Agenda & Addendums
When
Did you miss last night’s Council Meeting? You’re in luck! We’re here with a quick summary of what was discussed.
It was a full agenda for the last sitting of the 2018-2022 Prince Rupert City Council. This was the last meeting for outgoing Mayor Lee Brain and Councillor Blair Mirau, who stepped down after 8 years on Council, with the remainder of Council continuing on following the election October 15th. The City would like to congratulate both on their two terms in office, and thank you for serving the community. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Swearing in of the new Council will occur at the next meeting, November 7th.
Council Summary
- Council received a report from the Director of Operations & Intergovernmental Relations regarding major projects (see page for additional details). The Director noted that the dam structure is complete and the City is now waiting for the reservoir to fill and for some minor remaining works that will enable us to switch back to our original primary water supply at Woodworth Lake. Additionally, progress was noted on the RCMP station, with design concepts complete, the former building removed, and earthworks starting in the near future. In addition, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have also gone out for the City’s new submarine water conveyance line, and for a SCADA tower which will enable remote control of water supply infrastructure. The Requests for Expressions of Interest for water treatment has also now been issued.
- Council received a report from the Corporate Administrator regarding the status of Council Resolutions between June – September.
- Council received a report from the Chief Financial Officer regarding the August 2022 Financial Variances, which had no notable variances to report to date in operating and capital costs.
- Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 1153 Ambrose Avenue, under the condition that the permit specify the outbuilding structure will not be used for residential purposes.
- Council received a report from planning regarding development activity from September 2022.
- Council moved two Development Variance Permits at 539 6th Avenue West and 1546 India Avenue to the public notification process.
- Council approved a grant proposal to the 2022/23 BC Active Transportation Network Planning fund in order to further financially support the active transportation component of the City’s transportation plan and to develop a detailed design of a reconfigured 2nd Avenue incorporating active transportation, including a bike lane and bike parking amenities.
- Council voted to extend the City’s Housing Incentives, originally passed in 2021 and expiring in October, amending the program to waive all fees for residential Rezoning, Development Permit and Building Permit applications outside the City Core that result in new residential units for one-year effective November 1, 2022 to November 1, 2023. Previously, the program waived fees for all improvements, and it now focuses explicitly on developments where new housing is created.
- Council passed the Digby Island Ferry and Prince Rupert Airport Ground Transportation, System Tariffs, Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3503, 2022.
- Council gave First and Second Reading to the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3504, 2022 to waive parking requirements for new buildings, with the exception of residential-only buildings, in the Parking Specified Area. This proposed removal is part of a broader strategy that includes maximization of parking in other areas. Additionally, this will not result in the loss of any existing parking places. A public hearing will be scheduled for an upcoming meeting of Council. For additional information on this proposed change, see the City’s news release: https://princerupert.ca/city-plans-remove-parking-requirements-encourage-redevelopment-downtown-core_2022-10-25
- At the closure of the meeting, Councillor Mirau and Mayor Brain spoke to their positive experiences on Council, and their fellow Councillors thanked them for their service.