DISTRICT OF SICAMOUS
Minutes of a Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Council of the District of Sicamous held at the District Office, November 10th, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Chairman, His Worship Mayor M. MacLeod Councillor F. Busch Councillor H. deWit Councillor C. Hutchinson Councillor L. Miller Councillor D. Richardson Councillor J. Silva
STAFF: Chief Administrative Officer A. Harris Manager of Works and Services G. MacDonald Community Planner S. Noakes Deputy Manager of Corporate Services M. Geall, Recording Secretary
GALLERY: 4 people and 1 member of the media
Call to Order: Mayor MacLeod called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Delegation:
JAMIE WORCESTER, Mr. Shane Dugus advised that he is the solicitor representing Mr. 94 MONTCALM Worcester and said he was present to assist the applicant, noting that CRESCENT – APPLICATION FOR despite staff’s good intentions, Council may not be aware of all the DEVELOPMENT details of the proposal. Mr. Dugus said the proposed building will be an VARIANCE PERMIT improvement to the property and distributed various pictures of similar structures in the community. He said that Mr. Worcester wishes to demolish existing accessory structures and be able to store items in the proposed building. Mr. Dugus admitted the proposed structure is industrial looking in nature and distributed concept drawings of the proposed building inclusive of screening and landscaping. He said the proposed building will allow the owner to clean up the property which is beneficial. Mr. Dugus distributed additional material to Committee members and noted that neighbouring property owners have no objection to the proposal.
9:10 a.m. The delegation has left the meeting and the second delegation entered the meeting.
NEIL MILLAR, VINCO Mr. Millar, representing Vinco Holdings (Waterway Houseboats), HOLDINGS – 01 MERVYN reported that Vinco wishes to expand their dock to allow them to operate ROAD – DEVELOPMENT PERMIT the houseboat business more efficiently. Mr. Millar reported that approvals have been received from Transport Canada, Ministry of Environment, ILMG and DFO. Committee members asked several questions relating to parking, easement, walkway, and detail of the proposal.
Introduction of Late There were no late items presented to the Committee. Items:
November 10th, 2010 2 Committee of the Whole Minutes
Agenda Approval:
10-411 M/S Councillors Hutchinson, Silva THAT: AGENDA APPROVAL the Committee of the Whole Meeting Agenda for November 10th, 2010 be approved as circulated. Carried
Matters Arising Out of Delegations:
DEVELOPMENT The Administrator requested ratification of Council’s decision to reject VARIANCE PERMIT – 94 the application for a Development Variance Permit for 94 Montcalm MONTCALM CRESCENT Crescent. Committee members discussed the application for a Development Variance Permit and rationale as to why it was initially rejected.
10-412 M/S Councillors Richardson, Miller THAT: DEVELOPMENT Council re-affirms its previous decision to reject the Development VARIANCE PERMIT – 94 MONTCALM CRESCENT Variance Permit application by Mr. James Worcester for property located at 94 Montcalm Crescent. Carried
Business Arising:
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT – The Community Planner reported the applicant is proposing to construct 01 MERVYN ROAD a portion of the previously approved development at 01 Mervyn Road in order to meet environmental standards and to provide a more efficient business operation. He said at present the applicant would like to extend the houseboat dock, construct the elevated walkway to the dock and to re-position the guest services float into its final position. The Community Planner referenced his report which stated the subject property is zoned Comprehensive Marine Resort Residential (CDZ.13- CMRR-01), which allows for the proposed use. It is also designated as a Development Permit Area in the Official Community Plan (OCP) for the form and character of commercial and residential development and for the protection of the natural environment (Mara Lake and Sicamous Creek). A Development Permit is therefore required to be approved by Council prior to commencement of the proposed site development. The previously approved Development Permit (File 06-150-DP) applied to the entire development, while the applicant is now proposing only a portion of the development to be built at this time. This new Development Permit is necessary to address only the components of the development now proposed.
The staff report stated the subject property is divided by Highway 97A on the north end of the 2-Mile area on Mara Lake, with Sicamous Creek being located to the south of the property. The OCP designates the subject property as Waterfront and it is zoned Comprehensive Marine Resort Residential. The property is within the Waterfront Development Permit Area for form and character and Watercourse Development Permit Area for the protection of the environment. The properties to the south are zoned Single Family Residential (R1/2), to the east Country Residential (CR) and Mobile Home Residential (R4), and to the north Small Holdings (SH). The applicant has moved its houseboat operations from the environmentally sensitive and constricted Sicamous Channel to this location. The applicant has previously provided the November 10th, 2010 3 Committee of the Whole Minutes
information required to address the environmental considerations of the entire development proposal regarding restoration of the foreshore habitat and meeting the environmental regulations of the Federal and Provincial agencies.
The Community Planner reported the current proposal is a small component of the overall previously approved development. The applicant is proposing to construct a portion of the houseboat dock consisting of the elevated pier (120 feet), the elevated ramp (40 feet) relocate the existing dock (160 feet) and add a 160 foot dock extension. The total length of the dock structure proposed at this time is 480 feet and it will accommodate 74 houseboats. The dock is proposed to be extended a further 160 feet at a later date and this overall length was previously approved by Development Permit 06-150. The 480 foot dock structure will allow the applicant to eliminate houseboat storage onshore which is an environmental benefit. The applicant is also proposing at this time to move the guest services float into its final position adjacent to the houseboat dock. It is not proposed to construct the guest services building on the float at this time.
10-413 M/S Councillors Silva, Miller THAT: DEVELOPMENT PERMIT – Council authorize the issuance of a Development Permit for the 01 MERVYN ROAD property legally described as Lot 1, Sections 19 and 30, Township 21, Range 7, West of the 6th Meridian, KDYD, Plan KAP86301, located at 01 Mervyn Road, subject to the following:
1. The houseboat dock, guest services float and parking be developed in general compliance with attached Schedule A- 1. 2. A Utility Easement be registered in the name of the District of Sicamous for the sewer collection system; 3. A Statutory Right-of-Way is registered for a waterfront walkway in the name of the District of Sicamous;
AND THAT issuance of the Development Permit be withheld until:
1. The receipt of $125 per boat slip as per the District’s Fees and Charges Bylaw and/or a renewable letter of credit; 2. That a Section 219 Covenant be registered against the property restricting the houseboat marina being developed until parking is provided in accordance with Schedule A of Development Permit 06-150 and restricting the development of the residential marina until the start of the development of the residential units; 3. The District has been notified that the houseboat dock has been allowed to proceed pursuant to Transport Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Environment and Integrated Land Management Bureau Regulations; and, 4. The District has been notified by the Ministry of Environment and Department of Fisheries and Oceans that a Qualified Environmental Professionals Assessment Report has been received and that the houseboat dock is allowed to proceed as per Section 4(2) or (3) of the Riparian Area Regulation. Carried
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9:52 a.m. The delegation left the meeting.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Committee members received a report from the Director of Financial GRANT – EAGLE VALLEY Services advising the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Grooming Society SNOWMOBILE CLUB submitted a late application for a Community Service Grant in the amount of $15,000. She advised that as the District has not finalized the grant application, in part due to the anticipated application from the Sicamous & District Museum and Historical Society, staff are reluctant to recommend approval at this time. The Director of Financial Services suggested Council consider the application from the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Grooming Society after April of 2011.
Committee members discussed the late grant application, noting that the Society is requesting $3,000 for operating costs and $12,000 for future capital replacement costs. The Administrator reported that the Museum is currently reviewing costs for the proposed relocation to the new District Office and will have costs available in two to three weeks. Committee members discussed various aspects of the application.
10-414 M/S Councillors Miller, Hutchinson THAT: DEFEATED The District of Sicamous provide the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Grooming Society with a $3,000 Community Service Grant for operating costs and allocate $12,000 in reserve funds for the future replacement of the snowmobile grooming machine. Defeated Opposed: Councillors Busch, deWit, Hutchinson, Miller, Richardson and Silva
10-415 M/S Councillors deWit, Miller THAT: COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT – EAGLE VALLEY The District of Sicamous approve a $3,000 Community Service SNOWMOBILE CLUB Grant to the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Grooming Society for 2011. Carried Opposed: Councillor Busch
10:15 a.m. Mayor MacLeod called for a ten minute recess. 10:25 a.m. Mayor MacLeod reconvened the meeting.
COLLECTION AND Committee members received a copy of a draft Collection and Disposal DISPOSAL OF SOLID of Solid Waste and Recycling Bylaw. Committee members discussed WASTE AND RECYCLING BYLAW NO. 804 the merits of the proposed bylaw, negative comments received by some Council members, lack of favourable response, the potential of increased tipping fees, seasonal residents, and the requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as required by Bill 27. The Administrator reported speaking with the District of Invermere who has curbside garbage and recycling collection at a cost of $156.00 per year per household. He noted the demographics of Invermere are similar to Sicamous in that 60% of their population are residents from Alberta. He said there is no discount for seasonal residents. Considerable discussion ensued. The Administrator reported that Council may consider a referendum in 2011 in conjunction with the next General Local Election.
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10-416 M/S Councillors Richardson, Hutchinson THAT: DEFEATED The District of Sicamous Collection and Disposal of Solid Waste and Recycling Bylaw No. 804, 2010 be forwarded to Council for consideration of three readings. Defeated Opposed: Councillors Busch, deWit, Hutchinson, Miller, Richardson and Silva In Favor: Mayor M. MacLeod
MAYOR’S REMARKS Mayor MacLeod reported that under his authority pursuant to Section 131 of the Community Charter, he has requested the District’s bylaw to prohibit smoking in District parks be re-considered by Council at tonight’s Regular Council Meeting.
Councillor Silva reported that he is unable to attend tonight’s Council meeting and wished to make his views known. He said he supports the proposed bylaws to prohibit smoking in District parks as it is beneficial to the community as a whole. He indicated that smoking in District parks may be self-regulating, however, the bylaws provided the Enforcement Officers with a method to deal with the problem should the need arise. Councillor Silva said adopting these bylaws is good, responsible government.
COUNCIL INFORMATION Committee members received the Council Information Package dated PACKAGE November 10th, 2010 for information.
SHUSWAP TRAIL Committee members received correspondence dated October 28th, 2010 ALLIANCE from the Shuswap Trail Alliance requesting a donation of up to $500.00 to cover expenses for Phil McIntyre-Paul to attend a National Trail Leadership Round Table seminar scheduled from November 23rd to November 25th, 2010 in Banff, Alberta.
10-417 M/S Councillors Miller, Hutchinson THAT: DONATION – SHUSWAP The District of Sicamous provide a donation of $250.00 to the TRAIL ALLIANCE Shuswap Trail Alliance to assist expenses for Phil McIntyre-Paul to attend a National Trail Leadership Round Table seminar scheduled from November 23rd to 25th, 2010 in Banff, Alberta. Carried
GEOSCIENCE BC Committee members received correspondence dated November 1st, 2010 from Geoscience BC regarding Geoscience: The Roadmap to Economic Strength – Data for Discovery. This new initiative is aimed at increasing economic activity in British Columbia by the generation and marketing of high quality, readily accessible, geoscience information which is integral to encouraging exploration investment and resource development in BC. The initiative is a five year program designed to continue GBC’s work to stimulate mineral exploration investment and support energy development.
10-418 M/S Councillors Busch, Silva THAT: LETTER OF SUPPORT – The District of Sicamous provide a Letter of Support to Minister Pat GEOSCIENCE BC Bell, Minister Randy Hawes and Minister Bill Bennett in support of the initiative by Geoscience BC as outlined in their letter of November 1st, 2010. Carried November 10th, 2010 6 Committee of the Whole Minutes
In-Camera:
10-419 M/S Councillors deWit, Silva THAT: MOVE INTO Pursuant to Section 90(1)(k) of the Community Charter, the IN-CAMERA 11:11 a.m. Committee of the Whole move In-Camera. Carried
10-421 M/S Councillors Busch, deWit THAT: MOVE OUT OF The Committee of the Whole move out of In-Camera. IN-CAMERA 11:35 a.m. Carried
Adjournment:
10-422 M/S Councillors Hutchinson, Richardson THAT: ADJOURN the Committee of the Whole Meeting of November 10th, 2010 be adjourned at 11:35 a.m. Carried
Certified Correct:
______Chairman, Mayor M. MacLeod
______Clerk
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