By Andrea Arnold
The January 25, 2022 Valemount council meeting was called to order by Mayor Torgerson. Councillor Pearson was not present.
Bylaw Enforcement Services Report
Council received the Bylaw Enforcement Services Report for December 2021 as well as the annual summary. In December, there were six new bylaw contraventions issued.
Over all, in 2021, 126 out of 133 issues ended in compliance.
Building Inspection Report
Council received the 2021 Building Inspection Report for information.
Estimated construction values – $3,443,000
Permit fees collected – $23,861.00
Permits issued – Building-30, Plumbing-15, New Solid Fuel appliances-6
Convention Attendance
Council approved the Mayor’s attendance at the 2022 BC Council of Forest Industries Convention from April 27-29, 2022 in Vancouver BC.
Columbia Basin Trust – Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program Adjudication Committee
Council accepted the Columbia Basin Trust – Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program Adjudication Committee amended terms of reference. Also, Council directed village staff to advertise for one additional committee member.
Wood Stove Exchange program
Council approved the 2021 Wood Stove Exchange program progress report and received it for information. 5 Non-Certified Wood/Certified Wood, 1 Non-Certified/Alternative, 1 Non-Certified Wood/Wood Exchanges were completed.
Borealis GroPower contract
Council approved the procurement of a contract with Borealis GeoPower to provide design, management and analysis of the output of three (3) parallel geophysical surveys, to identify the location of Valemount’s geothermal resources for approximately $85,000, subject to approval of CleanBC grant and associated funding. As Borealis GeoPower has already done work in the area and has collected data, the contract can proceed without open solicitation.
KitselasGeothermal Inc contract
Council approved the procurement of a contract with Kitselas Geothermal Inc. To provide ground-based gravity survey, a water survey, and a micro-seismic re-interpretation within the Village of Valemount, for approximately $90,175 subject to approval of CleanBC grant and associated funding.
KGI has spent more than $5 million on local geothermal exploration and delineation, has conducted many full geothermal water surveys, and has unique and globally relevant skills that will aid them in completing their tasks successfully. The Village may conduct a procurement without open solicitation.
Sunset Shack Ltd permit request
Council granted initial approval, street vendor permit – alternative location application for 1422 Bruce Place – to Sunset Shack Ltd for up to three years.
Bylaws & Policies
Village of Valemount Municipal and Regional District Tax Bylaw No. 852, 2022 be adopted as presented. First, second, and third readings, as amended, were given to the Bylaw No. 852, 2022 at the regular Council meeting of January 11, 2022 with the following amendment: that the Lieutenant Governor in Council make a regulation providing for a tax levy of two percent (2%) on sales of short-term accommodation (ex. Hotel rooms) within the municipality. Those affected are accommodations within the Valemount tourism industry.
Village of Valemount Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 855, 2022 be adopted as presented to include sewage and water.
Village of Valemount Zoning Bylaw No. 847, 2021 Amendment Bylaw No, 856, 2022 be given first and second reading. Mayor Torgerson recused himself due to his connection to the applicant. Valemount Affordable Rentals Society (VARS) has submitted an application for a site-specific zoning amendment to permit two principal buildings on the property at 1290 Main Street. The proposed building will contain 6-7 affordable housing units
Council moved to proceed to an in-camera meeting for consideration of one item Section 90 (1)(a) of the Community Charter to discuss matters related to personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality.
