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 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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