[0:29] There is so many of us.

[0:35] » Okay, we're good. >> You are.

[0:37] » Okay, thank you very much. Uh, welcome to the July 27, 2026 regular

[0:44] council meeting for the Village of Belcarra.

[0:47] We wish to acknowledge that this meeting took place on the unceded territory of

[0:51] the Coast Salish peoples. Um, to me, Wayburn or Belcarra is home to an

[0:56] ancestral village of the Squamish First Nation. Thankful I can do my work within

[1:02] their territory. So, I'm going to call the meeting to

[1:05] order at 7:02.

[1:11] In terms of the, uh, approval of the agenda, we're going to ask the question

[1:15] of Amanda, please. >> Uh,

[1:19] » we have, uh, >> I'll put this on

[1:22] the agenda. The agenda has a second.

[1:25] » Oh, okay. Okay. So, um, that the agenda for the regular council

[1:30] meeting July 27, 2026 be approved as circulated.

[1:35] » So moved. >> Thank you, Carolyn.

[1:37] » I second. >> Uh, Joe, thank you. I'll get back to you

[1:40] later. Uh, All right.

[1:44] Yeah. So, we'll call, uh,

[1:48] So, take this through the business. >> Ask the good question from the public

[1:51] and council. >> Okay. Are there any questions or

[1:54] comments from council?

[1:59] » I am. >> It's a big conflict.

[2:01] » Oh, it's a um yes, um through the chair um

[2:05] with respect to 10.5 >> I believe it's 10.5.

[2:10] » And uh speaking or voting on the item as I'm a director of Crab, so it's a

[2:15] conflict of interest for me.

[2:19] » Thank you. >> Thank you. Could you repeat that at the

[2:21] time of the item? Okay. >> Okay, that's good. Thanks very much.

[2:26] Thank you both for giving. Okay, so um it's been moved and

[2:32] seconded. Are there any questions or comments comments from council?

[2:37] Seeing none, I'll look to have called the question. All those in favor say

[2:41] aye. Okay.

[2:44] We'll go to adoption of the minutes to regular

[2:47] council meeting July 13th, 2026. And I'm going to read out the motion that the

[2:52] minutes from the regular council meeting held on July 13th, 2026 be adopted. And

[3:00] I'll get a mover and a seconder, please.

[3:05] Janet. >> Mhm.

[3:06] » Okay. And second. Thank you, Joe.

[3:11] Okay, so um are there questions or comments from

[3:14] council on this?

[3:18] Seeing none, I'll look to call the question. All those in favor say aye.

[3:21] And I note that it carries. So, the public hearing July 13th, 2026

[3:27] going to uh the motion is that the record of the public hearing held on

[3:32] July 13th, 2026 be adopted. That's the motion. I'm going to get a mover and a

[3:38] seconder. Moving it, please. >> Moved.

[3:42] » Second. >> Joe and Gerald.

[3:48] Okay, so are there questions or comments from council on this?

[3:52] Seeing none, I'll look to call the question. All those in favor say I, and

[3:56] I know that it carries. Uh public input, um I'll ask Amanda to

[4:01] speak to this item, please.

[4:05] » Uh protocol for public input is outlined in the agenda.

[4:09] A period of 15 minutes will be available on each regular council meeting agenda

[4:13] for members of the public to submit to council.

[4:17] Public input period is a venue for submissions in the form of statements.

[4:21] Questions can be directed to question period at the end of the agenda.

[4:26] Each person is provided 2 minutes to comment on items presented on the

[4:29] agenda. A second opportunity to speak is

[4:33] permitted when others have had an opportunity to provide their comments.

[4:37] Comments must be directed to the chair of the meeting and not to individual

[4:40] [clears throat] members of council.

[4:44] » Okay.

[4:48] Do we have anybody that would like to um speak?

[4:55] » [laughter] >> Going once, going twice,

[4:59] and going three times. Right. Okay.

[5:03] Thank you. Um we will delegations and presentations.

[5:07] Uh items on the consent agenda, there are

[5:11] no items on the consent agenda. So, we'll go to uh staff reports.

[5:16] And the zoning bylaw number 510-2018 amendment bylaw number 643-2026.

[5:25] I'm going to ask Melanie to speak to this item if she could, please.

[5:31] » Staff are pleased to bring forward the first three readings of the zoning

[5:35] amendment bylaw for 3641 Kelly Avenue. It is the village's first rezoning. It

[5:40] follows a thorough process of review and consultation to ensure and support our

[5:45] housing objectives in the village while also being an appropriate fit.

[5:49] On that note, staff have completed work to address council comments from the

[5:53] regular meeting on June 8th, 2026 when the information came forward on this

[5:58] rezoning. Uh Chichi Kai from Punico Group is

[6:02] joining the meeting virtually and has offered to provide some additional

[6:05] details about that. Over to you, Chichi. >> Hi. It's Melanie.

[6:11] Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. It's nice to see you all again virtually this

[6:15] time. Um so as Melanie mentioned, rezoning for

[6:18] 3641 Kelly Avenue was introduced first to you on June 8th, 2026.

[6:24] Following Council's endorsement that evening, public notification was sent to

[6:28] residents via email and mail to homes within 100 m of the subject site. The

[6:35] notification was also posted at Village Hall and on the Village's website. So as

[6:40] a quick refresher, the proposal for 3641 Kelly Avenue was for the consolidation

[6:44] of two parcels along Kelly Avenue and rezoning to CD to build three duplexes

[6:50] for a total of six residential units. So following the June 8th Council

[6:55] meeting, staff developed a site-specific development permit guidelines

[6:59] to uh for forming character, which is applicable for an

[7:03] if an applicant pursues redevelopment of the site with three duplexes. The

[7:08] guidelines do not apply to the development of a single-family home or

[7:12] one or one or two duplexes since these forms are already permitted in the

[7:17] village without a DP. So the intent of the guidelines is to

[7:22] enable achievement of a high standard of building design, site aesthetics, and

[7:27] neighborhood compatibility for a three-duplex project. The guidelines are

[7:31] designed to be flexible enough to accommodate a range of architectural

[7:35] solutions while capturing the intent necessary to ensure a quality outcome

[7:39] for the village. So accompanying the DP guidelines a

[7:43] checklist that outlines the required submission materials, including

[7:47] architectural plans, geotechnical reports, and application fee.

[7:52] So, staff recommendation is for council to grant first, second, and third

[7:55] readings of the zoning bylaw number 510 2018 amendment bylaw number 643 2026,

[8:03] and approve the development permit guidelines with 3641 Kelly Avenue. Thank

[8:08] you.

[8:10] » Okay. Thank you very much, and um

[8:15] Put it on the floor.

[8:18] Okay. Okay. Yeah. Okay.

[8:25] Okay, so the motion is that zoning bylaw number 510 2018 amendment bylaw number

[8:31] 643 2026 be read a first, second, and third time.

[8:38] That development permit guidelines be approved to support the potential future

[8:42] development of three duplexes on the site, and that the following conditions

[8:47] be met. Consolidation of the two existing lots into one with registration

[8:52] of the subdivision plan as land titles office prior to adoption.

[8:57] Submission of a development permit application and meeting involved

[9:01] development permit condition prior to the issuance of a development permit for

[9:06] three duplexes. Submission of the design as well as fees and securities for

[9:12] off-site services prior to the issuance of a development permit for the three

[9:18] duplexes. So, I will look for someone

[9:22] » Moved. >> Thank you, Council Clark.

[9:25] Thank you. >> Can I have a question?

[9:30] » Okay. You have a question, go ahead, please.

[9:31] » Yeah, thank you. So, I'll I already made all my comments about the design and

[9:36] what I thought about this in the previous meeting so I won't repeat

[9:39] myself. I like to thank GG for putting the guidelines together. That's very

[9:44] helpful. I think that was that's a way to

[9:47] to guarantee that the feedback from the community at that

[9:51] public meeting because we're not going to have a public hearing on this.

[9:55] It's met so it's met with the guidelines. The only thing I do not see

[9:59] here but first I'll say that I really like

[10:03] the dark sky policy here by the It's not something we do like obviously

[10:08] in every new construction but because this is a zoning change like we can put

[10:13] this guidelines based on the community feedback on the public meeting that that

[10:18] the applicant had for the residents on the information meeting. Sorry.

[10:23] So yes, so I I really like what I see here but the

[10:25] only thing I do not see is height. I don't know if I'm missing because I know

[10:29] they reduced the height after the meeting. Is that my understanding?

[10:34] But I don't see the height on the guideline.

[10:39] So to the chair.

[10:42] » I can take the first and then I'll

[10:46] over to GG. So there's actually a few pieces that go with the zoning amendment

[10:50] bylaw. The first DLC is attachment one which is

[10:54] the actual bylaw and has a schedule A which is all of the requirements for the

[11:00] CD1 zone and that's where you're going to see all of the height restrictions

[11:04] and that's about it. In addition to that there's also the

[11:07] development permit guidelines and the checklist.

[11:11] » Okay, thank you. So yes, so I I missed that. I read the whole thing but somehow

[11:15] I managed to miss it. So no, so I'm good then. Yeah, I thought

[11:19] we would have to have something on the guidelines as well but as long as it's

[11:22] covered tomorrow I'm happy. Thank you and thanks again for the very detailed

[11:27] guideline and and report to GG.

[11:30] it. >> No no problem. Happy to be a part of the

[11:33] village's uh first rezoning. >> Awesome. I know, first. Wow, after so

[11:38] many years being incorporated, that's that's crazy.

[11:41] Yeah. >> Or have switched.

[11:43] » Yeah, so just a couple of um just comments and thoughts. First off, um

[11:47] yeah, I I'm super excited about this development. I think that hopefully it

[11:51] goes really, really well because we need it, too. Um I had a few things that

[11:56] seemed in conflict to me in terms of the guidelines. Um and again, I still

[12:00] struggle with, you know, um what is

[12:05] sort of the our identity in the village in terms of semi-rural as far as

[12:09] development because uh we have everything. We've got a mix match of

[12:12] everything, so I don't really get that. Um but, you know, the current draft

[12:16] talks about respecting the West Coast residential character, which to me

[12:21] is supposed to being natural wood, big windows, you know,

[12:25] stone, that kind of thing. And then, which is kind of in conflict with the

[12:30] FireSmart requirements, yeah, which are really metal roof, hardy board, stone,

[12:35] you know, brick, whatever. And so, I don't know how we reconcile those two

[12:39] things, but it just seemed to me that you know, one is a little bit at odds

[12:43] with the other. Um so, anyway, just a comment on that. I think that the

[12:48] FireSmart should to me would be the priority in terms of developing going

[12:51] forward in our village. And so, um so, I don't know if we need

[12:56] to modify that a little bit, but just a thought. The other thing is um

[13:00] you know, I read the thing about the landscape plan and the landscape

[13:03] architect, and my question was why? And and really because, you know, um

[13:09] we did our own landscaping. I think it looks fantastic myself, but um and so, I

[13:15] don't know you know, I I worry about the

[13:17] incremental costs to people trying to do these things when you have to bring

[13:21] those sorts of resources in, and a landscape architect to me sounds

[13:26] expensive. I could be wrong. Um but I mean I could use AI and take a

[13:30] picture of a dirt spot and have a beautiful landscape like that.

[13:34] So, I don't and I don't know if I I guess my question is really is there

[13:37] some flexibility in these guidelines as we move forward where things like that

[13:42] might be you know there might be a better alternative to forcing that

[13:46] issue. And so, anyway, just a thought on that.

[13:50] And then the only other comment I had overall was um

[13:54] thank you for doing the FAQ, like the frequently asked questions,

[13:58] um because this is super helpful and you know looking through here I think this

[14:02] is really good in terms of again communicating with the community what's

[14:06] going on, what's happening. So, I was really happy to see this without even

[14:10] asking for it. So, so thanks for doing that. Um but anyway, those those were my

[14:14] comments. Um you know, Westcoast, I love Westcoast,

[14:18] but you know, it's not always aligns with FireSmart. So,

[14:21] Oh, and also I was just curious, how is the combined property and how big is

[14:27] it? Well, is it half an acre? Is that what it is?

[14:35] The two lots combined, what is the size of the two lots combined?

[14:38] » 18,500 square feet.

[14:41] » Yeah, does that equal half an acre? >> Not quite.

[14:44] » So, then they're little >> Okay, perfect. Okay, thanks. Anyway, I'm

[14:48] really happy to see this coming forward. So, thank you.

[14:51] » Okay, thanks very much, Jen. Go ahead and Lisa.

[14:54] » Thank you. Um thank you so much Kiki for this report

[14:57] and it's nice to see you again. I as well I'm excited to see this moving

[15:02] forward for the future of our village. Not just today's standards, but for the

[15:07] future. Uh with respect to Counselor

[15:12] Resnicky's comment about FireSmart, in fact the in here

[15:17] or it's uh

[15:19] Yeah. So, on page, um,

[15:24] I think it's four, but anyways, just before the frequently asked questions of

[15:28] that. And it it does say fire smart smart requirements drawings submitted

[15:32] with fire smart building standards. It's right in there. So, even though it talks

[15:35] about West Coast design, it also talks about fire smart. But my question, uh,

[15:39] through the chair to Chichi, and

[15:42] I probably read this thoroughly, but I I can't seem to find it. How does a fee

[15:46] simple title work if there are two or more duplexes built on one consolidated

[15:52] lot? So, you've got your homes there, but you've only got one fee simple

[15:56] title. So, how does that work? Do you have Let's just say you've got two

[16:00] duplexes. Um, are the owners of both duplexes or

[16:05] three duplexes all going to be on the title very similar to how we handle

[16:08] parent home or Can you answer that for me through the check?

[16:12] Thank you. >> Uh, yeah, through the chair to

[16:13] Councillor Lauder. I think that's something that, uh, Melanie, we've

[16:16] talked about this before. Um, so, we'll have to kind of take a little

[16:20] closer look at that when that happens because right now, you know,

[16:24] typically, if it's one lot, then you kind of have a bit of a strata situation

[16:29] unless cuz we're consolidating into one parcel. So, we Right now, how we're

[16:34] thinking about it, it's more of a strata, um,

[16:37] strata kind of situation where you own your duplex, but not necessarily the

[16:41] entire lot.

[16:44] property. Yeah. So, I think we'll have a chat about this a little bit more, uh,

[16:47] Melanie and I to kind of work out work out the details.

[16:51] » Okay. Wonderful. Thank you for that answer.

[16:56] » Okay. Do we have any others? >> Oh. I guess just a comment. So, um, so

[17:00] we're doing all this, the rezoning, but that doesn't also stop someone from

[17:04] coming in, buying the property, and leave leaving as it is, right? And just

[17:09] building one house. I just like to make that clear.

[17:12] » [laughter] >> Or, uh, yeah, for whoever has a lot of

[17:16] concerns this plan. So, cheers. >> It's not dictating what's going to

[17:21] happen because the village is not buying and neither is Billy, so.

[17:25] It'll be up to the person who buys and builds.

[17:30] » Okay. So, I mean, I think people have talked about this. This is a

[17:35] very good thing for our village and in terms of the fine points, that's I

[17:41] think it's good to bring them up and but in the end, it's going to be a very,

[17:45] very good piece and it will only be specific to this, but it may also offer

[17:51] things in other parts of the village. So, each one is individual and doesn't

[17:56] affect others. So. Okay.

[17:58] » I just want to make sure that our counselor received his question was

[18:01] answered, I guess. Cuz he had a few comments and Oh, just

[18:05] wanted to make sure you got what you needed if you did.

[18:07] » Yeah, I I mean, I I guess at the end of the day, it's really um

[18:11] is there some flexibility in terms of those guidelines at all because I think

[18:15] that, you know, if if you're the person coming forward, you wanting to do this

[18:20] and you have all these things laid out and it's like, okay, well, what about

[18:22] this? Like, is there some flexibility was really the main question. The other

[18:26] one was just the conflict between um Westcoast Design and Firesmart and I

[18:31] think, you know, obviously, that will that will develop as we go along. Um

[18:37] it just seemed kind of funny that that two that those two things. So, I'm

[18:42] good. >> Yeah, go ahead.

[18:44] » Um >> Thank you.

[18:46] » Through the chair, uh I think your point about Firesmart

[18:49] taking precedence over Westcoast was a good one and noted. And they are

[18:54] guidelines, so yes, there is some flexibility.

[18:56] » Yeah, good. That's good.

[18:59] » Okay. So, we've got any other comments from council? Seeing

[19:04] none, follow up to uh call the question. All those in favor, say I. And a no for

[19:09] the chair is Thank you very much, GG for your work.

[19:13] Much appreciate it. >> No problem. Thank you, counselor.

[19:17] Have a good night. >> Bye.

[19:19] » Yes. We'll see you again. Um so, the budget

[19:23] 10.2 is the budget variance report. Due diligence results to June 30th,

[19:30] 2026. I'm going to ask Melanie to speak for the item, please.

[19:35] » Staff are pleased to bring forward another favorable quarterly report.

[19:40] I've continued to work closely with staff as well as the village's financial

[19:44] consultant and Bjorgard to identify opportunities, cost savings, and

[19:48] efficiencies, which in turn support our revenue generation. They minimize our

[19:52] expenses and increase our reserves. Building on the good foundational work

[19:58] done by Ken in earlier years, this has put the village in a great financial

[20:01] position. Ken's joining the meeting virtually

[20:05] tonight as Mike provides some additional details about the Q2 2026 budget

[20:09] variance report. >> Welcome, Ken.

[20:13] » Ken, do you need to Do you need to co-host, Ken?

[20:17] » Uh yes, that would be helpful, Amanda. >> Okay, give me 2 seconds, Ken.

[20:32] Goodbye. >> Take care.

[20:41] » Okay, you've got the wheel. >> [laughter]

[20:45] » Thank you. I'm going to share my screen, then.

[20:53] Can everyone see that? >> Thank you.

[20:56] » [laughter]

[21:00] » I'm just going to walk you through that.

[21:04] 10.2

[21:08] » It's good then? >> Yeah, very on trend.

[21:13] » Okay, so as council knows from prior years,

[21:18] the village does a variance report. The first one of the year being for the

[21:24] six months ending June 30th of 2026, where we

[21:30] show the year-to-date revenues and expenses,

[21:35] and then we project where we think we're going to end up at the end of the year

[21:39] based on year-to-date results, and then we compare that to the budget.

[21:44] So, this is of course part of a council policy

[21:49] to do this and it's a very worthwhile thing to do because uh

[21:53] you can find out a lot of things when you're doing these interim financing

[21:57] reports and it prepares you for year-end as well.

[22:01] Um so, looking at each of the operating funds, general,

[22:07] water and ward, and capital, I will go through highlights of those

[22:13] in terms of where we are at year-to-date and where we expect to be at year-end at

[22:18] this point in time with the caveat that of course things

[22:22] could change between now and the end of the year when unknown things happen.

[22:28] The details of the variances are kept within the appendices that are attached

[22:33] to the report. So, in terms of the general operating

[22:38] fund, you can see here where um

[22:42] the revenues are expected to be approximately $20,000

[22:47] over budget based on higher tax penalty revenue

[22:52] and funds from sale of assets and cost recovery for legal and planning costs.

[22:58] In terms of operating expenses, we're expected to be uh under

[23:03] uh budget by about $21,000. And that's related to lower legal and

[23:09] consulting costs and more work done in-house.

[23:13] In terms of the uh centralized support, it's going to be uh recovered at a lower

[23:19] rate because of lower expenses by about $2,800.

[23:24] So, you can see here in terms of the bottom line that we're expecting to

[23:28] transfer uh $670,000

[23:32] to reserves and surplus uh for the year, which is $38,000,

[23:38] $39,000 over the budget. So, uh as council knows, you know, over

[23:43] the past years we've tried to build that up and it's a significant amount that is

[23:48] being uh set aside for the future for the

[23:51] village. And once you add the community works

[23:55] funds to that, which is not included in this,

[23:58] um of course, the village is

[24:01] uh transferring approximately 600 730

[24:07] to 740,000 dollars a year from the general fund

[24:12] for capital and other needs um that are

[24:16] basically securing the future of the village.

[24:23] In terms of the water operating fund, um the water operating fund has gotten a

[24:28] lot healthier. And uh we are expecting to be about

[24:33] $5,300 over in terms of operating revenue,

[24:38] which is the additional revenue from Metro Vancouver based on billings for

[24:42] actual water usage. We're expected to be about $9,000 in

[24:47] lower expenses for uh lower repair and maintenance and

[24:51] contracted costs. And so, you can see that we're expecting

[24:55] to transfer roughly 116, 117,000 dollars to

[25:00] the reserve and surplus versus a budget of 104,000,

[25:04] which is approximately 12,000 over the budget, which is a positive thing

[25:10] as well. And if we look at the ward operating funds, you can see here that

[25:15] uh revenues are more or less on budget, but we're expected to be approximately

[25:20] 2,000 dollars uh lower in expenses due to lower waste

[25:25] and centralized support costs. And therefore, our transfer to surplus

[25:30] is about 2,000 expected to be about 2,000

[25:34] dollars higher than budget. Um as council will recollect, uh

[25:40] couple years ago, we did an internal borrowing

[25:43] because the ward surplus was insufficient. So, uh the funds that are

[25:49] going to surplus will firstly be used to pay pay off the internal loan,

[25:54] which was uh set up in a prior year. So, when we look at capital overall, um

[26:03] as I said, there's more detail in the appendix and uh it goes through each of

[26:07] the capital projects, but you can see here that more or less general water and

[26:12] ward capital are expected to be very close to budget,

[26:15] and that uh projects are proceeding as planned.

[26:20] So, uh this is the first uh budget variance report

[26:24] of the year, and of course, uh we will be doing another one at the end of

[26:29] September. And I think that these reports are are

[26:34] very helpful for staff and council um to make sure things are on track.

[26:40] So, there's a a um a recommended motion for council to

[26:44] consider.

[26:47] » Okay. Great. So, um

[26:51] the motion is that the report dated July 27th, 2026 titled budget variance report

[26:58] Q2 results to June 30th, 2026 be received into the record for information

[27:04] and I'll look to get a mover and a seconder.

[27:07] » Second. >> Janet.

[27:09] » [clears throat] >> Wildish.

[27:10] » Yes.

[27:13] Okay. So, it's on the table for discussion.

[27:17] » Just a couple of comments. Very happy to see

[27:21] you know, positive variance on the transfer to general reserves and surplus

[27:25] on all three of these major categories. So, I'd say we're trending in the right

[27:31] direction. No concerns. >> Yeah.

[27:36] » Okay, anybody else?

[27:40] » Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. So,

[27:43] we will do then I'll look to call the question

[27:47] on the motion. All those in favor say I. I'll put it carried.

[27:51] » Thanks, Dan. >> Thank you, Dan.

[27:53] » Yes. >> We really appreciate that.

[27:57] » He's not done yet. >> Yeah.

[28:00] Okay, so 10.3 strategic plan and key infrastructure projects Q2 2026 status

[28:08] report I'm going to get that this week to the night of the 20th.

[28:12] » The village continues to make exceptional progress on an ambitious

[28:16] strategic plan and council and staff have worked diligently to move things

[28:20] ahead as noted by the complete and in progress status of several items.

[28:25] Some notable highlights from the Q2 2026 quarter include the following.

[28:31] In the water system improvements, amendments to the water supply and

[28:34] distribution bylaw were approved to support the water service extension to

[28:38] the bull house in Belcarra Regional Park.

[28:41] Amendments to the water works bylaw as well as the fees and charges bylaw were

[28:45] also approved to renew these park water user pays based on the what people

[28:49] operation and maintenance of the system plus actual water consumption based on

[28:53] meter usage. With the Roden and fire halls,

[28:59] a report in Q4 2025 provided information on the development sale of Rodens as a

[29:04] source of revenue. It also confirmed that the formal sale of the lots would

[29:08] be pursued with proceeds from the sale of the first lot funding development

[29:11] work of the others. A road closure bylaw for Roden 13 was

[29:16] brought forward for three readings, public notification and adoption in Q1

[29:20] 2026. Since then, staff have been undergoing

[29:24] registration with the land titles office and also [clears throat] engaged land

[29:28] consultants to assist with the land sale negotiation which are also now currently

[29:33] underway. Regarding the fire halls, Metro

[29:37] Vancouver, Belcarra, and Anmore staff worked in collaboration to prepare and

[29:41] submit an application to the Build Community Strong Fund

[29:45] to request funding of 40% or $8.4 million towards the fire

[29:49] hall replacement costs. And that request is also being supported by MP Zoe Roy.

[29:58] In Q2, we also first three readings of the official community plan amendment

[30:02] bylaw number 42 2026 regarding changes to provincial housing legislation also

[30:08] brought forward. Consultation referrals were also issued

[30:12] to parties that may be affected and the work is now underway to incorporate the

[30:16] comments received before bringing those amendments back to council.

[30:21] And the fire safety and wildlife wildfire management review was carried

[30:27] out by staff earlier in the year to identify grant funding options for the

[30:30] fire fuel reduction activities. Provincial FireSmart Community Funding

[30:35] and Supports Program no longer funds fuel management activities and they've

[30:39] shifted more towards more planning based initiatives.

[30:43] I did some digging to find out the rationale for this. Why has fuel

[30:48] management funding been removed? And the response was that fuel

[30:52] treatments have high per hectare costs that vary significantly throughout the

[30:56] province, and those challenges make it difficult to make fuel treatment

[31:00] activities equitably and then ensure the timely distribution of the remaining

[31:04] funding for that period over a closed intake.

[31:08] It was noted that Ministry of Forests supports fuel management activities and

[31:12] that funding in other areas to mitigate risk to communities including the Crown

[31:16] Land Wildfire Risk Reduction Program and the Forest Enhancement Society ABC.

[31:22] So, with that news, staff have been reviewing other options and are also

[31:26] working on the development of a phased approach to fire fuel reduction based on

[31:30] the priority mapping and assessments, which we can complete it, which we can

[31:33] then put from budgeting to. And in turn, we're also looking at

[31:37] exploring the use of unallocated and emergency management operational funds

[31:41] to retain a contractor for the prescribed fire fuel reduction measures

[31:45] on public land around the village hall, the public works yard, board, and fire

[31:50] hall. So, we'll bring that to council as an information only item on that.

[31:55] And with that, I will close my remarks and turn it over to the mayor.

[31:58] » Okay, thank you very much, Ron. Um So, the motion is that the report dated

[32:03] July 27, 2026 titled Strategic Plan and Key Infrastructure Project Q2 2026

[32:11] Status Report be received into the record for information, and I'll get a

[32:16] mover and a seconder. >> So moved.

[32:18] » Second. >> Did you second?

[32:20] » Thank you, Councillor. Thank you. Okay, it's on the table for discussion.

[32:29] » Uh >> Well, I just want to call I mean, it's

[32:32] it's amazing and wonderful to see so many projects

[32:35] completed, and kudos to staff for the work they did down there.

[32:40] Some some still pending there, but they're things seem to be moving along

[32:45] on schedule from what I can see. So, it's been good work by everybody.

[32:51] » Can I ask this question? Because I know you reported it at the last meeting and

[32:56] it was very interesting on the grant for the fire halls that you know that were

[33:01] mutually Metro Vancouver and I don't know it's

[33:06] amazing how we get along so well sometimes you know when it comes to that

[33:09] but that's of course a reminder

[33:13] of the 50/50 share so any grants that would come through would be

[33:19] 50/50 would be in our favor for a change I would say

[33:24] as I judge that but that remains to be seen.

[33:28] I would say how does two questions right? First and foremost

[33:32] is how does this proceed if you can tell me that? How long will it take? How does

[33:36] this look like? It's great to see a liberal you know MLA I'm not here to

[33:41] call the halls of any MLAs or any party but it's great to see our liberal MLA on

[33:47] side and working cooperatively with the mayors and with the CAOs and that so

[33:53] great work and that's encouraging to have that support.

[33:58] And I didn't my other question would be just like you can clear the other

[34:02] question but I noticed no provincial grants have been applied for here and

[34:07] and my understanding was under that federal grant that

[34:12] Premier Horgan is touting so much and giving out to so many people here.

[34:17] One of it was contingent on perhaps getting some provincial grants. Now, I

[34:23] just read that somewhere along the way so

[34:26] will we be applying? Will we be contacting our local MLA Mr. Grewal, and

[34:34] to also seek some money. I know there's not much money. We hear that all

[34:39] the time, particularly in some areas that someone

[34:42] is working in. No money for anything, apparently. But, nonetheless, if we

[34:46] don't try, you don't know. So, there are my

[34:48] questions, and I thank you for a great report again. It's always great to have

[34:52] good things. Okay. Did you want to respond to that?

[34:56] » Uh so, through the chair, on your first question, there is no timeline currently

[35:01] on the grant. We did an expression of interest. So, it's an open-ended

[35:05] application process. So, I'll just keep council up-to-date on any proceedings

[35:09] with that. >> Thank you.

[35:11] » And with respect to provincial funding, uh we also have a joint meeting with

[35:15] Metro Vancouver staff and provincial staff at the UBCM uh convention this

[35:21] fall. And we have booked a meeting or put in a request for a meeting with the

[35:24] minister in that regard, specifically with funding.

[35:28] » Yes, answers to my questions. So, thank you very much. No further questions for

[35:31] me. And thank you for the work done on the turf for all parties involved and

[35:36] all municipalities and Metro Vancouver, [clears throat]

[35:39] who are doing an amazing number of things recently

[35:42] that I can sort of say even >> [clears throat]

[35:45] » my council thought my feet. >> [laughter]

[35:51] » Okay. Go ahead, please.

[35:53] » Yeah, this Yeah, thank you for the report. This is

[35:56] great and great to see the progress you're making. I had one question, and

[35:59] that's on the um so, the correlation system, if I remember correctly, and and

[36:04] I might not, um what was the role of Fraser Health in

[36:09] this?

[36:13] » Um for the chair, I'm going to relay the question to Stuart Novak to provide some

[36:18] more details on that. >> I I recalled something.

[36:20] » Mr. Chair, uh they are actually approved the permitting for that project. So,

[36:26] they reviewed the plans and they approved the project. And as a matter of

[36:30] fact, uh we'll be having an on-site meeting with them uh within the next

[36:34] month. >> Yep.

[36:38] » Thank you. >> Good. Can I have a follow-up on that uh

[36:42] chlorination just quick quick quick quick quick? I just happened to see the

[36:47] Drake company working up there and I was struck by the complexity. I thought this

[36:54] was a fairly simple kind of system that we would put in a shack and you know,

[36:59] we'd have something but there is a lot of complex work, you know, concrete

[37:04] platforms laid, uh proof quake, you know, the right storage capacity and uh

[37:11] they seem to be doing very good work uh from what I can see up there. So, again,

[37:16] kudos. I I was a bit, you know, reticent, I would say, on this at one

[37:21] point because I was a bit concerned that it really wouldn't get us to where we

[37:26] need to be on the FUS on on the fuse thing and but I I believe that this will

[37:32] certainly stand to making a secure water as we go into that tank. And what will

[37:39] we be holding the capacity at? 95%? Would that be or we're going up to

[37:44] through the chair? >> And through the chair, yes, it it there

[37:46] will need to be some sort of circulation because we still have the altitude valve

[37:50] which will have to be adjusted but it will it will be staying topped up

[37:56] uh permanently at approximately 95%. >> And sorry, is there is there an

[38:00] agitation to keep it to keep that chlorine moving or is it just depending

[38:05] on the pumping of the water? >> Uh

[38:07] and through the chair, um just to actually give council an update on where

[38:11] we are on that project. Of course, we've completed the trenching and laying the

[38:16] conduit. Uh we've uh completed the

[38:20] pouring the concrete, making the foundation. We've installed the kiosk

[38:24] and we're currently doing the wiring right now.

[38:28] Um and speak to your question, uh tomorrow I believe, tomorrow or sometime

[38:33] this week, we will be entering into the reservoir and uh or

[38:39] uh from the top and laying down the um the actual mixer, uh which will be

[38:47] continually going to keep that water circulating.

[38:51] » Which is >> That's correct.

[38:52] » Thank you for the update.

[38:56] » Thank you. >> That's great update. Thank you.

[38:59] » Good. So, any any other questions? When you say entering into the tank,

[39:06] » Um to clarify, they won't be won't be actually inside the [clears throat] tank

[39:10] or entering into the tank. They will be on top of the tank and they will be

[39:14] literally dropping uh a tripod-like structure, which has

[39:19] the mixture mixer uh in the uh you know, in the center of it.

[39:24] » Yeah. Good. Good. That makes sense. Thank you for your reporting.

[39:27] » Sure. >> Okay, any other questions?

[39:30] Seeing none, I'll look to call the question. All those in favor, say I. And

[39:33] may note that it carries. And that moves us on to 10.4, 2027

[39:38] financial planning schedule. And I'm going to ask Melanie to speak about it.

[39:43] Please. >> All right. The staff report brings

[39:46] forward information on the 2027 financial planning process and

[39:49] recommends that the 2027 to 2031 financial plan budget schedule be

[39:54] approved. The schedule has been structured to

[39:58] leverage the knowledge and experience of the existing council to establish the

[40:01] draft budget and to carry out public consultation prior to the election.

[40:07] We are fortunate to be in a stable and favorable financial position with plans

[40:11] to fund our operational capital operations, as well as was replacements.

[40:17] As such, the recommendation is to stay the course and to build on the success

[40:21] we created together. Following the election, any new council

[40:25] members will get to vote on the budget and they'll also have an opportunity to

[40:28] complete their orientation and get exposed to and familiar with the

[40:33] village budget and financial position before next year's budget process.

[40:37] They'll also have an opportunity to provide their input on priorities and

[40:40] expenditures for the development of a new four-year strategic plan just after

[40:44] the election. And with that, I'll turn it back to the

[40:47] chair. >> Okay. Thanks very much.

[40:50] We have a motion here that for 2027 financial planning process and 2027

[40:57] to 2031 financial plan/budget schedule be approved and I'll look for

[41:03] » So moved. >> Councilor Clark.

[41:05] » Thank you. Second. >> Thank you, too.

[41:07] » Second. >> Okay. Good. It's on the floor for

[41:12] discussion. Do you have a question? >> Yeah, no, it's more like a comment, but

[41:16] but um I guess the CEO answered my question before I

[41:20] got to it. And issue is that Yeah, I was I was just a bit concerned here um

[41:25] because there's an election this year and will the new council that sits in

[41:29] will have an opportunity to give their say and make any amendments to the

[41:33] budget. So, from what I heard from our CEO right now, from her

[41:36] comments introducing um this item, it it they will have because, you know, it's

[41:41] just have to hand hand it in in May, right? So, um so

[41:46] they'll have quite a few months. So, I'm okay with that.

[41:50] » Great. Good. Any other um comments on that?

[41:55] » Nope. >> Okay. Seeing none, I'll look to call the

[41:58] question. All those in favor, say I and I note none of the chairs.

[42:03] And we're now on 10.5, Brown Land Sign at this point.

[42:09] » Um I'll just ask the corporate officer for

[42:13] to be counselor Wilder. Counselor Wilder, if you'd like to

[42:16] excuse yourself in the discussion of this item.

[42:18] » Yes, I would. If conflict of interest really, do I need to leave the room or

[42:22] do I sit here and listen? >> You need to leave the room.

[42:25] » Yeah, bye-bye. >> Bye.

[42:27] » So, we'll call you back after >> Well, we won't miss you. We'll miss you,

[42:31] but we don't want to miss you. And we'll come and get you.

[42:33] I mean, I mean, I ask you this straight to the CAO or the CEO.

[42:38] There's There are those of us who believe this. This whole conflict of

[42:41] interest thing can become very convoluted, as you know, I'm sure. I'm

[42:45] not unfamiliar. But, as members of crowd, which we probably all are,

[42:50] um you know, we will be voting on an organization that we are members of as

[42:55] well. We're okay to vote, or you don't You're not in the corporate sector. You

[42:58] don't see any conflict in a matter that would make us

[43:02] all have to leave the room for just to you?

[43:04] » I think >> But, it's up to the lower of the report.

[43:07] I didn't think about that at that ahead of time, but I think because Lisa's more

[43:10] is closer to it, each counselor it's up to each counselor to decide whether or

[43:15] not they're in conflict. It isn't up to We can recommend that you leave, but it

[43:20] is up to the mayor. Is it It is up to you. If you feel you're going to be in

[43:24] conflict, you can excuse yourself from it. But, if everyone here leaves, that

[43:28] that uh >> Nobody in the immediate

[43:30] » Makes it challenging. >> It was That's right.

[43:33] » It was [laughter] >> Lisa says, "Let's go."

[43:35] » No, I I can't I don't feel myself. Thank you very much. I don't feel I'm in any

[43:38] conflict. I'm quite comfortable coming to the situation. Thank you.

[43:41] I'll let the others speak for themselves.

[43:43] » Counselor Rushton, no, I didn't know you were twiddling

[43:46] your pen or letting me speak. >> No, no.

[43:49] » Okay, that puts us in a good spot. Thank you. So, I'm going to get Stuart to

[43:54] speak to the item, if you could, please. >> Yes, thank you, Mayor Ross.

[43:58] Uh this report is brought forward on behalf of the Community Recreation

[44:03] Association of Bel Air, commonly known as the crowd Committee.

[44:08] Uh the Crab Committee would like to replace the existing billboard sign uh

[44:13] which is located on Ben Ewell Bay Road at the bus stop just east of Sanctuary

[44:18] Road. Uh they would like to install a new LED signboard which is more visible

[44:24] and will allow Crab Committee members to update the sign through Wi-Fi so they

[44:29] won't need to uh climb a ladder and uh change the signage manually.

[44:35] The Crab Committee will uh pay for the purchase and installation of the

[44:39] signboard but uh they're hoping that the municipality

[44:43] will pay the ongoing hydro costs which are

[44:47] expected to be less than $40 per month. I know on the report it says 40 to 75

[44:53] but we were playing it very safe because we didn't have all of the information.

[44:58] Well, we still haven't confirmed the price but um what they have confirmed is

[45:04] that we won't need a meter for that. Uh so it's expected to be uh similar to our

[45:09] street lights which is $38 a month or even cheaper.

[45:14] Uh anyways, uh the sign is a positive contribution for the village as it is

[45:19] used to share the community information and announcements

[45:23] and uh pending council's consideration and approval, staff work with the Crab

[45:28] Committee members to support the permitting and installation of the

[45:33] signage. Back to the chair, please. >> Thank you very much for that report,

[45:36] sir. And the motion is that the installation of the new LED sign to

[45:41] replace the existing Crab sign be approved and that the village assume

[45:46] monthly hydro costs for the sign. We need a mover and a seconder, please.

[45:51] » Second. >> Okay. Councillor Park, Councillor

[45:54] Woodhouse. >> No.

[45:56] » Okay, it's on the floor now. >> Um if I may, yeah.

[45:59] » Yeah, go ahead, please. >> So fancy. Oh, yay. You gave what you're

[46:03] doing from your from your phone. I have to say I do like the letters, but I I

[46:07] can understand why they want to make this easier on themselves. Um yeah, I'm

[46:12] more than happy to vote this recommendation more than how happy to

[46:16] vote in favor of. Um and I I do appreciate staff um um

[46:22] citing on their report about um you know, signs that distract drivers and

[46:27] impact dark sky objectives. I think it would be my

[46:33] um uh objectives and also the distraction

[46:37] when you're coming in. So uh and as long as not shining on any of those buddies'

[46:41] window cuz I know people would get pretty upset about that. Then um then

[46:44] yeah, I'm excited for Crab and I'll miss the old sign. You could just

[46:49] leave it there. I just like Yeah.

[46:55] » [laughter] >> Um so yeah, it's uh yeah, it's not good

[46:59] for you guys. >> Go ahead. Thank you. Thank you.

[47:01] » I just want to say that >> I I like this just because I think it's

[47:04] a lower liability risk. >> Yeah, stepping on ladders in

[47:08] » [clears throat] >> in inclement weather trying to change

[47:10] out letters on a sign. And so and and I think this is good. I think a lot of

[47:13] people do reference that sign on the way in for a variety of reasons.

[47:18] So I like it. I think it's good. >> Yeah, go ahead.

[47:22] » Yeah, I I I I like the idea for all those

[47:25] reasons. I'm just thinking now that you know, it's a the idea of of course neon

[47:30] is gone. Nobody uses neon [clears throat] anymore. So

[47:33] I'm happy to see that. There there was a neon sign at my garden gate when I first

[47:38] moved here, right? So I can attest to that. I spoke about going to LED, but I

[47:43] like the character of the village, you know, we talk about the rural character

[47:47] and everything. I just feel a little bit concerned that our the character of this

[47:50] village that you know, with with this modernization into LED technology,

[47:56] cheaper as it is, more efficient than anything, but more costly when anything

[48:00] goes wrong. But the the current generator that we have is covered here.

[48:03] It's a It would be nice to see

[48:06] picture of what it might look like. You know, like just to to get an idea

[48:11] because there'd be nothing worse than to turn around and put it in there and

[48:15] somebody say, "Well, this doesn't fit right." Like I'm home

[48:20] running. >> Somebody will say that.

[48:22] » Yeah. >> And it will be me, okay?

[48:25] » That is definitely you. >> Yes.

[48:26] » [laughter] >> Now that you've heard my comment, so but

[48:30] I do support the motion. >> And I I would support this motion for a

[48:34] couple of reasons and I think some of you have touched upon it. It's very

[48:38] important to have >> [clears throat]

[48:40] » structures that are safe for people that are doing it and in many cases

[48:45] volunteering. So I think as a municipality and working with Stewart

[48:50] and stuff, it's important to make sure we keep people safe and over the years

[48:55] I've seen some wonderful ones, but I've also seen like in the

[48:59] winter people struggling to get things up and I've always worried about it and

[49:04] I think actually it's the outcome that will really help all all of us.

[49:09] Okay. So we're good with that. I'll look to um

[49:15] I'll look to call the question. All those in favor say I and then we'll

[49:19] vote. It carries. And number 11, bylaws, number 12,

[49:25] release of items from closed council meetings

[49:28] and mayor and council reports. Um

[49:32] Oh, I'll go to poll for >> Chief Ghazi.

[49:36] » Yeah. Ghazi.

[49:39] You want to make sure he treats people.

[49:42] » The meeting >> 11:00 London.

[50:02] » So, um in terms of the mayor and council reports, I have one item to uh

[50:08] uh talk about on Friday, July 24th, I went to the Metro Vancouver

[50:13] board meeting and very interesting now because you do the

[50:19] from home next one. Say that uh

[50:29] » You're doing from Zoom? >> Yeah. Yeah, Zoom. Yeah.

[50:32] » The board meetings? >> Yes, yeah.

[50:34] » Is that going forward a thing or >> it's going forward right now.

[50:37] » Oh. >> Yeah.

[50:41] Okay, does anybody else have Okay, I'll do Janet and then Lisa.

[50:46] » Yeah, just wanted a quick update. So, July 14th, I attended the UBCM small

[50:50] community meeting. Um and basically the gist of it the the

[50:55] overall discussion was really around preparation for UBCM

[50:59] » [clears throat] >> and, you know, what are the resolutions

[51:01] that were top priority and, you know, is there an opportunity for the small

[51:05] community members to connect there in in a a less formal way because, you know,

[51:11] there's always I mean, you always meet people at the meeting in the different

[51:15] sessions or whatnot. So, they were they were working on that. But anyway, it was

[51:19] interesting and it's always, you know, we do have a lot of commonality with

[51:22] these small communities in terms of their issues, so it's always interesting

[51:26] to listen in on that one. That's it for me.

[51:28] » Good. Thank you for doing that. And >> And the other thing I wanted to uh just

[51:33] comment on was just a reminder to the residents to if they if you've

[51:38] not already done so, to complete the Admiralty Heights subarea survey

[51:43] um on or before the July 31st, which is

[51:47] Friday deadline. Um, I know that there was a notice

[51:51] in addition to putting it on the the Crab sign.

[51:55] Um, it was also posted on Facebook together um, the Facebook Bel Car

[52:01] Together site as well as Crab sent a an email out to all the residents that like

[52:06] it's email. So, just a reminder if you haven't already done it, please do so

[52:11] and if you can't get the link, contact the office or

[52:16] um, just reply to the Crab email and they'll send you another link.

[52:20] That might be a little bit more helpful. >> Thank you very much.

[52:22] » That's right. Very important for the

[52:26] » And anybody else have any items to share? So, I have got

[52:29] Councilor Worthy, do you have anything to share at all?

[52:32] » Uh, no, just a reminder. >> Well, I'm I'm I'm actually jumping ahead

[52:37] of um, because you know, my next meeting with the Tri-Cities Food Council is

[52:41] coming up on Thursday and I have seen the agenda, so I I know it's it's almost

[52:46] unusual to report an event before it even happens, but

[52:50] these are important events and nonetheless and we won't be back

[52:53] together till September, so I would just like my fellow councilors

[52:58] to be assured that they will be represented. I will be attending the

[53:01] meeting on Thursday and [clears throat] to hold the banner. There are some

[53:06] changes There are some There are some changes

[53:09] coming in group formations and a lot of things happening, but hopefully

[53:15] um, hopefully we get this organization a little bit more out

[53:19] there. The The work is good. It really is well intended

[53:24] » [clears throat] >> well intended and when it gets going,

[53:26] it's hugely important. Food security, we're reading about it more and more all

[53:31] the time and I think this council going into its next council meeting will have

[53:35] to start to become more active and more involved in food security. Although we

[53:40] don't have businesses and industries here, we need to be out there

[53:45] holding our banners up and helping out on that issue and reminding the

[53:49] residents here of the importance of food security going forward. And I'll be

[53:53] doing that on Thursday. Thank you. >> We do have our veggie garden.

[53:57] » Oh, I didn't know that. >> [laughter]

[53:58] » I knew it was a worm garden, not a veggie garden.

[54:01] » There's a new gardens. >> Yeah. Um I I I just have

[54:04] » Thank you, Councillor O'Leary. >> Yeah. I just have a reminder. So, um so,

[54:07] our next council meeting won't be until the end of towards the end of September.

[54:11] But before that, there will be a uh Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department

[54:15] Board of Trustees regular meeting. So, uh watch for that. That will be on For

[54:20] now, it's scheduled for September 10th. Um that's a Thursday.

[54:25] Um and hopefully then we'll have a design in hands. I also wanted to uh let

[54:29] the community know I do have some concerns about because uh

[54:32] the land that the halls are being built in

[54:35] on the Belcarra side, it's not owned by the village. So, I I I will bring that

[54:40] on next Trustees meeting, but I have some concerns about uh what's going on

[54:44] in the province and federal level as far as um

[54:48] um municipal and and federal lands go are

[54:52] going uh with the disputes on the court. So, I'll be bringing that up

[54:57] um on the next Trustees meeting um to Metro Vancouver staff just to get

[55:02] some clarity on that before we put a lot of money into a piece of land that we do

[55:07] not own. So, I just wanted to put that out there.

[55:12] » Okay. >> That's all.

[55:13] » Thank you. Any Anyone else want to comment? Okay.

[55:16] If not, turn the page, and tell me, please.

[55:21] » All right. For operational updates coming from our fine public works team,

[55:26] they've been continuing with lawn mowing and trail maintenance throughout the

[55:29] village. Uh also maintenance at Midden Station.

[55:33] At Tatlow, they're supporting the chlorine system installation work, which

[55:37] you heard earlier. At the Dutchman reservoir maintenance

[55:41] and vegetation removal. More vegetation removal at the fire

[55:45] hall. Also water valve exercising and water

[55:48] sampling and some flushing of the dead ends in the water system.

[55:52] Uh a few catch basin clean outs and up at the yard doing truck and small

[55:58] equipment maintenance and also repairing uh repair of the garage door

[56:03] was completed as well. Administrative updates, uh we have a

[56:08] election web page now up and running for 2026 if you haven't seen it already.

[56:13] That's on the village website. Uh we all information about the upcoming

[56:17] [clears throat] election will be posted there.

[56:19] Any questions from uh residents or counselors alike can be sent to

[56:23] elections@belcarra.ca.

[56:27] Uh we also have a candidate information session. So, we will be hosting virtual

[56:32] candidate information session on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m. And

[56:36] that's with the village's chief election officer, Lisa Zorn.

[56:40] This is a great opportunity to find out about becoming a candidate, learn about

[56:44] the role of being a council member, and to ask questions.

[56:48] We do have information about that posted on the Village of Belcarra website

[56:52] election web page as well. And lastly, just a reminder that stage

[56:57] two water restrictions uh went into effect on July 16th. Uh and those are

[57:03] remaining in effect until further notice.

[57:07] I'm finished. Okay. >> Any Any questions for Melina?

[57:12] » Just have a question and it's a bit I don't know if staff can help me out on

[57:15] this but I do get some questions sometimes from residents about um

[57:20] » [clears throat] >> why are the lids on the ward that the

[57:23] the lid for the green waste bin, why are some of them locked and some are not?

[57:29] Like I I residents asking me, "Can we just unlock them all so when one

[57:34] side is full the person can go and throw it on the other side and I'm talking

[57:38] about the bigger lid. Uh because they're all bear proof, right? So um so I just

[57:43] wanted to understand why some of them are locked sometimes.

[57:47] » Who is the chair of this? >> I can confirm our manager of municipal

[57:49] services. >> Thank you and thank you Kelly.

[57:52] » And as a reminder uh the one side there's the two sides of

[57:56] the one side of the bin has the 4-ft hatches and it has the two 2-ft x 2-ft

[58:02] hatches that are have the bear proof lids in them which are accessible all

[58:06] the time. >> Okay.

[58:07] » On the uh the opposite side that only has the 4-ft x 4-ft lids and yes they

[58:14] are they have a mechanism that's supposed to be bear proof. However um it

[58:19] has caused problems and the bears have been able to get in and people have been

[58:24] you know uh not closing them all the time. So we had to control it a little

[58:29] bit more um just because the problems that is

[58:33] attracting the bears. So we try to monitor it.

[58:36] » Yes. >> When the one uh hatch becomes full then

[58:40] we'll move up to the other and the other. So

[58:43] um that's what we're trying to do. In the meantime we are actually

[58:48] uh going to be installing uh smaller 2-ft x 2-ft hatches in those

[58:55] lids on the other side as well. So those will always be open on that side when

[58:59] those lids are installed. >> Okay. I think the concern would be not

[59:02] so much for green waste from the kitchen it would be green waste from the yard.

[59:06] That's why people were wondering why the bigger lids aren't open so you can

[59:11] uh so yeah so in other words it's to keep the bear safer because the system

[59:15] right now they were getting in. >> That's true.

[59:18] » So you just have the one lid. Okay.

[59:21] » So thanks for your question. So when you

[59:25] approach it there's a right side and a left side, right? And on the right side

[59:30] are the larger ones. >> Yes, that's correct.

[59:33] » And what what's being done uh the bear-proofing around that?

[59:37] » Um so uh right now as as as the council has said that you're locking three and

[59:43] keeping one open. When that uh when that gets full or close to full, then we'll

[59:48] lock that and we'll near the >> In the meantime,

[59:51] similar to the opposite side, and we will be installing smaller bear-proof

[59:55] hatches >> uh on the right-hand side as well.

[59:58] » Yeah. Okay. [snorts] So, yeah, not an immediate task with the

[1:00:02] bears around. I was only advised some of the people in

[1:00:06] the community that are concerned about what's happening, right?

[1:00:09] » Yeah, I would I would say that, you know, if we're installing the the

[1:00:13] smaller lids, I just worry people will start leaving like, you know how it

[1:00:17] happens with the garbage bin. The garbage bin's full, people leave it

[1:00:21] outside uh of the garbage bin. So, I don't want to see the same thing happen.

[1:00:24] And I I would prefer to see at some point a mechanism that allows you to

[1:00:29] keep the bigger doors all the bigger doors open without locking. Uh but also

[1:00:35] uh a mechanism that works that the bears won't get in.

[1:00:39] So, I guess that would be a long-term vision on that. I think it's it's not

[1:00:43] limiting residents to just one big bin open so we can put the green waste, but

[1:00:48] also make it more bear-proof if they're getting into the big lids.

[1:00:53] That's what I would say. >> And if I may to the chair, just one last

[1:00:57] comment on that. Just just a reminder that we do have our

[1:01:02] April um tree chipping event. >> Yeah.

[1:01:05] » Um we

[1:01:07] There's opportunity for us to to move twice a year if council wish. I mean,

[1:01:12] that's it's you know, there's certain costs

[1:01:15] attached to that. However, our primary objective is to make sure that we always

[1:01:20] have room for the household, kitchen, uh waste. Yeah.

[1:01:24] » Yeah, and I I totally understand that and I appreciate that. I guess that the

[1:01:28] idea is the main our main concern is the is the kitchen waste. Um

[1:01:32] but you know, but I do like when people use as well. Although you can always go

[1:01:35] to to the dump equal and which I do have to go often [laughter]

[1:01:39] to get rid of things. Um but um but you know, at the end of the day it's

[1:01:44] the easiest that we can make for people to clear

[1:01:47] things and to make their properties more fire safe because when it comes to

[1:01:51] fires, more clearing bushes and trimming things and making sure they're thrown

[1:01:56] um in the proper disposal versus just in the forest. So, I would argue that if we

[1:02:00] need to uh look at a longer term um

[1:02:05] um uh solution for that would be make those

[1:02:09] those bears a bit more um make those lids a bit more bear-proof so they can

[1:02:13] stay open so people can throw more. And if that means that we're going to be

[1:02:16] dumping it a little bit sooner a few days sooner than we do in order to keep

[1:02:21] those brushes off the the forest and people's property. I I I do think that's

[1:02:25] worth it. And adding another day because before when we came to council in 2018,

[1:02:30] there was 2 days a year. We should go back to that if not more. And if we do

[1:02:34] have a a a machine now that trims, that's another reason um to do that.

[1:02:41] I was sorry, Stuart. We're we're But um but yeah, I think everything we can do

[1:02:45] um to maintain this more fire safe our

[1:02:49] properties and all I think is really worth it even if that means putting a

[1:02:53] little bit more money in it. I really think it's worth it. Thank you.

[1:02:58] » Okay. Thanks so much. All right. So, some of that stuff may happen just more

[1:03:03] long term, correct? Okay. In in terms of the vision about uh

[1:03:09] not that we're there now, but twice a year and the 2018 reference and some

[1:03:15] pieces around Like I I think some when I go up there, it looks like things are

[1:03:20] getting better. They're not Sometimes I'm

[1:03:24] not sure why something's happened, but I just figure

[1:03:28] I get it in and if it's not good, go home.

[1:03:32] So, but so anyway, thank you for your questions and thank you for your work on

[1:03:36] this too. Easy work. And um Everybody good with that? And we are at

[1:03:44] public question period.

[1:03:49] » Yay! >> Hey, can you read that?

[1:03:51] » Good. >> Read out my protocol.

[1:03:54] » Oh, yes. >> Yep.

[1:03:56] » Thank you. >> [laughter]

[1:03:58] » You're welcome.

[1:04:01] » The protocol for the [clears throat] public question period is outlined in

[1:04:03] the 20 minutes allocated for this session and it will end at 11:00 p.m.

[1:04:08] unless extended by council. Question period provides an opportunity

[1:04:12] for residents to ask questions in a formal quick setting that are not a

[1:04:15] council back and forth conversation between residents, council, and or

[1:04:19] staff. Submissions must be in the form of the question and each question should

[1:04:23] must be directed to the chair. The chair can ask staff to respond and

[1:04:27] staff responses will be provided to the chair. There is a time limit of 2

[1:04:31] minutes per turn. Each requestor may ask one question addressed to the chair. A

[1:04:36] second turn to submit a follow-up or new question is permitted if no one else is

[1:04:40] waiting to participate. Council may defer responding to a question to obtain

[1:04:45] any information required to provide a complete and accurate response.

[1:04:53] » That. >> I'm 14.

[1:04:56] » Ian Melbourne, 3552 Main Avenue. My question is on behalf of my little

[1:05:03] nursing bat colony and also the owls that are present in

[1:05:10] the forest behind my property. They we heard two times where the dark

[1:05:18] sky policy is being referenced, you know.

[1:05:23] And currently that's policy that's impacting

[1:05:28] quite significantly on

[1:05:32] the owls and the bat colony. And

[1:05:37] I'm just [clears throat] wondering what's the procedure?

[1:05:42] Cuz I don't know everybody's aware that there is a dark sky policy that uh

[1:05:50] the village is pursuing. And so how is this being implemented? I

[1:05:57] mean you you're not your staff are not around at

[1:06:02] night to see what's being done within the village cuz

[1:06:08] I assume they're not. So you're probably relying on

[1:06:14] somebody telling on their neighbor or something. I don't know what

[1:06:18] what's how is this being implemented?

[1:06:23] » What I uh I have a call.

[1:06:25] » Ed must want to speak first. I don't know. Wait, Google I'll speak second.

[1:06:29] » All right. To the chair.

[1:06:32] Um a couple of the ways the policy's being implemented is how you see tonight

[1:06:36] which is that we take it into account in our decision making and in our planning

[1:06:40] of our capital projects moving forward. Uh with respect to individual

[1:06:46] complaints I would suggest we connect after the council meeting.

[1:06:50] And if there's concerns with that that you bring those to staff's attention and

[1:06:54] we'll have this opportunity to follow up on that.

[1:06:57] » Okay. >> Okay. Yeah. And I I I have the same

[1:07:01] piece that you know, if it's happening at night staff aren't seeing it but they

[1:07:06] could be you know, communicating and saying here's a peaceful tone there and

[1:07:11] I'm sure that we could make some form of that.

[1:07:15] » Can I ask a question on that? >> Yeah, go ahead.

[1:07:17] » What is it that's happening? Like I'm not sure what it is. You know,

[1:07:22] I appreciate dark sky and but but what actually is happening that we're seeing

[1:07:26] that we're concerned about? >> Floodlights.

[1:07:29] » Floodlights? From from a property?

[1:07:31] » Mhm. >> Oh, okay. I guess the LEDs are getting

[1:07:35] brighter and brighter. Yes. >> The light pollution is getting worse and

[1:07:39] worse. >> So floodlights that are on constantly,

[1:07:41] is that what you're seeing in there? >> Yes.

[1:07:42] » Okay. Okay. Thank you.

[1:07:44] » Timers are a wonderful thing. Just remind

[1:07:47] » I mean >> I [laughter] have everything on timers

[1:07:49] on my property. >> that when you walk through they come on

[1:07:51] because it's dark. >> Yeah, yeah.

[1:07:53] » Yeah, yeah. The motion lights, yeah. >> But yeah, that's okay. Good, thank you.

[1:07:59] » Um yeah, just want to make a follow-up comment similar to our other bylaws and

[1:08:02] policies in the village. Uh we use do take a compliance-based approach. So our

[1:08:06] first approach in that case is to reach out to homeowners and see if we can't

[1:08:10] get compliance and just make them aware of of what we have in place.

[1:08:16] » I think it's doable. It's a new neighbor that doesn't isn't aware, I think. But

[1:08:22] that's what I was trying to figure out. >> There you go.

[1:08:24] » Awesome. Thanks for bringing it forward. >> You know, like welcome to the

[1:08:27] neighborhood. By the way, I want to turn off your lights.

[1:08:32] Good welcome. >> [laughter]

[1:08:34] » Okay. So Do you have a second question?

[1:08:38] » No, thank you very much. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Okay, so we

[1:08:43] are at that time. Uh the motion is that the July 27th, 2026 regular council

[1:08:50] meeting be adjourned and counselor Flounder. Thank you and counselor

[1:08:55] » Murphy Dean. >> Thank you.

[1:08:59] And I would like to call the question. All those in favor? Aye. Motion carries.

[1:09:04] And the meeting adjourned at 8:10.

[1:09:08] Thank you, everyone. >> Second.

[1:09:18] » So, you backed it, Skip? >> Yeah.

[1:09:20] » What was the motion?

Regular Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

Transcript