[2:31] Good evening, everyone. Good evening, Mayor and council. Welcome to members of the public who are joining us in City Hall for our meeting and online tonight. Before we begin here are a few important reminders. If you are attending in person and wish to speak during one of our question and comment periods, please take a moment to add your name to the list in the for you indicate whether you'd like to speak during the first or second comment period and which agenda item you will be addressing. All questions and comments must relate to an item on council's agenda that they are considering.

[3:00] this evening. If you're watching online, you may submit written comments by following

[3:04] the instructions on the Council Meeting webpage at pitmetos.ca forward slash council meetings.

[3:11] Guester, welcome to stay for the entire meeting. However, if you need to leave early, please do so

[3:15] quietly to avoid disrupting tonight's meeting. The meeting is being livestreamed and recorded.

[3:20] The video will be posted on the city's website after tonight and any personal information

[3:25] shared during the meeting does become part of that public record. And just to note for council that

[3:30] that CAO Roberts has joined us this evening remotely.

[3:32] He's in the Zoom meeting in case you have any questions for him.

[3:35] Thank you.

[3:35] Great.

[3:36] Thanks so much, Ms. Barchard.

[3:37] I'd like to call to order the public meeting

[3:40] of Pett Meadow City Council here on Tuesday, July, or part, July.

[3:45] September 1st at 7 p.m.

[3:48] Council acknowledges with tremendous respect

[3:50] and gratitude that the city of Pett Meadow

[3:51] is located on the unceded and traditional territory

[3:54] of the Katie First Nation, who are stewards of this land

[3:57] since time immemorial.

[3:58] any late items. We have no late items this evening. I look to my colleagues for approval of the agenda.

[4:03] It's been moved and seconded. Call the question all those in favor. Any opposed and that carries.

[4:09] We are going to start this evening off with a couple of announcements. First we're going to start under D1.

[4:15] This is in honor of Fire Fighter's National Memorial Day.

[4:19] Fire Fighter's National Memorial Day is observed annually on the second Sunday in September.

[4:24] to honor firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.

[4:29] This year's firefighters' national memorial day

[4:31] will be recognized on Sunday, September 13th.

[4:35] It is time to remember the courage, self-nessness,

[4:38] and unwavering commitment of firefighters

[4:41] who have made the ultimate sacrifice

[4:43] while serving their communities.

[4:46] More than ever, we must recognize the efforts

[4:48] of firefighters, particularly in the province

[4:51] of British Columbia as we see what they have been facing.

[4:54] We also recognize the dedication of all firefighters

[4:57] who continue to protect the safety and well-being

[5:00] of residents each and every day.

[5:03] In recognition of firefighters' national memorial day,

[5:06] the city's flags will be lowered to half-mass,

[5:09] beginning Friday, September 11th.

[5:11] Flags will remain at half-mass

[5:13] until the morning of Monday, September 14th.

[5:16] Thank you.

[5:20] We will now move on to D2.

[5:21] this is just an announcement in terms of our Community Service Awards. So the

[5:28] 2026 Community Service Award nomination period runs starting yesterday

[5:33] August 31st through to October 4th. This year marks the 7th anniversary of the

[5:39] city's awards program that highlights the contributions of individuals,

[5:44] organization, and businesses that have made a meaningful impact to our

[5:48] community. Nomination criterion forms can be found at pitmetos.ca-slash-awards and there

[5:55] are six categories. The spirit of pitmetos, against the odds achievement, the Community

[6:01] Service Award, the Community Service Youth under 25, the Business of the Year and the Good

[6:08] Neighbor Award. I encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the incredible work

[6:14] of those who make a difference in our community. This may be your neighbor. This may be the

[6:19] greeter at one of the associations or facilities you go to. It may be a coach or a manager of an

[6:26] association. We have local heroes everywhere throughout Pit Meadows. So please submit your

[6:32] nominations at pitmeadows.ca backslash awards before October 4th. Nominees are recognized in the

[6:39] local paper and are invited to celebrate their achievement during a private

[6:43] ceremony in the new year. With that we'll now move on to our question and

[6:49] comment period. Thank you Ms. Costa if you could take us through the list please.

[6:54] We have one speaker signed up Marine Robertson on the North Lowheed area plan.

[7:09] Marine Robertson, Pit Meadows, Mayor and Council. I am wondering how the current

[7:16] plan for the north low heat area includes the current and past network of

[7:22] slews and wetlands. I am wondering what types of reports will be needed

[7:28] to determine how these slews will be incorporated into the final plan. I'm

[7:35] wondering if there are old reports that indicate where the slews are and how

[7:42] can a resident get a hold of these reports? And also, what does rewatering of the historic

[7:50] slew networks and wetlands mean? So that's a quote from the report. And I'm wondering

[7:56] because this is happening before the election, if there's a specific timeline that council

[8:03] is under to give this plan approved.

[8:08] Thank you.

[8:09] Great.

[8:10] Thank you.

[8:11] I will pass it over to our Director Ward, and I'm sure he can speak specifically regarding

[8:17] the slews and networks.

[8:21] Yes, thank you very much, Your Worship.

[8:22] I'm not aware of any specific reports with respect to historic slew networks, but we certainly

[8:27] understand that the lowlands of pit meadows were encompassed by a number of different water

[8:32] ways and slews that provided access to those lowlands for the KC First Nation who primarily

[8:37] had their villages and habitations on the upper lands, the higher lands, and use that

[8:43] slew network to access all parts of the lower lands. So a lot of that information is based

[8:48] on work that the KC First Nation has done to better understand their traditional territories,

[8:53] and that's been incorporated into the plan through that recognition. We do have some more recent

[8:58] environmental reports that do indicate the location of water

[9:02] courses within the area, and those are conceptually shown on

[9:06] the concept plan with green bands throughout the concept

[9:09] plan. And in terms of moving forward, there are some

[9:13] implementation items that lie in the area plan under section

[9:16] nine of the area plan that do speak to additional collaboration

[9:19] and work on it with Catesy First Nation on those habitat

[9:22] enhancement plans. Certainly the servicing concepts that

[9:25] will be required as part of the implementation would also

[9:27] identify storm water management and future slew networks. And in speaking specifically

[9:32] about rewatering, those are those opportunities to replicate those historic slew networks

[9:37] through different storm water management features. So they could take the form of naturalized

[9:41] water courses within green space areas, or they could be roadside rain gardens, those types

[9:46] of elements, or the items that we would be looking at through implementation.

[9:50] Great. Thank you very much, Director. And just in terms of your secondary question, there's

[9:55] There's no set timeline.

[9:56] This has been a project identified for a number of years.

[9:59] If we go back, I think it's 41.

[10:01] It was initially brought forward last term, and then has been worked on by our staff and

[10:06] council this term as well.

[10:09] My only comment would be it would have to hear to any legislative requirements.

[10:13] The corporate office would advise us of as well as the planning department.

[10:17] Thank you.

[10:20] We have no further speakers.

[10:22] Great. We will now move on to adoption of the minutes.

[10:24] So I've got three sets, F1 through F3,

[10:27] the move seconded, any errors or omissions.

[10:30] But that'll call the question all those in favor.

[10:33] Those carry.

[10:34] Thank you.

[10:35] We do have one delegation this evening.

[10:38] It is the opportunity to hear from Christy Mayor,

[10:41] the CEO of the Chamber and Michael Morris,

[10:44] part of me, the Community Engagement and Membership

[10:46] Coordinator for an update of the Chamber activities

[10:49] and accomplishments.

[10:50] Welcome.

[10:51] Good

[11:01] evening, Mayor, Council, staff and attendees.

[11:04] Thank you for having us here tonight.

[11:07] Most of you know me, but for those joining us online

[11:10] or attending this evening, who I may not know,

[11:13] my name is Christi Meyer and I am proud to serve

[11:15] as the CEO of the Richmondos Chamber of Commerce.

[11:19] Next month we'll mark four years in this role.

[11:23] Joining me tonight is Michael Morris,

[11:25] our community engagement and membership lead

[11:27] who has been with the chamber for 14 months.

[11:31] Before we begin, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Council and City staff for

[11:37] the collaborative relationship we have built together.

[11:42] As we move towards the second year of our current three-year fee-for-service agreement and

[11:48] look ahead to the next term beginning in 2027, we want to thank you for your continued

[11:55] confidence in the chamber and the work we do to support the business community of Pit Meadows.

[12:01] I'd also like to recognize Councillor O'Connell. For nearly four years, Gwen has served as our

[12:07] Councillor liaison. Gwen, we have been so fortunate to have you your voice around the table.

[12:13] Thank you for your time, your support, and your commitment to the businesses and residents of Pit Meadows.

[12:25] We are now eight months into the current agreement, and together we have already

[12:30] accomplish so much. Because of your support provided through our fee for service

[12:36] agreement, both the City of Pemetos and Maple Ridge, we were able to bring Mike onto

[12:41] our team. His role allows us to engage directly with the local businesses,

[12:47] listening to their successes, their challenges, and advocate effectively on their

[12:52] behalf. This has been a game changer for our organization and I want to thank

[12:58] Mike for his dedication to our organization and the business community.

[13:06] I should have passed it to that one, there we go, all right.

[13:10] The Chamber has undergone several changes over the past year.

[13:13] One of the most significant was the transition of our new CRM platform and the launch of

[13:19] our completely redesigned website.

[13:23] The new website features an enhanced member directory that provides businesses with greater

[13:29] visibility. For some chamber members it even serves as a web page for their business. For others it

[13:35] complements their existing marketing efforts with more robust profile. As part of this process we

[13:43] also integrated the Pit Meadows business directory into the new platform creating a cleaner more user

[13:49] friendly experience for both residents and visitors searching for local businesses. At this point I will

[13:56] I'll turn it over to Mike to share more about the business outreach efforts.

[14:04] Thank you, Mayor Council and staff.

[14:07] So just touching based on our business outreach, I know we've had some discussions whenever

[14:11] we get the chance to meet up, but I wanted to kind of summarize a lot of it.

[14:16] What we've found by visiting dozens and dozens of not hundreds of businesses throughout

[14:20] Pit Meadows, is there kind of two layers of both successes and challenges that our businesses

[14:25] are facing.

[14:26] On a sort of a macro or large scale, there's certainly issues that we're all very aware

[14:32] of.

[14:33] Tariffs are a very significant issue that a lot of businesses are feeling, whether directly

[14:38] or indirectly, taxation rates, commercial rents, and renewals of those commercial rents.

[14:46] The labor market has been completely indescribable, frankly, since COVID, and it seems to be constantly

[14:53] evolving with many different challenges that appear with that.

[14:58] I'm on the micro level.

[15:00] It has this unique successes, and also some challenges. So to start off with the Osprey Village is a gorgeous space. It's idyllic. It's set right on the river. A lot of people love to go there to just spend a day or spend some time with family and friends and enjoy having some chicken and coffee and all that. But some of the challenges are the parking. Every business I spoke to said that they have challenges with parking, not only for their clients and customers but for staff.

[15:30] And in the back of a bathroom after three o'clock when the community center shuts down

[15:35] Every restaurant mentions that they have significant challenges at times with customers. We're looking for a bathroom

[15:40] And it's tough, especially if they have little kids that really need to use a bathroom

[15:44] And then finally just the film

[15:47] Filming when it is there a lot of businesses express challenges with filming

[15:52] There's you know taking over the the thorough ways and the parking spaces

[15:58] But an opportunity that we see as a potential is, you know, potentially a Christmas village having a beautiful spot right on the river.

[16:04] You could even have a little train that goes down the Trans Canada pathway over to the airport where there's lots more parking.

[16:10] So that was something that we thought about when we kind of fantasized a little bit about that kind of idea.

[16:16] Airport and airport way.

[16:18] It's fantastic for transit, sorry for transportation.

[16:22] The access to Highway 7, Golnir's bridge and airport way, trucks have tons of space to get to all the different spots that are in there.

[16:33] So a lot of great, and it's quite quiet. I've heard a lot of businesses say I've had a couple that have moved from Port Kells

[16:40] and they say how nice and quiet and peaceful it is in that area versus where they were on 96th Avenue and Langley.

[16:47] However, some of the weaknesses or challenges, frankly, it really comes down to the rent.

[16:54] The rent increases, the renewals of leases, I've heard upwards of 66, 75% increases in rent.

[17:02] And these are mostly on places that have significant machinery, and the cost of moving is just

[17:09] not possible for them.

[17:12] Lack of transit for few businesses, the lack of transit is a challenge to get more so for

[17:17] the workers to come out for businesses that have low entry level jobs or low paying jobs.

[17:25] Those workers tend to rely on transit and so that can be a bit of a challenge.

[17:29] But some have gotten around it by supplying bicycles or scooters for folks to take from

[17:34] the last bus stop on Harris.

[17:37] And then the train, for a few of them, luckily you can bypass the train going over to the golden

[17:44] way, a golden year's way, but for some like dominoes which has delivery, they have to

[17:51] go up Harris and so the train is of course a challenge for a few of them but not too many.

[17:55] Metal Towns, again significant, well significant access to traffic from Highway 7 and Golden

[18:00] years away, tons of parking, proximity to transit hub was just fantastic. And again, though,

[18:07] the rent increases. Harris Road, access to Harris Road, the traffic on Harris Road is a

[18:15] boon to many of the businesses. They really enjoy having signage on Harris Road in order to attract

[18:21] clients. Safety and security has risen up, especially in the quote-unquote 7-11 development,

[18:29] There has been an uptick that almost all the businesses in there have reported about last

[18:34] year or so.

[18:35] There's been an uptick in folks sleeping there, starting fires, causing issues.

[18:43] And then, of course, the train.

[18:46] Middlevale.

[18:47] Again, great access to traffic.

[18:49] They have really strong anchor businesses, safe on food, shoppers, drug market, McDonald's,

[18:53] Starbucks.

[18:54] So it's a really great shopping area.

[18:59] Challenges of the left turn coming off low heat.

[19:01] If you're going westbound towards POCO.

[19:05] If you're taking that left turn lane,

[19:07] it can take five, six, seven circuits of lights to get through.

[19:10] And I've had multiple businesses say that that's challenging

[19:12] for if they have clients on a schedule,

[19:16] like if they have an appointment with a client,

[19:17] the clients are often late and staff as well.

[19:20] So that is a challenge.

[19:23] And then parking on McMinnon Road can be a challenge for those businesses that are

[19:26] along there.

[19:27] It's kind of a quarter of many medical businesses, doctors and eye doctor and wellness centers

[19:36] and such.

[19:37] But the parking there is a challenge and there is no handicap parking spots there.

[19:42] So that was reported as a bit of a challenge.

[19:44] And then finally the farmlands, some beautiful, beautiful farms out there, multi-generational

[19:50] farm's fantastic to about see many of those and they of course have proximity to the highways

[19:57] again for their trucking needs and then one of their main challenges though is the lack of

[20:02] transit for their farm workers especially in seasons where they're all depending on folks to come

[20:07] out and work during the season. So that's the summary of the business outreach and I'll get back

[20:13] to Christy.

[20:16] Thanks Mike. I'm letting him do most the talking because he is the one out there

[20:22] Uh, pounding the pavement all the time, talking to businesses.

[20:26] Uh, another, uh, on our fee, fee for service agreement is a new business package.

[20:32] Uh, one initiative that continues to receive positive feedback, um, for sure.

[20:37] This resource is provided to entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to establish operations in pitnettos.

[20:45] Uh, we've worked with many prospective business owners over the past year and the package has proven to be a valuable tool.

[20:52] in helping them understand the process of opening a business, navigating resources and

[20:57] connecting with the supports they need to succeed. I will now pass it back to Mike.

[21:08] So I'm also here just to talk about the job fair that we held. Thanks to Colin who partnered

[21:13] with us in spearheading this as well as the library who were a very gracious host. It was a big success.

[21:20] we had 14 employers there. I know the slides show a couple more, but a few of them unfortunately couldn't make it day off.

[21:28] We're really, really happy to have, for instance, Fraser Health come out. That's actually a bit of a coup in the employment world where I used to work.

[21:35] They don't really do job fairs anymore, but they were quite interested in happy to come out to this one.

[21:42] So I think that was a nice, speaks well for pit meadows.

[21:47] We even had the airport come and they were hiring and it was great they were able to fulfill

[21:53] their job right there at that event and as did many of the other employers they were able

[21:58] to hire folks so we did see a lot of economic activity from this event and it was just great

[22:05] to see we estimate upwards of 300 people that were there. They came from all over the lower mainland.

[22:11] Council Evans, you were great gracious enough to stop by and you were near the end and

[22:15] there were still a fair amount of people there so it was really nice to see and a lot of

[22:20] people were very grateful to have the opportunity to look for local jobs here in Pit Meadows.

[22:24] So we were grateful to be able to partner with the city and we thank you for that.

[22:31] We look forward to doing another job fair in 2027.

[22:41] Over the past year, we've hosted several grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies

[22:45] through Pit Meadows.

[22:46] The photo on the screen is from one of our larger celebrations, welcoming stacked restaurant

[22:52] to this community.

[22:54] These events bring together business owners, council members, staff, and community members

[22:59] to recognize the investment and commitment that new businesses bring to Pit Meadows and

[23:05] celebrate and promote the newest addition to our community.

[23:09] We believe these celebrations are important because they demonstrate the strong partnership

[23:15] it between the city and the chamber while creating a welcoming environment for businesses

[23:19] choosing to invest in our community.

[23:22] Another key service we provide is connecting businesses with one another and helping them

[23:27] access resources, funding opportunities, and support programs.

[23:31] Recently, we hosted a tour at E1 Molly Energy bringing together chamber board members,

[23:36] city council, and staff for an inside look at their operations.

[23:41] We also organized a tour of Can Cable in the industrial park.

[23:46] These visits provide valuable opportunities for businesses to showcase the work that they do.

[23:52] These events demonstrate what is possible when the chamber and the city work together with a shared commitment to supporting local business.

[24:04] I like to finish by saying that the chamber believes strongly in collaboration.

[24:08] When organizations work together towards common goals, we create stability, strengthen relationships, and achieve more for our community.

[24:18] Our partnership with the City of Pit Meadows allows us to advocate for local businesses in a constructive way and respectful way, bringing forward their voices.

[24:29] Over the past four years, we have accomplished far more through collaboration than we ever could have working independently.

[24:37] and we are proud of the momentum we have built together.

[24:41] It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside council and staff

[24:46] and we look forward to continuing this partnership and building on the success of the fee for service agreement in the years ahead.

[24:53] Thank you for your time, your support and the opportunity to speak today.

[24:57] We appreciate it.

[24:58] Thank you both, Christine and Mike. I will open up just if council has any comments.

[25:03] going to start with Quayne. Thank you both for coming tonight. It's been absolutely

[25:14] a pleasure to be the liaison to your group. It's fun. I look forward to it because it's

[25:21] exciting to see the business owners actually excited about getting involved with the chamber.

[25:27] And I'll tell you, for years, I didn't see that as a Councillor, it was completely different.

[25:33] So all I can say is kudos to all of you that have made the Chamber such a great place

[25:37] to belong to in this community.

[25:40] The one thing I always tell people when they talk about the Chamber to them is how good it

[25:46] is to be able to get a benefit plan through your benefit suppliers for small businesses.

[25:53] That's a huge, huge, huge, because it's expensive for businesses to offer benefits.

[25:59] So I think that that's one thing, and that's my message, I always say, to small businesses.

[26:04] This is an opportunity for you to have medical or extra extended.

[26:10] So thank you.

[26:12] And a special thank you to Christy for bringing this organization the way you have.

[26:17] Thank you.

[26:25] Okay,

[26:28] thank you for the opportunity, Madam Mayor, and I bid you so many of the events

[26:34] and the one thing that strikes me every time is how much it's appreciated by the business

[26:41] business owners because today networking is essential, especially at a time when every

[26:49] business owner in Canada is facing unheard-of tariff levels, unnecessary tariff levels.

[26:58] And so we're going to go through a tough period, at least for a couple of months, I'm sure.

[27:03] And I think that the chamber being there between the businesses, local government, provincial

[27:09] and federal government because your voices heard nationally, I think, is critical right

[27:15] now.

[27:17] Everything Mike said, each of us has heard that as we've been visiting the businesses

[27:22] with you, in particular, the fact that there's little in the way of public transport on

[27:28] Harris Road south of Hammond.

[27:29] So everybody's on their electric scooters, which are illegal, and yet they've got no other

[27:34] choice.

[27:35] And so it's something we were aware of and been pushing with Translink for the longest

[27:41] time to try and add a route there.

[27:44] So everything resonated with us.

[27:47] And some of it is not in our lane, we can't control it.

[27:51] But I know that our mayor's been strongly advocating about the uncontrolled rent increases that

[27:57] we're seeing for businesses in the city, and some of it is just so wrong.

[28:01] and you're quite right, trying to move a business with millions of dollars worth of machinery,

[28:05] you just can't do it unless you go out of business.

[28:09] There was a comment made this morning, though, and I'll pick you up on one thing and

[28:12] talk about people think it's quieter here.

[28:14] It's very much quieter here.

[28:16] Comment earlier today from our own mayor was try traveling through New Westminster.

[28:23] Try traveling through Burnaby on a busy day.

[28:26] This is a cakewalk, really, it is.

[28:28] And staff, City Council staff have done remarkably well trying to improve the transit around

[28:36] our city and through our city, especially for people that are walking and bicycles and

[28:41] so forth.

[28:41] I really appreciate our partnership with Chamber of Commerce.

[28:47] I also look forward to continued business relationship with the Chamber for years to come.

[28:53] Thanks for the presentation.

[28:55] Thank you, Councillor Evans.

[28:57] I did have a couple questions, I was curious since in the last four years or since I guess

[29:03] actually maybe it's been a year of our agreement, how many businesses are there in total,

[29:10] who are members?

[29:11] Do we know?

[29:12] Sorry, sorry.

[29:13] How many businesses in total with the chamber and how many of them are in pit meadows, like

[29:18] is there a breakdown of statistics of?

[29:20] How many members we have in pit meadows?

[29:23] Yeah.

[29:23] So we've got currently 72 members in pit Meadows, and we are sitting at 560 members.

[29:33] So when you look at the breakdown of how many businesses compared to Maple Ridge at par.

[29:39] Yeah, that's a big question.

[29:41] And yeah, then I also, like you said, the commercial rent increases.

[29:46] We know for those who aren't necessarily familiar, maybe listening home, residential leases

[29:51] have restrictions on them.

[29:54] Preventually, there's a time frame in which they have to renew.

[30:00] Those aren't on commercial leases, and so what we're seeing are these predatory things where people come in, and in short term, they won't negotiate to the last second, and it can be astronomical increases. And we're seeing businesses unable to keep up with that. So I know that something we're alive to, I know that something we've gone to the province about, we've written letters, we've met with the time it was Minister Kaylon, and I would encourage you guys to also reach out to the province. I think that we know other cities and things, but when they hear them from

[30:29] more, it would be great if we could amplify our voices and really hit that.

[30:34] That's something that will hit meadows especially hard.

[30:37] We're hit on, we're built on small businesses here.

[30:40] And so every time we lose one of those businesses, it's a hit to our community.

[30:45] I'd like to note that, provincially actually at the BC Chamber,

[30:50] AGM, it passed at a 99% where so it made it into the policy book,

[30:56] hitting the provincial government.

[30:58] So we're really proud to have our name on that one. So it is a huge advocacy piece at the provincial level for the chamber.

[31:04] Yeah, thank you for that. Councillor, okay.

[31:08] Thank you for the mayor. Thank you both for the work you do and for coming tonight to inform us of what you're doing for businesses and

[31:16] Michael just you know boots on the ground is listening and finding out what's important to the businesses and where the where the rub might be.

[31:25] I thought that was really informative and so great to have you out there.

[31:30] Now, more than ever, we know it's important to support local, right, and to lift up those

[31:36] businesses.

[31:37] And when they do well, we all do well, right?

[31:39] That's jobs in our community, that service is close to home.

[31:44] Nothing, okay, I have like a brain fog, but nothing sucks more.

[31:50] How about that?

[31:51] But when you walk by and there's some things closed, right, or there's vacancies.

[31:58] So all we can do to lift up is so important at this time, right?

[32:02] So thank you so much, and let's keep it going.

[32:07] It's great.

[32:08] Yeah, thank you so much, just echo what my colleague said, some really great comments.

[32:12] Thank you, Michael, that boots on the ground.

[32:15] Many of them, yes, we're alive too and are trying to do from our seat as well, but if we can

[32:19] partner and advocate together. I just want to show out to the job fair to hear that too

[32:25] and the success it has seems to have really gotten some traction over the last couple

[32:28] years. And thank you for having us in hosting with a number of the local businesses to have

[32:34] that connection with the Chamber Council and City staff. Showed out to the Chamber and

[32:40] to our City staff. The feedback we got from a ton of businesses is how awesome Shontel,

[32:46] call-in, Patrick, specifically are really to deal with as they're dealing with a number

[32:51] of things when they're opening up or remodeling or permitting or things like that, so to have

[32:57] that direct connection is really good. So with that, thank you for coming and have a good

[33:03] evening. We appreciate it. With that, we will now move on to our consent agenda. So we have

[33:10] three items. Why don't we just move those to get on the table? It's moved and seconded

[33:14] I don't want anybody like to pull an item.

[33:16] What item would you like to pull?

[33:18] H-3, any other items to pull?

[33:22] That will start with H-3.

[33:27] Thank you to Acting Director Harding for this presentation.

[33:33] What stands out to me in this tax disparity, it creates pressure on agricultural municipalities.

[33:41] When the cost of servicing farmland exceeds the tax revenue received, councils can face

[33:49] pressure to support more residential, commercial, or industrial development simply to reduce

[33:55] the overall tax burden on taxpayers.

[33:58] That is why the Agricultural Municipality Initiative is so important.

[34:04] If senior governments want communities to protect farmland and support food security, they

[34:10] We need to recognize the financial impact agricultural municipalities carry on behalf of the province.

[34:17] I fully support reduced taxes for farmers.

[34:21] Agriculture operates on tight margins, and we need strong local food production.

[34:27] However, we also need to ensure that properties receiving these significant tax benefits

[34:32] are making a meaningful contribution to agriculture and food security.

[34:36] consistent with the intent of the ALR and firm classification system.

[34:44] Thank you.

[34:45] Thank you for your comments.

[34:47] Thank you to our favorite Somerlan Mayor Doug Holmes, who's been through it the last

[34:53] while.

[34:54] We are connected to meet in September with Mayor Holmes and the Minister Poppom and further

[35:02] talk about the AMI here.

[35:04] So thank you for your comments, Councillor Manu.

[35:08] With that, we'll call the question all those in favor, and those items carry.

[35:12] We'll now move on to reports, and this is I-1 feedback on potential changes to food

[35:20] processing in the ALR, and I'll go over to Director Ward.

[35:24] Thank you very much, Your Worship.

[35:26] On July 23rd of this year, the province released a discussion paper outlining potential regulatory

[35:31] changes related to food processing on ALR land.

[35:35] and inviting feedback until September 18th,

[35:38] that's been updated initially,

[35:39] it was September 3rd, now it's September 18th.

[35:42] The discussion guide that was released by the province

[35:44] is included in Council's agenda package

[35:46] as attachment A to the staff report.

[35:49] The proposed changes would permit food processing facilities

[35:52] on ALR land with an unimproved soil capability

[35:55] of class five to class seven,

[35:58] or on class four land that is serviced

[36:01] by road, electricity, and municipal water and sewer,

[36:03] were provided that at least 5% of the primary product used in the processing is grown or raised

[36:10] in the province of BC. Currently, food processing is permitted on ALR land if at least 50% of

[36:17] the farm product is processed or produced on the farm or by an association that the owner

[36:24] belongs to. This is generally referred to as the 50% rule.

[36:37] Land is classified into seven soil capability categories with class one being prime agricultural land suitable for a wide range of crops and class seven generally considered to be non arable land for soil bound agriculture.

[36:51] This map shows the soil capability across the city of pit meadows. This is based on provincial data and I'll note that the soil capability would need to be confirmed by a professional agrologist as it relates to the proposed food processing regulations.

[37:05] This

[37:08] map shows the class 5 through 7 soils as well as the class 4 land that is serviced,

[37:14] noting again that it is conceptual and it would be unlikely that food processing could

[37:19] be accommodated in all of these lands such as environmentally sensitive areas and parkland.

[37:27] An important note is that based on the ministry's current proposal, local governments would

[37:31] not be able to prohibit the processing use.

[37:34] Under this proposed change, food processing would be considered a farm use in the ALR that

[37:39] could not be prohibited by local government through land use regulations.

[37:45] Food processing facilities certainly have the opportunity to strengthen resilience in

[37:49] the regional food system, encourage investment in the provincial agri-food sector, and benefit

[37:55] local farmers providing nearby opportunities to process their products.

[37:59] The city's agricultural viability strategy did identify the need for additional processing,

[38:04] seeing storage and distribution facilities within pit meadows.

[38:08] That being said, priority was placed on these facilities being located within business

[38:12] parks and mixed employment areas or otherwise permitted under the current 50% rule.

[38:18] Based on the fairly limited information in the discussion paper and the limited time to

[38:22] provide feedback and consider these changes, staff have identified the preliminary considerations

[38:29] on this slide for submission to the province for council's consideration.

[38:32] These items are detailed in the staff report,

[38:35] I'll just touch on a few here.

[38:37] The first is around the benefit to BC agriculture,

[38:41] requiring that only 5% of the primary product

[38:44] being processed to be grown or raised in BC

[38:46] may provide a limited benefit to BC farmers and producers.

[38:50] In terms of enforcement,

[38:52] we already know that enforcement staffing

[38:54] at the Agriculture Land Commission

[38:55] is challenged due to limited resources.

[38:58] Will local governments be tasked

[39:00] with additional enforcement of this new regulation. Presumably yes.

[39:05] Servicing and transportation, food processing facilities often place heavier demands

[39:10] on servicing and transportation infrastructure, and many ALR properties do not have the

[39:15] level of servicing required to support these types of facilities.

[39:18] The conclusion section of the staff report includes summarized comments that are recommended to

[39:23] be forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in response to these proposed changes

[39:26] members, along with the complete staff report.

[39:31] As such, staff recommend that Council direct

[39:33] staff to advise the Ministry of Agriculture of the comments contained in the staff report,

[39:37] as presented at this meeting. Thank you, Your Worship.

[39:42] Great. Thank you very much, Director Ward. I'll open up for any questions through the staff.

[39:48] I don't see any questions at this time, so why don't we get the motion on the floor and

[39:52] if there's any additional comments? Question? Go ahead with the question.

[39:55] Yeah, through the Director Ward is that we will be hosting a roundtable related to this issue later this week, and I am thinking that this feedback will be provided after that meeting. Is that correct?

[40:13] Thank you very much. So through the Mayor, the recommendation and the staff report is to forward the staff report as written with the comments included to the Ministry at this point in time.

[40:25] I'm, yes, certainly acknowledging that the city of Pitmoto is hosting a discussion with

[40:29] other lower mainland municipalities that have an agricultural sector, and that additional

[40:34] concerns and comments could certainly be raised and generated through that process.

[40:38] My understanding is that a representative from the BC Agricultural Council will be an attendance

[40:43] to that roundtable who will be able to also convey that feedback, that general consensus

[40:48] from the roundtable directly to the province through other avenues.

[40:51] So certainly if council wanted to hold off on this particular recommendation or make an amendment that further comments be included following the roundtable council could make that motion or that amendment to this motion this evening.

[41:03] Otherwise the motion that is on the floor is that to forward the comments in the staff report on the staff report has written today.

[41:09] I do apologize for the timing with the roundtable as you can appreciate with the September 3 deadline that was initially provided.

[41:15] We did work very hard over the summer months to get this report to council as it is.

[41:18] And I'll just add some comments on that because originally with the early September date,

[41:24] so then we were sliding in the agriculture round table and just, pitmeadows was hosted

[41:29] a number of those basically from communities, Richmond through to Kent and local government

[41:34] and then we've got BCAC, apparently obviously their executive director but also potentially

[41:40] some board members.

[41:41] I am cautious, I think there's a way we can get feedback from that but I'm cautious with

[41:47] the dates, because again, the deadline is the 18th, and our next council meeting due

[41:52] to UBCM in the long weekend is the 22nd. And I am conscious of City of Pit Meadows Council

[42:02] sending information, because all of council does not sit at that round table. But it doesn't

[42:08] mean I don't think that we could as a round table, or through BCACC's and supplementary

[42:13] feedback as well. So I'll go back to you, but I think there's a little nuance of difference

[42:19] there and we won't be able to bring back information before that extended deadline to see

[42:24] in front of council. But I'll go back to Councillor Manu.

[42:27] I guess I could accept the fact that we don't have to make an amendment given the time constraints

[42:33] that you're dealing with. However, I want to ensure that we stress when we're meeting

[42:39] with B-CAC that anything that is substantially different from what our feedback has been

[42:46] in this letter is conveyed to the minister in a timely manner so that the before the

[42:55] 18th is when the submissions have to be correct so as long as we can do that I can

[43:01] for moving this particular motion.

[43:05] Okay.

[43:05] I'd like to go with that.

[43:06] I'll speak to it.

[43:07] Yeah.

[43:07] Why don't we move the...

[43:08] Was there an additional question?

[43:10] So why don't we...

[43:11] Would you like to move the motion?

[43:13] I'll move.

[43:13] Move.

[43:13] Second.

[43:14] Okay.

[43:15] I'll start with Councillor Manion and then if there's additional comments.

[43:18] Yeah.

[43:19] Thank you, Director Ward, for preparing this and I'll be at a hurried amount of time.

[43:26] And as I mentioned, we were talking about being part of a roundtable discussion.

[43:31] on these proposed changes later this week.

[43:34] There's a great deal to consider,

[43:37] and it will be important to ensure

[43:39] that any policy chains are supported by strong

[43:42] and enforceable guardrails.

[43:45] While there may be opportunities to support

[43:47] on farm processing on class five to nine agricultural lands,

[43:52] we must be careful not to create unintended pathways

[43:56] for commercial or industrial-style developments

[43:59] that are not genuinely connected to agriculture.

[44:04] Thank you.

[44:05] Any additional comments?

[44:06] Councillor Evans.

[44:07] Yeah, he's still on my keywords.

[44:09] I was looking at guardrails because what I'm concerned about

[44:12] and what we have heard from other municipalities in B-CAC

[44:15] is that if we don't have the guardrails in place,

[44:18] this will lead to speculation,

[44:20] which is something that we've seen here in Pit Meadows

[44:22] and we know it's a problem driving the price of farmland up.

[44:26] And then you stole my unintended consequences,

[44:29] which with every good change,

[44:30] we tend to see these unintended consequences. So I would like to see us really look the long

[44:36] term and try and think ahead of what could be the unintended consequences because once that

[44:42] farmland's gone, it's gone. So, appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, I, too, want to extend my

[44:50] I thank you, Director Ward and your staff, Ms. Domenelli and

[45:02] We know that there's concerns with the 50% rule, and things aren't working, and one of the biggest things we see and hear and feel in pitmeadows is having this ALR land and the land that's not being farmed or utilized. And that's what we want to see and encourage. So it's good to see this being dove into, however, seems a bit rushed. And seems quite extreme in some ways.

[45:29] areas. What really drew me again is the only 5% in BC. The benefit, we're hearing so

[45:39] much by BC, you know, local food supply, food sovereignty, and that's what we want

[45:45] to ensure. So we don't want any workarounds with that. And I really, basically, if a community

[45:53] need you want to take a look, page 31 through to 35, really gives those considerations.

[45:59] And there's a ton taxation rates, impact.

[46:03] We already saw earlier with the AMI piece, when you take in approximately 1.8 million

[46:09] in tax revenue, but it costs you 3.2 to support that land.

[46:14] What are we going to get into in the future if it's not tax properly?

[46:17] And that increased wear and tear with industrial use.

[46:20] I also do, I have red flags in terms of local government would not be able to prohibit

[46:28] this processing. And not that we need to prohibit, but this just seems a little bit of another

[46:33] example of local government autonomy waning. And we saw that with the BC housing legislation.

[46:41] And that's a concern. We're impacted significantly with 78% in our agriculture, which already prohibits

[46:48] our ability to make land use and densification and taxation decisions.

[46:54] This worries me a little bit, so I appreciate staff's work.

[46:58] I'm eager for this roundtable conversation.

[47:02] I just think more work needs to be done as we move forward on this.

[47:06] So thank you, I don't see any additional comments, so we will call the question all those in favor,

[47:12] and that carries.

[47:14] Thank you. We'll now move on to a very different topic,

[47:17] but still a direct award, clothing donation bins.

[47:19] Yes, thank you,orship. No slides with this one, but the purpose of this report is to provide council

[47:24] with an update on clothing donation bins and seek direction regarding the temporary ban that was

[47:29] established by council resolution in 2019. So on January 15th of 2019, council adopted a resolution

[47:35] directing staff to seek the removal of clothing donation bins within the city and place a temporary

[47:41] ban on such bins until they're determined to no longer pose a threat to public safety.

[47:45] The resolution was a pass following reports of safety incidents involving these bins, including incidents with individuals becoming entrapped while attempting to retrieve items from inside the bins.

[47:58] Earlier this year, the Pit Meadows Firefighter's Charitable Society expressed an interest in locating a clothing bin at the Pit Meadows Fire Hall as a fundraising initiative.

[48:07] The proposed bin would be operated by a third-party textile recycling company that advises its donation bins are designed and

[48:14] and certified to meet current safety standards.

[48:17] As noted, Council's 2019 resolution established a temporary ban until such time as the bins are determined to be no longer posing a threat to public safety.

[48:25] While the intent of the resolution is clear, it is not identified who specifically is responsible for making that determination.

[48:31] Based on improvements in clothing, donation, and been designed in the availability of models, incorporating anti-entrapment safety feature staffer of the opinion that the continuation of the prohibition is no longer warranted.

[48:42] So, accordingly, it is recommended that Council rescind the January 15th, 2019 resolution.

[48:49] Thank you, Your Worship.

[48:50] Great.

[48:51] Any questions through to staff?

[48:53] Councillor Hayes.

[48:54] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[48:56] Through the Mayor to a direct award.

[49:00] A couple of questions come to mind, and one is, is there a number, a maximum number of

[49:07] been allowed within the means of the city of Pettinados.

[49:13] Through the mayor, there's not.

[49:15] There is not.

[49:16] And does staff have the authority to designate which location may receive a clothing bin?

[49:25] Through the mayor, we would rely on our zoning bylaw in that regard.

[49:30] So these types of clothing bins would typically be associated with commercial or institutional properties, for example.

[49:34] So that would be the guidance in terms of the location of those.

[49:38] But there isn't a specific this property here, that property there, more specific.

[49:42] Okay.

[49:43] Thank you.

[49:45] There is a recommended motion.

[49:48] Moved.

[49:48] Second.

[49:49] I'll call to question all those in favour.

[49:51] Any opposed?

[49:52] That carries.

[49:53] Thank you.

[49:54] We will now move on to I3.

[49:55] This is Councilor Paulus, CC113, airport board appointments, and we're going to go over to

[50:01] CAO Mark Roberts.

[50:04] Great, thank you Madam Mayor. Can you hear me okay?

[50:06] We can, thank you Mark.

[50:08] Perfect. So the purpose of this report is to predict Council and policy meant to guide future

[50:14] appointments to the Pitnettos Airport Society board and directories.

[50:19] The Pitnettos Airport Society governs the airport with the cities of Pitnettos and Maple Ridge serving as its two members.

[50:25] on it is decided by which is included as an attachment B, a six-director board

[50:32] governs the organization with each city appointing three directors to show

[50:36] equal representation. Each director serves a four-year term that expires on January 31st

[50:44] of the year following a local government election, appointing cities may

[50:48] remove replace or reappoint a director of their discretion given council the

[50:53] ability to conduct a mid-term recruitment process.

[50:57] Attacking an A is a draft policy for council's consideration that establishes a form of

[51:03] recruitment process for the airport board, creating a clear, transparent and

[51:07] competency-based framework for future members.

[51:12] The retinent policy does the following.

[51:14] It conforms to the existing society by law.

[51:18] The establishes a transparent, merit-based, and competency-based appointment process.

[51:23] It confirms that council may appoint council members,

[51:27] C staff, or members in the public.

[51:30] Reserves one city appointment for the chief

[51:33] administrative officer role to support continuity

[51:35] and the city's decided relationship.

[51:38] It identifies the desired core competencies,

[51:41] provides for open or targeted recruitment process,

[51:45] promotes board of governance continuity

[51:47] but offering the opportunity to stagger

[51:49] or point and expire a date.

[51:50] mandates, mandates a midterm recruitment process during each council in turn, and a science

[51:57] policy administration to the courtroom officer.

[52:01] If council approves this policy tonight, legislative services and communication staff recording

[52:06] a recruitment process every four years beginning at the midpoint next council term in 2020.

[52:13] So that's a quick overview of the draft policy for council's consideration and we have the two answer any questions.

[52:20] Great. I'll open it up for any questions first. Councillor Elkie.

[52:27] I have a good question. I do recognize that this is a regional airport and that's why Maple Ridge has equal interest in this for representation.

[52:40] However, this airport is in our community and impacts our residents.

[52:47] Do you see that changing in the future?

[52:50] Or is this the way it is?

[52:52] You know, I'm just wondering about that from your opinion.

[52:56] Thank you.

[52:56] Through the Americans.

[52:57] It's a question.

[53:00] No, I'm not sure.

[53:01] I don't see that changing.

[53:02] I know through my conversations with CAO Hartman in the past.

[53:07] Mayper Bridge definitely sees the airport as an economic driver for the entire region,

[53:12] including Mayper Bridge.

[53:14] So I believe through those conversations that there's likely or unlikely to be any movement

[53:21] from the member bridge being part of the airport society.

[53:27] I don't see any further questions.

[53:30] So we do have a recommended motion.

[53:33] It's been moved.

[53:34] Has it been seconded?

[53:35] Any comments?

[53:37] Councillor Elkie.

[53:38] I have a lot to say about the airport and Mr. Roberts disappeared but I think he's still

[53:44] there.

[53:45] Okay, great.

[53:47] You know, I thought a lot about this today and then had a conversation with my son about

[53:53] this very topic.

[53:54] He got his training at YPK and other airports and so it was great to wake him up, he's got

[54:01] his first job flying in Ontario and I will come up for a conversation about Council tonight

[54:06] So it's part of his job as my son and I'm wondering if I can make an amendment on this tonight or send it back to staff

[54:15] or whatever makes sense, but I was thinking as we grow as the airport really changes from what it was many years ago,

[54:24] we really need that aviation expertise and I was thinking that not all originally I was thinking

[54:31] You all, everybody needs to have an aviation background for this board.

[54:35] But perhaps we put something in there that 75% of the board have that aviation background.

[54:42] And there's so many sectors we could include as well.

[54:45] There's, you know, the training schools, there's the private, there's military, there's, you know,

[54:52] floats and aviation related businesses to be represented at the board level.

[54:58] And then those remaining positions can, we can draw upon the finance sector, the business sector,

[55:04] that are listed in this report. But for me, I really feel that importance of that aviation

[55:12] lens as we grow that, you know, sometimes that's just not transferable. Like all of those issues that,

[55:21] those with that aviation experience would understand, I think that's really important to take us to

[55:26] next level.

[55:29] Thank you. I'm going to go to CAO Roberts. As we do see in nine desired

[55:37] competencies, I think that's where Councilor Elkie is sort of addressing or alluding to,

[55:44] is that aviation or airport operations skill set or focus or experience. I'll say I'm a little

[55:54] We're still apprehensive of getting a percentage, or however, because it's dependent on applicants.

[56:00] So could this be handled in the process, or let me go over to a CO Robert, if there's something, and then we can go open to Council.

[56:10] Thank you Madam Mayor, and to Councillor Elkie.

[56:14] My suggestion is similar to the mayor's, that we don't establish a specific percentage, because we never know exactly who might apply for the positions.

[56:23] I think what might satisfy that comment is under Section 9.1, where it says Council will consider the following competencies when evaluating candidates.

[56:33] We could add with the preference given to aviation expertise.

[56:38] And then that would be an easy amendment to the policy of Council thought that was appropriate.

[56:43] And then as I form selection committees in the future,

[56:48] the selection committee can certainly look for that expertise

[56:53] to be a predominant expertise within the airport board

[56:58] if that works through council and council.

[57:03] So I can go over, I believe you were the original, maybe not.

[57:08] We'll look for amendment, a friendly amendment.

[57:11] I'll go over to our corporate officer in terms of how to address that.

[57:15] If Council's interested, they could move a motion, I would suggest A, to amend 9.1 to add

[57:23] those words to the end of that opening sentence and then to approve the policy as amended.

[57:28] Okay, would you like to move that?

[57:30] Yeah, I would.

[57:32] Would anybody like to second that?

[57:33] It's been seconded.

[57:34] Okay, so we have that amendment added to the recommended policy.

[57:38] Okay, so that amended policy or the recommended policy with the amendment is currently on the table.

[57:44] Any additional comments?

[57:47] With that, I'll call the question, all those in favor.

[57:50] Any opposed?

[57:50] That carries.

[57:51] Thank you.

[57:52] Thank you, Sierra Roberts.

[57:53] We will now move on to bylaws and permits.

[57:56] We are over to manager Gamperl.

[57:59] Welcome.

[58:03] Good evening, Mayor and Council.

[58:06] I'm here to present the fireworks and pyrotechnics bylaw, which clarifies regulatory framework for

[58:11] fireworks and pyrotechnics. The current bylaw was adopted in 2015 and has since been

[58:16] amended. A review of the bylaw particularly its regulatory clarity and enforcement provisions

[58:23] was included as an initiative in the building and bylaw services division 2026 business

[58:28] plan. The proposed bylaw updates terminology, definitions, legislative references, and administrative

[58:35] provisions to better align with the current provincial and federal legislation and current

[58:41] industry practices.

[58:43] It maintains the city's longstanding prohibition on consumer fireworks, while continuing to allow

[58:50] proficiently supervised displays and pyrotechnic events by special permit.

[58:56] It modernizes the regulatory framework, improves clarity, aligns with current legislation and industry

[59:02] standards, and strengthens administration and enforcement.

[59:07] The proposed revisions include clarifying the prohibition on consumer and prohibited fireworks

[59:13] including sales, possession, storage, and discharge, providing a limited exception for

[59:19] people lawfully transporting consumer fireworks through pitmattos, provided the fireworks

[59:25] are securely stored and are not sold, stored or used within the city.

[59:30] At clear restrictions on preparing or discharging fireworks and sky lanterns on highways

[59:35] and in public areas.

[59:39] Strengths enforcement by requiring a person and law-falling,

[59:43] stirring, or discharging fireworks to surrender them while maintaining authority to cease fireworks

[59:48] in certain circumstances, like on a highway or in a public place. Updating the special event process

[59:55] for this Play Fireworks and Pirates.

[1:00:00] Authorities authority to impose permit conditions and to suspend or revoke permits when there are public safety or compliance concerns, and updates operational requirements for permitted events to reflect current certification requirements and industry standards. The Bible notice enforcement amendment by law updates the offense descriptions and section references references so it aligns with the new firework and pyrotechnics by law. It also updates

[1:00:29] It's associated by, I know, this penalties to $500, which is the maximum permitted under provincial legislation.

[1:00:37] This includes contraventions, such as possession or use of fireworks or sky lanterns,

[1:00:43] operating a display firework or fire technique event without a permit,

[1:00:48] failing to surrender fireworks when directed,

[1:00:51] failing to comply with a special permit, and

[1:00:54] failing to comply with a fire chief order.

[1:00:57] The city's approach remains education and voluntary compliance, consistent with the city's

[1:01:03] complaints and by law enforcement policy.

[1:01:06] Ahead of Halloween, staff use city communication channels to remind residents that the consumer

[1:01:12] fireworks are prohibited.

[1:01:14] On Halloween night, by law services and the RCMP conduct proactive patrols and respond to

[1:01:20] complaints as resources permit, while fire and rescue services remain available for fire

[1:01:26] and public safety incidents.

[1:01:28] For the 2026 Halloween season, vital services, fire, and the RCMP will review their operational

[1:01:36] coordination and identify opportunities to strengthen patrol and enforcement.

[1:01:42] With that, staff has the following recommendations, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

[1:01:47] Thank you very much.

[1:01:48] I'll open up for any questions.

[1:01:51] Question, Councilor Meachan.

[1:01:52] Thank you, Madam Mayor, through the Mayor to manage you, Gampry.

[1:01:58] I just wonder, in the past couple of years, we've had by-laws cellular wording, making

[1:02:07] it illegal to discharge fireworks in the city of Pit Meadows.

[1:02:10] Unfortunately, one of the single sources of fireworks sales in the city of Pit Meadows

[1:02:15] is not within our jurisdiction at San Bonson Road.

[1:02:20] So folks do go there.

[1:02:21] they do buy the fireworks, they put them in their vehicles, and they take them home, and most

[1:02:26] of us are aware that on two nights a year, at least, those fireworks are discharged within the

[1:02:31] city of Potematos, and I wouldn't want to be the by-law officer that tries to step into a group

[1:02:38] of 50 or 60 to confiscate said fireworks, but as a matter of interest, have you any numbers or statistics on

[1:02:49] the number, perhaps, or an average number of fines or fireworks that have been confiscated

[1:02:55] in previous years?

[1:03:00] Thank you very much for the question and through the merit.

[1:03:02] We don't have those specific statistics with us this evening, unfortunately.

[1:03:06] But I believe the number of fines have been quite low and the number of confiscations have

[1:03:11] even been lower.

[1:03:12] Again, it's been focused on those proactive patrols and education, generally speaking, on a

[1:03:19] Halloween night to your point, Councillor Meachan, when by-law services or even the RCMP

[1:03:23] for that matter attend and there's a large group of individuals that are discharging,

[1:03:28] they'll use their lights, their vehicle to flash and to disperse the crowd.

[1:03:32] So it's very, very difficult to issue fines in those circumstances and also very difficult

[1:03:37] to confiscate.

[1:03:39] All of that being said as manager, Jim Pearl noted, we are going to be reviewing those operational

[1:03:44] plans with the RCMP fire services and of course our by-law team coming into this Halloween season.

[1:03:51] We do recognize that there probably are ways and opportunities to strengthen the visible

[1:03:57] presence of public safety officers, protective services within the community on Halloween and that's

[1:04:04] what we'll be looking to do coming into this Halloween season. Thanks. I'm glad to hear that.

[1:04:08] I understand how difficult it is.

[1:04:11] Most people in pit metas with pets will thank you if they can control some of this.

[1:04:17] But good luck.

[1:04:19] I think the reality check is somebody's going to let fireworks off.

[1:04:24] But I'm glad to hear that there's a liaison going on and that perhaps some education and reinforcement will be a little bit greater this year.

[1:04:35] Good luck. Thank you.

[1:04:38] So there is a recommended motion.

[1:04:42] It's been moved, seconded, any additional comments?

[1:04:48] Just thank you.

[1:04:49] We know this is a tricky one.

[1:04:50] We know we're not alone.

[1:04:52] This is a common amongst all the communities I used to work.

[1:04:58] That was the worst shift is when you worked.

[1:05:00] Halloween night.

[1:05:01] I can see our fire chief nodding.

[1:05:03] Or you just hope for rain on Halloween night.

[1:05:06] maybe at about 8 p.m. or so let the little ones out. But thank you and I think the

[1:05:14] opportunity for coordinated presence and action will be great. With that I'll

[1:05:20] call the question all those in favor. Any opposed? That carries. Thank you. We'll

[1:05:24] now move on to J2. That's our tree management bylaw. I'm going to go over to our

[1:05:29] environmental planner Mike Pym. Welcome.

[1:05:45] Good evening.

[1:05:47] Mayor McDonnell and Council appreciate the opportunity to present tonight on the proposed

[1:05:53] pre-management by-law.

[1:05:58] Pre-outline to go over the background for the by-law interim tree management by-law implementation

[1:06:04] as well as the community engagement from earlier this year.

[1:06:10] Proposed key by-law revisions as well as those revisions that pertain to tree protection

[1:06:16] permission permitting replacement requirements.

[1:06:20] And then we'll talk about go over next steps if Council was to adopt the tree management

[1:06:24] by-law and then staff recommendations.

[1:06:29] So earlier this year, March 3rd, Council adopted the ancient tree management by-law.

[1:06:34] It allowed staff to provide the community the opportunity to protect trees during the community

[1:06:40] engagement period through general maintenance requirements as well as development practices

[1:06:47] This is, it provided the opportunity for a permit process and enforcement process.

[1:06:53] And again, allowed us to implement the by-law.

[1:06:56] And just gauge how, how well it was working and see where improvements could be, could

[1:07:02] be made.

[1:07:03] Community engagement included a variety of notices after the adoption of the by-law through

[1:07:08] newspaper media, online, sorry, social media.

[1:07:13] We had an open house April 8th where 16 attendees were able to discuss with us, you know, different aspects of the by-laws as well as what we were proposing.

[1:07:26] We had a survey that ran from March 25th to April 26th with 50 responses.

[1:07:31] We attended the Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting on May 14th and resetted the engagement

[1:07:42] results and discussed the by-law proposed by-law options.

[1:07:49] And then throughout the interim true management by-law implementation, we spoke with a variety

[1:07:54] of residents, business owners, contractors, just through general inquiries, through permitting

[1:08:01] and some several enforcement compliance items.

[1:08:06] On June 9th, staff of the opportunity to attend

[1:08:10] the engagement priorities committee meeting

[1:08:12] and presented the engagement results

[1:08:14] and provided recommendations to be incorporated

[1:08:16] into the proposed by-law.

[1:08:19] And those recommendations have been incorporated

[1:08:20] into the proposed stream management by-law.

[1:08:26] So overarching key by-law revisions

[1:08:28] include the recognition for significant trees,

[1:08:33] identifying replacement values for trees of different sizes, so trees that are smaller,

[1:08:38] smaller canopy would have a lower value compared to larger trees, older trees with a higher

[1:08:45] canopy or larger canopy size. The proposed Bala has a 30% canopy cover target. This is in line with

[1:08:54] the urban forest strategy that identified the 30% canopy target for the urban containment boundary.

[1:08:58] What we heard was that residents wanted to make sure that the process for

[1:09:07] property maintenance would remain simple, so that was maintained for the proposed

[1:09:10] by-law.

[1:09:13] Cash and lieu values have now been really are now related to the

[1:09:19] canopy size, so small, medium and large, so smaller trees have a lower cash value,

[1:09:24] where larger canopy trees have a higher cash value.

[1:09:28] The canopy sizes, large

[1:09:30] mediums small, have comparable values, so there's an opportunity there to plant and recognize

[1:09:37] different values as property owners try to meet the replacement requirements, can't

[1:09:41] be requirements.

[1:09:44] Trees within the agricultural land reserve are still exempt where agricultural operations

[1:09:50] apply or are occurring, however we have added protection for trees within riparian areas

[1:09:57] is where those agricultural practices aren't occurring.

[1:10:01] This is in line with provincial requirements

[1:10:04] under the repair and area protection regulation.

[1:10:06] It's an added element that provides additional tools

[1:10:09] for staff.

[1:10:13] So specifically, we have additional protection measures

[1:10:16] for significant trees.

[1:10:19] They can be removed under a permit.

[1:10:21] However, they all have to be assessed

[1:10:24] whether it's for property maintenance or for development.

[1:10:26] And they have to be justified through that process.

[1:10:31] Securities are now based on the replacement value for the trees.

[1:10:35] So under the interim tree management

[1:10:36] bottle, there was a flat rate, regardless of the size of the tree.

[1:10:43] So now the replacement value comes into play for the securities.

[1:10:48] And if a tree is damaged, the replacement value

[1:10:50] is the value of that security.

[1:10:53] For property maintenance permits, as I mentioned,

[1:10:57] significant trees can now be removed.

[1:11:00] but require an assessment and a justification.

[1:11:05] The replacement values for trees are removed,

[1:11:09] currently under the interim tree bylaws on a one-to-one basis under the proposed bylaw.

[1:11:14] It can either be a one-to-one, two-to-one or three-to-one replacement value depending on the size of the tree being removed.

[1:11:21] There is an exemption for tree replacement where a property owner has already,

[1:11:27] or is achieving the 30% canopy cover target as dictated by the Urban Forest Strategy.

[1:11:34] So we want to recognize the efforts by property owners that are already contributing to that effort.

[1:11:43] For tree removal permits for development and for tree protection under development applications.

[1:11:48] Again, significant trees need to be assessed and justified for removal.

[1:11:53] Replacement for trees that are removed for development.

[1:11:57] require either 2 to 1, 4 to 1 or 6 to 1 replacement based on the size and again the replacement

[1:12:03] securities and tree protection are based on the size and the canopy for that for those trees.

[1:12:14] To help with the preservation and growth of the urban canopy, again the replacement values

[1:12:20] are up to 3 to 1 or 6 to 1 depending on the type of permit. The cash and lieu values have changed

[1:12:29] As mentioned, under the interim tree management by-law cash and lieu was a flat rate of $900

[1:12:34] for a property maintenance permit or $1,500 for a development permit, a development removal

[1:12:41] permit.

[1:12:42] Regardless of size, now the trees have a size value, 250 for a small canopy tree, 500 for

[1:12:49] a medium canopy tree, $1,000 for a large canopy tree.

[1:12:53] And as mentioned earlier, these different canopy size trees have a comparable value again to

[1:12:58] allow us to provide an opportunity for planting and meeting requirements.

[1:13:05] Where one item that is a bit different, so for the canopy requirement, sorry, we require

[1:13:11] a 30% canopy covered target for all developments, where these developments are not able to meet

[1:13:17] the canopy target of 30%.

[1:13:19] They can provide a cash and lieu value, however, there's a two times cost to that, so it's not

[1:13:24] just a straight.

[1:13:30] subject to council giving final reading to the proposed by-law. Staff will continue to work

[1:13:35] together to coordinate on administering the by-law as we have under the interim by-law.

[1:13:40] We will update our application form as well as the supporting information online as well as

[1:13:45] hard copies make sure everything's updating and relevant. We will review and amend policies and

[1:13:53] guidelines to make sure they meet the requirements of the proposed by-law, and we will continue to implement and monitor, sorry, monitor the implementation and resource requirements for implementing the by-law.

[1:14:06] And then, in approximately two years, depending on the number of permitting in the amount of what we see through the implementation, whether we need changes, amendments, we would report back to council within two years.

[1:14:23] recommendations are that Council grant first, second, and third reading is the Tree Management

[1:14:29] By-law number 3067-2026 and grant first, oh sorry, I'm going to backtrack. There was

[1:14:36] one item that we wanted to bring up in terms of the by-law and the enforcement by-law.

[1:14:41] That by-law will be updated to meet the new provisions in the new by-law. It's primarily

[1:14:49] numbering, but we're also making a proposal to amend the property maintenance by law.

[1:15:00] Management by-law, council identified a concern over dead trees in the community that aren't being managed. So while we are going through the implementation process for the interim tree by-law, we look for opportunities to address that concern. And we identified the property maintenance by-law as the better approach or better opportunity to address that. And in that by-law property owners are now required or would be

[1:15:29] required to remove dead trees in the event that they occurred.

[1:15:36] So, back to staff recommendations, the council grant first second and third readings

[1:15:41] to tree management by-law number 3067, 2026 and grant first second and third readings

[1:15:46] to property maintenance and by-law notice enforcement amendment by-law number 3069, 2026.

[1:15:53] Great.

[1:15:54] Thank you very much, Manager Pym.

[1:15:55] I'll open it up for any questions first.

[1:15:57] First, I'll go over to Councilor Evans.

[1:16:01] Yeah, hi.

[1:16:02] Quick question regarding the cash in lieu, the $255,500,000, just wondering how we came to

[1:16:08] those totals and how it is compared across the region in terms of other municipalities

[1:16:13] are surrounding.

[1:16:16] Through the Mayor to Councilor Evans, thank you for the question.

[1:16:20] The values for trees range anywhere from approximately $300 to $1,500.

[1:16:25] dollars. It's difficult to

[1:16:31] compare by-laws to by-law because of different replacement

[1:16:36] requirements, different tree securities, the financial aspect changes depending on

[1:16:40] what you're looking at. Some municipalities require 6-1-1-1. Some go well beyond 6-1

[1:16:45] replacement for trees. So where we came up with the 250-500-1,000 is we felt that

[1:16:53] that the, under the interim true by-law, the $900 and the $1,500 were somewhere in the realm of they were a little higher, I believe I mentioned that during the interim presentation.

[1:17:04] They were a little bit higher, and we felt that for a large canopy tree, $1,000 was probably right in the ballpark of where it should be.

[1:17:13] When we talk about small canopy trees, we're talking about ornamental trees, a little bit smaller, not quite providing the same value.

[1:17:19] So the reason for the $25,500 and $1,000 was based on the values those trees were providing in terms of shade,

[1:17:29] have attacked the storm water management of variety of factors, and with the replacement requirement.

[1:17:35] Under the bylaw, if a large canopy tree now is being removed, the replacement value is now $6,000 if it needs that.

[1:17:42] The significant tree category of greater than 70 centimeter DBH, so we can actually have a range of between 500 and

[1:17:49] $6,000 for replacement value depending on the size of those trees where 500 would be based

[1:17:54] on the size and the canopy class for an ornamental would be $500 where based on just the size itself,

[1:18:02] it would end up being closer to $6,000 for a significant tree being removed.

[1:18:06] Excellent, thank you. Yeah, that was one of my concerns was the cost of doing business and

[1:18:11] just paying it out, so I appreciate the amendments. Great, so there is a recommended motion. It's been

[1:18:18] moved. Second, any additional comments? I'll go to Councillor Evans.

[1:18:24] Just how excited I am that we did this. It's been a long time coming and I think, yeah,

[1:18:28] I'm really excited to see it go through. Hold on, thank you.

[1:18:31] Councillor Menny?

[1:18:32] Yeah, just a quick comment. Also, please with it. And thank you for including the issue

[1:18:38] about dead trees and dead bushes. That's really important that we look after those. Thank

[1:18:43] Thank you.

[1:18:44] Excellent.

[1:18:45] I'll call the question all those in favour?

[1:18:47] That carries unanimously.

[1:18:48] Thank you.

[1:18:49] We'll now move on to zoning by-law update, parking regulations, and manage all burn.

[1:19:06] Thank you and good evening, Mayor and Council.

[1:19:13] In, excuse me, in 2023, staff completed a review of the zoning by-law and recommended a

[1:19:18] series of updates to address identified gaps plus improved clarity and administration

[1:19:23] of the by-law.

[1:19:24] A number of those updates have been completed and a few others are forthcoming as outlined

[1:19:28] in the staff report.

[1:19:29] The set of updates addresses the 2023 recommendation to incorporate electric vehicle charging

[1:19:36] infrastructure requirements into the zoning bylaw as well as a few other parking-related

[1:19:40] updates that have since been identified, including new accessibility or accessible parking

[1:19:45] requirements, updating the commercial vehicle regulations, as well as a minor revision

[1:19:52] to the to the bicycle parking requirements and associated revisions to the

[1:19:58] Biola Notice Enforcement Biola to accompany these proposed changes.

[1:20:05] Starting

[1:20:05] with the recommendations for electric vehicle charging, the proposal is to add

[1:20:09] into the zoning Biola requirements for new developments to include rough ends

[1:20:13] of electrical connections that will support future installation of level two

[1:20:18] chargers by the property owners and residents. The change will not require the

[1:20:23] installation of the charges themselves.

[1:20:25] Since adoption of the 2022 official community plan,

[1:20:29] reference for electric vehicle charging facilities

[1:20:31] and new developments have been encouraged

[1:20:32] into the development permit guidelines.

[1:20:34] And this amendment, if adopted, would formalize

[1:20:36] and clarify that approach for residents and developers.

[1:20:40] Staff have reviewed the requirements

[1:20:41] of several other surrounding municipalities

[1:20:43] and are proposing to require one EV-ready space

[1:20:47] per dwelling unit.

[1:20:49] 50 percent of the required visitor parking to be EV ready for apartments and townhouses,

[1:20:56] and then for commercial industrial uses 10 percent of the required vehicle parking spaces

[1:21:02] to be EV ready.

[1:21:07] Few exemptions are listed for secondary and garden suites as these are often retrofitted

[1:21:12] into existing homes, and implementation of electrical rough ins could be impractical or disproportionately

[1:21:18] costly.

[1:21:18] Now looking at the proposed accessible parking requirements, similar requirements were included

[1:21:25] in the BC building code until they were removed in 2018. However, since then many development

[1:21:30] applicants have included them voluntarily in their proposals. In 2025, during preparation

[1:21:36] of the city's accessibility plan, the lack of accessible parking requirements was identified

[1:21:40] as a gap. So staff prepared the proposed accessible parking requirements with input from

[1:21:45] in the city's community support and accessibility committee

[1:21:48] at their May 23rd meeting.

[1:21:50] Also, comparison with other Metro Vancouver municipalities,

[1:21:53] and there's a table of comparison table attached

[1:21:55] to the staff report.

[1:21:57] We also looked at the city of Pimento's

[1:21:59] Adoptible Housing Policy,

[1:22:00] which includes recommendations

[1:22:01] for accessible parking stall counts

[1:22:05] for new apartment developments only.

[1:22:09] Incorporating requirements into the zoning by-law

[1:22:11] will set clear expectations for development applicants

[1:22:14] and support enhanced community accessibility.

[1:22:17] The proposed requirements include

[1:22:18] dimensional requirements as shown on the screen

[1:22:21] of 3.7 meters wide by five and a half meters long.

[1:22:25] And a minimum number of accessible spaces

[1:22:27] for new developments of apartments and townhouses

[1:22:30] plus a slightly different set

[1:22:31] for all commercial and institutional industrial uses.

[1:22:35] And I'll get to that in a minute.

[1:22:38] Exemptions are included for uses

[1:22:39] that are small-scale residential,

[1:22:41] that generate little or no public parking demand or anticipated to be low

[1:22:45] intensity and therefore generally provides efficient parking space already to

[1:22:49] accommodate accessible parking needs.

[1:22:54] As included in the bylaw this table lists

[1:22:56] the proposed accessible parking requirements with top residential uses that have

[1:23:01] common parking areas such as underground parking or surface collective surface

[1:23:05] parking areas and then other uses such as commercial and industrial uses would be

[1:23:12] subject to the requirements at the bottom of the table. So on the left side, it identifies

[1:23:16] if there's a certain number of required vehicle parking stalls, then on the right-hand side

[1:23:21] would be the aligned required additional accessible parking spaces. The by-law also

[1:23:30] requires at least one accessible residential visitor parking stall for developments of ten

[1:23:35] or more dwelling units, excuse me, which aligns with the current requirement of .2 visitor

[1:23:41] parking spaces per residential unit for residential developments.

[1:23:47] The zoning by-law amendment also proposes changes to the commercial vehicle parking

[1:23:51] regulations for residential properties to clarify and improve their administration.

[1:23:56] As shown, the amendments include attaining a limit of one commercial vehicle per dwelling

[1:24:01] unit, parked on a residential lot, increasing the maximum permitted license gross vehicle

[1:24:07] weight from 4,600 kilos to 5,500 kilograms. In the Biola currently it has 4,600 kilograms

[1:24:17] of gross vehicle weight but fortunately that's hard to administer because it changes based

[1:24:22] on how much fuel is in the tank and other aspects and you need to assess it with scales.

[1:24:27] If we use licensed gross vehicle weight then that's a registered gross vehicle weight so

[1:24:31] so that's much easier to enforce,

[1:24:34] and it's more predictable for residents

[1:24:37] and owners of these vehicles or drivers of these vehicles.

[1:24:41] It will continue to prohibit large commercial vehicles,

[1:24:43] such as box trucks and heavy-duty trucks

[1:24:46] on residential properties that will permit

[1:24:49] construction vehicles over 5,500 kilograms,

[1:24:51] so if it's needed for construction purposes

[1:24:55] or maintenance or repair.

[1:24:58] And again, this aligns with surrounding neighborhoods

[1:25:00] standards and the updated weight also aligns with modern contractor vehicles

[1:25:06] that we see some residents driving more, for example, wanting to park in the

[1:25:10] drivers.

[1:25:13] Lastly, the proposed amendment includes removing a maximum limit for

[1:25:16] vehicle parking storage rooms to allow developers more flexibility and to

[1:25:21] determine the anticipated need. That said, bicycle storage minimum requirements are

[1:25:25] unchanged and will still apply to all new developments. And lastly, as mentioned, the

[1:25:30] The attached amendment by-law also includes updates to the by-law notice enforcement by-law

[1:25:35] to reflect these proposed changes to the zoning by-law and aid their enforcement administration.

[1:25:42] In alignment with the requirements of the local government act, and as outlined in the staff

[1:25:46] report, these amendments have been reviewed in relation to provincial policy manuals for transit-oriented

[1:25:50] areas and small-scale multi-unit housing.

[1:25:52] Staff believe the amendments are in keeping with the applicable guidelines and therefore are recommending

[1:25:56] that no further consideration of these provincial policies manuals is required at this time.

[1:26:01] As mentioned, these proposals, those amendments are intended to address identified gaps plus

[1:26:06] clarifying and help with the administration of the by-law, therefore staff are recommending

[1:26:11] council consider first and second reading and then direct staff to proceed to public hearing

[1:26:15] at an upcoming council meeting.

[1:26:17] Thank you and I'm happy to answer any questions.

[1:26:20] Thank you very much, Manager O'Burn, I'll open up for any questions, I'll go to Councillor

[1:26:24] O'Connor.

[1:26:25] Thank you.

[1:26:26] parking my favorite thing. Is there going to be more power available if there's

[1:26:33] any multi-family units being built in Pip Meadows?

[1:26:39] Through the American

[1:26:39] Council of Connell, we understand that BC Hydros is continuing to work on their

[1:26:45] reviews and they're planning for dealing with the additional loads associated with

[1:26:51] the small scale multi-unit housing and I understand our various engineering

[1:26:56] departments across the lower mainland have been in touch with Hydro on several of these matters.

[1:27:01] Okay the only reason is I live obviously in a condo and we don't have any more power. We have one

[1:27:09] outlet in our entire building and we can't put any more else in any out there and we can't even

[1:27:15] put in heat pumping heat pumps into our building because of the lack of power. So I mean I love these

[1:27:21] initiatives don't get me wrong, but I think that Hydra shouldn't have been ahead of the

[1:27:27] game and put some upgrades in. I have a few other comments when it's the comment time.

[1:27:33] I'll wait and save this. Thank you. Any additional questions?

[1:27:38] No, so I'll look for a mover. It's been moved and seconded. Any comments? Go to Councillor

[1:27:43] O'Connell.

[1:27:44] So I'm going to do a little bit of a rant because I'm a little disgusted with some building

[1:27:53] that's occurring in the community and everyone knows I met Starbucks.

[1:27:58] The construction people that are working on that site down there actually now are using

[1:28:03] the handicap parking spot at times.

[1:28:05] They bring in the supplies and then they hang the handicap sticker in their windows of their

[1:28:10] vehicle.

[1:28:10] There's one parking space, one handicapped parking space available for all those things.

[1:28:17] And there's like, you know, chiropractor, et cetera in front of it.

[1:28:21] I know we can't control, but we need to do something.

[1:28:25] Like it's ridiculous that all these construction vehicles are taking up parking spaces.

[1:28:31] Anyways, it's my rant about for handicapped.

[1:28:34] If we're going to supply it, I think that it should be there for them.

[1:28:37] And maybe that's something we need to look at if we ever get the opportunity to revise

[1:28:42] the parking lots in the malls.

[1:28:46] The other thing is, I'm noticing more and more commercial vehicles that are too big

[1:28:51] to park on the property than they park on the street.

[1:28:55] And there's a number of streets and I know we only act on by law if there's a complaint.

[1:29:02] But there is a number of people that are scared to complain to us because of the fact that

[1:29:07] they'll have retaliation from the neighbors and that's wrong that we live in a society

[1:29:12] in a community that forroads my favorite because they just don't understand that it's

[1:29:18] not this parking on the street is not permitted for commercial vehicles so there's got to be

[1:29:23] something we can do whether it's doing a drive around in the day or after I'm finished

[1:29:29] Council and I become the crazy lady that reports people all the time. Oh, I do it now. So

[1:29:37] anyways, it's just a frustration and and I know that a number of people have said that to me.

[1:29:44] The other thing I'm going to bring up and I it's to do with parking but someone

[1:29:49] was told that we no longer paint the yellow lines just to prevent people from parking too close

[1:29:55] to a corner, I don't believe that.

[1:30:00] There's got to be a restriction on how, is it true that we don't do that? Oh, how, how nice is that? So, okay, thank you for that information. I'm going to go over to direct reward. I do think there's a few, I see a manager of burn writing down. So maybe some items we could take offline. I'm not aware of some of these that then we can investigate further. But I'm going to go to director. Yes, thank you, your worship and thank you, Councillor Connell. So yes, manager of burn is taking some notes here. I'll just a couple of points.

[1:30:29] on street parking is regulated through the highway and traffic bylaw, what council is considering tonight are amendments to the zoning bylaw, which would regulate onsite parking and commercial vehicles.

[1:30:39] I think you understand that just making sure that's clear, but yes, there is a prohibition that you cannot park a commercial vehicle exceeding 4,600 kilograms.

[1:30:48] So we'll have to look at possibly updating that in the future to align with our proposed zoning bylaw on highways that are continuous with properties other than industrial.

[1:30:56] So, yes, that is, but quite, quite right, our complaints in bylaw enforcement policy

[1:31:01] does speak to primarily being complaint driven.

[1:31:04] That being said, parking enforcement is generally one of those pieces that is a little

[1:31:07] bit more proactive.

[1:31:08] So, that's certainly something we can take away and discuss internally on whether we can

[1:31:11] be a little bit more proactive on that contravention of the highway and traffic bylaw.

[1:31:18] As it relates to the painting of curves, yes, it is our understanding that the engineering

[1:31:23] operations department prefers not to do the yellow paint anymore because of ongoing maintenance.

[1:31:28] The preference in the circumstances where warranted is to install signage because it requires less

[1:31:34] long-term maintenance. So looking at those hotspot areas where the yellow curving is potentially fading

[1:31:39] and looking to use no parking signage as an alternative to the yellow curve painting.

[1:31:45] Thank you. I don't see additional comments.

[1:31:51] It's on the floor or on the table.

[1:31:54] It's already moved in second.

[1:31:56] Yeah, I'll call the question.

[1:31:57] All those in favor?

[1:31:58] Any opposed?

[1:31:59] That carries.

[1:31:59] Thank you both very, very much.

[1:32:03] And now we'll move on to J4.

[1:32:04] This is the Official Community Plan Amendment by-law,

[1:32:07] the North-Lowheed Area Plan.

[1:32:08] And I'm going to go over to Director Award.

[1:32:10] Great.

[1:32:10] Thank you very much, your worship.

[1:32:12] And this is the last report on the agenda from our team.

[1:32:15] This evening, we've had a busy summer.

[1:32:16] And but we thought it was important to bring these priority items to council early in the fall.

[1:32:23] I just wanted to express my gratitude to Mary Council for expressing their appreciation to staff for all of their hard work particular this summer got to worry we did manage to get some vacation in there as well.

[1:32:34] In addition to the authors of these reports just want to also acknowledge that the efforts of the staff reports on the agenda this evening are really corporate wide across the entire organization fire services was instrumental in some of these documents.

[1:32:45] was heavily involved, of course, with the tree management

[1:32:48] by-law.

[1:32:49] Also, I want to thank our corporate officer and Deputy

[1:32:51] Corporate Officer.

[1:32:51] They review all of the by-laws.

[1:32:53] So Kate had a number of by-laws to review on her first day

[1:32:56] of vacations.

[1:32:57] She got through it swimmingly.

[1:32:59] And we're proud to present these by-laws that have had her,

[1:33:01] keen eye, and review on them.

[1:33:03] So we can say with confidence what we're

[1:33:05] presenting to Council this evening have had thorough reviews

[1:33:07] and thorough work done.

[1:33:08] So thank you for indulging me as I express my appreciation

[1:33:11] to the staff team and to Council.

[1:33:13] Council. This final item is for Council to consider official

[1:33:16] community plan amendment by line number 3060 which would incorporate the proposed

[1:33:19] north low heat area plan into the city's official community plan. My

[1:33:23] presentation this evening will probably be briefer than this project merits but I

[1:33:27] also recognize that council has received recent presentations and reports on

[1:33:30] this on May 12th in July 14th recently. With that the north low heat area plan is

[1:33:35] 50 hectares inside or about 125 acres in size located on the north side of the

[1:33:43] traditional and unceded territory, and as a site of long-term case, the use and occupation.

[1:33:48] It has been the subject of various agricultural land commission approvals and area planning

[1:33:52] initiatives over the past number of years. As a gentle reminder, an area plan is a community

[1:33:57] planning tool that provides a roadmap for how an area or neighborhood may evolve and grow over time.

[1:34:02] Through its integration into the city's official community plan, it helps to establish the vision,

[1:34:06] priorities, and policy framework that would guide future land use and development, while providing the

[1:34:10] flexibility on how individual projects are designed and may proceed.

[1:34:15] In terms of the more recent background, on May 12th, the 2026 Council was presented

[1:34:20] a draft area plan and directed staff to proceed with public engagement at that time.

[1:34:24] That draft area plan was informed by the extensive planning and engagement work undertaken in

[1:34:28] 2019 and 2020, including the area plan presented to Council in 2020.

[1:34:33] That work, of course, built upon all the past studies and work that had done before that.

[1:34:37] It also was informed by further input from government agencies, interest holders and

[1:34:41] KC for station, as well as policy plans and assessments that have been developed since

[1:34:46] 2020 like the city's climate action plan and active transportation plan.

[1:34:50] On July 14th of 2026, Council received at the engagement priorities committee meeting a

[1:34:56] report on the results of the 2026 committee engagement heard from a number of residents

[1:35:00] through that process via an open house and an online survey.

[1:35:04] And that report included recommended revisions to the area plan moving forward.

[1:35:09] And those revisions have been incorporated into the document as outlined in attachment B to the staff report.

[1:35:16] Official Community Plan Amendment by law number 306-060, which is before Council this evening, if adopted, would add the proposed north low heat area plan to the city's official community plan as the policy framework for future land use development decision making within this area.

[1:35:29] The proposed area plan covers a wide range of policy areas as identified on the slide.

[1:35:34] The

[1:35:38] land use concept, it includes housing, commercial and employment uses along with public

[1:35:43] parks, open spaces and community uses.

[1:35:46] The land use concept illustrates the intended general mix and location of uses within

[1:35:51] the north low heat area.

[1:35:53] Land use boundaries are conceptual and may be refined through future planning and development

[1:35:57] of approvals to address cultural and heritage considerations and environmental features for

[1:36:02] the technical studies and infrastructure requirements.

[1:36:04] with the view to remain consistent with the overall vision and policies of the area plan.

[1:36:09] It has noted that the employment residential area, which is that blue hatched area, which

[1:36:14] is intended to permit either employment or residential uses a bit of flexibility, was

[1:36:18] included following the July 14th EPC meeting, again, as identified in the Concordants table

[1:36:23] in attachment B of the report.

[1:36:28] As alluded to, following the July 14th EPC meeting, revisions have been made to the area plan.

[1:36:34] And this slide covers just some of the highlights.

[1:36:37] Again, I'll refer to attachment B,

[1:36:39] which provides a concordance of the recommendations

[1:36:41] that were provided at the EPC meeting

[1:36:42] and the subsequent revisions,

[1:36:44] or in some cases, communications that have been provided

[1:36:46] subsequently.

[1:36:48] So some of the key revisions are that we've added

[1:36:50] additional explanatory text throughout the area plan

[1:36:53] as a communication tool includes items

[1:36:55] such as the history of the ALR exclusions,

[1:36:57] the development processes, the role of other organizations

[1:37:00] and levels of government in delivering community amenities associated with development.

[1:37:05] The revised area plan also includes the road network concept which is an excerpt from the

[1:37:09] city's official community plan so nothing new just taking an image from the existing official

[1:37:13] community plan and identifying that conceptual road network. It also clarifies that healthcare

[1:37:18] uses are permitted within the area plan. All that the word healthcare uses wasn't specifically

[1:37:22] identified in the earlier version of the draft. Of course those would be always envisioned to be

[1:37:27] within this area, we've clarified that by including those as permitted uses within the area plan.

[1:37:32] We've also included a three-story building height limit adjacent to the residential stradded development to the east of the area plan.

[1:37:38] That's the Dorado development.

[1:37:40] There was previously policy language in the draft area plan that contemplated appropriate transitions and height limitations within that area.

[1:37:47] We've been more specific now by establishing a maximum three-story building height limit immediately adjacent to that development.

[1:37:53] And we've added additional policies to provide a framework for considering additional retail

[1:37:59] and service commercial uses in the future.

[1:38:01] And as it relates to that point, I just struck Council's attention specifically to policy

[1:38:04] 3.14 of the area plan.

[1:38:07] It was established to which establishes criteria for considering additional retail and service

[1:38:11] commercial uses in the employment or the employment residential areas, including their compatibility

[1:38:16] with the area plan's vision, the existing and plan commercial area, phasing considerations,

[1:38:21] urban design and transportation network considerations.

[1:38:25] Relatedly policy 3.15 was added to establish

[1:38:28] the additional requirements for development application,

[1:38:31] proposing such additional commercial uses,

[1:38:33] including additional community consultation,

[1:38:36] a master plan development,

[1:38:37] and supporting retail and market employment

[1:38:39] and transportation assessments.

[1:38:41] The purpose of these policies is intended to facilitate

[1:38:43] the future consideration of additional retail

[1:38:45] and service commercial uses without establishing detailed

[1:38:49] form or scale of development at this particular stage.

[1:38:52] Future zoning and development approvals can further regulate matters such as the types

[1:38:56] of commercial uses of floor areas and specific unit sizes.

[1:39:02] Including the report, our number of procedural items for council's consideration.

[1:39:06] The first being consultation with external organizations back in May when council directed staff to proceed

[1:39:12] with community engagement.

[1:39:13] We referred the area plan to a number of external agencies and organizations.

[1:39:16] It is recommended that we re-refer those, the area planned to those organizations in advance of the public hearing should council grant first and second reading this evening noting that a referral to the agricultural land commission is required legislatively as this proposal currently does apply to agricultural land noting that it has been conditionally excluded from the agricultural land reserve.

[1:39:37] There's also context and information in the report with respect to the consideration of the provincial policy manuals overall and staff's view this north low heat area plan aligns with the provincial policy manuals and further counsel for the consideration of these policy manuals is not required at this time.

[1:39:53] The provincial legislation also requires when amending an official community plan related to housing that council consider its most recent housing needs report, the interim housing needs report identifies the need for approximately 1500 new housing units in the municipality across the next five years, of course the North low heat area plan with the proposed approximate 2000 building units would help to contribute to addressing these housing needs.

[1:40:14] Finally, legislative council must consider its financial plan and waste management plans

[1:40:18] when considering an official community plan amendment.

[1:40:21] Again, staff do not see any challenges in relation to the financial plan or waste management

[1:40:27] plans, and as outlined in the staff report.

[1:40:33] Just before turning to next steps on this project, I just will remind council that in staff's

[1:40:38] opinion, the North Lockheed Area plan does bring a number of potential benefits to the community,

[1:40:42] including a variety of housing options, more housing and employment close to transit along

[1:40:48] low-heat highway, new spaces for businesses and jobs to grow property tax diversification,

[1:40:54] opportunities to reduce congestion on some of our major transportation works, an agricultural

[1:40:58] benefit, including improved safety through traffic calming on Old Duney trunk road, which would

[1:41:02] happen in connection with the construction of the North Lowheed connector, as well as improve

[1:41:07] north-south community with connectivity, rather, with a pedestrian and cyclist overpass

[1:41:12] across low-heed highway.

[1:41:15] In terms of next steps, should council adopt the recommendations this evening, most immediate

[1:41:20] next step would be the scheduling of a public hearing and following the public hearing council

[1:41:25] would be in a position to consider third reading and adoption of the official community plan

[1:41:29] amendment.

[1:41:30] Should the official community plan amendment bylaw ultimately be adopted and the north-lowheed

[1:41:35] area plan ultimately be adopted. The area plan outlines a number, a number of implementation

[1:41:40] steps that are intended to follow. They cover areas such as heritage and cultural management,

[1:41:45] more work on the financial strategies to ensure that community amenities can be provided through

[1:41:50] future development, additional work on transportation and servicing requirements, addressing the ALC's

[1:41:56] exclusion conditions, and working with Metro Vancouver Regional District to amend the regional

[1:42:02] growth strategy to include these lands within the or in containment boundary.

[1:42:06] Following those implementation steps, development could follow, development would follow, likely.

[1:42:13] And development would be considered through future council decisions, through rezoning

[1:42:16] development permits and building permit applications. Sorry, council doesn't consider building permit

[1:42:20] applications, but those would also follow. And of course, servicing would be addressed through

[1:42:25] development further as well, through servicing agreements where the city takes engineering

[1:42:30] engineering plans and cost bonds and is able to ensure that the appropriate service

[1:42:34] is delivered in association with new development.

[1:42:38] With that, we have several recommendations for Council this evening.

[1:42:41] I don't dare to read them all for you.

[1:42:43] They've been kind of highlighted already and further explained in the staff report and I hope

[1:42:48] they speak for themselves at this point in time based on the presentation of the staff

[1:42:50] report.

[1:42:51] But I'm happy to take any questions or worship.

[1:42:52] Thank you.

[1:42:53] Great.

[1:42:53] Thank you very much.

[1:42:54] Director Wardle, open up to Council for any questions at this time.

[1:42:57] I don't see any questions.

[1:43:00] You're going to move it.

[1:43:02] Do I have a seconder?

[1:43:02] It's been seconded.

[1:43:03] Any comments?

[1:43:05] Councillor Manning.

[1:43:09] Through the Maritime Director Ward.

[1:43:12] The primary justification by the Agricultural Land Commission to remove this land is the traffic

[1:43:18] calming and bypass improvements intended to reduce conflicts between commuter traffic and

[1:43:24] agricultural vehicles.

[1:43:25] While these improvements may offer some benefit in the short term, I do not believe they

[1:43:31] provide sufficient compensation for the permanent loss of agricultural land.

[1:43:36] My concern is that the traffic assumptions underlying this proposal have already changed

[1:43:42] significantly over time.

[1:43:44] Population forecasts, travel patterns, and traffic volumes are not static, and this development

[1:43:50] will take years to fully build out.

[1:43:51] The result is that we are being asked to remove land from the ALR based on transportation

[1:43:58] projections that may no longer be valid by the time the project is complete.

[1:44:03] We will have traded a permanent asset for a temporary transportation benefit.

[1:44:09] I am also deeply concerned about the precedent that this sets.

[1:44:12] For generations, low heat highway has served as a clear boundary between the urban and rural

[1:44:18] communities.

[1:44:18] That boundary has provided certainty and has helped protect agricultural lands from incremental expansion.

[1:44:26] Once development crosses that boundary, it becomes increasingly difficult to defend the land's adjacent.

[1:44:33] Future applications will inevitably, inevitably, point to this decision to just as justification for pushing development further into the rural area.

[1:44:43] History shows that agricultural land is rarely lost all at once.

[1:44:48] It's lost one exception at a time.

[1:44:51] British Columbia already has a limited agricultural land base and in an era of

[1:44:56] Bye.

[1:45:00] And increasing pressure on farmland, we should be extremely cautious about approving any removal unless the public benefit is overwhelming and enduring. In my view, that threshold has not been met. The transportation benefits are uncertain. The loss of ALR land is permanent. And the president created by crossing the low-heed boundary could place additional agricultural lands at risk in the future. For these reasons, I will not be supporting

[1:45:29] this motion. Councillor Meaghan.

[1:45:38] Thank you. My comments to the

[1:45:40] Mayor with great respect that I have for my colleague and makes them really relevant points

[1:45:48] in regards to loss of agricultural land. He's quite correct. And I understand that when

[1:45:56] you start doing one thing, it often leads to creep in other areas. And none of us want

[1:46:02] to see that. As regards to the low heat being a natural, a boundary for agricultural land

[1:46:10] north of the low heat, it's already been developed. There's a golf club, a golf course,

[1:46:17] and there are significant golf courses north of the low heat, and also there's a community

[1:46:22] called Dorado that's north of the low heat. For my point of view, this has been before

[1:46:28] Council for decades, and in the entire time I've spent on Council it is this keeps coming

[1:46:35] back and back from staff and the staff have done a remarkably good job in meeting solutions

[1:46:43] to some of the major concerns that have been raised by current residents living the north

[1:46:51] side of the low heed. And to that point, this city has just been awarded in 2026 the

[1:47:00] Globe and Mail number one small community in all of Canada. And we enjoy it because

[1:47:06] it is that. And this council, previous councils have done their best to maintain the quality

[1:47:12] of life as we know it today. And it's becoming increasingly difficult when pressures are

[1:47:18] placed on us by provincial governments in particular to meet certain housing criteria,

[1:47:23] 1,500 homes over that period of time, there is nowhere in the pit meadows we can build 1,500 homes.

[1:47:30] It simply isn't available.

[1:47:32] This is the last opportunity we have in terms of a major development meeting the needs of

[1:47:37] this city for the future.

[1:47:41] I'm happy that our staff is doing a good job in making sure that the quality of this

[1:47:46] project will indeed ensure that there's mitigation for all the concerns as many as possible

[1:47:55] that have been raised by our community in the last couple of years as this continued

[1:48:00] to move forward. I am particularly happy to see the fact that we recognize the traditional

[1:48:06] lands of KC First Nation and that we've actually met and discussed this in great detail with

[1:48:13] Casey First Nation, but we've also met and discussed it in great detail with the residents

[1:48:17] about community.

[1:48:20] So from my point of view, as long as this is done right, and we do follow our own guidelines

[1:48:27] and ensure that the quality of life for the number one community in Canada is maintained,

[1:48:33] which will come down the road as things develop.

[1:48:35] I understand that, but I will be supporting this tonight.

[1:48:39] And I appreciate the amount of detail once again, put forward by staff, which helped us make move this decision further forward.

[1:48:49] I think that's it for me, thank you.

[1:48:52] Councillor Elkie.

[1:48:54] Thank you, through the mayor, really appreciate my colleagues' opinions on this.

[1:49:00] And I think we've landed at a really good place, I think we've had this discussion for almost two decades.

[1:49:08] or at least I've been part of this discussion for almost two decades and so

[1:49:13] this you know what my colleagues are saying that that's we've heard this at

[1:49:18] a public hearing that was very well attended and I think I want to lean on staff

[1:49:23] to comment on on this next part this land that we are talking about at the time

[1:49:30] back in 2011 perhaps we were talking about is this land

[1:49:35] farmable in that corridor. It was concluded at that time that it was not

[1:49:43] ideal performing. You know I do recognize um what my colleague is saying

[1:49:48] though and and it's very important to this this council that we protect

[1:49:53] farmers and do what we can for them. The transportation um at that time

[1:49:58] was brought up then too, that this is something that we can do for farmers.

[1:50:04] The other reality that we are facing within our community is the lack of growth that we've

[1:50:09] had over the years.

[1:50:10] We need to think about that in the coming years, sources of income, taxation, otherwise

[1:50:16] the burden is going to fall on residents.

[1:50:19] So what can we do in the meantime around that and it's, so it's not just the transportation

[1:50:27] benefit here, it's the jobs, it's the services, the opportunities for that balanced taxation that we're going to see from this project.

[1:50:38] I do want to also acknowledge Kate's time.

[1:50:42] They've spent a lot of time as well as the staff consulting, reading the reports, meeting with staff and it's been incredibly respectful.

[1:50:53] I thank you, staff, for your time and the respect that you've moved forward with this.

[1:51:02] I feel that we have really landed on a really good project here that's balanced with some

[1:51:08] housing, some commercial.

[1:51:10] It's got all of the pieces there to it.

[1:51:14] Is it perfect?

[1:51:15] Probably not.

[1:51:17] You know, are we going to make everybody happy with this?

[1:51:19] definitely not. But I think we're getting there and I support the revisions that are

[1:51:27] before us on the table here. I think that's what's up there on the screen. And definitely

[1:51:34] moving forward to a public hearing. Again, we've had several over this process, but really

[1:51:39] hearing from residents now, how are they feeling about this? Thank you.

[1:51:46] Keltz-Ravens.

[1:51:48] Thank you.

[1:51:49] This is a hard one for me.

[1:51:51] I talk about losing sleep.

[1:51:52] I've lost a ton of sleep on this one.

[1:51:54] Because I feel like we've talked about this for 41 years,

[1:51:58] apparently.

[1:51:59] And I mean, that's like most of my life.

[1:52:01] It's the last literally.

[1:52:04] It is one of the last areas left for growth in pitmeadows.

[1:52:07] I think that's why it's so important that we don't just get it right.

[1:52:10] We get it perfect.

[1:52:11] We talk about unintended consequences.

[1:52:14] having guardrails. I think I'm where a councillor is supposed to be in this process. I'm keeping an open mind.

[1:52:22] I have concerns. One of those about preserving the charm and character of pit meadows. I have no intention of losing the strong sense of community that makes pit meadows a special place to live.

[1:52:33] I've always said that well development is sometimes necessary and inevitable.

[1:52:36] It must be done thoughtfully and with the long-term interests of our community in mind, I also have concerns about the loss of agricultural land.

[1:52:44] If the land is removed from the ALR, I believe there needs to be a clear and compelling benefit to the agriculture that justifies that decision.

[1:52:51] But I also believe that our best decisions come when we collaborate and that a meaningful public engagement is paramount, especially on this project.

[1:53:00] So tonight, I will be voting forward to go forward to the public hearing because I want

[1:53:05] to hear from our residents, again, going in with an open mind.

[1:53:12] I think there's any additional comments on what a Councillor O'Connor will say.

[1:53:19] I first of all will say I will always support this project.

[1:53:25] I have been on council for a few years and I brought this up before.

[1:53:33] Or the night that the Bachman's came because they had to hire security because they couldn't move their hay on them will do need because of the traffic and you know that to me was a failure on city of

[1:53:50] paid metals to the thawkman farm.

[1:53:53] I was disgusting.

[1:53:55] I travel, oh, dude, me at least four times a week.

[1:53:59] I'm very minimum, and I know I could use low heat,

[1:54:02] but I don't like low heat highway.

[1:54:04] It's just too busy for me, and I watch the hay trucks

[1:54:09] going down, I watch the other, the tractors and stuff,

[1:54:13] and I watch the irritated drivers who pass people,

[1:54:17] it's unsafe.

[1:54:18] I know the winter time, the number of accidents we have on that road.

[1:54:23] And because it's the type of highway provision, it is, we have no, we cannot slow the traffic to 30 kilometers an hour on that road because we wanted to do that years ago.

[1:54:34] We do not have the authority to do that on that road.

[1:54:38] That was why the low heat connector was so important.

[1:54:41] And I'm recognizing the fact that we're taking a piece of land that is currently hate,

[1:54:48] used for hay growth, it's a pie-shaped piece of land, and that's the way the road was

[1:54:53] going to be constructed, the low-heed connector.

[1:54:57] I'm going to acknowledge that because that is, haying is recognized as farming obviously.

[1:55:03] I think that with what we've come, how we've landed, how we've dealt with Casey on this,

[1:55:09] has been remarkable.

[1:55:10] I can't, as Councillor O'Kee say, I just can't see enough about our staff and how hard everybody's worked on this.

[1:55:18] This is not just a project that's thought of today that's just taken out of the ALR that's never ever was like that.

[1:55:25] It was never thought about that the public hearings we had on it was always that was so important to all of us.

[1:55:32] But I think the park family farm and the day it was the park family farm.

[1:55:39] it's not that way anymore. We've had a number of problems on that property through the years,

[1:55:44] as the farm is not decreasing. I think that I agree with Councillor Manion about worrying about

[1:55:53] the slippery slope, but it was always said that there was a line that we were going to draw on,

[1:56:00] that was the connector road, and I always had hoped that people would respect that, and that's

[1:56:06] the way it's going. There's other property in behind the gas station that there's a lot

[1:56:13] of pressure on that owner too with that property because it's not farmed but it's partially

[1:56:19] in the LR. They split the property into two pieces and it's going to be, it'll be coming

[1:56:25] up and that'll be something future councils will have to deal with. But I will absolutely

[1:56:31] We support this and in my heart of hearts I hope that the decision is a clear decision on what we're doing in the community, not a political decision and that's my concern because it's so close to the election.

[1:56:46] Thank you.

[1:56:50] Thank you. I don't see any additional comments. I'll just make a couple to reiterate what my colleagues have said.

[1:56:57] huge thank you to staff. This staff and previous staffs, I'm sure, but it's been a it's been a lengthy process and I do believe the north low heat in some pieces have been since in 41 years is essentially I do just want to recap that there's three portions to the north low heat area plan and one portion is excluded completely.

[1:57:25] one has a conditional exclusion of an initial zoning to commercial, and then there is the conditional exclusion with the roadway, primarily.

[1:57:37] So we talk about it as one, but I do want to remind, and I respect all the opinions here, and that's how we make good collaborative and informed decisions.

[1:57:49] some of those developments nearby, such as Dorado or the Nissan, different were in those original exclusions.

[1:57:58] They just got to the gate quicker.

[1:58:03] So here we are trying to look at a really holistic, beneficial development to the community of pet meadows.

[1:58:11] And I appreciate the comments regarding agriculture.

[1:58:14] I believe Pemetos, absolutely, with almost 78% agriculture is doing some incredibly heavy

[1:58:23] lifting for food security and agriculture in the region.

[1:58:31] And I believe we'll continue to do so.

[1:58:33] I understand the comments of slippery slope.

[1:58:35] I don't think it's that slippery when it's been 41 years.

[1:58:39] And this is a fight to get this to where it is.

[1:58:43] And I understand why, because we're trying to do the best job.

[1:58:47] I know if I was involved in the future, this would be it.

[1:58:51] We're not going further north.

[1:58:53] And I think we've seen that natural line.

[1:58:56] Again, there's a number of things around or along that low heat highway as well.

[1:59:01] And we're seeing the need for transit, that transportation corridor,

[1:59:05] that residential housing, that education, that commercial, the economics.

[1:59:10] So I think it's trying to look at the most beneficial for all the pieces.

[1:59:15] So, again, I appreciate all the comments and just the collective work that's gone into this and what I foresee, and I think it's really nicely summarized in here, is the multitude of benefits with this kind of plan for the community.

[1:59:32] So I will be supporting the current motion and moving it forward to hearing.

[1:59:39] So with that, I don't know if there's any additional comments.

[1:59:42] I will call the question all those in favour, any opposed, and that carries.

[1:59:47] Excellent.

[1:59:48] Thank you, staff.

[1:59:49] With that, we're going to move on to our council liaison reports, but we'll go to question and

[1:59:54] comment first.

[2:00:00] Would like to speak during the last question, comment, period, please take a moment to add your name to the list and identify which item you'd like to speak to, recognizing that any comments made during question, comment, period, do become part of the public record. Thank you. Great. I'll start on my left with Councillor Connell.

[2:00:16] I've had a few meetings, food bank, et cetera. It was a lovely AGM for the Chamber of Commerce at the Hobcock Farms. It's just amazing.

[2:00:29] to me that the great turnout, even in how hot it was that day, but it was good. And most

[2:00:36] of Council, I believe, was there. I don't read it anyways. That's it for me. Thank you.

[2:00:42] Thank you. Councillor Hayes. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I thought I'd start off with

[2:00:49] a mention about the Pit Meadows Library. You're even wearing your tie, I noticed. Go

[2:00:59] I was honored to present at this year's Fraser Valley regional library summer reading club awards ceremony held at our pit medals library.

[2:01:10] We were thrilled to have over 100 children and young people attend the event and receive their medals.

[2:01:16] I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the FBRL staff who work so hard to organize this year's summer reading club program and the Pitt Middle Library medal ceremony.

[2:01:29] In addition, the parents, grandparents, family members and everyone who encouraged our young readers throughout the summer, thank you.

[2:01:37] And most importantly, on behalf of Mayor and Council, I want to congratulate all of our summer reading club award participants.

[2:01:45] And also early in August, Councilor Meachan and I attended the first annual Afro Heritage Festival held at Maple Ridge Memorial Peace Park.

[2:01:57] There were lots of colorful entertainment and flavorful assortment of food throughout the day.

[2:02:03] This event was established to bring our communities together to celebrate the wonderful richness, diversity, and contributions of those of African descent.

[2:02:13] And finally, recently in August, Councilor Evans and I enjoyed a wonderfully historical

[2:02:19] time at our first annual Pit Meadows Museum Festival, which celebrates the heritage and

[2:02:26] history of this beautiful community of Pit Meadows.

[2:02:30] The homemade ice cream and butter was delicious, and that's it.

[2:02:34] Thank you.

[2:02:35] Councilor Evans, I believe I wasn't here at the last meeting, but I'm going to go over

[2:02:41] the blueberry festival because it was great to see it back after the return of several

[2:02:47] years away.

[2:02:47] The turnout and enthusiasm made it pretty clear this was a tradition our community was

[2:02:51] ready to welcome back.

[2:02:53] It was lovely.

[2:02:54] There were vendors, games, activities, opportunities to learn about blueberries, pit

[2:02:58] metal's heritage.

[2:02:59] The highlight for me was the blueberry eating contest, honestly.

[2:03:03] You should have seen it.

[2:03:04] There was blueberries.

[2:03:05] There was whipped cream on a plate.

[2:03:07] 20 participants in two different rounds, crowd doing a countdown, people cheering it on,

[2:03:13] I have a video I can share later.

[2:03:16] And I just think that events are like, events like this or what communities about bringing

[2:03:19] people together, supporting local businesses, celebrating our agricultural heritage, it's

[2:03:24] really what makes pit Meadows pit Meadows, I was happy to see it back.

[2:03:27] I also attended the Hopcott anniversary barbecue on August 7, it was packed, it was absolutely

[2:03:35] and it was great.

[2:03:37] Photobus, tasting live music,

[2:03:38] or tastings, live music, face painting,

[2:03:40] local vendors, plenty of family fun.

[2:03:43] I especially love ceiling.

[2:03:44] There was a charity dunk tank

[2:03:46] raising money for the Ridgebittos

[2:03:47] searching rescue.

[2:03:49] And I just think it's a really great way

[2:03:50] that they're celebrating by giving back to our community.

[2:03:53] They're just a wonderful part of our community.

[2:03:55] For generations, they build a successful business

[2:03:58] while continuing to give back.

[2:04:00] And so happy anniversary to them.

[2:04:03] Lastly, looking forward to attending the Labor Day barbeque hosted by the

[2:04:06] New Westminster and District Labor Council upcoming this weekend, public

[2:04:10] work staffs, first responders, health care workers, teachers, tradespeople, so

[2:04:14] many others are the people who keeps our communities running every day. And events

[2:04:19] like these are a good reminder that our community is built by those people who

[2:04:22] work hard, serve our neighborhoods, contribute in so many ways. Labor Day just

[2:04:26] gives us a chance to recognize them.

[2:04:29] Thank you.

[2:04:29] Keltzer menu.

[2:04:34] Yeah, I attended the P&E Pit River Stock Club

[2:04:40] for each club annual show and sale.

[2:04:43] And the reason why I highlight that

[2:04:44] is that there are so many of the young men and women

[2:04:46] from the Pit Meadows area that are showing there

[2:04:49] and showing off their skills.

[2:04:51] And it's really inspirational to see them and to talk to them.

[2:04:57] they are so knowledgeable at that particular age. I just, you know, I don't want to be a

[2:05:02] downer, but I am very saddened that about half of them do not have direct access to farmland

[2:05:10] and because they, you know, they don't live on farms now. And so they have to, you know,

[2:05:17] big borough and steal the opportunity to have their animals housed. And the unfortunate issue is

[2:05:25] that with the high cost of farmland,

[2:05:26] they will never be able to attain to be farmers,

[2:05:30] even though they would make tremendous farmers.

[2:05:32] But otherwise, they're very enthusiastic

[2:05:35] and do a great job in the meantime.

[2:05:37] Thanks.

[2:05:37] That's a Councilor of Mission.

[2:05:39] Thank you Madam Mayor, all the above events we've been to.

[2:05:43] And in 1968, there was a song called Windmills of Your Mind,

[2:05:48] talk about music.

[2:05:49] And the line says, why did summer go so quickly?

[2:05:52] was it something that you said and indeed it went awfully quickly and I managed to get

[2:05:58] to every one of the summer's aeronaves and it was so well attended the last one was absolutely

[2:06:05] packed outside you could not get a space the entire circle was filled with seats and people

[2:06:11] and a lot of dances to which gave us some ideas for next year they were really good and so

[2:06:18] So I want to just give a shout out online tonight, if you're listening, to Bruce James and

[2:06:24] Andrea Flello, who actually do all the inviting of bands and musicians to the city of Pit

[2:06:29] Meadows.

[2:06:30] And this was the 16th year in a row that they've done that.

[2:06:35] So many thanks to both Bruce and Andrea for all that hard work.

[2:06:40] And if you get here early enough and you see the amount of work that goes into setting up

[2:06:44] for a 20-piece orchestra in that area over there, it takes hours and then getting the sound

[2:06:52] checks done and so it's a lot of dedication and some of these musicians are professional musicians.

[2:06:58] They make their living doing this, so we're very fortunate to have these events in the city of

[2:07:14] And not just summer.

[2:07:15] Why don't we do this in other times

[2:07:17] of the Christmas perhaps Thanksgiving even, who knows?

[2:07:21] But very popular, I enjoyed it.

[2:07:24] We didn't lose one to weather this year.

[2:07:26] So everything went off smoothly.

[2:07:29] And that's it for me, thanks.

[2:07:31] Thank you.

[2:07:31] I thought you were starting with events from 1968.

[2:07:34] I got a little worried.

[2:07:37] Councillor Elkie.

[2:07:38] Yeah, summer did go fast.

[2:07:40] And all the sudden, it's cold and dark today.

[2:07:42] But we did enjoy some ice cream today, some banana splits with the seniors today on Tuesday,

[2:07:49] and a farmer's market is still on for a few more weeks, isn't it?

[2:07:53] I think it goes sometime in September, and of course the kids are back to school,

[2:07:59] so it's a really good time to be aware of your driving and slow down in those school zones,

[2:08:04] and if anybody from the States is watching, we are darn proud of our cadets.

[2:08:10] That's all I've got to say.

[2:08:12] Good job, Tracy.

[2:08:15] Thank you very much.

[2:08:16] I'll go over to Ms. Barchard on our question comment.

[2:08:19] We have no further speakers.

[2:08:21] Great.

[2:08:21] With that, I will adjourn this evening's meeting.

[2:08:23] Thank you.

Public Council Meeting

Transcript