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City Strengthens Local Tourism December 11, 2009

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Program expenditures from the Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy, funded by the Province’s Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program, will strengthen the local tourism economy and enhance programs and services for visitors and residents.

In November 2009 City Council approved an interim expenditure plan for years 1 and 2 of the Strategy that takes into account Program revenue uncertainty given the ongoing global financial crisis. Importantly, that expenditure plan preserves 100% funding to all external agencies and organizations identified in the Strategy subject to confirmation of required partner contributions and ensures that key services such as a winter evening shuttle service will be provided.

Since November the following commitments have been made:

 

These investments are expected to increase visitor and resident activities, programs and services, increase user satisfaction, create repeat visits and increased length of stay thereby supporting the local economy and jobs.

 

The evening shuttle service will commence on December 18 and operate throughout the winter season. The shuttle will have a one way fare of $2.50 to assist in paying for the cost of the service and the detailed schedule will be available soon.

 

Mayor Corrigan said: I am extremely pleased that the City, with funding support from the Province, can make these investments at this time to diversify and strengthen our local economy. The goods, services and programs identified in the Strategy benefit local businesses, residents and visitors alike and will over time do much to grow the tourism economy in our area.

 

The complete Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy can be viewed on our website at: www.fernie.ca (under Quick Links – Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program)

Regular Council Meeting December 10, 2009

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1)            Bear Hazard Assessment and Bear Human Conflict Management Plan

           

            Ms. Kathy Murray, Bear Aware Coordinator was in attendance and reviewed a Bear Hazard Assessment and Bear Human             Conflict Management Plan.  The principle behind achieving “Bear Smart” status is to move from reactive management to             ‘problem’ bear behaviour to applying a proactive, community planning approach.

 

 

2)            2010 Olympic Torch Relay

 

            The City of Fernie received an $8,000 grant from the Provincial Government to offset the costs of hosting the Olympic Torch             relay planned for Saturday, January 23, 2010. The torch will arrive in Fernie at approx. 8:00 a.m.  There will be a multimedia             presentation and presentation of the Torch at City Hall. Please see the City Website for additional information.  www.fernie.ca

 

 

3)            Canadian Avalanche Centre

 

            That Council become a partner with the Canadian Avalanche Centre and provide up to $5,000.00 towards supporting Fernie             Youth Avalanche Education for grades 1 – 12. The City Fernie will also be contacting the Canadian Avalanche Centre             requesting a small area forecast product for the Elk Valley.

 

 

 

4)            Fernie & Area Resort Development Strategy Funding for Winter Grooming

 

            The Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy allocates

          $ 20,000 each year for winter grooming to local non-profit community groups for trail grooming.  The Fernie Nordic Society             and the Fernie Snowmobile Association were approved to each receive $10,000 for the 2009/10 season.

 

 

5)            Design and Development of New City Website

 

            Council awarded the contract for the design and development of  a new City Website to Atomic Crayon Web Development Ltd. at             a contract Price of $44,330 + GST and reasonable travel expense.

 

 

6)            Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative (Water Smart)

 

            The Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative is working to establish a comprehensive approach that aims to achieve a 20% Basin-wide reduction in domestic water consumption by 2015.  Council endorsed their support of the Charter.

 

 

7)            Bylaws

 

Bylaw 2113, cited as Sewer Connection and User Charge Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2009 was granted first three readings.  This bylaw is before Council on December 14, and once adopted, will set new user charges for 2010-2014 which will enable the Operations Department to ensure long term sustainability of the sanitary sewer system.

            Bylaw No. 2114 cited as 2009 – 2013 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2114

            At the August 24, 2009 Regular Meeting Council gave direction to staff to prepare a Bylaw amendment to the 2009-2013             Financial Plan to include the expenditure of $ 15,093.00 to refund Teck Coal Ltd. the City of Fernie’s proportionate share  of property tax that was paid to the province in 2008 that would not have otherwise been paid if boundary extensions in  Sparwood and Elkford had been completed in the year  intended.

           

Council gave three readings to this Bylaw amendment.

 

            Council will also advise the Provincial Government (Minister Bennett) of the City of Fernie amending its Financial Plan to             refund Teck Coal Ltd. taxes paid to the Province.

 

7)            Fernie Tourism

Council will be contacting Fernie Tourism to put forth the recommendation that Councillor Palmer be considered for appointed to its             Marketing Committee.

 

8.            George Majic Spiritus Award – 2009

 

            Congratulations to Mr. Vern McGarrigle this year’s recipient of  the 2009 George Majic Spiritus Award.

 

9)            Infrastructure Funding Awarded

Fernie has been awarded $10,000 from the Ministry of Community and Rural Development for their Liquid Waste Management Plan Stage 2 which aims to establish a long-term direction for the safe and environmentally sustainable collection, treatment, discharge of municipal sewage for the City of Fernie.