NDIT has provided $300,000 in funding to the city's CN Heritage building restoration plans
The City of Prince Rupert has received some additional funding towards their redevelopment plans for the CN Waterfront property project, with Mayor Lee Brain announcing today that Northern Development Initiative Trust has allocated 300,000 dollars towards the restoration project.
Mr. Brain made use of his Civic focused Social media feed today to hail the contribution to the project which will see the Wheelhouse Brewing company relocate by year's end to a brand new facility for their operations in the city.
The Northern Development Initiative Trust contribution for the North Coast, is one of eleven initiatives that they announced funding for today across the north, their focus for the Prince Rupert plans can be reviewed below:
$300,000 was approved through the Economic Infrastructure program for the City of Prince Rupert to restore the former CN Rail Station and make it available for commercial opportunities. The project will rehabilitate the 7,200 square foot building and is intended for a waterfront restaurant/brewery with patio.
The location will provide a steady stream of foot traffic due to its proximity to the ferry terminal and is easily accessed by those touring around the downtown area.
In addition to the cosmetic enhancements, the building revitalization will include major structural, electrical and mechanical upgrades.
Comments from Mayor Brain were also part of today's roll out of funding by NDIT.
click to enlarge
The project which as noted will provide leasing space to the Wheelhouse Brewing Company is still in its early development stage, it's last estimated cost was to be around 5.3 million dollars, though that could rise as further detail cost estimates come in.
An August presentation from architects Boni-Maddison provided for a comprehensive review of the project, the August presentation was also the last full overview to date when it comes to the progress for the work ahead.
As Mayor Brain observes, the CN restoration project is one of the key elements of Council's 2030 vision plan and was one of the highlights towards December's review of Capital spending projects.
With the last provincial rankings before the March provincials in Langley finding the Charles Hays Senior Boys' Rainmakers vaulting three placements, now sitting as the number six School province wide at the AA level.
The rankings were released on Tuesday through the Varsity Letters sports blog and they show a jump from Number Nine to Six for Charles Hays as the ten top schools (eleven actually with a tie for 10th) prepare for their showdown with destiny in Langley starting March 9th.
The listings make for a cross section of big city and small town hopefuls looking for a banner come the end of the Provincials at mid month.
1 -- Lambrick Park Lions -- Victoria 2 -- Brentwood College -- Mill Bay 3 -- King George Dragons -- Vancouver 4 -- Pacific Academy Breakers -- Surrey 5 -- Westsyde Whundas -- Kamloops 6 -- Charles Hays Rainmakers -- Prince Rupert 7 -- West Point Grey Academy -- Kamloops 8 -- Windsor Dukes -- North Vancouver 9 -- Southridge Storm -- Surrey 10 -- Langley Christian Lighting -- Langley 10 --Summerland Rockets -- Summerland
Senior Boys co-coach Ryan Bishop is a bit surprised at the scope of the jump, having anticipated a seventh place spot for the final rankings before tournament time.
He notes that it could all make for some familiar opponents when the Charles Hays Boys make their way to Langley.
"Could potentially set up a rematch of the finals two years ago against King George as they are the 3 seed.
And then a semi finals against the team that has been ranked 1 all year in brentwood as they slipped to two after losing to Lambrick.
End of the day you need to beat 3 teams to win and just excited to see how it goes."
Before they leave for the south the Rainmakers will learn of their first round opponent on Sunday when the seedings for the AA tournament are released.
More notes on the Rainmakers path so far and what will come into this month can be explored from our archive page.
Prince Rupert council received a presentation on Monday evening that provided a glimpse at what could be a new recreation option for the community
Kerrianne Smith stepped up to the plate at City Council on Monday evening and from the reaction of City Council member she put one over the wall, with a Home Run delivery for her pitch for a spot in the City operated Canfisco Warehouse location.
As part of her presentation from Monday evening, she observed how the location at the Canfisco Warehouse, a facility that the city took on in January of 2020, was one that offered the community a new recreation option and for her a good opportunity for success, located in a high traffic area for Sports fisherman and Cruise Ship passengers and an area easily accessible for local residents.
Ms. Smith observed as to how the size of space she hopes to set up in at the facility would allow for her proposal to offer another community activity for youth and those adults who play softball and baseball in the region.
Her proposal also included the inclusion of a pro shop which would sell baseball and softball equipment as well as an area which would offer customers pizza by the slice. She also highlighted some of the special events and opportunities that she hoped to offer to the community.
A participant in the Indigenous Ace Business program, she outlined for Council how her experience from that program has assisted her in preparing her business plan to launch the venture.
Towards financing she is anticipating the majority of her start up funding of 180,000 dollars to come through TriCorp and believes that her proposal would build towards the creation of a Multiplex Sports Complex use for the Warehouse location.
As part of her enthusiastic presentation for the council members she noted that she is a coach with the Prince Rupert Gymnastics Association and that with their operation now in place at the city operated leased Canfisco facility, her proposal would make for a good fit to compliment the emphasis on community that it has brought.
With a nod to the Quality of Life principle of the City's Rupert 2030 Vision plan, Ms. Smith also outlined how her proposal fits into the kind of social developments that the city seems to be seeking to set up in the community.
All images above from Monday's presentation to Council
The presentation, which was a text book lesson in how to make a submission to Council, was well received by the Council Dragons, with Mayor Brain and Councillors Cunningham, Niesh, Randhawa and Adey all finding much to like from her overview of the proposed development.
Mayor Brain opened up the question session. by asking about the status of her funding and if she had approached Paul Venditelli the city's Economic Development Manager towards her proposal.
An inquiry that provided a bit of a snapshot into how civic bureaucracy moves and how she views her proposal preferable to any current plans that the city may have to use the facility as a storage area.
"I have, and he's been helpful, but he hasn't been able to give me any direct answers. I do know that it's on hold right now for some storage options ... I don't really feel like store is the best viable thing for the community and I'm just kind of pleading my case as to why I think a batting cage would be best for that"-- Kerrianne Smith, Swingsmith cages
As for the council members, their commentary should make for a positive push for her proposed venture.
"Very impressive presentation and I've always maintained that we need more indoor athletic facilities I used to take a Minor hockey team down south and laser tag ant that was one that they zoomed into it all the time... and I agree with you storage is not the best use of that, if we could get a multi use athletic situation going there" -- Councillor Barry Cunningham
"The notion of a sort of a multi-sports indoor facility is you now I think that's the first time I've seen that put together conceptually, in quite that way and it's certainly worth thinking about" -- Councillor Nick Adey
The Mayor concluded the presentation by noting that Council and staff would explore it further; along with his hopes of getting a jersey at some point should the operation open.
"I think your case has been made and I think we'll be having a chat with staff and uh, when your loans and things like that come together I think there's a chance for some more conversation for sure. So it would be I think a great thing for the community there's no doubt about that"
You can review her presentation from the City's Video Archive starting at the 35 minute mark.
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has provided a tutorial for the BC Legislature on the annual work of L'association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord Ouest in the region, highlighting the plans for this years Annual festval of all things French Canadian through the upcoming Sugar Shack.
Speaking in the Legislature on Monday, Ms Rice provided a bit of a history lesson about AFFNO and its work across Northwest British Columbia, as well as a glimpse of the event and the shared community experience that it will bring the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.
This years Sugar Shack takes place on Saturday March 12th.
More on the event can be found from the AFFNO Facebook page which offers updates on what's ahead for visitors at this years Sugar Shack.
More than one hundred years of making our wealth by rail and ship and pick and net, the City of Prince Rupert is moving into its next evolution with a new look and a new brand.
And while the way forward comes with a bit of irony in that we have never more than we do today relied on rail or ship more to make that wealth, the move forward towards the future will embrace a number of important elements not considered 100 plus years ago.
Of main focus for the new vision for the city's image is an incorporation of Indigenous elements and a vibrant Rainbow, one a presence that predates the actual incorporation of Prince Rupert as a city, the other a somewhat iconic Prince Rupert theme that will now dominate all of the City of Prince Rupert's branding and marketing moving forward.
The change as revealed on Monday was embraced with a solid vote of approval from the city Council following a forty minute presentation and comment period at Monday's Council Session.
The Reveal of the new Brand, began with a few words from the City's Communication Manager Veronica Stewart who had provided this report for Council prior to the Monday session.
Following her introduction she turned the presentation over to the creative team at Will Creative, who took the council members through the evolution of their two year plus process towards the new look.
As part of that process the Will team engaged with stakeholders and hosted workshops with them and City staffers to realized the finished product revealed on Monday.
Through their commentary, they took council on the journey to the future, staring with the desire of those part of the initial process back in 2019 to create a new image for the community, one which leaves the previous brand and messaging to the past.
The new imagery was explained as change which will replace the previous look to incorporate a more modern image that engages with Indigenous themes that reflect the community, along with rainbow symbolism that is a representation of the diverse communities found in Prince Rupert, highlighting an image that many associate with the community.
As part of the presentation, the Will group noted of the work with community stakeholders and how the project came out of past vision making exercises in the community
Also in attendance on the evening was North Coast Ts'msyen artist Russel Mather, who had collaborated with the team at Will through the creation process and provided some further input into his approach to the project and how he views the new logo and how it fits into the City's vision.
"This was a unique process for myself too, because with the groups involved, stakeholders, it was very meaningful. We couldn't have the art forms that you've seen on the screen, without that cultural content.
So the art's the identity the cultural content is the heritage part of it. When we set off on this canoe together, I talked about we're going to walk together as one ...
That means we walk shoulder to shoulder, I'm not walking in front of them, or they're not walking in front of and we're going to try to convey everything that came in front of us.
When you get something right, your hearts and your feelings are the same, they beat as one. So for me, this was such a touching piece to be part of ... it was an opportunity and Im glad I was recommended to it ... it's a nice milestone through the pandemic, we worked through it, it was very refreshing. -- Some observations from Ts'msyen Artist Russell Mather on the city's new visual imagery
Ms. Stewart followed up with a few more observations on the two year process to develop the new logo to reach the point of the launch if approved.
"So this process initially started because, we you know we all met during the 2030 Vision process and a lot of what was recommended were physical upgrades, but there was also the recommendation for us to have a more of a coherent aesthetic moving forward. Because that's not something that we have with the current corporate crest, so now we can really see that there are coherent visual elements that we can use in our day to day work" -- Communications Manager Veronica Stewart
When it came to the commentary from the city's elected officials, the Council members were overflowing with effusive praise for the design and the opportunity that it offers the community.
Councillor Adey noting of some ambivalence at the start of the project and how it is now a much more accurate depiction of the cultural make up in the community and how it reflects a community looking forward and not back.
"I suppose I come into it as somebody who's personal background would have found something like this a bit superficial and I'm now find myself feeling that much less ... but here we are and just looking through that presentation and also sort of evolving my thinking through the various sessions we have had during the development of this.
I can really see how this is a much more accurate representation of our culture in the community, the cultural diversity that we have here. I can see how strong it is in how versatile its applications are beyond just a logo on a letter head. It's modern in its conceptual design and I think it makes me feel like we're looking forward rather than looking back, and I think that's where we need to be"
Councillor Cunningham provided similar themes to share his enthusiasm for the new look, noting he had been sceptical at the start but now loves the new look and how its an exciting and refreshing look that everyone can be very proud of.
"At first I was kind of skeptical, but in the end I love it, you know like being a person that kind of identifies with old things, I look at this and I think it's exciting, I think it's refreshing and as Russell says it's a canoe trip that a lot of people went on and I think they all paddled well together and came up with something that everyone can be very proud of"
Councillor Niesh concurred with those thoughts and how the logo had grown on him over time and now as to how he sees it with its different applications for future use.
"I think over time it's kind of grown on me, at first you know I wasn't looking at it from a perspective of all the different aspects where it will be used, and when you see it from you know all the different applications that's where you know it's more grown on me. I definitely felt that we were in need of an update, the logo was old and was not really fitting to who we are now"
Councillor Skelton Morven, thanked all of those involved with the project and noted towards how it can be used in the future.
"I just wanted to thank the team and thank Russell for his submissions and also appreciate our team down south for having a co-creative process and walking alongside one another. I think that's extremely important and very representative of our region that we kind of capture that identity as well"
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa also shared some thoughts on the project noting of his enthusiasm for the design.
"I think its a great brand and I would like to thank everyone involved"
Both Councillor Blair Mirau and Mayor Lee Brain delivered the most expansive of the comments towards the new look and how they view it as a symbol for the community.
Expressions of support that perhaps make a nod to their pending departure from the municipal scene in October, with the new look one which could be an opportunity for a legacy moment for both that could partially define their time on Council
Councillor Mirau made note of the participation of Mr. Mather and how the new logo is a much better representative and identify of the city from the old logo.
Mr. Mirau spoke to his particular attachment to the concept of the City of Rainbows, looking to head off potential criticism, he noted how Prince Rupert is recognized for the rain and should lean into that and how the rainbow represents much for the community.
"I just want to thank you so much Russell for all your contributions to this project and one thing you just said there, actually completely helped me change the frame of reference I have for this, you said art is identity.
To what Councillor Adey just said this is such a much more accurate reflection of our community than that old corporate seal from the turn of the century.
The city of rainbows has been around as a concept since 1982 but we're really making a brand new identity out of it and the potent symbolism of that is, is yeah art is identity and that's how we want I think to reinforce the metaphor of inclusion and multiculturalism and diversity"
He also, observed to potential push back on the cost of the project and how the City could have spent the money on other areas, noting how the medium and media has changed since 1910 and now the city is dealing with a range of different media and mediums and how the new brand will approach that.
Mr. Mirau also offered up a reminder for Council that the city hasn't upgraded its brand since 1910 and it was time for the community to move past it.
"Graphic design has come an incredible long way even just in the last five years and this is well worth our money. Best practice is to update a brand every seven to ten years, we haven't spend a cent on rebranding in Prince Rupert since 1910 and it shows.
The other point I would make is ... if you want a comparison of other communities that did not decide to put significant resources to try to get it right the first time, you end up spending a little bit of money like the City of Vancouver if anyone remembers that debacle from 2018. Spending a small amount of money and getting a typeface that ended up getting absolutely roasted in the court of publicopinion and they had to go right back to the drawing board because they didn't do a thorough consultation or work with locals in a meaningful way to get something done.
What value do we place as a community on being inclusive, is there a dollar value that we can put on that figure? And when we look at that coat of arms, it's a reflection of a very specific, time a very specific place, a very specific colonial and cultural connotation.
So it's so far past its best before date and it's well past that we moved beyond that"
Mayor Brain also added to the praise for the new look, first thanking the Will team and Mr. Mather, observing as to the journey the rebranding took during the COVID period and came out of one of the first workshop that launched the process.
The Mayor spoke to how the focus was to try and embrace the history of the community, calling it one of the most beautiful things he has seen as a brand, highlighting the areas he found attractive and how it works to develop the Rupert 2030 vision that council has.
"I still remember the conversation was how do we create a brand that bridges both the heritage of Prince Rupert that people traditionally associate it to and the actual 10,000 years worth of history that are here.
And I remember the conversation being going well you know that could be sensitive, that could be, you know we got to be careful. And I remember everyone going no, we're going to be the first to try to actually acknowledge and work towards that.
And honestly what's come out of this is something I think is absolutely ... this is one of the most beautiful things I've seen in terms of a brand"
Mr. Brain observed how the new look and brand is timeless, culturally appropriate and will help to bring the community together and how it represents all and is inclusive of all, noting how he had often noted that he had wanted to see a Bad Ass brand and how this new look reflects that desire.
"My one request only, because I like to not put too much of my input on but was that I wanted something that was a bad ass brand ... and I think this is exactly a bad ass brand right here, this is a bad ass brand"
Mr. Mather further spoke to the opportunity that the new design offers for a new beginning and how he had appreciated the opportunity to be involved with the project.
Council then voted to approve the new brand and logo program.
The cost of the rebranding project is now projected at 105,000 dollars an increase from the original estimate of 2019 that had pegged the exercise ay 75,000 dollars, the report to Council providing for the explanation of that overage.
"Alongside staff time to oversee the RFP and project process, the cost of the project has
been approximately $105,000 total paid for by a dividend from Prince Rupert Legacy Inc.
Costs included stakeholder consultation, consultant travel (early in the project), brand
identity and moodboard development, brand strategy, graphic and artist design, cultural
consultation, and multiple revisions to the guidelines.
The final cost of the project was
higher than the initial $75,000 in funding approved in 2020 due to scope changes to the
project to bring in an indigenous artist, and also project stop/starts due to the pandemic."
You can review the presentation to Council from the City's Video Archive starting at the one hour twenty minute mark.
Following the Council Session the City's communication office launched the new brand through the City's Social Media Stream, the presentation of the new look one which includes a video of the work of Mr. Mather towards his contribution to the process.
While the Council members repeatedly made note of the lengthy process that they and their partners and invited stakeholders were involved in over the last two years developing the new look, the Social Media post has also served as somewhat of a post announcement focus group. With residents taking advantage of their first and really only opportunity to speak to the topic of a new brand and logo for the community.
The Days of Zoom behind them, City Council members returned to the Council Chamber for their final session for February
Prince Rupert Council members returned this week to the Council Chamber on Third Avenue, marking a break from the times of past Zoom sessions and the first opportunity for 2022 to welcome residents back to the civic chamber to engage with their elected representatives.
The Monday session made for over two hours of civic work, the first hour from the Committee of the Whole session provided for some community engagement from four guests on the evening.
The topics included a look at the BC Transit plan for the future in Prince Rupert, a presentation related to a designation of a dangerous dog for a Prince Rupert resident, a look at a proposal for a new recreation pursuit for the community and a presentation on housing issues from two local poverty and housing advocates.
The final hour of the Regular Session, was one which tackled a number of Property Variance and housing related themes, the introducing of contract awards for the early stages of the new RCMP detachment, along with the reveal of the new Civic brand, the first revision to the imagery in over 100 years.
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 reviewed here.
The Committee of the Whole session provided the forum for the range of presentations on the night, the Agenda notes from that element can be reviewed 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 28, 2021
(Council proceedings have returned to the Council Chamber)
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 (by remote option)
( 0:00 -- 2:00 ) Committee of the Whole Session for Monday, February 28, 2022
Mayor Lee Brain called the session to order, adopting the Agenda for the session, along with the statement of the Chair which explained the Committee process.
( 2:00 -- 20:00 ) The First Presentation was from Aaaron Thompson, a Transit Planner from BC Transit, their twenty minute overview explored a range of material with a focus on some of the changes ahead for the Transit System.
Some of the challenges for Transit were noted with recent decrease in ridership, particularly during the COVID period of the last few years, with an estimated annual ridership on the Prince Rupert System that of 150,000 per year, generating 214,000 dollars per year.
Their consultation also observed of community interest in seeing more bus shelter infrastructure, as well the presentation made note of plans for something to be called the Prince Rupert Downtown Exchange project which should go to tender shortly.
Towards transit need, their community engagement findings noted how there was a desire in the community for additional service during the week on many routes, with the 53 Crestview route one of particular interest by residents. As well as to introduce Sunday service, along with an expanded service to the Container Terminal area.
Councillor Cunningham spoke to some of the statistical review as being somewhat out of date and irrelevant and also advocated for a bus route to serve the Seniors Residences at Cedar Village on 7th Avenue East.
He also suggested that BC Transit reach out to the College to see if there are opportunities to partner with Coast Mountain College towards building bus shelters in the community. He also cautioned about rising transit fares and the impact that could have on ridership.
Councillor Mirau spoke to the priorities BC Transit has for the region and how they determined how to act on those, as well as to what the cost of annual service to the community would be to act on some of the service plan recommendations.
The presenters did note for Council, that there was no approval for many of their initiatives in the most recent budget, and any expansion initiatives would be in the future.
( 20:00 -- 35:00 ) Kendal Standring, presented next, his topic for the evening was a Vicious dog designation assigned to his family's pet which he disagreed with. The main focus of his commentary for Council involved highlighting the relationship of the dog in question and his family, while also noting of some of what he believes are the unfair expectations of the city towards required measures and modifications to his yard as a result of a recent incident between his dog and a child.
Mr. Standring, outlined his remorse when it came to the incident, while also expressing some of his frustration in his dealings with city staff and the city's bylaw officer as a course of the Vicious dog designation and the measures now required by his family related to that.
While sympathetic to his plight, Mayor Brain observed that the process as outlined was one which the City had to follow due to the injury that was received by the child in interaction with the dog in question.
He observed of the challenge for Council which has kicked into a legal process, the Mayor then committed to having staff review the process to see how it may move forward, and if there may be any changes required to the bylaw, advising that staff would be in touch with him.
( 35:00 -- 50:00 ) Kerianne Smith representing Swingsmith Cages spoke to council to provide her blueprint towards hopes to be a candidate to use the Canfisco Warehouse location at Rushbrook Floats for an Indoor batting cage activity centre.
As part of her presentation she observed how the location at the Canfisco Warehouse was one that offered her a good opportunity for success, located in a high traffic area for Sports fisherman and Cruise Ship passengers. Ms. Smith also observed as to how the size of space she hopes to set up in would allow for her proposal to offer another community activity for youth and those adults who play softball and baseball in the region.
Her proposal also included the inclusion of a pro shop which would sell baseball and softball equipment as well as an area which would offer customers pizza by the slice. She also highlighted some of the special events and opportunities that she hoped to offer to the community.
Towards financing she is anticipating the majority of her start up funding of 180,000 dollars to come through TriCorp and believes that her proposal would build towards the creation of a Multiplex Sports Complex use for the Warehouse location, noting how offering activities for the public was a better use of the space compared to just using the facility for storage uses.
With a nod to the Quality of Life principle of the City's Rupert 2030 Vision plan, Ms. Smith outlined how her proposal fits into the kind of social developments that the city seems to be seeking to set up in the community.
The presentation was well received by Council with the Mayor and Councillors Cunningham. Niesh, Randhawa and Adey all finding much to like from her overview of the proposed development.
The Mayor observed that Council would be chatting with staff and following how the proposal moves forward.
( 50:00 -- 1:10:00 ) Paul Lagace, Poverty Law Advocate and community advocate Arnold Nagy, brought the presentation parade to an end with a discussion on the challenges facing families and residents when it comes to single Family Dwelling Rentals.
Mr. Nagy provided some background on the scope of the clients coming to the Unemployed Action Centre which numbers close to 1,400 and how housing and income security are the two main themes that they are dealing with, observing how the situation in the community is one which is in need of more affordable housing for residents.
Mr. Lagace, spoke to the regulations in mind towards the City's ongoing work on plans to introduce a renoviction bylaw, among his comments were themes related to proposed exemptions and minimum maintenance standards.
He also observed on what he sees as property flipping in the community, as well as to some of the areas where he has seen problems with landlords in town, while also noting that some of the elements of the renoviction bylaw may have unanticipated consequences for some of the smaller landlords who may just be renting out space in their own primary residence.
He also had some reservations related to some of the elements that require landlords to cover the rent of tenants for the course of the renovations, noting of the inconsistent nature of timelines on construction and the lack of available space in the community.
The Mayor observed that his comments were insightful and recalled a meeting that they had a few years previous on themes of housing.
Councillor Niesh asked questions of the City Manager to clarify some of the themes raised from the presentation, Mr. Buchan provided a short synopsis of what the city's plans are when it comes to the renoviction Bylaw.
Councillor Cunningham also added some thoughts to the issues in the community, noting how he is strongly in favour of what the city has planned, but does have concerns for potential loopholes.
Mr Nagy rejoined the conversation to highlight the accelerating cost of housing and the challenges it is providing for younger residents and there is a need to address those concerns.
The Mayor observed that they would be discussing housing issues later in the evening.
With that the mayor Adjourned the session and move on to the Regular Council meeting
( 1:10.00 -- 1:11:00 ) Regular City Council Session for Monday, February 28, 2022
Mayor Lee Brain called the session to order, adopting the past minutes and Agenda for the evening's session with one addition to be included, that a resolution from a closed meeting session.
( 1:11:00 -- 1:11:30) Report from Planning -- Council received a report related towards a Development Variance Permit for a property at 885 Borden Street, Council approved the process towards notification (see page 10 of the Agenda package)
( 1:11:30 -- 1:12:00) Report from Planning -- Council received a report related towards a Development Variance Permit for a property at 945 Hays Cove Avenue, Council approved the process towards notification(see page 14 of the Agenda package)
( 1:12:00--1:14:30) Report from Planning -- Council received a report related towards a Development Variance Permit for the CBC offices on Third Avenue West. The city's planning department provided a review of the scope of the proposed marketing plans which will see window signs put in place at the CBC offices, the work requires a variance owing to the proposed size of the sign plans. Councillor Cunningham offered up his support for the CBC proposal, but also raised the topic of some of the plywood coverings around the city and how they are a violation of the policy. Council approved the process towards notification(see page 18 of the Agenda package)
( 1:14:30-- 1:18:00) Report from Planning -- Council received a report related towards a Development Variance Permit for a property at 1429 Overlook Street. Planning again provided an overview of the scope of the project and why it requires a variance. Councillor Mirau had some questions for the City Manager over elements of Council's process on the topic. Councillor Niesh provided some anecdotal notes related to the property in question, which he is familiar with through some work that he has done in the immediate area. Council approved the process towards notification (see page 22 of the Agenda package)
( 1:18:00 -- 1:19:30 ) Report from Planning -- Council received a report related towards a Development Variance Permit for a property on 1039 Hays Cove Avenue. Council approved the process towards notification(see page 38 of the Agenda package)
( 1:19:30 -- 1:21:00 ) Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Cost and Commissioning consultants Award: RCMP Detachment project -- Ms. Corinne Bomben outlined the scope of the contract award towards the first stage of the RCMP detachment project, which will be awarded to two different submissions. Contract awards will go to BTY Group for Cost Consulting, while CES Engineering Limited, will gain the award for the Commissioning element of the work.
While her written report did note of an overage of 16,000 dollars from the projected budget for the contracts, there was no discussion of that element during her presentation.
At the end of the presentation, Council members had no questions to ask of her from her report, then approving the motion.
( 1:21:00 -- 2:02:00) Report from Manager of Communications -- Consideration of a final brand package for the City of Prince Rupert -- The City's Communications Manager Ms. Veronika Stewart introduced some of the background to the new civic local design and Brand guidelines, turning the presentation over to representatives from Will Communication who outlined their work on the creation of the new brand.
The team from Will Communication, took the Council membership through the entire process that was taken on towards the project. Staring with the desire to create a new image for the community which leaves the previous brand and messaging to the past.
The new imagery will replace the previous look to incorporate a more modern image that engages with Indigenous themes that reflects the community along with rainbow symbolism that is a representation of the diverse communities found in Prince Rupert, along with an image that many associate with the community.
As part of the presentation, the Will group noted of the work with community stakeholders and how the project came out of past vision making exercises in the community
Also in attendance on the evening was Ts'msyen artist Russell Mather, who had collaborated with the team at Will through the creation process and provided some further input into his approach to the project and how he views the new logo and how it fits into the City's vision.
Ms. Stewart followed up with a few more observations on the two year process to develop the new logo to reach the point of the launch if approved.
When it came to the commentary, the Council members were somewhat effusive in their praise for the design and the opportunity that it offers the community.
Councillor Adey noting of some ambivalence at the start of the project and how it is now a much more accurate depiction of the cultural make up in the community and how it reflects a community looking forward and not back.
Councillor Cunningham provided similar themes to share his enthusiasm for the new look, noting he had been sceptical at the start but now loves the new look and how its an exciting and refreshing look that everyone can be very proud of.
Councillor Niesh concurred with those thoughts and how the logo had grown on him over time and now as he sees it with its different applications he understands the need for an update from the old logo and how the new branding will have may more applications for use.
Councillor Skelton Morven, thanked all of those involved with the project and noted towards how it can be used in the future.
Councillor Mirau made note of the participation of Mr. Mather and how the new logo is a much better representation and identify of the city from the old logo. Mr, Mirau spoke to his particular attachment to the concept of the City of Rainbows, looking to head off potential criticism, he noted how Prince Rupert is recognized for the rain and should lean into that and how the rainbow represents much for the community.
He also, observed to potential push back on the cost of the project and how the City could have spent the money on other area, noting how the medium and media has changed since 1910 and now the city is dealing with a range of different media and mediums and how the new brand will approach that.
He also offered up a Reminder that the city hasn't upgraded its brand since 1910 and that it shows, and wondered what value does the community place on inclusion and how the new look moves beyond colonial connotation and it was time for the community move past that.
Mayor Brain also added to the praise for the new look, first thanking the Will team and Mr. Mather, observing as to the journey the rebranding took during the COVID period and came out of one of a previous workshop.
He spoke to how the focus was to try and embrace the history of the community, calling it one of the most beautiful things he has seen as a brand, highlighting the areas he found attractive and how it works to develop the Rupert 2030 vision that council has.
The Mayor also observed how the new look and brand will help to bring the community together and how it represents all and is inclusive of all, noting how he had often noted that he had wanted to see a Bad Ass brand and how this reflects that desire for a Bad Ass Brand.
Mr. Mather noted of the opportunity the new design offers for a new beginning and how he appreciated the opportunity to be involved with the project.
Council then approved the new brand and logo program.
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa also shared some thoughts on the project noting of his enthusiasm for the design.
Following the Council session on Monday, the City launched the new logo with an information piece and video presentation through social media which you can review here.
(see page 49 of the Agenda package)
( 2:02:00 -- 2:03:00 ) Report from Director of Operations -- Master Service Agreements - Award Colliers Project Leaders -- Mr. Richard Pucci provided a review of the city's plans towards its work on upcoming projects through a Master Service Agreement, which is part of the City's Strategic plan and how the award comes after a publicly posted bid call. Noting of the recommendation to award a contract to Colliers Project Leaders for those projects. Council members had no questions for Mr. Pucci (see page 51 of the Agenda package)
( 2:03:00 --2:03:30 ) Resolution from a Closed meeting -- Ms. Rosa Miller provided the background to the resolution, noting that Corinne Bomben would be appointed as Chief Elections Officer and that Corporate Adminstrator Rosa Miller will serve as the Deputy Elections Officer for the 2022 General Municipal election.
Bylaws
( 2:03:30 -- 2:05:00) Report from Approval Officer -- City of Prince Rupert Subdivision and Servicing Bylaw -- Council provided fourth and final reading for the bylaw. Councillor Cunningham called attention to one item of the Bylaw related to landscaping, seeking some clarification from Mr. Pucci. (see page 53 of the Agenda package)
( 2:05:00 -- 2:05:30) City of Prince Rupert Delegation Amendment Bylaw -- Council provided fourth and Final reading to the City of Prince Rupert Delegation Amendment Bylaw. Council members had no questions(see page 66 of the Agenda package)
( 2:05:30 -- 2:08:00) Business Regulations and Licensing Bylaw No. 3476, 2021 --- Council provided third meeting for the bylaw.
Councillor Niesh asked if there was anything to take away from the presentation earlier in the evening from Mr. Lagace and Mr. Nagy.
The City Manager noting of the support for the bylaw and some of the questions raised, observing to the area of property that is not up to standard and how that there could be a need for some education to create awareness of what people need to know to become involved, observing that once passed the city would have more opportunity to do that.
Mayor Brain spoke to the concerns raised about landlords having to relocate tenants and if there is a need for clarity, Mr. Bucahn observed that he would have an answer to that question at the next meeting.
Council Mirau also spoke to some of the guidelines references, another area which Mr. Buchan said he would check into to ensure its consistent. (see page 67 of the Agenda package)
( 2:08:00 -- 2:10:00) Questions, Comments, Reports or Inquiries from Council
Councillor Adey was the only participant as part of the comment opportunity, noting of the return to having the public in attendance at the Council session and some of the passion that was expressed through the evening and how it reflects on a sense of getting some form of normal back.
He also called attention to the events taking place far away from us here in Ukraine and offered his empathy towards those in the community who may be concerned to that situation, noting he shared that thought as to how it may be impacting on both those of Ukrainian and Russian heritage.
And with that the February 28th session came to an end.
You can access our Council Session 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 January 24h, 2021
(not available yet)
The Next session for Prince Rupert City Council is set for Monday, March 14, 2022.
Conditions at the Shawatlans water supply area have seemingly settled down, with the City of Prince Rupert removing its water advisory of early February today, making note of the change just after 4PM.
Residents are advised that all water quality advisories have now been lifted.
If water users continue to see a milky quality or sediment in their water, please run cold water, preferably through your bathtub or laundry sink taps, until it is cleared.
Do not run appliances that use the water system (laundry, dishwasher, fridges) until water runs clear.
For more information the commuinication office points to the City of Prince Rupert’s website or to contact the Operations Department.
The City also observes that they anticipate an improvement to water quality in the Spring, when we bring our new dam online and can return to our primary water source at Woodworth Lake.
