Council Highlights – January 24, 2023
Posted: Feb 1, 2023 | By: Corporate Services
Council Highlights – January 24, 2023
Posted: Feb 1, 2023 | By: Corporate Services
Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Mayor's Report
The Mayor began his report by speaking about a meeting he had with the new Executive Director of Tourism Tofino, Brad Parsell, and encouraged the public to reach out to Mr. Parsell and introduce themselves.
The Mayor also spoke of his recent discussions with Chief Hasheukumiss Richard George, hereditary Chief of Ahousaht. Mayor Law congratulated both the elected and the hereditary leadership of Ahousaht, and expressed looking forward to meeting with their Council in the future.
Next, the Mayor spoke of his recent meeting with Island Health and informed Council that they are currently trying to identify a location where a sobering and assessment centre can be established in Tofino. Mayor Law noted he looks forward to meeting with Island Health to learn more about the project.
Lastly, Mayor Law commented on how great it was to see so many members of the public back in the Council Chambers and using the lectern during the public comment period.
Correspondence
WildSafe BC Program
Council resolved to support the local WildSafe BC program in the amount of $4,000 in 2023 to be funded from the 2023 Council Grant budget, and referred their request for multi-year funding to the 2024-2027 budget process.
Disposition of Crown Land - Wickaninnish Inn
Council received multiple letters from local residents opposing the Disposition of Crown Land Application by the Wickaninnish Inn. Council authorized Mayor Law to prepare a letter on behalf of Council articulating the District of Tofino's opposition to the application, to be submitted with the District's referral response to the provincial government and forwarded to the Minister of Forests and the Honourable MLA Josie Osborne.
Invited Presentations
High Speed Internet for Remote West Coast Communities
Representatives from Baylink Networks and Connected Coast gave a presentation to Council regarding their project to provide high speed internet to remote communities on the West Coast of British Columbia.
Agenda Items
Tofino Volunteer Fire Department
Council granted permission for further review of the proposed zoning amendment application for the portion of District lot 117 to be used for the proposed Tofino Volunteer Fire Department training ground.
Pay Parking Review and Downtown Expansion
Council received a presentation from the Director of Infrastructure and Public Works, introducing a proposed downtown pay parking program. Council directed staff to proceed with community engagement and implementation of the downtown pay parking program.
Special Event Permit - On the Road to Victoria's 24th Annual Ska and Reggae Festival
Council authorized staff to issue a Special Event Permit for the use of the Tofino Community Hall, for the event scheduled to to be held on March 30, 2023.
Neill Street Watermain Replacement & Village Green Improvements
Council received a presentation from the Director of Infrastructure & Public Works regarding two previously approved projects being combined into one. Council agreed to grant early budget approval for the project in the amount of $1,709,650.
Special Event Permit - Pacific Rim Whale Festival Launch Party
Council authorized staff to issue a Special Event Permit for the use of the Tofino Community Hall, for the event scheduled to to be held on March 17, 2023.
Temporary Use Permit - Tofino Brewing Company Expanded Service Area
Council issued a Temporary Use Permit for the Tofino Brewing Company at 691 Industrial Way that will allow the use of certain outside areas on the property for the service of beer for a period of up to three years.
Previous Council Highlights
Mayor Law dedicated his Mayor’s Report to George Hubert, who previously served close to four decades as an employee with the District of Tofino.
View full highlightsMayor Law began his report by calling on Alistair Reynolds to take to the lectern so that he could be awarded with the 2023 Volunteer Recognition Award.
View full highlightsMayor Law recognized October 11, 2022 as the last Council meeting of the current term and noted that the inaugural meeting for the newly elected Council is scheduled to be held November 1, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. in the Clayoquot Sound Theatre.
View full highlightsMayor Law issued a warm welcome to Deborah Bodnar, the new Director of Corporate Services and Financial Officer for the District of Tofino.
View full highlightsMayor Law extended a sincere thank you to Brad Evans, and recognized his 15 years of dedicated service as a District of Tofino employee.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke to his experience participating in the raising of the totem pole Hinaaqsuuqʷa on July 1, 2022 at the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation ancient village site of Opitsaht on Meares Island.
View full highlightsMayor Law spoke to his recent attendance at the 2022 FCM Annual Conference and Tradeshow held in Regina, Saskatchewan.
View full highlightsActing Mayor Jacky Challenger congratulated Aaron Rodgers on his new role as the Director of Infrastructure and Public Works.
View full highlightsMayor Law welcomed Nyla Attiana to her first Council meeting as Chief Administrative Officer.
View full highlightsMeeting Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Mayor Law announced that the 2022-2027 Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Application has been approved. A portion of the MRDT revenue will go towards the Wastewater Treatment Plant debt servicing. Mayor Law thanked the following people for their support: Minister of Finance, Selina…
View full highlights