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.