Monday made for presentation night at Prince Rupert City Council as the council members explored a number of themes which included Tsunami risk, Child Care and a call to adopt a declaration as a Community on the Move.
With Mayor Lee Brain absent on the evening, the duties of Chair for the night's session were handled by Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa who helped steer the session through both the Committee of the Whole and Regular Council meeting.
It was during the Committee of the Whole session that the City received a presentation from Chris Lightfoot, seeking the city's endorsement of Prince Rupert as a Community on the move, the presentation providing the Complete Streets for Prince Rupert organizer to share the notes on the theme that he was to present at last months Committee of the Whole.
The Committee of the Whole also provided opportunity for two other residents to speak, with themes of bylaw concerns and praise for the City's plans for a Child Care study part of that segment of the evening.
The Regular Council session included some background on that Child Care study, as well as a review of a study on Tsunami Risk that had been compiled for the City following a contract award from 2018.
Council members also reviewed a number of correspondences for action, revised a recent bylaw that had featured a clerical error and move forward with a property variance request.
Some background on the work of Council on the evening and the various Regular Meeting and Committee of the Whole Agenda elements for the April 29th Council session can be reviewed here.
Council also met in a closed session earlier in the evening, hosting a 5 PM meeting
Further information from our overview and placement in the video archive can be found below, with the permanent record of the minutes added as they are posted to the city website.
In attendance Monday, May 27, 2019
Mayor Lee Brain -- Absent
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
Video Archive for Monday, May 27, 2019
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Committee of the Whole
( 0:00 -- 3:30 ) Adoption of Agenda -- Acting Mayor Gurvinder Randhawa called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order, outlining the elements of the Committee session.
( 3:30 -- 15:00 ) Presentation from Chris Lightfoot -- Complete Streets for Prince Rupert -- Speaking on the BC Alliance for Healthy Living's Communities on the Move Declaration -- Mr. Lightfoot provided some background on the work of the BC Alliance for Healthy Living and how his organization of Complete Streets for Prince Rupert came to work together towards the initiative.
The main focus of the Communities on the Move Declaration is to ensure for easy, safe and enjoyable transportation options for everyone. The declaration calls for long term funding for transit in rural and small communities. The declaration also looks for active cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as a commitment to Equity for those with disabilities. It also reinforces the need for regional considerations and commitments to Road safety strategies.
Mr. Lightfoot observed that the declaration has been endorsed by over 130 communities and organizations in the province including Smithers and communities on Haida Gwaii. He also observed how the declaration lines up with the City's Official Community Plan and budget ambitions.
As he completed his presentation, he outlined how Complete Streets is in support of the City of Prince Rupert signing on to Communities on the Move the Declaration. When it came to questions, Councillor Adey led off the conversation, first making note of a mix up at the Council of the Whole four weeks ago, expressing his gratitude that Mr. Lightfoot could attend the May session. The councillor also made note of the broad coalition of groups and interests, with some aspirational objectives. For questions he inquired as to what sense Mr. Lightfoot has when it comes to the level of interest the province has in the initiative, as well as to what actions that could be taken locally.
Mr. Lightfoot noted that the province had opened consultations as to what to include in their active transportation study; on the local view he offered up that it would be nice to have a complete pathway from east to west through Third Avenue West, to allow for wheelchairs and bicycle users.
He also observed that a starting point for the city to consider may be to focus on the dangerous intersections in town, he also commented as to how parents with safety in mind these days are more inclined to drive their children to school rather than let them walk or bike there.
Councillor Skelton-Morven also thanked him for the presentation.
Public comment period of Committee of Whole --
(15:30 :00 -- 22:30) One member of the public, Lothar Schliese called attention to a number of personal concerns related to bylaw and law enforcement in the area of the community that he lives in.
( 22:30 :00 -- 25:00) Judy Riddell of the Berry Patch spoke in favour of the Council initiative to apply for funding for a Child Care Plan for the community, she observed how its a wonderful opportunity to see how the recommendations can be integrated into the Community plan. Councillor Randhawa noted that Council would be considering the Child Care Plan initiative as part of the Regular Council session.
(25:00-25:30 ) Adjournment to reconvene as Regular Council Session
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Regular Council Session
( 25:30 -- 28:00 ) Regular City Council Session for Monday, May 27, 2019 -- Adoption of Agenda, Acting Mayor Gurvinder Randhawa called the Regular Council Session to order, with Council adopting the agenda and past minutes of previous minutes.
Petitions and Delegations
(28:00 -- 1:05:30) Draft Tsunami Study Results -- Graham Farsta of the Arlington Group and Phillipe St-Germain of NHC, provided a review of a recent Draft Tsunami Study, opening their presentation with a number of acknowledgements and recognitions for those who helped put it together.
The Study was funded through the National Disaster Mitigation program with a range of objectives in mind.
When it came to the overall review the pair noted how the City is susceptible to seismic tsunamis from the pacific Ocean, as well as conceivably from local landslides, the study objectives included: identification of seismic and landslide hazards, flood modelling, an analysis of hazard, risk and vulnerability as well as to incorporate the findings into emergency preparedness planning and response initiatives.
Mr. St. Germain outlined the difference in nature of tsunami generated by seismic activity and those of landslide, providing some past examples of both elements of note.
He did note that from their analysis there was no evidence of slope instability located near Prince Rupert. When it comes to seismic related tsunami, the Prince Rupert area should view those arriving from the north and the Aleutian-Alaska region as more of a concern, than those of the Cascadia subduction zone located to the south.
Even with those from the north, the expected rise in water for the Prince Rupert area is not considered particularly high or of concern, with the Tuck Inlet area the one body of local water that may notice the most impact of water level increase, while Hays and Seal Cove would see the most impact locally.
When it comes to water velocity generated by a seismic event, the most impact would be found in the narrow water passage of the Digby Island Ferry which would see an increase of 6 knots in flow.
Mr. Farsta took over for the Risk Assessment of the study review, and in that they had good news for the community, noting that overall the City of Prince Rupert fared well when it comes to any risk from any tsunami event.
Among those findings, Mr. Farsta reinforced the more likelihood of risk from the Aleutian-Alaskan which had a higher risk factor than the Cascadia potential.
It was noted that all of the city's emergency facilities were in locations that would have no impact of tsunami risk, as all are above or away from where any tsunami may arrive, the same was said for the city's residential areas, the downtown area and the city's infrastructure, including the Prince Rupert Airport and Highway 16 leading out of town.
It was noted how CN Rail rings the city and the height of the railway is well above the risk factor for any impact of tsunami.
Some areas of risk, though mostly low in nature included, the Digby Island Ferry terminal which is susceptible to the water velocity concerns, also of note were the city's marinas, the municipal water supply and the Cow Bay area of the city.
When it comes to Prince Rupert Port Authority Facilities, all bulk terminal facilities were located well above any potential risk with the exception of the off loading into the ocean which cannot be avoided.
Fairview Terminal is 3 metres plus above the highest potential level of risk and its design would also serve to channel it away from the risk, the two ferry terminals would have a low risk owing to water velocity, the Port Edward Harbour facilities are at risk as they are at sea level.
There is some risk but still considered low for Lax Kw'alaams, Digby Island rural areas and Port Edward, though that community's risk was considered very low.
As for recommendations, they recommended that the details from the report be added to some of the city's documentation. They also outlined the need to upgrade the communications plan, evacuation signage and Waterfront evacuation procedures.
They also observed how much of the provincial emergency preparation work is focus on the Cascadia area and they noted that it was something that could be brought to the attention of the province to also include the risk to the North Coast posed by the Alaska-Aleutian area.
A review of evacuation overview was suggested as well, with Mr. Farsta noting that as most of the city's residential areas and other key sections of the city are all well above any tsunami risk, there would be no real need for any form of evacuation of the city should a tsunami take place.
Councillor Niesh offered his thanks and made a few observations, Councillor Cunningham inquired as to what impact the 1964 Alaska earthquake would have had on Prince Rupert, the authors noted that they did not have any information on that event and would have to study it further.
Mr. Cunningham also offered some comments related to the velocity issues and observed how it most likely would not be a very significant situation. He also recounted the most recent large quake off of Haida Gwaii and how it had little impact on the community.
(1:06:30 -- 1:09:00 ) Application for Development Variance Permit -- Council opened the proceedings for public comment related to the request for a development variance permit for a property at 998 1st Avenue West. No members of the public came forward on the topic.
Council then moved forward towards the consideration of the permit, hearing some background from the City Planner Zeno Krekic. As part of his presentation, he noted that the City staff had received no concerns from the public related to the application. Following his observations, Council moved to send it to final consideration.
Reports and Recommendations
(1:09:00 -- 1:12:00) Report from the Communications Manager -- Development of a Child Care Assessment and Action plan -- Ms. Veronika Stewart outlined the nature of the city's process in developing a Child Care assessment, reviewing the number of applications that they had received in their request for bids.
Councillor Cunningham had one question related to the city's assessment project, inquiring if Ms. Stewart had a cost estimate for what the total amount would be for the remaining cost on print and staff time, she estimated the amount as at the 200-300 dollar level, with plans to use the recreation centre space and in house printing to keep costs at a minimum.
Council then voted to accept her recommendation to award the contract to Watson Projects of Smithers.
(1:12:00--1:15:00) Correspondences for Action
Council voted to move forward with three requests on the night.
Chris Lightfoot from Complete Streets for Prince Rupert - Mr. Lightfoot's requested an endorsement and signature for the BC Alliance for Healthy Living Communities on the Move Declaration; as well as a request that any future recommendations made by the BC Alliance be given consideration on a case by case basis. Councillor Mirau spoke in favour of the request and added that it was a happy coincidence that despite the snafu of a month ago, that the request be considered during Bike to Work and School Week.
North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Service Society - The organization asked that City Council proclaim June 15th, 2019 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the City of Prince Rupert.
BC Parks and Recreation Association - The Organization asked that the City Proclaim the month of June 2019 as Recreation and Parks month in the city of Prince Rupert.
Bylaws
(1:15:00 -- 1:16:00 ) Verbal Report from the Deputy Corporate Administrator -- The City's Financial Officer outlined that the there was a need to revise the zoning Amendment Bylaw and Quality of Life Official Community plan for a property on Chamberlin Avenue. She noted that the nature of the revision was to correct a clerical error. Council then gave first and second reading to the required elements.
(1:16:00 -- 1:21:00 ) Reports and Comments from Council members
Councillor Adey led off the comment period, making note of the many community events that took place around the city over the weekend just past. He also took note of a recent news item out of Terrace related to the long weekend of law enforcement issues that the RCMP in that community had faced, He then posed a question for Council to pursue to learn what kind of police challenges are faced by the RCMP detachment during a long weekend in this community.
Councillor Cunningham took note of the lengthy run of warm weather that Prince Rupert has had and asked that city staff look into what kind of fire risk may be found in the community and what contingency plans might be in place to deal with such an emergency.
Councillor Randhawa inquired of staff if any plans had been made to include the Charles Hays Rainmakers Championship Basketball team in the Seafest parade, he was advised that if the Rainmakers wished to be involved in the parade they could contact the organizing committee.
Councillor Niesh took advantage of the Seafest theme to remind residents of the city of the need for volunteers, advising that anyone interested in helping out could contact the Special Events Organization in their basement offices at City Hall.
You can access the City Council Review for May 27th here, 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 May 27, 2019 (not available yet)
In addition to the city's official minutes, the City's Video archive provides a helpful record of the events from each public council session.
Council members next meet on Monday, June 11, 2019.
To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.
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