Stewart public meetings in 2023
29 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council is reviewing a report from the Director of Community Development regarding the Downtown Vision Plan. Council will also consider the first, second, and third readings of the 2023 Solid Waste Amending Bylaw No. 1016 and the adoption of Road Closure Bylaw 1013.
- Downtown Vision Plan engagement summary and preferred concept actions
- 2023 Solid Waste Amending Bylaw No. 1016 (fees and charges)
- Road Closure Bylaw 1013, 2023 adoption
- Correspondence regarding the Surrey police transition
- NCLGA post-2023 UBCM Convention member update
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will consider several bylaws, including a new Municipal Emergency Program and an Official Community Plan. They will also discuss the termination of the Long Lake Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement and the repeal of a related hydro tax exemption bylaw.
- Termination of Long Lake Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement on December 31, 2023
- Repeal of Long Lake Hydro Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 842, 2010
- Adoption of Municipal Emergency Program Bylaw No. 1009, 2023
- Third reading of Road Closure Bylaw No. 1013, 2023
- First and second reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw Draft
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss the upcoming expiration of the Long Lake Hydro Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 842,2010. Council must decide whether to terminate the agreement with Regional Power Inc. or extend the term. The 10-year exemption period is scheduled to complete on December 31, 2023.
- Long Lake Hydro Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 842,2010 expiry
- Review of tax exemption totals: $14,163,232.52 in total taxes vs $9,577,680.78 in exemptions since 2014
- Potential termination or extension of agreement with Regional Power Inc.
- Review of previous meeting minutes from September 11 and October 3, 2023
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will hear a presentation from Seabridge Gold regarding the KSM Project and a request for a letter of support. Council will also consider adopting several bylaws related to emergency programs, climate action, and road closures.
- Seabridge Gold delegation regarding KSM Project update and support request
- Adoption of Municipal Emergency Program Bylaw No. 1009, 2023
- Adoption of Climate Action Funds Reserve Bylaw No. 1012, 2023
- Third reading of Road Closure Bylaw No. 1013, 2023
- Quesnel Highway 97 North-South Interconnector Project support request
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing reports regarding the funding and fee structures for municipal utilities. Discussions include potential shifts from frontage taxes to flat-rate or metered user fees to ensure sustainable cost recovery.
- Solid Waste Report: Staff recommends maintaining service as a taxation-funded service
- Sewer Notes: Discussion of a $1,127,800 Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Grant
- Water Notes: Discussion of a $4,888,250 Drinking Water Grant
- W&S Service Fee Structure: Proposal to use Frontage Tax for capital costs and Flat Rate structures for operational costs
- Sewer infrastructure: Current 2023 expenditures totaled $223,933
Special Council Meeting
Council will review a Temporary Use Permit application from Ascot Resources Limited. The proposal seeks to establish a temporary dorm-style housing facility for up to 152 employees and contractors at 810 11th Avenue, 901/913 11th Avenue, and 1102/1116 Glacier Drive.
- Temporary Use Permit for dorm-style housing for up to 152 persons
- Proposed 3-year permit term with option to extend
- Locations: 810 11th Ave, 901/913 11th Ave, and 1102/1116 Glacier Drive
- Proposed start date of Fall 2023
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will review several reports regarding local infrastructure, including drinking water, landfill monitoring, and road conditions. The meeting includes discussions on housing grants, ice rental fees, and the adoption of several new reserve and zoning bylaws.
- Ascot Resources project update delegation
- Drinking Water Project report
- Stewart Landfill Environmental Effects Monitoring Program report
- Granduc Road Condition Assessment report
- Boat Launch Feasibility Study report
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss garbage, water, and sewer rates. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the Long Lake Hydro Tax Agreement and the Emergency Preparedness bylaw.
- Garbage, water, and sewer rates discussion
- Long Lake Hydro Tax Agreement discussion
- Emergency Preparedness bylaw discussion
- Growing Communities Fund committee report
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will discuss several infrastructure projects, including Bear River dike repairs and wastewater facility upgrades. The meeting also includes reviews of the July 2023 financial summary and three proposed bylaws regarding emergency programs, community reserves, and the Board of Variance.
- Bear River Dike Repairs contract award
- Wastewater Facility Upgrade tender award
- Municipal Emergency Program Bylaw no. 1009, 2023
- Growing Communities Reserve Bylaw No. 1010, 2023
- Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1011, 2023
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss options for amending the Council Procedure Bylaw and review allocation options for the Growing Communities Fund. The meeting also includes a review of the June 26, 2023, meeting minutes.
- Discussion on Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 989, 2021
- Discussion on Growing Communities Fund allocation options
- Review of minutes from the June 26, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will review reports regarding wastewater noncompliance and landfill closure scope changes. The meeting also includes discussions on the Bear Smart Program and updates to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws.
- Parks and Public Places Amendment Bylaw No. 1008, 2023 adoption
- District of Stewart Closed Landfill 2022 Annual Report review
- OCP and Zoning Bylaw additional funds and background information report
- Bear Smart Program report
- MOE Wastewater compliance report
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will meet to consider the adoption of the 2021 and 2022 Annual Reports. The agenda also includes a report from the Director of Community Development regarding a shuttle bus and a report from the CAO regarding a Complete Communities Grant.
- Adoption of 2021 and 2022 Annual Reports
- Director of Community Development report on Shuttle Bus
- CAO report on Complete Communities Grant
Committee of the Whole
The District of Stewart is considering a proposal to fund a condition assessment of the 28 km Granduc Road. This assessment would help develop a maintenance plan and facilitate future road user agreements to recoup costs from commercial users.
- Proposed $15,352 contract with Cypress Forest Consultants LTD for road assessment
- Discussion of potential Road User Agreements to recover maintenance and capital costs
- Review of quotes from AllNorth ($24,400) and McElhanney Ltd. ($26,500)
- Proposal to amend the 2023-2027 Financial Plan to fund the assessment from reserves
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will review a hazard assessment regarding the Bitter Creek Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. They will also receive a provincial invitation to engage on cryptocurrency mining electricity policies.
- Bylaw No. 1005, 2023 Council Remunerations and Expense Amendment Bylaw for adoption
- Bitter Creek Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Hazard and Risk Assessment report
- 2022 Audit presentation by MNP Chartered Professional Accountants
- Provincial engagement invitation regarding cryptocurrency mining electricity connections
- Challenger Sports Youth Soccer Camp report
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will meet to discuss the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and several financial bylaws. The agenda also includes reviewing grant approvals from Northern Development and a request for support from the Stewart Public Library.
- Adoption of the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw 1006, 2023
- Adoption of the 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1007, 2023
- Approval of the District of Stewart Council Strategic Plan 2023-2026
- Northern Development approval of $50,000 for Director of Community Development wages
- Northern Development approval of up to $8,000 for grant writing support
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will consider the 2023 Tax Rates Bylaw and the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw. The meeting includes presentations on avalanche guidelines and a year-end report from Stewart Community Connections.
- 2023 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1007
- 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1006
- Avalanche Guidelines Review presentation
- Stewart Community Connections Year End Report
- Asset Management and Water/Sanitary Capital Planning motion
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council is reviewing several key reports including a new five-year financial plan, a downtown vision draft, and a council code of conduct. The meeting also includes discussions on IT services, by-election procedures, and potential municipal land use for housing.
- 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1006, 2023 (1st and 2nd reading)
- Council Remunerations and Expenses Amendment Bylaw No. 1005, 2023 (3rd reading)
- Downtown Vision draft report
- I.T. Services and Security RFP Award report
- Council Code of Conduct policy report
Regular Council
Council is reviewing a proposal from Stewart Community Connection to purchase 504 Conway Street for $250,000. Staff recommends allocating up to $250,000 from reserve funds in the Five Year Financial Plan to prepare for potential property purchases. This allocation does not yet approve the specific purchase of the property.
- Proposal to purchase 504 Conway Street for $250,000
- Recommendation to allocate $250,000 from reserve funds in the 2022-2026 Five Year Financial Plan
- Discussion of the Budget/Five Year Financial Plan
Regular Council
The District of Stewart is reviewing the 2023 municipal tax rates with a goal to maintain 2022 levels. Council is also considering a proposal to allocate $250,000 for potential property purchases to support Stewart Community Connections.
- Proposal to allocate $250,000 from reserves for potential property purchases
- Discussion of maintaining 2022 municipal property tax rates for 2023
- Recommendation to include $50,000 for Council Chamber audio/video system improvements in the Five Year Financial Plan
- Recommendation to transfer $400,000 from Capital Works Reserves to a new Paving & Road Improvement Reserve
- Bylaw no. 1005, 2023 Council Remunerations and Expenses Amendment
Committe of the Whole Council
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several capital project reports and financial transfers. Discussions include potential changes to the five-year financial plan, reserve fund allocations, and project scopes for community infrastructure.
- Town Survey Project: recommendation to remove from 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan
- Council Audio/Video System: recommendation to include $50,000 from reserves
- Administration Building Interior Renovations: recommendation to revise scope to $20,000 for design and costing
- Gravel Road Improvements & Paving: recommendation to transfer $400,000 to a new Paving & Road Improvement Reserve
- Stewart Community Hall Project: $1,994,516 total project cost with $538,519 District responsibility
Regular Council
The District of Stewart is reviewing a proposal from Stewart Community Connections to purchase 503 Conway Street for $250,000 to house food and senior programs. Council will also consider a request for funding to support poverty reduction and literacy efforts.
- Proposal to purchase 503 Conway Street for $250,000
- UBCM Poverty Reduction Action Grant application for $12,200 to $20,000
- Discussion of new Council Travel Policy and Code of Conduct Policy
- Review of District of Stewart Bear Hazard Assessment
- Correspondence regarding federal drug decriminalization exemptions
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review various financial reports and capital project expenditures. The meeting includes discussions on asset liabilities, reserve funds, and grant proceeds.
- Review of 2022-2026 Capital Projects & Expenditures
- Discussion of Asset Liabilities and Capital Works Reserve Fund
- Review of Conservation Fund Bylaw No. 879-2014
- Review of Northern Capital & Planning Grant Reserve Fund Bylaw No. 951-2019
- Review of Covid-19 Safe Restart Grant Proceeds Bylaw No. 981-2020
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a presentation on water metering options and costs. They are also discussing a request for support regarding worker housing on Yukon Drive and reviewing the District's multi-year capital plan.
- Presentation on water metering costs ranging from $220,000 to $450,000
- Northward West Construction Ltd. request for support to house Ascot Resources staff
- 2023 Capital Budget total of $1,539,300
- Proposed 2025 water meter installation for commercial and industrial customers costing $220,000
- Discussion of water system asset management and 3-5 year roadmap
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will hear a presentation from Skeena Resources Limited regarding the Eskay Creek gold and silver mine project. The presentation will cover recent work, future activities, potential contract opportunities, and environmental management practices.
- Delegation: Skeena Resources Limited regarding Eskay Creek Revitalization Project
- Discussion: 2022-23 Strategic Plan Update
- Review: Red Mountain EA Certification Extension Application
- Information: Bulkley Valley District Hospital Replacement
- Unfinished Business: Stewart Community Connections Proposal
Regular Council
The Council is meeting to review the preliminary operational budget presentation for the 2023-2027 period. The discussion includes a review of operational expenses, historical data, and 2023 completed general roll values.
- Review of 2023-2027 preliminary operational budget
- Presentation of 2023 completed general roll values
- Review of Stewart community property value changes (+28%)
- Discussion of Stewart Community Connections Proposal
Regular Council
The District of Stewart is reviewing a proposal to provide $5,000 in grant-in-aid and facility space to Northern Health for a youth mental health program. Council will also hear delegations regarding construction support for Ascot Resources and funding for the Stewart Community Connections Society.
- Proposed $5,000 Grant-in-Aid for Northern Health Authority Youth Mental Health and Wellness Centre
- Delegation from Northward West Construction Ltd. requesting a letter of support for Ascot Resources housing
- Delegation from Stewart Community Connections requesting $65,000 for social development and a 5-year agreement
- Report on Lift Station #3 repair involving a 70 HP pump
- Proposed new Council Code of Conduct Policy and travel policy
Committee of the Whole Meeting
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a report on Al Lawrence Memorial Arena operations following recent repairs. Members will also discuss Eskay Creek project planning documents and review sample policies for conference attendance and codes of conduct.
- Al Lawrence Memorial Arena operational update following brine leak repairs
- Eskay Creek Project environmental assessment process planning documents
- 2023 NCLGA resolution submission deadline of March 10, 2023
- Sample Board Conference Attendance Policy
- Sample Council Code of Conduct policies
Regular Council
The District of Stewart Council will review a delegation regarding youth social and recreational outlets at the Stewart Health Centre. The meeting also includes information regarding the Northern Medical Programs Trust and the Eskay Creek Project.
- Delegation: Stewart Health Centre - Youth Engagement: Social and Recreational Outlets
- Information: Northern Medical Programs Trust Board Member
- Information: Eskay Creek Project Process Planning
- Report: Bear Safe Community Certification
- Bylaw: Officer's Bylaw 1004, 2022 for adoption
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several key documents, including the 2014 Official Community Plan and the 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw. The meeting also includes discussions on the 2022-2023 Strategic Plan and the Northern Medical Program Trust background document.
- 2014 Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 882, 2014)
- 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 999, 2022
- 2022-2023 Strategic Plan
- Northern Medical Program Trust Background Document 2022