Council Highlights – August 23, 2022
Posted: Aug 26, 2022 | By: Corporate Services
Council Highlights – August 23, 2022
Posted: Aug 26, 2022 | By: Corporate Services
Meeting Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Mayor's Report
Mayor Law issued a warm welcome to Deborah Bodnar, the new Director of Corporate Services and Financial Officer for the District of Tofino.
The Mayor also provided an update on his involvement on the Unauthorized Camping Working Group, which detailed ongoing activities that have been successfully reducing illegal camping incidents on the Kennedy Lake backroads.
The Mayor concluded by noting that three meetings remain until the end of the Council term, after which the newly elected Council will have their inaugural meeting. Mayor Law reminded fellow Council members, staff, and participants to adhere to meeting procedure protocols as set out in the District of Tofino Meeting Procedure Bylaw No. 1229, 2016.
Lastly, the Mayor spoke to his recent attendance at the West Coast Chiefs, Chairs, and Mayors Regional Planning Meeting held in Ucluelet on August 9, 2022, and noted his positive experience working with representatives from across the region who are committed to improving their communities.
Presentations and Reports
Tofino's Water System Overview
Council received a presentation from Fraser Work, Professional Engineer, detailing the current capacity of Tofino's water supply. The presentation included 2021 usage patterns and system capacity, future supply and demand projections, and risk mitigation priorities.
Development Variance Permit No. 05-22
Council authorized staff to issue a development variance permit for the property at 320 Tonquin Park Rd to increase the maximum height of a caretaker cottage and accessory building from 8m to 10.2m.
Regional Recreation Planning
Council resolved to not support the West Coast Multiplex's proposed Memorandum of Understanding regarding ownership, partnering, planning, construction and operating the West Coast Multiplex. Instead, Council resolved to refer a future discussion regarding regional recreation planning to Council's next strategic planning session, and that the District meet with regional governments to discuss regional recreation plans, priorities, and opportunities.
Delegations
BC Hydro
Representatives from BC Hydro delivered a presentation regarding capacity upgrades planned for infrastructure servicing Tofino, including growth and demand projections, an overview of poposed vegation work, and a timeline for project milestones and anticipated completion date.
West Coast Multiplex Society
Samantha Hackett, Chair of the West Coast Multiplex Society, presented Council with a request for support in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding for an arena and pool wellness facility on the West Coast, and included background information on the project to date, an integration of the facility construction phases, and capital funding and grant opportunity details.
Agenda Items
2022 Council Grant Awards
The second call for 2022 Council Grants were awarded to the following recipients:
- Redd Fish Restoration Society
- Westcoast Community Resource Society
- British Columbia Conservation Foundation
- Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society
- Surfrider Pacific Rim
Special Event Permits
Council authorized staff to issue special event permits to the following events:
- Clayoquot Salmon Festival
- End of Summer Concert
- International Coastal Clean-Up Day
Other District News
The District of Tofino will be beginning construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) within DL117 (Industrial Way area) in early Fall, 2022.
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, local governments across British Columbia will hold general local elections to vote in Mayor and Council.
Previous Council Highlights
Mayor Law met with the Honorable Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding the situation with the Wastewater Treatment Plant funding. He communicated the support from the Ministry on the community’s behalf.
View full highlightsMayor Law remarked on the upcoming Annual Spring Eggstravaganza event and encouraged community participation and emergency preparedness during Tsunami Preparedness Week.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke again to the ongoing devastation in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of good government. He affirmed the responsibility of Council is to look after the well-being, health and safety of residents.
View full highlightsMayor Law remarked on International Women’s Day as a day and spoke about the need to recognize that the oppression of women and girls is still a human rights issue globally.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke to the recent beautiful weather. He gave an update on a memorandum of understanding signed by key organizations in the community with regards to the ongoing Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) negotiations.
View full highlightsMayor Law and Councillor McMaster attended a follow-up meeting hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations with resort representatives and the West Coast Hospitality Association to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding and Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). These discussions were very well received. Discussions were excellent and he looks forward to working closely together.
View full highlightsMayor Law acknowledged the water collision that occurred earlier in the day and thanked the Ahousaht Auxiliary Coast Guard, the Tofino Coast Guard and first responders. He thanked Councillor Stere who was on the call and wished everyone involved a speedy recovery.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke to the Omicron variant and COVID-19 protocols, including additional precautions in Municipal Hall and other District buildings. He expressed his thankfulness for the community and for vaccines, reiterating how fortunate we are to have these advances and how important it is for government to continue to take care of their communities.
View full highlightsMayor Law recapped a local government round table hosted by Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honorable Josie Osborne and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Honorable Murray Rankin. There were over 44 mayors and chairs present for the discussions about local government efforts towards reconciliation across the island.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke to the Remembrance Day ceremony, attended by Acting Mayor Tom Stere due to Mayor Law’s absence.
He also presented Trish Dixon with a Certificate of Recognition for 10 years with the District of Tofino.
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