[2:07] Madam clerk. Thank you very much, actor Mayor Kruger. Good
[2:15] evening and welcome to the regular council meeting for Monday.
[2:17] January 19, 2026. Acting Mayor Kruger, before we call this
[2:21] meeting to order, I would just like to mention that
[2:23] this evening's regular meeting is a continuation of the meetings
[2:26] of council that commenced at 06:00 this evening, and acting
[2:30] mayor Kruger will now start the meeting with the indig.
[2:32] Indigenous land. Acknowledgement. Well, thank you. And before we begin,
[2:35] I'd like to acknowledge that. This meeting is taking place
[2:37] on the share traditional and ancestral territories of the Swas
[2:41] and Hamasquiam. And other cosilish peoples. We extend our appreciation
[2:44] of these first nations for the opportunity to hold this
[2:46] meeting here today. You, worship. The first item of business
[2:51] is agenda endorsement. Council. Any discussion. All those in favor?
[3:02] Opposed and carried. The next item of business is adoption
[3:06] of minutes. Item 4.1 are the minutes of the December
[3:09] eigth 2025 special counsel to close meeting any overseeing adoption
[3:15] moved seconded discussion all those in favor? Opposed? Carried. And
[3:20] item 4.2 are the minutes of the December eigth. 2025
[3:23] regular council. Meeting any errors or emissions. All those in
[3:28] favor? Opposed. Carried. And you, worship, the next section of
[3:35] the agenda is announcements. I believe you have some announcements
[3:38] this evening. Well, thank you. Welcome to our first regular
[3:42] council meeting of 2026. Mayor Harvey is away. Today I'll
[3:46] be sitting as acting chair. I hope you all had
[3:48] a restful and. Enjoyable holiday break. First of all, I
[3:53] want to thank everyone who joined us at the Centennial
[3:55] Beach New Year's. Day 47th annual polar bear swim on
[3:59] January 1 from the brave swimmers who took the plunge
[4:02] to the festive costumes and great energy. It was a
[4:05] fun filled day made possible by our amazing community and
[4:08] dedicated volunteers. Thank you to councilor's binder and web air
[4:13] for. Joining me. Still very disappointed you did not take
[4:15] the plunge, but was a fun day indeed. I was
[4:20] honored to recently take part in the unveiling of a
[4:22] memorial plaque organized by the latner Legion in honor of
[4:25] the late Murray Alan Ridgeway, known to many as Al
[4:29] al served as the legion's executive for many, many years,
[4:33] including seven years as president and was deeply committed to
[4:36] the legion and everything it represents. I had the great.
[4:40] Pleasure of working with AL on a number of occasions
[4:42] in his role with the latino business association. As well
[4:45] as all the projects that he worked on on behalf
[4:47] of the legion, on behalf of Delta Council. Thank you
[4:50] to the Latner Legion for organizing this memorial and for
[4:53] recognizing owl's. Lasting legacy in our community. I also had
[4:57] the opportunity to take part in an announcement at Mangrove
[5:00] Lithium in Delta's Tilbury industrial park, where Delta MP and
[5:04] Minister Joe McKnight shared news of a federal government investment
[5:08] of up to $89 million from the Canada Growth Fund.
[5:12] This funding will support mangrove lithium's expansion create good local
[5:16] jobs and. Encourage economic diversification and strengthen Delta's role in
[5:20] this growing sector, both regionally and nationally. Congratulations to the
[5:25] mangrove lithium team on this exciting milestone and their continued
[5:29] growth here in Delta. Last Friday, the Government of Canada
[5:33] held an announcement event at Delta Cyst, where Minister Joe
[5:36] McKnight. Also shared the news of a federal investment of
[5:39] up to $120,000,000 over the next two years to support
[5:43] the continued operation of the nine eight eight suicide crisis
[5:47] helpline. This funding supports the vital frontline work of local
[5:51] organizations such as Delta Cyst and alongside you and strengthens
[5:56] crisis support in our community. The city is grateful to
[5:59] the minister and to the federal government for this investment.
[6:03] In terms of upcoming council business, our next regular meeting
[6:06] will take place on Monday, February 9 in the council
[6:09] chamber at Delta City hall. I'd like to now ask
[6:12] counsel if there are any additional announcements, and I'll turn
[6:14] first to councilor Bouvair in his capacity as Delta's representative
[6:18] on the Delta Police board for an update. Thanks. Mayor
[6:22] Krueger. Yes. One of my roles on council is that
[6:25] I do represent council. On the Delta Police board and
[6:28] I wanted to bring some information. To the public. That
[6:35] was provided to me by Chief Sadhu and it is
[6:39] regarding. The extortion attempts that we've seen a lot in
[6:43] our community, and we certainly are getting. A lot of
[6:48] concern citizens, so I just wanted to go through some
[6:52] information on that. So just as some background across BC
[6:56] police agencies have experienced a sharp rise in organized extortion
[6:59] attempts targeting south asian families and small business owners. Offenders
[7:03] are using intimidation, threatening messages and in some. Cases, some
[7:08] cases arson. And the discharge of firearms. Victims are often
[7:13] not involved in criminality. They are selected for perceived vulnerability.
[7:18] Delta has been in somewhat fortunate to see fewer incidents
[7:21] in other jurisdictions, but this remains a regional and transnational
[7:27] organized crime issue that requires coordinated action. In delta currently.
[7:35] Adulta police has. Twelve extortion related files that are open.
[7:40] Seven of these originated in Delta, were five were from
[7:44] other jurisdictions. Of these twelve, three involve confirmed shooting incidents.
[7:51] Fortunately, no one was injured. In these. The province has
[7:56] established a provincial extortion task force to coordinate investigations and
[7:59] intelligence, and this task force includes over 40 officers and
[8:02] partners from multiple agencies. Delta Police is an active participant
[8:09] in this task force. Delta police has an assigned investigator
[8:13] to the task force. Also provides surveillance, digital forensic support
[8:17] and intelligence. Sharing. Both the chief and deputy chief Lisa
[8:22] participate in weekly meetings. To align with this group. So
[8:29] in terms of delta's police's response, It's a four pronged
[8:35] approach, intelligence led and enforcement supports, meaning that analysts continually
[8:39] monitor regional data for links and the coordinate closely with
[8:43] other local law enforcement partners to ensure the seamless information
[8:47] flows between them. Where concern has been identified locally. Officers
[8:51] have completed safety plans, risk assessments and follows up and
[8:55] follow ups with individuals and businesses. This work will continue
[8:58] as long as as needed. Delta police engages directly with
[9:02] the south asian community to provide reassurance, education, and to
[9:06] encourage immediate reporting of suspicious activity. This remains a complex
[9:12] and evolving issue. But a collaboration across agencies is significantly
[9:16] enhancing. Don't the police's ability to prevent investigate and disrupt
[9:20] these crimes. So I just want everyone to know that
[9:23] certainly at the police board, it's a discussion that happens
[9:25] nearly every meeting where we get constant updates and certainly.
[9:31] Our role on the Delta police board is. To provide
[9:34] our police department with whatever tools we can to help
[9:37] them stop and disrupt these crimes. I'll leave it there.
[9:42] Thank you, Councilor Bluire. And I know that all of
[9:45] Delta council is going to continue. To ensure that the
[9:49] Delta Police board and the Delta police have all the
[9:51] resources they need at least from the city of Delta's
[9:54] perspective, to continue to fight these heinous acts. There is
[9:57] no place in a country like Canada for this level
[10:01] of extortion. Intimidation or threats, and we expect that it'd
[10:05] be dealt with in the most severe of manners possible.
[10:08] So thank you for your update and we look forward
[10:10] to further updates. Fully agree. Thank you. Thank you. Any
[10:14] further announcements from members of council? Seeing none, Madam Clerk.
[10:20] Thank you, worship. Next section of the agenda is arising
[10:24] from closed council meeting item. .6. You have at the
[10:29] December eigth 2025 close council meeting. Council endorsed a resolution
[10:33] regarding the 2026 2028 Barnside Harvest Festival, which was provided
[10:38] for council on this agenda and the next section of
[10:42] the agenda is bylaws for final adoption. Item 7.1. You
[10:48] have a report from the development Department regarding final consideration
[10:51] and adoption of bylaw number 8547 2025. Servicing officer appointments.
[10:58] Council move receipt of the memorandum. Any discussion. All those
[11:03] in favor, opposed and carried. The bylaw that delta development
[11:09] and subdivision standards bylaw number. 8288
[11:18] 2024. Amendment bylaw number 8547-2025 be finally considered and adopted.
[11:26] All those in favor, opposed and carried. Please thank your
[11:30] worship. Item 7.2 is a report from the development department
[11:33] regarding final consideration. And adoption of consolidated fees and charges
[11:37] bylaw. Update, counsel. We received the memorandum. Second, all those
[11:42] in favor, opposed and carried reading of the bylaws that
[11:45] delta consolidated fees and charges bylaw number eight. Three 8620
[11:49] 24 amendment by low number 8548 2025 be finally considered
[11:54] and adopted. All those in? Seconded? All those in favor?
[11:57] Any opposed? Carried. Madam clerk. Thank you very much. Item.
[12:02] 7.3. You have a report from the parks, recreation and
[12:04] culture Department regarding final consideration and adoption of parks. Regulation
[12:10] bylaw number 85444 2025. Municipal ticketing information by law number
[12:15] 8545-2025. Bylaw notice enforcement bylaw number 8546 2025. Council.
[12:25] Mover sheet of the memorandum. All those in favor? Any
[12:31] opposed? Carried. And reading of the bylaws, please. Madam clerk.
[12:34] Do I do all three separately, or I can do
[12:36] all a, B and C and. One. That parks recreation
[12:42] bylaw number 8544 2025 be finally considered and adopted that
[12:46] municipal ticketing information by law number 66639 2007. Amendment by
[12:51] law 8545 2025. Be finally considered and adopted and that
[12:56] Delta bylaw notice enforcement by law number 70 zero. Nine
[13:01] 2011 amendment by law number 8546 2025 be finally considered
[13:05] and adopted. Second consecutive. All those in favor? Opposed? Carried.
[13:12] You, worship. The next section of the agenda's bylaws for
[13:14] 1st, second and third. Reading item 8.1 is a report
[13:17] from the Corporate Services department regarding Tawasam business. Improvement area.
[13:23] The adoption of the recommendation. Second, any discussion. Seeing none.
[13:28] Call the question. All those in favor? Opposed? Carried. Thank
[13:34] you, acting mayor Kruger. Item 8.2 is a report from
[13:37] the Development department regarding rezoning. Ten residential lots at 6291
[13:42] to 63339 and 6351 River Road. Move adoption recommendations. Any
[13:51] discussion. None. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. And
[13:56] item 8.3. You have a report from the development department
[14:00] regarding zoning bylaw. Text amendment and covenant modification for a
[14:03] hotel edition at 6005 Highway 17, a council. Any discussion.
[14:16] Councilor Binder, then councilor Johal. Yeah. Thank you, acting Mercruger.
[14:22] I recall my time when I was on the Parks
[14:25] commission going way back to. 2014. One of the things
[14:29] that we talked about was it would be nice if
[14:32] Delta could start to host perhaps some smaller tournaments and
[14:35] different events. And one of the barriers that we sought
[14:37] to doing that was. There was actually no hotel space.
[14:40] We had some, but it was very limited. And to
[14:43] have larger tournaments. It meant going to surrey, it meant
[14:45] going to Richmond, and that of course, created some barriers.
[14:49] So I'm very happy to see that not only do
[14:51] we have I believe some very. Good. Participation. Lots of
[14:57] reservations at the current hotel, but the expansion, and I
[14:59] think it's, well. Needed, and I think it's great. That
[15:02] the need is there, and I'm certain that. It's going
[15:06] to be a very full hotel, so I'm glad to
[15:07] see this. Coming forward. Thank you, Councilor Joe hall. Thank
[15:11] you. I just wanted to take a moment to express
[15:13] my support for this proposed addition to the delta. Marriott
[15:17] Hotel. This expansion. Is a positive step for our community
[15:21] in response to a very real need. This hotel serves
[15:25] a wide range of users from tourists, professional visitors for
[15:31] our industrial lands, for meetings and businesses and sports. Teams
[15:35] coming to delta for tournaments, et cetera. And while all
[15:39] hotels experience slower periods of time, there's no doubt about
[15:41] that, but more often than not when you're trying to
[15:44] book at that hotel. Whether it's for clients or suppliers
[15:49] or what have you. The hotels either at capacity or.
[15:52] Very close to it. So. This additional wing is definitely
[15:56] going to help meet some of that existing demand. And
[15:59] future demand and support local economic activity and strengthen Delta's
[16:04] ability to host events, tournaments and business visitors. So it's
[16:08] great news for the hotel operator, our local economy and
[16:12] the broader Delta community. So thank you. Thank you. Any
[16:16] further comments, councilor Geisha? Thank you. Act. Acting chair, Kruger.
[16:20] Not much to add. Just want to say it's a
[16:22] positive location for additional units. Glad to hear it's going
[16:26] well. In positive business and needing to expand. It's in
[16:30] a great location just outside of town, major highways. So
[16:33] I'm very supportive of that. Thanks. Thank you. Any further
[16:37] comments? I just like to agree with the comments that
[16:40] we've heard so far. It's great news. I know that
[16:42] the existing hotel has been pretty much fully occupied ever
[16:46] since it opened. Which is a great sign. For the
[16:49] community. We know that our region as a whole is
[16:51] experiencing a major deficit when it comes to hotel space,
[16:55] we have less hotel space. In Metro Vancouver in 2026
[16:59] for the upcoming FIFA World cup games than we had
[17:01] back in 2010, when we hosted the Vancouver Olympics. So
[17:05] if we want to be able to do big things,
[17:06] as a region and host large events. We need accommodation
[17:09] space within delta. As was mentioned, additional hotel space opens
[17:13] up opportunities to do things like sports, tournaments and more.
[17:18] Senior level sports tournaments. It allows us to continue to
[17:20] host marquee entertainment events like the growing and very popular
[17:24] Barnside Harvest festival. And people might be surprised we get
[17:27] the stats back. From the harvest festival. We had a
[17:29] lot of locals, but we get folks from cross, BC
[17:32] Cross. Canada, even some from the states and international who
[17:35] come and they're looking for hotel space. I want them
[17:38] saying in Delta and buying their breakfast in Delta and
[17:41] buying their lunches in Delta, not in other cities across
[17:45] the region. And then, of course, we've also, because of
[17:47] provincial changes lost Airbnb space. So just anecdotally, I've heard
[17:52] about when we bring in highly skilled workers to work
[17:55] on. We had a couple of years ago BC ferries.
[17:58] Had updates to one of their births. Or we've had
[18:00] other local construction projects where you got to bring highly
[18:03] skilled people in for a couple of weeks or months
[18:05] at a time. They need places to go with Airbnb.
[18:09] As closure, the hotel space fills the gap. All that
[18:11] to say, great news for our local economy. And our
[18:14] city and look forward to the continued success of that
[18:17] location. There's nothing further. Call the question. All those in
[18:19] favor? Opposed and carried. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you
[18:24] very much. For worship. The next section of the agenda
[18:26] is the consent agenda and council has three reports. On
[18:30] the consent agenda. 9.1 is a new liquor primary license
[18:33] at 269-579-5712 street and 9.2 is a new rezoning and
[18:40] heritage alteration permit. Application for townhouses at 45 one Arthur
[18:45] and 9.3 is a new rezoning. Application for six story
[18:48] mixed use rental building at. 15 556 street. Thank you.
[18:52] Anyone like to pull any of the consent items? If
[18:55] not, get a motion to receive move. Receipt of the
[18:57] agenda. Any discussions? Seeing none. All those in favor? Opposed
[19:02] and carried. Madam clerk. Thank you very much. The next
[19:08] section of the agenda is administrative reports, item 10.1. You
[19:13] have a report from the development department regarding development variance.
[19:16] Permit at three five 600:40 street. Council. We have adoption
[19:21] of the recommendation. Second, any discussion? Seeing none. All those
[19:25] in favor? Opposed. And. Carried. And item 10.2, you have
[19:30] a report from the engineering department regarding Gillespie Road traffic
[19:33] calming. Enhancements. Council move adoption of the recommendations. Any discussion.
[19:41] Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. And
[19:46] item 10.3. You have a report from the Parks, Recreation
[19:48] and Culture Department regarding FIFA. World Cup 26 stalker fan
[19:52] zones speaking of FIFA, Council. Move adoption of the recommendations.
[20:02] Second. Any discussion on the report? At councilor Geeshan and
[20:06] councilor Johal. Thank you, acting Chair Kruger. Thank you, staff.
[20:12] Bringing this report back. I know it was about a
[20:13] month ago. We had something preliminary come by and love
[20:18] to see that. We are now expanding some of this
[20:21] into North Delta, having some viewership there, obviously changing pace.
[20:24] A little bit. Instead of just three watch parties now,
[20:27] it's a little bit more extended. To capture the whole
[20:30] FIFA experience for about a month there. Just a few
[20:35] questions through to staff. Again, thank you for bringing. This
[20:39] in this format, but few questions. On mostly the Chisholm
[20:43] street area. Might be bigger watch parties there. Just any
[20:48] logistics that need to be aware of street closures. Is
[20:51] there anything like that or a parking plant in place
[20:54] in the village during those times of added. Pedestrians or
[21:00] people out and about having fun. Also, any parking plans
[21:04] if it overlaps on latter village market days. Just accommodating
[21:08] all the extra foot traffic in and around the village.
[21:12] I know this is early, and I think I would
[21:15] maybe assume more information to come. Just wanted to let
[21:17] staff know that these are things I'm thinking about and
[21:19] asking. But positive report anyway. Thank you, Mr. Turner. Yes,
[21:27] through your worship. With respect to the Chisholm site. Our
[21:31] intention is not to close streets at this time. As
[21:34] you mentioned. Councilor Geishan, we have changed our plan slightly,
[21:39] given the dates and times of the World cup games.
[21:45] They weren't going to be conducive for a large watch
[21:47] party. School is still in session. The summer break hasn't
[21:50] started. For the districts as of then. So we regrouped,
[21:55] as you saw in the report. And. I think we
[21:59] have a good plan for both North Delta community and
[22:01] South Delta. Councilor Geesha, just to follow up. Thank you
[22:05] so much. As this process goes along, I know there's
[22:10] a few things that we're still waiting to hear from
[22:12] FIFA via licensing and also hoping on a grant to
[22:16] help fund some of this initiative. Will you be keeping
[22:20] council up to date on, I guess, those two aspects,
[22:23] like as it moves. Along. Yes, through your worship, we
[22:26] will keep council apprised as it stands today, where we're
[22:30] not certain what the FIFA licensing looks like. It's a
[22:35] well kept secret. And with respect to our ground applications,
[22:39] we will be sure to keep council posted and to
[22:41] your further questions. Councilor Geishan, with respect to parking, my
[22:44] apologies. Our vision is that. Being a local event. We're
[22:50] hoping residents will bite, walk and kind of work their
[22:53] way. Into the Latin or village to attend events. Outside
[22:58] of that, it will be usual parking within the launder
[23:01] village. Just one more. Thank you so much. This is
[23:06] the last one, I promise. Just as this progresses, and
[23:09] of course, this report is out. There tonight. 34 days
[23:13] of events. Can be maybe quite a lot. For neighbors
[23:18] of the area if there's any. Is there any communications
[23:21] or plan. Of if we get feedback or anything like
[23:25] that in the next four months. Is there any type
[23:26] of communication plan out to residents that were planning this.
[23:30] And how early are we getting it out? There. No
[23:34] formal communication plan yet. We'll work with our communication engagement
[23:38] department to come up with something robust. Our plan. As
[23:42] of now, though, we've removed the 08:00 and 09:00 p.m.
[23:45] game viewings. Just to be respectful to the residents within
[23:48] the village. It's great. Thank you, Mr. Turner. Thank you,
[23:52] Councilor Joe hall. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Turner. Just
[23:56] a couple of questions. You've knocked off two of them
[24:00] already. Know, you did a great job. The first being,
[24:03] is there a contingency plan? For what? Is it a
[24:05] weather dependent? Event, or is there anything for backup, specifically
[24:10] for cell delta? So with respect to whether the screens
[24:16] that we will be renting are weatherproof, so there will
[24:18] be rain or shine events. There are four. Don't hold
[24:23] me. The number. I think there's three or four planned
[24:24] for the plans. Like sun shade shelters that could act
[24:29] as rain. But Raynershine will be showing the games. Thank
[24:34] you. And just one last one there. So as the
[24:35] schedule starts to wind down for the tournament. Are they
[24:38] going to be other opportunities to continue to engage? The
[24:42] community. At three year worship. Our plan on off days
[24:46] is to perhaps host some movie nights, some soccer. Type
[24:50] video game parties for the communities. If feasible, our intention
[24:56] is to activate the space throughout the summer. Sweet. Thank
[25:00] you. I just wanted to say I thought it was
[25:02] a very well written report. Very. Reflective, appreciated that deeper
[25:06] dive and that reflection in terms of what could work,
[25:09] logistic wise and cost and feasibility. Super excited for it.
[25:15] Quite excited to support this initiative. And I do love
[25:18] the fact that you guys will be applying, or you
[25:20] will be applying for the grant application. I think. That'll
[25:25] be a plus, so fingers crossed. Thank you. Thank you.
[25:29] Any further comments or questions? I agree. Very exciting report.
[25:34] And what a great way to introduce the brand new
[25:37] Chisholm street wharf. To the community. By a string of
[25:40] events right off the bat to build excitement and get
[25:42] people down there. So I actually like the morphing into
[25:46] a fan zone. It's really, actually disappointing that the Canada
[25:50] games are at such bad times. We were open as
[25:52] a host nation to have some more primo times, but
[25:55] I think we've done a lot with that, and I
[25:57] appreciate the pivot and the quick thinking as well as
[25:59] the opportunity to. Extend the fan zone and the fun
[26:02] into the North Delta Rec center and utilize the built
[26:05] in stadium seating there. So it should be a fun
[26:09] couple of weeks coming up very quickly here. There's nothing
[26:13] further. Call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed?
[26:16] And carried. Madam clerk. Thank you very much, your worship.
[26:20] The next section is motion on. Notice item 11.1. We
[26:23] have a motion on notice addressing downloading of provincial and
[26:26] federal responsibilities submitted by Councilor Kruger. Thank you. Maybe I'll
[26:31] read it and then move it. And then we can
[26:33] move into discussion, if that works for everyone. Addressing downloading
[26:37] a provincial and federal responsibilities, whereas senior levels of government
[26:41] have not adequately supported provided or funded essential services under
[26:45] their jurisdiction, including accessible healthcare and hospitals, social services, police
[26:51] services. Non market housing and critical infrastructure projects such as
[27:00] Dyke upgrades, secondary channel dredging, and a river road overpass.
[27:04] And whereas municipalities increasingly face the burden of funding provincial
[27:09] or federal areas of responsibility, in order to address service
[27:12] gaps, a practice commonly referred to as downloading, wherein senior.
[27:17] Governments shift their obligations, whether financial or otherwise, onto local
[27:21] governments. And whereas the city of Vancouver reported in 2021
[27:24] and 2022, that downloading from senior governments resulted in an
[27:28] estimated $250,000,000 per year. In additional operating and capital costs.
[27:34] And whereas the financial burden transferred to the city of
[27:36] Delta ultimately impacts municipal taxpayers, creating pressure for increased property
[27:42] taxes and fees. Therefore, be it resolved that staff provide
[27:46] a report on the financial impacts of downloading, including the
[27:49] cumulative costs associated with provincial and federal responsibilities that have
[27:53] shifted to the city of Delta over time. Be it
[27:56] further resolved that the report includes, but is not limited
[27:59] to, costs related to health and social services, housing, homelessness
[28:03] response. Mental health and addiction supports, police services, critical infrastructure
[28:08] upgrades, and any other areas where the city is funding
[28:11] where it's considering funding responsibilities traditionally held by senior levels
[28:16] of government. I would so move. Thank you. Moving into
[28:19] discussion, I'll just say a few lines to kick it
[28:22] off and. Then we'll open it up to council. Bear
[28:27] with me as I've gone paperless here. We go.
[28:41] So why I'm proposing this motion at a critical moment
[28:45] when, frankly, a lot of residents in Delta are already
[28:48] grappling with an affordability crisis. We have wages that are
[28:53] struggling to keep pace with rising inflation. Many community members
[28:57] finding it increasingly difficult to afford the basics, groceries, rent
[29:01] and mortgages. As our budgets tighten, senior government continues to
[29:06] expect cities like ours to do more with less. So
[29:09] let's discuss this concept of downloading. This is when. Provincial
[29:13] and federal governments shift their responsibilities, financial and otherwise, onto
[29:18] local municipalities. We're seeing this trend everywhere. Healthcare, mental health
[29:24] services, housing, police services, and critical infrastructure upgrades. These vital
[29:30] costs are increasingly being placed on our shoulders, and the
[29:34] downloading has real cost implications. The city of Vancouver is
[29:38] reported an estimated $250,000,000 per year. In additional costs due
[29:42] to downloading and coquitlam, which is a city just a
[29:46] little bit. Larger than Delta estimates, over 37 million. Dollars
[29:50] in impacts between 2021 and 2024, which is the equivalent
[29:54] of an 18% cumulative tax. Increase in just. Four years.
[30:00] Here in Delta, we have these same challenges, but without
[30:03] a full report and a full costing, we don't know
[30:05] the full amount that we're being forced to cover. It's
[30:09] really essential to understand what Delta is paying to provide
[30:12] the services that senior levels of government should be handling
[30:15] themselves. We need transparency. Delta taxpayers deserve to know what
[30:21] further downloading will lead to in terms of either higher
[30:23] taxes or cuts to essential services. Both of these outcomes
[30:28] are completely unacceptable. Delta takes pride in having one of
[30:32] the lowest tax rates in the region while maintaining high
[30:35] quality of services. We shouldn't have to sacrifice this standard
[30:39] because senior governments fail to balance their own budgets. Our
[30:43] residents are already making tough decisions regarding their household finances,
[30:48] and as such, I'm calling for a comprehensive. Report on
[30:51] the facts. It's time to uncover the real costs being
[30:55] imposed on our city. And to take a firm stance
[30:57] against the ongoing transfer of these financial burdens. That's my
[31:02] motion. Any further discussion, Councilor Binder? Yes. Thank you, acting
[31:06] Mercru. I'm glad to see this motion coming forward. We've
[31:11] had the opportunity to meet with ministers at UBCM and
[31:14] have conversations with them as far as some of the
[31:17] challenges that we're having in our own community and we've
[31:21] heard the term getting back to the basics, and the
[31:23] basics for our city and for the role of this
[31:26] council, working with our great staff, is to make sure
[31:28] that. We remove the snow, we keep the water flowing,
[31:33] keep the sewer flowing, keep public safety. And that's what
[31:38] we expect, great recreation facilities and great parks. That starts
[31:43] to become in jeopardy if we can start taking on
[31:46] the things that are not part of those basics and
[31:48] it's very concerning. And when we meet with the ministers
[31:51] and we make comments about. Well, maybe we can find
[31:54] some extra funding for that. You see their eyes light?
[31:56] Up. They love the idea of us taking on some
[31:59] of that, and that's not fair. To our taxpayers. We're
[32:03] already stretching our dollar as far as we can, and
[32:04] we can't start. Taking on the responsibility of everybody else's
[32:08] challenges, so I'm very happy to see this. There's no
[32:11] question that once we get this report, it'll give us
[32:14] some. Real, tangible understanding of the dollars and cents that
[32:18] could be at risk if we don't. Continue to stand
[32:21] firm on our basics. And further to that. I'm not
[32:25] going to stop. And I know this council won't stop
[32:26] continuing to. Lobby to other levels of government to make
[32:29] sure that they're keeping up with their part. Of the
[32:31] bargain here and keeping up with their responsibilities. So I'm
[32:35] looking forward to seeing this report. I must say, I'm
[32:38] a little. Bit nervous to see what the numbers might
[32:39] be. It may be larger than we're expecting. But the
[32:42] facts are the facts. And I think it's good to
[32:45] be managing the facts and get that on the table.
[32:47] So thank you for bringing forward this motion. I'll support
[32:49] it. Thank you. Councilor binder. Any additional comments. Seeing none.
[32:54] Call the question. All those. Can I get a second?
[32:58] Yeah. Council binder. Second? I thought you did. Okay, we
[33:05] got to move her in a second. Or no further
[33:06] comments. All those in favor? Any? Opposed. Motion carries unanimously.
[33:11] Thank you very much, counsel. Appreciate the support and look
[33:13] forward to getting the report back from staff in due
[33:15] course. Madam clerk. Thank you very much for worship. The
[33:19] next section of the agenda is correspondence, item 12.1. You
[33:23] have three pieces of correspondence in your agenda package. Would
[33:28] any members of council like to pull pieces of correspondence?
[33:30] Council? Geeshan. Thank you. I'll. Pull item two. Number two.
[33:34] Anything further? Can someone move receipt on the remaining of
[33:37] the correspondence? Second. Moved and seconded. All those in favor,
[33:42] opposed and carried. And Madam clerk. Thank you very much.
[33:48] Councilor Geeshan pulled item two, which is correspondence from. Ian
[33:52] Payton, MLA, Legislative assembly of BC greenhouse regarding greenhouse like
[33:56] complaints and councilor Geisha can you move. Receipt. So moved.
[34:02] Secondary and on discussion. Great. Thank you so much, chair.
[34:05] Yeah, just getting more and more discussion questions. On what
[34:10] people have been seeing. Greenhouse light complaints and pollution, air
[34:14] pollutions and things like that. And more questions on Delta's
[34:18] role in that or if we have a role, if
[34:21] we have any control on this, and I would just
[34:23] like to seek maybe more information from our local farmers
[34:26] on this, and if I could refer this issue to
[34:29] our agriculture advisory committee for maybe further comment and recommendation
[34:33] back to council. Thank you. Can I get a seconder
[34:37] on the referral? Second? We'll vote on any further comments
[34:40] or questions. Referral. All those in favor, opposed and carried.
[34:46] And just before we vote on receipt, I know we're
[34:50] going to further comment at the committee meeting, but actually
[34:53] a great comment box from our staff on this one
[34:56] that talks about actually Delta's long standing attempts, there was
[35:00] actually a bylaw that was written and drafted and sent
[35:03] in draft form to the Ministry of Agriculture, but was
[35:05] not approved. At that time. A lot of people don't
[35:07] realize Delta is one of four regulated municipalities. In the
[35:11] province under section five five three of the local government
[35:13] act, meaning that the city may propose bylaws related to
[35:16] farm use to the Ministry of Agriculture. They cannot implement
[35:20] such bylaws until they're approved by the province, so certainly
[35:23] warranting further discussion. And look forward to the results of
[35:25] the committee discussion. Call the question. All those in favor?
[35:29] Opposed and carried. Madam clerk. Thank you very much, acting
[35:33] mayor. Kruger. Our next item is. Notice of motions. We
[35:39] have none. See? None. Thank you. The next item is
[35:42] 14, which is council inquiries, other matters. In new business.
[35:46] Seeing none. If there's nothing further, adjournment would be an
[35:50] order. Motion to adjourn. All those in favor? Opposed and
[35:54] carried. Thank you very much, counsel. Thank you to our
[35:57] staff members. Of the public. We'll see you next time.