-2069-
TOWN OF GOLDEN
Regular Open Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Town Hall, 810 9th Avenue S., Golden, BC Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. LATE ITEMS
3. ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA
3.A. Adoption of Meeting Agenda
THAT the Regular Open Council meeting agenda for March 10, 2015 be adopted.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4 - 7 4.A. Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015 for adoption
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015 be adopted. Regular Open Council - 24 Feb 2015 - Minutes - Pdf
5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
6. DELEGATIONS
8 6.A. Ms. Deborah Austin, Interior Health Services Administrator for Golden and Invermere would like to introduce herself to the new Council and update
Page 1 of 60 Agenda for the Regular Open Council to be held March 10, 2015
Council on health services available in Golden. Austin_ Delegation_Request.pdf
9 6.B. Ms. Kerri Wall, Interior Health Community Health Facilitator for the East and West Kootenays would like to introduce herself to the new Council, explain her role as the Community Health Facilitator and present the Interior Health Communities Initiative. Wall_Delegation_Request.pdf
7. CORRESPONDENCE
10 - 46 7.A. External Correspondence
THAT the items of external correspondence be received.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Submission to B.C. on the Move Federation of Canadian Municipalities - FCM Membership Survey 2015 Ministry of Environment - Hamber Provincial Park Planning City of Port Moody - Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Submission to B.C. on the Move.pdf Federation of Canadian Municipalities - FCM Membership Survey 2015.pdf Ministry of Environment - Hamber Provincial Park Planning.pdf City of Port Moody - Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment.pdf
47 - 49 7.B. Internal Correspondence
THAT the Briefing Note from the Mr. Jeremy Baylis, Building Official "Building Permit Statistics for February 2015" be received. February 2015 Building Stats Month End BN.pdf
8. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL
8.A. Council Reports
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
9.A. Committee Reports
50 - 51 9.A.a) Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held February 24, 2015
Page 2 of 60 Agenda for the Regular Open Council to be held March 10, 2015
THAT the Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held February 24, 2015 be received. Open Standing Committee on Finance - 24 Feb 2015 - Minutes - Pdf
52 - 54 9.A.b) Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held March 3, 2015
THAT the Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held March 3, 2015 be received. Open Standing Committee on Finance - 03 Mar 2015 - Minutes - Pdf
10. NEW BUSINESS
11. QUESTION PERIOD
11.A. Members of the gallery are welcome to ask questions of council associated only with issues dealt with on the agenda, and that address policy or determinations made by council. Questions of an operational or administrative nature suited for staff may be referred to staff directly at the meeting or in the judgement of the Mayor, deferred for discussion between the questioner and staff at a separate time and place. The Mayor shall reserve the right to limit the number and type of questions and discussion.
12. ADJOURNMENT
THAT there being no further business of the Regular Open Council meeting, it be adjourned.
13. COUNCIL PRIORITIES
55 - 60 13.A. Council Priorities Council Strategic Priorities for 2014 (updated November 25th).pdf
Page 3 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #4.A.
-2068-
TOWN OF GOLDEN
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015 at 1:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, 810 9th Avenue S., Golden, BC
Present: Mayor Oszust Councillor Adams Councillor Barlow Councillor Fairley Councillor Hambruch Councillor Leigan
Absent: Councillor Moss
In Attendance: Mr. Wilsgard, Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Thoss, Manager of Legislative Services Ms. Vass, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Cochran, Manager of Operations Mr. Armstrong, Manager of Development Services Mr. Petrovics, Manager of Recreation Services
Ms. Sweeting, Marketing Manager of Tourism Golden Mr. Ravenstein, BC Assessment Deputy Assessor, Kootenay Region
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Oszust called the Regular Open Council meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA
2.A. Adoption of Meeting Agenda
Moved by Councillor Barlow, Seconded by Councillor Adams 15-046 THAT the Regular Open Council meeting agenda for February 24, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
Page 1 of 4
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24... Page 4 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #4.A.
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.A. Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015 for adoption
Moved by Councillor Hambruch, Seconded by Councillor Barlow 15-047 THAT the Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 10, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
4.A. Appointment of Councillor Liaison to the Air Quality Committee
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Barlow 15-048 THAT Councillor Fairley BE APPOINTED as Council Liaison to the Air Quality Committee for 2015; AND THAT Councillor Adams BE APPOINTED as Alternate Liaison to the Air Quality Committee for 2015. Carried
5. DELEGATIONS
5.A. Ms. Joanne Sweeting, Marketing Manager of Tourism Golden will present to Council the 2013-2014 FY Annual Report Ms. Sweeting, Marketing Manager of Tourism Golden presented to Council Tourism Golden's 2013-2014 FY Annual Report.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
6.A. External Correspondence
Moved by Councillor Fairley, Seconded by Councillor Adams 15-049 THAT the item of external correspondence from MLA Jennifer Rice - New Democrat Spokesperson for Rural and Northern Health BE RECEIVED.
Carried 6.B. Internal Correspondence
Moved by Councillor Hambruch, Seconded by Councillor Fairley 15-050 THAT the items of internal correspondence BE RECEIVED.
Memorandum from Ms. Lisa Vass, Chief Financial Officer "Timeline - 2015 Financial Plan Process Memorandum from Ms. Viv Thoss, Manager of Legislative Services "Voter Turnout Analysis - Recent Elections" Briefing Note from Mr. Jeremy Baylis, Building Official "Building Permit Statistics for January 2015" Carried
Page 2 of 4
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24... Page 5 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #4.A.
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015
7. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL
7.A. Council Reports The members reported on community and municipal events they attended since the last Regular Open Council meeting.
8. BYLAWS
8.A. Town of Golden Recreation Facilities Fees and Charges Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 1347, 2015 for adoption
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Adams Opposed by Councillor Fairley 15-051 THAT Town of Golden Recreation Facilities Fees and Charges Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 1347, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
8.B. Town of Golden Administrative Fees and Information Access Bylaw No. 1345, 2015 for adoption
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Fairley 15-052 THAT Town of Golden Administrative Fees and Information Access Bylaw No. 1345, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A. Mr. Rod Ravenstein from BC Assessment will give Council a presentation about BC Assessment.
Mr. Rod Ravenstein, BC Assessment Deputy Assessor, Kootenay Region provided a presentation regarding BC Assessment's history, corporate structure, property classification, exemptions, 2015 completed assessment roll highlights in B.C., Kootenay region, Golden, and the CSRD. He stated that the property owners will see an increase in property value in Golden in 2015. Mr. Ravenstein mentioned the e-value BC service which allows property owners and their agents to find detailed records for all properties in B.C. free of charge. In closing, Mr. Ravenstein stated that the roll is accurate, stable and reliable.
9.B. Town of Golden Consent to Adoption of CSRD Bylaw 5693
Moved by Councillor Fairley, Seconded by Councillor Leigan 15-053 THAT Council CONSENT to the adoption of "Golden and District Museum Operation Grants-in-Aid Conversion and Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5693". Carried
10. QUESTION PERIOD
There was no one in gallery attendance that wished to speak.
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Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24... Page 6 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #4.A.
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24, 2015
10. RECESS TO CLOSED MEETING
10.A. Recess to Closed Meeting
Moved by Councillor Fairley, Seconded by Councillor Adams 15-054 THAT pursuant to Section 90.(1) of the Community Charter, the meeting BE CLOSED to the public on the basis that the subject matter of all agenda items to be considered related to matters listed under Section 90.(1)(c) labour relations or other employee relations.
Council recessed into a Special Closed Council meeting at 2:26 p.m. Carried
11. RECONVENE OPEN MEETING
11.A. Reconvene Open Meeting
Moved by Councillor Barlow, Seconded by Councillor Adams 15-055 THAT the Regular Open Council meeting be reconvened.
The Regular Open Council meeting reconvened at 3:09 p.m.
Carried 12. REPORTS FROM CLOSED MEETING
12.A. Progress on CUPE Collective Bargaining
Moved by Councillor Adams, Seconded by Councillor Fairley 15-056 THAT based on the February 24th 2015 confidential report from the CAO, CUPE 2015 Collective Agreement Recommendations, Council APPROVE a five year collective agreement (2015-2020) ending February 28th 2020 per the draft Memorandum of Settlement arrived at between CUPE Local 2309 and the Chief Administrative Officer dated February 18th, 2015;
AND THAT this resolution BE BROUGHT FORWARD into open session.
Carried 13. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor, Seconded by Councillor 15-057 THAT there being no further business of the Regular Open Council meeting, it BE ADJOURNED. Carried THE REGULAR OPEN COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:10 P.M.
______MAYOR
______CERTIFIED CORRECT Page 4 of 4
Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 24... Page 7 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #6.A.
REQUEST TO APPEAR AS A DELEGATION
REQUEST TO APPEAR AS A DELEGATION ON
Tuesday, March 10th, 2015
Council Chambers, Town Hall 810 9th Avenue South, Golden, BC
Present to: Council
APPLICANT: Deborah Austin, Interior Health (Name of Person Making Presentation)
ADDRESS: (Mailing Address) Unit: Number: Street: Box 1260, 835 9th Ave. South City: Golden Province: BC Postal: V0A 1H0
PHONE: 250-421-3559 BUSNESS: FAX: EMAIL: [email protected]
SUBJECT AND DETAILS OF PRESENTATION: I would like to introduce myself to the new council as the IH health services administrator for Golden and Invermere. In addition, I will update council on health services available in Golden.
ACTION YOU WANT FROM COUNCIL: none :)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are using powerpoint for your presentation, please use a memory stick.
Corporate Services Department Phone: (250) 344-2271 ext. 224 PO Box 350 Fax: (250) 344-6577 Golden, BC V0A 1H0 E-mail: [email protected]
page 1 / 1
Ms. Deborah Austin, Interior Health Services Administrator f... Page 8 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #6.B.
REQUEST TO APPEAR AS A DELEGATION
REQUEST TO APPEAR AS A DELEGATION ON
Tuesday, March 10th, 2015
Council Chambers, Town Hall 810 9th Avenue South, Golden, BC
Present to: Council
APPLICANT: Kerri Wall, Interior Health (Name of Person Making Presentation)
ADDRESS: (Mailing Address) Unit: Number: Street: Box 670, 1501-5th Ave. City: Fernie Province: BC Postal: V0B 1M0
PHONE: 250-423-8746 BUSNESS: FAX: 250-423-8280 EMAIL: [email protected]
SUBJECT AND DETAILS OF PRESENTATION: I would like to introduce myself to council and explain my role as the Community Health Facilitator for the East and West Kootenays. I will explain the Interior Health \\'healthy communities initiative\\'.
ACTION YOU WANT FROM COUNCIL: I will request that council pass a motion to partner with Interior Health to promote community health in the Town of Golden through collaborative efforts.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are using powerpoint for your presentation, please use a memory stick.
Corporate Services Department Phone: (250) 344-2271 ext. 224 PO Box 350 Fax: (250) 344-6577 Golden, BC V0A 1H0 E-mail: [email protected]
page 1 / 1
Ms. Kerri Wall, Interior Health Community Health Facilitator... Page 9 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
ffif;ffiHV E :4Àii iì , ?ilrr: D BRTTISH Colunnete TOW N I3F GOLDEN
February 23,2015
His Worship Mayor Ron Oszust Reference: 232445 Town of Golden PO Box 350 Golden BC VOA 1H0
Dear Mayor Oszust:
Re: Submission to B.C. on the Move
I am writing to express my appreciation for the Town of Golden's participation in the meeting and engagement process this past fall for the ministry's 1O-year transportation plan, B.C. on the Move.
Citizens and leaders of communities, business and transportation organizations from across British Columbia have now let us know what priorities are most important to them, and the ideas and suggestions we have received will be invaluable in identifying potential improvements and helping to shape the future of transportation in our province.
The plan and the report sharing the outcomes of the engagement process will be published early in the spring of 2015. In the meantime, thank you again for taking part in this process.
Sincerely,
Todd G. Stone Minister
Ministry of Transportation Office of the Minister Mailing,\d&ess: and Infrâstructure Padiament Buildings Victoria BC V8V 1X4
External Correspondence Page 10 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
VE E.CEI D
^l {. ; r lrl iì1.¡¡.riìiit i:ì1i,.'l¡¡. Citrv+. {.ìri:,i¡ :l :'. ì i.l I;¡",, i iitii ili.rì'.i.ìll i: i ,,ll] 1Ì4"i-:$r.ì(i TOWN O F GOLDEN
February 25,20L5
His Worship Mayor Ron Oszust Town of Golden P.O. Box 350 810 South 9th Avenue Golden, BC VOA 1H0
Dear Mayor Oszust,
As a member of FCM, your opinion of the work we do is of utmost importance to our organization - and key to ensuring that we can continue to enhance our value to your municipality. ln early March, you will receive an email titled "FCM Membership Survey 2015: Your Opinion Mattersl" lt is your invitation to participate in our 2015 Membership Survey, which will give us insight to respond to the evolving needs of municipalities and elected officia ls.
We encourage you to complete the survey, as we need to hear from you on what we are doing well, what we can improve upon and what your top priorities are in the coming year. As an incentive to complete the survey, we are offering a complimentary registration to our Annual Conference and Trade Show, which takes place in Edmonton from June 5 - 8, 2015.
ln the coming year, FCM's advocacy work will be focused on the upcoming federal election - ensuring that political parties recognize the role of cities and communities in a strong Canada. We will continue working with the federal government on key policy files, including trade, broadband access and rail safety, among others. We will continue to provide resources to municipalities to assist you in achieving your sustainability goals, and to promote economic growth. Recognizing that our sector is rich with experience and knowledge, FCM will continue to partner w¡th municipalities to share knowledge on the international stage.
We thank you for your continued membership in FCM, and for your active support of the important advocacy work that we do, on behalf of 90 per cent of the municipal population of Canada.
We look forward to receiving your feedback on how we're doing, through our 2015 Membership Survey, and do hope that you willjoin us in Edmonton in early June. Sincerely,
Sincerely, ir,^,1r,/***¿ Brad Woodside President, FCM Mayor of Fredericton
External Correspondence Page 11 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
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.1 Please complete the survey, and become eligible to win a complimentary registration to the 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show in Edmonton, June 5-8!
FCM tu-ffi+*, ffiä*kr
External Correspondence Page 12 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Viv Thoss
Subiect: FW: Hamber Provincial Park Planning
From: Chin, Greg ENV:EX [mailto:[email protected],ca] Sent: Tuesday, February 24,2015 1:16 PM To:'ron,[email protected]' Subject: Hamber Provincial Park Planning
Hello Mayor Oszust, the Town of Golden is the closest BC community to this isolated wilderness park. Not sure if there is much interest in Hamber Provincial Park but just in case, please be advised that the management of this park is undergoing public review with a draft management plan available from the BC Parks website at this link.
Please advise if there are any concerns or interests from a Town of Golden perspective. Thank you. tu
Greg Chin Planning Section Head Kootenay Okanagan Region Parks and Protected Areas Ministry of Environment
1
External Correspondence Page 13 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Hamber Park Management Plan
Disclaimer: This draft management plan contains preliminary Public Review Draft proposals that are subject to change and therefore may not necessarily reflect the position of the Ministry of Environment. At the conclusion of the planning process, a revised management plan will be approved by the Ministry.
Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site
January 2015
External Correspondence Page 14 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Cover Page Photo Credit: Greg Chin
This document replaces the 1986 Hamber Provincial Park Master Plan.
External Correspondence Page 15 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Hamber Park Management Plan
External Correspondence Page 16 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Management Plan Purpose...... 1 1.2 Planning Area ...... 1 1.3 Legislative Framework ...... 4 1.4 UNESCO Designation ...... 5 1.5 Management Planning Process ...... 5 1.6 Encumbrances and Permits ...... 6 1.7 Relationship with First Nations ...... 6 2.0 Values and Roles of the Protected Area...... 8 2.1 Significance in the Protected Areas System ...... 8 2.2 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Values ...... 9 2.3 Recreation Values ...... 12 2.4 Climate Change ...... 14 3.0 Management Direction ...... 15 3.1 Management Vision ...... 15 3.2 Management Objectives and Strategies ...... 15 3.3 Zoning Plan ...... 23 4.0 Plan Implementation ...... 25 4.1 Implementation Plan ...... 25 4.2 High Priority Strategies ...... 25 4.3 Plan Assessment ...... 25 Appendix 1: Appropriate Use Table ...... 26
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Regional Context Map for Hamber Park ...... 2 Figure 2: Park Boundary Map ...... 3 Figure 3: Recreation Facilities ...... 13 Figure 4: Zoning Map ...... 24
Hamber Park Management Plan
External Correspondence Page 17 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
1.0 Introduction
This management plan will replace the 1986 Hamber Provincial Park Master Plan once approved. Since the 1986 management plan, the park has become internationally recognized as a special place by being included in a World Heritage Site, and the conservation status of many species has changed while our understanding of conservation and management has grown. The expected increases in public use via air access and backpacking outlined in the 1986 management plan did not occur. This replacement management plan updates the management direction for Hamber Park considering current information and future trends. 1.1 Management Plan Purpose
The purpose of this management plan is to guide the management of Hamber Park. This management plan: articulates the key features and values of Hamber Park; identifies appropriate types and levels of management activities; determines appropriate levels of use and development; establishes a long-term vision and management objectives for the park; and responds to current and predicted threats and opportunities by defining a set of management strategies to achieve the management vision and objectives. 1.2 Planning Area
Hamber Park is located at the continental divide adjacent to Jasper National Park, about 130 kilometres northwest of the community of Golden. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (Figure 1) which includes two other provincial parks (Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine) and four national parks (Jasper, Banff, Kootenay and Yoho).
Hamber Park is a wilderness area that protects a landscape and natural features of provincial, national and international significance. Owing to the ruggedness, the park (Figure 2) is isolated and difficult to access, with air access by floatplane being the main way of getting to the park. Access by foot is possible by a 24-kilometre trail through Jasper National Park; however, this route requires crossing the Athabasca and Chaba rivers which can be hazardous. The closest highway is Highway #93 in Alberta and the
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 1
External Correspondence Page 18 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Figure 1: Regional Context Map for Hamber Park
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 2
External Correspondence Page 19 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Figure 2: Park Boundary Map
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 3
External Correspondence Page 20 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
closest other provincial park is Cummins Lakes about 15 kilometres to the south. The park is a heavily glaciated mountain landscape with alpine meadows and subalpine forests of old-growth spruce. Wildlife species in the park are typical for the Rocky Mountains such as Moose, Grizzly Bear and Mountain Goat. The main attraction of the park is Fortress Lake. Lying at the 1,300 metre elevation, the scenic 11-kilometre long lake is a popular destination for world class Eastern Brook Trout trophy fishing. The lake is framed by majestic mountains reaching over 3,000 metres, such as Chisel Peak and Fortress Mountain.
Photo: Fortress Lake and Chisel Peak looking west
1.3 Legislative Framework
Hamber Park was once the largest provincial park in British Columbia at over one million hectares in size. Originally established in 1941, it was intended to complement and provide continuity to the vast land tract of preserved wilderness extending and straddling both sides of the continental divide from Mount Robson Park to Yoho and Glacier national parks.
The boundaries of Hamber Park have undergone significant changes throughout its history. In 1961, the area of the park was reduced to 22,500 hectares and the
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 4
External Correspondence Page 21 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
classification changed from a Class A park to a Class B1 park in recognition of the importance of the timber values to the British Columbia economy. A further change in the boundaries of the park in 1962 increased the area of the park to its present size (25, 137 hectares) and changed the park from Class B back to Class A. Class A parks are Crown lands dedicated to the preservation of their natural environments for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public. Development in Class A parks is limited to that which is necessary to maintain the park’s recreational values. Hamber Park is presently named and described in Schedule C of the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act. Its management and development are directed by the Park Act. 1.4 UNESCO Designation
Originally comprised of the four contiguous national parks, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site was established in 1984 for its outstanding scenic splendour. Under an international convention, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity. The addition of Hamber Park to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site occurred in 1990 along with Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine provincial parks.
The UNESCO designation is a status that both distinguishes the park and sets a high expectation for its conservation and general management as part of a global trust. Among other activities, UNESCO encourages participants in the World Heritage Sites program to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage Sites. It also supports public awareness-building activities for World Heritage Site conservation, and encourages participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage.
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site park managers cooperate with the adjacent British Columbia and Alberta government agencies to ensure that biodiversity is maintained in the Central Rockies ecosystem and that the area is managed sustainably in a regional landscape context.
1.5 Management Planning Process
The management planning process for Hamber Park began in June 2013 with the approval of a project plan. The initial planning phase involved gathering and reviewing
1 A Class B park is Crown land established under the Park Act whose management and development is constrained by the Act. They differ from Class A parks only with respect to the “test” that must be met in order to issue a park use permit. Sections 8 and 9 of the Park Act are the most pertinent in this regard, and direct that a park use permit must not be issued respecting an interest in land or natural resources “unless, in the opinion of the minister, to do so is not detrimental to the recreational values of the park concerned.” Accordingly, Class B parks may permit a broader range of activities and uses provided that such uses are not detrimental to the recreational values of the park.
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 5
External Correspondence Page 22 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
previous background information and beginning to make contact with stakeholders and First Nations to raise awareness of the project initiation. The 1986 management plan was used for background and context. This information was supplemented with more current information gathered from databases, websites, reports and those knowledgeable about the park values and issues. The second phase of the planning process has been dedicated to developing a draft management plan based on the information gathered in Phase 1. At this current point in the process, BC Parks is reviewing this draft management plan with tenure holders, the public and First Nations. Because of the remote isolation of the park and the long distance to local communities, there are few community groups or stakeholders that would potentially participate in meetings or open houses during the planning process. Considering this, general public engagement in the management planning process was planned to be primarily web-based. The last phase of the planning process will focus on revising the draft management plan in response to comments received, completing consultation and internal reviews and acquiring the necessary approvals. The final management plan will then be released on the BC Parks website. 1.6 Encumbrances and Permits
Originally issued in 1985, a park use permit (PUP 102926) authorizes the operation of a fishing camp which includes the facilities, guiding (angling\recreational guiding), commercial floatplane access and motorized boat use on Fortress Lake. There is an additional permit (PUP102055) for commercial access to the park by helicopter but this is rarely used. Commercial recreation park use permits (102176 and 106721) issued in 2005 and 2013 respectively provide guided climbing, backcountry recreation and mountaineering opportunities. 1.7 Relationship with First Nations
Hamber Park lies in the asserted traditional territories of the Ktunaxa Nation, the Okanagan Nation and the Secwépemc Nation. Ongoing collaboration will occur with respect to the management of the park’s natural, cultural and recreational values through First Nation involvement where applicable in annual planning for the park and project specific planning. This will ensure that the management of the park considers their traditional uses and values. The management plan will not limit subsequent Treaty negotiations. The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation covers the Kootenay region and extends into the United States. In British Columbia, the Ktunaxa Nation Council includes four Indian bands: -aqam (St Mary’s Band), -akink’umasnuqi? it (Tobacco Plains Band), akisq’nuk (Columbia Lake Band) and Yaqan nu? kiy (Lower Kootenay Band). The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Council is currently negotiating a Treaty with the Government of Canada and the
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 6
External Correspondence Page 23 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
Province of British Columbia and signed a government to government memorandum of understanding with the Province in 2005 for the management of provincial parks in their traditional territory. The memorandum of understanding makes provisions for the parties to cooperate in a variety of park management activities including planning, boundary reviews, economic development and capacity building.
The traditional territory of the Okanagan Nation extends from the Okanagan Valley into the West Kootenays and as far north as the Wood River in the Rocky Mountains. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is composed of seven Indian Bands and the Colville Confederated Tribes in the United States. Three member bands (Okanagan, Penticton, and Lower Similkameen) have asserted traditional territories that encompass Hamber Park. The Secwépemc Nation traditional territory extends from the Fraser River to the Rocky Mountains and from the upper Fraser River in the north to the Canada-US border in the south. There are two tribal councils and 17 bands that compose the Secwépemc Nation with five bands (Simpcw, Shuswap, Splats’in, Neskonlith and Adams Lake) having asserted traditional territories that encompass Hamber Park. A Reconciliation Framework Agreement with five Secwépemc Nation member bands (i.e., Tk'emlups, Skeetchestn, Adams Lake Indian Band, Splats’in, and Shuswap Indian Band) was signed with the Province in 2013 to establish an effective government to government working relationship for shared decision making. The Reconciliation Framework Agreement identifies many broad areas of engagement and has specific direction for consultation on park management.
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 7
External Correspondence Page 24 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
2.0 Values and Roles of the Protected Area
2.1 Significance in the Protected Areas System
The primary role of Hamber Park is to contribute to the protection of the Central Park Ranges Ecosection, Fortress Lake and the natural scenic values of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Hamber Park lies within a large ecosystem unit called the Central Park Ranges Ecosection. The Central Park Ranges Ecosection is represented in the protected areas system by four protected areas (Yoho National Park and Hamber, Cummins Lakes and Cummins River provincial parks), with Hamber Park being the second largest after Yoho National Park. While Hamber Park contributes similar ecological and physical characteristics as the other protected areas, it distinguishes itself with the protection of Fortress Lake, a major aquatic component. Fortress Lake is considered a rare lake ecosystem as its large size (830 hectares) is uncommon in mountainous environments. Most high elevation lakes in the Rockies are too small to develop self-sustaining ecosystems; however, Fortress is large enough that complete ecosystems have developed within and surrounding the lake. As part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Hamber Park plays an important role by contributing an outstanding glaciated mountain and lake environment along the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. While most of the eastern slopes of the continental divide are represented in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (through Banff and Jasper national parks), the western slopes are only partially represented (through Yoho and Kootenay national parks as well as Mount Robson and Hamber provincial parks) with a significant gap as shown in Figure 1. However, Hamber Park plays a role in helping reduce the gap between Mount Robson Park and Yoho National Park. Hamber Park, along with a portion of Yoho National Park, also enables representation of the Columbia River (the fourth largest watershed in North America) to be included in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Hamber Park is well placed to contribute to the UNESCO value of representing outstanding universal scenic value of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. The isolated park has a high degree of natural beauty with little evidence of unnatural disturbance even from view points at high elevations. Forestry activity in the area is equally constrained by the isolation and difficult terrain with the closest logging roads over 15 kilometres from the park boundary. The secondary role of the park is to maintain wilderness recreation opportunities for enjoyment of the scenic mountain and lake landscape. With the exception of low frequency floatplane access, the isolation and difficult access conditions limit visitation to low levels of use that support a largely wilderness recreation experience.
Hamber Park Draft Management Plan 8
External Correspondence Page 25 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.A.
2.2 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Values
Terrestrial Ecosystem The terrain is characterized by large, glacier formed U-shaped valleys, and high ice capped mountain peaks with some peaks being sharply pointed. These sharply pointed peaks were higher and not subject to the scouring effects of glaciers. Chisel Peak is an example of a pointed peak and is the tallest point in the park at 3,049 metres. This is followed by Fortress Mountain at 3, 020 metres. These two peaks are significantly lower in comparison to the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson at 3,954 metres. Six of the ten different terrestrial Biogeoclimatic2 (BEC) subzones that are found in the Central Park Ranges Ecosection, as shown in Table 2, are represented in Hamber Park indicating that ecosystem diversity is moderately high. Three Biogeoclimatic subzones are greater than 3,000 hectares (the guideline set by BC Parks for representation) in the park.
Table 2: Ecosystem Representation Table
Biogeoclimatic BEC Area of BECS Total area of % Total BECS Total % BECS (BEC) Zone subzone in the park BECS protected in protected in (BECS) (hectares) protected in B.C. B.C. B.C. (hectares) contributed by the park Engelmann ESSF dk2 6,742 48,113 14 14 Spruce-Subalpine Fir ESSFdkp 3,297 17,925 18 20 ESSFwc 2 1,385 94,908 1 6 ESSFwcp 1,211 80,268 2 7 ESSFwcw 651 55,469 1 7 Interior IMA un 10,922 149,283 7 10.9 Mountain- heather Alpine
2 A Biogeoclimatic zone is a geographic area in British Columbia classified as having similar patterns of energy flow, vegetation and soils as a result of a broadly homogenous macroclimate.
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Aquatic Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems in Hamber Park include lake ecosystems like Fortress Lake and various small alpine lakes, four fast moving major creeks (Alnus Creek is the largest) and small areas of wetland (east and west ends of Fortress Lake and fronting the alluvial fan at Chisel Creek). The most significant aquatic ecosystem values are associated with Fortress Lake. The lake is about 11 kilometres long and averages 800 metres in width. It has a mean depth of 26 metres with the deepest point being 67 metres. Fed by a number of glaciers, the lake is very cold and turbid with an August surface temperature as low as 15 degrees Celsius. Fortress Lake also creates a uniquely low difference in elevation between the two sides of the continental divide. At the eastern end of the lake during times of high water, Fortress Lake can spill over and drain eastwardly in to the Chaba River on the eastern side of the continental divide. Other than the wetlands, the littoral zone of Fortress Lake (the zone where aquatic plants are found) is non-existent given that most of the shoreline is steeply sloping into deeper water. The wetlands are swamp areas with trees and shrubs in standing water, however, there are some aquatic plants, including sedges and horsetails. The lake/wetland ecosystem is used by some waterfowl species in very small numbers including Common Golden Eye, Harlequin Duck, Common Merganser and Loon. Ecological Integrity Ecological integrity occurs when: An area or network of areas supports natural ecosystem composition, structure and function, and has a capacity for self-renewal. Large protected areas are allowed to function with little to no intervention. Natural disturbances, species movements, predator-prey systems and other large processes can play out and evolve without interference. All of the larger wilderness parks in the Central Park Ranges Ecosection are of sufficient size to contain and sustain many of the ecological components of the ecosection (such as the forests and glaciers) but they lack the size and are not strategically positioned to individually support some of the species components such as Grizzly Bears. However, as these wilderness parks are part of a contiguous protected area complex (Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site), major ecosystem components for keystone species such as Grizzly Bears are being supported collectively. The overall ecological integrity of Hamber Park is enhanced by its close proximity to Jasper National Park which links Hamber Park to the ecosystem of the entire protected area complex.
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Wildlife Hamber Park contains several large mammal species including Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolf, Moose, Mountain Goat and Wolverine. Grizzly Bears and Black Bears are the more commonly observed wildlife in the park. Black Bears are often seen along Fortress Lake where there is an abundance of berries and other plant food sources while Grizzly Bears are commonly found at higher elevations and at times in the adjacent Chaba River corridor (Jasper National Park). The east end of Fortress Lake intersects with the Chaba River and serves as a travel route for Grizzly Bears crossing the continental divide. In terms of numbers, no surveys have been done, but up to ten Grizzly Bears were reportedly observed at one time in the park in the mid-1980s. Grizzly Bears from Jasper National Park use Hamber Park as part of their large home range which is estimated to be at least seven times the size of Hamber Park. Mountain Caribou that predominantly range in the southern part of Jasper National Park have been known to use a small portion of the Upper Alnus Creek drainage in Hamber Park. This Mountain Caribou herd population is in decline. The last known report of Mountain Caribou in Hamber Park was in 1985 when Grizzly Bear researchers noted Mountain Caribou tracks in the pass at Washout Creek.
Fish Fortress Lake is believed to have not contained fish prior to the 1920s when the lake was first stocked with non-native Eastern Brook Trout (from Pennsylvania) by Jasper National Park wardens. Fish surveys of the lake (last one done in 1989) have not found any species other than Eastern Brook Trout. A restocking of the lake occurred in the 1960s with stock from New Brunswick that was in the Jasper National Park fish hatchery at the time. Fishing for the Eastern Brook Trout of Fortress Lake has become a much sought after fly fishing experience. The lake is considered by some fishing magazines, fishing television programs and fishing equipment suppliers to be one of the world’s best Eastern Brook Trout trophy fishing destinations. The most common size caught is reported to be 900 grams but the record for the lake is 5.3 kilograms. In comparison, the world record weight for Eastern Brook Trout is 6.57 kilograms (caught in Ontario in 1915). Although Eastern Brook Trout were introduced in specific areas like Fortress Lake to support sport fishing in British Columbia, it is an exotic species that today is a conservation concern. Eastern Brook Trout have expanded from their original locations and are now widely distributed across southern British Columbia including the Kootenay and Columbia rivers. Eastern Brook Trout have been identified as a threat to native species such as the blue-listed Bull Trout. Competition for habitat and food as well as hybridization of Bull Trout are the main concerns.
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2.3 Recreation Values
The early recreational use of the park was supported by a few old log cabins, primitive campsites and fishing camps along the shoreline of Fortress Lake. Today, the park has two rustic camping sites at the east end of Fortress Lake accessible by trail and a third campsite location farther down the lake that is only water accessible and usually accessed by floatplane. The two campsite locations at the east of the lake each have fire rings, a food cache and a pit toilet (Figure 3). A 2.1-kilometre trail along the north shore of the lake connects the two campsite locations. The most popular activity in Hamber Park continues to be fly fishing. Visitors are enticed by the potential opportunity to catch a trophy size Eastern Brook Trout. A commercial fishing camp established on the Chisel Creek fan in 1987 continues to provide guided and unguided fishing opportunities as well as opportunities to explore Fortress Lake by motorboat or kayak. There is also a hike to the alpine that originates from behind the camp. The park also has two small caves in the upper Alnus Creek drainage that were discovered in 1985. Ranging in depth from 15 metres to 87 metres and in length from 100 metres to 272 metres, these modest caves, while not likely a reason to visit the park, do provide some recreational diversity for the alpine enthusiast.
Photo: Commercial fishing camp yurt with Chisel Peak in the background
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Figure 3: Recreation Facilities
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While there was hunting and a commercial guide outfitter operating in the park many decades ago, there is little present indication of interest in hunting in this area. The challenging access has been identified as a key limiting factor for hunting. The challenging access to the park is also considered a limiting factor for hiking. The trail along the north shore of Fortress Lake has been used so little that it has become overgrown through most of its length. Although there is tremendous potential for hiking in the alpine areas of Hamber Park, there are much more easily accessible opportunities in the adjacent Jasper National Park. There is little reliable information on how much visitation there is in the park. There are some records for use at the fishing camp over the last 25 years; however, they are incomplete and inconsistent. The recent records have generally been more consistent and since 2010, fishing camp records indicated an average of 400 client days per year while estimating an additional average of 200 visitor days per year for those using the three campsites on the lake. 2.4 Climate Change
Large-scale changes in climate can impact wildlife, vegetation distributions, freshwater flows and natural disturbance processes in the park. This can result in changes to existing biodiversity and human activities. While there is no specific data for Hamber Park, climatic changes that could be expected over the next seven or eight decades may include: warmer winters, higher precipitation and general warming trends; increased frequency and/or severity of natural processes such as wildfires, forest pest infestations and droughts; changes in hydrology (e.g., reduction of glaciers and snowfields around which could affect timing of peak flows and low-water events for Fortress Lake; forest encroachment on alpine meadows in the upper Alnus, Washout and Fortress creeks as ecological zones shift higher up the mountain slopes; and, extirpation of some plant and animal species (e.g., cold-adapted conifers) including those in ecological pockets such as microclimates, or at the limits of their range. While climate change and its effects is uncertain, the current approach to addressing the future biodiversity impacts is to implement management strategies that support organisms to move, evolve and reassemble under the changing climatic conditions. The various protected area agencies managing the large Rocky Mountain protected area network are, for the most part, taking this approach with collaboration and coordination across jurisdictions.
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3.0 Management Direction
3.1 Management Vision
Hamber Park is an integral component of a protected area complex that preserves ecosystem elements and habitat and un-impeded corridor routes for migration for wide- ranging large mammals. An ecosystem-based management approach is being applied and coordinated with adjacent jurisdictions to ensure that the ecology that supports this spectacular world treasure is sustained in perpetuity. The park is renowned for providing exceptional wilderness recreational opportunities which attract a broad spectrum of international and domestic visitors. 3.2 Management Objectives and Strategies
3.2.1 Ecosystem Based Management Ecosystem management ensures management direction is considered across the full extent of the ecological landscape that the park is influenced by. Given the multi- jurisdictional nature of land management in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and the Central Park Ranges Ecosection, managing impacts to broad ecosystem components needs a coordinated approach to be effective. Some management elements such as maintaining wildlife connectivity, and gathering and sharing ecosystem information are key aspects to a coordinated approach requiring specific management direction. Although Hamber Park is a relatively small part of the larger protected areas network and unlikely a major factor in determining network-wide approaches, it does share management challenges associated with vulnerable biodiversity values. The management of these values may benefit from research, monitoring and information from other jurisdictions. Monitoring of key environmental elements and the rate at which they are changing can help identify and assess management options for similar components in Hamber Park to maximize adaptation opportunities and minimize negative climate change impacts on park values and human use.
Management Objectives Management Strategies To conserve representative Develop and apply an ecosystem management ecosystems, ecological values and strategy that includes the major ecosystem natural ecological processes within components of vegetation, fish and wildlife and the park. natural processes such as fire, insects, diseases, pollination and evolution. Exchange inventory and research information on ecosystem values and processes with other agencies and jurisdictions.
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Management Objectives Management Strategies To support wildlife connectivity Ensure habitat for bears, Mountain Goat, within and outside the park. Mountain Caribou, and Moose in the park is managed to support connectivity over the landscape and work co-operatively with other government agencies and land managers to support connectivity outside the park. Provide input through provincial review processes for proposed major developments outside the park that may impact the park’s ecosystem values. Provide input into forest development and mineral exploration projects, and commercial recreation proposals near the park.
3.2.2 Vegetation Vegetation health is directly affected by environmental disturbances like wind, fire, insects and disease that naturally occur as well as climate change. The area around Fortress Lake is the most dynamic in terms of natural disturbances to vegetation. Around the lake there are frequent natural disturbances that affect the health and composition of the forest. In 1960 a major wildfire occurred on the northeast side of Fortress Lake affecting an area of about 325 hectares. While a significant amount of forest was affected it did increase the bear habitat (especially for berries) and the Moose habitat. There are also several other areas along the lake where natural disturbances from avalanches and rockslides have removed large areas of forests and replaced it with alder and willow shrubs. In comparison, wind, insect, and diseases do not appear to have affected vegetation in the park to any significant degree. No inventory or assessment has been done for plant species in the park other than incidental records usually related to other natural values. The lack of information on plant species in the park, including species at risk, is a significant gap in the understanding of this ecosystem component. In the absence of local data on climate change, projected changes for the region are managed as “risks” rather than “certainties”. Some elements, such as future temperature, the direction of movement of the treeline and snowline are more certain than others; it may be possible to begin managing some of these risks without further study.
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Management Objective Management Strategies To improve knowledge of the Gather vegetation information to locate, identify, vegetation communities in the park, and map plant communities, rare species and with emphasis on species at risk and threatened plant communities in areas that could those most sensitive to climate potentially be impacted by climate change or change. recreation. Develop a strategy for restoring natural disturbance processes and develop wildfire response strategies including a Fire Management Plan. Establish a Long-term Ecological Monitoring (LTEM) site in an alpine area of the park.
3.2.3 Aquatic Ecosystems Aquatic ecosystems in the park are generally not considered to be significantly at risk to impacts given the low levels of recreational use and development in the park. As Fortress Lake and the creeks have harsh conditions of cold temperatures, significant turbidity and little aquatic vegetation, they have very limited biodiversity or associated issues with the exception of the introduction of Eastern Brook Trout (which is discussed in the next section under Fish). The use of combustion engines on boats and floatplanes can potentially affect waterfowl and other wildlife through noise and petro chemical pollution. As this activity is infrequent in Hamber Park, it is difficult to determine if there are impacts occurring but none have been identified to date.
Management Objective Management Strategies To manage impacts on aquatic Establish baseline impact monitoring sites along the ecosystems in the park. shoreline where recreational use is occurring to enable ongoing monitoring of impacts.
3.2.4 Fish From observation and fishing success records, Eastern Brook Trout seem to be doing reasonably well in Fortress Lake and are thought to be self-sustaining. This is despite the challenging site conditions of: turbidity from glacial melt water; low nutrient levels; and a cold mountain climate that limits food productivity. Two studies also concluded3 that a trophy fishery could not be sustained over a long period. Several fish surveys have been conducted to learn about their numbers, capacity of the lake and where and when they
3 An Evaluation of the Brook Trout Fishery in Fortress Lake, Hamber Provincial Park by Michael Sather. 1984 and A Reconnaissance Survey of Fortress Lake by J.G. Norris and R.S. Hawthorn. 1985.
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spawn but research has been inconclusive. As most studies were done decades ago and the observed conditions of the fishery different than predicted, inventory and research are required to better understand the management needs. It is BC Parks policy to manage and control exotic species as necessary to protect, and without jeopardizing, ecosystem health and biodiversity. No studies have been conducted concerning impact of Eastern Brook Trout on the Fortress Lake ecosystem and considering the long period of time since Eastern Brook Trout were introduced, they may have become naturalized to the lake ecosystem. Without baseline information (from before the lake was first stocked) it is difficult to determine what affect the Eastern Brook Trout may be having on Fortress Lake. As there are no other known fish species in Fortress Lake or known specific ecosystem health issues related to Eastern Brook Trout, the conservation threat from the Eastern Brook Trout in the park is considered low. There are, however, conservation concerns directly outside the park related to the possible spread of the Fortress Lake Eastern Brook Trout. Fortress Lake drains into the Wood River where Eastern Brook Trout and Bull Trout have been observed throughout its length. The Eastern Brook Trout are likely impacting the success of the native Bull Trout. The source of Eastern Brook Trout in the Wood River is currently unknown but if it is determined that it is Fortress Lake, a control strategy may be needed. It may be possible to prevent Eastern Brook Trout escapement from Fortress Lake and to minimize impacts to other native species like Bull Trout while preserving a significant fishing opportunity. The conditions at the outlet of Fortress Lake (narrow and shallow channel with the low water velocity) may be favourable to establishing a fish barrier. Other management options, such as eradication and/or re-stocking with indigenous species such as Bull Trout or Westslope Cutthroat Trout, may also be possible but further research and assessment are required.
Management Objective Management Strategies To reduce the risk of Eastern Brook Work with appropriate agencies to determine Trout escapement from Fortress through DNA sampling if Fortress Lake is the Lake while ensuring a sustainable source of Eastern Brook Trout in the Wood River. trophy fishery. Assess risks, feasibility, costs and benefits of options with appropriate agencies to prevent Eastern Brook Trout escapement from Fortress Lake. Develop a strategy to continue a trophy fishery on Fortress Lake subject to successfully addressing conservation concerns for escapement into the Wood River.
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Management Objective Management Strategies Continue to build on the knowledge gathered from previous fish studies and conduct a series of creel censuses over time that will provide a better understanding of Eastern Brook Trout including growth and affect on the ecosystem.
3.2.5 Wildlife While there is significant information known about wildlife in adjacent areas, there have been few wildlife studies done in Hamber Park. The only known study is one on bear/human conflicts from 1985. Baseline wildlife data on species diversity and habitat are lacking. Because wildlife is an important component of the Hamber Park ecosystem, more reliable data needs to be gathered to determine the conservation significance of wildlife in Hamber Park and identify any associated management issues.
In the past, bears have been the main wildlife species of management concern in the park. Early on when people first started recreating in Hamber Park, Grizzly Bears and Black Bears came into conflict with humans and bears were killed. The underlying cause of the conflicts was usually improper storage of food and removal of waste. Today, proper facilities, public education and monitoring are more regularly provided so these conflicts are less common. Bears and humans will continue to share the same space and seek the same food sources (fish and berries) so conflict prevention and management to avoid human caused wildlife mortality is an ongoing need in the park.
The park's shared boundaries with Jasper National Park and the large home range of some species such as Grizzly Bears, also suggest a need to coordinate management of wildlife across jurisdictional boundaries.
Management Objective Management Strategies To enhance the knowledge and Develop a wildlife and habitat overview inventory understanding of the park’s wildlife with priority on red- and blue-listed species and species and their habitats. species sensitive to climate change. Update previous data on bears in the park including habitat assessments. To maintain wildlife species Work with Jasper National Park and other agencies representative of the ecosystem. to protect migration corridors for wide ranging species such as Mountain Caribou and Grizzly Bear. Continue to implement procedures to minimize
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Management Objective Management Strategies potential bear/human conflicts in areas of known bear concentration through: public information, location of trails, campsites and facilities, garbage management, area closures, and removal of problem bears if appropriate. Coordinate bear and visitor management with Parks Canada in the Chaba Creek trail corridor.
3.2.6 Access In the early 1970s the park was accessible only by floatplane or by horseback riding or hiking from Jasper National Park; although the latter two methods were challenging. In 1985, a trail and foot bridge were built to cross the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park to enable much improved access to Hamber Park for hikers and mountain bikers. Even though one still needed to ford the hazardous Chaba River, it was anticipated that these improvements would increase recreational use in the park. Visitation continues to be at lower levels than expected however. The Athabasca River footbridge was unfortunately destroyed in the fall of 2014 adding an additional challenge to providing access to Hamber Park. It is uncertain that replacing this bridge and adding one over the Chaba River would make a significant difference in use levels at the park given the low levels of past use. Access by horse is also not very popular as there are few grazing opportunities along the way and once at Fortress Lake there are no other places to go with a horse. Given the isolation and these limitations, floatplane access may be the predominant means of access to the park for the foreseeable future. Management Objective Management Strategies To establish non-motorized Work with Jasper National Park to investigate access through Jasper National strategies and the feasibility of restoring and Park to the eastern boundary of potentially enhancing hiking and mountain biking Hamber Park. access to Hamber Park. To continue allowing floatplane Manage potential impacts of commercial floatplane access and the use of power use through park use permit conditions. boats on Fortress Lake. Work with the BC Floatplane Association to ensure visitors arriving by private floatplane are aware of site conditions for safe and sustainable use. Continue to allow motorized boat use on Fortress Lake.
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3.2.7 Recreation Recreation usage and trends in Hamber Park have changed since the last management plan was developed. Much of the direction in the 1986 plan was based on the expectation that there would be considerable increase in air access and backpacking in the park, but those increases have not occurred. While air access is still the main form of access, it has not grown as expected and backpacking has not increased as expected. Changing demographics and much higher fuel costs may have influenced these trends. The future of recreational use in Hamber Park is strongly linked to the future of a trophy fishery. Without the main attraction that has brought visitors to the park over the decades, recreational use in the park could significantly decline. If the conservation concerns mentioned in the Fish section are resolved, the fishing focus of recreation in the park would be continued. As the shoreline of Fortress Lake is mostly steep or marshy, and the few accessible sites are already developed with some facilities, most of the potential for other recreational opportunities in the park lie not on the lakeshore but in the upper elevations. Many of the outstanding recreation and scenic features of the park are at higher elevations such as the extensive alpine meadows in the upper Fortress, Washout and Alnus creek areas.
Photo: Upper Alnus Creek
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These areas can potentially offer quality alpine wilderness experiences for hiking, back packing, wildlife viewing and mountaineering but at the moment there hasn’t been much public indication that these opportunities should be developed.
Management Objective Management Strategies To maintain fishing as a Maintain the lakeside camping opportunities. recreational opportunity in the Continue to authorize by park use permit one fishing park subject to resolving camp operator to provide both overnight conservation concerns for accommodation and guest services at the fishing camp escapement of Eastern Brook location. This includes aircraft access as well as Trout into the Wood River. authorization to complete periodic maintenance of campsites and trails. Reduce the visual impact of the fishing camp structures from the north shore and the lake by considering options with the fishing camp operator to modify the roof colours so they are more compatible with the visual quality of the surrounding forest. To increase the diversity of Provide information on self-sufficient (i.e., no trails or recreational experiences. other facilities) wilderness hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and wildlife viewing in the alpine areas of the park. Periodically review recreational use to determine the potential demand for expanding alpine recreational opportunities beyond the current self-sufficient wilderness experience.
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3.3 Zoning Plan
In general terms, a zoning plan (Figure 4) divides a protected area into logical management units within which certain activities/uses are permitted and a particular set of management objectives apply. Zoning is often used to physically separate incompatible activities or uses within the protected area and provides visitors and managers with a quick visual representation and appreciation of how a particular protected area is managed. Zones are designed to reflect the physical environment, existing patterns of use and the desired level of management and development in a given management unit. 3.3.1 Wilderness Recreation Zone Zone Description: This zone, covering about 23,990 hectares (95.4%) of the park area, encompasses the valleys and glacial mountain landscape of the park. Objective and Management Intent: The objective of this zone is to protect a remote, undisturbed natural landscape and to provide backcountry recreation opportunities dependent on a pristine environment. The Wilderness Recreation Zone is intended to be managed for wilderness-based backcountry recreation with no facilities and low visitation. 3.3.2 Nature Recreation Zone Zone Description: This zone encompasses all of Fortress Lake and the shoreline. It is applied to areas that have more concentrated levels of use and infrastructure support than the Wilderness Recreation Zone. It covers about 1,147 hectares (4.6%) of the park area of which about 880 hectares is the water surface of Fortress Lake. Objective and Management Intent: This zone is intended to protect scenic values while providing backcountry recreation opportunities and appropriate facilities in a largely undisturbed natural environment. It is to be managed for a wide range of recreational opportunities including fishing camping, motor boat use, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and wildlife viewing and provides for supporting facilities like campsites and the structures at the fishing camp. Low frequency access into this zone by floatplane is appropriate.
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Figure 4: Zoning Map
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4.0 Plan Implementation
4.1 Implementation Plan
TBD 4.2 High Priority Strategies
TBD 4.3 Plan Assessment
In order to ensure that the management direction for Hamber Park remains relevant and effective, BC Parks staff will ensure that the management plan is assessed by BC Parks staff on a regular basis (i.e., at least every 5 years). Minor administrative updates may be identified and completed at any time (e.g., correct spelling errors, update protected area details where needed), and will be documented according to BC Parks guidelines. If an internal assessment reveals that the management plan requires updating or substantial new management direction is needed, a formal review by BC Parks, First Nations or other partner(s) may be initiated to determine whether the plan requires an amendment or if a new plan is required. The management plan amendment process or development of a new plan includes an opportunity for public input.
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Appendix 1: Appropriate Use Table
The following table summarizes existing and potential future uses in Hamber Park that are and are not appropriate in each zone. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all uses that may be considered in this protected area in the future. Please note that appropriate uses may be geographically restricted (i.e., only allowed in certain areas of Hamber Park or are only appropriate at certain times of the year). Please ensure that you are well informed of any use restrictions as indicated in the table. It is important to review relevant sections of the management plan when interpreting the table.
Appropriate Use Table Legend N Not an The use is not appropriate in the indicated zone. If the use currently exists appropriate use but the management planning process has determined that the use is no longer appropriate in all or part of the protected area, the management plan will include strategies for ending the activity (e.g., phasing out, closing). Y May be an Some level or extent of this use may be appropriate in the zone indicated. appropriate use The management plan may provide guidance on the appropriate level of use and may address specific restrictions or planned enhancements (e.g. capacity, designated areas for a particular activity, party size, time of year, etc.).
For new or expanded uses, this symbol indicates that the use may be considered for further evaluation. The appropriateness of some activities may not be confirmed until a further assessment (e.g., BC Parks Impact Assessment Process) or evaluation process (e.g., park use permit adjudication) is completed. N/A Not an applicable It is not feasible for the use to take place in this zone (e.g., mooring buoys in a use in this zone terrestrial zone).
Activity/Facility Zone 1 Zone 2 Comments Nature Wilderness Recreation Recreation Zone Zone Aircraft Landing/Takeoff Y N/A Boating (human powered and Y N/A electrical) Boating (combustion engine) Y N/A Camping (designated sites) Y N Camping (wilderness style- N Y undesignated sites) Fish Stocking Y* N *subject to approved fisheries management strategy Fishing Y Y Hiking Y Y Hunting Y Y
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Activity/Facility Zone 1 Zone 2 Comments Nature Wilderness Recreation Recreation Zone Zone Land-based Mechanized Activity Y N (e.g., mountain biking) Land-based Motorized Activity N N (e.g., 4x4, motorcycles, ATV-not including snowmobiles, snowcats or aircraft landings) Horse and Pack Animal Use Y* N *only to the east end of Fortress lake Skiing (backcountry) Y Y Snowmobiling N N Snowcat Use N N Boat Launches N N Boat Wharves and Docks Y N/A Cabins, Huts and Shelters (as Y N defined in the Fixed Roof Accommodation Policy) Lodges (as defined in the Fixed N N Roof Accommodation Policy) Campgrounds (vehicle accessed) N N Picnic Areas (vehicle accessed) N N Designated Camping Sites (not Y N vehicle accessed) Parking Lots N N Roads N N Trails Y N Visitor Information Buildings N N Commercial Filming Y Y Grazing N N Trapping Y Y
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February 23, 2015
File No. 01-0230-40
Dear Mayor and Council:
Re: Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment
At the Regular Council meeting of February 10, 2015, Port Moody City Council passed the following resolution:
“WHEREAS municipalities and regional districts are the governments nearest to people and the natural environment, and therefore share a deep concern for the welfare of the natural environment and understand that a healthy environment is inextricably linked to the health of individuals, families, future generations and communities;
AND WHEREAS fostering the environmental well-being of the community is a municipal purpose under section 7(d) of the Community Charter and a regional district purpose under section 2(d) of the Local Government Act;
The Council of the City of Port Moody declares that:
1. every resident has the right to live in a healthy environment, including the right to: a. breathe clean air, b. drink clean water, c. consume safe food, d. access nature, e. know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment, and f. participate in decision making that will affect the environment;
2. The City of Port Moody has the authority, within its jurisdiction, to respect, protect, fulfill and promote these rights;
3. The City of Port Moody will consider the precautionary principle when making decisions: where threats of serious or irreversible damage to human health or the environment exist, the City of Port Moody will consider cost effective measures to prevent the degradation of the environment and protect the health of its citizens, and the absence of full scientific certainty will not be viewed as sufficient reason for the City of Port Moody to postpone such measures;
Document: 299512
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4. The City of Port Moody will apply full cost accounting when evaluating reasonably foreseeable costs of proposed actions and alternatives, the City of Port Moody will consider costs to human health and the environment;
5. By 2016, the City of Port Moody will specify objectives, targets, timelines and actions the City of Port Moody will consider, within its jurisdiction, to address the residents’ right to a healthy environment under section 1, including priority actions to:
a. Ensure infrastructure and development projects of the City of Port Moody and private sector respect the objective of protecting the environment, including air quality; b. address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptation measures; c. prioritize walking, cycling and public transit as preferred modes of transportation; d. prioritize infrastructure and protected water sources for the provision of safe and accessible drinking water; e. reduce solid waste and promote recycling, re-use and composting; f. establish and maintain accessible green spaces in all residential neighbourhoods, and protect and conserve nature in public open spaces;
6. The City of Port Moody will review the objectives, targets, timelines and actions of its healthy environment policy every five (5) years, and measure progress toward fulfilling this Declaration; and
7. The City of Port Moody will consult with residents as part of this process.
AND THAT this declaration be forwarded to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, the Union of BC Municipalities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and member local governments, requesting favourable consideration by local councils and by delegates at the 2015 annual general meetings of these associations.”
The City of Port Moody has forwarded this resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA), the Union of British Columbian Municipalities (UBCM), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for discussion at their 2015 Conference/Convention. We respectfully request that your Council favourably support this initiative when it comes forth for discussion. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the undersigned at 604-469-4505.
Yours truly,
Kelly Ridley Manager of Legislative Support
External Correspondence Page 46 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.B.
Briefing Note To: Town Council (via CAO) From: Jeremy Baylis, Building Official Date: 2015-03-05 File: 4560-20 RE: Building Permit Statistics for FEBRUARY, 2015
MESSAGE-
I have provided the monthly report on Building Permits for: FEBRUARY, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeremy Baylis,
Building Official
Internal Correspondence Page 47 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.B.
Building Permits Reported to the End of: FEBRUARY, 2015.
FEB. 2015 FEB. 2014 YTD 2015 YTD 2014 Commercial Permits 1 3 2 7 Construction Value $500 $532,000 $500,500 $557,000
Industrial Permits 1 0 1 0 Construction Value $40,000 $0 $40,000 $0
Institutional Permits 1 0 1 0 Construction Value $9,248 $0 $9,248 $0
Residential Permits 3 1 4 1 Construction Value $202,500 $3,000 $220,500 $3,000
Total Permits 6 4 8 8 Total Value $252,248 $535,000 $770,248 $560,000
Housing Starts 0 0 0 0 Housing Lost 0 0 0 0
Internal Correspondence Page 48 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #7.B.
CONSTRUCTION VALUE IN DOLLARS
Internal Correspondence Page 49 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #9.A.a)
TOWN OF GOLDEN
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held February 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, 810 9th Avenue S., Golden, BC
Present: Mayor Oszust Councillor Adams Councillor Barlow Councillor Fairley Councillor Hambruch Councillor Leigan
Absent: Councillor Moss
In Attendance: Mr. Wilsgard, Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Thoss, Manager of Legislative Services Ms. Vass, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Cochran, Manager of Operations Mr. Petrovics, Manager of Recreation Services
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair, Mayor Oszust called the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
2. ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA
2.A. Adoption of Meeting Agenda
Moved by Councillor Hambruch, Seconded by Councillor Adams THAT the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting agenda for February 24, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
Page 1 of 2
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting he... Page 50 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #9.A.a)
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held February 24, 2015
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.A. Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting held December 16, 2014 for adoption
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Fairley THAT the Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting held December 16, 2014 BE ADOPTED. Carried
4. REPORTS
4.A. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
4.A.a) Operating Budget - Handout
The Chief Financial Officer presented the 2015-2019 operating budget to the committee.
5. ADJOURNMENT
5.A. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Fairley THAT there being no further business of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting, it BE ADJOURNED. Carried
THE OPEN FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 12:01 P.M.
______CHAIR
______CERTIFIED CORRECT
Page 2 of 2
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting he... Page 51 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #9.A.b)
TOWN OF GOLDEN
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held March 3, 2015 at 10:02 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, 810 9th Avenue S., Golden, BC
Present: Mayor Oszust Councillor Adams Councillor Barlow Councillor Fairley Councillor Hambruch Councillor Leigan
Absent: Councillor Moss
In Attendance: Ms. Thoss, Manager of Legislative Services Ms. Vass, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Cochran, Manager of Operations Mr. Petrovics, Manager of Recreation Services
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair, Mayor Oszust called the Open Standing Committee on Finance to order at 10:02 a.m.
2. ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA
2.A. Adoption of Meeting Agenda
Moved by Councillor Adams, Seconded by Councillor Hambruch THAT the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting agenda for March 3, 2015 BE ADOPTED. Carried
Page 1 of 3
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting he... Page 52 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #9.A.b)
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held March 3, 2015
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.A. Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting held February 24, 2015 for adoption
Moved by Councillor, Seconded by Councillor THAT the Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting held February 24, 2015 be adopted. Carried
4. REPORTS
4.A. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
4.A.a) Operating Budget - Handout
The Chief Financial Officer reviewed the 2015-2019 Town of Golden draft general operating budget, the 2015-2019 Town of Golden operating project sheet, the 2015-2019 Golden and District Recreation Centre budget, the 2015-2019 Shared Emergency Services budget, the 2015-2019 Water Services budget, and the 2015- 2019 Sewer Services budget.
Councillor Fairley joined the meeting at 10:08 a.m.
Councillor Barlow joined the meeting at 11:11 a.m.
Councillor Hambruch left the meeting at 11:32 a.m.
Councillor Hambruch rejoined the meeting at 11:37 a.m.
The Standing Committee on Finance recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m.
The Standing Committee on Finance reconvened from lunch at 12:33 p.m.
Councillor Fairley left the meeting at 1:11 p.m.
Councillor Fairley rejoined the meeting at 1:13 p.m.
Councillor Adams left the meeting at 1:16 p.m.
4.A.b) Capital Budget - Handout
The Chief Financial Officer reviewed the 2015-2019 Town of Golden draft general capital budget, the 2015-2019 Town of Golden Capital Revenue Sheets for water and sewer, and the 2015-2019 Town of Golden Capital Project Worksheets.
Page 2 of 3
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting he... Page 53 of 60 AGENDA ITEM #9.A.b)
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting held March 3, 2015
5. ADJOURNMENT
5.A. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Leigan, Seconded by Councillor Fairley THAT there being no further business of the Open Standing Committee on Finance meeting, it BE ADJOURNED. Carried
THE OPEN FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1:45 P.M.
______CHAIR
______CERTIFIED CORRECT
Page 3 of 3
Minutes of the Open Standing Committee on Finance Meeting he... Page 54 of 60 Council Priorities
Town Council’s Strategic Priorities Mid 2013 to End of 2014 (Updated November 25th, 2014)
In September 2013 Town Council and senior staff developed a list of projects and initiatives that represented Council’s chief Strategic Priorities for the next year to set the stage for the future of the corporation, while addressing some critical issues of political, policy, and operational natures. It was important that the projects were do-able and reasonable. And as should be the case in local government, while politics can and do play a role in any setting of priorities, ensuring corporate continuity, essential service to residents, and just good government policy are often the base reasons for identifying many of them.
Establishing a list of Strategic Priorities is a shift by council in moving away from trying to develop recurring strategic “plans” which can be unnecessarily complicated and tough to deliver upon. At some risk of actually being less strategic and more operational, Strategic Priorities are otherwise more task oriented, understandable, and measurable. While they are politically and policy driven, they are also logical, administrative goals for the corporation.
Although Council’s Strategic Priorities are high ranking in the annual corporate work plan, they actually represent less than 20% of the corporation’s annual activities! Continual public works and recreational services; higher level government reporting; development services; program management; communications; ongoing contracts and project implementation; permitting, licensing, collecting; and internal management take up the majority of our work. The Strategic Priorities do however represent key policy based tactics that fit into an overall directional shift or theme for the organization.
NOW These are projects and initiatives of highest priority with fixed dates for milestones which Council would like to see completed in 2014.
AGENDA ITEM #13.A. NEXT These Priorities are ideally meant to be undertaken as the NOW Priorities are completed, thereby moving them up to NOW status Page 55 of 60 accordingly. That said, some of the NEXT Priorities are already underway, and there are inherent milestones that must be met in the 2014 year for all of them.
ADVOCACY These are Council-only political lobbying initiatives with other entities and levels of government to achieve strategic positioning for the community on economic and equity grounds.
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Council Priorities
ORIGINAL NOW PRIORITIES FULLY OR SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE
Project or Prescribed General Intent Why Do It? Completion Summary Initiative Milestone Future Capital Determine number, Asset Management Analysis has revealed areas in Provide to 100% Project Planning cost, and potential town in need of utility and road renewals to Council by and Funding timing of maintain long term services. A new federal November Per staff recommendations and Council infrastructure infrastructure grant program is anticipated to be 2013. priorities a firm list of projects have been renewal projects for announced in 2014 with application criteria. We identified for application to the New Canada inclusion in grant need to be ready and clear on what we need to apply Building Fund. applications. for and how we will pay for it.
British Determine fate With Golden Area Initiatives no longer receiving Options to 100% with ongoing implications. Columbia (ownership/operati funding and with no managerial presence, its consider Visitor Centre on) of building. singular role is now to maintain the building it by GAI has restructured and simplified, now Options owns. Ownership and management of the building December being only a building owner/manager. The must be determined over the short and long term. 2013. CAO is also the administrative authority and through third party assistance will maintain rental agreements and building management for the time being.
Economic Determine a new The town and regional district determined such Decision 100% Development model for delivery services through a third party delivery model would by Service Delivery other than the past be terminated. Council believes the service still November Following 6 months of select committee Options 10 years. valuable and wishes to continue a funding and 2013. work and reporting, negotiations for joint accountability partnership with the regional district. service continuation with the CSRD failed Service delivery through this partnership by other and no specific service now exists. Limited means needs investigation and a proposal by default activity now lies with staff.
Council to follow. AGENDA ITEM #13.A.
Capital Priority Determine which Linked to one of the NOW projects, this priority No 100% with caveats. Funding infrastructure assumes this process will continue throughout the original Page 56 of 60 renewal projects are year as Council determines what it can afford, milestone While Council has approved projects for the highest priority where the money will come from, a timeline for identified. planning and implementation for application and how they will completion, and what gets approved through the to the NCBF, program parameters may be funded upcoming New Canada Building Fund. affect the scope and nature of applicability, and require reshuffling of project priorities and their components. Staff is awaiting program standards to determine this.
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Council Priorities
Project or Prescribed General Intent Why Do It? Completion Summary Initiative Milestone
Permissive Tax Determine the Where permitted by law, Council has always 100% Establish 100% Exemption rationale for giving exempted places of worship and other non-profit policy by Policy certain tax owned or operated properties from taxation. It June of 2014 Policy adopted. Application adjudication exemptions – or not was about $60,000 in 2013 – about 1.5% of annual prior to currently underway. - in a revised policy. tax revenue. Should this continue? Should it stop? applications Should it be something in between? going out for 2015 exemptions. Kicking Horse Determine how For nearly the past decade, cultural services have Make 100% Culture Funding funding for cultural been annually funded jointly between the town determination services will be and regional district ($60,000 each per year). This by mid 2014. Staff submitted reports and letters to funded after 2014. year it’s funded through EOF (non taxation) initiate the process. monies which may not be a long term solution. At stake – whether a continuing partnership with the CSRD Board endorsed Council CSRD will remain, whether cultural services recommendation to commit 3 years of funding will continue and in what form, and where EOF funding toward cultural services. the money will come from.
Utility User Determine Utilities (water and sewer) should ideally be “self Provide 100% Fees appropriate liquidating” – with fees balancing the cost of their options for residential utility service. Annual rates should cover all operational adequate fee Gap analysis complete; Council passed fee rates. costs, debt servicing, and future renewal project adjustments renewed bylaw and rates for a three year costs. Ours do not. So taxes subsidize them. Our for bylaw term. current rate bylaw expires at the end of 2014. changes by December 2014.
Service Capacity Determine under Local governments continually struggle to define By end of 100% AGENDA ITEM #13.A. Review the current staffing their role within a community and how expansive 2014. regime how much it should be. Ultimately this is controlled by the CAO presented Council budget is really possible to number of people that can do the work. How proposition for 2015 staff levels tempered Page 57 of 60 do. much can we do? What is our limit? by current and anticipated budget constraints.
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Council Priorities
REMAINING NOW PRIORITIES
Project or Council Completion Initiative Prescribed Progress (‘*’ indicates a former General Intent Why Do It? Milestone NEXT Priority) Zoning Bylaw Amend the zoning bylaw Clear discontent in neighbourhood for current zoning Begin process January 30% Amendments terms and conditions in the 9th criteria. Inconsistent and debatable zoning criteria for 2014. Street North Area current uses. Opportunity for area specific planning Conceptual design process including proposed street upgrades. for the road re- engineering complete. Individual stakeholder contacts initiated; larger engagement delayed due to emergent planning issues. New Reserve Restructure the town’s reserve The town’s current assemblage of reserves needs review in Completion by 20% Policy accounts to meet legal number, purpose, deposit and withdrawal standards, and September 2014 requirements and align with consistent use. A complete restructuring will provide much Staff has begun council priorities. needed alignment with Council priorities and assurance in informal annual budgetary planning. discussions to date to meet milestone. Unforeseen new initiatives and recurring processes have delayed the
project. AGENDA ITEM #13.A.
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Council Priorities
NEXT PRIORITIES
Project or Initiative General Intent Timeframe Why Do It? Recreation Cost Determine fair pricing By end of 2014 have the Setting the pricing for public programs and facilities use is a bit of black Recovery for recreation services ability to begin such magic – based on traditional pricing, what other communities charge, based upon the level of discussions as better user encouraging use, yet trying to get some payback on the cost of operations. recovery targeted to stats will be Council would eventually like to formally establish certain recreation operate facilities and forthcoming. services and with them a reasonable level of cost recovery to rationalize provide programming. the fee for service and by how much general taxation subsidizes them.
Project Update: Statistics for the pool have assisted Council in determining appropriate rates. New bylaws have set rates and permitted flexibility for rate setting by staff. Direct management of the Mount 7 Rec Plex has introduced a new consideration in this initiative. Increased promotion, streamlining of bookings, and centralized management of facilities will continue to build rationale cases for program pricing, asset planning, shared service provision, and better cost recovery.
Long Term Financial Begin knowledge and Begin the preparation for Legislation requires municipalities to annually approve a 5-year financial Plan data accumulation to a plan by end of 2014. plan, but it is becoming increasingly clear that plans as much as 4 times plan for decades. this term are needed to fully prepare for future infrastructure renewal and plan for long term community visions.
Project Update: Various cyclical (budget, reporting, audit, PTE policy) and new tasks (rec facility costing directives, infrastructure planning) have delayed meaningful implementation. Successful recruitment of a previously AGENDA ITEM #13.A. approved position by Council in 2015 will enable a return to this initiative.
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Council Priorities
ADVOCACY (Council Implemented) PRIORITIES
Initiative Why Consider It? Progress Report Regional The population between Golden and Area “A” of the CSRD is split Council has submitted a letter of intent to the CSRD board Collaboration roughly 50/50. The municipality logically provides a host of services indicating that a discussion concerning the scope and nature and amenities for the residents of both jurisdictions. One would of shared services is a priority. expect therefore that taxpayers from both jurisdictions would support their provision. And they do with the arena, the cemetery, Staff have prepared a preliminary assessment of all pertinent emergency program, operating the airport, and (formerly) with facilities and services to aid in this discussion, including long economic development and cultural services. term asset values, depreciation, and operating costs.
What the taxpayers of Area “A” pay nothing for is in the operation 2015 application of EOF to pool operations is viewed as of the pool, the spray park, Rec Plex, ball and soccer fields, skate recognition of shared service potential for this facility. park, Civic Centre, and capital projects at the airport as examples. Acknowledgment of a more formalized agreement for Council feels it would like to change this arrangement. museum funding has been given.
Destination Promoting our community to its full potential to include all we are No substantial activity has been undertaken at this time. Marketing and maximize partnerships is important to Council, and it plans on ensuring important collaboration between all stakeholders involved in this occurs.
Trans Canada A Council and community economic development priority for Letters to the Federal and Provincial governments have been Twinning decades, the work in our area is far from over and Council will sent, complimenting recent announcements and encouraging continue to lobby the Province and the Federal Government to continued improvements to the highway within our commit funding toward Highway 1 in four laning its length from the immediate region. Council met directly with MOTI staff at Alberta border west. UBCM and the mayor has made representation at the “BC On the Move” consultation session.
Highway 95 Bridge Built in 1952, the aged highway bridge over Gould’s Island has been Council again me directly with executive staff at the 2014
on Council’s radar for years, pressuring the Province to not only UBCM convention in part to solicit the Province’s continued AGENDA ITEM #13.A. replace and redesign it, but straighten the crossing. Doing so would consideration of this initiative. help traffic flow, improve safety, and could potentially change the face of our downtown in opening up more pedestrian based planning Page 60 of by realigning the highway corridor.
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