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COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE
June 19 - June 25, 2015
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
1. Letter dated June 12, 2015 from Peace River Regional District regarding cc Letter to Minister Bennett
June 24, 2015
Pg 2-5
2. Letter dated June 15, 2015 from SC Community Foundation regarding Grant funding for Loggers Sports
June 24, 2015
Pg 6
3. Letter dated June 20, 2015 from Vicki Tyndall regarding vibrations
June 22, 2015
Pg 7
4. Email dated June 23, 2015 from Autumn Ruinat of SCRD regarding Board Recommendations
June 23, 2015
Pg 8-15
5. Email dated June 23, 2015 from Laurie Parkinson regarding Woodfibre LNG
June 23, 2015
Pg 16-20
6. Email dated June 24, 2015 from Iris Hesketh-Boles regarding AVICC update
June 24, 2015
Pg 21-68
7. Letter dated June 24, 2015 from Capilano University regarding Literacy Month
June 24, 2015
Pg 69-72
PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT
Office of: the Chair via email to: MEMMinister(gov.bc.ca
June 12, 2015
The Honourable Minister Bill BennettMinister of Energy and MinesMinister Responsible for Core ReviewRoom 301, Parliament BuildingsVictoria, BCV8V 1X4
Dear Minister Bennett,
Re: Order in Council No. 148
RECEIVEDJUN 2 4 20153L/ ..,-
DISTRICT OF SECHELT
Thank you for your quick response dated May 13, 2015 on behalf of Premier Clark to thePeace River Regional District letter, dated April 30, 2015 regarding the OIC #148 whichremoved lands from the ALR through a recommendation from the ELUC.
The ELUC was enacted to protect the environment and it would be important that the“executive committee” examine the duties of the ELUC.
Definitions:
1. InthisAct:
“committee” means the Environment and Land Use Committee continued under thisAct;
“environment” means all the external conditions or influences under which humans,animals, and plants live or are developed;
Duties of the Committee:
3. The committee has the following duties and powers:
(a) to establish and recommend programs designed to foster increased publicconcern and awareness of the environment;
PLEASE REPLY TO:BOX 810, DAWSON CREEK, BC VIG 4H8 TELEPHONE: (250) 784-3200 or (800) 670-7773 FAX: (250) 784-3201 EMAIL: [email protected]
9505 100 STREET, FORT ST. JOHN, BC V1J 4N4 TELEPHONE: (250) 785-8084 Fax: (250) 785-1125 EMAIL: prrd.fsjprrd.bc.ca
The Honourable Bill BennettJune 12, 2015 Page2
(b) to ensure that all the aspects of preservation and maintenance of the naturalenvironment are fully considered in the administration of land use and resourcedevelopment commensurate with a maximum beneficial land use, and minimizeand prevent waste of those resources, and despoliation of the environmentoccasioned by that use;
DEFINITION OF DESPOLIATION — TO DESPOIL: WHICH MEANS: 1. TOSEVERELY DAMAGE OR RUIN (a place); 2. TO FORCEFULLY TAKE WHAT ISVALUABLE FROM (a place)
(C) If considered advisable, to make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governorrespecting any matter relating to the environment and the development and use ofland and other natural resources;
(d) to enquire into and study any matter related to the environment or land use;
(e) to prepare reports, and, if advisable, to make recommendations to the LieutenantGovernor in Council;
Noted in your response is that you specify only Section 7 as though ELUC is acting inaccordance with the Act whereas in Section 3 (a) (b) it would appear the actions that havebeen undertaken are contrary to the Act.
In reviewing your letter and obtaining a copy of the letter to Hydro Chair, Stephen Bellringer, itis also noted that your letter (undated) received by the ALC on Dec. 11th, 2013, shows youhave already clearly stated the position of the Province, quote, “The Province is aware thatone of the issues at the hearing will be the effect of the Project on agricultural land, some ofwhich is located within the Agricultural Land Reserve.” You also stated that, “Considering thisjoint environmental assessment, and its public hearing process under an independent JointReview Panel, I am writing to inform you that the Government’s current view is that thisprocess should not be duplicated respecting these lands by a further process under theAgricultural Land Commission Act.” Further stating, “Should the Project receive approval inthe environmental assessment process, the Government will take appropriate action toensure that the requirements of the Agriculture Land Commission Act will not apply to any ofthe lands potentially affected by the Project”. Finally you state, “Please feel free to draw thisletter to the attention of the Joint Review Panel at the hearing.”
Even as the process had barely begun, the province was ensuring that they would removeany legal road blocks instead of allowing the Joint Review Panel to conduct the hearings inan unbiased manner. With statements such as were made in the letter to the Chair of BCHydro and cc’d to Richard Bullock, then chair of the ALC, the province was clearly directingthe ALC that there was no need for them to be involved. The ALC Act states that theCommission will only respond through an application process and, in this case, no applicationwas ever made, therefore, there was no ability to respond to the JRP.
We believe that these actions are contrary to the ELUC and the ALC and are not acceptable.We request that you follow the provincially regulated acts and the recommendations of theJRP, rescind OIC # 148 and allow the BCUC to conduct an appropriate hearing.
The Honourable Bill BennettJunel2,2015 Page3
For your further consideration, the Peace River Regional District forwarded the followingresolution to the 2015 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) which wasendorsed.
Therefore Be It Resolved:
That the Province of BC be requested to rescind Order in Council No. 148 until therehas been adequate public input and respect shown for the legal requirements requiredto apply for removal of lands from the ALR.
There is mounting provincial concern with regard to the loss of valuable food producing lands.
Yours truly,
Lori Ackerman,Chair
cc: Lieutenant Governor Judy GuichonPremier ClarkMinister Steve ThompsonMinister Norm LetnickMLA Pat PimmMLA Mike BernierUBCM membersRegional DistrictsFrank Leonard, Chair, ALC
“SUNSHINE COAST\
COMMUNITY Building a better community for tomorrowToday.FOUNDATION
1ZE’CETVEIJJune 15th, 2015
The Corporation of District Of Sechelt JUN 2 2015Delivered by hand: Mayor Bruce Mime
Dear Mayor Mime: DISTRICT OF SECHELT
Re: Sechelt Downtown Business Association - Canada Day Logger Sports on the Sunshine Coast
Congratulations! The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to enclose acheque for $4,000 for a grant for the Sechelt Downtown Business Association for the Canada Day LoggerSports on the Sunshine Coast. As the qualified donée for this project you are ultimately responsible forits execution and timely reporting.
These funds will be provided to you on the understanding that the project will be completed and you willensure the project manager provides us with an evaluation of the project with receipts if applicable byJune 30th, 2016. Should you wish to apply for a grant in 2016 the final reports for the 2QI. grant mustbe received before March 31st, 2016. A link to the online evaluation report can be found on our web siteat www.sccfoundation.com.
In the event that the project is cancelled or comes under budget we expect you to return the full or partialamount. Please contact Sandra Cunningham to discuss should the necessity arise.
We welcome receiving project pictures that may be used by our Foundations for public relation purposesand would appreciate any success stories.
Recognition by the recipient of the funds given by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation for thisgrant is required (i.e., publishing in your annual report; displaying a plaque with our logo; inclusion in anewsletter, etc.). Our logo is available upon request. We ask that we be invited to an event held by yourorganization to be recognized for this grant. We would also be pleased to offer signage or brochures forany events you hold and will gladly work with you to
Thank you for the work you do in our community — together we will build a better community fortomorrow - - today!
Yours truly,
Catharine Smider Sandra CunninghamCo-Chair Community Grants Committee Executive Director
[email protected]: cheque - $4,000
P0 Box 1343 Sechelt, BC VON 3A0 604-741-7360 www.sccfoundation.com @SCCFoundation Sunshine Coast CommunityFoundation
Vicki Tyndall 1LFiE]F\1IEID)Royal Reach Townhouses VR2458POBox2O76 jU 222015#16—5761 Wharf Avenue 33L10 -50Sechelt, BC, VON 3AO
DISTFICT OF SECHELTPaul NashDistrict of SecheltPC Box 1295797 Cowrie Street, 2nd floor
Sechelt, BC, VON 3A0
June 20, 2015
Dear Paul;
I appreciate the fact that you and another gentleman from the District came out to Royal Reach
Townhouses, and actually saw the water vibrating in the water glasses inside my townhouse
unit #16. I think this was on June 1st
We were going to get back to each other regarding zeroing in closer to the times that the
vibration gets more aggressive. We did touch base for a moment by phone on June 15th, but
you were in a meeting at the time, so I am sending you this letter as a follow up to our very
brief telephone conversation.
Listed below is what I have noted regarding stronger vibrations. These are all at night or early
morning, as follows:
June 4, 2015 6:08 — 6:11, 6:26 AM 10:43 PM
June 5 4:46 and 7:23 AM
June 9 11:57 PM
June 10 12:27 and 3:34, 3:39 AMJune 11 3:37, 3:43 AM
June 14 5:31, 5:39 AM 11:18 PM
June 15 10:43 PM
June16 7:02AM
Other than what I have listed above the vibration seems to be continuing as it was when you
saw it. A constant low level vibration.
Thank you Paul for your attention to this.
RegardsVicki Tyndall
Y
From: Autumn Ruinat [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 3:10 PM
To: Monika Schittek; Connie Jordison
Subject: SCRD Board Recommendation 230/15 Rec No. 16
Hello,
This message is to advise that the SCRD Board adopted the following recommendation at its regular
meeting of May 28, 2015:
230/15 Recommendation No. 16 Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes –
April 28, 2015
THAT the Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes of April 28, 2015 be
received;
AND THAT Recommendation No. 2 from the Agricultural Advisory
Committee Minutes of April 28, 2015 be forwarded to the District of
Sechelt for information:
Recommendation No. 2 Reclaimed Water and Biosolids for
Agricultural Purposes
THAT the concept of using the reclaimed water and biosolids for
agricultural purposes is worthy of further investigation, especially
with the Biochar Project for Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Trace
Contaminants.
A copy of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes of April 28, 2015 is enclosed for further
background information.
Best Regards,
Autumn
Autumn Ruinat
Planning Secretary
Sunshine Coast Regional District
1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A1
Phone: 604-885-6800, ext 6432
Fax: 604-885-7909
www.scrd.ca
Agricultural Advisory Committee April 28, 2014 3:30 pm Minutes of the meeting held in the Cedar Room at the Sunshine Coast Regional District Offices, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC
Present: Dale Peterson (Chair), Frank Roosen, Dawn Myers, Betty Hart, Jon Bell, David Steele, Martin Kiewitz, Gerald Rainville, Katy Latham
Regrets: Dave Ryan Absent: Kim Chi, David Morgan, Jade Bisson Also present: Mark Lebbell, Director, Roberts Creek (Area D) Garry Nohr, Director, Halfmoon Bay (Area B) (part) David Rafael, Senior Planner Gregory Gebka, Planner
Diane Corbett, Recorder Jim Green, Planning Consultant, 1312 Lands Inc. (part) Paul Nash, Sechelt Water Resource Centre, District of Sechelt (part) 2 Members of the Public
Call to Order 3:30 pm 1. Roundtable Introductions
2. Agenda
The agenda was adopted as amended: • Add 3.1 Delegation Jim Green regarding ALR Application #D-‐59 • Move 4.9 Agricultural Land Reserve Application #D-‐59 – Subdivision within
ALR to accompany 3.1, and then move 4.10 to 4.9 • Add 3.2 Delegation Martin Kiewitz regarding irrigation on small vegetable
farms • Add 3.3 Delegation Paul Nash regarding Sechelt Water Resource Centre
3. Delegations
3.1 Jim Green for Agricultural Land Reserve Application #D-‐59 -‐ Subdivision within ALR (Green for 1312 Lands Inc., District Lot 1312, Roberts Creek)
Jim Green spoke on behalf of an application to subdivide within the Agricultural Land Reserve to create for “farm use” eight lots of no less than 1.75 hectares within the G Subdivision District, and with one parcel of 43.8 hectares that is within the Z Zone. Mr. Green stated the staff report spoke to all the planning issues. Mr. Green clarified the road would be on the Z Zone, and not the G Subdivision District. The lot in the Z Zone would stay as an unused parcel. He noted subdivision within the G Subdivision District is allowable within the Roberts Creek Official Community Plan.
!
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
2
Mr. Green discussed the current state of the property, recently replanted after a fairly extensive logging operation. Part of the subdivision process would include going through the Riparian Areas Regulation, with restrictive covenants on title for sensitive areas. Debris would be cleaned up. Because the lots would be under two hectares, the applicant would have to make a contribution to the Parks fund of around $100,000-‐$150,000 if the subdivision went through. If average lot size were above two hectares, the applicant would not be required to make a contribution to the Parks fund. There is no intention to include or exclude but to subdivide into eight plots that would stay within the ALR. The application was referred to the SCRD by the Agricultural Land Commission, part of the subdivision process within the ALR. Mr. Green responded to questions from members. Points of discussion related to: setbacks from streams; studies that would be conducted by the applicant; “Home Plate” specifications of Ministry of Agriculture; presence of trees; rural farming ambience; house placement; footprint of house and outbuildings that are not farming buildings; covenants to protect and encourage farming, and possibility of keeping the land farmable and farm ready; Roberts Creek OCP policy regarding subdivision in ALR. In regard to an inquiry on whether the number of lots allowed would have a major impact on the asking prices of the land, Mr. Green explained that as the size of acreages goes up, the land is worth incrementally less, making subdivision less economically viable for the landowner. There would be quite a lot of road and infrastructure required. Member comments included: • If you could have larger lots, you would have more farmland. Agricultural zone
has certain setbacks. It is harder to farm on a small farm with the large setbacks. It can be very challenging to place your compost, barn, farming activities on a property. The larger the parcel the more conducive it is to farming.
• If the land is broken into eight, it allows more people to farm. Larger is better, but in our area farms aren’t that big. A substantial farm can be made on two acres…. You have to consider buffer, and what’s not farmable.
• There are lots of small lots (in the area) already. • Because these are substantial at four and a half acres, that is a pretty penny right
there. • Would not support eight lots…. too tight for farming. With setbacks, livestock,
buffer areas, I think it is way too tight. • Recommend six lots, each over five acres. There will be covenants due to
ravines. Some you won’t be able to farm. … Would be uncomfortable approving application at eight lots… want best use for farmland.
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
3
Recommendation No. 1 ALR Application #D-‐59 The Agricultural Advisory Committee recommended that there be a maximum of six lots; and that there be restrictive covenants on the footprints of the houses and outbuildings; and to keep the land viable as a farm.
3.2 Martin Kiewitz, Henry Reed Farm, regarding Irrigation on Small Vegetable Farms Martin Kiewitz explained that the Regional District is going through a water study. Several farms on the lower coast are now metered, his farm being one of them. His family has been at the current location for 27 years. They started selling vegetables around 22 years ago, in 1993, gaining practical experience over the years, reading books and building bonds with other organic farms. In a letter from the SCRD regarding the utilities study of farm water use, Henry Reed consumed three million litres (683,000 gallons) from May 1 to October 8, 2014. Mr. Kiewitz wanted an estimate on where this water was used. He began further research, curious if the farm was using too much water, and studied online and talked to other farmers about their water usage. Through online government and agricultural sites, he came up with estimated usage for his farm. The estimate varies during the season, depending on crops, weather, and temperature. Mr. Kiewitz presented figures for estimated (approximate) water usage on his farm: o Household
(BC usage @ 350 litres/day/person) x 8 people = 2800 litres/day = 84,000 litres/month = 504,000 litres/6 months (18%)
o Poultry 25 litres/day for 100 chickens x 500 chickens (average including broilers) = 125 litres/day = 3750 litres/month = 22,500 litres/6 months (0.8%)
o Produce washing 50 20-‐gallon buckets/day (1000 litres) x 2 days/week = 2000 litres/week = 8000 litres/month = 48,000 litres/6 months (1.6%)
o Irrigation (hand-‐water, drip, and overhead) The farm uses 3 x 1/2-‐inch garden hoses to irrigate 3 acres of market garden. One garden hose = 20 litres/minute x 3 hoses = 50 litres/minute (drop in pressure) 3 hose: 3000 litres/hour x 34 hours/week = 102,000 litres = 408,000 litres/month = 2.4 million litres/6 months (80%)
Mr. Kiewitz remarked he did not think he uses more than he has to; if he used less his plants would suffer. About three or four years ago, the farm reduced its water consumption. Most of the farm’s products need overhead watering to keep quality and production up. He talked to a Hatch a Bird Farm in Powell River, on city water. They seem to have lots of water, not restricted in summertime, and are not metered. He talked to Friesen Farms in Aldergrove, a similar farm to Henry Reed
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
4
Farm, that uses quite a bit more water and has a 4-‐inch pipe directed to three sprinklers and drip in greenhouses; during summer they water almost every day. There is no meter. Mr. Kiewitz remarked there is a need to find the baseline; there will be a lot of farms coming online in the future. He proposed, if the SCRD is going to support farmers, there is a need to look at this together. Since a creek runs through his property, Mr. Kiewitz wondered if water could be taken off it during winter when it runs high and has no fish in it. A tank of one million litres would be very large and costly, with environmental concerns in putting it up. Water would need to be filtered and treated, pumps installed. A local farmer who used to work in the Fraser Valley reported there was constant trouble with backwashing filters and other issues. This brings up the issue of liability and of the cost of environmental assessment if it could blow up. Mr. Kiewitz announced he intends to pursue this a lot more and to gather more information and will continue to look at ways to conserve this finite resource. He felt that the water usage on his farm is probably average for the output. Comments from discussion included: • Because water is a requirement to produce food, if someone is growing food for
the community, there should be some trade off. If (farmers/farms) use more than what is used by the community, that additional bit for grown food should be there as an encouragement to grow food.
• High water costs would discourage future farmers. • I am concerned. You are talking about consumption; animals are my “basic”. Ewe
with twins will drink (a lot). • Humans use more than animals. • We need a carrot: container storage, practical affordable water storage, and
ways for all residents to reuse gray water. It doesn’t need to be high tech. • We have been on meters forever. In water usage over the past five years, we
have spent at least $8,000…. What concerns me now: stage 4, not allowed to use water. We need Farm Stage 3.8 or something. We can’t rely on getting by without water, but could do with less water in crises, but it would cost a lot more labour. If we could get a water truck to fill our tanks, that would give us a lot of water to keep things going. Think it would cost around $10,000 to get off SCRD water. How could the SCRD help me get off Regional District water? As water meters come online, I assume the SCRD will have enough money to build reservoirs. We need non-‐potable reservoirs. The issue is water storage.
Staff reported that Infrastructure staff was still compiling information in the department’s study on water use. The Planner remarked that water use is a huge topic as it relates to food security and food production. At the Food Policy Council meeting on April 22, there were
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
5
discussions of water quality and ensuring sources of irrigation are contaminant free, and not enter the food system.
3.3 Paul Nash, District of Sechelt, regarding Sechelt Water Resource Centre
The Agricultural Advisory Committee received a handout as background information: • Email to Gregory Gebka from Paul Nash, dated April 28, 2015 regarding
Wastewater Re-‐Use.
Paul Nash, manager for the Sechelt Water Resource Centre (wastewater treatment plant) in Sechelt for the last three years, addressed the AAC on the vision for a project to reclaim wastewater and, potentially utilize the reclaimed resource for agriculture. When reclaiming wastewater, the Water Resource Centre turns it into water we can use and that meets drinking water guidelines as a benchmark of quality. However, in Sechelt there are contaminants like pharmaceuticals from homeowners’ wastewater. The treatment process removes quite a few of them; the more high quality the treatment, the more these contaminants are removed or degraded. He proposed to make it as clean as possible, available for agriculture. Mr. Nash’s goal is irrigation for Sechelt golf course and agricultural land in West Sechelt. Mr. Nash gave an overview of a phased plan to enable the composting of biosolids, degrading contaminants and bringing reclaimed water to West Sechelt. In terms of developing agriculture, availability of water is an incentive to farming. Having irrigation water available enables growers to go to high value agriculture. Mr. Nash remarked “the concept is to make biochar – a specialized form of charcoal – from the biosolids, and then use that biochar to filter the reclaimed water.” He responded to questions and feedback, and indicated he would send to staff a link to his report with further information. He asked for the committee’s views on the concept of doing high-‐level treatment on water and biosolids as it pertains to agriculture.
Recommendation No. 2 Reclaimed Water and Biosolids for Agricultural Purposes
The Agricultural Advisory Committee recommended that the concept of using the reclaimed water and biosolids for agricultural purposes is worthy of further investigation, especially with the Biochar Project for Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Trace Contaminants.
4. Reports and Minutes
4.1 West Howe Sound Farmers Institute Follow-‐up The follow-‐up information provided by Gabriel Forbes of Green Room Organics regarding the West Howe Sound Farmers Institute concept was received for information. Discussion ensued on farm apprenticeships.
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
6
4.2 Board Actions on Agricultural Issues The staff report dated March 12, 2015 was received for information.
4.3 Agricultural Advisory Committee Notes of February 24, 2015
Received for information.
4.4 Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes of January 27, 2015
Adopted as circulated.
4.5 SCRD Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 310.148, 2015 – AG Zone (Areas B-‐F) Deferred to next meeting. Action: Members: Develop questions or comments for next meeting’s discussion about the AG Zone, or email the Planner questions.
4.6 Food Policy Council The Planner reported on a Food Policy Council event held on April 22 at which there were several speakers addressing different aspects of food security and the value of a Food Policy Council (FPC). The Sechelt Rotary Club has offered $2500 for a facilitated event on various organizational models for a Food Policy Council, featuring Mark Giltrow of BCIT’s Sustainable Business Development program (tentative date June 20, to be confirmed). The Food Policy Council has remained a subcommittee of One Straw Society, and has submitted a funding application to the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation. There is an intention to formalize the Sunshine Coast Food Policy Council as an entity.
4.7 Presentation of Ag Plan to District of Sechelt Council The Agricultural Area Plan was presented to District of Sechelt Council at its regular meeting last month.
4.8 Ministry of Agriculture AAC Workshop February 18th Summary Received for information.
4.9 Agricultural Area Plan Implementation
The Senior Planner reported that the Planning department is looking for five to seven Agricultural Advisory Committee members to assist in developing the Ag Plan. Participation would involve two to four meetings over the next few months, to look at possible costs and projects. The intention would be to complete the work for
Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes, April 28, 2015
7
inclusion in a staff report to the Planning and Development Committee in October, for a budget proposal in November. Actions:
• The Senior Planner will forward to AAC members by email the December 2014 Planning and Development report on Ag Plan implementation.
• AAC members interested in assisting with Ag Plan implementation are requested to contact David Rafael: [email protected] or 604-‐885-‐6804, Ext 4.
5. New Business
5.1 Nomination of Chair
Dale Peterson was re-‐nominated as Agricultural Advisory Committee Chair.
6. Next Meeting Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm Adjourned 5:55 pm
From: Laurie Parkinson [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 12:57 PM To: Information Request; [email protected]
Subject: brief info, including clear bar graph, re good alternate cooling systems vs Woodfibre LNG's once through cooling
Hello,
Could you please forward this information to your Mayor and Council?
Thank you,
Laurie Parkinson
Hello Mayor and Council,
I just sent this clear, succinct information re cooling systems to BCEAO and Department of Fisheries and
Oceans.
Many types of industrial plants use cooling systems. Once through cooling is no longer installed in new
power plants in the US, by law. The US has 3 new LNG export plants, none of which use once through
cooling. Other cooling systems are now common around the world.
Why would we allow Woodfibre to a install dated, damaging once through cooling?
Any government that fails to protect the life in its local ocean, especially one recovering from past
industrial abuse, will be held to task in the next election.
Thank you for your time,
Laurie Parkinson
Bowyer Island, in Howe Sound
From: Laurie Parkinson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: June-23-15 10:20 AM
To: '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; 'Pehl, Dave'; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; 'Shepard, Michael EAO:EX';
'[email protected]'; '[email protected]' Subject: brief info, including clear bar graph, re good alternate cooling systems vs Woodfibre LNG's
once through cooling
Good alternate systems to Woodfibre’s seawater cooling (once through cooling):
1. For the last 35 years, once through cooling systems have been installed in a rapidly decreasing
number of new plants (United States) http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=14971 :
2. There are three main cooling systems. Here are the main points:
Once-through cooling systems take water from nearby sources (ocean, lake etc), circulate it through pipes in the plant to absorb heat, and discharge the now warmer water to the local source. These systems were initially the most popular because of their simplicity, low cost, and the possibility of siting power plants in places with abundant supplies of cooling water. Once through cooling is widespread in the eastern U.S. Very few new power plants use once through cooling because of the disruptions such systems cause to local ecosystems (significant water withdrawal, death of fish & bottom of food web, and release of heated water), and because of increased difficulty in siting plants near available water sources.
This is the system Woodfibre LNG plans to use.
Wet-recirculating or closed-loop systems reuse cooling water. 93-98% less water is withdrawn from the ocean/lake than with once through cooling. Normally, large pools of water are used to cool the water warmed by the plant. When space is a problem, cooling towers are used to expose the warmed water to ambient air to cool it. In the western US, wet-recirculating systems are predominant.
In the US, since 2001, the EPA has required all new power plants built to use closed loop cooling
(recirculating cooling). This is to avoid the impacts of once through cooling on aquatic
ecosystems. Over 70% of US power is provided by plants with closed cycle cooling.
Woodfibre did not review this type of system, probably because they would need anchor the
foundations of large pools of water or cooling towers with cement over the tops of pilings driven
deep into Woodfibre’s unstable hillside, and that would be expensive. Thorough anchoring of
the Woodfibre LNG liquefaction plant was also advised in the Knight Piesold Report, which was
heavily referred to in Sec 5.6 Geotechnical & Natural Hazards, Woodfibre LNG EA. If you want to
read the Knight Piesold report, you will probably have to ask BCEAO for it.
Dry-cooling or air cooling systems use air instead of water to cool the plant. Air cooling systems can decrease total plant water consumption by more than 90 percent. The tradeoffs to these water savings are higher costs for power. However, the May 2015 edition of LNG Industry magazine contains an article re new air cooling models being 20% smaller, and more efficient and less costly, see “Advanced Air Cooling” pg 63-66. The last sentence on page 64 says: “During the last 10-15 years, air cooling has now largely supplanted water cooling.” This appears to be an industry-wide statistic.
3. Regardless of whose statistics you believe re closed loop cooling or air cooling systems being more
common, once through cooling systems are rarely installed today. Why would we allow Woodfibre LNG
to install this system, and endanger herring and the bottom of the food chain in recently recovered
Howe Sound? Better cooling systems are available.
Thank you for your time,
Laurie Parkinson, M.Sc. Biology,
...who loves the fragile beauty of Howe Sound
Bowyer Island, Howe Sound
References:
The summary above is condensed from this link: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-
choices/energy-and-water-use/water-energy-electricity-cooling-power-plant.html#.VXyw5Cjd7aQ: and an article
titled “The Truth About Closed –Cycle Cooling” that is attached.
Here is a link to the limited assessment of alternate cooling methods found in the WoodFibre-LNG EA:
http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/documents/p408/d38794/1430256846314_7yGPV16CWk9FcLsZ1YyQlT3TvTF
DhwGqT8nzYfWSSSrTkhfTKyvT!-91937584!1430256226845.pdf
THE TRUTH ABOUT CLOSED-CYCLE COOLING
The power industry has a strong interest in spread-ing myths concerning closed-cycle cooling because they would rather maximize their profits than spend money to install this modern technology. Don’t believe these myths. Let the facts speak for themselves. The reality is that closed-cycle cooling is standard, afford-able technology that is highly effective at reducing a power plant’s impacts on local water bodies. In fact, closed-cycle cooling is used at several New York power plants today. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s proposed policy on closed-cycle cooling is therefore a welcome, if small, first step towards ensuring that all steam-electric power plants in New York use closed-cycle cooling — the best technology available to protect our rivers, lakes and estuaries and the life they support.
Requiring Closed-Cycle Cooling Would Not Have Any Significant Effects on the Price or Supply of New York’s Electricity
The power industry often claims that requiring cool-ing cells would cause energy shortages and push up electricity prices. In fact, a detailed analysis by McCullough Research shows that such a requirement would, at most, cause two old and inefficient power plants to close, but there is plenty of reserve capac-ity. Furthermore, the change in electricity prices as a result of requiring cooling cells would be minimal (<1%). McCullough’s analysis also shows that there is actually an opportunity to lower the cost of electric-ity in New York through reform of the current market mechanism, which currently results in high prices for the consumer and huge profits for the power industry.
Closed-Cycle Cooling Is Standard and Extremely Effective
Industry often suggests that closed-cycle cooling is a drastic measure that is not necessary. In fact, since 2001 EPA has required all new power plants built in the United States to use closed-cycle cooling in order to minimize the destruction of fish stocks and damage to aquatic ecosystems. Over 70 percent of
the nation’s power is provided by plants with closed-cycle cooling. Meanwhile, 25 large power plants in New York rely on once-through cooling — an outdated technology that needlessly kills 17 billion fish eggs and larvae every year, and injures or kills 171 million juvenile and adult fish. These numbers are stagger-ing, especially given the large investment of public tax dollars over the past several decades to protect and restore the very waterbodies that these facili-ties are harming. Retrofitting these old plants with closed-cycle cooling would reduce their impacts on fish and other water-borne organisms by 93 to 98%. Retrofits have already occurred at over half a dozen nuclear plants and fossil-fuel plants outside of New York, and more are underway.
Closed-Cycle Cooling Has No Significant Adverse Environmental Impacts
Industry often alleges that installing the cooling cells that are necessary for closed-cycle cooling would cause major visual and air quality impacts. In fact, modern cooling cells are normally of modular design, approximately 75 ft high, and take up approximately 1 acre of land for every 500 MW of plant capacity. Although cooling cells reduce the net energy output of plants by one to three percent, this is insignificant relative to the efficiency improvements that could be obtained by replacing a few of these old plants with either modern efficient plants or renewable energy. Two-thirds of the electricity generating units in New York that need to be retrofitted are over 40 years old.In addition, modern cooling cells do not emit visible plumes and the air impacts are minor, even when salt water is used.
Closed-Cycle Cooling Does Not Take Decades to Build and Is Not Unreasonably Expensive
Although some power companies have suggested it could take 15 years to build cooling cells, in fact the planning normally takes approximately one to two years and the actual construction another two to three years. The plants only need to close for a few weeks while the constructed cooling cells are con-
nected. Although cooling cells are not cheap, they are affordable because the power plants make enor-mous profits. For example, the Indian Point nuclear plant is expected to make $17 billion in profit over the next 25 years and the cost of installing cooling cells is less than $1 billion.
There Is No Other Practicable Standard Technol-ogy That Is As Effective As Closed-Cycle Cooling
Power companies have long sought to convince the public that cheaper technologies, such as booms to exclude organisms, special types of intake screens, or different pumping methods, are as effective as closed-cycle cooling. This is simply false. The booms and special screens have not been shown to work at full-scale and, even if they did, they are not nearly as effective as closed-cycle cooling at reducing impacts. Screens and booms also do nothing to address the impacts of thermal pollution on aquatic life. Alterna-tive pumping technologies, such as variable speed pumps, can reduce impacts at plants that do not operate at full capacity for much of the time, but do nothing to reduce impacts when those plants are running at full capacity. Alternative pumping tech-nologies achieve very little at baseload plants, which operate a full capacity most of the time.
Key Statistics
Number of large power plants in New York that use once-through cooling: 25
Number of fish eggs and larvae entrained by those 25 plants: 17 billion annually
Number of juvenile and adult fish impinged by those 25 plants: 171 million annually
Amount of water withdrawn by those 25 plants: 16 billion gallons per day
Expected reduction in the amount of water with-drawn, and aquatic organisms injured or killed by each plant after switching to closed-cycle cooling: 93 to 98 percent
Number of electricity generating units that make up the 25 New York power plants: 53
Age of those 53 electricity generating units: two-thirds are at least 40 years old
Conclusion
The DEC policy is a good step toward the long-term goal of requiring that all steam-electric power plants in New York use closed-cycle cooling. However, the DEC could go further and make it clear that all 25 plants that currently rely on once-through cooling should have closed-cycle cooling installed and opera-tional as soon as possible. This would ensure that power companies do not simply run out the clock using endless litigation to delay decisions until these old plants wear out.
Network for New Energy Choices215 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1001New York, NY 10016tel: 212 726 9161 | fax: 212 726 [email protected]© 2010 Network for New Energy Choices, a program of Grace
From: Iris Hesketh-Boles [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 10:46 AM
Subject: AVICC Update to Members
Please forward to Elected Officials, the CAO, the Corporate Officer and their support staff.
Attached are a number of documents for your reference and information:
• An Update to AVICC Members from President Barbara Price
• The draft Minutes of the 66th Annual Convention held April 10-12 in Courtenay
• Future Years Convention Dates, Award of 2017 Host Community to Campbell River, Invitation to
Submit Expression of Interest to Host for 2018 and 2019
I expect that this is going to be my last communication with you as your AVICC Executive Coordinator as I will
be completing my work with UBCM and AVICC at the end of this week. It has been terrific working with the
members of the Executive and supporting the Association and membership for the past six years. Thanks to
everyone for making my time with the AVICC an enjoyable and valuable experience.
Regards, Iris
Iris Hesketh-Boles
Executive Coordinator
Association of Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities (AVICC)
525 Government St,
Tel: 250-356-5122 Fax: 250-356-5119
avicc.ca
Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities MINUTES OF THE 66th ANNUAL CONVENTION Courtenay, BC April 10 - 12, 2015
2014-15 AVICC EXECUTIVE
PRESIDENT Councillor Barbara Price Town of Comox FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Vacant SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Vacant ELECTORAL AREA REPRESENTATIVE Director Mary Marcotte Cowichan Valley Regional District DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE Councillor Jessie Hemphill District of Port Hardy ACTING DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Director Edwin Grieve Comox Valley Regional District Councillor Carl Jensen District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne District of Tofino Director Colin Palmer Powell River Regional District PAST PRESIDENT Chair Joe Stanhope Regional District of Nanaimo Thank you to the following members who completed their term November 30, 2014:
• Mayor Larry Cross, Town of Sidney (President) • Councillor Cindy Solda, City of Port Alberni (1st Vice President) • Councillor Claire Moglove, City of Campbell River (Director at Large) • Councillor Andrew Mostad, District of Lantzville (Director at Large)
TABLE OF CONTENTS SUBJECT PAGE PRE-C0NFERENCE PROGRAM .............................................................................................................. 1 CONVENTION OPENING ....................................................................................................................... 1 FIRST REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE .......................................................................... 1 KEYNOTE ADDRESS ............................................................................................................................. 2 PROVINCIAL ADDRESS BY PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY LINDA REIMER ................................... 2 SECOND REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR TABLE OFFICERS ............................. 2 FUTURE OF BC FERRIES PRESENTATION ......................................................................................... 2 WELCOME RECEPTION ........................................................................................................................ 3 PRIVATE MANAGED FOREST LANDS WORKING BREAKFAST .......................................................... 3 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ............................................................................................................... 3 RESOLUTIONS SESSION ...................................................................................................................... 4 THIRD REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR DIRECTORS AT LARGE ...................... 13 FORTIS BC PRESENTATION ............................................................................................................... 13 DELEGATES LUNCHEON .................................................................................................................... 14 CONCURRENT SESSIONS .................................................................................................................. 14 ANNUAL BANQUET ............................................................................................................................... 14 FOURTH REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTOR .. 15 ADDRESS BY COUNCILLOR SAV DAHLIWAL, UBCM PRESIDENT ................................................... 15 FINAL RESOLUTIONS AND LATE RESOLUTIONS SESSION ............................................................ 16 ADDRESS BY NDP MLA JOHN HORGAN ............................................................................................ 19 WHO’S COVERING YOUR ASSETS? PRESENTATION ...................................................................... 19 FIFTH REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE AND INSTALLATION OF THE NEW EXECUTIVE ............................................................................................................................................ 19 PRESIDENT ELECT’S REMARKS ........................................................................................................ 19 CONVENTION CLOSING ...................................................................................................................... 19
APPENDICES A ADDRESS BY UBCM PRESIDENT ................................................................................................. 20 B AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 ............................................. 25 C AVAILABLE POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS ON www.avicc.ca AND PRESENTATION
DESCRIPTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 34
INDEX TO RESOLUTIONS
NO. TITLE PAGE ENDORSED RESOLUTIONS SR1 AVICC Annual General Meeting and Convention Timing .......................................................................... 5 R1 Candidates for Local Government Elections to Run in One Jurisdiction Only - View Royal ...................... 5 R2 ICET Funding - Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District, Port McNeill ............................................. 5 R3 Land Title Fees - Regional District of Nanaimo ........................................................................................ 6 R4 Funding for Road Maintenance – Zeballos ............................................................................................... 6 R5 Development of an Emergency Response Seismic Mitigation Fund - City of Powell River ...................... 7 R6 National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women – Victoria ................................................. 7 R7 Increasing Corporate Income Tax Rates - Cowichan Valley Regional District .......................................... 8 R8 Vancouver Island Coordinated Solid Waste Strategy - Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District ...... 8 R9 Warning Labels for All Fossil Based Liquid Fuels – Colwood ................................................................... 9 R10 Environmental Bill of Rights - Victoria, Ladysmith .................................................................................... 9 R11 Declaration Of The Right To A Healthy Environment - Saanich, Central Saanich ................................... 9 R12 Rural Out-Patient Accommodation – Tahsis .......................................................................................... 10 R14 Proposed Site C Hydroelectric Dam – Victoria ....................................................................................... 11 R15 Regional District Charter – Nanaimo ...................................................................................................... 11 R16 Modernization of Local Government Act - Cowichan Valley Regional District ........................................ 11 R17 Provincial Government – Re-examine Log Export Policy - Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District ............ 12 R18 Provincial Sales Tax Revenue Rebates For Local Governments - Lake Cowichan ............................... 12 R19 Establishment of a Provincial Fund to Support Search and Rescue - Alberni-Clayoquot RD ................ 12 R20 Provincial Funding for Police-Based Victim Services - Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District .................. 13 R21 Tree Protection Bylaws in Identified Urban Expansion Areas – Courtenay ............................................ 13 R22 Expansion of Oil Tanker Traffic in Coastal BC Waters – Sooke ............................................................. 16 R23 Trans Mountain Expansion Project – Esquimalt ..................................................................................... 16 R24 Coastal Douglas-fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership (CDFCP) Funding - Islands
Trust ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 R25 Management of Ungulate Populations - Oak Bay ................................................................................... 17 R26 Rural Tier Two Hydro Rates - Regional District of Mount Waddington, Port Hardy ............................... 17 LR1 Ministry of Energy and Mines Permitting – Cowichan Valley Regional District ....................................... 18 OF1 Oil Spill Preparedness – English Bay Response – Sechelt ..................................................................... 18 OF2 Increase Community Health Supports for Mental Health ........................................................................ 18 DEFEATED RESOLUTIONS R13 Smart Meters Fire Hazard – Tahsis ......................................................................................................... 10
ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES
MINUTES OF THE
SIXTY SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION COURTENAY, BC
APRIL 10, 11 AND 12, 2015
PRE-CONFERENCE PROGRAM The Friday morning pre-conference program began at 8:30 a.m. with two programs being offered:
• Study Tour of the North Island Hospitals Project and Vancouver Island Visitor Centre (17 registrants) • Building Cultural Bridges: Reconciliation in Action offered by John Rampanen (70 registrants)
CONVENTION OPENING SESSION – FRIDAY, 1:45 PM
Pipe Major Bill Quig and the Courtenay Fire Department Honor Guard led the parade of AVICC Executive and honoured guests onto the platform of the Main Hall of the Florence Filberg Centre. President Barbara Price called the 66th Annual Meeting of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities to order at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 with 196 voting delegates; 20 non-voting delegates including 5 life members; 10 MLA’s and MP’s; and 27 sponsor delegates in attendance. Miss Keisja Cox led the assembly in singing the National Anthem. President Price thanked Miss Cox and recognized the City of Courtenay’s Fire Department Honor Guard for participating in the ceremony and for the service to communities provided by them and their fellow fire fighters. Andy Everson of the K’omoks First Nation provided the welcome and invocation. The K’mugwe Dancers performed several traditional dances. President Price then introduced the AVICC Executive. Mayor Larry Jangula welcomed delegates on behalf of the host community and introduced members of the Courtenay Council in attendance. President Price recognized MP’s Jean Crowder and Elizabeth May, and MLA’s Selina Robinson, Nicholas Simons, Bill Routley, Rob Fleming, Leonard Krog, Scott Fraser and John Horgan who were expected to attend segments of the Convention and further noted that Mr. Horgan would be speaking Sunday morning in his role of Leader of the Official Opposition. President Price drew delegates’ attention to the Supplementary Materials Package they received at registration, noting that a full and thought provoking program was planned, recognized the importance of the sponsors, highlighted the Tradeshow, and announced that it was time to get started on the business of the Convention and asked Executive and distinguished guests to move to the reserved seats at the front of the hall. President Price then invited AVICC Director at Large Jessie Hemphill to facilitate a short networking activity. FIRST REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE At 2:25 p.m., President Barbara Price invited Past President Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Nominating Committee to present the first report from the Nominating Committee. Past President Stanhope brought delegates’ attention to the Nominating Committee Report included in their Supplementary Materials Package reporting that nominations received in advance of the February 23, 2015 deadline were as follows:
For President: Councillor Barbara Price, Town of Comox For First Vice-President: Director Mary Marcotte, Cowichan Valley Regional District For Second Vice-President: Director Edwin Grieve, Comox Valley Regional District For Director at Large: Councillor Jessie Hemphill, District of Port Hardy
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 1
Councillor Carl Jensen, District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne, District of Tofino Director Colin Palmer, Powell River Regional District For Electoral Area Representative: None
Delegates were directed to the Convention program for times of nominations and elections, that elections when required would take place in the Upper Foyer, and advised that there would be a call for nominations from the floor for the Table Officer positions at 4:20 p.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS At 2:30 p.m., Past President Joe Stanhope introduced Tonia S. Winchester, Former Deputy Campaign Director, Washington State Initiative 502. Ms. Winchester spoke for approximately 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of delegate questions and answers. See Appendix C for a descriptor of the session. Director Jessie Hemphill thanked Ms. Winchester. The Convention adjourned at 3:30 p.m. for a refreshment break sponsored by KPMG and reconvened at 3:50 p.m. PROVINCIAL ADDRESS BY PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY LINDA REIMER Acting Director Josie Osborne introduced Parliamentary Secretary Linda Reimer. Ms. Reimer addressed delegates which focused on providing an update on the Special Committee on Expense Limits. Ms. Reimer responded to some questions. Acting Director Colin Palmer thanked Ms. Reimer with a gift. SECOND REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR TABLE OFFICERS At 4:20 p.m., Past President Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Nominating Committee called for nominations from the floor for the positions of Table Officers in addition to those already placed in nomination. Those nominated at the close of the nominations for Table Officers were:
For President: Councillor Barbara Price, Town of Comox For First Vice-President: Director Mary Marcotte, Cowichan Valley Regional District For Second Vice-President: Director Edwin Grieve, Comox Valley Regional District
Past President Stanhope declared the positions of President, First Vice President and Second Vice President were elected by acclamation.
FUTURE OF BC FERRIES WORKSHOP Acting Director Edwin Grieve introduced AVICC Acting Director, Chair of the Regional District Coastal Ferry Group and Director of the Powell River Regional District Colin Palmer; and Alison Morse, Bowen Island Municipal Councillor, Islands Trust Council Trustee and Co-chair of the Ferry Advisory Committee. The session provided an overview of the BC Ferry Commissioner's preliminary decision for price caps that will apply to coastal ferry fares for 2016-2020 and the resulting potential implications. It also provided background on the Coastal Regional District Chairs Group’s work and recent meetings with the Minister and the Ferry Commissioner. The session ended with a short delegate question and answer opportunity. The handouts of the Powerpoint presentation are posted on http://avicc.ca/2015-minutes/ and full description of the session is in Appendix C. Past President Joe Stanhope thanked the presenters with a gift. END OF DAY WRAP-UP President Barbara Price wrapped up the business of the day by recognizing Dave Hurley, Executive Director of University Relations and Ralph Nilson, President of Vancouver Island University thanking them for sponsoring the Friday evening Welcome Reception and noting that Vancouver Island University was participating with a
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 2
booth in the Tradeshow encouraging delegates to stop by. The options for breakfast were highlighted including the working breakfast on Regulation of Forest Management Activities on Private Managed Forest Lands and advised that the main program would begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Annual Meeting followed by the first Resolutions Session. WELCOME RECEPTION The Welcome Reception sponsored by Vancouver Island University was held in the Native Sons Hall. Approximately 275 delegates, sponsors and their guests attended with opportunities to network and visit the Tradeshow exhibits. Background music was provided by Fiddlejam, an eclectic group of musicians who played old time, celtic, bluegrass and country and swing music.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015 A networking breakfast sponsored by ICBC was served from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. in the Native Sons Hall. The working breakfast session was held in the Rotary Hall of the Florence Filberg Centre. FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ON PRIVATE MANAGED FOREST LANDS WORKING BREAKFAST Electoral Area Representative Mary Marcotte welcomed approximately 80 delegates to the session being held in the Rotary Hall and introduced Chair Rod Davis and Executive Director Phil O’Connor of the Managed Forest Council. Mr. Davis discussed the Managed Forest Council’s role as the regulator of forest management practices on private managed forest land and was followed by an opportunity for delegates to ask questions. The handouts of the Powerpoint presentation are posted on http://avicc.ca/2015-minutes/ and detailed descriptor of the session is available in Appendix C. Acting Director Edwin Grieve thanked Mr. Davis with a gift. The Convention re-convened at 8:30 a.m. in the Filberg Main Hall with President Barbara Price welcoming delegates to a new day; recognizing and thanking the following sponsors: BC Hydro, Municipal Finance Authority, BC Assessment, Western Forest Products, Shaw Communications and Canadian Wood Council; as well as general thank you to Tradeshow participants and community.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At 8:35 a.m., President Barbara Price opened the Annual Meeting. ADOPTION OF CONFERENCE RULES AND PROCEDURES On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, the Conference Rules and Procedures as printed in the Supplementary Materials Package were adopted. ADOPTION OF MINUTES On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, the Minutes of the 65th Annual Meeting of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities held in Qualicum Beach and Parksville, April 11-13, 2014, as electronically posted and distributed, were adopted. ANNUAL REPORT On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, the Annual Report was adopted. FINANCIAL REPORT President Price presented the Audited Financial Statements of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities for the year ending December 31, 2014 (Appendix B).
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 3
On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, the statements were adopted. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that the Executive be authorized to appoint auditors for the year commencing January 1, 2014, was adopted. 2015 BUDGET On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that the 2015 budget be received and that the membership approve a 2% dues increase was adopted. APPOINTMENT OF SCRUTINEERS On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that the following be appointed as Scrutineers:
• Mr. Brian Carruthers, CAO, Cowichan Valley Regional District • Ms. Heather Nelson-Smith, CAO, Alert Bay • Ms. Talitha Soldera, Director of Finance, Duncan • Ms. Darla Blake, CAO, Central Coast Regional District • Ms. Linda Adams, CAO, Islands Trust • Mr. Gary MacIsaac, UBCM Executive Director
was adopted. APPOINTMENT OF PARLIAMENTARIAN On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that Lorena Staples be appointed as parliamentarian, was adopted. 2016 AGM & CONVENTION LOCATION On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that the City of Nanaimo be awarded host community for the 2016 AGM & Convention, was adopted. PRINCIPAL POLICY SESSION - RESOLUTIONS The first Resolutions session began at 9:05 a.m. with Past President Joe Stanhope introducing the teams who would be managing the resolutions sessions. Team #1 Past President Joe Stanhope (Chair)
EA Representative Mary Marcotte A/Director Colin Palmer A/Director Carl Jensen
Team #2 President Barbara Price (Chair) Director Jessie Hemphill A/Director Edwin Grieve A/Director Josie Osborne Drawing delegates’ attention to the conference rules and procedures for handling resolutions as printed in the Supplementary Materials Package, Past President Joe Stanhope then very briefly reviewed the rules for the order of business, the resolutions process and the timing of the sessions.
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 4
The Convention then commenced with consideration of resolutions with Past President Joe Stanhope in the Chair. He was joined at the head table by Resolutions Committee members: Electoral Area Representative Mary Marcotte, Acting Director Colin Palmer, Acting Director Carl Jensen, and Parliamentarian Lorena Staples. PART SR - SPECIAL RESOLUTION
SR1 Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities AVICC Executive Annual General Meeting and Convention Timing
WHEREAS prior to selecting Convention dates for 2017-2019, the AVICC Executive would like the membership to consider whether the Friday to Sunday timing is still the most effective; AND WHEREAS a number of potential impacts and other background has been provided in Appendix A below; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities maintain the present timing of its Annual General Meeting and Convention which is Friday afternoon though to noon on Sunday, allowing for an optional Pre-Convention Program on the Friday morning.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED PART 1 – REFERRED RESOLUTIONS There were no referred resolutions in 2015. PART 2 – RESOLUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE Part 2 - Section “A” – This section contains resolutions that feature new issues of interest to all members. LEGISLATIVE R1 Candidates for Local Government Elections to Run in One Jurisdiction Only Town of View Royal WHEREAS the simultaneous running for local government office by a candidate in multiple jurisdictions makes a mockery of the election process; AND WHEREAS there is currently no mechanism in local government elections-related legislation to prohibit the simultaneous running for local government office by a candidate in multiple jurisdictions; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province of British Columbia be requested to amend Part 3 of the Local Government Act to add a prohibition on the simultaneous running for local government office by a candidate in multiple jurisdictions.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT R2 ICET Funding City of Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District, Town of Port McNeill WHEREAS the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) has expended nearly all of its original capitalization; AND WHEREAS the $50 million fund has been the key factor enabling ICET to leverage significant levels of other government, nongovernment and private sector funding resulting in important gains for the people, businesses and communities in the AVICC region; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AVICC petition the Provincial Government to renew the Island Coastal Economic Trust by recapitalizing the Trust to its original level.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 5
FINANCE R3 Land Title Fees Regional District of Nanaimo WHEREAS local governments rely on land title records and survey plans from the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) in their day to day operations beyond those searches conducted for assessment or taxation purposes; AND WHEREAS the transition from BC Online to myLTSA has limited the fee exemption to land title register searches conducted for taxation and assessment purposes only, resulting in significant additional costs to local governments; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC to charge local governments for accessing records in a consistent manner to that of BC Online; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the Province to, if necessary to achieve the above, amend the Land Title Act to expand the purposes under which a local government can search the records of the land title office without charge. On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the resolution be amended to remove the first enactment clause was endorsed. The motion, as amended, then read: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the Province to amend the Land Title Act to expand the purposes under which a local government can search the records of the land title office without charge.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED TRANSPORTATION R4 Funding for Road Maintenance Village of Zeballos WHEREAS road infrastructure, the lifeline to many coastal communities, is not under the care and control of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, but rather entrusted to profit oriented industry. AND WHEREAS funding levels driven by stumpage and royalties are no longer adequate to sustain and maintain coastal road infrastructure to "community use" standard as expected by the travelling public. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the British Columbia Provincial Government be required to re-evaluate stumpage rates and apply an increased operating budget to support additional maintenance funding to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations who is responsible for many of these coastal community lifelines. The friendly amendment to add for forest roads accessing communities after “additional maintenance funding” was accepted. The motion, as amended, then read: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the British Columbia Provincial Government be required to re-evaluate stumpage rates and apply an increased operating budget to support additional maintenance funding for forest roads accessing communities to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations who is responsible for many of these coastal community lifelines.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 6
COMMUNITY SAFETY R5 Development of an Emergency Response Seismic Mitigation Fund City of Powell River WHEREAS in 1921 the Province of British Columbia initiated collection of a tax of 4.4% of gross property and vehicle insurance premiums (Insurance Premium Tax) equal to approximately $450M per year to offset the cost of administering the Fire Marshalls Act, later the Fire Services Act;
AND WHEREAS the March 2014 Auditor General's Report concluded that British Columbia was not adequately prepared for a catastrophic seismic event and it is anticipated that seismic upgrading will be one of the included recommendations contained in the report of Henry Renteria, Chair of the BC Earthquake Preparedness Consultation that has been received by the province; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities forward a motion to the 2015 Union of BC Municipalities Conference requesting:
THAT the Provincial Government establish an Emergency Response Seismic Mitigation Fund; and further
THAT the Provincial Government allocate $190,000,000 annually from the Insurance Premium Tax to the fund; and further
THAT up to $1,000,000 of the fund be made available annually to each of the 190 local government jurisdictions in British Columbia for the purpose of seismic upgrading of municipal emergency response buildings. On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the final enactment clause of the resolution be amended to change “municipal” to “local government” and add “including emergency reception centres” at the end. The amended resolution then read: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities forward a motion to the 2015 Union of BC Municipalities Conference requesting:
THAT the Provincial Government establish an Emergency Response Seismic Mitigation Fund; and further
THAT the Provincial Government allocate $190,000,000 annually from the Insurance Premium Tax to the fund; and further
THAT up to $1,000,000 of the fund be made available annually to each of the 190 local government jurisdictions in British Columbia for the purpose of seismic upgrading of local government emergency response buildings including emergency reception centres.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED R6 National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women City of Victoria WHEREAS Indigenous women and girls in Canada have been murdered or have gone missing at a rate four times higher than non-indigenous women, despite aboriginal women constituting less than five per cent of the Canadian population; AND WHEREAS the homicide rate in the past decade is roughly seven time higher for Indigenous women and girls than for all other women and girls in Canada; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and Union of British Columbia Municipalities requests that the Federal Government convene a national inquiry into the widespread and severe violence faced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 7
AND BE IT RESOLVED THAT AVICC/UBCM encourage member local governments to work together, in collaboration with Indigenous women’s organizations, to institute a comprehensive response to the widespread and severe violence faced by Indigenous women and girls.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
TAXATION R7 Increasing Corporate Income Tax Rates Cowichan Valley Regional District WHEREAS local governments are heavily reliant on property taxes and need to diversify their revenue sources; AND WHEREAS income tax sharing arrangements are common between senior and local government in other jurisdictions and British Columbia has the second lowest corporation tax rate of all provinces and territories; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia be urged to increase the corporation tax rate by 1% on large corporations as defined by the Province and transfer any revenue from that tax increase to the local government level.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED ENVIRONMENT R8 Vancouver Island Coordinated Solid Waste Strategy City of Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District WHEREAS regional districts on Vancouver Island are struggling with the financial implications of managing solid waste, and the demand for diversion programs is increasing; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities undertake an assessment to determine the feasibility of a Vancouver Island-wide solid waste service. On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the resolution be amended to include “Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities”. The resolution then read: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities undertake an assessment to determine the feasibility of a Vancouver Island and coastal communities solid waste service.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED R9 Warning Labels for All Fossil Based Liquid Fuels City of Colwood WHEREAS there is evidence that combustion of petroleum products such as gas and diesel used in vehicles contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that affect natural systems in ways that area injurious to human health and to the natural environment upon which we all depend for food and life; AND WHEREAS sea level rise resulting from greenhouse gas emissions will cause significant harm to coastal communities THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities support, and will implement where possible, legislation to require retailers of petroleum products to provide plastic sleeves (nozzle toppers) with warning labels on pump handles for all fossil based liquid fuels.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 8
R10 Environmental Bill of Rights City of Victoria, Town of Ladysmith 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; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia enact a provincial environmental bill of rights to fulfill the right of every resident to live in a healthy environment by ensuring access to information, public participation in decision making, and access to effective remedies, and without limitation to allow a resident to:
• comment on environmentally significant government proposals, • ask a ministry or local government to review an existing law, policy, or program, • ask a ministry, crown agency, or local government to investigate harm to the natural environment, • appeal, or ask a ministry or local government to review, a decision under an enactment, • propose a new law, regulation, policy, or program to protect the natural environment, • use courts or tribunals to protect the environment, and • have whistleblower protection.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
R11 Declaration Of The Right To A Healthy Environment District of Saanich District of Central Saanich WHEREAS the David Suzuki Foundation Blue Dot Tour has inspired many Canadians to request that the right to a healthy environment be enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms through support of the following motion; AND WHEREAS the District of Saanich understands that people are part of the environment and that a healthy environment is inextricably linked to the well-being of our community; AND WHEREAS the Saanich Official Community Plan provides a strong policy foundation to pursue actions and initiatives that contribute toward a healthy environment; AND WHEREAS Saanich has the opportunity to endorse the Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment, joining other Canadian cities in re-affirming our commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AVICC endorse the following declaration: That all people have the right to live in a healthy environment, including:
• The right to breathe clean air; • The right to drink clean water; • The right to consume safe food; • The right to access nature; • The right to know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment; • The right to participate in decision-making that will affect the environment
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the endorsed declaration be provided to the Union of BC Municipalities for consideration at their 2015 convention.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
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HEALTH R12 Rural Out-Patient Accommodation Village of Tahsis WHEREAS health care services for smaller, rural and remote communities witness the transportation of patients to hospitals in larger urban centres by ambulance and those patients, once discharged, must make other arrangements to return to their communities and therefore require temporary accommodation. AND WHEREAS a broad spectrum of patients from remote communities undergoing chemotherapy treatment, day surgery, child birth, and the like, are also in need of temporary accommodation; and given that BC Ministry of Health goals include the key action to “work with rural communities, including First Nations, to implement a renewed approach to providing quality health care services across rural and remote areas.” THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities appeal to the provincial government to make every effort in providing support, whether through direct funding, initiatives or policy, to organizations that are undertaking the development of lands and other hard assets in the establishment of rural out-patient accommodation.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED The Convention adjourned briefly at 10:00 a.m. for a refreshment break sponsored by Private Forest Landowners Association and reconvened at 10:20 a.m. with President Barbara Price in the Chair. She was joined at the head table by Resolutions Committee members Director Jessie Hemphill, Acting Director Edwin Grieve, Acting Director Josie Osborne, and Parliamentarian Lorena Staples. SELECTED ISSUES R13 Smart Meters Fire Hazard Village of Tahsis WHEREAS smart meters appear to have a significant fire hazard risk as reported from jurisdictions all over North America, particularly in areas susceptible to high precipitation, and for that reason are under moratorium or are even being removed in many places, and also given that a progressive installation and study was overlooked in favour of a blanket rollout installation in British Columbia, THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Minister responsible provide statistical evidence proving beyond any doubt that the smart meters currently in use in BC are equal to or superior to analog meters in accuracy, cause no harmful radiation, meet or exceed Canadian Safety Standards, in no way cause or contribute to an increased risk of fire under less than ideal conditions and are in fact, as safe as, or safer than analog meters, AND FURTHER THAT if the Minister is unable to do so, that BC Hydro be required to provide the option of retrofit with an analog meter, at no cost to the customer, in order to mitigate any safety hazards/concerns, without delay. On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the resolution be amended to remove “proving beyond any doubt” was endorsed. The motion then read: THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Minister responsible provide statistical evidence proving that the smart meters currently in use in BC are equal to or superior to analog meters in accuracy, cause no harmful radiation, meet or exceed Canadian Safety Standards, in no way cause or contribute to an increased risk of fire under less than ideal conditions and are in fact, as safe as, or safer than analog meters, AND FURTHER THAT if the Minister is unable to do so, that BC Hydro be required to provide the option of retrofit with an analog meter, at no cost to the customer, in order to mitigate any safety hazards/concerns, without delay.
ON MOTION, as amended, was DEFEATED
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R14 Proposed Site C Hydroelectric Dam City of Victoria
WHEREAS the proposed Site C hydroelectric dam project on the Peace River has raised issues including the potential impact on BC Hydro ratepayers and provincial taxpayers, as well as the potential impacts on agricultural, environmental, aboriginal and municipal interests; AND WHEREAS the District of Hudson’s Hope and Peace River Regional District have requested a proper review of the project before any construction or development activities proceed; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Province of British Columbia refer the proposed Site C hydroelectric dam project to the BC Utilities Commission for review and consultation prior to any construction and development activities proceeding.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED Part 2 - Section “B” - This section contains resolutions that support existing UBCM policy including: • Previously considered and endorsed resolutions; or • Resolutions in keeping with the UBCM policy, including previously approved policy papers or other
documents. On motion, duly moved and seconded, that all of the resolutions be removed from the block was endorsed. LEGISLATIVE R15 Regional District Charter Regional District of Nanaimo WHEREAS the Final Report from the Regional District Task Force entitled “Enhancing the Tools for Problem Solving in Regions” was presented to the members of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and to the Province in January 2010; AND WHEREAS one of the recommendations of the Task Force was “that the Province consider the Task Force consultation finding that a number of RD elected officials are requesting an “RD Charter”; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province be urged to continue the work started with the enactment of the Community Charter and proceed with a full review of Regional District legislation with a goal to enact a Regional District Charter or incorporate Regional District legislation fully within the Community Charter.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED R16 Modernization of Local Government Act Cowichan Valley Regional District WHEREAS enactment of the Community Charter in 2003 has created an imbalance of powers and authorities between municipalities and the regional districts in which they participate; and WHEREAS many of the regional district powers and authorities provided by the Local Government Act do not adequately address the current realities and complexities of regional governance in BC; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AVICC and Union of BC Municipalities strongly encourage the Province to act upon its commitment to modernize and harmonize the legislation governing regional districts.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
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COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT R17 Provincial Government – Re-examine Log Export Policy Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District WHEREAS Coastal log exports increased 65% by volume from 2010 levels to 6,348,674 m3 in 2013 and the Coast represents 90.6% of total log export volume in the province of BC; AND WHEREAS the coastal forest industry has grown dependent upon log exports with unintended consequences to the manufacturing sector; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the Provincial Government re-examine the Log Export Policy and the impact this policy has on the Coastal Forest Industry, and that the Provincial Government investigate options for modifying the Log Export Policy in light of the increased Coastal Log Exports over the last several years.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED FINANCE R18 Provincial Sales Tax Revenue Rebates For Local Governments Town Of Lake Cowichan WHEREAS local governments depend almost wholly on property taxation to fund municipal services and are currently facing infrastructure deficits of enormous proportions; AND WHEREAS local governments and their taxpayers are unnecessarily burdened with sales tax charges on the purchase of all goods and services that include emergency equipment; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province be petitioned to provide local governments full rebates of sales taxes on all purchases made as are provided by the Federal Government for the goods and services taxes(GST) paid by local governments with no commensurate reduction of current revenue sharing programs.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED COMMUNITY SAFETY R19 Establishment of a Provincial Fund to Support Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Search and Rescue WHEREAS capital and non-operational funding for Search and Rescue in BC is not consistent, equitable, or rationally allocated and SAR organizations bear the large administrative burden of applying to myriad sources, including local governments, on an annual basis; AND WHEREAS a 2012 Coroner’s Inquest jury recommended that Emergency Management BC review and evaluate funding models to better support SAR operations, and in 2013 the BC Search and Rescue Association recommended a new funding model to EMBC that would provide adequate, predictable and sustainable funding through the establishment and management of a provincial fund; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the Province to support BCSARA’s proposal for the development of a provincial SAR fund and that the Province undertake necessary consultation with local governments and other stakeholders to develop, establish, and implement the fund as soon as possible.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
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R20 Provincial Funding for Police-Based Victim Services Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District WHEREAS the Province does not fully fund police-based victim service programs due to its position that programs should be cost-shared with local governments in communities that contribute to their policing costs; AND WHEREAS the property taxation system does not provide an equitable method of funding victim services and local governments have no funding formula to allocate funds in a coordinated manner that is responsive to demand for victim services; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM continue to lobby the Province to fully fund police-based victim service programs, using a model that equitably and fairly distributes funding across the province.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED REGIONAL DISTRICTS R21 Tree Protection Bylaws in Identified Urban Expansion Areas City of Courtenay WHEREAS Regional Districts are prohibited by law from creating Tree Protection Bylaws; AND WHEREAS unincorporated areas of Regional Districts include working forests, which are regulated provincially both on public and private land, precluding local/regional regulation; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities lobby the Province to permit Regional Districts to institute Tree Protections Bylaws in identified urban expansion areas.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED The Second Resolution Session was then adjourned at approximately 11:23 a.m. THIRD REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR DIRECTOR AT LARGE Past President Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Nominating Committee called for nominations from the floor for the positions of Director at Large in addition to those already placed in nomination. Councillor Sue Powell, City of Parksville and Councillor Darren Inkster, District of Sechelt were nominated. Those nominated at the close of the nominations for Director at Large were:
Councillor Jessie Hemphill, District of Port Hardy Councillor Darren Inkster, District of Sechelt Councillor Carl Jensen, District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne, District of Tofino Director Colin Palmer, Powell River Regional District Councillor Sue Powell, City of Parksville
Past President Stanhope declared that there would be an election and invited candidates to come forward to briefly address delegates. Each candidate then spoke for approximately two minutes. President Stanhope then advised that the polls would be available and balloting would occur from 12:45-1:30 p.m. in the Upper Foyer noting that results would be communicated at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning. PRESENTATION BY FORTIS BC Past President Joe Stanhope provided some background on the natural gas operating agreement file for the benefit of the newly elected delegates. He noted that the Association has been working on the file for more than three years including advocating on behalf of members on two BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) applications with the result of reducing natural gas costs in the region by greater than 20% and currently working through the final BCUC application to approve the pro forma operating agreement that will allow members to implement
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operating fees. Members were again thanked for their advocacy with the following key staff being recognized: Steve Ricketts, City of Nanaimo, Paul Murray, formerly of District of Saanich and Jerry Berry, Consultant hired by FortisBC to work with local governments. He then introduced Gord Schoberg, Senior Manager, Municipal and Aboriginal Relations, and thanked FortisBC for their continued sponsorship of the Delegates’ Luncheon. Gord Schoberg then provided some highlights FortisBC is working on in the region including initiatives to lower gas rates, bring in higher revenues for municipalities and create a more efficient and safer natural gas system. Electoral Area Representative Marcotte thanked Mr. Schoberg with a gift and announced that lunch will be served immediately. The Convention adjourned for lunch shortly after 12:00 noon. DELEGATES LUNCHEON The Delegates Luncheon was sponsored by FortisBC. Dessert and coffee was served from 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. in the Native Sons Hall to allow delegates one final opportunity to visit the Tradeshow. The polling station for election of the positions of Directors-at-Large opened from 12:45–1:30 p.m. in the Upper Foyer. CONCURRENT SESSIONS Six one hour concurrent workshops were held between 1:30-4:00 p.m. with a refreshment break scheduled from 2:30-3:00 p.m.:
#1 Why Municipal Support is Necessary: Building Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing (Front of Main Hall) #2 Wastewater Treatment/Resource Recovery Advances (Back of Main Hall) #3 & #4 Open Space Workshop (Rotary Hall)
#5 Planning for Island-wide Intermodal Transportation (Front of Main Hall) #6 Converting Waste to Energy: How does it work? What does it cost? What are the impacts? (Back of Main Hall) The handouts from the Powerpoint presentations can be downloaded from http://avicc.ca/2015-minutes/. The afternoon sessions adjourned at 4:00 p.m. ANNUAL BANQUET The Annual Banquet for delegates and guests was held at the Main Hall of the Florence Filberg Centre. Delegates and their guests, gathered from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in the Courrtenay Museum for the pre-banquet reception sponsored by the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Shortly before 7:30 p.m., approximately 250 delegates and guests took their seats in the Filberg Main Hall. Pipe Major Bill Quig led the parade of AVICC Executive and honoured guests into the front of the Main Hall where delegates and guests were gathered. President Barbara Price thanked Pipe Major Stanfield for contributing to the ceremonies of the Convention and welcomed delegates and guests. The Vancouver Island Health Authority was thanked for sponsoring the Pre-Banquet Reception, as was BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District for providing the bus transportation. Following dinner, President Barbara Price thanked the Tria Fine Catering chef and staff for the dinner service and for the Friday evening Welcome Reception. The Association of Mineral Exploration BC and Geoscience BC was thanked for their sponsorship of the Annual Banquet wine service. Young adult singer/songwriter Keisja Cox was introduced. Keisja performed for approximately 30 minutes and received a resounding ovation. President Price thanked her for her contribution to the evening’s program. President Price then introduced the following life members in attendance:
• Ron Webber, past president from Courtenay in 1992-93 • Gillian Trumper, past president from Port Alberni in 1985-86
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• Mary Ashley, past president from Campbell River in 2004-05 • Christopher Causton, past president from Oak Bay in 2011 • Larry Cross, past president from Sidney in 2014
Strathcona Chair Jim Abram was also recognized as a UBCM Life Member. President Price again thanked Mayor Jangula and Courtenay Council for hosting the 2015 AVICC AGM & Convention. Susan Karvalics and John Ward, as host community staff, were thanked and presented with thank you gifts. President Price then thanked the BC Lottery Corporation for their continued sponsorship of the Annual Banquet Entertainment. BCLC Director of Public Affairs Greg Walker was introduced. He then took a moment to say a few words on behalf of BCLC before introducing John Reynolds, the evening’s main entertainer. Mr. Reynolds, a comedian, singer and songwriter, then performed for approximately 50 minutes. The evening program wrapped up at approximately 10:30 p.m. Delegates and guests were shuttled back to their hotels with the complimentary service provided by BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015
A hot breakfast sponsored by Municipal Insurance Association was served in the Filberg Centre’s Rotary Hall and Evergreen Lounge from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. The Convention reconvened at 8:30 a.m. with President Barbara Price noting that evaluation forms had been placed on the tables asking for delegates’ feedback on the Convention and that the completed evaluation forms would be used for the Grand Prize Award draw just prior to adjournment. FOURTH REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTOR Past President Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the elections results for Director at Large:
Councillor Jessie Hemphill, District of Port Hardy Councillor Carl Jensen, District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne, District of Tofino
Past President Joe Stanhope then called for nominations from the floor for the position of Electoral Area Representative. Nominated at the close of nominations for Electoral Area Representative was:
Director Noba Anderson, Strathcona Regional District Director Julian Fell, Nanaimo Regional District Director Ian Morrison, Cowichan Valley Regional District
At the conclusion of nominations, Past President Stanhope declared that an election would be required and that polls would be open in the Upper Foyer from 10:15-10:45 a.m. Each nominee was then provided with 2 minutes to address delegates. ADDRESS BY BURNABY COUNCILLOR SAV DAHLIWAL, PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF BC MUNICIPALITIES Acting Director Carl Jensen then introduced UBCM President Sav Dahliwal who spoke for approximately 20 minutes. President Dahliwal’s remarks are annexed to these minutes as Appendix A. Acting Director Collin Palmer thanked President Dahliwal for his address with a gift.
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FINAL RESOLUTIONS AND LATE RESOLUTIONS SESSION Resolutions resumed at 9:00 a.m., with Past President Joe Stanhope in the Chair. He was joined at the head table by Resolutions Committee members: Electoral Area Representative Mary Marcotte, Acting Director Colin Palmer, Acting Director Carl Jensen, and Parliamentarian Lorena Staples. ENVIRONMENT R22 Expansion of Oil Tanker Traffic in Coastal BC Waters District of Sooke WHEREAS the result of the District of Sooke assent voting opportunity (community opinion) on November 15, 2014 was in the affirmative that the District of Sooke should join other municipalities in renewing and restating its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through British Columbia’s coastal waters; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that District of Sooke renew and restate its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through British Columbia's coastal waters; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and Federation of Canadian Municipalities to continue to petition the provincial and federal governments to stop the expansion of oil tanker traffic through British Columbia's coastal waters. The friendly amendment to change “District of Sooke” to “the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities” was accepted. The motion then read: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities renew and restate its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through British Columbia's coastal waters; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and Federation of Canadian Municipalities to continue to petition the provincial and federal governments to stop the expansion of oil tanker traffic through British Columbia's coastal waters.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED R23 Trans Mountain Expansion Project Township of Esquimalt WHEREAS the Union of BC Municipalities endorsed Victoria’s emergency resolution (LR2) in September 2014 calling on the Environmental Assessment Office of the Province of British Columbia to undertake its own Environmental Assessment process of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and withdraw from the 2010 Equivalency Agreement with the National Energy Board (NEB), but no response has been received to date from the Province; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Esquimalt Municipal Council affirms support for the 2014 UBCM resolution (LR2) calling on the Province of British Columbia to withdraw from the 2010 Equivalency Agreement with the NEB and undertake its own Environmental Assessment process of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, with meaningful participation by First Nations, municipalities and all interested British Columbians; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities endorse UBCM motion LR2 and call for a prompt response and action by the Province.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
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R24 Coastal Douglas-fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Islands Trust Partnership (CDFCP) Funding WHEREAS the UBCM members previously endorsed resolution 2013-B104 requesting that the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations adequately resource the Coastal Douglas-fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership; and WHEREAS in 2015 the Partnership will issue a 30-year Conservation Strategy for the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone, the most at risk zone in British Columbia, but has insufficient resources to implement the Strategy; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AVICC and the UBCM petition the provincial government to provide core, multi-year funding to the Partnership to assist its members to implement the Conservation Strategy with the Province, First Nations, local governments, the federal government, stakeholders, and the general public.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED R25 Management of Ungulate Populations District of Oak Bay WHEREAS the resources, authority and responsibility to manage ungulate populations is with the Province of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the combination of favourable habitats, no natural predators, and the inability to allow hunting have contributed to expanding urban deer populations and exacerbated the problem of human-deer conflict in urban areas; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request that the Province of British Columbia provide resources, including Conservation Officers and Urban Wildlife Biologists, and build the necessary partnerships with Health Canada and local governments to address deer over population.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED SELECTED ISSUES R26 Rural Tier Two Hydro Rates Regional District of Mount Waddington, District of Port Hardy WHEREAS BC Hydro has adopted a two tiered rate structure to encourage energy consideration with the lower rate threshold based on approximately 90% of the provincial median household consumption of electricity and this average is weighted from the consumption patterns of two-thirds of BC households that are able to use natural gas for their heating, hot water and cooking energy requirements; AND WHEREAS the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) reduced the upper price threshold charged by BC Hydro from the requested 1600 kilowatt hours to 1350 kilowatt hours for the bi-monthly billing period and most households in rural and remote communities do not have access to natural gas and cannot reduce their consumption by conservation measures sufficiently to avoid the higher tiered rate; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the BC Utilities Commission to review the BC Hydro residential electrical tariff structure and increase the amount of kilowatt hours that qualify for the lower rate in all areas that do not have natural gas service.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
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PART 3 – LATE RESOLUTIONS On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the Late Resolutions Report be received was endorsed. AVICC RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE A. LATE RESOLUTIONS: ADMIT FOR PLENARY DEBATE
LR1 Ministry of Energy and Mines Permitting
B. LATE RESOLUTIONS: NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DEBATE None LR1 Ministry of Energy and Mines Permitting Cowichan Valley Regional District WHEREAS the Ministry of Energy and Mines considers and approves applications for the purpose of ‘EXTRACTING’ sand and gravel resources; AND WHEREAS local governments regulate land uses, such as ‘PROCESSING’ of resources, as authorized by the Local Government Act and Community Charter; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Minister of Energy and Mines direct the Ministry to require compliance with local government zoning bylaws as a permit condition, and order Ministry staff to cancel any permits and deny any applications that contravene duly authorized local government zoning bylaws.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
RESOLUTIONS OFF THE FLOOR On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the resolution titled “Oil Spill Preparedness – English Bay Response” distributed to all members in attendance be admitted for discussion was endorsed. OF1 Oil Spill Preparedness – English Bay Response District of Sechelt Whereas the oil spill event of April 8 2015, into English Bay, and the Salish Sea, demonstrated a clear lack of capacity to respond to oil spill events in British Columbia. Whereas the long-term viability and economies of BC coastal communities are dependent, in part, upon the protection and preservation of the local marine environment. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the AVICC request that the Province of British Columbia order an independent audit of the current state of oil spill preparedness in BC.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the resolution titled “Increase Community Health Supports for Mental Health” distributed to all members in attendance be admitted for discussion was endorsed. OF2 Increase Community Health Supports for Mental Health WHEREAS support for community health services, such as integrated mental health diagnoses and treatment, have failed to keep pace with the needs of our communities; and WHEREAS intervening and responding to mental health crises places a growing demand on policing services, which are funded by local governments in many communities, and which are not structured or intended to be used as health care providers;
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Province of British Columbia increase the funding to health organizations to provide additional community health resources, and work with policing bodies to implement integrated response plans for mental health crises.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED Chair Stanhope thanked Parliamentarian, Lorena Staples for her advice and assistance; the scrutineers for their service; and delegates for their patience. The Third Resolutions Session was adjourned at approximately 9:30 am. ADDRESS BY NDP MLA JOHN HORGAN Director Jessie Hemphill introduced Mr. John Horgan, Juan de Fuca MLA and Leader of the Official Opposition. Mr. Horgan then addressed delegates followed by a brief opportunity for delegates to ask questions. Acting Director Edwin Grieve thanked Mr. Horgan with a gift. The Convention adjourned at 10:15 a.m. for a refreshment break and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. WHO’S COVERING YOUR ASSETS? Acting Director Collin Palmer introduced Tom Barnes, CEO and General Counsel for the Municipal Insurance Association and thanked the Municipal Insurance Association for being long-time sponsors of the AVICC Convention. Mr. Barnes presented for approximately 45 minutes. The handouts of the Powerpoint presentation are posted on http://avicc.ca/2015-minutes/. Delegates had the opportunity to pose some questions. Acting Director Carl Jensen thanked Mr. Barnes with a gift. FINAL BUSINESS SESSION FIFTH AND FINAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT AND THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW EXECUTIVE Past President Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Nominating Committee advised that Strathcona Regional District Director Noba Anderson was elected as Electoral Area Representative. All those letting their names stand for election were thanked for their willingness to serve. Acting Director Collin Palmer was thanked for his service as interim director. A motion, duly moved and seconded, that the ballots for Director-at-Large and Electoral Area Representative be destroyed, was endorsed. Past President Joe Stanhope introduced the 2015-16 Executive and extended congratulations to them:
President Councillor Barbara Price, Town of Comox First Vice President Director Mary Marcotte, Cowichan Valley Regional District Second Vice President Director Edwin Grieve, Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Area Representative Director Noba Anderson, Strathcona Regional District Directors at Large Councillor Jessie Hemphill, District of Port Hardy Councillor Carl Jensen, District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne, District of Tofino Past President Chair Joe Stanhope, Nanaimo RD
THE PRESIDENT ELECT’S REMARKS President Barbara Price thanked the assembly for their support, noting that it was a privilege to represent AVICC members. She advised that she looked forward to working with her fellow executive and that they
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formed a strong team. It was hoped that members had enjoyed the Convention and that they had learned something new and met someone new. She noted that the Executive has been listening to members’ views and wishes for the future. Members were thanked for giving their time to participate in the Convention this year andwished them a safe trip home. CONVENTION CLOSING A final thank you was extended to the sponsors and the host community. Councillor Doug Hillian, representative to the City of Courtenay’s Centennial Committee, then thanked delegates for attending Convention noting that they had expressly intended to coincide with their centennial celebrations. He further advised that the main centennial event was homecoming week which is scheduled for June 26-July 5 highlighting the events being planned for the week inviting members to come back and help celebrate the occasion. BC Ferries was thanked for their sponsorship in providing the Grand Prize Award of a Trip for Two for the Inside Passage Cruise Aboard BC Ferries. The winner was Esquimalt Councillor Linda Hundleby. The remaining door prize draws were also drawn and distributed, as was the draw for the Fit Bit for those that participated in the Saturday afternoon physical activity led by Mayor Josie Osborne. President Barbara Price then presented AVICC Executive Coordinator Iris Hesketh-Boles with a bouquet of flowers thanking her for the work on this Convention and her work on behalf of AVICC. Past President Joe Stanhope then invited Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay to the podium. A short video presentation highlighting the City of Nanaimo was played for delegates. Mayor McKay noted the fantastic job done by previous host communities, noting that the City of Nanaimo was looking forward to working with staff over the next year, and encouraging delegates to plan to attend the 2016 Convention. President Barbara Price then closed the 66th Annual Convention. The Convention adjourned at approximately 11:55 a.m. Certified Correct Iris Hesketh-Boles AVICC Executive Coordinator
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APPENDIX A – ADDRESS BY UBCM PRESIDENT
UBCM President Sav Dahliwal’s Address to AVICC Delegates Thank you Carl and good morning delegates. Let me begin by offering congratulations to Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney for Panorama Rec Centre being named “Hockeyville 2015”. That’s a credit to the high level of engagement in your communities with the recreational services you provide. Thank you for this opportunity to provide an update on the work of UBCM. It’s good to see many familiar faces from the elected officials seminars just a few months ago. Some of us today are attending our first area association annual meeting. AVICC is one of five associations within UBCM. The associations strengthen UBCM’s capacity to address regional issues through the resolutions endorsed by each, local advocacy and representation on our Executive. At present, AVICC has three members on our Executive currently: Councillor Barbara Price, Mayor Nils Jensen and Director Jim Abram. Together they provide a voice for your region on our deliberations between conventions. It’s early in the day and you have a full agenda ahead of you, so I will get right to it. Auditor General for Local Government Four years ago the government introduced legislation to create the office of the Auditor General for Local Government. Business advocacy groups had been calling for the establishment of such an office for some time. You may also recall that Liberal leadership hopeful Christy Clark introduced the concept as part of her platform during a speech to the BC Chambers of Commerce. Following her successful campaign, Premier Clark made the creation of a local government auditor general a priority. UBCM learned the idea was moving toward implementation when we were tipped off that consultations with business groups were underway. From the start, local governments were playing catch up. When the province began meeting directly with local governments to seek input, the briefing materials provided were quite limited. To address this gap, UBCM prepared a context paper and shared it with our membership. Governance was one of the issues we identified with the model the province was considering. At the time, none of the local government auditor generals in Canada had jurisdiction over more than one local government. This is in keeping with a principle typically followed for auditors general: they report to the jurisdiction they audit. The province, though, would not accept a local government auditor general reporting to local governments. Again, pressure from the business lobby was a factor here, as was confirmed to UBCM by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. UBCM worked with the Ministry on the issue of governance and reporting. Eventually the province settled on a model in which the office reported to an independent audit council, which in turn was accountable to Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. UBCM also drew attention to the challenge of conducting performance audits for 191 separate government jurisdictions. This aspect of the office introduced a level of complexity that no other auditor general in Canada had to contend with – a point that very few understand. The policy base for local government varies considerably from one community to the next. Each community is free to set levels of service that best meet the needs of the community. Take the example of household solid waste management. Your community can have collection every two weeks or once a week. The service can be contracted out, or undertaken by staff. You can offer curbside
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recycling and compost collection or not. These are policy decisions by elected officials accountable to the electorate. UBCM worked with the province to ensure that matters of policy were excluded from the scope of the auditor general for local government’s office. Without this exclusion there was a risk that an office in Surrey would be dictating which levels are appropriate to every community in B.C. – an outcome that would be a blow to the whole concept of local government. Fast forward to a month ago. The opposition began to question the Minister about the slow delivery of reports. According to the Auditor General herself, it was taking more time than expected to complete performance audits because of the diversity among communities – very much what UBCM had advised at the outset. Through a leaked document it was revealed that there were internal issues impacting the effectiveness of the office. Among these were complaints by staff that changing mandates were wasting the office’s resources – an irony for an office whose sole purpose was to support local government efficiency. Eventually it was revealed that there was conflict between the auditor general for local government and the Audit Council over how the office would be reviewed. This ultimately led to the Auditor General being fired and an interim appointed. Throughout all of this there were numerous calls from the opposition and journalists to simply disband the office or fold it into the provincial auditor general. So what now? One would hope the province - given the rocky consultation process leading into the creation of the office – would redouble its efforts to engage with UBCM to find a way ahead. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. UBCM has yet to formally hear from Minister Oakes with regard to any of the events concerning the Auditor General for Local Government that transpired since January. The Ministry notified UBCM that an independent review of the office was proceeding by providing a government news release shortly before it was distributed. The scope for the review, which to my knowledge has not been made public, indicates that consultation with local governments is optional. The Audit Council retained Chris Trumpy to complete the review by next week. Mr. Trumpy has a distinguished career in public service, but he will have his work cut out for him to complete the review in the time allotted. UBCM’s policy as endorsed by the membership back in 2011 disagrees with the necessity of the office but directs us to continue negotiating with the province. From day one we have worked to make the best of the province’s determination to implement this office. We will be meeting with Minister Oakes next week and will have some questions for her about the road ahead. For those of you that want to look into the issue in greater detail, please have a look at the context paper and policy paper on our website. Expense Limits Many of you are aware that an all-party committee of the legislature is preparing a report with recommendations for local government election expense limits. The deadline for the report to come before the Legislative Assembly is June 12. UBCM provided a written submission to the Committee for Phase One consultations last fall. We supported the establishment of expense limits and provided the following principles to guide their development:
• Expense limits should be high enough to allow everyone to mount a reasonable campaign but not high enough to allow a few participants to dominate the campaign;
• They need to work for different sized communities; a formula based solely on the number of electors will not work; and
• Expense limits for elector organizations should have a neutral effect on the decision to create elector organizations.
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 22
We will also make a presentation to the all-party committee as part of its phase 2 consultations. We are finding ourselves between a rock and hard place though because the data analysis from the 2014 election is not yet available. Part of the rationale for not including election expenses in the legislation introduced last was the opportunity to draw upon the data from the 2014 Election. If we want the final recommendations to reflect the current local election environment, we should be using the most recent data. Unfortunately, the contractor hired to do this work is still processing the data, and it is not clear if or when it will be made publicly available. We understand the work is to be completed by mid-April. The Special Committee, though, will be wrapping up its public consultation process on April 17th. Once the committee’s recommendations are released, I encourage everyone to review them to see how they will play out in your community. If the committee finds the right formula, I believe expense limits will safeguard election fairness and increase accessibility to the democratic process. UBCM is keeping watch and we will provide an update through our weekly newsletter, the Compass, once the recommendations are available. Strong Fiscal Futures Two years ago UBCM released a report, Strong Fiscal Futures, which examined the state of local government finance in BC. Our message was that while the finance system was currently stable, looming pressures from infrastructure replacement and increasing service demands threatened to make the property tax unaffordable for many British Columbians. We proposed a joint process with the province to look at the system as a whole. Our aim was to bring together multiple provincial ministries to look at ways to contain costs. We also wanted to identify revenue sources that respond to economic growth to ease the burden on property taxpayers. We met with the Premier back in 2013 to discuss the report. Although receptive to the report, the Premier declined to provide direction to advance a joint working group. We also discussed the need for a joint process with Minister Oakes on several occasions. Minister Oakes responded by offering of a piece meal approach to address matters of provincial concern. The Minister has also indicated on two occasions a lack of provincial resources to support such a project. Executive discussed the Province’s responses at our last meeting. We agreed that we couldn’t advance Strong Fiscal Futures without significant provincial involvement. We wrote to the Premier a second time to invite a meeting, but she declined, directing us instead to work with the Minister. As I mentioned earlier, we will be meeting with Minister Oakes next week. Following the meeting, Executive will take stock of our options. BC Ferries Yesterday Director Colin Palmer and Councillor Alison Morse led a session on the future of ferry services in BC. It was a pleasure for UBCM to work with AVICC to develop last year’s report on the socio-economic impacts of ferry fare increases. As Colin said, ferry fare increases have multiple impacts on all communities in your region and the BC economy as a whole. Recent recommendations by the ferry commissioner indicate that the rate of fare increases is being pulled back closer to the rate of inflation. However, given the decline in ridership that has already taken place, continuing increases are unlikely to significantly reverse that trend. I think we can take pride in the ferry fares report. The research has broadened the discussion of ferry fares to include the question: “how do these policies impact our communities?” The report will also serve as a yardstick for measuring the actions of the ferry commissioner, BC Ferries and the province over the coming years. AVICC has provided excellent leadership on this issue, and I look forward to hearing about your next steps.
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 23
Advocacy Days To conclude, I want to highlight UBCM’s Advocacy Days, which will get underway next week. Once again this year, the April meeting of UBCM Executive will be held in Victoria. Members of Executive will meet with MLAs from both sides of the House to raise awareness around local government issues. Our aim this year is to connect with 30 Ministers and MLAs. Meetings have already been set with Ministers Oakes, Bennett, Lake, Anton, Stone, Cadieux, Rustad, Virk, Stilwell, Polak, Bond and Thomson. We are also scheduled to sit down with MLAs Robinson, Bernier, Throness, Weaver, Sultan, James, Doug and Bill Routley, Eby, Heyman, Fraser, Krog, Herbert, Simpson, Ralston and Pimm. This year we will focus three issues: - First, we will be discussing the availability of funds for local governments under the $1.1 billion BC share of the New Building Canada Fund. We want the province to confirm that an equitable portion of funds will be dedicated to local infrastructure. - Second, we want to provide an overview on the impact of mental health issues on local government policing costs. There is a need for greater provincial support in dealing with individuals with mental health issues in our communities. - Finally, we are also going to talk about elements necessary for the Province to develop a “world class” land based spill preparedness and response framework. The proposed framework is one of the five conditions set out by the province with regard to Northern Gateway. There are several features we are looking for in order to protect communities:
• an oversight organization that is provincially led and industry funded; • a BC based contingency fund that is 100% industry funded that ensures a 100% cost recovery for local
governments who have expended their own resources to clean up spills; • response plans for high risk areas; • an increase in emergency response staff; and • industry funded wildlife and ecosystem restoration.
Next week looks like it will be quite busy; we will provide an update in the Compass after to tell you how things went. Conclusion Thank you for your attention this morning. Your feedback is important to me, so if you have comments or questions, please speak me later in the morning. You can also reach me by contacting either office of UBCM. This year’s convention will be held in Vancouver September 21-25; I hope to see you there.
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Financial Statements of
ASSOCIATION OFVANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIES
Year ended December 31, 2014
APPENDIX B - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO DECEMBER 31, 2014
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 25
KPMG LLP Telephone (250) 480-3500Chartered Accountants Fax (250) 480-3539St. Andrew's Square II Internet www.kpmg.ca800-730 View StreetVictoria BC V8W 3Y7Canada
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Members of Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Association of Vancouver Island andCoastal Communities, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2014,the statements of operations and changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, andnotes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements inaccordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for suchinternal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financialstatements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors' Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. Weconducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Thosestandards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtainreasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosuresin the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including theassessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud orerror. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’spreparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures thatare appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on theeffectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness ofaccounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, aswell as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate toprovide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position ofAssociation of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities as at December 31, 2014, and its resultsof operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accountingstandards for not-for-profit organizations.
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMGnetwork of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 26
Page 2 Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
As required by the Society Act (British Columbia), we report that, in our opinion, the accountingpolicies applied by the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities in preparing andpresenting the financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations have been applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year.
Chartered Accountants
March 12, 2015
Victoria, Canada
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ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESStatement of Financial Position
December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013
2014 2013
Assets
Current assets:Cash and cash equivalents (note 2) $ 195,934 $ 181,713Prepaid expenses - 2,250Accounts receivable 1,024 458
$ 196,958 $ 184,421
Liabilities and Net Assets
Current liabilities:Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 8,010 $ 9,784Deferred contributions (note 3) 50,415 50,832
58,425 60,616
Net assets:Unrestricted 138,533 123,805
Contractual commitments (note 4)
$ 196,958 $ 184,421
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
On behalf of the Board:
Director
Director
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ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESStatement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets
Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013
2014 2013
Revenue:Annual meeting - sponsorships $ 44,001 $ 36,300Annual meeting - registration 46,477 46,223Association dues 74,979 76,132Interest 2,231 2,134Other 6,175 458
173,863 161,247
Expenses:Annual meeting 67,139 71,493Communication and staff travel 2,452 1,316Executive meetings 8,154 9,249Other meetings 2,693 1,858Postage, office and miscellaneous 4,535 10,585Professional fees 6,090 6,090Union of BC Municipalities contract fees 53,850 53,850Consulting fees 14,222 -
159,135 154,441
Excess of revenue over expenses 14,728 6,806
Net assets, beginning of year 123,805 116,999 Net assets, end of year $ 138,533 $ 123,805
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESStatement of Cash Flows
Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013
2014 2013
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:Excess of revenue over expenses $ 14,728 $ 6,806
Change in non-cash operating working capital:Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses 2,250 (250)Increase in accounts receivable (566) (319)(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities (1,774) 2,184(Decrease) increase in deferred contributions (417) 4,167
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 14,221 12,588
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 181,713 169,125
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 195,934 $ 181,713
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESNotes to Financial Statements
Year ended December 31, 2014
Nature of operations:
Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (the "Association") is incorporated underthe Society Act (British Columbia) and is exempt from the requirement to pay income taxes. Itspurpose is to promote autonomy within local government and to advance the principles of localgovernment. The Association represents the various municipalities and regional districts ofVancouver Island, Powell River and the Sunshine and Central Coasts.
1. Significant accounting policies:
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian Accounting Standardsfor Not-For-Profit Organizations ("ASNPO") in Part III of the CPA Canada Handbook. TheAssociation's significant accounting policies are as follows:
(a) Basis of presentation:
These financial statements present the financial position, results of operations andchanges in net assets of the Association and, as such, do not include all the assets,liabilities, revenue and expenses of the members of the Association.
There is no provision in the accounts for income taxes as the activities of the Associationare conducted on a not-for-profit basis.
(b) Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and highly liquid investments consisting ofterm deposits with original maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less.
(c) Revenue recognition:
The Association follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions. Restrictedcontributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses areincurred. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received orreceivable if the amount received can be reasonably estimated and collection isreasonably assured.
Annual meeting sponsorships, registration and exhibit revenues are recognized asrevenue when the conference takes place.
Association dues are recognized as revenue in the year they are earned and collection isreasonably assured.
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ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESNotes to Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2014
1. Significant accounting policies (continued):
(d) Contributed materials and services:
Due to the difficulty in determining fair value, contributed materials and services are notrecognized in the financial statements.
(e) Financial instruments:
Financial instruments are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Freestandingderivative instruments that are not in a qualifying hedging relationship and equityinstruments that are quoted in an active market are subsequently measured at fair value.All other financial instruments are subsequently recorded at cost or amortized cost, unlessmanagement has elected to carry the instruments at fair value. The Association has notelected to carry any such financial instruments at fair value.
Transaction costs incurred on the acquisition of financial instruments measuredsubsequently at fair value are expensed as incurred. All other financial instruments areadjusted by transaction costs incurred on acquisition and financing costs, which areamortized using the straight-line method (or effective interest rate method).
Financial assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis at the end of the fiscalyear if there are indicators of impairment. If there is an indicator of impairment, theAssociation determines if there is a significant adverse change in the expected amount ortiming of future cash flows from the financial asset. If there is a significant adverse changein the expected cash flows, the carrying value of the financial asset is reduced to thehighest of the present value of the expected cash flows, the amount that could be realizedfrom selling the financial asset or the amount the Association expects to realize byexercising its right to any collateral. If events and circumstances reverse in a future year,an impairment loss will be reversed to the extent of the improvement, not exceeding theinitial carrying value.
(f) Capital assets:
In accordance with the ASNPO Handbook section 4431, "Tangible capital assets held bynot-for-profit organizations" the Association has not capitalized any expenditures duringthe year. In 2014 there were no capital expenditures (2013 - $nil). Capital assets ownedby the Association but which are not capitalized under this policy include furniture,computer hardware and software.
52015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 32
ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND ANDCOASTAL COMMUNITIESNotes to Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2014
1. Significant accounting policies (continued):
(g) Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with ASNPO requires management tomake estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilitiesand disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statementsand the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results coulddiffer from those estimates.
2. Cash and cash equivalents:
2014 2013 Cash $ 30,181 $ 22,776MFA Money Market Funds 165,753 158,937
$ 195,934 $ 181,713
3. Deferred contributions:
Deferred contributions consist of $44,665 (2013 - $44,665) of provincial grants restricted for thefacilitation of the activities of the treaty advisory committee in addition to $5,750 (2013 - $6,167)of sponsorship revenues received in advance for the 2014 conference.
4. Contractual commitments:
The Association has a contract with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for secretarialand office services and has committed to pay $78,000 in 2015 in respect of this contract by wayof quarterly payments. The amounts are subject to adjustment each January.
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APPENDIX C
AVAILABLE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION HANDOUTS
A number of session presenters used Power Points. The handouts for these presentations are available for download from http://avicc.ca/2015-minutes/
• Pre-Convention Reconciliation in Action Workshop • Pre-Convention Hospitals Project Tour • Future of Ferries Plenary Presentation • Regulation of Forest Management Activities on Private Managed Forest Land Saturday Morning
Breakfast Presentation • Why Municipal Support is Necessary: Building Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing
Concurrent Workshop • Converting Waste to Energy Concurrent Workshop • Who’s Covering Your Assets? Plenary Presentation
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTORS
Keynote Speaker - Tonia S. Winchester, Former Deputy Campaign Director, Washington State Initiative 502 Marijuana legalization is an important topic facing Vancouver Island and its surrounding communities. With Washington state just across the border implementing a state-wide recreational marijuana system and the launch of Canada’s nationwide medical marijuana mail-to-order program, MMPR, the issue is even more pressing. What are the challenges of implementing full legalization, and how should communities start addressing the topic? What worked in Washington State, and how does the current system in Canada actually operate? Tonia will provide an overview of the Washington state campaign, the current MMPR model, and will answer your questions about what your community needs to be thinking about as you approach the Canadian federal elections this year. Tonia is a former Seattle Prosecutor who worked as Deputy Campaign Director, Washington State Initiative 502 that successfully legalized marijuana in Washington State by a 56-44 margin in November of 2012. Her role included forging alliances and getting endorsements from many groups traditionally seen as hostile to marijuana reform, as well as speaking across the state advocating for a new approach to Washington State’s marijuana laws. Most recently Tonia led the initial operational team that established and managed the Tilray medical marijuana production facility in Nanaimo, British Columbia - one of the largest medical marijuana production facilities in all of Canada. Tonia continues to speak across both the US and Canada advocating for the responsible and regulated legalization of cannabis, as well as working to help ethical and progressive businesses get established within the cannabis industry. Tonia received her B.A. from the University of Washington and graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law. Regulation of Forest Management Activities on Private Managed Forest Land The Managed Forest Council will discuss its role as the regulator of forest management practices on private managed forest land. The session will provide delegates with specific knowledge on the Managed Forest Program, its provincial mandate and the effectiveness of its professional reliance model in protecting five key resource areas on private managed forest land. The presentation is designed to answer questions elected officials may have around Council regulatory standards and how an owner’s performance around these standards are evaluated through its ongoing inspection and investigation program.
Presenter: Rod Davis, Chair, Managed Forest Council
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APPENDIX C
Plenary Presentations Future of Coastal Ferry Services For decades, local governments have been concerned about the negative impacts of coastal ferry fare increases on their communities. In 2014, concerns intensified with fare increases, the implementation of provincially-mandated service cuts to lifeline ferry routes, and the release of the UBCM report Boatswains to the Bollards: A Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of BC Ferries that documented the serious socioeconomic impacts caused by high ferry fares. This session will provide an overview of the BC Ferry Commissioner's preliminary decision for price caps that will apply to coastal ferry fares for 2016-2020 and resulting potential implications. It will also provide background on the Coastal Regional District Chairs Group’s work and recent meetings with the Minister and the Ferry Commissioner. This session is intended to stimulate a lively discussion about visions for the coastal ferry service from 2016 forward, and next steps for local government to consider as the provincial government reviews the Commissioners Report and the Coastal Ferry Services Contract with BC Ferries from April to June 30.
Presenters: Colin Palmer, Director of the Powell River Regional District, Chair of the Regional District Coastal Ferry Group and AVICC Director and Alison Morse, Bowen Island Municipal Councillor, Island Trust Trustee and Co-Chair of the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs
Who’s Covering Your Assets? Local governments’ linear assets are the foundation on which our communities are built. The immediate and long-term successful recovery and rebuilding efforts following a natural catastrophe are critical to health, safety and community wellbeing. There is no insurance to cover the cost of repairs, so reliance is currently placed on funding from senior levels of government. Yet funding gaps in disaster programs will produce significant unfunded liabilities at the local government level. These gaps can be addressed with measured funding and established risk financing techniques. This session will focus on identifying those funding gaps, assessing their magnitude, and implementing mitigation techniques.
Presenter: Tom Barnes, CEO and General Counsel, Municipal Insurance Association Concurrent Workshop Sessions Why Municipal Support is Necessary: Building Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing With greater proportions of our population living in core housing need (221,470 of British Columbia households in Core Housing Need in 2006 and 23% of all British Columbia households are paying more than 50% of their income on rent in 2014), compounded by limited funds and shrinking federal government support for housing, non-profit organizations are experiencing increased pressure to service our vulnerable sector with inadequate support. This session is a push for action by local governments to positively utilize their planning power to advance affordable housing initiatives. This session will provide an overview of why effective collaboration between municipal governments and non-profits is necessary, and will highlight specific ways municipal governments can support non-profits in developing affordable housing.
Presenters: Kevin Albers, CEO and Kaela Schramm, Director of Projects and Planning, M'akola Development Services
Wastewater Treatment/Resource Recovery Advances An advanced wastewater treatment facility, Sechelt’s Water Resource Centre (WRC) is designed to process wastewater into dewatered biosolids suitable for composting and high quality effluent water suitable for a wide range of reuses. State of the art technology and innovation in design reduce both pollutant discharge and operating costs. With noise and odour minimization, a compact footprint and appealing design, the WRC is integrated into a park space that complements the adjacent nature reserve and residential community. Removal of hormones and pharmaceuticals from effluent water using biochar made from the biosolids is slated to be tested at the WRC in 2015.
Presenter: Paul Nash, Project Coordinator, Sechelt Water Resource Centre
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 35
APPENDIX C
Planning for Island-wide Intermodal Transportation Whether the focus is rapid transit in Greater Victoria, container shipping in Nanaimo, LNG in Port Alberni, passenger/cargo rail, export capacity, BC Ferry schedules, new road proposals, airport expansions, public transit efficiencies, foot passenger ferries, peak session shipping capacity, or barging solid waste, it is time for a comprehensive intermodal transportation plan to turn what is widely viewed as an 'Island liability' into an economic advantage. Our panel of experts will engage your ideas as we work toward a prioritized plan to improve connectiveness, efficiency and accessibility.
Panel Members: George Hanson, President, VIEA; Dave Willie, VIEA Director, Member of VIEA Transportation Committee, and former Qualicum Beach Councillor; Josie Osborne, Tofino Mayor and Alberni-Clayoquot RD Chair; Fred Bigelow, CEO, Comox Airport Commission; and Bernie Dumas, President & CEO, Nanaimo Port Authority
Converting Waste to Energy: How does it work? How does it fit? What does it cost? What are the impacts? This information session will provide a high-level overview of energy extraction from the residual waste stream after recycling. Firstly, technologies will be discussed, from the conventional burning for heat, through the making of fuel from the waste, to the less conventional conversion of waste into burnable gas. We will see how waste to energy fits into an integrated waste management program, and how it might add value and what it could cost. Potential impacts, such as air pollution and ash disposal will be looked at as well as the greenhouse gas balance. Finally we hope to help you answer the question: Should this be something we believe is good for our community and society? Presenter: Konrad Fichtner, P. Eng., Morrison Hershfield Open Space Workshop Open Space is an interactive opportunity for conference participants to seize control of the agenda and talk about the topics that matter to you - so come armed with ideas, questions, and an open mind, and follow the law of two feet: If you find yourself in a situation where you are not contributing or learning, move somewhere where you can."
Facilitator: AVICC Director and Port Hardy Councillor Jessie Hemphill
2015 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION MINUTES 36
2015-16 AVICC EXECUTIVE
PRESIDENT Councillor Barbara Price Town of Comox FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Director Mary Marcotte Cowichan Valley Regional District SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Director Edwin Grieve Comox Valley Regional District ELECTORAL AREA REPRESENTATIVE Director Noba Anderson Strathcona Regional Distict DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Councillor Jessie Hemphill District of Port Hardy Councillor Carl Jensen District of Central Saanich Mayor Josie Osborne District of Tofino PAST PRESIDENT Chair Joe Stanhope Regional District of Nanaimo
MEMORANDUM
TO: AVICC Members
FROM: Councillor Barbara Price, President
DATE: June 24, 2015
RE: JUNE 2015 – UPDATE TO MEMBERS Executive met in Nanaimo June 18. Following are some highlights. Private Managed Forest Lands and Water and Watershed Protection AVICC Executive met with Brian Epps, Source Water Protection Specialist with Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. He advised that his colleagues in his own Ministry and the Ministry of Health and VIHA no longer believe that a working stakeholder group similar to the old Drinking Water Team is a workable option. The proposal coming forward is to develop an inter-‐jurisdictional contact list to assist local governments to be able to identify the key contacts for the specific problem that they need to resolve. Executive expressed their disappointment with the response, but agreed that development of a contact list would be helpful starting point. AVICC Special Committee on Solid Waste Management The AVICC Special Committee on Solid Waste Management was formed in response to the need identified by members to initiate a process to work toward finding a long-‐term sustainable strategy for solid waste management on Vancouver Island and the coastal communities. The nine regional districts within the AVICC region are committed participants. The Committee began its work May 1 and has met three times to date—the most recently at a workshop June 19 in Nanaimo facilitated by Tetra Tech EBA which has been contracted by the Comox Valley Regional District as an in-‐kind contribution to complete the base of research for the project. The terms of reference, a list of representatives, the meeting schedule and approved minutes are posted on http://avicc.ca under the Newsroom tab. Gas Operating Agreement Update Executive was pleased to learn that the BC Utilities Commission has approved 13 of 26 operating agreements. It is expected that the remainder will be approved shortly. Because of the timing of the approvals, the implementation timing will be affected. Once all have been approved, an update will be sent out to members with the revised revenue estimates.
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Minutes of the 2015 AGM & Convention The draft Minutes of the 66th Annual Convention held April 10-‐12, 2015 in Courtenay have been attached and will also be available for future reference on the website http://avicc.ca/category/resources/agmconvention-‐minutes/ The minutes will be approved at the next Annual General Meeting held as part of the 2016 Convention. A number of presenters at the 2015 Convention used Power Point. Copies of the handouts where available have been posted in the same location. September 23 AVICC Luncheon at UBCM Convention The AVICC Luncheon to be held September 23 in conjunction with the UBCM Convention provides another great opportunity to network with your fellow AVICC members. Executive looks forward to seeing you there. 2017-‐2019 Convention Dates/Locations Dates have now been identified for the 2017-‐2019 AVICC AGM & Conventions:
• 2017: April 7-‐9 • 2018: April 13-‐15 • 2019: April 12-‐14
Executive is pleased to award the City of Campbell River as host community for 2017. The AVICC Executive is seeking expressions of interest from local government members in hosting the 2018 and 2019 Conventions. Please see the separate notice with details of requirements. Expressions of interest will be received until September 30. AVICC’s Executive Coordinator is Retiring AVICC contracts with UBCM to provide services that support the Association. The majority of this support is provided by UBCM through the position of the AVICC Executive Coordinator. Iris Hesketh-‐Boles, with the exception of a break in 2013-‐2014, has served the Association well since 2009. Iris will be retiring from UBCM at the end of June to pursue other opportunities. We’d like to thank her for her professionalism and excellence in service, organization and planning; and wish her the best in her future endeavors. UBCM is in the process of initiating a recruitment process with the expectation that a new AVICC Executive Coordinator will be in place by mid to late August. In the interim, all email should be directed to [email protected] and telephone calls to 250-‐356-‐5133.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor & Council / Chair and Board AVICC Members FROM: Councillor Barbara Price, President DATE: June 23, 2015 RE: FUTURE YEARS AVICC AGM & CONVENTION DATES,
AWARD TO THE CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER FOR 2017 CONVENTION, AND REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO HOST FOR 2018 AND 2019
Dates have now been identified for the 2017-‐2019 AVICC AGM & Conventions:
• 2017: April 7-‐9 • 2018: April 13-‐15 • 2019: April 12-‐14
Executive is pleased to award the City of Campbell River as host community for 2017. The AVICC Executive is seeking expressions of interest from local government members in hosting the 2018 and 2019 Conventions. Attached is a list of Host Community Responsibilities. AVICC’s new Executive Coordinator will be available in late August to be able to answer questions that you may have. Please email [email protected] or call 250-‐356-‐5122. If your local government is interested in hosting the Convention for one of these years, please submit your expression of interest with Council/Board resolution in support of the expression by September 30th to:
AVICC Executive Coordinator Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities 525 Government Street Victoria, BC V8V 0A8 Fax: 250-‐356-‐5119 EM: [email protected]
Thank you.
2018-‐19 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION HOST COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
The following identifies the required meeting facilities and other supports that the AVICC AGM & Convention Host Community is expected to provide: Meeting Facilities -‐ provide without charge to AVICC, meeting venues, set up and janitorial services for the Convention, including the following: • Executive meeting room – pre-‐Convention (Thursday afternoon) • Pre-‐Conference Session – to accommodate up to 100 (Friday morning) • Business Sessions -‐ to accommodate up to 275 (Friday noon to Sunday noon) • 2 – 3 Break Out Rooms -‐ to accommodate up to 100-‐125 people each (Saturday afternoon) • Adequate tradeshow space for at least 20 exhibitors in close proximity to the Refreshment
Break service area and Business Sessions (Friday am to noon Sunday) • Space to hold Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday to accommodate up to 225 people • Space to hold Refreshment Break service in conjunction with the tradeshow (Friday to Sunday) • Welcome Reception (Friday evening) -‐ to accommodate up to 325 people • Delegates Luncheon (Saturday noon) -‐ to accommodate up to 275 people • Annual Banquet and Dance (Saturday evening) -‐ to accommodate up to 300 people • 1 room to be used for AVICC Office (Thursday noon to Sunday 1 pm) Hotel Rooms The host community must also have capacity for and block book 225 hotel rooms. Miscellaneous • Decorations for Welcome Reception and Annual Banquet • 6 – 8 Gifts for speakers representative of the Host Community • Some staff assistance during the Convention, i.e. kit stuffing, registration, ticket taking if
required • Assist with obtaining through local donations a sufficient number of pens and pads for
Convention kits and draw prizes • Provide use of local government, BC and Canada flags Planning Assistance to Assist AVICC Executive and Staff • Assist in identifying local suppliers for food and beverage service, audio visual equipment and
support, banquet entertainment, piper, O’Canada singer, bus transportation, etc. and work with locally contracted suppliers and AVICC staff for purposes of logistical coordination
• Assist with identifying and providing a local liaison with the First Nations and local speakers that may positively contribute to the program
• Plan and administer any Partner Programs that the local host may want to offer and have been approved by the AVICC Executive
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor & Council / Chair and Board AVICC Members FROM: Councillor Barbara Price, President DATE: June 23, 2015 RE: FUTURE YEARS AVICC AGM & CONVENTION DATES,
AWARD TO THE CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER FOR 2017 CONVENTION, AND REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO HOST FOR 2018 AND 2019
Dates have now been identified for the 2017-‐2019 AVICC AGM & Conventions:
• 2017: April 7-‐9 • 2018: April 13-‐15 • 2019: April 12-‐14
Executive is pleased to award the City of Campbell River as host community for 2017. The AVICC Executive is seeking expressions of interest from local government members in hosting the 2018 and 2019 Conventions. Attached is a list of Host Community Responsibilities. AVICC’s new Executive Coordinator will be available in late August to be able to answer questions that you may have. Please email [email protected] or call 250-‐356-‐5122. If your local government is interested in hosting the Convention for one of these years, please submit your expression of interest with Council/Board resolution in support of the expression by September 30th to:
AVICC Executive Coordinator Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities 525 Government Street Victoria, BC V8V 0A8 Fax: 250-‐356-‐5119 EM: [email protected]
Thank you.
2018-‐19 AVICC AGM & CONVENTION HOST COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
The following identifies the required meeting facilities and other supports that the AVICC AGM & Convention Host Community is expected to provide: Meeting Facilities -‐ provide without charge to AVICC, meeting venues, set up and janitorial services for the Convention, including the following: • Executive meeting room – pre-‐Convention (Thursday afternoon) • Pre-‐Conference Session – to accommodate up to 100 (Friday morning) • Business Sessions -‐ to accommodate up to 275 (Friday noon to Sunday noon) • 2 – 3 Break Out Rooms -‐ to accommodate up to 100-‐125 people each (Saturday afternoon) • Adequate tradeshow space for at least 20 exhibitors in close proximity to the Refreshment
Break service area and Business Sessions (Friday am to noon Sunday) • Space to hold Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday to accommodate up to 225 people • Space to hold Refreshment Break service in conjunction with the tradeshow (Friday to Sunday) • Welcome Reception (Friday evening) -‐ to accommodate up to 325 people • Delegates Luncheon (Saturday noon) -‐ to accommodate up to 275 people • Annual Banquet and Dance (Saturday evening) -‐ to accommodate up to 300 people • 1 room to be used for AVICC Office (Thursday noon to Sunday 1 pm) Hotel Rooms The host community must also have capacity for and block book 225 hotel rooms. Miscellaneous • Decorations for Welcome Reception and Annual Banquet • 6 – 8 Gifts for speakers representative of the Host Community • Some staff assistance during the Convention, i.e. kit stuffing, registration, ticket taking if
required • Assist with obtaining through local donations a sufficient number of pens and pads for
Convention kits and draw prizes • Provide use of local government, BC and Canada flags Planning Assistance to Assist AVICC Executive and Staff • Assist in identifying local suppliers for food and beverage service, audio visual equipment and
support, banquet entertainment, piper, O’Canada singer, bus transportation, etc. and work with locally contracted suppliers and AVICC staff for purposes of logistical coordination
• Assist with identifying and providing a local liaison with the First Nations and local speakers that may positively contribute to the program
• Plan and administer any Partner Programs that the local host may want to offer and have been approved by the AVICC Executive
"LITERACY MONTH"
WHEREAS Literacy is necessary for Canadians to increase their life
chances and be successful in today’s modern world;
AND WHEREAS Engaging children and youth in literacy programming
ensures the best possible environment for getting a head
start on literacy and lifelong learning;
AND WHEREAS Solid literacy skills are vital to our country’s social and
economic development;
AND WHEREAS Literacy offers all Canadians an opportunity to make a
substantial contribution to the education, growth and
prosperity of Canada;
AND WHEREAS Many organizations across the Sunshine Coast, British
Columbia, and Canada, including the Sunshine Coast
Literacy Coalition, demonstrate daily – through the work in
their community – their commitment to creating a culture
of community-based literacy and learning;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce Milne, Mayor of the District of Sechelt, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM the month of September, 2015 as
"LITERACY MONTH"
in the District of Sechelt.
Bruce Milne
MAYOR