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.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Animal Control Amendment Bylaw and Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Amendment Bylaw
Council gave third readings to Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 3923, 2023, and Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Amendment Bylaw No. 3924, 2023. The proposed amendments, developed in consultation with the City’s animal control service provider, would update certain areas of the bylaw to align with current standards and to encourage compliance with animal control regulations.
Staff provided an update on whether a mechanism for people to request relief or payment terms could be built into the bylaw. Staff advised that disputed municipal tickets can be heard in court and the Community Magistrate may consider ability to pay and allow a fine reduction or extended payment terms. Unclaimed dogs are left in the care and custody of the animal control provider and are normally re-homed. Very few dogs are euthanized and the City pays for any necessary vet costs during the time dogs are in the care of animal control.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Department Base Operating Budget Dashboard Review
(Considered by Council at the October 24, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting.) Staff continued presentations about City services, service levels and existing departmental base operating budgets to provide Council with additional information in advance of the 2024-2033 financial planning process.
Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw
Council adopted Permissive Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 3920, 2023, as amended during the Council meeting on October 12, 2023. This bylaw grants $1,133,837 of estimated permissive tax exemptions for the 2024 taxation year, including full exemptions for 97 properties and partial exemptions for 15 properties.
City Fees and Charges Review
Council gave first, second and third readings to several amendment bylaws related to the City’s fees and charges:
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User Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3928, 2023
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Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3929, 2023
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False Alarm Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 3930, 2023
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Fireworks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 3931, 2023
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Clean Air Amendment Bylaw No. 3932, 2023
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Fire Services Amendment Bylaw No. 3933, 2023
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Cemetery Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3935, 2023
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Sanitary Sewer Connections Amendment Bylaw No. 3936, 2023
Fee reviews for the Campbell River Airport, animal control and the Development Services Department have been or will be delivered separately.
The City derives its revenue from a limited number of sources, including taxation, user fees and charges, sales of services, investment income, services provided to other levels of government, property leases and grants. Council is looking to close the financial gap between City revenues and expenses to help minimize property taxation increases. To support closing the gap, staff are reviewing services, identifying opportunities to lower expenses and increase revenues, and ensuring that budgets align with Council’s priorities.
The proposed amendments, which take into account rising inflation and rising costs to deliver municipal programs and services, will help the City generate an estimated $185,000 to $230,000 of new fees and charges revenue during 2024. An estimated $140,000 to $165,000 of that additional revenue will be allocated to the General Fund, which will help to close the financial gap and reduce the overall tax increase for 2024. Council directed staff to incorporate the fees and charges amendments into the 2024-2033 Financial Plan. Revised or new fees will take effect at the beginning of 2024. The last major fee increase occurred in 2014.
General Administration Cost Allocation Review
Council received a report reviewing corporate, financial and administrative cost allocations, and directed staff to update cost allocations in the 2024 Financial Plan, as recommended in the report. These costs are incurred to support the overall operation and management of the City. Shared costs are allocated between different funds and program areas. The updated cost allocations will reflect actual costs and ensure that there is cost recovery for services provided to self-financed funds and departments with shared-cost agreements.
Fees Waived for Strathcona Gardens REC-REATE Project
Council approved Strathcona Regional District’s request to waive building and development permit fees associated with renovations and building work for the REC-REATE Strathcona Gardens project. The 2023-2032 Financial Plan will be amended accordingly. The waived permit fees include a $1,500 application fee for a development variance permit and $365,000 for building permit and plumbing permit fees.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Rezoning Application for 1022 Cedar Street (Formerly 540, 560, 580, and 590 10th Avenue)
Council gave third reading to and adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3922, 2023, to rezone the property at 1022 Cedar Street (previously 540, 560, 580 and 590 10th Avenue) from Commercial One (C-1) to Commercial One B (C-1B) to meet the intent and purpose of the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Refresh Downtown Strategy. At the September 7, 2023, Council meeting, Council decided not to hold a public hearing as this zoning amendment bylaw is consistent with the OCP.
CORRESPONDENCE
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137 Regarding Venue for Remembrance Day Ceremony
Council received correspondence from Alain Chatigny, President/Service Officer, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137, requesting complementary use of the Campbell River Community Centre’s gymnasium for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Council approved the request and directed staff to utilize Council contingency funds to cover the gymnasium rental fee.
Naturally Pacific Resort Regarding Exemption From Public Nuisance Bylaw
Council received correspondence from Brad Sinclair, Superintendent, Naturally Pacific Resort, requesting that the resort be exempted from Public Nuisance Bylaw No. 3543, 2014. Noise regulations within this bylaw permit the use of power tools (including power gardening tools) or machines between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Council referred the letter to staff to report back to Council at a future date.
Diane Bieber Regarding Remedial Action Notice
Council received correspondence from Diane Bieber, requesting that Council reconsider the remedial action requirement for 180 Petersen Road. At the Council meeting on September 28, 2023, after receiving a report from staff and hearing from the property owner, Council directed staff to require that the owner of the property at 180 Petersen Road bring the property into compliance with Public Nuisance Bylaw No. 3543, 2014, by removing three trees, and this direction remains in place. City contractors are authorized to enter onto the property to perform the necessary work to achieve compliance, if required.
Lordco Auto Parts Regarding the Overdose Prevention Site
Council received correspondence from Ryan Sundquist, Branch Manager, Lordco Auto Parts, requesting that the Overdose Prevention Site located at 1330 Dogwood Street be declared a nuisance property. Given the volume of correspondence Council has received on this matter, Council asked staff to report back with information and options.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OCTOBER 26 2023 COUNCIL MEETING - NEWS RELEASE - 2023