Madam Clerk, please. Thank you very much. Good evening and
welcome to the regular council meeting for Monday, October the
six. 2025. Mayor Harvey, before we call this meeting to
order, I would just like to mention that this evening's
regular meeting is a continuation of the meetings of council
that commenced at 06:00. Today, Mayor Harvey will now start
the. Meeting with the indigenous land. Acknowledgement. Thank you. Before
we begin, I would like to acknowledge that. This meeting
is taking place on the sheer traditional, ancestral and unseated
territories of the Swasan. Omasquium and other cosilus peoples, we
extend our appreciation to these first nations for the opportunity
to hold this meeting here today. Madam Clerk, please. Thank.
You, worship, if I could have a motion to endorse
the agenda. Council, please. So moved. Second. All those in
favor? Any opposed? Carried. Your worship, the next section of
the agenda is adoption. Of minutes. Item 4.1 are the
minutes of the September 15, 2025 regular council meeting. Council,
we receive an adoption of minutes. All those in favor?
In carrion. You, worship. The next section of the agenda
is announcements. Thank you. Last week I had the honor,
along with members of Council of joining twas and first
nation with members of council for their national date for
Truth and Reconciliation walk. I want to extend council's gratitude
to chief Laura Cassidy and the executive council for welcoming
us to take part in their meaningful ceremony. I also
had the privilege attending the Battle of Britain ceremony at
Boundary Bay Airport alongside our delta. MP Minister Jill McKnight.
Each year this ceremony honors the brief canadian pilots who
fought in the Battle of Britain in the historic role
of our boundary b airport as a training site during
the Second World War. And Saturday members of council myself
were pleased to attend Ken villages. It takes the village
gala in support of a new enhanced day program space
for older adults. Thank you to everyone who contributed to
this important cause in help bring Ken Village closer to
achieving its fundraising goal. All of us and council are
looking forward to next Friday, where we will host our
first ever dfest right here at the North Delta center
for the Arts and at the North Delta Recreation. Center.
This free, family friendly celebration of a creature dj and
dance performances di decorating in a community Rangoli designs. Attendees
will be treated to an indoor light show running every
15 minutes in the gymnasium next door, and we hope
to see as many families from across Delta join us
for this. New, exciting community tradition in terms of council.
Business. Our next regular meeting will take place on Monday,
October 20 at 07:00 p.m. in the council chamber at
Delta City hall. Please note city hall and some Adelta's.
Facilities will be closed on Monday, October 13, for thanksgiving.
On behalf of council, we wish everyone celebrating in our
community a very happy Thanksgiving. May your weekend be filled
with. Gratitude and company of loved ones. I would now
like to ask council for any additional comments or announcements.
Councilor Binder, please. Thank you, Ms. Harvey. I have just
two had the opportunity to attend. With members of council
staff and the mayor. UBCM. And so last week at
UBCM, convention, we had the opportunity to meet with the
agricultural minister, Lana Popum, along with Mle. And Peyton. Mayor
Harvey, councilors Kruger, Beauver, Joh. Johal, acting city manager Marcy
Sangret and Tyson Scholfield from our staff. We once again
stress the importance of the to the ALC to enforce
compliance of farm structures. Specifically the barns. Also in attendance
were members of the ALC, including Jennifer Dyson, the commission
chair. I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of
the Agriculture Advisory committee that I sit on as vice
chair with councilor geesh on his chair and express the
concerns of our local farmers. And our committee with what
appears to be noncompliant structures. And the need for the
ALC to enforce their rules, they wholeheartedly agreed. Also explained
our committee is engaged in a project with staff to
further define what is a barn. And that it is
designated for farm use. To equip our staff and sorry
to further define what is a barn. And what is
designated to be used for farm equipment. We want to
work with our staff to actually. Further equip them in
the permitting process. The ALC applauded our work and stated
that it was a leading initiative. They also thanked us
for continuing to monitor the situation as they have limited
human resources and need the collaboration with the local farming
community. They committed to continue to work for compliance and
will keep our staff informed, and it was a privilege
to know. That. Our committee is actually leading in some
of this initiative, as per the statements of the land
commission. So we hope they will continue to do their
work. And secondly, and very briefly, Delta Council recently agreed
to seek Fraser Valley Regional Library Board approval to allocate
up to $750,000 in funding support towards the upcoming Ladder
Pioneer Library renovation project and the funding came from the
FVRL's member salary and benefit reserve, which is an investment
fund. Set aside. For members to apply for capital projects.
And Delta was granted the $750,000 towards a $900,000 renovation
and reducing our maximum cost, which has already been reserved
of approximately $200,000. And that's already in the reserves, so
we're very happy to announce receiving that grant from the
FBRL. Reducing. Our fees and our taxpayers costs towards the
renovation and looking forward to seeing the project completed. Thank
you. Thank you, councilor Binder. Any further comments? Seeing none,
Madam Clerk. Thank you, worship. The next section of the
agenda is items arising from the closed council meeting. Item.
6.1. At the September 15, 2025 closed meeting, council endorsed
the public release of the report dated June 24, 2025,
titled Ladner Waterfront headlease consideration. And that report is included
in your agenda pack. Package, you worship. The next section
as bylaws for final adoption. Item 7.1. We have a
report from the development department regarding final consideration and adoption
of bylaw number 8514 for a six story apartment building
on 55 a street. Council move receipt of the memorandum.
Second. Any comments? All those in favor? I'd like the
record to show that I'm opposed. I was opposed the
first. Second and third reading on this project. Councilor Deshaun?
The same. And councilor Dosange. Thank you. and it's carried
Off. Yeah, that was a motion just for receipt, for
clarity, and I'd like to now. Move that bylaw number
8514 be finally considered and adopted. All those in favor?
Opposed. And carried. Thank you, worship. The next section of
the agenda is item is 7.2, which is a. Report
from the development department regarding final consideration and adoption of
bylaw number 85216, story. Mixed use apartment zones. Council move
receipt of the memorandum. Second. Discussion, seeing none. All those
in favor? Is there anybody opposed? And carried. The bylaw,
please. And move the recommendation to receive the information and
that bylaw number 8521 be finally considered. And adopted. All
those in favor? And Carrie. Worship. Item 7.3. You have
a report from the development department regarding final consideration and
adoption. Of bylaw number 8496, civic institutional building height zoning
amendment. Council, please. We received the memorandum. Second, any discussion.
Call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed and
carried reading the bylaw, please move the bylaw number 8496
be finally considered and adopted second council. All those in
favor, any opposed. Your worship. Item 7.4 is a report
from the finance department. Regarding final consideration and adoption. Of
bylaw number 8560 2017, amendment number 8527 2025. Development cost
charges council, please. We received a memorandum. Any
discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried
reading of the bylaw, please move. That bylaw number 7560
2017 amendment by law number 8527-2025 be finally considered and
adopted all those in favor. And posed and carry. Your
worship. Item 7.5. You have a report from the finance
department regarding final consideration and. Adoption of bylaw number 8515,
consolidated fees and charges. Council move receipt of the memorandum.
Second. Is there any discussion, Mr. Quick one? Councilor Krueger,
please. Yeah, just a quick. Question through you to staff.
I just want to confirm that as per direction from
council at the last meeting that the proposed fees for
sidewalk. Cafes and restaurants will not be proceeding. That's correct,
Councilor Kruger. And through you. Mayor. Mayor Harvey, that was
council's direction. We have not been charging the fees for
patios, and we will continue through the coming seasons to
not charge. Thank you very much. Thank you. Question all
those in favor and carried reading of the bylaw. I
move that. Bylaw number 8515 be finally considered and adopted.
Second. All those in favor and carried. Thank you, worship.
Item 7.6 is a report from the finance department. Regarding
final consideration and. Adoption of bylaw number 8526, permissive tax
exemptions. Move receipt. Any discussion? Seeing? None. I'll call the
question. All those in favor? Any opposed and carried reading
of the bylaw, please. That bylaw number 85 26 be
finally considered and adopted. All those in favor, any opposed
and carried. Your worship. The next item of business is
7.7 which is a report from the corporate services department
regarding final consideration and adoption of Mobile food and beverage
Vendor program bylaws. Council will proceed to the memorandum. Any
discussion. See none. I'll call the question. All those in
favor? Any opposed? Carried reading of the bylaws, please, that
highways bylaw amendment number 8415 2025 be finally considered and
adopted. All those in favor and carried. That business license.
By law, amendment number 8425 2025 be finally considered and
adopted. All those has been seconded. All those in favor?
And Carrie. Your worship item. 8.1 under the section of
bylaws for 1st, second and third reading. You have a
report from the development department regarding proposed prezoning of portions
of 72 Avenue corridor. Council, please. Move adoption of the
recommendation. Second. Is there any discussion, Councilor Geeshan? Thank you,
Mayor Harvey. Thank you, staff, for the report. Just a
quick comment question. There was an email written in. It's
at the back of the package, just with a question
on if a current home built under the new zoning
gets destroyed by a fire or flood or other disaster.
What recourse does the city have and would the property
owner be able to rebuild in its current single family
home. And just clarity on that question. Thanks. Ms. Sangrid,
please. Thank you. I'm going to ask Ms. Mayhew to
respond. On this one and her staff have looked into
this with respect to the provisions in the Local Government
Act. Thank you. And we did get back to the
letter writer that received that correspondence from, and so these
events in terms of, like, a fire or complete loss
of building are extremely rare, but in those circumstances and
something that that does happen. Staff do work with the
individual property owners to ensure that they are able to
rebuild a home. If that is their desire. These cases
are few and far between, and as Ms. Sangrett mentioned,
there's even the protections in local government act in terms
of a loss of a structure and what the preexisting
prezoning rights would be. Any further discussion. Councilor Kruger, please.
Yeah. Thank you. Just in continuation of previous discussion on
this, topic. I would not support prezoning in other parts
of our community. But 72nd continues to be a unique
situation going back to the time of Mayor Jackson and
policies that were set under her counsel in terms of
trying to get the driveways off of 72nd, which continues
to be first and foremost a public safety issue. We've
just finished. Many years worth of improvements on 72nd, going
from two lanes to four lanes, which has helped but
has not even come close to solving the problem of
congestion on 72nd. But long term we know when we're
looking over the next 10, 20, 30 years, we have
to get the driveways off of 72nd. It's not an
appropriate use given the traffic that we're contin. Continuing to
see on that corridor we've seen with the projects that
we have approved being able to move the vehicle egress.
To the back of the properties, which creates a much
safer and better situation for traffic flow. We just can't
have people rebuilding brand new, multimillion dollar, single family homes
on those properties and really sterilizing them for the next
20 plus years. So in this particular case, I do
support it. It's a. Continuation of direction that was set
many years ago by Mayor Jackson and her counsel. And
I think it's serving us well. Thank you. Thank you.
Anything for further comments, it is time. Time? That is
happening. All those in favor? Any opposed? And carry readings,
please. No readings for these bylaws. Sorry for a second
and third. Thank you. Your worship. Item 8.2 is a
report from the development department regarding rezoning for two lot
subdivision at 6632 Lambert Crescent. Council move adoption of the
recommendations. Second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those
in favor? Any opposed and carried? Your worship. Item 8.3
is a report by the Development department regarding rezoning for
two lot subdivision at 6456. Cabal do crescent. Council, please.
Move the adoption of the recommendation. It's been seconded. Any
discussion? Yes. Councilor Geishawn, please. Thank you. Mayor Harvey, just
a quick question. On parking requirements for, I suppose just
in general for the rezoning of two lot subdivisions. With
duplex or fourplex or suites. Just to go over. What's
the onsite parking requirements are? With these new. Plexus that
we are seeing pop up. Thank you. So, in general,
parking requirements are one space that's required per unit, and
that's off street parking. The one exception is that if
the units are extremely small, so if they're 33 m².
Or less. So about 352 sqft. Then they're exempt from
providing a parking space for those very small accessory dwelling
units. We were also prevented from requiring parking requirements within
400 meters of frequent transit, which is the Scott Road
corridor in north Delta. Any further discussion? Seeing none, I'll
call the question. All those in favor? Is there any?
Opposed and carried. Your worship. The next time of business
is 8.4, which is a report from the development. Department
regarding rezoning for conversion of commercial area to residential area.
At 4872 Delta Street. Council like to move adoption of
alternative one. Second. Anything. There's comments. Councilor Kruger,
please. Thank you. I'd like to add Amendment C. To
alternative one. The amendment reads that the bylaw be amended
to allow all allowable uses in the c one l
core commercial ladner zone. Second or to the amendment? Second.
Any discussion on the amendment. Seeing none. I'll call the
question on the amendment only. All those in favor is
there. Any opposed? Councilor Geishan is opposed. Counselor Descinch is
opposed, and I'm opposed. Question on the motion. Motion carries.
And now, on the motion, as amended. Sorry, council. Sorry.
This is discussion on the main motion. It is now.
Okay? Yes. Motion is amended. Thank you. Pardon? Sorry. Just
discussion on this main motion. I was looking to do.
Alternative to which would be to deny this. I just
read briefly that it's very precedent setting. I don't know
if staff want to go over a little bit of
the timeline here that we see on page two of
five. Of when things are done. Unpermitted and what kind
of precedent that's sitting. Nervous about staff. Also explaining. Staff
concerns regarding safety, livability, functionality for the proposed conversion of
portion of commercial areas into two residential dwelling units. I
get nervous. I don't know if there's windows in these
units. There's. Just a couple big flags I'm seeing here,
so I'm not sure. Why we should allow this to
go forward. But those are my thoughts. Thank you. Any
further discussion? Seeing none. I'll call the question on alternative
one motion. All those in favor? Is there any opposed?
And it carries. Your worship. The next section of the
agenda is administrative report item 9.1. You have a report
from the development department regarding Tuasan Town center mall application
update, and I move as mayor. Option two. The option
is a. That application LU 09754 be denied b. That
the applicant be advised. That any future proposals will require
a new application. And review process. Could I have a
seconder, please? Is there any discussion? Councilor Bouvert.
yeah i'll be first to speak The application, which. Is
obviously. Stirred up a lot of opinion. In south Delta.
We had a previous application which everyone is very aware
of. That provided redevelopment of the entire site. With buildings
as high as 24 stories. And. That. Was not acceptable.
This new application, though I would certainly. Is an improvement.
say Unfortunately, in a couple of areas, it still misses
the mark for me. First and foremost, and I'm only
going to speak about a couple of things. That are
important. The ocp certainly. Calls if the project is going
to be higher. Than six stories for a substantial community
amenity. and in my opinion This particular proposal has not
met that threshold. Although the community certainly. Seemed to
would much rather have had some sort of health care
facility, urgent care center, something of that kind over a
library which was originally proposed. This project. Does not actually,
at this point, provide for that. It provides a contribution
of a building space to the Delta Hospital Foundation. The
Alta Hospital foundation has written a letter that it would
be used for health purposes. Which I do think is
fantastic, but it does not substantively provide a community amenity
that's tangible or any sort of time frame. Or exactly
what that would be. And I know that it's probably
something that. 's going to take a lot of time.
To be able to. Make official. But at this point,
It's not a community amenity. And therefore doesn't meet that
part of the OCP. And then secondly. I'm just disappointed
that. The revised. Does not encompass the
entire site. And I think that's important. The town center
mall is exactly. That is the town center. It's the
hub. It's where everybody comes together in that town at
twelve and 56, and I don't. Think. That it should
be done. In sort of a piecemeal process. I think
that the whole site, and that was one thing that.
I was very happy with. In the first iteration was
the fact that it was the whole site. And this
time. It is not. I think.
Amongst everyone is that. That town center mall does need
to be redeveloped. I don't think that that's. A real
question. And all of the comments that I have heard.
And I can tell you in the last. Several weeks
in my office. I've had. Numbers. Too many to count
of visitors. With their thoughts. And there isn't one person
that has said, oh, no, I don't. Want it developed.
I want it to just stay the same. But I
think, as I said in the previous meeting, When the
original iteration didn't go forward that I said, there's going
to have to be compromise here by everyone. By the
people. By the applicant and by the city. And though
I think. This project does provide a lot of. That.
I still think there's a little bit that needs to
go. A little further. It is my hope. That the
applicant. Can stick with this. And that we can find
something that. I know we're not going to find something
that works for everyone. I'm not. That naive. But I
just think that. It still needs a little bit more
refinement. So those are my comments, and I'm going to
leave it there. Thank you. Thank you. Further comments from
council. Councilor binder. Yeah. Thank you, my Harvey. Needless to
say, I wrestled with. This as well. As I'm sure
many of my colleagues on council have as well. Century
has proven to be an excellent developer. They've delivered many
wonderful projects throughout all of Metro Vancouver. They've also proven
to be. an excellent community partner contributing to
many of our nonprofit Charities and events and everything else.
And so they've proven themselves to be. A good partner
in Tuasin and for all of Delta. When the OCP
was being debated. With this council. I made comments that
I struggled with one part of it that said, which
is going to be somewhat similar to what councilor Bravair
said. A significant community amenity, and I actually didn't want
it to be significant. I wanted it to be more
defined. And I was somewhat challenged, saying, well, if it's
too prescriptive perhaps then you stifle the creativity or the
opportunity for a developer to come. Forward. So I thought,
okay, let's see what can come forward. With that community
amenity contribution to get the higher density. The applicant certainly
listened to the community and came forward with something that
was asked by the community. In the form of a
healthcare clinic. Versus the original option, which was a library.
I think the challenge for. This applicant, which we're all
seeing, and I think. We're just going to be a
tough conversation coming up in this meeting. Is. This actually
is somewhat of the expectation of Fraser health stepping forward.
And so far we're struggling a little bit with Fraser
health and with the province. When it comes to delivering
on health care. So I believe that there may be
a number somewhere around the tune of $6 million as
a contribution from this proponent from century providing this facility.
To the hospital foundation, which I think is extraordinary. And
I think takes a step forward in meeting that contribution.
But I just don't have confidence that we're going to
actually have that space. Occupied in a reasonable period of
time, which means. The amenity just won't be there. And
that's one of the things I really struggled with on
this. I appreciate all the work that the applicant has
put forward to bring this forward. Echoing the words of
Councilor Beauver. I deeply hope that there will be another
opportunity for us to look at this. Looking at more
of that compromise, but I also understand that. It's going
to be difficult for century to invest more time and
money on it in the present because. There's been a
lot put forward of which we're grateful for. But I'm
stuck on that amenity component. And those are my comments.
Thank you for the comments from council, councilor Geesha. Thank
you, Mayor Harvey. And, yeah, I just want to thank
century group for taking this project back with the hopes.
With my hopes of bringing the community a little closer
together on this. It's been mentioned. I think we can
all agree that the town center does need development, and
I don't. Think anyone disagrees with that. And it's such
an opportunity. And I can see glimmers of it here
with public spaces. Brought somebody to shops, obviously more homes
for future Deltans. Or existing. Deltans. And an opportunity for
a meaningful. Community amenity, but for me. It's too much.
It's still too tall. It's too out of scale for
the future of the Tuasin that I see and want
to be a part of here. And not to mention
it's just a little unknown. Without. Having on paper here
what the rest of the site will look like. That
would be left up to future councils or future. Thing.
Markets. Just everything is very volatile, of course. If we
wait. But those are my thoughts there, and I hope
the applicant can still come forward with something else. And
whatever happens with this proposal. I am at least hopeful
century group will put in the same care and foresight
into town. Center. As they have done with other projects,
and I have no doubt that it would feel vibrant
and look good and be a positive new spot for
the town, but I can't get on. Board. Currently, with
this height and still two out of place. So thank
you. Those are my comments. Thank you. Further comments from
council. Yes, please. I just want to begin by acknowledging
the significant work that has gone into the proposal. The
proponent clearly made an effort to respond to community feedback,
reducing the number of dwellings. Exploring the inclusion of an
urgent care facility and making other meaningful adjustments along the
way at the same time. I fully recognize that members
of the community have raised legitimate concerns about the height,
traffic and the overall fit within the neighborhood. Those are
important considerations that deserve to be heard and carefully reviewed
as well. I also understand. There are valid questions about
Fraser Health's potential involvement. And whether an urgent care center
could ultimately. Be staffed and operated, and those are for
fair points as well. That said, I do believe that
there would have been value in allowing the project to
continue through the standard process to receive the full staff
report, consider all the details and possible provisions, and have
further discussions with Fraser health before reaching a final conclusion.
There's no question that the site definitely needs revitalization and
investment based on the comments shared here at the table.
I don't see that moving forward at this time. But
as I mentioned in the previous public engagement meeting, I
hope century sticks with it. I do firmly believe that
they are the right partner for this. Site. Thank you.
Councilor Jose. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. Community. Raised few concern,
which I'm totally agree with, that the height and scales
concerns are traffic. Road impact. then infrastructure lack of infrastructures
and amenities Most important. This project is not a complete
project. And also. The engagement from public the voice of
a peoples. It's a very clear and loud listening. To
them. Are you also going? With the option. Too. Thank
you, Councilor Kruger. Thank you. Lots already been said. I'll
try not to repeat comments. I think going back to.
The need. There will be a need to replace the
town center mall. Tossin deserves a proper town center. We
don't have a proper town center right now. There is
no character to Wasson's town center, which is essentially a
collection of four giant asphalt parking lots. To Wasan deserves
a true, vibrant community center where we can have things
like. Expanded restaurant patios and coffee shops and public gatherings
and farmers markets and outdoor movie nights. We don't have
a space that's set up for that right now. To
wasan needs it. And I hope that we can eventually
arrive at a place where we can deliver that for
the community of Tawas. As has been stated, I also
have severe concerns about Fraser Health's ability. In a really
constrained environment to deliver on the financial promise of an
urgent care center. In that location. Recent events have not
helped my confidence as far as that is concerned. So
that is a challenge as far as the amenity is
concerned. Others have already spoken to community feedback. That has
been continued to come in with regards to height, density,
traffic, et cetera. But ultimately, I hope this is the
beginning of a conversation, not the end of a conversation.
It is a dream that I think, in speaking with
hundreds, if not thousands of toast and residents. Through this
process over the last year that 95, if not 99%,
Of Tuasin Resident share is to have a really exciting
eventual redevelopment to that space that includes all those. Activities
that I mentioned earlier and of course, needed housing on
top. So I hope the conversation can continue, but I
will also be supporting option two. Thank you. Thank you.
I'd first like to state that as mayor, I fully
understand that my role is to represent the interests of
Delta residents and businesses. My responsibility is to listen to
their concerns on this. Application. Evaluate the issues objectively and
make a decision that reflects the best interests of our
community. In reviewing the large number of emails sent to
me recently regarding this application. And many conversations with members
of our community. It is apparent. That our community is
not against redevelopment of the town center mall, but they
do have a strong desire to see development, focus on
maintaining what our twas and community has always been a
farming and seaside town for families and seniors. They expect.
reasonable appropriate growth in development that does not include towers
and conforms to our official community plan Development that will
not stress the city's infrastructure that is servicing the site,
including 56th street. And 12th Avenue development that will also
take into consideration the increase in traffic from the TwAs's.
First nations residential development, which we are affecting us now
and the already approved for construction in Tosson six story
apartments. And townhouses. Our community expects to know exactly what
is proposed for the entire property. Not segments. Our city
has had great success in working with the development community
on master planned large community developments, including Sunstone here in
north Delta to Wassen Springs. In recently Southlands, I cannot
support an. Application that does not reflect the complete buildout
of a development site. A wooden century group to come
back with a proposal that demonstrates they are truly listening
to the concerns of our community. They have successfully done
this before with the Southlands, which now is strongly supported
by residents. I would also request century group to look
at recent developments locally, such as Dunderave enableside in West
Vancouver, in Edgemont Village in north Vancouver. All of these
developments include thoughtful mixes of retail and strata buildings that
are not high rises. Each of these communities has created
modern examples of mixed use while maintaining. Their original sense
of history and field. Now, for the record, I cannot
support this application and will be voting in favor of
recommendation to that states a, that the application LU 9754
be denied. And b that the applicant be advised that
any future proposals will require a new application in a
new review process. I'll now turn to council to call
the question. All those in favor? Of voting for recommendation.
Too. Is there any opposed and carried? And madam clerk.
I also vote in favor. Madam clerk. Thank you very
much for worship. Mayor Harvey, the next item of business
on the agenda is the draft 2026 financial plan and
next steps. And we have. a presentation from the general
manager of finance Mr. Chan, this is probably the largest
audience you've had or ever producing a budget. Yeah. I'm
very nervous, your worship. Please proceed. Good evening, your worship
and members of council. Tonight I'll be presenting a high
level overview. Of the Draft 2026 financial plan, as well
as outlining the upcoming public consultation process.
The 2026 budget process began in February with the Community
Satisfaction Survey, which was presented to council in May. These
results help guide the city's 2026 budget priorities. In May.
Financial plan guidelines were released to departments based on the
community feedback and council's goals and priorities. Departmental plans were
submitted in July. And incorporated into the 2026 draft budget.
Tonight. We are seeking council's direction to proceed with public
consultation from October 7 to the 30th. Council budget workshops
are scheduled for October 29 and 30th, with public open
houses held prior to each workshop. The open houses will
provide opportunities for residents to engage with staff and learn
more about the draft 2026 budget. During the council budget
workshops, staff will provide detailed presentations on the operating and
capital plans following the consultation and workshops. The. Bylads. Are
anticipated to be presented to council in November and December
for consideration and adoption. The community satisfaction survey was conducted
February 13 to March 16. And the results indicated that
82% of residents felt that they received fair to very
good value. On tax dollars. The top three emerging issues
priorities identified included road improvement and traffic management. Population growth
and the impact to the community, as well as investment
in recreation facilities and community events. So the survey results
were used to prepare the 2026 budget. Delta's financial plan
has been developed in a pretty challenging environment marked by
rising. Service delivery costs and increasing community expectations for expanded
and enhanced services. The city continues to face significant external
pressures, including costs passed on by external agencies such as
ECom as well as just broader econom. Economic uncertainties. Which
include tariffs and other cost drivers affecting our operations. Delta
also faces ongoing. infrastructure demands The city manages over $4
billion in assets, so that includes all our roads, parks,
infrastructure, utility systems and buildings. So the city continues to
make it a priority to invest in asset renewal, to
ensure that we have a sustainable delivery of central services
for our residents and businesses. In environment of higher growth
as well as increased cost. Despite the ongoing financial pressures,
the city remains committed to responsible budgeting and maintaining a
strong fiscal position. This includes aligning our resources with council's
goals and community's expectations with a key focus on roads,
recreation and protective services. As well in terms of operational
efficiencies, leveraging technology enhancements, which includes improvements to our virtual
and online services to streamline operations and enhance service delivery
as well. Conducting regular reviews over our procurement investment. And
cash management strategies to strengthen. Our financial performance and identify
savings. Staff are actively pursuing external grants. Recently. We've been
awarded a $14.2 million housing accelerator fund grant as well
as a 7.6 million disaster mitigation adoption fund grant, also
ensuring that the city's. Fees and charges remain. Aligned with
our regional median and reflect the true cost of service
delivery. The 2026 draft financial plan proposes a 2.9% property
tax increase, which is equivalent to about $90 per year,
or $8 per month for a typical home. There's no
additional capital levy proposed in this year's budget for utilities.
Charges are proposed to rise by 3.2%, or approximately $4
per month. So in total, the combined increase in taxes
and utilities for a typical household is $12 per month.
The draft financial plan totals 539,000,000. This consists of three
components. There's the general operating portion, which funds our core
services, such as our police, our fire, engineering, parks and
development areas. It's important to note that protective services accounts
for 40% of this budget. As well. Utilities operating is
71 million, and that funds all our water, sewer and
solid waste programs. And then our capital plan makes up
the balance, up 200 million, which is maintaining and improving
and building our new infrastructure. This includes new capital projects
as well as our in progress projects. The
operating budget. Highlights include maintaining our core services and supporting
areas of growth and community demand. So the budget includes
funding for resources for our growing recreation demand. As well
as dedicated funding for. Enhanced community events such as our
Canada Day festivals, luminary festival. ladders lights and loaders and
other place making initiatives As well as ongoing funding for
provincial housing requirements. Our permits of tax exemptions and community
grants. Protective services includes continued support for our fire and
police, including a 10% increase in our ECom levies. And
finally in asset management resources for proactive. Infrastructure management, which
includes funding for building and condition building condition assessments as
well as preventative maintenance. In terms of our utilities operating
plan, funds are water, sewer and solid waste programs. 60%
of our costs for water and sewer is Metro Vancouver,
which supplies our water and sewage. Treatment. Also includes funding
for our city infrastructure maintenance and operations. And our solid
waste program includes services for garbage, green waste and recycling.
In terms of capital projects in the budget. Highlights include.
Several roads and traffic projects which focus on paving, signal
upgrades, crosswalk improvements and new transit infrastructure. Such as shelters
and benches throughout delta. A focus on our industrial areas,
which includes funding for cycling networks, sidewalks and transit upgrades
in Tilbury and Anisys Island. A focus on recreation. Facilities,
including a major. Mechanical upgrades at the Tilbury Ice arena,
new field houses at Mackey and Hawthorne parks as well
as a design for a new pickleball courts at Denison
Park. The capital plan also includes drainage and agricultural projects,
including 84th street pump station, 88 street rural road upgrades
and irrigation improvements to support our farming community. And finally,
our multi year major projects include. Our windscale aquatic and
fitness center rebuild project. Annieville park upgrades Laudner waterfront. Revitalization
as well as Kwami Park. Improvements, which will include some
new ball diamonds. Delta remains one of the most affordable
municipalities in the region. So in 2025, a typical household
paid 4900 in municipal taxes and utilities compared to a
regional median of 5600.
For businesses. Adelta's business to residential tax ratio. Is the
lowest in the region at 1.93 compared to the median
of 2.95. So, in summary, the draft 2026 financial plan
proposes a 2.9% property tax increase. Proposes a 3.2% utility
rate increase. Together, this equates to about $12. Per month
or $141 annually. Public engagement will run from October 7
to the 30th. This will include advertising in local media
and digital channels. The let's Talk Delta webpage with survey
and feedback tools. Public open houses on October 29 and
30. Th before council workshops and also engagement with the
business community. And this feedback will be summarized and presented
to council. so subject to council's approval tonight Public consultation
will begin on October 7 to the 30th. And as
mentioned, The open houses and the workshops will follow. And
then the bylaws will proceed after November. 17 and December
eigth. And this concludes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you,
Mr. Jan. And just a reminder that we're not here
to approve the budget tonight. Of course, but the recommendations
are a that the draft 2020. Six financial plan be
received for information. Indeed, as staff proceed with public consultation
on the draft 2026 financial plan, could somebody move the
recommendation. So moved. Second, is there any further discussion? Councilor
Kruger. Thanks. And this is the second year we've offered
the open houses for the budget planning. Workshop, which I
think has worked really well in terms of just providing.
Additional opportunity for community members to engage. How are we
advertising? Can you just remind me how we're advertising the
open houses to make sure residents are aware of the
opportunity. Mr. Chat. Three year worship to Councilor Cougar. We're
using. Various channels to advertise, including in our local media,
digital channels. It's on our website as well as the
let's talk delta. Website. Looking forward to the discussion. Thank
you. Further comments from council. I just like to thank
you, Mr. Chan, and your wonderful staff. This is a
tremendous amount of work. And I really appreciate and I
know, counsel those two, that you come in with a
realistic number. Take in consideration how tough it is out
there for a lot of families right now and businesses
I think that'll be one of the lowest in the
lower mainland, but we're emphasizing we're not reducing any of
our core services. That's our proposal. We're not reducing anything
with emergency services. But again, thank you and really appreciate
what you've done and also really appreciate that we're moving
forward and most importantly, looking at what the members of
the public that are here tonight. What they would like
to see and their thoughts. So thank you so much.
I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed?
Been carried. Madam Clerk. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. The next
item of business is 9.3. You have a report from
the facilities and major projects department regarding windscale renewal project
update. Option in the recommendation. Second. Is there any discussion,
Councilor Kruger? Just a quick one that came up to
staff through you, mayor. One thing I'm not seeing in
here is the timeline. For. The flipping of that existing
field to ensure that we have the pinwheel layout. Could
I just. Get additional information on the timeline to see
when that field flip is going to occur. Ms sangrid.
Thank you, worship. I'm going to turn to either Mr.
Turner or Mr. Bauer. Who's? In the audience just to
speak on the timing of the field configuration. Mr. Bauer,
welcome. Thank you, your worship. So with regards to the
timing of the flipping of that additional field at this
point in time. It is not included or contained within
the windscill budget. So within the $130,000,000 we do not
currently have that in place. That being said, in terms
of we are working with the. Parks, Recreation and Culture
Department just as part of their field upgrade program to
determine if that's. Something that could possibly be done before
the completion and opening of windscale. So at this point
in time. It's not currently in the windscale budget, but
we are looking through other means. To see if there
is a possibility. Of finding the funding and making that
happen by the time the new facility is open. Thank
you. Any further discussion? Councilor Kruger. No, just thank you
very much for the information and it's been impressed. Upon
me by field users that I've used, how important that
configuration is for the opportunity. To effectively utilize all fields
at the same time. From a safety standpoint, I know
it's. Something we've discussed previously as a council, so thanks,
and we'll just appreciate future updates as we go through
the process. Mr. Binder. Yeah. Thank you, Mike. Harvey, while
we've got you there, I did have a question from
the community as to. There was a bit of a
surprise as to the size. Of the excavation site as
it is right now, considering what the finished project will
be. But I know there's additional work that is being
done. Preliminary, and if you could just comment on what
that additional work is. Thank you through your worship. In
terms of some of the additional work that is being
undertaken, right. Now is upgrading. A storm drain line running.
West, east, sort of primarily on the, sort of the
north portion of the park. And so certainly. That looks
sort of creates a much larger, I'll say, excavation area
going all the way. From kin village to 56th street.
So that certainly expands. I'm going to say the immediate
footprint of excavation. And construction. That being said, anyone who
has driven, driven by or gone by the site recently
can sort of see the primary excavation and sort of
the large area relating to the building itself and. That
is. The contemplated or the similar size to what has
been presented previously to council. Yeah, thank you for that.
And that certainly makes sense. And now's the time to
do it when we got the equipment on site and
we can fence it all off and get that. Work
done first and then move on to, of course, the
primary project. So it makes a lot of sense, so
I'm glad to hear the sequencing of that. Thank you.
So do you move the recommendations, please? Question on the
motion. All those in favor and carried, Madam Clerk. Thank
you very much, Mayor Harvey. The next item of business
is item 9.4. And you. Have a report from the
development department regarding proposed telecommunications Tower at 2194 Westham Island
Road. Council, please. Move it off to the recommendation. Any
discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed and
carried? Madam clerk. Thank you very much, your worship. The
next item or section of the agenda is motions on
notice. Item 10.1, you have tree protection in sunshine Hills.
Submitted by Councilor Kruger. Councilor Kruger, please. Thank you. Whereas
the Sunshine Hills neighborhood is defined by its mature tree
canopy, which is central to the character livability and environmental
health of the community, whereas increasing redevelopment pressures stemming from
provincial legislative changes are resulting in the removal of large
mature trees, leading to concerns from residents. The unique character
of. Sunshine Hills is being eroded, whereas while delta has
a citywide tree protection and replacement bylaw, residents of Sunshine
Hills have expressed a desire for stronger neighborhood specific protections
to preserve their unique tree canopy, whereas under the current
framework of the community charter, municipalities cannot use tree bylaws
to override the. Development potential of a property permitted under
zoning regulations. Therefore, be it resolved that number one staff
be directed to consult with the Sunshine Hills community to
develop a neighborhood Tree Protection pilot program, which may include
establishing a heritage tree designation to protect landmark trees of
significant. Size, age or community value. Enhance tree replacement requirements
or higher cash in lieu contributions within sunshine Hills to
better reflect the value of lost mature trees, a clear
opt in mechanism for neighborhoods like sunshine hills that wish
to adopt stronger protections while ensuring consistency within the community.
Education and incentive programs for homeowners to preserve large trees
during redevelopment. Enhanced reporting on the number of heritage trees
impacted by development and replacement trees required. Number two staff
report back to council on the results of this community
engagement by February 28, 2026. Number three. That the city
of Delta. Right to the Minister of Municipal affairs requesting
amendments to. The community charter to provide municipalities with greater
authority to protect mature trees in established neighborhoods, even in
areas where redevelopment is permitted. I would so move. Thank
you. And it's been seconded. Is there any further discussion,
Councilor Kruger? Thank you very much, you, worship. Council, I've
submitted the notice of motion behalf. It's. Not really my
motion, though. I'm submitting this on behalf of several hundred
sunshine. Hills residents who reached out to me directly looking
for help. There's no question that Sunshine Hills has unique
community, character. People move to sunshine hills and stay there
because of the beautiful. Large trees that surround the neighborhood.
The residents that I've met with are imploring council to
take action on the increasing number of clear cutting incidents
across the neighborhood. Existing tree protection bylaws are not working
residents are asking for stronger rules to protect existing mature
trees. The residents I spoke with at least were also
very clear. They are not anti development, they're not against
new homes being built in their community. They are, however,
demanding that new homes are respectful to the existing neighborhood
context, and in particular, the greater efforts are made to
save these beautiful mature trees in sunshine hills. Members of
council will recall that we did significantly enhance our tree
protection bylaws in 2021. Prior to this time, the cost
to bulldoze a tree for a development, whether it was
a small hedge or a hundred year old Douglas fir
was the same, and the cash in lieu fee requirement
was on a two. for one tree replacement basis in
2021 council took steps i would say in the right
direction to base our tree replacement policy on the caliper
of the tree the size of the caliper larger trees
should be more financially prohibitive to remove and so council
approved those changes to Increase fees for tree removal, the
larger the size of the tree and also enhance the
replacement ratio. From, say, two to one for a small
tree to three to one or even four to one.
Depending on the size of the tree, that was a
good step. So why just sunshine hills for this motion?
Why not all of Delta? Well, because we tried this.
Shortly after the 2021 changes, Delta sent out a community
survey to all of Delta, asking residents for feedback on
further changes, many of those changes of which I'm proposing
in the motion that's before council this evening. At that
time, we. Decided not to proceed with those changes because
the feedback was very polarizing in the community overall. About
50% of residents responded that Deltus changes went too far.
The other 50% said Delta's changes didn't go far enough,
which really put us in a difficult situation. The reality
is there's just not enough consensus on the topic of
trees for a delta. Wide approach. But I do think
there is consensus in sunshine Hills. So the motion is
to do a neighborhood survey in Sunshine Hills to arrive
at a data driven approach. If the data indicates, which
I believe it will that a strong majority are willing
to move forward with changes. Then council should proceed. It's
our job to listen to the residents. I'm also asking
for council support for writing a letter to the province
urging changes in legislation to give municipalities more power. We
have been handcuffed in many ways by the community. Charter,
as well as recent provincial changes that limit the authority
of municipalities to create rules that cater to the unique
needs of our areas. We are not homogeneous. We can't
have one size fits all rules for the whole province.
The rules that govern Yale town or downtown Surrey cannot
govern a city like delta or a community. Like Sunshine
Hills, the province must give municipalities more flexibility to respond
to the needs of our residents. That is local democ.
Democracy in action. So I'm asking for support, urging Marin
council to listen to the hundreds of voices that have
sent us letters over the last few weeks. We're always
here to put people first, to put Delta residents first
and listen, frankly to the folks that brought us here
in the first place. So that's my motion. And looking
forward to the discussion. Thank you. Any comments, councilor binder?
Thank you, Mayor Harvey. I've lived in north Delta, or
in Delta and specifically north Delta for over 35 years.
So I share the desire to find balance and development
and tree retention along with tree planting growth I'm adding
my voice of support for councilor Kruger's motion regarding the
sunshine. Hills neighborhood tree protection pilot program. It's a thoughtful
and proactive approach that recognizes the unique character and environmental
value of mature trees in this community. By engaging residents
directly and exploring tools like heritage tree designations, enhanced replacement
policies, and homeowner incentives to work with builders and residents
to protect what matters to the residents there and to
all of us. I'm especially encouraged by the request to
the province for stronger municipal authority under the community. Charter.
These steps not only reflect local values, but also set
a meaningful precedent for urban forest stewardship across delta, so
I do fully support moving this forward. I thank all
who took the time. To write the emails. My last
account was over. 100. I did my best to reply
to everyone, and if I missed you, I apologize. But
feel free to reach out at any time. But thank
you for your engagement in the community. For its step
one, and I trust everyone will continue to be engaged
as we go into the survey process. Thanks. Further comments.
Councilor Geisha thank you, Mayor Harvey, and thank you, Councilor
Kruger, for the motion. Don't want to just reiterate what's
been said, but really, thank you. To the resident for
reaching out, and I was able to meet some of
you as well, to discuss this, and I support making
the changes. Proposed and working together with the Sunshine Hills
community, I think it's a good opportunity. To build on
what we started. And I think it was always nice
to say, like, here's. A starting point, but if we're
missing the mark, let's go back in. And take a
better look at it. So really happy to do that,
and I think that's. Just. How we get closer to
where we want to be and really appreciate the community
input and feedback. Because. That's what it's all about. So
thank you very much. Thank you, councilor. Kruger. Any further
comments? Yeah, I'd just like to mention all I pretty
appreciate all the emails. That I received and actual good
discussions when I went up in Sunshine Hills and talked
to certain people. I think it's time that we try
something. I think it's a very special area. We should
not let the province stop us from doing improvements over
what is actually happening there now. So hopefully we can
have some good legal advice to ensure that. If we
promise to do something for the community that we know,
that we have, the legislative authority. To do it. So
I'm looking very much forward to seeing the survey and
the data. Results. And thank you for the motion, Councilor
Kruger. And thank you for those in Sunshine Hills. That
brought it forward. Madam Clerk also called a question. All
those in favor of the motion is there any opposed?
Unanimously carried mad. Madam. Clear, please. Thank you very much,
Mayor Harvey. Next section of the agenda is correspondence. We
have two pieces of correspondence. One from the Royal Canadian
Legion regarding annual Legion Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day parade.
And one from M. McKnight, Vancouver Police Department, regarding UBCM
resolution Nr. Twelve. Yes. Could we pull 26, please? Is
there any other items? Of course. Ones that want to
be pulled, and I'll fold. 27. Sorry. You will pull.
Both are pulled, Madam Kirk. Thank you very much, Mayor
Harvey. Item 26 was pulled by yourself from. The Royal
Canadian Legion regarding permission. Request annual Legion Poppy campaign and
Remembrance Day parade October 31 to November 11. Yes, and
I move receipt. Has been seconded. I just like to.
Set the common letter that we send out to the
ladder and Toastman legions, noting the city's Delta support for
the annual poppy campaign in Remembrance Day parade. And thus
the motion then would be to send the letter as
suggested by staff. Call a question. All those in favor?
Any opposed? Carry it. Madam Clerk. Thank you very much,
councilor. Kruger pulled item 27 regarding UBCM resolution and our
twelve health and well being of BC's public safety personnel.
Kruger. Thank you. Mover seat second. And I move that
staff prepare a letter in support of first responder resiliency
program. To be sent to the Honorable Nina Krieger, Minister
of Public Safety and the Solicitor General. On behalf of
the city of Delta. Further discussions, seeing none. All those
in favor? Any opposed? And carried? Madam clerk, thank you
very much. For worship. The next section of the agenda
is notice of motion. And I understand you have a.
Notice of motion for us to say yes. Thank you.
So it's the notice, the motion. Regards examination of the
city of Delta. Establishing as part of core city services
urgent and primary care centers serving north and South Delta.
And the motion is whereas access to timely and appropriate
primary and urgent cares is essential for the health and
well being of all residents of Delta. And whereas many
residents of north and South Delta face challenges accessing primary
care physicians in experience long wait times at our Delta
hospital emergency department for non emergency medical needs, and whereas.
Establishing Virgin primary care centers as court city services in
north and South Delta would greatly improve access to care,
reduce the current unacceptable strain on the Delta hospital emergency
department and enhance the overall health of our community. And
whereas a comprehensive analysis is required to determine the feasibility,
the costs and potential. Benefits of such a service. Therefore,
it be resolved that staff be directed to initiate a
procurement process. For the selection of a qualified consultant to
conduct a detailed analysis on the feasibility of the city.
Of Delta, establishing urgent and primary care centers as part
of its core services, operating a north and south delta.
The analysis should include but not be. Limited to an
assessment of the current gaps in primary and urgent carry
access in north and South Delta a reveal of successful,
urgent and primary care models in other cities. A detailed
cost analysis, including capital and operating costs and potential funding
sources. And recommendations on an optimal model for UPCC's urgent
primary care centers in Delta, including service delivery, staffing, use
of appropriate city departments for operational support and a governance
model. And that will be on our next council meeting
for discussion? That's correct, your worship. Mayor, I think I'd
like to move a motion to waive notice. I'd second
that. All those in favor? And discussion council binder. Yeah.
Thank you, mayor. The motivation to bring this forward is
sadly, crystal clear. Once again, due to events this weekend,
I do look forward to the report. I will admit
I'm not as familiar with the Callwood model, other than
it seems. To be a form of a city paid
medical unit, which I think has merit to explore, but.
I'm always cautious with something like this, and I say
this with respect, but I think. We all are going
to know what I'm speaking of. The opportunity. For other
levels of government to download on. Municipalities is always a
slippery slope, and the more that we do their work,
the less work that they need to do. But that
said, at some point, in time. Priorities do shift, and
I believe this is a time to explore that possible
shift. In the priority. So with that caution, I do
look forward to the report, and I'm very curious to
see how this model could look in delta. And again,
the only other tiny thing that I'm sure staff will
also explore for us is balancing jurisdiction. The south may
be a little bit easier, but in the north maybe
a little more challenging as to who actually does get
to use this particular clinic when you're interfacing with other
communities where this is a Delta clinic, but it doesn't
mean that others may not also want to take advantage
of it, but I'm sure this will all be included
in the report and thank you for bringing this motion
forward. Thank you. Further comments, Councilor Krueger? Thank you. And
thank you for bringing the motion forward. it is very
unfortunate that the province has placed us in this position
to even be considering a motion like this The province
has failed to provide adequate health care in the city
of Delta. But it's unfortunate that the situation has gotten
so bad. We're now considering spending municipal tax dollars that
should be going towards firefighters and police officers and parks
and recreation services. To bail out the Ministry of Health.
That's not good stewardship. That is downloading. And downloading is
usually a one. Directional exercise. Whenever municipalities have taken on
initiatives that. Should be provided by the provincial or federal
governments that doesn't get taken back over this. Is Delta
considering getting into the healthcare business? Which is very concerning.
I agree. We have to look at it. We have
to understand what the costs are and what the implications
would be. And then I think it's a first step.
We should be putting an invoice together and delivering that
directly to the Minister of health. And saying, here's what
it would cost. How can we get it done? a
very last resort should be actually using municipal property tax
dollars On constitutionally provincial mandated health care. So, like I
said, I want to know how much it will cost
for Delta to go on. Its own. I want to
add up the costs. But it's also important to remember
that this is a motion that does not help to
solve the underlying issue, which is that we can't keep
our emergency room open and that's not something Delta can
do. That's something only the Ministry of Health can do.
Through adequately funding the system, through ensuring that there is
staffing, resiliency. so it's not the case that if there's
one doctor that calls in sick the entire er has
to get closed down the province has to step up
and deal with that themselves So with that, I'll be
supporting the motion. With grave concern. About the precedent this
will set for municipal tax dollars in Delta. Thank you.
Thank you. Further comments, take councilor Geeshan, then councilor del
Sanchez. Thank you, mayor Harvey. Don't have too much to
add. Just very supportive of investigating this. Agreed that this
should. Not be something that we need to be doing.
However, I agree that. It is of urgent importance for
all residents whether what tax dollars were paying for inchlier
citywide like this is something that we need to fix,
and it's very scary for those of us here that
it's just boggling to me that when we discuss with
the province that an urgent care center would take so
much pressure off of our emergency room, which. Would hopefully
help them deal with. The number of volume they already
have. And yet we were still being rejected and denied
having urgent care centers, so I'm hoping that's something we've
been continually working on. And if we have to go
this route, I'm glad to look at it, and I'm
glad that we're able to do this. Thanks. Thank you,
Councilor Dosan. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. It's very unfortunate. What
we are seeing is our healthcare system is broken. This
motion our sporting Eric gets at least. It will give
an opportunity. To try to find another solution which we
can serve. To our residents in Adulta. Of course, this
is a very urgent. And supporting this motion. Thank you.
Thank you. Anything further? Yes, please. Thank you, Mayor Harvey.
I personally believe. That Delta is stepping in to take
this responsibility. As an absolute cop out. By the provincial
government. At the municipal level, our focus really should be
the core services, our emergency services, fire, police, roads, rec
centers, housings. Et cetera. And this really is allowing the
downloading of responsibility. I will support the motion with great
reservations. And I guess I'll just wait for the report.
But I do agree with everybody at the table that
something needs to be done. And let's see what happens
here. Thank you. Anything further. Thank you. And I thank
you for the support. Again, this is not saying we
are going to do it. But based upon what's happened
this year with the emergency department at a great hospital,
We need to think outside of the box, and maybe.
These solutions will give us more authority and more ability
to pressure the province to do what they should be
doing, but based upon. Recent discussions. I just do not
see any hope that in the immediate future for us
to have an urgent and primary care center. I really
hope I'm wrong, but I think again, and I appreciate
the support that it's time for us to look at
other options. That have actually happened in BC. So I'll
call a question. All those in favor? Also in kind
of a mover and secondary. It was moved in second,
wasn't it? No, it is okay. All those in favor?
And, Carrie. Thank you, counsel. Madam clerk.
Thank you very much for worship. I believe we have
one more notice of motion from councilor. Kruger. Thank you.
Whereas the residents of Delta are experiencing significant and urgent
challenges in accessing timely, primary, urgent, and emergency healthcare services,
resulting in increased health risks, long wait times, and strain
on hospital services. And whereas these healthcare access issues are
exasperating health disparities, particularly for vulnerable populations and are posing
an imminent. Threat to the health and safety of our
community, and whereas provincial and regional resources are insufficient to
address these critical healthcare gaps in a timely manner, necessitating
immediate local action to safeguard public health. Therefore, be it
resolved that the city of Delta formally declare a public
health emergency within its jurisdiction. Recognizing the critical need for
urgent measures to protect the health and well being of
its residents. Be it further resolved that the city of
Delta formally requests the provincial government in Fraser health authority
to provide immediate support, resources and interven. Intervention strategies to
address the healthcare crisis and that the city of Delta
commits to requesting meetings with the Minister of Health and
the chair of Fraser Health to urgently discuss and develop
solutions to the healthcare challenges faced by Delta residents. I
would like to move a motion to waive notice to
discuss this. second councilor kruger and i say this with
respect as chair and mayor I am ruling this motion
out of order. The only person in British Columbia who
can declare a public health emergency is the provincial health
officer. I confirm that with Minister Osborne, Minister of Health,
today and. Because you've asked for a declaration of a
public health emergency. And Delta again. It's out of order,
as the jurisdiction is solely with the prudential health officer.
I'd like to challenge the ruling of the chair. Please
do. Well, that's a motion to challenge the ruling of
a chair. Could you have a secondary? Second. Thank you,
mayor. Obviously. The province is the only jurisdiction that can
declare a state of emergency. What I'm proposing and what
I'd like the opportunity to speak to and have. A
council discussion on. Is to declare that as a local
municipality, we are at our wits end. This is no
different. Than what other cities have done with regards to
the drug and mental health crisis. In declaring mental health
emergencies in cities across British Columbia. There's great precedent for
that. It is a declaration of the fact that we
need help, that it is not appropriate. One time, one.
Closure in a year is an anomaly. Four is a
crisis, a compounding crisis of not having confidence that if
there's going to be an incident, Tonight for yourself or
a loved one that you're taken care of, that you're
going to have a physician at Delta er to take
care of you. Not having access to urgent care centers
in our community, 110,000 people strong. Compounded by an existing
family position shortage and virtually no walk in clinics. That
is a crisis. And we do have power at this
table as representatives of our community, to stand up and
say, enough is enough. And it's time for change, and
it's time for action and. We can declare it a
crisis and we can use that in our communication strategy.
To say to the Minister of health. How about a
meeting? How about we sit down and actually understand. Not
talking points. Not plans to have plans. Border, the concrete
steps that are going to take place to ensure. That
there is no closure again at the Delta hospital. This
hospital has been open for decades without a single emergency
room closure, and we've had four in the same year,
Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, that is a crisis.
I'd like you to reconsider your ruling and elect this
council to vote to. Declare it the crisis that it
is, so we get the attention that we deserve for
our residents. Thank you. So I'm not betting down on.
my motion that it is out of your motion is
out of order You mentioned about talking to the minister.
I did receive a phone call on Saturday from the
minister directly, which are greatly appreciated. She committed to me
that she'd be getting back to me on Monday with
regards to setting up a meeting with herself, her chief
of staff in Fraser. Help. That did come in today,
Ms. Sangrick. Could you confirm that? Yes, you, worship. We
did receive correspondence from the minister's office noting the minister
would like. To reconnect with council and asking our dates
for a meeting. And it's important that we just do
not have counsel. We should be having members of the
Delta hospital foundation there and hopefully some doctors that are
working in the ER to come and explain directly to
the minister that stress that they are under. Due to
the fact that it's just been overcrowded with people that
have urgent needs, but it's not life threatening. And that
is, as we all know, causing a problem. I would
suggest if you wanted to bring this forward later on,
after that meeting, that'd. Be more appropriate. But we are
doing just what you said. The minister committed and she's.
Promised. And she's already came through with that prom. Promise
by arranging for a meeting with us very shortly. But
also, again, I already hope that Delta Hospital Foundation. Chief
officer is here today, and hopefully some doctors that are
working there can attend. I think that's the meeting that
we should be judging further action on? mayor i do
have a motion on the floor that's been seconded for
challenging the chair Question. All those in favor of the
challenge to the chair? All those opposed? And it's the
post. So look forward to, Mr. Councilor Kruger for you
attending that meeting and looking forward that we can choose
something to ensure that we're getting fair treatment from freezer
health. Just for clarity. If I may.
The motion was originally noticed and then notice was waived.
Correct. Which then put it on the table. For debate.
Yes. Does that mean that. This motion cannot come forward
at our next meeting, then. councilor councilor kruger has the
opportunity to do a notice of motion at any time
Okay? And I asked the question because. I'm still looking
with regards to the only one who can declare a
provincial health emergency. Is the provincial health officer. And again.
That was told to me, confirmed to me by the
minister just a few hours ago. Yeah. And I respect
that. I just haven't had the opportunity to get that
information for myself. And so. I'm in somewhat of a
conflict, because I'm not. Sure if we could not declare.
A state of emergency, as Counselor Groover has asked, and
so I'm needing to get that information. Firsthand as well.
So I guess that's why I'm really struggling, because I
believe that we could, but that's why I'm struggling with
this. I hope the notice comes forward again, or. Sorry,
the motion does come forward again. Well, I think it's
a good question for you to ask at our meeting
that's coming up. With the minister directly. All of council
could ask those questions. Councilor Geisha, please. Thank you. Mayor
Hervey, just to clarify, and just pardon my question. Here.
Is this just a matter of. Wording, public health emergency
being the issue that something only the province can do.
Not sure if the question for Councilor Cougar would be
to declare. An emergency room crisis. in delta and then
i am supportive of The bottom two recommendations. It looks
like we already have a meeting going forward, and then
obviously, we'll keep requesting Fraser health Authority to provide immediate
support and resources and intervention strategies. Just throw that out
to Councilor Kruger. For trying to bring this on the
floor with the different wording, or if that's. The issue,
Mirvey. Also, please feel free to correct me if I
got that right. Yeah. Thank you very much. Councilor Dieshan,
I got to admit, I'm very surprised this was not
meant to be a divisive motion. This was supposed to
be a unifying motion. Hopefully a seven to zero motion
to demonstra. Demonstrate very strong support, that our council is
united, that we're standing with our community in this very
challenging time. I don't know what other word to describe
foreclosures. Of an emergency room that has never been closed
before in the same year, other than a crisis. Obviously,
I'm not talking in the literal sense of what the
Ministry of Health does in a Covid-19 situation in terms
of extraordinary legislative powers for a municipality. I'm not talking
about extraordinary municipalities. I'm talking about standing together with our
community and declaring, stating what this is, that it's a
crisis so that we can go forward and use that.
As. A communications tool. When we're speaking with the minister,
when we're speaking with the health authority when we're speaking
with other decision makers so that they understand how seriously
we're taking this. This is not meant to be defeated
on a technicality. So anyway, if that is the ruling,
I'm incredibly disappointed. It is a crisis, Mr. Mayor. I
don't know what else you would call it. It is
a public health crisis. Our community needs help. And it's
unfortunate that we won't be able to debate and vote
on the motion. Just as a further comment on that,
I think it's not up just to us as counselors.
And the mayor to declare the crisis. We need to
sit down with our adulthood hospital foundation and represents of
the Delta hospital management and see what they want us
to do. We're supposed to be in consultation and working
together as a team, and that's. Why I look forward
to them joining us at our meeting with the minister,
and I don't. Think we're going to get much from
the minister insofar as easing our thoughts and then that's
the time to react. But I'd rather react jointly with
people that are dealing with the system right now firsthand,
the doctors, the nurse. Nurses and our Delta Hospital foundation.
That meeting we're going to be trying to have within
the next two weeks. I look forward to. Again, as
I'm repeating myself, we look forward to that meeting and
seeing if we could get some solid answers. It better
not be two weeks from now, Mr. Mayor. I hope
we can do it tomorrow. And I hope the minister
will agree to do it tomorrow. Be nicer if it
was public health crisis. Anyway, I'll leave it there. Thank
you. Man and clerk. Next subject, please. Thank you, worship.
The next section of the agenda is council inquiries, other
matters in new business council. Please. Your worship. If there's
nothing further, adjournment would be on order. Council, banker. Motion
to adjourn. All those in favor and carried.