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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 Island Health and Regional Medical Health Officer
Council received a presentation from Dr. Reka Gustafson, Chief Medical Health Officer for Island Health, and Dr. Charmaine Enns, Regional Medical Health Officer, at the May 9 Committee of the Whole meeting and looks forward to their involvement in a new working group. The Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions committed to creating a working group that will include representatives from the Ministry, Island Health, First Nations and the City, to address concerns raised in a meeting held earlier in May.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
2022 Audited Financial Statements
Council approved the City's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, following a staff presentation and comments from Cory Vanderhorst, Auditor, MNP.
2022 Statement of Financial Information
Council approved the 2022 Statement of Financial Information, which the City must produce annually under the Financial Information Act and the Community Charter and directed staff to file the report with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Tax Rates Bylaw No. 3906
Council adopted the Tax Rates Bylaw No. 3906, which enacts the approved tax increase to support the City’s 2023- 2032 Financial Plan. The 2023 tax rate supports the base operating budget, investment in capital infrastructure and incremental enhancements to the City services.
Utility User Fees for 2023-2024
Council adopted User Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3890, 2023. The proposed bylaws include a combined residential utility flat rate increase of 5.0% annually for 2023 and 2024, including solid waste, with respective increases to commercial and other rates in the bylaw. Increases are within the 3.5 to 5.0% range mandated by Council in the Financial Stability & Resiliency Policy and help ensure ongoing service delivery. A two-year rate structure will allow Utilities to align funding with strategy in the future.
Storm Water Management Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 3889.
Council adopted Storm Water Management Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 3889, 2023. The proposed bylaw includes a combined residential utility flat rate increase of 5.0% annually for 2023 and 2024, including solid waste, with respective increases to commercial and other rates in the bylaw. Increases are within the 3.5 to 5.0% range mandated by Council in the Financial Stability & Resiliency Policy and help ensure ongoing service delivery. A two-year rate structure will allow Utilities to align funding with strategy in the future.
Expanded Credit Card Payment Services
Council adopted Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3905, 2023, which expands City credit card payment services and enables credit card payments for work orders, freedom of information searches, permits, and other billings. The bylaw also reinstates the 2% monthly interest rate on accounts receivables in arrears and corrects the percentage for recovery fees on credit card payments.
Community Centre Roof Replacement Awarded
The Community Centre roof is nearing the end of its serviceable life and Council awarded a contract to Cascade Roofing & Exteriors Inc. in the amount of $1,474,747, excluding GST for its replacement.
Heart of the City Business Improvement Area Expansion to Include Properties along Pier Street
Council adopted Heart of the City Business Improvement Area Amendment Bylaw No. 3893, 2023. This bylaw expands the business improvement area to include the properties located on Pier Street that were previously part of the Pier Street Association and levies a local service tax against the additional service area properties to increase the budget to $82,793 in 2023 and $85,277 in 2024.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
961 13th Avenue
Council approved Major Development Permit P2200101 for 961 13th Avenue, for a four-storey apartment building with 35 residential units, with variances to off-street parking requirements, front and side yard setbacks, and building height. Prior to building permit issuance, landscape security in the amount of $134,025.00, representing 125% of the cost estimate, is to be provided and a Statutory Right of Way over City infrastructure and for a future bus shelter must be registered.
78 Ridgeview Place
Council approved Development Variance Permit P2300023 at 78 Ridgeview Place to extend and enclose the current carport. The permit allows a front yard setback variance from 4.0 to 2.78 metres and reduces the setback to the front of the opening of the garage/carport from 6.0 to 2.78 metres.
2105 Shetland Road
Council decided not to hold a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3904, 2023, for 2105 Shetland Road, as it is consistent with the Official Community Plan, and directed staff to provide the required statutory notifications. Updated legislation now requires local governments to notify the public that a public hearing is not being held prior to first reading. The bylaw amendment would rezone 2105 Shetland Road from Residential Estate One (RE-1) to Residential Multiple Two (RM-2) with a site-specific text amendment to allow duplexes with or without secondary suites in conjunction with a 17-lot, fee-simple subdivision. Council will consider first and second reading on June 1, 2023.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
CR Live Streets
Council received a report outlining the upcoming CR Live Streets events, which will feature seven events running every Wednesday from July 19 to August 30, 2023. The successes of the 2022 CR Live Streets events were celebrated with staff noting that the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) presented its Festivals and Events Excellence Award to the City of Campbell River for CR Live Streets 2022.
BC Transit Fare Changes
Council approved fare updates recommended by BC Transit to launch a new electronic fare collection system, UMO, that is being launched across British Columbia. The new system will be implemented in Campbell River in the summer of 2023, when monthly pass and ticket fare products will be removed. Customers will pay the transit fares using an app, reloadable smart card or with credit/debit cards. Cash fares will continue, but the new system will simplify the process.
Remedial Action at 365 Carolyn Road
Council authorized staff to require the owners of 365 Carolyn Road to bring the property into compliance with Public Nuisance Bylaw No. 3543, 2014. City contractors may enter the property to complete the work if required.
ECONOMIC UPDATES
Airport Business and Strategic Planning 2023
Council received the Airport Business and Strategic Planning 2023 report that highlights the airport’s development potential and suggests that a new business and strategic plan should be authored. The current Airport Master Plan was approved by Council in 2016 and there have been many changes since that time. Airport and Economic Development staff have built a new planning process into their 2023 work plans, and propose to author a new plan in-house, with strategic use of consultants for specific items. A draft report will be brought before Council for approval in October 2023.
PROCLAMATIONS
Local Government Awareness Week
Mayor Dahl proclaimed May 14 to 20, 2023, Local Government Awareness Week, a time to generate awareness, promote education and encourage participation in local government.
CORRESPONDENCE
Discovery Community College request for letter of support
Correspondence from Kosta Kokinis, Career Advisor, Discovery Community College, was received and Council supported sending a letter of support for the Crisis Response Worker Certificate Program grant application.
HIGHLIGHTS of MAY 11, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING