North Coast Regional District Regular Board Meeting Agenda Friday, August 14, 2020 7:00 PM Held by Teleconference: 1-877-385-4099
Access: 3761822#
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1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Call to Order 1.2 The North Coast Regional District acknowledges the traditional territory of the Haida and Tsimshian on which this meeting takes place.
2. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS) 2.1 Adoption of Agenda
"That the Board resolves to adopt the August 14, 2020 North Coast Regional District Board Regular meeting agenda as presented/amended as follows:"
3. BOARD MINUTES & BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 3.1 North Coast Regional District Board Regular Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2020 6 - 13
"That the Board resolves to adopt the July 17, 2020, North Coast Regional District Board Regular meeting minutes as presented/amended." Regular Board Meeting Minutes - 17 Jul 2020
4. STANDING COMMITTEE / COMMISSION MINUTES - BUSINESS ARISING 4.1 Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Electoral Area Advisory Committee held 14 - 16 July 23, 2020.
"That the Board resolves to receive the July 23, 2020, Electoral Area Advisory Committee meeting minutes as presented." Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting - 23 July 2020 - Minutes
5. DELEGATIONS
6. FINANCE 6.1 S. Landrath, Treasurer – Supplier Payments over $5,000 for July, 2020 17
"That the Board resolves to receive the report entitled "Supplier Payments over $5,000 for July, 2020" for information." A1_Supplier Payments over $5000-July 6.2 S. Landrath, Treasurer - 2019 Statement of Financial Information 18 - 55
"That the Board of the North Coast Regional District approve the 2019 Statement of Financial Information as presented." A1_2019 SOFI Staff Report A2_2019 SOFI Package
Regular Board Meeting Agenda August 14, 2020 Page 1 of 150
7. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - COVID-19 Related Measures Act 56 - 57
"That the Board receives correspondences from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding "COVID-19 Related Measures Act (Bill 19)" for information." 2020.07.17 MMAH - Joint Letter Signed Final 7.2 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and UBCM - Economic Recovery 58 - 77 and UBCM Response to Building BC’s Recovery, Together
"That the Board receives correspondences from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities regarding "Economic Recovery and UBCM Response to Building BC’s Recovery, Together" for information." 2020.07.31 MMAH - Economic Recovery Engagement Process 2020.07.31 UBCM - Building BC's Recovery Together 7.3 Haida Gwaii Protocol Table - Restoring Place Names 78 - 82
"That the Board receives correspondences from the Haida Gwaii Protocol Table regarding "Restoring Place Names" for information." 2020.07.17 Restoring Place Names - All Island Protocol Table Letter CHN1NameDraftMap - North CHN1NamesDraftMap - South CHN1NamesDraftMap-All 7.4 Northern Health - Fall 2020 Northern Health and Community Stakeholder 83 Meetings
"That the Board directs staff regarding potential scheduling of Fall 2020 Northern Health and Community Stakeholder Meetings at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2020 Convention." 2020.07.21 Northern Health - Fall 2020 - Northern Health and Community Stakeholder Meetings 7.5 Pacific Northern Gas - PNG West Transmission Line – Salvus to Galloway 84 - 90 Upgrade
"That the Board directs staff regarding consultation of the Pacific Northern Gas West Transmission Line – Salvus to Galloway Upgrade project." 2020.07.30 Pacific Northern Gas - PNG West Transmission Line – Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Fact Sheet July 30 2020
Regular Board Meeting Agenda August 14, 2020 Page 2 of 150 7.6 Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department Society - 91 S elf Contained Breathing Apparatus Replacemen t Project S elf Contained Breathing Apparatus Replacemen t ProjectSelf Contained Breathing Apparatus Replacement Project
"That the Board receive the correspondence from the Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department Society regarding self contained breathing apparatus replacement project for information." SVFD SCBA Project Letter to NCRD
8. REPORTS / RESOLUTIONS 8.1 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer & S. Landrath, Treasurer - Northern 92 - 96 Capital and Planning Grant (“NCPG”) Allocation Models
"That the Board discuss potential allocation of regional NCPG funds;
AND that staff be directed to prepare an updated report on proposed allocations of the 2020 Northern Capital and Planning Grant funding." A1_2020.08.14 Report - NCPG Allocations 8.2 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer - Investing in Canada Infrastructure 97 - 99 Program: Rural & Northern Communities and Community, Culture, & Recreation Programs
"That staff be directed to present a report with proposed applications to the Rural and Northern Communities program at the September 18, 2020 Regular meeting." A1_ Report - ICIP Rural and Northern Communities and Community Culture and Recreation Programs with Projects 8.3 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer - Prince Rupert Port Authority's Land Use 100 - 111 Plan
"THAT the Board of the North Coast Regional District provide a response to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Land Use Plan referral as presented in Attachment B of the staff report entitled “Prince Rupert Port Authority Land Use Plan Referral Response”. A1_Reports and Attachments - PRPA Land Use Plan 8.4 S. Landrath, Treasurer - Islands Solid Waste Landfill Closure Reserve Planning 112 - 113
"That the Board receive the report “Islands Solid Waste Landfill Closure Reserve Planning” for information." A1_Report - Islands Solid Waste Landfill Closure Reserve Planning
Regular Board Meeting Agenda August 14, 2020 Page 3 of 150 8.5 J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer - Economic Recovery Survey and Taskforce 114 - 131 Update
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses: Preliminary Results” for information.” A1_Report - 2020.08.05 NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses - Preliminary Results 8.6 J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer - NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19) 132 - 135
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19)” for information.” A1_Report - NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19) 8.7 J. Barrett, Local Government Intern - Invitation to MLA Jennifer Rice for 136 - 138 NCRD UBCM Meetings
"That the Board direct staff regarding invitations for MLA Jennifer Rice to attend to the North Coast Regional District 2020 Union of British Columbia Municipalities minister meetings." A1_Report - UBCM Meeting Invitations to MLA Jennifer Rice 8.8 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer - Gwaii Trust Special Projects Application 139 - 145 – Islands Solid Waste (ISW) Landfill Gas Flare Project
"That the Board of the North Coast Regional District submit an application to the Gwaii Trust Special Projects fund for the completion of the Islands Solid Waste Landfill Gas Flare Project." A1_Report - Gwaii Trust Special Projects Application - ISW Landfill Gas Flare Project
9. BYLAWS
10. LAND REFERRALS / PLANNING
11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Director's Reports
"That the Board resolves to receive the Director's verbal reports for information." 11.2 Solid Waste Management Plan - Public and Technical Advisory Committee: 146 - 149 Terms of Reference
"That the Board approve the Solid Waste Management Plan - Public and Technical Advisory Committee: Terms of Reference." A1_2020.07.22 NCRD PTAC TOR
12. OLD BUSINESS
13. PUBLIC INPUT
14. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Board Meeting Agenda August 14, 2020 Page 4 of 150 14.1 Adjourn to Closed (In-Camera) Meeting 150
"Pursuant to Section 90 of the Community Charter, the Board gives notice and exercises its authority and excludes the media and public, except for regional district staff from the Closed (In-Camera) Meeting of the Board to deal with matters falling under Section 90 (1) (a)personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; and (i)the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; the time being _____ P.M." 2020.08.14 Notice of In-Camera Meeting
Regular Board Meeting Agenda August 14, 2020 Page 5 of 150 Item 3.1
North Coast Regional District Regular Board Meeting Minutes Friday, July 17, 2020 7:00 PM Held at 770 Pacific Ave, Port Edward, B.C.
Chair: B. Pages, Village of Masset
L. Brain, City of Prince Rupert (Teleconference) K. Bjorndal, District of Port Edward K. Olsen, Village of Queen Charlotte (Teleconference) Directors: D. Daugert, Village of Port Clements D. Nobels, Electoral Area A (Teleconference) K. Bergman, Electoral Area C J. Young, Electoral Area D E. Putterill, Electoral Area E
Regrets: B. Cunningham, City of Prince Rupert
D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer S. Landrath, Treasurer Staff: J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer J. Barrett, Local Government Intern
Public Media:
1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Call to Order at 7:01 P.M.
1.2 The North Coast Regional District acknowledges the traditional territory of the Tsimshian on which this meeting takes place.
2. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS) 2.1 Adoption of Agenda
"That the Board resolves to adopt the July 17, 2020 North Coast Regional District Board Regular meeting agenda as amended: • 11.2: Gwaii Trust Vibrant Community Funding; and • 12.1: CHN State of Local Emergency." Bjorndal/Putterill 241-2020 CARRIED
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 PagePage 6 of 1 150of 8 Item 3.1
3. BOARD MINUTES & BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 3.1 North Coast Regional District Board Special Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2020
"That the Board resolves to adopt the March 24, 2020 North Coast Regional District Board Special meeting minutes as presented." Nobels/Bjorndal 242-2020 CARRIED
3.2 North Coast Regional District Board Regular Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2020
"That the Board resolves to adopt the May 22, 2020 North Coast Regional District Board Regular meeting minutes as presented." Daugert/Bjorndal 243-2020 CARRIED
3.3 North Coast Regional District Board Special Meeting Minutes of July 2, 2020
"That the Board resolves to adopt the July 2, 2020 North Coast Regional District Board Special meeting minutes as presented." Putterill/Young 244-2020 CARRIED
4. STANDING COMMITTEE / COMMISSION MINUTES - BUSINESS ARISING 4.1 Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Electoral Area Advisory Committee held April 24, 2020
"That the Board resolves to receive the April 24, 2020 Electoral Area Advisory Committee meeting minutes as presented." Putterill/Young 245-2020 CARRIED
4.2 Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Regional Recycling Advisory Committee held June 24, 2020
"That the Board resolves to receive the June 24, 2020 Regional Recycling Advisory Committee meeting minutes as amended: replace the name Barry Pages with Hans Seidemann as the meeting Chair and remove the Treasurer from attendance." Nobels/Young 246-2020 CARRIED
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 PagePage 7 of 2 150of 8 Item 3.1 4.3 Referral Response to the Prince Rupert Port Authorities Land-Use Plan
"That the Board direct staff to prepare a proposed referral response to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s land-use plan to be reviewed by the Board at its Regular Meeting." Bjorndal/Young 247-2020 CARRIED
4.4 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Review of Posted Speed Limits in a Portion of Area D
"That Board request that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure review speed limits within portions of electoral area D (Tlell & Towhill) where posted speed signage is not reduced in residentially populated areas." Young/Daugert 248-2020 CARRIED
5. DELEGATIONS
None.
6. FINANCE 6.1 S. Landrath, Treasurer – Supplier Payments over $5,000 for May and June, 2020
"That the Board resolves to receive the report entitled "Supplier Payments over $5,000 for May, 2020" and "Supplier Payments over $5,000 for June, 2020" for information." Young/Daugert 249-2020 CARRIED
6.2 2019 Audited Financial Statements
*Steve Keitzmann, accountant, entered the meeting at 7:14 P.M. *Steve Keitzmann, accountant, exited the meeting at 7:31 P.M.
"That the 2019 Audited Financial Statements be approved as presented;
AND that the Board of the North Coast Regional District appoint Carlyle Shepherd & Co., CPAs as the auditor of the 2020 North Coast Regional District financial statements." Putterill/Young 250-2020 CARRIED
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 PagePage 8 of 3 150of 8 Item 3.1 7. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Haida Gwaii Branch of BCSPCA - Resignation
"That the Board receives the correspondence from Haida Gwaii Branch of BCSPCA regarding Resignation for information." Putterill/Daugert 251-2020 CARRIED
7.2 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
"That the Board directs staff to prepare a report to outline eligible projects for the 2020 intake of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program." Young/Putterill 252-2020 CARRIED
"That the Board receives correspondence from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program." Nobels/Putterill 253-2020 CARRIED
7.3 Vancouver Island Regional Library - From the Board Table
"That the Board receives correspondence from the Vancouver Island Regional Library regarding From the Board Table for information." Putterill/Bjorndal 254-2020 CARRIED
7.4 Union of British Columbia Municipalities - CEPF: 2020Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping and Flood Mitigation Planningg
"That the Board receives correspondence from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities regarding CEPF: 2020Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping and Flood Mitigation Planning".
Bjorndal/Daugert 255-2020 CARRIED
7.5 Charge North - Grant Update
"That the Board receives correspondence from Charge North regarding grant updates for information." Putterill/Young 256-2020 CARRIED
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 PagePage 9 of 4 150of 8 Item 3.1 7.6 Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities - 2020 Call for Nominations
"That the Board receives correspondence from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities regarding 2020 Call for Nominations." Putterill/Young 257-2020 CARRIED
8. REPORTS / RESOLUTIONS 8.1 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer - North Coast Regional District Solid Waste Management Plan Update
"That the North Coast Regional District begin the process of updating the solid waste management plan for the entire regional district (including the Island Solid Waste and Mainland Solid Waste Service Areas);
AND that staff be directed to notify member municipalities, First Nations and the public of its intention to update the plan and begin a process of consultation on proposed amendments." Nobels/Putterill 258-2020 CARRIED
8.2 J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer & J. Barrett, Local Government Management Intern - NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses - Preliminary Results
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses: Preliminary Results” for information.” Bjorndal/Putterill 259-2020 CARRIED
8.3 J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer - Code of Conduct for Staff and Elected Officials Policy GOV-02
"That the Board rescinds "Conflict of Interest Policy (2016)" and "Code of Conduct (2011)";
AND that "Policy GOV-02 Code of Conduct - Staff and Elected Officials" be adopted." Nobels/Putterill 260-2020 CARRIED
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 Page Page10 of 5 150of 8 Item 3.1 8.4 J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer & J. Barrett, Local Government Management Intern - 2020 UBCM Convention – Resolutions and Meeting Requests
"That the Board direct staff to assess potential resolutions and meeting requests to be submitted for the 2020 UBCM Convention via email." Young/Putterill 261-2020 CARRIED
8.5 J.Barrett, Local Government Management Intern - Social Media Policy ADM-01
"That the Board rescinds “Social Media Policy (2018)”;
AND that the Board adopts “Policy ADM-01 Social Media" as presented." Putterill/Young 262-2020 CARRIED
9. BYLAWS 9.1 Area E Civic Addressing Bylaw No. 664, 2019
"That Bylaw No. 664, 2019 be adopted." Bjorndal/Daugert 263-2020 CARRIED
9.2 Area D Civic Addressing Bylaw No. 665, 2019
"That Bylaw No. 665, 2019 be adopted." Young/Daugert 264-2020 CARRIED
10. LAND REFERRALS / PLANNING
11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Director's Reports
*Director Brain left the meeting at 8:45 P.M. *Director Brain returned to the meeting at 8:47 P.M.
Director Bjorndal - Port Edward • A tender has been issued for the first phase of road construction for a 4-5 million dollar project. This project will include upgrades to storm and water sewer lines. • A request for proposals has been issued for work at Diana lake for upgrades. • Public engagement has identified a need for more parks. • The Port Edward municipal office is now open.
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 PagePage 11 of 6 150of 8 Item 3.1 Director Putterill - Area E • Community groups have taken initiative in delivering meals on wheels which has been a great contribution to the community. • Currently work is being undertaken to fix storm damage on the harbour. Upgrades are needed to strengthen the exposed areas of the docks. • BC Ferries recently have seen a high level of traffic.
Director Young - Area D • Recently has been following up on the internet connectivity needs of residents not part of the recent internet connectivity project. • The opening of lodges has received community responses with concerns citizens about traffic. • Discussions on trail strategy have been a part of weekly protocol meetings.
Director Daugert - Port Clements • Rainbow wharf is in the process of being repaired but waiting on contractors. • The library is currently operating by pick up and appointment only. • Port Clements offices are currently open for one person occupancy at a time. • The Misty Isles Economic Development Society hired a new executive director. Council tasked the new executive director with preparing a work plan for the first 90 days to be presented at the August 18, 2020 Regular Council meeting. • A final decision on community forest apportionment is expected the early fall.
Director Bergman - Area C • Area C has seen an increase in visitors. • The community has made efforts to adapt to COVID-19 measures.
Director Olsen - Village of Queen Charlotte • The firehall construction is moving forward with a new steel frame and windows being installed. • Director Olsen participated in protocol meetings regarding trail development, and there has been a large interest in being a part of the Trails Select Committee.
Director Brain - City of Prince Rupert • Most Redesign Rupert initiatives are still moving forward, including housing projects and waterfront projects. • The City is also moving forward with the landfill expansion, fireball upgrades, waste treatment and plan renovation. • The paving budget has been increased and construction will ramp up shortly. • The City has planned to re-analyze the annual budget this October.
Director Nobels - Area A • Last week two young grizzly bears visited the community.
Director Pages - Village of Masset • The community has taken on initiatives that have been on the radar for years including food security, and a volunteer community garden. • Funding has been accessed for a meals on wheels program for elders and people in need, which has been a welcomed program. • Local parks and campgrounds have recently been opened for day use.
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 Page Page12 of 7 150of 8 Item 3.1 • The airport fuel tank upgrade project has been completed. • The Village of Masset is moving forward with water plant upgrades.
"That the Board resolves to receive the Director's verbal reports for information." Bjorndal/Young 265-2020 CARRIED
11.2 Director Putterill - Gwaii Trust Vibrant Fund
"That the Board directs to staff to prepare a report regarding potential projects for the Gwaii Trust Vibrant Fund grant intake." Putterill/Young 266-2020 CARRIED
12. OLD BUSINESS 12.1 Director Young - CHN State of Local Emergency
13. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT 14.1 Adjourn to Closed (In-Camera) Meeting
"Pursuant to Section 90 of the Community Charter, the Board gives notice and exercises its authority and excludes the media and public, except for regional district staff from the Closed (In-Camera) Meeting of the Board to deal with matters falling under Section 90 (1) (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; the time being 9:22 P.M." Nobels/Young 267-2020 CARRIED
Approved and adopted: Certified correct:
______Chair Corporate Officer
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2020 Page Page13 of 8 150of 8 Item 4.1
North Coast Regional District
Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 23, 2020 12:00 PM Held by teleconference
Chair: E. Putterill, Electoral Area E
D. Nobels, Electoral Area A
Directors: K. Bergman, Electoral Area C J. Young, Electoral Area D Regrets: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer S. Landrath, Treasurer Staff: J. Bagnall, Corporate Officer J. Barrett, Local Government Intern Public Media:
1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Call to Order at 12:02 P.M.
1.2 The North Coast Regional District Electoral Area Advisory Committee acknowledges the traditional territory of the Tsimshian and Haida on which this meeting takes place.
2. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS) 2.1 Adoption of Agenda
"That the Electoral Area Advisory Committee resolves to adopt the July 23, 2020 Electoral Area Advisory Committee meeting agenda as amended as follows:
• 8.1: Correspondence from Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach Requesting meetings with Regional District Directors." Nobles/Young
032-2020 CARRIED
3. BOARD MINUTES & BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 3.1 Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2020
"That the Electoral Area Advisory Committee resolves to adopt the June 25, 2020 Electoral Area Advisory Committee meeting minutes as presented." Young/Nobles
033-2020 CARRIED
Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting July 23, 2020 Minutes Page 14Page of 1 150of 3 Item 4.1 4. STANDING COMMITTEE / COMMISSION MINUTES - BUSINESS ARISING
None.
5. FINANCE
None.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
None.
7. REPORTS / RESOLUTIONS 7.1 S. Landrath, Treasurer -Northern Capital and Planning Grant (“NCPG”) Funding Allocation
*12:04 P.M. Director Bergman entered the meeting.
"That the EAAC schedule a meeting for August 5th at 4:30 P.M. to solidify the allocation of Rural Area funds to bring to the Board."
Nobles/Young
034-2020 CARRIED
7.2 D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer - Prince Rupert Port Authority Land Use Plan Referral Response
"That the EAAC recommends that the Board provide a response to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Land Use Plan referral as presented in Attachment A of the staff report entitled “Prince Rupert Port Authority Land Use Plan Referral Response.” Nobles/Young
035-2020 CARRIED
8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Correspondence from Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach Requesting Meetings with Regional District Directors
*Director Putterill exited the meeting at 12:31 P.M.
"That the EAAC receives the verbal report regarding correspondence from Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach Requesting Meetings with Regional District Directors for information."
Young/Bergman
036-2020 CARRRIED
Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting July 23, 2020 Minutes Page Page15 of 2 150of 3 Item 4.1 9. OLD BUSINESS
None.
10. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT 11.1 Adjourn
"That the Electoral Area Advisory Committee resolves to adjourn the July 23, 2020 meeting the time being 12:36 P.M.” Young/Bergman
037-2020 CARRIED
Approved and adopted: Certified correct:
______Chair Corporate Officer
Electoral Area Advisory Committee Meeting July 23, 2020 Minutes Page Page16 of 3 150of 3 Item 6.1
North Coast Regional District Supplier payments over $5,000 - July, 2020
Payable To Amount Purpose
Big Red Enterprises Ltd. $ 17,708.43 June Garbage Collection
ICBC $ 8,400.00 Annual Fleet Insurance
PP14, PP15 & PP16 Payroll Municipal Pension Plan $ 22,946.45 Remittances
Pacific Blue Cross $ 6,538.64 PBC & BC Life Premiums-July
Prince Rupert Regional Archives $ 11,894.99 2020 Grant - August
PP14, PP15 & PP16 Payroll Receiver General $ 42,779.00 Remittances
Transport recyclables, building & equipment rental, porto toilet Ticker's Hauling & Storage $ 9,465.75 rental & cleaning, deliver bins, excavator use & extra man Review OCP, devlope memo & Urban Systems Ltd. $ 5,775.00 draft referral letter and Areas A&C OCP edits
2nd Quarter WCB Payroll Work Safe BC $ 5,991.77 Remittance
PAYMENTS OVER $5,000: $ 131,500.03 PAYMENTS UNDER $5,000: $ 50,973.72 TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 182,473.75
Now includes vendors paid via credit card
F:\#5 Finance\1730 Cheques - CY 7y D\1730-00 General\Supplier Payments Over $5000\Supplier Payments over $5000-2020Page 17 of 150
Item 6.2
Staff Report
Date: August 14th, 2020
To: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
From: S. Landrath, Treasurer
Subject: 2019 Statement of Financial Information
Recommendation:
That the Board of the North Coast Regional District approve the 2019 Statement of Financial Information as presented.
BACKGROUND:
The Financial Information Act requires every local government in British Columbia to submit Statements of Financial Information (SOFI) to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by June 30th of each year. Under the Financial Information Regulations of SOFI, the Board of Directors must approve the financial information submitted to the Ministry.
The SOFI report ensures municipal compliance with provincial reporting requirements. The purpose of the SOFI is to report the financial statements and disbursements for employee remuneration, goods and services. It is a regulatory requirement for all local governments in British Columbia to submit SOFI report by June 30 each year and make it available for public examination for 3 years once released.
North Coast Regional District 1 August 14, 2020
Page 18 of 150
Item 6.2
The SOFI includes the North Coast Regional District’s (NCRD) audited financial statements and schedules regarding remuneration paid to the Board of Directors, a listing of the NCRD’s employees and their positions with remuneration over the reporting threshold amount of $75,000, amounts paid to suppliers of goods and/or services to which the NCRD paid a total exceeding $25,000 including GST and any other taxes during the year, and all grants awarded by the NCRD to not-for-profit organizations for the reporting year.
The schedules are prepared for the provincial government according to the Financial Information Act Regulations. It should be noted that SOFI schedules are based on when payments were made rather than the accrual basis normally used for financial statement presentation.
As required under the Local Government Act Section 376, the NCRD is required to prepare the SOFI as well as present the audited financial statements of the previous year. Public notice was given that the SOFI report and the audited financial statements are available for public viewing. To this date, no public comments have been received. The SOFI must be approved by the Board before June 30th each year.
PLEASE NOTE – As a result of Covid-19, the due dates for this year’s financial submissions to the Ministry have been extended to August 31, 2020.
North Coast Regional District 2 August 14, 2020
Page 19 of 150
Item 6.2
DISCUSSION:
Board Remuneration
The remuneration amounts disclosed in the SOFI report include the following:
• Honoraria • Officer’s Allowance • Electronic Devices allowance • Meeting remuneration
Staff Remuneration
The remuneration amounts disclosed in the SOFI report include the following:
• Salary/Hourly wages • Vehicle allowance • Vacation pay • Statutory holiday pay • Sick pay • Medical pay • Overtime • Charge hand bonus • Retroactive wage changes • Taxable benefits including Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Life Insurance and MSP premiums.
Expenses
The expense amounts disclosed in the SOFI include the following costs to attend board meetings, conventions and professional development courses:
• Travel costs including ferry, airfare, mileage, taxi charges, baggage handling fees • Accommodations • Registration fees • Actual meal costs or per diems
North Coast Regional District 3 August 14, 2020
Page 20 of 150
Item 6.2
Not included in remuneration or expense disclosure
• Employer’s portion of Canada Pension Plan contributions and Employment Insurance premiums • Payments to the Municipal Pension Plan • Benefits paid by the employer which are not taxable in the hands of the employee (extended health, dental, and long-term disability) • Worksafe BC premiums. • Safety clothing and boot allowances • Business cards • Meals and refreshments for board meetings and committee meetings • Amounts included in accounts payable or prepaid expenses at December 31, 2019
Recoveries/reimbursements
It is important to note that the report does not include any recoveries. So, reimbursements made to the NCRD from the North West Regional Hospital District have not been deducted from the amount reported as expenses of the Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Board approve the 2019 SOFI report as presented.
North Coast Regional District 4 August 14, 2020
Page 21 of 150
Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION (SOFI)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
Page 22 of 150 Item 6.2
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION (SOFI)
Prepared under the Financial Information Act
For the year ended December 31, 2019
INDEX
Page No.
Management Report 1
Statement of Financial Information Approval 2
Schedule of Debts 3
Schedule of Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement 4
Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses 5
Statement of Severance Agreements 7
Schedule of Suppliers of Goods or Services 8
North Coast Regional District Audited 2019 Financial Statements 10
Page 23 of 150 Item 6.2
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, section 9
The Financial Statements contained in this Statement of Financial Information under the Financial Information Act have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards, and the integrity and objectivity of these statements are management's responsibility. Management is also responsible for all the statements and schedules, and for ensuring that this information is consistent, where appropriate, with the information contained in the financial statements.
Management is also responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that reliable financial information is produced.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfils its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal control.
The external auditors, CARLYLE SHEPHERD & CO, conduct an independent examination, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, and express their opinion on the financial statements. Their examination does not relate to the other schedules and statements required by the Act . Their examination includes a review and evaluation of the corporation's system of internal control and appropriate tests and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements are presented fairly. The external auditors have full and free access to the Board of Directors.
On behalf of the North Coast Regional District
Sharon Landrath, CPA, CA Treasurer
Page 24 of 150 Item 6.2
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION APPROVAL
The undersigned, as authorized by the Financial Information Regulation , Schedule 1, subsection 9(2), approves all the statements and schedules included in this Statement of Financial Information, produced under the Financial Information Act .
Sharon Landrath, CPA, CA Barry Pages Treasurer Chair
Date Date
Page 25 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE OF DEBENTURE DEBT
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 4
City of Prince Rupert - Other MFA Issue #75 $ 104,443 MFA Issue #94 1,330,714
District of Port Edward - Elementary School MFA Issue #126 1,003,113
Village of Queen Charlotte - Improvements to Water System MFA Issue #106 537,132
Village of Masset - New Hospital MFA Issue #99 2,853,596 MFA Issue #103 845,208
City of Prince Rupert - Airport MFA Issue #127 5,726,773
Vancouver Island Regional Library - Capital Financing MFA Issue #145 1,444,176
Total Outstanding $ 13,845,155
MFA Issue # Maturity Date Interest Rate 75 December 2021 5.03% 94 October 2025 3.01% 126 September 2028 3.85% 106 October 2029 4.13% 99 October 2031 4.43% 103 October 2032 3.72% 127 April 2034 3.30% 145 April 2038 3.15%
Page 26 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE OF GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 5
The North Coast Regional District has not given any guarantees or indemnities under the Indemnities and Guarantees Regulation.
Page 27 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE SHOWING THE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES PAID IN RESPECT OF EACH EMPLOYEE
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 6
NAME POSITION REMUNERATION EXPENSES
Bergman, Karl Director, Area C 19,727 9,217 Bjorndal, Knut Director, Port Edward 4,334 0 Brain, Lee Director, Prince Rupert 15,346 73 Budde, Lutz Alternate, Area C 366 674 Cunningham, Barry Director, Prince Rupert 16,627 37 Daugert, Douglas Director, Port Clements 16,627 5,820 Franzen, Dan Alternate/Director, Port Edward 11,444 1,486 Johnston, Bret Alternate, Masset 366 896 MacKenzie, Christine Alternate, Port Edward 549 0 Niesh, Wade Alternate, Prince Rupert 732 0 Nobels, Des Vice Chair, Director, Area A 20,342 6,455 Olsen, Kris Director, Queen Charlotte 16,261 5,542 Pages, Barry Chair, Director, Masset 24,633 10,342 Putterill, Evan Director, Area E 20,276 16,609 Randhawa, Gurvinder Alternate, Prince Rupert 183 0 Young, Johanne Director, Area D 20,276 16,360 TOTAL: 188,088 73,512
Page 28 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE SHOWING THE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES PAID IN RESPECT OF EACH EMPLOYEE
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 6
NAME POSITION REMUNERATION EXPENSES
Chapman, Doug Chief Administrative Officer 80,100 3,352 DesChamp, Timothy Superintendent of Waste Management 83,736 10,481 Fish, Daniel Chief Administrative Officer/Corporate Officer 102,182 26,716 Kidd, Robert Manager, Island Solid Waste 81,185 255 Landrath, Sharon Treasurer 87,853 6,352
Total employees with remuneration greater than $75,000 435,058 47,155
Add: Employees with remuneration less than $75,000 717,446 16,883 Board of Directors 188,088 73,512 Total Remuneration and Expenses: 1,340,592 137,550
Add:
Employer's portion of CPP and EI 68,313 Change in accrued wages and benefits, and other 420,100
Revised Total: 1,829,005
Total Expenses per Statement of Revenue and Expenditures 5,246,236
Less:
Amortization -146,946 Municipal debt payments -1,253,515 Other expenditures -2,016,770
Adjusted Financial Statement Expenses (Total of Salaries and 1,829,005 wages and Director expenses)
Page 29 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE SHOWING PAYMENTS MADE FOR THE PROVISION OF GOODS OR SERVICES
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 7
1. Alphabetical list of suppliers who received aggregate payments exceeding $25,000
Supplier Name Aggregate amount paid to supplier Aggressive Transport Ltd. 43,154 BC Hydro 32,774 Big Red Enterprises Ltd. 226,681 C. and C. Beachy Contracting Ltd. 30,104 Collabria Payment Processing 73,984 Employer Health Tax 30,248 Fast Fuels Ltd 28,848 Harbour Machining Welding & Fabricating 33,810 Municipal Pension Plan 185,705 Pacific Blue Cross 92,251 Prudhomme, Bob 36,857 Receiver General 353,329 Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine 108,851 Ticker's Hauling and Storage 94,828 Vadim Computer Management Group 30,436 Western Financial Group 50,496 Total aggregate amout paid to suppliers 1,452,357
2. Consolidated total paid to suppliers who received aggregate payments of $25,000 or less
Consolidated total <$25,000 477,296
Page 30 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE SHOWING PAYMENTS MADE FOR THE PROVISION OF GOODS OR
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 7
3. Alphabetical list of suppliers who received grant payments
Aggregate amount Supplier Name paid to supplier Delkatla Sanctuary Society 5,000 Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum Society 9,000 Dodge Cove Harbour Authority 700 Dodge Cove Recreation Society 3,163 Haida Gwaii Arts Council Society 5,000 Haida Gwaii Community Futures 5,000 Haida Gwaii Museum 53,000 Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission 57,500 Port Clements Historical Society and Museum 12,000 Port Edward Historical Society (North Pacific Cannery) 100,622 Port Edward Harbour Authority 726 Prince Rupert Public Library 6,000 Prince Rupert Regional Archives 104,521 Sandspit Community Society 2,600 Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department 51,170 Tow Hill Road Community Association 500 Vancouver Island Regional Library 60,712 Consolidated total 477,214
4. Consolidated total of contributions exceeding $25,000
Consolidated total >$25,000 -
Page 31 of 150 Item 6.2
SCHEDULE SHOWING PAYMENTS MADE FOR THE PROVISION OF GOODS OR
Prepared under the Financial Information Regulation, Schedule 1, Section 7
5. Reconciliation
Total of aggregate payments exceeding $25,000 paid to suppliers 1,452,357 Consolidated total of payments of $25,000 or less paid to suppliers 477,296 Consolidated total of all grants exceeding $25,000 477,214 Consolidated total of all contributions exceeding $25,000 - TOTAL Cheques 2,406,867
Less Employee expenses not reportable on SOFI -689,122 Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and payments for 299,025 non-expense items and other
Revised Total: 2,016,770
Total Expenses per Statement of Revenue and Expenditures 5,246,236
Less: Salaries and wages -1,569,293 Amortization -146,946 Director expenses -259,712 Municipal debt payments -1,253,515
Adjusted Financial Statement Expenses 2,016,770
Page 32 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
Page 33 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
A STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION B STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES C STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS D STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET FINANCIAL ASSETS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SCHEDULES
1 STATEMENT OF SURPLUS 2 STATEMENT OF RESERVE FUNDS 3 STATEMENT OF NORTHERN CAPITAL AND PLANNING GRANT RESERVE FUNDS 4 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY IN PHYSICAL ASSETS 5 STATEMENT OF PHYSICAL ASSETS 6 2019 - SEGMENTED INFORMATION 7 2018 - SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Page 34 of 150 Item 6.2
PLACEHOLDER – AUDITORS REPORT
Page 35 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DECEMBER 31 STATEMENT A 2019 2018 $$ FINANCIAL ASSETS Cash and investments (note 2) 6,738,678 4,426,850 Trade and other receivables (note 3) 313,986 346,109 MFA deposit (note 4) 337,893 331,396 Due from Municipalities 13,845,155 14,781,986
21,235,712 19,886,341
LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accruals (note 5) 409,668 368,494 Landfill closure costs accrual (note 6) 363,218 335,240 Deferred revenue (note 7) 2,459,239 1,988,793 MFA debt reserve (note 4) 337,893 331,396 MFA loan for Regional District (note 8) 3,921 12,738 Debentures issued for Municipalities (note 9) 13,845,155 14,781,986
17,419,094 17,818,647
NET FINANCIAL ASSETS 3,816,618 2,067,694
NON- FINANCIAL ASSETS Physical assets (schedule 5 and note 1) 2,840,850 2,987,796 Prepaid expenses 46,941 9,860
2,887,791 2,997,656
REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION (note 11) 6,704,409 5,065,350
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
______Chair
______Treasurer
The accompany notes and schedules are an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 36 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 STATEMENT B
Unaudited Budget Actual Actual 2019 2019 2018 $$$ REVENUE Sales, fees and other 2,125,906 1,760,280 1,683,851 Taxation 1,725,704 1,725,244 1,590,369 Municipal debt payments 1,515,739 1,253,515 1,186,566 Provincial, federal and other grants 1,830,928 1,961,417 235,219 Grants in lieu 91,647 151,259 144,422
7,289,924 6,851,715 4,840,427
EXPENDITURE General Government 1,369,652 1,181,018 1,121,576 Municipal debt payments 1,515,739 1,253,515 1,186,566 Protective Services 206,693 80,595 32,442 Environmental Services 3,642,862 1,920,858 1,695,510 Planning and Development 175,390 80,764 75,761 Recreation and Cultural Services 753,757 551,898 524,224 Utility Services 131,770 135,074 131,285 Projects 10,000 8,934 434
7,805,863 5,212,656 4,767,798
REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE - 515,939 1,639,059 72,629
OPENING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 5,065,350 5,065,350 4,992,721
CLOSING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 4,549,411 6,704,409 5,065,350
The accompany notes and schedules are an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 37 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 STATEMENT C
2019 2018 $$ OPERATING ACTIVITIES Revenue over expenditure 1,639,059 72,629 Amortization 146,946 146,571 Landfill closure costs accrual 27,978 - Accounts payables and accruals 41,174 23,572 Trade and other receivables 32,123 105,271 Deferred revenue 470,446 297,991 Prepaid expenses - 37,081 - 3,461
2,320,645 642,573
FINANCING ACTIVITIES Debt repayment - 8,817 - 15,160
INVESTING ACTIVITIES Physical asset purchases - - 63,859
CHANGE IN CASH 2,311,828 563,554
OPENING CASH AND INVESTMENTS 4,426,850 3,863,296
CLOSING CASH AND INVESTMENTS 6,738,678 4,426,850
- 0
The accompany notes and schedules are an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 38 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET FINANCIAL ASSETS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 STATEMENT D
2019 2018 $$
Revenue over expenditure 1,639,059 72,629 Amortization of physical assets 146,946 146,571 Purchase of physical assets - - 63,859 Prepaid expenses - 37,081 - 3,461
Increase in net financial assets 1,748,924 151,880
Opening net financial assets 2,067,694 1,915,814
Closing net financial assets 3,816,618 2,067,694
(0) 0
The accompany notes and schedules are an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 39 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation
The Regional District has adopted the reporting format from the recommendations of the Public Sector Accounting Board.
The Regional District maintains the following funds that are combined in the financial statements:
- Operating fund reports the general activities of the Regional District. - Capital fund reports the physical assets of the Regional District together with the related financing. - Reserve fund reports the activities of the funds established by bylaw for specific purposes.
Revenue recognition
Taxation revenues are recognized when requisitioned from the Province of British Columbia and member Municipalities. Sale of services and user fee revenues are recognized when the service or product is provided by the Regional District. Grant revenues are recognized when the commitments are met.
Revenues received in advance of expenses that will be incurred in a later period are deferred until they are matched against those expenses.
Financial instruments
The Regional District measures financial assets and liabilities at market value at the date of acquisition except for those investments quoted in an active market, which are reported at market value.
It is management’s opinion that the Regional District’s financial instruments are not exposed to significant interest rate, liquidity, market or other price risks.
Page 40 of 150 Item 6.2
PLACEHOLDER – AUDITORS REPORT
Page 41 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Physical assets
Physical assets are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method as follows:
Buildings 40 years Automotive 10 years Equipment 10, 15 and 20 years Infrastructure 40 years
Equity in Physical Assets
Equity in Physical Assets reports the accumulated funded historical cost of physical assets less accumulated amortization.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Adjustments, if any, will be reflected in operations in the period of settlement.
Segmented information
A segment is defined as a distinguishable activity or group of activities of a government for which it is appropriate to separately report financial information to achieve the objectives of the standard. The Regional District has provided definitions of the Regional District’s segments in Note 12. A detailed summary of the 2019 revenues and expenditures can be found in Schedule 6, with 2018 comparative information in Schedule 7.
2. CASH AND INVESTMENTS
Cash and investments is comprised of cash balances plus short-term investments in fixed income funds.
2019 2018 Cash $ 811,857 $ 1,115,201 Investments 5,926,821 3,311,649 $ 6,738,678 $ 4,426,850
Page 42 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
3. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
2019 2018 Trade receivables and other $ 94,293 $ 139,418 Regional and local governments 117,178 121,574 Provincial and federal governments 102,515 85,117 $ 313,986 $ 346,109
4. MFA DEPOSIT AND DEBT RESERVE
A condition of MFA borrowings stipulates that a portion of the debenture proceeds be withheld as a security deposit and a debt reserve fund.
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUALS
2019 2018 Payroll and benefits payable $ 208,156 $ 191,681 Trade payables and other 150,342 107,388 Regional and local governments 39,981 59,791 Provincial and federal governments 11,189 9,634 $ 409,668 $ 368,494
6. LANDFILL CLOSURE COSTS ACCRUAL
The Regional District is responsible for closing a landfill on Haida Gwaii in accordance with Ministry of Environment regulations. Management has prepared its estimates using a provisional phased closure plan.
2019 2018 Opening balance $ 335,240 $ 335,240 Annual provision 27,978 - $ 363,218 $ 335,240
Page 43 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
7. DEFERRED REVENUE
2019 2018 Gas tax $ 2,397,001 $ 1,927,000 Other 62,238 61,793 $ 2,459,239 $ 1,988,793
Gas Tax is a component of the federal government’s “Investing in Canada Program” which allocates a portion of gas tax revenues to local governments to address infrastructure deficits. Interest income has been allocated to gas tax and reserve funds based on the relative equity.
8. MFA LOAN FOR REGIONAL DISTRICT
The loan with the Municipal Finance Authority is being repaid in accordance with approved bylaws and agreements.
Page 44 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
9. DEBENTURES ISSUED FOR MUNICIPALITIES
When a member municipality within the Regional District wishes to issue debenture debt through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFA), the borrowing is done through the Regional District.
The Regional District is therefore responsible for repayment of the debt to MFA. When payments (principal and interest) are made on this debt, the Regional District pays MFA and is reimbursed by the municipality.
The Regional District reports the outstanding debt borrowed on behalf of the member municipalities as both a financial asset and financial liability. Municipal debt payments are shown as revenue and offsetting expenditure.
AREA ISSUER BYLAW MATURITY INTEREST ORIGINAL 2019 2018 NUMBER DATE RATE VALUE
Village of Queen Charlotte 106 23-2008 Oct, 2029 4.13% $ 900,000 $ 537,132 $ 580,150
City of Prince Rupert 127 3333 Apr, 2034 3.30% 7,000,000 5,726,773 6,001,774 94 3201 Oct, 2025 3.01% 7,000,000 1,330,714 1,527,002 75 3061 Dec, 2021 5.03% 700,000 104,443 152,964 14,700,000 7,161,930 7,681,740 District of Port Edward 126 513 Sep, 2028 3.85% 1,500,000 1,003,113 1,094,254
Village of Masset 103 578 Oct, 2032 3.72% 1,250,000 845,208 889,637 99 578 Oct, 2031 4.43% 4,750,000 2,853,596 3,036,205 6,000,000 3,698,804 3,925,842 Vancouver Island Regional Library 145 615 Apr, 2038 3.15% 1,500,000 1,444,176 1,500,000
Total $24,600,000 $13,845,155 $14,781,986
Page 45 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
10. PENSION INFORMATION
The Regional District and its employees contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan (the Plan), a jointly-trusteed pension plan. The board of trustees, representing plan members and employers, is responsible for administering the Plan, including investment of assets and administration of benefits. The Plan is a multi-employer contributory pension plan. Basic pension benefits provided are based on a formula. As at December 31, 2018 the Plan had about 205,000 active members and approximately 101,000 retired members. Active members include approximately 40,000 contributors from local governments.
Every three years, an actuarial valuation is performed to assess the financial position of the plan and adequacy of plan funding. The actuary determines an appropriate combined employer and member contribution rate to fund the plan. The actuary’s calculated contribution rate is based on the entry-age normal cost method, which produces the long- term rate of member and employer contributions sufficient to provide benefits for average future entrants to the plan. This rate may be adjusted for the amortization of any actuarial funding surplus and will be adjusted for the amortization of any unfunded actuarial liability.
The most recent actuarial valuation as at December 31, 2018 indicated a $2.866 million funding surplus for basic pension benefits on a going concern basis. The next valuation will be as at December 31, 2021 with results available in late 2022.
Employers participating in the Plan record their pension expenses as the amount of employer contributions made during the fiscal year (defined contribution pension plan accounting). This is because the Plan records accrued liabilities and accrued assets for the Plan in aggregate with the result that there is no consistent and reliable basis for allocating the obligation, assets and cost to the individual employers participating in the plan.
The Regional District paid $99,000 (2018 - $91,238) for employer contributions to the plan in fiscal 2019.
11. REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION
2019 2018 Reserve Funds (Schedule 2) $ 935,222 $ 645,989 Northern Capital and Planning Grant Reserve Funds (Schedule 3) 1,723,098 - Equity in Physical Assets (Schedule 4) 2,836,929 2,975,058 Statement of Surplus (Schedule 1) 1,209,160 1,444,803 $ 6,704,409 $ 5,065,350
Page 46 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
12. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The North Coast Regional District is a partnership of four electoral areas and five municipalities that provide local government services to approximately 20,000 residents living on the North Coast of British Columbia and Haida Gwaii.
The Regional District administers services ranging from solid waste management and recycling to land use planning, water supply and public safety. As a requirement of the Local Government Act, separate financial records must be kept for each service providing detailed allocation of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, information concerning reserve funds and other pertinent financial details. For each reported segment, revenues and expenditures represent amounts that are directly attributable to the segment and also amounts that are allocated on a reasonable basis.
Segmentation has been determined on a functional basis with consideration to service delivery and department accountabilities. The following is a description of the types of services included in each of the main service segments of the Regional District’s financial statement. A detailed summary of the 2019 revenue and expenses can be found in Schedule 6, with 2018 comparative information in Schedule 7.
General Government
General government is comprised of member municipality and electoral area governance, general administration which includes legislative services, finance, and human resources, community services and grants in aid.
Municipal Debt Payments
Municipal debt payments provides for debenture interest and principal repayment on debt taken out by member municipalities.
Protective Services
Protective services includes volunteer fire departments and emergency programs.
Environmental Services
Environmental services includes regional solid waste management and regional recycling programs.
Planning and Development
Planning and development includes regional land use planning and economic development services.
Page 47 of 150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019
12. SEGMENTED INFORMATION (continued)
Recreation and Cultural Services
Recreation and cultural services includes recreation facilities and programs, community halls and contributions towards libraries, archives and the North Pacific Cannery.
Utility Services
Utility services includes regional water services.
Projects
Projects includes feasibility studies.
Page 48 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF SURPLUS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 SCHEDULE 1
2019 2018 $$
General Government 533,732 485,502 Protective Services 133,150 114,226 Environmental Services 284,000 411,429 Planning and Development 129,151 261,902 Recreation and Cultural Services 109,139 106,043 Utility Services 3,658 49,065 Projects 16,331 16,636
1,209,161 1,444,803
Page 49 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF RESERVE FUNDS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 SCHEDULE 2
2019 2018 $$
Opening balance 645,489 631,545
Transfer from Operating Fund 272,540 -
Interest 17,193 13,944
Closing balance 935,222 645,489
Represented by the following reserve funds
Bylaw 486 Sandspit Water 103,056 93,564 Bylaw 561 Electoral Area Administration 41,862 40,776 Bylaw 562 Elections 5,200 - Bylaw 565 Emergency Programming Area E 6,420 - Bylaw 566 General Administration 90,704 88,350 Bylaw 567 Feasibility Studies 33,397 27,690 Bylaw 568 Regional Recycling 237,513 159,660 Bylaw 571 Rural Land Use Planning 175,000 - Bylaw 569 Island Solid Waste 241,633 235,364 Bylaw 602 Haida Gwaii Recreation 87 85 Bylaw 661 Tlell Fire Services 350 -
935,222 645,489
0 0
Page 50 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF NORTHERN CAPITAL AND PLANNING GRANT RESERVE FUNDS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 SCHEDULE 3
2019 2018 $$
Opening balance - -
Contributions 1,712,000
Transfers to Operating Fund - 11,556
Interest 22,654 -
Closing balance 1,723,098 -
Represented by the following reserve funds
Bylaw 637 - General Administration 7,007 - Bylaw 638 - Electoral Area Administration 304,213 - Bylaw 639 - Sandspit Fire Service 20,018 - Bylaw 640 - Emergency Program Areas A and C 40,035 - Bylaw 641 - Emergency Program Area D 137,870 - Bylaw 642 - Emergency Program Area E 20,018 - Bylaw 643 - Island Solid Waste 240,210 - Bylaw 644 - Regional Recycling 212,185 - Bylaw 645 - Rural Land Use Planning 30,026 - Bylaw 647 - Haida Gwaii Recreation 40,035 - Bylaw 648 - Sandspit Community Hall 80,070 - Bylaw 649 - Sandspit Water 100,087 - Bylaw 655 - Area E Parks and Recreation Service 187,664 - Bylaw 656 - Tlell Fire Service 65,332 - Bylaw 657 - Area D Parks and Recreation Service 125,810 - Bylaw 658 - Mainland Recreation Area A 13,778 - Bylaw 659 - Mainland Recreation Area C 52,454 - Bylaw 660 - Regional Solid Waste 46,286 -
1,723,098 -
(0) -
Page 51 of 150 Item 6.2
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY IN PHYSICAL ASSETS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 SCHEDULE 4
2019 2018 $$
Opening balance 2,975,058 3,042,610
Increase (decrease) in equity
Contribution from operations - 63,859 Debt repayment 8,817 15,160 Amortization - 146,946 - 146,571
- 138,129 - 67,552
Closing balance 2,836,929 2,975,058
- -
Page 52 of 150 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF PHYSICAL ASSETS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 SCHEDULE 5
COST ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION NET BOOK VALUE
Opening Closing Opening Annual Closing Total Total Balance Disposals Balance Balance Amortization Disposals Balance 2019 2018 $$$$ $$$$$
Land 279,748 - 279,748 - - - - 279,748 279,748
Buildings 1,556,043 - 1,556,043 456,340 38,901 - 495,241 1,060,802 1,099,703
Automotive 266,768 - 11,537 255,231 151,178 22,885 - 11,537 162,526 92,705 115,590
Equipment 600,759 - 600,759 342,966 39,421 382,387 218,372 257,793
Infrastructure 1,829,571 - 1,829,571 594,609 45,739 - 640,348 1,189,223 1,234,962
4,532,889 - 11,537 4,521,352 1,545,093 146,946 - 11,537 1,680,502 2,840,850 2,987,796 Page 53 of150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 SCHEDULE 6 - SEGMENTED INFORMATION
General Municipal Debt Protective Environmental Planning and Recreation and Utility Projects 2019 Government Payments Services Services Development Cultural Services Services Total
REVENUE
Sales, fees and other 416,010 - 6,403 1,283,112 226 5,273 48,518 738 1,760,280 Taxation 574,221 - 81,820 419,524 92,270 502,578 50,000 4,831 1,725,244 Municipal debt payments - 1,253,515 ------1,253,515 Provincial, federal and other grants 505,532 - 294,325 498,246 55,440 499,374 100,000 8,500 1,961,417 Grants in lieu 53,344 - 7,013 37,222 5,103 47,582 728 267 151,259
1,549,107 1,253,515 389,561 2,238,104 153,039 1,054,807 199,246 14,336 6,851,715
EXPENDITURE
Salaries and wages 568,752 - 1,066 890,031 - 75,796 69 - 1,535,714 Amortization 854 - - 79,906 - 20,013 45,739 434 146,946 Director expenses 259,588 - - 124 - - - - 259,712 Municipal debt payments - 1,253,515 ------1,253,515 Other 351,824 - 79,529 950,797 80,764 456,089 89,266 8,500 2,016,769
1,181,018 1,253,515 80,595 1,920,858 80,764 551,898 135,074 8,934 5,212,656
REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE 368,089 - 308,966 317,246 72,275 502,909 64,172 5,402 1,639,059
OPENING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 613,774 - 114,226 3,848,551 261,902 86,115 96,890 43,892 5,065,350
CLOSING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 981,863 - 423,192 4,165,797 334,177 589,024 161,062 49,294 6,704,409 Page 54 of150 Item 6.2 NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 SCHEDULE 7 - SEGMENTED INFORMATION
General Municipal Debt Protective Environmental Planning and Recreation and Utility Projects 2018 Government Payments Services Services Development Cultural Services Services Total
REVENUE
Sales, fees and other 361,543 - 1,717 1,262,880 7,566 4,224 45,322 599 1,683,851 Taxation 573,221 - 47,500 366,840 89,179 458,799 50,000 4,830 1,590,369 Municipal debt payments - 1,186,566 ------1,186,566 Provincial, federal and other grants 206,969 - - - 28,250 - - - 235,219 Grants in lieu 56,336 - 2,159 34,910 5,975 44,718 - 324 144,422
1,198,069 1,186,566 51,376 1,664,630 130,970 507,741 95,322 5,753 4,840,427
EXPENDITURE
Salaries and wages 600,586 - 291 787,956 1,181 73,436 - - 1,463,450 Amortization 854 - - 79,531 - 20,013 45,739 434 146,571 Director expenses 223,359 - - 145 55 - - - 223,559 Municipal debt payments - 1,186,566 ------1,186,566 Other 296,777 - 32,151 827,878 74,525 430,775 85,546 - 1,747,652
1,121,576 1,186,566 32,442 1,695,510 75,761 524,224 131,285 434 4,767,798
REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE 76,493 - 18,934 - 30,880 55,209 - 16,483 - 35,963 5,319 72,629
OPENING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 537,281 - 95,292 3,879,431 206,693 102,598 132,853 38,573 4,992,721
CLOSING REGIONAL DISTRICT POSITION 613,774 - 114,226 3,848,551 261,902 86,115 96,890 43,892 5,065,350 Page 55 of150 Item 6.2 Item 7.1
July 17, 2020
Ref: 256068
Dear Mayors, Regional District Chairs and Chief Administrative Officers:
Re: COVID-19 Related Measures Act (Bill 19)
We are writing to advise you that the above-captioned Bill was introduced by the Attorney General in the Legislative Assembly on June 22, 2020, and received Royal Assent on July 8, 2020.
The Act will ensure that the Province has a smooth transition to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic beyond the end of the provincial state of emergency and to support BC’s Restart Plan. This includes ensuring continuity for authorities provided by Ministerial Orders that allow local governments to continue to conduct their business in accordance with orders and guidance of the Provincial Health Officer.
The Act does the following:
1. Enacts Ministerial Orders made under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and allows them to be extended beyond the end of the provincial state of emergency for 45 days or 90 days after the Act comes into force on July 10, 2020;
2. Establishes authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) to make regulations to provide for a different expiry date for the Ministerial Orders, either immediately, at the end of the provincial state of emergency, or for a longer duration up to one year after the Act is brought into force. Ministerial Orders may only be extended if the LGIC is satisfied it is necessary to respond to or alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
3. Establishes authority for the LGIC to make regulations that provide protection from civil liability for COVID-19-related damages in circumstances to be defined by regulation;
4. Amends the EPA to provide clarity that the list of the Minister’s powers under Section 10(1) is not exhaustive;
5. Amends the EPA to provide a limited authority for the LGIC to temporarily suspend or modify the application of provisions of enactments by regulation during a provincial state of emergency; and …/2
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Office of the Minister Mailing Address: Location: and Housing PO Box 9056 Stn Prov Govt Room 310 Victoria BC V8W 9E2 Parliament Buildings Phone: 250 387-2283 Victoria BC V8V 1X4 Fax: 250 387-4312 http://www.gov.bc.ca/mahPage 56 of 150 Item 7.1
Mayors, Regional District Chairs and Chief Administrative Officers Page 2
6. Requires the Attorney General and Solicitor General, respectively, to provide a report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on regulations made under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act and regulations or Ministerial Orders made under the EPA, within five days of them being made.
Nothing in the Act affects Orders or guidance issued by the Provincial Health Officer.
The intent is that all Ministerial Orders impacting local governments will initially be extended for 90 days. During that time, those Orders will be reviewed to determine whether they should be extended for an additional period, up to one year after the proposed Act comes into force.
It is expected that MO192, the Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process Order No.3, will be continued for some months to come to ensure local governments have the appropriate authorities to govern their communities while ensuring continued compliance with Provincial Health Officer orders and guidance. MO159, the Local Government Finance Order, is also expected to be continued for some months to provide local governments with needed continuity for the financial measures that have been put in place during the emergency.
MO82, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer Order, will be reviewed in conjunction with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Health to determine whether it should continue beyond the 90-day extension. MO84, the Local Authorities and Essential Goods and Supplies Order, will be reviewed by Emergency Management BC to determine which provisions should be extended for a further period (for example, the requirement that local authorities seek approval of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General before declaring a state of local emergency in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic), and which could be terminated (for example, the setting aside of earlier declarations of states of local emergency). We will keep you apprised as those reviews are done. Additional information is available in the online news release at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020AG0043-001126
This is an unprecedented situation, and we want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of you and your staff in supporting British Columbia’s all-of-society approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Mike Farnworth Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety Minister of Municipal Affairs and Solicitor General and Housing pc: Silas Brownsey, Acting Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Lori Halls, Deputy Minister, Emergency Management BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Her Worship Mayor Maja Tait, President, Union of BC Municipalities Gary MacIsaac, Executive Director, Union of BC Municipalities
Page 57 of 150 Item 7.2
[Date]
Ref: 256384
Honourable John Horgan Honourable Carole James Premier Minister of Finance PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt PO Box 1234 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9E1 Victoria BC V1A 2BC
Dear Premier and Minister James:
During the month of July, I held 10 consultation sessions about COVID-19 and economic recovery with municipal mayors and regional district chairs or their representatives across the province. The sessions provided an opportunity for local governments to contribute directly to British Columbia’s recovery conversation. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing invited representatives from 189 local governments including 21 regional districts and 14 resort communities to the conversations. The discussion and ideas that were generated helped inform this letter and I am pleased to share them with you.
Overwhelmingly, local government representatives were most concerned about connectivity, infrastructure, transit and food security. The ministry also heard that people want more than economic recovery, they want to make things better for everyone and COVID-19 provides the opportunity to do that as we restart the economy towards recovery.
The consultation sessions were guided by the principles, values and measures outlined in the government’s discussion paper, Building B.C.’s Recovery, Together. They focused on the importance of getting people back to work quickly, the value of equity, leaving no one behind, restoring the Province of British Columbia’s revenue base, supporting climate commitments, and having an immediate and demonstrable impact on economic recovery.
…/2
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Office of the Minister Mailing Address: Location: and Housing PO Box 9056 Stn Prov Govt Room 310 Victoria BC V8W 9E2 Parliament Buildings Phone: 250 387-2283 Victoria BC V8V 1X4 Fax: 250 387-4312 http://www.gov.bc.ca/mahPage 58 of 150 Item 7.2
Honourable John Horgan Honourable Carole James Page 2
Local governments put forward a variety of practical, innovative and valuable ideas in the consultation sessions. The following priority themes (common topics or subject areas for recovery investment) were identified:
• Connectivity/Broadband • Tourism/Recreation • Investment in Infrastructure • Education/Training • Transit/Transportation • Clean Energy and Technology • Agriculture/Food Security • Affordable Housing • Child Care • Industry/Business Development • Low Wage Workers/Employment • Reconciliation • Health Care, Mental Health and Social Services
These priority themes (described further in Appendix 1) cut across all local governments, independent of size and location. They also reflect a strong sense of “building back better” – an idea that has been widely expressed by many who say that with the hard economic impact of COVID-19 comes an opportunity to diversify, innovate, collaborate and partner to make things better for people and communities as we work towards economic recovery.
The priority themes and ideas expressed by local government leaders were primarily focused on what could be done to help various sectors in their communities rather than on the needs of the local governments themselves. At the same time, the importance of local governments having enough supports and capacity to restart operations was also noted.
A number of local governments have laid off workers, experienced real revenue losses (e.g. transit, user fees) and faced significant new costs (e.g. adapting local government facilities and services to a COVID-19 environment). Some local governments also noted the opportunity to rethink local government financing to ensure that their financial tools are sufficiently robust and sustainable to meet the increased and changing demands on local governments and their services.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the dedication, hard work and leadership local governments are providing to their communities, each with unique needs, during a challenging and ever-evolving time. As B.C. has moved into restart and now recovery planning, local governments have not only been working hard to get themselves back to full operation in a safe way, they have also been supporting the businesses, non-profits and other interests in their communities. This includes patio expansions for restaurants, shop local campaigns, virtual community events, business information tools, local economic recovery task forces and direct contributions in dedicated time and resources.
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Honourable John Horgan Honourable Carole James Page 3
Most importantly, local governments have been doing this work in collaboration with other local governments across their regions, First Nation neighbours, all sectors in their communities and the Province. The commitment to come together in response to the unprecedented COVID-19 emergency persisted as we worked together to get restarted and now continues in rebuilding together as local governments work with the Province to plan for recovery.
I appreciate the time that everyone took out of their busy lives to participate in the consultation sessions and the recommendations they provided from their unique positions on the front lines of the pandemic.
It gives me great pleasure to provide this input from my calls with local government leaders to the economic recovery engagement process. I expect that some local governments will also be submitting ideas into that process directly. The Union of BC Municipalities has also prepared a letter for submission and I am very pleased to include it here.
Sincerely,
Selina Robinson Minister pc: Her Worship Mayor Maja Tait, President, Union of BC Municipalities Local Governments in British Columbia
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Appendix 1 – Description of Priority Themes
Connectivity/Broadband
Digital connectivity is the number one opportunity that emerged in almost every engagement session, especially for rural and remote communities. To fully participate in the new economy, communities need digital access through broadband, cellular mobility, and capacity development to effectively use these technologies. Reliable and affordable high-speed internet is critical to removing barriers to growth and community well-being to enable working from home, remote schooling, moving traditional businesses to an online format and developing new types of businesses. Improving connectivity generates opportunities for everyone to learn new skills and access essential services and it will make it easier for communities to attract new residents and business investment that creates jobs for the long-term.
Investment in Infrastructure
Local governments recognize that continued investment in critical infrastructure projects that facilitate the delivery of public services, such as drinking water, sewage collection and treatment, cultural and recreational facilities, parks and transportation are good investments for everyone and creates primary and secondary jobs in their communities. Investment in infrastructure addresses environmental, economic and social dimensions, and is seen as having general economic benefits for all industry sectors. Several communities have also noted that they have “shovel-ready” projects.
Transit/Transportation
Effective transit and transportation networks are vital for economic recovery as they help bring people back to work and allow businesses to distribute their products and get the supplies they need. Local leaders identified a need for transit funding to make up for revenue losses and to enable the service frequency and safety that will get riders “back on board”. Other transportation infrastructure needs identified include expansion of highways, increased ferry services and investment in railway and municipal airports.
Agriculture/Food Security
During the pandemic, it became even more apparent that food security is an essential need. The ability for small producers to increase their capacity and structural support is needed to ensure food is marketed, produced, processed, packaged, distributed and sold locally. Local leaders acknowledged that our reliance on foreign agricultural workers impacts food security and identified an opportunity to create a skilled domestic agricultural workforce in order to reduce reliance on workers from outside B.C.
Child Care
The provision of childcare is essential for enabling workers to return to work and speed up economic recovery. Many communities identified a lack of adequate childcare in their communities. Local leaders recognize that investments in safe, reliable and affordable childcare is vital to economic recovery.
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Low Wage Workers/Employment
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on low wage workers especially in certain sectors (e.g. tourism, retail and food services, agriculture and non-profits), and particularly women and youth, highlights the need for support for these workers. Local leaders talked about supplementing wages as a way to stimulate recovery that would also make it easier to recruit for often hard-to-fill jobs. Some local governments noted that their communities would benefit if they could hire students and others for temporary positions in the short term, until the economy picked up.
Health Care, Mental Health and Social Services
The pandemic and emergency measures have strongly impacted vulnerable populations. Isolation from services and support networks has had a profound impact on the homeless population, families living in poverty, and individuals struggling with pre-existing mental health and substance use issues. Local governments and non-profit organizations have been at the forefront of mitigating these impacts during the pandemic. Support from the Province and collaboration with local governments and non-profit organizations is essential in post-pandemic planning as this provides an opportunity to not just “pick up where we left off” but re-shape and strengthen B.C.’s health care, mental health and social services.
Tourism/Recreation
Some local governments with great natural assets, noted the challenge of diversifying their tourism economies to be more resilient over the long term. Investments to support local governments in enhancing natural assets through the development of trails, parks and facilities such as campsites and washrooms will help create new jobs, especially for youth, expand tourism and improve outcomes for people and communities.
Education/Training
A number of local governments identified the need for training programs to attract young people that can participate in the economy and some others noted that resource-based workers were also going through a separate economic downturn (i.e. mill closures) and that sector could also benefit from retraining and education programs.
Clean Energy and Technology
Communities have asked for consistent investment to help them transition to a low carbon future and support green technology aligned with CleanBC goals. These investments will ensure that communities and local businesses are ready to seize economic opportunities coming from clean energy and technology and create more and higher-value jobs. Additionally, local governments noted that investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities and studies would have long-term benefits.
Page 62 of 150 Item 7.2
Affordable Housing
There is still a shortage of affordable housing in the province. Investment in affordable housing will reduce chronic homelessness and support vulnerable populations by providing those most in need with a safe place to call home. Affordable and workforce housing will allow people to return to work quickly and give them the security they need to fully participate in the economy. Building affordable housing not only provides much needed housing but employs hundreds of skilled workers and can provide new workers with opportunities to learn new skills.
Industry/Business Development
Innovation and investment in traditional resource industries such as forestry is a critical component of economic recovery as these industries support and create jobs in many of B.C.’s rural communities. Communities and businesses need support to capitalize on innovative and emerging opportunities. Local governments recognize the need to assist businesses in developing an online presence and the need to work in collaboration with their local business community on an ongoing basis to promote economic recovery.
Reconciliation
The pandemic has highlighted the need to work together across communities and regions. Investing in ways to foster partnerships with Indigenous neighbours that not only support reconciliation but also builds community economic resilience is a real opportunity before us. There is strong willingness among local governments to work in collaboration with neighbouring Indigenous communities (as many have done in COVID-19 response); it was noted that some smaller and rural/remote local governments as well as First Nations lack resources and capacity for the level of engagement needed to achieve real economic progress.
Page 63 of 150 Item 7.2
July 31, 2020
The Honourable John Horgan The Honourable Carole James Premier of British Columbia Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier PO BOX 9041, STN PROV GOV Room 153, Parliament Buildings Victoria BC V8W 9E1 Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Dear Premier Horgan and Minister James:
Re: UBCM Response to Building BC’s Recovery, Together
On behalf of BC local governments, please find attached the Union of BC Municipalities submission to the Province’s Building BC’s Recovery, Together consultation document.
Our submission reflects the results of member outreach undertaken over the March – May period, as well as more recent local government engagement on specific policy files such as public transit.
As well, I am pleased to advise that at our July 17th meeting, the Executive formally constituted a Special Committee on Economic Recovery, comprising members of the Presidents Committee. We would welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with you to share the perspectives of local government as we continue to move forward with the Restart Plan.
I also wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership as we continue to navigate our province through this challenging and unprecedented time.
Yours truly,
Mayor Maja Tait UBCM President
Cc: Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Attachment: UBCM Submission to the Province’s Building BC’s Recovery, Together
60-10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W9 525 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8V 0A8 t. 604.270.8226 f. 604.270.9116 ubcm.ca t. 250.356.5133 f. 250.356.5119Pageubcm.ca 64 of 150 Item 7.2
Union of BC Municipalities Submission to the Province’s Building BC’s Recovery, Together Consultation Paper
1. Introduction
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) represents 100% of the local governments in British Columbia (BC), as well as eight First Nations members, and has advocated for policy and programs that support its membership’s needs since 1905.
BC local governments are recognized as orders of government in their respective jurisdictions under the Community Charter and Local Government Act. As the order of government closest to its citizens, local government leaders know the significant impact that this pandemic has had on BC residents; small and large businesses; non-profit groups and other community-based organizations.
As the recognized, collective voice of BC local government, UBCM is pleased to provide this submission to the Province’s Building BC’s Recovery, Together consultation process.
2. Building BC’s Recovery, Together Consultation Process
The Province’s Building BC’s Recovery, Together consultation process offers British Columbians an opportunity to provide their feedback either through the consultation paper, on line survey or one of the virtual town halls. Due to the personal focus of the Province’s consultation, UBCM was unsure if this was the appropriate avenue for us to make our views known. However, at our July board meeting Executive members directed that we prepare a submission to ensure that the local government voice was heard as part of the Province’s recovery process. As a result, our submission does not respond directly to the questions posed within the Province’s consultation paper (page 12) but instead provides an overview of the feedback we have heard from our members after undertaking our own member engagement.
So while our submission may not fit within the Province’s template for response, we note that many of the elements covered within our submission do align with the provincial priorities identified on page 11 of the consultation paper as follows:
Page 65 of 150 Item 7.2 2
• STRENGTHENING OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM • CREATING AND RESTORING GOOD-PAYING AND SUSTAINABLE JOBS • BECOMING MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT • IMPROVING EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES • TAKING ADVANTAGE OF BC’S ABUNDANT CLEAN ENERGY • MOVING FORWARD ON MEANINGFUL RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES • BUILDING THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES THAT ALL COMMUNITIES NEED TO THRIVE • ENSURING THAT BC IS ON A STRONG FISCAL FOOTING
And while our submission may not directly reference all of the identified provincial priorities, UBCM does have a repository of resolutions and policy positions that would indicate broad member support for all of the priorities that have been identified.
In the Province’s consultation paper, it states: “As conversations across the province move from restart to recovery, it is clear recovery means more than returning to the past. This is an opportunity for businesses, organizations and non- profit agencies to help us generate solutions to address the challenges they face.”
UBCM concurs with this statement. By identifying the challenges facing local governments, as well as possible solutions, we hope our submission helps to generate new and creative opportunities for BC local government. We view our submission as a first step to help inform the Province’s recovery process and look forward to further engagement in the coming months.
3. UBCM Perspectives on Recovery
Local Government and Financial Recovery
In late March 2020, UBCM reached out to a wide of range of local governments to gather information on the immediate and projected long-term financial pressures facing local governments, their residents, and local businesses as a result of the pandemic. Many local governments identified a loss of variable revenue, the shelving of capital projects, a re-evaluation of property taxes, new costs of supporting vulnerable populations, and concerns over reserve restrictions and looming financial deadlines. In response to these concerns, UBCM raised potential relief measures with the Province that focused on property taxes, legislated financial timelines, restrictions on reserves, capital project timelines, grants, and infrastructure stimulus funding.
Page 66 of 150 Item 7.2 UBCM Submission to Province’s Building Recovery, Together Consultation page 3
In early April, the Province introduced a financial relief framework that initiated temporary changes to B.C.’s property tax framework to provide financial support for businesses and local governments. Among the changes introduced, local governments were given the ability to borrow, interest-free, from their capital reserve funds and municipalities will be able to access school tax revenue collected for the Province until the end of the year. UBCM committed to monitoring the impact of the measures on local government finances, and working with the Province to ensure that local governments had the necessary resources to sustain their communities.
After a second round of outreach, many of our members acknowledged the provincial measures were a modest first step in attempting to address the pandemic-related financial challenges for communities. The measures provided local governments with some flexibility, enhanced cash flow, and short-term certainty that assisted them in financial decision-making. These provincial measures were viewed as a tool for governments to use in the interim, as well as support for local businesses. Even with these provincial measures, many local governments had to re-evaluate their budgets and make extremely difficult decisions and adjustments on capital spending, service levels, staffing, and proposed property tax increases, to ensure continued operation and delivery of critical services. Many local governments also engaged in layoffs of casual, temporary and facility related staff in early April, with the continued uncertainty of the pandemic impacting potential future layoffs.
While there was a general feeling that local governments might be able to financially weather the next several months, our members expressed particular concern about their finances in coming year(s). The risk of delinquencies amongst residential and commercial property taxpayers remains high as the economic fallout from the pandemic mounts. Local governments are concerned that the continued loss of non-taxation revenue, coupled with the uncertainty of tax delinquencies, will hinder the ability of local governments to advance capital projects, maintain existing essential services, and pay back reserves without significant property tax increases in the years ahead.
Upon receiving this feedback, UBCM called for additional provincial support measures in May to address local government funding shortfalls, mitigate the risk of tax delinquencies, and facilitate a revival of local economies. In particular, UBCM called for financial support for transit to aid local economic recoveries; an infrastructure stimulus framework to generate economic returns for communities; and an expansion of the property tax deferral program to all residents to reduce the risk of tax delinquencies. A copy of our May 8th letter to Minister Robinson is attached to this submission.
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In addition, UBCM supported the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ request for a minimum of $10 billion in emergency operating funding, with an additional $2.4 billion for communities with transit systems, to be provided through a direct federal allocation to local governments.
Recently the federal government announced a $19 billion funding program to support provinces with their recovery efforts, with specific funding to be targeted to local governments, specifically transit services. On July 22nd the Province announced it would target up to $1 billion of additional spending to address COVID-19 impacts and restart plans of local governments and public transit services, conditional on matching federal contributions under a 50/50 cost-sharing criteria. UBCM welcomes this announcement and looks forward to working with the Province to identify how best to support local governments with their recovery efforts.
Local Government and Public Transit
As noted above, in the early days of the pandemic, UBCM reached out to local governments to identify their financial challenges. And while we heard predictably about property taxes, and the loss of other revenue sources (i.e. casinos, parking and recreation fees) we also heard very specific concerns around transit, and the significant impact on local government budgets.
UBCM then followed up with officials from BC Transit, TransLink and the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation to get a better understanding of the impacts on transit communities across BC. The financial impact is, and continues to be devastating.1 In May, the UBCM Executive directed that we offer our support to BC Transit and TransLink communities to address the problem in a collective way. On June 16th, UBCM hosted a Public Transit Forum for all BC Transit and TransLink communities. What we found most interesting was, despite facing major financial challenges, mayors from transit communities commented on how important it was to remain on track; how they wanted to be part of the conversation to make transit more nimble and better able to adapt to these crisis situations.
During the Forum a document outlining draft principles and recommendations was shared with participants. The document specifically asked the Province to work with all transit / community partners on the development of a transit recovery strategy to address the financial impacts; and a rebuilding strategy that would
1 For example: Kelowna - $3M losses predicted over next 12 months; Nanaimo RD - $2.5 - $3 million in 2020; Nelson - $100,000 in revenue losses to date; Prince George - $100,000-$200,000 in revenue losses to date.
Page 68 of 150 Item 7.2 UBCM Submission to Province’s Building Recovery, Together Consultation page 5
focus on how to sustain, grow and identify alternative funding models to support public transit.
UBCM recognizes that the Mayors’ Council is working with Minister Robinson to address TransLink community concerns, however there is no comparable collective for BC Transit communities. As a result, UBCM wrote to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on behalf of BC Transit communities offering to assist. We indicated our interest in working with the Province to coordinate a consultation process with affected communities to identify how best to support them to deliver transit at this critical time, and into the future. A copy of our June 29th letter to Minister Trevena is attached.
As noted earlier, UBCM was pleased to learn of the July 22nd announcement by the Minister of Finance to earmark up to $1 billion to fund the Province's portion of municipal and transit services assistance, depending on the outcome of further federal cost-sharing discussions. We look forward to learning more about how this funding will be allocated to support transit communities recover from fare losses and rebuild the system to be more resilient. UBCM remains committed to working with the Province to identify other funding models to ensure transit can remain sustainable not only at this critical time, but through the recovery process into the future.
Local Government and Infrastructure
As the Province turns its attention to the recovery phase of the pandemic, Infrastructure stimulus has historically generated significant economic returns for local communities, through increased employment, the flow through of dollars to local businesses, and the creation of much needed community assets.
When UBCM reached out to its members this past spring about recovery, members expressed broad support for securing an infrastructure stimulus framework that: • maximizes flexibility on project category, eligible costs, procurement and timelines; • provides 100% funding for any recovery program and/or current infrastructure program; and • ensures administrative ease and efficiency in recognition of local staff capacity.
In addition, members noted that any infrastructure stimulus framework should support “shovel worthy” projects over shovel ready projects, expedite BC announcements in the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), and remove existing federal stacking rules. UBCM believes that the current Gas Tax funding model is the appropriate model for any infrastructure stimulus framework,
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as it maximizes local choice and flexibility to ensure funds are invested in the areas with the greatest need and economic return.
An ancillary issue that has surfaced repeatedly in our discussion of infrastructure stimulus relates to procurement. While we understand existing trade agreements prescribe specific procurement obligations, our members have expressed a desire to procure locally, where possible, as means to support local economic recovery. Local governments have expressed frustration with the BC Bid process, as it does not permit local governments to hire/buy local due to specified procurement thresholds. Adjustments to procurement thresholds or processes may provide an opportunity for economic stimulus, at a time when local economic development is critical to the overall provincial recovery effort.
Local Government and Broadband Connectivity
Improved and expanded broadband internet connectivity has been, and continues to be a key priority for UBCM. Its importance has been underscored in 2020 by the move to work and conduct business remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic local governments with limited connectivity struggled to conduct normal council/board business in a virtual format. While most local governments found ways to adapt, there are still many regions of our province that continue to struggle daily due to the lack of, or inadequate connectivity. The pandemic has revealed how vulnerable these communities are when disasters happen, and highlight how important it is to remedy the current situation.
We applaud the Province for expanding the Connecting British Columbia program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help internet service providers (ISPs) undertake immediate network equipment upgrades to rapidly improve capacity and internet speeds in underserved areas, but unfortunately it is still not enough. None of the current funding programs address the issue of existing, dormant backbone and last-mile infrastructure that either lacks an ISP to make use of it, or is owned by an existing Internet service provider that declines to activate and use it. Consequently, action needs to be taken to require ISPs or the owners of network infrastructure to activate and make use of existing, dormant network infrastructure to help achieve universal broadband Internet access.
Addressing the broadband connectivity gap is critical to the recovery effort. Communities need reliable adequate broadband connectivity to conduct the day to day business of local government; attract and retain business; support distance education / learning opportunities; access online health support/services; and ensure that their citizens are able to engage fully in a virtual environment.
Page 70 of 150 Item 7.2 UBCM Submission to Province’s Building Recovery, Together Consultation page 7
Local Government and Societal Impacts of COVID-19
While much of our submission has focused on economic recovery, our Executive and broader membership have identified the significant social impacts associated with the pandemic. As noted in the Province’s consultation paper, hundreds of thousands of individuals have lost their jobs with those most impacted coming from the service sectors, notably retail, restaurants, hotels and tourism.
An example of this impact is very clearly evident on a community such as Whistler, a tourist destination, dominated by service sector employment. The following account was shared by Councillor Jen Ford, UBCM Third Vice-President:
The Whistler Food Bank saw an immediate and alarming uptick in need for food security. Prior to Covid, the food bank handed out bags to roughly 45 households each week (one day per week it was open). In the first week, we saw 100, in the next week we were up to 200, and the peak was just before the CERB cheques started, there was 600 bags in a week. We moved to the conference centre with 5 day per week service. The service has remained strong with an average of 200 bags per week, and will remain at the conference centre through September. This move made sense to allow for adequate spacing and processing of the food donations. There are also outreach services available on site for support navigating CERB applications, financial support, and multicultural outreach. Prior to Covid, the majority of people would talk about insecure and unstable housing as the biggest issue. That has changed substantially, and it is now job insecurity and mental health.
As far as the tourism impact, Whistler generates 25% of the provincial tourism export revenue. The closure of hotels and reduced capacity of restaurants will be felt for many, many months ahead. Many of the local restaurants have reopened, and all the hotels have reopened, but we're seeing an entirely different kind of guest who is spending less and staying for shorter stays, unlike our typical visitor. Every business in town is being challenged by far fewer workers and few applicants, so service levels are difficult.
The societal impacts of the pandemic cannot be underestimated. Additional and ongoing support is needed to assist vulnerable populations that have been significantly affected. Whether its unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse/addictions, mental health or other situations requiring social support services, communities are on the front line working with the Province, local organizations and volunteers to do what they can to help their residents.
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4. UBCM Role in the Provincial Recovery Effort
In order to effectively respond to, and recover from, the current pandemic, it is imperative that federal, provincial, local and aboriginal governments work collaboratively to address the devastating health, safety, social and economic impacts that have impacted every resident, in every region of our province and country.
At the July 2020 UBCM Executive meeting, board members directed that a Special Committee on Economic Recovery be established to serve as a contact point for provincial and federal governments to support recovery efforts. The newly established Special Committee is comprised of the following Executive members:
• Mayor Maja Tait, President • Councillor Brian Frenkel, 1st VP • Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, 2nd VP • Councillor Jen Ford, 3rd VP • Councillor Arjun Singh, Past President • Councillor Craig Hodge, GVRD/Metro Rep.
Members of the Special Committee would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Province to discuss our submission or any other matters as they pertain to local governments and pandemic recovery.
5. Concluding Remarks
On behalf of local governments across BC, UBCM thanks the Province for undertaking the Building BC’s Recovery, Together consultation process. We appreciate the opportunity to share what we have heard from our members since the state of emergency was declared in March 2020.
While this submission is not exhaustive of the issues and challenges facing our members, we consider it to be an accurate portrayal of the key concerns facing BC local government. As the collective voice of local government, UBCM stands ready to work with the Province and offer our assistance as BC moves forward through the recovery phase.
Attachments: - May 8, 2020 letter to Minister Robinson - June 29, 2020 letter to Minister Trevena
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May 8, 2020
The Honorable Selina Robinson Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing PO Box 9056 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 Via Email: [email protected]
Dear Minister Robinson,
On behalf of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), I wish to thank you for listening to the range of financial pressures facing local governments that were raised in our discussions with you and your staff in April. The Province's willingness to move quickly and develop measures seeking to address those financial challenges was welcomed by UBCM and its members.
The measures announced on April 16th were an important first step in supporting our members and their local economies, as they provided additional relief to small business and gave some flexibility to help local governments maintain operations. At the time of their announcement, UBCM committed to monitoring the impact of the measures on local government finances, and working with the Province to ensure that local governments had the necessary resources to sustain their communities.
We have since reached out to our membership to gauge the impact of the provincial financial relief framework, and to identify a stimulus approach that would assist a post-pandemic recovery in our communities. Outlined below you will find a summary of our outreach findings, coupled with a request for additional measures that would address local government funding shortfalls, mitigate the risk of tax delinquencies, and facilitate a revival of local economies.
Provincial Financial Relief Measures
Many of our members acknowledge the April 16th measures as a modest first step in attempting to address the pandemic-related financial challenges of communities. The measures provided local governments with some flexibility, enhanced cash flow, and short-term certainty that assisted local governments in their financial decision making. They were viewed as a tool for governments to use in the interim, as well as financial support for local businesses. It should be
60-10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W9 525 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8V 0A8 t. 604.270.8226 f. 604.270.9116 ubcm.ca t. 250.356.5133 f. 250.356.5119 Pageubcm.ca 73 of 150 Item 7.2 2 noted that many local governments had to re-evaluate their budgets and make extremely difficult decisions and adjustments on capital spending, service levels, staffing, and proposed property tax increases, to ensure continued operation and delivery of critical services. Many local governments also engaged in layoffs of casual, temporary and facility related staff in early April, with the continued uncertainty of the pandemic impacting potential future layoffs.
While there is a general feeling that local governments might be able to financially weather the next several months, our members are particularly concerned about their finances for the following year(s). The risk of delinquencies amongst residential and commercial property taxpayers remains high as the economic fallout from the pandemic mounts. Local governments are concerned that the continued loss of non-taxation revenue, coupled with the uncertainty of tax delinquencies, will hinder the ability of local governments to advance capital projects, maintain existing essential services, and pay back reserves without significant property tax increases in the years ahead.
Expanded Property Tax Deferral Program
Given the risk of property tax delinquencies, local governments are seeking an expansion of the existing Property Tax Deferral Program to cover all residential tax payers at a minimum. While the program's eligibility covers a significant number of residents, there remains a sizeable number of ineligible residents that require support. An expanded program would mitigate the risk of delinquencies, and provide a greater degree of certainty for budgeting and long-term financial planning.
Transit Financial Support
The need for financial support for transit has also emerged as an issue amongst transit dependent communities throughout the province. Not only has the loss of fare revenue significantly impacted many local government budgets, but the decreased ridership arising from physical distancing requirements threatens the financial sustainability of existing services levels. Transit is a service critical to supporting local economic recoveries, and UBCM's members are looking for provincial funding assistance to support the sustainability of transit in their communities.
Economic Recovery Stimulus Funding
UBCM's members are seeking economic recovery stimulus funding once the Province fully turns its attention to the recovery phase of the pandemic. Infrastructure stimulus has historically generated significant economic returns for local communities, through increased employment, the flow through of dollars to local businesses, and the creation of much needed community assets.
Page 74 of 150 Item 7.2 3
To that effect, UBCM's members are broadly supportive of securing an infrastructure stimulus framework which maximizes flexibility on project category, eligible costs, procurement and timelines; provides 100% funding for any recovery program and/or current infrastructure program; and which ensures administrative ease and efficiency in recognition of local staff capacity. In addition, any infrastructure stimulus framework should support shovel worthy projects over shovel ready projects, expedite BC announcements in the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), and remove existing federal stacking rules. UBCM believes that the current Gas Tax funding model is the appropriate model for any infrastructure stimulus framework, as it maximizes local choice and flexibility to ensure funds are invested in the areas with the greatest need and economic return.
I wish to thank you for your leadership and collaboration on combating the impact of the pandemic in BC's communities. I look forward to working with the Province on these proposed measures to ensure that local governments have the resources necessary to sustain their operations and services while stimulating their local economies.
Sincerely,
Mayor Maja Tait UBCM President
Page 75 of 150 Item 7.2
June 29, 2020
The Honourable Claire Trevena Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Room 306 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Dear Minister Trevena:
Re: Public Transit in BC
On behalf of UBCM I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on work that we have undertaken to support transit communities in BC. While all BC communities have been financially impacted by COVID-19, UBCM has found that transit communities are struggling even more so. I shared some initial findings when we connected a few months ago, and now have additional feedback that I felt was important to convey.
In response to member concerns, UBCM hosted a Transit Forum on June 16th for both TransLink and BC Transit communities. The session was well attended with over 90 participants and was planned in coordination with the TransLink Mayors’ Council. The Forum opened with a joint presentation by Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit and Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink on the state of public transit in BC. Both presenters noted that the next two years will bring continued uncertainty and the need to be nimble and responsive.
Mayors from both TransLink and BC Transit communities shared the financial and operational challenges they have faced over the past four months and how they have tried to adapt. Discussion focused on a draft set of principles and recommendations that reflected on how to recover from current losses and what is needed to rebuild public transit. This document, attached, received overwhelming support.
And, despite the significant financial losses faced by many transit communities, it was heartening to learn that over 90% of participants indicated that their community remains committed to the same growth, transportation and other local/regional plans and objectives that they had in place prior to COVID-19. Interestingly, the Mayors commented on how important it was to remain on track; the importance of continued transit growth and the need to make transit more nimble and adaptive to respond to these crisis situations.
60-10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W9 525 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8V 0A8 t. 604.270.8226 f. 604.270.9116 ubcm.ca t. 250.356.5133 f. 250.356.5119 Pageubcm.ca 76 of 150 Item 7.2 2
And finally, over 98% of Forum participants supported being part of a collaborative approach (UBCM, BC Transit and TransLink communities) going forward that would advance the recommendations for rebuilding transit in BC to the provincial and federal government.
UBCM and its local government members recognize that transit is an essential service that is key to the Province’s Restart Plan. Based on what we heard from Forum participants, there is an opportunity for transit communities to help identify what recovery and rebuilding might look like and to ensure public transit remains sustainable into the future as the Province continues to re-open the economy.
We recognize that the Mayors’ Council is already working collaboratively with Minister Robinson’s office and would offer our organization as a body that could assist your Ministry in establishing an ongoing working relationship with BC Transit communities.
In closing, we would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how we can work in partnership to develop a recovery and rebuild strategy for BC public transit.
Yours truly,
Mayor Maja Tait UBCM President
Att: Principles and Recommendations to the Province for Rebuilding Transit in BC
cc: Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Responsible for TransLink) Mayor Jonathon Cote, City of New Westminster and Chair, Mayors’ Council Mayor Colin Basran, City of Kelowna Mayor Jack Crompton, Resort Municipality of Whistler Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink Erinn Pinkerton, CEO and President, BC Transit Mike Buda, Executive Director, Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation
Page 77 of 150 Item 7.3
Carla Jack Provincial Toponymist BC Geographic Names [email protected]
**Date
Re: Restoring Haida Place Names
Dear Ms. Jack, This letter, signed by all Island governments, confirms our support for Haida place name restoration across Haida Gwaii. Restoring places to their original Xaad and Xaayda kil names is an act of reconciliation and a demonstration of Haida title. It shows yahguudang | yahgudang respect to ancestors and citizens who have lived with the lands and waters on this archipelago for millennia. Direction for this project came from Haida citizens through a House of Assembly resolution. Today, the Council of the Haida Nation Culture and Language Committee is enacting this resolution, working with language authorities, all Island communities and the provincial government to bring back the original Xaayda and Xaad kil names. Collectively, we have reviewed the first 12 names that have been identified as priority (listed below). Of these, only #3 – Delkatla Inlet – is within municipal boundaries. Just as we respect Haida jurisdiction and authority, we acknowledge municipal roles and responsibilities. Together, we agree that place names within municipal jurisdiction will require more nuanced planning and discussion between the CHN and applicable community. We will work within the All-Island Protocol Table to ensure shared agreement for places within municipal boundaries. The signatories below support this initiative as a whole and will continue to work together, and with the province, to restore Haida place names. Haawa / Haw’aa / Thank you,
12 Haida Place Names to be Restored 1. T’aalan Stl’ang - Lepas Bay
Page 78 of 150 Item 7.3
2. Íits’aaw - Mission Hill 3. Dal Kaahlii – Delkatla Inlet 4. Dal Kún – Masset Harbour 5. Taaw – Tow Hill 6. Juus Káahlii – Juskatla Inlet 7. Kunxana – Mount Poole 8. GaysiiGas K’iidsii - Burnaby Strait 9. K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay - Dolomite Narrows 10. Gid Gwaa GyaaGa GawGa - Poole Inlet 11. Sk’yaaw GawGa - Francis Bay 12. Sk’yaaw Kun - Poole Point
Signed by Haida Gwaii Protocol Table members,
Page 79 of 150 B.C. Geographical Names Office Northern Names
D I X O N E N T R A N C E "T'aalan Stl’ang" Current Name: Lepas Bay Lat, "T'aalan Stl’ang" Long: 54.163, -133.067 "Íits'aaw" Current Name: Mission Hill Lat, Long: 54.038, -132.185 McIntyre Bay "Taaw" "Dal Ḵaahlii" Duu Guusd "Íits'aaw" Current Name: Delkatla Inlet Conservancy Lat, Long: 54.014, -132.136 "Dal Ḵaahlii" "Dal Kún" "Dal Kún" Current Name: Harrison Pt Naikoon Lat, Long: 54.007, -132.144 Park "Taaw" Current Name: Tow Hill G R A H A M I S L A N D Lat, Long: 54.074, -131.799 "Juus Ḵáahlii" Current Name: Juskatla Inlet Lat, Long: 53.629, -132.398
Copyright/Disclaimer
The material contained in this web site is owned by the Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed without the prior written permission of the Province of British Columbia. To request permission to reproduce all or part of the material on this web site please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form which can be accessed through the Copyright Information Page. Masset Harbour CAUTION: Maps obtained using this site are not designed to assist in navigation. These maps may be generalized and may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. DO NOT USE THESE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES. "Juus Ḵáahlii"
Datum: NAD83 Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary _Sphere H E C A T E S T R A I T Key Map of Haida Gwaii Page 80 of 150 Item 7.3 H E C A T E S T R A I T B.C. Geographical Names Office
Southern Name Huxley "G̱ aysiiG ̱ as Ḵ'iidsii" I. Current Name: Burnaby Strait Lat, Long: 52.369, -131.302 "Ḵ'iid Xyangs Ḵ'iidaay" Current Name: Dolomite Narrows Burnaby Island Lat, Long: 52.360, -131.353 "Gid G̱ waa GyaaG ̱ a G̱ awG̱ a" Current Name: Poole Inlet "G̱ aysiiG̱ as Ḵ'iidsii" Lat, Long: 52.369, -131.302 ̱ a” "Sk’yaaw G ̱ awG̱ a" ̱ awG Current Name: Francis Bay MORESBY ISLAND Lat, Long: 52.371, -131.271 ̱ a” "Sk’yaaw Kun" ̱ waa “Sk’yaaw "Sk’yaawG Kun" ̱ awG Current Name: Poole Point “Gid ̱Ga G Lat, Long: 52.373, -131.244 Ḵ'iidaay" Copyright/Disclaimer "Ḵ'iid Xyangs GyaaG The material contained in this web site is owned by the Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed Gwaii Hanas National without the prior written permission of the Province of British Columbia. To request permission to reproduce Park Reserve and all or part of the material on this web site please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form Haida Heritage Site which can be accessed through the Copyright Information Page. CAUTION: Maps obtained using this site are not designed to assist in navigation. These maps may be S k i n c u t t l e I n l e t generalized and may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. DO NOT USE THESE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Datum: NAD83 Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary _Sphere
Key Map of Haida Gwaii Page 81 of 150 Item 7.3 Item 7.3
BC Geographical Names
Proposed Named
Dixon Entrance ❶
❺ ❷ ❸ ❹
GRAHAM ISLAND Hecate Strait
❻
❼
MORESBY ISLAND Louise I.
Lyell I.
Copyright/Disclaimer
The material contained in this web site is owned by the ❽ Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed without the prior written permission of the Province of ❾ British Columbia. To request permission to reproduce ❿⓫⓬ all or part of the material on this web site please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form which can be accessed through the Copyright Information Page.
CAUTION: Maps obtained using this site are not designed to assist in navigation. These maps may be generalized and may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. DO NOT USE THESE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Datum: NAD83 Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Spher e
Key Map of British Columbia
Page 82 of 150 Item 7.4
Northern Health Regional Office #600-299 Victoria Street, Prince George, BC V2L 5B8 Telephone: (250) 565-2922 www.northernhealth.ca
INVITATION
July 21, 2020
Chair Barry Pages North Coast Regional District Via email: [email protected] [email protected]
Dear Chair Pages:
Re: Fall 2020 - Northern Health and Community Stakeholder Meetings
Due to the September 2020 UBCM Convention occurring virtually Northern Health has arranged to ensure there is still the opportunity for Community Stakeholders to meet with Northern Health, Chair Colleen Nyce and myself.
I am pleased to advise that virtual meetings will be scheduled using the Zoom platform. This will be an opportunity for Community Stakeholders to discuss health care issues and to answer questions. If you are interested in meeting with us, we invite you to contact our offices to arrange a time convenient for you.
Individual Community meetings will be scheduled for 30mins each on the following dates:
Day 1: Monday, September 14, 2020 Day 2: Monday, September 21, 2020
To book an appointment please contact Irma Trudel, Administrative Assistant, at (250)649-7038 or by email at [email protected] no later than Thursday August 27th. A reminder that we will require a list of topics by the deadline with as much detail as possible to assist us in preparing for the discussion.
We look forward to meeting with you in September.
Sincerely,
Cathy Ulrich President and Chief Executive Officer Northern Health
Page 83 of 150 Item 7.5
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. 2550 – 1066 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2 Joe Mazza, P.Eng. Tel: (604) 697-6219 Vice-President, Operations & Engineering Fax: (604) 697-6210 Email: [email protected]
July 30, 2020
Daniel Fish, CAO North Coast Regional District 14, 342 3rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1L5 [email protected]
Attention: Daniel Fish,
Re: PNG West Transmission Line – Salvus to Galloway Upgrade
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) would like to notify you of a proposed upgrade project that may be of interest to you.
PNG is submitting an application to the BC Utilities Commission for approval to conduct necessary maintenance and Integrity upgrade work on approximately 80 km of our West Transmission natural gas line between the Salvus maintenance yard and the Galloway pressure regulating station. These upgrades are a regulatory requirement under PNG's license to operate with the BC Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC) and are necessary to maintain the integrity of the pipeline up to and including the replacement segments of the pipe that are nearing the end of their useful lifespan.
I am attaching a Project Fact Sheet that provides more details about the proposed project, including the location, project schedule and a summary of the work to be completed.
We have asked Cornerstone Planning Group (Cornerstone) to assist with coordinating consultation with stakeholders and interested parties. If you would like to arrange to meet with PNG to discuss the proposed project further, please contact Natasha Kappell at (778) 676-4961 or [email protected].
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to conduct our engagement by phone, video conferencing, or other ways to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
PNG is creating a project website with more information and is planning on hosting a “virtual open house” to share more about the project and provide feedback. We will share this information with you as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Joe Mazza Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering
Attachment: Project Fact Sheet
CC: Brock John, Director Business Development and Stakeholder Relations
Page 84 of 150 Item 7.5
PROPOSED SALVUS TO GALLOWAY UPGRADE PROJECT (S2G)
PROJECT FACT SHEET
Introduction
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) owns and operates the West Transmission gas line. The line was built in the 1960s and transports natural gas from Summit Lake to Kitimat and Prince Rupert, providing natural Proposedgas service Project to commercial and residential customers in communities along the way.
PNG proposes to conduct infrastructure upgrades to repair and replace sections along an 80 km segment of the eight-inch (219.1 mm) diameter West Transmission Prince Rupert Mainline. The proposed work will take place from the Salvus maintenance yard to the Galloway pressure Projectregulating Need station. This project is expected to cost approximately $80 million.
This work is required to maintain the integrity of the pipeline and replace segments of the pipe that are nearing the end of their useful lifespan. This is a regulatory requirement of PNG’s licence to operate, as governed by the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission. This project will:
• Ensure the continued safety of the pipeline and reliability of natural gas service; • Enhance pipeline stability by addressing geotechnical risks from landslide, rockfall, avalanche, and washout; and • Ensure long-term reliable energy supply to thousands of residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the communities we serve in the Prince Rupert and Port Edward region. Maintaining the integrity of the line is essential to supporting the well-being of the communities in which PNG operates, preserving associated economic activities and sustaining jobs in the region. Prince Rupert is home to the third largest Port in Canada and depends on a reliable supply of natural gas to provide exports to countries around the world.
All work will comply with the Canadian Standards Association Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Standards (the governing standards for the safe design, construction, operation and maintenance of natural gas Locationpipelines). and Terrain
The Salvus to Galloway segment of the West Transmission Prince Rupert Mainline runs through a remote mountainous region north of Highway 16 West and south of Work Channel, starting at Salvus approximately 50 km southwest of Terrace, up to Galloway Rapids approximately 9 km southeast of Prince Rupert.
The gas line traverses very challenging mountainous terrain and straddles several prominent geological features such as the Huckleberry Creek Valley and Prudhomme Mountain, and hydrological features including Arden Creek, Kasiks River and Khyex River. Page 85 of 150 Item 7.5
Salvus to Galloway Gas Line Upgrades
Proposed Project Schedule
Late 2019 - Fall 2020 Spring 2021 2021 2022 2023 Summer 2020
Anticipated Early File BCUC BCUC Construction Construction Construction Consultation Application Decision Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Ongoing Consultation
Proposed Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Page 2
Page 86 of 150 Item 7.5
Description of Work Activities
Project work will be conducted within the existing PNG pipeline corridor referred to as a right-of-way (ROW) and nearby permitted temporary workspace. PNG’s respect for the environment guides our decisions and is why careful consideration is taken when planning our projects. Work will adhere to all federal and provincial environmental guidelines as well as PNG’s project specific and corporate Environmental Management Plans, as well as archaeological mitigation plans. Typical Right-of-Way
Temporary Topsoil Ditch Storage as Needed Spoil
Topsoil
22 cm 8” Pipeline Pipeline Existing 2 m 16 m 7-10 m 5’ 55’ 30’ 18 m Temporary 60’ Working Space Permanent Right-Of-Way (where required)
Following regulatory approvals, work is scheduled to begin in 2021 and will continue through 2023. Project work will include the following activities:
Access Management Development of both temporary and permanent access to specific locations.
Activities include:
• Equipment mobilization/demobilization; • Clearing along the existing ROW and new temporary workspace; • Installation of temporary and permanent watercourse crossings using environmental specialists for equipment ingress/egress; • Building access paths including quarrying, material hauling, placing, compaction and ditching, and • Development of equipment/materials staging and laydown areas.
Proposed Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Page 3
Page 87 of 150 Item 7.5
Integrity Digs Ground excavation to uncover the pipeline anomalies and assess condition.
Activities include: • Clearing and site preparation; • Material excavation and storage; • Management of surface and groundwater during open trench condition, and • Site remediation.
Gas Line Repairs Pipe remediation work to restore safe pipeline condition.
Activities include: • Repairing, removing and replacing sections of pipe, safety testing and site restoration including safely exposing and excavating the existing pipeline; and • Site remediation.
Geohazard Mitigation Construction of mitigation measures to protect the pipeline from geohazards.
Activities may include: • Increase depth of cover through pipeline lowering, increasing fill thickness over top of the line, or increasing pipe wall thickness; • Re-routing the pipeline within the ROW; and • Site remediation. Required Permits and Approvals
• British Columbia Utilities Commission: Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity • British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission: Notice of Intent (Replacement in Kind) • Section 11 Approval for Changes in and About a Stream; License of Occupation; Master License to Cut • Department of Fisheries and Oceans: FFA Authorization • Heritage Conservation Act: 12.2 Heritage investigation Permit Site Alteration Permit Natural •Gas B.C. Service Parks: B.C.During Parks Construction Use Permit for Works within Khyex Conservancy
During PNG’s construction phase, some segments of the gas line will need to be shut down for short periods of time. PNG will endeavour to minimize interruption of gas flow to customers during these service outages.
Proposed Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Page 4
Page 88 of 150 Item 7.5
Health and Safety
Safety is PNG’s top priority and the company has an excellent safety record. All work on the project will be subject to a comprehensive safety and emergency response plan to protect the health and safety of its workers, the public, Indigenous communities, and the environment. PNG will develop a comprehensive health and safety plan for the project.
PNG conducts regular inspections of all its gas lines including aerial patrols, in-line inspections, cathodic monitoring, and periodic brush clearing. PNG’s entire pipeline infrastructure is monitored 24-hours a day using a sophisticated computer-based system operating in real time. The pipeline has shutoff valves at regular intervals along the route, which ensure that interruptions or concerns with the line Indigenouscan be identified and Community immediately. Engagement
PNG is committed to involving Indigenous communities and stakeholders early in the process.
PNG will provide information to Indigenous communities, the public, and all interested parties in the region, to seek input and feedback and answer any questions or concerns. Information will be made available prior to the submission of the application to PNG’s regulators, as well as throughout the project. All input and feedback will be captured and tracked, and will form part of PNG’s engagement record in its filings.
Indigenous communities affected by the project will be engaged directly by PNG representatives to discuss the project and its potential impacts on Indigenous interests.
PNG will be organizing opportunities for public input through written and on-line submissions, as well as virtual online information sharing opportunities. A dedicated phone line and email address have been established to receive questions and comments.
Once the project receives approval to proceed, PNG will continue consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders throughout the Project.
Provide Information
Seek Input & Feedback Answer Questions & Concerns
Proposed Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Page 5
Page 89 of 150 Item 7.5
About PNG
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of TriSummit Utilities Inc., owns and operates a natural gas transmission and distribution system in west-central British Columbia, and through its subsidiary Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd. PNG also owns and operates natural gas distribution systems and a gas processing plant in the province’s northeast. This includes approximately 3,000 km of distribution mains and services pipelines and 1,200 km of transmission pipelines.
PNG has been operating in B.C. for over 50 years, and provides gas service to approximately 42,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in more than 16 communities across Western and Northeastern British Columbia.
PNG Service Areas
Contact for Further Information or Questions
Project Phone Line: 1-888-709-7304 Project Email: [email protected] Project Website: www.png.ca/projects/S2Ggasline
Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Proposed Salvus to Galloway Upgrade Project Page 6
Page 90 of 150 Item 7.6
SANDSPIT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 416 380 SCHOOL ROAD SANDSPIT BC V0T-1T0
Aug 11, 2020
ATTN: North Coast RD Board of Directors
RE: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Replacement Project
The board of the Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department Society has secured $35,923 of grant funding to replace our end of life Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). SCBAs are mandatory PPE and protect volunteer firefighter’s respiratory systems in Smokey or contaminated environments.
Total project cost (quoted) is at $65,824 for 10 SCBA units, 20 SCBA cylinders, and necessary accessories (note that we have worked with our supplier and the manufacturer, who have been able to find us new demo units at an approximate 50% reduction in cost, as such we are confident that the price provided cannot be beat in this market); the SCBA units chosen are the same brand and similar operation as our current units to allow for a seamless transition and are the same as those recently purchased by the VFD in the VoQC to ensure compatibility in mutual aid situations.
This project is our number 1 capital priority and we are asking for the NCRD’s support as follows:
1) That the NCRD allocate up to $30,000 from the Northern Capital and Planning funding towards this project. We understand that the NCRD has already $20,000 to the Sandspit Fire NCPG reserve and are contemplating allocating additional funds this year. 2) That once 100% of funding is secured that the NCRD purchase the SCBA’s for the department and retain ownership if required by the NCPG. This is primarily due to us not having the cashflow, but we also understand that the NCPG requires that the NCRD owns the asset and as such it makes sense for the NCRD to deal with purchasing.
We plan on proceeding with this project after we have received our used wildland tanker truck which is currently in Abbotsford being inspected and having some minor work done on it. Once this is complete, we will know if we have the full $35,923 remaining in our GTS grant budget or if we need to review the project scope. We anticipate being ready to move on this project in early October 2020, as such we don’t need a decision in August but were hoping that this request could be referred to NCRD staff so that details and potential issues can be resolved and a decision be made by the end of September.
Thank you for your consideration,
Board of Directors Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department
Page 91 of 150
Item 8.1
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: North Coast Regional District Board
From: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
Subject: Northern Capital and Planning Grant (“NCPG”) Allocation
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board discuss potential allocation of regional NCPG funds;
AND that staff be directed to prepare an updated report on proposed allocations of the 2020 Northern Capital and Planning Grant funding.
PURPOSE:
To bring forward recommended Northern Capital and Planning Grant (NCPG) funding allocations from the Electoral Area Advisory Committee (EAAC) to the Board of the North Coast Regional District (NCRD).
BACKGROUND:
In March 2020, the NCRD received $439,000 from the Province of BC as its portion of the NCPG. Subsequently, the Board of the NCRD referred the matter of NCPG allocations to the EAAC.
North Coast Regional District 1 August 14, 2020
Page 92 of 150
Item 8.1
At its June 25, 2020 EAAC meeting, the EAAC recommended a funding model consistent with the model used in 2019. This funding model resulted in the following allocations between regional and electoral area priorities:
Area Allocation Percentage Regional $102,570 23.36% Area A $35,347 8.05% Area C $41,738 9.51% Area D $153,224 34.90% Area E $106,121 24.17% Total $439,000 100%
At its meeting held August 5, 2020, the EAAC recommended allocations of the NCPG toward various capital and planning reserves for each service.
DISCUSSION:
The NCPG grant must be fully allocated to the specific service reserve funds by December 31, 2020.
EA allocations consistent with the funding formula identified have been summarized below:
Proposed Electoral Area A Allocations Service Project Allocation EA Administration NCRD Building (Contribution) $22,368.54 Emergency Planning A & C Area ‘A’ Emergency Plan Update $5,226.29 Land Use Planning OCP Development $2,613.15 Recreation ‘A’ Mainland Recreation Area $2,891.71 Regional Recycling Regional Recycling (Contribution) $2,247.31
Total Priorities: $35,347.00
Proposed Electoral Area C Allocations Service Project Allocation Emergency Planning A & C Area ‘C’ EOC Facility $41,738.00
Total Priorities: $41,738.00
North Coast Regional District 2 August 14, 2020
Page 93 of 150
Item 8.1
Proposed Electoral Area D Allocations Service Project Allocation EA Administration NCRD Building (Contribution) $29,602.75 Emergency Planning D Area ‘D’ Emergency Plan $28,122.41 HG Recreation Recreation Facilities Plan (Contribution) $8,166.28 Island Solid Waste Island Solid Waste (Contribution) $14,903.46 Land Use Planning OCP Development $2,041.57 Parks & Trails ‘D’ Parks and Trails $25,662.53 Tlell Fire Tlell Fire Department $44,725.00
Total Priorities: $153,224.00
Proposed Electoral Area E Allocations Service Project Allocation Emergency Planning Area ‘E’ Emergency Plan $10,612.10 Parks & Trails ‘E’ Parks and Trails $26,530.25 Sandspit Community Sandspit Community Hall $26,530.25 Hall Sandspit Fire Sandspit Fire Department $15,918.15 Sandspit Water Sandspit Water System $26,530.25
Total Priorities: $106,121.00
The recommended allocations above result in the following proposed allocations to various NCRD capital and planning reserves:
Proposed NCRD NCPG Allocations NCRD Service Regional 2020 NCPG Reserve Allocation Electoral Area Administration X $51,971.29 Island Solid Waste X $14,903.46 Regional Recycling X $2,247.31 Haida Gwaii Recreation X $8,166.28 Emergency Planning A & C $46,964.29 Mainland Recreation A $2,891.71 Land Use Planning $4,654.72 Sandspit Water $26,530.25 Sandspit Community Hall $26,530.25
North Coast Regional District 3 August 14, 2020
Page 94 of 150
Item 8.1
Proposed NCRD NCPG Allocations NCRD Service Regional 2020 NCPG Reserve Allocation Tlell Fire $44,725.00 Sandspit Fire $15,918.15 Emergency Planning E $10,612.10 Emergency Planning D $28,122.41 Parks & Trails E $26,530.25 Parks & Trails D $25,662.53 Total Priorities: $336,430
Regional District Allocation
While allocations from the electoral areas toward regional functions/projects have been proposed above in the amount of $77,288, the proposed regional allocation of $102,570 has been left for further Board discussion.
The NCRD owns the islands solid waste landfill and the regional recycling depot that are included in the Islands Solid Waste and Mainland Recycling sub-regional services. The NCRD has also identified the purchase and/or construction of a regional administration building as a priority of the organization.
NCRD Strategic & Operational Priorities
The following have been identified as Board strategic priorities and are in alignment with the conditions of the NCPG:
Strategic Operational
1. Trails Strategy Plan 1. Landfill closure costs 2. NCRD Administration Building 2. Regional recycling depot roof 3. Regional Housing Strategy repairs 4. Asset Management Planning 3. Islands solid waste solar gas flare & a. Community Halls recycling capital 5. Renewable Energy Strategy 6. Regional Attraction Strategy 7. Recreation Facilities Plan
North Coast Regional District 4 August 14, 2020
Page 95 of 150
Item 8.1
Staff is of the belief that these allocations recommended by the EAAC are consistent with overall organizational priorities and priorities identified in each of the local areas.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Board begin discussion around a potential allocation of the regional funds identified through the proposed funding formula recommended by the EAAC. Following discussion, staff will bring forward a revised report with identified allocations to the capital and planning reserves.
North Coast Regional District 5 August 14, 2020
Page 96 of 150
Item 8.2
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: NCRD Board
From: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
Subject: Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Rural & Northern Communities and Community, Culture, & Recreation Programs
Recommendations:
That staff be directed to present a report with proposed applications to the Rural and Northern Communities program at the September 18, 2020 Regular meeting.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to present to the Board of the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) information on the Rural & Northern Communities program (RNC) and Community, Culture & Recreation program (CCR) under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Funding Programs (ICIP).
BACKGROUND:
On June 25th, 2020, Canada and the Province of B.C. announced that they were committing up to $100 million for a second intake of the CCR program and up to $59 million for the RNC program.
At its Regular meeting held July 17th, 2020, the Board of the NCRD directed staff to prepare a report to outline eligible projects for the 2020 intake of the RNC and CCR.
DISCUSSION:
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The CCR is focused on projects that improve citizen’s access to and quality of cultural, recreational and community spaces, including for indigenous people and vulnerable populations. The CCR provides funding to local governments for eligible infrastructure for public use and benefit.
The RNC supports infrastructure projects for public use and benefit in communities with populations less than 25,000 and will provide additional funding toward project in communities with populations less than 5,000. The RNC is focused on infrastructure that will improve the quality of life in rural communities including food security; reliable road, air or marine infrastructure; broadband connectivity; efficient and reliable energy; indigenous health and educational facilities; community, culture and recreation; local public transit; improved resilience to natural disaster events; and environmental quality. Local governments are able to submit an application to the RNC for each community, with community being defined as a settlement area.
The application intake opened on June 25th, 2020 for both programs and will have staggered submission deadlines of October 1st, 2020 for CCR and October 22nd, 2020 for RNC.
Potential Project Applications
Regional Recycling Facility Capital Upgrades
In 2018, the Board of the NCRD supported an application to the RNC for the Regional Recycling Facility Capital Upgrade Project (Project). This application was ultimately unsuccessful.
More recently, in May 2020, the NCRD submitted an application for the Project to the ICIP Environmental Quality program (EQ). The EQ application seeks funding in the amount of $1.39 million (73.33% of total eligible project costs). The NCRD is able to make application for the Project under the RNC program at the same time.
An application to the ICIP - RNC - to support the completion of the Project was revised in May 2020 for the EQ program application intake. Staff have confirmed that the NCRD is able to submit to the RNC with a pending application in the EQ stream.
Oona River Community Hall Upgrades
In 2018, the Oona River Community Association (ORCA) requested that the NCRD submit an application, on its behalf, to the ICIP – RNC – to complete upgrades to the Oona River Community Hall. Ultimately, the RNC application for the community hall project was unsuccessful.
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Item 8.2
The ORCA has requested that the NCRD submit an application, on its behalf, to the 2020 RNC program.
The following have been identified as components to the upgrade project:
• Replacing exterior siding to improve durability and efficiency of the building; • Improving safety and accessibility to the community facility by building a sheltered entrance; and • Drilling of a local well to secure reliable potable water for the community building.
The ORCA is eligible to apply for funding on its own behalf, however, total eligible project costs would only be funded at 75%, as opposed to at 100% should the NCRD choose to submit on its behalf. Alternatively, this project does align with the ICIP CCR program, which would fund a local government or non-profit society at 73.33% of total eligible costs.
A draft application to the RNC to support the completion of the community hall project was completed in 2018 and would require updated cost estimates to reflect inflated costs for a 2020 application. The ORCA has confirmed it wishes to resubmit an application under the current RNC intake.
Islands Solid Waste Landfill Gas Flare
In 2019, the NCRD made application to the Clean BC Communities Fund for the undertaking of a $50,000 Island Solid Waste (ISW) Landfill Gas Flare Project (Gas Flare Project). The project aims to collect and flare methane gas at the ISW Landfill to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of a solar- powered flare system.
The Landfill Gas Flare Project is an eligible project under the RNC program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the aforementioned project applications be brought forward to the NCRD Board’s Regular meeting to be held September 18, 2020 for further direction on application submission.
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Item 8.3
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: NCRD Board
From: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
Subject: Prince Rupert Port Authority Land Use Plan Referral Response
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Board of the North Coast Regional District provide a response to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Land Use Plan referral as presented in Attachment B of the staff report entitled “Prince Rupert Port Authority Land Use Plan Referral Response”.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is the present a proposed response from the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) updated land use plan referral (Attachment B).
BACKGROUND:
In May 2020, the NCRD received a referral from PRPA requesting feedback on proposed updates to its land use plan (Attachment A).
The PRPA has indicated that the update was designed to provide more context to the PRPA’s land use planning and development than the existing plan. Additionally, some key changes to the land use plan itself have been made. The PRPA’s expressed primary
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objectives of the update include reflecting changes in port development since 2010, accommodating current port development planning, incorporating environmental considerations, and formalizing a land use plan amendment process. Attachment A of this report includes a high level summary of changes provided by the PRPA.
At its Regular meeting held June 25, 2020, the Electoral Area Advisory Committee (EAAC) recommended that the Board provide a response to the PRPA’s referral. This recommendation was supported by the NCRD Board at its Regular meeting held July 17, 2020.
DISCUSSION:
Urban Systems provided support with respect to reviewing the more technical land use planning aspects of the proposed PRPA plan and an assessment of the PRPA plan under the lens of the NCRD’s proposed North Coast OCP, strategic plan and other land use and community development frameworks.
Generally, the PRPA’s updated plan is a 20-year plan that builds upon the foundation laid with the 10-year 2011 Land Use Plan. The updated plan considers a more reasonable time horizon consistent with best practices found in OCPs today. A commitment to revisit the plan every 5 years is appropriate, and should result in more incremental changes rather than a significant overhaul that may cause anxiety for some communities. The updated plan provides additional clarity and definition with new and revised land use designations. This should improve transparency and reduce misinterpretation that can result in a poor decision-making process and mistrust between communities and planning authorities. The updated plan reflects an increased commitment to inform and consult with neighbouring communities on a variety of issues. Biannual Regional Planning Meetings involving representatives of all ten jurisdictions are proposed, complete with rotating Chairs. This represents a significant commitment. Time will tell whether or not a biannual meeting is the appropriate frequency in which to meet. 20 initiatives are identified, along with a suggested timeline. While concrete strategies such as these are not typically found in high-level community plans, they offer useful insight into the goals and aspirations of the PRPA. It allows the reader to examine whether the initiative is a reasonable response to the strategy.
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There are many jurisdictions and organizations involved in managing these lands responsibly. Communities need to clearly understand who is responsible for what, and how they can participate in the process. It will be the responsibility of all involved to ensure that improved communication extends to residents as well as organizations. In conclusion, the updated 2020-2040 Land Use Plan provides improved technical and procedural considerations. Staff anticipates that this will benefit the NCRD and other community partners as the region grows and evolves over the next 20 years. Although minor incompatibilities may be found between the PRPA’s Land Use Plan and the proposed North Coast OCP, staff believes that there are no significant issues which would result in any substantial incompatibilities between the two plans.
Flora Bank Development Moratorium
The Electoral Area Advisory Committee (EAAC) requested that staff seek additional information with respect to the proposed 20-year moratorium on Flora Bank development with a 20-year evergreen option.
The development moratorium is a voluntary prohibition on industrial development on Flora, Agnew and Horsey Banks. It does not prohibit industrial development on Lelu Island. However, the moratorium may allow access for the addition of utilities and equipment such as pipelines, undersea cables, weather monitoring, scientific equipment, or navigational aids on the outer edge of Horsey and Agnew Banks. The PRPA has expressed that if utilities and/or equipment are proposed, the project will be carefully reviewed and would be required to meet strict development criteria and environmental performance measures.
The PRPA has indicated that the moratorium will be in place for a minimum of 20 years and will be reviewed and a decision made whether to renew another 20 year minimum every 5 years by PRPA in conjunction with its land use plan update (referral process).
Referral Response
Below is a summary of proposed referral comments to be provided to the PRPA:
1. The PRPA Land Use Plan generally conforms with the direction set out in the proposed NCRD OCP. 2. Ensure future expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert mitigates impacts on Dodge Cove.
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3. The NCRD is satisfied with project-related community engagement efforts. 4. The NCRD is encouraged to see an emphasis on engaging neighbouring local governments in the future. 5. The PRPA development approval and referral process may be improved. 6. Be proactive in engaging with neighbouring governments regarding strategy land acquisition. 7. Opportunities for PRPA to support NCRD environmental projects. 8. Opportunities to coordinate and collaborate on recreation-based initiatives. 9. Encourage coordination for future planning of NCRD “Industrial Special Study Areas”.
A more complete referral response letter to the PRPA has been proposed as Attachment B to this report.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the EAAC recommend that the Board of the NCRD resolve to provide a response to the PRPA on its updated land use plan referral as presented in Attachment B to this report.
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Attachment AItem 8.3
PRINCE RUPERT PORT AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATION PORTUAIRE DE PRINCE RUPERT 200-215 COW BAY ROAD / CHEMIN COW BAY P/TÉL: 250 627 8899 PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. / C.-B. V8J 1A2 FAX: 250 627 8980
Daniel Fish North Coast Regional District 14, 342 3rd Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC V8J1L5
Dear Daniel,
Following up on our meeting last fall, the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) update to the Land Use Plan is in final draft and accompanies this correspondence. We received feedback from several sources during that time, and believe we have incorporated much of it in various aspects of the draft.
We would appreciate North Coast Regional District reviewing the document and providing feedback. As per our phone call, we would like to schedule a meeting in the next few weeks to discuss this further, giving us the opportunity to fully understand any comments you may have and answer any relevant questions.
For your information, we will also be opening a 60-day comment period for public review and feedback in June and July.
You will find that the update was designed to provide much more context to PRPA’s land use planning and development than the existing Land Use Plan, in addition to some key changes to the land use plan itself. To assist your review, we have taken the liberty to summarize some of the key changes from PRPA’s perspective. As per our previous meeting, PRPA’s primary objectives in the update included reflecting changes in port development since 2010, accommodating current port development planning (including container and logistics planning and related development and transportation flows), incorporating environmental considerations (primarily the Flora/Horsey/Agnew banks development moratorium), and formalizing a Land Use Plan amendment process.
More specifically, below is a summary of the key changes found in the draft Land Use Plan.
LAND USE PLAN VISION AND GOALS (Section 2.2, 8.1 & 8.2, 9.1) o Vision: The PRPA Land Use Plan is a 20-year plan for the management of lands under PRPA’s jurisdiction. The Plan will guide the responsible management of land to develop the Port of Prince Rupert to catalyze the competitiveness, growth and prosperity of Canadian trade, the continued growth and diversification, and more than double its cargo volumes by 2040. The Plan provides a framework for land management that honours PRPA’s strategic goals and encourages thoughtful development that limits environmental impact, is integrated into the surrounding community, and is a gateway that provides an economic benefit to all Canadians.
o Goals: 1. PRPA will continue to enable Canadian trade growth and gateway competitiveness by facilitating new port capacities, capabilities, and efficiencies. 2. PRPA will make efficient use of land by maximizing land use value, intensity and density through careful and progressive planning and land allocation. 3. PRPA will protect the gateway environment by developing responsibly and sustainably, and minimizing environmental impacts of operations.
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4. PRPA is a collaborative partner with local First Nations and its surrounding communities and is committed to entrenching First Nations economic participation in an expanding gateway, sharing economic prosperity, and enhancing community vitality. o Objectives: Each of these goals have several related objectives and sub-objectives that have guided the Land Use Plan update as well as setting out directions for PRPA to undertake in the future. These future directions are further defined in Section 9.1, ‘Implementation Measures’.
FLORA BANK DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM (Section 4.2.1) o Prohibits industrial development (creation of docs, berths and/or jetties) on Flora, Agnew, and Horsey Banks o Provides for access on Horsey Bank for pipeline, utilities and navigational equipment installation to support safety and future Lelu development, subject to environmental review. o Moratorium is in place for 20 years, with a formalized five year review and 20-year evergreen option o Moratorium provides clarification that Lelu Island is still part of the port’s industrial land base
PLANNING DISTRICTS: (Section 8.4) o Two planning districts expanded to three planning districts: o INNER HARBOUR (including Fairview) o RIDLEY & LELU ISLAND o OUTER HARBOUR (Kitson, Kinahan Islands)
EXISTING LAND USE CHANGES: (Section 8.3) o Land use designations are only applied to Schedule B and C land (definition found on page 28 of draft), not property owned by other parties o INDUSTRIAL: Expanded to include Westview Terminal area, east side of Ridley Island and Stapledon Island, confirmation of South Kaien Island Terminal area, and designation of Kinahan Islands o LOGISTICS: Expanded to include Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform area on Ridley Island o MARINE SUPPORT: Minimized to include only include PRPA water lots with minimal access to uplands.
NEW LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (Section 8.3) o Seven new land use designations have been created to add more specificity to land uses that were formerly captured in much broader designations o COMMERCIAL: Former “Cruise/Mixed Use” designation redefined and expanded to include Cow Bay property and Scott Road offices o HABITAT ENHANCEMENT: New land use applied to Flora Bank moratorium area and areas used for habitat compensation projects o VIEWSCAPE BUFFER: New land use applied to areas on Ridley (southeast), Lelu (northeast) and Westview uplands o WATERFRONT RECREATION: New land use applied to Kitson Island, Atlin Promenade, and Cow Bay Marina
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o MARINE INDUSTRIAL: New land use applied to industrial uses in direct proximity to industrial areas, i.e. piers, docks, conveyor systems, including Fairview marine area/Ferry terminals o TEMPORARY: New land use applied to areas with activities that can be remediated for other long term uses, i.e. Ridley Island organics disposal and sediment retention pond o TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES: New land use applied to current/future gateway transportation rail and road network, including Ridley Island Road Rail Utility Corridor, Fairview Connector Corridor
OTHER SIGNIFICANT NOTES: o Acknowledgement of cumulative effects impact and commitment to engage in related modelling and monitoring (section 4.5) o Commitment to semi-annual regional meetings with interjurisdictional municipal and First Nations local governments (section 5.2) o Formalize project referral process to interjurisdictional municipal and First Nations local governments (section 5.2) o Review and update land use plan every 5 years (section 9.3) o Major amendments requiring changes to land use designations, goals, policies or procedures will require First Nations, stakeholder, and public consultation and record of changes. (section 9.3)
We are confident that the final document will prove to be a valuable source of information in not just guiding land use within PRPA’s jurisdiction, but as high level view of what the port will potentially look like 20 years from now, and how we collectively intend to get there as partners sharing in the prosperity that will create.
PRPA considers input from the North Coast Regional District on this document very valuable and will assist us in optimizing the quality of the Land Use Plan. We will follow up with a phone call in the coming days to arrange a virtual meeting to discuss your feedback on the draft. In the interim, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Krista Ediger at 250.600.4431 or [email protected].
Please feel free to share this document with relevant North Coast Regional District staff and leadership, and include them in our meeting(s) as you see fit.
Sincerely,
Ken Veldman, VP Public Affairs & Sustainability
c.c. Chair Barry Pages and Directors
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Page 5
About the Land Use Plan Update The Prince Rupert Port Authority is responsible for preparing a detailed land use plan that contains objectives and policies for the physical development of the real property that it manages, holds, or occupies and that it takes into account relevant social, economic and environmental matters and zoning by-laws that apply to neighbouring lands. The “2020 Land Use Plan” was implemented in 2011, and adopts a time frame of approximately 10 years, to the year 2020. Many aspects of this plan remain valid, but there have been important changes to operating context, strategic direction and land portfolio.
About the Prince Rupert Port Authority The Prince Rupert Port Authority is responsible for the overall planning, development, marketing, and of the commercial port facilities within the Port of Prince Rupert. This includes ensuring competitive, efficient, and timely responses to customer needs and business opportunities. It also means ensuring that we facilitate these opportunities in a manner that is safe, responsible, and sustainable. By working closely with our partners and customers, we deliver supply chain innovation that adds value to Canadian products and increases Canada’s global competitiveness. Through careful stewardship, we have created sustainable prosperity for our communities, First Nations, our province, and our country. In 2018, the Port handled over 26 million tonnes of volume, valued in excess of $35 billion.
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August 14, 2020
North Coast Regional District 14, 323 3rd Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L5
Attention: Ken Veldman, VP Public Affairs and Sustainability
RE: Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) Land Use Plan – NCRD Review Comments
Dear Mr. Veldman,
The North Coast Regional District (NCRD) thanks you for the opportunity to review and provide comment on the Port of Prince Rupert‟s (PRPA) updated Land Use Plan. We have reviewed the plan in relation to the NCRD‟s own land use planning frameworks and strategic priorities. This includes our draft Official Community Plan and 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. Our review identifies some small considerations for the PRPA to take prior to finalizing the Land Use Plan and opportunities for future collaboration for strategic objectives that are aligned between the PRPA and the NCRD. This letter provides a summary of our review and comments pertaining to the updated Land Use Plan.
The NCRD‟s comments regarding the review of the PRPD Land Use Plan are summarized below:
1. The PRPA Land Use Plan generally conforms with the direction set out in the NCRD Official Community Plan There were no identified major conflicts identified between the land use direction set out in the PRPA Land Use Plan and NCRD lands as set out in our draft Official Community Plan bylaw and related draft Local Area Plans. In the future, as the Port continues to develop, proactive communication with the NCRD can help identify any future potential land use conflicts and potential mitigation measures.
2. Ensure future expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert mitigates impacts on Dodge Cove The NCRD notes that future priorities for Dodge Cove, as per the draft Local Area Plan for the area, includes tourism and home-based economic development, environmental sustainability and ensuring access to the ocean and marine infrastructure. Future development and expansion
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of the Port of Prince Rupert infrastructure, capacities and operations may impact NCRD objectives for Dodge Cove. The NCRD recognizes that a key goal of the PRPA Land Use Plan is to minimize the environmental impacts of operations and collaborate with neighbouring communities. Following through on these goals will be critical in ensuring the future development of Dodge Cove is unimpeded by Port development and operations.
3. The NCRD is satisfied with project-related community engagement efforts The NCRD would like to comment that the engagement process utilized in the development in the PRPA Land Use Plan was effective at ensuring the NCRD was able to provide input at different stages of the Plan‟s development. The NCRD would like to see this model of project engagement continued in future Port planning activities to ensure collaboration between parties is maintained in future planning efforts.
4. The NCRD is encouraged to see an emphasis on engaging neighbouring local governments in the future The NCRD is encouraged to see an emphasis included in multiple sections within the PRPA‟s Land Use Plan on the need to consult, engage and collaborate with neighbouring communities, including the NCRD, on a range of future Port activities. In particular, the execution of the following implementation measures identified in the Land Use Plan will ensure that a stronger collaborative relationship is fostered in the future between the NCRD and PRPA: Establish a regional cumulative effects modelling program; Establish framework for land use plan referrals with local First Nations and local governments; Establish a Regional Planning Committee; and Improve platform for communicating PRPA environment programs and monitoring data.
There is interest for the NCRD to have representation or involvement in this implementation activities.
5. PRPA development approval and referral process There are two areas within the PRPA Land Use Plan implementation section that may benefit from further dialogue. The NCRD would possibly find it desirable for PRPA to share project development referrals with NCRD in addition to Port Edward and Prince Rupert. Secondly, further discussion on Initiative 6 – Develop a development approval process – may be desirable. Initiative 6 refers to Policy 1.2.3 which reads: “Develop a transparent, defined and expedient development approval process that allows for changes to the existing policy framework so that unforeseen development types can be accounted for.”
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While this policy is intended to provide PRPA with flexibility, it may create situations where insufficient dialogue and consultation with affected communities performed for development proposal that are „unforeseen‟. Consultation with the NCRD when developing the development approval process could alleviate any potential concerns.
6. Be proactive engaging with neighbouring governments regarding strategy land acquisition The Land Use Plan‟s objective 2.2. “Acquire lands where necessary or strategic for future developments” could be strengthened through the addition of a statement or language reflecting the need to engage neighbouring communities (First Nations and local governments). Future land acquisition may directly or indirectly impact or conflict with NCRD priorities and engagement surrounding land acquisition may prevent those instances. It is noted that other provisions in the Land Use Plan pertaining to engaging surrounding communities may make this suggestion redundant.
7. Opportunities for PRPA to support NCRD environmental projects The NCRD is encouraged by the Land Use Plan‟s Objective 3.6 “PRPA will continue to collaborate on environmental projects”. Specifically, within that objective, the NCRD suggests adding “local governments” to policy 3.6.1 as the sharing of environmental data with local governments could be valuable information to inform decision making at a local level. In addition, the directive to support regional environmental remediation, habitat and enhancement and protection measure (policy 3.6.3.) aligns with the NCRD‟s environmental objectives as contained in the NCRD 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, including: Establishing an Erosion Prevention Strategy; Developing a Renewable Energy Program; and Working with partners to establish Regional Water Supply Plan.
These initiatives could be supported by the PRPA in the future, and the NCRD commends the PRPA for including provisions in the Land Use Plan related to supporting local and regional environmental initiatives.
8. Opportunities to coordinate and collaborate on recreation-based initiatives The NCRD‟s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan identifies the development of a “Trails Strategy” as a high priority for the regional district. This is to support economic and tourism development and quality of life objectives for residents and visitors to the NCRD. The PRPA Land Use Plan‟s Objective 4.3 “Explore opportunities to enhance waterfront access and recreation” is a welcomed addition to the updated plan and aligns with NCRD priorities. The NCRD would like
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to be included as a local community partner with future trail development and planning to ensure NCRD trail development efforts align and compliment a broader regional network.
9. Encourage coordination for future planning of NCRD “Industrial Special Study Areas”.
The NCRD‟s draft Official Community Plan includes the designation of “Industrial Special Study Areas”, including one on Digby Island. The intent of these special study areas is to identify lands of special interest to large scale development, specifically related to past proposals for large LNG export facilities. Future development on these lands could include additional port facilities and large employment operations. Future coordination of planning for these lands with the PRPA could ensure mitigation of potential conflict from their development in the future. This could be addressed through existing Land Use Plan directives related to engaging with neighbouring communities.
The bullets above summarize the NCRD‟s review and comments pertaining to the PRPA Land Use Plan. The NCRD looks forward to discussing these comments with the PRPA at the upcoming planned virtual meeting to be scheduled. For any questions or comments related to this letter and the NCRD‟s comments, please feel free to contact Daniel Fish, CAO, at 250-624- 2002, ext. 8 or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Daniel Fish, CAO North Coast Regional District
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Item 8.4
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
From: S. Landrath, Treasurer
Subject: Islands Solid Waste Landfill Closure Reserve Planning
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board receive the report “Islands Solid Waste Landfill Closure Reserve Planning” for information.
PURPOSE:
Phase 5 of the Islands Solid Waste (ISW) landfill closure is anticipated to conclude in 2023 and will cost approximately $600,000. The NCRD must budget funds throughout 2020-2023 to ensure funding is allocated toward these closure costs. This report identifies proposed budget allocations to facilitate Phase 5 closure.
DISCUSSION:
As per Phase 5 of ISW landfill closure planning, staff have identified that $600,000 will be required by December 31, 2023 to fund the closure of the current cell 5C.
As at December 31, 2019, there is a balance in the Landfill Closure Reserve of $200,175.
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Item 8.4 The 2020-2023 financial plan includes annual transfers to the Landfill Closure Reserve of $72,000 (or an additional $288,000). However, these transfers are only able to be made if there is a surplus remaining in the Island Solid Waste function.
The NCRD Board also approved an allocation of $200,000 from Community Works Gas Tax funding to be used toward progressive landfill closure costs in 2020 and subsequent years. In accordance with funding terms, these funds are not able to be allocated toward the ISW landfill closure reserve.
It should be noted that the Board has initiated the NCRD’s solid waste management plan review and is also reviewing current ISW waste management system operations to realize cost savings for the department in the form of increased revenues and decreased expenses. In theory, these savings could be reallocated toward closure costs while keeping taxation levels consistent throughout years 2021-2023.
It should be further noted that staff is in the process of reviewing the ISW fees and charges bylaw and anticipates presenting a report on the matter for Board consideration prior to the end of 2020.
SUMMARY:
If the annual transfers per the NCRD’s 2020-2023 financial plan are made and the Gas Tax funding is used to pay for landfill costs in 2024, the NCRD will have sufficient funds to facilitate Phase 5 of ISW landfill closure in 2024. Staff are in the process of reviewing the ISW waste management system and policies to ensure the service is operating in a financially sustainable and equitable manner. Further reporting to the Board on those plans is anticipated throughout Q3-Q4 of 2020.
North Coast Regional District August 14, 2020 2
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Item 8.5
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
From: J.Bagnall, Corporate Officer
Subject: NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses: Preliminary Results
RECOMMENDATION:
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses: Preliminary Results” for information.”
SUMMARY:
This report is intended to update to the Board regarding preliminary results of this survey. Results of this survey was assessed on August 5th, 2020 with an analysis of 177 survey responses.
BACKGROUND:
At the June 2, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting, the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) Board directed staff to conduct a survey regarding COVID-19 and its impacts on both residents and businesses of the region. Survey questions included regionally specific questions, and questions which are included in the Province of B.C.’s COVID-19 survey. Respondents were also encouraged to fill out the Province’s B.C. Restart Plan Survey before July 21, 2020 at 4 pm.
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Item 8.5
DISCUSSION:
The survey is comprised of 28 questions including 6 demographic questions, 8 regionally specific questions, and 13 questions from the provincial survey. This survey is ongoing and can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KTKMKMG
Survey results have been included as Appendix A to this report.
Survey Summary
Preliminary conclusions of this survey have been updated with new data and have indicated specific themes for the NCRD region. Survey participants have rated highest the following initiatives to aid our region in economic recovery: shop local programs, additional support for small businesses, and more community grants. Top issues our region faced in the Covid-19 pandemic include mental health and wellness, operating a business, and loss of employment.
Business owners identified that challenges they have experienced are a reduction in sales, reduction of hours, and need for support to access safety equipment and personal protective equipment. Business owners have also identified that their top needs are access to safety equipment, help accessing government grants, help accessing grants/government programs, and additional grant funding.
Regarding the provincial survey, our respondents indicated that the two most important issues facing B.C. in the year ahead include cost of living/affordability and the economy.
The top response for what businesses in our community could do to help residents feel more secure in store is to increase and have consistent safety measures, and increase physical distancing. The top priority when it comes to strengthening and improving healthcare was identified as access to online medical services. Residents also identified that their top priority for quality of life is affordability. Education and training was also identified as a top priority to improving work life or work prospects.
The top three priorities for our region that the B.C. government could set up are securing B.C.’s local food supply chain by supporting farmers and agricultural workers; improving health care and ensuring doctors and nurses always have the equipment they need, and becoming more self-sufficient by growing B.C.’s manufacturing capacity.
When asked about how to allocate funding for provincial programs our region indicated that the province should support local farms to secure our food supply with financial
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Item 8.5
support to help find workers, expand mental health and addiction supports, and providing loans and support to small businesses.
Further reporting on this survey will be ongoing.
NCRD Economic Recovery Taskforce
On July 30, 2020 the first Economic Recovery Taskforce meeting was held. The following organizations had a representative in attendance: Small Business Recovery Taskforce (City of Prince Rupert, Tourism Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce), Misty Isles Economic Development Society, Community Futures, Ecotrust Canada, and the Council of Haida Nation. Meetings will be held on a monthly basis, with any recommendations or identified community needs from these meeting being presented to the Board. At this meeting, no recommendations took place, but grant funding for local businesses and organizations were a major theme. Businesses indicated that taking out additional loan funding in this insecure time is not a viable option.
NCRD Advocacy
On July 20, 2020 staff presented the findings of this survey to Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing during a teleconference regarding economic recovery in respective communities.
On July 30, 2020 staff had the opportunity to present these survey findings to the Skeena-Bulkley Valley Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach.
RECOMMENDATION:
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Economic Recovery Survey for Residents and Businesses: Preliminary Results” for information.”
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Item 8.5
APPENDIX A The survey is comprised of 28 questions including 6 demographic questions, 8 regionally specific questions, and 13 questions from the provincial survey. This survey is ongoing and can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KTKMKMG
Results of this survey was assessed on August 5th, 2020 with an analysis of 177 survey responses.
Regionally Specific Questions: Preliminary Results
What area of NCRD do you reside?
How confident are you that you have the right resources and benefits from various levels of governments to help support you through this period?
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Item 8.5
What local initiatives could aid our communities in economic recovery from COVID-19?
Other responses included the following: • 3 respondents said: access supply/access to PPE, infrastructure projects, or financial aid, or universal basic income. • 2 respondents said: business diversification, community events, recreation, business subsidies, or reopening. • 1 respondent said: advocating for logging industry, advocation (general), debt- free Canadian currency, drug legalization, economic collaboration, grants, following provincial guidelines, grants, mandatory masks, public-private partnerships, support for workers, reporting COVID-19 infected communities, trail development, travel restrictions, childcare, checkpoints, fines, tourism support, shop local program
North Coast Regional District 5 August 5, 2020
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What was the top three issues you have faced in the COVID-19 pandemic?
Other responses included the following: • 4 respondents said: access to non-essential medical, or loss of income. • 3 respondents said: dealing with the public. • 2 respondents said: food security, banning non-essential travel, loss of business opportunity, or access to technology/the internet. • 1 respondent said: caring for seniors, access to entertainment, hospital capacity, mental health, poverty, too much information, tourism, or staffing.
North Coast Regional District 6 August 5, 2020
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Are there any other initiatives that you think would be helpful to support residents in this recovery phase?
• 9 residents said: travel restrictions. • 5 residents said: financial aid. • 5 respondents said: financial aid. • 4 respondents said: barriers to business, help for businesses, access to information, preventing further shutdowns, or recreation. • 3 respondents said: help for seniors, access to technology/the internet, mental health, resident attraction, shop local programs, or addressing tourism loss. • 2 respondents said: centralizing emergency management information, grant funding, infrastructure projects, non-essential healthcare, access to safety supplies, childcare, or following provincial health orders. • 1 respondent said: BC Timber Sales (BCTS) advocacy, business attraction, debt forgiveness, enforcing safety measures, accessing entertainment, protecting the environment, healthcare funding, a Haida Gwaii employment plan, housing, general help, information about COVID locations, investment attraction, local first initiatives, lower interest rates, attracting medical professionals, public interaction, recycling, patience, stopping sales and shipping of raw materials overseas, road closures, more resources needed in urban and rural areas, access to skilled services, social distanced shopping, supplying PPE, sustainable income, training, wear masks, reopening, aid for tourist related businesses, access to internet/technology, support for businesses to deliver or offer curbside pick-up, communications for businesses to showcase offerings.
North Coast Regional District 7 August 5, 2020
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If you are a business owner, what challenges have you experienced?
Other responses included the following
4 responses said: cancellations.
2 responses said: import loss, or loss of income.
1 response said: business growth, business loss, providing services with restrictions, compensation for pandemic services, lack of supply, travel restrictions, or business disruption.
If you are a business owner, what supports have you identified as need?
Other responses included the following:
• 2 responses said: clarification in reopening, government coordination, or lack of support.
North Coast Regional District 8 August 5, 2020
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• 1 response said: encourage air travel, encourage return to work, follow provincial reopening, reduce national debt, increase safety procedures, tourism loss, or travel restrictions.
What area of the NCRD does your business reside?
Are there any other initiatives that you think would be helpful to support businesses in this recovery phase?
• 4 respondents said: finance/help for businesses, grants, or shop local programs. • 3 respondents said: aid with programs, or addressing tourism loss. • 2 respondents said: eliminate income tax, funding assistance, government coordination, internet and technology access, marketing, reduce taxes, or return to normal. • 1 respondent said: aid with recruitment, BCTS advocacy, a combination of things, return to work, end federal aid, information, provide PPE, recreation, wage subsidy programs, repurpose waste products, or COVID safe operating education programs.
North Coast Regional District 9 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.5
Provincial Survey Questions: Preliminary Results
What would you say will be the TWO most important issues facing British Columbians like you in the year ahead?
Other responses included addictions, food security/self-sufficiency, environment and climate change, gas taxes, leadership, social welfare for seniors, or reopening.
North Coast Regional District 10 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.5
When thinking about your own future after COVID-19, are you optimistic or pessimistic?
The B.C. government announced careful steps to restart non-urgent and elective surgeries and to re-open parks and businesses that closed due to COVID-19. Based on what you’ve seen or heard about BC’s Restart Plan, which of the following is closest to your opinion?
The Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC have been working with industry associations and local businesses to develop Safe Operations Plans. How confident are you that most of the stores that you would normally shop at are able to ensure the safety of staff and customers?
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What other things could businesses in your community do to help you feel more secure in their stores?
• 20 respondents said: increased safety measures. • 14 respondents said: consistent safety measures. • 10 respondents said: increase physical distancing. • 8 respondents said: PPE. • 6 respondents said: mandatory masks. • 3 respondents said: hand sanitizer. • 2 respondents said: signage or travel restrictions. • 1 respondent said: air circulation, business help, delivery services, meditation, return to normal, safety information, stay calm, testing employees, training, or contact tracking.
When thinking about your own workplace and working through the next stages of COVID-19, how safe do you personally feel?
North Coast Regional District 12 August 5, 2020
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What other things could your employer do to help you feel safer on the job?
• 7 respondents said: increase physical distancing. • 5 respondents said: consistent safety measures. • 4 respondents said: providing PPE. • 3 respondents said: increase physical distancing, • 2 respondents said: education/prevention, following guidelines, • 1 respondent said: class size, not restarting courses, remote work, tourism loss, virtual tours, increase mask usage.
B.C. has taken a careful approach at each stage of the pandemic, from protecting public health to restarting businesses. Thinking about the things that matter most as we work our way through COVID-19, what is your top priority when it comes to strengthening and improving health care: That could include everything from our hospitals, clinics and personal care homes, to health care staffing and supplies.
• 15 respondents said: access to online medical. • 10 respondents said: healthcare funding, or local health services. • 7 respondents said: PPE, or hospital funding. • 6 respondents said: follow health officials. • 3 respondents said: homecare, mental health support, restrict travel, training, or a mix of public and private healthcare. • 2 respondents said: access to internet/technology, keeping humanity, return to normal, social distancing education, or staffing at care homes. • 1 respondent said: alternative medicine, boarder controls, bookings, aiding medical professionals, more doctors, non-essential medical, open for tourists, regular testing, resources for equipment, safety, school safety, semi-independent living, stop gatherings, food security, hazard pay for grocery workers, local emergency measures, medical staff, or temperature tests.
North Coast Regional District 13 August 5, 2020
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What is your top priority when it comes to improving your quality of life: That could include things like child care, parks and recreation, to housing and making ends meet.
• 18 respondents said: affordability. • 11 respondents said: income. • 8 respondents said: recreation. • 7 respondents said: housing market. • 7 respondents said: food security. • 5 respondents said: health or employment. • 4 respondents said: childcare, or mental health supports. • 3 respondents said: day use for parks. • 3 respondents said: government action, or tax break . • 2 respondents said: end aid programs, opening schools, safe public areas, safe travel, social programs, support local businesses, or universal basic income. • 1 respondent said business attraction, defund government, drop in sales, equality of wealth, evidence based responses, flights, higher paid jobs, inflation control, internet/technology access, national debt, phased reopening, protecting family, public control of resources, return to normal, school safety, solutions for reopening, special needs programs, travel subsidies for medical, reopening of overnight use of parks, access to internet/tech, stay home, social interaction, or work/life balance.
What is your top priority when it comes to improving your work life or work prospects: That could include everything from support for businesses, investments in infrastructure, education and training to other things that would help you find work or advance in your career.
• 14 respondents said: education. • 8 respondents said: training. • 4 respondents said: financial aid, • 3 respondents said: access to internet and technology, or job security. • 2 respondents said: job placement, reduce class size, support tourism business, or universal basic income. • 1 respondent said: 4 day work week, affordable PPE, localize community forest/fisheries, community activities, equal wealth distribution, facilitation, freedom of choice, government coordination, grow vegetation, hire locally, increase sales, invest in tech, job creation, limit vulnerable exposure, paid sick
North Coast Regional District 14 August 5, 2020
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leave, qualified help, recreation, reduce classes, rehire staff, small business support, trail development, vaccine, vocational training, support services healthcare positions, tourism, outdoor youth programs, mandatory masks, grants, or reopening.
Select your top three priorities that the B.C. government could set to help B.C. come out of COVID-19 stronger than before.
North Coast Regional District 15 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.5
If you had funds to put towards programs and services across government that could help our province come out of COVID-19 stronger, how would you choose to divide it?
North Coast Regional District 16 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.5
Below are different factors the B.C. government could use to evaluate requests for financial assistance from B.C. businesses. Using the scale (Ranging from 0 being not important at all, and 6 being very important), indicate how important you personally think each of these factors are.
Factors to evaluate requests for financial assistance from B.C. Weighted businesses. Average (out of 6)
Helps people move from minimum wage jobs to better, living wage jobs 5.44
Funds are used to keep workers and operations going in B.C. 5.44
The business pays taxes in British Columbia 5.28
Where the company is headquartered – prioritizing support for B.C. 5.24 businesses
Benefits groups of people who are more likely to be unemployed right now 5.22 (i.e.: service sector, 18-35-year olds, women with children, etc.)
Creates opportunities for people in different regions 5.17
How quickly the proposal can create jobs for people 5.17
Helps achieve B.C.’s climate change targets 4.65
Supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia 4.56
North Coast Regional District 17 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.5
Is there any other advice or opinions that you want to share with the (provincial) government as it considers ways to help come out of COVID- 19 stronger and more prepared than before?
• 3 responses included: food security. • 2 responses included: free the market, or reduce travel. • 1 response included: access to internet and technology, aid for seniors, prepare for shutdown, better planning, close boarder, communications, consistent reopening, cut taxes, long term economic impact, end aid programs, enforcement, equal wealth distribution, equal aid opportunity, farming assistance, green jobs, invest in B.C. local first, local/First Nation representation, physical distancing, observe provincial health orders, school closures, shop B.C. programs, stimulate environmental business, stop spending, tourism market devastated, tax burden, employment aid, support essential workers, educational COVID-19 ad campaign, political change, or economic future.
North Coast Regional District 18 August 5, 2020
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Item 8.6
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
From: J.Bagnall, Corporate Officer
Subject: NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19)
RECOMMENDATION:
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19)” for information.”
SUMMARY:
This report is intended to provide the Board of the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) with an assessment of business and operational considerations of the organization in the context of Covid-19. In addition, this report is intended to aid in the development of the NCRD strategies and capabilities to return operations to their original scale, while preparing for challenges and risks that need to be mitigated.
BACKGROUND:
A declaration of a state of emergency throughout the whole of the Province of British Columbia was declared on March 18, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. An outbreak of COVID-19 was declared on Haida Gwaii on July 24, 2020. The Province of BC issued Ministerial Order No. M257 which outlines prohibition/authorization for essential travel to Haida Gwaii, and processes for documentation and implementation. This process is being cooperatively managed by communities with a common objective of limiting further transmission of COVID-19.
North Coast Regional District 1 August 14, 2020
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The Government of British Columbia has taken a phased approach to reopening as identified in the BC Restart Plan. This allows sectors and activities within the phases to open when the evidence and data indicates it is safe to do so, and as protocols and guidance are in place for them to do so safely. Phase 1 ended May 18, 2020; Phase 2 ended June 23, 2020; and currently BC is in Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan. Phase 4 is conditional on global availability of vaccine, treatment, or herd immunity.
DISCUSSION:
Organizational Assessment
COVID-19 has impacted the Board, Councils, Committees, Staff, and citizens. At this time, Board meetings of the NCRD are planned to continue to be conducted by teleconference/zoom calls to ensure that safe social distancing and travel restrictions are met.
During the beginning phases of the pandemic, some services were disrupted. Initially the administrative office was closed to the public to ensure the protection of staff and residents. In addition, applicable staff were authorized to work remotely where job functions and duties could be fulfilled off site. As the phased reopening progressed, the NCRD office reopened and remote staff were authorized to return to work. Additional safety measures have been put in place such as signage, access to sanitizer/wipes, occupancy limits, and plexiglass barriers for front end staff.
The following policies have been implemented as a result of COVID-19: Remote Work Policy (HRM-04) was developed to set expectations and guidelines for remote work of North Coast Regional District staff. Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace Policy (CORP-09) was developed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The precautionary measures outlined in this policy have been developed using best practices and information obtained from the World Health Organization, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
The NCRD Recycling Depot, was by appointment only during the beginning of the pandemic. As of May 14, 2020 the depot opened to regular operations and hours by implementing additional safety measures that are still in place such as a requirement for pre-sorting materials, installation of physical distancing barriers, and occupancy limits. The Island Solid Waste Facility erected gates to ensure occupancy limits, social distancing engineering designs, increased use of personal protective equipment and sanitizer, and closed some remote recycling collection bins to enhance safety measures.
North Coast Regional District 2 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.6
The Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission has suspended recreational programming in response to COVID-19. At this time, our recreation coordinator is assisting recreational facilities to develop safe work and facility plans.
Change in Services
For NCRD administration, the main focuses related to COVID-19 impacts are development of economic recovery activities, communications, digitization/automation of services, and participation in emergency management duties related to operating the NCRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). New skills or competencies required by employees include training in emergency management, new use of new technologies (as implemented), and enhancing safety measures as a result of COVID-19.
Economic Recovery/Communications
Economic recovery activities have included engaging the public with the NCRD Economic Response Survey for Businesses and Residents, and developing an NCRD Economic Recovery Taskforce. In accordance with the NCRD Economic Recovery Communication and Engagement Plan, staff have developed the NCRD Facebook Page and a COVID-19 Supports page on our website www.ncrdbc.com.
Technology
At this time, the NCRD does not have effective technology for remote collaboration of all staff. Finance employees require access to the Vadim program for their work which requires them to physically be in the office. Staff is investigating options for remote access to the servers and these programs. Process and workflow changes should be implemented to reduce dependency on physical paper and to ensure remote access to workstations whenever possible.
Emergency Operations
The NCRD currently has an active level 1 EOC to address the changing needs of emergency operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EOC consists of staff and community representatives to address current community needs. Through funding from Emergency Management BC, an information officer has been stationed at the BC Ferries terminal in Prince Rupert to provide information pertinent to travelers. A community support liaison may be stationed in Sandspit to support community members with needed services and by providing current information.
North Coast Regional District 3 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.6
Monitoring and Triggers
As economic and health situations evolve, a framework for monitoring key metrics has been defined to guide the NCRD in adapting to potential outcomes of the pandemic in the short term future. Staff will continue to monitor the following information: phases in the BC restart plan, and community outbreaks. The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for monitoring and implementing organizational changes as required.
The following scenarios will trigger heightened safety measures such as remote work, closure of the NCRD administration office, and appointments only at the NCRD Depot:
• Regression to Phase 1 in the BC Restart Plan; • A confirmed case of COVID-19 at a NCRD facility; or • A confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 in the Prince Rupert area.
In addition, staff is closely monitoring the confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 on Haida Gwaii, and until the outbreak has ended the following activities will continue:
• Teleconference meetings of the Board, Committees, and EOC; and • Suspended recreation activities.
RECOMMENDATION:
“That the Board receives the report “NCRD Organizational Assessment (COVID-19)” for information.”
North Coast Regional District 4 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.7
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
From: J. Barrett, Local Government Intern
Subject: UBCM Meeting Invitations to MLA Jennifer Rice
RECOMMENDATION:
"That the Board direct staff regarding invitations for MLA Jennifer Rice to attend to the North Coast Regional District 2020 Union of British Columbia Municipalities minister meetings."
SUMMARY
As requested by the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) Board at the July 17, 2020 regular meeting, staff have submitted the NCRD’s minister meeting requests for the 2020 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention. At this time, staff is seeking further direction from the Board to consider inviting MLA Jennifer Rice to attend these meetings.
BACKGROUND:
Prior to the August 4, 2020 deadline staff submitted UBCM minister requests as directed by the NCRD Board. Further direction is needed from the Board as to which meetings, if any, MLA Rice should attend. As requests are confirmed, staff will provide the NCRD Board with briefing notes for confirmed meetings.
North Coast Regional District 1 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.7
DISCUSSION:
The following minister meeting requests have been submitted for the 2020 UBCM Convention:
Forests, Lands, Resource Operations, and Rural Development: • The Province and the Communities need to change the offer of a Community Forest to Misty Isles Economic Development Society
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing • Updated Official Community Plans for Area A and C
Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills and Development • Skills Training Programs on Haida Gwaii and North Coast
Ministry of Agriculture • Feed BC Initiative – Local Food in Hospitals • Milk/Dairy Quota in Rural Areas • Grow BC on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii
Ministry of Citizen Services • Connectivity on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change • Trails and Recreation Sites in the North Coast Regional District
Ministry of Health • Health Services • Emergency Health Services
Ministry of Finance • BC Assessment Enacting Legislation
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation • Management in Emergencies
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Competitiveness • Equitable Benefits of Technological Developments in BC
North Coast Regional District 2 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.7
• Loss of Tourism
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General • Assistance for Local Governments During Pandemic
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture • Impacts of COVID-19 on Tourism • Concrete Supports for Tourism Based Businesses • Tourism Recovery from COVID-19
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure • Full Restoration of BC Ferries Service Levels • Additional Funding for Shoreline Protection on Haida Gwaii • Highway 16 Overpass Project
An additional request during UBCM has been made to BC Hydro regarding Haida Gwaii Planning.
RECOMMENDATION:
"That the Board direct staff regarding invitations for MLA Jennifer Rice to attend to the North Coast Regional District 2020 Union of British Columbia Municipalities minister meetings."
North Coast Regional District 3 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.8
Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2020
To: NCRD Board
From: D. Fish, Chief Administrative Officer
Subject: Gwaii Trust Special Projects Application – Islands Solid Waste (ISW) Landfill Gas Flare Project
Recommendations:
THAT the staff report entitled “Gwaii Trust Special Projects Application – Islands Solid Waste (ISW) Landfill Gas Flare Project” be received;
AND THAT the Board of the North Coast Regional District submit an application to the Gwaii Trust Special Projects fund for the completion of the Islands Solid Waste Landfill Gas Flare Project.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to present to the Board of the North Coast Regional District (NCRD) information on the Gwaii Trust Special Projects fund and seek a resolution in support of an application submission to the fund to support the Islands Solid Waste (ISW) Landfill Gas Flare Project (Project).
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, the NCRD made application to the CleanBC Communities Fund and the Community Energy Leadership Program for funding to support the Project. Unfortunately, those applications were unsuccessful.
North Coast Regional District 1 August 14, 2020
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Item 8.8
DISCUSSION:
The NCRD has been advised by Gwaii Trust that funding for the Project may be provided, in full, through the Special Projects fund. The NCRD has been invited to make application prior to the application intake deadline of September 1st, 2020.
It is anticipated that the total Project cost will be $70,000, which has been requested from Gwaii Trust through the Project application.
A proposed draft application and work plan have been included as Attachment A to this report.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Board of the NCRD resolve to submit an application to the Gwaii Trust Special Project funds as presented in Attachment A to this report.
North Coast Regional District 2 August 14, 2020
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Attachment AItem 8.8
Special Projects Application
PRIMARY CONTACT Organization: North Coast Regional District First Name / Last Name: Daniel Fish Role: Chief administrative officer Email: [email protected] Phone: 250-624-2002 (Ext. 8) Address: 14-342 3rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert BC, V8J 1L5
PROJECT INFORMATION Project name: Islands Landfill Gas Flare Project Project Location: 71454 Highway 16 Project start date: 1 November 2020 Project completion date: 31 October 2021 Gwaii Trust ask: $70,000 Total project cost: $70,000
1. Provide a project summary
The project will collect and flare methane gas at the Islands Solid Waste Landfill on Haida Gwaii to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
The project will flare rather than continue to passively vent methane gas collected in the landfill’s inactive Phase 1 area. The flare will combust methane to C02, which is 28 to 34 times weaker a greenhouse gas than methane.
The project will also add a new gas-collector system in the landfill’s active Phase 2 area, so that more methane can be collected as the landfill expands.
2. What are the objectives of this project?
Combined, flaring the methane gas released from the landfill’s Phase 1 and 2 areas is expected to reduce the landfill’s annual carbon footprint by 3,500 tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions
(C02e). As new phases of the landfill are closed and capped, the output of landfill gases will be monitored. If the gas output is sufficient, the North Coast Regional District may consider further upgrades, such as using the landfill gases to power and heat the landfill workshop and lights, or to return excesses power to the northern Graham Island power grid.
3. How you will measure success from your project results?
The success of the project will be measured by monitoring the flaring of landfill gases, and the associated reduction in carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions (C02e).
4. Why does this project qualify for special consideration? The Islands Solid Waste Landfill is critical infrastructure used routinely by all Haida Gwaii residents, and the project is an innovative way to reduce the collective carbon footprint of waste on Haida Gwaii. 1
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Moreover, the project is timely given the upcoming closure of the landfill’s Phase 1 area, and because residents’ attention will be focused on the landfill since the regional district has begun a review of Haida Gwaii’s overall management plan for solid waste.
5. What will be the benefit(s) from the project to the Communities?
The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective way, and may lead to a small-scale power generation that will defray operating costs at the Islands Solid Waste Landfill.
Once complete, the Islands Landfill gas-flare system will not incur any operating costs—the system uses solar energy to run a fan and sustain the ignition source. Annual maintenance for replacing two parts on the solar- powered flare as recommended by the manufacturer will cost about $600 plus a single day’s labour.
6. What efforts have been made to secure funding for this project?
The North Coast Regional District has already applied to the provincially funded CleanBC Communities Fund, and the provincially funded 2019 Community Energy Leadership Program for grants toward the gas-flare project. Unfortunately, both applications were declined.
7. Describe in detail the activities you have planned to reach your project goals/results.
Works include:
Install a solar-powered flare system
Prepare a fenced site for a new flare station
Install piping to the flare station from a central gas-extraction point in Phase 1, the landfill’s capped and closed area
Dig trenches and install gas collector pipes in Phase 2, the landfill’s active area
- 100 metres of gravel-lined, 0.5-metre wide trench
- 70 metres of perforated six-inch HDPE DR11 piping
- 70 metres of solid four-inch HDPE DR17 piping
- Fittings and appurtenances
Engineering work for the flare design, procurement, and installation
8. Complete the attached project workplan sheet.
9. List the key individuals involved in delivering this project, their relevant skills, and their role on the project?
Dr. Ali Reza Abedini, a landfill gas specialist, completed a technical report on the feasibility of the project in 2016. Dr. Abedini has worked with Sperling Hansen Associates since 2008. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering (1999) and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil & Environmental Engineering completed in 2002 and 2014, respectively. Dr. Abedini’s forte is MSW Landfill Engineering with a focus on Landfill Gas 2
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(LFG) management system design, LFG generation modelling and GHG emission control and quantification from MSW Landfills. He has been involved in the waste management industry since 2000 and has worked for private sector, various public organizations, and the World Bank.
Rob Kidd is the solid waste manager at the North Coast Regional District’s Islands Solid Waste Landfill.
Daniel Fish if the chief administrative officer for North Coast Regional District (NCRD). Previous to this, Daniel served the NCRD as corporate officer from 2013-2019 as well as the deputy treasurer since 2015. As CAO, and in these previous positions, Daniel has had experience directing and supervising employees of the NCRD. From 2013-2018 Daniel was an economic development contractor for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Previous to this Daniel was an economic development intern with Northern Development from 2012-2013.
10. Describe your safety plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the delivery of your project.
Everyone working on the project will follow WorkSafeBC guidelines on keeping a safe workplace during the COVID 19 pandemic. These include circumstances where workers should not be at work, and personal hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing, avoiding face touching, social distancing, and wearing masks in indoor spaces or where social distancing is a challenge.
The guidelines also include a risk assessment of the workplace, including identifying any areas where there may be risks either through close physical proximity of workers or contaminated surfaces.
The NCRD has adopted corporate policy around prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace.
11. Submit a balanced budget
12. How have you demonstrated community support for your project? By reducing greenhouse gas emissions at Haida Gwaii’s Islands Landfill, the project meets the long-term sustainability goals set out in North Coast Regional District’s Official Community Plan for Rural Graham Island (2011). Under the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation section, the objectives include establishing the importance of reducing greenhouse-gas emission and reducing such emissions to at least 10 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020, and to 25 per cent below 2007 levels by 2050.
3
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AUTHORIZATION We certify that the information provided on this grant application is accurate and is endorsed by the organization which we represent (email confirmation also accepted).
By submitting the application, I certify that the information contained in this application and other submitted information are correct and complete at the date of submission. Submission of false or deliberately misleading information may result in the Gwaii Trust denying this and or future applications to the Trust under any of its granting programs. All applications submitted become the property of the Gwaii Trust, who may publish said applications on their website www.gwaiitrust.com or may otherwise utilize their content as the Gwaii Trust sees fit.
Daniel Fish Print Name Contact Person Signature
Daniel Fish Print Name Authorized Signatory (ED, CAO, or Board)
Date
Submit the application to [email protected].
4
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Islands Landfill Gas Flare Project North Coast Regional District 11 August 2020
Date Activity Who Notes When will the activities start What result do you want to achieve? Who is responsible for the and finish? outcome? Aug. 11 to Sept. 1, 2020 Apply to the Gwaii Trust Society for a Special Daniel Fish, CAO, North Projects grant. Application includes budget and Coast Regional District and preliminary engineering study. Andrew Hudson, MIEDS grant manager Nov. 1 to March. 31 2020 Gas flare system procurement and installation Daniel Fish, CAO, North Engineering support; flare system Coast Regional District and procured and shipped; piping from Sperling Hansen Associates central extraction point to flare Ltd. station; flare station preparation and fencing Nov. 1 to March. 31, 2020 Gas collector system and installation in landfill Daniel Fish, CAO, North Purchase and installation of Phase 2 area Coast Regional District and required piping, gravel-lined trench, Sperling Hansen Associates fittings and appurtenances Ltd. Oct. 31, 2021 (last date) Submit final report to Gwaii Trust on grant Daniel Fish, CAO, North spending, with receipts. Coast Regional District
Page 145 of 150 Item 8.8 Item 11.2
Public and Technical Advisory Committee: Terms of Reference
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of the Public and Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) is to provide input on the development of the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) from a variety of perspective. Input from the committee will be sought on:
Reports and technical memoranda developed as part of the planning process, Guiding principles, goals and targets, The design and implementation of the consultation processes, Strengths and weaknesses of the current system, Identification, development and evaluation of options for the proposed SWMP, The results of public consultation, and The draft SWMP.
The North Coast Regional District (NCRD) will continue to operate under its 1996 SWMP while the new SWMP is being developed from approximately 2020 to 2022. The scope of the PTAC will also include reviewing and providing input on information related to the implementation of the 1996 SWMP.
Committee members will be expected to:
Review provided information and offer comments and suggestions to members, Report back to their own organizations or constituent groups regarding the progress of the SWMP development, Express their organization’s interests or concerns regarding proposed content of the new SWMP to the committee; Recommend proposed programs and policies that are in the best interests of all residents of the NCRD, balancing both community and industry needs, and technical requirements, and Participate in public consultation.
There may be opportunities for some members to participate in smaller ad-hoc committees dealing with specific issues or tasks.
Authority
The committee makes recommendations to the NCRD Board of Directors. The Board is the final decision-making authority.
Membership
The PTAC shall consist of members representing a diverse and balance of backgrounds, interests and geographical locations within the NCRD. The target membership shall include:
Page 146 of 150 Item 11.2 PUBLIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
Two representatives from the NCRD Board; Appointed local, provincial, and federal government representatives, which may include:
o Council-appointed staff or delegates from member municipalities, o Council-appointed staff or delegates from First Nations communities, o Council-appointed staff or delegates from neighbouring regional districts, o Staff from provincial agencies, o Staff from federal agencies;
Volunteer members of the public from each electoral area and member municipality; Volunteer members of the public representing relevant community interests (up to 10), which may include:
o Private sector waste management service providers, o Non-profit groups with an interest in solid waste management, o Large industrial, commercial, and institutional solid waste generators, o Business associations.
PTAC memberships are subject to approval by the NCRD Board of Directors.
Voting Structure
Representatives from provincial and federal agencies and other regional districts are considered non-voting members.
All other members are entitled to one (1) vote each.
Members are encouraged to work collaboratively and to be committed to reaching consensus where possible. Any members unable to agree with a decision may have their objections noted in the minutes.
Term
The PTAC will serve until the SWMP is approved by the NCRD Board.
Members who miss three (3) committee meetings during the term of the PTAC may have their membership revoked at the discretion of the NCRD Board.
A member who is unable to fulfill their duties should inform the NCRD in writing of their resignation so that an alternate member may be sought.
North Coast Regional District 2
Page 147 of 150 Item 11.2 PUBLIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
Roles and Responsibilities
The Chair and Vice Chair will be elected from amongst the voting members at the first meeting of the PTAC. The role of Chair and Vice Chair will remain constant throughout the term of the PTAC.
NCRD staff will prepare agendas in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair.
NCRD staff and/or consultants are responsible for preparing the reports for each meeting.
Agendas and accompanying reports will be circulated by email and posted on the NCRD website at least one (1) week prior to the meeting date.
The Chair is responsible for reviewing the agenda with NCRD staff prior to each meeting and understanding the objectives for each meeting.
NCRD staff are responsible for taking meeting minutes. Draft minutes will be approved by the PTAC at the next meeting and forwarded to the NCRD Board for information.
Regular communications between the NCRD and PTAC members between meetings will be by email or other accepted form of communication.
Alternate Members
PTAC members who represent member municipalities and First Nations may send a council- appointed alternate in their absence. The alternate from member municipalities and First Nations does not need to be approved by the NCRD Board, although confirmation of attendance is required before each meeting. Council-appointed alternates from member municipalities and First Nations each get one vote.
PTAC members who represent community interests may send an alternate. This alternate must be approved by the NCRD Board in order to be a voting member of the PTAC. An alternate who is sent without Board approval may participate in discussions but does not get a vote. Confirmation of attendance is required before each meeting.
Meeting Conduct
PTAC will meet bi-monthly or at the call of the Chair. Meeting will take place electronically unless otherwise specified.
All PTAC members are considered equal and will therefore have equal opportunity to contribute at meetings. All members must respect the opinions of others.
Members must declare any real or perceived conflict of interest. The member involved should excuse themselves from proceedings which relate to the conflict unless explicitly requested to speak by a majority vote. Any subsequent information provided by the individual will clearly be identified in the minutes as coming from a source perceived to be in a conflict of interest.
North Coast Regional District 3
Page 148 of 150 Item 11.2 PUBLIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
Members of the public may observe meetings but will not have rights unless invited to participate by the Chair. Attending public will not have voting rights.
Quorum
Quorum shall be a minimum of 25% plus one voting members.
Reporting
PTAC reports to the NCRD Board.
Meeting minutes will be provided to the NCRD Board. Board members who serve on the PTAC are expected to provide regular updates to the Board.
Resources and Budget
NCRD will provide the meeting space and equipment.
Participation in the PTAC is voluntary and the NCRD does not offer remuneration for members’ time.
Travel assistance may be provided for members following the current NCRD travel guidelines.
Deliverables
During each meeting, the PTAC’s comments and suggestions will be recorded. Members may from time to time be requested to generate individual written comments. A member who misses a meeting may submit their input by email within three (3) business days of the meeting.
Review
Once approved, these Terms of Reference will remain in place until the SWMP is approved by the NCRD Board. Any changes to the Terms of Reference must be approved by the Board.
North Coast Regional District 4
Page 149 of 150 Item 14.1
NORTH COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL (IN-CAMERA) MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 FOLLOWING THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NCRD BOARD COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M.
Pursuant to Section 92 of the Community Charter, the Board gives notice and exercises its authority and excludes the media and public, except for municipal staff, from the Special (In-Camera) Meeting of Council to deal with matters falling under Section 90 of the Community Charter, as follows:
In accordance with Section 90 of the Community Charter:
PART 1 - A part of a board meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:
(a)personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(i)the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
In addition, the Board may deal with a matter of an urgent nature in confidence where circumstances require this. Notice of the additional reason to close a meeting to the public would be given at the time the motion to go in-camera is made.
Dated at Prince Rupert, B.C. the 7th day of August 2020.
______Corporate Officer
14, 342 3rd Avenue West P: 250.624.2002 W: www.ncrdbc.com Prince Rupert BC, V8J 1L5 TF: 888.301.2002 F: 250.627.8493
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