Regular Council Meeting - September 9th, 2024

Did you miss the Council Meeting? We’ve got you covered! See below for a summary of main items from the meeting.

• At the Committee of the Whole, Council received a report from the Chief Financial Officer recommending a policy to support financial stability and resiliency by establishing a minimum 2% general operational increase to annual budgets, and a 0.5% increase towards capital reserves for asset management. In addition, it was recommended that future revenue growth captured in relation to major industrial growth be set aside for future capital renewal, rather than incorporated into operational funding. Adoption of this policy was recommended to ensure that there are future financial reserves needed for much-needed capital renewal, and also to stabilize against the potential for future loss of industrial revenues through over reliance on them to cover our operating costs. These recommendations draw on the experience of the closure of the pulp mill, where the loss of tax revenue led to substantial cuts to operational spending and renewal.  In the Regular Meeting, Council voted to defer a decision on adoption of this policy to the next Council Meeting so that the policy could be considered further. Note – this would be a policy to support budget development, and is discretionary for future Councils. 
• Council approved staff to apply to the BC Healthy Communities Age Friendly Communities Fund for an Age-Friendly Assessment to be conducted in concert with a Recreation Master Plan in 2025-2026.
• Council approved staff to apply to the New Horizons for seniors grant from Economic and Social Development Canada for $25,000 for new, accessible and inclusive fitness equipment for the Civic Centre.  
• Council denied a Development Variance Permit for 721 Lotbiniere Street. 
• Council provided final approval for a temporary use permit at 921 Prince Rupert Blvd. 
• Council approved entering into a Community Works Fund Agreement with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) for the period April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2034 and authorize the Mayor and the Corporate Officer to sign the agreement.