1 00:02:19,720 --> 00:02:23,360 All right, everyone. Good evening. 2 00:02:23,360 --> 00:02:24,800 I'd like to start by recognizing the 3 00:02:24,800 --> 00:02:26,120 land on the unceded territory of the 4 00:02:26,120 --> 00:02:27,400 Quw'utsun 5 00:02:27,400 --> 00:02:29,080 nation and that in this room there's 6 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:30,560 different views, different ways of 7 00:02:30,560 --> 00:02:32,040 expression, different emotional 8 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:33,640 intensities, and different roads that 9 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:35,360 lead to conclusions. 10 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:37,080 May we combine clarity of mind with 11 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:39,000 kindness of heart, and may we be 12 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:40,520 impartial without bending to strong 13 00:02:40,520 --> 00:02:41,880 personalities. 14 00:02:41,880 --> 00:02:43,560 May we sacrifice self-interest for the 15 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:45,280 good of the whole, and may we do our 16 00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:46,920 work with the love and clarity of vision 17 00:02:46,920 --> 00:02:48,040 for the benefit of those that we 18 00:02:48,040 --> 00:02:50,040 represent. And with that, I'll call this 19 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:51,920 meeting to order. Are there any late 20 00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:54,080 items tonight, Ms. Hodgins? 21 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:55,160 So, I'll move for approval of the 22 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:57,600 agenda, uh that council moved the July 23 00:02:57,600 --> 00:03:00,640 27th agenda be adopted as circulated. 24 00:03:00,640 --> 00:03:02,800 Any discussion? All those in favor? 25 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:06,440 And adoption of minutes, June 22nd, 26 00:03:06,440 --> 00:03:08,239 that we adopt the minutes from June 22nd 27 00:03:08,239 --> 00:03:10,239 regular council meeting as circulated. 28 00:03:10,239 --> 00:03:11,519 Is there a mover and a seconder? Any 29 00:03:11,519 --> 00:03:15,160 discussion? All those in favor? 30 00:03:15,160 --> 00:03:17,959 Thank you. And we have a delegation this 31 00:03:17,959 --> 00:03:19,000 evening. 32 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:21,480 Uh Callum Matthews is uh going to be 33 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:23,680 presenting from Tourism Cowichan, 34 00:03:23,680 --> 00:03:25,280 the municipal and regional district tax 35 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:30,790 five-year plan. Welcome. Welcome. 36 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:33,040 » Perfect. Thank you so much. I appreciate 37 00:03:33,040 --> 00:03:39,790 the opportunity 38 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:40,920 There we go. 39 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:42,280 That's better. 40 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:43,720 Perfect. Well, really happy to be here 41 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:45,640 this evening to share some information 42 00:03:45,640 --> 00:03:47,800 about the ongoing renewal of the 43 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:50,080 municipal and regional district tax 44 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:51,600 um across the regional district here, 45 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:54,520 which includes Duncan, of course. Um my 46 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:56,040 plan for tonight is just to share a 47 00:03:56,040 --> 00:03:58,080 snapshot from a revenue perspective of 48 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:00,280 what we're anticipating, some highlights 49 00:04:00,280 --> 00:04:02,720 of the 5-year plan, as well as some 50 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:05,240 highlights for the tactical plan 51 00:04:05,240 --> 00:04:07,600 for the 2027 calendar year, 52 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:09,320 and wrap it up just letting you know 53 00:04:09,320 --> 00:04:10,800 kind of next steps and general 54 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:14,350 timelines. 55 00:04:14,360 --> 00:04:16,640 For those of you who aren't aware, the 56 00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:18,200 municipal and regional district tax, or 57 00:04:18,200 --> 00:04:22,000 MRDT, is British Columbia's program to 58 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:23,720 generate revenue to support tourism 59 00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:25,800 investment. Um it's been around since 60 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:28,480 the 1980s. It's in place in just about 61 00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:30,760 every community in British Columbia and 62 00:04:30,760 --> 00:04:33,240 on Vancouver Island. And many of you may 63 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:35,520 be familiar with similar programs in 64 00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:38,200 other provinces or countries. Some 65 00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:40,280 places it may look like an entry entry 66 00:04:40,280 --> 00:04:42,960 or exit fee as you fly in or out, um but 67 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:44,680 the most common model is similar to 68 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:46,960 ours, where there is a fee applied to 69 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:48,800 overnight accommodation. 70 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:50,840 In British Columbia, we have the option 71 00:04:50,840 --> 00:04:54,360 of either a 2 or 3% tax rate. Currently, 72 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:56,240 right now in the regional district, it's 73 00:04:56,240 --> 00:04:59,440 being collected at a tax rate of 2%. Um 74 00:04:59,440 --> 00:05:01,320 across Vancouver Island in BC, the 75 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:02,960 majority of communities have already 76 00:05:02,960 --> 00:05:05,720 moved to 3% or in the process of moving 77 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:08,640 to 3%, and it's our intention and goal 78 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:11,360 to move from 2% to 3% as a part of this 79 00:05:11,360 --> 00:05:14,040 renewal. Um the major outcome of that is 80 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:15,560 it'll enable us to significantly 81 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:18,160 increase funding to the visitor centers 82 00:05:18,160 --> 00:05:19,680 um across the regional district, which 83 00:05:19,680 --> 00:05:21,720 is an area of need that we've heard um 84 00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:23,120 from stakeholders, from our partners at 85 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:25,960 the chamber, at BIAs, and also um from 86 00:05:25,960 --> 00:05:27,520 councils. 87 00:05:27,520 --> 00:05:28,720 It's important to recognize that there's 88 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:30,960 a variety of eligible in ineligible 89 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:33,040 expenses for the program. Generally 90 00:05:33,040 --> 00:05:34,919 speaking, anything to do with tourism 91 00:05:34,919 --> 00:05:37,320 marketing, um experience development, 92 00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:39,760 supporting operators, visitor centers, 93 00:05:39,760 --> 00:05:42,640 all of that is a typical eligible use. 94 00:05:42,640 --> 00:05:44,360 Where we run into challenges anything 95 00:05:44,360 --> 00:05:45,480 brick and mortar that requires 96 00:05:45,480 --> 00:05:48,040 construction. Um so capital costs are 97 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:50,680 generally speaking not eligible expenses 98 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:52,720 with the important exception of 99 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:54,160 affordable housing, and I'll speak a 100 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:55,480 little bit more about that in a few 101 00:05:55,480 --> 00:05:57,120 slides. 102 00:05:57,120 --> 00:06:00,080 And we have to renew our MRDT every 5 103 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:01,680 years, so we're going through this 104 00:06:01,680 --> 00:06:03,840 process because it is a part of the the 105 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:05,400 legislated way that this program 106 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:08,750 operates in the province. 107 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:12,240 This is a snapshot of MRDT renewals over 108 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:15,200 the past few years going back to 2022. 109 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:17,320 And it also shows our anticipated 110 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:21,520 revenue when we move up to uh 3% MRDT. 111 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:23,160 Um, you can see us a pretty steady 112 00:06:23,160 --> 00:06:25,520 recovery in MRDT revenues coming out of 113 00:06:25,520 --> 00:06:29,360 COVID. And at the 3% we're anticipating 114 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:32,240 about um 140 or so thousand in 115 00:06:32,240 --> 00:06:35,280 additional MRDT revenue. And about 80 116 00:06:35,280 --> 00:06:37,880 additional thousand dollars in um online 117 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:39,640 accommodation platform revenue, and 118 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:41,320 those are the funds that um are 119 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:43,640 currently going to Cowichan Housing for 120 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:45,520 affordable housing purposes. So we're 121 00:06:45,520 --> 00:06:46,880 looking at pretty close to additional 122 00:06:46,880 --> 00:06:48,760 quarter million dollars in revenue by 123 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:51,560 moving from 2% to 3%. 124 00:06:51,560 --> 00:06:53,760 When we look at communities across 125 00:06:53,760 --> 00:06:56,040 British Columbia that have gone to 3%, 126 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:57,919 we know that there is no change in 127 00:06:57,919 --> 00:06:59,720 visitor decision-making. No one's going 128 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:01,840 to say, "Oh, Cowichan's, you know, 1% 129 00:07:01,840 --> 00:07:03,160 more than this other community." and 130 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:05,080 change their plan. Um, so we're really 131 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:07,960 leaving um quite a bit of revenue um on 132 00:07:07,960 --> 00:07:10,960 the table collecting at this 2% rate. 133 00:07:10,960 --> 00:07:13,600 And our neighbors are um across 134 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:16,120 Vancouver Island collecting at 3% um 135 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:17,600 which really gives them a competitive 136 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:19,120 advantage in terms of tourism 137 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:21,960 development and marketing. 138 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:23,440 So next jumping into a bit of an 139 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:26,000 overview of the business plan. 140 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:27,720 From the perspective of the vision, the 141 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:29,640 focus for Tourism Cowichan Society is 142 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:31,600 that uh tourism will be a significant 143 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:33,720 contributor to um the community from an 144 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:35,960 economic as well as a social well-being 145 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:38,200 perspective. And as a premier 146 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:40,560 destination for leisure getaways and 147 00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:42,720 vacations, Cowichan is increasingly 148 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:44,840 known as a place where tourism actively 149 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:46,280 supports destination development, 150 00:07:46,280 --> 00:07:47,880 stewardship, and industry development 151 00:07:47,880 --> 00:07:50,160 for the long-term benefit of residents 152 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:52,200 and the local community and visitors. 153 00:07:52,200 --> 00:07:53,800 Our philosophy is really centered on 154 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:55,640 this idea that a great place to live is 155 00:07:55,640 --> 00:07:57,560 a great place to visit. The real real 156 00:07:57,560 --> 00:07:59,120 reason I think people come to Vancouver 157 00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:00,640 Island is to experience what it's like 158 00:08:00,640 --> 00:08:03,040 to live here. Um so, safeguarding place 159 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:04,880 and contributing to the vibrancy of 160 00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:06,520 community and the economic and social 161 00:08:06,520 --> 00:08:08,560 development is really important um for 162 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:10,560 Tourism Cowichan. 163 00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:11,840 The mission for Tourism Cowichan is to 164 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:13,600 steward the region's tourism industry by 165 00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:15,200 aligning the strategy of Tourism 166 00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:17,440 Cowichan Society and its investments 167 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:19,480 with community priorities, fostering a 168 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:21,040 sustainable economy that creates 169 00:08:21,040 --> 00:08:22,880 long-term benefits for businesses, 170 00:08:22,880 --> 00:08:24,640 partners, visitors, and residents 171 00:08:24,640 --> 00:08:25,960 through destination development, 172 00:08:25,960 --> 00:08:27,880 stewardship, industry training, and 173 00:08:27,880 --> 00:08:29,840 marketing initiatives that unite the 174 00:08:29,840 --> 00:08:31,919 region while showcasing the uniqueness 175 00:08:31,919 --> 00:08:34,360 of Cowichan's many communities. 176 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:35,760 And I think that this is the best 177 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:37,560 opportunity and challenge that we have 178 00:08:37,560 --> 00:08:40,080 as Tourism Cowichan Society. It's a big, 179 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:42,719 quite diverse region. Uh we need to have 180 00:08:42,719 --> 00:08:46,000 a central brand and marketing strategy 181 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:47,960 and cohesive destination and experience 182 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:49,720 development work, but we also need to 183 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:51,440 showcase what makes each one of the many 184 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:53,360 communities in the region special and 185 00:08:53,360 --> 00:08:56,350 unique. 186 00:08:56,360 --> 00:08:58,040 So, jumping into the 5-year plan, 187 00:08:58,040 --> 00:08:59,680 there's four primary goals that have 188 00:08:59,680 --> 00:09:02,320 been identified through fairly extensive 189 00:09:02,320 --> 00:09:04,680 engagement with uh industry over the 190 00:09:04,680 --> 00:09:07,040 past several months. First, to influence 191 00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:08,240 destination development through 192 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:10,520 collaboration, advocacy, and strategic 193 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:12,440 investment. Second, to lead in 194 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:13,839 regenerative tourism and community 195 00:09:13,839 --> 00:09:15,720 well-being. Third, to strengthen 196 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:17,320 industry collaboration and business 197 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:19,640 resilience. And lastly, to solidify the 198 00:09:19,640 --> 00:09:21,480 Cowichan region's destination identity 199 00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:23,320 and market position. 200 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:25,320 A few more details around this first 201 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:26,960 goal that's centered on destination 202 00:09:26,960 --> 00:09:29,440 development. Uh we want to focus on 203 00:09:29,440 --> 00:09:30,760 informing regional planning and 204 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:32,480 development. Um 205 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:33,920 and really the goal there is trying to 206 00:09:33,920 --> 00:09:36,120 find more alignment, more partnership 207 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:38,440 opportunities with local governments, 208 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:41,240 um play a role um where it works for us 209 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:42,960 you know us to work in a synergistic way 210 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:44,600 with staff at the regional district and 211 00:09:44,600 --> 00:09:47,600 councils to share a tourism perspective. 212 00:09:47,600 --> 00:09:48,720 Um this was something that we heard 213 00:09:48,720 --> 00:09:51,680 really clearly from um tourism operators 214 00:09:51,680 --> 00:09:53,720 during our engagement sessions. 215 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:55,760 The second area is around supporting and 216 00:09:55,760 --> 00:09:57,120 advocating for tourism-related 217 00:09:57,120 --> 00:09:59,360 infrastructure and services. Uh Tourism 218 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:01,120 Cowichan is currently working on 219 00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:04,360 accommodation investment, attraction, uh 220 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:07,160 cycling and hiking trail development. Um 221 00:10:07,160 --> 00:10:08,560 and I think there's a lot of opportunity 222 00:10:08,560 --> 00:10:10,240 for Tourism Cowichan Society to work 223 00:10:10,240 --> 00:10:13,120 more closely um with staff um at 224 00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:14,840 municipalities and the regional district 225 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:16,720 in pursuit of some I think very common 226 00:10:16,720 --> 00:10:19,160 and shared goals there. 227 00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:21,040 Second, around regenerative tourism and 228 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:22,800 community well-being, the focus is on 229 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:24,440 promoting sustainable tourism and 230 00:10:24,440 --> 00:10:26,800 responsible travel practices. That can 231 00:10:26,800 --> 00:10:28,840 look like um sustainability training for 232 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:30,200 operators, 233 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:32,480 um stewardship messaging ingrained in 234 00:10:32,480 --> 00:10:34,720 our promotion to visitors, um trying to 235 00:10:34,720 --> 00:10:36,520 instill a sense of respect for the place 236 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:38,120 that they visit and help them understand 237 00:10:38,120 --> 00:10:40,320 how they can give back and contribute. 238 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:41,440 Partnerships with community 239 00:10:41,440 --> 00:10:42,960 organizations, and I think the 240 00:10:42,960 --> 00:10:44,880 investment that's a part of this plan in 241 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:46,480 the visitor centers is a good example of 242 00:10:46,480 --> 00:10:49,080 that. And there's also a desire to have 243 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:50,760 greater alignment with the Vancouver 244 00:10:50,760 --> 00:10:52,520 Island region's destination stewardship 245 00:10:52,520 --> 00:10:54,400 strategy when it comes to trying to 246 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:56,640 attract um provincial and federal 247 00:10:56,640 --> 00:10:58,600 funding for tourism projects, alignment 248 00:10:58,600 --> 00:10:59,960 with regional as well as provincial 249 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:02,040 plans is really important. And it can 250 00:11:02,040 --> 00:11:04,000 help Tourism Cowichan leverage its 251 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:06,240 resources, uh leverage its funding 252 00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:07,760 against regional dollars and provincial 253 00:11:07,760 --> 00:11:09,880 dollars as well. 254 00:11:09,880 --> 00:11:11,640 In terms of industry collaboration and 255 00:11:11,640 --> 00:11:13,960 resilience, we also heard loudly from 256 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:16,440 operators um a desire for us to expand 257 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:17,600 industry engagement and 258 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:19,160 knowledge-sharing opportunities, whether 259 00:11:19,160 --> 00:11:21,080 it's networking events, but I think more 260 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:22,760 specifically it was workshops and 261 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:24,680 training. Um they've had a program 262 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:26,160 recently that was focused on helping 263 00:11:26,160 --> 00:11:28,040 operators increase their dis- digital 264 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:30,560 sophistication, find ways to connect um 265 00:11:30,560 --> 00:11:32,440 with consumers on their own and tell 266 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:35,000 their own story. That was really popular 267 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:36,880 and, um, something that will be doubling 268 00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:38,480 down on in future years as well as 269 00:11:38,480 --> 00:11:40,120 looking at other training opportunities 270 00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:41,520 for operators. 271 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:42,800 There's a desire to strengthen 272 00:11:42,800 --> 00:11:44,800 relationships with indigenous partners 273 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:47,240 in the region, um, specifically around 274 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:49,440 experience development, and continued 275 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:52,160 investment in, um, Tourism Cowichan 276 00:11:52,160 --> 00:11:54,440 Society board training. Uh, they can 277 00:11:54,440 --> 00:11:56,280 conduct annual board retreats where they 278 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:58,800 focus on board governance training, um, 279 00:11:58,800 --> 00:12:00,520 and then also strategy for the 280 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:02,600 organization. 281 00:12:02,600 --> 00:12:04,480 And goal four, around more that 282 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:07,040 marketing branding side. Uh, it's main- 283 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:08,800 about maintaining a unified destination 284 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:11,000 brand that brings all of our communities 285 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:12,920 together, expanding collaborative 286 00:12:12,920 --> 00:12:14,160 marketing and storytelling 287 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:16,320 opportunities, um, cooperative marketing 288 00:12:16,320 --> 00:12:18,080 programs, cross promotion, the 289 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:20,760 opportunity to help amplify the stories 290 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:23,080 of individual communities, and working 291 00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:24,840 with partner organizations like chambers 292 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:27,320 and BIAs in pursuit of that. And then 293 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:28,880 supporting the delivery of visitor 294 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:31,560 information services, um, through a 295 00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:33,000 significantly increased financial 296 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:34,880 contribution. Um, you know, my 297 00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:36,880 perspective is really when there's MRDT 298 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:39,360 in place, uh, the best use of the funds 299 00:12:39,360 --> 00:12:41,800 is that that helps to bring the greatest 300 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:44,120 benefit to community as well as offset 301 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:46,200 other kind of core tax costs for 302 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:49,040 residents. Um, so, moving to 3% would 303 00:12:49,040 --> 00:12:50,839 enable Tourism Cowichan Society to 304 00:12:50,839 --> 00:12:52,240 provide more funding to the visitor 305 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:54,400 centers. We know that visitor centers 306 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:56,080 are really important for the Cowichan 307 00:12:56,080 --> 00:12:57,800 region, and that they haven't had the 308 00:12:57,800 --> 00:12:59,400 funding that they need to operate in the 309 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:01,440 past. So, um, looking to kind of set a 310 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:03,320 new really positive course, um, is a 311 00:13:03,320 --> 00:13:05,360 part of this MRDT renewal. 312 00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:07,480 And lastly, a snapshot for what's 313 00:13:07,480 --> 00:13:10,360 planned for the 2027 calendar year. 314 00:13:10,360 --> 00:13:12,400 From a marketing perspective, we're 315 00:13:12,400 --> 00:13:14,520 looking to evolve from 2026 by having a 316 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:16,920 stronger focus on influencer marketing, 317 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:19,080 creator partnerships, and really leaning 318 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:21,480 into organic social media. 319 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:23,680 We want to continue with enhancements to 320 00:13:23,680 --> 00:13:26,000 improve not just the accessibility of 321 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:27,440 the Tourism Cowichan and 322 00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:29,040 integrations for people that might have 323 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:31,120 visual impairments, etc. 324 00:13:31,120 --> 00:13:32,960 Um as well as from an AI readiness 325 00:13:32,960 --> 00:13:34,960 perspective. So, for us that isn't 326 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:37,200 integrating AI throughout the website 327 00:13:37,200 --> 00:13:39,760 because we know that when um visitors 328 00:13:39,760 --> 00:13:41,760 that are planning a trip spot AI, it 329 00:13:41,760 --> 00:13:44,080 makes them skeptical, you lose trust. 330 00:13:44,080 --> 00:13:45,720 But, we also know that lots of people 331 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:47,520 are using AI for trip planning, and we 332 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:48,520 need to 333 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:50,560 um kind of design the the content within 334 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:52,920 the website um so that will feed into 335 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:55,880 those um large language model platforms 336 00:13:55,880 --> 00:13:57,400 and help people that are using those 337 00:13:57,400 --> 00:13:59,520 tools for their trip planning. 338 00:13:59,520 --> 00:14:01,720 Um also looking to align organic social 339 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:03,960 media with new content pillars that will 340 00:14:03,960 --> 00:14:05,280 help to tell a better story for the 341 00:14:05,280 --> 00:14:06,360 region. 342 00:14:06,360 --> 00:14:08,520 And then looking to redesign the visitor 343 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:11,360 guide in 2028. We just recently did a 344 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:13,040 redesign of that, so we'll just be able 345 00:14:13,040 --> 00:14:14,680 to update some content and keep things 346 00:14:14,680 --> 00:14:17,440 simple for 2027, and then as is typical 347 00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:19,400 for us every other year make a a bigger 348 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:21,680 investment in a refresh. 349 00:14:21,680 --> 00:14:23,400 Uh reducing our budget in collateral 350 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:25,840 production is also planned for 2027 351 00:14:25,840 --> 00:14:27,960 based on investments made in 2026 and 352 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:29,520 2025. 353 00:14:29,520 --> 00:14:32,040 Um and then lastly, looking at um 354 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:33,680 currently there's a handful of different 355 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:35,200 cooperative marketing programs that we 356 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:37,360 invest in, uh the BC Ale Trail, the Bird 357 00:14:37,360 --> 00:14:39,200 Trail, um things like that that are 358 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:41,839 happening provincially. And the that 359 00:14:41,839 --> 00:14:43,680 program through Destination BC is going 360 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:45,480 through some significant changes. So, 361 00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:47,040 we're going to take a really deep look 362 00:14:47,040 --> 00:14:48,480 at that and make sure that we're getting 363 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:51,280 best bang for buck um with those um 364 00:14:51,280 --> 00:14:53,800 co-op investments that we're making. 365 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:55,240 And then lastly, from a destination 366 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,480 development and product experience side 367 00:14:57,480 --> 00:14:59,400 of things, um enhancing training 368 00:14:59,400 --> 00:15:00,760 opportunities and engagement 369 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:04,040 opportunities for tourism operators. Uh 370 00:15:04,040 --> 00:15:06,760 continuing with accommodation supply. Uh 371 00:15:06,760 --> 00:15:08,520 we know that we do not have enough fixed 372 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:10,440 roof accommodation properties in the 373 00:15:10,440 --> 00:15:13,160 region. Um looking to attract investment 374 00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:14,720 from that perspective. 375 00:15:14,720 --> 00:15:16,920 Uh there is a huge opportunity to 376 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:19,480 continue to build out um agritourism and 377 00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:22,000 culinary tourism experiences. Looking to 378 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:23,880 support regional mobility and active 379 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:25,760 transportation initiatives, and the 380 00:15:25,760 --> 00:15:27,600 destination stewardship and responsible 381 00:15:27,600 --> 00:15:30,280 tourism initiatives. And finally, 382 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:31,720 we have been talking to many of the 383 00:15:31,720 --> 00:15:33,440 nations within the regional district, 384 00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:35,120 and there's some exciting partnership 385 00:15:35,120 --> 00:15:37,280 opportunities that we're exploring 386 00:15:37,280 --> 00:15:38,800 currently and hope to be able to move 387 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:41,000 forward with in 2027 in partnership with 388 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:43,640 those nations. 389 00:15:43,640 --> 00:15:45,160 And a few of the other tactics, so as 390 00:15:45,160 --> 00:15:46,840 I'd been hinting at, 391 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:49,680 um we will be increasing the visitor 392 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:53,160 center funding to a total of 150,000. 393 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,840 Um it's currently at $50,000. 394 00:15:55,840 --> 00:15:59,800 And the OMF, which was formally known as 395 00:15:59,800 --> 00:16:03,600 OAP, um it's essentially Airbnb's, 396 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:06,280 VRBO's, etc. Uh those funds will 397 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:08,200 continue to be directed towards Cowichan 398 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:10,360 Housing Association for affordable 399 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:12,840 housing-related initiatives. And we're 400 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:14,080 just in the process right now of 401 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:17,440 finalizing um their their um 402 00:16:17,440 --> 00:16:19,040 work plan for what will happen with 403 00:16:19,040 --> 00:16:21,280 those funds, and that will be um shared 404 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:23,240 out with all of the councils um upon 405 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:25,280 completion by Cowichan Housing 406 00:16:25,280 --> 00:16:28,000 Association. 407 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:29,400 So this is what we're anticipating in 408 00:16:29,400 --> 00:16:32,480 terms of the budget for 2027. The 409 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:34,400 numbers don't align perfectly with the 410 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:36,160 increase from 2 to 3% I shared at the 411 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:38,160 start. The reason is that by the time 412 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:41,280 2027 uh by the time our MRDT renewal is 413 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:43,680 complete and the increase moves to 3%, 414 00:16:43,680 --> 00:16:45,160 we won't have a full calendar year at 415 00:16:45,160 --> 00:16:47,720 3%. It'll be a partial at 2. Um so this 416 00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:49,800 is our our best guess for what total 417 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:52,440 revenues will look like. MRDT is from 418 00:16:52,440 --> 00:16:54,040 those fixed-roof kind of typical 419 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:55,720 accommodation properties. There's 420 00:16:55,720 --> 00:16:57,520 funding from the regional district. And 421 00:16:57,520 --> 00:16:59,880 then we also have um the co-op program 422 00:16:59,880 --> 00:17:01,560 from Destination BC, which provides 423 00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:02,920 matching dollars for marketing 424 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:04,560 initiatives, and a little bit of 425 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:06,040 additional revenue from some other 426 00:17:06,040 --> 00:17:07,400 programs um 427 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:09,839 for about a $1.47 428 00:17:09,839 --> 00:17:11,760 uh million dollar total budget. And that 429 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:13,640 does not include the short-term rental 430 00:17:13,640 --> 00:17:14,920 money that goes through Cowichan 431 00:17:14,920 --> 00:17:17,630 Housing. 432 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:20,000 And a little bit of a breakdown here, or 433 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,800 sorry, it does include the 400,000 plus 434 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:25,160 for affordable housing in those numbers 435 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:26,760 with a kind of full breakdown here 436 00:17:26,760 --> 00:17:29,320 looking about 28% for marketing, 437 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:31,640 an increase to 25% for destination 438 00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:34,160 development and experience development. 439 00:17:34,160 --> 00:17:36,880 A increase in visitor services from 440 00:17:36,880 --> 00:17:39,640 50,000 to 150, 441 00:17:39,640 --> 00:17:42,840 a modest increase in admin costs, and 442 00:17:42,840 --> 00:17:45,840 the final number there, the 444 is a 443 00:17:45,840 --> 00:17:48,520 provincially mandated program. 444 00:17:48,520 --> 00:17:49,800 They basically at the Ministry of 445 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:51,880 Finance just skim that off of the top 446 00:17:51,880 --> 00:17:53,200 before the funds go to the regional 447 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:55,960 district. So that should be about $500 448 00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:57,760 give or take. 449 00:17:57,760 --> 00:17:59,600 And the plan is to have a very small 450 00:17:59,600 --> 00:18:00,920 carry forward at the end of the year. 451 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:02,520 The goal is really always a zero-based 452 00:18:02,520 --> 00:18:03,600 budget. 453 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:06,400 We try to budget conservatively and if 454 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:07,920 revenues are going in the right 455 00:18:07,920 --> 00:18:09,360 direction, the board can look at 456 00:18:09,360 --> 00:18:11,320 adjusting some of its expenditures 457 00:18:11,320 --> 00:18:13,000 midway through the year. 458 00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:14,200 The final thing I just wanted to quickly 459 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:16,440 mention is that 460 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:18,520 around the need for increasing from 2% 461 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:20,120 to 3%. 462 00:18:20,120 --> 00:18:22,600 So Tourism Cache Creek thankfully had a 463 00:18:22,600 --> 00:18:24,160 fairly significant amount of reserve 464 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:26,080 funds. That was really accumulated 465 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:27,520 through COVID when we weren't able to 466 00:18:27,520 --> 00:18:30,000 spend money on marketing initiatives and 467 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:32,120 that's been really helpful to help us, 468 00:18:32,120 --> 00:18:34,920 you know, support visitor servicing, 469 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:36,120 you know, continue with marketing and 470 00:18:36,120 --> 00:18:38,160 destination development, but we've been 471 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:40,760 spending about $100,000 on a 472 00:18:40,760 --> 00:18:42,680 deficit budget of about 100,000 every 473 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:44,760 year. And this was the last year that 474 00:18:44,760 --> 00:18:46,720 we're reasonably able to continue with 475 00:18:46,720 --> 00:18:48,760 that deficit spending while maintaining 476 00:18:48,760 --> 00:18:50,480 a healthy reserve in the event the 477 00:18:50,480 --> 00:18:52,080 organization needs to wind down or 478 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:54,600 there's an unforeseen event. So without 479 00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:57,360 moving from the 2% to 3%, it makes it 480 00:18:57,360 --> 00:18:59,280 incredibly challenging for us to find a 481 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:02,440 way of increasing funds for not just the 482 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:04,520 visitor center, but for other programs 483 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:06,200 that we have right now. 484 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:08,680 So we're working really hard to get the 485 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:10,240 accommodation properties on side with 486 00:19:10,240 --> 00:19:12,840 that increase from 2 to 3% we've 487 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:15,160 launched that process and I'm hoping 488 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:16,600 that we'll have a positive outcome 489 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:17,800 there. 490 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:19,680 In terms of next steps, we're presenting 491 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:21,880 to councils right now looking to present 492 00:19:21,880 --> 00:19:24,240 to the regional district board shortly 493 00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:27,160 before elections with a final submission 494 00:19:27,160 --> 00:19:29,760 of the application in February. 495 00:19:29,760 --> 00:19:31,920 We've distributed our draft 5-year plan 496 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:33,560 and tactical plan far and wide and we're 497 00:19:33,560 --> 00:19:36,080 currently receiving feedback on that 498 00:19:36,080 --> 00:19:37,440 from staff at local governments and 499 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:39,400 regional districts as well as from 500 00:19:39,400 --> 00:19:41,080 operators. 501 00:19:41,080 --> 00:19:42,320 As I mentioned we're focused on 502 00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:43,560 collecting signatures from those 503 00:19:43,560 --> 00:19:45,440 operators, letters of support from 504 00:19:45,440 --> 00:19:48,200 councils and if all goes well it'll be 505 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:50,880 submitted on October 1st which provides 506 00:19:50,880 --> 00:19:52,280 a healthy amount of buffer time to 507 00:19:52,280 --> 00:19:54,080 ensure that we receive approval from 508 00:19:54,080 --> 00:19:57,520 cabinet before the current repeal date. 509 00:19:57,520 --> 00:19:59,080 So I really appreciate the opportunity 510 00:19:59,080 --> 00:20:00,440 share that with all of you this evening 511 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:01,880 and if appropriate I'm happy to answer 512 00:20:01,880 --> 00:20:03,400 any questions you might have as well. 513 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,560 Thank you. 514 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:08,030 >> Thank you so much. Looking to around the 515 00:20:08,030 --> 00:20:08,040 » Thank you so much. Looking to around the 516 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:11,000 table for questions. 517 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:12,760 No, you were so thorough that no one has 518 00:20:12,760 --> 00:20:13,920 a question for you. Oh, Councillor 519 00:20:13,920 --> 00:20:16,240 Bruce, go ahead. 520 00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:17,430 >> Thank you Mayor. 521 00:20:17,430 --> 00:20:17,440 » Thank you Mayor. 522 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:19,240 Thank you very much for your 523 00:20:19,240 --> 00:20:20,480 presentation. 524 00:20:20,480 --> 00:20:21,280 Um 525 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,360 I was just adding up the the wages and 526 00:20:24,360 --> 00:20:25,640 the um 527 00:20:25,640 --> 00:20:28,680 benefits and I just rough and ready got 528 00:20:28,680 --> 00:20:31,760 to around 200,000 and 529 00:20:31,760 --> 00:20:33,520 when there's more money coming in will 530 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:36,480 that be going to administration 531 00:20:36,480 --> 00:20:38,320 or will that be going to programs and I 532 00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:40,440 know you covered some of that just now 533 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:43,200 but it's a legitimate question and if so 534 00:20:43,200 --> 00:20:46,640 what percentage goes to administration? 535 00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:47,400 Um 536 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:48,720 and the other thing I was just going to 537 00:20:48,720 --> 00:20:51,040 ask if you could answer the money that's 538 00:20:51,040 --> 00:20:54,040 generated in the Cowichan Valley 539 00:20:54,040 --> 00:20:55,240 that's 540 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:57,520 does that stay here or does that go into 541 00:20:57,520 --> 00:21:00,560 a bigger pot? 542 00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:02,110 >> Okay, so I'll take that question on 543 00:21:02,110 --> 00:21:02,120 » Okay, so I'll take that question on 544 00:21:02,120 --> 00:21:03,800 first Councillor Bruce. So in terms of 545 00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:05,960 all of the revenue that's collected from 546 00:21:05,960 --> 00:21:08,000 short-term rentals as well as the formal 547 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:09,680 accommodation properties across the 548 00:21:09,680 --> 00:21:13,120 regional district. Um about 99% of that 549 00:21:13,120 --> 00:21:16,200 comes back. Um there's a small fee of I 550 00:21:16,200 --> 00:21:20,640 believe it's $14 per hotel or motel that 551 00:21:20,640 --> 00:21:22,960 the Ministry of Finance collects. Um but 552 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:24,640 other than that, everything goes to the 553 00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,720 regional district. They then provide 554 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:29,400 that to Tourism Cowichan, and we have to 555 00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:30,800 provide, you know, thorough annual 556 00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:32,760 reporting on, you know, all of the 557 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:34,360 expenditures associated with that. So, 558 00:21:34,360 --> 00:21:35,480 that's one of the great things about the 559 00:21:35,480 --> 00:21:37,880 program. Um the collection and the 560 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:40,240 complexity of collecting that 2 or 3% 561 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:41,760 from the operators is taken care of by 562 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:44,520 the province in exchange for about a $14 563 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:46,240 per property fee, and the rest comes 564 00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:47,480 back here. 565 00:21:47,480 --> 00:21:50,440 Um from an admin perspective, uh we 566 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:53,080 budgeted for about a 7% increase in kind 567 00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:55,520 of those overhead-related expenses for 568 00:21:55,520 --> 00:21:59,160 2027. Um that was based on some slightly 569 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:01,400 just the general cost of of doing 570 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:03,320 business, you know, including like IT 571 00:22:03,320 --> 00:22:05,600 costs and things like that. Um we 572 00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:07,960 generally try to keep the kind of admin 573 00:22:07,960 --> 00:22:11,640 and overhead um around that 20% mark. Um 574 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:14,400 it's about as lean as we can be. The So, 575 00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:16,280 no, as a part of the increase from 2 to 576 00:22:16,280 --> 00:22:18,480 3%, we wouldn't anticipate any 577 00:22:18,480 --> 00:22:21,880 significant increase in operating costs. 578 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:23,880 Um especially with the lion's share of 579 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:26,120 that increase being visitor center 580 00:22:26,120 --> 00:22:28,240 funding um to help the visitor centers 581 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:31,120 deliver their programs. 582 00:22:31,120 --> 00:22:32,480 Yeah, my pleasure. 583 00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:33,550 >> Thank you very much. Any other 584 00:22:33,550 --> 00:22:33,560 » Thank you very much. Any other 585 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:35,200 questions? 586 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:36,520 Seeing none. Nope, thank you very much 587 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:38,280 for your time with us this evening and 588 00:22:38,280 --> 00:22:39,680 for the work that you're doing. 589 00:22:39,680 --> 00:22:40,670 >> Thank you, I appreciate it. Take care, 590 00:22:40,670 --> 00:22:40,680 » Thank you, I appreciate it. Take care, 591 00:22:40,680 --> 00:22:43,670 everybody. 592 00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:45,840 » And I'm going to move to a motion that 593 00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:47,480 council provide a letter of support for 594 00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:49,720 the renewal and of the Cowichan Valley 595 00:22:49,720 --> 00:22:51,840 Regional District as a designated 596 00:22:51,840 --> 00:22:53,440 recipient of the Municipal Regional 597 00:22:53,440 --> 00:22:55,840 District Tax MRDT revenue within the 598 00:22:55,840 --> 00:22:57,200 CVRD 599 00:22:57,200 --> 00:22:59,720 for the period of July 1st, 2027 to July 600 00:22:59,720 --> 00:23:02,520 1st, 2032. 601 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:03,720 Is there a mover or a seconder for that? 602 00:23:03,720 --> 00:23:05,720 Any discussion on this motion? All those 603 00:23:05,720 --> 00:23:06,880 in favor? 604 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:08,840 Motion carries. Thank you. 605 00:23:08,840 --> 00:23:11,920 Um, we'll move over to Staff Sergeant uh 606 00:23:11,920 --> 00:23:14,120 Perrett. Welcome. 607 00:23:14,120 --> 00:23:16,480 Did I say your last name correctly? 608 00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:18,030 >> Um 609 00:23:18,030 --> 00:23:18,040 » Um 610 00:23:18,040 --> 00:23:19,320 We have Perrett to mention to you his 611 00:23:19,320 --> 00:23:20,400 name. 612 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:22,110 >> It depends on what you what you call 613 00:23:22,110 --> 00:23:22,120 » It depends on what you what you call 614 00:23:22,120 --> 00:23:23,880 yourself. Is it Perrett or Perrett? 615 00:23:23,880 --> 00:23:24,670 >> Perrett normally. 616 00:23:24,670 --> 00:23:24,680 » Perrett normally. 617 00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:26,470 >> Perrett? Okay. Well, welcome Sergeant 618 00:23:26,470 --> 00:23:26,480 » Perrett? Okay. Well, welcome Sergeant 619 00:23:26,480 --> 00:23:28,320 Staff Sergeant Perrett. 620 00:23:28,320 --> 00:23:30,040 And you're going over the RCMP annual 621 00:23:30,040 --> 00:23:31,640 performance plan with us. 622 00:23:31,640 --> 00:23:33,390 >> Yes. Thank you 623 00:23:33,390 --> 00:23:33,400 » Yes. Thank you 624 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:37,710 uh Mayor Staples and council members. 625 00:23:37,720 --> 00:23:40,000 So, yes, as you stated, I'm here to 626 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:41,480 give you an overview of what our annual 627 00:23:41,480 --> 00:23:46,120 performance plan is for 2026 and 2027. 628 00:23:46,120 --> 00:23:47,640 Um 629 00:23:47,640 --> 00:23:49,880 I prepared a bit of a slideshow just uh 630 00:23:49,880 --> 00:23:51,800 as a bit of a visual. 631 00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:53,200 Um 632 00:23:53,200 --> 00:23:56,000 Really, our annual performance plan 633 00:23:56,000 --> 00:23:57,640 isn't changed significantly from last 634 00:23:57,640 --> 00:24:00,040 year. We've just uh did some stream- 635 00:24:00,040 --> 00:24:02,800 line of reporting and uh realigned some 636 00:24:02,800 --> 00:24:05,520 of our initiatives. Uh 637 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:07,800 A, to make it less onerous for data 638 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:10,080 collection and and B, just to make sure 639 00:24:10,080 --> 00:24:11,640 we're capturing 640 00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:13,480 some things that we intend to do this 641 00:24:13,480 --> 00:24:14,760 year. So, 642 00:24:14,760 --> 00:24:16,080 um 643 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:17,600 First off, 644 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:21,000 our first objective is crime reduction. 645 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:23,160 So, in the past, we've had bicycle 646 00:24:23,160 --> 00:24:24,840 patrols, uh 647 00:24:24,840 --> 00:24:27,560 downtown foot patrols, and uh engagement 648 00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:29,280 with the business community. 649 00:24:29,280 --> 00:24:33,120 Uh road safety including uh 650 00:24:33,120 --> 00:24:35,520 school zones and playground zones. 651 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:38,040 Uh curfew checks and restorative justice 652 00:24:38,040 --> 00:24:39,440 referrals. So, 653 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:41,760 all those initiatives were important, 654 00:24:41,760 --> 00:24:43,120 but this year 655 00:24:43,120 --> 00:24:44,200 uh we decided to take a little bit 656 00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:46,480 different focus. Uh in the the first 657 00:24:46,480 --> 00:24:49,120 quarter of 2026, 658 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:51,280 we had a quite a significant increase in 659 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:53,160 the number of calls for service relating 660 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:55,880 to unwanted persons or unhoused 661 00:24:55,880 --> 00:24:57,560 individuals. 662 00:24:57,560 --> 00:24:59,560 Uh 663 00:24:59,560 --> 00:25:02,440 So, uh in the 664 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:04,280 in recognizing that, we've been working 665 00:25:04,280 --> 00:25:06,120 closely with the local bylaw, including 666 00:25:06,120 --> 00:25:08,840 the city of Duncan bylaw, to come up 667 00:25:08,840 --> 00:25:11,080 with strategies in order to 668 00:25:11,080 --> 00:25:12,040 uh 669 00:25:12,040 --> 00:25:14,440 reduce the the strain on the the 670 00:25:14,440 --> 00:25:16,560 business community with these types of 671 00:25:16,560 --> 00:25:19,760 calls and to reduce the the strain on 672 00:25:19,760 --> 00:25:23,360 the local detachment with this type of 673 00:25:23,360 --> 00:25:26,160 occurrence. So, um 674 00:25:26,160 --> 00:25:28,440 So, rather than just having 675 00:25:28,440 --> 00:25:31,240 bike patrols and foot patrols in itself, 676 00:25:31,240 --> 00:25:33,520 we chose to we're going to focus 677 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:36,760 specifically on uh some joint patrols 678 00:25:36,760 --> 00:25:37,880 that we're going to do with the local 679 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:39,280 bylaw. 680 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:41,040 Uh so, we hope you know, at least a 681 00:25:41,040 --> 00:25:43,160 couple times a week to have an RCMP 682 00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:45,160 member paired up with a bylaw officer. 683 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:47,160 So, uh 684 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:48,600 you know, instead of having one team, we 685 00:25:48,600 --> 00:25:52,120 can have two. And we can uh 686 00:25:52,120 --> 00:25:54,200 address some of these community safety 687 00:25:54,200 --> 00:25:55,520 issues 688 00:25:55,520 --> 00:25:59,320 uh together. And so, 689 00:25:59,320 --> 00:26:01,120 so, one of our initiatives this year is 690 00:26:01,120 --> 00:26:05,160 to collect data from those patrols and 691 00:26:05,160 --> 00:26:06,560 hopefully, you know, by the end of the 692 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:08,480 year, compare that to our statistics and 693 00:26:08,480 --> 00:26:10,040 see that there has been a downward trend 694 00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:12,240 in this area. 695 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:13,440 Uh 696 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:15,560 road safety is still a priority. Uh we 697 00:26:15,560 --> 00:26:17,240 just um 698 00:26:17,240 --> 00:26:18,440 uh 699 00:26:18,440 --> 00:26:20,040 combined all our traffic initiatives 700 00:26:20,040 --> 00:26:21,640 into one rather than having it broke 701 00:26:21,640 --> 00:26:24,520 down into different compartments. 702 00:26:24,520 --> 00:26:27,480 Um in this fall, we're going to be uh 703 00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:29,840 rolling out a mental health liaison 704 00:26:29,840 --> 00:26:32,160 position at the detachment. Uh we've 705 00:26:32,160 --> 00:26:36,560 been working with VIHA to uh obtain a a 706 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:38,680 mental health nurse. So, that person's 707 00:26:38,680 --> 00:26:40,120 been identified. 708 00:26:40,120 --> 00:26:42,240 We're still working on identifying the 709 00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:43,800 individual from the local detachment. 710 00:26:43,800 --> 00:26:45,560 So, they'll work as a team 711 00:26:45,560 --> 00:26:48,040 and um 712 00:26:48,040 --> 00:26:49,520 deal with a lot of our mental 713 00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:51,200 health-related calls. So, we want to 714 00:26:51,200 --> 00:26:53,240 track that and see how effective that is 715 00:26:53,240 --> 00:26:55,880 over the the next year. 716 00:26:55,880 --> 00:26:56,440 Uh 717 00:26:56,440 --> 00:26:58,440 restorative justice 718 00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:00,640 that's uh important program for our 719 00:27:00,640 --> 00:27:02,040 detachment, so that that remains 720 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:03,600 unchanged. 721 00:27:03,600 --> 00:27:06,200 And um 722 00:27:06,200 --> 00:27:07,840 we're going to deal with uh 723 00:27:07,840 --> 00:27:10,720 priority offender management. So, 724 00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:12,840 um some may be 725 00:27:12,840 --> 00:27:14,440 familiar with the Revo program, the 726 00:27:14,440 --> 00:27:17,280 repeat violent offender program. So, the 727 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:18,880 provincial government has secured 728 00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:21,160 funding for a new program this year 729 00:27:21,160 --> 00:27:23,600 related to property offenders. 730 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:26,160 So, uh 731 00:27:26,160 --> 00:27:27,520 locally uh 732 00:27:27,520 --> 00:27:28,480 and that program still under 733 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:30,920 development, so it's not actually up and 734 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:33,080 running in the the South Island just 735 00:27:33,080 --> 00:27:34,400 yet, but 736 00:27:34,400 --> 00:27:35,560 when that gets up and running, we want 737 00:27:35,560 --> 00:27:36,920 to be able to track how many charges 738 00:27:36,920 --> 00:27:38,440 we're getting against those offenders 739 00:27:38,440 --> 00:27:40,400 and so we can kind of 740 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:42,080 get a local barometer on on how 741 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:48,030 effective it is locally. So, 742 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:50,720 uh our second objective 743 00:27:50,720 --> 00:27:53,840 providing leadership and governance. 744 00:27:53,840 --> 00:27:55,240 Um 745 00:27:55,240 --> 00:27:57,680 that's largely unchanged other than 746 00:27:57,680 --> 00:27:59,640 we've just changed our reporting a 747 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:01,840 little bit. Um 748 00:28:01,840 --> 00:28:02,920 we find that we're having some 749 00:28:02,920 --> 00:28:05,760 duplication reporting throughout our 750 00:28:05,760 --> 00:28:08,040 our data collection, so we just 751 00:28:08,040 --> 00:28:10,080 rejig that a little bit, so that's 752 00:28:10,080 --> 00:28:13,160 relatively unchanged. 753 00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:15,560 Uh the third objective is employee 754 00:28:15,560 --> 00:28:17,560 wellness and respect. 755 00:28:17,560 --> 00:28:19,560 Last year we chose to focus on 756 00:28:19,560 --> 00:28:21,520 supervisor development and leadership 757 00:28:21,520 --> 00:28:22,840 development. 758 00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:24,440 Uh we're still doing that this year, but 759 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:26,600 we've added a component in terms of 760 00:28:26,600 --> 00:28:28,520 employee wellness and team building 761 00:28:28,520 --> 00:28:30,520 exercises. So, we want to track those 762 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:32,000 types of 763 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:34,160 initiatives, whether it's um 764 00:28:34,160 --> 00:28:35,960 you know, fitness related or mental 765 00:28:35,960 --> 00:28:38,320 health related. So, that's we decided to 766 00:28:38,320 --> 00:28:39,960 include that 767 00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:42,560 as well. 768 00:28:42,560 --> 00:28:45,160 Um 769 00:28:45,160 --> 00:28:47,040 and 770 00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:49,320 the fourth initiative 771 00:28:49,320 --> 00:28:51,800 doesn't pertain to the the city of 772 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:53,960 Duncan directly. It's it's uh directly 773 00:28:53,960 --> 00:28:56,160 related to Cowichan Tribes. And with 774 00:28:56,160 --> 00:28:58,080 that, we've just uh 775 00:28:58,080 --> 00:28:59,800 changed our reporting a little bit for 776 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:01,040 the year. So, 777 00:29:01,040 --> 00:29:02,680 uh 778 00:29:02,680 --> 00:29:04,640 I know I was quick. 779 00:29:04,640 --> 00:29:05,800 Hoping not to take up a ton of your 780 00:29:05,800 --> 00:29:09,280 time, but that's really the overview. Um 781 00:29:09,280 --> 00:29:11,040 Like I said, our 782 00:29:11,040 --> 00:29:12,800 our annual performance plan's relatively 783 00:29:12,800 --> 00:29:14,360 unchanged. We just did a little bit of 784 00:29:14,360 --> 00:29:16,120 rejigging this year. So, 785 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:17,360 uh 786 00:29:17,360 --> 00:29:18,720 we're hoping 787 00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:19,680 um 788 00:29:19,680 --> 00:29:22,360 that uh you know Mayor and Council will 789 00:29:22,360 --> 00:29:24,240 will approve this and 790 00:29:24,240 --> 00:29:25,760 and um 791 00:29:25,760 --> 00:29:27,640 we'll move forward. So, I mean, we just 792 00:29:27,640 --> 00:29:29,640 concluded quarter one of our fiscal 793 00:29:29,640 --> 00:29:32,280 year. So, uh Staff Sergeant Ken Beard 794 00:29:32,280 --> 00:29:34,040 will be reporting on that in the coming 795 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:35,440 weeks. 796 00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:37,800 Uh so, thus far, we think we're off to a 797 00:29:37,800 --> 00:29:39,840 good start in terms of our 798 00:29:39,840 --> 00:29:41,800 meeting our goals and objectives for 799 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:43,960 this year. 800 00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:45,200 Um 801 00:29:45,200 --> 00:29:46,320 Does anybody have any questions 802 00:29:46,320 --> 00:29:47,680 regarding 803 00:29:47,680 --> 00:29:49,480 the annual performance plan? 804 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:50,830 >> Thank you. 805 00:29:50,830 --> 00:29:50,840 » Thank you. 806 00:29:50,840 --> 00:29:52,760 Councilor Duncan. 807 00:29:52,760 --> 00:29:54,550 >> Uh thank you, Your Worship. 808 00:29:54,550 --> 00:29:54,560 » Uh thank you, Your Worship. 809 00:29:54,560 --> 00:29:55,400 And thank [clears throat] you for the 810 00:29:55,400 --> 00:29:58,360 report. Um just a question around the 811 00:29:58,360 --> 00:30:01,680 prolific property offenders. Um in the 812 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:04,400 past, we've sort of heard that Crown uh 813 00:30:04,400 --> 00:30:07,840 is reluctant to proceed on some charges. 814 00:30:07,840 --> 00:30:08,440 Uh 815 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:09,880 you know, will this result in someone 816 00:30:09,880 --> 00:30:12,160 that's, for example, been caught three 817 00:30:12,160 --> 00:30:14,080 times in a day shoplifting? Will they be 818 00:30:14,080 --> 00:30:16,920 kept in jail until they 819 00:30:16,920 --> 00:30:18,840 until they actually go to court? That's 820 00:30:18,840 --> 00:30:21,040 one question. And the other question 821 00:30:21,040 --> 00:30:23,160 would be on the new mental health 822 00:30:23,160 --> 00:30:25,920 liaison officer. Is that Is that set up 823 00:30:25,920 --> 00:30:29,280 to speed up the process if if uh someone 824 00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:31,200 is picked up and is going to be referred 825 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:32,680 to mental health? 826 00:30:32,680 --> 00:30:34,440 Is that You know, we heard sometimes 827 00:30:34,440 --> 00:30:35,800 that the police cars would sit at the 828 00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:38,080 hospital for two or three hours. Is this 829 00:30:38,080 --> 00:30:47,910 going to help speed that up? 830 00:30:47,920 --> 00:30:49,480 » Okay. 831 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:51,240 First question regarding the the C Point 832 00:30:51,240 --> 00:30:52,440 program, 833 00:30:52,440 --> 00:30:54,720 that remains to be seen, but much like 834 00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:58,880 for the violent offenders 835 00:30:58,880 --> 00:31:01,320 repeat property offenders 836 00:31:01,320 --> 00:31:03,520 it's meant to be more onerous for them 837 00:31:03,520 --> 00:31:06,760 to get bail and 838 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:08,960 thus if they're held in custody 839 00:31:08,960 --> 00:31:12,520 before trial um 840 00:31:12,520 --> 00:31:13,560 you know, the opportunity to commit 841 00:31:13,560 --> 00:31:15,160 further property crime is obviously 842 00:31:15,160 --> 00:31:16,560 removed. 843 00:31:16,560 --> 00:31:18,120 um 844 00:31:18,120 --> 00:31:20,000 But that 845 00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:21,400 is largely at the police hands. That 846 00:31:21,400 --> 00:31:23,360 would be up to the the Crown to pursue 847 00:31:23,360 --> 00:31:24,760 that. 848 00:31:24,760 --> 00:31:27,670 But 849 00:31:27,680 --> 00:31:30,400 and it doesn't just pertain to like 850 00:31:30,400 --> 00:31:32,120 shoplifter types. Like 851 00:31:32,120 --> 00:31:33,440 you know, we have one individual in our 852 00:31:33,440 --> 00:31:34,840 community 853 00:31:34,840 --> 00:31:36,840 isn't committing a lot of theft, but you 854 00:31:36,840 --> 00:31:38,200 know, they have significant mental 855 00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:40,160 health challenges, but 856 00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:42,560 they're often downtown with weapons and 857 00:31:42,560 --> 00:31:44,480 acting in a threatening manner and they 858 00:31:44,480 --> 00:31:46,080 don't actually hurt anybody. So they 859 00:31:46,080 --> 00:31:47,840 wouldn't qualify under the Revo, the 860 00:31:47,840 --> 00:31:50,200 violent offender program. But it's a lot 861 00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:52,880 of mischief related calls and and it's a 862 00:31:52,880 --> 00:31:55,320 public safety issue and this person 863 00:31:55,320 --> 00:31:58,080 generates a lot of calls for service. 864 00:31:58,080 --> 00:31:59,800 um you know, and there's a mental health 865 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:01,080 component, so we take him to the 866 00:32:01,080 --> 00:32:04,520 hospital for assessment and so it eats 867 00:32:04,520 --> 00:32:07,840 up a lot of VR resources. So uh 868 00:32:07,840 --> 00:32:09,320 we're hoping that that this type of 869 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:10,560 program 870 00:32:10,560 --> 00:32:12,000 we can target them cuz really they need 871 00:32:12,000 --> 00:32:15,480 to get into your court 872 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:17,040 um 873 00:32:17,040 --> 00:32:20,480 ordered treatment program to break that 874 00:32:20,480 --> 00:32:21,800 cycle. So 875 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:24,160 uh so that's 876 00:32:24,160 --> 00:32:26,160 one type of individual that'd be 877 00:32:26,160 --> 00:32:29,000 captured with this program. uh 878 00:32:29,000 --> 00:32:31,960 Yes, some of our chronic shoplifters. 879 00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:35,350 um 880 00:32:35,360 --> 00:32:36,400 Yeah, I mean 881 00:32:36,400 --> 00:32:39,000 it's largely in Crown's hands whether 882 00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:41,120 they're successful again the person I 883 00:32:41,120 --> 00:32:42,840 detained for trial. 884 00:32:42,840 --> 00:32:45,320 In my experience, it's generally harder 885 00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:47,960 to get property offenders detained until 886 00:32:47,960 --> 00:32:50,600 trial compared to violent offenders. 887 00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:51,920 But, um 888 00:32:51,920 --> 00:32:53,440 so the program still in the infancy. 889 00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:54,920 There's been a couple of meetings now 890 00:32:54,920 --> 00:32:57,600 and our detachment and other detachments 891 00:32:57,600 --> 00:32:59,800 South Island were just working through 892 00:32:59,800 --> 00:33:01,720 trying to identify our first few 893 00:33:01,720 --> 00:33:03,440 candidates. So, 894 00:33:03,440 --> 00:33:05,120 um in the first round 895 00:33:05,120 --> 00:33:07,160 this area may not even get a candidate 896 00:33:07,160 --> 00:33:09,040 or it may just get one, but it's it's 897 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:10,640 going to be a kind of a a staggered 898 00:33:10,640 --> 00:33:12,440 approach. 899 00:33:12,440 --> 00:33:13,520 Um 900 00:33:13,520 --> 00:33:15,000 to me that's a So, hopefully that answer 901 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:16,520 your question. That's really the best I 902 00:33:16,520 --> 00:33:17,840 can offer. 903 00:33:17,840 --> 00:33:18,440 Um 904 00:33:18,440 --> 00:33:20,160 I can't really speak on behalf of Crown 905 00:33:20,160 --> 00:33:22,120 Counsel, but that's the intention of the 906 00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:24,080 program anyways. 907 00:33:24,080 --> 00:33:28,200 Uh part two regarding mental health. 908 00:33:28,200 --> 00:33:29,880 Um 909 00:33:29,880 --> 00:33:32,160 you know, over the the past short while 910 00:33:32,160 --> 00:33:34,600 we have worked really hard with the 911 00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:36,560 hospital to try and reduce those wait 912 00:33:36,560 --> 00:33:38,680 times and and so we have developed 913 00:33:38,680 --> 00:33:40,160 strategies. 914 00:33:40,160 --> 00:33:42,320 We're much better here than 915 00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:43,600 other places. I I know of other 916 00:33:43,600 --> 00:33:45,240 detachments. 917 00:33:45,240 --> 00:33:47,280 Police officers are still waiting 4 or 5 918 00:33:47,280 --> 00:33:49,213 hours before the doctor. Generally 919 00:33:49,213 --> 00:33:50,440 [snorts] here we're only about an hour. 920 00:33:50,440 --> 00:33:53,680 So, we we've really worked on that, but 921 00:33:53,680 --> 00:33:55,000 um obviously there's still room for 922 00:33:55,000 --> 00:33:56,440 improvements. So, that would be 923 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:58,280 something that the mental health liaison 924 00:33:58,280 --> 00:33:59,560 officer 925 00:33:59,560 --> 00:34:02,880 works on, but really it's to 926 00:34:02,880 --> 00:34:05,080 to take those calls for service off the 927 00:34:05,080 --> 00:34:07,240 hands of the other officers. And we last 928 00:34:07,240 --> 00:34:09,840 year we had almost 1,500 929 00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:12,159 mental health related calls. 930 00:34:12,159 --> 00:34:15,720 So, we average almost four per day. 931 00:34:15,720 --> 00:34:18,120 So, um you know, mental health liaison 932 00:34:18,120 --> 00:34:19,120 officer, they're not going to be working 933 00:34:19,120 --> 00:34:20,760 7 days a week 934 00:34:20,760 --> 00:34:22,480 and they're not going to be working 24 935 00:34:22,480 --> 00:34:24,639 hours a day, but you know, with their 936 00:34:24,639 --> 00:34:25,919 schedule we're hoping that they can at 937 00:34:25,919 --> 00:34:29,040 least take two a day, one to two a day. 938 00:34:29,040 --> 00:34:30,159 So, 939 00:34:30,159 --> 00:34:32,280 uh take half those off our hands 940 00:34:32,280 --> 00:34:34,040 and 941 00:34:34,040 --> 00:34:35,480 um, 942 00:34:35,480 --> 00:34:36,639 and a lot of times I mean we don't have 943 00:34:36,639 --> 00:34:39,080 specialized training 944 00:34:39,080 --> 00:34:42,679 for mental health related issues. So, 945 00:34:42,679 --> 00:34:44,600 um, you know, if somebody is presenting 946 00:34:44,600 --> 00:34:46,760 as a danger to themselves or others, we 947 00:34:46,760 --> 00:34:47,760 take them for assessment at the 948 00:34:47,760 --> 00:34:49,639 hospital. But by pairing a police 949 00:34:49,639 --> 00:34:51,280 officer with somebody that does have 950 00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:52,679 that training, 951 00:34:52,679 --> 00:34:53,679 they're 952 00:34:53,679 --> 00:34:55,159 likely 953 00:34:55,159 --> 00:34:57,120 and I say likely because it's worked in 954 00:34:57,120 --> 00:34:58,600 other jurisdictions, but we likely will 955 00:34:58,600 --> 00:35:00,480 have less instances where we have to 956 00:35:00,480 --> 00:35:03,640 take people to the hospital. Uh, 957 00:35:03,640 --> 00:35:05,480 they'll have the mental health nurse 958 00:35:05,480 --> 00:35:07,800 will have access to much more detailed 959 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:10,240 medical records for that individual. So, 960 00:35:10,240 --> 00:35:11,600 working together as a team, they can 961 00:35:11,600 --> 00:35:13,280 come up with a better plan. So, so we're 962 00:35:13,280 --> 00:35:16,080 hoping A, overall reduce the number 963 00:35:16,080 --> 00:35:17,640 of times we have to take somebody to the 964 00:35:17,640 --> 00:35:19,960 hospital and reduce overall calls for 965 00:35:19,960 --> 00:35:21,880 service 966 00:35:21,880 --> 00:35:24,520 because when this liaison officer isn't 967 00:35:24,520 --> 00:35:26,120 responding to mental health calls, they 968 00:35:26,120 --> 00:35:29,320 can take a more proactive approach. We 969 00:35:29,320 --> 00:35:31,720 generally have 970 00:35:31,720 --> 00:35:33,760 two or three at any given time are our 971 00:35:33,760 --> 00:35:38,720 most prolific mental health clients and 972 00:35:38,720 --> 00:35:40,040 um, 973 00:35:40,040 --> 00:35:41,720 you know, it becomes a revolving door 974 00:35:41,720 --> 00:35:43,440 where we take them up to the hospital. 975 00:35:43,440 --> 00:35:44,800 They may be there a short time, they may 976 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:46,840 not get admitted and they're released. 977 00:35:46,840 --> 00:35:48,760 So, again, by working with somebody who 978 00:35:48,760 --> 00:35:50,840 has that level of expertise in dealing 979 00:35:50,840 --> 00:35:52,200 with mental health, 980 00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:55,040 we may be able to develop strategies 981 00:35:55,040 --> 00:35:58,840 outside of enforcement in order to 982 00:35:58,840 --> 00:36:01,440 perhaps break that cycle and 983 00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:03,080 um, you know, one individual I can think 984 00:36:03,080 --> 00:36:05,120 of is an adult now, 985 00:36:05,120 --> 00:36:06,240 but 986 00:36:06,240 --> 00:36:07,160 uh, 987 00:36:07,160 --> 00:36:08,800 really they need support from Community 988 00:36:08,800 --> 00:36:12,400 Living BC. So, as an example, they this 989 00:36:12,400 --> 00:36:14,120 team could work with Community Living 990 00:36:14,120 --> 00:36:16,560 Community Living BC to develop a 991 00:36:16,560 --> 00:36:17,840 strategy 992 00:36:17,840 --> 00:36:20,760 so we're not getting, you know, three 993 00:36:20,760 --> 00:36:22,280 calls a week from this individual, three 994 00:36:22,280 --> 00:36:23,320 to four 995 00:36:23,320 --> 00:36:28,870 calls per week. So, 996 00:36:28,880 --> 00:36:30,200 » Um, other questions from council 997 00:36:30,200 --> 00:36:31,960 members? 998 00:36:31,960 --> 00:36:35,550 Councilor Bruce. 999 00:36:35,560 --> 00:36:37,600 » Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, thank 1000 00:36:37,600 --> 00:36:38,600 you 1001 00:36:38,600 --> 00:36:41,080 for your presentation. Um, 1002 00:36:41,080 --> 00:36:44,240 uh, not on this report, but uh, 1003 00:36:44,240 --> 00:36:46,480 do we have nearly a full complement of 1004 00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:49,840 officers in the detachment yet? 1005 00:36:49,840 --> 00:36:52,800 Are we or do you know that? 1006 00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:56,830 >> We're We're much better off. Um, 1007 00:36:56,830 --> 00:36:56,840 » We're We're much better off. Um, 1008 00:36:56,840 --> 00:36:59,200 we've been working closely with staffing 1009 00:36:59,200 --> 00:37:00,280 and 1010 00:37:00,280 --> 00:37:01,920 we're in a much better place than we 1011 00:37:01,920 --> 00:37:05,080 were, say, 6 months ago. 1012 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:06,760 Like, when I was talking earlier about 1013 00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:09,520 doing the bike patrols, um, 1014 00:37:09,520 --> 00:37:11,680 you know, over the last 6 months, we've 1015 00:37:11,680 --> 00:37:13,880 had a disband our community safety unit, 1016 00:37:13,880 --> 00:37:15,520 which did the bulk of the bike bike 1017 00:37:15,520 --> 00:37:16,720 patrols. 1018 00:37:16,720 --> 00:37:20,320 And, uh, we've also had to collapse one 1019 00:37:20,320 --> 00:37:22,480 other unit, our investigative support 1020 00:37:22,480 --> 00:37:24,840 unit, uh, just to keep enough boots on 1021 00:37:24,840 --> 00:37:26,240 the ground to 1022 00:37:26,240 --> 00:37:27,880 do frontline policing. When somebody 1023 00:37:27,880 --> 00:37:29,720 calls 911, just make sure that there's 1024 00:37:29,720 --> 00:37:30,880 somebody there at the end to answer the 1025 00:37:30,880 --> 00:37:32,080 call. So, 1026 00:37:32,080 --> 00:37:33,240 uh, 1027 00:37:33,240 --> 00:37:36,270 you know, we've had 1028 00:37:36,280 --> 00:37:37,880 uh, 1029 00:37:37,880 --> 00:37:40,320 five or 1030 00:37:40,320 --> 00:37:43,120 Well, five cadets in the last 6 months. 1031 00:37:43,120 --> 00:37:45,320 And we've had some more seasoned 1032 00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:47,680 officers transfer in, so 1033 00:37:47,680 --> 00:37:51,240 I we probably got about uh, eight or 1034 00:37:51,240 --> 00:37:53,320 nine new officers in the last 6 months. 1035 00:37:53,320 --> 00:37:55,240 So, yeah, we're in a much better place. 1036 00:37:55,240 --> 00:37:56,800 We're still 1037 00:37:56,800 --> 00:38:00,320 not where we want to be, but um, 1038 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:02,760 we've brought most of our 1039 00:38:02,760 --> 00:38:06,880 hard vacancies covered now, which actual 1040 00:38:06,880 --> 00:38:09,080 uh, vacant positions, but our soft 1041 00:38:09,080 --> 00:38:10,840 vacancies where people are off for a 1042 00:38:10,840 --> 00:38:13,200 variety of reasons, whether it could be 1043 00:38:13,200 --> 00:38:15,720 parental leave or, um, 1044 00:38:15,720 --> 00:38:17,920 you know, a non-duty injury or we've 1045 00:38:17,920 --> 00:38:20,280 still got a fair number off for that. 1046 00:38:20,280 --> 00:38:22,200 So, 1047 00:38:22,200 --> 00:38:23,320 we're getting there. We're We're better. 1048 00:38:23,320 --> 00:38:25,120 We're better than off than we were at 6 1049 00:38:25,120 --> 00:38:29,070 months ago, so that's 1050 00:38:29,080 --> 00:38:30,120 You're welcome. Other questions? 1051 00:38:30,120 --> 00:38:32,960 Councillor Newton, go ahead. 1052 00:38:32,960 --> 00:38:35,790 >> Hi. Thank you very much for your report. 1053 00:38:35,790 --> 00:38:35,800 » Hi. Thank you very much for your report. 1054 00:38:35,800 --> 00:38:38,071 Could you explain a little bit what 1055 00:38:38,071 --> 00:38:38,310 >> [clears throat] 1056 00:38:38,310 --> 00:38:38,320 » [clears throat] 1057 00:38:38,320 --> 00:38:41,991 >> the community safety unit was? 1058 00:38:41,991 --> 00:38:42,001 » the community safety unit was? 1059 00:38:42,001 --> 00:38:42,030 >> [snorts] 1060 00:38:42,030 --> 00:38:42,040 » [snorts] 1061 00:38:42,040 --> 00:38:43,750 >> So, the community [clears throat] safety 1062 00:38:43,750 --> 00:38:43,760 » So, the community [clears throat] safety 1063 00:38:43,760 --> 00:38:45,080 unit would have been the officers you 1064 00:38:45,080 --> 00:38:48,000 see on bicycles a lot of time. Uh 1065 00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:51,280 mainly they work in the corridor area. 1066 00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:54,160 Uh so, I'm sure all aware, but you know, 1067 00:38:54,160 --> 00:38:55,240 from 1068 00:38:55,240 --> 00:38:57,280 Drinkwater to 1069 00:38:57,280 --> 00:38:58,480 say uh 1070 00:38:58,480 --> 00:39:00,640 Boys Road and then downtown Duncan. So, 1071 00:39:00,640 --> 00:39:02,080 that's that's where they spend the bulk 1072 00:39:02,080 --> 00:39:03,480 of their time. 1073 00:39:03,480 --> 00:39:05,080 Um 1074 00:39:05,080 --> 00:39:07,360 last year they spent a lot of time just 1075 00:39:07,360 --> 00:39:08,560 patrolling 1076 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:11,160 York and Lewis area and and 1077 00:39:11,160 --> 00:39:13,120 and North Cowichan 1078 00:39:13,120 --> 00:39:13,680 um 1079 00:39:13,680 --> 00:39:15,080 because of the 1080 00:39:15,080 --> 00:39:16,160 the 1081 00:39:16,160 --> 00:39:17,080 uh 1082 00:39:17,080 --> 00:39:19,440 tent city that it popped up along Lewis 1083 00:39:19,440 --> 00:39:20,640 Street, but 1084 00:39:20,640 --> 00:39:21,880 um 1085 00:39:21,880 --> 00:39:24,680 so, they're there to 1086 00:39:24,680 --> 00:39:26,280 uh they do all kinds of proactive 1087 00:39:26,280 --> 00:39:28,920 enforcement. Like sometimes they'll 1088 00:39:28,920 --> 00:39:30,240 hop in and they'll do a bunch of curfew 1089 00:39:30,240 --> 00:39:32,120 checks to make sure that people are 1090 00:39:32,120 --> 00:39:34,360 abiding by curfews. 1091 00:39:34,360 --> 00:39:35,920 Um you know, they 1092 00:39:35,920 --> 00:39:37,520 may take a bunch of files where there's 1093 00:39:37,520 --> 00:39:39,120 outstanding warrants for people's arrest 1094 00:39:39,120 --> 00:39:41,160 and they'll go around and try and affect 1095 00:39:41,160 --> 00:39:43,080 a lot of those arrests. 1096 00:39:43,080 --> 00:39:44,840 Uh 1097 00:39:44,840 --> 00:39:46,080 like I mentioned earlier, they work 1098 00:39:46,080 --> 00:39:47,880 closely with bylaw 1099 00:39:47,880 --> 00:39:50,720 uh to address like the unhoused types of 1100 00:39:50,720 --> 00:39:53,800 issues in the in the downtown. 1101 00:39:53,800 --> 00:39:54,707 Um 1102 00:39:54,707 --> 00:39:54,830 >> [clears throat] 1103 00:39:54,830 --> 00:39:54,840 » [clears throat] 1104 00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:55,990 >> and 1105 00:39:55,990 --> 00:39:56,000 » and 1106 00:39:56,000 --> 00:39:57,840 they're there to support us. I mean, 1107 00:39:57,840 --> 00:39:59,480 you know, if the the general duty 1108 00:39:59,480 --> 00:40:02,320 officers are are tied up, they'll help 1109 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:05,440 out with any calls that may come in 1110 00:40:05,440 --> 00:40:09,520 during the or in the the corridor area 1111 00:40:09,520 --> 00:40:11,640 as well, so so they they cover a lot of 1112 00:40:11,640 --> 00:40:12,880 areas, but and they're also a lot of 1113 00:40:12,880 --> 00:40:14,560 community engagement like 1114 00:40:14,560 --> 00:40:17,520 if there is events at schools, um you 1115 00:40:17,520 --> 00:40:19,040 know, they'll go there and deliver 1116 00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:20,920 presentations at schools or do bike 1117 00:40:20,920 --> 00:40:22,760 rodeos at elementary schools and that 1118 00:40:22,760 --> 00:40:24,200 type of thing. So, they have a pretty 1119 00:40:24,200 --> 00:40:26,160 broad mandate, cover a lot of community 1120 00:40:26,160 --> 00:40:32,790 policing and proactive type of work. 1121 00:40:32,800 --> 00:40:35,720 » Um, so sadly, if that unit is now 1122 00:40:35,720 --> 00:40:37,720 disbanded, um, 1123 00:40:37,720 --> 00:40:40,000 the that work that you've just described 1124 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:43,200 is now falling on the active officers. 1125 00:40:43,200 --> 00:40:44,600 Is that correct? 1126 00:40:44,600 --> 00:40:48,710 >> Yes, but um, our our staffing levels 1127 00:40:48,710 --> 00:40:48,720 » Yes, but um, our our staffing levels 1128 00:40:48,720 --> 00:40:51,040 since they've improved, uh, 1129 00:40:51,040 --> 00:40:52,640 we're going to start staffing up that 1130 00:40:52,640 --> 00:40:54,400 unit starting the beginning of August 1131 00:40:54,400 --> 00:40:55,800 here. So, 1132 00:40:55,800 --> 00:40:57,920 uh, 1133 00:40:57,920 --> 00:41:00,360 that unit used to be four. 1134 00:41:00,360 --> 00:41:02,040 Uh, it's still a four-person unit, but 1135 00:41:02,040 --> 00:41:04,840 we pieced off one of the the positions 1136 00:41:04,840 --> 00:41:06,920 to create this mental health-related 1137 00:41:06,920 --> 00:41:08,760 liaison. So, they'll still report to the 1138 00:41:08,760 --> 00:41:11,520 same supervisor. 1139 00:41:11,520 --> 00:41:13,400 Um, 1140 00:41:13,400 --> 00:41:15,440 and the thing is like so much of what we 1141 00:41:15,440 --> 00:41:17,440 deal with downtown, 1142 00:41:17,440 --> 00:41:18,840 it's mental health-related, right? So, 1143 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:22,120 really they can work hand-in-hand, but 1144 00:41:22,120 --> 00:41:24,560 uh, so there'll be a corporal and two 1145 00:41:24,560 --> 00:41:26,640 constables 1146 00:41:26,640 --> 00:41:29,400 left to to do the the bike patrols. 1147 00:41:29,400 --> 00:41:30,600 So, we'll have the corporal in place 1148 00:41:30,600 --> 00:41:31,720 here at the beginning of August and 1149 00:41:31,720 --> 00:41:33,520 we're hoping by the end of August to 1150 00:41:33,520 --> 00:41:36,280 have the two constable positions back. 1151 00:41:36,280 --> 00:41:37,560 Um, 1152 00:41:37,560 --> 00:41:39,040 away from their secondment back into 1153 00:41:39,040 --> 00:41:41,080 their substantive role 1154 00:41:41,080 --> 00:41:42,400 and um, 1155 00:41:42,400 --> 00:41:44,920 out there 1156 00:41:44,920 --> 00:41:48,830 pedaling around. 1157 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:52,790 » Any other questions from council? 1158 00:41:52,800 --> 00:41:55,000 Uh, thank you for your report and for 1159 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:57,320 coming here today. And one of the things 1160 00:41:57,320 --> 00:42:00,520 I did get to go out on a um, 1161 00:42:00,520 --> 00:42:03,560 for a night with the community Is it the 1162 00:42:03,560 --> 00:42:05,200 the Sorry, can you remind me of the name 1163 00:42:05,200 --> 00:42:07,480 again of that 1164 00:42:07,480 --> 00:42:08,150 >> Community Safety Unit. 1165 00:42:08,150 --> 00:42:08,160 » Community Safety Unit. 1166 00:42:08,160 --> 00:42:09,830 >> the Community Safety Unit 1167 00:42:09,830 --> 00:42:09,840 » the Community Safety Unit 1168 00:42:09,840 --> 00:42:12,120 uh, last summer, I believe, or last 1169 00:42:12,120 --> 00:42:14,480 spring. And what I noticed is a lot of 1170 00:42:14,480 --> 00:42:16,080 what you're saying right now, that 1171 00:42:16,080 --> 00:42:18,040 essentially our our 1172 00:42:18,040 --> 00:42:21,240 we're paying our police force to manage 1173 00:42:21,240 --> 00:42:23,480 a situation that isn't being managed 1174 00:42:23,480 --> 00:42:26,160 around poverty, mental health, 1175 00:42:26,160 --> 00:42:27,360 and 1176 00:42:27,360 --> 00:42:28,000 um 1177 00:42:28,000 --> 00:42:29,640 that that is the majority of your time 1178 00:42:29,640 --> 00:42:31,040 is being 1179 00:42:31,040 --> 00:42:33,200 taken up by what other systems are 1180 00:42:33,200 --> 00:42:35,840 failing to actually provide for people. 1181 00:42:35,840 --> 00:42:38,200 And so and then we're putting it all 1182 00:42:38,200 --> 00:42:39,840 under crime. 1183 00:42:39,840 --> 00:42:41,760 And 1184 00:42:41,760 --> 00:42:43,600 when I went out that night, the thing I 1185 00:42:43,600 --> 00:42:45,720 was I think I went out for a 10 to 12 1186 00:42:45,720 --> 00:42:50,120 hours, and what shocked me was that 1187 00:42:50,120 --> 00:42:52,400 it wasn't like going to police calls 1188 00:42:52,400 --> 00:42:54,720 when you watch TV 1189 00:42:54,720 --> 00:42:55,200 at all. 1190 00:42:55,200 --> 00:42:56,310 >> certainly isn't. 1191 00:42:56,310 --> 00:42:56,320 » certainly isn't. 1192 00:42:56,320 --> 00:42:59,510 >> What it was was going to um calls the 1193 00:42:59,510 --> 00:42:59,520 » What it was was going to um calls the 1194 00:42:59,520 --> 00:43:01,720 majority of the calls were people living 1195 00:43:01,720 --> 00:43:05,000 in poverty with addiction, um 1196 00:43:05,000 --> 00:43:06,800 with mental health challenges in a 1197 00:43:06,800 --> 00:43:08,600 system that has no space for them. And 1198 00:43:08,600 --> 00:43:10,320 you're just trying to to manage it the 1199 00:43:10,320 --> 00:43:12,800 best that you can. And that's what I 1200 00:43:12,800 --> 00:43:15,440 experienced when I went out. I I was 1201 00:43:15,440 --> 00:43:16,920 asked to come out again, but then they 1202 00:43:16,920 --> 00:43:18,680 they did disband, and I would love the 1203 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:20,440 opportunity to go out again with you in 1204 00:43:20,440 --> 00:43:21,600 the fall. 1205 00:43:21,600 --> 00:43:24,560 Um but I found that so incredibly 1206 00:43:24,560 --> 00:43:28,200 disheartening and not at all what your 1207 00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:30,880 job should be. Those jobs should be 1208 00:43:30,880 --> 00:43:33,160 dealt with by other professionals and 1209 00:43:33,160 --> 00:43:34,760 other support services that are lacking 1210 00:43:34,760 --> 00:43:38,750 in our system. 1211 00:43:38,760 --> 00:43:42,560 » Yeah, unfortunately, it's it's uh not a 1212 00:43:42,560 --> 00:43:43,280 a 1213 00:43:43,280 --> 00:43:45,440 ideal situation. 1214 00:43:45,440 --> 00:43:46,440 Um 1215 00:43:46,440 --> 00:43:48,120 you know, this hasn't necessarily 1216 00:43:48,120 --> 00:43:50,840 address the the issue, but 1217 00:43:50,840 --> 00:43:53,200 uh I know like the the first 3 months of 1218 00:43:53,200 --> 00:43:57,400 this year, we're averaging 9 1/2 calls 1219 00:43:57,400 --> 00:44:01,600 per day related to the unhoused. And so 1220 00:44:01,600 --> 00:44:02,400 um 1221 00:44:02,400 --> 00:44:03,920 you know, like I mentioned earlier, 1222 00:44:03,920 --> 00:44:05,880 we've been working closely 1223 00:44:05,880 --> 00:44:08,080 with community partners, including 1224 00:44:08,080 --> 00:44:09,800 your your bylaw 1225 00:44:09,800 --> 00:44:11,360 office and 1226 00:44:11,360 --> 00:44:11,920 uh 1227 00:44:11,920 --> 00:44:13,840 happy to say for the second quarter of 1228 00:44:13,840 --> 00:44:14,920 this year, 1229 00:44:14,920 --> 00:44:17,720 we're down to about um 1230 00:44:17,720 --> 00:44:19,680 a little under five and a half calls per 1231 00:44:19,680 --> 00:44:21,480 day. So, we've done a lot of work to try 1232 00:44:21,480 --> 00:44:23,560 and reduce the calls for service. Hasn't 1233 00:44:23,560 --> 00:44:26,320 necessarily made the issue go away, but 1234 00:44:26,320 --> 00:44:27,960 you know, we've tried other strategies 1235 00:44:27,960 --> 00:44:30,480 to reduce 1236 00:44:30,480 --> 00:44:33,640 uh at least the burden on on your 1237 00:44:33,640 --> 00:44:35,400 your first responders on your bylaw and 1238 00:44:35,400 --> 00:44:38,480 your local police. So. 1239 00:44:38,480 --> 00:44:40,790 >> Thank you. 1240 00:44:40,790 --> 00:44:40,800 » Thank you. 1241 00:44:40,800 --> 00:44:42,720 Uh we have a motion that council support 1242 00:44:42,720 --> 00:44:44,520 the 2026-2027 1243 00:44:44,520 --> 00:44:46,440 North Cowichan-Duncan RCMP Detachment 1244 00:44:46,440 --> 00:44:48,240 Annual Performance Plan as presented on 1245 00:44:48,240 --> 00:44:50,760 July 27th, 2026. Do I have a mover and a 1246 00:44:50,760 --> 00:44:51,920 seconder? 1247 00:44:51,920 --> 00:44:53,800 Any further discussion? All those in 1248 00:44:53,800 --> 00:44:55,160 favor? 1249 00:44:55,160 --> 00:44:56,760 Thank you very much for your 1250 00:44:56,760 --> 00:44:59,680 presentation, and I look forward to 1251 00:44:59,680 --> 00:45:01,280 hearing back from someone about being 1252 00:45:01,280 --> 00:45:04,430 able to go out again. 1253 00:45:04,440 --> 00:45:06,080 » Thank you, Worship, and thank you, 1254 00:45:06,080 --> 00:45:11,030 council members. 1255 00:45:11,040 --> 00:45:13,400 » And Mr. De Verteuil, over to you. Report 1256 00:45:13,400 --> 00:45:15,240 of the Chief Administrative Officer for 1257 00:45:15,240 --> 00:45:18,520 July 27th. 1258 00:45:18,520 --> 00:45:19,870 >> Thank you, Mayor Staples. 1259 00:45:19,870 --> 00:45:19,880 » Thank you, Mayor Staples. 1260 00:45:19,880 --> 00:45:22,080 Uh so, the Eagle Heights Reservoir 1261 00:45:22,080 --> 00:45:24,080 replacement, the old reservoir tank has 1262 00:45:24,080 --> 00:45:25,720 now been demolished, so they're just 1263 00:45:25,720 --> 00:45:28,200 cleaning that uh site up and I'm final 1264 00:45:28,200 --> 00:45:30,680 finalizing up that project. The 1265 00:45:30,680 --> 00:45:32,720 unfortunately for the Gibbons Reservoir 1266 00:45:32,720 --> 00:45:35,400 relining, due to water restrictions now, 1267 00:45:35,400 --> 00:45:37,160 and it's still finalizing the fixes, the 1268 00:45:37,160 --> 00:45:39,120 contractor will work to address the 1269 00:45:39,120 --> 00:45:40,880 outstanding issues in the closer to the 1270 00:45:40,880 --> 00:45:42,000 fall. 1271 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:43,800 Uh reservoir may need to be drained 1272 00:45:43,800 --> 00:45:46,360 again to do that final work. 1273 00:45:46,360 --> 00:45:48,920 The project for the Coronation and Queen 1274 00:45:48,920 --> 00:45:50,840 Street 70 bike lanes is now 1275 00:45:50,840 --> 00:45:52,520 largely complete. 1276 00:45:52,520 --> 00:45:55,000 The I'm happy to report that the Canada 1277 00:45:55,000 --> 00:45:56,320 Avenue 1278 00:45:56,320 --> 00:45:56,920 um 1279 00:45:56,920 --> 00:45:58,880 complete streets is is well underway. 1280 00:45:58,880 --> 00:46:00,360 The the one uh 1281 00:46:00,360 --> 00:46:01,160 um 1282 00:46:01,160 --> 00:46:02,920 bugaboo seems to continually be the 1283 00:46:02,920 --> 00:46:04,840 speed limits on Iley, so we we have 1284 00:46:04,840 --> 00:46:06,760 ordered another uh speed reader board 1285 00:46:06,760 --> 00:46:08,400 for Iley Street to help with traffic 1286 00:46:08,400 --> 00:46:09,840 speeds northbound. 1287 00:46:09,840 --> 00:46:12,040 And the RCMP continue to attend to uh 1288 00:46:12,040 --> 00:46:14,920 Iley Street periodically. 1289 00:46:14,920 --> 00:46:16,680 Uh just a reminder that project's going 1290 00:46:16,680 --> 00:46:21,040 to continue on until in into 2027. 1291 00:46:21,040 --> 00:46:23,720 Happy to report as well that uh 1292 00:46:23,720 --> 00:46:25,680 thanks to the work of Relic staff, we've 1293 00:46:25,680 --> 00:46:27,600 finally got the Couch and Way traffic 1294 00:46:27,600 --> 00:46:29,800 signals operating more along the lines 1295 00:46:29,800 --> 00:46:31,160 of how they should. The new timing 1296 00:46:31,160 --> 00:46:32,960 schedules uh by Relic have been 1297 00:46:32,960 --> 00:46:34,440 implemented and the lights now utilize 1298 00:46:34,440 --> 00:46:35,920 the traffic loops, 1299 00:46:35,920 --> 00:46:37,720 uh which decreases time allocated to 1300 00:46:37,720 --> 00:46:39,520 particular legs of the intersection if 1301 00:46:39,520 --> 00:46:41,400 there's there's no traffic or little 1302 00:46:41,400 --> 00:46:43,520 traffic for that uh leg. So, it'll go 1303 00:46:43,520 --> 00:46:45,000 down to as little as 10 seconds if 1304 00:46:45,000 --> 00:46:46,000 there's 1305 00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:47,160 if there's only a couple of cars as 1306 00:46:47,160 --> 00:46:49,080 opposed to the full 30 seconds of a 1307 00:46:49,080 --> 00:46:50,080 loop. 1308 00:46:50,080 --> 00:46:52,480 Uh big thanks to uh Bob Bob Griffin from 1309 00:46:52,480 --> 00:46:54,320 Relic who who actually came back out of 1310 00:46:54,320 --> 00:46:55,680 retirement to make sure to take that one 1311 00:46:55,680 --> 00:46:56,880 across the finish line, so that was 1312 00:46:56,880 --> 00:46:58,240 terrific. 1313 00:46:58,240 --> 00:47:00,680 Uh construction for Hether's Street 1314 00:47:00,680 --> 00:47:02,320 water main, still looking to finalize 1315 00:47:02,320 --> 00:47:03,680 the details of that, so that's going to 1316 00:47:03,680 --> 00:47:06,360 push into the fall of this year. 1317 00:47:06,360 --> 00:47:07,800 Uh we have now installed staff have 1318 00:47:07,800 --> 00:47:10,040 installed two transit compliant speed 1319 00:47:10,040 --> 00:47:12,960 humps on uh Warrencliff Road, and the 1320 00:47:12,960 --> 00:47:14,360 res- residents have already been 1321 00:47:14,360 --> 00:47:16,280 indicating they've they've assisted in 1322 00:47:16,280 --> 00:47:21,830 reducing speeds in their neighborhood. 1323 00:47:21,840 --> 00:47:24,520 The zoning bylaw amendment for 521 1324 00:47:24,520 --> 00:47:26,920 Canada Avenue, which was for the 1325 00:47:26,920 --> 00:47:28,520 to permit cannabis retail on the 1326 00:47:28,520 --> 00:47:30,520 property for the location where they're 1327 00:47:30,520 --> 00:47:32,520 currently operating with a temporary use 1328 00:47:32,520 --> 00:47:33,920 permit, that's anticipated to come 1329 00:47:33,920 --> 00:47:36,640 forward to council at your August uh 1330 00:47:36,640 --> 00:47:38,240 24th meeting. 1331 00:47:38,240 --> 00:47:39,720 Notices will be out in the paper 1332 00:47:39,720 --> 00:47:42,000 relatively soon on that. 1333 00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:45,000 2026 property tax notices, so the tax 1334 00:47:45,000 --> 00:47:46,920 payments and homeowner grants claimed 1335 00:47:46,920 --> 00:47:48,280 were due by 1336 00:47:48,280 --> 00:47:50,880 July 2nd. So, if property taxes remained 1337 00:47:50,880 --> 00:47:53,320 unpaid after that date, uh 5% penalty 1338 00:47:53,320 --> 00:47:54,720 was applied to those outstanding 1339 00:47:54,720 --> 00:47:57,800 balances, and uh a second 5% penalty 1340 00:47:57,800 --> 00:47:59,720 would be added to any remaining balance 1341 00:47:59,720 --> 00:48:02,680 unpaid after 5 4:00 p.m. on September 1342 00:48:02,680 --> 00:48:04,680 1st. So, encourage folks to 1343 00:48:04,680 --> 00:48:06,480 get those um 1344 00:48:06,480 --> 00:48:08,280 uh dealt with. 1345 00:48:08,280 --> 00:48:12,360 Just a few last ones. The we are looking 1346 00:48:12,360 --> 00:48:15,280 to now plan uh the community community 1347 00:48:15,280 --> 00:48:18,640 uh um event with with Cowichan Tribes uh 1348 00:48:18,640 --> 00:48:20,120 through the grant funding we got through 1349 00:48:20,120 --> 00:48:22,600 UBCM. That'll be placed uh 1350 00:48:22,600 --> 00:48:25,400 you know, on council's uh event 1351 00:48:25,400 --> 00:48:28,590 after the election now. 1352 00:48:28,600 --> 00:48:29,680 The 1353 00:48:29,680 --> 00:48:31,680 uh we're happy to report as touched on 1354 00:48:31,680 --> 00:48:33,000 by um 1355 00:48:33,000 --> 00:48:35,400 Staff Sergeant Perrault there that the 1356 00:48:35,400 --> 00:48:36,760 the as part of the community safety 1357 00:48:36,760 --> 00:48:39,000 advocacy strategy that the city had been 1358 00:48:39,000 --> 00:48:40,720 uh lobbying for uh province-wide 1359 00:48:40,720 --> 00:48:42,600 implementation of that C-POI program for 1360 00:48:42,600 --> 00:48:44,240 the prolific property offenders and 1361 00:48:44,240 --> 00:48:46,480 we're very pleased to see that being 1362 00:48:46,480 --> 00:48:48,720 being implemented province-wide now. So, 1363 00:48:48,720 --> 00:48:51,120 we we may look to see council withdraw 1364 00:48:51,120 --> 00:48:53,760 the resolution that was going to UBCM uh 1365 00:48:53,760 --> 00:48:56,040 this coming September since since now 1366 00:48:56,040 --> 00:48:59,080 that that's largely been addressed. 1367 00:48:59,080 --> 00:49:02,840 Um also on the provincial advocacy front 1368 00:49:02,840 --> 00:49:05,560 uh as you may recall council met with uh 1369 00:49:05,560 --> 00:49:07,040 with Brittney Anderson, Minister of 1370 00:49:07,040 --> 00:49:09,400 State for local government in July to 1371 00:49:09,400 --> 00:49:11,400 discuss support for the village model 1372 00:49:11,400 --> 00:49:13,680 and corresponding uh long-term funding 1373 00:49:13,680 --> 00:49:15,400 commitment for that model, 1374 00:49:15,400 --> 00:49:18,200 uh establishment of a recovery oriented 1375 00:49:18,200 --> 00:49:20,280 village site uh which would require a 1376 00:49:20,280 --> 00:49:22,320 policy of exemption exemption by the 1377 00:49:22,320 --> 00:49:23,480 province, 1378 00:49:23,480 --> 00:49:26,280 and also some short-medium term uh 1379 00:49:26,280 --> 00:49:27,920 that we discussed about potential 1380 00:49:27,920 --> 00:49:29,560 regional highway safety improvements, 1381 00:49:29,560 --> 00:49:30,760 particularly on the Trans-Canada 1382 00:49:30,760 --> 00:49:31,760 Highway. 1383 00:49:31,760 --> 00:49:32,680 Um 1384 00:49:32,680 --> 00:49:34,520 uh that that that are sort of some 1385 00:49:34,520 --> 00:49:36,960 potential low-hanging fruit. 1386 00:49:36,960 --> 00:49:37,760 Uh 1387 00:49:37,760 --> 00:49:39,960 last couple, the cenotaph refurbishment, 1388 00:49:39,960 --> 00:49:42,680 the our Royal Canadian Legion, uh now 1389 00:49:42,680 --> 00:49:44,360 the Chemainus Duncan branch, was 1390 00:49:44,360 --> 00:49:46,000 successful in its grant application to 1391 00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:48,520 the Veterans Affairs Canada for 1392 00:49:48,520 --> 00:49:51,040 commemorative partnership program and is 1393 00:49:51,040 --> 00:49:52,880 now proceeding with refurbishments to 1394 00:49:52,880 --> 00:49:55,160 the cenotaph in the Charles Hoey Park. 1395 00:49:55,160 --> 00:49:57,120 They're they're hoping we're planning on 1396 00:49:57,120 --> 00:49:58,880 getting that done and completed by 1397 00:49:58,880 --> 00:50:00,640 Remembrance Day. 1398 00:50:00,640 --> 00:50:04,080 The clan of clan totem of our nations 1399 00:50:04,080 --> 00:50:06,320 that was carved by Tommy Hunt that has 1400 00:50:06,320 --> 00:50:09,480 been refurbished by Mr. Hunt and was 1401 00:50:09,480 --> 00:50:11,800 reinstalled in Friendship Square 1402 00:50:11,800 --> 00:50:13,520 July 14th. 1403 00:50:13,520 --> 00:50:15,480 And lastly, the city has received a 1404 00:50:15,480 --> 00:50:18,240 liquor primary club license for the 1405 00:50:18,240 --> 00:50:21,120 Couch and Lawn Bowling Club to permit 1406 00:50:21,120 --> 00:50:23,360 the club to serve alcohol to club 1407 00:50:23,360 --> 00:50:24,640 members and their guests at the 1408 00:50:24,640 --> 00:50:27,960 clubhouse 320 First Street in the next 1409 00:50:27,960 --> 00:50:30,000 to the park. Public notice will go out 1410 00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:31,680 this week to properties within a 100 1411 00:50:31,680 --> 00:50:33,440 meter radius and council consider that 1412 00:50:33,440 --> 00:50:36,080 application on August 24th. 1413 00:50:36,080 --> 00:50:48,190 That's it. 1414 00:50:48,200 --> 00:50:50,080 » Cuz it was already on. 1415 00:50:50,080 --> 00:50:51,760 Thank you so much. See it's the opposite 1416 00:50:51,760 --> 00:50:54,240 of the CVRD now when it's 1417 00:50:54,240 --> 00:50:57,240 it's opposite. It's the colors are 1418 00:50:57,240 --> 00:50:58,400 wrong. 1419 00:50:58,400 --> 00:51:00,280 So now I'm doing it here the opposite 1420 00:51:00,280 --> 00:51:01,680 way of there. 1421 00:51:01,680 --> 00:51:03,960 Thank you for your report. Are there any 1422 00:51:03,960 --> 00:51:05,920 questions or comments for Mr. de 1423 00:51:05,920 --> 00:51:07,520 Verteuil this evening? 1424 00:51:07,520 --> 00:51:10,120 Oh, we got hands. Hands to my left. 1425 00:51:10,120 --> 00:51:13,310 Councillor Newington. 1426 00:51:13,320 --> 00:51:17,400 » I just want to go back to 490 Ipray 1427 00:51:17,400 --> 00:51:20,480 and if there's has been any movements I 1428 00:51:20,480 --> 00:51:22,480 asked this 1429 00:51:22,480 --> 00:51:25,720 as couple of the neighbors have asked me 1430 00:51:25,720 --> 00:51:30,390 what is happening. 1431 00:51:30,400 --> 00:51:39,630 Mr. Young, do you know? 1432 00:51:39,640 --> 00:51:42,240 » Um yeah, so so we do have a building 1433 00:51:42,240 --> 00:51:44,240 permit application for that development 1434 00:51:44,240 --> 00:51:46,000 and we provided 1435 00:51:46,000 --> 00:51:47,840 uh back to the applicant and I think 1436 00:51:47,840 --> 00:51:49,040 it's been about a year now that the 1437 00:51:49,040 --> 00:51:50,160 applicant's been sitting on that 1438 00:51:50,160 --> 00:51:51,440 information. 1439 00:51:51,440 --> 00:51:53,600 Um and 1440 00:51:53,600 --> 00:51:55,200 our understanding is the applicant is 1441 00:51:55,200 --> 00:51:57,280 working to address those deficiencies in 1442 00:51:57,280 --> 00:51:58,800 the application and get to the point 1443 00:51:58,800 --> 00:52:00,960 where we can issue the permit, um which 1444 00:52:00,960 --> 00:52:02,800 we think will happen by the end of this 1445 00:52:02,800 --> 00:52:07,830 year. 1446 00:52:07,840 --> 00:52:10,040 » Councilor McKinley. 1447 00:52:10,040 --> 00:52:11,830 >> Regarding the refurbishment of the 1448 00:52:11,830 --> 00:52:11,840 » Regarding the refurbishment of the 1449 00:52:11,840 --> 00:52:14,040 cenotaph, did they mention if they were 1450 00:52:14,040 --> 00:52:17,720 going to add names, do you know of? 1451 00:52:17,720 --> 00:52:19,150 >> Uh I don't recall if Tommy had. I can 1452 00:52:19,150 --> 00:52:19,160 » Uh I don't recall if Tommy had. I can 1453 00:52:19,160 --> 00:52:20,720 check into that and and let you guys 1454 00:52:20,720 --> 00:52:24,230 know. 1455 00:52:24,240 --> 00:52:26,600 » Councilor Duncan. 1456 00:52:26,600 --> 00:52:28,590 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh 1457 00:52:28,590 --> 00:52:28,600 » Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh 1458 00:52:28,600 --> 00:52:31,280 just to go back to the community safety 1459 00:52:31,280 --> 00:52:34,280 advocacy advocacy strategy, you 1460 00:52:34,280 --> 00:52:36,640 mentioned that we may withdraw the 1461 00:52:36,640 --> 00:52:39,280 provincial wide expansion of the chronic 1462 00:52:39,280 --> 00:52:40,680 property and public disorder 1463 00:52:40,680 --> 00:52:43,040 intervention initiative. 1464 00:52:43,040 --> 00:52:44,680 Um I would 1465 00:52:44,680 --> 00:52:47,760 ask that we don't withdraw that. Uh we 1466 00:52:47,760 --> 00:52:49,800 have yet to see how Crown counsel is 1467 00:52:49,800 --> 00:52:53,480 going to react uh to that. So, I think 1468 00:52:53,480 --> 00:52:55,600 that we have to keep I guess you would 1469 00:52:55,600 --> 00:52:58,040 say someone's feet to the fire here and 1470 00:52:58,040 --> 00:53:00,720 keep that resolution on the books. So, 1471 00:53:00,720 --> 00:53:02,520 so so so that we can find out what's 1472 00:53:02,520 --> 00:53:04,520 going on with Crown because no point in 1473 00:53:04,520 --> 00:53:08,560 passing prolific offender stuff if 1474 00:53:08,560 --> 00:53:10,440 Crown counsel isn't going to come to the 1475 00:53:10,440 --> 00:53:13,470 party. 1476 00:53:13,480 --> 00:53:14,520 » Uh 1477 00:53:14,520 --> 00:53:16,360 yes, it's up to council. In fact, I 1478 00:53:16,360 --> 00:53:18,320 think it's too late to remove it. It's 1479 00:53:18,320 --> 00:53:20,880 just a bit would be an act on the floor 1480 00:53:20,880 --> 00:53:23,560 at UBCM to to let them know that we we 1481 00:53:23,560 --> 00:53:26,560 we withdraw um at that time. It's not I 1482 00:53:26,560 --> 00:53:27,760 believe we can check into that, but I 1483 00:53:27,760 --> 00:53:30,000 don't believe it's something we need to 1484 00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:32,560 advise in advance. It's just on the 1485 00:53:32,560 --> 00:53:34,960 um aspect of Crown, the the program 1486 00:53:34,960 --> 00:53:38,080 itself adds resources to Crown. That's 1487 00:53:38,080 --> 00:53:40,200 the that's how the the violent offender 1488 00:53:40,200 --> 00:53:41,960 program works as well, so they give 1489 00:53:41,960 --> 00:53:43,600 Crown some additional resources and 1490 00:53:43,600 --> 00:53:47,040 capacity um so that they can focus on 1491 00:53:47,040 --> 00:53:49,720 the repeat offenders first uh in the 1492 00:53:49,720 --> 00:53:51,040 original program with the violent 1493 00:53:51,040 --> 00:53:53,120 offenders. And now with this one, my 1494 00:53:53,120 --> 00:53:55,360 understanding of that if initially a 1495 00:53:55,360 --> 00:53:58,440 pilot and now intended to be rolled out 1496 00:53:58,440 --> 00:53:59,520 um 1497 00:53:59,520 --> 00:54:01,600 uh province-wide and in process of doing 1498 00:54:01,600 --> 00:54:04,360 so as as um Staff Sergeant Pratt talked 1499 00:54:04,360 --> 00:54:06,560 about uh that would be again with the 1500 00:54:06,560 --> 00:54:09,560 intent of adding that capacity for Crown 1501 00:54:09,560 --> 00:54:12,080 to be able to focus on those particular 1502 00:54:12,080 --> 00:54:14,360 offenders because the part of it is that 1503 00:54:14,360 --> 00:54:17,200 they are um handed a a case file and by 1504 00:54:17,200 --> 00:54:19,360 having less case files in general, 1505 00:54:19,360 --> 00:54:20,920 they're able to stay focused on those 1506 00:54:20,920 --> 00:54:23,200 ones and and see them through as opposed 1507 00:54:23,200 --> 00:54:25,840 to normally, as we've heard from from 1508 00:54:25,840 --> 00:54:27,640 some representatives of Crown Counsel in 1509 00:54:27,640 --> 00:54:30,040 the past, they're spread so thin that 1510 00:54:30,040 --> 00:54:31,840 they do have to, you know, triage which 1511 00:54:31,840 --> 00:54:33,360 ones that they're focusing on. But with 1512 00:54:33,360 --> 00:54:35,080 this particular program, 1513 00:54:35,080 --> 00:54:37,720 uh jurisdictions like ours and 1514 00:54:37,720 --> 00:54:39,160 all across the province are able to put 1515 00:54:39,160 --> 00:54:42,560 forward names of the the most 1516 00:54:42,560 --> 00:54:44,600 frequent flyers and be able to address 1517 00:54:44,600 --> 00:54:46,520 those directly. So, but we can certainly 1518 00:54:46,520 --> 00:54:48,120 wait and see and then, you know, we can 1519 00:54:48,120 --> 00:54:52,030 make that call at the time. 1520 00:54:52,040 --> 00:54:54,320 » Thank you. Any other hands? Any other 1521 00:54:54,320 --> 00:54:57,320 questions? Going once, going twice. 1522 00:54:57,320 --> 00:54:59,920 Thank you so much for your report. 1523 00:54:59,920 --> 00:55:01,360 So, I'll move that Council receive the 1524 00:55:01,360 --> 00:55:03,880 July 27th, 2026 report of the Chief 1525 00:55:03,880 --> 00:55:05,600 Administrative Officer for information 1526 00:55:05,600 --> 00:55:07,280 only. Do we have a mover and a seconder 1527 00:55:07,280 --> 00:55:09,200 for that? Any discussion? All those in 1528 00:55:09,200 --> 00:55:12,200 favor? Motion carried. 1529 00:55:12,200 --> 00:55:14,120 And we'll move to the Eagle Heights Fire 1530 00:55:14,120 --> 00:55:16,320 Services agreement. And Mr. De Verteuil, 1531 00:55:16,320 --> 00:55:19,360 you are on this one as well. 1532 00:55:19,360 --> 00:55:21,710 >> Thank you. So, the this uh is an update 1533 00:55:21,710 --> 00:55:21,720 » Thank you. So, the this uh is an update 1534 00:55:21,720 --> 00:55:24,360 to a contract that uh had previously the 1535 00:55:24,360 --> 00:55:25,840 the past contract had been in place 1536 00:55:25,840 --> 00:55:28,040 since 2003. 1537 00:55:28,040 --> 00:55:30,280 Um so, for the past 23 years under this 1538 00:55:30,280 --> 00:55:32,240 contract, the city has uh serviced the 1539 00:55:32,240 --> 00:55:34,440 Eagle Heights uh service area within the 1540 00:55:34,440 --> 00:55:36,400 regional district. Uh 1541 00:55:36,400 --> 00:55:38,560 the city, I'm told, has serviced that 1542 00:55:38,560 --> 00:55:40,680 area for fire protection for around 1543 00:55:40,680 --> 00:55:42,640 somewhere around 50 years in total. 1544 00:55:42,640 --> 00:55:44,440 Uh, but that this past contract, which 1545 00:55:44,440 --> 00:55:46,120 is obviously quite dated now being 23 1546 00:55:46,120 --> 00:55:48,000 years old, has um it just needed a 1547 00:55:48,000 --> 00:55:51,520 refresh. So, the approach is largely the 1548 00:55:51,520 --> 00:55:53,160 same on how the cost sharing works with 1549 00:55:53,160 --> 00:55:54,280 the respect to it being based on 1550 00:55:54,280 --> 00:55:57,480 assessment. But, uh just improves or 1551 00:55:57,480 --> 00:55:59,320 clarifies language in some service 1552 00:55:59,320 --> 00:56:01,400 aspects and um 1553 00:56:01,400 --> 00:56:03,120 and just, you know, modernizes the 1554 00:56:03,120 --> 00:56:04,240 language, if you will, for the most 1555 00:56:04,240 --> 00:56:07,200 part. So, overall, it's it's it's just a 1556 00:56:07,200 --> 00:56:09,920 continuation of service. Uh, we do uh in 1557 00:56:09,920 --> 00:56:12,120 this one, one of the major changes is 1558 00:56:12,120 --> 00:56:14,680 that we we will do some assistance on 1559 00:56:14,680 --> 00:56:17,640 the fire investigations uh and on the 1560 00:56:17,640 --> 00:56:19,320 fire inspections. Fire inspections in 1561 00:56:19,320 --> 00:56:20,920 the real regional district is a little 1562 00:56:20,920 --> 00:56:23,760 different than the in the municipality. 1563 00:56:23,760 --> 00:56:24,960 Municipalities are required to have a 1564 00:56:24,960 --> 00:56:26,680 system of fire inspections. In the 1565 00:56:26,680 --> 00:56:28,080 regional district, it's on a complaint 1566 00:56:28,080 --> 00:56:30,880 basis, so it's not a re-owners owner 1567 00:56:30,880 --> 00:56:33,520 onerous requirement to provide that uh 1568 00:56:33,520 --> 00:56:35,280 on a limited basis when the when the 1569 00:56:35,280 --> 00:56:36,840 time arises. And we do have to do 1570 00:56:36,840 --> 00:56:38,880 pre-fire plans within that area anyway, 1571 00:56:38,880 --> 00:56:41,400 so we we are off we'll be often in those 1572 00:56:41,400 --> 00:56:44,670 buildings already, so. 1573 00:56:44,680 --> 00:56:45,600 » Thank you so much. Are there any 1574 00:56:45,600 --> 00:56:48,120 questions on this for Mr. Doratty? So, 1575 00:56:48,120 --> 00:56:49,760 the council authorize mayor and chief 1576 00:56:49,760 --> 00:56:52,120 administrative officer to sign the fire 1577 00:56:52,120 --> 00:56:53,680 service agreement with the Cowichan 1578 00:56:53,680 --> 00:56:55,160 Valley Regional District as attached to 1579 00:56:55,160 --> 00:56:58,560 the July 27, 2026 report of the CAO to 1580 00:56:58,560 --> 00:57:00,160 provide fire services to the Eagle 1581 00:57:00,160 --> 00:57:02,320 Heights area for a 5-year term 1582 00:57:02,320 --> 00:57:04,520 commencing June 1st, 2026 and ending 1583 00:57:04,520 --> 00:57:05,720 June 1st, 1584 00:57:05,720 --> 00:57:08,840 2031. Mover and a seconder? Any further 1585 00:57:08,840 --> 00:57:11,400 discussion? All those in favor? Motion 1586 00:57:11,400 --> 00:57:12,720 carries. 1587 00:57:12,720 --> 00:57:14,200 Thank you. 1588 00:57:14,200 --> 00:57:15,920 And we'll move to the grant application 1589 00:57:15,920 --> 00:57:17,560 to the Build Communities Strong Fund. 1590 00:57:17,560 --> 00:57:19,560 And that one is over to you, Mr. Young. 1591 00:57:19,560 --> 00:57:21,160 Welcome. You don't sit up here that 1592 00:57:21,160 --> 00:57:22,880 often. It's good to actually be able to 1593 00:57:22,880 --> 00:57:23,960 see you. 1594 00:57:23,960 --> 00:57:26,070 >> It's an honor. 1595 00:57:26,070 --> 00:57:26,080 » It's an honor. 1596 00:57:26,080 --> 00:57:28,080 Uh, thank you, Mayor Lefebure. 1597 00:57:28,080 --> 00:57:28,670 >> Uh, 1598 00:57:28,670 --> 00:57:28,680 » Uh, 1599 00:57:28,680 --> 00:57:31,280 the primary purpose of this report is to 1600 00:57:31,280 --> 00:57:33,440 seek council support for a grant 1601 00:57:33,440 --> 00:57:35,880 application to the federal Build 1602 00:57:35,880 --> 00:57:38,120 Community Strong Fund, the Local Impact 1603 00:57:38,120 --> 00:57:39,560 Stream, which is being administered 1604 00:57:39,560 --> 00:57:41,680 through Pacific Can. 1605 00:57:41,680 --> 00:57:44,520 The Pacific Economic Development Canada 1606 00:57:44,520 --> 00:57:45,720 agency 1607 00:57:45,720 --> 00:57:48,920 uh for the Third Street Renewal Project. 1608 00:57:48,920 --> 00:57:51,160 In general terms, the renewal project is 1609 00:57:51,160 --> 00:57:53,040 uh a complete reconstruction of Third 1610 00:57:53,040 --> 00:57:56,000 Street from Canada Ave to Centennial 1611 00:57:56,000 --> 00:57:58,320 Park, including replacement of 1612 00:57:58,320 --> 00:58:01,240 underground utilities, as well as new 1613 00:58:01,240 --> 00:58:03,960 paving, sidewalks, street trees, uh 1614 00:58:03,960 --> 00:58:06,560 street lights in general terms. 1615 00:58:06,560 --> 00:58:07,360 Uh 1616 00:58:07,360 --> 00:58:08,920 the project 1617 00:58:08,920 --> 00:58:10,480 is and and has been for a number of 1618 00:58:10,480 --> 00:58:13,960 years partially funded uh in the in the 1619 00:58:13,960 --> 00:58:17,160 capital plan. There's a shortfall of 1620 00:58:17,160 --> 00:58:20,680 approximately 1.5 million dollars, and 1621 00:58:20,680 --> 00:58:22,320 staff are recommending that an 1622 00:58:22,320 --> 00:58:24,560 additional uh 1623 00:58:24,560 --> 00:58:27,360 approximately 450,000 be funded from the 1624 00:58:27,360 --> 00:58:31,600 Housing Accelerator Fund, as well as the 1625 00:58:31,600 --> 00:58:34,200 uh 1 million-dollar grant from the Build 1626 00:58:34,200 --> 00:58:35,920 Communities Strong Fund if we're 1627 00:58:35,920 --> 00:58:37,360 successful. 1628 00:58:37,360 --> 00:58:38,720 I'm happy to answer any questions 1629 00:58:38,720 --> 00:58:42,630 council might have. 1630 00:58:42,640 --> 00:58:44,480 » Thank you so much. Are there questions 1631 00:58:44,480 --> 00:58:46,880 from council? 1632 00:58:46,880 --> 00:58:48,840 I'm going to go over to you this time 1633 00:58:48,840 --> 00:58:50,040 first. No, you go ahead, Councillor 1634 00:58:50,040 --> 00:58:52,760 Duncan. It's okay. 1635 00:58:52,760 --> 00:58:55,200 It's all fair to go. 1636 00:58:55,200 --> 00:58:57,070 >> Okay, now I almost forgot what I was 1637 00:58:57,070 --> 00:58:57,080 » Okay, now I almost forgot what I was 1638 00:58:57,080 --> 00:58:59,360 going to ask. Uh 1639 00:58:59,360 --> 00:59:01,120 just 1640 00:59:01,120 --> 00:59:03,680 what when is the grant application 1641 00:59:03,680 --> 00:59:08,110 period open to close? 1642 00:59:08,120 --> 00:59:10,600 » Um from what we can tell on on the 1643 00:59:10,600 --> 00:59:13,080 information online, it's it's the grant 1644 00:59:13,080 --> 00:59:15,960 will just remain open um until the funds 1645 00:59:15,960 --> 00:59:19,160 are fully allocated, and they anticipate 1646 00:59:19,160 --> 00:59:21,680 making funding decisions as applications 1647 00:59:21,680 --> 00:59:23,280 are received. So, the earlier we get the 1648 00:59:23,280 --> 00:59:26,990 application in, the better. 1649 00:59:27,000 --> 00:59:28,720 » Councillor Newington, that was your 1650 00:59:28,720 --> 00:59:31,680 question? Oh, look at that. 1651 00:59:31,680 --> 00:59:33,000 Go ahead. 1652 00:59:33,000 --> 00:59:34,240 Councilor McKinley. 1653 00:59:34,240 --> 00:59:36,030 >> I just have one question. 1654 00:59:36,030 --> 00:59:36,040 » I just have one question. 1655 00:59:36,040 --> 00:59:37,680 Are you taking everything that's in the 1656 00:59:37,680 --> 00:59:41,440 ground out and replacing it or cuz we're 1657 00:59:41,440 --> 00:59:43,480 not going to leave all that 1658 00:59:43,480 --> 00:59:45,640 multiple layers of piping in there, 1659 00:59:45,640 --> 00:59:49,390 correct? 1660 00:59:49,400 --> 00:59:51,000 » Yeah, I think I think we still need to 1661 00:59:51,000 --> 00:59:53,080 to look into that. I mean 1662 00:59:53,080 --> 00:59:54,960 Mr. De Verte and I were were looking at 1663 00:59:54,960 --> 00:59:56,800 the mapping before the council meeting 1664 00:59:56,800 --> 00:59:57,840 and yes, there's a lot of 1665 00:59:57,840 --> 00:59:59,440 infrastructure, existing infrastructure 1666 00:59:59,440 --> 01:00:01,480 including I think there's sections where 1667 01:00:01,480 --> 01:00:04,840 there's there's four sets of storm mains 1668 01:00:04,840 --> 01:00:07,160 along Third Street and so I think we 1669 01:00:07,160 --> 01:00:08,880 have to to 1670 01:00:08,880 --> 01:00:10,960 and of course it's you know, a limited 1671 01:00:10,960 --> 01:00:14,200 right of way with and and if we're 1672 01:00:14,200 --> 01:00:16,320 you know, putting new infrastructure in 1673 01:00:16,320 --> 01:00:17,760 I I think for some of it where it's 1674 01:00:17,760 --> 01:00:19,120 going to be removed, some of it might 1675 01:00:19,120 --> 01:00:20,240 remain, 1676 01:00:20,240 --> 01:00:22,200 but we we haven't got to that level of 1677 01:00:22,200 --> 01:00:27,230 of design detail yet. 1678 01:00:27,240 --> 01:00:28,920 » Thank you. 1679 01:00:28,920 --> 01:00:30,960 Councilor Burris. 1680 01:00:30,960 --> 01:00:32,590 >> Thank you, Mayor. 1681 01:00:32,590 --> 01:00:32,600 » Thank you, Mayor. 1682 01:00:32,600 --> 01:00:33,680 What what 1683 01:00:33,680 --> 01:00:35,280 what would be our game plan if we did 1684 01:00:35,280 --> 01:00:37,520 not get that uh 1685 01:00:37,520 --> 01:00:42,430 that grant? 1686 01:00:42,440 --> 01:00:44,080 » Uh well, I I would think we would have 1687 01:00:44,080 --> 01:00:46,280 two options. One would be to continue to 1688 01:00:46,280 --> 01:00:49,760 apply for additional grants to cover the 1689 01:00:49,760 --> 01:00:52,240 budget shortfall or we reduce the scope 1690 01:00:52,240 --> 01:00:54,120 of the project 1691 01:00:54,120 --> 01:01:00,750 to reduce certain elements. 1692 01:01:00,760 --> 01:01:02,600 » Yeah, this one this one has been on the 1693 01:01:02,600 --> 01:01:05,680 books for quite a few years as I 1694 01:01:05,680 --> 01:01:07,800 remember and uh 1695 01:01:07,800 --> 01:01:09,440 um I just hope we're getting closer 1696 01:01:09,440 --> 01:01:10,960 because 1697 01:01:10,960 --> 01:01:13,680 the actual top surface needs help too 1698 01:01:13,680 --> 01:01:15,040 and you don't want to do that without 1699 01:01:15,040 --> 01:01:16,560 fixing the bottom. 1700 01:01:16,560 --> 01:01:17,560 But uh 1701 01:01:17,560 --> 01:01:20,080 I just hope that we're successful in 1702 01:01:20,080 --> 01:01:23,400 in getting our application in and grants 1703 01:01:23,400 --> 01:01:28,150 coming to us. 1704 01:01:28,160 --> 01:01:31,560 » Thank you. Any other questions? 1705 01:01:31,560 --> 01:01:33,320 All right, the council supported grant 1706 01:01:33,320 --> 01:01:35,160 application to Pacific CAN under the 1707 01:01:35,160 --> 01:01:37,720 Build Community Strong Fund Local Impact 1708 01:01:37,720 --> 01:01:39,320 Stream in the amount of 1 million to 1709 01:01:39,320 --> 01:01:40,600 proceed with the Third Street Renewal 1710 01:01:40,600 --> 01:01:44,720 Project. The council allocate 449 1711 01:01:44,720 --> 01:01:48,080 1,206. That is a very exact number from 1712 01:01:48,080 --> 01:01:50,080 the Housing Accelerator Fund reserve and 1713 01:01:50,080 --> 01:01:51,560 direct staff to increase the project 1714 01:01:51,560 --> 01:01:54,440 budget in the 2027 capital plan 1715 01:01:54,440 --> 01:01:55,760 from 1716 01:01:55,760 --> 01:01:57,840 uh 2 million 1717 01:01:57,840 --> 01:02:01,510 1,204,223,371,782 1718 01:02:01,520 --> 01:02:04,080 with a 449,206 1719 01:02:04,080 --> 01:02:06,160 funded from the HAF reserve and 1 1720 01:02:06,160 --> 01:02:07,560 million from the Build Community Strong 1721 01:02:07,560 --> 01:02:08,720 Fund. 1722 01:02:08,720 --> 01:02:11,160 I like the dollars in there. Uh is there 1723 01:02:11,160 --> 01:02:13,840 a mover and a seconder for that? 1724 01:02:13,840 --> 01:02:16,720 Any more discussion? 1725 01:02:16,720 --> 01:02:18,800 All right, let's be hopeful that we get 1726 01:02:18,800 --> 01:02:21,440 this one. All those in favor? 1727 01:02:21,440 --> 01:02:23,680 Motion carries. Thank you. 1728 01:02:23,680 --> 01:02:26,680 We'll move to Miss Hodgins uh who is 1729 01:02:26,680 --> 01:02:27,720 here 1730 01:02:27,720 --> 01:02:30,440 um sitting in for Miss McWilliam. 1731 01:02:30,440 --> 01:02:33,520 Welcome also you to the 1732 01:02:33,520 --> 01:02:35,520 the space in the room. 1733 01:02:35,520 --> 01:02:36,720 And 1734 01:02:36,720 --> 01:02:38,560 uh over to you for the City Awards early 1735 01:02:38,560 --> 01:02:41,840 nomination deadline. 1736 01:02:41,840 --> 01:02:44,470 >> Thank you, Mayor Staples. Um so very 1737 01:02:44,470 --> 01:02:44,480 » Thank you, Mayor Staples. Um so very 1738 01:02:44,480 --> 01:02:46,000 briefly, this report is seeking a 1739 01:02:46,000 --> 01:02:47,680 council resolution to advance the 1740 01:02:47,680 --> 01:02:49,520 nomination deadline for the Arts Award 1741 01:02:49,520 --> 01:02:51,240 and the School of Honor to September 1742 01:02:51,240 --> 01:02:53,200 15th so that council can consider the 1743 01:02:53,200 --> 01:02:55,640 nominees on September 28th, which is 1744 01:02:55,640 --> 01:02:57,360 council's last meeting of the term. 1745 01:02:57,360 --> 01:03:02,630 Thank you. 1746 01:03:02,640 --> 01:03:04,400 » All right. 1747 01:03:04,400 --> 01:03:06,240 Do you have a mover and a seconder? Or 1748 01:03:06,240 --> 01:03:07,640 do you have a question, Gary Russ? Go 1749 01:03:07,640 --> 01:03:09,240 ahead. 1750 01:03:09,240 --> 01:03:10,870 >> It's probably in here somewhere. I 1751 01:03:10,870 --> 01:03:10,880 » It's probably in here somewhere. I 1752 01:03:10,880 --> 01:03:12,760 didn't do a good job on this one, but 1753 01:03:12,760 --> 01:03:15,440 what are what are the dates of this now? 1754 01:03:15,440 --> 01:03:17,160 What are we What are we changing it 1755 01:03:17,160 --> 01:03:18,960 from? 1756 01:03:18,960 --> 01:03:20,790 >> Yeah, so uh normally it would be October 1757 01:03:20,790 --> 01:03:20,800 » Yeah, so uh normally it would be October 1758 01:03:20,800 --> 01:03:22,960 15th each year would be the nomination 1759 01:03:22,960 --> 01:03:28,110 deadline. 1760 01:03:28,120 --> 01:03:30,280 » Right, any other questions? 1761 01:03:30,280 --> 01:03:31,760 Okay, the deadline to submit a 1762 01:03:31,760 --> 01:03:33,920 nomination for the city of Duncan Arts 1763 01:03:33,920 --> 01:03:37,200 Award or School of Honor Award for 2026 1764 01:03:37,200 --> 01:03:38,960 will only be advanced to September 15th, 1765 01:03:38,960 --> 01:03:41,880 2026. So, mover and seconder. 1766 01:03:41,880 --> 01:03:43,960 All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion 1767 01:03:43,960 --> 01:03:45,520 carries. Thank you very much. Thanks, 1768 01:03:45,520 --> 01:03:48,320 Ms. Hodgins. Building summary reports. 1769 01:03:48,320 --> 01:03:49,480 The council received the summary of 1770 01:03:49,480 --> 01:03:51,760 building permits June 2026 report of the 1771 01:03:51,760 --> 01:03:53,400 building inspector for information only. 1772 01:03:53,400 --> 01:03:54,480 Is there a mover and a seconder for 1773 01:03:54,480 --> 01:03:57,440 that? Are there any questions? Seeing 1774 01:03:57,440 --> 01:03:59,320 none, all those in favor? 1775 01:03:59,320 --> 01:04:01,800 Motion carries. We'll move on to Mr. De 1776 01:04:01,800 --> 01:04:04,440 Verteuil for bylaws for second and third 1777 01:04:04,440 --> 01:04:07,000 reading of the 2026 financial plight 1778 01:04:07,000 --> 01:04:10,870 plan bylaw amendment. 1779 01:04:10,880 --> 01:04:12,720 » Thank you, Mayor Stables. This is just a 1780 01:04:12,720 --> 01:04:15,000 bylaw amendment to 1781 01:04:15,000 --> 01:04:19,960 bring into the budget for 2026 the a few 1782 01:04:19,960 --> 01:04:21,040 of the 1783 01:04:21,040 --> 01:04:24,240 projects or changes approved by council 1784 01:04:24,240 --> 01:04:25,840 at previous meetings. So, one of which 1785 01:04:25,840 --> 01:04:28,320 was one I spoke to earlier in the 1786 01:04:28,320 --> 01:04:29,960 meeting, the Eagle Heights Reservoir 1787 01:04:29,960 --> 01:04:32,080 decommissioning. So, council added 1788 01:04:32,080 --> 01:04:35,200 $40,000 to that budget to allow for the 1789 01:04:35,200 --> 01:04:37,720 decommissioning of that old tank since 1790 01:04:37,720 --> 01:04:40,040 we already had contractors on staff or 1791 01:04:40,040 --> 01:04:41,440 sorry, on site. 1792 01:04:41,440 --> 01:04:42,800 The 1793 01:04:42,800 --> 01:04:45,520 the second one was an amendment to add 1794 01:04:45,520 --> 01:04:48,000 10,000 for some communications funding 1795 01:04:48,000 --> 01:04:50,200 for the boundary realignment study. 1796 01:04:50,200 --> 01:04:53,440 The third was adding an 1797 01:04:53,440 --> 01:04:56,840 some budget to for the L&B Road water 1798 01:04:56,840 --> 01:04:58,280 main, which was not an anticipated 1799 01:04:58,280 --> 01:05:00,080 project, but council approved some 1800 01:05:00,080 --> 01:05:01,440 funding towards the Ministry of 1801 01:05:01,440 --> 01:05:03,520 Transportation's request for that 1802 01:05:03,520 --> 01:05:04,880 upgrade. 1803 01:05:04,880 --> 01:05:08,040 And then lastly, the approval of 1804 01:05:08,040 --> 01:05:11,160 170,000 to the fire hall renovations 1805 01:05:11,160 --> 01:05:13,600 that we were very close to getting 1806 01:05:13,600 --> 01:05:18,550 started on Um imminently. 1807 01:05:18,560 --> 01:05:20,280 » Thank you. Are there questions for Mr. 1808 01:05:20,280 --> 01:05:21,560 de Verteuil on this? Councillor Bruce, 1809 01:05:21,560 --> 01:05:23,320 go ahead. 1810 01:05:23,320 --> 01:05:26,590 >> Thank you, Mayor. I I would 1811 01:05:26,590 --> 01:05:26,600 » Thank you, Mayor. I I would 1812 01:05:26,600 --> 01:05:30,080 I'd vote against against this because 1813 01:05:30,080 --> 01:05:31,680 I think we 1814 01:05:31,680 --> 01:05:35,240 we actually should abort our program on 1815 01:05:35,240 --> 01:05:37,680 realignment with the municipality of 1816 01:05:37,680 --> 01:05:39,640 North Cowichan, and I think we should 1817 01:05:39,640 --> 01:05:41,160 save the money, 1818 01:05:41,160 --> 01:05:43,840 not spend any more, pull out of it now, 1819 01:05:43,840 --> 01:05:46,240 cuz I don't think we have a hope in 1820 01:05:46,240 --> 01:05:48,520 getting it through. And I know we're in 1821 01:05:48,520 --> 01:05:51,360 the preliminary stages of going to see 1822 01:05:51,360 --> 01:05:53,120 the municipality of North Cowichan over 1823 01:05:53,120 --> 01:05:55,240 it, and um 1824 01:05:55,240 --> 01:05:59,120 and I I believe we're spending money 1825 01:05:59,120 --> 01:06:02,120 that we should not be spending on this 1826 01:06:02,120 --> 01:06:05,320 study, and I voted for it at first, and 1827 01:06:05,320 --> 01:06:08,120 I I'm sorry I did that now, and I would 1828 01:06:08,120 --> 01:06:10,080 like to uh 1829 01:06:10,080 --> 01:06:13,200 is there any appetite for any of us to 1830 01:06:13,200 --> 01:06:16,160 re- re-look at that and pull out without 1831 01:06:16,160 --> 01:06:18,840 spending any more money? 1832 01:06:18,840 --> 01:06:21,950 Thank you. 1833 01:06:21,960 --> 01:06:25,230 » Councillor Cups. 1834 01:06:25,240 --> 01:06:28,200 » Thank you. Um sorry about my voice. Um 1835 01:06:28,200 --> 01:06:31,200 I think perhaps just it might be prudent 1836 01:06:31,200 --> 01:06:34,320 to remember that the goal of the of the 1837 01:06:34,320 --> 01:06:37,600 realignment study is not necessarily to 1838 01:06:37,600 --> 01:06:39,760 realign the boundary, but 1839 01:06:39,760 --> 01:06:42,880 rather to study all of the complex 1840 01:06:42,880 --> 01:06:44,520 factors that would go into a decision 1841 01:06:44,520 --> 01:06:48,600 like that. I know I'm certainly not um 1842 01:06:48,600 --> 01:06:50,600 I supported the city embarking on this 1843 01:06:50,600 --> 01:06:52,360 not because I have a a prescribed 1844 01:06:52,360 --> 01:06:54,720 outcome that I'm hoping for, but because 1845 01:06:54,720 --> 01:06:57,360 it's what the citizens voted for was for 1846 01:06:57,360 --> 01:06:59,800 us to get more information. And so I 1847 01:06:59,800 --> 01:07:01,320 think it might be 1848 01:07:01,320 --> 01:07:04,880 a little short-sighted perhaps to 1849 01:07:04,880 --> 01:07:08,120 uh to want to reverse that decision 1850 01:07:08,120 --> 01:07:10,520 um based on 1851 01:07:10,520 --> 01:07:12,560 Well, I guess I can't I can't say why 1852 01:07:12,560 --> 01:07:15,080 why uh why one's motivations might be, 1853 01:07:15,080 --> 01:07:17,800 so I won't, but just I think uh 1854 01:07:17,800 --> 01:07:20,990 I think it would be a bit 1855 01:07:21,000 --> 01:07:23,240 We voted to pursue this because it's 1856 01:07:23,240 --> 01:07:25,320 what uh we were asked to do by the 1857 01:07:25,320 --> 01:07:28,400 residents, so I still I still support us 1858 01:07:28,400 --> 01:07:32,830 going through with it. Thank you. 1859 01:07:32,840 --> 01:07:34,480 » Okay. 1860 01:07:34,480 --> 01:07:37,400 Uh I'll read out the motion. 1861 01:07:37,400 --> 01:07:38,680 But 1862 01:07:38,680 --> 01:07:42,040 Yes, you certainly can. 1863 01:07:42,040 --> 01:07:46,150 >> If we spend all the money on this um 1864 01:07:46,150 --> 01:07:46,160 » If we spend all the money on this um 1865 01:07:46,160 --> 01:07:47,440 this 1866 01:07:47,440 --> 01:07:49,040 discovery 1867 01:07:49,040 --> 01:07:50,200 uh 1868 01:07:50,200 --> 01:07:52,320 program we're on, how much will the 1869 01:07:52,320 --> 01:07:54,040 total be 1870 01:07:54,040 --> 01:07:59,190 for this study? 1871 01:07:59,200 --> 01:08:01,880 » Uh the total was uh 40 for the study and 1872 01:08:01,880 --> 01:08:07,950 10 for the communications. 1873 01:08:07,960 --> 01:08:09,720 » Well, I would I would like us to discuss 1874 01:08:09,720 --> 01:08:10,880 the 1875 01:08:10,880 --> 01:08:12,640 I I feel that we're really on the wrong 1876 01:08:12,640 --> 01:08:14,560 wrong track, and I don't I don't want to 1877 01:08:14,560 --> 01:08:17,120 spend that money now. And um I don't 1878 01:08:17,120 --> 01:08:19,240 know if there's any other appetite for 1879 01:08:19,240 --> 01:08:20,480 that, but 1880 01:08:20,480 --> 01:08:22,160 and we you're you're asking for another 1881 01:08:22,160 --> 01:08:25,839 10 grand right now, is that correct? 1882 01:08:25,839 --> 01:08:29,230 >> So so largely uh Council Bruce, we're 1883 01:08:29,230 --> 01:08:29,240 » So so largely uh Council Bruce, we're 1884 01:08:29,240 --> 01:08:30,319 Council's already approved the 1885 01:08:30,319 --> 01:08:32,359 expenditure, so we've already committed 1886 01:08:32,359 --> 01:08:34,520 to those funds with the contractors uh 1887 01:08:34,520 --> 01:08:36,600 pulling out of the stage, 1888 01:08:36,600 --> 01:08:38,839 largely commit to all I wouldn't say 1889 01:08:38,839 --> 01:08:40,920 necessarily all of it, but a lot of it's 1890 01:08:40,920 --> 01:08:42,200 well underway. 1891 01:08:42,200 --> 01:08:44,279 Um this is an amendment to the budget as 1892 01:08:44,279 --> 01:08:46,520 directed by Council at the time. 1893 01:08:46,520 --> 01:08:48,160 So um 1894 01:08:48,160 --> 01:08:50,680 if Council was to change your minds, you 1895 01:08:50,680 --> 01:08:52,839 you'll you know, frankly, you would uh 1896 01:08:52,839 --> 01:08:54,880 have an expenditure without any outcome, 1897 01:08:54,880 --> 01:08:57,040 like without any information. So you're 1898 01:08:57,040 --> 01:08:58,200 well over probably half of the 1899 01:08:58,200 --> 01:09:00,160 expenditure to date. 1900 01:09:00,160 --> 01:09:02,480 Um with not much to show for it if you 1901 01:09:02,480 --> 01:09:04,880 stop now, anyway. 1902 01:09:04,880 --> 01:09:07,030 >> I would still like to save the 20 grand 1903 01:09:07,030 --> 01:09:07,040 » I would still like to save the 20 grand 1904 01:09:07,040 --> 01:09:10,749 that we haven't spent then. 1905 01:09:10,759 --> 01:09:13,400 » Councillor Duncan. 1906 01:09:13,400 --> 01:09:16,030 >> I think this is out of order. Um, we 1907 01:09:16,030 --> 01:09:16,040 » I think this is out of order. Um, we 1908 01:09:16,040 --> 01:09:18,600 have a motion on the floor dealing with 1909 01:09:18,600 --> 01:09:20,759 the Allenby Road water main, the fire 1910 01:09:20,759 --> 01:09:24,160 hall, uh, the communications 1911 01:09:24,160 --> 01:09:26,160 uh, around the boundary realignment. 1912 01:09:26,160 --> 01:09:29,080 There's only $10,000 in here still, so 1913 01:09:29,080 --> 01:09:31,600 um, you know, this there is no way to 1914 01:09:31,600 --> 01:09:35,000 withdraw. We've already voted on it, so 1915 01:09:35,000 --> 01:09:36,120 I think we're all we're talking about 1916 01:09:36,120 --> 01:09:38,080 here is the additional 10 required 1917 01:09:38,080 --> 01:09:40,160 10,000 required for 1918 01:09:40,160 --> 01:09:42,759 communicating the results of the study 1919 01:09:42,759 --> 01:09:44,240 to the people 1920 01:09:44,240 --> 01:09:46,400 in Duncan that asked for it to start 1921 01:09:46,400 --> 01:09:48,759 with. 1922 01:09:48,759 --> 01:09:51,630 >> Thank you. 1923 01:09:51,640 --> 01:09:53,520 So, that council gave first three 1924 01:09:53,520 --> 01:09:55,000 readings to financial plan amendment 1925 01:09:55,000 --> 01:09:59,000 bylaw number 3263012026, a bylaw to 1926 01:09:59,000 --> 01:10:01,080 amend the financial plan for 2026 to 1927 01:10:01,080 --> 01:10:03,800 2030. Is there a mover and a seconder? 1928 01:10:03,800 --> 01:10:05,440 So, any discussion on the motion that's 1929 01:10:05,440 --> 01:10:07,040 on the floor? 1930 01:10:07,040 --> 01:10:09,480 All those in favor? Any opposed? 1931 01:10:09,480 --> 01:10:11,440 Councillor Bruce opposed. That carries. 1932 01:10:11,440 --> 01:10:13,320 Thank you very much. We'll move to fees 1933 01:10:13,320 --> 01:10:14,880 and charges bylaw amendment, Miss 1934 01:10:14,880 --> 01:10:20,950 Hodgins. 1935 01:10:20,960 --> 01:10:22,960 » Thank you, Mayor Staples. 1936 01:10:22,960 --> 01:10:24,880 So, the city's utilities department has 1937 01:10:24,880 --> 01:10:26,360 identified that the current fees for 1938 01:10:26,360 --> 01:10:28,200 conducting fire hydrant flow testing 1939 01:10:28,200 --> 01:10:29,680 does not adequately cover the city's 1940 01:10:29,680 --> 01:10:31,760 costs to perform this work. 1941 01:10:31,760 --> 01:10:33,280 This fees and charges bylaw amendment 1942 01:10:33,280 --> 01:10:34,800 seeks to increase the fee for this 1943 01:10:34,800 --> 01:10:36,400 service to adequately cover the city's 1944 01:10:36,400 --> 01:10:37,680 costs. 1945 01:10:37,680 --> 01:10:39,040 The proposed amendment bylaw also 1946 01:10:39,040 --> 01:10:40,800 recommends removing the fee for property 1947 01:10:40,800 --> 01:10:42,960 information packages. City staff 1948 01:10:42,960 --> 01:10:44,320 routinely provide information to the 1949 01:10:44,320 --> 01:10:46,640 public on a variety of topics, 1950 01:10:46,640 --> 01:10:48,440 and the amount of staff time required to 1951 01:10:48,440 --> 01:10:49,800 respond to the property information 1952 01:10:49,800 --> 01:10:51,200 requests is minimal and not 1953 01:10:51,200 --> 01:10:52,560 significantly different from other 1954 01:10:52,560 --> 01:10:54,320 information requests where a fee is not 1955 01:10:54,320 --> 01:10:56,760 charged. Thank you. 1956 01:10:56,760 --> 01:10:58,310 >> Thank you. 1957 01:10:58,310 --> 01:10:58,320 » Thank you. 1958 01:10:58,320 --> 01:10:59,880 Did council give first readings to the 1959 01:10:59,880 --> 01:11:02,120 fees and uh charges amendment bylaw 1960 01:11:02,120 --> 01:11:04,200 number 3212.13 1961 01:11:04,200 --> 01:11:06,240 2026 the bylaw to amend fire hydrant 1962 01:11:06,240 --> 01:11:07,840 flow testing report fees and other house 1963 01:11:07,840 --> 01:11:10,080 keeping housekeeping amendments. Is 1964 01:11:10,080 --> 01:11:11,800 there a mover and a seconder? 1965 01:11:11,800 --> 01:11:14,080 Any discussion? Questions? All those in 1966 01:11:14,080 --> 01:11:16,880 favor? Motion carries. 1967 01:11:16,880 --> 01:11:19,040 Uh new business, we have the British 1968 01:11:19,040 --> 01:11:20,920 Home Children Day Proclamation request 1969 01:11:20,920 --> 01:11:22,640 that council proclaim September 28th, 1970 01:11:22,640 --> 01:11:24,640 2026 as British Home Children Day in the 1971 01:11:24,640 --> 01:11:26,080 city of Duncan. Is there a mover and a 1972 01:11:26,080 --> 01:11:27,440 seconder? 1973 01:11:27,440 --> 01:11:29,120 Any discussion? 1974 01:11:29,120 --> 01:11:32,254 Councilor Bruce, go ahead. 1975 01:11:32,264 --> 01:11:32,560 » [clears throat] 1976 01:11:32,560 --> 01:11:34,670 >> I'm just I know that we have a lot of 1977 01:11:34,670 --> 01:11:34,680 » I'm just I know that we have a lot of 1978 01:11:34,680 --> 01:11:36,960 these these proclamations 1979 01:11:36,960 --> 01:11:38,120 and 1980 01:11:38,120 --> 01:11:42,720 they mean nothing and I and I'm just 1981 01:11:42,720 --> 01:11:43,920 wondering 1982 01:11:43,920 --> 01:11:45,520 could we have a list of all the 1983 01:11:45,520 --> 01:11:48,280 proclamations that we have put put 1984 01:11:48,280 --> 01:11:51,480 through um this council in the last I've 1985 01:11:51,480 --> 01:11:54,680 been here 8 years now been here and uh 1986 01:11:54,680 --> 01:11:56,640 there must be a pile of them and I don't 1987 01:11:56,640 --> 01:11:59,200 know that they mean anything to anybody 1988 01:11:59,200 --> 01:12:00,800 and uh 1989 01:12:00,800 --> 01:12:02,400 I I 1990 01:12:02,400 --> 01:12:04,000 I vote for these things generally 1991 01:12:04,000 --> 01:12:07,520 speaking but is it not time to uh 1992 01:12:07,520 --> 01:12:10,560 uh halt some of this British Home 1993 01:12:10,560 --> 01:12:15,920 Children Day Proclamation request? Um 1994 01:12:15,920 --> 01:12:22,910 what is that? 1995 01:12:22,920 --> 01:12:24,320 » Uh thank you through Mayor Stable to 1996 01:12:24,320 --> 01:12:27,040 Councilor Bruce. So, um this is a day of 1997 01:12:27,040 --> 01:12:29,520 recognition to recognize um children who 1998 01:12:29,520 --> 01:12:32,800 were sent to um to Canada 1999 01:12:32,800 --> 01:12:35,560 um orphans who were um uh sent to 2000 01:12:35,560 --> 01:12:38,920 families in Canada and um often their 2001 01:12:38,920 --> 01:12:40,680 uh treatment maybe wasn't wasn't very 2002 01:12:40,680 --> 01:12:42,200 good and so there is this day to 2003 01:12:42,200 --> 01:12:44,760 recognize um what they experienced um 2004 01:12:44,760 --> 01:12:47,160 those children coming to Canada. Um we 2005 01:12:47,160 --> 01:12:49,080 do have a list of all the proclamations. 2006 01:12:49,080 --> 01:12:50,680 Um when council approves a proclamation, 2007 01:12:50,680 --> 01:12:52,200 it does go on our website so we do have 2008 01:12:52,200 --> 01:12:53,680 a list and I'd be happy to circulate 2009 01:12:53,680 --> 01:12:55,160 that to council so you can see the ones 2010 01:12:55,160 --> 01:12:58,550 that we've done. 2011 01:12:58,560 --> 01:12:59,960 » And I would just like to say that they 2012 01:12:59,960 --> 01:13:01,400 do mean something to the people that 2013 01:13:01,400 --> 01:13:03,440 bring them forward and to the people's 2014 01:13:03,440 --> 01:13:05,440 families and to the people affected by 2015 01:13:05,440 --> 01:13:10,360 this. I've sat with um with families um 2016 01:13:10,360 --> 01:13:12,480 uh and learned a lot about the British 2017 01:13:12,480 --> 01:13:15,720 Home Children over the years and so um 2018 01:13:15,720 --> 01:13:17,400 yes, they it definitely has deep meaning 2019 01:13:17,400 --> 01:13:19,840 for a lot of people in our community. We 2020 01:13:19,840 --> 01:13:21,040 were one of the communities that people 2021 01:13:21,040 --> 01:13:24,830 were sent that children were sent to. 2022 01:13:24,840 --> 01:13:26,400 Uh is there any further discussion about 2023 01:13:26,400 --> 01:13:27,640 the motion on the floor and not 2024 01:13:27,640 --> 01:13:29,600 proclamations in general? 2025 01:13:29,600 --> 01:13:30,560 Councilor Bruce. 2026 01:13:30,560 --> 01:13:34,070 >> Um does it does it take staff time 2027 01:13:34,070 --> 01:13:34,080 » Um does it does it take staff time 2028 01:13:34,080 --> 01:13:37,960 to do all to do the these proclamations? 2029 01:13:37,960 --> 01:13:39,720 Does it take staff time? 2030 01:13:39,720 --> 01:13:40,910 >> So that would be a discussion about 2031 01:13:40,910 --> 01:13:40,920 » So that would be a discussion about 2032 01:13:40,920 --> 01:13:42,720 proclamations. 2033 01:13:42,720 --> 01:13:44,160 Specifically, if we'd like to have a 2034 01:13:44,160 --> 01:13:45,560 discussion about proclamations at the 2035 01:13:45,560 --> 01:13:47,880 table, we can ask staff to bring the 2036 01:13:47,880 --> 01:13:49,000 list of proclamations and have a 2037 01:13:49,000 --> 01:13:52,280 discussion. Um but the the staff is also 2038 01:13:52,280 --> 01:13:53,920 welcome to answer the question as it's 2039 01:13:53,920 --> 01:13:57,270 come up. 2040 01:13:57,280 --> 01:13:58,880 » Uh through the mayor to Councilor Bruce, 2041 01:13:58,880 --> 01:14:00,800 um it's fairly minimal. The requestors 2042 01:14:00,800 --> 01:14:02,840 are required to provide the uh 2043 01:14:02,840 --> 01:14:04,360 proclamation that they would like, so 2044 01:14:04,360 --> 01:14:07,080 it's not uh us drafting those and so we 2045 01:14:07,080 --> 01:14:11,910 present it to council for consideration. 2046 01:14:11,920 --> 01:14:13,000 » Thank you. 2047 01:14:13,000 --> 01:14:15,280 And there's a motion on the floor. Um 2048 01:14:15,280 --> 01:14:17,560 all those in favor. 2049 01:14:17,560 --> 01:14:20,400 Any opposed? Motion carries. 2050 01:14:20,400 --> 01:14:28,830 Uh Councilor Kaps, over to you for 9.2. 2051 01:14:28,840 --> 01:14:29,640 » Would you like me to read? 2052 01:14:29,640 --> 01:14:30,750 >> Hi. 2053 01:14:30,750 --> 01:14:30,760 » Hi. 2054 01:14:30,760 --> 01:14:32,000 Sorry, [clears throat] apologies. Just 2055 01:14:32,000 --> 01:14:33,680 my voice is a little bit rough because 2056 01:14:33,680 --> 01:14:35,560 I'm homesick. Um 2057 01:14:35,560 --> 01:14:35,950 >> It's okay. 2058 01:14:35,950 --> 01:14:35,960 » It's okay. 2059 01:14:35,960 --> 01:14:38,550 >> I didn't know I would need to introduce 2060 01:14:38,550 --> 01:14:38,560 » I didn't know I would need to introduce 2061 01:14:38,560 --> 01:14:41,040 uh this one, but it's uh 2062 01:14:41,040 --> 01:14:42,830 >> Read out the motion. To read out the 2063 01:14:42,830 --> 01:14:42,840 » Read out the motion. To read out the 2064 01:14:42,840 --> 01:14:43,240 motion. 2065 01:14:43,240 --> 01:14:45,310 >> Sorry, pardon me. The council declare 2066 01:14:45,310 --> 01:14:45,320 » Sorry, pardon me. The council declare 2067 01:14:45,320 --> 01:14:46,400 the 2068 01:14:46,400 --> 01:14:48,400 city of Duncan an apartheid free city 2069 01:14:48,400 --> 01:14:51,920 and sign the apartheid free city pledge. 2070 01:14:51,920 --> 01:14:53,960 Which I believe was attached. Thank you. 2071 01:14:53,960 --> 01:14:55,990 >> Is there a seconder for that? Is there 2072 01:14:55,990 --> 01:14:56,000 » Is there a seconder for that? Is there 2073 01:14:56,000 --> 01:14:57,560 any discussion? 2074 01:14:57,560 --> 01:14:59,000 All those in favor? 2075 01:14:59,000 --> 01:15:01,240 Motion carries. Thank you. 2076 01:15:01,240 --> 01:15:02,760 And we'll move to reports of mayor and 2077 01:15:02,760 --> 01:15:04,240 council. Are there any council members 2078 01:15:04,240 --> 01:15:13,150 who wish to make a report this evening? 2079 01:15:13,160 --> 01:15:14,760 Anyone else? 2080 01:15:14,760 --> 01:15:18,070 Councillor Newington? 2081 01:15:18,080 --> 01:15:25,310 Anyone else? 2082 01:15:25,320 --> 01:15:26,800 So, we'll start with Councillor Duncan. 2083 01:15:26,800 --> 01:15:29,110 >> Okay, thank thank you, Your Worship. Um 2084 01:15:29,110 --> 01:15:29,120 » Okay, thank thank you, Your Worship. Um 2085 01:15:29,120 --> 01:15:31,760 yeah, on behalf of uh Duncan Council, I 2086 01:15:31,760 --> 01:15:34,040 attended the opening of the 39 Days and 2087 01:15:34,040 --> 01:15:36,320 welcomed the people to come to town and 2088 01:15:36,320 --> 01:15:37,800 spend their money. 2089 01:15:37,800 --> 01:15:38,400 Uh 2090 01:15:38,400 --> 01:15:40,280 and I also attended with other members 2091 01:15:40,280 --> 01:15:42,880 of council the fire department night, an 2092 01:15:42,880 --> 01:15:45,840 opportunity to meet some of our new uh 2093 01:15:45,840 --> 01:15:47,480 firefighters, 2094 01:15:47,480 --> 01:15:49,280 uh and to see some of the equipment in 2095 01:15:49,280 --> 01:15:52,600 use, uh and took a ride up on the 2096 01:15:52,600 --> 01:15:54,120 ladder. 2097 01:15:54,120 --> 01:15:56,080 And I also attended the with other 2098 01:15:56,080 --> 01:15:58,680 council members the Minister of State uh 2099 01:15:58,680 --> 01:16:01,480 meeting. Um one of the things that I 2100 01:16:01,480 --> 01:16:03,280 spoke about there was the traffic 2101 01:16:03,280 --> 01:16:05,120 conditions. We really, and it's been 2102 01:16:05,120 --> 01:16:08,320 brought up that you know, this is the 2103 01:16:08,320 --> 01:16:11,080 I guess the the knot between the two 2104 01:16:11,080 --> 01:16:12,520 large uh 2105 01:16:12,520 --> 01:16:14,760 cities on the island, and there doesn't 2106 01:16:14,760 --> 01:16:17,320 seem to be a way to deal with it. We 2107 01:16:17,320 --> 01:16:19,880 don't, you know, we pointed out that 2108 01:16:19,880 --> 01:16:22,080 we can't really look at expanding the 2109 01:16:22,080 --> 01:16:24,680 road between the bridge and and Beverly 2110 01:16:24,680 --> 01:16:25,720 uh 2111 01:16:25,720 --> 01:16:28,360 and also we spoke to her about uh the 2112 01:16:28,360 --> 01:16:30,640 village and how we we feel that it's a 2113 01:16:30,640 --> 01:16:33,760 success it's a success, and also 2114 01:16:33,760 --> 01:16:35,080 uh that it should be added to the 2115 01:16:35,080 --> 01:16:39,600 continuum of housing with BC Housing. 2116 01:16:39,600 --> 01:16:40,670 >> Thank you. 2117 01:16:40,670 --> 01:16:40,680 » Thank you. 2118 01:16:40,680 --> 01:16:43,000 Councillor Newington? 2119 01:16:43,000 --> 01:16:44,950 >> Well, Councilor Bruce has still stolen 2120 01:16:44,950 --> 01:16:44,960 » Well, Councilor Bruce has still stolen 2121 01:16:44,960 --> 01:16:47,560 my thunder. Cuz those are basically the 2122 01:16:47,560 --> 01:16:50,360 same what I was going to say. 2123 01:16:50,360 --> 01:16:52,000 Oh, Councilor Duncan, I'm sorry. I'm 2124 01:16:52,000 --> 01:16:53,400 looking at Councilor Bruce. Councilor 2125 01:16:53,400 --> 01:16:54,680 Duncan. 2126 01:16:54,680 --> 01:16:55,560 Um 2127 01:16:55,560 --> 01:16:57,480 Yeah, the other thing I want to say is 2128 01:16:57,480 --> 01:16:59,600 it certainly has been wonderful with 39 2129 01:16:59,600 --> 01:17:01,680 days this year. Um there've been some 2130 01:17:01,680 --> 01:17:03,880 great local people 2131 01:17:03,880 --> 01:17:06,040 and particularly the dancers. I don't 2132 01:17:06,040 --> 01:17:07,560 know if anybody's had an opportunity to 2133 01:17:07,560 --> 01:17:09,640 see any of the dancers. 2134 01:17:09,640 --> 01:17:11,880 Um but the young people that have been 2135 01:17:11,880 --> 01:17:13,400 dancing have just been absolutely 2136 01:17:13,400 --> 01:17:14,640 wonderful. 2137 01:17:14,640 --> 01:17:16,240 Um but yes, 2138 01:17:16,240 --> 01:17:17,480 we've all done 2139 01:17:17,480 --> 01:17:20,040 what Councilor Duncan said. We just let 2140 01:17:20,040 --> 01:17:24,270 him be our spokesperson. Thank you. 2141 01:17:24,280 --> 01:17:25,760 » Thank you. Is there any other councilor 2142 01:17:25,760 --> 01:17:27,240 who'd like to make a report about 2143 01:17:27,240 --> 01:17:28,720 anything? 2144 01:17:28,720 --> 01:17:30,280 No? Okay. 2145 01:17:30,280 --> 01:17:32,000 I will move on to my report, which will 2146 01:17:32,000 --> 01:17:34,360 actually be very brief this evening. 2147 01:17:34,360 --> 01:17:36,000 I think anyways. 2148 01:17:36,000 --> 01:17:37,880 Um because it feels like there's been a 2149 01:17:37,880 --> 01:17:42,160 lot happening and uh and also I I feel 2150 01:17:42,160 --> 01:17:43,840 like it's hard to even gather my 2151 01:17:43,840 --> 01:17:45,800 thoughts around everything. I would like 2152 01:17:45,800 --> 01:17:48,000 to just acknowledge that Brittany Anders 2153 01:17:48,000 --> 01:17:50,240 uh Minister Anderson's visit. It was I 2154 01:17:50,240 --> 01:17:52,720 got to be with her at the CVRD and here. 2155 01:17:52,720 --> 01:17:54,680 And uh for those of you who don't know 2156 01:17:54,680 --> 01:17:58,320 her, she is incredibly understanding and 2157 01:17:58,320 --> 01:18:00,800 recognizes the challenges and really 2158 01:18:00,800 --> 01:18:02,880 does advocate well on our behalf in her 2159 01:18:02,880 --> 01:18:05,240 role. And I really appreciate uh working 2160 01:18:05,240 --> 01:18:07,360 with her and she does open up a lot of 2161 01:18:07,360 --> 01:18:09,960 space for us to bring issues to her. And 2162 01:18:09,960 --> 01:18:11,720 she does follow through um 2163 01:18:11,720 --> 01:18:13,400 with the the channels going through the 2164 01:18:13,400 --> 01:18:15,280 channels that they need to be brought 2165 01:18:15,280 --> 01:18:17,320 forward in and uh yeah, I just really 2166 01:18:17,320 --> 01:18:19,280 acknowledge and appreciate her. 2167 01:18:19,280 --> 01:18:21,160 I also want to acknowledge our fire 2168 01:18:21,160 --> 01:18:24,720 department uh for the the the fire that 2169 01:18:24,720 --> 01:18:27,480 happened the other day um and our 2170 01:18:27,480 --> 01:18:28,720 neighboring fire departments who came 2171 01:18:28,720 --> 01:18:30,560 out to support. 2172 01:18:30,560 --> 01:18:34,040 Uh and you know, there is a lot of sort 2173 01:18:34,040 --> 01:18:36,840 of talk in communities about the places 2174 01:18:36,840 --> 01:18:38,160 that um 2175 01:18:38,160 --> 01:18:40,440 that we don't work together. Um there's 2176 01:18:40,440 --> 01:18:41,920 little recognition of all of the times 2177 01:18:41,920 --> 01:18:44,040 that we do. We work together far more 2178 01:18:44,040 --> 01:18:46,000 often than we do not. 2179 01:18:46,000 --> 01:18:48,080 And we may disagree on things, and we 2180 01:18:48,080 --> 01:18:50,000 may not look at things the same way, um 2181 01:18:50,000 --> 01:18:51,760 but we are always there for each other. 2182 01:18:51,760 --> 01:18:54,280 And that was demonstrated again um by 2183 01:18:54,280 --> 01:18:55,920 that fire and the way that that fire was 2184 01:18:55,920 --> 01:18:57,440 managed. I believe there was 30 2185 01:18:57,440 --> 01:19:00,480 firefighters on site that day. Uh they 2186 01:19:00,480 --> 01:19:02,040 had to rotate out because of the 2187 01:19:02,040 --> 01:19:03,600 temperature outside as well as the 2188 01:19:03,600 --> 01:19:04,960 temperature of the fire, so they were 2189 01:19:04,960 --> 01:19:08,200 rotating in and out. And uh 2190 01:19:08,200 --> 01:19:10,440 and you know, they saved that building 2191 01:19:10,440 --> 01:19:12,760 from being damaged much, much worse than 2192 01:19:12,760 --> 01:19:15,600 than it was. Um that just the the way 2193 01:19:15,600 --> 01:19:17,760 that the community came together and the 2194 01:19:17,760 --> 01:19:20,080 the responders that deal with um 2195 01:19:20,080 --> 01:19:21,440 um 2196 01:19:21,440 --> 01:19:23,760 that deal with the people who are being 2197 01:19:23,760 --> 01:19:25,840 displaced from their homes and how well 2198 01:19:25,840 --> 01:19:28,240 they everyone was taken care of. I heard 2199 01:19:28,240 --> 01:19:30,240 comment after comment after comment of 2200 01:19:30,240 --> 01:19:33,240 people sharing with me um just all the 2201 01:19:33,240 --> 01:19:34,800 things that they saw were about people 2202 01:19:34,800 --> 01:19:36,160 taking care of each other and people 2203 01:19:36,160 --> 01:19:37,880 helping and supporting each other. 2204 01:19:37,880 --> 01:19:40,960 And you know, these are things that it I 2205 01:19:40,960 --> 01:19:42,680 did mention this in in some recent 2206 01:19:42,680 --> 01:19:44,160 social media. 2207 01:19:44,160 --> 01:19:45,920 And uh and these are things that people 2208 01:19:45,920 --> 01:19:48,400 still don't seem to 2209 01:19:48,400 --> 01:19:51,560 I'm not sure why, but you know, want to 2210 01:19:51,560 --> 01:19:53,920 recognize in community. We heard from 2211 01:19:53,920 --> 01:19:57,240 the RCMP uh staff sergeant today about 2212 01:19:57,240 --> 01:19:58,680 the challenges and and what they deal 2213 01:19:58,680 --> 01:20:00,280 with on a daily basis and a monthly 2214 01:20:00,280 --> 01:20:02,080 basis. And we know those things, and 2215 01:20:02,080 --> 01:20:03,840 we're well aware of them. 2216 01:20:03,840 --> 01:20:07,960 And often times issues of um of uh that 2217 01:20:07,960 --> 01:20:09,560 that are, you know, failures of our 2218 01:20:09,560 --> 01:20:12,120 system that we're witnessing right now 2219 01:20:12,120 --> 01:20:13,960 um with not having enough housing, not 2220 01:20:13,960 --> 01:20:15,680 having mental health supports 2221 01:20:15,680 --> 01:20:18,200 um with the growing issue of of um 2222 01:20:18,200 --> 01:20:22,160 income disparity um with with with so so 2223 01:20:22,160 --> 01:20:23,960 many systemic issues piled on top of 2224 01:20:23,960 --> 01:20:25,920 each other and systems that are under so 2225 01:20:25,920 --> 01:20:28,520 much pressure, we don't acknowledge that 2226 01:20:28,520 --> 01:20:29,840 the wrong people are dealing with these 2227 01:20:29,840 --> 01:20:31,760 issues right now. The police is dealing 2228 01:20:31,760 --> 01:20:32,840 with them because there's no one else 2229 01:20:32,840 --> 01:20:34,480 dealing with them. 2230 01:20:34,480 --> 01:20:37,160 And and so um 2231 01:20:37,160 --> 01:20:38,720 you know, we continue to advocate for 2232 01:20:38,720 --> 01:20:39,880 the needs of our community. We've done a 2233 01:20:39,880 --> 01:20:42,120 great job of advocating for our 2234 01:20:42,120 --> 01:20:44,240 community, and yet we still see the 2235 01:20:44,240 --> 01:20:46,120 problems getting bigger. 2236 01:20:46,120 --> 01:20:47,840 And we still see the wrong people having 2237 01:20:47,840 --> 01:20:50,080 to be, you know, having to be dealt or 2238 01:20:50,080 --> 01:20:53,000 having them dealt with in the wrong way. 2239 01:20:53,000 --> 01:20:56,160 And so um people like, you know, um 2240 01:20:56,160 --> 01:20:58,400 Minister Anderson when she comes, she 2241 01:20:58,400 --> 01:20:59,760 understands that and there are very 2242 01:20:59,760 --> 01:21:01,000 there are other ministers that do as 2243 01:21:01,000 --> 01:21:03,400 well. But we really 2244 01:21:03,400 --> 01:21:05,760 need more so than ever to remember as a 2245 01:21:05,760 --> 01:21:07,040 community 2246 01:21:07,040 --> 01:21:08,080 um 2247 01:21:08,080 --> 01:21:10,160 you know, how to 2248 01:21:10,160 --> 01:21:12,840 how to support each other, which we 2249 01:21:12,840 --> 01:21:16,520 do often, but also how we speak about 2250 01:21:16,520 --> 01:21:17,640 each other and the community that we 2251 01:21:17,640 --> 01:21:18,720 live in. 2252 01:21:18,720 --> 01:21:21,680 That's also very important. And it gets 2253 01:21:21,680 --> 01:21:23,160 a bit 2254 01:21:23,160 --> 01:21:26,040 exhausting, I guess is the one word. Um 2255 01:21:26,040 --> 01:21:28,000 but it's disappointing to see people rip 2256 01:21:28,000 --> 01:21:30,440 apart their community because of 2257 01:21:30,440 --> 01:21:32,920 um when all of these people, you know, 2258 01:21:32,920 --> 01:21:34,280 hundreds and hundreds of people are 2259 01:21:34,280 --> 01:21:35,640 coming together to try to do what they 2260 01:21:35,640 --> 01:21:38,440 can to take care of of what they can in 2261 01:21:38,440 --> 01:21:40,560 ways that just are not being as 2262 01:21:40,560 --> 01:21:42,160 effective as they are because it's 2263 01:21:42,160 --> 01:21:43,600 simply 2264 01:21:43,600 --> 01:21:45,040 there is not the support where it needs 2265 01:21:45,040 --> 01:21:46,400 to be. 2266 01:21:46,400 --> 01:21:48,760 And so I just, you know, implore people 2267 01:21:48,760 --> 01:21:52,520 to redirect that energy into um you 2268 01:21:52,520 --> 01:21:54,480 know, letter writing 2269 01:21:54,480 --> 01:21:56,040 phoning, doing whatever you can to the 2270 01:21:56,040 --> 01:21:57,920 levels of government that need to invest 2271 01:21:57,920 --> 01:22:00,400 into those those needs in all of our 2272 01:22:00,400 --> 01:22:02,240 communities, not just ours. 2273 01:22:02,240 --> 01:22:04,680 And when we're out in community, you 2274 01:22:04,680 --> 01:22:07,160 know, to to 2275 01:22:07,160 --> 01:22:09,040 make sure that we're acknowledging the 2276 01:22:09,040 --> 01:22:10,160 beauty of the place that we live in, 2277 01:22:10,160 --> 01:22:12,600 too. Because two things, you know, can 2278 01:22:12,600 --> 01:22:14,000 be true at the same time. And there's a 2279 01:22:14,000 --> 01:22:16,280 lot of people suffering and it's I can't 2280 01:22:16,280 --> 01:22:17,520 imagine 2281 01:22:17,520 --> 01:22:18,920 being in those positions of suffering 2282 01:22:18,920 --> 01:22:22,440 that much and um and constantly having 2283 01:22:22,440 --> 01:22:24,040 to read that how you are the problem 2284 01:22:24,040 --> 01:22:24,920 when 2285 01:22:24,920 --> 01:22:26,520 it is a system that is failing you that 2286 01:22:26,520 --> 01:22:28,720 is the problem. And 2287 01:22:28,720 --> 01:22:29,920 what we're seeing is the results of 2288 01:22:29,920 --> 01:22:31,000 that. 2289 01:22:31,000 --> 01:22:34,840 So, that is my soapbox for this evening. 2290 01:22:34,840 --> 01:22:37,760 Uh thank you, and 2291 01:22:37,760 --> 01:22:40,160 uh there's 6 days left, I believe, of 2292 01:22:40,160 --> 01:22:43,080 the 39 days of July. Look at me get that 2293 01:22:43,080 --> 01:22:45,880 right for the first time in years. 2294 01:22:45,880 --> 01:22:47,560 I have this 39 days of summer thing 2295 01:22:47,560 --> 01:22:48,800 stuck in my head, and I just can't get 2296 01:22:48,800 --> 01:22:51,800 it out. Um but yeah, make your way out 2297 01:22:51,800 --> 01:22:53,280 if you haven't already. It's been 2298 01:22:53,280 --> 01:22:55,200 incredible. The Long John and his team 2299 01:22:55,200 --> 01:22:57,840 have done a phenomenal job, as always. 2300 01:22:57,840 --> 01:23:00,160 And there is nothing like seeing City 2301 01:23:00,160 --> 01:23:02,280 Square in the parking lots and 2302 01:23:02,280 --> 01:23:04,040 uh and the parks filled up with uh 2303 01:23:04,040 --> 01:23:05,160 people 2304 01:23:05,160 --> 01:23:06,960 uh laughing and enjoying themselves and 2305 01:23:06,960 --> 01:23:08,440 dancing and 2306 01:23:08,440 --> 01:23:11,120 uh yeah, reminding us of all the good 2307 01:23:11,120 --> 01:23:13,520 things in our community. 2308 01:23:13,520 --> 01:23:19,750 So, we will go into 2309 01:23:19,760 --> 01:23:21,880 uh question period. Do we have any 2310 01:23:21,880 --> 01:23:27,430 questions, Ms. Hodgins? 2311 01:23:27,440 --> 01:23:28,280 Okay. 2312 01:23:28,280 --> 01:23:29,960 And we'll go into a motion to close that 2313 01:23:29,960 --> 01:23:31,280 the meeting be closed to the public 2314 01:23:31,280 --> 01:23:32,600 under the following sections of the 2315 01:23:32,600 --> 01:23:34,200 community charter to discuss matters 2316 01:23:34,200 --> 01:23:36,560 related to personal information, section 2317 01:23:36,560 --> 01:23:39,160 91A of personal information about an 2318 01:23:39,160 --> 01:23:41,480 identifiable individual who holds or is 2319 01:23:41,480 --> 01:23:43,440 being considered for a position as an 2320 01:23:43,440 --> 01:23:44,880 officer, employee, or agent of the 2321 01:23:44,880 --> 01:23:46,280 municipality, or another position 2322 01:23:46,280 --> 01:23:48,560 appointed by the municipality. Employee 2323 01:23:48,560 --> 01:23:50,400 relations, sections 91C, labor 2324 01:23:50,400 --> 01:23:52,360 relations, or other employee relations. 2325 01:23:52,360 --> 01:23:55,120 We'll take a 7-minute adjournment. 8 2326 01:23:55,120 --> 01:23:57,640 minutes. Let's come back at 7:30 and 2327 01:23:57,640 --> 01:23:59,120 give people a chance to stretch. Thanks, 2328 01:23:59,120 --> 01:24:01,480 everyone.