By Andru McCracken
Council began its meeting considering a request for a letter of support from Stephen Quinn, Electoral Area ‘B’ Director for the Thompson Nicola Regional District.
“I will be asking the board to send a letter to Premier Horgan requesting that he resolve the negative impacts of the Tiny House Warriors’ protest on the residents and businesses of Blue River,” wrote Quinn.
Mayor Owen Torgerson suggested that the village provide a letter of support similar to a letter from Thompson Nicola Regional District.
“This is a single director requesting our support […] I would suggest that you see what [the letter from the TNRD] looks like,” he said.
Council agreed and authorized Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Robinson to send a letter based on the TNRD response.
Reading file
Councillor Donnie MacLean said a report on community concerns regarding the Columbia River Treaty makes for interesting reading. The report details Valemount’s concerns as well as that of other
communities.
Mayor Owen Torgerson said that concerns about dust from the Koocanusa reservoir mirror Valemount’s concerns with dust from Kinbasket Reservoir.
Councillor Pete Pearson asked that the village highlight the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s Small
Business Every Day Campaign. Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Robinson said staff would find a way to support it.
Councillor Hollie Blanchette said she would bring up the program with the Chamber of Commerce. Pearson also brought up a letter from resident Peter Fox.
Fox took issue with the phrase ‘sexual preference’ by the mayor in a recent comment to the newspaper.
“Please commit to refraining from using the offensive, even pejorative and injurious term ‘sexual preference’ as
our Mayor was cited using in context of inviting tourists back to Valemount.”
Pearson said no offense was intended and committed to use the phrase sexual orientation.
Torgerson, who made the statement, said, “I will strive to do better.”
Strategic Priority updates
Staff provide a list of strategic priorities and COVID initiatives.
“Compliments to the staff; it is an exhaustive list,” said Pearson.
“Great work, Mr. Robinson and your team,” said Torgerson.
Valemount Affordable Rentals Society variance
Council gave final approval to reduce the number of parking spaces required for a new 13 unit affordable housing building from 29 to 23.
Water Filling Station and Septage Receiving Station
Council entered into a $1.6 million dollar deal to handle waste and water for Trans Mountain.
Bylaw enforcement and adjudication
Council gave three readings to Bylaw 698 and 825 which help support a recently amended water restrictions bylaw.
Zoning Bylaw 826 and 610
Council gave first and second readings to change 1303 Dogwood Street from Residential to Rural Residential 2 to allow a second single family dwelling to be constructed.
Tax Sales deferred
The Village gave three readings that will enable it to defer property tax sales from August 31, 2020 until September 27, 2021.
COVID-19 related policies
Council passed two policies to help with COVID-19.
Council reports
In his report to council the Mayor said Trans Mountain would reach out to local contractors to gauge their capacity.
In camera
Council proceeded in camera to discuss the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality
