|
|
|
|
December, 2007
BIM LINK
A publication of the Bowen Island Municipality | |
Volume 1, Issue 2 |
If you wish to read this newsletter on the Bowen Island Municipality website, click here.
Your feedback, comments and
constructive suggestions are always welcome. Please contact the Editor
by emailing bimlinkeditor@gmail.com. |
Public offers support of secondary suites bylaw
Of the 21 people who addressed
council at a public hearing 4 December, only one spoke against the
proposed bylaw 194 that would permit secondary suites in all
single-family residential zones outside of Snug Cove. Most people
praised the municipality's work towards creating a framework for
legalizing suites, and recognizing them as an affordable housing
option.
"The
bylaw is a way to say secondary suites are here; people need them …
it's an act of a kinder, caring community," said Betsy Hodgins, one of
the first speakers to take the mike.
She was followed by many who echoed her sentiments and encouraged
council to take swift action to adopt the bylaw.
At
the beginning of the hearing, held at the BICS gym and attended by
approximately 50 people, Jason Smith, planner for the municipality,
outlined details of the proposed bylaw and policy.
He called the bylaw a "small step toward addressing the need for
affordable housing on Bowen."
Smith
noted that the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation defines affordable
housing as housing that costs 30% or less of gross household income.
Based on that, the reality of today's real estate market requires a
minimum income of $85,000 to purchase a single-family home on Bowen. An
annual salary of $72,000 is required to rent an entire house costing
$2000/month, which is not an uncommon amount on Bowen Island.
There
are many in the community not served by this housing stock, pointed out
Smith. Secondary suites, typically costing $800 to $1000 per month,
offer an opportunity for those, who cannot afford to buy or rent an
entire house, to live on Bowen. Legalizing them will also help address
concerns about health and safety, ensuring that tenants reside in
accommodations that meet minimum standards.
Smith
presented a rationale for the proposed policy, which the Islands Trust
deemed as compatible with the Trust policy statement. He acknowledged
that some of the components were controversial and that the issue of
density was a particular concern of many islanders.
However,
Smith said he was guided by the "bedrock of planning", Bowen's Official
Community Plan (OCP). It explicitly allows for exceptions to the
one-unit per lot restriction in the case of "affordable or special
needs housing." As well it's overarching statements support initiatives
that "encourage maintenance of a population with varying income levels,
lifestyles and age groups.” Diversity is desired on Bowen, noted Smith,
and this is one approach to achieving that goal.
Upon
the close of the public hearing, Council is unable receive further
public input regarding the proposed bylaw. Smith will prepare a report
for council summarizing the hearing and written submissions, at which
point council will decided how to proceed.
|
Municipality sets the stage for an affordable housing strategy
Council has established an Affordable
Housing Working Group and allocated $10,000 to cover the expense of
drafting an affordable housing policy for the municipality. It has
appointed Elizabeth Ballantyne to chair the group, an offshoot of the
Bowen Community Housing Association.
Over the past two years, the housing association has been
raising awareness about the lack of affordable housing on Bowen, and
providing the community with studies and data assessing the situation.
They've met with council and worked with municipal staff proposing the
establishment of an arms-length housing organization.
"What we have achieved represents the first step towards a
municipal affordable housing strategy," said Mayor Bob Turner, at a
council meeting on December 3. "The housing association has given us
resources and a strategy and we’ve given you a budget. What we have is
an excellent cost efficient initiative."
The working group will hire Tim Wake, an affordable housing
consultant, who will draft a policy and begin the work of a municipal
housing organization. Wake will deliver a report to the municipality by
the end of February, 2008, along with recommendations on the next steps
to be taken.
Completing the process of setting up a housing organization is
expected to cost an additional $25,000. However, council expects the
working group to locate and access external sources of start-up funding
to reduce the municipality's contribution.
The policy Wake will draft will guide the municipality in
negotiations with developers applying for rezoning. Specific focus will
be given to those developments already underway, such as Cape Roger
Curtis, Belterra, the surplus lands and those proposed within the Snug
Cove Master Plan.
A policy will identify tools that the
municipality can use to ensure that affordable housing is built
locally. It will consider the application of inclusionary zoning,
density bonus, setting a basis for minimum affordability requirements,
the prioritization of developer contributions, the location of Bowen's
affordable housing and types of housing in relation to needs and
opportunities.
Members of Affordable Housing Working Group
Elizabeth
Ballantyne, chair, Sara Baker, Richard Best, Bruce Howlett, Morganne
Keplar, Jason Smith, Faye White, Alison Morse, Council liaison
|
BC Ferries proposes new schedule
With an attempt to
rectify what BC Ferries calls an "unrealistic existing schedule", the
ferry corporation is proposing changes to the sailing times of the
Queen of Capilano. The intention of the new schedule is to reflect real
loading times as accurately as possible, reduce vessel interactions in
Horseshoe Bay, and allow more "wiggle room" for connecting passengers.
The Bowen Island Municipality Ferry Advisory Committee
(BIMFAC) is fully supportive of the proposed changes that will create
more convenience for islanders. This "appears to be a positive step,
moving towards a viable schedule," noted Bob Lalonde, the chair of
BIMFAC. It would help commuters link up better with the buses on the
mainland. More realistic than the present schedule, the modifications
in sailing times will mean the public will have a reliable timetable
that they count on.
BIMFAC will recommend to council that the proposed schedule run as a pilot project and be implemented as soon as possible.
Proposed schedule
Depart from Horseshoe Bay
4:55 a.m.
6 a.m.
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
9:05 a.m.
10:05 a.m.
11:05 a.m.
12:10 p.m.
14:35 p.m.
15:45 p.m.
16:45 p.m.
17:50 p.m.
18:50 p.m.
19:50 p.m.
20:45 p.m.
21:45 p.m.
Depart from Bowen Island
5:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:35 a.m.
9:35 a.m.
10:35 a.m.
11:40 a.m.
12:45 p.m.
15:10 p.m.
16:15 p.m.
17:15 p.m.
18:20 p.m.
19:20 p.m.
20:15 p.m.
21:15 p.m.
22:10 p.m. |
BC Ferries announces new cut-off times; no change for Bowen
|
BC
Ferries has announced a new policy concerning ticket sales and loading
cut-off times for its minor and intermediate routes, including the run
from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island. However, there's nothing new for
Bowen commuters and others who catch the Queen of Capilano. The
five-minute cut-off, which has been in effect for some time now for
both vehicles and foot passengers will continue to be applied.
That means BC Ferries has backed off from its proposal to
change the cut-off time to 10 minutes before the scheduled sailing
time, or upon vessel arrival, whichever occurs later. The Bowen Island
Municipality Ferry Advisory Committee (BIMFAC) strongly opposed this
change when Jason Bowman, the regional director of Terminal Operations,
floated the idea last month.
At that time, Bowman had argued
that the 10-minute regulation was consistent with the system-wide
practice. But members of BIMFAC expressed concern as to how this new
imposition could clash with the proposed new schedule and existing bus
schedules. It was agreed that changing the cut-off time "simply for the
sake of change" was not acceptable.The committee resolved that they
could not agree with the proposed new procedure. They noted however,
that any policy for the cut-off of ticket sales needs to be "applied
consistently and clearly" by ferry staff.
BC Ferries says the cut-off times are necessary to allow for
an accurate passenger count prior to departure, safe on-time vessel
departures resulting in more efficient fuel consumption and to show
respect to customers who arrive on time.
The ferry company says it plans improvements in passenger handling,
moving ticket booths inside the terminal. However, those changes won't
take effect for some time yet, at least not for another year.
|
| |
Security is going to get tighter at the BC Ferries terminal in
Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries will be following Marine Security (MARSEC)
directives, designed to provide ease in communications in responding to
increased threat levels. MARSEC is a program of Transport Canada.
The first change that will be evident is the locking of the
gate leading from the terminal parking lots to Horseshoe Bay. BC
Ferries say that the gate may be manned on occasion. However, ferry
users will be able to move back and forth between the terminal and the
village using the main ticket booth.
This change should take
effect immediately.
BC Ferries note that the Horseshoe Bay is classified as a high risk
route and accordingly. security levels could fluctuate depending upon
perceived threats. This could result in changes to perimeter security,
access, passenger and baggage screening and even vehicle checks. |
Council endorses Cultural Capital Grant Application
Let's make 2010 a
memorable year of celebration of the arts, culture and heritage of
Bowen Island! That's the plan if Bowen is designated a Cultural Capital
of Canada by the federal government's Canadian Heritage department.
The Bowen Island
Municipality (BIM) is backing Bowen as an obvious choice for the title
plus a hefty sum of money that comes with it. BIM submitted an
application to the federal government on behalf of the community by the 1 December deadline.
Council agreed in November to support the proposal, which was conceived and prepared by the arts community.
It includes a cornucopia of exciting events and activities including
public art and outdoor installations, street banners, a film festival,
a live theatre of plays, an expanded Voices in the Sound, a Wild Bowen festival, a literary festival, the full production of the rock musical Dreamsinger,
and the establishment of a website promoting and documenting
all-things-Bowen, plus the formation of a Council of Community Elders.
BIM also promised a financial commitment of $38,500 (both
in-kind and cash) to be granted over three years. The total budget for
the year of festivities is estimated at $328,500, with an investment of
$230,000 to come from federal coffers and $60,000 kicked in from other
funding sources and participating local organizations.
Council agreed that designation of Capital Culture would bring
a great economic boost to the community, and social and cultural
benefits for years to come. The federal program is aimed at promoting
arts and culture in Canadian municipalities, through recognition of
excellence and support for the arts and culture. Up to five communities
can receive this designation annually, including two with a population
under 50,000. | | All-season playing field and outdoor learning space planned for Bowen
The Bowen Island
Municipality has entered into a joint initiative between the Bowen
Island Municipality and the West Vancouver School District, on behalf
of the School Community Connections program. The result is an
application to build a 12,000 square foot all-weather practice field at
the Bowen Island Community School (BICS).
The project is proposed as Phase 3 of the School Community
Connections program, established by the Ministry of Education and the
Union of BC Municipalities. The program offers funding of one-quarter
of the cost, up to $125,000, of a project situated on school property.
Council has approved allocation of $375,000 from its Community Parks
Reserve and the Recreation and other Community Use Reserve. The amount
will cover the remaining three-quarters cost of the project, subject to
approval of the application. The proposal also includes a commitment
from Council to incorporate an outdoor learning space in the first
phase of the development of civic facilities on Bowen, subject to
design and cost analysis.
The West Vancouver School District chose to channel funds from
the School Community Connections Program to BICS, including $5,000 for
Phase 1 and $40,000 for Phase 2. The first phase funding was spent on
hiring a consultant to assess the viability of undertaking a joint
initiative. The second phase focused on identifying and analyzing the
feasibility of specific projects.
Working with a facilitator,
a Community Connections Steering committee was established to work on
Phase 2. This committee included representatives from the school,
community and the municipality.
An all-season playing field and an outdoor learning space were
two needs that drew strong support from the Steering committee, as well
as from members of the Civic Facilities Working Group (CFWG). Christine
Walker, Community Recreation Supervisor for the municipality, presented
a report to council on November 19th outlining the rationale for
support of the two projects.
Currently, the BICS field is highly in demand as the primary
space on Bowen for organized and non-organized sports activities.
However, the existing facility is a grass field and use of it in the
rainy season causes rapid deterioration. The BICS gym does not provide
an alternative for sports practices during poor weather conditions as
it is booked throughout the week and weekends with school activities
and other recreation programs.
The
new artificial turf field offers an ideal alternative for the Bowen
Island Football Club, Ultimate teams and other users of Bowen's outdoor
recreational pursuits. It will also allow the current field to
regenerate during the heavy rain months. Located between the tennis
court and existing grass field at BICS, its surface would be fenced,
lit and have a perimeter foundation in place for a future cover.
Equivalent to the size of a double tennis court, it will be
multi-purpose, all-weather and suitable for night use.
An outdoor learning space has been on the wish list of
Boweners for many years and was also identified as an important space
to incorporate at the Civic Facilities Visioning Workshop in March of
this year. Numerous clubs and organizations as well as local schools
have expressed interest in taking advantage of such a space if one were
to be built.
In November, following a request from the
Community Connections Steering committee, the CFWG recommended to
council that BIM, as part of the initial construction phase of the new
civic facilities, participate in the Community Connections program. |
Council considers tourism plan
Council has received the
Bowen Island Tourism Plan for information and referred it to staff as a
tool to assist in decision making when considering matters relating to
tourism on the island. The Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce (BICC)
visited Council in November to present the plan.
Jimmy Young
and Laura Plant, both of Tourism BC were on hand to talk about the
report, written largely by Young. He has been meeting members of the
Chamber of Commerce, individuals and other organizations over the past
two years developing the strategy.
Young said the intent of the plan is to manage existing
tourism on the island. "It's about getting people to do more when they
come to Bowen," he told council.
According to statistics tracked by the Bowen Island Community
and Visitors Information Centre operated by BICC, during June to
August, 2006, 8000 tourists spent time on the island. The premier of BC
has set a target of doubling tourism revenues by 2010.
Young identified key issues and challenges for developing
tourism including organizational, funding, perceived attitudes towards
tourism and the small size of the community. The facilitator said that
addressing the issue around negative attitudes towards tourism will
mean educating residents about the significant contributions of the
tourism sector towards creating a sustainable island economy.
Following visioning sessions, community members determined
main product sectors that Bowen should focus on. These were spa and
wellness, arts and culture and nature-based experiences. The report,
noted Young, lays out a number of strategies aimed at developing these
areas. It also talks about marketing and "branding" the Bowen
experience.
In terms of implementation of the plan, the first step and
one already taken, was to name a Tourism Bowen Committee, noted Young.
The committee of the Chamber of Commerce will be lead by an Executive
Director, with Darcie Buzzelle having recently been appointed. Access
to funding, noted Young, is available through Tourism BC and through a
Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) grant program.
Council
approved BICC's grant application to the UBCM for funding of $17,450
under the Community Tourism Phase 2 Program. The visitor centre has
also received funding in the past from the municipality.
In receiving the report, council had questions regarding the
true value of tourism for the community and discussed the need to
invest in a strong local economy that supports local businesses all
year round. The focus, some councillors suggested, should be on
community economic development, with tourism as a component of that.
Councillors
also felt there should be a public process to ensure that the public is
in favour of developing tourism, before they consider adopting a plan.
Buzzelle noted that a survey will soon be underway assessing attitudes
of islanders towards tourism.
Quick facts
(Based on 2006 statistics from the Bowen Island Community & Visitors Information Centre)
Visitors to Bowen
Where they come from:
57% Visitors from BC
21% Local visits
7% Visitors from Europe
4% United States
4.7% Other parts of Canada
6.3
Other
How long they stay:
84% day trips
7% one night stay
6% two days
3% three or more days |
Act now to create affordable housing, consultant urges council
"Inaction is your worst enemy," Tim Wake told council in November. Wake was presenting his Best Practices in Affordable Housing
report he wrote for Smart Growth BC when he addressed council last
month. An affordable housing consultant and part-time island resident,
Wake urged the Bowen municipality to take action and establish a
professional housing organization. "There's nothing more to wait for," he
said.
Wake told council that Bowen is ahead of the process in terms
of dealing with external pressures driving up the price of real estate
and creating pressures on and challenges for the community. Thanks to
the work of the Bowen Community Housing Association, the municipality
already has on hand a housing needs assessment. It is moving forward to
legalize secondary suites as well.
"You understand the concept and you've embraced it here."
Other tools, strategies and programs Bowen needs to adopt are
in the area of growth management, building public/private partnerships,
considering inclusionary zoning and creating density bonus mechanisms,
suggested Wake. And key is the creation of a municipal housing
organization.
Wake told council that the municipality should provide seed
money – probably several 10s of thousands of dollars – to get things
rolling. "There has to be a secure funding stream from somewhere; it
seems to me it makes sense fro that to start coming from municipality."
But after that, the work of a group focusing on housing would
not have to be paid for by the taxpayer. A professional organization
will find its own self-sustaining funding model, he said. Get some
policies established and break ground on a pilot project, Wake urged
the municipality.
When
prompted, he suggested that first undertaking might take the shape of a
20-unit rental complex with two bedroom units.
Essential in developing local low-cost housing said Wake is "hooking on
to development," and creating policies whereby every development is
part of the solution.
A copy of the Best Practices in Affordable Housing report is available online here.
Terms defined
Excerpted from Best Practices in Affordable Housing, published 2007 by Smart Growth BC.
What do we mean when we say affordable ownership housing?
Housing with a purchase price that is affordable to households of
low and moderate income, which are households within the lowest 60 per
cent of the income distribution for the housing region, as determined
by the Statistics Canada. Affordable in this context
means monthly housing costs (i.e. mortgage principal and interest
payment
amortized over 25 years and assuming a 25 per cent down payment, and
taxes) do not exceed the average monthly rent for the region, by unit
type, as reported annually by the Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation. Affordable ownership price includes GST and any other
mandatory costs associated with purchasing the unit.
What is density bonus?
Density Bonus (West Coast Environmental Law, BC) is a voluntary
scheme in zoning bylaws that enables developers to build additional
units in return for public amenities such as affordable housing,
underground parking, parkland, and daycare facilities.
What is inclusionary zoning?
The establishment of zoning regulations that require the provision
of affordable housing as part of the rezoning for a development.
What do private-public partnerships look like?
In the context of affordable housing, a public private partnership
involves a contribution from the public sector in the form of land or
zoning, and the private sector is responsible for servicing and
building. In some cases a public sector grant helps to keep the price
affordable, but this is more common in social housing.
What is a housing organization?
Housing organizations take various forms. Some are municipally
owned; some are regionally, provincially or federally owned. The
remainder are stand-alone organizations that have been initiated
through some combination of private endowments, government grants or
fundraising. Virtually all these organizations are nonprofit societies
or corporations. They all have dedicated staff whose job is to deliver
affordable housing for their community.
|
Master plan for Snug Cove attracts attention
The public turnout was as
heavy as the rain on a Saturday in early November, as the team
developing a master plan for Snug Cove presented the first stage of
their work to the public. Two sessions packed Cates Hill Chapel with
islanders eager to hear about and take a look at what the future might
bring for the core of the village.
Alan Boniface, the lead consultant from Hotson Bakker Boniface
Haden, the firm the Bowen Island Municipality has hired to develop a
plan, welcomed islanders to the gathering. He and members of his team
have been meeting with many individuals and groups since May. Their
mandate, he said, has been to look from all angles at all issues
affecting planning decisions in the cove, from the civic facilities,
ferry marshalling and the surplus lands.
From the outset,
focus on these interrelated aspects has been sharply defined by a
sustainability filter that the municipality has previously established.
Mark Holland, a member of the team, who has been key in developing a
sustainability matrix for the island, told residents that "climate
change is a real driving force in planning for Bowen." A sustainability
strategy is the "cornerstone of thinking" from which the consultants
have moved forward towards the crafting of a design for Snug Cove.
The Master Plan team presented visuals, diagrams and
descriptions of a new improved Snug Cove. They began with the
questions, "Why do we have a freeway – five lanes of asphalt – when we
enter our island?"
Rather than create a solution for moving cars, their intent was to give
pedestrians priority, adding parks and walkways.
"Multi-tasking" of
Government Road became an objective, while ensuring Snug Cove as the
heart of village imbued with a strong sense of place. The team conducted an inventory of the core "spaces between the
buildings" that reflect character. They analyzed potential locations of
the civic facilities and considered how to integrate outdoor spaces,
urban agriculture, edible landscaping, community services arts, culture
and heritage.
Another question consultants considered was how to increase
diversity of housing needs in Snug Cove. Their answer was to propose
the construction of three-to-four storey mixed residential/commercial
buildings, lining either side of the four narrow lanes that would lead
up from the ferry terminal.
The Ekistics marshalling plan was studied, tweaked and
elements of it pulled into the new plan, such as including commercial
development on both sides of the main road. Consultants considered a
couple of marshalling options. The one most favoured, and least hated
by BC Ferries would see ferry traffic lining-up in the lower cove, with
a special lane reserved for priority loading, and two loading lanes off
and on the ferry. The team envisioned a new intersection on Millers
Road as well.
Other suggestions were to turn to alternate energy sources,
such as implementation of a geoexchange system, incorporate green
building designs, energy efficient, climate friendly construction with
an emphasis on water conservation, zero waste, and protection of
ecologically sensitive areas.
The consultants told islanders they expect that the majority
of the plan will be built by private developers. "Economic goals must
merge with ecological and social goals," noted Holland. The goal is to
keep money in the local economy.
Boniface said that a land economist has confirmed that the
plans are realistic in terms of the amount of financing that would be
necessary. It would fall to the municipality to establish development
cost charges as well to help pay for amenities.
Working from the premise that "we don't need to encourage more
car traffic; we don't want a larger ferry," Boniface said it would be
better for Bowen to attract a large employer. The plan allocates
60,0000 square feet of space for a commercial enterprise, with
provision for underground parking for 220 cars.
As to when such a plan could be adopted and implemented,
Boniface responded, "That's up to everyone here; the time is now to do
something."
Boniface says he hopes to wrap up work on the Snug Cove Master Plan by
the end of the year. To view presentation, click here
| |
|
|
| In This Issue | |
Quick Bytes | |
Power Smart shines on Bowen
Want to save energy and money?
To cut down energy consumption by:
• 2%:
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in your five main lights.
• 3%
Swap your halogen torchiere for a compact fluorescent torchiere. Shower for 1 minute less if your water is electrically heated.
• 7%
Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree if your heating is electric.
• 12%
Get rid of your second fridge.
• 13%
Switch your computer and monitor off when not in use.
Pretty
simple, huh? Yet effective. And there's more tips to be found at BC
Hydro website, as the utilities company promotes its Power Smart
project, aimed at helping the province become energy self-sufficient by
2016.
The
Bowen Island Municipality is endorsing this program because it's great
for the environment and offers benefits to all of us. But local
government has also been spurred on by a little friendly competition,
and the opportunity to convert the Old General Store into an
energy-efficient building.
BC Hydro will award $20,000 to the
community with the highest percentage of residents who have joined the
Power Smart challenge. But we only have until 15 December to vie for
the energy makeover.
So please add your name to the list.
Join Bowen's Team Power Smart, and save energy and money in the process.
Here's how to participate:
1) Grab a recent BC Hydro bill
2) Point your web browser to: http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/
3) Click on the first GO; set a reduction target; hit Login In or Register Me.
4) Once you've signed-up, let the municipality know by emailing us at bim@bimbc.ca.
And then you'll be added to the team roster, with your
published by the municipality in the Undercurrent. Please help get the
word out too if you can because we really should win this one!
|
Municipality's Snow-Busters on the job
When it's snowin' on
Bowen, the municipality's winter road maintenance crew kicks into high
gear. As of November, BIM has taken on the responsibility of keeping
the roads clear and open during the inclement season. Previously this
work was contracted out.
But now when storms, like the one at the end of November, hit
the island, municipal staff has access to equipment it needs, including
two four-wheel drive one ton trucks fitted with salter/plow
combinations, one five-ton plow truck and one two-wheel drive one ton
truck fitted with a plow.
According to its snow and ice control strategy, removal of
the white stuff begins as soon as it is practical. Staff acts as
swiftly as possible taking into consideration public safety, emergency
access routes, public transit routes, street parking requirements, snow
storage capability and vehicle and pedestrian traffic. When plowing is
needed, the trucks will be on the road 24 hours with relief drivers
working eight hour shifts.
"Our
trucks never leave the road except to refuel or load salt," wrote
Public Works Superintendent Brad Hawthorn in a recent email. It takes
one and a half hours to plow the main routes, and three hours to
circuit all of Bowen's roads.
For a list of plowing priorities, click here.
| |
2008 Budget process underway
With
the New Year less than a month away, council and municipal staff are
already deep into the budget process.
Joanne Cunday, the Director of Finance for the Bowen Island
Municipality (BIM) provided an overview of the 2008 Five Year Financial
Plan to council in mid November.
At
first blush, the municipality appeared headed for a 13.5% increase in
taxes, or a $218 increase in an average assessment of $645,000. But
those numbers didn't sit well with council, who were looking for a
maximum increase in spending between 6% and 7%. They asked their
finance officer to "send back the message" to staff that the budget had
to be slimmed down.
After a full day's working session late November, council and
staff came up with a refined budget, with figures reflecting a 7%
increase in taxes over 2007, or about $134 on the average assessed
property (including $43 increase in parcel taxes). The budget is based
on the municipality maintaining its core services, while providing
support for several additions. The proposed 2008 General Operating Fund
budget includes expenses totalling $4.27 million.
At their first meeting in December, Council thanked staff for
their work in meeting the guidelines and threshold they had set and
approved Phase I of the 2008 Five Year Financial Plan.The second phase,
to be discussed in the New Year, includes elements such as community
grants presentations, Snug Cove Action Plan strategies and funding,
capital policy, tax distribution policy and the permissive tax
exemption policy discussions, and Local Service Area budgets.
New initiatives included Phase I
- Quarterly production of BIM Link
- Support for increased maintenance & demand for service
- Maintenance for surplus lands
- Increase to volunteer fire fighter complement
- Improved opportunities for winter roads maintenance
- Increased maintenance BICS playing fields
- Increased maintenance on trails
- Increased beach testing
Improved mapping capability
- Development of an all weather playing field at BICS, subject to grant funding
Youth/dance centre lease improvements
- Exercise of emergency Plan (PEP Grant)
Partnering in community building & other planning initiatives
- Phase 2 – Library Salary Project
- Housing Strategy
- Enhanced support of community school coordinator
- Recreation Master Plan process
- Parks Master Plan process
- Snug Cove Action Plan Phase 2
- Tourism Project – Chamber of Commerce / UBCM Grant
- Cultural Capital Grant – commitment for support
Capital Plan
The current year (2008) primarily includes works and acquisitions
required to meet the current level of service supported in this budget.
Fire Service represents a major portion of the capital works proposed
for 2008. Information on proposed projects will be brought forward to
Council before these works are undertaken.
Increase in Contribution to Reserves (Savings for future works):
- Increased contribution to Roads Reserves $70K
- New Reserve Proposed – General Capital Renew & Replacement $26K
|
|
