The need to keep Prince Rupert's dollars in Prince Rupert made for a short discussion topic at Monday's City Council session, with Councillor Barry Cunningham making note of the challenges facing the business community and calling on the City and its residents to "Buy Local" to help out the commercial sector in these times of COVID.
Speaking as part of the Councillor's Comments and Reports period from Monday's Council session, Mr. Cunningham made the case to his fellow council members towards directing some attention the way of the city's businesses
"Now with some of our businesses that are opening up, I really like to see the City emphasize shop locally, these businesses have been so generous over the years to us, with different sponsorships, raffles and that. And I think that it's time that we turned around and supported them and not just the residents of this town; but the City itself should be looking inward and supporting any businesses they can rather than having businesses come from Terrace to deliver stuff to us and that. I think we should be, the City itself should be, looking at supporting local businesses, as well as the residents getting out and supporting as many local businesses as they can. I think it's very important, our businesses need our help right now and I think that's something we should be looking at."
Mayor Brain took advantage of the topic to review some of the measures that the City has become involved with in recent weeks to reach out to the business community.
As for the theme of Civic purchases, the Mr. Brain observed that the city continues to put some focus on the potential to buy local for its requirements.
"At all times, the city is always looking for local procurement opportunity, but in this period of time all the staff and the departments have looked even further on how they can go out of our way to be supporting local businesses and reach out to numerous businesses on some our operations on that, so that's definitely part of that discussion and its a valid point too"
Prince Rupert residents can get a snap shot towards that civic dedication towards buying local when the City releases their Annual review of Financials next month, with the listing of the Goods and Services provided to the City.
Access to City Hall has resumed, however visitors will only be allowed in one at a time and appointments must be made prior to arrival
As part of Monday evenings Council meeting, City Manager Robert Long provided for an update on how the City of Prince Rupert plans to return to regular operations, relaying the latest notes on the city's COVID response and measures that have been put in place.
His presentation to Council was brief and featured few details on the city's Phase II plans as it prepares to move forward.
Among those themes that he did share notes on was a look at how the city would be resuming public access on Wednesday but with new restrictions to that access.
He noted that the city would move forward cautiously to ensure for staff safety, sharing some details on the limitations that they now have in place at the moment at City Hall.
"We intend to open the doors on Wednesday to one person at a time, sort of appointment only service. We just don't have the facility to do any more than that, so we'll move ahead cautiously making sure that the staff are safe and the people coming in our safe ... plastic barriers, plexiglass barriers are up and will be forward facing to the public, all those measures are in place ... Slowly we'll get back to what was, or what will likely be a new normal, but slowly we'll get back to regular, as regular a service as we can "-- City Manager Robert Long with an update for Council on the resumption of civic services
With Property tax payment period almost here, the City's Finance Department is already making note of the changes to the access to City Hall, outlining how appointments can be made, and highlighting that paying by electronic methods is preferable.
You can review more of those notes from the Finance Department here. Asked by the Mayor about a timeline towards resuming other services, Mr. Long spoke mostly towards themes of outdoor recreation observing that they hope to have the tennis courts reopened by the first week of June, though advising that the City still can't open the Tot Parks until advised by the province, he added that they are continuing on with lawn mowing in some collectively used public areas. There was however no mention on Monday, towards when such services as those offered at the Recreation Centre and Earl Mah Aquatic Centre may resume, with Mr, Long noting that the city was in contact with the province for guidance on those types of openings. Activities at all civic facilities were suspended on March 13th, putting over twenty programs on pause during the COVID Period, Following up on some questions submitted by Mr. Larry Golden as part of the new process for the Committee of the Whole, the City Manager observed that there have been no official layoffs through the pandemic period, though he did relay to Council that some staff members have gone home for health issues and other issues related to COVID. Mr Long also outlined for Council that where work could be reorganized for city workers they have done it, making note of the efforts of the recreation department, who took on other activities during the last six weeks or so. As for preventive measures, safety items such as protective barriers have been put in place at civic facilities and in civic vehicles, with all of the distancing measures in place for staff following the provincial protocols. The City Manager also noted that work continues on infrastructure work such as water-main breaks and others as they adjust to what will be a new normal.
Prince Rupert City Council members have been participating in Council sessions by phone since early March
There was no indication from Monday's Council session, when the Council members may be planning to return to the City Council chamber for their twice a month public sessions.
Council members last met in person as part of the March 9th Council session, since then those sessions that were not cancelled, have taken place by way of telephone, with the Mayor and some staff based at City Hall, while council members and the City Manager participate by telephone.
On Monday, Mr. Long did not offer any update on the current approach to civic governance and no members of Council made any enquiries as to whether the City was considering finding an alternate venue for Council sessions, one that may allow the to return to their duties, in person, all while following proper social distancing measures.
Nor was the idea of introducing video conferencing to the current set up, something which may assist in the virtual council process that has been adopted since March.
Monday was also the first session to use the new format of submitted questions from the public for the Committee of the Whole, with Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller relaying the contributions that had been submitted by email or phone.
Council members did not indicate on Monday whether they believe that new process provides for the kind of community engagement that the community might expect when it comes to making contact with their elected officials.
You can review Mr. Longs report to Council from the City's YouTube Video archive, starting at the 31 minute mark.
The COVID cases are back down to the single digits today, and the province continues to see a positive situation continue when it comes to New Case counts.
Wednesday's COVID briefing from Doctor Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix outlined that with the nine new cases today, the total amount of COVID cases in the province is now marked at 2,550 cases.
“There are 244 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 2,144 people who tested positive have recovered.
“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 37 individuals are hospitalized, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation."
As for the breakdown by Health Authority, 899 case have been recorded in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,267 in the Fraser Health region, 127 in the Island Health region, 194 in the Interior Health region and 63 in the Northern Health region, that makes for an increase of one from recent days.
After a Tuesday free of review of COVID related deaths, today provided for news of the passing of one British Columbian over the last 24 hours.
“There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the last day in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 162 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Doctor Henry also noted that there have been no new health-care outbreaks. In their statement the noted that in total, 14 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care unit have active outbreaks.
With the Province starting to expand on its BC Restart program, the next few weeks will provide health officials with a glimpse as to how the province is responding to the loosening of some public measures from the COVID response.
“COVID-19 has a two-week incubation period, which means any new cases that are a result of the easing of restrictions will start to appear over the coming week. With this in mind, let’s continue to take advantage of parks and other activities closer to home, and look to increase social interactions only after fully considering the risks to you and your family. Once we have a good understanding of how we are doing in mid-June, we’ll have the data we need to determine our timing for further actions. This slow and thoughtful approach is our ‘new normal.’ It is grounded in what we know about COVID-19 today and will continue to be adapted as we learn more in the weeks and months ahead.”
Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.
For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee
British Columbians will be in a state of emergency for an additional two weeks, with Premier John Horgan and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announcing the extension as part of an information session on Wednesday.
“We are now in the longest state of emergency in our province’s history, and British Columbians everywhere have shown we have what it takes to persevere through these challenging times. As we slowly turn the dial on our social and economic activity, we must work together to do so in a way that keeps our communities and loved ones safe in the weeks and months to come.” -- Premier John Horgan
The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. Farnworth made the original declaration on March 18, 2020, after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency the previous day.
The Premier noted that while excited about the progress the province has made in the COVID response, he observed that there is no end period in mind as of yet as to when the Emergency orders be lifted.
As the State of Emergency continues, the province continues to move forward with its BC Restart Plan, which has seen the commercial and industrial sector shift back into operations,
Next week, British Columbia's school system will offer an opportunity for a mix of in class and online instruction for students, each individual school will be posting their restart protocols to their online platforms.
“As businesses work hard to safely reopen their doors and friends and families carefully expand their social bubbles, we are beginning to see what this global challenge will look like in B.C. Our government is committed to supporting people and businesses for the long road ahead, and we will continue to find ways to keep the economy moving and keep people safe.” -- Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth
The Premier also noted that the Legislature will resume its operations on June 22nd, with a mixed format that will feature both in House attendance and technological access, with MLA's both in Victoria and in their home constituencies.
Wildlife was on the mind of Prince Rupert Councillors on Monday, as City Council addressed the current hot topic in town of the increasing amount of interactions between residents and wildlife, in this case a growing number of calls for action on wolves.
Earlier this month, we noted of the community concern towards the increasing numbers of interactions, with residents taking to social media to recount their experiences and forwarding their complaints to the provincial Conservation Office in Terrace.
Yesterday we outlined that the officers were in Prince Rupert this week in response to some of the recent calls from the city.
The discussion from Monday night was introduced by Councillor Nick Adey who asked just what kind of jurisdiction the city has when it comes to addressing community concerns.
In reply to the question City Manager Robert Long observed that the City has limited actions that it can take when it comes to wildlife concerns.
"We have really no control over those issues, we have some control obviously over domestic pets, but we don't have any control over wildlife that's a provincial issue under the wildlife act. We usually from a practical point of view, if a wolf does show up and I think all of us have experienced a wolf at some point, a quick phone call to the Conservation Service, they usually respond from Terrace and that is the most effective way for us to manage any of that difficulty"-- City Manager Robert Long
As a follow up, Mr. Adey, noting of the significant interest from the community on the topic, asked as to where the City is at when it comes to persuading the province to locate a Conservation Officer based in Prince Rupert.
Mr. Long noted that the city has made numerous correspondences over the years to request, but at the moment and to his knowledge, any calls for assistance are still dispatched through the Terrace office.
Councillor Niesh weighed in on the topic, suggesting that the City send another correspondence to the province to request that a conservation officer be based in the community, noting of the many complaints the city receives about wolves and incidents with local residents each year.
"I do feel that this is something that comes up every year, it seems that every year we forget about it and everyone seems to talk about it like it's something new. Every year the wolves come to town and every year the wolves take peoples animals, some years may be worse than others, but I do feel that it is a problem that is here every year and I do think that they should be able to provide a Conservation Officer" -- City Councillor Wade Niesh on the wolf situation in Prince Rupert.
He observed that as a Rupert taxpayer, residents pay for the RCMP and how he doesn't think it's right that the members have to respond to calls to chase wolves all around town.
Mr Niesh also suggested that the city make numerous requests if required to the provincial government to get action on the request.
The Mayor outlined that staff would prepare a letter for Council to review at their next meeting, as well as what other steps they could take to reinforce their message.
"I know we have had many engagements in the past, I know a couple of years ago we did the same thing and then we'll reach out to the MLA's office as well to see if we can figure out a process for that for sure"-- Mayor Lee Brain looking to engage the province on the need to base a Conservation officer in Prince Rupert.
On the theme of wolves, Councillor Cunningham also outlined some of the responsibilities that residents have, noting how they can make sure that they're garbage cans are taken care of, and that you have no attractants on your property that may be contributing to the problem.
You can review the discussion of the issue with wolves from the City's Video archive, starting at the thirty seven minute mark.
Prince Rupert City Council members for the most part were united when it comes to the need for additional Social Housing in the community, with the City providing for first reading towards a zoning amendment for a number of parcels of land on Kootenay Avenue.
Though as the discussion moved forward on Monday night, they also made note that there was a need for significant consultation by BC Housing with residents of the neighbourhoods nearby, as well as to outline that they will review their options towards a Public Hearing on the topic at their second reading of the zoning change.
On Monday, we outlined the scope of the proposed work on Kootenay Avenue, with BC Housing joining forces with Prince Rupert Indigenous Housing to create up to sixty five units for social housing, removing some of the existing units in place and building new structures ranging from townhomes to an apartment block.
The report was delivered by Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller, who observed that once rezoning is granted the proponent would be entitled to change the plans and pursue alternative development concepts permitted within the zoning bylaw, Council may require a section 219 covenant on the property, though it wasn't recommended they pursue that at this time. It was also noted that due to the current COVID pandemic the proponent would be required to follow Ministerial order 139, and prepare a public information package for distribution to the neighbourhood, with an invitation to provide comments to be submitted to the Corporate Administrator.
As part of their work on Monday, Council was asked to give the provide first reading for the proposed zoning amendment bylaw and that Council instruct the applicant to distribute a public information package and waive the requirement for a public hearing, as well for Council to advise if a section 219 covenant be required should the re-zoning bylaw pass.
Towards some clarification towards what could prove to be a contentious decision to waive the Public Hearing, Mayor Brain called on City Manager Robert Long to comment on the process under discussion.
"We've always obviously done public hearings for re-zonings and I think, maybe if you could provide some clarity around how that OCP and why this might fit into this context just for everyone's understanding on why it might be recommended to waive the Public hearing not just for COVID reasons."-- Mayor Lee Brain
As the City Manager explained it, the city has two levels of authority when it comes to the zoning process that is under discussion.
"Basically we've got two levels of authority, one is the OCP which indicates whether the uses are appropriate in certain locations, and if in fact the rezoning comes within something that is already in the OCP as a permitted use we have the ability to either do this proposal as proposed, which is this notification to the neighbourhood and responding. As opposed to a public hearing, which is because of COVID is far more difficult to manage. However, these are choices that the Council has; we are making the recommendation that we do the public notification as opposed to the Public hearing. But if council is uncomfortable with that we can go ahead and do the public hearing. I think in that case it would be good to do both, because at least we have put some information out in the neighbourhood about this particular proposal and then we could subsequently have a public hearing when we are clear about how it is safely done" -- City Manager Robert Long
On the theme of further engagement, the Mayor made note of some recent information and guidance from the Province when it comes to public hearings.
To move forward, Mayor Brain suggested that Council would pass the first reading on the night and the order 139 to distribute the public information package; with the second reading to be used for further discussion as to whether they wanted to go with a Public Hearing and whether there was a need for a covenant.
The City Manager concurred with that strategy, observing how council would cover both sides of the issue by that approach.
The Mayor observed that the city has been working closely with BC Housing on a variety of projects and noted how they have been doing heavy public engagement with that neighbourhood through the year and how the proposed project would be just the start of further plans and projects for the area.
For discussion Council members for the most part agreed with the plan as outlined by the Mayor.
Councillor Adey noted how it falls firmly in line with a community objective to create more housing in the community and wondered as to what will happen to the current tenants that will have to be relocated during the construction period.
Mayor Brain also noted that more information would be coming from BC Housing for the second reading.
Mr. Adey also asked for what scope the public notification area would consist of.
The Corporate Administrator advised that the usual radius is 50 metres around the property to be affected, the Mayor noting that usually projects like this would require a wider radius.
That spurred on some discussion as to how the engagement with the neighbourhood should take place, Councillor Cunningham noted how they need the housing but asked that a very thorough job of notification take place, including advertisement as well as to expand the area of notification to a wider area of the neighbourhood.
Councillor Niesh suggested that the information packages be distributed to a wider group of residents and be put online, adding that anyone could request information not just the local residents of that area.
When it comes to such engagement, Mr. Brain made note of how some of the elements of a public engagement session can't take place, though he did observe as to how Council could opt for a Public hearing to allow for the neighbourhood to have a say, suggesting some form of digital process could take place.
He also offered up the prospect of an online Webinar for the topic, to allow for a presentation, suggesting that the City could work with BC Housing on that concept, that as a way around some of the COVID challenges towards public engagement on such issues.
"I think we can talk about an online piece here, as well as a further expansion of information. What comes to mind to me right now maybe like a Webinar or something because usually you do a presentation at these public information sessions, we'll work with BC Housing on that."-- Mayor Lee Brain
To bring the discussion to an end, Council chose to go with a first reading of the motion and then to re-examine their plans to move forward at the second reading.
Councillor Adey asked to make sure that any outstanding questions such as the section 219 covenant be addressed at that second reading.
Councillor Cunningham reinforced the call to expand the public notification and how the public should be engaged as much as possible on the topic.
You can review the full conversation on the Kootenay plans from the City's Video Archive portal, starting at the 12 minute mark.
Monday night offered the City's council members the opportunity to receive a report from the City's Financial Officer Corinne Bomben, who outlined some of the findings of the 2019 Audited Financial Statement, noting how the numbers on the balance sheets don't tell the whole story of the challenges and successes that the city faces these days.
The presentation which was at times focused more on positioning statements than a recitation of financial themes, noted how the City's Financial position has continued to improve.
In her review of the document from accountants Carlyle Sheppard and Company, Ms. Bomben made note of the welcome change from themes of years past.
Towards that shift she attributed that improving financial situation through the success of Legacy Inc and CityWest, increased tax revenue from new industrial investment along with grant support from both levels of senior government, all of which has allowed the city to reverse the trend of dwindling cash reserves and minimal capital investment. The CFO did make note of two current challenges for the city however, the first the deferred capital expenditures and the COVID pandemic, observing how the latter now brings some significant uncertainty towards economic activity and investment, noting how undoubtedly there be impacts to civic revenue streams owing to COVID 19. On capital expenditures she noted that while it was not recorded as part of the city's financial statements the lack of reinvestment into capital infrastructure during the recent 20 year localized recession has left the city in a position where much of it is long overdue for replacement leaving the city to play catch up. Towards those issues, she recounted many of the themes that have often been presented at this time of the year, following the delivery of previous reports. From her review she noted on the need for a new RCMP detachment which is required by the Federal government and to be replaced at the city's cost. She also observed as to the requirement of an expansion of the landfill site with a new cell, how roads need more extensive paving than in years previous, as well as how water-main breaks continue to provide challenges and infrastructure at parks and recreation facilities is also in need of replacement. Ms. Bomben highlighted that while it all sounds like bad news, there is a difference into 2020 with the city looking towards shrinking its infrastructure deficit, noting on additional paving plans, work towards funding the new RCMP detachment, the progress of the city's water projects and the expansion of the new landfill cell.
She noted on the progress that the city has made, the sense of teamwork that is helping the city move forward and advocate for the needs of the community.
"If we continue pressing on to renew our city, we may actually dig out of this deficit, that is not something we could have said ten years ago. We are making progress and will continue forward. These 2019 statements reflect an improved port economy, the fruition of teamwork by staff and officials to advocate for the needs of the community and that investment into city services and infrastructure pays off. Stay the course, it's clear it's working"-- City Financial Officer, Corrine Bomben
For his part Mayor Brain paid tribute to city staff for their efforts and noted how everyone had bought into the vision, and how collectively everyone was moving together in one direction.
He observed as to the tough times that the pandemic have provided for the community and how the public should be thankful for the leadership of staff and how they have helped the community move forward.
"Thank You and once again, I think we say this more often than not now, to our staff for doing such an awesome job with our finances, with all the projects that we're managing. For buying into the vision and all of us collectively moving in one direction together. And I think it's been a tough time through this pandemic but I know that without your guys' effort and backbone to keep things moving, this community should be very thankful for your guys' leadership" -- Mayor Lee Brain speaking to the work of City Staff
As for any comments on the actual audited financial statement, the City Councillors had no questions to ask towards any of the elements from the financial review that Ms. Bomben had outlined during her three minute presentation.
They will have a second chance to seek further information next month when the CFO and City Manager deliver the city's Annual Report presentation, which will more than likely echo many of the themes offered up from her review of Monday.
For their contribution to the discussion on the night, the councillors did however join in with Mayor Brain to express their own appreciation of the work of city staff.
For their part, Councillors Randhawa and Skelton-Morven and Niesh all concurred with the Mayor's sentiments.
Councillor Cunningham added that he believes everyone was quite happy with the way the city is running right now.
While Councillor Adey also expressed his happiness with the job that is being done and expressed his confidence in their ability to manage any challenges ahead.
Further background on Monday's Council session can be found from our Council Timeline Feature, while a wider overview of Council discussion themes can be reviewed here.
"Now with some of our businesses that are opening up, I really like to see the City emphasize shop locally, these businesses have been so generous over the years to us, with different sponsorships, raffles and that. And I think that it's time that we turned around and supported them and not just the residents of this town; but the City itself should be looking inward and supporting any businesses they can rather than having businesses come from Terrace to deliver stuff to us and that. 
