{"videoId":"ndYYIAYhkGU","source":"serpapi","segments":[{"t":136,"text":"Okay, good evening everyone. It's now 6 o'clock. So, if I can ask everyone to please take their seats, we can begin."},{"t":143,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":146,"text":"Okay, good evening everyone and welcome to our regular council meeting of Tuesday, September the 8th. Welcome back"},{"t":153,"text":"from the summer and happy back to school for all of our students. Big week today."},{"t":159,"text":"uh or this week actually here in Souk for all of our young ones. Uh council, I would also like to turn your attention"},{"t":166,"text":"to number two and that is to recognize that this meeting and the district of Souk is held on the traditional"},{"t":173,"text":"territories of both the South and Shanu nations. Item three would be approval of today's agenda. Uh looking for a motion"},{"t":181,"text":"that the agenda for September 8, 2026 regular meeting of council be adopted as presented along with materials in that"},{"t":190,"text":"we received in accordance with our delegation. It's moved by councelor St."},{"t":194,"text":"Pierre and seconded by Pearson. All those in favor? Any opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you. Item four is our"},{"t":203,"text":"public hearing that we have today in regards to zoning amendment bylaw number 946600-119"},{"t":211,"text":"2026 Agra tourism agra tourism accommodation and alcohol production facility. I'm just going to ask our"},{"t":218,"text":"corporate officer there was a statement prior to rules around public hearings that I used to read out. Does that"},{"t":226,"text":"statement still pertain to the public hearing that we have today?"},{"t":231,"text":"Thank you, your worship. I'm just frantically pulling up whether or not we actually have a copy available, but yes,"},{"t":239,"text":"then that would be wonderful because yes, the only things you would need to change would be the bylaw numbers. Perfect. Okay. Thank you."},{"t":246,"text":"So, in regards to item 4.1, this public hearing is being held pursuant to the local government act. At this public"},{"t":255,"text":"hearing, any person who believes that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw will be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to"},{"t":263,"text":"present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw that are the subject of this hearing. Copies of written submissions received to date are"},{"t":271,"text":"available. It is important that all who speak at this hearing restrict their remarks to the matters contained in the bylaw and it is my responsibility as"},{"t":280,"text":"chair of this hearing to ensure that all remarks are so restricted. For those of you who wish to speak, please at the appropriate time commence your address"},{"t":288,"text":"to council by clearly stating your name and municipality of residence. We do not require your address. Then you may give"},{"t":295,"text":"us the benefit of your views concerning the proposed bylaw. Submissions must be received before or during the public hearing in order to be considered by"},{"t":304,"text":"council. Members of council may, if they so wish, ask questions of you following your presentation or submission."},{"t":311,"text":"However, the main function of council members this evening is to listen to the views of the public. It is not the function of council at this public hearing to debate the merits of the proposed bylaw with individual citizens."},{"t":322,"text":"Everyone who deems their interest in property to be affected shall be given the opportunity to be heard at this meeting. No one will be or should feel"},{"t":330,"text":"discouraged or prevented from making their views known. Please note that this hearing forms part of the September 8th,"},{"t":338,"text":"2026 regular meeting of council and as such is being video recorded. Videos and their contents, including any personal"},{"t":347,"text":"information disclosed during the public hearing will be posted and will remain on the district website."},{"t":353,"text":"So on that note, I now declare that the public hearing is open and I will turn to our staff to provide their presentation, please."},{"t":362,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":370,"text":"Yeah, as noted um this public hearing concerns zoning amendment bylaw number 946 which seeks to add agurism agurism accommodation and alcohol production"},{"t":379,"text":"facility as permitted uses on agricultural lands within the district."},{"t":389,"text":"The purpose of this presentation is to provide some background on the proposed amendments and briefly explain its principal provisions before council hears from the public. No staff"},{"t":398,"text":"recommendation or motion is being presented as part of the public hearing."},{"t":401,"text":"Uh however, following the public hearing, council is scheduled to consider third reading of the amendment bile later in tonight's agenda under"},{"t":408,"text":"item 10.4 for regarding previous direction and process. On September 29th, 2025,"},{"t":416,"text":"council directed staff to examine opportunities to streamline and align the district's bylaws with ALR regulations, specifically in relation to"},{"t":423,"text":"aggra tourism and related accommodation on agricultural land. On July 7th of this year, the land use and development committee reviewed the proposed"},{"t":431,"text":"amendments and recommended that council give the bylaw first and second reading and schedule a public hearing. Council then gave first and second reading on"},{"t":438,"text":"July 13th and directed staff to schedule a public hearing which brings us to tonight."},{"t":445,"text":"Turning to the zoning bylaw, agriculture is already permitted uh as a principal use in the RU1, RU2 and RU3 zones. The"},{"t":452,"text":"gap is that aggra tourism, agurism accommodation and alcohol production facilities are not currently identified as distinct uses. The existing visitor"},{"t":461,"text":"accommodation regulations are primarily residential and do not clearly address accommodation connected to active farm use. The bylaw also does not provide a"},{"t":470,"text":"clear framework for these uses on eligible farm class properties located outside the ALR. Bylaw 946 therefore"},{"t":477,"text":"addresses these gaps by defining the uses, distinguishing farm-based accommodation from residential forms of accommodation, and establishing where and how the new uses may occur."},{"t":491,"text":"within the ALR qualifying agurism activities and alcohol production facilities are recognized as farm uses that may not be prohibited uh when the"},{"t":499,"text":"provincial conditions are met. Including these uses in the zoning bylaw provides greater clarity and brings the local framework into closer alignment with the"},{"t":507,"text":"provincial regulations. For alcohol production facilities, the amendment confirms that the uses limited to eligible lands within the ALR. Uh for"},{"t":515,"text":"agurism, the amendment also extends to the use of eligible farm class properties located outside the ALR in the RU1, RU2 and RU3 zones. Agurism"},{"t":524,"text":"accommodation uh is instead addressed through local zoning. Um the amendment would expressly permit the use in those same zones and establish the requirements that would apply."},{"t":536,"text":"This slide shows the geographic scope of the amendments. Um they apply only in the RU1, RU2, and RU3 zones. Uh for"},{"t":544,"text":"agurism or agurism accommodation, the property must have farm class status. Um alcohol production facilities uh would"},{"t":551,"text":"be limited to eligible land within the ALR. Uh the mapping here identifies 48 farm class properties in these zones, 39"},{"t":559,"text":"of which being in the ALR and nine located outside."},{"t":566,"text":"The proposed by would establish three distinct uses. Uh as noted, agurism would cover specific public activities that are direct directly connected to agricultural production on the property."},{"t":576,"text":"Agurism accommodation uh would allow limited overnight accommodation uses within agurism activity occurring on the same property. And alcohol production"},{"t":585,"text":"facilities would be addressed separately and would be limited to qualifying properties within the ALR specifically."},{"t":591,"text":"Importantly, these would all be accessory uses. Um, agriculture would remain the principal use of the property and could not be displaced by tourism,"},{"t":598,"text":"accommodation or alcohol production activities."},{"t":604,"text":"Agra tourism would be permitted only on a property that has farm class status under the assessment act. Uh, the activity would need to be open to members of the public and remain"},{"t":613,"text":"secondary and incidental to agricultural production occurring on the property."},{"t":617,"text":"The amendment would identify the qualifying activities. Uh these would include uh agricultural heritage exhibits, farm tours, educational"},{"t":624,"text":"demonstrations, cart or tractor rides, activities promoting livestock, dog trials, harvest festivals, and corn mazes. Uh consistent"},{"t":633,"text":"with the provincial framework, permanent facilities could not be constructed or erected in connection with an aggra tourism activity. These requirements are"},{"t":642,"text":"intended to ensure that the activity remains connected to a genuine agricultural use."},{"t":650,"text":"The amendment would also clarify that not every public facing or commercial activity occurring on a farm is agurism."},{"t":657,"text":"Accommodation farm retail sales on farm processing, alcohol production, food service establishments and gatherings for events are addressed separately"},{"t":665,"text":"under the provincial framework and the district zoning bylaw. These activities could occur only where they are independently permitted and where all"},{"t":672,"text":"applicable requirements are met. This distinction helps prevent the aggurism definition from being interpreted as a general permission for unrelated commercial or event uses."},{"t":690,"text":"You forward the slide, please."},{"t":693,"text":"Oh, got it. Agurism accommodation would be established as a distinct form of farm-based accommodation. In this case,"},{"t":701,"text":"the property would need to have farm class status as well. and an eligible agurism activity would need to occur on the same property. The accommodation"},{"t":709,"text":"would need to remain ancillary to both the agricultural use and the associated agurism activity. Uh it could not become the principal use of the land. The bylaw"},{"t":718,"text":"would also expressly distinguish agurism accommodation from a residential short-term rental. Uh the two uses would be regulated separately and would have different eligibility requirements."},{"t":732,"text":"The proposed bylaw would also limit both the scale and form of agurism accommodation. Uh the total developed area associated with the accommodation"},{"t":740,"text":"would need to occupy less than 5% of the parcel. Uh this would include the accommodation structures, landscaping, parking, driveways, paths, servicing and"},{"t":749,"text":"access. A maximum of 10 sleeping units would be permitted on a parcel. This would include uh sleeping units used for both agurism accommodation and bed and breakfast accommodation."},{"t":760,"text":"The accommodation could also uh could be provided in forms such as rooms, cabins, bunk houses, tents, and recreational"},{"t":767,"text":"vehicles, but it would need to operate on a seasonal or short-term basis. Uh the same guest could not stay for more"},{"t":774,"text":"than 30 consecutive days. Sleeping units could not contain kitchens or be designated to function as independent"},{"t":781,"text":"dwelling units. Um they also could not be subdivided, stratified or separately titled from the agricultural property."},{"t":794,"text":"Um alcohol production facilities uh are addressed separately uh because they are subject to their own provincial framework. Uh the proposed definition"},{"t":802,"text":"would cover breweries, ceries, distilleries, meteries and wineries."},{"t":808,"text":"Um the use would be permitted as an accessory use to agriculture in the RU1, RU2 and RU3 zones, but only on properties located within the ALR."},{"t":817,"text":"Unlike agurism and aggra tourism accommodation, this permission would not extend to the nine identified farm class properties outside the ALR."},{"t":826,"text":"The facility would also need to comply with applicable provincial requirements, including requirements concerning the agricultural products used in alcohol"},{"t":833,"text":"production. Any retail uh lounge uh food service or event activity would remain subject to the applicable provincial and"},{"t":842,"text":"local limits and authorization requirements."},{"t":850,"text":"The proposed amendments would establish zoning permissions, but it would not automatically authorize a particular operation. Uh before commencing a use, the property owner would need to"},{"t":858,"text":"demonstrate that the applicable eligibility and operating requirements are met. This would include confirming farm class status and where relevant the"},{"t":866,"text":"property's location within the ALR. All applicable provincial requirements would continue to apply within the ALR and outside. Uh the amendment would also not"},{"t":874,"text":"remove the need for other approvals such as building permits, health approvals, uh health approvals, servicing requirements, or district business licenses."},{"t":885,"text":"The proposed amendments were referred to internal departments and external agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the ALR or ALC."},{"t":894,"text":"Um staff considered the referral input and refining the proposed definitions and regulations including the eligibility requirements uh and"},{"t":901,"text":"operating limits for each use. Uh the MSR intended to improve alignment with the provincial agricultural framework um while establishing local permissions for"},{"t":910,"text":"eligible farm class properties outside the ALR. A notice of this public hearing was provided in accordance with the LGA published into uh"},{"t":919,"text":"two for two weeks in the local newspaper. Um as well uh sorry at time of preparation of this presentation uh"},{"t":926,"text":"the district did not receive any written submissions um from the public."},{"t":934,"text":"Uh that concludes my overview of the proposed amendments. Um in summary, uh bylaw 946 would establish definitions and regulations for agurism, aggra"},{"t":942,"text":"tourism accommodation and alcohol production facilities within the RU1, RU2, and RU3 zones. Uh the bylaw is scheduled uh for possible third reading"},{"t":950,"text":"uh later in tonight's agenda. Uh if it receives third reading, uh ministry approval will be required prior to adoption. Thank you."},{"t":958,"text":"Okay. Thank you. I'll now ask if the applicant is present and whether the applicant would like to address council at this time. There's no applicant in this case."},{"t":968,"text":"There isn't. Okay. Sorry, I'm going on old notes. Okay. Any members of the public that would like to speak on this?"},{"t":974,"text":"If Kate, if you could please come forward and turn on the microphone and introduce yourself, please."},{"t":983,"text":"Hi, Jeff Souk. Um, so I have questions about throat which I think is coming up later as well. Should I separate that out or?"},{"t":991,"text":"Yes, this is specific, but I just should I just I'll come back up for throw up later. That makes sense."},{"t":998,"text":"Okay. Sorry. Can you remind me which one is your particular one?"},{"t":1001,"text":"Uh I have questions about particularly about the LR um by law and then I have a question about THR which I think is"},{"t":1009,"text":"going to be brought up on the agenda later. So okay. So this one uh if you have any like there will be another public input session on the rest of the agenda. So"},{"t":1018,"text":"this I'll do throw up now later. Yeah. Particular to this bylaw."},{"t":1022,"text":"Okay. So uh with regards to this bylaw uh 4.12e I want to ask about um so this"},{"t":1029,"text":"is what where it's specifying what is not allowed and they've included in there uh food service establishments. Um so there is a UBCM resolution NR88."},{"t":1041,"text":"Uh currently uh if nobody's aware in the ALR if you wanted to serve have a tasting room you have to produce and"},{"t":1048,"text":"sell alcohol. So the UBCM resolution is um asking that the province uh remove"},{"t":1055,"text":"the alcohol requirement for a taste alert. So right now I can if I produce wine I can sell you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich but if I produce jelly I"},{"t":1064,"text":"can't sell you a peanut butter jelly sandwich. So that's what this is looking to change or something along those lines. So, by putting this specific"},{"t":1071,"text":"language in our bylaw where we're saying you cannot have food service establishments, I'm afraid it's going to conflict with any progress we make on"},{"t":1080,"text":"NR88. And my question is, do you really have to list what's not allowed? So, um, you know, particularly small scale ALR"},{"t":1089,"text":"properties really need as much flexibility as possible and ALC is not in the flexibility business. Um, if"},{"t":1096,"text":"you've read this back and forth in emails, you'll see the sticking point that they had specifically on corn mazes. It's a perfect example of that."},{"t":1105,"text":"Um, thankfully, I think Souk has addressed that well done. So, I'm sort of hoping that Sue can make a a an"},{"t":1111,"text":"acknowledgement of the logic of NR88 by just removing this as a requirement. So,"},{"t":1119,"text":"that's question one. Do you want me to go on and then I have a couple other questions about this? I would just continue please. Yeah."},{"t":1125,"text":"Um [clears throat] now, uh my next question is uh I think we can officially now have three"},{"t":1132,"text":"dwelling units uh in the LR. I think it's been adopted but not consolidated, but the detached secondary dwelling"},{"t":1142,"text":"would have a kitchen in it. So again, would the language about not having a kitchen interfere with somebody using their detached secondary dwelling for agro tourism?"},{"t":1153,"text":"That's my questions on ALR. And I have ALR grown garlic here at my wife's if anybody wants to buy it."},{"t":1162,"text":"Okay. Thank you for attending and asking that. Um perhaps I'll ask staff if you can clarify what our member of the"},{"t":1170,"text":"public has just brought forward around a the food production piece of and"},{"t":1177,"text":"anyway he's stated it pretty well and the other kitchen."},{"t":1183,"text":"Sure. Um yes. So the first point there just about the UBCM uh resolution. I'm vaguely familiar with this. So it seems like there's there's some things that"},{"t":1191,"text":"are are being proposed to change um to the ALC from from UBCM. Um however uh right now uh what our attempt was with"},{"t":1200,"text":"these amendments was basically to align the provincial regulations uh with our zoning bylaws. And right now uh if you were to have uh a lounge for example, it"},{"t":1208,"text":"has to be in association with a um uh with an alcohol production facility. So uh you can't have a necessarily a"},{"t":1216,"text":"standalone uh food service establishment without another form of authorization through the province or through the ALC."},{"t":1224,"text":"So our our bylaw currently is not permitting anything outside of of the current ALR permissions. So it's just aligning basically with those regulations at this current time."},{"t":1235,"text":"Okay. Thank you."},{"t":1236,"text":"Uh secondly, there's discussion about maybe the differences between uh sleeping units or agurism accommodation and short-term uh rental regulations. So"},{"t":1245,"text":"we do have these bylaws actually the STR bylaws being considered for adoption today as well. Um but these are um uh"},{"t":1252,"text":"very much different uses. So STRs aren't aren't prohibited from uh ALR lands. Um uh so nothing is changing there"},{"t":1260,"text":"necessarily. Uh but they must occur within a self-contained dwelling unit or within the principal dwelling in accordance with the draft bylaw. So uh"},{"t":1268,"text":"where there would be cooking facilities within that dwelling unit where the STR is occurring. And with uh sleeping units for example uh they expressly uh"},{"t":1276,"text":"prohibit uh there being any sort of cooking facilities. So basically would be a room uh within the main house or within uh accessory dwellings."},{"t":1285,"text":"Um that's just uh some clarity on the differences between those two uses, but they're not uh exclusive of each other."},{"t":1291,"text":"So they both could operate uh at the same time."},{"t":1295,"text":"We'll turn to other members of the public that would like to speak on this here. Okay. Can I invite other speakers first?"},{"t":1303,"text":"Do we have any other speakers on this, please?"},{"t":1324,"text":"Thank you, mayor, council, uh, staff, citizens. Um, I heard staff Dave Saunders, sorry. Uh, I actually my"},{"t":1332,"text":"family benefits from this and no, I'm not running for mayor. No, I'm not running for council. Thank goodness. Um, I just want to state very clearly that,"},{"t":1340,"text":"uh, staff have said they they haven't received any written submissions. In fact, I presented on this topic. I presented emails to the CEO. I have yet to receive responses."},{"t":1352,"text":"I've been asked to make a formal complaint, which I've had to do. I should not have. Uh, but bare bones in all of this is that I've given notice"},{"t":1361,"text":"and provided direct evidence of disclosure related to councelor St. Pierre. He is the land use chair."},{"t":1367,"text":"Okay. We are speaking particularly in a zoning amendment. Absolutely, we are. Yes. and my answers."},{"t":1372,"text":"I haven't received any answers related to my formal complaint of which I've been directed to. I have very uh serious concerns about procedures related to"},{"t":1381,"text":"this topic. The potential benefit to the land use chair is possible. May or may not. The potential benefit to his"},{"t":1389,"text":"business partners may or may not. This bylaw change is not specific and solely related to policy alignment. And the"},{"t":1397,"text":"changes that are created, they create an unfair taxation advantage for ALR tourism accommodation over and above the"},{"t":1407,"text":"average citizen wanting to run an airbnb or short-term rentals. This taxation"},{"t":1414,"text":"fairness has never once been discussed at land use or this committee or council or within the jurisdiction of the"},{"t":1421,"text":"district of souk. I'm very concerned that this going this is going to create an unlevel playing field and it needs to"},{"t":1428,"text":"be addressed before any consideration of this bylaw is adopted. I would like answers to my previous emails to the CEO"},{"t":1436,"text":"and an update on my formal complaint of which I've been direct to do. Thank you very much."},{"t":1444,"text":"Okay. Thank you."},{"t":1447,"text":"Is there any response from staff uh through uh to your worship? Uh the quick update I can provide is uh we're"},{"t":1456,"text":"within the window to reply to the formal complaint and staff are anticipating replying within that window which I believe is later this week. Okay."},{"t":1463,"text":"The formal answer I'm sorry I don't know the other correspondents. I believe he sent something right before this meeting that I know about."},{"t":1470,"text":"Okay. Thank you. I'll turn to other members of the public that would like to speak at this public hearing related to"},{"t":1477,"text":"Agra tourism agurism accommodation and alcohol production facility"},{"t":1497,"text":"Ellen Mur just in light of last speaker's comments. Uh if if someone may"},{"t":1504,"text":"be in may be in conflict with the bylaw changes, do they need to remove themselves from the hearing? Is the question."},{"t":1515,"text":"Typically when councils are of the opinion that they are in conflict then yes they would declare the conflict and"},{"t":1523,"text":"exit the room and not be receiving any information because they would be deemed so they could benefit from from uh the"},{"t":1531,"text":"change in the in the bylaw then they'd be in conflict if if it would it would up it's up to individual"},{"t":1538,"text":"council members to determine if they are right. Okay. So like years ago for example when we adopted an OCP there"},{"t":1546,"text":"were members of the council that felt they were in conflict and left the room later determined that it something like"},{"t":1554,"text":"that uh is not specific to a particular council members and they were permitted to return to the room and vote on the bylaw."},{"t":1561,"text":"But I thought if somebody couldn't financially benefit if if they could it's up to members of council on their own. It's not up to staff or myself as"},{"t":1569,"text":"chair to determine who is and who is not in conflict. It's up to the council members and then there is a process that"},{"t":1576,"text":"happens outside of that that would make that determination. Thank thank you."},{"t":1584,"text":"other speakers on the in regards to the public hearing for zoning amendment bylaw number 946"},{"t":1596,"text":"for this speaker that yeah if you would like to return you'll just need to reintroduce yourself though for the public record and turn on the microphone. Thank you."},{"t":1605,"text":"Thanks uh Jeff Souk. Um so se section 4.12E is not a list of permissions that you"},{"t":1614,"text":"can do on the LR. It's a a clarification of exemptions. So uh that's where we list um alcohol production facilities on"},{"t":1623,"text":"proing are not part of agro tourism in food service establishments. So I'm not asking Souk to put themselves in a in a"},{"t":1631,"text":"position of permitting something that the LR doesn't allow. just [clears throat] trying to avoid this conflict"},{"t":1638,"text":"uh where for whatever reason I don't know technically why we have to do this listing listing things that we are not going to allow why we have to include"},{"t":1647,"text":"that in there uh when I think the vast majority of AL land owners would object to it and object to this specific detail"},{"t":1656,"text":"in the ALR regulation regarding requiring alcohol to serve food. Um so so my question specifically is not"},{"t":1665,"text":"whether or not um this is listed in the LR regulation. My question is whether or not we are required to also list it as"},{"t":1672,"text":"something that is not included because I could list a million things that are not included in a tour of them. Uh but for whatever reason we're choosing to list"},{"t":1680,"text":"this one. Um and then the second question regarding three dwelling units."},{"t":1684,"text":"So a specific first half would be are we now officially allowed to have three dwelling units? I know it's been adopted. I don't think it's been"},{"t":1692,"text":"consolidated and if so, I know I can use my secondary suite under the ALR"},{"t":1697,"text":"regulation as uh agro tourism, but our bylaw lists you can't have a kitchen. So"},{"t":1706,"text":"I'm just wondering if that's a conflict in the in the sense that if I just want to rent out one room in my detached dwelling under and I have farm class and"},{"t":1715,"text":"I need everything else under the guise of agro tourism. Will the k because of this bylaw will the kitchen then somehow"},{"t":1723,"text":"interfere with that because I or I can I think I can rent a room in that in the in there or maybe I want to build five rooms in there and have one kitchen in there so that I can focus it on agurism."},{"t":1734,"text":"I don't know, but I'm just wanting to verify that there isn't a conflict. So, first question, can we now have three"},{"t":1742,"text":"dwelling units? Important. And second one, would the kitchen interfere with agurism use of the secondary dwelling?"},{"t":1750,"text":"Okay, thank you. Can I get your surname also for the record? Pardon? Macdonald."},{"t":1755,"text":"McDonald. Okay. Uh, thank you. Uh, can I ask staff to respond to the member of the public?"},{"t":1763,"text":"Yes. So uh briefly three dwellings are permitted."},{"t":1767,"text":"So straight and simple um STRs are permitted alongside agurism and alongside agriurism accommodation."},{"t":1777,"text":"Okay."},{"t":1779,"text":"Anyone else from the public wish to speak on this? We'll call for a last time."},{"t":1786,"text":"Uh, council, before I close the public hearing, uh, you'll see that this bylaw will be coming up later in the agenda in"},{"t":1795,"text":"the bylaw section as item 10."},{"t":1801,"text":"4, at which point we'll be looking to just advance the recommendation in here and vote. So, do you have enough information"},{"t":1810,"text":"at this point? Because I will be closing the public hearing. So, if there's any questions, not statements, but questions"},{"t":1817,"text":"about the staff presentation, I'll entertain those now, but not statements in regards to where you"},{"t":1825,"text":"where you sit on the bylaw because that discussion and debate will occur later today. But I do need to close the public hearing because then it's closed and we"},{"t":1833,"text":"can't receive new information that would impact the voting. Does that make sense? Should at this point."},{"t":1840,"text":"Go ahead, councelor St. Pierre. Uh question for staff through your worship."},{"t":1845,"text":"Um one of the question my biggest question is with regards to uh principal use versus accessory farm class status"},{"t":1852,"text":"and uses how is that actually determined? So for example um is a use ancillary if it's uh bringing in less"},{"t":1860,"text":"revenue is it be on square footage? Is it automatically ancillary if there's already farm class status determined?"},{"t":1868,"text":"How's that how's that done? Carefully."},{"t":1873,"text":"Yeah, through the mayor. So, um there isn't an exact threshold. For example, like even with agurism activities like the ALR and the district wouldn't"},{"t":1882,"text":"regulate the the size of a a corn maze to determine exactly what uh if it's adequate to be considered agurism, for"},{"t":1890,"text":"example. Um but being a secondary use, yes, I think firstly um under the ALR regulations and also with these bylaw amendments, farm class status is"},{"t":1898,"text":"required um for agurism activities. Um it's also required for alcohol production facilities and once you have farm class status and you're within the"},{"t":1907,"text":"ALR and through these amendments, even non ALR farm class properties uh would then uh be permitted to have uh these"},{"t":1915,"text":"uses occur. Um so yeah basically the the f the the first step would be the uh the"},{"t":1921,"text":"status of the property um which BC assessment based on I believe it's revenue generation um of the actual uh"},{"t":1930,"text":"the produce of of the agricultural uh produce um and then following that uh would be an aggra tourism activity which would be just naturally limited uh"},{"t":1938,"text":"sometimes through the uh a percentage of coverage as well that we have the regulation there that says you can't exceed 5% of the uh total area of land"},{"t":1946,"text":"as well for for these aggurism activities um and accommodation uses."},{"t":1952,"text":"Okay. And just to clarify that uh because this is very important I think to anyone who's actually farming uh the amount of uh revenue you have to earn on"},{"t":1961,"text":"farm tax farm class status is not exorbitant not huge but it can't be done on processed uh food of any sort has you"},{"t":1968,"text":"have to basically sell potatoes or beets you can't sell French rice uh as such um it's very easy for almost any other"},{"t":1977,"text":"activity to exceed the actual revenues uh would that actually impact for example, a farm that's basically got a"},{"t":1985,"text":"corn maze and trying to and makes more money on corn mazes than on corn. How would that be seen?"},{"t":1993,"text":"I I think there would through the through the mayor um I suppose that would be a judgment call through uh through our director um in determining"},{"t":2000,"text":"um through business licensing etc. if if these uses did uh surpass the the principal use of of agriculture. I I think there would be quite a bit of"},{"t":2008,"text":"leeway and flexibility uh in that uh per se and it is not based on on revenue necessarily, but if if these uses were"},{"t":2015,"text":"overtaking farm operations um then that would be something the ALC would certainly be interested in. Um and then for those non ALR parcels would be"},{"t":2024,"text":"something that we would uh take a look at as well. And just a quick note uh regarding agurism activities um we"},{"t":2030,"text":"purposefully included language uh in the permissions when we note the corn mazes"},{"t":2037,"text":"etc. um that there we the ALR is a lot more restrictive in terms of the uses that it permits as as agurism"},{"t":2045,"text":"accommodation but we have uh broadened that with a bit more um flexible language for those uh those those farm"},{"t":2052,"text":"class properties not within the ALR as well just just a note. Okay. Because I I support what the member of the public was saying about this. It's uh it's very"},{"t":2061,"text":"easy it's not very easy actually to make a lot of money farming and so it's very easy to actually have you know that revenue potentially exceed and so on and"},{"t":2069,"text":"so forth. Uh and that's just the way it goes. So I'm hoping that our bylaws do actually take that into account. Thank you."},{"t":2078,"text":"Anything else from members of council? Councelor Pearson question."},{"t":2082,"text":"Yes. Thank you. Can you turn off your microphone?"},{"t":2087,"text":"through the staff. Um just a couple of questions and I think councelor um St."},{"t":2092,"text":"Pierre is sorry. So eligible ALR."},{"t":2097,"text":"Do we have an inventory of of smaller ALR packages and and properties in soup?"},{"t":2104,"text":"Like I'm thinking like one hector or less. Do we have an inventory of how big they are? I'm just thinking about this 5%"},{"t":2112,"text":"um maximum coverage. it starts getting pretty pretty tight when you start, you know, there there I know that there is a few like in even in my neighborhood"},{"t":2121,"text":"there's a few smaller packages. So is the 5% is that a is that a provincial regulation or is that that we're proposing?"},{"t":2128,"text":"Yeah, through the mayor that is a provincial regulation uh intended to control the intensity of those accessory uses."},{"t":2135,"text":"Right. Okay. And then then the follow-up question to that is uh no no permanent structures."},{"t":2141,"text":"So, uh, looking at long-term investment on these properties, um, is that is that also from the ALC,"},{"t":2151,"text":"the the no permanent structures or is that Yeah, through the mayor. Um, all these regulations, I think almost everyone as"},{"t":2159,"text":"it relates to this bylaw is uh is mirroring the um the ALR use regulation."},{"t":2164,"text":"So, yes, that is part of the the regulation."},{"t":2166,"text":"Great. Thank you. Um, limited overnight accommodation. That was the last one I had. So, can you"},{"t":2175,"text":"explain that to me? Limited. What is limited overnight? That was a that wasn't in the presentation, but you added that word limited"},{"t":2184,"text":"in the context of aggra tourism accommodation. Yeah."},{"t":2188,"text":"Yeah. So, it would be uh usually restricted to 30 days, no longer than 30 days. Um, as well as or or seasonal. So"},{"t":2196,"text":"generally depending on the aggra tourism activity that's linked to it could be for harvesting uh season or or something to that effect. So limited to that"},{"t":2205,"text":"degree and also um uh no kitchens within the sleeping units for example limited to 10 sleeping units."},{"t":2212,"text":"Yeah. And and yeah and the member of the public clarified that. So who who will police that"},{"t":2221,"text":"that the district the limited overnight accommodations?"},{"t":2225,"text":"Um just like um any use uh requiring a business license, it would be the district and in some cases uh combined with uh the ALC bylaw."},{"t":2234,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Anything else from members of council?"},{"t":2241,"text":"Okay. So, I'm going to look to close the public hearing and move on in today's agenda. So, I now declare that it's officially closed."},{"t":2252,"text":"And council, I will turn your attention to item five, which is that 5.1 that the"},{"t":2258,"text":"July 27th, 2026 regular council meeting minutes to be adopted as presented."},{"t":2263,"text":"Please moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by Beettos. All those in favor? Any oppose? That's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":2273,"text":"Um, I'm just mindful that councelor McMath will also be joining us virtually tonight. So, just uh for staff to keep a lookout and if you could just catch my attention uh at that time. Thank you."},{"t":2284,"text":"Item six is report of the chief administrative officer. The written report is attached in the consent. I'll ask Miss Gray if she has any comments at this time."},{"t":2295,"text":"Uh thank you, worship. I do have something to add just briefly if um you don't mind. Uh, I just wanted to touch on a couple things in the CA or one of"},{"t":2303,"text":"the items in my CAO report tonight. Uh, I wanted to take a moment to comment on the organizational chart that's included"},{"t":2310,"text":"in the CA CEO report tonight. Um, after I was approached by multiple staff last week asking if their jobs were safe"},{"t":2317,"text":"after reading some online commentary and or being told by friends or family about the negative commentary they were seeing online. Um, I debated not including it to help protect staff's mental health."},{"t":2329,"text":"However, after some internal reflection, I decided against it for a few reasons. Uh, one being there's nothing to hide."},{"t":2335,"text":"The district runs a lean organization, and after council indicated their desire to transition to 247 RCMP and fire coverage a few years ago, the majority"},{"t":2344,"text":"of staffing in the prior years has been allocated to those departments. The OR chart will show anyone that goes looking for it that nearly every department in"},{"t":2352,"text":"the district is managing a vacancy right now. And in spite of that, staff are still doing their best to meet community expectations and service levels and are"},{"t":2361,"text":"still raising the bar based on this feedback I um got passed along to me uh last week. And this was from a local um"},{"t":2369,"text":"uh company that is working with our building department. And they just wanted to pass along to our building clerk a glowing review for the department and said they're that of all"},{"t":2378,"text":"the municipalities they work with, we are by far the best to deal with. So, um, you know, that was one of the same staff who came to me concerned about"},{"t":2385,"text":"their jobs. So, I really appreciated the reminder that there is more to this than just, um, you know, the online"},{"t":2393,"text":"commentary that people are seeing right now. Um, and so in another reason is as your CEO, I'm responsible for protecting"},{"t":2400,"text":"staff from bullying behavior and I too am being impacted by reading these negative online commentary about district operations. So, I want to close"},{"t":2408,"text":"off this statement by asking anyone who is listening who has questions about district op district operations to first visit our website which has troves of"},{"t":2416,"text":"information available on it and to second reach out to me if you still have questions. 2550-514-6491"},{"t":2424,"text":"is my work cell phone number. And as I've said for years, I can't promise you you will like the answer, but I can promise that I will prov provide one and"},{"t":2432,"text":"confirm what process someone could follow should they want something changed with how the district operates."},{"t":2438,"text":"Uh, and just in closing, I just want to thank staff for their ongoing professionalism and service to this community. Thank you."},{"t":2446,"text":"Thank you very much, Miss Gray."},{"t":2449,"text":"We're going to move into section seven, which is delegations. The first one up is 7.1 District of Souk support for"},{"t":2456,"text":"Orange Shirt Day. The delegation is from Katherine Strongland of the 60 Scoop Legacy of Canada."},{"t":2465,"text":"Ah, Miss Strong is joining us virtually."},{"t":2468,"text":"Uh we have five minutes set aside. So when you're ready, please go ahead. And council, we also did receive two letters uh in addition to the uh delegation."},{"t":2478,"text":"Thank you. Please go ahead, Mr. Strong."},{"t":2483,"text":"Thank you. I'm not sure if the presentation is up. I did send that previously. Yes, we can see it on our screens here."},{"t":2491,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":2492,"text":"Okay. So, I'm going to let staff move move us along in the presentation as I talk. Uh, good evening, mayor and"},{"t":2499,"text":"members of council. My name is Katherine Strongwind. I am the founder and director of the 60 Scoop Legacy of Canada. I'm also an indigenous adoptee of the 60 scoop and a resident of Souk."},{"t":2511,"text":"I'm coming to you today from the unseated Komox territory. I'm honored to present our proposal for walking"},{"t":2518,"text":"together 2026 Orange Shirt Day in Souk, a gathering designed to foster healing, education, and unity across our"},{"t":2526,"text":"community on September 30th. As you may recall, this is the second year our team is hosting this event and the seventh"},{"t":2533,"text":"time I am personally hosting an orange shirt day event in the community. I have previously sent the letter of request, a"},{"t":2540,"text":"copy of the project overview, and the current budget breakdown for your consideration."},{"t":2545,"text":"Today, we are requesting a contribution of $6,500 from the District of Souk to support this vital uh communitywide"},{"t":2553,"text":"initiative on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To hold a community event this year is extremely important"},{"t":2560,"text":"as we are seeing the rise of residential school denialism and anti-indigenous rhetoric across the country, fueled in part by elected officials in BC."},{"t":2571,"text":"Honoring truth and reconciliation matters not just in words but in how we show up together. In South Nation"},{"t":2578,"text":"territory, it's important that we stand in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, and Matei peoples through an event that's meaningful, collaborative, and rooted in real relationship."},{"t":2589,"text":"Our primary purpose is to honor survivors of Indian residential schools, day schools, and the 60 scoop through a"},{"t":2596,"text":"solemn uplifting one-time event. By supporting this event, council ensures that survivors and our families are"},{"t":2604,"text":"recognized with the dignity, respect, and support they deserve while leading our entire region toward meaningful healing. We have built strong local"},{"t":2613,"text":"momentum. Our partners include councelor Deborah Lazar and members of the South Nation, the Souk Chamber of Commerce,"},{"t":2621,"text":"the EMCS Society, Souk Region Museum, and essential so social social service partners. We anticipate over 500"},{"t":2630,"text":"participants creating deep intergenerational impact, elevating indigenous art and culture, and strengthening long-term ties between the"},{"t":2638,"text":"District of Souk and urban indigenous communities."},{"t":2642,"text":"We will gather on September 30th at Edward Milan Community School from 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. The afternoon is"},{"t":2649,"text":"structured around impactful community centered activities including a healing walk, an opening ceremony, a traditional memorial ceremony, cultural"},{"t":2658,"text":"performances, story circles, and a youth art exhibit. It is curated as an inclusive, accessible space where every"},{"t":2666,"text":"resident of Souk and the West Shore can participate. Our overall project budget is $16,500."},{"t":2675,"text":"We have already secured $10,000 in confirmed funding, leaving a remaining balance of $6,500."},{"t":2682,"text":"These funds directly cover essential logistics, equipment rentals, elder and performer honoraria, cultural materials, traditional hospitality, and outreach."},{"t":2693,"text":"We respectfully request that the district of suit cover the remaining budget of $6,500 so we can move forward with an event that truly refle reflects"},{"t":2702,"text":"our shared values. This support would allow us to create a gathering that honors truth and reconciliation in a way"},{"t":2710,"text":"that feels meaningful, collaborative and rooted in real relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Matei peoples. It is"},{"t":2717,"text":"an investment in community, in connection, and in the kind of work that strengthens Souk for everyone. Thank you for your time, mayor and council, and"},{"t":2725,"text":"for your consideration in investing our community's shared journey of reconciliation. And I welcome any questions."},{"t":2733,"text":"Okay."},{"t":2737,"text":"Uh council, the opportunity to discuss this would be deter business that will fall later in today's agenda."},{"t":2747,"text":"Okay. Um, questions. I'll entertain a couple. Councelor Betos, go ahead, please. Yes. Thank you for that presentation."},{"t":2754,"text":"Um, I was looking for a budget and you you rattled one off, but is there a written one presented?"},{"t":2761,"text":"There is. Yes, in the overview."},{"t":2765,"text":"I I I couldn't find it, so it's could be there. We need to see that. And you say had $10,000."},{"t":2773,"text":"Where did that money come from, please? 7,000 came from Heritage Canada."},{"t":2780,"text":"A thousand came from MLA Dana Linesess."},{"t":2783,"text":"500 came from the Artisan's Garden. Um I don't know if I have the rest in front of me."},{"t":2792,"text":"Pretty close to 10,000."},{"t":2793,"text":"Uh Transition House Society, another $500. And actually just today, the Chamber of Commerce uh offered $200 and a newspaper ad. Okay."},{"t":2803,"text":"All right. Thank you. Anything else from members of council?"},{"t":2808,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much for joining us uh tonight and your delegation and we will determine this later on in today's agenda. Thank you."},{"t":2817,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":2819,"text":"Okay, I'll turn to our next agenda item which is 7.2 our second delegation risk to Souk's economy and environment from a new oil pipeline from Mr. Brian McCaddy."},{"t":2831,"text":"uh over to you sir and we also have five minutes set aside for you which we will start when you start presenting."},{"t":2839,"text":"Thanks very much much madame mayor. So my uh my hope tonight is to uh to raise"},{"t":2846,"text":"awareness uh with you is with an increased uh threat of more and larger oil tankers traveling past Souk in the"},{"t":2855,"text":"Wanda Fuka straight and that's as a result of a proposed west coast pipeline. The pipeline that's proposed"},{"t":2862,"text":"by uh by Alberta and supported by by Canada so far uh in the process. So, my"},{"t":2869,"text":"request tonight is for you to consider passing a motion or should you wish to make that a notice of motion tonight and"},{"t":2876,"text":"and pass it at the uh the last council meeting I guess that you still have uh stating that the district opposed any"},{"t":2884,"text":"increase in oil tankers using the Wafuka Strait. But first, some background. In 2023, the Trans Mountain pipeline was"},{"t":2893,"text":"twinned, bringing an additional 890,000 barrels uh per day of heavy oil, referred to as Bmen, to the West Bridge"},{"t":2901,"text":"terminal in Burnaby. As a result, the number of oil tankers leaving Burnaby and into the Wandafuka Strait increased"},{"t":2908,"text":"from five to 30 tankers per month. And just to to take a moment uh a note of thanks to council uh this council in"},{"t":2918,"text":"2023 uh you uh you wrote on this issue expressing your concerns and that letter is included in the council package uh"},{"t":2926,"text":"that that I provided here. So thanks thanks to council for that. At the time you received comments prepared by the"},{"t":2933,"text":"Machosen environment committee and those uh two letters from Machosen are included in the package as well. And uh"},{"t":2942,"text":"probably the most important thing uh noted by Machosum was the inability to respond to oil spills due to high winds"},{"t":2949,"text":"in the straight. Specifically stating there are many days when wind speeds are above 28 km per hour which is the"},{"t":2956,"text":"critical threshold that precludes spill res uh response ships from res responding and that occurs uh"},{"t":2964,"text":"particularly in the uh in the summer months."},{"t":2968,"text":"So that is that's the Trans Mountain pipeline. And in fact, I wanted to add that there's a plan to uh to to quote"},{"t":2977,"text":"unquote optimize that pipeline uh to make additional changes to it that would actually increase the capacity by"},{"t":2985,"text":"another 320,000 uh barrels per day, which would obviously further increase the number of oil tankers in the Wanda"},{"t":2994,"text":"Fuka Strait. So, so just the Trans Mountain pipeline uh itself uh would be responsible for delivering 1.2 million"},{"t":3002,"text":"barrels per day to our coast. So, that's a substantive uh change from what we saw earlier and council noted that in 2023"},{"t":3010,"text":"in your letter. So, back to the current threat, the West Coast pipeline. Uh the West Coast pipeline would deliver an"},{"t":3017,"text":"additional 1 million barrels per day to a new oil terminal at anced"},{"t":3024,"text":"Roberts Bank terminal in Delta, BC at the mouth of the Fraser River. And as you know, the Fraser River is one of the"},{"t":3031,"text":"most important Chinook salmon spawning rivers on the coast. The area would have to be dredged to support the use of of"},{"t":3039,"text":"larger oil tankers, each capable of carrying 2.2 two million barrels of oil."},{"t":3046,"text":"These are huge tankers that we haven't seen on this coast uh our west coast uh in the past. So that is the plan"},{"t":3052,"text":"currently uh for for the delta uh terminal expansion."},{"t":3058,"text":"So more tankers obviously mean uh mean uh greater potential for oil spills, but they also mean increased underwater"},{"t":3066,"text":"noise uh and potentially more direct impacts to whales from ship strikes. And we've seen uh more uh strikes uh from"},{"t":3075,"text":"from ships with humpback whales and uh and grey whales uh this year alone. So"},{"t":3082,"text":"amongst many of the species that would be affected uh by by the expansion of oil tankers are the severely endangered"},{"t":3090,"text":"southern resident orca population. and they're down to only 73 individuals now in number and which is a se a severe"},{"t":3098,"text":"decline over the last 10 to 20 years. So the impacts from more oil tankers are on top of the precipitous decline in the"},{"t":3106,"text":"residents orca food supply orca's food supply which is the shinook salmon. So it's it's a real potential death now for"},{"t":3114,"text":"for that population of orcas an iconic population of orcas that we've all known for our whole lives."},{"t":3122,"text":"So, how might this affect Souk itself? Our number one industry is tourism."},{"t":3128,"text":"People visit the Souk area to walk along the shorelines, adjacent rainforest to whale watch, paddle kayaks, sail the waters, and sport fish. An oil spill"},{"t":3136,"text":"would have significant impacts on our local economy. Souk residents make daily visits to walk along the coast."},{"t":3143,"text":"Mr. Mcatty, we're at time, so can you please wrap up?"},{"t":3146,"text":"Sure. So, there's the local impacts as well. Uh and then the financial impacts of uh $34 million for the Trans Mountain"},{"t":3155,"text":"pipeline, another $40 billion plus for this West Coast pipeline. I we'd rather see that money put into municipal infrastructure. So the motion itself,"},{"t":3164,"text":"I'll read read this and this is the last part, Madame Mayor, that the District of Souk Council formally oppose increases in oil tanker traffic through marine"},{"t":3173,"text":"waters affecting the Wandafuka Strait and surrounding coastal ecosystems. the council communicate this position and"},{"t":3180,"text":"lastly the council encourages regional approaches to marine protection. Thanks for the opportunity to speak."},{"t":3188,"text":"Thank you for your delegation and for presenting tonight."},{"t":3193,"text":"Okay, we'll move on to item eight, public question and comment period. So this will be for all items on the agenda"},{"t":3201,"text":"except for the matter that we just heard within the public hearing around agra tourism."},{"t":3207,"text":"That public hearing is closed. So it would be for any other agenda items."},{"t":3215,"text":"Oh, we have a speaking order. Okay. So I would like to call up I'm just going to go through this in order then and invite uh Katherine Parsons forward, please."},{"t":3230,"text":"And we have two minutes per speaker. Thank you. You'll just need to turn on the mic. Thank you."},{"t":3237,"text":"Thank you, your worship. I'm Katherine Parsons. I live at 7216 Austin's Place."},{"t":3242,"text":"I am here in capacity as my stratus president. Um I didn't know that a PowerPoint had to be presented with a"},{"t":3250,"text":"delegation and there is one that we could show that would facilitate and make my two minutes more effective if that's possible to show. Perhaps what"},{"t":3258,"text":"you could do is file a delegation request and you would have five minutes and could showcase the PowerPoint. Then if I have to come back, I will. But I hope I don't have to. I'll just explain."},{"t":3268,"text":"Um, here in regard to a bench that we used to have, the sole bench in the park at Eeken Park. You may not be familiar with that name. It's a quite small park."},{"t":3276,"text":"If you know where the Souk uh Bluffs Stairway going down to the beach is, that's the south end of our park. It's"},{"t":3285,"text":"about a block long. And then it's right next door to in fact another park which is Sluffs Park. Small area, two park names, but they're shared by a path. The"},{"t":3294,"text":"path begins at the end of our strata, Austin strata, walks along the deck, oh, sorry, the um top of the ridge, looks"},{"t":3303,"text":"over the water, and then terminates at Bethany Place. It's very popular walking and dogping and social. We had a bench there. It was a memorial plaque bench,"},{"t":3311,"text":"which was installed in 2014. In uh 2025, one of my neighbors reported that the bench needed repairing and instead uh without notice, Souk Parks taped it off."},{"t":3323,"text":"There's a photo of that in the materials. And then in May of this year, they removed it. I've spoken to uh staff"},{"t":3331,"text":"at uh parks. There's no real plan to restore it. And there's a consideration perhaps being made as it could it be a"},{"t":3340,"text":"memorial uh plaque again. So the first point and the subject of the letter that our strat had submitted is that that is"},{"t":3348,"text":"I'm sorry it's poor park management to pull out the only bench in a park that overlooks from a walking path. That's"},{"t":3355,"text":"the only overlook from a bluff in the soup park system. Small but it's Thank you. We're at time already. Yep."},{"t":3362,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker would be Ellen Lures."},{"t":3381,"text":"Hello. I have some comments in regard to the delegations. Um I'm not sure why the delegations happened with two people"},{"t":3389,"text":"running for um council and with some highly political um discussion."},{"t":3397,"text":"First of all, uh with the first uh discussion uh first delegation, this is not a municipal responsibility. This is"},{"t":3405,"text":"a federal responsibility. And as I see that uh there was $10,000 or monies raised from the federal government."},{"t":3412,"text":"That's where it belongs. It doesn't belong. It's not in our budget. And uh I don't think it's a it's not a municipal responsibility. And I don't think it"},{"t":3420,"text":"should be put on this council to spend more money when we already could spend that money on potholes."},{"t":3428,"text":"Um also with with the delegation for um uh the tankers that also is not a"},{"t":3438,"text":"responsibility of this council. Uh that that's between the provinces and and the federal government. I know that that's a"},{"t":3447,"text":"very highly um uh contentious issue. I remember when this room was packed full and outside with the whole tanker"},{"t":3455,"text":"situation. And there is there is a um now a response at beach an oil response now at beach bay at a very high cost"},{"t":3464,"text":"that was put in because on Aboriginal property because of uh that that group that came and talked about the tankers."},{"t":3474,"text":"Um, but I I would like to know why two candidates were who who sanctioned that."},{"t":3483,"text":"The nomination period is still open. It doesn't close until September 11th, right? But already declared, right?"},{"t":3492,"text":"People change their mind all the time."},{"t":3493,"text":"We saw that last election. People submitted their forms and then pulled them out every election. Well, been a couple now where that's happened, actually."},{"t":3502,"text":"Well, nothing's final. I think the most unfortunate that something so highly political was brought forward by two candidates that have already said that they were okay."},{"t":3514,"text":"All right. Our next speaker is Mr. Jeff McDonald. This is on the other matter. Yeah."},{"t":3522,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Can you just let us know which agenda item that was again?"},{"t":3525,"text":"Uh 14 road 14 uh one. Um,"},{"t":3532,"text":"so, uh, I I've only been I'm kind of new to the Thrift Road thing, but, um, I pick up my grandson at, uh, Forier, uh,"},{"t":3541,"text":"several times a week, and so, um, we have to exit out of the school lane way onto Thrip Road. And I haven't been able"},{"t":3549,"text":"to find any information or any discussion regarding Thro to the impact specifically about traffic exiting the"},{"t":3558,"text":"school lane way. obviously is a big collection item and stuff like that. So, um maybe I just missed some of the historical stuff or whatever, but it"},{"t":3566,"text":"kind of feels like we're moving the current casinos problem over to Thrill Road. And when you exit the lane way now"},{"t":3573,"text":"at that time frame, if somebody should, it's not too bad if everybody's turning right, but if somebody decides to turn left, then the then the traffic in the"},{"t":3582,"text":"laneway backs all the way up 10, 12, 15 cars. If it's a thoroughfare, obviously that's going to make a big difference to"},{"t":3590,"text":"the flow of traffic out of there. And the biggest concern is that the alternate route out of there is to go through the elementary school parking"},{"t":3598,"text":"lot. So if we create more congestion exiting the laneway, it increase its"},{"t":3606,"text":"risk for the elementary students at Porier. So maybe somebody could comment on that or discuss it because I don't hear it being discussed or thrown around"},{"t":3614,"text":"in any of the discussions about strip code. Thank you."},{"t":3617,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much. That'll come up later today. Thank you. Uh next up is Dave Saunders."},{"t":3624,"text":"Did you wish to speak in this part or was that restricted to the public hearing part?"},{"t":3633,"text":"Okay. I just I'm just going down the list here. Oh, you're good. Okay. Just thought I'd check. Uh, number five, uh, Miss Veronica Peton Billing, please."},{"t":3649,"text":"Good view you all. So, Veronica Pan Billing, I live in Souk. I'm going to speak first on item 7.1, which is the request for $6,500."},{"t":3659,"text":"I'm going to urge council to please not approve this. We have several days devoted to celebrating our indigenous"},{"t":3668,"text":"friends and uh June 20th is National Indigen People's Day. September 30th truth and reconciliation. The month of"},{"t":3675,"text":"June is National Indigenous History Month and May 5th is Red Dress Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. I think we also have another day in"},{"t":3683,"text":"October. So I think the commitment of this council and the people of Souk is really clear to our indigenous family"},{"t":3691,"text":"and friends. However, I do not think we can put more money to this. I think we"},{"t":3698,"text":"all know that BC in particular, Canada as a whole and souk, we're going through extremely difficult times now. Very very"},{"t":3707,"text":"difficult. We cannot we we have to not we have to say no now. There's every week there's really wonderful people"},{"t":3715,"text":"that come up for money and we can't give anymore. I will also say that uh taxes"},{"t":3722,"text":"which is directly related to this uh since 19 excuse me 2021 taxes have increased by 60%"},{"t":3730,"text":"in a cumulative amount. So, when I moved in in early 2022, if you took my base at $3,000, it is now $4,795."},{"t":3741,"text":"And the projected amount by 2030, which is only 4 years, will be 7,79"},{"t":3748,"text":"in what's projected in the budget going forward. That's not sustainable. That's 136% increase. And people are now losing"},{"t":3758,"text":"jobs and losing homes. So, we despite how worthy a cause is, I'm really requesting council say no in its entirety."},{"t":3768,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Next up is David Bird."},{"t":3779,"text":"Hello, I'm David Bird. I also live on Austin's Place uh near Eeking Park where this bench was removed. this place really liked walking my dog and my baby"},{"t":3787,"text":"in a stroller. Uh, and now there's no park there. And people like me who have disabilities or uh older people, there's like stairs down to the ocean and then"},{"t":3795,"text":"there was a bench that was there if you're tired, you know, coming up the stairs. It was a really nice thing and uh it wasn't that damaged of a bench."},{"t":3801,"text":"Like it had like one slat kind of, you know, sort of op. It was like by park bench standards perfectly safe and fine to sit on. So, I just wanted to advocate"},{"t":3810,"text":"that uh either put the bench back if you still have it or allow people in the neighborhood to raise money to put in a new bench uh or you know if there's no budget or you know something where we"},{"t":3818,"text":"can get a bench back. Uh don't that may be the least controversial uh thing we talk about at this meeting. Thank you so much."},{"t":3826,"text":"Thank you. I like that. Okay, that is it for uh the speakers that I have on this sheet. However, I would like to invite other speakers in the room forward who would like to comment as well."},{"t":3838,"text":"Uh, I'm going to ask any firsttime speakers to speak first, please."},{"t":3849,"text":"Hi, uh, Susan Belelfford. I live in Souk. Um, sorry I didn't put my name on the list. I thought it was just for the,"},{"t":3856,"text":"um, uh, hearing. Um, I want to speak in support of both delegations. Um perhaps"},{"t":3864,"text":"Souk wouldn't want to give you know a whole 6,500 bucks for orange shirt but I think that given our history it's"},{"t":3873,"text":"important that we all federal, provincial and municipal bodies take"},{"t":3880,"text":"time and attention to forward reconciliation activities. make"},{"t":3889,"text":"sure that our population has huge ability to learn the history, learn the"},{"t":3897,"text":"stories and learn how we can move forward."},{"t":3902,"text":"Secondly, I think that Souk has already gone on notice um or provided notice to"},{"t":3910,"text":"the federal and provincial governments about its distaste for oil tankers going"},{"t":3916,"text":"past our our uh coast. And I think it makes sense for us to continue to let it"},{"t":3924,"text":"be known that for us here in Souk, the well-being of our shore,"},{"t":3932,"text":"animals, fish, tourism, and general well-being is more important"},{"t":3941,"text":"than sending a polluting, dangerous chemical offshore. Thank you very much."},{"t":3949,"text":"Okay, thank you. Other speakers today"},{"t":3970,"text":"uh lassad suk. Um this is uh regarding the uh truth reconciliation day or church day and uh this is uh an excerpt"},{"t":3979,"text":"from your OCP uh which everyone has sort of signed on to adhere to. Um the uh"},{"t":3986,"text":"district outlines a mandate to build ongoing continuous processes and partnerships with the souk nation and"},{"t":3994,"text":"other local indigenous communities to advance mutual to advance mutual goals."},{"t":3999,"text":"And then under uh cultural revitalization or visibility uh uplifting knowledge souk commits to"},{"t":4007,"text":"honoring amplifying and making physical space for indigenous indigenous cultural knowledge storytelling and living and living practices."},{"t":4018,"text":"I'm in support of uh uh helping out with the $6,500 to further this process as the OCP."},{"t":4027,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":4029,"text":"Okay, thank you. Our next speaker, please."},{"t":4053,"text":"Hello, my name is Carl Lazar. I come from South Nation. My grandfather is Hupanus or also known as Cheryl Lazar."},{"t":4058,"text":"My mother is Kamshhatzia or also known as Deborah Lazar. She serves on council for soap Nation. I come before you today to offer a different perspective a"},{"t":4066,"text":"perspective uh from a youth who grew up in a community where there was no indigenous representation. I did not see myself anywhere within this community"},{"t":4073,"text":"when it came to events. That's experience that a lot of South Asian members have. This event not all al doesn't only serve the local indigenous"},{"t":4082,"text":"community, but there's many indigenous residents that reside within this community with the amounts of affordable housing that have been built."},{"t":4091,"text":"This event is not just for South Asian members. This event is for everybody to come together, learn and reflect and support each other. And I understand"},{"t":4099,"text":"that there is many days of the month, days of the year set aside for indigenous people, federally, proincially, whatever that may be, but"},{"t":4108,"text":"the district still has a part to play when it comes to reconciliation and hosting events that are for everybody."},{"t":4115,"text":"Hashka, thank you."},{"t":4118,"text":"Thank you, Nick Dickinson Wild. I'm also wanting to"},{"t":4129,"text":"speak in regards to both uh delegations."},{"t":4134,"text":"In terms of the second one, I believe it is expressly council's role to represent citizens to upper levels of government."},{"t":4146,"text":"So regardless of what the letter takes form of, I'm strongly in favor of council debating sending a letter in"},{"t":4155,"text":"regards to tanker traffic. Personally, I would be in favor of sending a letter against increasing the tank of traffic,"},{"t":4162,"text":"but that is the definite role of council to do so. Uh, in regards to the first one, yes, there are many"},{"t":4172,"text":"days that are marked on the calendar. A day on the calendar means almost nothing unless it is actually observed in some"},{"t":4180,"text":"way. And this is a concrete way that SUK can observe it. I would support the funding. Thank you."},{"t":4190,"text":"Thank you. Any other speakers on tonight's agenda? This is the only time to address council."},{"t":4197,"text":"Well, look are if there is any other speakers."},{"t":4202,"text":"Okay. Uh is there you're we're into second time speakers. Okay. So, I'll ask"},{"t":4209,"text":"you to come forward now. And anything new, please."},{"t":4215,"text":"You'll need to reintroduce yourself too please. Veronica Peton Billing. I live in Souk."},{"t":4220,"text":"I'm going to speak about the second delegation. I would just add to the first is that it I think we should"},{"t":4228,"text":"follow the wonderful example of MLA Ljones who gave $1,000."},{"t":4234,"text":"I think if we're really committed to this, everyone can give their own money."},{"t":4238,"text":"But there's people that are suffering here and we need to take them into account as well when we talk about funding things. I'm going to ident speak"},{"t":4247,"text":"about 7.2 which is the motion. I'm going to give some background to this because"},{"t":4253,"text":"Canada is at the bottom of 39 OECD countries. Organization for economic cooperation and development."},{"t":4263,"text":"We're at the bottom. We're below Greece."},{"t":4265,"text":"We're below Poland. We're at the bottom of that and we're about to fall off."},{"t":4271,"text":"This was actually before the difficulties with the tariffs. We're about to Can you fall below the bottom?"},{"t":4278,"text":"And we're projected to be the bottom in growth until 2060 if we don't dramatically change. 50% of"},{"t":4287,"text":"Canadians are suffering from food insecurity. A quarter of the people of Canada use food banks. And again, this is before what we're now confronting."},{"t":4296,"text":"Over 40,000 people lost their jobs in August and more than a 100,000 if the if the tariff difficulties continue. This"},{"t":4305,"text":"is not a joke. So when we talk there, this oil is going to help the economy,"},{"t":4312,"text":"which is right on a razor's edge of falling off. And I'm going to say I agree with Mrs. Lures. My daughter's a marine biologist that deals in salmon"},{"t":4320,"text":"stocks. The federal government will review this and the environmental consequences. Souk is not prepared to make an environmental decision based on"},{"t":4329,"text":"a short delegation. And I assert that there's at least equal amounts that are for this pipeline. More than 50% of BC is for it."},{"t":4340,"text":"Okay. Thank you. I'll turn to our final speaker."},{"t":4352,"text":"Thank you. I just wanted to speak You just need to reintroduce yourself."},{"t":4356,"text":"Ellen Lewis, I just wanted to speak to the first delegation. Again, uh this isn't I'm trying to be not emotional. I"},{"t":4364,"text":"I think that this a lot of people operate on emotion, but our the council budget, if you looked at it already, the council budget's overspent, and to ask"},{"t":4374,"text":"another 6,500 to it is is not responsible. the go your the council has asked has said that they're going to be"},{"t":4382,"text":"fiscally responsible. I think you have to look at fiscally responsible and look at the people of souk. Uh and I don't"},{"t":4388,"text":"believe that uh uh we need to reconcile with more with our the people in in"},{"t":4396,"text":"souk. I don't feel that we're unreconciled whatever the name is because I don't I don't see that in souk. Uh"},{"t":4405,"text":"I I feel that we're okay in sick and other and we can't help other people by spending more money. I think that that"},{"t":4414,"text":"will have to become by people working together. I don't think there's a problem in souk. Um and also I wanted to"},{"t":4421,"text":"speak with uh about um the oil production. Uh we need to have"},{"t":4428,"text":"oil. at the oil comes across from Washington that's to to Vancouver Island. That's where our fuel is more"},{"t":4435,"text":"expensive because it has to be um uh what do you call it when you take the raw crude oil is shipped there and then"},{"t":4443,"text":"it's uh sent back to us as gasoline. So there's there's thousands of ships, oil"},{"t":4450,"text":"ships going back and forth on and and that's why that that spill response was put there for quick response and it's"},{"t":4459,"text":"and it's efficient. I don't I don't believe that the ships are out there looking to spill oil, but we do need"},{"t":4467,"text":"oil. Um and oh, I just wanted to speak a little bit to the th road as well. Um"},{"t":4474,"text":"we're at time. Thank you. Well, I just want to say that there's never been a count done since 2007 on the amount of vehicles on Souk Road."},{"t":4484,"text":"Okay, that's helpful. Thank you."},{"t":4487,"text":"Okay, we have one more speaker. Okay,"},{"t":4497,"text":"Madame Mayor, Brian McCaddy. Uh I sit on the uh orange shirt day committee for for souk. Uh that's chaired by Katherine"},{"t":4504,"text":"Strongwindland who presented this evening and includes members of the so first nation and and others uh from the"},{"t":4511,"text":"community here. Uh I I don't know if you if you have a sense of this. I certainly do that uh uh racism in Canada as it"},{"t":4521,"text":"applies to to First Nations people is on the rise. Uh and uh there's recently"},{"t":4527,"text":"there's uh Rebel News uh out of Alberta is uh producing t-shirts uh saying there"},{"t":4534,"text":"are no uh children uh uh buried at residential schools uh which is"},{"t":4542,"text":"outrageous and and deeply racist and and I can tell you that that perspective"},{"t":4549,"text":"uh is gaining ground in our country in Canada and BC is is uh is no difference."},{"t":4556,"text":"The uh the push back against the DRIPA legislation which was unan unanimously passed by a previous uh provincial"},{"t":4563,"text":"government uh people from all parties voted for DRIPA and uh due to to a"},{"t":4570,"text":"couple of uh uh legal cases which uh were uh well established and and they're they're both under appeal. So we'll find"},{"t":4579,"text":"out what happens with those. So, I would suggest that this year, this orange shirt day here in Souk is more important"},{"t":4587,"text":"than any other orange shirt day in the history of this uh of this town, of this district. So, I would encourage council"},{"t":4594,"text":"to do its best in difficult financial times to support Orange Shirt Day financially. Thank you."},{"t":4602,"text":"Okay. Thank you."},{"t":4604,"text":"So, I'll now close off our public com question and comment period. And we're going to carry on with today's agenda."},{"t":4612,"text":"That brings us to item nine, which is the consent agenda. And that would be that the following items on the consent"},{"t":4618,"text":"agenda to be adopted by consent. 8.2 correspondence. 8.3 report of the chief"},{"t":4624,"text":"administrative officer. 8.4 draft land use and development minutes. 8.5 PLN02569"},{"t":4633,"text":"6830 West Coast Road, Otter Point Veterinary Hospital Edition."},{"t":4638,"text":"Uh moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by councelor Betos. Councelor Betos would like to withdraw something."},{"t":4646,"text":"Go ahead, please. In the microphone. 44D. I'd like that withdrawn."},{"t":4651,"text":"44D. So that'll go to the next scheduled meeting. Thank you. Anything else? Councelor Pearson."},{"t":4658,"text":"Yes. Item B 2026 0722 soul s sole park bench removal and item C 2026 0822 no parking zone."},{"t":4670,"text":"Okay. So those two items will be pulled and go to the next meeting. Anything else? We'll call the question to receive"},{"t":4678,"text":"and proceed according to uh as described in the consent agenda. All those in favor please. Any opposed? None opposed."},{"t":4687,"text":"That carries unanimously. Thank you."},{"t":4690,"text":"We'll move into our bylaw section which is number 10. Starting off with 10.1 new wastewater bylaw community sewer system charge bylaw number 952 2026."},{"t":4704,"text":"Over to staff your worship."},{"t":4708,"text":"If you remember back in July before council went on break, uh Dan and I did do a present well I did most of it but"},{"t":4716,"text":"Dan had been there for presentations where we did talk about the wastewater bylaw and suggested that it might uh"},{"t":4724,"text":"look different than initially uh had been discussed with council and tonight's report will has gone over"},{"t":4732,"text":"through it where we have changed into a slightly different direction and Dan will walk us through where the changes"},{"t":4739,"text":"are and provide any answers that council might have that weren't clear in the report."},{"t":4746,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much for that intro. Welcome. Please go ahead."},{"t":4749,"text":"Thank you. Good evening. Your worship members of council. My name is Dan Wong."},{"t":4752,"text":"I'm a uh planning consultant with Connections Planning here um in uh in Greater Victoria. I'm pleased to come"},{"t":4760,"text":"back to council. I think this is our third formal presentation to council."},{"t":4764,"text":"We've been working on this project for exactly one year. Our my startup meeting was September 8th, 2025."},{"t":4774,"text":"This goes back about 20 years though. Uh in in 2006, the district adopted its uh first sewer parcel tax and sewer"},{"t":4782,"text":"generation charge. This was to fund the finance, capital, and operating costs of the district's community sewer system,"},{"t":4788,"text":"including a 20-year debenture uh for 8 million $8.8 million. Um it's important to discuss this this year because the"},{"t":4796,"text":"last debt repayment is coming up this fall in October. So throughout the the year connections planning was commissioned by the district to review"},{"t":4803,"text":"and revise your sewer rate structure um starting in 2027 because starting in 2027 you will have you have no rate"},{"t":4811,"text":"structure. So we're we're proposing putting one in place to address a number of uh guiding principles. We're looking to move to a utility based rate"},{"t":4819,"text":"structure for operating expense expenditures. We're looking to align the current structure to consider a consumptionbased system uh based on the"},{"t":4828,"text":"guiding principles of financial sustainability, fairness and equity and a user pay approach. And finally, we're looking to incorporate asset renewal and"},{"t":4837,"text":"refurbishment into your budgets as per the District of Souk's sewer uh asset management plan."},{"t":4845,"text":"So this uh currently we're only working with uh dealing with bylaw 150 which is the sewer parcel tax and sewer"},{"t":4852,"text":"generation charge. Um this uh based on this um uh bylaw um it was uh aligned"},{"t":4861,"text":"with last year's base operating budget of $3.4 million. There were more expenditures in your sewer program um"},{"t":4868,"text":"related to things like development cost charges, capital expansion charges, and connection fees. Those are three separate bylaws and are separate funding streams for that. So this only deals"},{"t":4876,"text":"with the funding um that [clears throat] is uh found under bylaw 150."},{"t":4882,"text":"Um that bylaw then um found its way to uh uh the parcel tax through through uh"},{"t":4889,"text":"um uh property taxation and that funded capital and operations for the last 20 years. Uh last year annual operations"},{"t":4897,"text":"was about $2.82 million. Debt repayment uh was 0.43 $43 million and there was remaining funds left over for smaller capital projects."},{"t":4907,"text":"Um so coming this fall in October, your last debt payment for the 20-year deenture uh will be finalized and um and"},{"t":4915,"text":"the bylaw itself will be sunseted. So that's why we're looking at a new by So when looking at a new bylaw, the best"},{"t":4923,"text":"practice um in uh most utilities is to fund operations through a utility bill with major capital works uh which could"},{"t":4932,"text":"still be funded through a parcel tax especially if that includes future borrowing."},{"t":4937,"text":"Um even though the debenture is ending in 2026, uh when we started this project earlier this year, we initially considered a combined utility bill and"},{"t":4945,"text":"parcel tax approach. As um Jeff mentioned, this was to keep some of the parcel tax benefits um on people's"},{"t":4953,"text":"property taxes for things like property tax deferral."},{"t":4957,"text":"However, upon further review, um the the the continuation of a parcel tax has proven a bit administratively complex."},{"t":4965,"text":"But more importantly, um there have been recent changes to provincial property tax deferral programs. They've increased the interest rates from prime minus 2 to"},{"t":4973,"text":"prime plus two, and they've um changed from simple to compound. So, it's certainly less uh beneficial to the homeowner uh to defer uh taxes. And so"},{"t":4983,"text":"this we didn't really want to add to that burden that additional uh burden for the sewer. So uh based on"},{"t":4991,"text":"this last review um it's our recommendation to shift uh all future revenues for operations to the utility bill only uh adding asset management"},{"t":5000,"text":"contributions and then we could still preserve the parcel tax option in the future for any significant capital projects. We know that there might be a"},{"t":5008,"text":"borrowing needed for a future sewage treatment plant upgrade."},{"t":5012,"text":"So then what that would look like, our target for 2027 operating expenses, this will need to be uh refined as you go"},{"t":5019,"text":"through your uh next year's budget, but our target for the purpose of generating some uh potential uh options for rates"},{"t":5026,"text":"was $3.5 million. And this is based on an annual operations of about $2.93 million and asset management"},{"t":5034,"text":"contributions of about a half a million dollars."},{"t":5038,"text":"The asset management plan that council adopted for sanitary sewer um put asset management contributions annually somewhere between about $800,000 and"},{"t":5046,"text":"$1.2 million. We wanted to make sure that we got some monies in for asset management and and stayed as close to"},{"t":5053,"text":"the debenture the four the $430,000 debenture as we could. So we didn't really want to push the asset management too far at this stage. That's something"},{"t":5061,"text":"you can gradually look into uh in future years. And then this uh preserves a potential parcel tax in the future as I"},{"t":5069,"text":"mentioned for any significant capital projects um if you for say needed to borrow for a future treatment plant and there was um uh uh approval or alternate approval by the the community."},{"t":5081,"text":"All in all, our goal is to provide sustainable funding to the community sewer system, but we're also mindful of the potential financial impacts to the"},{"t":5089,"text":"residents and rateayers as we move from a fixed structure to a variable structure."},{"t":5094,"text":"So in setting those rates um and it's um documented in the staff report. We'll just kind of uh quickly go through some of the highlights of the staff report uh"},{"t":5103,"text":"based on flow measurements, billing cycles, uh fixed versus metered rates, um the use of equivalent development units. We'll show a proposed rate"},{"t":5112,"text":"structure and a whole bunch of graphs um that um uh show what that might look like. Um, and then we've identified a"},{"t":5120,"text":"number of potential outliers or high users and how we would address those over the coming months before we finalize the bylaw for 2027."},{"t":5130,"text":"So in measuring flows, wastewater flows are challenging in that there's no meter at the property line to measure. So"},{"t":5136,"text":"metered water usage is you usually utilized as the proxy for that. In order to account for the in irrigation and"},{"t":5144,"text":"outdoor water usage, especially in the summertime, um we utilize the winter water consumption rates. Um similar to many other communities in the CRD, the"},{"t":5153,"text":"CRD um is the body which um reads your winter reads all of your water meter reads. They have a winter water meter"},{"t":5161,"text":"read cycle between November 21st and January 31st. It's actually January 30th. That's about 70 days. And we use"},{"t":5169,"text":"those 70 days to determine then the average daily usage uh uh for the winter per household. And then we convert that"},{"t":5176,"text":"out to an annual consumption times by 365."},{"t":5179,"text":"Uh it's important to note that we are reliant on the CRD's meter reading schedule and their protocols uh which includes the number of meters per"},{"t":5187,"text":"property. We're not adding pro we're not adding meters. We're not taking away. So if it's if it's one property for an apartment building or one meter for an"},{"t":5194,"text":"apartment building, we use their one meter. So it's important uh to note that any then any appeal process we would we"},{"t":5202,"text":"would start with the CRD start with the water usage investigation and then as such we it it becomes a coordinated um"},{"t":5210,"text":"process between the CRD water and the s sewer review process and I've got a slide on what an appeal process might look like."},{"t":5218,"text":"So what could billings look like? Um we're proposing uh the creation of a new sewer utility bill. This would be the first uh for the district of Souk. Uh"},{"t":5226,"text":"we're working um with the IT to to program Tempest to accommodate uh utility billing module."},{"t":5234,"text":"We're proposing to send out um uh a bill once a year around the same time as the property tax uh bill. Um we're that'll be up for further discussion and review."},{"t":5245,"text":"A typical cycle then looks like uh the following. Um we would uh calculate the winter water meter read from the CRD by"},{"t":5252,"text":"the end of January. We would review all of the data. There's about 4,000 pieces of data from the CRD. We would confirm"},{"t":5259,"text":"that data, um, look for any anomalies, go back to the CRD, uh, and then we would prepare a draft rate calculation in February and March. We would then"},{"t":5268,"text":"combine that with the district's annual sewer operation budget, which then gets finalized in April and May. Match the two. How much money do you need? What"},{"t":5277,"text":"does the rate structure look like? And then we would then finalize the sewer rates, prepare the bylaw for council approval in May, and then send out the"},{"t":5284,"text":"sewer bills um following that in about June or so. As I mentioned, the proposed billing cycle, um we're proposing to do"},{"t":5291,"text":"it on an annual basis. And then within the within the utility bill, we can include some explanations for transparency. There's a bit of an"},{"t":5299,"text":"excerpt from D Royals that put it inside the the envelope to say, you know, watch for your invoice. Here's here's here's what it looks like. um we would be fully"},{"t":5307,"text":"transparent on the bill. Um how did we come and calculate those? Um we're looking still at some more specific"},{"t":5315,"text":"payment options. Um it could include advanced payment incentives, but we can also we're also looking at potential installment payment options because uh"},{"t":5323,"text":"there are some properties which may see an increase in their bill from from their fixed bill based on their current usage. So we're working closely with finance and we'll come back to council"},{"t":5332,"text":"with some potential options for what an installment might look like."},{"t":5338,"text":"There's two components uh of this utility bill. Uh there's a fixed component and then there's a metered component. The current model right now"},{"t":5345,"text":"is 100% fixed. It's $653 per parcel plus a sewer generation charge. The good news is that it provides revenue certainty,"},{"t":5354,"text":"but it's not really consistent with the user pay principle. So there's really no incentive to conserve or to use one liter one one cubic meter of water a day"},{"t":5361,"text":"or 100 cubic meters of water or flush of sewer. It it's still $653. So so in"},{"t":5368,"text":"alignment with the district's um guiding principles of of user pay principle um we're trying to you know incorporate"},{"t":5376,"text":"some form of the meter uh portion um to to promote conservation but at the same time we want to make"},{"t":5383,"text":"sure we uh meet our annual revenue target. So it's a bit of a balancing act to find what that op optimal split is between the fixed portion and the meter"},{"t":5391,"text":"per uh portion. Um so we ran a whole bunch of scenarios and we we came up with uh 2/3 1/3 67%"},{"t":5399,"text":"uh would be fixed and then 33% would be um uh metered. Um so if we're looking to"},{"t":5406,"text":"uh apply a $3.5 million uh target for revenues um currently we're using uh 2025 26 winter water usage. This works"},{"t":5414,"text":"out to a fixed charge of $480 per equivalent development unit and a metered rate of $165 per cubic meter. So that's the staff recommendation."},{"t":5424,"text":"That's at the front of the staff report."},{"t":5427,"text":"Um based on further analysis of usage patterns, we also looked at the possibility of having a second tier to the metered rate. Um, however, given the"},{"t":5436,"text":"the usage patterns in Souk, it doesn't really make sense at this time to include a second tier rate charge at this time. Of the uh CRD municipalities, only Cwood actually has a second tier."},{"t":5447,"text":"All the other municipalities just charge um well, they charge a non-tiered uh rate. Some of them fluctuate between winter and summer, but it's just a single tier."},{"t":5457,"text":"So if we look at the average single family user um they use about 37 cubic meters uh uh of per day. This works out to an estimated sewer charge of $74."},{"t":5469,"text":"That represents about an 8% increase for a single detached dwelling. The median is actually about a 4% increase at about $690."},{"t":5478,"text":"Um so it is a small increase 8% but note that there has not really been a sewer increase since 2020 uh based on bylaw"},{"t":5487,"text":"150. At 2020 it was set at 653 and for the last 5 years it's been running at 653. So there really has it's been flat for the last six years actually."},{"t":5499,"text":"Um here's where the numbers start getting interesting once we start graphing these out. Obviously some people use more some people use less"},{"t":5506,"text":"water. Um we'll start with the single detach program. There's about 4,000 folios um in the district of Souk. Um uh"},{"t":5514,"text":"there's about 3,800 actual users uh on properties and then of those 3,52"},{"t":5521,"text":"are single detached properties. So about 83% of the um sewer users uh within the sewer um area are single detached properties."},{"t":5531,"text":"The average daily use as I mentioned was.37 cubic meters. that works out to $75 or about an 8% increase. The median"},{"t":5539,"text":"is.33 or $668 per year about a 4% increase. Uh, interestingly enough um because we are"},{"t":5548,"text":"calculating um based on the winter uh water use there's about 290 properties or about 10% of the properties um which"},{"t":5556,"text":"showed a zero water use. So they so they were snowbirds who went away for the winter and so that's part of the reason why we have the fixed dollar. Uh, so the"},{"t":5564,"text":"fixed fee, so they would pay the fixed $480 uh for their single family. If it was just rate based, then they would pay zero. And that's not really fair because"},{"t":5573,"text":"you still got to run the plant, you still got still got to pay staff, you still got to buy materials. So that's that's the importance of having a a good fixed charge so that so that you can uh"},{"t":5582,"text":"earn enough base revenues, you can keep the lights on, and then the metered rate uh will help to to ensure there's good conservation, management of the system."},{"t":5594,"text":"As I mentioned, about 83% of SUK users are single detached residential. So, one meter, one user. However, other meters have multiple development units on them."},{"t":5603,"text":"And again, these are CRD uh meters. And so, we don't um we don't really have control over how many meters per per property, but for the most part, there's"},{"t":5611,"text":"one meter for a townhouse, uh one meter for apartments, uh one meter for, you know, a retail commercial shopping center, uh hotels, and mobile home"},{"t":5620,"text":"parks. So, in this case, um, it wouldn't be fair to have a, you know, a 20 unit apartment building only pay one fixed"},{"t":5627,"text":"charge of $480. Again, it's the from a fairness perspective, they should at least pay an equivalent development unit. And so, uh, for these uh, uses,"},{"t":5637,"text":"uh, we're incorporating what's called an .edu charge, and that only applied to the fixed charge only. So, as an example, a 20 unit apartment building"},{"t":5645,"text":"would pay 20 .edus times the 480 fixed charge, so $9,600."},{"t":5650,"text":"then plus the metered rate uh based on the single meter for that building. So the the table that you see here is um"},{"t":5657,"text":"found in schedule B of the proposed bylaw. And when we actually match the this fixed EDUs plus the meter rate to"},{"t":5665,"text":"the majority of uh multif family based on their current um 653 plus the sewer generation, we get generally plus or"},{"t":5673,"text":"minus that 10% threshold as well too. So so it's fairly similar to what they're paying right now."},{"t":5682,"text":"Have you ever wondered what 3,665 dots look like on a map? [clears throat] That's what it looks like there. Um, so"},{"t":5690,"text":"these are all the um potential folios or accounts uh on a percent change for all properties um within the sewer service area."},{"t":5701,"text":"Um based on the proposed user pay model, 69% will pay no more than a 10% increase in sewer rates. And of that uh a"},{"t":5709,"text":"significant portion 1,780 users will actually or about 49% just about half will actually see a decrease in their current rates."},{"t":5721,"text":"That said um approximately 1100 users about 30% they are higher than average winter water users. So they would"},{"t":5729,"text":"actually see potential increases between 11% and 100%. That's not an insignificant impact uh to to homeowners."},{"t":5739,"text":"And then about 37 users 1% are outliers and their usages are greater than 100%"},{"t":5747,"text":"um based on sorry their their potential of uh user charge would be greater than 100% based on their usage."},{"t":5754,"text":"And then there's these three properties they um they are abnormally high water meters."},{"t":5762,"text":"Um, so they are actually single family homes. Um, and uh, so we're working"},{"t":5769,"text":"closely with um, uh, with Paul and the operations team. They've conducted a number of site visits to advise residents about a potential leak. Um,"},{"t":5778,"text":"Paul mentioned that he was at one of the houses that was on the list and was chatting with the homeowner and she said she was the only person there and he looked down at her meter and her meter"},{"t":5787,"text":"was spinning like crazy. So there's there's something there. So, so we want to spend the next few months making sure that the meters are working. They're not"},{"t":5795,"text":"they're not Souk's meters. They're the CRD's meters. And so that process would be well up. So, obviously they must be paying overpaying for water as well too."},{"t":5803,"text":"So, we want to make sure that we get the meter right that they then can hopefully lower their water bill and then the sewer bill would accommodate um that"},{"t":5811,"text":"based on that based on that as well. So, that goes to the appeal mechanism. So as we shift to a more user pay system, you"},{"t":5819,"text":"can see there that the user rate uh from a user pay system which is fair, it is directly related to usage where we do"},{"t":5826,"text":"have that spread now and it is based on the winter water meter for reading for each property. So um uh we've got we're"},{"t":5835,"text":"starting the discussion about what an appeal process might would look like. It would be a dual process as I just mentioned for water and sewer charges."},{"t":5842,"text":"We're going to do some further research and work through the fall of this year to develop a series of policies and procedures um for um homeowners to"},{"t":5849,"text":"appeal their sewer charge which also they would appeal their water charge. So there's a couple of good examples from V Royal on what a council policy looks"},{"t":5857,"text":"like as well as an application for sewer adjust adjustment."},{"t":5862,"text":"Um I call this option two. This is actually in the staff report. This is staff report alternative number two. And so the staff recommendation"},{"t":5871,"text":"um sets the fixed rate at um at 67% fixed and 33% metered. So in the first year and every year moving forward we go to 6733."},{"t":5881,"text":"Um it does create those few high outliers that you just saw in the graph."},{"t":5885,"text":"Um this could be potentially addressed by inspecting their water meters, but maybe they are using that much uh water in the winter. There is a potential to"},{"t":5894,"text":"phase in some of those impacts over time. Um so this is a five-year phasing proposal um similar to what district of"},{"t":5902,"text":"Sanich has been doing. Um it's based on varying the fixed and metered ratios. So we want to get to 6733 at the end of the"},{"t":5909,"text":"day but um we would start at 9010 in year one and work its way down on a sliding scale. That phasing approach would help to potentially soften the"},{"t":5918,"text":"impacts to the big outliers. Um but at the same time um and then that would"},{"t":5925,"text":"have a very minimal impact to this average sewer user and I'll show that on the next slide. But if we're softening the impact to the high outliers, it would also potentially impact the"},{"t":5934,"text":"potential savings. So there might not be as much savings um to on the on the on the below on the below um uh line. Um so"},{"t":5942,"text":"if council did select uh option two which is alternative number two, we would replace the schedule A in bylaw"},{"t":5949,"text":"952 um with this following table with the with the five-year phasing approach rather than just the one uh fixed approach."},{"t":5958,"text":"So this shows those three outliers and um uh on the top uh and then the the green bar is actually the typical um"},{"t":5967,"text":"average single family home. So you can see that we phased it in over five years. We would the average single family home would start at $712,"},{"t":5976,"text":"$710, 708, 706, 704. So over 5 years, um the typical average single family home uh would see a a change of $8 more."},{"t":5987,"text":"However, uh that 5-year difference for the three outliers would be a savings of $1,821"},{"t":5994,"text":"uh in those uh from from year 1 to year five. 1881 for the second highest and the highest um user could see a $2,758"},{"t":6005,"text":"difference between year one and five. So just that small phasing has a significant difference for those three outliers because basic you've got 3,500"},{"t":6014,"text":"people um subsidizing the the other the higher users. At the same time we know there might be issues with the meter. We"},{"t":6022,"text":"want to we want to go out there and take a look as well too."},{"t":6025,"text":"So that is um a bit of unpacking of what alternative two looks like from the staff report."},{"t":6035,"text":"Um so with that uh just thank you for your time. Uh thank you for walking us through over the last uh series of workshops and discussions. Um there's a"},{"t":6043,"text":"lot to unpack. Um who knew sewer rate structures would be so complex. It's like layers of the onion. Every time we would have a discussion we'd come up"},{"t":6051,"text":"with four different questions as well too. So, um we're hoping that council receives a report uh tonight and then"},{"t":6059,"text":"you have um the ability to consider some options. The staff recommendation is and I called it option one, but it is the staff recommendation on the first page"},{"t":6066,"text":"of the staff report uh that council give um the bylaw 952 first, second, and third readings and implement the new"},{"t":6073,"text":"model um based on um option one which is a fixed 6730 uh 33. Um uh council does"},{"t":6082,"text":"in the staff report have alternative number two which is a phased in rate structure over five years from 9010 8515 8020 7525 and then 6733."},{"t":6094,"text":"Um we're hoping that you would provide three readings of the bylaw based on whichever option that you select or any other alternative. There was two other alternatives in the staff report."},{"t":6105,"text":"We would then put the bylaw on hold."},{"t":6108,"text":"Pause that. Um, we wanted to make sure we got it in with this council. We we we know that it was important for this council. Um, we heard from staff that"},{"t":6115,"text":"you you wanted to to uh see this project at least to to to a good in put it in a good place and this at third reading would would put it in a good place. We"},{"t":6123,"text":"would then work with those high outliers and high users um to confirm their water usage. There's about a thousand of them that we would work with, the three big"},{"t":6131,"text":"ones, but then there was there was about a thousand others. So, um, we'd work with Paul and his team to work with, um, the data, double check the data, and"},{"t":6140,"text":"then, um, uh, work with the homeowners to say, \"Yeah, are you really using that much water?\" Um, and here's what the potential impact for sewer would be. So, that would take us through the fall."},{"t":6150,"text":"You'll also be coming out with your draft sewer budget at that time. And so, we would report back to the new council by the end of this year based on what"},{"t":6157,"text":"our analysis showed, based on um, those are those outliers really the outliers, we would match that. Hopefully by that"},{"t":6165,"text":"time you would have a draft 2027 sewer budget before the end of the year. We would say okay here's what you know here's what the number would look like."},{"t":6172,"text":"So um I'm 99% sure that it's not going to be what I present tonight which is the 480 165. It's going to it's going to"},{"t":6179,"text":"be slightly different from there. We're asking council to pick the the framework of how we would calculate that."},{"t":6186,"text":"And then um the new council would decide where they wanted to go from there. But then we also then have another four to"},{"t":6194,"text":"six months in 2027 to work through um getting the winter data for 2026 27"},{"t":6201,"text":"finalizing the sewer budget with the new council and then coming up with the actual final um uh sewer rate and"},{"t":6208,"text":"creating the bylaw for that. And so that would take us to about June 2027."},{"t":6213,"text":"Um that was a lot of information in a short period of time. Uh um but thankfully you've seen this a few times and hopefully that was um was helpful"},{"t":6222,"text":"and uh thank you for the opportunity to to to work with the district on this really important project. So have to take any questions."},{"t":6229,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much for your report and the presentation. I will begin by putting them this motion forward and that is that council receive the report for information."},{"t":6239,"text":"That's moved by councelor St. Pierre and seconded by councelor Pearson."},{"t":6245,"text":"Uh go ahead. Uh this will be a time then for any member of council to ask any questions uh or to make comments generally on the"},{"t":6254,"text":"presentation and then we can move into consideration of readings of the bylaw after we dispose of this motion. Go ahead counselor. Thank you."},{"t":6261,"text":"Thank you very much your worship. Uh I just like to thank Mr. Wong and staff. I really appreciate the care they put into trying to minimize impacts uh on our residents. Uh that's really appreciated."},{"t":6272,"text":"Um, and honestly, I look forward to f further discussion. In terms of questions, I think you were very thorough. Uh, obviously your time spent"},{"t":6280,"text":"on finding four different questions, then answering them was well spent. Okay, councelor Pearson."},{"t":6287,"text":"Yes, thank you. Um, yeah, I look forward to I have a couple of questions. Is it Can I ask a couple now?"},{"t":6293,"text":"This would be the time to ask the questions."},{"t":6295,"text":"Okay. Um, so overall I like I like the approach of the 67 and and the 33. I think that's a"},{"t":6303,"text":"that's a a strong approach. So the asset at 0.5 asset management at 0.5 million."},{"t":6310,"text":"What's our total what's our total worth on that? So what how much are we gaining on the on the total asset? What's the"},{"t":6317,"text":"the the total sewer work through your worship? I'd have to go back to to the asset management report or maybe look to staff for that."},{"t":6325,"text":"think you you own about 50 to $60 million of assets sewer of sewer assets."},{"t":6330,"text":"Uh um so um so what the asset management program did was uh do the replacement value divide that by the life cycle and"},{"t":6339,"text":"then determine what your average annual life cycle investment should look like."},{"t":6344,"text":"And as I mentioned it was somewhere between 800,000 and $1.2 million uh to put in the piggy bank uh for its lifespan."},{"t":6351,"text":"Yeah, would be ideal. Thank you. Um our staff have a bit more to add to that. Go ahead please."},{"t":6357,"text":"Your worship through the counselor. Um it's important to remember this utility there's nothing cheap about it. Um"},{"t":6365,"text":"generally if we have to do say replace a centrifuge because of a failure just to buy the centrifuge is a million dollars."},{"t":6374,"text":"So yes, there's half a million dollars going in, but we can quickly eat that up. If especially if we say on one of"},{"t":6382,"text":"our major pump stations lose a pump or something to that effect, we could easily chew that amount of money up uh"},{"t":6389,"text":"in rentals before we get a new pump. And a new pump is 6 to9 months now to get it"},{"t":6397,"text":"here. So, just a little clarification to what we would use that money for and how quickly it can disappear."},{"t":6405,"text":"Yeah. And and I appreciate that. I was kind of thinking that the half a million now that I know the total value seems a little bit light, but I mean it is a"},{"t":6413,"text":"starting point and maybe that's something that we could adjust going down the road because I I remember over the time that I've been on council there's some big ticket items that are"},{"t":6421,"text":"in that in that plant. Um so I have another question and it's just around the you know we have the budget 3.5"},{"t":6430,"text":"million is our operating budget and then if we say miraculously everyone puts in lowflow toilets and we start really"},{"t":6439,"text":"really conserving water which is which is which is a reality of of what's happening. People are pushing on that."},{"t":6446,"text":"Do we have to jack the rate up? I guess that's you worship through the counselor. uh that would be part of the budget"},{"t":6453,"text":"discussions where we would be looking at what is the consumption rate and what does the fixed rate if the consumption"},{"t":6460,"text":"rate goes down uh then we would probably have to make up that difference with the fixed rate. Um it's a catch 22"},{"t":6468,"text":"situation. We don't want to use more water than you have to. So through CRD's uh methods and means they try to have us"},{"t":6478,"text":"reduce water which doesn't hurt us because that gains us capacity in the plant but uh we do"},{"t":6485,"text":"have some fixed costs that aren't going to change and so we would have to make up that that difference probably in the"},{"t":6492,"text":"fixed rate or increase the uh usage rate and that would be the balancing act that we would have and have that discussion"},{"t":6500,"text":"with council as we go forward in every budget discussion essentially. Yeah. So no good deed goes unpunished."},{"t":6509,"text":"Unfortunately not."},{"t":6511,"text":"Thank you councelor Boss."},{"t":6514,"text":"Thank you your worship. Um a little confused. I mean we have been getting by on 653 a year and that paid uh the operating costs and paying off the debt."},{"t":6526,"text":"Now we've paid off the debt and the average home is going to jump to 711."},{"t":6531,"text":"And I I you somewhere somebody alluded to that because we haven't had a a rate in uh increase in five years. But it"},{"t":6540,"text":"just kind of doesn't sit well with me is that we pay off a debt then we end up paying more. So could someone"},{"t":6548,"text":"this staff too? Yeah."},{"t":6551,"text":"You worship through the counselor. Uh in some ways we've been lucky that the 653 has done us well. Um and the sewer"},{"t":6560,"text":"generation charges have also contributed to that amount. So we haven't seen uh a"},{"t":6568,"text":"point where we had to go back and adjust the 653."},{"t":6572,"text":"Uh you got to remember that 653 did not include asset management just the debt"},{"t":6579,"text":"repayment. And we had an earlier discussion with committee of the whole where we did talk about the asset"},{"t":6585,"text":"management rate and you wanted it to sit somewhat where it is right now uh not at"},{"t":6592,"text":"a higher level. So that is where where that's coming in. Um, and since the time"},{"t":6599,"text":"and every and as I look forward into the future, uh, chemicals are increasing, wages are increasing, the CRD,"},{"t":6608,"text":"uh, is charging us more for disposal of septic wastes that come through us and such. So uh unfortunately there is going"},{"t":6617,"text":"to be a slight raise in the rate but again we're trying to strike this balance between what you use and what we need to maintain the system."},{"t":6629,"text":"So my understanding then is the the difference there would be the the asset management component [clears throat] and"},{"t":6636,"text":"I do remember discussing that and to me it's very necessary. It's just hard to explain to a taxpayer that uh you pay off a debt and then your rate goes up."},{"t":6646,"text":"So, uh uh we look forward to a little bit more detail. I have to research it myself, I guess. But, uh yeah, it it just seems odd."},{"t":6658,"text":"Thank you worship to councelor Btos."},{"t":6660,"text":"when we did initially have this discussion. Um, so we noted that the debt portion uh of your current bill is $430,000"},{"t":6668,"text":"and that of the 653 that was about $90 of that of the 653. So our target was to keep that around the same if anything"},{"t":6675,"text":"keep it exactly the same. So we actually took the liberty um rightly or wrongly of bumping it from 430 to 5 4 $430,000"},{"t":6684,"text":"to $500,000 of which you know councelor Pearson thought maybe even that's a bit low. And just for clarification, the value sewer uh replacement is actually"},{"t":6693,"text":"$100 million. And so so we did take the liberty of kind of rounding up to $500,000. Uh council could direct us to"},{"t":6700,"text":"bring that back down to 430, which would match exactly what you paid when you pay the debt off in October. You're going to make your last payment of $430,000 this"},{"t":6709,"text":"year. You could just match that. So we could instead of five applying $500,000, we could apply 430 and that would bring your increase down a little bit to that."},{"t":6720,"text":"Yeah, I just said for the general public, there's a lot of thought gone into this. Uh, you know,"},{"t":6727,"text":"pay off my my mortgage and I have bigger payments. So, I mean, it just just doesn't quite sit right with me when we both have. Thank you for the"},{"t":6735,"text":"explanation. Um, yeah, not exactly 100% happy with that increase, but thank you, Councelor Helain."},{"t":6746,"text":"Yes, thank you. Um, I guess my big concern would be the whole rationale with families and and renters and people"},{"t":6755,"text":"with more kids, people with aging parents who live with with them at their house and so on. And then, of course, retirement communities live one or two"},{"t":6764,"text":"people to a unit. So, the offset of the way we've been doing it up to this point, they've been helping younger families and and people with with issues"},{"t":6773,"text":"at home afford to stay in in their house as well. I mean, if a guy's going away for the winter, I mean, they can afford"},{"t":6781,"text":"the 671 bucks, I'm pretty sure, because they're away for the whole winter. It's that family that's trying to raise three kids or or have grandma and grandpa"},{"t":6789,"text":"there or so on. They're going to run into the tough situation of being up in that higher 78, $900 category. I like"},{"t":6798,"text":"the setup that we've had up to this point. It's been fair in the sense that it's been affordable for everybody. And I would hate to think of somebody in"},{"t":6807,"text":"that poor area up above in the in the 1,000 or,200 people that get stuck with a,000 or $1,500 bill because they've got"},{"t":6816,"text":"three kids or four kids and mom and dad or grandma and grandpa living at home with them. So, um, and then of course you've got other people who have who"},{"t":6825,"text":"rent houses and the landlord who has to pay those bills and renters that don't necessarily care about how much water or"},{"t":6832,"text":"or what sewers issues they have. They're just paying the bill now. So, that can affect how the rent goes in the end and of course increases to that because"},{"t":6840,"text":"people don't necessarily or aren't aware of exactly what's going on with water and sewer uses and stuff. So, I still I"},{"t":6847,"text":"like the old program. I'm not a fan of this new rate setup or this usage thing just based on the fact that that things"},{"t":6854,"text":"can go wrong. People's waters can leak like you say at that house on top place and meters running at 100 miles an hour and they're stuck with a you know"},{"t":6863,"text":"thousand couple thousand dollar bill or whatever and and they got to mitigate that somehow by going to the waterboard and trying to convince us make an"},{"t":6870,"text":"application so on. So so I I mean I won't be in favor of this. Thank you."},{"t":6876,"text":"Okay. Thank you. we are on receiving for information and questions. So, any other questions or comments? Go ahead, councelor Baitman."},{"t":6883,"text":"Yeah, thank you for that presentation and all your work on this. Um, I'm I'm very curious about those 1100 high water"},{"t":6890,"text":"users. uh what when you do go and meet with them, what what or not you per se, but staff um what kind of um what do you"},{"t":6900,"text":"anticipate a as as to reasons for this high water use and b what kind of water conservation uh education will be"},{"t":6908,"text":"provided to these uh these households? Oh, over to staff."},{"t":6915,"text":"You worship through the counselor. Uh part of the education is the CRD education on the use of potable water."},{"t":6923,"text":"Um we can educate or we can point people in the direction. If they feel though"},{"t":6930,"text":"that the rules do not apply to them and they don't have to conserve water, there's not much we can do about it. Um"},{"t":6937,"text":"except actually make them pay for what they're doing. So they you got to remember when you use excessive amount"},{"t":6945,"text":"of water, you're not only paying us, you're also paying the CRD. So I guess if you have that much money that you can"},{"t":6953,"text":"afford to leave a garden hose running 24/7 all winter, um you're not worried about"},{"t":6961,"text":"something to that effect. But when we do our site visits, again, it's going to be in conjunction with the information we received from the CRD saying, \"Hey, you"},{"t":6970,"text":"might have a potential problem.\" We'll be there with the uh homeowner to help them through the CRD process. And then"},{"t":6979,"text":"if it is because of a bad meter or something to that effect, uh the CRD will adjust their rates and we'll adjust our rate."},{"t":6990,"text":"Thank you. Would these site visits be optional for the homeowner? Because I'm thinking if I'm running an illegal suite, I'm not sure I want you on my door."},{"t":7000,"text":"Well, when you look at illegal suites, this is where the consumption uh charge is, you're now paying your fair share,"},{"t":7009,"text":"whereas before someone who was just a single family home or did have a legal"},{"t":7016,"text":"suite was paying that cost. So this now it's starting to show up that you are a high water user and that's because you"},{"t":7025,"text":"have an illegal suite. So it shouldn't be a surprise. Again, we're not going to walk through their house and count noses"},{"t":7035,"text":"or anything to that effect, but we will point out to them that they have a high water bill and that translates into a"},{"t":7041,"text":"high sewer bill. it will be the homeowner's decision as to whether or not they want to pursue uh the appeal"},{"t":7051,"text":"process or talk to the CRD. Um that is entirely their choice."},{"t":7059,"text":"And and finally, I just I noted uh V Royal on on their notice 87 cubic meters over that winter monitoring period. Have"},{"t":7068,"text":"you figured out what our 0.37 adds up to?"},{"t":7073,"text":"over that winter period uh through your worship. Um so that's if you multiply that by 365 that's about 130"},{"t":7081,"text":"and but the B royal is 87 that's only six months then the day times by two. Okay."},{"t":7085,"text":"So they're about 160 in in a year. So the SOUK is slightly lower. Thank you."},{"t":7093,"text":"Thank you. I just have a question. It was touched on briefly and it was about the trucking and the bioolids. And so"},{"t":7100,"text":"that is all included then within this rate both the trucking of our bioolids from souk to hartland as well now is they would uh no longer be landfilled."},{"t":7112,"text":"They would be entering in through the secondary treatment phase whether they're heading to lefarge or another"},{"t":7119,"text":"processing. So that is the case then all that is all included within this particular charge then"},{"t":7128,"text":"your worship yes that is one of those fixed charges that we cannot get around um when we produce bioolids we have to"},{"t":7136,"text":"put them someplace and because we're part of the CRD uh we have we send them to their facility which they're in the"},{"t":7143,"text":"process of I believe uh doing a trial for gasification um for dealing with it as opposed to"},{"t":7151,"text":"landfilling or going over to the far the leftharge furnaces and such. So uh that"},{"t":7158,"text":"is if they decide that that rate has to go up uh we will see that impact on us."},{"t":7166,"text":"Okay. But that's all absorbed into this particular utility. Yes, it is."},{"t":7169,"text":"It's not like another uh bill that would come in. Okay. So just two counselors uh was something new. This is something new"},{"t":7178,"text":"because we were just trucking and landfilling and now it's entering into a more uh hopefully sustainable process"},{"t":7185,"text":"through the gasification. Uh there's also an increase to the cost of trucking. That's just a reality of the"},{"t":7192,"text":"cost rising cost of everything. Uh I I do hear your point of you know you pay off a mortgage or a car loan and then uh now you have another bill to pay."},{"t":7202,"text":"However, you still have to maintain your house. You still have to maintain your car or you've got to buy a new house or a new car. It's just the reality of whatever asset that anyone has. Uh I"},{"t":7211,"text":"appreciate that the previous system was it was equal. Everyone paid the same. Uh the challenge that it had for some users"},{"t":7220,"text":"who registered their suite is they would pay the first generation fee, the first parcel tax and then a second parcel tax"},{"t":7228,"text":"for that suite. So they are paying higher amounts to capture that second suite. Some folks no longer have that"},{"t":7235,"text":"suite and are still paying that second that second one or they've gone from a"},{"t":7242,"text":"full household to maybe an empty nest and they're also paying the same. So sure it's equal across the board."},{"t":7250,"text":"Everyone pays the same. But that just means everyone is we are now subsidizing higher users, the legal suites, every other commercial use, everyone that's"},{"t":7258,"text":"doing whatever. I feel that our staff have done a great job in capturing where everyone fits. Um the CRD is responsive"},{"t":7267,"text":"if you have a water meter issue. So for example, some people um have moved into a house"},{"t":7275,"text":"where the leak was already there. That could be the case. you're just paying for it because that's the bill that you have and you receive not knowing that there's a leak. This would be an"},{"t":7283,"text":"opportunity to address that. Uh myself, I moved into a house that was new and it wasn't until my neighbors and I started"},{"t":7292,"text":"chatting and sharing bills and what do you pay? What do you Well, ours was higher. There was a leak at the meter and it was addressed and it was comparative data that showed that our"},{"t":7301,"text":"house stood out as an anomaly. It was fixed and the the water rate pe went down over time. Another leak occurred."},{"t":7308,"text":"This one though was on the CRD side. We didn't notice it at the meter, but there's one patch that was very in our lawn that was very green and then it"},{"t":7317,"text":"wasn't showing up on the meter. So, thankfully, and that was addressed. Um, but again, it's still a leak in the system. Everyone's paying for the water"},{"t":7325,"text":"all over the place. So, this is a way of capturing all of those. Uh I think for those it's this is an equitable way"},{"t":7333,"text":"forward and there is a process where if it's out of sync there's an opportunity for those residents uh to meet with our"},{"t":7341,"text":"staff and to have it addressed. Uh for one group to subsidize everyone in all their activities doesn't seem fair to"},{"t":7348,"text":"me. So I'm grateful to see this work come forward. It also puts the asset management something I feel is very important uh into the plans going"},{"t":7356,"text":"forward and also captures the changes that are happening at H Heartland. I don't recall all the details but there"},{"t":7363,"text":"is a significant increase to the way bioolids are being dealt with and it's timely. Hartland is running out of space"},{"t":7370,"text":"and capacity. So there needs to be something different than just landfilling everything. So on that note um there is a way forward here for this."},{"t":7379,"text":"There's been considerable time and effort put forward into this. Uh more to come as our staff work with the other users. Uh and then there may be an"},{"t":7389,"text":"opportunity to address that. But I see two houses side by side, one with two people, one with eight."},{"t":7397,"text":"Everyone's paying the same. You don't do that with your water, with your hydro, with your fortis. Uh your property taxes may vary a bit. This is another utility."},{"t":7406,"text":"It's what it is and it's it's reasonable in my view. So, I'm going to call the question if there's anything else on receipt for information and then we'll"},{"t":7414,"text":"look at the readings of the bylaw. So, all those in favor please. Any opposed?"},{"t":7420,"text":"Councelor Haldane is opposed to receiving. Thank you. That carries. Uh you can take a seat in the gallery if you like. Thank you. Uh the next part"},{"t":7428,"text":"that I'll read forward is the what our staff have put forward"},{"t":7435,"text":"which again is equitable uh where we're not all subsidizing three higher users."},{"t":7440,"text":"There is a process again outlined on how that can be addressed and that is that council give bylaw 952 first, second and third readings as presented with a note."},{"t":7452,"text":"would implement the new model for the collection of wastewater usage revenue with a 67% fixed rate and 33% usage rate. Moved by councelor St. Pierre and"},{"t":7461,"text":"seconded by Bettos. Go ahead councelor St. Pierre. Uh thank you very much your worship. Uh I just have concerns about"},{"t":7469,"text":"taking a heavily phased approach to doing this because I think that what that will do is essentially undermine"},{"t":7476,"text":"the reason for actually having a fixed and a paper use portion. uh the paper use portion is actually to sensitize people to their consumption so they"},{"t":7485,"text":"understand that this is how much you're using this is what it costs and as such you can actually do the things like comparisons of different households get"},{"t":7492,"text":"assistance from staff educate yourself potentially drop your consumption get that under control uh if we actually"},{"t":7499,"text":"use a subsidized approach it softens the blow over a period of 5 years people might not necessarily know as has been pointed out by Mr. along. They might not"},{"t":7507,"text":"realize that there's been a significant change. They don't necessarily get smacked in the head with it and they don't necessarily say, \"What's going on here?\" Go to appeal, talk to staff, so"},{"t":7515,"text":"on and so forth. I I think it just undermines the purpose. We were going to go that route. We should just go fix like council suggested. So, I think that doing the 6733 just doesn't make sense."},{"t":7527,"text":"Uh I believe that some households may be impacted uh as council holding indicated and that that"},{"t":7535,"text":"would be very unfortunate but I think many many many more will be helped. Uh the 49% are going to pay less. Uh that"},{"t":7543,"text":"49% will stop subsidizing the 51%. Uh the 51% will learn how to actually reduce and potentially also pay less. A"},{"t":7552,"text":"paper use system is just recognized generally speaking as being good management for these types of systems and I think it's what we should be doing and I really appreciate all the good"},{"t":7560,"text":"work that's been done towards getting us here. That's all I got."},{"t":7564,"text":"Councelor Boss, I won't go on quite so long as councelor St. Pierre, but uh uh I think it is a"},{"t":7571,"text":"more fair equal way to go. Uh I would like seen a bit more of a savings. Uh I do understand the pressures of today and"},{"t":7579,"text":"uh the expenses of operating a system like this. Um so uh I'm pleased with the work that's been done. Uh a lot of"},{"t":7588,"text":"things have been taken into account and again I think it's a fairer system than we have been so I'll support that."},{"t":7597,"text":"Any comments from anyone else? Councelor Pearson."},{"t":7601,"text":"Yes. Thank you. And just a question back to uh to our director. So on the edu count, uh, duplex is is rated at two,"},{"t":7609,"text":"triplex is three, and that's if there's a single meter, right? Is that the way I'm reading that?"},{"t":7616,"text":"Yes. If there's a single meter, we count EDUs."},{"t":7619,"text":"Yeah. Yeah. Just Okay, I got I just edus is the measurement meters are incorporated into that discussion."},{"t":7628,"text":"Yep. Okay. Thank you. It just I was just kind of looking down there. No, I think the um"},{"t":7635,"text":"I think building a reserve fund so that you know uh or an asset management fund is is critical to this to the success of"},{"t":7644,"text":"this because there's some big ticket items that are in there and um we've we've experienced that in the past where we've had to scramble to pull something"},{"t":7652,"text":"out of our budget somewhere else to to make that this is this is protecting overall the taxpayers of soups. Thank you."},{"t":7659,"text":"Any comments from anyone else? Go ahead."},{"t":7662,"text":"Councelor Baitman, just on that subject of the reserve fund, I think it's the five-year plan in 2030. We're we're beginning to look at u"},{"t":7671,"text":"the next uh expansion of the the wastewater treatment plant. So that I"},{"t":7678,"text":"didn't look this up quick enough to find out for councelor Betos to get this done quickly, but um yeah, so yeah, the asset"},{"t":7687,"text":"management is essential. I I think this I I heard the phrase freeloader. or not free ro free riders and these are people"},{"t":7695,"text":"in municipalities who who manage to to uh um get away with things. So I I'm glad"},{"t":7703,"text":"to see that this uh more equitable [clears throat] uh rate is being established here."},{"t":7710,"text":"Okay. Uh just finally like to thank staff for your work council for the attention that they've placed in this"},{"t":7717,"text":"over the years. I think septic users are probably more in tune with the wear and the impact because they have a field"},{"t":7725,"text":"that they need to manage and maintain and watch the load on. Uh whereas we have been a bit more free to flush as we"},{"t":7734,"text":"like in the sewer specified area. Uh however, this is an important asset. You only want water to flow in one direction"},{"t":7743,"text":"and the plant needs to operate as it does. It runs 24/7 and uh we have very skilled expertise down there to make"},{"t":7751,"text":"sure it all runs well, but it needs to be maintained and it needs to have the necessary funds. We've done substantial work over the past decade in fixing a"},{"t":7759,"text":"lot of problems. Uh and they're largely unnoticed because it's in the ground. Uh there's one community actually where"},{"t":7766,"text":"they ran sort of glass or not glass but piping in their town center so everyone could see what was running through the"},{"t":7774,"text":"system as a way of hopefully educating the community of what to flush and not to. Uh, I don't know that it went over"},{"t":7782,"text":"all that well because I think there's some artwork there, but it was a lesson in terms of the of what of the impact"},{"t":7791,"text":"and how that harms and and can create chaos for everyone. So, thankfully we've not chosen to do that. Maybe a future"},{"t":7798,"text":"council will. Uh, but in the meantime, this is an equitable way forward and good luck with the work that you're"},{"t":7806,"text":"doing. So, I'm going to call the question on this. All those in favor opposed is councelor Helane. So that"},{"t":7813,"text":"carries. Thank you everyone. I'm mindful of the time."},{"t":7819,"text":"Yes. Uh speaking of the system, I'm just trying to figure out what time it is. It's currently 8:08."},{"t":7828,"text":"So we will reconvene. I'm just going to recess for until 8:20, please. Thank you."},{"t":8587,"text":"Let's"},{"t":8599,"text":"have council members return to their seats. Okay, moving on in our agenda tonight."},{"t":8609,"text":"Thank you. We'll move into 10.2."},{"t":8615,"text":"Uh we received Okay, we're on adoption here. So that is short-term rental accommodation modernization."},{"t":8624,"text":"The motion would be that council adopt the bylaw cited as zoning amendment bylaw number 947600-12026"},{"t":8634,"text":"to amend s pardon me to amend zoning bylaw number 600 to modernize souk's regulation of short-term rental accommodations."},{"t":8643,"text":"Move adoption by councelor Baitman, seconded by Btos. All those in favor?"},{"t":8648,"text":"Any opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you. Yeah, councelor Pearson. Councelor Pearson was opposed. Okay."},{"t":8655,"text":"Thank you for that catch. Uh 10.3 zoning amendment bylaw number 950. So that"},{"t":8662,"text":"council adopt the bylaw cited as zoning amendment bylaw 950600-121 2026."},{"t":8671,"text":"Moved by councelor Baitman, seconded by St. Pierre. All those in favor? Any opposed? None opposed? Okay, that one's unanimous."},{"t":8681,"text":"10.4."},{"t":8683,"text":"Uh, so this pertains to our public hearing earlier today. The first part is that council give third reading to"},{"t":8692,"text":"zoning amendment bylaw number 946600-1192026 to amend zoning bylaw number 600 by"},{"t":8701,"text":"introducing agurism agurism accommodation and alcohol production facility as accessory uses to"},{"t":8709,"text":"agriculture on eligible agricultural parcels."},{"t":8713,"text":"Moved by councelor St. Pierre seconded by Betos. Any"},{"t":8721,"text":"discussion on this on for on these readings from the mover? No seconder."},{"t":8728,"text":"Just that I think putting it in line with the province is is a good idea. It seems to me the feedback I've got it"},{"t":8735,"text":"gives people more flexibility on farms have a hard time making ends meet just on agriculture. So I'm in favor."},{"t":8744,"text":"Okay. Anyone else have comments? Over to Mr. Lois."},{"t":8751,"text":"Thank you, your worship. I just wanted to note a very minor um change to this bylaw, which happens somewhat automatically because you've just"},{"t":8760,"text":"adopted bylaw 947, which inserted a new section 4.12 in the zoning bylaw. Uh bylaw 946, which you're currently voting"},{"t":8768,"text":"on, which would seek to insert a new section 4.12 in the zoning bylaw, both of which were correct at the time they were drafted. All of the numbers in this bylaw would automatically increment by"},{"t":8776,"text":"one uh in order that the section numbers were not conflicting."},{"t":8782,"text":"Okay, you've caught that. Thank you very much. Okay, I will I'm I don't need to"},{"t":8789,"text":"reread anything though. Okay, thank you for that. I will call the question. All in favor? Any opposed? None opposed."},{"t":8797,"text":"That's unanimous. Thank you. and that council direct that zoning amendment bylaw number. So, am I supposed to say 947?"},{"t":8808,"text":"No, sir. Your worship, it's still 946."},{"t":8810,"text":"It was section numbers within that bylaw which would automatically increase."},{"t":8813,"text":"Oh, I got it. Okay, thank you. Okay, never mind. I'll start over. and that council direct that zoning amendment bylaw number 946600-119"},{"t":8823,"text":"2026 be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit MOT prior to proceeding to adoption. Moved by Councelor Baitman, seconded by Betos."},{"t":8836,"text":"Go ahead, councelor."},{"t":8837,"text":"I had a quick question. Should it not be sent to the Ministry of Agricultural and Food?"},{"t":8844,"text":"Why is it going to Ministry of Transportation. I'm sure there's good reason."},{"t":8849,"text":"Yes. Uh through through the merits of the through the Transportation Act, um any bylaw affecting uh the district as a whole has to go to the Ministry for approval."},{"t":8860,"text":"Thank you. Okay."},{"t":8862,"text":"All those in favor? Well, I also want to add just my appreciation to staff for for you know, back in September 2025, we"},{"t":8871,"text":"very much requested a report uh examining opportunities to streamline and align and really give some some"},{"t":8879,"text":"gusto to agurism and these kind of related activities on our farmland. So, I thank you very much for your work on this."},{"t":8888,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much. Uh I appreciate that sentiment. I just I'm going because you spoke I'm now going to speak for my full a lot of time. No, I'm"},{"t":8896,"text":"not. Uh I'm just addressing a point that was raised by a member of the public earlier around a UBCM resolution. So"},{"t":8903,"text":"just process-wise, there's resolutions that come forward every year that are debated and then the"},{"t":8911,"text":"whole package is sent off to the province usually sometime in November and then there's time for the province to respond. Sometimes they do something,"},{"t":8921,"text":"sometimes they say thank you, and sometimes they're still going through that realm. So even though it's at UBCM,"},{"t":8929,"text":"even if a resolution does pass, it still takes time for the whole regulatory change to happen. So what I mean by that"},{"t":8937,"text":"is that that's where the next council hopefully will take the time to look at what tweaks or adjustments need to be"},{"t":8944,"text":"made when provincial legislation. What we've been doing is every so often there's housekeeping changes when we see that happen and then you see these"},{"t":8952,"text":"updates occur so that we're in alignment. So I just wanted to answer that. Thank you. I'll call the question now. All in favor? Any opposed? That's"},{"t":8962,"text":"unanimous. Thank you. Moving into section 11"},{"t":8969,"text":"is our report section. So the first one will be on appointments of deputy corporate officer and deputy chief election officer."},{"t":8977,"text":"This is pretty straightforward. As you may know, we appointed our CEO to be the deputy while we were waiting for our new"},{"t":8984,"text":"corporate deputy to join us. So welcome aboard. You're right into the fire. Thank you."},{"t":8991,"text":"And thank you to our CEO for filling that role on an interimm basis. So now we're going to change that and that'll be then by this resolution that the"},{"t":9000,"text":"appointments of Rachel Gray as deputy corporate officer of the district of Souk and deputy chief election officer for the 2026 local government general"},{"t":9010,"text":"election be rescended. Moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by councelor Pearson. Thank you. Any"},{"t":9017,"text":"comments or questions? Straight. Thank you. All those in favor? Any opposed?"},{"t":9024,"text":"Nobody's opposed. You're off the hook."},{"t":9026,"text":"Thank you uh very much. That's unanimous."},{"t":9030,"text":"The next part is that and that Denise Swanson be appointed as deputy corporate officer of the district of Souk and"},{"t":9039,"text":"deputy chief election officer for the 2026 local government general election."},{"t":9045,"text":"That's moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by Pearson. Any comments or questions from anyone? Seeing none, all in favor?"},{"t":9054,"text":"Welcome aboard. And that's unanimous."},{"t":9057,"text":"Thank you everyone. 11.2 is our 2026 second quarter financial report. So"},{"t":9064,"text":"count our staff have brought this forward. I'll look then for that council to receive the 2026 second quarter"},{"t":9072,"text":"financial operating report for information. Moved by councelor St. Pierre seconded by Bhtos."},{"t":9080,"text":"Thank you. Any comments or questions?"},{"t":9085,"text":"Oh, our staff would like to make a comment. Thank you."},{"t":9089,"text":"Sure. I to your worship. Thank you. Um I do have a quick summary of the report if if it if needed. Would you like me to"},{"t":9096,"text":"breeze through it? I will be respectful of time. Would anyone like a bit of an update?"},{"t":9103,"text":"Okay, they do. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Curry."},{"t":9108,"text":"Okay. Um, this is the district's second quarter financial report covering the first six months of 2026. The report provides council with an update on"},{"t":9117,"text":"operating revenues and expenditures along with the status of our capital projects and grant funded projects as well. Overall, the district is tracking"},{"t":9125,"text":"responsibly well against the financial plan in 2026. Operating expenditures are about 46% of budget um at June 30th and"},{"t":9134,"text":"salaries and benefits are at 47%. So generally we are where we would expect to be at this point in the year. Uh the main item I wanted to highlight is a"},{"t":9142,"text":"slowdown in building and development activity particularly large multif family projects. Uh building permits um"},{"t":9149,"text":"issued are down about 26% compared to this time last year. and we've seen a fairly significant reduction in the number of new housing units and"},{"t":9157,"text":"associated permit revenue. While we do have deferred building permit revenue that will help offset some of that"},{"t":9164,"text":"impact in 2026, it is something we'll be watching closely as we head into 2027"},{"t":9171,"text":"um budget planning. It's hard to say at this point this year where we'll be at the end of 2026 because of that deferred"},{"t":9177,"text":"revenue um because we do recognize some of that money that we received last year and this year as the the licensing um"},{"t":9185,"text":"and inspections are completed. The report also includes detailed updates on our capital program uh with respect to"},{"t":9193,"text":"capital projects and grant applications, the status of our applications that the progress as well and ones that we've"},{"t":9199,"text":"applied for and and been declined. Um capital spending is relatively low at June 30th, but a number of projects are in design, procurement or construction."},{"t":9209,"text":"So we expect that spending to increase through the second half of the year. Uh, with that, I'm happy to answer any questions council may have on the second quarter results or any of the attachments. Thank you."},{"t":9220,"text":"Okay, it's been moved and seconded."},{"t":9222,"text":"Anything from anyone else? Okay, I'll call the question. All in favor?"},{"t":9227,"text":"And that's unanimous. Thank you. Move on to 11.3 permissive tax exemption application from work link."},{"t":9252,"text":"Thank you, your worship. Um, mayor and council, the report before you is regarding worklink's uh application for permissive tax exemption for its"},{"t":9260,"text":"property at 2096 Church Road. The property's total 2026 property taxes"},{"t":9268,"text":"were 25,800, including about 12,000 in municipal taxes. Worklink is a registered charity"},{"t":9277,"text":"providing employment and workforce development services in Souk. Its facility and services are available to"},{"t":9284,"text":"the public free of charge. Worklink's current workb contract expires March"},{"t":9291,"text":"31st, 2027 and it was not selected to advance to the next stage of the provincial procurement process."},{"t":9299,"text":"Worklink's financial statements demonstrate significant financial pressure. Worklink has also eliminated"},{"t":9306,"text":"several uh senior and a mean positions to reduce costs. The application was received in August after the uh after"},{"t":9315,"text":"the district's uh after the uh district's June 15th uh deadline. The current uh permissive tax exemption"},{"t":9322,"text":"policy states that late applications may not be considered. However, the previous"},{"t":9329,"text":"uh permissive tax exemption policy had a uh August 31st deadline and worklink may have referred to that old policy. So"},{"t":9338,"text":"council has full discretion under section 224 of the community charter."},{"t":9342,"text":"Council may approve the application and give first three readings to the uh permissive tax exemption bylaw amendment"},{"t":9350,"text":"or um uh the calendar application because it was submitted um after the deadline. Thank you. And I'm happy to answer any questions."},{"t":9359,"text":"Okay. Thank you. We'll start off then to receive this report for information."},{"t":9364,"text":"Moved by councelor St. Pierre and seconded by councelor Betos. Thank you."},{"t":9370,"text":"Any questions from the mover? Councelor St. Pierre, go ahead. Bring your worship probably to Miss Le."},{"t":9379,"text":"Uh I'm curious as to how this compares to other exemptions."},{"t":9385,"text":"Do we generally offer this type of exemption with this type of organization in this type of situation? Or is this entirely unusual? It's the first time I've seen something quite like this. So, I'd like to know."},{"t":9397,"text":"uh through the mayor to uh councelor St."},{"t":9400,"text":"Pearson. Uh it's it's actually uh we have a category on the bylaw is called nonprofit. We have a few uh similar uh"},{"t":9409,"text":"nonprofit organization on our bylaw. Um I I I think it's it's actually um"},{"t":9417,"text":"it it's a typical nonprofit organization uh registered as um as a charity."},{"t":9423,"text":"Follow question. So, I'm assuming that the reason I haven't seen this sort of thing before is that these applications didn't generally come in in time to be processed with the rest of the"},{"t":9431,"text":"exemptions and are just part of a larger package. That correct?"},{"t":9435,"text":"Uh, through the mayor because the bylaw was good for five years. So, we we saw a a a"},{"t":9444,"text":"lot of applications last year. So, now the bylaw was set for 2026 to 2030."},{"t":9450,"text":"That's why this year we don't see a lot of applications were because they were approved last year and the bot was good for five years and this application this"},{"t":9459,"text":"organization they they didn't apply last year."},{"t":9463,"text":"So so this year is the first year they are applying."},{"t":9466,"text":"Okay. One more followup. Uh so my understanding at least I think my understanding is that this organization is similar to others that have received"},{"t":9473,"text":"exemptions and that the reason it's unusual at this point in time is that it's come in late um possibly because of the change in our policy that wasn't"},{"t":9481,"text":"noticed by the applicant. Is that correct?"},{"t":9483,"text":"No, I would say that they have not had a permissive tax exemption in the past."},{"t":9489,"text":"It's the case where they it would seem that they were not renewed through their work BC contract and"},{"t":9498,"text":"therefore they've lost funding and so they're looking to find another way to continue operations because of a loss funding that they had in previous years."},{"t":9509,"text":"No, I I understand. I was I was not clear my question. I'll try and restate. uh other similar organizations have received received exemptions."},{"t":9519,"text":"That correct? Yes, is correct."},{"t":9520,"text":"That's what I was going to get. Thank you."},{"t":9522,"text":"Okay. Other similar. Okay. Uh councelor Betos."},{"t":9527,"text":"Yeah. Thank you, worship. I have some mixed feelings about this. One is that this is the first time they've applied for it and they're applying for it"},{"t":9535,"text":"because work BC contract has been let go or not renewed. And so it sort of comes"},{"t":9543,"text":"down to another instance of the province not following through with some of their responsibilities that they were doing over the years. Uh because this this uh"},{"t":9553,"text":"work uh work link doesn't just service people in suit. It does it for Shirley or Otter Point just about anybody that"},{"t":9561,"text":"can pop in transits and whatnot. So, it's another one where the the province has uh I know they're broke um near it."},{"t":9572,"text":"Coming back to citizens of souk and uh it just does not sit well with me. I understand the good work that they're"},{"t":9580,"text":"doing. Uh I really do value them, but this is should be a proincially"},{"t":9587,"text":"supported not a district. So, I have some misgivings about this."},{"t":9594,"text":"Okay, thank you. Other questions? We're on information. Go ahead, councelor Pearson."},{"t":9600,"text":"In the in the report, it it says um that the the their current work BC"},{"t":9608,"text":"contract remains in place till March 31st, 2027. Work link was not selected to advance to the next stage of"},{"t":9615,"text":"procurement. Do we understand what that mean? Like like what does that actually mean?"},{"t":9621,"text":"like kind of who who's the who that that's a provincial"},{"t":9629,"text":"program, right? network link and so they're they haven't been selected to go to the next stage of procurement kind of"},{"t":9637,"text":"the wording seems strange to me just like they're they're they're not getting the contract renewed is like is March 31st is that the deadline and they're"},{"t":9645,"text":"done we'd have that answer through through your worship I don't have the answer if if you like I I will"},{"t":9654,"text":"ask link and get um a response in writing I I do not know the details But I do know there's a lot of people left"},{"t":9663,"text":"the organization. The person who applied for for for this permissive tax exemption, that person is already gone when we called when I called in the"},{"t":9671,"text":"office. I have to get a hold of, you know, the replacement is his first day on the job. And I I guide him through"},{"t":9678,"text":"how to apply this. They they did lose a lot of people. I know that part of that."},{"t":9685,"text":"Um, and I think that speaks to a to a bigger issue outside of our community. I think it's there's something else going on here that that um doesn't make sense."},{"t":9696,"text":"Granting them a tax exemption. I know they do wonderful work and all the things, but or we're going to grant a tax exemption for an organization that"},{"t":9704,"text":"may not exist. I strange."},{"t":9710,"text":"Okay. Um, thank you. I think for Go ahead, Councelor Baitman."},{"t":9716,"text":"Um, just a question on on schedule A where you list all of the uh permissive tax uh exemption recipients. There's a"},{"t":9725,"text":"column six with a percentage and I see that everyone gets 100% um exemption with the exception of the Children's"},{"t":9734,"text":"Health Foundation of Vancouver Island at 75%. is do why why have we not explored"},{"t":9741,"text":"giving a partial exemption in terms of this uh of the percentage uh through our worship that 75%"},{"t":9749,"text":"percentage is because um at that location there are several agencies renting that space and one of one of"},{"t":9757,"text":"which is paid by the is a provincial agency so we don't give uh permissive ex uh exemption to that pro provin"},{"t":9766,"text":"provincial agency. That's why we didn't give 100%. Okay."},{"t":9772,"text":"Okay. Um, no comment at this point, right?"},{"t":9777,"text":"Well, we're receiving for information because in part it it came in after the deadline. Uh, so in that case,"},{"t":9786,"text":"it it's here um for but it is coming to us as correspondence. So, we receive it."},{"t":9793,"text":"Uh it seems there's there may be an opportunity to get further information like for now we're receiving for"},{"t":9800,"text":"information. Uh is there an advocacy role we can take with the province because"},{"t":9809,"text":"you know I fully support what work link is doing in our community and I hate like to not have it here at all would be"},{"t":9816,"text":"a tremendous loss. Um, at the same time it's we need to work with the province and the federal government because they"},{"t":9824,"text":"al we can't absorb everything they choose not to fund anymore. For example, I received another letter that they are"},{"t":9832,"text":"eliminating our community paramedic and that's also going to create a disservice throughout the community. So,"},{"t":9841,"text":"and then if we do this then what else is are they going to lose?"},{"t":9847,"text":"it it just continues. So there is a time where it's like okay we will receive this for now there's some unanswered"},{"t":9855,"text":"questions but then I think what is the role of advocacy that we can do to continue with this necessary service uh"},{"t":9864,"text":"if things are turning down people will be turning to this center more and more uh and we need to find a way to keep it"},{"t":9871,"text":"open. It's just it'll end up us hiring and basically taking over the whole thing. And what will that service cost?"},{"t":9877,"text":"So, I'll leave it at that. I'll go to Miss Gray and then back to other members of council."},{"t":9883,"text":"Uh, thank you, worship. I just wanted to confirm [clears throat] with council the timeline for permissive tax bylaws. They"},{"t":9890,"text":"are due by October 31st um to in to um"},{"t":9897,"text":"to take effect for next year. So, as far as the timing for the worklink specific example, we are very close to running out of council meetings to meet that"},{"t":9905,"text":"October 31st deadline. Not saying council can't request more information."},{"t":9908,"text":"I just wanted to make that point clear that there is a hard deadline of October 31st and currently right now October 5th would be the last regular council meeting."},{"t":9918,"text":"Okay. So on that, should council wish to provide the permissive tax exemption, then I would recommend a member of"},{"t":9926,"text":"council consider moving that today. But we're on receive for information. So if there's are there any other questions?"},{"t":9935,"text":"Go ahead, councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":9938,"text":"Um, I'm curious about the status of I believe that we had a cooperative venture with worklink at least using"},{"t":9946,"text":"their space for the purpose of providing services to businesses. Uh, do we know what's going to happen with that? Uh, do"},{"t":9954,"text":"we know where employment services will be provided for residents of Souk and surrounding areas at this point? uh are they planning on having a different"},{"t":9962,"text":"officer, a different NGO providing services or does everyone have to go to Langford? Um"},{"t":9969,"text":"I'm feeling like we don't have a whole lot of information other than the fact that a really vital service uh has been"},{"t":9977,"text":"cut. Uh we also don't know what services work can still provide potentially. So if we were to provide an exemption, what services can they still provide to"},{"t":9986,"text":"residents of Souk? What do we what are residents getting for providing an exemption? Normally, if you provide an exemption, it's because you're expecting"},{"t":9993,"text":"something back whether it be uh church community or you know space third spaces that people can use in the community."},{"t":10001,"text":"What would this site provide if it's if it's providing if we provide an exemption? What does it provide back? Uh I don't see any of that information here."},{"t":10011,"text":"Okay."},{"t":10012,"text":"And I think that's where um our staff were also had indicated that they're they do have new staff and so getting"},{"t":10020,"text":"those answers has not been easy just for that change."},{"t":10023,"text":"I feel like I'm ready to receive information but not make a decision without more information. That's all. Okay. Fair. Councelor Betos."},{"t":10029,"text":"Yeah. I I I just have a hard time understanding that this this organization which had a budget like $17"},{"t":10035,"text":"million, whatever it is, and a $12,000 uh tax bill from us is going to sink them."},{"t":10043,"text":"I mean, you know, of the overall uh operation, that's not much at all. I"},{"t":10051,"text":"can't see them going under if we deny them a $12,000 tax exemption. if they are then there there's a lot more things that could put them in jeopardy than"},{"t":10059,"text":"that. So, uh, yeah, I just, uh, I think we have to keep this in proportion here is, uh, yes, I understand there's a"},{"t":10067,"text":"financial difficulty, but they're in financial difficulty because, uh, work BC has pulled some of their funding, and"},{"t":10074,"text":"I don't think $12,000 is going to make them that more of a viable."},{"t":10079,"text":"So, I'm afraid that our taxpayers are stressed enough. I can't support it."},{"t":10084,"text":"Okay. So, we're on receipt. I have two members of staff. uh uh through our worship. Um from the um"},{"t":10094,"text":"documents provided, most the funding from federal or provincial government provided to work link are uh very"},{"t":10100,"text":"restrict restrictive to uh programs like they're not supposed to pay operating cost such as uh property tax and and uh labor cost."},{"t":10113,"text":"Mr. Curry, thanks. Thanks, Bishop. I just have some information that might be of value to help with this decision. Um, Workling"},{"t":10122,"text":"currently has a provincial contract to deliver work BC employment services that expires March 31st, 2027. The province"},{"t":10130,"text":"has currently been running a procurement process to um for the next provider to provide those services. Uh, WorkLink"},{"t":10138,"text":"submitted a proposal but was not selected to move to the next stage. um unless something changes that suggests another organization um is likely to"},{"t":10147,"text":"receive the Works Safe BC contract starting April 1st, 2027. So that's what they're referring to in the report. Um"},{"t":10154,"text":"so there's a good chance that they'll lose the funding from the province on the work um link contract essentially."},{"t":10161,"text":"Um it could also affect their overall financial position as they would no longer be receiving this large government contract. So that's what's been referred to in the report."},{"t":10172,"text":"Okay, thank you for that. I think um it still leaves just a few unanswered questions because if it's the case where"},{"t":10180,"text":"you know if it's it it would be interesting if it was another location in souk that would be providing this and"},{"t":10187,"text":"where would that be? Uh but if it is the case where it's something located elsewhere in the west shore then that is a problem for everyone who uses this"},{"t":10197,"text":"where we're seeing another service displaced and moved to Langford which is not useful uh"},{"t":10205,"text":"it's not far but it is very far uh for some. So I think that's that's"},{"t":10212,"text":"interesting. Okay, we're on receiving for information. So I'm going to"},{"t":10220,"text":"call the question on receiving and then if there's another motion then we'll entertain that because"},{"t":10228,"text":"this is just to receive which means nothing happens and there's no permissive tax exemption given. Okay."},{"t":10233,"text":"It's just to receive. All those in favor of receipt. Any opposed? None are opposed. So then is there a follow-up"},{"t":10242,"text":"motion? Councelor Baitman. I'm just going to test the motion so I can motivate uh that council instruct staff to bring forward a bylaw amending uh"},{"t":10250,"text":"bylaw 930 adding worklengths property to nonprofit exemptions category."},{"t":10256,"text":"Okay, I will second that. Okay. So, I'm just thinking, you know, we have the big beautiful the beautiful new worklink uh"},{"t":10264,"text":"facility arrived in Souk all of what four years ago, five years ago uh to continue a long tradition of work links"},{"t":10271,"text":"work in Souk. Um it does um it's obviously going through a crisis"},{"t":10279,"text":"at the moment and it as it states um it's did you say first day on the job?"},{"t":10286,"text":"Executive director Scott Graph, he wrote us and states Worklink is actively pursuing replacement funding,"},{"t":10293,"text":"new programs, partnerships, and other revenue opportunities. Property tax relief would allow us to preserve limited unrestricted resources,"},{"t":10300,"text":"stabilize our remaining workforce, which has been slashed considerably and continue providing accessible employment and workforce development services to"},{"t":10309,"text":"souk residents and employers. So I feel that um a one and these exemptions are for a year and must be renewed annually."},{"t":10318,"text":"No five years. Yes."},{"t":10321,"text":"Um through our worship the if we amend by law 930 that we have remaining four years 2027 28 29 2030."},{"t":10331,"text":"Okay."},{"t":10332,"text":"So if we establish a brand new bylaw council could give one year but it's not amendment to that by a new bylaw. Okay."},{"t":10341,"text":"And and the odds perhaps are that they won't be around in five years. That in fact, if Mr. Curry's right, March could"},{"t":10349,"text":"be the I think we we should give them the benefit of the doubt and support them as best we can given the services they provide in a community that"},{"t":10358,"text":"desperately needs to develop its workforce and keep them working locally."},{"t":10363,"text":"Okay. Thank you, Councelor Baitman, for bringing that forward. Um I"},{"t":10370,"text":"I don't like absorbing uh impacts from the province, but I also know that there will be a greater challenge uh if this"},{"t":10379,"text":"or this uh to lose work link. Um they went from a inaccessible building to a an accessible"},{"t":10387,"text":"one that's on a bus route with ample parking which is a great benefit to many in our"},{"t":10395,"text":"community. And this is a needed and necessary service. So I am in support of this. This is directing staff to bring a report back. So there is hopefully time"},{"t":10404,"text":"in between because we're not that was the motion was directing staff to bring back the report. So there's time in"},{"t":10412,"text":"between to clarify some of this and uh perhaps get some further information before we actually resolve on those readings."},{"t":10421,"text":"So it's not like we're pursuing the bylaw amendment tonight. We're simply directing staff to report back. That"},{"t":10428,"text":"puts us within our calendar and and those can get answers to questions. So, I'm in support of the motion. Councelor Betos."},{"t":10436,"text":"Yeah, with I'm okay with that going back. We're going to get another chance this, but I would I would hope that"},{"t":10443,"text":"staff would ask the questions, what services will they be providing in April of 2027."},{"t":10451,"text":"So, I mean, uh, the work BC contract, I don't know how work link works. That"},{"t":10458,"text":"seems to me that the bulk of what they were doing there. So, I'm not so sure what what's going to happen in April. I"},{"t":10467,"text":"mean, it's it sounds pretty dire what they're going through. And I just really have some doubts about whether $12,000"},{"t":10475,"text":"is going to make a big difference when you're looking at the people's wages."},{"t":10479,"text":"Better be in that 60 70 $80,000 a year bracket. I'm sure. I don't know. But I need more information. Uh I I'll okay"},{"t":10488,"text":"for this motion, but I want staff to give have work provide us with a little bit deeper um presentation on uh what"},{"t":10498,"text":"they're going to supply us uh in the future. We're going to $12,000 not a tremendous amount of money. Uh but it's"},{"t":10506,"text":"still $12,000. You add it up as you go through the other things we do. It can get costly. So I I'll okay this motion"},{"t":10514,"text":"but I want to see some more information from work link exactly what they are doing in our community. That's it. Thank you."},{"t":10521,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Anything from anyone else? All the question. All in favor?"},{"t":10526,"text":"Any opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you. 11.4. Council remuneration."},{"t":10536,"text":"Thank thanks worship. This report provides council with an update on council renumeration in advance of the upcoming election as mentioned under the"},{"t":10545,"text":"district's current uh council renumeration and benefits bylaw. Staff reviewed the renumeration work completed by the town of Sydney and View Royal and"},{"t":10554,"text":"compared their approaches and market information with Souk's current structure. Overall, Souk's approach remains fairly consistent with other"},{"t":10562,"text":"municipalities, particularly our use of the annual Victoria CPI adjustments and a broader renumeration review once"},{"t":10570,"text":"during each council term. The main takeaway from the comparison is that the mayor's renumeration remains relatively"},{"t":10576,"text":"close to the market midpoint while council renumeration is somewhat lower."},{"t":10582,"text":"Both Sydney and V Royal have mentioned or have also moved forward toward establishing um the renumeration for"},{"t":10589,"text":"council at 50% of the mayors. This the report identifies a few items that council could consider as part of the"},{"t":10597,"text":"future review particularly establishing clear and more repeatable methodology and periodically reviewing base"},{"t":10604,"text":"renumeration. These are no immediate financial implications for tonight's report as it's just being presented for information. Um, with that, I'm happy to answer any questions council may have."},{"t":10614,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":10615,"text":"Okay. Thank you for bringing this forward here. So, I'll start off and the council received the council remuneration review report for information. Moved by councelor St."},{"t":10624,"text":"Pierre and seconded by Pearson. Uh, anyone wish to speak to it? Councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":10631,"text":"Uh, I really appreciated seeing this on the agenda. Uh, I knew it might be coming up, but I was wondering if it had been missed. Uh I really do think that"},{"t":10638,"text":"council remuneration can be a very uh political subject because no counselor wants to be saying oh I want more money"},{"t":10646,"text":"and please raise the taxes to make it happen. And at the same time if we don't actually have reasonable remuneration for council then there's a matter of equity where"},{"t":10654,"text":"basically um anybody that isn't owning property having money and so on and so forth simply can't even consider"},{"t":10662,"text":"running for council or being a part of council. And so I think that it's important that we actually try and keep up with other municipalities and that we"},{"t":10669,"text":"try and attract especially younger people into council and I don't know how that can happen without looking at remuneration. I don't think this is"},{"t":10677,"text":"going to go far enough obviously but I do really appreciate the work and the ongoing efforts in this direction. So thank you very much councelor Pearson."},{"t":10688,"text":"Nope. Thank you."},{"t":10691,"text":"Anything from anyone else? Go ahead, Councelor Baitman."},{"t":10695,"text":"Well, I think this is very much a best practice for local governments, councils to to have this uh review at the end of"},{"t":10703,"text":"its term. And um yeah, I think that's the best practice generally speaking, uh because on our shoulders be it. Back in"},{"t":10712,"text":"2018, we had to um deal with our own uh that new newly elected council um"},{"t":10719,"text":"starting with a counselor salary of $10,000 a year. We're now up to $22,000,"},{"t":10726,"text":"which is not bad, frankly, um for a retired gentleman here without a pension, but it's it's it's nice pocket"},{"t":10734,"text":"change. um whether we um tonight should be"},{"t":10742,"text":"personally I yeah it's a it's not easy I I would welcome a a discussion on this"},{"t":10748,"text":"subject is in fact the salary of um 40 47,000 or 50,000 for the mayor and 23"},{"t":10759,"text":"for the counselors with CPI adjustments is that sufficient for a community our eyes and um"},{"t":10769,"text":"it seems we're a little below the um the median rate whether we"},{"t":10779,"text":"put this aside and leave it to the next council. I know it was very awkward for us. We took a lot of heat."},{"t":10787,"text":"We we in fact I guess we had a 50% increase in our our salary took us up to 12,500 or 15,000."},{"t":10797,"text":"Anyway, I'm rambling here, so I I welcome other comments. Okay, thank you, Councelor Betos."},{"t":10805,"text":"Yeah, bear in mind that we we do get the consumer price index raise every year."},{"t":10810,"text":"It's it's capped at 2%. So, it it's not as though we haven't had it in uh last"},{"t":10816,"text":"four years. We had uh 2% doesn't quite keep up to it. Uh maybe this is something for the new council to figure"},{"t":10825,"text":"out. But uh I I I agree with council abatement. It is awkward uh you know when you start talking about your your"},{"t":10831,"text":"own salaries and things and uh uh it's not well it to a lot of people it is a"},{"t":10839,"text":"lot of money. Uh but um there's a lot of work that goes on with who's ever going to be sitting in these chairs next year"},{"t":10847,"text":"too. And uh believe me, when you work it out for the dollars per hour that you actually put in for the job, it really"},{"t":10854,"text":"doesn't come out to much. So um uh you know, one mind tells me to to put"},{"t":10862,"text":"the medium one through and uh then the next council feels it's too rich, they can always knock it down. But I mean, uh"},{"t":10870,"text":"yeah, good luck on that, right? Uh but anyways, it's just uh it's a it's a tough bullet here. and uh uh"},{"t":10879,"text":"22,000 uh in today's market is is not a whole lot of money. So, I have a mixed uh mixed feelings about this, but let me hear what everybody else has instead."},{"t":10889,"text":"Okay, thank you. I will make some comments. Uh glad to see this here. It's 53,34945 that the mayor makes annually."},{"t":10902,"text":"Uh so that might help dispel some information out there on how much I'm actually have"},{"t":10908,"text":"been earning. Uh yes, there is also a stipend from the CRD and this remuneration will depend on it changes"},{"t":10918,"text":"because I think for myself it was about $25,000 and it depends on how many additional"},{"t":10925,"text":"committees whether you chair it changes every year whether you chair or not chair. So it varies."},{"t":10931,"text":"Uh however, the way I look at this and when we had earlier discussions is there's also work on the deputy mayor"},{"t":10940,"text":"who will step in and assist. Uh there's also council members who participate in committees, who attend numerous things, but it's not all the same."},{"t":10951,"text":"Uh so it's hard to say that yes, every deputy mayor should receive X because not every deputy mayor shows up or"},{"t":10958,"text":"performs like the others. uh not every council member performs like everyone else. So then what is the standard then?"},{"t":10968,"text":"And how do you then prove that?"},{"t":10971,"text":"Um I wouldn't want to grade that is a whole other thing. You would need to bump my pay scale just to even want to go there"},{"t":10979,"text":"mentally. I did for about two minutes the other day and then fled. Uh so I think there's two ways of looking at"},{"t":10987,"text":"this. At previous meetings there was criticism over council attending conferences."},{"t":10993,"text":"So you need to look at them together."},{"t":10996,"text":"There's remuneration and then there's a travel expense policy. And again that changes. Some years council has"},{"t":11005,"text":"individual council members expenses were $12,000, $7,000."},{"t":11011,"text":"Some didn't expense anything. Uh and it's varied. Um, and then there's those"},{"t":11018,"text":"that provide or submit their expenses for different events. Some don't do that. Others have will just go on, but"},{"t":11027,"text":"they did attend the conference. They did have their hotel accommodation covered and the like. So, it varies. It's a mixed bag. There's no one way of doing things. But I look at them all together."},{"t":11038,"text":"I also view that this is a service and it's a privilege and it's a privilege to serve. It's a privilege to be in these"},{"t":11045,"text":"seats. Uh it's a privilege to represent the community. Um it's not a job. So for"},{"t":11052,"text":"those that are looking for the job, well then I would suggest it would be better to apply for a job and"},{"t":11060,"text":"not to be elected to serve. They're two different pieces."},{"t":11065,"text":"Uh what there's I'm going to pick on myself fully. There's days where it's busy all"},{"t":11074,"text":"the time. There's from the moment I wake up uh to the moment I I go to sleep, I"},{"t":11082,"text":"dream about it. I think about it all the time. And then there's different things in the evenings. There's events on the weekend and it's just going non-stop."},{"t":11093,"text":"And then there's times where I don't think about it at all and I don't do anything. I don't go anywhere. I don't attend anything. I don't read anything."},{"t":11100,"text":"and I don't leave my house and that's my choice, but I'm still getting paid. I would have been fired if I had decided"},{"t":11108,"text":"to take that approach in a normal day job or I'm like, I'm not going to go. I don't want to. Uh, so it varies, but"},{"t":11115,"text":"that's the human context of it all because there is a need sometimes just to recover from busy. This past summer"},{"t":11123,"text":"was the first time where, and I'm knocking on wood now, where we didn't have a massive fire breakout. Although, we did have significant arson events,"},{"t":11131,"text":"which also triggers a response and a readiness. Uh, but it wasn't like the days of the Old Man Lake fire that was"},{"t":11138,"text":"burning and it was just on all the time and I couldn't shut it off. So, it really really varies."},{"t":11145,"text":"Uh, I would just leave it that this will incrementally increase Um this is a service."},{"t":11155,"text":"Um and I would also encourage um anyone whether you're returning uh"},{"t":11165,"text":"post election, you're you're returning and have elected experience or you're brand new that you do take the opportunity to attend the conferences."},{"t":11176,"text":"These are not just Yes. There's networking that happens and there's meals and all that but there's also"},{"t":11182,"text":"intensive learning that happens that is your educational piece uh dynamic"},{"t":11189,"text":"exceptional speakers and what is nice about the networking is because these things are go all day."},{"t":11196,"text":"They start at 7:30 and they don't finish until 5. So it's all day all the time."},{"t":11201,"text":"Uh but in the evening you meet other elected officials um from around whether it's local, regional, uh throughout the"},{"t":11210,"text":"province, throughout the federal uh throughout our country uh that are doing incredible work and I would just I know"},{"t":11218,"text":"there is criticism of attending these events but they are"},{"t":11225,"text":"very important for the ongoing learning, for your mental health, for the camaraderie that you'll form. I have"},{"t":11233,"text":"felt very alone and isolated at this table sometimes, but I'm very grateful that I have other mayors I connect with."},{"t":11241,"text":"I've have had my share of bullying and harassments uh here in the 18 years that I've served. I'm grateful to have"},{"t":11249,"text":"connected with others that are going through that and developing a network there. You never grow a thick skin. you"},{"t":11256,"text":"will develop a resilience and a self-care strategy and that is the benefit of going to these things."},{"t":11265,"text":"Um so I think you look at them all together. The next council when they form can then decide what they're going"},{"t":11273,"text":"to do. They should look at that policy in depth and if they feel that it's not necessary okay fine. Um they can also"},{"t":11283,"text":"but I think that opportunity needs to come. It needs to be workshopped. You need to look into this. You also need to determine how many committees you're"},{"t":11291,"text":"going to form, how many external agencies you're going to participate on, and how you're going to share all that load. I was young once when I first got"},{"t":11299,"text":"elected and maintained a full-time job and commuted and the council of the day. I we worked together and strategized."},{"t":11308,"text":"Sometimes appointments were based on who was available when. So yes, I would have loved to attend that, but no, I'm not quitting my job to go. So there was a"},{"t":11316,"text":"balance and then things change. Life evolves, things change over time. Uh, but it's incredible work, but you need"},{"t":11325,"text":"to view it as a service. If you feel that you're underpaid, it's because you're looking at it like it's a job."},{"t":11330,"text":"And I think your 20,000 probably went to your printer cartridges and not so much the pocket change, but that's okay. So"},{"t":11338,"text":"I'm going to leave it at that. You also have um exceptional support by way of district staff. The education that you"},{"t":11347,"text":"learn in terms of how our community works in tix and also IT support to help you navigate changing devices and"},{"t":11354,"text":"platforms and authenticator apps and everything else that'll come because there is a lot of it that are there whereas if you were on your own you"},{"t":11362,"text":"wouldn't have any of that. But these things are important tools and they're all available as well as the technology that you use. So they all count. Um but"},{"t":11372,"text":"I think it's the case. It's fine. It'll tick along and um and the two my recommendation going forward is that you view the two pieces together and"},{"t":11380,"text":"recognize all of that. Okay, I'll leave it at that. Councelor St. Pierre uh through your worship for the question for staff. Uh we have some lovely"},{"t":11388,"text":"recommendations here in terms of uh formalizing some policy around this so that it is less political which I really agree with. What would happen at this"},{"t":11396,"text":"point in time as we accept the support for information? Would this go to future council? Will it be further work from staff? When would future council see"},{"t":11404,"text":"that potentially? And uh another thing that I would like considered for future council as a matter of equity is whether or not it'd be possible to provide uh or"},{"t":11413,"text":"how to provide better act access to medical and dental benefits for people who might not have"},{"t":11421,"text":"higher income because even if it's actually u a service and being of service to community, it's nice to have"},{"t":11427,"text":"good teeth. So, um, just curious about what's the next steps with this at this point in time and do you need anything from council to make that happen?"},{"t":11435,"text":"I'm just before we go to staff to answer that, the one thing I will share is that elected officials can access the"},{"t":11442,"text":"district health and dental and benefit plan, but you pay both portions of it. Yeah."},{"t":11446,"text":"So, you will pay both the employer side and the family or individual side. So then it's the case where you need to better access with being substantive."},{"t":11458,"text":"Well, I think that would be a conversation and it varies because sometimes everyone comes in fully covered and it doesn't apply. But in"},{"t":11465,"text":"this case, it would vary according to the the humans around the table. You may also want to see if it's worth it"},{"t":11473,"text":"because you have to pay both. And then there's deductibles in which case I don't know but that that is very individual"},{"t":11481,"text":"board for the future. I'm hoping to have to deal with that's too complicated for me. Go over to our CEO please."},{"t":11487,"text":"Uh thank you worship. I just thought I could add a bit of context um to councelor St. Perry's question. As far as if council just receives the report"},{"t":11495,"text":"for information today, uh nothing changes. It basically the bylaw is still in place. next year um CPI will be"},{"t":11503,"text":"factored into the council renumeration increases and it remains status quo uh unless we hear something different from"},{"t":11510,"text":"direct um direction from council and similar to uh what's occurring right now is in the year of a local election uh"},{"t":11517,"text":"council can direct staff to bring a more detailed report forward and then at any time it would just be up to council to uh determine if they wanted staff to"},{"t":11525,"text":"provide them options on that and um as a CEO as far As far as with the election um and strategic planning occurring"},{"t":11534,"text":"shortly after the u municipal election, this would be definitely a topic that I would be bringing up with the council during strategic planning just to let them know like, hey, this is the bylaw."},{"t":11543,"text":"This is what it covers. This is what it doesn't. Here's some gaps. And again, take direction from council on should they want to do anything sooner uh with it."},{"t":11552,"text":"Okay, I'll call the question then. All in favor? Any opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":11559,"text":"Okay, next up is 11.5 climate adaptation and natural hazard risk assessment."},{"t":11567,"text":"Thanks and to the chair and to members of council. Uh there's no real formal presentation planned for this report. We already kind of did that back in May. Uh"},{"t":11576,"text":"the intent was to for council to receive this for information. Um, this is the culmination of the work and the data"},{"t":11583,"text":"previously presented last May and is now contained in a comprehensive document that's available to council. So, the"},{"t":11590,"text":"documents intended to provide a shared understanding of community risk that then can support future policy development and investment decisions."},{"t":11600,"text":"And then the assessment also recognizes that it represents a point in time analysis and should be updated as the"},{"t":11607,"text":"community conditions evolve. Um this is our first deliverable under the climate adaptation and natural hazard assessment"},{"t":11614,"text":"project. It kind of sets the foundation for the next steps uh towards developing a framework for our disaster risk"},{"t":11621,"text":"reduction specific to Souk and then helps guide our near-term efforts and inform our long-term planning. We do"},{"t":11628,"text":"have the principal lead from logic lead consulting here. Chad Pachelik has made his time available to us uh who"},{"t":11637,"text":"developed this document and is available in the event that council has any further questions regarding the information contained. Thank you."},{"t":11646,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much and thank you for being available today. I'm going to first put this forward that council receive the 2026 community disaster risk"},{"t":11656,"text":"assessment prepared by logically consulting limited for information moved by councelor St. Pierre seconded by Bettos."},{"t":11664,"text":"Any questions or comments? Councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":11668,"text":"Uh just very quickly I really appreciate the initial report and the way that it focused on resilience in a completely different lens that I previously experienced with risk assessment and"},{"t":11676,"text":"emergency management. uh seemed much more community- based and more about the entire resilience of the community instead of just emergency"},{"t":11685,"text":"response. Uh I like that particular lens a lot and it helps inform I think what future should what council should be looking at in the future and I hope that"},{"t":11692,"text":"future council has a chance to look at this document and that doesn't just get buried."},{"t":11698,"text":"Yeah, it's I think more operationalized through our our our services. So yes,"},{"t":11705,"text":"but thank you councelor Benhams or did you second? Okay, go ahead."},{"t":11710,"text":"I did but I'm happy with the presentation we had before. So yeah, I'm ready to go. Okay. Anything from others?"},{"t":11717,"text":"Councelor Baitman."},{"t":11719,"text":"Yeah. So I did have some questions for our con consultant since he's here."},{"t":11724,"text":"Could I imagine he Yes, he is here and he did took the time. I'm glad that somebody has joined us and you've been patient. Thank you."},{"t":11733,"text":"Go ahead, counselor. Yeah, this this is quite a document."},{"t":11735,"text":"Thank you very much. It it it covers so much ground. Um I I'm curious. It is"},{"t":11742,"text":"phase one of a continuing contract you have with us. I understand risk reduction. It will be your next report."},{"t":11750,"text":"So, you're going to take these key risks in our community ranging from um Highway 14 to misinformation."},{"t":11760,"text":"And when can we anticipate that risk reduction?"},{"t":11765,"text":"Yeah, the work will be happening through this fall. Um the uh the anticipated timeline I'd say at this point is"},{"t":11773,"text":"November, November, early December is targeting to try and have some of that work done so that the have some eyes on it at that point."},{"t":11781,"text":"Right. Okay. So, in your summary, you've you've come up with uh six different"},{"t":11787,"text":"areas of of potential risk. Um could you could you take two minutes and give us a summary"},{"t":11795,"text":"just for those watching at home for the for the home viewers? Um I should pull it up and be able to do that uh a little bit more maybe eloquently."},{"t":11806,"text":"Um what I would say uh I'll start uh I was taking some notes just as I was listening tonight to the the different"},{"t":11812,"text":"parts of the the meeting here and I think the as as you mentioned the report really does try and touch on the"},{"t":11819,"text":"interconnectiveness of of all of these issues and so you know tonight I heard a lot of talk about equity and equality"},{"t":11827,"text":"and you know which approach is better and and sometimes that depends on what the topic that's being talked about but"},{"t":11834,"text":"I think bringing that conversation into disasters and climate and what that will look like in our future as we have uh"},{"t":11842,"text":"increasingly uncertain future ahead of us. Um so I think that's that's kind of the the underlying framing of of a lot"},{"t":11850,"text":"of it. Um you know heard a lot of topics that relate to to things that we talked about in the report. Um in terms of some"},{"t":11857,"text":"of the sorry as I'm scrolling here buying myself some time."},{"t":11864,"text":"Um, so we we've framed it as as things that concentrate risk in the community."},{"t":11870,"text":"Um, and so as you mentioned, you know, the the highway is something that concentrates risk and and can create challenges on a day-to-day basis, but"},{"t":11878,"text":"also in in event of a disaster and a closure of it and the cascading impacts of that on the community, on service"},{"t":11886,"text":"delivery. Um so that was uh one thing that really came out in terms of concentrating the risk as our dependence"},{"t":11894,"text":"on power increases um for everything from healthcare uh equipment either in"},{"t":11902,"text":"our facilities or at home um right through to communications and getting the word out and that that last mile communication. So power really being a piece of that concentration."},{"t":11914,"text":"uh the road closure cascading impacts that I already talked about came up um in terms of what's amplifying the risk"},{"t":11921,"text":"or what's kind what's building the risk within the community um climate change really couldn't be ignored in this um"},{"t":11930,"text":"recently the UN came out with a report saying that the 1 sticking to 1.5 degrees of climate change is no longer"},{"t":11937,"text":"possible um we are guaranteed I I don't I'm phrasing them. Uh, but I think we're"},{"t":11944,"text":"locked in to about 1.8° um with where we're at now and looking to go above two. Um, and so what they're"},{"t":11952,"text":"looking at now is how do we minimize the time that we're above those thresholds that will be damaging and distressing to"},{"t":11960,"text":"residents. Um, and so I think we really need to look at the action uh that's required for climate change and the"},{"t":11967,"text":"adaptation to live through the impacts that will already uh that we're already locked into at this"},{"t":11974,"text":"point. Um there's a few points just around uh social connection, social fragmentation within the community. Um"},{"t":11983,"text":"and whether I think whether those are real or perceived within the community, uh it exists. And I think recognizing that as"},{"t":11992,"text":"a potential impact during an emergency or a disaster. Um you know right down to"},{"t":11999,"text":"a trust of government as a whole. You know if there is a lack of trust within an individual the messaging that comes out during an emergency may not be"},{"t":12007,"text":"followed or may be questioned and may impact the speed in which an individual takes action. And so it just compounds"},{"t":12015,"text":"the act the the impacts that go on. So there's there's a few different ways that that kind of plays out. Um we tried"},{"t":12022,"text":"to drive drill into what's driving some of those pointing out some of the you know the rapid population growth that has happened and the impacts on of that"},{"t":12032,"text":"both socially but also on the infrastructure. You know we we heard a lot about some of the infrastructure today and the the need to maintain that"},{"t":12039,"text":"and to make sure that it continues to operate regardless of what comes to us in this uncertain future that we have."},{"t":12046,"text":"Um, so yeah, those are those are some of the the pieces that I would focus on. The"},{"t":12053,"text":"the last thing that I think I'd say is this the point of the community risk assessment is to try and identify the"},{"t":12062,"text":"the what and the why. And then as you say that next piece will be the so what what can we do about it? what is within"},{"t":12069,"text":"our control to be able to realistically do and where do we need to maybe advocate as you know has come up already today"},{"t":12079,"text":"close off by um I I do hope this document won't just head over to to the fire department it will to fire services"},{"t":12087,"text":"it might be a subject for a future committee of the whole for example there is so much content in here I was just my"},{"t":12093,"text":"one uh process question is you have you reference workshop participants. So, who were those people you drew on to get this information?"},{"t":12103,"text":"I don't I anticipated that coming up as I was sitting in the corner there, but I don't have that list in front of me. Uh what we what I can say is we tried to"},{"t":12112,"text":"target different aspects. So, some social service providers, um some of the economic development folks. So we we"},{"t":12119,"text":"tried to have a broad representation within the community that represent everything from social to economic to built environment, natural environment"},{"t":12127,"text":"and kind of the the full piece and so we we tried to pull in different pieces. I don't have that list in front of me right now."},{"t":12135,"text":"Thank you."},{"t":12138,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much for being with us and for this excellent work that you've done."},{"t":12144,"text":"Thank you. We'll call the question on receive. All in favor? And that's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":12150,"text":"Okay. 11.6 streamkeepers program endorsements."},{"t":12157,"text":"Oh, over to staff, please. Thank you. Uh through Marian Council, this report seeks your endorsement of the proposed streamkeepers program framework. And"},{"t":12165,"text":"just as I begin, I want to acknowledge the Wafuka Salmon Restoration Society and the Jack Brooks hatchery for their long-standing contributions to this work"},{"t":12174,"text":"uh well beyond their engagement with us over the past several months. And I also want to thank Alita Peiers who graciously hosted us at the interpretive"},{"t":12181,"text":"center for training earlier this year and who contribute so much to our community. Uh streamkeepers is not new direction for the district and just uh"},{"t":12189,"text":"respecting everyone's time, I'll be very brief. Uh, as council is aware, this work is identified in our liquid waste management plan. Earlier this year, we"},{"t":12198,"text":"put out a call for interest to determine whether there was local capacity to support the program, which relies heavily on volunteers."},{"t":12206,"text":"Our initial goal was to chain train 10 volunteers through a partnership with the Peninsula Stream Society. The response exceeded that expectation."},{"t":12215,"text":"27 people participated including guardians from local nations and the feedback from the training was overwhelmingly positive. That level of"},{"t":12223,"text":"community interest is incredibly encouraging and we have an opportunity to build on that momentum. The proposed framework is intended to establish clear"},{"t":12232,"text":"service levels and make the best use of available resources particularly volunteer capacity by clearly defining"},{"t":12239,"text":"how and where the district will be involved for the next two years. The proposed core functions are focusing on mobilizing volunteers and collecting"},{"t":12247,"text":"data. This work will also complement other initiatives underway, including work with the South Nation, District Parks, and the CRD to address invasive"},{"t":12256,"text":"knotweed in Silk River. Overall, this approach is intended to help us build a clearer understanding of the health of our local streams and ensure future"},{"t":12264,"text":"restoration efforts can be directed where they have the greatest impact."},{"t":12269,"text":"Council's endorsement will also allow staff to pursue pursue related grant opportunities. By committing staff capacity within existing resources, we"},{"t":12277,"text":"can leverage this tremendous volunteer effort and position the district to attract external funding. And we think when we think about what success"},{"t":12285,"text":"ultimately looks like, the measure is quite simple. More salmon returning to our streams. Of course, salmon are central to souk."},{"t":12293,"text":"They hold immense cultural significance, are an important food source, serve as an indicator of ecosystem health, and contribute to our local environment and"},{"t":12301,"text":"the economy. With that, I'll leave council with uh several recommendations on the screen, and I am happy to take any questions."},{"t":12309,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much uh for your work in this report. Uh the volunteers as as well as uh Miss Piers as well for"},{"t":12317,"text":"her dedication all of you. Uh I'll start with the first recommendation here and then we can open it up and that is that council endorse the district of sou"},{"t":12326,"text":"stream keepers program framework 2026 to 29 attaches attachment one as a municipal service level moved by"},{"t":12334,"text":"councelor St. Pierre seconded by Pearson. Go ahead St. Pierre. Uh the first thing I'd like to do is to thank Miss Moog for all the work on this"},{"t":12341,"text":"because uh this is a framework that is resilient and allows the district to really leverage its staff to help our"},{"t":12349,"text":"NOS's and help volunteers actually get grants without having to administer."},{"t":12354,"text":"Allows people to actually do the work they love and get involved in the community in ways they want to without having to wrestle with grants. So our staff is phenomenal at getting grants"},{"t":12362,"text":"and administering grants and it really puts them to work on doing that. Thank you so much for your willingness to do that. And it allows volunteers in the"},{"t":12370,"text":"community to actually do what they want to do, which is help our streams or whatever it might be. I love this model."},{"t":12375,"text":"I think that this is actually one of the best ways for the district to get involved with all our various nonprofits. Thank you."},{"t":12382,"text":"Well said, Councelor Pearson."},{"t":12386,"text":"Um, yeah, thank you for the report, but thank you for the work that's going into this because I think it's it's a"},{"t":12393,"text":"motherhood and apple pie statement, but I think we all in our community want to take care of streams. We want to we want"},{"t":12400,"text":"to enhance salmon uh to the point where they're abundant again and all that."},{"t":12405,"text":"That's really an emotional uh pull for a lot of us and it's important and I think if we don't take the lead, it sort of gets put onto the back burner. But no,"},{"t":12414,"text":"uh, I appreciate the lead that we're that we're taking right now. Thank you. Comments from others."},{"t":12423,"text":"I had to look at councelor mateman. Go ahead."},{"t":12428,"text":"Okay. Oh, wow. Okay. Well, I uh I will then call the question on this first motion. There's other motions."},{"t":12437,"text":"Yes. All those in favor and any opposed that's unanimous. The next part is that council directs staff"},{"t":12446,"text":"to implement the streamkeepers program through a phased approach subject to annual financial planning available staff capacity partnerships agreements"},{"t":12455,"text":"regulatory crime requirements and council approved budgets. Moved by councelor Baitman, seconded by St. Pierre. Go ahead councelor Baitman."},{"t":12464,"text":"Well yeah so you know the report says it all. Um thank you very much for such a comprehensive document. You know there I"},{"t":12471,"text":"I did some research as well and there are I think there were 90 uh such nearly 100 active streamkeepers and community"},{"t":12479,"text":"watershed stewardship groups operating across BC. And this what you're you're"},{"t":12486,"text":"we're endorsing tonight is a uh a Kickstarter for the for this uh this newly created group. I looked up the"},{"t":12495,"text":"Qualicum Beach stream keepers who've been at it since about 2000. They received no core funding from any"},{"t":12502,"text":"source. They operate with donations uh funding for specific activities and projects from a variety of sources including regional district mano"},{"t":12511,"text":"Pacific Salmon Foundation others. So once they get their feet under them off off they go. So that that's point two."},{"t":12520,"text":"Yeah."},{"t":12521,"text":"Okay. Seconded was Go ahead, St. Pierre. You're good."},{"t":12527,"text":"Comments from anyone else? Um, I'll leave it at that. All those in favor? Any opposed? That's unanimous."},{"t":12535,"text":"Thank you. Back here. Hold on a sec. The third one is that council authorize"},{"t":12543,"text":"staff to explore and submit applications to relevant grant programs and other external funding opportunities that support streamkeepers program delivery."},{"t":12552,"text":"Moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by councelor Baitman."},{"t":12557,"text":"Anyone else? Just a comment that I'll make is souk once was a bit more visibly involved with what was called stream of"},{"t":12566,"text":"dreams. So, if you go by Souk Elementary and maybe Journey Middle, there's the swirling salmon that is on the chain"},{"t":12574,"text":"link fences that was installed."},{"t":12578,"text":"I think I was sort of new to Souk when the one at Souk Elementary was installed because I clipped it for a friend of mine that used to work in that program."},{"t":12587,"text":"Um, but then that's been it. The murals are done. So, what does that mural actually mean?"},{"t":12594,"text":"uh there's the education at the school, but it's timely now that this program actually be involved. There's there's a lot of newer folks to the community."},{"t":12602,"text":"Obviously, we've grown tremendously since then and obviously you put out a call for 10 to 12 volunteers and had close to 30. So, there is a strong"},{"t":12610,"text":"interest in the community and it's a way to continue building on that momentum."},{"t":12614,"text":"So, thank you for that. I'll call the question all those in favor and that's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":12620,"text":"The next one is that any grant application requiring an unbudgeted municipal contribution, ongoing financial commitment, additional"},{"t":12628,"text":"staffing, or other material obligation be brought back to council for approval."},{"t":12633,"text":"Moved by councelor St. Pierre, seconded by Bettos. Councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":12639,"text":"Uh I think this is just prudent, but I also hope that along with that we'll have data that we can use to potentially replicate this model for other NOS's and other areas of the community that need help."},{"t":12648,"text":"Yeah. And that's good. We will get approval before going forward or the next council will anything from councelor battle straight forward."},{"t":12656,"text":"Okay. All those in favor and that's unanimous. Thank you. And the last part is and that council direct staff to"},{"t":12663,"text":"refer attachment one to local nations for information and feedback."},{"t":12667,"text":"Acknowledge participation by members of local nations in the June 2026 streamkeepers training. Invite each nation to identify whether and how it"},{"t":12676,"text":"wishes to participate and bring any substantive amendments arising from that feedback back to council. Moved by councelor St. Pierre and seconded by"},{"t":12684,"text":"Pearson. Any comments from St. Pierre or Pearson? Motion stands on its own. Thank you for that. All those in favor and that's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":12694,"text":"Okay."},{"t":12700,"text":"Let me just look here. Okay, we're at new business. So, this is where an opportunity uh following the delegations"},{"t":12708,"text":"that we received earlier today where I'd indicated that council could consider any follow-up action from that partic from either of those delegations."},{"t":12720,"text":"So, is there any motion councelor Betto?"},{"t":12726,"text":"Thank you, worship. Yeah. and and the uh request for uh $6,500"},{"t":12732,"text":"funding for the uh or short day. Um I would like to make a motion that we supply sponsorship of $1,000 for that."},{"t":12744,"text":"Is there a seconder? Seconded by Haldane. Go ahead and speak to it."},{"t":12751,"text":"Uh yeah, I uh I'm looking over the numbers here. I think it should go ahead. I don't have a problem with the"},{"t":12758,"text":"program, but the feds kick in 7,000 and uh you know for us to kick in 6,500,"},{"t":12765,"text":"it's just sort of not proportional to uh we have the province through Dana kicking in a thousand. Uh they should be"},{"t":12774,"text":"kicking in 3,000 and municipally municipality kick in one. So I'll make the motion for 1,000."},{"t":12781,"text":"Councelor Aldine."},{"t":12784,"text":"Yes. I mean I agree along some similar lines but I mean to give us some clarity from my end I had great-grandparents"},{"t":12792,"text":"were both Simpsey and First Nation Indians. My grandparents on my dad's side were both Simpson Simpsey and First"},{"t":12799,"text":"Nation as was my father. Uh my grandfather was in residential school for a number of years and he was a survivor. Uh my roots are First Nation."},{"t":12807,"text":"I'm both supporter of orange shirt day and reconciliation process. But even in Prince Roert and Metle Catler where my"},{"t":12814,"text":"family's from, they do not fund Orange Shirt Day events with any funds from core property tax budgets. They do allow"},{"t":12821,"text":"the people to volunteer to do indigenous reconciliation funds through the province and through the federal government's Canadian Heritage"},{"t":12829,"text":"Commemorative Canada program. There's also a grant process within each year of a district budget process for this up in"},{"t":12838,"text":"Rupert. And lastly, the chief and leaders here in Souk Nation have not voted or endorsed this ask for money."},{"t":12845,"text":"So, I'm fine with a much lenser amount of $1,000 as was put on by councelor Betos as this could have gone through a district grant process, but it did not."},{"t":12855,"text":"So, I think at this point here, $1,000 is is generous for this setup and this type. Thank you."},{"t":12863,"text":"Other comments."},{"t":12866,"text":"Yes. Uh I feel like the amount isn't necessarily uh what we would like. Uh first of all, I think that the event"},{"t":12873,"text":"that was put on uh for example last year was on a completely different scale than what was happening underneath the library until then. Uh I think that"},{"t":12881,"text":"continuing that kind of uh quality of event actually allows everybody to participate uh everybody to take in a show, everybody to check out vendors."},{"t":12892,"text":"It's actually I I hate to say but it's almost more of a festival of reconciliation than"},{"t":12898,"text":"strictly orange shirt day. And I think bringing that kind of event which makes people happy, which allows people to"},{"t":12906,"text":"enjoy uh other cultures actually get together in a true spirit of reconciliation where you're actually having fun together,"},{"t":12913,"text":"eating food together, taking a show together is actually good for the community in a lot of ways. Uh I think that we should be treating this more in"},{"t":12921,"text":"terms of something that we want to support on a regular like the Apple Fest and the Souk Falls fair and so on and so forth because it actually just brings people together in a really good way in"},{"t":12929,"text":"the community. As such, I would prefer to provide a more substantial in commitment at this point in time. And like a lot of other things, if this was"},{"t":12938,"text":"a grant, you'd be looking at first you offer a certain amount and then we taper it off. And that's fine, but I'd hate to actually provide less for this sort of thing than for pickle ball. Just saying."},{"t":12949,"text":"Okay. Thank you. Um, I'm going to make some comments. Um, I"},{"t":12958,"text":"I am in support of funding the full ask of 6,500."},{"t":12962,"text":"I um appreciate that the province kicked in $1,000, but I find that to be minimal, mediocre. Um, Heritage Canada"},{"t":12972,"text":"coming in at $7,000. It's something not great. Like, okay. Uh but to match the province's"},{"t":12982,"text":"contribution of $1,000, um I struggle with that. Um"},{"t":12990,"text":"we contribute $5,000 to sponsor a lunch at all soup day for a taste of salmon. I think that's a great part of our"},{"t":12998,"text":"heritage, but it's $5,000 for not even a lunch, but a a piece of salmon."},{"t":13005,"text":"Uh and where did that tradition come from?"},{"t":13012,"text":"So, in this case, if this was an event under the library or at the busy evergreen center, I would say $1,000 is"},{"t":13021,"text":"sufficient. Uh, last year was a different event on a"},{"t":13028,"text":"very different scale. Uh, members of SULK were in participation. We certainly did hear from a younger SUK member today."},{"t":13038,"text":"uh who shared her perspective."},{"t":13041,"text":"Um there was also different elements of it from both the"},{"t":13048,"text":"learning of what went on which is what folks are seeking in the truth part uh the"},{"t":13057,"text":"reconciliation by way of having the market the different vendors to share a"},{"t":13064,"text":"meal and also to appreciate culture is one of a different skill altogether."},{"t":13070,"text":"together. Uh it does it did bring a lot of people out both for the walk"},{"t":13078,"text":"and then for the event itself and that was um a very moving site to see."},{"t":13088,"text":"Uh in this case the venue is shifting and that's fine over to EMCS. Um again"},{"t":13095,"text":"logistics are what they are. see events come and go uh come around, but I think this is now okay. The the bar was set"},{"t":13103,"text":"pretty high last year. We do not contribute to the South Island Powell that other local governments do commit"},{"t":13109,"text":"to that is hosted at um Royal Athletic Park in Victoria because we have been funding our own efforts here on the ground."},{"t":13118,"text":"um this is a lot for a small group to pull off and I think over time uh there could be a way of looking at"},{"t":13126,"text":"okay how do we sustain this and also saying okay province and federal government you actually need to show up reconciliation happens with all orders"},{"t":13135,"text":"of government and all people and just because one is doing acts then that's all we do uh I think our community can"},{"t":13144,"text":"do better stand more uh firmly So, I'm not supporting this $1,000"},{"t":13152,"text":"uh motion. Um I appreciate the gesture, but I think"},{"t":13159,"text":"that um it can I I'm looking for us to support the full amount."},{"t":13166,"text":"There was a time where we did fund just bit by bit here and there and then things transition into service"},{"t":13174,"text":"agreements and other deliverables and the like. Um but similarly when we receive qu requests for alsuk day we"},{"t":13182,"text":"have just funded it called a special meeting even to fund it two years ago and then there's $5,000 there's no not"},{"t":13189,"text":"and it is what it is a great event um uh this is a more meaningful one and so"},{"t":13198,"text":"if we can contribute 5,000 for a part of a day I certainly think we can find and fund the full amount for this this is"},{"t":13205,"text":"this is a time where hate is on the rise. I've experienced it myself and perhaps you need to be of um"},{"t":13214,"text":"mixed race to actually appreciate what that feels like in your home community. Thank you."},{"t":13223,"text":"Others Pearson."},{"t":13227,"text":"Um, I think it's uh the event last year was amazing and it was a it was a it was a"},{"t":13235,"text":"really uplifting day for me personally and and and for all the hundreds of people that were there was it was a it"},{"t":13241,"text":"was a truly amazing event and um I think that you know uh you know I I heard what"},{"t":13250,"text":"everyone has said and I think that the mayor's you know requests I think I think we ought to beat the province. I think that uh you know it should rest"},{"t":13258,"text":"somewhere between between that 1,000 and the 6,000. I don't know. I think that we should come to the table with with a"},{"t":13266,"text":"different amount than than 1,000, but uh because I I think that the province should have stepped up and I think our MLA should have we should have contributed a little bit more, but"},{"t":13274,"text":"that's just an opinion. Um hopefully he's watching. Um"},{"t":13281,"text":"yeah, I I I think that when we when we have an event like this and we we do support it, it should become a line"},{"t":13288,"text":"item. I think those are that's the way to deal with this. You know, we come in and we debate and and and back and forth"},{"t":13295,"text":"and and the same as as the as the the salmon at um at all soup day. I think that should be just a line item that we"},{"t":13302,"text":"support and do the best we can, not come and debate it at each time somebody comes along and and if we're serious"},{"t":13310,"text":"about doing the right things, put it into a line item and and and and we vote on that at at budget time, right? So"},{"t":13318,"text":"coming like this is, you know, it, you know, it feels like we're got different positions and then I think that we're all coming from the right place. This is one of those things that it's a good"},{"t":13326,"text":"it's going to be a good outcome no matter what we do. Maybe it won't be the $6,500, but it'll be hopefully it's more"},{"t":13332,"text":"than the thousand. Anyway, that's my Okay, councelor Baitman."},{"t":13338,"text":"Well, um, in in the efforts of of finding common ground here, what I'm I'm going to, uh, amend the motion in the"},{"t":13346,"text":"amount of $5,000 would be my recommendation."},{"t":13353,"text":"Okay. It's it's so it's not an amendment because it's completely changing the main motion. So I would suggest that the"},{"t":13360,"text":"first motion be called uh and then a second motion can be made. Like it's one thing. It just completely changes the"},{"t":13369,"text":"motion. It's not an amendment. So I'm ruling that out of order."},{"t":13374,"text":"Okay. So I'm going to call the question on the first motion. All those in favor opposed is councelor Baitman, councelor"},{"t":13384,"text":"St. Pierre, councelor Pearson and myself. So that is defeated. Sorry, did I say St. Pearson?"},{"t":13391,"text":"Okay, Pearson. Okay, sorry. Um, I will go back"},{"t":13398,"text":"to councelor Baitman who wanted to make a different motion."},{"t":13403,"text":"Yeah. So, as I've just stated, the the motion would be that council resolves support the item 7.1 request for shirt day sponsorship in the amount of $5,000."},{"t":13415,"text":"Is there a seconder for $5,000?"},{"t":13420,"text":"There is none. So, I'll look. Is there another motion? Councelor St. Pierre"},{"t":13427,"text":"Pearson, go ahead. St. Pearson and and and you know and again to my"},{"t":13436,"text":"comments earlier, we're going to debate back and forth. I would make a motion that we uh support um the seven item 7.1"},{"t":13443,"text":"request for orange shirt day sponsorship in the amount of $3,250. So we've come up to 50% of their ask."},{"t":13453,"text":"There's a seconder for that."},{"t":13459,"text":"Okay. Uh, this is interesting. Go ahead and speak."},{"t":13464,"text":"Well, I think that it shows support. I think it's um uh"},{"t":13472,"text":"it makes the province I think I don't want I I don't want to say makes the province look bad, but it shows we're serious about about this"},{"t":13479,"text":"event. Um, and that I think that coming at at this, you know, at $6,500. And I think that the discussion for next"},{"t":13487,"text":"year's budget should be what is this on the line light line item? Anyways, I think 3250 is is uh splitting it in half, but we'll see where that goes."},{"t":13498,"text":"Councelor Betos."},{"t":13500,"text":"Yeah, I'm happy with that. Uh, second motion. Uh, again, I wasn't happy with the 6,500. I"},{"t":13507,"text":"I put the first thousand on just to get the conversation going, which has worked very well, I must say. Um 3,200 I I could live with."},{"t":13516,"text":"One of the things that bothers me is I'm not really quite clear what this money is going to be spent on. I haven't seen unless I missed it, but I looked through"},{"t":13524,"text":"this thing and I can't find any detailed budget as to exactly what uh you know, most people come to us and and they give"},{"t":13532,"text":"an idea like you rent tents, chairs, or whatever like that. But I haven't seen that. Did I miss it or is it there? And I just, you know, there's a lot of stuff"},{"t":13541,"text":"that we go through and I might have missed it. But uh normal practice of uh even the the"},{"t":13549,"text":"salmon barbecue that we do for the uh all soup days that is for the purchase of salmon. So I mean that that was"},{"t":13557,"text":"pretty clear what it was for. But I'm not so sure what we're doing here is with this money. U I I don't know. It's"},{"t":13565,"text":"so That's a little little odd for me and and I know it's a touchy issue. Uh but uh I I don't know what they're they're"},{"t":13574,"text":"doing with that. I assume I put on many events in my time and I know that there's costs, but I would have liked to seen something like that if that came"},{"t":13581,"text":"before us again. Uh I would want to see a little bit more of a detailed budget uh as to what because maybe they can't"},{"t":13588,"text":"be put on if they don't get 6,500. Uh you know, we did a rough estimate. So, uh, I think under today's concerns and"},{"t":13598,"text":"the cost of things and people concerned about their taxes, I think 3250 is a good medium point."},{"t":13605,"text":"Thank you, Councelor Baitman."},{"t":13614,"text":"I I I do like to find common ground. So, if this is where we're landing, we're going to land there. But um the there's"},{"t":13622,"text":"some points to be made. Um we do have a sponsorship policy which I think was developed over the this last"},{"t":13629,"text":"year and um we're we're going to as councelor Pearson said, we need to find some common ground here. The harvest"},{"t":13638,"text":"festival got $1,000. They requested they supplied their full financial um"},{"t":13645,"text":"year-end audited statement. Uh, all suit day asked to receive 5,000 as as we were told that night. It was for the salmon and other miscellaneous expenses."},{"t":13657,"text":"Um, but I don't recall receiving a um that kind of line item financial"},{"t":13663,"text":"statement. So, and tonight uh there is a on page 60 of of our agenda, there is a"},{"t":13672,"text":"funding request with how funds will support 16,500, 10,000 confirmed as as the applicant"},{"t":13679,"text":"stated, but there isn't a line item breakdown here. How how large are the honor areas? Um"},{"t":13687,"text":"um how are you spending your communications and promo budget? Is there any staff involved here? Um it's"},{"t":13695,"text":"those kind of items that um irrespective of the event is are required when public"},{"t":13701,"text":"money is is going forward. Um so yeah, will I vote in favor of 3250?"},{"t":13709,"text":"We'll see."},{"t":13712,"text":"Okay. Um, last year we gave $6,000 and you saw how what that evolved into."},{"t":13722,"text":"Others have spoken for it. Uh, and then the organizers have been looking to work on this and"},{"t":13734,"text":"perhaps if we had met earlier, there's all these sorts of things we can do uh to ask for those sorts of things. Um"},{"t":13742,"text":"even the community grant process itself is a learning process that occurs year after year. The first couple you know"},{"t":13751,"text":"when we asked for asked to sponsor the salmon we sponsored the salmon and and there's other groups that you"},{"t":13759,"text":"mentioned that have been in souk and performing and doing events for considerable time. Uh even the apple"},{"t":13767,"text":"festival was something else. harvest dinner or something when the community gardens formed well over 10 years ago goes back to like 2012."},{"t":13777,"text":"Uh so I think there's an opportunity where there you could we could communicate going forward though this is"},{"t":13783,"text":"what we would need to do. Uh right now we're in the essence of time. We're up against the clock. So"},{"t":13792,"text":"now I regret not seconding your motion because I again I I feel it needs to be"},{"t":13799,"text":"we've set the bar high, our expectation high. Um, and I struggle by supporting this and it"},{"t":13807,"text":"passes, then we're still short. So, as I think and talk at the same time, I won't support the motion because I do think it"},{"t":13815,"text":"needs to be higher and so that the event can proceed as was indicated. Councelor St. here."},{"t":13824,"text":"Um there's a few things that might also change things for the future. Uh this is actually a cultural event. Uh it brings"},{"t":13833,"text":"in a lot of people. It would potentially bring in tourist dollars or dollars. Uh it actually really falls into the strategy that's being promoted by our"},{"t":13842,"text":"ECD in terms of things like uh culture of the basin and so on and so forth. So it is quite possible that events like this could actually be dealt with through MRDT and such in the future."},{"t":13852,"text":"Having said that, we actually allowed such a successful event. We we promoted such an event by actually making that"},{"t":13861,"text":"money available in the past. If we continue that sponsorship at that level, we can actually guarantee there's actually a really good event that's"},{"t":13868,"text":"actually moving forward. If we undercut it at this point in time, we don't know exactly what we're getting. What we do know is that the money was well spent,"},{"t":13876,"text":"very well spent last time, and that it benefited hundreds and hundreds of people in the community, well beyond"},{"t":13883,"text":"what I would have expected. Uh, as a matter of fact, I was astonished because it's not just for the s by any means."},{"t":13891,"text":"I don't I don't talk about this a lot, but I am matey. That's why I wear this."},{"t":13896,"text":"And that was one of the first times I actually saw matey dancers."},{"t":13900,"text":"That's one of the first times I saw vendors selling matey stickers which is quite fun. I got some for all my kids."},{"t":13907,"text":"Uh this type of thing is just simply not available for the most part and it makes a big difference to a lot of people."},{"t":13915,"text":"Uh I think that councelor Pearson's absolutely right. This sort of thing should be an aligned item. I don't think it's the kind of thing we should even be discussing because it gets too political and too weird. Let's be honest, okay?"},{"t":13924,"text":"But when you have something that's actually a serious economic, cultural benefit, all the rest of it, and is potentially going to be paid for in other ways in the future, we should make"},{"t":13933,"text":"sure it goes forward in a strong way. I would suggest that I also wish I had supported council baitman because"},{"t":13941,"text":"honestly with the 60 scoop, we should be going at least 6,000. It just looks good. But having said that, uh we've got what we got and we'll see where it goes."},{"t":13950,"text":"Okay, I'll call the question on this. Go ahead, Councelor Heline."},{"t":13955,"text":"Yeah. The other thing we're not talking, but keep in mind of the $5,000 you give to the community association. Number one, all the fish is cooked by First"},{"t":13962,"text":"Nations people. We've even got a guy there who cuts who's First Nations who cuts up alder trees into chairs and stuff because that's a cultural thing"},{"t":13971,"text":"that he's done his entire life. So, in the end, the the community association spends $30,000 of their own money that"},{"t":13978,"text":"is generated through their own campgrounds and stuff like that. They asked the district to contribute $5,000 so the district can feel like they've"},{"t":13985,"text":"contributed to a free picnic, a free community event so that the community, which we get 3,000 people there or 3,500"},{"t":13993,"text":"people this year, and they get to do stuff for free. They get to eat for free. They get to bounce on castles for free. They get to do all this stuff for"},{"t":14000,"text":"free. And it's the entire community. And it's First Nations people, it's East Indians, it's Asians, it's whites, it's"},{"t":14007,"text":"everybody in the in the community gets to come there for free. And all the the food that's even sold by the vendors is is from different types. There's Greek"},{"t":14015,"text":"food there. There's Asian food, East Indian food. It's all this stuff. So, it's a cultural event in itself. And it costs the district 5,000 bucks for"},{"t":14023,"text":"salmon we buy so that we could cook it up and do it the oldfashioned way for people to the whole problem I have here is the same thing councelor Betos is"},{"t":14032,"text":"saying, the same thing you even mentioned yourself. There is nothing here to prove that any money goes to anything specific. They want to come to court with the budget and maybe even"},{"t":14040,"text":"raise some of their own funds during this process. It shouldn't all be donated by taxpayers and that stuff that comes from the federal and the provincial government is still taxpayers"},{"t":14048,"text":"money. And then to ask the district suit for another 6,500 is still more taxpayer money. This event is so great then they could have a a contribution jar there."},{"t":14058,"text":"They could have people that could pay into the event while they're coming to the event. And they've got vendors there that are selling stuff for money. So that they charge the vendors. So they it"},{"t":14067,"text":"has its chance of doing the same thing all suit does where it can generate funds as well. Anyhow,"},{"t":14073,"text":"I I will support this so that I don't have to support more money than that."},{"t":14078,"text":"That's what I'm I'm going to do. So, okay, Councelor Betos, um last year we supplied $6,500. Do we"},{"t":14087,"text":"ever get a good accounting of how that money was spent? Was that? Not to my knowledge. We did."},{"t":14096,"text":"We didn't or did Yes. No, I hear uh staff behind have answered that. Go ahead. I missed it. Sorry."},{"t":14102,"text":"I was uh through um Mary and council. I was able to sit on the committee last year and be more directly involved. Um other circumstances have changed and"},{"t":14111,"text":"impacted that to have more information that would have perhaps um supported council with this discussion further."},{"t":14117,"text":"But regrettably uh we have a limited amount of resources and situations have been as such. I haven't had the"},{"t":14124,"text":"capacity. So thank you for answer that question."},{"t":14128,"text":"I'll just add that you know thank you for asking that or sharing that miss mode that considerable staff"},{"t":14135,"text":"uh staff also assisted last year and this year we do have other capacity challenges in doing so which is why I I"},{"t":14144,"text":"go to councelor St. Pier's comments that it's not the time to start cutting back."},{"t":14150,"text":"uh it's to fund and then there's an opportunity to dialogue together with the next council who may not want to"},{"t":14156,"text":"host anything. I don't know. So this is the LA this is our time to we've done"},{"t":14164,"text":"cons we have done some work with reconciliation. It's our time as this council to"},{"t":14172,"text":"uh to recognize that and this is evolving. It was not even a"},{"t":14182,"text":"statutory holiday until recent years. It was a everyday normal day and there was only a handful of us that would gather"},{"t":14190,"text":"in uh the town center. So, I appreciate what you're saying about um taxpayer dollars and and all of that."},{"t":14204,"text":"And I'm not trying to diss the community association with their work. I'm just saying that we received a request, we"},{"t":14211,"text":"funded it with no questions asked year after year after year, and then after a certain time, it's like, okay, we need"},{"t":14218,"text":"more information. And we received it. Uh so this in a similar vein would go the same way. It's the same like when we"},{"t":14225,"text":"would receive a request from the food bank. Okay, here's $10,000. Now there's a service agreement and there's deliverables and there's more substance"},{"t":14232,"text":"on that. There is a way to get there. Uh but that isn't by cutting back at a time"},{"t":14238,"text":"where it is really important. So I'll leave it at that and call the question."},{"t":14244,"text":"All those in favor of the motion of $3,250."},{"t":14249,"text":"Oh boy. And all those opposed is councelor Btos or pardon me Baitman St."},{"t":14255,"text":"Pierre and myself. So it's defeated. It ties."},{"t":14259,"text":"I will make a motion in advance that the amount be $6,500."},{"t":14267,"text":"Seconded by councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":14273,"text":"Uh we've talked about this. Uh I think it's just I appreciate what everyone is"},{"t":14280,"text":"saying. This is our first meeting but our last chance to deal with this. Um"},{"t":14288,"text":"and it's the last time this council this group will make a decision on that."},{"t":14294,"text":"uh and then you can then whoever remains or whoever comes forward can then uh decide"},{"t":14303,"text":"in advance perhaps on how they wish to recognize this going forward."},{"t":14309,"text":"But I feel just given the show of community members that showed up last year"},{"t":14317,"text":"was incredibly moving. And I think it's to remember there was hundreds of people there that walked in"},{"t":14325,"text":"from all over and came and went at various phases for different things."},{"t":14332,"text":"I never cut you off. So I still have five minutes to speak and I am within my allotted time. All right. Anything from"},{"t":14339,"text":"anyone else? All right. Call the question then. All those in favor and opposed. And now we're stuck again with a defeated vote."},{"t":14349,"text":"Councelor St. Pierre. Councelor St. Pierre has moved one."},{"t":14359,"text":"Let's just call it $5,000."},{"t":14364,"text":"It It didn't get a seconder. So now we're back five."},{"t":14369,"text":"Okay. So 5,000 for St. Pierre. Councelor Pearson is at five has seconded that."},{"t":14377,"text":"Okay. I'll call the question on that."},{"t":14378,"text":"All those in favor and opposed is councelor Betos and Haldane. It carried. Thank you. We're at"},{"t":14388,"text":"$5,000. Is there any other notice of motions? Councelor Baitman."},{"t":14399,"text":"Yes. Councelor Baitman, were you going to read?"},{"t":14410,"text":"Go ahead."},{"t":14411,"text":"Have to get that on the floor before I Yeah."},{"t":14422,"text":"So, I did submit this earlier."},{"t":14434,"text":"Okay. So, Councelor Baitman has provided this that Mayor Tate update her letter of October 25th, 2023 regarding coastal"},{"t":14442,"text":"community readiness for increased tanker traffic in local waters given the potential for oh"},{"t":14449,"text":"a further doubling in tanker numbers via the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline and that this letter be sent to the federal major projects office by September 18th"},{"t":14458,"text":"feedback deadline with CC to the prime minister, the premier BC, the BC minister of energy and climate solution."},{"t":14464,"text":"in the SER board of directors. That's been moved by councelor Baitman and seconded by councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":14472,"text":"Okay. So, I'll motivate I'll start by thanking Mr. Mcatti for bringing forward um his delegation tonight and his"},{"t":14480,"text":"recommended motion aligns very much with local sentiments as captured in the 2014"},{"t":14488,"text":"uh plebite which called for um uh suit to stand with other"},{"t":14495,"text":"municipalities in um in uh where am I here?"},{"t":14508,"text":"I want to get the language straight here."},{"t":14512,"text":"Joining other municipalities renewing and stating its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through coastal BC waters. And um the the motion"},{"t":14522,"text":"tonight, the the recommended resolution very definitely captures, as I said earlier, all the reasons why um uh close"},{"t":14530,"text":"to 70% of of souk voters were in favor of that plebite. Um"},{"t":14537,"text":"the letter of October 25th, 2023 uh remains entirely valid today. It does"},{"t":14544,"text":"ask that uh Transport Canada ban tanker traffic during adverse sea conditions in which spill response teams are not"},{"t":14551,"text":"permitted to respond. Uh it also requests that coastal communities require funding to stockpile personal"},{"t":14559,"text":"protection and spill response equipment and that coastal communities require funding to develop land-based shoreline and evacuation response plans."},{"t":14570,"text":"So the idea in this letter as opposed to a um a fullscale reinstatement of what"},{"t":14578,"text":"what uh the community indicated back in 2014 is to come forward with a strongly"},{"t":14586,"text":"worded letter here that um reiterates um the plebite um the opinions expressed"},{"t":14595,"text":"by uh former mayor Mil and former director Hicks about the d r risks of increased oil tanker traffic in the one"},{"t":14602,"text":"that fuca and um getting this this letter into uh the major projects office by September 18th."},{"t":14612,"text":"So that's the intention."},{"t":14615,"text":"Now, if if the project does go ahead, then at that point, I would think a new council would want to uh perhaps come"},{"t":14622,"text":"forward with a uh um a resolution of its own at that time."},{"t":14634,"text":"And as we all know, it's a highly complicated matter this right that uh Ottawa and the province of Alberta,"},{"t":14642,"text":"government of Alberta and the province of BC have um"},{"t":14649,"text":"basically green lit this project and I'm not sure that the major projects office process is anything other than what the"},{"t":14656,"text":"Chai described as theater. Um but um"},{"t":14664,"text":"given that this elbows up era that we live in, it it's complicated. So I feel that this is something that this council"},{"t":14672,"text":"could agree on and we can um keep our ore in so to speak. um ensure that um"},{"t":14681,"text":"these really rather critical issues are dealt with um for for local o uh readiness and awareness."},{"t":14690,"text":"So that's that's what I've got to say. Thanks."},{"t":14693,"text":"Thank you, Councelor Baitman. Councelor St. Pierre, I think insisting that coastal communities have the resources to deal"},{"t":14700,"text":"with a mess that oil tankers make is reasonable."},{"t":14704,"text":"I don't think the letter is asking for anything particularly outrageous. Um, it would be nice if"},{"t":14712,"text":"our own economic development wasn't at risk because of a potential spill, but uh simply asking in a letter that we"},{"t":14720,"text":"have the resources to fix a problem if it happens and to avoid tanker traffic when we have no ability to respond is not ridiculous."},{"t":14730,"text":"Councelor Betos."},{"t":14732,"text":"Yeah. Now the problem I have with this is uh there's no fix. If we lose a tanker out there which has bumen in it, it sinks to the bottom of the straight"},{"t":14741,"text":"and it's there for a hundred years. I don't think this is strong enough. I think we should just straightly oppose"},{"t":14749,"text":"uh that new tanker. I'm alarmed that uh the efforts to clean it up even at the"},{"t":14756,"text":"initial stage. Uh I don't see those ships stopping when there's a wind out there. So, they didn't heed our first"},{"t":14763,"text":"first letter. Uh, I think we're playing with fire here. I think we're I don't want to get into the bigger political"},{"t":14771,"text":"thing with Alberta, which I don't mind getting into. Uh, but uh yeah, I think"},{"t":14779,"text":"I'd rather see them take that bumen uh refine it and send something else in the tankers so that when it goes around, and"},{"t":14788,"text":"they go around out here. seen it in my lifetime. Uh then at least it'll be on the surface of the water and not down in"},{"t":14796,"text":"the bottom and plaguing us for for decades. So I don't think this letter goes far enough."},{"t":14804,"text":"That's my bits. Thank you."},{"t":14807,"text":"Other comments? Go ahead, councelor Pearson."},{"t":14811,"text":"Yeah, I think that um thinking back to 2014 when we put this out the first time and we put it to plebite. I think asking"},{"t":14820,"text":"the plebsite question is is a valuable tool. I think that um we should do it again. I think I don't know. I don't"},{"t":14828,"text":"know if we have any I looking over at Mr. Lois. I don't think we have time commission but I think that you know we"},{"t":14837,"text":"in you know we only had 40% turn out but we had 71% people who who wanted less tanker traffic in the straits. I don't"},{"t":14845,"text":"think I mean I think was councelor Haldana myself actually that made the motion to to put it on that pleb site but anyways"},{"t":14853,"text":"I don't think anything in my lifetime I could think of more catastrophic than than an oil tanker in in our straight of"},{"t":14860,"text":"wand fuga I just like I think it's probably the the worst possible case scenario for a way of life that that we"},{"t":14868,"text":"have here on the coast and beautiful pristine water but um I don't No, no,"},{"t":14874,"text":"we're in we're in a strange time. Got no shouldn't be pontificating. I guess probably maybe that's a way I shouldn't"},{"t":14882,"text":"be doing it because we're close to an election time, but we have we have trade wars going on around us. We have"},{"t":14890,"text":"economic doom and gloom and and yet we somehow have to have economic engine to to keep us afloat."},{"t":14897,"text":"And the and the project is outside of our outside of our lane. we can send in letters and we can and and voice our opposition and I think that's I guess"},{"t":14906,"text":"that's all we can do. Um but again I think we should be looking at asking the public. I think we should be transparent"},{"t":14915,"text":"and open and say we're going to ask again how do you feel and then and then other co coastal communities can jump on that. I think us writing one letter I I"},{"t":14924,"text":"think it's the right thing to do in this question you know and I I thank Mr."},{"t":14928,"text":"Caddy for for bringing this forward tonight. But again, it feels like we're almost helpless. We can write a letter and we can do all"},{"t":14936,"text":"these things and but you know what? If Mr. Carney's not listening and Mr. Eie and whatever, Danielle, whatever name it"},{"t":14943,"text":"um sorry, I didn't mean to be disrespectful to her, Smith, but um and then and we get ignored. I think"},{"t":14951,"text":"that I think I think other coastal communities need to to put it on a plebite and that's just that's a question I don't know what the answer is."},{"t":14960,"text":"Yeah. Another council councelor Helane."},{"t":14967,"text":"Yeah. I mean I think a few things have changed since 2014 and um looking here on AI and it says there's been no major"},{"t":14975,"text":"crude oil super tanker spills in British Columbia waters in modern history. The Exxon Vald was in Alaskan waters and"},{"t":14982,"text":"that was done in ' 89. But more importantly now I guess if you used Angus Reed polls back in 2014 29% were"},{"t":14990,"text":"for an oil pipeline and 64% were opposed to it where it's changed now where 56 are for an oil pipeline and 37% are"},{"t":14999,"text":"against it and the Angus read stuff. So the the people are wanting the jobs I guess they're wanting something to"},{"t":15007,"text":"change. They're wanting uh prosperity within the tax system and the provincial government's broke. So, they need to they need to put something out there to"},{"t":15016,"text":"get to make money. We're we're losing forest industry jobs as fast as you can spin the wheels. So, we've got to come up with something to try and make money."},{"t":15023,"text":"So, I think that's why and Alberta's in the same boat. So, they want to sell oil to the rest of the world. They're not getting ripped off by the United States"},{"t":15031,"text":"every time they send it down there. So, at this point here, it's a federal issue. They're going to do what they want to do regardless of what we think"},{"t":15039,"text":"or say. And realistically with tankers now, same as with airlines, they've got navigation systems and everything else."},{"t":15047,"text":"They can tell when anything's going wrong, anything changing in the waters."},{"t":15051,"text":"And more importantly, if we' have stuck to the northern where it would have been up where my family's from in Roupert,"},{"t":15058,"text":"it's deeper waters, wider waters. But no, we decided to put it right down into the busiest um Wand Fuka straight, which"},{"t":15067,"text":"uses Seattle, uses Puget Sound, uses all up and down the coast of of British Columbia, Inner Island, and Vancouver,"},{"t":15077,"text":"which was the dumbest thing on the planet to do, but somehow we got forced to pick that spot. And it's got more traffic than anywhere on the planet. So,"},{"t":15085,"text":"we should have stuck with Rupert, just like you guys stuck with 5,000 bucks."},{"t":15090,"text":"In the end, it's a bad decision. We didn't get to make it. So,"},{"t":15097,"text":"uh, I appreciate everyone's comments on this. Um, it's unfortunate that the plebeside question that and the"},{"t":15105,"text":"sentiment you feel, councelor Pearson, wasn't raised earlier. Uh, this didn't just get announced over the summer because then we could have hit the the"},{"t":15114,"text":"ballots. Uh regardless of that, um it is deeply concerning. It seemingly is happening."},{"t":15123,"text":"Uh so I I am in support of this uh in terms of updating the letter and sending it off. We'll look to councelor Baitman"},{"t":15131,"text":"for your editorial assistance with said letter. Um sorry, my apologies worship. I thought you were moving towards an answer."},{"t":15141,"text":"No. Uh I just wanted to uh note that um so although we had a bit of a laugh and then I think it was agreed that any"},{"t":15149,"text":"potential discussion about a pleverite would be for a future council. Um but I did just want to note on the timelines if council were so reminded tonight then"},{"t":15156,"text":"it would still be theoretically possible but it is extremely difficult at this point. So uh yes as metate has indicated uh it's unfortunate that suggestion"},{"t":15164,"text":"wasn't made earlier. Um the next time that this council could meet would be September 21st and we're looking at that"},{"t":15173,"text":"is after the dead deadline for candidate withdrawal and we're looking at having ballot design completed by then already."},{"t":15178,"text":"So that's why it would essentially be very challenging at this point if council was reminded. So I just did want to make you aware it's theoretically"},{"t":15186,"text":"possible but uh as I think it's been expressed uh not ideal at this point. I think it's just a logistic challenge at this point in time given that the"},{"t":15194,"text":"nomination process is underway right now. Uh and really it's something that candidates can ask residents at the door"},{"t":15202,"text":"like do your job as candidates and go and talk to people and get their sentiment. You don't need to rely on just a plebite whether to act. You can"},{"t":15210,"text":"find other ways to be motivated accordingly. in terms um I'm just going to push back a bit on the concept that airline traffic and it's all great."},{"t":15220,"text":"Well, tell that to the folks on Air Canada Express Flight 8646 that collided with a fire truck on Lagardia airport"},{"t":15229,"text":"just this past March because someone decided air traffic controllers weren't needed. That is the concern is relying"},{"t":15238,"text":"on AI and technology when there is extremely turbulent waters and everchanging situations out in the"},{"t":15245,"text":"street. I always find it interesting uh there was comments related to the uh response that is in place right now and"},{"t":15255,"text":"now it's the indigenous communities that have to clean up the mess uh that will have contaminated in their harvesting"},{"t":15262,"text":"sites. So uh I am I I'll"},{"t":15270,"text":"since the plebite I've done s you know we we did do a lot um we hosted here"},{"t":15277,"text":"uh and I stood up for this community as best as I could um and then things that Trans Mountain"},{"t":15286,"text":"occurred anyway because the federal government bought it and now seemingly others oil producers"},{"t":15293,"text":"forgotten that and now want another one and so here we are today but it is timely to update this uh the bit more"},{"t":15300,"text":"intel that we have um and then at least there's a deadline and an opportunity so for those that are like why are we"},{"t":15308,"text":"commenting well because there is an opportunity for us to do just that is why we are doing this work uh because of"},{"t":15316,"text":"the way of life here will be destroyed here uh there is also an opportunity within that letter to add that should"},{"t":15323,"text":"the should this proceed and the federal government enjoy the prosperity that comes that it's timely for them to"},{"t":15331,"text":"address their antiquated taxation model and to actually provide local governments with a portion of that revenue so that we're not constantly"},{"t":15339,"text":"struggling trying to $5,000 for a meaningful event uh because we're stuck and strapped with an outdated property"},{"t":15348,"text":"tax framework. Uh so there is an opportunity to add that to the letter as well is that while you're on it with"},{"t":15354,"text":"these major projects maybe it's time to recognize where people live the communities where they live in and the"},{"t":15361,"text":"work that happens on the ground with pittance uh coming forward in any way."},{"t":15367,"text":"In many ways souk has grown provincial and f federal coffers by way of just increasing the amount of development"},{"t":15374,"text":"here in this community and the residents here. Imagine if that didn't happen. So I'll stop talking. It is getting late and pull a question."},{"t":15385,"text":"Uh no just just very brief and I just in in drafting up a letter for you and with you uh we'll definitely be drawing from"},{"t":15394,"text":"the recommended motion. So thank you for that and um entering this concept of fiscal reform and some shared revenues."},{"t":15405,"text":"Thank you. Okay, we're also going to need the money for cleanup, too. All right, all those in favor?"},{"t":15412,"text":"Any opposed? Councelor Haldane is opposed. Otherwise, it's carried. We're into the final run on correspondence."},{"t":15421,"text":"14.1 7G agenda 10.6 through connector."},{"t":15426,"text":"Uh that's moved for receipt by councelor Haldane, seconded by councelor St. Pierre. Go ahead, councelor Haldane."},{"t":15435,"text":"Nothing to comment. You pulled it. So, okay. Councelor St. Pierre, nothing."},{"t":15441,"text":"Okay. All those in favor and that's unanimous. 14.28H"},{"t":15448,"text":"Ella Beach Behaviors. Uh, move for receipt by councelor Baitman, seconded by St. Pierre. Councelor Baitman, go ahead."},{"t":15456,"text":"Yeah. So, um, here's a letter from Fred Brown, who who was a Ella Beach regular"},{"t":15463,"text":"and, um, a very popular spot, judging by the number of cars parked on that roundabout outside Mr. Butler's house."},{"t":15471,"text":"Um, on the halfozen times I visited this summer, Mr. Brown is requesting a sign prohibiting open fires on the beach during um, highf fire hazard periods."},{"t":15482,"text":"Um, of course, our our burning bylaw and our um restrictions do dictate"},{"t":15492,"text":"um no open fires on the beach uh as initiated on July 16th and renewed"},{"t":15499,"text":"on September 3rd. Nonetheless, um we, you know, our bylaw officers um"},{"t":15507,"text":"clearly can't be regularly monitoring the activity on Ella Beach. So, would would a sign be of use? Um, no no open"},{"t":15517,"text":"uh fires on the beach. Uh, he's also asking for he's identified issues with dogs and off leash behaviors and their"},{"t":15525,"text":"droppings, the dogs. Um, and of course, the district does not"},{"t":15532,"text":"have a local dog regulation bylaw, though the guidelines state that dogs should be kept within sight and under control at all times."},{"t":15542,"text":"So, those are those are two two matters he's raised. I' I'd like to ask through you to staff. Um, would this be"},{"t":15550,"text":"possible? Could you put it on a a short list or a longer list of spots that need signage in Souk and uh is it a cost factor?"},{"t":15561,"text":"Um, through your worship to councelor Baitman, I I can start quickly. Uh as far as the signage goes, um my initial thoughts are how many signs where would"},{"t":15570,"text":"you like to put the signs? Is there a certain distance similar to speed signs?"},{"t":15574,"text":"If there they have to if you want to change the speed to 30 kilometers, right? The signs need to be x meters apart otherwise it doesn't count. So on"},{"t":15582,"text":"Ella Beach, it's quite a big area. I guess the question would be where would you put the signs? How many signs would you need? We have we're as a coastal"},{"t":15590,"text":"community, do we just do beach? Where where would we stop with that?"},{"t":15595,"text":"Beach has a trail head of course coming into that parking lot. So that's where the the dog bag dispenser sits currently"},{"t":15603,"text":"would be a logical spot to add a sign uh prohibiting open fires on the beach."},{"t":15610,"text":"Yeah. And again, we'll take direction from council if they would like to do that. I just think I my understanding would be it would not on staff short-term priority lists to put a sign in that location."},{"t":15619,"text":"um it would warrant usually these things mushroom into bigger conversations of like any other coastal areas we should"},{"t":15626,"text":"be putting no fire signs on and then there's a maintenance of the sign the vandalization of the signs and similar to what we hear from RCMP if no one's"},{"t":15634,"text":"there to enforce it directly how good is the sign um as far as the pets uh yeah as council I believe is aware we"},{"t":15642,"text":"contract to the CRD for animal control services um and by law yeah we we have no real teeth in this game. So, um that"},{"t":15651,"text":"would be a whole a much larger conver conversation if staff are going to get involved in in animals um on a more official capacity."},{"t":15660,"text":"Okay, I hope that helps."},{"t":15662,"text":"Thank you. I just one more question through through you to the to the chief."},{"t":15666,"text":"Um beach fires, is it an issue in your mind? Um Ella Beach in particular, there's high winds. Um there's some some"},{"t":15675,"text":"potential wildfire issues. What what do you think?"},{"t":15679,"text":"Yeah, through the chair deck councelor Bman um [snorts] we have responded to Ella Beach uh obviously complaint driven response for numerous different fires."},{"t":15690,"text":"The problem that we run into mostly is that I, you know, as a fire chief, when I put a a ban on on"},{"t":15699,"text":"campfires and everything else, I really don't have authority on most of that beach because from the high tide line"},{"t":15706,"text":"down is a provincial uh land and I don't have authority to enforce anything. So, if I put a sign up that says no"},{"t":15714,"text":"campfires within Ella Beach, it's a small slice of land that falls between that high tide line and public or I mean"},{"t":15723,"text":"private property boundaries that if it's within there, sure, I can I can do something about it. But if it's not, it's not within my uh jurisdiction to"},{"t":15732,"text":"enforce that. So, we fall into problems with that. And I think we've had these discussions in the past with our bylaw group trying to figure out a best way."},{"t":15741,"text":"And the best way that we found generally is to go down there and try and educate the public in terms of the the the"},{"t":15749,"text":"dangers and then the the the ratings and and and go that route and and finding didn't seem to be a a suitable mechanism for us."},{"t":15761,"text":"Right. Thank you. So on that note, um I've raised Mr. Brown's issue and I think we've received it for information."},{"t":15770,"text":"So Okay. No, I appreciate the the effort, Councelor Baitman. It's a challenging one when it's super dry and you hear"},{"t":15778,"text":"wildfires burning and can smell them and then someone chooses to go and light a fire on the beach thinking it's fine. Uh"},{"t":15785,"text":"usually it's fine when it's attended, but it's usually when they leave and it's still smoldering. And then we have seen it where it spreads up into"},{"t":15792,"text":"branches and then residents out on their go and respond and call it in. Um"},{"t":15800,"text":"it's ongoing. Yeah, I'll call a question on receipt. All those in favor and that's unanimous. Thank you."},{"t":15809,"text":"14.3 10J through connector or Morris ballpark field receive for discussion or pardon me a motion to receive by"},{"t":15818,"text":"councelor Pearson and seconded by councelor Stier microphone just a motion to receive that's all"},{"t":15825,"text":"thank you okay uh it's here we could have just if we're not speaking to them then I don't know why we're pulling them off the"},{"t":15833,"text":"consent agenda but I uh am going to raise this because this creates an opportunity to clarify."},{"t":15842,"text":"Uh this here indicates um myself being quite"},{"t":15848,"text":"disingenuous in regards to uh the work being done for the through connector and the like. However, what I"},{"t":15856,"text":"will share with the reconsideration and the endorsement of 25 meter cross-section is it ends at where throop"},{"t":15864,"text":"begins and that discussion around CP5 was from Phillips road to charters."},{"t":15875,"text":"It doesn't impact the ball diamond because that is a whole other phase."},{"t":15881,"text":"Now when we started the whole transportation master plan the whole design work was done and that is because"},{"t":15889,"text":"there was talk at the time of a federal grant or provincial grant opportunities opening. So we at the time council decided to design it so we could apply."},{"t":15901,"text":"In addition and probably more relevant to that is that there were several developments on Thr going through"},{"t":15908,"text":"reszoning both at where church and Thorup connect on that side. You may recall those there was two developments"},{"t":15917,"text":"there along with the CRD updating its skate park. So all those development and all of those projects wanted to know"},{"t":15924,"text":"what dedication they needed to do and so that work was all done. All of that work has been completed. They may or may not"},{"t":15933,"text":"break ground, but the resoning and all of that has been completed."},{"t":15939,"text":"Uh, and now it's the case and the skate park is completed. So, they needed to know, these applicants needed to know what they were working with of which we"},{"t":15947,"text":"did. In terms of the Art Morris ballpark, that was never into question."},{"t":15953,"text":"we know that the we can do that. Uh and so that section is not relevant. So I"},{"t":15962,"text":"just find this a bit offensive all around and that it's been dragged here today to clarify because we never talked about the ballpark because that was not"},{"t":15970,"text":"the phase under review or what was reconsidered at the time."},{"t":15975,"text":"Period. Maybe then that should be dealt with. We heard today from an earlier speaker about the impact on Poyet and Journey Middle School traffic and the"},{"t":15983,"text":"disaster that is. Uh good luck to anyone navigating that drop off. But again, that'll come later. Nothing to do with"},{"t":15991,"text":"the ballpark. That was never the impact there. So again, that is where information goes out. It circulates and"},{"t":15998,"text":"it's actually factually incorrect. That was not what we talked about. It was never under discussion at the time."},{"t":16005,"text":"Okay. Done. Call the question. All in favor receipt. Oh, sorry, councelor Boss. You wanted to speak just then the microphone."},{"t":16013,"text":"Just at a loss why we're even discussing this. What's the purpose of bringing this forward? It's brought forward for"},{"t":16020,"text":"discussion. Is there a problem here? My name's mentioned in it, which I take a little bit of umbrage to because uh it's"},{"t":16028,"text":"it's not true. Use the misleading and disingenuous. Uh I don't know what he bases that on."},{"t":16034,"text":"I'm allowed. I'm a counselor. I make my statements. So, I'm I'm wondering why why are we discussing this this letter?"},{"t":16043,"text":"What's what are we what are we accomplishing here? The idea to bring these things forward is so so somebody"},{"t":16050,"text":"wants to discuss something. What are we discussing?"},{"t":16054,"text":"Nothing. I'm just mainly stated that because it was Drake Ford. That is what our No, I understand. But I guess uh council"},{"t":16061,"text":"Pearson brought it forward. I just want to know why he brought it forward. He doesn't wish to comment. So, right, we'll leave it at that."},{"t":16069,"text":"Okay, I'll call the question."},{"t":16072,"text":"It wasn't addressed to us, but I did write to our MLA. It created a lot of work and it also created a lot of correspondence from"},{"t":16080,"text":"from other parents that I spent in my summer addressing uh because of incorrect information. I'll leave it at that. Thank you for bringing it forward."},{"t":16090,"text":"It allowed me an opportunity to speak to it and to clarify. So, I appreciate the opportunity to present information."},{"t":16097,"text":"Thank you. All those in favor of receipt and none opposed. That's unanimous."},{"t":16103,"text":"Next up is 14.4 follow-up coordination public records and municipal legal defense. Motion to"},{"t":16111,"text":"receive by councelor Haldane, seconded by councelor St. Pierre. Can you turn off your coun your microphone? Councelor Haldane, go ahead."},{"t":16124,"text":"Okay. So again, councelor St. Pierre, I just wanted to comment that the amount of information here and all of it just"},{"t":16132,"text":"made me think of AI generated stuff and I have no idea whether or not"},{"t":16139,"text":"and how factual any of this is. It's just way too much and it looks suspect, but that's that's just me on a scan."},{"t":16148,"text":"Okay. All right, Councelor Baitman."},{"t":16152,"text":"Well, thank you uh councelor Haldane for bringing it forward because it was a very substantial read um several"},{"t":16160,"text":"thousand words. One thing he the the writer notes is the possible need for a"},{"t":16167,"text":"municipal democracy and judicial review fund."},{"t":16171,"text":"And um he is suggesting that such a uh recommendation go through the UBCM"},{"t":16178,"text":"uh through a resolution. And I I think the the letter itself speaks"},{"t":16186,"text":"to provincial overreach and some top-down um directives which which cause a lot of"},{"t":16194,"text":"grief at the local level. So um he refers to North Sanage and Cwood. Um it's interesting. So yeah, there's a"},{"t":16203,"text":"there's a lot of views and opinions out there."},{"t":16206,"text":"There certainly are. Thank you. Motion to receive. All those in favor and that's unanimous. Thank you. The next"},{"t":16213,"text":"one 14.5 engineering safety matter petition to Mayor Parks. Councelor Pearson to receive and all seconded by councelor St. Pierre. Go ahead."},{"t":16224,"text":"Councelor Pearson"},{"t":16257,"text":"Okay. No, this makes sense. Um, I appreciate the work that the um there's several uh members of the community that"},{"t":16264,"text":"work together to put this forward. Uh so maybe we can refer I'll make an amendment that we refer to staff."},{"t":16276,"text":"uh and then they can take it from there."},{"t":16282,"text":"It's got some great You have to use the microphone."},{"t":16284,"text":"So, it's got some great suggestions in it. Sorry, just a refer to staff movement."},{"t":16289,"text":"Um y seconded by Pearson. Okay, go ahead. Yeah, it's got some great recommendations in it and I'm not the engineer guy and uh it it was brought"},{"t":16297,"text":"forward by um a bunch of people who used Fishy Park and they had some concerns and of course summertime is now over and"},{"t":16306,"text":"but it still gets used immensely. So, and there's now there's an obstacle at the end of the road and there's there's all kinds of questions that came in."},{"t":16315,"text":"Anyways, thought it was something that staff could have a look at. That's Yep. So on the amendment to refer to staff."},{"t":16324,"text":"Okay, you're voting. Okay, voting. All those in favor of amending."},{"t":16328,"text":"Anyone opposed? None opposed. Now on the main motion as it's been amended, it's receiving. It's going to refer to staff."},{"t":16335,"text":"All those in favor? Any opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you. Items removed from consent. We have none, but we do have"},{"t":16344,"text":"some correspondence going to the next meeting. So now we're at council verbal reports."},{"t":16354,"text":"Okay, go ahead councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":16357,"text":"Uh very briefly just to note that uh for anybody who's listening at home uh UBCM next week. So the majority of council"},{"t":16365,"text":"will be attending and uh ideally working hard on various issues and advocacy pieces of interest to the community and wish us luck. Thank you."},{"t":16375,"text":"Anything from others? Councelor Pearson."},{"t":16377,"text":"No, your mic is on. Uh, I'll just say um, go ahead, Councelor Baitman."},{"t":16384,"text":"Yeah, summer flew by. Um, and my one my line item report, Souk fall fair, Souk fine arts show artist reception, all"},{"t":16393,"text":"souk day with the souk multi-belief initiative and a number of meetings with the organizing team for the souk region health summit which happens on Saturday,"},{"t":16401,"text":"September 26th at the community hall. Councelor Betos."},{"t":16409,"text":"Uh yes, thank you your worship. Um yeah, all soup day, fall fair, all those things that we all went to in the summer. Great great time. Uh I just"},{"t":16417,"text":"wanted to mention about the opening of the sidewalk at Legion that we attended and uh very moving to have that there"},{"t":16426,"text":"and uh yeah, probably other things, but it's been so long I can't remember. So,"},{"t":16433,"text":"okay, thank you. Uh thanks to just wish to express my gratitude to all the community organizations that put together all the various events throughout um the summer months."},{"t":16444,"text":"Uh grateful to I think councelor Betos that chaired the July meeting because I went to Alberta."},{"t":16453,"text":"Seems like a long time."},{"t":16454,"text":"Yes, it does. And and wasn't here. So I appreciate you stepping in and sharing that. Uh and then also just welcome back"},{"t":16462,"text":"to everyone. have welcome back to chambers. It is getting late. Uh and our I think we have a few meetings left in"},{"t":16471,"text":"this term. So I look forward to those concluding our work our advocacy work at UBCM though you may see me haunt that"},{"t":16479,"text":"event in future years as a life member which I get to do. Uh and otherwise nominations are open. So now is the time"},{"t":16486,"text":"to get your paperwork in. you you could be here on Mondays until after 10:00."},{"t":16493,"text":"Uh some will hope maybe some people in this room will be here until or maybe you'll be out sooner or longer. We never know."},{"t":16503,"text":"I think my longest meeting went till about maybe almost 1:00 a.m. once and that was really late. So on that note,"},{"t":16510,"text":"uh just remember there's a lot of little ones out there. Today was a half day for"},{"t":16516,"text":"some students. Tomorrow it's pull on and I just want all of our kids to be safe."},{"t":16522,"text":"There's been changes to bus routes, schedules, no bus, all of that. So, there's going to be a lot of different uh different movements around the school."},{"t":16532,"text":"So, be safe out there. Thank you to our staff for all the work that you've done summer long uh and all the work that you continue to do. Uh welcome aboard to our"},{"t":16542,"text":"new staff member. Good luck during the elections and candidates. I hope that you have a decent, fair election. Talk"},{"t":16550,"text":"about the issues. Don't attack each other and enjoy it. It's a great opportunity to get to know streets and neighborhoods and this and that all over"},{"t":16559,"text":"town. So, you can knock on my door. Most of you are skipping my house for whatever reason, but there's at least two of us that will be voting, so we"},{"t":16568,"text":"want to talk to candidates, too. Like, good grief, folks. On that note, motion to adjurnn, please. Thanks, Councelor"},{"t":16575,"text":"St. Pierre and Councelor Baitman. Good night. All in favor? It's unanimous. Thank you."}],"words":40597,"fetchedAt":"2026-10-03T01:31:28.893Z"}