Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for January 25

January 27, 2023

This update covers highlights from the January 25, 2023 Council meeting.

If there’s something from the meeting that you’d like more detail on, the full agenda, video, and minutes (when available) of each meeting are posted on the City of Courtenay website at www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings

Council respectfully acknowledged that the lands on which this meeting was conducted are the Unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

Mayor Wells conveyed an update from Councillor Frisch that he is on medical leave. His family has asked for privacy.

Councillor Jolicoeur highlighted Bell Let’s Talk Day to support mental health awareness on January 25.

Delegations

Presentation to Council on Gukwa̱s sa Wagalus-Rainbow House from:

    • Lee Everson - Project Manager Gukwa̱s sa Wagalus, and
    • Ray Windsor, Dawn to Dawn President

This project would provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth aged 16 - 28 years with housing and peer support in a home purchased by Dawn to Dawn.

The delegation requested a 40% reduction in municipal taxes and leniency in permitting and developmental fees should a house be purchased in Courtenay. They have also asked for either a $2,500 donation or help with rental costs for a fundraising event they are hosting at the Sid Williams Theatre.

Council will consider this request at a future Council meeting.

Presentations

  • BC Assessment
    Maurice Primeau, Deputy Assessor provided a refresher on basic assessment 101 and market activity. For BC Assessment resources visit www.bcassessment.ca
  • Public Works Snow & Ice Control
    Staff provided an overview of the Snow and Ice Control Program on City of Courtenay roads. The Snow and Ice Control Policy will be updated in 2023.

Staff Reports

  • Development Permit with Variance No. 2207 – 635 and 649 5th Street
    This application is to permit reduced setbacks for two new single-family residences. Council directed staff to provide public notice to adjacent property owners and occupants and request feedback regarding Development Permit with Variance No. 2207. Council will consider Development Permit with Variance No. 2207 at the February 8, 2023 Council meeting.
  • Parcel Tax Review Panel - 2023
    Each year a municipality must publish notice in a newspaper that the parcel tax roll is available for inspection and provide direction and a deadline for written complaints. If any complaints related to the addition or refusal to adjust a particular parcel tax are received, a Parcel Tax Review Panel must be established to consider the complaints. Council established the time and place of the Parcel Tax Review Panel for Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the CVRD Civic Room, 770 Harmston Ave, Courtenay.

Council Resolutions

  • Refugee Advocacy - Councillor Morin
    Council approved a motion to Council immediately contact two federal ministers with an urgent request to recommend a stay of deportation for Grace Mukadzambo.
  • Nomination to FCM Board of Directors – Councillor Cole-Hamilton 
    Council approved a motion to endorse Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton standing for election on FCM’s Board of Directors, and assume all costs associated with Councillor Cole-Hamilton attending FCM’s Board of Directors meetings. This would replace his current FCM appointment.

Council Reports

  • Members of Council are given the opportunity to describe various meetings and events they have attended. Some written reports have been provided.

Notices of Motion

  • Outdoor Court Usage - Councillor Cole-Hamilton

A motion will be put forward at a future Council meeting to direct staff to prepare a report assessing current usage, and outlining options which would make optimal use of our outdoor courts.

  • Living Wage - Councillor Cole-Hamilton

A motion will be put forward at a future Council meeting to Council direct staff to prepare a report outlining the steps required, and costs involved, in becoming a living wage employer.

Bylaws

For First, Second and Third Readings

The existing 1st Street Lift Station at Puntledge Park is at the end of its service life and is operating over capacity and scheduled to be replaced in 2023. Council directed staff to proceed with the alternative approval process (AAP) to seek the approval of the electors for authorization to access long term debt to provide funding for the project.

A condition of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2989 to rezone 4070 Fraser Road for a proposed 12-lot subdivision is a parkland disposition process to facilitate strata road access off Harbourview Boulevard. Council directed staff to proceed with the alternative approval process (AAP) to seek the approval of the electors for Parkland Disposition Bylaw No. 3050.

For Adoption

Council adopted a bylaw to provide for the property tax installment payment plan.

In Camera Resolution

Council closed the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter:
90 (1) (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m., the next meeting is Wednesday, February 8, 2023 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/CityofCourtenayBC/streams