By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Gene Runtz called the McBride Council meeting to order at 7:00 pm on Feb 14, 2023.
Community facility management
Dale Stephens from the McBride Community Consultation Committee presented to council. Stephens came to the meeting looking for support from Council to back the committee’s initiative to return oversight and management of the arena, curling rink and community hall back to the community and out of the hands of the Regional District.
Following Stephens’ presentation, Council made and passed a motion to provide Stephens and the McBride Community Consultation Committee with a letter of support.
Robson Valley Legacies Development update
Doug Monroe from Profor Management Inc. presented an update on activities, progress and direction of the Robson Valley Legacies Development. Monroe began by giving some background on the development of the multiple residences on the old highschool property on 2nd ave in McBride that was first proposed in 2019. He said that they have been using the existing building space on the property, as well as stockpiling supplies and purchasing equipment so they are ready to break ground as soon as it is possible and allow for quick construction.
Monroes have been in contact with UNBC, making plans to form a partnership that would provide housing (through the development) to nursing students needing to complete practicums.
Profor has recently purchased an adjacent property with an existing residence. Initially, this property will be used as office space, laundry facilities, communal kitchen option and gathering place as buildings specific to these uses will not be the first constructed on the development site. The focus will be on building the housing complexes first. Although there is some funding in place, they are continuing to look for more funding possibilities and will be submitting rezoning applications for some of the properties in the near future.
Monroe concluded by saying that he is looking for a political advocate through council and a good partnership.
Grant application
Council directed staff to submit an application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Economic Development Capacity Building Program 2023 for $50,000 and agreed to support overall grant management.
Committee re-appointments
Council discussed and voted to fill committee appointments following Councillor Diane Smith’s resignation.
Mayor Runtz is appointed as a Delegate to the McBride Community Foundation Endowment Fund Committee.
Councillor Pete Caputo is appointed as the Delegate to the Robson Valley Region Steering Committee.
Councillor Caputo is appointed as the alternate to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Board of Directors.
Councillor Joe Kolida is appointed as the delegate to the Robson Valley Recreation Centre Community Consultation Committee.
Councillor Glen Frear is removed as the alternative and appointed as the delegate to the Ancient Forest Working Group.
Councillor Kolida is appointed as the delegate to the Village of McBride Community Revitalization and Beautification Committee.
Hockey tournament beer gardens
Council approved an application from the Veneer Kings hockey team for beer garden endorsements during their tournament on March 4, 2023.
Budget schedule
Council voted to receive the 2023 budget schedule for consideration and discussion. Council also approved the schedule as presented. Budget meetings will begin on March 7 and conclude at a special council meeting on May 2. The public consultation meeting will occur on Tuesday April 18 at 7:00pm at council chambers.
In-camera
Council moved to an in-camera meeting for consideration of matter of the community charter related to section 90 (1) (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege including communications necessary for that purpose; and negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stage and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.
The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.
