The first of two public sessions for the Month of February found the city's council members once again participating by remote methods, with the third Zoom session of the year taking on an Agenda heavy on requests for them to do some letter writing.
When they weren't approving the composition of correspondences of support, they heard a report on the city's plans for a pilot project wastewater treatment project off of Omenica, an update for the city's Subdivision and Servicing Bylaw, as well as to address a number of other bylaw themes.
As part of some their review on the night, a pair of Variance permits provided for an introduction to a new member of the city's planning team.
The night came to an end with Councillor Cunningham once expressing his concerns over the potential loss of health care services, while Councillor Adey reaffirmed his desire to have representatives from the Prince Rupert RCMP attend to Council to discuss policing themes.
Some background on the work of Council for the night, can be reviewed from the Regular Agenda Package for the February 7th session.
Council also hosted a Closed meeting, marking the third of the in camera sessions for 2022.
The details related to the reasons for the in camera session can be explored here.
Further information from our overview and placement in the video archive can be found below, with the permanent record of the council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.
In attendance Monday, February 7, 2021
(All Participated by way of virtual communication)
Mayor Lee Brain -- Present
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, February 7, 2022
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Regular Council Session( 0:00 -- 1:00 ) Regular City Council Session for Monday, February 7, 2022
Mayor Lee Brain called the session to order, adopting the past minutes and Agenda for the session with one amendment.
Reports and Resolutions
( 1:00 -- 1:30 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re: Council Resolution status -- Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller advised council that the items of interest on the Resolution status was an FYI item and is available as part of the Agenda package. She did note that the work that staff is doing with the TORCA Pump Truck proponents continues to move forward to public notification. (see page 9 of the Agenda package for report)
( 1:30 -- 3:30 ) Report from Planning -- Re: DVP 21 11 -- Council received some background towards a request for a Development Variance for a property on Borden Street. Prior to the presentation, City Manager Rob Buchan introduced Myfannwy Pope, one of two new city planners that have been hired by the city. He noted how they are pleased to have her with the City and that she is fitting in very nicely. As for the Variance request, Council had no questions of her following her first report, moving the application forward to public notification. (see page 10 of the Agenda package)
( 3:30 -- 5:30 ) Report from Planning -- Re: DVP 22 02 -- Council received some background towards a request for a Development Variance for a property on Hays Cove Avenue, Council had no questions of the planning department related to the report. (see page 16 of the Agenda package)
( 5:30 -- 6:00 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re: Letter of Support for Prince Rupert Tourism-- The Mayor outlined the background towards a request for a letter of support for Prince Rupert Tourism towards seeking funding for website development and interpretive trail signage. Council approved the request without any discussion (see page 27 of the Agenda package)
( 6:00 -- 7:00 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re: Letter of Support for improvements to Odd Eidsvik Community Park -- Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller outlined the background towards a request for a letter of support from residents around the Atlin Avenue Park towards seeking funding for park improvements and grant applications. Council approved the request without any discussion. (see page 29 of the Agenda package)
( 7:00 -- 18:30 ) Report from Director of Operations and Intergovernmental Relations -- Mr. Richard Pucci provided some background towards his request for a resolution to support staff in applying for a grant for the Omenica Wastewater Treatment Facility.
He outlined for Council how the Omenica project is a pilot project of an innovative green wetland treatment concept and would cost approximately 6 million dollars, the request would see the city seek funding of up to 4 million dollars for the work, which would reduce the required city investment.
In follow up discussion, many of the Council members spoke enthusiastically for the proposal.
Councillor Niesh speaking first and asking towards thepilot project and if it could be expandable further in the neighbourhood. He was advised that it was possible to expand it following an initial assessment period.
Mr Niesh also asked towards future cost for the expansion, with Mr Pucci noting there would be some additional cost, adding that the city was due to replace the existing pump station at the Omenica area which is why they selected that area for the pilot project.
Councillor Mirau asked for more background on the timeline of the initial pilot project phase, with the Operations Director noting of the ongoing engagement with senior levels of government towards remaining compliant with the program outline.
Councillor Skelton-Morven offered his praise for the project noting of some of its attributes and thanked Mr. Pucci for his work on the file.
Councillor Cunningham called the project a great idea and then followed up with a question on how it would be expanded after the initial phase. In reply Mr. Pucci provided am overview as to how it would move forward if the pilot project is a success.
The Operations Director also followed up with some thoughts on how similar styles of the treatment plan for Prince Rupert are being implemented in other communities other smaller communities, noting how the city's project would be the largest one to date for the West Coast.
Councillor Cunningham concluded his commentary by observing how he thought the plan was great work and would save the City a significant amount of money in the long run call it a windfall for the city.
Councillor Rahdhawa also shared his enthusiasm for the project. Councillor Skelton-Morven returned to the discussion to note how the city's development plan was an enterprising and forward thinking program and a testament to the leadership team and staff.
Mayor Brain commented on the difference in proposed costs between a traditional treatment program and the City's proposed green development, noting that if it is proven feasible it would bring a savings of 120 million dollars for the community, Mr. Pucci suggested that the amount is projected to be closer to 75 million.
The Mayor concluded his thoughts noting how he believes it is a great solution to the problem for the city and recounted how it fits into the work on the city's complete water program. He also suggested that the city put together a video presentation at some point in the future for the public to view, to help provide them with a look at the work ahead.
He did observe that it will be many years ahead before it is completed however, offering his thanks to staff for their work. Council then approved the request for the resolution of support towards seeking the funding. (see page 30 of the Agenda package)
( 18:30 -- 19:30 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re: Street Name Resident Request -- Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller provided some background to a request from Jessica Friesen of the BC Ambulance Service for improvement of street signs in the City, as well as concerns related to crosswalk areas for pedestrians.
As part of her commentary, Ms Miller observed that considering the significant resources required in implementing such measures that staff was requesting opportunity to review the packaging in its entirety to ensure that it fits into the 2022 budget. Council then voted to move the request further for additional study. (see page 32 of the Agenda package)
( 19:30 -- 21:30 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re Letter of Support for the Oldfield Creek Hatchery -- Councillor Nick Adey added some additional background to the Oldfield Creek request, noting of some of the challenges that the Hatchery has faced as a result of the storm damage of the fall. Noting of the educational purposes that the facility serves in the community, adding how he was in support of their request. With no other discussion, Council voted to approve the request for a letter of support. (see page 47 of the Agenda package)
( 21:30 -- 22:00 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert -- Mayor Brain outlined some of the background towards a request for a letter of support for a grant application from the Friendship House. Council approved the request without any discussion. (see page 50 of the Agenda package)
( 22:00 -- 22:30 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re Prince Rupert Golf Course -- The Mayor outlined the details towards a request for a letter of support towards grant applications from the Prince Rupert Golf Club. Council approved the request without any discussion (see page of the Agenda package)
( 22:30 -- 26:00 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club -- Mayor Lee Brain provided some background related to the request for a letter of support towards a grant applications from Kitimat's Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club.
During the discussion of the request, Councillor Wade Niesh outlined his objections to the city lending their support, offering his understanding as to how the Port allocates its funding program and noting he would rather support local initiatives.
Councillor Adey noted he was in agreement with Mr. Niehs's comments, though observing that writing letters has no impact on how the Port determines to invest. He did ask if the Ski Club had requested similar letter from both Terrace and Kitimat councils. Ms. Miller did confirm that they have made similar requests.
The Mayor offered up a few thoughts to the topic, noting how he believes the Port does more than one project at a time, observing as to some recent investment with Shames Mountain. He also noted how he understood the theme of Mr. Niesh's objection to a request from out of town, but adding that he didn't see an issue in providing for a letter, noting how there are some residents of the area who may benefit from the facility in Kitimat.
When it came time to vote, Council approved the letter with only Councillor Niesh dissenting. (see page 53 of the Agenda package)
Bylaws
( 26:00 -- 28:00 ) Report from Corporate Administrator -- Re: Commercial Vehicle Program -- Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller outlined how the Commercial Licensing program had ended in 2019 but was an initiative that had been continued by the City of Prince Rupert.
She noted of the low amount of revenue that it brought and asked that Council consider the repeal of it. In discussion, Councillor Randhwaw asked if the city had any plans to follow up with a similar program as that found in larger cities such as Vancouver and Victoria.
In reply, Ms. Miller reiterated the low volume of revenue that was realized in the original program, with but 1200 dollars in income generated, though she observed that if there is a need to bring it back they could consider it at a later date. Council then moved to repeal the bylaw. (see page 57 of the Agenda package)
( 28:00 -- 40:00 ) Report from Approval Officer -- Re: City of Prince Rupert Subdivision and Servicing Bylaw 3486,2022 -- Approving Officer, Richard Pucci outlined the background of his request seeking the first second and third reading towards the City's Subdivision and Services Bylaw.
In his outline he observed how the current guidelines date back to the late 1980's early 1990's and that standards and other elements related to development have changed since that time.
City Manager Rob Buchan provided some further background to the topic, noting of the extensive work on modernization that has been done by staff on the proposed changes to date and how it would set the stage for a supplementary standards plan for their desires for the downtown area, highlighting how it is part of the renewal process that Council and staff wishes to take on.
In discussion Councillor Cunningham focused on his concerns related to laneway access and other neighbourhood themes and if the proposed changes was a revise of that.
In response, Mr. Pucci observed that there have to be general standards in place, though noting of some discretionary elements that are available on issues of note.
The Councillor returned to his previous themes on maintaining standards on lanes in the past noting how the City had stopped doing that during the tough years of the past, with Mr. Pucci noting of the varying levels of concern where those areas may be. He followed up by highlighting how the proposed changes were more towards new developments that may be coming to the community in the future.
Councillor Mirau thanked staff for their work and noted of the satisfaction he finds in repealing and updating outdated bylaws, noting as to how it was one of the recommendations of the Small Business Development Action plan years ago.
Towards the bylaw under consideration, Mr. Mirau asked for some clarification on themes of Development Agreement and a few of the elements of the new wording toward that area.
The City Manager picked up the theme and outlined how the new bylaw would work towards development and creates a formal mechanism for it. He also provided some background as to how the Prince Rupert model compares to communities on Vancouver Island and the Lower mainland.
Council then carried the motion with the first three readings. (see page 68 of the Agenda package)
( 40:00 -- 41:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Zoning Amendment Bylaw 3485, 2022 -- Third and Final Reading of the Bylaw -- Prior to discussion on the bylaw, Councillor Wade Niesh recused himself from the discussion owing to a personal conflict on the topic. After a review of the Agenda, Council chose to combine the two Bylaws listed as one unit. With no discussion towards the topic, Council approved the motion and invited Mr. Niesh to return to the session. (see page 83 of the Agenda package)
( 41:00 -- 41:30 ) City of Prince Rupert Delegation Amendment Bylaw--First, Second and Third Reading of the Bylaw Council approved the bylaw with no discussion (see page 85 of the Agenda package)
( 41:30 -- 55:26 ) Questions, Comments, Reports or Inquiries from Council
Councillor Cunningham opened the discussion with a notice of motion related to Health Care concerns that he has for the community. He outlined that he was seeking a letter to be forwarded to Northern Health to express the city's desire to see the existing Orthopaedic position remain in place at the Prince Rupert Hospital.
Towards his commentary, the Councillor reviewed the recent appearance of Northern Health officials at Prince Rupert Council to address topics of concern, noting that he wants the Council to fight for the positions that are in place and spoke to a need to identify the Core Services that are required in Prince Rupert.
He also stated he would like to hear from the Northern Hearth CEO to discuss the issue of concerns over migration of positions to Terrace. He also noted how Prince Rupert is a service centre for Haida Gwaii residents with medical needs and with the risk of those services being moved they too would be impacted.
Council then carried the motion forward to send the letter of concern to Northern Health.
Mr. Cunningham followed on his health theme, with a question on where the City is on the clean up of the Angus Apartments, noting of concerns that have been raised by a area residents. The City's Corporate administrator outlined the process that the City has taken to address the issue, with Mr. Pucci from Operations noting that the city's drop dead date is February 11th, at which time further action could be taken if the owner does not comply.
Mayor Brain added to the discussion, observing how the city has to use a process towards those kind of actions required if there is no compliance. He noted of the time that it takes towards effecting a clean up.
Councillor Adey returned to a theme he raised previous in Council, noting of the challenges that are facing the RCMP in the community and then asking towards any progress on having representatives from the Prince Rupert detachment come to Council, a suggestion he had issued in the Fall.
He also took note of some of the themes outlined by Northern Health at their fall presentation and how COVID related mental health issues were of concern for the region, with the Councillor seeking more information sharing on Mental Health services and the challenges that are being faced by those dealing with the fall out of the issue.
In reply, the City Manager observed that the RCMP and City are currently in the final stages of securing an Officer In Charge for the local detachment, he also noted that they have discussed the need for regular reporting from the Detachment out to Council and the community which could see improvement towards that in the near future.
Councillor Cunningham invited the Mayor to provide an update on a friendly wager between Mayor Brain and Mayor Olsen from Queen Charlotte related to the weekend play of the Junior Rainmakers. The Mayor provided a photo of the Haida Gwaii Mayor, who is also the team coach, wearing a Rainmaker uniform which signifies which team had the most success on the weekend.
One final note on the night came from Councillor Randhawa who once again raised the issue of Highway travel between Prince Rupert and points east, asking for the city to forward a letter to reinforce their concerns on the roads situation.
And with that the February 7th session came to an end.
You can access our Council Session Archive page 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 February 7, 2022
(not available yet)
The Next session for Prince Rupert City Council is set for Monday, February 28th, 2022.
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