1) Development Variance Permit Approved
Council approved Development Variance Permit No. 216 for 932-4th Avenue to legalize the siting of the existing single detached dwelling and to legalize the siting of the existing sundeck with steps.
2) Fernie Bear Aware Program
Ms. Kathy Murray, Fernie Bear Aware Program Delivery Specialist provided Council with an update of the 2008 Bear Aware Program and the Final Progress Report regarding the Bear Smart Community Initiatives. Ms. Murray noted there has been a reduction in bear mortality statistics over the last few years, which can be attributed to increased awareness, and an improvement in the management of bear attractants by residents of the community.
3) Fernie & District Historical Society Lease Agreement
The Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Historical Society for the lease of civic property located at 491 2nd Avenue for a term of 25 years commencing on
February 1, 2009 was approved and further, the Mayor, and Chief Administrative Officer were authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
4) Living Water Smart Initiatives
Council committed to reduce water consumption by 20% by 2011 and further, committed that 50% of new municipal water needs will be met through water conservation measures by 2020.
This was initiated due to recent discussions with the Province regarding an application submitted by the Operations Department for funding the construction of the NW Reservoir and a pipeline connecting the reservoir to a proposed well in James White Park. The Province had concerns with the application and the fact that it appeared the City did not reflect a strong commitment towards water conservation and demand side management. Supporting the conservation measures will hopefully enhance the application and better the City’s changes of the application being successful.
5) The Ride to Conquer Cancer
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a two-day cycling journey, which will take place in Alberta and British Columbia on June 26-28, 2009. The Event Coordinator recently contacted Council requesting the event be allowed to finish in Fernie on June 28 at the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Council supported the request and will allow the cycling relay to use the parking lot as their finish site.
To find out more about the event please visit their website at www.conquercancer.ca
6) Building Healthy Communities
An invitation will be extended to representatives of the Interior Health – Health Protection Team to attend an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss with the Committee regulatory and health improving activities and roles, which will support and serve our community.
7) City of Fernie Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan -Milestone 1 – Corporate and Community Emissions Inventory
Council received the above noted document and authorized Ms. Megan Walsh to forward the plan to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Partners for Climate Protection as having completed Milestone 1.
The next step in the process is to engage the community in a discussion about greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. This meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the College of the Rockies.
8) Bylaw No. 2089 cited as the 2009 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw a bylaw to authorize borrowing pending receipt of the 2009 current year taxes was granted first, second and third reading. This bylaw authorizes the City to borrow from any Chartered Bank in the City an amount or amounts not to exceed $2,500,000.00 dollars. Any monies borrowed shall be used solely for the purpose of meeting the current lawful expenditures of the Municipality in 2009.
9) David Suzuki Foundation – Species and Ecosystem Protection Act Endorsement
Council agreed to forward their endorsement to the Species and Ecosystem Protection Act and to indicate their support of the key principles to provide for effective protection. British Columbians need to protect species from habitat loss and global warming. A provincial Species and Ecosystem Protection Act would be critical to maintaining and recovering a healthy ecosystem.
10) Poverty Reduction plan with Targets and Timelines
The City of Fernie agreed to endorse and sign the Columbia Institutes Open Letter to British Columbia Political Parties: BC Needs a Poverty Reduction Plan with Targets and Timelines.
11) Earth Hour “Lights Out”
The City has agreed to participate in the Earth Hour “Lights Out” event to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009.
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