities. The City recognizes the need for a modernized major crime service and supports the proposed expansion of the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit to other Vancouver Island communities, including Campbell River. An integrated model should help ensure the necessary resources are in place to investigate major crimes and bring closure and resolution to individuals, families, and communities. The City looks forward to the upcoming engagement with the RCMP and the Province and will support a fair and reasonable approach to funding the expanded service.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES UPDATE
Public Notice Bylaw
Council adopted Public Notice Bylaw No. 3938, 2023. The bylaw will modernize how the City notifies the public; enhance the City’s objective of open, transparent, and accessible public communications; and create efficiencies and cost-savings. The changes were informed in part by feedback received through the City’s 2023 Citizen Satisfaction Survey and are in keeping with amendments that were made to the Community Charter and Local Government Act in 2022. Moving forward, initial public notices will be posted on the City’s website and social media channels and second notices will be advertised in the local newspaper.

FINANCIAL UPDATE
Growing Communities Fund
Council adopted Growing Communities Fund Reserve Establishment Bylaw No. 3942, 2023. This bylaw will establish a segregated reserve fund as required by conditions of a $8,587,000 grant received from the Provincial Government’s Growing Communities Fund. This fund looks to increase the local housing supply with investments in community infrastructure and amenities. Municipalities are encouraged to work closely with adjacent First Nations, recognizing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, to support initiatives that strengthen the social, cultural and economic well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Development Applications Fees Updates
Council gave first, second and third reading to Development Applications Procedures Amendment Bylaw No. 3943, 2024, which looks to update development application fees. Development application fees are the main source of revenue and cost recovery for the Development Services Department, and the last substantive fee review took place in 2010. The proposed bylaw would align the City’s fees with peer community averages and work towards meeting departmental costs. Council will consider adoption of the Bylaw at the Regular Council meeting on January 25, 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS of January 11, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING - NEWS RELEASE