1) BC Games Participants Recognized
Mayor Macnair presented certificates of thanks and congratulations to the athletes, coaches and officials who represented Fernie in last weekend’s BC Winter Games. Several of the athletes were in attendance to receive accolades from Mayor, Council and the public. Mayor Macnair stated that the athletes are positive role models and are an inspiration for young and old alike.
The following is a list of participants and the events they competed or coached in:
Shelby Rawson – Archery (2 Bronze Medals), Rachael Soukoroff and Sara Weech – Figure Skating, Diane Stemberger – Figure Skating Coach, McKelvey Kelly and Jessica Link – Female Hockey (Bronze Medal), Brendan Mangone and Josh McSkimming – Men’s Hockey, Nik Dunn and Dalton Vandergrift – Judo, Andrea Glover – Judo Official, Julien Bernard and Hannah Bradish – Alpine Skiing, Hallie MacLachlan – Alpine Skiing (2 Gold and 1 Silver Medal), Megan Dumas and Ryley Johnston – Swimming, Marie Cosens – Swimming Coach, Leslee Valavaara – Swimming Official
2) OCP Committee Members Appointed
Council appointed Ms. Emma Dressler, Mr. Simon Howse and Ms. Judith Johannsson to the Official Community Plan Implementation Committee (OCPIC). This Select Committee of Council consists of two Council members, one alternate and has now increased from six to seven members of the community-at-large.
The vacancies on the OCPIC resulted from the resignation of two members last year. Advertisements for expressions of interest to serve on the Committee were placed in the Fernie Free Press in November. The purpose of the OCPIC is to act in an advisory capacity to assist and support the Council and City in achieving ongoing progress towards the goals of the Official Community Plan and to enhance quality of life for the people of Fernie.
3) Fire Protection Agreement Extended
Council extended the Agreement between the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and the City of Fernie for the provision of fire suppression services by the City of Fernie. The Agreement applies to the “Fernie Snow Valley Fire Protection
Local Service Area” (Fernie Alpine Resort) for 2008 or until such time as a replacement Agreement is reached.
Negotiations between the RDEK and the City to expand fire protection services to the Cokato and Anderson Road areas are ongoing. Fire protection services to rural areas outside the City (West Fernie) will continue until a replacement agreement that would incorporate all rural areas (Fernie Alpine Resort, West Fernie, Anderson and Cokato Road areas) is negotiated.
4) Funds for 2008 Bear Aware Program Approved
Council approved a grant-in-aid in the amount of $10,890 ($8970 in cash and $1920 in-kind contribution for office space rent) for the 2008 Bear Aware Program in the City of Fernie.
Confirmation that the City would provide financial support to the Program was needed before the end of February in order for Bear Aware to meet the mandatory qualifying criteria for submission of a grant application to the British Columbia
Conservation Foundation. The total Bear Aware Program budget for 2008 is $27,320.
5) Request for Comment on BP Proposal Received
The City of Fernie received a request for comment from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on a proposal by BP Canada Energy Company and Elk Valley Coal Partnership to obtain petroleum and natural gas rights for the exploration of coalbed gas in the Crowsnest Coalfield. If approved by the Province, the tenure agreement would give BP the exclusive right for a set period of time, to apply for permission to drill wells within the agreement area which does not include the area known as the Dominion Coal Block or any area within the Flathead watershed.
Prior to providing comment on the proposal to the Province, Council will establish a consultation strategy and advertise dates to consult with the community in an open meeting on the issue. BP Canada, representatives from the Provincial Government and several other organizations will also be invited to attend and participate in the public consultation process. Details on the planned consultation are expected to be confirmed by Council within the next two weeks.
6) Notice of Motion Regarding Windrow Clearing
Councillor Patrick Burke has given notice that he intends to make a motion at the next Regular Council Meeting seeking support for the City to hold a referendum on snow windrow clearing in conjunction with the November 15, 2008 local government election.
If approved by Council, a referendum question would ask the people of Fernie a “Yes or No” question such as “are you in favour of windrow clearing from driveways and are you willing to pay for the service?” Holding a referendum at the same time as a local government election significantly reduces the cost of staging the referendum.
7) Invitation Pending for Fernie Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Team
Council intends to invite the Fernie Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Team to address Council regarding the Welcome BC Initiative. In a letter to Council the Team stated that Council’s support and presence is essential for the Welcome BC Initiative to be successful.
The Government of BC is continuing to support BC communities through the Welcome BC Initiative and is committed to building safe, inclusive communities. The program is aimed at helping immigrants find work in their fields and better integrate into their new communities. From improved English language training programs to employment, education, health and recreation services, ‘Welcome BC’ aims to ensure that the province remains an attractive destination for new immigrants.
8) Presentation on Highways Maintenance Received
Mr. Dave Maki, on behalf of the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) appeared as a delegation before Council to raise the issue of highway maintenance specifications and monitoring of conditions. The BCGEU is calling upon BC municipalities to adopt a resolution urging the Ministry of Transportation to enhance monitoring and audits of work performance of highway maintenance contractors.
The BCGEU would also like the Ministry to provide regular accident reports, conduct comprehensive contractor performance assessments and to report findings semi-annually to key community stakeholders. They want the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to urge the Ministry to act on these recommendations. Mr. Maki noted the 7-minute DVD on highways maintenance guidelines that Council was provided with and handed out a brochure called “BC Highways Maintenance – You Be the Judge” which is a checklist to help people decide whether roads and highways are being properly maintained.
9) Grant-in-aid Provided to P.A.R.T.Y. Program
Council approved a grant-in-aid to the P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program for free use of the Fernie Memorial Arena on Friday, May 30, 2008 for a fund-raising carnival. The event is designed to attract children and adults and Council’s decision to allow the Program to have free use of the arena will help to ensure the fund-raising event is successful.