UBCM CONFERENCE NOTES NOTES OF THE UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES CONFERENCE HELD OCTOBER 23 TO 27, 2006, IN VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA. October 23, 2006 Police Costs: Small Communities and Electoral Areas Susan Gimse, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Dr. Terry Raymond, Fraser Valley Regional District Sharon Hartwell, Village of Telkwa Aaron Dinwoodie, Central Okanagan Regional District Mary Sjostrom, City of Quesnel Ralph Drew, Village of Anmore Kevin Begg, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policing and Community Safety Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Honourable John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Susan Gimse • In 2001 the Premier instructed the Solicitor General to address police services. • In 2003 the Solicitor General came back with a proposal. • In 2005 the Solicitor General sent out a letter outlining the proposal to recover police costs. • In May 2006, UBCM examined the proposal from the Richmond meeting and provided feedback on policing. • A Local Government committee group was assembled to review the proposed policing costs. • A Best Practice Police Guide was produced.

Minister John Les • Police Financing was proposed to occur in 2007. • Small communities under 5000 populations will now pay for policing. • 75% of traffic fine revenue has been returned to communities for policing applications in the past, and now the Province has been returning 100% of traffic fine revenue. • Policing funding - by population - 50% by assessments for small Municipalities and Regional Districts. • Rural Property Tax to also contribute to policing costs. • 15 to 25 cents per $1000 assessment for rural areas for policing (this can vary), depending on the Regional District. • Accountability framework by the RCMP will be discussed today.

John Ranta - Cache Creek • Can we provide a line in the tax notice to accommodate policing?

Minister John Les • Yes, that option can be made available on the tax notice by your community. • The municipalities can also opt to alternative solution.

Bob Elliot – Port Moody • Are traffic fines shared with rural people? Will there be police phasing in the future? UBCM Notes Page 2

Minister John Les • Traffic fines collected will be calculated and rural and small communities will receive their share of revenue. • Three year’s notice provided already for phasing for policing. It will be effective in 2007.

Brian Lande - Central Coast Regional District • Is there a special formula for our Regional District, especially for First Nations? • Minister John Les • Everybody pays for policing in the Regional District. • Michael Kokura - Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District • What is the amount for 15 cents per assessment?

Minister John Les • Approximately $24 to $25 million will come from the rural communities for policing.

Donna Shugar - Sunshine Coast Regional District • Please address input by Local Government into Policing.

Minister John Les • That will be discussed later on, but it is really up to Local Government leaders to work with the RCMP.

Questions and Answers for the Police Panel Q. Concern of 25 cents assessed value per 1,000 and the disproportionate in costs for our area in Lantzville. A. Everyone benefits from police contribution. You will always have some disparity as each region will determine the amount to levy based on assessments. Q. Rural policing costs will be paid by 50%. Is there room to share the rural costs with municipalities? A. You would need to work with your municipalities. Q. Are traffic fine revenues now going to the Regional Districts? A. Yes, traffic fine revenues will be going to the Regional Districts and will be netted out based on the services.

Q. I’m not opposed to policing costs, but do not want the police to be wasting their time in the court hours. A. We are working on new legislation to address proceeds from crime. We are hoping that we can confiscate cars and homes and be able to sell the assets and the revenues would go back into policing. UBCM Notes Page 3

RCMP Accountability Framework Ernie Malone, Advisor to Deputy Commission, RCMP Barry Clark, North District Superintendent, RCMP Dan Harrison, Southeast Superintendent, RCMP Doug Scott, Pacific Region Client Services Enhancement Project, Inspector, RCMP Stuart Cameron, Advisor to Deputy Commission, RCMP Jeff Van Hinte, Policy Analyst, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, RCMP Kevin Begg, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policing and Community Safety Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Ernie Malone • Accountability is not new with your provincial police force (North District, Island District, South East District, and Pacific Region. • 98% of Canadian Citizens think RCMP’s services are important for Canada. • 92% of Canadian Citizens believe RCMP Personnel demonstrate professionalism.

Cost of Provincial Policing Pay 63% Operations/Maintenance 12% RCMP Contract Costs Capital 3% Indirect 22%

What is excluded from Provincial Policing until 2012 • RCMP National Headquarters • Legal Fees • Compensation Crimes • Transfers • Long Term Disability Costs • Highway Patrol.

Cost Drivers • Fuel • Technology • Div. Administration Cost • Access to information • Pay raises • Health benefits.

Managing Costs - We have very strict rules in addressing some of our programs. 1. Risk Management Study; 2. Contract Advisory Committee; 3. Regional Models; 4. Volunteers - 30,000; 5. Auxiliaries - 1,200; 6. Pacific Regional Training Centres – University College of Fraser Valley 7. Range Services and Approvals (Two 25 metre pistol ranges) 8. Graduated Return of Work. UBCM Notes Page 4

Partnerships • Community Citizens Groups - Mayor/Council with the Detachment Commanders is the key to partnership. Partnerships remain at the core of the RCMP’s success in delivering efficient and effective police services to our communities. • Community consultation is important to achieve results, with the RCMP. • Each community is unique and therefore we need to work together collectively to ensure quality police services and delivery.

Doug Scott - Pacific Region Project Client Service Enhancement Project: • be flexible and we are committed to create integrated policing services when and where it makes sense. • address needs through consultation and identify gaps • enhance and streamline services to reduce crime and improve public safety across the region. UBCM Notes Page 5

October 24, 2006 Regional Growth Strategies Alan Osborne David Johns Leslie Watson

• Growth Strategy was introduced in 1995 to encourage Regional Districts to consider developing. • Six growth strategy done with stakeholders’ consultation to date. • Increase population density, where municipality needs to manage growth. • 85% of BC’s population live in urban areas, • Growth strategy examines not only growth, but environmental, parks, traffic movement, zoning density, consensus-based planning, trends, future needs of generations. • The process is based on collaboration throughout the region, including all municipalities. • Need to be flexible in planning for the region, although municipalities will have their own urban containment areas. UBCM Notes Page 6

Northern Health Meeting Sean Hardiman Malcolm Maxwell, CEO Mayor Davidson and Councillors Farrow and Stewart Wallace Mah, Chief Administrative Officer

Councillor Stewart • We need a radiologist for our hospital.

M. Maxwell • We have other communities that also need a radiologist, such as Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, etc. • We need to find all the radiologists and put them in the room. Perhaps we can share the resources. • What are the overall needs of a radiologist in the north? Is it possible to have a third or fourth year student? • Is it possible that a radiologist travel to Terrace and Smithers once a week to provide the service of radiology.

Councillor Stewart • Centralized purchasing has created excessive delays that affect the Ladies Auxiliary in their financial contributions. • There is too much bureaucracy in purchasing decisions. • Perhaps communicate more directly with the Ladies Auxiliary (Callie Hofsink) with respect to annual purchasing needs.

M. Maxwell • I will respond to the Ladies Auxiliary within 10 days.

Councillor Stewart • There are concerns regarding the quality of care for patients at the Bulkley Lodge.

M. Maxwell • We have looked at some of our staffing standards. • Services of 3.5 hours roughly for each patient in psycho-geriatric care at this time is being provided. • We have investigated a couple of complaints at the Bulkley Lodge that S. Johnson looked into and has resolved. • Staff needs more training in dealing with patients that have dementia problems and we are aware of that.

Councillor Stewart • There are concerns regarding staff taking stress leave.

M. Maxwell • We have the lowest sick leave in the Province and we know that staff are going to be sick from time to time.

UBCM Notes Page 7

Councillor Stewart • I commend you and Andrew McLetchie on the very open communication and ability to resolve problems very well. Andrew is working with us in developing our hospital. • The first tea in December is to promote the contributions made to the hospital. Andrew is working on that.

M. Maxwell • How can we connect better to deal with recruits in nursing? • It does help to have students in the summer, to promote future recruits and successional planning.

Mayor Davidson • The structure of the Bulkley Lodge has improved.

Councillor/Director Farrow • Stewart-Nechako is concerned with the presentation made by Skeena Regional District. There is an overlap in our communities for health care services which can cause some confusion.

M. Maxwell • Acknowledged the two Regional Districts providing health care services. UBCM Notes Page 8

Mid-Sized Communities Forum Introduction by Mary Sjostrom, Quesnel, Director at Large Murray Day - Director, Emergency Management Division, Justice Institute of B.C. Dave Etkin - Natural Hazards and Risk Analyst

Dave Etkin • To set up an integrated emergency management operating system you need to identify the hazards. - natural and human - groups and organizations - human induced/materials. • Put in mitigation measures for safety in your community. • Identify the coordinating agency whether it is federal, provincial or local government. • Partners in Emergency Management - mitigation to recovery requires the following: - Citizens (Volunteers) - First Responders - Municipalities/First Nations - Regional Districts - Province/State - Federal - International. • Removing the hazard such as water or moving the people - evacuation. • BCERMS (BC Emergency Response Management System) • Personnel, equipment, supplies, infrastructure, information, finances, profile documents. • Need to build solutions that are web-based which can be shared by other support parties. • Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to have and manage: - Maps available - Partners and Private Organizations - Ground conditions - Temperature/weather conditions - How much ground and time do you have? - Shelters - Road conditions - Interactive voice system - All plans integrated into the computer system.

Murray Day • Local government is the lead agency and is required by law to have emergency plans and to have an emergency organization. • The key to success is to have the appropriate emergency training for personnel: 1. First Responders such as Police, Fire, Ambulance, Public Works. 2. Staff with EOC training and knowing their roles and responsibilities. 3. Senior Staff Managers and Elected Officials trained as well for back-up purposes. 4. Volunteers trained and ready to assist. • Types of training should include: UBCM Notes Page 9

- Incident Command System 100 - EOC Level Training - Exercise and Design - Table Top - Emergency Social Services - Introduction. • Technology and Training: - GIS integrated systems - Develop concept of use - Incorporate training into your plan.

• Validating the Plan: - Table Top - Functional Exercises - Full-scale Functional Exercises - Critical Incident Simulations. - Questions and Answers Training young people in Public School Systems as early as Grade 6. Streamlining ESS Trainers. UBCM Notes Page 10

Mid-Sized Communities Forum – Topics of Discussion • A UBCM member suggested 4-year term in Local Government to change legislation. • Compatibility in all levels of government. • Power sales from Alcan - Kitimat (Industrial Development Act). • Urban infrastructure costs are rising faster than the CPI index. How do municipalities cope with the cost? • Removing land from the ALR. • Scooters for seniors - life safety. • Affordable Housing - Are we in social services or is this The Province’s responsibility • Organized crime and how do we address it. • Fringe development and building relationships with Regional Districts.

Curbside Collection of Organic Waste - Rob Hutchins (Ladysmith) • Easy to collect organic waste materials. • Presently 7,000 people reside in Ladysmith and 59% solid waste that is diverted to recycling. • We presently export garbage to Cache Creek: and we really needed to asses the values and economics of what we were doing in solid waste management. • We know the landfill has a 2010 life expectancy of the Cache Creek landfill. • We hold a Spring clean-up annually. • Pasteurized sludge mixed with our municipal compost helps us utilize our organic compost. • $7.50 monthly for garbage collection. • 85 cents per month for accepting organics - unlimited. • no glass or styrofoam for recycling. • 27.5% organic material collected through our town reduces substantial solid waste • We do not exercise any enforcement towards this program. Bylaw will be introduced in the spring.

Best Practices - Greg Dobrowski and Emanuel Macheitta (Dawson Creek) • The City of Dawson Creek population is 15,000 and we want to maintain best practices and sustainability. • Presently have 110 employees; $25 million budget; and a fleet of 40 vehicles. • Dawson Creek wants renewable energy source ands of energies we can use like natural gas, electricity and fuel. • The use of solar energy in place of natural gas for heating purposes was one concept. • We promoted our best practices through education and public awareness in our community. • Capacity building by promoting solar products. • Energy conservation - retrofit arena, street/traffic lights. • Partnering with Green Energy Partners • Green Vehicle Policy: - buying hybrid vehicles for the municipality - right size the fleets -using bio fuels UBCM Notes Page 11

- anti idling - buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. • Take on Community Wide Efforts - Develop Energy Efficient Bylaws for Buildings, i.e. solar ready houses, more insulation, and energy efficient windows. • Develop wind energy. • Promote cleaner air, water, having healthier people living in our community. • Creating savings and economic development in a healthy environment.

Heat Only Project - Revelstoke • 1.5 Megawatt Biomass Boiler to address woodwaste from the Downie Mill site. • The energy is used to offset heating costs for recreation facilities.

Questions and Answers Q. How do you address medical garbage in Ladysmith? A. The medical garbage is hauled away to Cache Creek. Q. Solar Energy on hot water - payback period in Dawson Creek? A. The more you use, the greater the payback, whereas there is no payback on natural gas.

Minister , Ministry of Community Services: • It’s a pleasure to be back at UBCM. I will be available to you all week. • I’ve been visiting communities throughout BC and will continue to do that, weather permitting. • I appreciate the dedication of time by Council and the work that you do. • $65 million into UBCM programs to be administered to communities for tourism, emergency planning, crystal meth response and community health. • “AAA” credit rating established in BC. • $56 million program for unconditional grants to BC Communities. • 100% return on all traffic fine revenues to communities. • $80 million water program. • $150 million Municipal/Rural Infrastructure Fund Program (MRIF). • We’re able to do a lot because of a strong economy.

Minister Ida Chong • A task force was struck over two years ago to examine the delivery of local government services. A lot of background information was done prior to the recommendations: 1. The need to have stronger collaboration between local government and the need to strengthen regional economics. 2. Better services, economic growth – solutions that work. 3. Finding better ways of sustaining the Health Care system. 4. The need for creative leadership.

Dale Wall, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Community Services • Key directions for the Ministry is to have a dual streams in service delivery: 1. Municipalities 2. Regional Districts. • Challenge to promote regional action. Challenge of collaboration. Challenge of leadership. UBCM Notes Page 12

• Removing barriers. • Proactive regional thinking. • Work together to improve efficiency. • Upgrade water systems in smaller communities. • Conduct comprehensive planning. • Larger capital investments. • Cost recovery alternatives. • Have adequate risk insurance. • Provide extra territorial services 3.796.1 • New provisions for off-the-shelf services. • Local fire departments are strengthened through regional fire support services such as safety assessments and training. • Strengthen Regional Economies: - coordinate strategic economic plans - streamline business regulations - sustain regional alliances - infrastructure investments in the region - revenue sharing for regional growth - use best practices. • Harmonize business licenses: • adopt region-wide inter-municipal business licence schemes • use single access service models. • Regional government to take a lead role in creating change. • Revenue sharing for results • Water - safe community drinking water. • Fire Services support. • Improve multi-sector plans.

Question Period • Insurance Premium Tax revenue sharing? Apply to say a joint service like fire protection. • Where is the plan for social housing? Communities do have the opportunity to address housing issues through collaboration. • Multi-sectoral in the delivery of services. • Consideration for Fire Services Act • Streamlining Provincial/Federal/Local Government grant applications. • Concern on the four levels of government: Federal, Provincial, Local Government, and Aboriginal. • Inter-jurisdictional on business licensing.

Marvin Hunt, UBCM • The Task Force was created to report to you as to where we go from here with respect to the delivery of services in an efficient manner. • We acknowledge the member consultation and to follow up with you as to what you want to implement. You may want to take this back to your area association to discuss some of these ideas during your spring meetings and bring your recommendations back to UBCM. • Let’s set priorities first through your Council. UBCM Notes Page 13

Building Effective Regional Districts • The session today is to work with you to see how we can improve our working relationships with Regional Districts. • Regional Districts have partners with Electoral Areas and Municipalities. • Regional Thinking is important to ensure strong service delivery. Engaging regional directors to review the following may help create change: • Legislative Change - Education - Best Practices - Individual Issues • Challenge of thinking regionally. • Inter-jurisdictional relations. • Accountability of Regional Districts. • Assisting Regional Districts. • How do you resolve issues that don’t work, especially with philosophical differences on the region? One way is to have regular regional growth strategy meetings to plan for the future and to involve all stakeholders. 1. Presentation to members. 2. Council of Councils - semi annually. 3. Various communication tools. 4. Double direct voting. UBCM Notes Page 14

October 25, 2006 Business and Economy , Minister of Economic Development , Minister of Finance , Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services , Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts , Minister of Transportation

Minister Hansen • Initiatives in Economic Development for the Province. • What can the Province look like in 20 years? • Biggest economy is the Asian pacific. This is tied into our Port systems and our airports. • We are the shortest distance to Asia. • 22% of the Province of BC is of Asian ancestry • Exports: 60% China, 20% India, 22% South Korea. • Olympics is not just about sports. There is a means to and an end to economic development for other countries to invest. • We have doubled in apprenticeship program to increase the trade labour. • New Skills Connect Program for new immigrants. • We have created (TILMA) Trade Investment Labour Mobility Association. • Agreement with Alberta allowing trade to the Province beginning April 1, 2007 and to Municipalities beginning April 1, 2009. • Add 78,000 jobs and $4.8 billion to the economy. UBCM Notes Page 15

• Minister Ilich • Labour and Citizen service is responsible for WCB and the Labour Board. • 138 contract agreements signed this year. • 4.8% unemployment in B.C. • Since 2001 we generated 300,000 jobs. • Improving labour safety in BC as a priority. • Working on pay before you pump gas legislation as requested by industry. • Amended Employment Standards Act • Improving government services • Improving Inquiry BC computer program • Expanded high-speed Internet connected to 301 communities • Shared Services BC - Procurement • Continue to improve services to BC.

Minister Hagen • 150th Anniversary of BC in 2008 • We need to double tourism revenues by 2010 • $10 billion in Art, Tourism and Sport • $18 billion in 2015 • $25 million given to UBCM to administer for local government programs • $900,000 of grant funding provided to the north coast and to Vancouver Island due to the last ferry service. • 2008 will be the jumping-off point for 2010 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games • 84,000 jobs needed in 2015 for tourism is our projection UBCM Notes Page 16

Minister Taylor • If we don’t have a strong economy, we cannot do the things that we need to do for this Province. • Growth 3.6% in BC. • 4.8% unemployment in B.C., the lowest in Canada • 6.3% in retail sales • Our job in the Province is to keep the economy going for the next two decades. • We have to be competitive in the global economy. • Lowest taxation in Canada - flat tax • 16.5% to 12% in Corporate Taxes again - this is lower than Alberta • Price of Natural Gas is a concern for BC • $3 billion surplus last year, but we need to continue with a balanced budget. UBCM Notes Page 17

Schools Community Connection • Joint partnership between School Districts and Municipalities to enhance service delivery. • For example, Grand Forks and School District have integrated a wireless technology program (fibre optics) to network between the school and city facilities (see handout).

City of Langford • – Community Emergency Reception Facility at Happy Valley Elementary School. The project involves using 3 rooms for community use and storage of emergency supplies plus emergency generator. The facility also used by emergency social services.

Juan De Fuca Electoral Area and Queen Alexandra Foundation • For children is involved with The Port Renfrew Elementary School. • The project improved access and programming during out of school hours for recreational activities. This project included the upgrade of existing facilities in the gymnasium, stage, kitchen and change room area. UBCM Notes Page 18

October 26, 2006 Community Excellence Awards

Minister Chong • Given the challenges communities face today, we are here to build on prosperity for our Province. • Grants doubled for BC municipalities and we will continue to do this. • Traffic Fines Revenue went from 75% to 100% back to BC communities ($110 million). You have the money to hire more police to create safer communities. • We urge municipalities to fill out the Police survey to provide UBCM feedback on our funding. • MRIF agreement just signed off with the Provincial Government. We want to work together. The Province allocated $80 million toward community projects. • There is no cookie cutter approach in deal. • Since 2001 - $1.3 billion, funding went to local government projects • $25 million given to UBCM to administer local government programs. • Crystal Meth Program • A new Municipal House for UBCM • $1 million in Leadership Academy for training of newly elected officials. • Community Opportunities Program task force: • Collaborate more with communities, regional districts and the Province. • Working together to build a stronger more vibrant British Columbia. • Thanked the Task Force for their hard work in making recommendations on the health system. • Local governments can help by providing resources to create healthy recreation programs to create a healthier community. By doing this, we will have healthier seniors as well. • Establish a Council on Seniors to examine better ways on how we can work and help seniors with a better quality of life. • Increase home owner grants for Seniors, handicapped and for Special Needs. • Community Safety Grants for abused women and children. • Our goal is to be the best place on earth to live and we will continue to do that.

Minister Falcon • Highways Projects to improve upon: - Kicking Horse Canyon Highway - William Bennett Project (bridge) - Border Crossing - Sea-to-Sky Highway - Caribou Connection - Peace Country. • The Pacific Gateway is a tremendous project for attracting containers for exporting/importing to the Asia Pacific. • Airport Investment Projects are important to the economy of B.C.

Carol James – Leader of Opposition • Thanked the members for being able to attend UBCM • I know what happened when the Province make sweeping changes without consultation. UBCM Notes Page 19

• Positive change courses from responsibility and understanding the roles of what we do. • We oppose the legislature on IPP (The Independent Power Producers) as it violates the right of communities to make decisions. • Time for a change of attitude in Victoria. • BC is becoming a more divided community. • Highest children in poverty in Canada. • Today homelessness is a growing concern especially in large growing urban centres. • Provincial government does nothing for affordable housing in this province to accommodate homelessness. • Senator Kirby report to be placed on the agenda. I will be calling The Premier’s office to have this arranged. • Social inclusion and economic development must be part of our resource development in mining. • Fix the training and trade program. • Leaving a billion dollars on the table is not being responsible in looking after our communities in forest. • Accountability – The province has been arrogant in the areas of health care, Olympic spending, and cancelling a session in the legislature when we have work to do.

UBCM Notes Page 20

Meeting with Present: Councillor Marilyn Stewart Tom Brown Councillor Cress Farrow Mayor Jim Davidson Councillor Bill Goodacre Wallace Mah, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Davidson • What causes the crime stats to increase? • Speech from the throne from The Honourable Iona Campagnola, Lieutenant Governor, bullet number 3. • “To build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, special needs, children at risk and seniors”. • Key concern is the underlying cause of crime. • One key area is people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder who commit crime and are not aware of the consequences. • Enforcement and monitoring of alternative sentences needs to be examined. • Court time and the impacts on the community and policing needs to be considered.

W. Oppal: • Have to get police partnerships with municipalities. • Work with the kids and communities and take ownership. • Criminal Justice Board in the Communities perhaps to be set-up in the future. • Look at creative ways of dealing with crime. • Address poverty and 1st Nations concerns • We have to address Fetal Alcohol Syndrome as early as we can or eventually we will see these people in the court room.

J. Davidson: • We have inadequate resources in our community.

W. Oppal: • We want to work with you. The Premier will be making an announcement on housing today. • Crime rates dropped substantially in Brooklyn when the communities worked with the kids.

UBCM Notes Page 21

B. Goodacre: • Raised the concern of testing kids early on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

W. Oppal: • Spoke to about this issue. • Yes we want to prevent kids going to jail in the future. • Keep in touch with us. M. Stewart: • We want to work with the kids and perhaps have Counsellors engaged to help our young people.

UBCM Notes Page 22

1:00 pm October 26, 2006 Reg Faubert, Ministry of Transportation, Manager Air and Marine Policy Kimberley Antoine, Ministry of Transportation MLA Dennis McKay Mayor Jim Davidson Councillor Marilyn Stewart Councillor Cress Farrow Wallace Mah, CAO

J. Davidson: • Advised that new estimates were received for the proposed runway extension. • Having to relocate the radio antenna at the end of the runway. • Turning circles required for the airport. • We had to redo the engineering due to the delay in MRIF, subsequently there are increased construction costs. • We need to receive support for the 372, 350. • Airport viability: medivac, mining, tourism, social reasons, Enbridge, Pembina • D. McKay: • Enquired about how much money in the accounts of the Ministry.

R. Faubert: • We have an over subscription of the fund at this time. We get 10 million annually and we can carry the surplus over to the next year.

D. McKay: • The timing is crucial and we don’t want to come back here next year and request airport funding.

K. Antoine: • We definitely support the airport project and we recognize the positives from the Prince Rupert containerization.

D. McKay: • Enquired whether Colin Hansen’s Ministry was handling the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. • The airport is so crucial for our economy: Mining project, Ski development.

J. Davidson: • Added that Kemess South and Eskey Creek also depends heavily on the airport. UBCM Notes Page 23

October 26, 2006 Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP) Allan Osborne, Ministry of Community Services Esther Speck, Whistler Calvin Kruk, Dawson Creek Cheeying Ho, Smart Growth Jim Salvage, Quesnel

E. Speck: • Four ways of sustainability principles in Whistler. 1. Can’t always extract raw materials that cannot breakdown – biogradable. 2. Plastics need to be biogradable as well. 3. Degrading natural wetlands. 4. Social basic needs.

Whistler 2020 Plan • Vision Strategic Plan. • Official Community Plan rewrite – Planning approach. • Each strategy shall contain a task force of experts in that area to help plan the Official Community Plan. • Provide a shared language. • Long term sustainability objectives. • Useful information and all scales and levels in planning and thinking.

Challenges • Engaging the whole community to understand the principles. • Differentiating between sustainability and success.

Calvin/Kruik – Dawson Creek • Community Consultation in 2003 1. Sustainability. 2. Renewable Energy. 3. Reduce Emissions. • Dawson Creek moved to ICSP process 1. Economic 2. Enviromental 3. Governance 4. Social 5. Cultural • Review vision and development strategy to stay on track. • Integration of sustainability.

Cheeying Ho – Smart Growth on the Ground • UBC, Design Committee, Smart Growth and Province – partnership. • Worked on developing the Gas Tax • Eight Smart Growth Plans 1. Community is Complete 2. Chance the Program Team is complete 3. Housing – downtown 4. Jobs closer at house UBCM Notes Page 24

5. Green Infrastructure (Maple Ridge, Squamish and Oliver) 6. Develop and partner interest 7. Capacity building 8. Institutional change

Jim Salvage – Quesnel • Sustainability is the right thing to do - Pine beetle motivation 10 year gift - Quesnel Visioning 2020 process to connect to green active programs - Many development opportunities • Growth process involves amenity migration from the rural area. • Opportunities to use green infrastructure funding. • Use pine beetle and adjust funds to build infrastructure to the quality of life.

What is the Approach? • Sustainability Inventory • Educate influences • Seek business niches within competition advantages • Examine your plans to see if you have long term plans for different areas ie: Transit Plan, Land Use Plan, Water System Plan. • Extend Plans accordingly.