[5:59] Madam Clerk, please. Thank you very much. Good evening and
[6:03] welcome to the regular council meeting for Monday, October the
[6:06] six. 2025. Mayor Harvey, before we call this meeting to
[6:09] order, I would just like to mention that this evening's
[6:12] regular meeting is a continuation of the meetings of council
[6:15] that commenced at 06:00. Today, Mayor Harvey will now start
[6:19] the. Meeting with the indigenous land. Acknowledgement. Thank you. Before
[6:25] we begin, I would like to acknowledge that. This meeting
[6:28] is taking place on the sheer traditional, ancestral and unseated
[6:32] territories of the Swasan. Omasquium and other cosilus peoples, we
[6:36] extend our appreciation to these first nations for the opportunity
[6:38] to hold this meeting here today. Madam Clerk, please. Thank.
[6:42] You, worship, if I could have a motion to endorse
[6:44] the agenda. Council, please. So moved. Second. All those in
[6:49] favor? Any opposed? Carried. Your worship, the next section of
[6:54] the agenda is adoption. Of minutes. Item 4.1 are the
[6:57] minutes of the September 15, 2025 regular council meeting. Council,
[7:02] we receive an adoption of minutes. All those in favor?
[7:06] In carrion. You, worship. The next section of the agenda
[7:10] is announcements. Thank you. Last week I had the honor,
[7:16] along with members of Council of joining twas and first
[7:19] nation with members of council for their national date for
[7:22] Truth and Reconciliation walk. I want to extend council's gratitude
[7:26] to chief Laura Cassidy and the executive council for welcoming
[7:29] us to take part in their meaningful ceremony. I also
[7:33] had the privilege attending the Battle of Britain ceremony at
[7:36] Boundary Bay Airport alongside our delta. MP Minister Jill McKnight.
[7:40] Each year this ceremony honors the brief canadian pilots who
[7:43] fought in the Battle of Britain in the historic role
[7:46] of our boundary b airport as a training site during
[7:49] the Second World War. And Saturday members of council myself
[7:53] were pleased to attend Ken villages. It takes the village
[7:56] gala in support of a new enhanced day program space
[8:00] for older adults. Thank you to everyone who contributed to
[8:03] this important cause in help bring Ken Village closer to
[8:06] achieving its fundraising goal. All of us and council are
[8:10] looking forward to next Friday, where we will host our
[8:12] first ever dfest right here at the North Delta center
[8:16] for the Arts and at the North Delta Recreation. Center.
[8:20] This free, family friendly celebration of a creature dj and
[8:23] dance performances di decorating in a community Rangoli designs. Attendees
[8:29] will be treated to an indoor light show running every
[8:31] 15 minutes in the gymnasium next door, and we hope
[8:34] to see as many families from across Delta join us
[8:37] for this. New, exciting community tradition in terms of council.
[8:41] Business. Our next regular meeting will take place on Monday,
[8:43] October 20 at 07:00 p.m. in the council chamber at
[8:46] Delta City hall. Please note city hall and some Adelta's.
[8:49] Facilities will be closed on Monday, October 13, for thanksgiving.
[8:54] On behalf of council, we wish everyone celebrating in our
[8:57] community a very happy Thanksgiving. May your weekend be filled
[9:00] with. Gratitude and company of loved ones. I would now
[9:04] like to ask council for any additional comments or announcements.
[9:08] Councilor Binder, please. Thank you, Ms. Harvey. I have just
[9:11] two had the opportunity to attend. With members of council
[9:15] staff and the mayor. UBCM. And so last week at
[9:19] UBCM, convention, we had the opportunity to meet with the
[9:21] agricultural minister, Lana Popum, along with Mle. And Peyton. Mayor
[9:25] Harvey, councilors Kruger, Beauver, Joh. Johal, acting city manager Marcy
[9:30] Sangret and Tyson Scholfield from our staff. We once again
[9:34] stress the importance of the to the ALC to enforce
[9:36] compliance of farm structures. Specifically the barns. Also in attendance
[9:41] were members of the ALC, including Jennifer Dyson, the commission
[9:45] chair. I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of
[9:49] the Agriculture Advisory committee that I sit on as vice
[9:53] chair with councilor geesh on his chair and express the
[9:56] concerns of our local farmers. And our committee with what
[9:59] appears to be noncompliant structures. And the need for the
[10:03] ALC to enforce their rules, they wholeheartedly agreed. Also explained
[10:08] our committee is engaged in a project with staff to
[10:11] further define what is a barn. And that it is
[10:15] designated for farm use. To equip our staff and sorry
[10:20] to further define what is a barn. And what is
[10:23] designated to be used for farm equipment. We want to
[10:28] work with our staff to actually. Further equip them in
[10:32] the permitting process. The ALC applauded our work and stated
[10:37] that it was a leading initiative. They also thanked us
[10:39] for continuing to monitor the situation as they have limited
[10:43] human resources and need the collaboration with the local farming
[10:46] community. They committed to continue to work for compliance and
[10:50] will keep our staff informed, and it was a privilege
[10:53] to know. That. Our committee is actually leading in some
[10:56] of this initiative, as per the statements of the land
[11:01] commission. So we hope they will continue to do their
[11:03] work. And secondly, and very briefly, Delta Council recently agreed
[11:08] to seek Fraser Valley Regional Library Board approval to allocate
[11:12] up to $750,000 in funding support towards the upcoming Ladder
[11:17] Pioneer Library renovation project and the funding came from the
[11:22] FVRL's member salary and benefit reserve, which is an investment
[11:25] fund. Set aside. For members to apply for capital projects.
[11:31] And Delta was granted the $750,000 towards a $900,000 renovation
[11:38] and reducing our maximum cost, which has already been reserved
[11:43] of approximately $200,000. And that's already in the reserves, so
[11:46] we're very happy to announce receiving that grant from the
[11:49] FBRL. Reducing. Our fees and our taxpayers costs towards the
[11:53] renovation and looking forward to seeing the project completed. Thank
[11:57] you. Thank you, councilor Binder. Any further comments? Seeing none,
[12:01] Madam Clerk. Thank you, worship. The next section of the
[12:04] agenda is items arising from the closed council meeting. Item.
[12:08] 6.1. At the September 15, 2025 closed meeting, council endorsed
[12:13] the public release of the report dated June 24, 2025,
[12:17] titled Ladner Waterfront headlease consideration. And that report is included
[12:21] in your agenda pack. Package, you worship. The next section
[12:25] as bylaws for final adoption. Item 7.1. We have a
[12:31] report from the development department regarding final consideration and adoption
[12:35] of bylaw number 8514 for a six story apartment building
[12:38] on 55 a street. Council move receipt of the memorandum.
[12:43] Second. Any comments? All those in favor? I'd like the
[12:50] record to show that I'm opposed. I was opposed the
[12:52] first. Second and third reading on this project. Councilor Deshaun?
[12:55] The same. And councilor Dosange. Thank you. and it's carried
[13:04] Off. Yeah, that was a motion just for receipt, for
[13:07] clarity, and I'd like to now. Move that bylaw number
[13:09] 8514 be finally considered and adopted. All those in favor?
[13:18] Opposed. And carried. Thank you, worship. The next section of
[13:23] the agenda is item is 7.2, which is a. Report
[13:27] from the development department regarding final consideration and adoption of
[13:31] bylaw number 85216, story. Mixed use apartment zones. Council move
[13:41] receipt of the memorandum. Second. Discussion, seeing none. All those
[13:45] in favor? Is there anybody opposed? And carried. The bylaw,
[13:51] please. And move the recommendation to receive the information and
[13:58] that bylaw number 8521 be finally considered. And adopted. All
[14:03] those in favor? And Carrie. Worship. Item 7.3. You have
[14:09] a report from the development department regarding final consideration and
[14:13] adoption. Of bylaw number 8496, civic institutional building height zoning
[14:17] amendment. Council, please. We received the memorandum. Second, any discussion.
[14:27] Call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed and
[14:30] carried reading the bylaw, please move the bylaw number 8496
[14:34] be finally considered and adopted second council. All those in
[14:37] favor, any opposed. Your worship. Item 7.4 is a report
[14:45] from the finance department. Regarding final consideration and adoption. Of
[14:49] bylaw number 8560 2017, amendment number 8527 2025. Development cost
[14:55] charges council, please. We received a memorandum. Any
[15:05] discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried
[15:10] reading of the bylaw, please move. That bylaw number 7560
[15:13] 2017 amendment by law number 8527-2025 be finally considered and
[15:18] adopted all those in favor. And posed and carry. Your
[15:25] worship. Item 7.5. You have a report from the finance
[15:29] department regarding final consideration and. Adoption of bylaw number 8515,
[15:34] consolidated fees and charges. Council move receipt of the memorandum.
[15:41] Second. Is there any discussion, Mr. Quick one? Councilor Krueger,
[15:43] please. Yeah, just a quick. Question through you to staff.
[15:45] I just want to confirm that as per direction from
[15:48] council at the last meeting that the proposed fees for
[15:51] sidewalk. Cafes and restaurants will not be proceeding. That's correct,
[15:59] Councilor Kruger. And through you. Mayor. Mayor Harvey, that was
[16:02] council's direction. We have not been charging the fees for
[16:06] patios, and we will continue through the coming seasons to
[16:09] not charge. Thank you very much. Thank you. Question all
[16:12] those in favor and carried reading of the bylaw. I
[16:15] move that. Bylaw number 8515 be finally considered and adopted.
[16:20] Second. All those in favor and carried. Thank you, worship.
[16:26] Item 7.6 is a report from the finance department. Regarding
[16:30] final consideration and. Adoption of bylaw number 8526, permissive tax
[16:35] exemptions. Move receipt. Any discussion? Seeing? None. I'll call the
[16:44] question. All those in favor? Any opposed and carried reading
[16:49] of the bylaw, please. That bylaw number 85 26 be
[16:53] finally considered and adopted. All those in favor, any opposed
[16:57] and carried. Your worship. The next item of business is
[17:02] 7.7 which is a report from the corporate services department
[17:06] regarding final consideration and adoption of Mobile food and beverage
[17:10] Vendor program bylaws. Council will proceed to the memorandum. Any
[17:18] discussion. See none. I'll call the question. All those in
[17:21] favor? Any opposed? Carried reading of the bylaws, please, that
[17:25] highways bylaw amendment number 8415 2025 be finally considered and
[17:30] adopted. All those in favor and carried. That business license.
[17:37] By law, amendment number 8425 2025 be finally considered and
[17:41] adopted. All those has been seconded. All those in favor?
[17:46] And Carrie. Your worship item. 8.1 under the section of
[17:54] bylaws for 1st, second and third reading. You have a
[17:58] report from the development department regarding proposed prezoning of portions
[18:02] of 72 Avenue corridor. Council, please. Move adoption of the
[18:08] recommendation. Second. Is there any discussion, Councilor Geeshan? Thank you,
[18:15] Mayor Harvey. Thank you, staff, for the report. Just a
[18:18] quick comment question. There was an email written in. It's
[18:21] at the back of the package, just with a question
[18:24] on if a current home built under the new zoning
[18:27] gets destroyed by a fire or flood or other disaster.
[18:31] What recourse does the city have and would the property
[18:34] owner be able to rebuild in its current single family
[18:37] home. And just clarity on that question. Thanks. Ms. Sangrid,
[18:42] please. Thank you. I'm going to ask Ms. Mayhew to
[18:45] respond. On this one and her staff have looked into
[18:47] this with respect to the provisions in the Local Government
[18:50] Act. Thank you. And we did get back to the
[18:55] letter writer that received that correspondence from, and so these
[18:59] events in terms of, like, a fire or complete loss
[19:01] of building are extremely rare, but in those circumstances and
[19:04] something that that does happen. Staff do work with the
[19:08] individual property owners to ensure that they are able to
[19:11] rebuild a home. If that is their desire. These cases
[19:15] are few and far between, and as Ms. Sangrett mentioned,
[19:18] there's even the protections in local government act in terms
[19:20] of a loss of a structure and what the preexisting
[19:23] prezoning rights would be. Any further discussion. Councilor Kruger, please.
[19:29] Yeah. Thank you. Just in continuation of previous discussion on
[19:32] this, topic. I would not support prezoning in other parts
[19:38] of our community. But 72nd continues to be a unique
[19:40] situation going back to the time of Mayor Jackson and
[19:45] policies that were set under her counsel in terms of
[19:48] trying to get the driveways off of 72nd, which continues
[19:51] to be first and foremost a public safety issue. We've
[19:55] just finished. Many years worth of improvements on 72nd, going
[19:59] from two lanes to four lanes, which has helped but
[20:01] has not even come close to solving the problem of
[20:05] congestion on 72nd. But long term we know when we're
[20:08] looking over the next 10, 20, 30 years, we have
[20:10] to get the driveways off of 72nd. It's not an
[20:13] appropriate use given the traffic that we're contin. Continuing to
[20:17] see on that corridor we've seen with the projects that
[20:19] we have approved being able to move the vehicle egress.
[20:23] To the back of the properties, which creates a much
[20:26] safer and better situation for traffic flow. We just can't
[20:30] have people rebuilding brand new, multimillion dollar, single family homes
[20:34] on those properties and really sterilizing them for the next
[20:38] 20 plus years. So in this particular case, I do
[20:41] support it. It's a. Continuation of direction that was set
[20:44] many years ago by Mayor Jackson and her counsel. And
[20:47] I think it's serving us well. Thank you. Thank you.
[20:51] Anything for further comments, it is time. Time? That is
[20:55] happening. All those in favor? Any opposed? And carry readings,
[21:00] please. No readings for these bylaws. Sorry for a second
[21:05] and third. Thank you. Your worship. Item 8.2 is a
[21:09] report from the development department regarding rezoning for two lot
[21:13] subdivision at 6632 Lambert Crescent. Council move adoption of the
[21:18] recommendations. Second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those
[21:23] in favor? Any opposed and carried? Your worship. Item 8.3
[21:31] is a report by the Development department regarding rezoning for
[21:33] two lot subdivision at 6456. Cabal do crescent. Council, please.
[21:43] Move the adoption of the recommendation. It's been seconded. Any
[21:48] discussion? Yes. Councilor Geishawn, please. Thank you. Mayor Harvey, just
[21:53] a quick question. On parking requirements for, I suppose just
[21:58] in general for the rezoning of two lot subdivisions. With
[22:02] duplex or fourplex or suites. Just to go over. What's
[22:07] the onsite parking requirements are? With these new. Plexus that
[22:12] we are seeing pop up. Thank you. So, in general,
[22:17] parking requirements are one space that's required per unit, and
[22:21] that's off street parking. The one exception is that if
[22:28] the units are extremely small, so if they're 33 m².
[22:31] Or less. So about 352 sqft. Then they're exempt from
[22:35] providing a parking space for those very small accessory dwelling
[22:39] units. We were also prevented from requiring parking requirements within
[22:43] 400 meters of frequent transit, which is the Scott Road
[22:46] corridor in north Delta. Any further discussion? Seeing none, I'll
[22:51] call the question. All those in favor? Is there any?
[22:54] Opposed and carried. Your worship. The next time of business
[23:02] is 8.4, which is a report from the development. Department
[23:05] regarding rezoning for conversion of commercial area to residential area.
[23:12] At 4872 Delta Street. Council like to move adoption of
[23:17] alternative one. Second. Anything. There's comments. Councilor Kruger,
[23:27] please. Thank you. I'd like to add Amendment C. To
[23:31] alternative one. The amendment reads that the bylaw be amended
[23:37] to allow all allowable uses in the c one l
[23:41] core commercial ladner zone. Second or to the amendment? Second.
[23:47] Any discussion on the amendment. Seeing none. I'll call the
[23:51] question on the amendment only. All those in favor is
[23:54] there. Any opposed? Councilor Geishan is opposed. Counselor Descinch is
[23:58] opposed, and I'm opposed. Question on the motion. Motion carries.
[24:03] And now, on the motion, as amended. Sorry, council. Sorry.
[24:14] This is discussion on the main motion. It is now.
[24:17] Okay? Yes. Motion is amended. Thank you. Pardon? Sorry. Just
[24:22] discussion on this main motion. I was looking to do.
[24:26] Alternative to which would be to deny this. I just
[24:30] read briefly that it's very precedent setting. I don't know
[24:33] if staff want to go over a little bit of
[24:35] the timeline here that we see on page two of
[24:37] five. Of when things are done. Unpermitted and what kind
[24:45] of precedent that's sitting. Nervous about staff. Also explaining. Staff
[24:51] concerns regarding safety, livability, functionality for the proposed conversion of
[24:57] portion of commercial areas into two residential dwelling units. I
[25:02] get nervous. I don't know if there's windows in these
[25:04] units. There's. Just a couple big flags I'm seeing here,
[25:07] so I'm not sure. Why we should allow this to
[25:11] go forward. But those are my thoughts. Thank you. Any
[25:16] further discussion? Seeing none. I'll call the question on alternative
[25:21] one motion. All those in favor? Is there any opposed?
[25:27] And it carries. Your worship. The next section of the
[25:37] agenda is administrative report item 9.1. You have a report
[25:42] from the development department regarding Tuasan Town center mall application
[25:46] update, and I move as mayor. Option two. The option
[25:53] is a. That application LU 09754 be denied b. That
[25:59] the applicant be advised. That any future proposals will require
[26:02] a new application. And review process. Could I have a
[26:07] seconder, please? Is there any discussion? Councilor Bouvert.
[26:17] yeah i'll be first to speak The application, which. Is
[26:27] obviously. Stirred up a lot of opinion. In south Delta.
[26:34] We had a previous application which everyone is very aware
[26:37] of. That provided redevelopment of the entire site. With buildings
[26:44] as high as 24 stories. And. That. Was not acceptable.
[26:53] This new application, though I would certainly. Is an improvement.
[26:57] say Unfortunately, in a couple of areas, it still misses
[27:02] the mark for me. First and foremost, and I'm only
[27:06] going to speak about a couple of things. That are
[27:11] important. The ocp certainly. Calls if the project is going
[27:17] to be higher. Than six stories for a substantial community
[27:21] amenity. and in my opinion This particular proposal has not
[27:28] met that threshold. Although the community certainly. Seemed to
[27:38] would much rather have had some sort of health care
[27:41] facility, urgent care center, something of that kind over a
[27:44] library which was originally proposed. This project. Does not actually,
[27:50] at this point, provide for that. It provides a contribution
[27:54] of a building space to the Delta Hospital Foundation. The
[27:58] Alta Hospital foundation has written a letter that it would
[28:00] be used for health purposes. Which I do think is
[28:03] fantastic, but it does not substantively provide a community amenity
[28:08] that's tangible or any sort of time frame. Or exactly
[28:13] what that would be. And I know that it's probably
[28:17] something that. 's going to take a lot of time.
[28:22] To be able to. Make official. But at this point,
[28:29] It's not a community amenity. And therefore doesn't meet that
[28:36] part of the OCP. And then secondly. I'm just disappointed
[28:42] that. The revised. Does not encompass the
[28:52] entire site. And I think that's important. The town center
[28:57] mall is exactly. That is the town center. It's the
[29:04] hub. It's where everybody comes together in that town at
[29:07] twelve and 56, and I don't. Think. That it should
[29:12] be done. In sort of a piecemeal process. I think
[29:17] that the whole site, and that was one thing that.
[29:21] I was very happy with. In the first iteration was
[29:24] the fact that it was the whole site. And this
[29:27] time. It is not. I think.
[29:37] Amongst everyone is that. That town center mall does need
[29:44] to be redeveloped. I don't think that that's. A real
[29:47] question. And all of the comments that I have heard.
[29:53] And I can tell you in the last. Several weeks
[29:57] in my office. I've had. Numbers. Too many to count
[30:02] of visitors. With their thoughts. And there isn't one person
[30:09] that has said, oh, no, I don't. Want it developed.
[30:12] I want it to just stay the same. But I
[30:17] think, as I said in the previous meeting, When the
[30:22] original iteration didn't go forward that I said, there's going
[30:26] to have to be compromise here by everyone. By the
[30:32] people. By the applicant and by the city. And though
[30:38] I think. This project does provide a lot of. That.
[30:45] I still think there's a little bit that needs to
[30:47] go. A little further. It is my hope. That the
[30:53] applicant. Can stick with this. And that we can find
[31:01] something that. I know we're not going to find something
[31:04] that works for everyone. I'm not. That naive. But I
[31:08] just think that. It still needs a little bit more
[31:13] refinement. So those are my comments, and I'm going to
[31:16] leave it there. Thank you. Thank you. Further comments from
[31:20] council. Councilor binder. Yeah. Thank you, my Harvey. Needless to
[31:29] say, I wrestled with. This as well. As I'm sure
[31:34] many of my colleagues on council have as well. Century
[31:38] has proven to be an excellent developer. They've delivered many
[31:42] wonderful projects throughout all of Metro Vancouver. They've also proven
[31:46] to be. an excellent community partner contributing to
[31:55] many of our nonprofit Charities and events and everything else.
[31:56] And so they've proven themselves to be. A good partner
[32:02] in Tuasin and for all of Delta. When the OCP
[32:08] was being debated. With this council. I made comments that
[32:15] I struggled with one part of it that said, which
[32:18] is going to be somewhat similar to what councilor Bravair
[32:20] said. A significant community amenity, and I actually didn't want
[32:26] it to be significant. I wanted it to be more
[32:28] defined. And I was somewhat challenged, saying, well, if it's
[32:32] too prescriptive perhaps then you stifle the creativity or the
[32:36] opportunity for a developer to come. Forward. So I thought,
[32:42] okay, let's see what can come forward. With that community
[32:47] amenity contribution to get the higher density. The applicant certainly
[32:54] listened to the community and came forward with something that
[32:56] was asked by the community. In the form of a
[32:59] healthcare clinic. Versus the original option, which was a library.
[33:04] I think the challenge for. This applicant, which we're all
[33:08] seeing, and I think. We're just going to be a
[33:10] tough conversation coming up in this meeting. Is. This actually
[33:13] is somewhat of the expectation of Fraser health stepping forward.
[33:18] And so far we're struggling a little bit with Fraser
[33:19] health and with the province. When it comes to delivering
[33:22] on health care. So I believe that there may be
[33:28] a number somewhere around the tune of $6 million as
[33:30] a contribution from this proponent from century providing this facility.
[33:36] To the hospital foundation, which I think is extraordinary. And
[33:41] I think takes a step forward in meeting that contribution.
[33:45] But I just don't have confidence that we're going to
[33:47] actually have that space. Occupied in a reasonable period of
[33:52] time, which means. The amenity just won't be there. And
[33:57] that's one of the things I really struggled with on
[33:58] this. I appreciate all the work that the applicant has
[34:02] put forward to bring this forward. Echoing the words of
[34:05] Councilor Beauver. I deeply hope that there will be another
[34:10] opportunity for us to look at this. Looking at more
[34:12] of that compromise, but I also understand that. It's going
[34:17] to be difficult for century to invest more time and
[34:19] money on it in the present because. There's been a
[34:22] lot put forward of which we're grateful for. But I'm
[34:25] stuck on that amenity component. And those are my comments.
[34:30] Thank you for the comments from council, councilor Geesha. Thank
[34:35] you, Mayor Harvey. And, yeah, I just want to thank
[34:38] century group for taking this project back with the hopes.
[34:44] With my hopes of bringing the community a little closer
[34:46] together on this. It's been mentioned. I think we can
[34:49] all agree that the town center does need development, and
[34:52] I don't. Think anyone disagrees with that. And it's such
[34:55] an opportunity. And I can see glimmers of it here
[34:58] with public spaces. Brought somebody to shops, obviously more homes
[35:01] for future Deltans. Or existing. Deltans. And an opportunity for
[35:07] a meaningful. Community amenity, but for me. It's too much.
[35:14] It's still too tall. It's too out of scale for
[35:15] the future of the Tuasin that I see and want
[35:18] to be a part of here. And not to mention
[35:23] it's just a little unknown. Without. Having on paper here
[35:27] what the rest of the site will look like. That
[35:30] would be left up to future councils or future. Thing.
[35:33] Markets. Just everything is very volatile, of course. If we
[35:37] wait. But those are my thoughts there, and I hope
[35:41] the applicant can still come forward with something else. And
[35:45] whatever happens with this proposal. I am at least hopeful
[35:49] century group will put in the same care and foresight
[35:52] into town. Center. As they have done with other projects,
[35:55] and I have no doubt that it would feel vibrant
[35:58] and look good and be a positive new spot for
[36:00] the town, but I can't get on. Board. Currently, with
[36:03] this height and still two out of place. So thank
[36:08] you. Those are my comments. Thank you. Further comments from
[36:11] council. Yes, please. I just want to begin by acknowledging
[36:20] the significant work that has gone into the proposal. The
[36:23] proponent clearly made an effort to respond to community feedback,
[36:27] reducing the number of dwellings. Exploring the inclusion of an
[36:30] urgent care facility and making other meaningful adjustments along the
[36:34] way at the same time. I fully recognize that members
[36:39] of the community have raised legitimate concerns about the height,
[36:43] traffic and the overall fit within the neighborhood. Those are
[36:47] important considerations that deserve to be heard and carefully reviewed
[36:50] as well. I also understand. There are valid questions about
[36:54] Fraser Health's potential involvement. And whether an urgent care center
[36:59] could ultimately. Be staffed and operated, and those are for
[37:02] fair points as well. That said, I do believe that
[37:05] there would have been value in allowing the project to
[37:08] continue through the standard process to receive the full staff
[37:11] report, consider all the details and possible provisions, and have
[37:16] further discussions with Fraser health before reaching a final conclusion.
[37:21] There's no question that the site definitely needs revitalization and
[37:24] investment based on the comments shared here at the table.
[37:29] I don't see that moving forward at this time. But
[37:33] as I mentioned in the previous public engagement meeting, I
[37:38] hope century sticks with it. I do firmly believe that
[37:42] they are the right partner for this. Site. Thank you.
[37:45] Councilor Jose. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. Community. Raised few concern,
[37:55] which I'm totally agree with, that the height and scales
[37:58] concerns are traffic. Road impact. then infrastructure lack of infrastructures
[38:08] and amenities Most important. This project is not a complete
[38:13] project. And also. The engagement from public the voice of
[38:19] a peoples. It's a very clear and loud listening. To
[38:25] them. Are you also going? With the option. Too. Thank
[38:32] you, Councilor Kruger. Thank you. Lots already been said. I'll
[38:39] try not to repeat comments. I think going back to.
[38:44] The need. There will be a need to replace the
[38:48] town center mall. Tossin deserves a proper town center. We
[38:53] don't have a proper town center right now. There is
[38:56] no character to Wasson's town center, which is essentially a
[38:59] collection of four giant asphalt parking lots. To Wasan deserves
[39:04] a true, vibrant community center where we can have things
[39:08] like. Expanded restaurant patios and coffee shops and public gatherings
[39:12] and farmers markets and outdoor movie nights. We don't have
[39:16] a space that's set up for that right now. To
[39:20] wasan needs it. And I hope that we can eventually
[39:23] arrive at a place where we can deliver that for
[39:26] the community of Tawas. As has been stated, I also
[39:30] have severe concerns about Fraser Health's ability. In a really
[39:37] constrained environment to deliver on the financial promise of an
[39:41] urgent care center. In that location. Recent events have not
[39:45] helped my confidence as far as that is concerned. So
[39:50] that is a challenge as far as the amenity is
[39:51] concerned. Others have already spoken to community feedback. That has
[39:58] been continued to come in with regards to height, density,
[40:02] traffic, et cetera. But ultimately, I hope this is the
[40:07] beginning of a conversation, not the end of a conversation.
[40:11] It is a dream that I think, in speaking with
[40:15] hundreds, if not thousands of toast and residents. Through this
[40:18] process over the last year that 95, if not 99%,
[40:23] Of Tuasin Resident share is to have a really exciting
[40:28] eventual redevelopment to that space that includes all those. Activities
[40:34] that I mentioned earlier and of course, needed housing on
[40:36] top. So I hope the conversation can continue, but I
[40:40] will also be supporting option two. Thank you. Thank you.
[40:47] I'd first like to state that as mayor, I fully
[40:49] understand that my role is to represent the interests of
[40:52] Delta residents and businesses. My responsibility is to listen to
[40:56] their concerns on this. Application. Evaluate the issues objectively and
[41:01] make a decision that reflects the best interests of our
[41:03] community. In reviewing the large number of emails sent to
[41:07] me recently regarding this application. And many conversations with members
[41:12] of our community. It is apparent. That our community is
[41:16] not against redevelopment of the town center mall, but they
[41:19] do have a strong desire to see development, focus on
[41:23] maintaining what our twas and community has always been a
[41:26] farming and seaside town for families and seniors. They expect.
[41:34] reasonable appropriate growth in development that does not include towers
[41:37] and conforms to our official community plan Development that will
[41:39] not stress the city's infrastructure that is servicing the site,
[41:42] including 56th street. And 12th Avenue development that will also
[41:47] take into consideration the increase in traffic from the TwAs's.
[41:50] First nations residential development, which we are affecting us now
[41:54] and the already approved for construction in Tosson six story
[41:57] apartments. And townhouses. Our community expects to know exactly what
[42:03] is proposed for the entire property. Not segments. Our city
[42:08] has had great success in working with the development community
[42:11] on master planned large community developments, including Sunstone here in
[42:15] north Delta to Wassen Springs. In recently Southlands, I cannot
[42:20] support an. Application that does not reflect the complete buildout
[42:23] of a development site. A wooden century group to come
[42:26] back with a proposal that demonstrates they are truly listening
[42:30] to the concerns of our community. They have successfully done
[42:33] this before with the Southlands, which now is strongly supported
[42:37] by residents. I would also request century group to look
[42:41] at recent developments locally, such as Dunderave enableside in West
[42:46] Vancouver, in Edgemont Village in north Vancouver. All of these
[42:50] developments include thoughtful mixes of retail and strata buildings that
[42:54] are not high rises. Each of these communities has created
[42:57] modern examples of mixed use while maintaining. Their original sense
[43:00] of history and field. Now, for the record, I cannot
[43:04] support this application and will be voting in favor of
[43:06] recommendation to that states a, that the application LU 9754
[43:12] be denied. And b that the applicant be advised that
[43:15] any future proposals will require a new application in a
[43:18] new review process. I'll now turn to council to call
[43:21] the question. All those in favor? Of voting for recommendation.
[43:27] Too. Is there any opposed and carried? And madam clerk.
[43:34] I also vote in favor. Madam clerk. Thank you very
[43:39] much for worship. Mayor Harvey, the next item of business
[43:44] on the agenda is the draft 2026 financial plan and
[43:47] next steps. And we have. a presentation from the general
[43:57] manager of finance Mr. Chan, this is probably the largest
[44:05] audience you've had or ever producing a budget. Yeah. I'm
[44:09] very nervous, your worship. Please proceed. Good evening, your worship
[44:16] and members of council. Tonight I'll be presenting a high
[44:19] level overview. Of the Draft 2026 financial plan, as well
[44:24] as outlining the upcoming public consultation process.
[44:34] The 2026 budget process began in February with the Community
[44:39] Satisfaction Survey, which was presented to council in May. These
[44:44] results help guide the city's 2026 budget priorities. In May.
[44:51] Financial plan guidelines were released to departments based on the
[44:54] community feedback and council's goals and priorities. Departmental plans were
[44:58] submitted in July. And incorporated into the 2026 draft budget.
[45:05] Tonight. We are seeking council's direction to proceed with public
[45:08] consultation from October 7 to the 30th. Council budget workshops
[45:15] are scheduled for October 29 and 30th, with public open
[45:19] houses held prior to each workshop. The open houses will
[45:23] provide opportunities for residents to engage with staff and learn
[45:27] more about the draft 2026 budget. During the council budget
[45:33] workshops, staff will provide detailed presentations on the operating and
[45:38] capital plans following the consultation and workshops. The. Bylads. Are
[45:45] anticipated to be presented to council in November and December
[45:48] for consideration and adoption. The community satisfaction survey was conducted
[45:54] February 13 to March 16. And the results indicated that
[46:03] 82% of residents felt that they received fair to very
[46:06] good value. On tax dollars. The top three emerging issues
[46:11] priorities identified included road improvement and traffic management. Population growth
[46:17] and the impact to the community, as well as investment
[46:21] in recreation facilities and community events. So the survey results
[46:25] were used to prepare the 2026 budget. Delta's financial plan
[46:30] has been developed in a pretty challenging environment marked by
[46:35] rising. Service delivery costs and increasing community expectations for expanded
[46:44] and enhanced services. The city continues to face significant external
[46:49] pressures, including costs passed on by external agencies such as
[46:53] ECom as well as just broader econom. Economic uncertainties. Which
[47:00] include tariffs and other cost drivers affecting our operations. Delta
[47:05] also faces ongoing. infrastructure demands The city manages over $4
[47:12] billion in assets, so that includes all our roads, parks,
[47:16] infrastructure, utility systems and buildings. So the city continues to
[47:20] make it a priority to invest in asset renewal, to
[47:23] ensure that we have a sustainable delivery of central services
[47:27] for our residents and businesses. In environment of higher growth
[47:32] as well as increased cost. Despite the ongoing financial pressures,
[47:38] the city remains committed to responsible budgeting and maintaining a
[47:42] strong fiscal position. This includes aligning our resources with council's
[47:52] goals and community's expectations with a key focus on roads,
[47:57] recreation and protective services. As well in terms of operational
[48:03] efficiencies, leveraging technology enhancements, which includes improvements to our virtual
[48:09] and online services to streamline operations and enhance service delivery
[48:14] as well. Conducting regular reviews over our procurement investment. And
[48:20] cash management strategies to strengthen. Our financial performance and identify
[48:26] savings. Staff are actively pursuing external grants. Recently. We've been
[48:35] awarded a $14.2 million housing accelerator fund grant as well
[48:40] as a 7.6 million disaster mitigation adoption fund grant, also
[48:45] ensuring that the city's. Fees and charges remain. Aligned with
[48:50] our regional median and reflect the true cost of service
[48:53] delivery. The 2026 draft financial plan proposes a 2.9% property
[49:02] tax increase, which is equivalent to about $90 per year,
[49:07] or $8 per month for a typical home. There's no
[49:12] additional capital levy proposed in this year's budget for utilities.
[49:18] Charges are proposed to rise by 3.2%, or approximately $4
[49:23] per month. So in total, the combined increase in taxes
[49:27] and utilities for a typical household is $12 per month.
[49:32] The draft financial plan totals 539,000,000. This consists of three
[49:40] components. There's the general operating portion, which funds our core
[49:45] services, such as our police, our fire, engineering, parks and
[49:49] development areas. It's important to note that protective services accounts
[49:54] for 40% of this budget. As well. Utilities operating is
[49:59] 71 million, and that funds all our water, sewer and
[50:02] solid waste programs. And then our capital plan makes up
[50:06] the balance, up 200 million, which is maintaining and improving
[50:11] and building our new infrastructure. This includes new capital projects
[50:15] as well as our in progress projects. The
[50:25] operating budget. Highlights include maintaining our core services and supporting
[50:30] areas of growth and community demand. So the budget includes
[50:35] funding for resources for our growing recreation demand. As well
[50:41] as dedicated funding for. Enhanced community events such as our
[50:45] Canada Day festivals, luminary festival. ladders lights and loaders and
[50:51] other place making initiatives As well as ongoing funding for
[50:55] provincial housing requirements. Our permits of tax exemptions and community
[50:59] grants. Protective services includes continued support for our fire and
[51:04] police, including a 10% increase in our ECom levies. And
[51:10] finally in asset management resources for proactive. Infrastructure management, which
[51:16] includes funding for building and condition building condition assessments as
[51:21] well as preventative maintenance. In terms of our utilities operating
[51:25] plan, funds are water, sewer and solid waste programs. 60%
[51:34] of our costs for water and sewer is Metro Vancouver,
[51:37] which supplies our water and sewage. Treatment. Also includes funding
[51:42] for our city infrastructure maintenance and operations. And our solid
[51:47] waste program includes services for garbage, green waste and recycling.
[51:52] In terms of capital projects in the budget. Highlights include.
[52:01] Several roads and traffic projects which focus on paving, signal
[52:06] upgrades, crosswalk improvements and new transit infrastructure. Such as shelters
[52:10] and benches throughout delta. A focus on our industrial areas,
[52:15] which includes funding for cycling networks, sidewalks and transit upgrades
[52:19] in Tilbury and Anisys Island. A focus on recreation. Facilities,
[52:26] including a major. Mechanical upgrades at the Tilbury Ice arena,
[52:31] new field houses at Mackey and Hawthorne parks as well
[52:35] as a design for a new pickleball courts at Denison
[52:38] Park. The capital plan also includes drainage and agricultural projects,
[52:44] including 84th street pump station, 88 street rural road upgrades
[52:49] and irrigation improvements to support our farming community. And finally,
[52:55] our multi year major projects include. Our windscale aquatic and
[53:01] fitness center rebuild project. Annieville park upgrades Laudner waterfront. Revitalization
[53:09] as well as Kwami Park. Improvements, which will include some
[53:14] new ball diamonds. Delta remains one of the most affordable
[53:19] municipalities in the region. So in 2025, a typical household
[53:24] paid 4900 in municipal taxes and utilities compared to a
[53:29] regional median of 5600.
[53:41] For businesses. Adelta's business to residential tax ratio. Is the
[53:47] lowest in the region at 1.93 compared to the median
[53:51] of 2.95. So, in summary, the draft 2026 financial plan
[53:58] proposes a 2.9% property tax increase. Proposes a 3.2% utility
[54:06] rate increase. Together, this equates to about $12. Per month
[54:11] or $141 annually. Public engagement will run from October 7
[54:16] to the 30th. This will include advertising in local media
[54:21] and digital channels. The let's Talk Delta webpage with survey
[54:25] and feedback tools. Public open houses on October 29 and
[54:30] 30. Th before council workshops and also engagement with the
[54:37] business community. And this feedback will be summarized and presented
[54:41] to council. so subject to council's approval tonight Public consultation
[54:51] will begin on October 7 to the 30th. And as
[54:55] mentioned, The open houses and the workshops will follow. And
[55:00] then the bylaws will proceed after November. 17 and December
[55:04] eigth. And this concludes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you,
[55:09] Mr. Jan. And just a reminder that we're not here
[55:12] to approve the budget tonight. Of course, but the recommendations
[55:15] are a that the draft 2020. Six financial plan be
[55:18] received for information. Indeed, as staff proceed with public consultation
[55:22] on the draft 2026 financial plan, could somebody move the
[55:25] recommendation. So moved. Second, is there any further discussion? Councilor
[55:30] Kruger. Thanks. And this is the second year we've offered
[55:33] the open houses for the budget planning. Workshop, which I
[55:35] think has worked really well in terms of just providing.
[55:39] Additional opportunity for community members to engage. How are we
[55:42] advertising? Can you just remind me how we're advertising the
[55:45] open houses to make sure residents are aware of the
[55:48] opportunity. Mr. Chat. Three year worship to Councilor Cougar. We're
[55:55] using. Various channels to advertise, including in our local media,
[56:00] digital channels. It's on our website as well as the
[56:03] let's talk delta. Website. Looking forward to the discussion. Thank
[56:09] you. Further comments from council. I just like to thank
[56:14] you, Mr. Chan, and your wonderful staff. This is a
[56:16] tremendous amount of work. And I really appreciate and I
[56:19] know, counsel those two, that you come in with a
[56:21] realistic number. Take in consideration how tough it is out
[56:24] there for a lot of families right now and businesses
[56:27] I think that'll be one of the lowest in the
[56:29] lower mainland, but we're emphasizing we're not reducing any of
[56:33] our core services. That's our proposal. We're not reducing anything
[56:37] with emergency services. But again, thank you and really appreciate
[56:41] what you've done and also really appreciate that we're moving
[56:44] forward and most importantly, looking at what the members of
[56:47] the public that are here tonight. What they would like
[56:49] to see and their thoughts. So thank you so much.
[56:52] I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed?
[56:55] Been carried. Madam Clerk. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. The next
[57:00] item of business is 9.3. You have a report from
[57:03] the facilities and major projects department regarding windscale renewal project
[57:08] update. Option in the recommendation. Second. Is there any discussion,
[57:13] Councilor Kruger? Just a quick one that came up to
[57:16] staff through you, mayor. One thing I'm not seeing in
[57:19] here is the timeline. For. The flipping of that existing
[57:28] field to ensure that we have the pinwheel layout. Could
[57:32] I just. Get additional information on the timeline to see
[57:36] when that field flip is going to occur. Ms sangrid.
[57:44] Thank you, worship. I'm going to turn to either Mr.
[57:46] Turner or Mr. Bauer. Who's? In the audience just to
[57:49] speak on the timing of the field configuration. Mr. Bauer,
[57:54] welcome. Thank you, your worship. So with regards to the
[58:02] timing of the flipping of that additional field at this
[58:07] point in time. It is not included or contained within
[58:12] the windscill budget. So within the $130,000,000 we do not
[58:17] currently have that in place. That being said, in terms
[58:21] of we are working with the. Parks, Recreation and Culture
[58:25] Department just as part of their field upgrade program to
[58:28] determine if that's. Something that could possibly be done before
[58:33] the completion and opening of windscale. So at this point
[58:37] in time. It's not currently in the windscale budget, but
[58:41] we are looking through other means. To see if there
[58:44] is a possibility. Of finding the funding and making that
[58:48] happen by the time the new facility is open. Thank
[58:53] you. Any further discussion? Councilor Kruger. No, just thank you
[58:57] very much for the information and it's been impressed. Upon
[59:00] me by field users that I've used, how important that
[59:03] configuration is for the opportunity. To effectively utilize all fields
[59:06] at the same time. From a safety standpoint, I know
[59:08] it's. Something we've discussed previously as a council, so thanks,
[59:11] and we'll just appreciate future updates as we go through
[59:13] the process. Mr. Binder. Yeah. Thank you, Mike. Harvey, while
[59:18] we've got you there, I did have a question from
[59:20] the community as to. There was a bit of a
[59:22] surprise as to the size. Of the excavation site as
[59:25] it is right now, considering what the finished project will
[59:28] be. But I know there's additional work that is being
[59:30] done. Preliminary, and if you could just comment on what
[59:33] that additional work is. Thank you through your worship. In
[59:37] terms of some of the additional work that is being
[59:40] undertaken, right. Now is upgrading. A storm drain line running.
[59:48] West, east, sort of primarily on the, sort of the
[59:50] north portion of the park. And so certainly. That looks
[59:57] sort of creates a much larger, I'll say, excavation area
[1:00:00] going all the way. From kin village to 56th street.
[1:00:03] So that certainly expands. I'm going to say the immediate
[1:00:06] footprint of excavation. And construction. That being said, anyone who
[1:00:11] has driven, driven by or gone by the site recently
[1:00:14] can sort of see the primary excavation and sort of
[1:00:18] the large area relating to the building itself and. That
[1:00:23] is. The contemplated or the similar size to what has
[1:00:28] been presented previously to council. Yeah, thank you for that.
[1:00:33] And that certainly makes sense. And now's the time to
[1:00:35] do it when we got the equipment on site and
[1:00:37] we can fence it all off and get that. Work
[1:00:40] done first and then move on to, of course, the
[1:00:43] primary project. So it makes a lot of sense, so
[1:00:45] I'm glad to hear the sequencing of that. Thank you.
[1:00:49] So do you move the recommendations, please? Question on the
[1:00:51] motion. All those in favor and carried, Madam Clerk. Thank
[1:01:01] you very much, Mayor Harvey. The next item of business
[1:01:03] is item 9.4. And you. Have a report from the
[1:01:07] development department regarding proposed telecommunications Tower at 2194 Westham Island
[1:01:13] Road. Council, please. Move it off to the recommendation. Any
[1:01:22] discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed and
[1:01:25] carried? Madam clerk. Thank you very much, your worship. The
[1:01:31] next item or section of the agenda is motions on
[1:01:34] notice. Item 10.1, you have tree protection in sunshine Hills.
[1:01:39] Submitted by Councilor Kruger. Councilor Kruger, please. Thank you. Whereas
[1:01:45] the Sunshine Hills neighborhood is defined by its mature tree
[1:01:48] canopy, which is central to the character livability and environmental
[1:01:52] health of the community, whereas increasing redevelopment pressures stemming from
[1:01:56] provincial legislative changes are resulting in the removal of large
[1:02:00] mature trees, leading to concerns from residents. The unique character
[1:02:03] of. Sunshine Hills is being eroded, whereas while delta has
[1:02:08] a citywide tree protection and replacement bylaw, residents of Sunshine
[1:02:12] Hills have expressed a desire for stronger neighborhood specific protections
[1:02:17] to preserve their unique tree canopy, whereas under the current
[1:02:20] framework of the community charter, municipalities cannot use tree bylaws
[1:02:24] to override the. Development potential of a property permitted under
[1:02:28] zoning regulations. Therefore, be it resolved that number one staff
[1:02:32] be directed to consult with the Sunshine Hills community to
[1:02:36] develop a neighborhood Tree Protection pilot program, which may include
[1:02:41] establishing a heritage tree designation to protect landmark trees of
[1:02:44] significant. Size, age or community value. Enhance tree replacement requirements
[1:02:50] or higher cash in lieu contributions within sunshine Hills to
[1:02:54] better reflect the value of lost mature trees, a clear
[1:02:58] opt in mechanism for neighborhoods like sunshine hills that wish
[1:03:02] to adopt stronger protections while ensuring consistency within the community.
[1:03:08] Education and incentive programs for homeowners to preserve large trees
[1:03:12] during redevelopment. Enhanced reporting on the number of heritage trees
[1:03:17] impacted by development and replacement trees required. Number two staff
[1:03:22] report back to council on the results of this community
[1:03:24] engagement by February 28, 2026. Number three. That the city
[1:03:28] of Delta. Right to the Minister of Municipal affairs requesting
[1:03:31] amendments to. The community charter to provide municipalities with greater
[1:03:35] authority to protect mature trees in established neighborhoods, even in
[1:03:39] areas where redevelopment is permitted. I would so move. Thank
[1:03:43] you. And it's been seconded. Is there any further discussion,
[1:03:46] Councilor Kruger? Thank you very much, you, worship. Council, I've
[1:03:54] submitted the notice of motion behalf. It's. Not really my
[1:03:57] motion, though. I'm submitting this on behalf of several hundred
[1:04:01] sunshine. Hills residents who reached out to me directly looking
[1:04:04] for help. There's no question that Sunshine Hills has unique
[1:04:12] community, character. People move to sunshine hills and stay there
[1:04:16] because of the beautiful. Large trees that surround the neighborhood.
[1:04:21] The residents that I've met with are imploring council to
[1:04:24] take action on the increasing number of clear cutting incidents
[1:04:27] across the neighborhood. Existing tree protection bylaws are not working
[1:04:32] residents are asking for stronger rules to protect existing mature
[1:04:36] trees. The residents I spoke with at least were also
[1:04:40] very clear. They are not anti development, they're not against
[1:04:43] new homes being built in their community. They are, however,
[1:04:46] demanding that new homes are respectful to the existing neighborhood
[1:04:49] context, and in particular, the greater efforts are made to
[1:04:52] save these beautiful mature trees in sunshine hills. Members of
[1:04:58] council will recall that we did significantly enhance our tree
[1:05:01] protection bylaws in 2021. Prior to this time, the cost
[1:05:06] to bulldoze a tree for a development, whether it was
[1:05:08] a small hedge or a hundred year old Douglas fir
[1:05:11] was the same, and the cash in lieu fee requirement
[1:05:15] was on a two. for one tree replacement basis in
[1:05:25] 2021 council took steps i would say in the right
[1:05:28] direction to base our tree replacement policy on the caliper
[1:05:32] of the tree the size of the caliper larger trees
[1:05:35] should be more financially prohibitive to remove and so council
[1:05:39] approved those changes to Increase fees for tree removal, the
[1:05:38] larger the size of the tree and also enhance the
[1:05:41] replacement ratio. From, say, two to one for a small
[1:05:44] tree to three to one or even four to one.
[1:05:47] Depending on the size of the tree, that was a
[1:05:49] good step. So why just sunshine hills for this motion?
[1:05:53] Why not all of Delta? Well, because we tried this.
[1:05:56] Shortly after the 2021 changes, Delta sent out a community
[1:06:00] survey to all of Delta, asking residents for feedback on
[1:06:04] further changes, many of those changes of which I'm proposing
[1:06:07] in the motion that's before council this evening. At that
[1:06:10] time, we. Decided not to proceed with those changes because
[1:06:13] the feedback was very polarizing in the community overall. About
[1:06:18] 50% of residents responded that Deltus changes went too far.
[1:06:23] The other 50% said Delta's changes didn't go far enough,
[1:06:26] which really put us in a difficult situation. The reality
[1:06:30] is there's just not enough consensus on the topic of
[1:06:33] trees for a delta. Wide approach. But I do think
[1:06:37] there is consensus in sunshine Hills. So the motion is
[1:06:40] to do a neighborhood survey in Sunshine Hills to arrive
[1:06:43] at a data driven approach. If the data indicates, which
[1:06:46] I believe it will that a strong majority are willing
[1:06:48] to move forward with changes. Then council should proceed. It's
[1:06:52] our job to listen to the residents. I'm also asking
[1:06:56] for council support for writing a letter to the province
[1:06:59] urging changes in legislation to give municipalities more power. We
[1:07:04] have been handcuffed in many ways by the community. Charter,
[1:07:07] as well as recent provincial changes that limit the authority
[1:07:10] of municipalities to create rules that cater to the unique
[1:07:14] needs of our areas. We are not homogeneous. We can't
[1:07:19] have one size fits all rules for the whole province.
[1:07:21] The rules that govern Yale town or downtown Surrey cannot
[1:07:25] govern a city like delta or a community. Like Sunshine
[1:07:28] Hills, the province must give municipalities more flexibility to respond
[1:07:33] to the needs of our residents. That is local democ.
[1:07:35] Democracy in action. So I'm asking for support, urging Marin
[1:07:40] council to listen to the hundreds of voices that have
[1:07:44] sent us letters over the last few weeks. We're always
[1:07:47] here to put people first, to put Delta residents first
[1:07:50] and listen, frankly to the folks that brought us here
[1:07:53] in the first place. So that's my motion. And looking
[1:07:55] forward to the discussion. Thank you. Any comments, councilor binder?
[1:08:01] Thank you, Mayor Harvey. I've lived in north Delta, or
[1:08:05] in Delta and specifically north Delta for over 35 years.
[1:08:08] So I share the desire to find balance and development
[1:08:12] and tree retention along with tree planting growth I'm adding
[1:08:16] my voice of support for councilor Kruger's motion regarding the
[1:08:19] sunshine. Hills neighborhood tree protection pilot program. It's a thoughtful
[1:08:23] and proactive approach that recognizes the unique character and environmental
[1:08:27] value of mature trees in this community. By engaging residents
[1:08:31] directly and exploring tools like heritage tree designations, enhanced replacement
[1:08:35] policies, and homeowner incentives to work with builders and residents
[1:08:40] to protect what matters to the residents there and to
[1:08:43] all of us. I'm especially encouraged by the request to
[1:08:46] the province for stronger municipal authority under the community. Charter.
[1:08:51] These steps not only reflect local values, but also set
[1:08:53] a meaningful precedent for urban forest stewardship across delta, so
[1:08:58] I do fully support moving this forward. I thank all
[1:09:01] who took the time. To write the emails. My last
[1:09:03] account was over. 100. I did my best to reply
[1:09:06] to everyone, and if I missed you, I apologize. But
[1:09:10] feel free to reach out at any time. But thank
[1:09:12] you for your engagement in the community. For its step
[1:09:14] one, and I trust everyone will continue to be engaged
[1:09:17] as we go into the survey process. Thanks. Further comments.
[1:09:23] Councilor Geisha thank you, Mayor Harvey, and thank you, Councilor
[1:09:27] Kruger, for the motion. Don't want to just reiterate what's
[1:09:32] been said, but really, thank you. To the resident for
[1:09:34] reaching out, and I was able to meet some of
[1:09:36] you as well, to discuss this, and I support making
[1:09:39] the changes. Proposed and working together with the Sunshine Hills
[1:09:44] community, I think it's a good opportunity. To build on
[1:09:48] what we started. And I think it was always nice
[1:09:51] to say, like, here's. A starting point, but if we're
[1:09:53] missing the mark, let's go back in. And take a
[1:09:55] better look at it. So really happy to do that,
[1:09:58] and I think that's. Just. How we get closer to
[1:10:00] where we want to be and really appreciate the community
[1:10:04] input and feedback. Because. That's what it's all about. So
[1:10:07] thank you very much. Thank you, councilor. Kruger. Any further
[1:10:11] comments? Yeah, I'd just like to mention all I pretty
[1:10:15] appreciate all the emails. That I received and actual good
[1:10:17] discussions when I went up in Sunshine Hills and talked
[1:10:19] to certain people. I think it's time that we try
[1:10:22] something. I think it's a very special area. We should
[1:10:28] not let the province stop us from doing improvements over
[1:10:32] what is actually happening there now. So hopefully we can
[1:10:35] have some good legal advice to ensure that. If we
[1:10:39] promise to do something for the community that we know,
[1:10:41] that we have, the legislative authority. To do it. So
[1:10:43] I'm looking very much forward to seeing the survey and
[1:10:46] the data. Results. And thank you for the motion, Councilor
[1:10:49] Kruger. And thank you for those in Sunshine Hills. That
[1:10:51] brought it forward. Madam Clerk also called a question. All
[1:10:54] those in favor of the motion is there any opposed?
[1:10:58] Unanimously carried mad. Madam. Clear, please. Thank you very much,
[1:11:07] Mayor Harvey. Next section of the agenda is correspondence. We
[1:11:12] have two pieces of correspondence. One from the Royal Canadian
[1:11:16] Legion regarding annual Legion Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day parade.
[1:11:23] And one from M. McKnight, Vancouver Police Department, regarding UBCM
[1:11:27] resolution Nr. Twelve. Yes. Could we pull 26, please? Is
[1:11:31] there any other items? Of course. Ones that want to
[1:11:33] be pulled, and I'll fold. 27. Sorry. You will pull.
[1:11:38] Both are pulled, Madam Kirk. Thank you very much, Mayor
[1:11:41] Harvey. Item 26 was pulled by yourself from. The Royal
[1:11:46] Canadian Legion regarding permission. Request annual Legion Poppy campaign and
[1:11:50] Remembrance Day parade October 31 to November 11. Yes, and
[1:11:53] I move receipt. Has been seconded. I just like to.
[1:11:59] Set the common letter that we send out to the
[1:12:00] ladder and Toastman legions, noting the city's Delta support for
[1:12:02] the annual poppy campaign in Remembrance Day parade. And thus
[1:12:06] the motion then would be to send the letter as
[1:12:07] suggested by staff. Call a question. All those in favor?
[1:12:11] Any opposed? Carry it. Madam Clerk. Thank you very much,
[1:12:16] councilor. Kruger pulled item 27 regarding UBCM resolution and our
[1:12:21] twelve health and well being of BC's public safety personnel.
[1:12:25] Kruger. Thank you. Mover seat second. And I move that
[1:12:30] staff prepare a letter in support of first responder resiliency
[1:12:33] program. To be sent to the Honorable Nina Krieger, Minister
[1:12:36] of Public Safety and the Solicitor General. On behalf of
[1:12:38] the city of Delta. Further discussions, seeing none. All those
[1:12:42] in favor? Any opposed? And carried? Madam clerk, thank you
[1:12:46] very much. For worship. The next section of the agenda
[1:12:48] is notice of motion. And I understand you have a.
[1:12:52] Notice of motion for us to say yes. Thank you.
[1:12:55] So it's the notice, the motion. Regards examination of the
[1:12:57] city of Delta. Establishing as part of core city services
[1:13:03] urgent and primary care centers serving north and South Delta.
[1:13:07] And the motion is whereas access to timely and appropriate
[1:13:11] primary and urgent cares is essential for the health and
[1:13:13] well being of all residents of Delta. And whereas many
[1:13:16] residents of north and South Delta face challenges accessing primary
[1:13:19] care physicians in experience long wait times at our Delta
[1:13:23] hospital emergency department for non emergency medical needs, and whereas.
[1:13:28] Establishing Virgin primary care centers as court city services in
[1:13:32] north and South Delta would greatly improve access to care,
[1:13:35] reduce the current unacceptable strain on the Delta hospital emergency
[1:13:38] department and enhance the overall health of our community. And
[1:13:43] whereas a comprehensive analysis is required to determine the feasibility,
[1:13:47] the costs and potential. Benefits of such a service. Therefore,
[1:13:50] it be resolved that staff be directed to initiate a
[1:13:53] procurement process. For the selection of a qualified consultant to
[1:13:56] conduct a detailed analysis on the feasibility of the city.
[1:14:00] Of Delta, establishing urgent and primary care centers as part
[1:14:03] of its core services, operating a north and south delta.
[1:14:06] The analysis should include but not be. Limited to an
[1:14:09] assessment of the current gaps in primary and urgent carry
[1:14:12] access in north and South Delta a reveal of successful,
[1:14:15] urgent and primary care models in other cities. A detailed
[1:14:18] cost analysis, including capital and operating costs and potential funding
[1:14:22] sources. And recommendations on an optimal model for UPCC's urgent
[1:14:26] primary care centers in Delta, including service delivery, staffing, use
[1:14:31] of appropriate city departments for operational support and a governance
[1:14:34] model. And that will be on our next council meeting
[1:14:38] for discussion? That's correct, your worship. Mayor, I think I'd
[1:14:46] like to move a motion to waive notice. I'd second
[1:14:50] that. All those in favor? And discussion council binder. Yeah.
[1:14:55] Thank you, mayor. The motivation to bring this forward is
[1:15:02] sadly, crystal clear. Once again, due to events this weekend,
[1:15:05] I do look forward to the report. I will admit
[1:15:09] I'm not as familiar with the Callwood model, other than
[1:15:12] it seems. To be a form of a city paid
[1:15:15] medical unit, which I think has merit to explore, but.
[1:15:20] I'm always cautious with something like this, and I say
[1:15:22] this with respect, but I think. We all are going
[1:15:25] to know what I'm speaking of. The opportunity. For other
[1:15:29] levels of government to download on. Municipalities is always a
[1:15:31] slippery slope, and the more that we do their work,
[1:15:36] the less work that they need to do. But that
[1:15:39] said, at some point, in time. Priorities do shift, and
[1:15:42] I believe this is a time to explore that possible
[1:15:45] shift. In the priority. So with that caution, I do
[1:15:49] look forward to the report, and I'm very curious to
[1:15:51] see how this model could look in delta. And again,
[1:15:55] the only other tiny thing that I'm sure staff will
[1:15:57] also explore for us is balancing jurisdiction. The south may
[1:16:02] be a little bit easier, but in the north maybe
[1:16:03] a little more challenging as to who actually does get
[1:16:06] to use this particular clinic when you're interfacing with other
[1:16:10] communities where this is a Delta clinic, but it doesn't
[1:16:12] mean that others may not also want to take advantage
[1:16:14] of it, but I'm sure this will all be included
[1:16:16] in the report and thank you for bringing this motion
[1:16:18] forward. Thank you. Further comments, Councilor Krueger? Thank you. And
[1:16:24] thank you for bringing the motion forward. it is very
[1:16:31] unfortunate that the province has placed us in this position
[1:16:34] to even be considering a motion like this The province
[1:16:35] has failed to provide adequate health care in the city
[1:16:38] of Delta. But it's unfortunate that the situation has gotten
[1:16:45] so bad. We're now considering spending municipal tax dollars that
[1:16:48] should be going towards firefighters and police officers and parks
[1:16:52] and recreation services. To bail out the Ministry of Health.
[1:16:58] That's not good stewardship. That is downloading. And downloading is
[1:17:01] usually a one. Directional exercise. Whenever municipalities have taken on
[1:17:07] initiatives that. Should be provided by the provincial or federal
[1:17:10] governments that doesn't get taken back over this. Is Delta
[1:17:14] considering getting into the healthcare business? Which is very concerning.
[1:17:18] I agree. We have to look at it. We have
[1:17:20] to understand what the costs are and what the implications
[1:17:22] would be. And then I think it's a first step.
[1:17:27] We should be putting an invoice together and delivering that
[1:17:29] directly to the Minister of health. And saying, here's what
[1:17:31] it would cost. How can we get it done? a
[1:17:35] very last resort should be actually using municipal property tax
[1:17:39] dollars On constitutionally provincial mandated health care. So, like I
[1:17:45] said, I want to know how much it will cost
[1:17:46] for Delta to go on. Its own. I want to
[1:17:48] add up the costs. But it's also important to remember
[1:17:55] that this is a motion that does not help to
[1:17:57] solve the underlying issue, which is that we can't keep
[1:18:00] our emergency room open and that's not something Delta can
[1:18:03] do. That's something only the Ministry of Health can do.
[1:18:06] Through adequately funding the system, through ensuring that there is
[1:18:10] staffing, resiliency. so it's not the case that if there's
[1:18:19] one doctor that calls in sick the entire er has
[1:18:21] to get closed down the province has to step up
[1:18:24] and deal with that themselves So with that, I'll be
[1:18:24] supporting the motion. With grave concern. About the precedent this
[1:18:31] will set for municipal tax dollars in Delta. Thank you.
[1:18:35] Thank you. Further comments, take councilor Geeshan, then councilor del
[1:18:38] Sanchez. Thank you, mayor Harvey. Don't have too much to
[1:18:41] add. Just very supportive of investigating this. Agreed that this
[1:18:45] should. Not be something that we need to be doing.
[1:18:48] However, I agree that. It is of urgent importance for
[1:18:53] all residents whether what tax dollars were paying for inchlier
[1:18:57] citywide like this is something that we need to fix,
[1:18:59] and it's very scary for those of us here that
[1:19:03] it's just boggling to me that when we discuss with
[1:19:05] the province that an urgent care center would take so
[1:19:08] much pressure off of our emergency room, which. Would hopefully
[1:19:11] help them deal with. The number of volume they already
[1:19:16] have. And yet we were still being rejected and denied
[1:19:18] having urgent care centers, so I'm hoping that's something we've
[1:19:21] been continually working on. And if we have to go
[1:19:23] this route, I'm glad to look at it, and I'm
[1:19:26] glad that we're able to do this. Thanks. Thank you,
[1:19:30] Councilor Dosan. Thank you, Mayor Harvey. It's very unfortunate. What
[1:19:36] we are seeing is our healthcare system is broken. This
[1:19:41] motion our sporting Eric gets at least. It will give
[1:19:46] an opportunity. To try to find another solution which we
[1:19:52] can serve. To our residents in Adulta. Of course, this
[1:19:56] is a very urgent. And supporting this motion. Thank you.
[1:20:02] Thank you. Anything further? Yes, please. Thank you, Mayor Harvey.
[1:20:08] I personally believe. That Delta is stepping in to take
[1:20:11] this responsibility. As an absolute cop out. By the provincial
[1:20:16] government. At the municipal level, our focus really should be
[1:20:19] the core services, our emergency services, fire, police, roads, rec
[1:20:24] centers, housings. Et cetera. And this really is allowing the
[1:20:29] downloading of responsibility. I will support the motion with great
[1:20:33] reservations. And I guess I'll just wait for the report.
[1:20:37] But I do agree with everybody at the table that
[1:20:41] something needs to be done. And let's see what happens
[1:20:44] here. Thank you. Anything further. Thank you. And I thank
[1:20:49] you for the support. Again, this is not saying we
[1:20:53] are going to do it. But based upon what's happened
[1:20:57] this year with the emergency department at a great hospital,
[1:21:02] We need to think outside of the box, and maybe.
[1:21:05] These solutions will give us more authority and more ability
[1:21:08] to pressure the province to do what they should be
[1:21:10] doing, but based upon. Recent discussions. I just do not
[1:21:16] see any hope that in the immediate future for us
[1:21:20] to have an urgent and primary care center. I really
[1:21:23] hope I'm wrong, but I think again, and I appreciate
[1:21:26] the support that it's time for us to look at
[1:21:28] other options. That have actually happened in BC. So I'll
[1:21:32] call a question. All those in favor? Also in kind
[1:21:35] of a mover and secondary. It was moved in second,
[1:21:37] wasn't it? No, it is okay. All those in favor?
[1:21:41] And, Carrie. Thank you, counsel. Madam clerk.
[1:21:51] Thank you very much for worship. I believe we have
[1:21:53] one more notice of motion from councilor. Kruger. Thank you.
[1:21:58] Whereas the residents of Delta are experiencing significant and urgent
[1:22:01] challenges in accessing timely, primary, urgent, and emergency healthcare services,
[1:22:06] resulting in increased health risks, long wait times, and strain
[1:22:09] on hospital services. And whereas these healthcare access issues are
[1:22:12] exasperating health disparities, particularly for vulnerable populations and are posing
[1:22:17] an imminent. Threat to the health and safety of our
[1:22:19] community, and whereas provincial and regional resources are insufficient to
[1:22:23] address these critical healthcare gaps in a timely manner, necessitating
[1:22:27] immediate local action to safeguard public health. Therefore, be it
[1:22:32] resolved that the city of Delta formally declare a public
[1:22:34] health emergency within its jurisdiction. Recognizing the critical need for
[1:22:39] urgent measures to protect the health and well being of
[1:22:41] its residents. Be it further resolved that the city of
[1:22:44] Delta formally requests the provincial government in Fraser health authority
[1:22:48] to provide immediate support, resources and interven. Intervention strategies to
[1:22:52] address the healthcare crisis and that the city of Delta
[1:22:55] commits to requesting meetings with the Minister of Health and
[1:22:58] the chair of Fraser Health to urgently discuss and develop
[1:23:01] solutions to the healthcare challenges faced by Delta residents. I
[1:23:05] would like to move a motion to waive notice to
[1:23:07] discuss this. second councilor kruger and i say this with
[1:23:15] respect as chair and mayor I am ruling this motion
[1:23:18] out of order. The only person in British Columbia who
[1:23:22] can declare a public health emergency is the provincial health
[1:23:25] officer. I confirm that with Minister Osborne, Minister of Health,
[1:23:29] today and. Because you've asked for a declaration of a
[1:23:33] public health emergency. And Delta again. It's out of order,
[1:23:39] as the jurisdiction is solely with the prudential health officer.
[1:23:44] I'd like to challenge the ruling of the chair. Please
[1:23:47] do. Well, that's a motion to challenge the ruling of
[1:23:52] a chair. Could you have a secondary? Second. Thank you,
[1:23:58] mayor. Obviously. The province is the only jurisdiction that can
[1:24:04] declare a state of emergency. What I'm proposing and what
[1:24:09] I'd like the opportunity to speak to and have. A
[1:24:11] council discussion on. Is to declare that as a local
[1:24:15] municipality, we are at our wits end. This is no
[1:24:18] different. Than what other cities have done with regards to
[1:24:21] the drug and mental health crisis. In declaring mental health
[1:24:25] emergencies in cities across British Columbia. There's great precedent for
[1:24:29] that. It is a declaration of the fact that we
[1:24:32] need help, that it is not appropriate. One time, one.
[1:24:36] Closure in a year is an anomaly. Four is a
[1:24:38] crisis, a compounding crisis of not having confidence that if
[1:24:43] there's going to be an incident, Tonight for yourself or
[1:24:45] a loved one that you're taken care of, that you're
[1:24:48] going to have a physician at Delta er to take
[1:24:50] care of you. Not having access to urgent care centers
[1:24:53] in our community, 110,000 people strong. Compounded by an existing
[1:24:58] family position shortage and virtually no walk in clinics. That
[1:25:01] is a crisis. And we do have power at this
[1:25:04] table as representatives of our community, to stand up and
[1:25:08] say, enough is enough. And it's time for change, and
[1:25:11] it's time for action and. We can declare it a
[1:25:13] crisis and we can use that in our communication strategy.
[1:25:18] To say to the Minister of health. How about a
[1:25:19] meeting? How about we sit down and actually understand. Not
[1:25:23] talking points. Not plans to have plans. Border, the concrete
[1:25:27] steps that are going to take place to ensure. That
[1:25:31] there is no closure again at the Delta hospital. This
[1:25:33] hospital has been open for decades without a single emergency
[1:25:37] room closure, and we've had four in the same year,
[1:25:40] Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, that is a crisis.
[1:25:44] I'd like you to reconsider your ruling and elect this
[1:25:46] council to vote to. Declare it the crisis that it
[1:25:48] is, so we get the attention that we deserve for
[1:25:50] our residents. Thank you. So I'm not betting down on.
[1:25:58] my motion that it is out of your motion is
[1:26:00] out of order You mentioned about talking to the minister.
[1:26:03] I did receive a phone call on Saturday from the
[1:26:05] minister directly, which are greatly appreciated. She committed to me
[1:26:09] that she'd be getting back to me on Monday with
[1:26:12] regards to setting up a meeting with herself, her chief
[1:26:15] of staff in Fraser. Help. That did come in today,
[1:26:19] Ms. Sangrick. Could you confirm that? Yes, you, worship. We
[1:26:23] did receive correspondence from the minister's office noting the minister
[1:26:27] would like. To reconnect with council and asking our dates
[1:26:31] for a meeting. And it's important that we just do
[1:26:35] not have counsel. We should be having members of the
[1:26:37] Delta hospital foundation there and hopefully some doctors that are
[1:26:41] working in the ER to come and explain directly to
[1:26:44] the minister that stress that they are under. Due to
[1:26:47] the fact that it's just been overcrowded with people that
[1:26:50] have urgent needs, but it's not life threatening. And that
[1:26:53] is, as we all know, causing a problem. I would
[1:26:56] suggest if you wanted to bring this forward later on,
[1:26:58] after that meeting, that'd. Be more appropriate. But we are
[1:27:01] doing just what you said. The minister committed and she's.
[1:27:04] Promised. And she's already came through with that prom. Promise
[1:27:07] by arranging for a meeting with us very shortly. But
[1:27:10] also, again, I already hope that Delta Hospital Foundation. Chief
[1:27:14] officer is here today, and hopefully some doctors that are
[1:27:17] working there can attend. I think that's the meeting that
[1:27:20] we should be judging further action on? mayor i do
[1:27:29] have a motion on the floor that's been seconded for
[1:27:33] challenging the chair Question. All those in favor of the
[1:27:33] challenge to the chair? All those opposed? And it's the
[1:27:40] post. So look forward to, Mr. Councilor Kruger for you
[1:27:45] attending that meeting and looking forward that we can choose
[1:27:48] something to ensure that we're getting fair treatment from freezer
[1:27:53] health. Just for clarity. If I may.
[1:28:06] The motion was originally noticed and then notice was waived.
[1:28:09] Correct. Which then put it on the table. For debate.
[1:28:11] Yes. Does that mean that. This motion cannot come forward
[1:28:17] at our next meeting, then. councilor councilor kruger has the
[1:28:23] opportunity to do a notice of motion at any time
[1:28:27] Okay? And I asked the question because. I'm still looking
[1:28:33] with regards to the only one who can declare a
[1:28:36] provincial health emergency. Is the provincial health officer. And again.
[1:28:41] That was told to me, confirmed to me by the
[1:28:44] minister just a few hours ago. Yeah. And I respect
[1:28:48] that. I just haven't had the opportunity to get that
[1:28:51] information for myself. And so. I'm in somewhat of a
[1:28:54] conflict, because I'm not. Sure if we could not declare.
[1:29:00] A state of emergency, as Counselor Groover has asked, and
[1:29:03] so I'm needing to get that information. Firsthand as well.
[1:29:08] So I guess that's why I'm really struggling, because I
[1:29:11] believe that we could, but that's why I'm struggling with
[1:29:13] this. I hope the notice comes forward again, or. Sorry,
[1:29:18] the motion does come forward again. Well, I think it's
[1:29:20] a good question for you to ask at our meeting
[1:29:21] that's coming up. With the minister directly. All of council
[1:29:24] could ask those questions. Councilor Geisha, please. Thank you. Mayor
[1:29:29] Hervey, just to clarify, and just pardon my question. Here.
[1:29:34] Is this just a matter of. Wording, public health emergency
[1:29:42] being the issue that something only the province can do.
[1:29:44] Not sure if the question for Councilor Cougar would be
[1:29:47] to declare. An emergency room crisis. in delta and then
[1:29:54] i am supportive of The bottom two recommendations. It looks
[1:29:59] like we already have a meeting going forward, and then
[1:30:00] obviously, we'll keep requesting Fraser health Authority to provide immediate
[1:30:05] support and resources and intervention strategies. Just throw that out
[1:30:08] to Councilor Kruger. For trying to bring this on the
[1:30:12] floor with the different wording, or if that's. The issue,
[1:30:15] Mirvey. Also, please feel free to correct me if I
[1:30:18] got that right. Yeah. Thank you very much. Councilor Dieshan,
[1:30:22] I got to admit, I'm very surprised this was not
[1:30:24] meant to be a divisive motion. This was supposed to
[1:30:26] be a unifying motion. Hopefully a seven to zero motion
[1:30:30] to demonstra. Demonstrate very strong support, that our council is
[1:30:33] united, that we're standing with our community in this very
[1:30:36] challenging time. I don't know what other word to describe
[1:30:39] foreclosures. Of an emergency room that has never been closed
[1:30:42] before in the same year, other than a crisis. Obviously,
[1:30:46] I'm not talking in the literal sense of what the
[1:30:48] Ministry of Health does in a Covid-19 situation in terms
[1:30:52] of extraordinary legislative powers for a municipality. I'm not talking
[1:30:56] about extraordinary municipalities. I'm talking about standing together with our
[1:30:59] community and declaring, stating what this is, that it's a
[1:31:03] crisis so that we can go forward and use that.
[1:31:05] As. A communications tool. When we're speaking with the minister,
[1:31:08] when we're speaking with the health authority when we're speaking
[1:31:11] with other decision makers so that they understand how seriously
[1:31:13] we're taking this. This is not meant to be defeated
[1:31:16] on a technicality. So anyway, if that is the ruling,
[1:31:20] I'm incredibly disappointed. It is a crisis, Mr. Mayor. I
[1:31:23] don't know what else you would call it. It is
[1:31:25] a public health crisis. Our community needs help. And it's
[1:31:30] unfortunate that we won't be able to debate and vote
[1:31:32] on the motion. Just as a further comment on that,
[1:31:40] I think it's not up just to us as counselors.
[1:31:43] And the mayor to declare the crisis. We need to
[1:31:47] sit down with our adulthood hospital foundation and represents of
[1:31:50] the Delta hospital management and see what they want us
[1:31:53] to do. We're supposed to be in consultation and working
[1:31:56] together as a team, and that's. Why I look forward
[1:31:58] to them joining us at our meeting with the minister,
[1:32:01] and I don't. Think we're going to get much from
[1:32:03] the minister insofar as easing our thoughts and then that's
[1:32:06] the time to react. But I'd rather react jointly with
[1:32:10] people that are dealing with the system right now firsthand,
[1:32:13] the doctors, the nurse. Nurses and our Delta Hospital foundation.
[1:32:17] That meeting we're going to be trying to have within
[1:32:20] the next two weeks. I look forward to. Again, as
[1:32:22] I'm repeating myself, we look forward to that meeting and
[1:32:25] seeing if we could get some solid answers. It better
[1:32:27] not be two weeks from now, Mr. Mayor. I hope
[1:32:29] we can do it tomorrow. And I hope the minister
[1:32:31] will agree to do it tomorrow. Be nicer if it
[1:32:32] was public health crisis. Anyway, I'll leave it there. Thank
[1:32:35] you. Man and clerk. Next subject, please. Thank you, worship.
[1:32:40] The next section of the agenda is council inquiries, other
[1:32:42] matters in new business council. Please. Your worship. If there's
[1:32:47] nothing further, adjournment would be on order. Council, banker. Motion
[1:32:51] to adjourn. All those in favor and carried.