Port McNeill public meetings in 2025

Special Council

The Special Council meeting will address a request for the fourth reading of Bylaw No. 734, 2025, regarding municipal fees and charges. Council will also receive a request to allow backyard hens and a request for weekly garbage pickup.

• Fourth reading of Bylaw No. 734, 2025 Fees and Charges
• Request from Emily Ashford to amend Bylaw 722 to allow 2-4 backyard hens
• Request from Rebekka Symons for weekly garbage collection
• Correspondence from City of Williams Lake regarding Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act)

Harbour Advisory Group

The Harbour Advisory Group will meet to review the November 2025 Harbour Authority report and establish meeting dates for 2026. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as adopting the previous meeting's minutes.

• Review of November 2025 Harbour Authority Report
• Determination of 2026 Meeting Dates
• Adoption of November 13, 2025 meeting minutes

Regular Council

The Port McNeill Regular Council will adopt the agenda and approve minutes from the November 25 meeting. Council will review correspondence about Bill M216 and receive reports on ATV use, public works, the harbour authority, fire rescue, community development, and animal control. A key item is the request for second and third readings of Bylaw No. 734, 2025 Fees and Charges.

• Request for Second and Third Reading of Bylaw No. 734, 2025 Fees and Charges
• Report on Mid Island ATV Club and Off‑Road Vehicles (ORV) in town limits
• November 2026 Public Works report
• November 2025 Harbour Authority report
• November 2025 Port McNeill Fire Rescue Operations report

Regular Council

The Port McNeill Council will discuss the fourth reading of the Official Community Plan and the first reading of a new Fees and Charges bylaw. The body will also review the 2026 Tourism Advisory Commission budget and various departmental reports.

• Fourth Reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 733, 2025
• First Reading of Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 734, 2025
• Tourism Advisory Commission 2026 Budget with total revenues of $44,800
• Grant-in-Aid application from Gate House Community Association for Missoula Children’s Theatre
• Rental request from Port McNeill Pickleball Club for the old school

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will review the draft proposal to operate a weekly community climbing night at the North Island Secondary School (NISS) gym. The committee will also consider the proposed dates for its 2026 meetings. The remaining agenda items are routine matters such as adopting the agenda, minutes and handling correspondence.

• NISS Climbing Wall Proposal – draft request for a once‑per‑week community climbing night (no fee, costs to be covered by a community passion project grant)
• Proposed 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting dates

Harbour Advisory Group

The Harbour Advisory Group will review monthly reports on harbour operations, including safety incidents, spills, and vessel concerns. The agenda includes items such as a Christmas light-up event, parking lot expansion, and the removal of a shower building.

• Review of May, June, July, and September Harbour Authority reports
• Christmas light-up event proposal
• Parking lot A expansion discussion
• Shower building removal discussion
• Review of harbour safety incidents and spills

Tourism Advisory Committee

At its November 12, 2025 meeting, the Port McNeill Tourism Advisory Committee will adopt the agenda, approve minutes, receive petitions, correspondence, and table items, and answer public questions. The committee will also review 2026 project ideas as new business. No specific resolutions, contracts, or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will adopt the agenda and minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting. It will consider petitions, delegations, correspondence, table items, reports, bylaws, old business, and new business. The meeting will also include a public and media Q&A session before adjournment.

• Adopt agenda as presented
• Adopt minutes of the September 22, 2025 meeting
• Consider petitions and delegations
• Review old business items from previous meeting
• Discuss new business items

Public Hearing

The Town of Port McNeill is conducting a public hearing to consider adopting Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 733, 2025. If adopted, this bylaw will repeal and replace the previous Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 704, 2021.

• Proposed adoption of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 733, 2025
• Proposed repeal of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 704, 2021
• Public hearing for resident testimony on the proposed OCP amendment

Regular Council

The Regular Council will adopt the agenda and minutes from recent meetings, receive reports on public works, fire rescue, animal control and community development, and consider two bylaw readings. A key item is a staff report requesting variances to Zoning Bylaw No. 705, 2021 for a proposed workshop/garage at 2120 Bayview Drive. Council may approve the variances, refer them to the Advisory Planning Committee, or deny them.

• Request for Fourth Reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025
• Request for Third Reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 733, 2025
• Variances to Zoning Bylaw No. 705, 2021 for 2120 Bayview Drive workshop/garage
• Adoption of minutes from September 5, 2025 Special, September 9, 2025 Regular, and October 7, 2025 Committee of the Whole meetings
• Reports on September 2025 Public Works, Fire Rescue Operations, Animal Control, and Community Development & Engagement

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review a staff request to set new fees and charges for various municipal services. Council will discuss the proposed updates to schedules covering solid waste, sewer, water, recreation, administration and building permits. The meeting also includes reports on the 2026 capital budget, the town’s 60th birthday celebration planning, and a memorandum of understanding with the Port McNeill Skatepark Committee.

• Proposed fees and charges for solid waste, sewer and water services (Schedules A‑C)
• Revised recreation fees (Schedule D) including community hall and pool rates
• Updated administration fees (Schedule E) such as bylaw amendment application fees
• New building permit fee schedule (Schedule F) with minimum fee and value‑based rates
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Port McNeill and the Port McNeill Skatepark Committee

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will review comments on the Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan draft and consider suggestions for a recreation coordinator. It will also discuss the Port Hardy recreation delegation, track‑and‑field rules, and a possible community garden at Broughton Park. New business includes criteria for metal display content and Google Drive access.

• Comments & recommendations on the Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan draft (motion 21/2025)
• Suggestions for key roles and duties of the proposed Recreation Coordinator
• Port Hardy Recreation Delegation discussion (motion 17/2025)
• Track and Field Rules update (motion 10/2025)
• Possible community garden at Broughton Park (new business)

Harbour Advisory Group

The Harbour Advisory Group will review the summer report prepared by Duncan and evaluate the summer student program. Members will also discuss any maintenance needs for the docks and the progress of boat launch repairs. No formal decisions are listed; items are for discussion.

• Summer report from Duncan
• Summer student program review
• Maintenance items for docks
• Boat launch repairs progress

Regular Council

The Port McNeill Council will adopt the agenda and approve minutes from the August 12 regular meeting and the August 20 special meeting. Reports will be presented on housing needs, public works, the harbour authority, fire rescue, community development, and animal control. A proposed change to Draft Procedure Bylaw 732, 2025 will be discussed, followed by a request for its third reading.

• Adopt agenda as presented
• Approve minutes of the August 12, 2025 regular meeting and August 20, 2025 special meeting
• Review OCP Updates – Housing Needs report
• Consider proposed change to Draft Procedure Bylaw 732, 2025
• Request third reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025

Special Council

The Special Council will review a staff report on the Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund Capital Infrastructure Stream. The report outlines an opportunity for the Town of Port McNeill to apply for up to $7 million in grant funding for recreation, tourism, and cultural projects. Council is asked to support the application and agree to manage the grant and any cost overruns.

• Apply for up to $7 million grant from the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund – Capital Infrastructure Stream
• Support grant management and cover any cost overruns if the application is successful
• Discuss eligibility of recreation, tourism, and cultural infrastructure projects

Special Council

The Special Council will meet to conduct general business and address agenda items. The meeting includes a public announcement regarding the honorary title of Freedom of the Town.

• Granting of the key to the Town and honorary title of Freedom of the Town to John Motherwell

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council will adopt its agenda and minutes, hear petitions and correspondence, and review several reports including the 2025 Operating Budget to Actuals, the RCMP Q1 report, and the July Public Works update. The council will also receive a staff report on the remaining 2025 Passion Project funds. The only formal bylaw action on the agenda is a request for a second reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025.

• Request for Second Reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025
• 2025 Operating Budget to Actuals (Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2025)
• Port McNeill RCMP Q1 report (Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2025)
• July 2025 Public Works report
• Staff report on 2025 Passion Project funds

Special Council

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The only specific item listed is an in-camera session regarding the security of municipal property.

• In-camera discussion regarding the security of the property of the municipality

Regular Council

The Port McNeill Council will consider a Temporary Use Permit for an Airbnb short‑term rental at 2087 Pioneer Hill Drive, with options to approve for up to three years or deny the application. Council will also review a request to support an application to the BC Housing Community Housing Fund for new seniors‑housing units on the town‑owned parcel at 1820 Furney Place. A first reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025 will be presented, and reports from Public Works and other departments will be discussed.

• Temporary Use Permit (Airbnb) application for 2087 Pioneer Hill Drive – approve or deny
• Request for Council support to apply to the Community Housing Fund for seniors housing at 1820 Furney Place
• First reading of Procedure Bylaw No. 732, 2025
• Public Works report on fleet maintenance and service updates

Regular Council

Council will discuss the 2024 Town of Port McNeill Annual Report and Statement of Financial Position. The body is also considering the approval of Respect in the Workplace Policy No. 20250508.

• Approval of Respect in the Workplace Policy No. 20250508
• Review of 2024 Town of Port McNeill Annual Report & SOFI
• Recommendations from the June 5, 2025 Harbour Advisory Group
• Grant in Aid donation request of $900 from Tri-Port Moto Cross for a Level 3 First Aid Kit
• In-camera discussion regarding acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will review the Parks Recreation and Culture Plan and discuss the criteria and budget for Passion Projects. The body will also address Track and Field rules and a delegation from Port Hardy Recreation.

• Review and discussion of Parks Recreation and Culture Plan
• Action on Track and Field Rules
• Discussion on Passion Projects criteria, budget, and process
• Port Hardy Recreation Delegation

Tourism Advisory Committee

The Tourism Advisory Committee will consider several items, including signage for Beach Drive walking trails, a bike trail on Malcolm, a follow‑up from the Chamber, and an update on Telegraph Cove. The committee will also review old business such as the town map, Driftscape project, influencer trip, and harbour signage. Standard agenda items like adopting the agenda, minutes, correspondence and bylaws will be addressed.

• Beach Drive Walking Trails (Signage)
• Bike Trail on Malcolm
• Chamber Follow Up
• Telegraph Cove Update
• Harbour Signage (old business)

Regular Council

The Regular Council meeting will review several reports, consider a Development Permit for expanding the Canada Post building at 1603 McNeill Road, evaluate a Temporary Use Permit application for 2087 Pioneer Hill Drive, discuss a funding application for a senior’s housing feasibility study, and address new business including 2025 UBCM Convention meeting requests.

• Development Permit application for 1603 McNeill Road (Canada Post expansion)
• Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application for 2087 Pioneer Hill Drive
• FCM Funding Application – Senior’s Housing Feasibility Study
• Correspondence regarding 2025 Grants to Community Partners (Gate House Community Association)
• 2025 UBCM Convention meeting requests

Harbour Advisory Group

The Harbour Advisory Group is meeting to discuss several infrastructure projects and operational matters. The body will review the expansion of Parking Lot A and the demolition of the old shower building. Discussions will also cover boat launch ramp repairs and a summer break for the group.

• Parking Lot A Expansion discussion
• Old Shower Building Demolition discussion
• Boat Launch Ramp Repairs

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to review the Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan with Councillor Ruel. The committee will also discuss rules for track and field, criteria for "Passion Projects," and a potential delegation from Port Hardy Recreation.

• Review of Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan
• Discussion of Track and Field Rules
• Discussion of criteria and budget for Passion Projects
• Discussion regarding a Port Hardy Recreation delegation

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council will meet on May 13, 2025, to conduct final readings for the 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan and the 2025 Tax Rate bylaws. The agenda also includes a development permit request for 501 Pioneer Hill Drive, a grant application from the Gate House Community Association, and a review of the Q1 2025 operating budget. Additionally, Council will discuss a rental extension for pickleball and receive various departmental reports, including April operations for Public Works, the Harbour Authority, and Fire Rescue.

• Final reading of Bylaw No. 730: 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan
• Final reading of Bylaw No. 731: 2025 Tax Rate
• Development Permit request for 501 Pioneer Hill Drive
• $3,000 grant-in-aid application from Gate House Community Association
• Policy No. 20250509 Correspondence approval

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to review past meeting minutes and discuss ongoing business. The agenda includes a discussion regarding the Park and Recreation Advisory Survey and a review of a "Passion Project."

• Park and Recreation Advisory Survey discussion
• Passion Project review

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council will meet to discuss municipal operations, including the first three readings of the 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan and the 2025 Tax Rate bylaws. The agenda also includes reports on the medical clinic addition at 2161 McNeill Road, RCMP performance, and a provincial pesticide permit application for knotweed eradication in the Nimpkish River.

• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw No. 730 (2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan)
• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw No. 731 (2025 Tax Rate)
• Consultation on Pesticide Use Permit 402-0691-25-28 for Nimpkish River knotweed
• Report on proposed addition to the medical clinic at 2161 McNeill Road
• Review of 2024 and 2025 Q1 RCMP reports

CANCELLED - Tourism Advisory Committee

This meeting of the Port McNeill Tourism Advisory Committee, scheduled for April 9, 2025, has been cancelled. The agenda included routine procedural items and discussions on local tourism projects.

• Town Map
• Driftscape
• Influencer Trip
• Harbour Signage
• Beach Drive Walking Trails (Signage)

CANCELLED - Regular Council

The Regular Council meeting scheduled for April 8, 2025, in Port McNeill has been cancelled. The agenda included reports on public works, harbour operations, fire rescue, and animal control, as well as correspondence regarding provincial Bill 7 and a pesticide use permit for knotweed eradication.

• Correspondence from MLA Anna Kindy regarding Bill 7
• Pesticide Use Permit application for Nimpkish River invasive knotweed management
• March 2025 Public Works Report
• March 2025 Harbour Authority Staff Report
• 2024 and 2025 1st Quarter RCMP reports

Special Council

Port McNeill Special Council meets to consider the final reading of Bylaw No. 729, 2025, which amends the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee membership requirements. The meeting also includes a scheduled closed in-camera session to discuss labor relations, employee relations, and municipal property security.

• Request for Final Reading of Bylaw No. 729, 2025 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Amendment
• In-camera session regarding labour relations, employee relations, and property security under Community Charter Act 90 (c) and (d)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Port McNeill Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is holding a meeting to discuss old business including playground placement, a committee survey, and the Culture Master Plan, alongside new business regarding public use of the track.

• Old Business: Election of Chair, Co-Chair, and Recording Secretary
• Old Business: Discussion on Playground Placement
• Old Business: Review of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Survey
• Old Business: Review of the Culture Master Plan
• New Business: Discussion on public use of the Track

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council is meeting to hear four Passion Project and grant-in-aid requests, including a Christmas light-up event, a Men's Shed workspace, and other community proposals. They will also adopt minutes from previous meetings and receive staff reports on public works, harbour, fire rescue, animal control, and community development.

• Passion Project request from Armando Rosas
• Grant-in-Aid request from Pita Rosback and Aaron Gabrysh for Christmas Light up downtown (2025)
• Passion Grant & Room 1 work space request from Ken Burkholder for Port McNeill Men's Shed ($1,000)
• Passion Project request from Belen Becker
• February 2025 Public Works, Harbour Authority, Fire Rescue, Animal Control reports

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the proposed 2025 operating and capital budget, which includes a 2.37% tax increase. The budget reflects changes in revenues and expenses, including decreased fire department call-outs, increased harbour and campground revenues, and new costs for an e-Gov online payment system. The meeting is primarily a discussion of the budget, with no final decisions noted in the agenda.

• Proposed 2.37% tax increase
• 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget discussion
• Fire & Protective Services budget decreased due to fewer 2024 call-outs
• Utility fee increases per Bylaws 680, 681, 682 (CPI + 1% = 4.9%)
• e-Gov online payment system: $5,000 setup + ~$1,200 annual fee

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council will consider first, second, and third reading of Bylaw No. 729, 2025, which amends the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee membership requirements. They will also hear grant requests from Tri Port Minor Hockey and a volleyball passion project, and receive the January 2025 Harbour Authority report. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a closed session for labour and land matters.

• Bylaw No. 729, 2025: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Amendment
• Tri Port Minor Hockey small grant donation request
• Elementary volleyball passion project funding request (grade 6 & 7, Sunset school)
• January 2025 Harbour Authority report (dock replacement, safety incidents)
• In-camera session for labour relations and land acquisition/disposition

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the 2025 proposed operating and capital budget, which includes a proposed 2.37% tax increase. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as adopting the agenda, minutes, and correspondence. The budget notes highlight changes in revenues and expenses, including a decrease in fire services revenue and increases in harbour, campground, and museum revenues.

• Proposed 2.37% tax increase for 2025
• Fire & Protective Services budget decreased due to fewer call outs in 2024
• Utility fee increases per Bylaws 680, 681, 682: CPI (3.9%) + 1% = 4.9% increase
• New e-Gov system: one-time setup fee of $5,000 plus annual fee of ~$1,200 (CPI-adjusted)
• General Government and Services increased due to additional staff, wages, benefits, and e-Gov

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to elect a Chair, Co-Chair, and Recording Secretary, and to discuss the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, which includes recommendations for facility upgrades, new playgrounds, and a warm water therapy pool. The committee will also review survey results and discuss improving communication with Council.

• Elect Chair, Co-Chair, and Recording Secretary
• Discuss Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (pages 3-10)
• Review Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Survey (pages 11-14)
• Discuss playgrounds and recreational manager position
• Discuss transparency and communication between Committee and Council

Tourism Advisory Committee

The Port McNeill Tourism Advisory Committee meets to discuss tourism initiatives including the Driftscape app, visitor mapping, seawall signage, and highway entrance signage. The agenda also includes presentations from Chamber guests Logan and Angela and Reid Gibson regarding Driftscape.

• Presentation and Q&A with Reid Gibson of Driftscape
• Discussion on Driftscape app under old business
• Discussion on Visitor Town Map and Seawall Signage
• Discussion on Port McNeill Hwy Entrance Signage and Biking the Outer Island Influencer Trip
• Holiday in Canada Promotions and Recommendations to Council

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2025 proposed operating and capital budget, which includes a 2.37% tax increase. They are also discussing the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, which outlines recommendations for facilities, programming, and waterfront improvements over the next 10-15 years.

• 2025 proposed operating and capital budget with 2.37% tax increase
• Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan recommendations
• Proposed warm water therapy pool at swimming pool
• Development of land adjacent to Cenotaph with parking, trails, and play area
• Decommissioning of Park with No Name for community garden

Regular Council

The Port McNeill Town Council will hold a regular meeting to review the public works, fire rescue, community development, and animal control reports for January 2025. Council will also consider the final reading of Bylaw No. 728 for revenue anticipation borrowing. Additionally, appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee made during an in-camera session will be made public.

• Final reading of Bylaw No. 728, 2025 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing
• Public release of committee appointments for Chloe Dalsin-Sandahl and Barb Bonnell to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

CANCELLED - Committee of the Whole

This Committee of the Whole meeting was cancelled, so no decisions or discussions occurred. The agenda had included a proposed 2025 operating and capital budget with a 2.37% tax increase, and a Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan with recommendations for facilities and programming.

• 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget with 2.37% tax increase
• Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan
• Recommendations for warm water therapy pool and playground upgrades
• Proposed recreation coordinator position
• Waterfront and trail improvements

Regular Council

Port McNeill Council is meeting to consider a rent waiver request for the Teen Centre, review departmental reports, and discuss grant opportunities for emergency operations. The agenda also includes a bylaw for revenue anticipation borrowing and a letter about a potential school closure.

• Rent waiver request from North Island Community Services Society for Teen Centre at Old School ($100/month)
• Bylaw No. 728, 2025 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing - first, second, and third reading
• Regional Grant Opportunity – Emergency Operation Centre
• Regional Grant Opportunity – Emergency Support Services
• Letter from Vancouver Island North School District No.85 re: possible Cheslakees Elementary School closure

Harbour Advisory Group

The Port McNeill Harbour Advisory Group will meet to discuss operational updates, including a review of the 2024 year-end performance and the 2025 meeting schedule. The committee will also address infrastructure projects and waste management issues at the harbour.

• 2025 Harbour Advisory Group meeting schedule review
• 2024 year-end operational review
• Discussion of E & K replacement
• Small Craft Harbours environmental wells project
• Shower building progress update

CANCELLED - Regular Council

The Regular Council meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025, at 1775 Furney Pl. has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.