1) Development Variance Permit Approved
After fulfilling the mandatory notice requirements and providing an opportunity for input from the public, Council approved the issuance of Development Variance Permit (DVP) #203.
DVP #203 legalizes the siting of the existing principal building to facilitate the construction of a second storey balcony to the existing single detached dwelling located at 302 4th Avenue.
2) Idle Free Fernie One Step Closer
After receiving an informative presentation from Idle Free Ambassador Ms. Natasha Ewing, Council directed that staff work with Ms. Ewing to research the possibility of implementing an idle free policy for the City of Fernie. The Idle Free Ambassador Program is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and is aimed at reducing air pollution generated from idling vehicles.
Ms. Ewing provided Council with information outlining the steps needed to create an “Idle Free Fernie” campaign
and provided some background data to demonstrate the need of such a program. The information was developed in partnership with Wildsight and the “Zero Waste Team” at Fernie Secondary School who have already created Idle Free Zones at the High School, City Hall and the Aquatic Centre.
3) Child Care Needs Assessment Survey Supported
Ms. Trish Luke, the Fernie Early Child Care Development Coordinator gave Council a presentation on the need for the Elk Valley Child Care Needs Assessment study and requested a $4000 grant toward the project. The project will gather data by way of a comprehensive Child Care Needs Assessment Survey which will help community groups better understand the amount and types of child care needed in the Elk Valley.
The paper, mail-in survey which is being managed by the Canadian Research firm Ipsos Reid, will begin circulating in mid-September and will be available at select locations throughout the Elk Valley. A report on Fernie’s Child Care needs is expected by December, 2008. The project is supported by the District of Elkford, District of Sparwood, the Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie Early Childhood Development Teams, Children First, Elk Valley Coal, Columbia Basin Trust and Regional District Electoral Area “A.”  City Council approved a contribution of $4000 as requested. For more information please call Trish Luke, Fernie ECD Coordinator at 423-4894 or by email at dtluke@telus.net
4)    New Leisure Services Bylaw Proceeding
City Council gave first, second and third reading to a new Leisure Services User Regulation and Fees Bylaw. The new Bylaw will replace the existing Bylaw and was written largely in response to rising wage, utility and insurance costs. The previous user fee adjustment occurred in 2004 and amounted to about 25 cents per person, per facility use.
A survey of recreation and facility user fees of other communities in the East Kootenay was conducted to identify admission rates and was previously provided to Council. It was felt that an average adjustment of 15% would help offset a portion of rising costs, assist with cost recovery and help meet the targeted operating deficit while keeping Fernie’s recreation admission and facility use rates competitive with other communities.
Other highlights of the new Bylaw include the inclusion of swimming lessons in Schedule A fees, the addition of the Curling Club to Schedule A and the addition of the Curling Club to Schedule C, the Facility Use Agreement. The Bylaw is expected to be presented to Council for consideration of adoption at the September 29th 7:00 p.m. Regular Council meeting.
5) Zoning Bylaw 2064 approved
After holding a Public Hearing on September 3rd during a Special Meeting in which the Bylaw received third reading (followed by approval from the Ministry of Transportation), Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 80, 2008. The Bylaw applies to a 49 hectare parcel of land annexed into the City of Fernie in 2007 which is located just off Highway No. 3 adjacent to Mount Fernie Park Road.
The Bylaw creates a new Comprehensive Development (CD-4) zone that will allow up to 265 single-family, duplex and multiple family residential units to be constructed. The Bylaw also provides for the dedication of a significant natural open space or “conservation area” based on a comprehensive development plan. Please contact City Hall at 250-423-6817 if you are interested in more information.
6) Mayor Announces Election Intentions
Mayor Randal Macnair announced his intention to run for the position of City Councillor during the November 15, 2008 General Local Election for the City of Fernie. He stated that he looks forward to having the opportunity to continue serving the people of Fernie as a member of City Council.