Kevin Stunder, the proponent of a proposed housing development for Drake Crescent appeared at Council on Monday evening to outline the project
Prince Rupert City Council has decided to wait two more weeks before making a decision on a request for zoning changes to a parcel of land on Drake Crescent, with Council looking for further information from staff and its work with the developer on amenities and on how many units will be built before moving on the zoning issue.
Monday's Council session featured a Public Hearing on the issue, though no residents appeared in Council Chambers to outline any concerns related to the proposed development during the course of the session.
Council did hear from realtor Keith Lambourne, who speaking as President of the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce voiced that group's support for the proposed development, noting that there is an immediate need for more housing in the community, with many rental groups in the city featuring no vacancies at the moment.
Kevin Stunder, the proponent of the development for Drake Crescent also provided his thoughts on how the project would come together, calling on some of his past experience in other communities on property development.
On the topic of when the housing development might start, Mr. Stunder did note that no decision would be made until there was some indication of forward movement provided by the major proponents of major industrial projects in the community. Adding for Council that he hoped to have a better idea as to what form his development would take and the timeline for it by the summer.
He also observed that he hoped that Council could see the value in moving forward with some housing for the city on a parcel of land that fits in with the City's Quality of life official community plan.
A multi unit housing development has been proposed for Drake Crescent at Prince Rupert Boulevard
Later in the Council session, Council Members returned to the zoning issue, as part of the Regular Council Agenda, reviewing the findings of the public hearing and discussing further the desire to see parks and amenities included as part of the proposed development.
City Manager Robert Long provided some clarification on the topic for Council, while City Planner Zeno Krekic also outlined some guidelines as to how the process works.
When it comes to the theme of the proposed amenities for the area in question, the City Manager noted there were two paths that the developer could follow, one being through a financial contribution, or as discussed earlier by way of active participation in the development of those amenities.
Councillor Niesh spoke in favour of the proposed zoning change, noting that there has been no opposition expressed regarding the proposed development. However he noted rezoning the land at the moment was not urgent, as the developer had observed that he won't be moving ahead until some indication of major industrial development in the community is moving forward.
Councillor Kinney noted the contribution of Keith Lambourne and his perspective on what is required for housing in the community at this time.
Councillor Thorkelson then put forward the motion to direct staff to discuss and work on a proposal and contract with the developer, regarding amenities and the number of units to b built on the property in question.
Adding the note that the finished agreement be provided to Council first, so Council could hold further discussion on the issue before taking the zoning requirement to a final vote.
Councillor Cunningham asked that it be brought to Council as soon as possible, with hopes of having it added to the Agenda for the next meeting of March 7th.
By way of a final look at the issue, Councillor Mirau outlined his one concern on the process, offering his belief that the city remain consistent in their policy development with this development and any other developer that may follow.
Council then put any final decision on the zoning issue off until next month.
You can review both the Public Hearing aspect of the issue and the discussion on the proposed zoning issue from the City's Video Archive.
The Public hearing portion starts at the beginning of the evening's proceedings , while the zoning discussion takes place starting at the 1 hour one minute mark.
Further background on Housing issues in the Community can be found here.
CFO Corinne Bombern outlined the start of the City's Budget Process on Monday evening
Prince Rupert City Council received an update on some of the budget issues that they will be considering this spring as they move forward with the City's budget process, with the City's Chief Financial Officer delivering her report on where the city's finances are at heading as the City moves towards the Budget consultation sessions.
Monday evening, Ms. Corinne Bomben offered up the annual review of the City's financial situation, providing a video display session which outlined the details of the financial plan for the year ahead.
The report opened by providing some of the service challenges that the city faces each year at budget time, highlighting the expenses and the limited options in revenue collection.
Starting with the operation of the Digby Island Ferry, Ms. Bomben explained how neighbouring communities benefit from their proximity to the service but only pay a user fee. Further noting for Council that the residents of Prince Rupert not only pay the user fee but provide a subsidy, which for 2016 is expected to be at the 1 million dollar mark.
The ongoing issue of Provincial Tax Caps on major industrial operations was explored, with a revew as to how all of the city's industrial operating activity qualifies for these capped rates. Something which means that the city receives diminishing revenue from those areas.
To go along with the industrial cap issues, Ms. Bomben also outlined the nature of the low returns the city receives from the provincial offset grant process.
The Tax Cap Legislation burden that is found from those conditions placed on the city was highlighted, showing the impact that is found on residential, light industrial and commercial sectors which require increases each year to make up for the transfer of that burden. Which is the main contributing factor towards the tax rate increases in the community.
Ms. Bomben made a point of noting that all of the Port of Prince Rupert's tenants in the area pay the full 100 percent of taxes that the city bills them, but that its the limitations that are in place by the provincial legislation that is providing for challenges for the City.
Budget requirements related to preparing for growth were reviewed, noting that the city will continue to fund planning for Major Projects initiatives through Legacy Inc, those programs last year provided for studies on land base use and population surveys, as well as the start of the Re:Design Prince Rupert program through UNBC's Community Development Institute.
This years budget will provide for the same level of funding to the Major Projects initiatives.
There will be no increases to the mill rates when it comes to the funding of civic operations, however to focus on reserves and future capital replacement issues, the Finance Department is recommending a 2 per cent increase to the mill rate for 2016 for those purposes.
To help those following at home, Ms. Bomben then outlined how the mill rate works and how home owners could determine how it would be applied. Noting that the "mill rate" would be reduced once again as it has over the last four years and explaining how that would impact on Taxpayers in the community.
Ms. Bomben also outlined the variety of grants and tax deferral options available advising residents to contact City Hall to learn more about them.
As well, she noted that BC Assessment will release their revised roll which could provide an impact on the proposed mill rate.
To close her presentation the City's Financial Officer noted that the public will have two opportunities to offer comments on the Budget Process, the first at a community forum at the Lester Centre on March 14th, the second at the March 21st session of Prince Rupert city Council.
Council was asked to defer any decision until after those public consultation sessions in March.
Council members asked for some clarifications on the industrial taxation levels and how much revenue the Recreation Department would be receiving through the increase in fees adopted earlier in the month.
Councillor Mirau asked for some clarification and discussion on the nature of the Ridley Island Tax Sharing Agreement on Ridley Island between the City and the District of Port Edward, she provided some background on the topic and offered to provide a more expansive report on the situation for the next council session.
Council then accepted the Report for further consideration. You can review the documentation that accompanied her presentation from the City's Agenda package on Page 7, it features a number charts on revenues and expenditures for further examination.
More on the Budget Presentation and the full Council Session of Monday night can be found on our Council Timeline Feature.
You can review the full presentation to Council from the City's Video Archive it starts at the 37 minute point and continues until the sixty one minute point.
Despite three different elements to the night, Monday's City Council session seemed to breeze by pretty quickly, with Councillor Joy Thorkelson taking the helm of proceedings in the place of the absent Mayor Lee Brain and steering Council through the range of items up for discussion on the night.
Monday's proceedings featured a Public Hearing related to zoning for a property on Drake Crescent, as well as a Committee of the Whole session that offered up an opportunity for comment from the public, though no residents took advantage of the monthly chance to question council on issues of concern.
When it came to the Regular Agenda, Council pushed through the few items that were there quickly, bringing the entire night to an end in less than one hour and fifteen minutes.
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 February 22, 2016
Mayor Lee Brain-- Absent
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present
Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa-- Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson -- Present
Video Archive for February 22, 2016
(0:00 -- 26:30) Public Hearing into zoning for a property on Drake Crescent -- Council received a presentation from City Planner Zeno Krekic, who outlined the nature of the zoning considerations related to the proposed housing development for the region. He noted that there had been no comments or submissions from the public received by City Staff. The City Manager also expanded on how if City Council was interested in any amenities being offered in the development by the proponent, that the offer be established on a contractual arrangement with the City of Prince Rupert before moving on the process of completion of the zoning process. He also noted that if Council wanted to limit the amount of units to be developed on that parcel of land, then the City would have to establish that limit. The proponent of the project Kevin Stunder, from Aurora Resorts also took advantage of the forum to outline some of his past background as a developer and what his plans are related to the proposed Prince Rupert development. He also advised Council that he was the owner of the former bowling alley site and is looking to develop that as well. As for amenities for the Drake Crescent development, he recounted some of his past experiences in developing previous projects and how he might incorporate some of those ideas into his plans or develop new ideas, particularly on the theme of trail development in the area. He observed that he hoped that Council could see the value in moving forward with some housing for the city on a parcel of land that fits in with the City's Quality of life official community plan. Mr. Stunder also noted for Council that no final decision on moving forward on what the proposed development would look like would be made, until more assurance was found when it comes to the many proposed major developments in the region. Though he did add that he would hope to have a better idea as to what form his development would take and the timeline for it by this summer.
No members of the public stepped forward to offer up any comment or express any concerns related to the proposed development. However, Keith Lambourne, a local realtor and representing the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce on the evening did make a short presentation providing the support of the Chamber for the proposed housing development, noting that the city has a demand for housing and no supply at the moment. With no other contributions on the evening, Council brought the Public Hearing to a conclusion. (26:30--35:00) Committee of the Whole Session -- Council shifted its focus to the monthly opportunity for members of the public to approach council with comments, issues or concerns related to Civic developments, however on Monday no member of the public took advantage of that opportunity. Council did hear a presentation from a resident of Terrace, Mr. Martin Holzbauer, who outlined how the City could access increased funding through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program. Highlighting, some of the issues related to the current program and how communities could approach the province to expand the program to businesses and individuals to provide better benefits to municipalities. Council asked for a copy of his presentation for further study.
(35:00 -- 37:00) Regular Council Session -- Councillor Thorkelson, serving in the position of Acting Mayor, outlined the past minutes and Agenda for the Monday evening session, which were accepted by council.
Reports
(37:00 -- 1:01:00) Report to Council from the City's Chief Financial Officer -- Ms. Corinne Bomben offered up the annual review of the City's financial situation, providing a video display session which outlined the details of the financial plan for the year ahead.
The report opened by providing some of the service challenges that the city faces through the operation of the Digby Island Ferry, noting how neighbouring communities benefit from their proximity the service, but only pay a user fee. She further noted for Council that residents of Prince Rupert not only pay the user fee but also provide a subsidy, which for 2016 is expected to be at the 1 million dollar mark.
The ongoing issue of Provincial Tax Caps on major industrial operations was reviewed, with all of the city's industrial operating activity qualifying for these capped rates, which means that the city receives diminishing revenue from those areas. To go along with the industrial cap issues, Ms. Bomben also outlined the nature of the low returns the city receives from the provincial offset grant process.
The Tax Cap Legislation burden was highlighted, showing the impact that is found on residential, light industrial and commercial sectors which require increases each year to make up for the transfer of that burden. Which is the main contributing factor towards the tax rate increases in the community.
Budget requirements related to preparing for growth were reviewed, noting that the city will continue to fund planning for Major Projects initiatives through Legacy Inc, those programs last year provided for studies on land base use and population surveys, as well as the start of the Re:Design Prince Rupert program through UNBC's Community Development Institute.
This years budget will provide for the same level of funding to the Major Projects initiatives.
There will be no increases to the mill rates when it comes to the funding of civic operations, however to focus on reserves and future capital replacement issues, the Finance Department is recommending a 2 per cent increase to the mill rate for 2016 for those purposes.
To help those following at home, Ms. Bomben then outlined how the mill rate works and how home owners could determine how it would be applied. Noting that the "mill rate" would be reduced once again as it has over the last four years and explaining how that would impact on Taxpayers in the community.
She also outlined the variety of grants and tax deferral options available advising residents to contact City Hall to learn more about them.
As well, she noted that BC Assessment will release their revised roll which could provide an impact on the proposed mill rate.
To close her presentation the City's Financial Officer noted that the public will have two opportunities to offer comments on the Budget Process, the first at a community forum at the Lester Centre on March 14th, the second at the March 21st session of Prince Rupert city Council.
Council was asked to defer any decision until after those public consultation sessions in March.
Council members asked for some clarifications on the industrial taxation levels and how much revenue the Recreation Department would be receiving through the increase in fees adopted earlier in the month.
Councillor Mirau asked for some clarification and discussion on the nature of the Ridley Island Tax Sharing Agreement on Ridley Island between the City and the District of Port Edward, she provided some background on the topic and offered to provide a more expansive report on the situation for the next council session.
Council then accepted the Report for further consideration.
( 1:01: 00 --1:03:00 ) Correspondence from the City of Port Coquitlam -- Council received a letter from the City of Port Coquitlam, the City's Financial Officer outlined the nature of the request that is seeking a larger contribution from the province for major projects. A shift in the funding process which would mean that local governments then would only be required to put up 10 percent of the cost towards those major infrastructure projects.
Council voted to endorse the letter.
Bylaws
(1:03:00 -- 1:11:00 ) Report from the City Planner on a proposed change to Zoning requirements for a property on Drake Crescent -- Council reviewed the findings of the public hearing and discussed further the desire to see parks and amenities included as part of the proposed development.
City Manager Robert Long, provided some clarification on the topic, while the City Planner Zeno Krekic outlined some guidelines as to how the process works. On the topic of the proposed amenities for the area in question, the City Manager noted there were two paths that the developer could follow one, being through a financial contribution, or as discussed earlier by way of active participation in the development of those amenities.
Councillor Niesh spoke in favour of the proposed zoning change, noting that there has been no opposition expressed regarding the proposed development. However he noted rezoning the land at the moment was not urgent, as the developer had observed that he won't be moving ahead until some indication of major industrial development in the community is moving forward.
Councillor Kinney noted the contribution of Keith Lambourne and his perspective on what is required for housing in the community at this time.
Councillor Thorkelson then put forward the motion to direct staff to discuss and work on a proposal and contract with the developer, regarding amenities and the number of units to be built on the property in question.
Adding the note that the finished agreement be provided to Council first, so Council could hold discussion on the issue before taking the zoning requirement to a final vote.
Councillor Cunningham asked that it be brought to Council as soon as possible, with hopes of having it added to the Agenda for the next meeting.
Councillor Mirau outlined his one concern on the process, offering his belief that the city remain consistent in their policy development with this development and any other developer that may follow.
Council then put the motion aside until the March meeting.
( 1:11:00 --1:29:00 ) Reports, Questions and Inquires from Council
There were no comments, Reports or Inquiries raised by members of Council on Monday evening.
You can access the City Council Review for February 22nd, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to media coverage of it can 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 22nd (not available yet)
Council next meets in Regular session on March 7th in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Monday, Ms. Rice called attention to reports from Kitimat of four years ago of similar concerns with water, the MLA asked why the Health Ministry had not ordered testing of water in schools in Prince Rupert. Noting that the Ministry should consider a wider scale of testing to Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast.
I don't know what's more troubling: the fact that the minister waited four years to test the water in Prince Rupert, the fact that the minister pretended that they discovered the problem through "routine testing" or the fact that the minister says this is a common problem in older schools in northwest, and he still won't commit to testing other communities in my riding. Can the minister tell the House why he just doesn't seem to care about the health of other northwest communities and test the water for school children in Masset, in Skidegate or in Bella Coola?
The Health Minister outlined for the Legislature that officials from Northern Health have indicated that there is no widespread concern for the region and that when notified of the concerns mitigation measures were taken.
Mr. Lake also turned the discussion towards the need for increased infrastructure investment in the province, adding that if the Ms. Rice wanted new infrastructure for Prince Rupert, that she would actually support a growing economy in the region to enable that to happen.
With the controversy over the Site C development in the Peace River region part of the background of discussion in Monday's Question Period in the House of Commons, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen called on the Federal Liberal government to live up to its declarations of the past as to the importance of building better relations with First Nations.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. Cullen the NDP's environment critic, outlined his thoughts on the proposed Site C development and the impact that it is having on First Nations of Northeastern British Columbia.
Noting that there seems to be a difference between campaign promises and government delivery on policy on the issue of consultation.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister's problem is that he does not realize Site C is not in Manitoba, it is in British Columbia. Tragically, first nations have heard this story over and over again. Parties in campaigns promise that next time things will be different, but when it comes to the Site C dam, we realize that it is just more of the same from the current government. Even after the review panel found that the mega-dam would have irreversible and negative impacts on the rights of Treaty 8 people, the Minister of Fisheries is still signing permits.
Consultations have been inadequate. Letters have been ignored. When is the Liberal government going to actually commit to its sacred policy to respect first nation
You can view Mr. Cullen's Question in the House from the Parliamentary Video Archive it starts at the 14:51 point
As for the progress of the Site C project, while Mr. Cullen was raising the issue in the House of Commons, a job fair in Prince George on Monday was attracting thousands of would be job seekers.
Lineups appeared well before the Noon hour opening for the Job fair and continued around a downtown hotel lasting through the day, with would be applicants waiting hours for a four minute interview.
A new publication from a collection of professors at the University of Northern British Columbia is taking up the challenging task of examining the impact of globalization on the communities across Northern British Columbia.
The publication, the combined work of five professors from the Prince George based University provides a wide ranging review of International trade and the place of the northern half of the province in that ever changing landscape.
This book examines and explains how this new globalizing phase is occurring
and with what consequences. As a distinct region, northern British
Columbia provides a timely and compelling case study for examining the
impacts of globalization on northern, resource-based regions. -- From the Introduction to Resource Communities In a Globalizing Region, a new study from UNBC into the impact of Globalization on Northern British Columbia.
Six UNBC professors were involved in the wide ranging project, taken from a number of disciplines at the University from anthropology, economics and political science. The close partnership of Gary Wilson, Paul Bowles, Fiona McPhail, Tracy Summerville, John Young and the late Jim McDonald brought the extensive review together.
The thrust of the work is to review what small communities across Norther British Columbia are facing when it comes to the challenges of globalization and how governments, First Nations, labour and the private sector are viewing the change and what impact it is having and what changes it may be bringing.
The introduction of the book, which outlines some of themes to be explored can be found here.
The Prince George media offered up a number of items related to the launch of the book last week.
The study of Globalization is however not something done on a tight household budget, seeking out more background on the changing nature of trade and how it impacts Norther BC requires not only a investment of time to read through its 312 pages, but a bit of a financial investment from the reader as well.
“Northern British Columbia is at the centre of a profound global transformation, the implications of which are critically important, not only for this resource producing region, but also for the rest of British Columbia, Canada and the world ... From ports to pipelines, communities across northern British Columbia are being profoundly affected, both positively and negatively, by major developments and reorientation's in the global economy. At the same time, however, these communities are also seeking to control their own destinies and have a say on the changes that are sweeping the region.” --Dr. Gary Wilson of UNBC, providing a glimpse into a new book on globalization published through UNBC.
The UBC Press publication is currently selling for the price of 99 dollars, it's now available on line through the UBC Press website or Amazon.ca
Proceeds from the publication are being directed to the Dr. James McDonald Memorial Fund at the University of Northern British Columbia.
On Monday morning, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice raised a number of issues related to the December release of the Plecas Report from the Ministry of Family and Child Development, noting how the document of overview of the Ministry continues to leave the Province's Representative for Children and Youth cloaked in a negative light.
Calling attention to the number of reports generated that have raised concerns and awareness when it comes to the province's attention to issues for Children and Families, while noting that year after year, the budget for the Ministry of Children and Families still comes up short in providing sufficient funding to provide required services.
Just this month, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth tabled their comprehensive report on youth mental health services in B.C., identifying gaps and making concrete, urgent recommendations. Yet that service area in MCFD lost ground in this year's budget.
As well, Ms. Rice noted that the provincial government at times does not act on recommendations from the Representative's office and that it has still to take action in four key areas from a two year old report from Ms. Turpel-Lafond which covered major concerns where the needs of children were not being properly addressed.
Other times, reports by the representative have not been as successful in creating change in the government's approach. In her 2014 report titled, Not Fully Invested: A Follow-Up Report on the Representative's Past Recommendations to Help Vulnerable Children in B.C., Ms. Turpel-Lafond highlighted four areas where key recommendations remain unaddressed by government. Those are children in situations of domestic violence, children and youth experiencing mental health challenges, child poverty and vulnerable aboriginal children and youth.
In her comments to the Legislature, the North Coast MLA also observed that a negative portrayal of the Representative for Children and Youth of December, part of the Plecas Review, commissioned for the Ministry of Children and Family Development needs to be clarified by the provincial government.
That report, which suggested that her office be phased out was not well received from a range of groups and organizations, as well as First Nations, which all noted that the provincial government had appeared to be directing its attention in the wrong decision.
Monday morning, Ms. Rice further called on the Minister of Children and Family Development to provide a public statement of support for Ms. Turpel-Lafond and her work, repudiating any negative impression that the government report may have delivered in December.
