Stewart public meetings in 2021
24 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on December 13, 2021, includes reports and recommendations on applying for grants (Heritage BC and NDIT), approving travel for an Indigenous training workshop, and a CAO forum. Council will also give readings to a road closure bylaw and adopt a records management bylaw. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel, labour, land, and legal matters.
- Approve travel budget up to $7,587.34 for 7 councillors and 4 staff to attend Indigenous Intelligence workshop in Terrace
- Direct staff to apply for Heritage BC's 150 Time Immemorial Grant (up to $60,000 project, 80% grant) for Service BC / Stewart Museum upgrades
- Direct staff to apply for NDIT's Local Government Internship Grant (up to $50,000) for a 12-month intern
- Approve CAO attendance at 2022 CAO Forum in Kelowna (March 1-3, 2022)
- Road Closure Bylaw No. 992, 2021 for two readings; Records Management Bylaw No. 990, 2021 for adoption
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on November 22, 2021, includes reports and recommendations from the CAO on adopting a Working Alone Policy (HR-020) and an Employee Recognition Program (HR-021), as well as scheduling for 2022 conventions, acting mayor, committee appointments, and the council meeting schedule. Council will also consider three readings of Records Management Bylaw No. 990, 2021. The agenda includes correspondence on child sex trafficking and crisis line funding, and the meeting will close to the public for personnel and legal matters.
- Adoption of Working Alone Policy HR-020 to comply with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation
- Adoption of Employee Recognition Program Policy HR-021
- 2022 UBCM and LGLA convention attendance reports
- 2022 Acting Mayor schedule and Council meeting schedule
- Records Management Bylaw No. 990, 2021 for three readings
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council is meeting to consider a development variance permit for Raine Mountain Hardware Ltd. at 621-6th Avenue, adopt a new corporate communications policy, and review reports on UBCM 2022 travel costs and a boat launch pre-feasibility assessment. The agenda also includes correspondence from Stewart Community Connections Society regarding funding carry-over and a tree grant, plus adoption of Bylaw No. 989, 2021. The meeting will close to the public for discussions on personnel, labour, litigation, and legal advice.
- Development Variance Permit for Raine Mountain Hardware Ltd. at 621-6th Avenue to build a lean-to, reduce rear setback to 0.91 m, and exceed C2 zoning parcel coverage
- Adoption of Corporate Communications Policy ADM 026
- Report from CAO on UBCM 2022 travel cost analysis
- Report from CAO on boat launch pre-feasibility assessment
- Adoption of Council Procedure Amending Bylaw No. 989, 2021
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on October 25, 2021, will include public delegations from Glenn Foerster and Sean Hopkins on winter provincial road maintenance, and from Dolores Kennedy of the Stewart Community Connections Society presenting a quarterly report. Council will also receive reports from the CAO on the Stewart Aerodrome PLR, staff payment during Emergency Operation Center activations, the boat launch, and various grant opportunities. The meeting will close to the public for discussions on personnel, labour, land, litigation, and legal advice.
- Delegation on Dawson Road Maintenance: Winter Provincial Road Maintenance
- Quarterly report from Stewart Community Connections Society
- Report on Stewart Aerodrome PLR assessment
- Report on payment of staff during Emergency Operation Center activations
- Report on NDIT's Main Street Revitalization Planning Grant
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting, rescheduled from October 12 to October 14, 2021, will consider a development variance permit for Raine Mountain Hardware Ltd. to build a lean-to addition at 621-6th Avenue, reducing the rear setback from 4 meters to about 1 meter. Council will also decide on funding a new glycol pump for the arena and set dates for a strategic planning session. The agenda includes routine items such as minutes, correspondence, and manager updates.
- Development variance permit application for Raine Mountain Hardware Ltd. at 621-6th Avenue to allow a lean-to addition with reduced rear setback
- Purchase of new glycol pump and motor for Al Lawrence Arena at $9,385 plus taxes
- Strategic planning session proposed for October 27 and November 3, 2021
- Council Procedure Amending Bylaw No. 989, 2021
- Cheque listings for August and September 2021
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council is meeting to consider several reports, including a recommendation to develop an asset retirement obligation policy and seek professional help to identify and measure these obligations under new accounting standard PS3280. Council will also receive an RCMP quarterly update, discuss ventilation at the Public Works Shop, and review a draft Solid Waste Management Plan. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel, labour, land, litigation, and legal advice matters.
- Asset Retirement Obligations: Council to direct administration to develop a policy and seek professionals to identify and measure asset retirement obligations under PS3280.
- Ventilation System at Public Works Shop: Report from CAO on the ventilation system at the Public Works Shop.
- Draft Solid Waste Management Plan: Report to Council on the RDKS Solid Waste Management Plan.
- RCMP Quarterly Update: Cpl. Derek Rondeau to provide quarterly update from Stewart RCMP Detachment.
- Closed Meeting: Council to resolve into closed session for personnel, labour, land, litigation, and legal advice matters.
Regular Council
Council will consider approving an additional $39,370 transfer from unallocated Phase 2 funds to cover Phase 1 cost overruns of the SPF Essential Drinking Water Systems Upgrades Project, following contractor negotiations. They will also discuss waiving arena fees for non-profit groups that participate on a community events committee, and review the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw. The meeting includes routine reports and a closed session for personnel and labour matters.
- Additional $39,370 transfer for reservoir project Phase 1 completion
- Proposed waiver of arena user fees for non-profit groups (up to $1,700 revenue reduction)
- Review of Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw (2019-2022)
- Cheque listing for July 2021
- Canada Community-Building Fund/Gas Tax Fund payment letter
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on August 9, 2021, includes a decision on granting Scottie Resources Corp. two temporary use permits for a laboratory and a mobile sample prep lab, with a 12-month duration. Council will also hear reports on emergency sewage lagoon repairs, the reservoir project, and the 2020 annual report, among other items.
- Temporary Use Permit for Scottie Resources: rezone from C1 to M1 for laboratory and heavy industry, 12 months, $250 fee
- Temporary Use Permit for Scottie Resources: rezone from R1 to C2 for mobile sample prep lab on vacant lot, 12 months, $250 fee
- Emergency bank repair for sewage lagoons (CFO report)
- Reservoir project update (CAO report)
- 2021/22 BC Active Transportation Grant application
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council is meeting to consider several reports and recommendations, including temporary use permits for Scotty Resources Corp., approval of a $22,089.64 pavement load rating assessment for the aerodrome, a lease for IDM, and routine updates. The meeting will also move into a closed session for personnel and labour matters.
- Temporary use permit for Scotty Resources Corp. to rezone property from C1 to M1 for a laboratory and heavy industry, with conditions including soundproofing and ventilation.
- Temporary use permit for Scotty Resources Corp. to rezone a vacant lot from R1 to C2 for a mobile sample prep lab, with conditions including compliance with unsightly premises bylaw.
- Approval of $22,089.64 quote from EXP Services Inc. for a Pavement Load Rating (PLR) assessment of the Stewart Aerodrome runway.
- Report on IDM lease (draft lease attached).
- Cancellation of the July 26, 2021 Council meeting.
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on June 28, 2021, includes reports and recommendations on replacing the current street sweeper, attending an Indigenous Intelligence Workshop, and adopting Officer Bylaw No. 988. Council will also review financial reports and surplus equipment bids, and may move into a closed meeting for personnel and land matters.
- Report from SPW on street sweeper: Council to direct research on new sweeper, with current unit valued at $125k-$150k and new units costing $300k-$335k
- Report from CAO on Indigenous Intelligence Workshop: Council to approve up to $3,300 for up to 7 Council members and 4 senior staff to attend September 23, 2021 workshop
- Report from CFO: Statement of Financial Information Report and May 2021 Financial Report
- Report from CAO on Surplus Equipment: Council to consider bids for surplus equipment
- Officer Bylaw No. 988, 2021 - for adoption
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will decide on special voting provisions for the July 17, 2021 by-election, including mail ballots and oral declarations, as authorized by a Ministerial Order. They will also consider adopting the Official Community Plan and Zoning amending bylaws, and give three readings to an Officer Bylaw. Several policy reports and routine financial listings are on the agenda, along with a closed meeting for personnel and land matters.
- By-election Ministerial Order allowing mail ballots and oral declarations for July 17, 2021 vote
- Development Variance Permit for 11th Avenue subdivision waiving underground wiring, sidewalks, boulevards, water, sewage, and drainage upgrades
- Adoption of Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 986, 2021 and Zoning Amending Bylaw No. 985, 2021
- Three readings of Officer Bylaw No. 988, 2021
- Property Disposition Policy (ADM-025) and Disposition of Surplus Equipment Policy (FIN-008) reports
Special Council Meeting
The District of Stewart council is deciding whether to approve a $225,229.55 paving quote from LB Paving for work on Railway Street, Columbia Street, and near the Arrow property. The report notes the work is needed due to heavy traffic and public complaints, and scheduling it this week would save $21,304 in mobilization costs by coordinating with the reservoir project. The cost would come from the $400,000 road repair budget.
- Paving quote of $225,229.55 from LB Paving for Railway Street (13th to 15th, past Arrow property), Columbia Street at 5th Avenue, and Railway to Highway 37A
- Saving $21,304 in mobilization costs by scheduling paving with reservoir project work
- Other road repair needs identified: 11th and Brightwell, 7th Ave, 5th and Conway, 8th Ave between Conway and Brightwell
- Budget impact: $225,229.55 from the $400,000 road repair budget
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will consider adopting two new policies: one for selling municipal property (ADM-025) and one for disposing of surplus equipment (ADM-026), which would replace the existing FIN-002 policy. Council will also review reports on surplus equipment, a lagoon blower, April cheques, and a development variance permit for the 11th Avenue subdivision, and give third reading to two bylaws amending the Official Community Plan and zoning.
- Adoption of Sale of Municipal Property Policy ADM-025
- Adoption of Disposition of Surplus Equipment Policy ADM-026, repealing FIN-002
- Surplus equipment sale with bid sheets
- Blower for Lagoon report (quote #18895)
- Development Variance Permit for 11th Avenue Subdivision
PUBLIC HEARING
The District of Stewart Council is holding a virtual public hearing to consider two bylaws that would rezone specific lots from commercial and residential to heavy industrial use. The public can speak for or against the bylaws, and written submissions are accepted. The hearing precedes the regular council meeting.
- Bylaw 986, 2021: amend OCP to rezone Lot 1, Lot 2, and Parcel A (Consolidation of Lots 13, 14, 15), Block 9, D/L 466, Cassiar District, Plan 818 from C2 General Commercial to M1 Heavy Industrial
- Bylaw 985, 2021: amend Zoning Bylaw to rezone same lots from R1 Residential to M1 Heavy Industrial
- Public hearing held virtually via MS Teams on May 25, 2021 at 7:00 PM
- Documents available for inspection at District office, 705 Brightwell Street, Stewart, BC
Regular Council
The District of Stewart council will consider adopting a Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy, which sets rules for collecting unpaid debts and could affect residents with overdue accounts. They will also vote on the 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw, which sets property tax rates. The meeting includes reports on equipment rental and a FireSmart grant, plus correspondence about increased stumpage rates.
- Credit Control & Debt Collection Policy (FIN-007) for approval
- Tax Rate Bylaw No. 987, 2021 for adoption
- Report on District Equipment Rental Policy (OPS-008)
- FireSmart Community Program grant report
- Correspondence on increased stumpage rates from Ministry of Forests
Special Council Meeting
The District of Stewart is holding a special council meeting to give third reading to the 2021 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 987, which sets property tax rates for municipal, regional district, and hospital purposes. The bylaw must be adopted by May 14, 2021. Municipal general property tax rates remain unchanged from 2020, with a slight increase in the Regional District requisition and a slight decrease in the NW Regional Hospital requisition.
- Third reading of 2021 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 987
- Residential municipal tax rate: 7.3732 (unchanged from 2020)
- Minimum tax per parcel: $1.00
- Regional District rate for residential: 1.0668 (up from 1.0609)
- NW Regional Hospital rate for residential: 0.5735 (down from 0.5754)
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on April 26, 2021, will consider several reports and bylaws. Key items include a report from the CAO on the Land Lease Policy, a report on appointing election officers for the 2021 by-election, and the March 2021 financial reports from the CFO. Council will also review three bylaws: an OCP amendment (Bylaw 986), a zoning amendment (Bylaw 985), and the 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw (Bylaw 987). The meeting will also include a delegation from the Stewart Community Connections Society and correspondence items, and will close to the public for discussions on land acquisition and preliminary municipal service negotiations.
- Report from CAO on Land Lease Policy (ADM-14 Land Lease Policy-2016)
- Report from CAO on 2021 By-election: Appointment of Election Officers
- March 2021 Financial Reports from CFO, including statement of financial position and cheque listing
- OCP Amending Bylaw No. 986, 2021
- Zoning Amending Bylaw No. 985, 2021
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will hear the 2020 audited financial statements from MNP and a proposal for the Rainey Creek Campground, along with reports on the government building heating system, a debt collection policy, and a by-election. The meeting also includes correspondence items and a closed session for personnel and legal matters.
- 2020 audited financial statements presented by Erin Reimer, MNP
- Rainey Creek Campground proposal by Rob & Mary Kamermans
- Report on Provincial Government Building heating system
- Credit Control & Debt Collection Policy report
- 2021 By-election report
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on March 22, 2021, will consider adopting a Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy, approve the 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw, and review reports on the Visitor Information Centre budget and arena systems. The agenda also includes correspondence on various external requests and a closed meeting for personnel, land, and legal matters.
- Adoption of Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy (FIN-007)
- 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 983, 2021 for adoption
- Visitor Information Centre budget report
- Arena systems report with T & D Refrigeration quote
- Correspondence: Dunwell Site sublet request, 988 Crisis Line support, disability assistance rate
Regular Council
The District of Stewart council will hear from the RCMP on the annual policing plan and from a Ministry of Children & Family Development delegate advocating for a housing plan and strategic planning group. Council will also review a CFO report recommending a new bylaw to improve collection of overdue property taxes, which currently total $249,000, and will consider third reading of the 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw.
- Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy Bylaw: $249,000 in taxes receivable, $107,000 delinquent (2019) and $142,000 in arrears (2020)
- 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 983, 2021 - third reading
- Stewart RCMP Detachment annual policing plan presentation
- Ministry of Children & Family Development delegation on housing and strategic planning
- Stewart Boardwalk Rehabilitation Grant from Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will consider subsidizing derelict vehicle removal for up to 30 vehicles at 50% of the quoted cost, approve a Bylaw Enforcement Officer job description for posting, and review funding applications for emergency operations and flood mitigation. They will also give two readings to the 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw and adopt the Alternative Tax Collection Scheme Bylaw.
- Subsidy of 50% of quoted cost per vehicle for up to 30 derelict vehicles removed by Above and Beyond Towing and Recovery, with sign-up from Feb 23 to Mar 23, 2021
- Approval of Bylaw Enforcement Officer job description and posting on Feb 23, 2021
- UBCM CEPF grant applications for EOC & ESS funding and flood mitigation assessment & planning
- 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 983, 2021 for two readings
- Alternative Tax Collection Scheme Bylaw No. 984, 2021 for adoption
Regular Council
The District of Stewart council will consider several reports, including hiring a full-time Bylaw Enforcement Officer, spending up to $20,000 to equip the Visitors Centre, and receiving the draft 2020 financial statements. They will also give readings to two bylaws: a zoning amendment and an alternative tax collection scheme. The meeting includes a closed session for land matters and legal advice.
- Direct staff to create job description and advertise for full-time Bylaw Enforcement Officer
- Approve up to $20,000 from COVID-19 restart grant for Visitors Centre furniture and equipment
- Receive draft 2020 financial statements showing annual surplus of $4,784,819
- Zoning Amending Bylaw No. 982, 2021 (minimum lot size)
- Alternative Tax Collection Scheme Bylaw No. 984, 2021 - for three readings
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Regular Council meeting on January 25, 2021 will consider several staff recommendations, including approving up to $180,000 for a new hydro vac truck, designating specific vacant lots for snow piling, and submitting a $692,000 grant application for Bear River flood mitigation. Council will also hear a quarterly report from Stewart Community Connections and receive correspondence on topics like vaccination priority and rodenticide bans. The meeting will close to the public for discussions on personnel, land, and legal matters.
- Approve up to $180,000 for hydro vac truck purchase from Northern Capital and Planning Grant Reserve
- Designate lots at 617-619 4th Ave, 618/622/624 5th Ave, 103-6th Ave, and 618-622 15th Ave for snow piling only
- Submit grant application for $692,000 for Bear River Structural Dike Works flood protection
- Receive quarterly report from Stewart Community Connections (Dolores Kennedy)
- Correspondence on vaccination priority for essential workers and province-wide anticoagulant rodenticide ban
Regular Council
The District of Stewart council will consider several financial and administrative items, including a report on the Stewart World Port's new port property designation that caps its municipal tax rate, a preliminary 2021 tax rate analysis, and reports on COVID-19 Safe Restart and CVRIS grants. Council will also review a funding amendment for Stewart Community Connections, new policies on media relations and bulletin boards, and give two readings to the 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 983. The meeting includes adoption of prior minutes and a closed session for personnel matters.
- Stewart World Port designated as port property, capping tax rate at $27.50/$1000 (existing) and $22.50/$1000 (new), reducing taxes by ~$113,000/year; council to urge MLA/Minister for compensation
- 2021 Preliminary Tax Rate Analysis report
- COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant report
- CVRIS Grant for Admin building feasibility study
- 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 983 for two readings