Powell River, BC

Regular Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Board of Variance Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Regular Council Meeting

This is the agenda for the September 24, 2026 regular Council meeting. Council will consider adopting several bylaws, including permissive tax exemptions for 2027, a wildlife attractant bylaw, and a development permit for a new nine-unit commercial development at 4562 Willingdon Avenue. The meeting also includes a closed session for litigation, legal advice, and preliminary negotiations, plus public input periods and proclamations.

• Adoption of Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaws No. 2825 and 2826, 2026
• Adoption of Wildlife Attractant Bylaw 2822, 2026
• Development Permit 445 and Development Variance Permit 298 for a nine-unit commercial development at 4562 Willingdon Avenue
• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1) for litigation, legal advice, and negotiations
• RCMP quarterly update and proclamations for Community Inclusion Month and Library Month

Board of Variance Meeting

The Powell River Board of Variance will consider one appeal (BOV175) to relax the minimum front setback at 0 (Lot B) Cook Avenue from 5.5m to 3.8m to allow construction of two single-family dwellings and two detached garages at the rear. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting.

• Variance application BOV175 for 0 (Lot B) Cook Avenue to reduce front setback from 5.5m to 3.8m
• Construction of two single-family dwellings and two detached garages at rear of property
• Adoption of minutes from May 27, 2026 Board of Variance meeting

Regular Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several legislative matters, including updates to the Willingdon Beach Campsite Bylaw and amendments to sanitary sewer system user rates. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Terry Fox Week and a discussion on permissive tax exemptions for 2027.

• Willingdon Beach Campsite Bylaw Update (Bylaw 2823, 2026)
• Sanitary Sewer System User Rates Amendment Bylaw 2824, 2026
• Permissive Tax Exemptions for 2027
• Proclamation: Terry Fox Week (September 14-20, 2026)

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will review recommendations for 2027 permissive tax exemptions. Members will also discuss heritage trees located on Oak Street.

• Permissive Tax Exemptions for 2027
• Oak Street Heritage Trees

Regular Council Meeting

Council will consider awarding a contract for the Seawalk Restoration Project, receiving tender results and a grant opportunity. They will also discuss updates to the Willingdon Beach Campsite bylaw and an amendment to sanitary sewer user rates. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel and legal matters.

• Award Contract No. 2320-20-2375 to Hazelwood Construction for $819,513.36 (excluding GST) for Seawalk Restoration
• Receive Powell River Community Forest contribution of $550,000 for Phase 2, total project $1,530,000
• Authorize application to Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Local Impact Stream for Seawalk funding
• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw 2823, 2026 (Willingdon Beach Campsite update)
• Sanitary Sewer System User Rates Amendment Bylaw 2824, 2026

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will consider a report on improving accessibility and zero waste at city-run and city-permitted outdoor events, recommending staff continue exploring operational approaches. The agenda also includes a delegation on International Overdose Awareness Day, a discussion on dogs at Willingdon Beach, and a motion to close the meeting for personnel and labour relations matters.

• Report: Accessibility and Zero Waste at City Outdoor Events (recommendation to continue exploring approaches)
• Delegation from qathet Community Action Team and Vancouver Coastal Health on International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug 31, 2026)
• Discussion item: Dogs at Willingdon Beach (Councillor Elliott)
• Motion to close meeting under Community Charter s.90(1)(a) and (c) for personnel and labour relations
• Adoption of minutes from June 30, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting

Board of Variance Meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Council will hear a delegation from qathet Climate Alliance about risks of a data centre at the Mill Site. They will consider adopting a Bylaw Notice Enforcement bylaw, approving ICBC funding for intersection safety improvements (up to $130,200 total), and issuing a development permit for an automotive service centre. Also, they will discuss policy direction on homeless encampments, including $30,000 for cleanup and future budget planning.

• Delegation on data centre risks at the Mill Site (qathet Climate Alliance)
• ICBC funding: $72,600 for Ash Ave & Poplar St intersection, $57,600 for Poplar/Lombardy/Aspen/Willow intersection (quick-build)
• Development Permit 441 for new automotive service centre at Joyce Ave & Glacier St
• Pacific Point strata encroachment – volumetric easements over Tofino St and Joyce Ave
• $30,000 for encampment cleanup and future FireSmarting and homelessness capacity planning

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will consider policy direction regarding homeless encampments on city property. The primary focus is a proposal to amend the Parks Regulation By-law to prohibit overnight sheltering in some public spaces while allowing it in others.

• Proposed amendments to Parks Regulation By-law 845 to regulate overnight sheltering
• Update from Bert Finnamore of the qathet Museum & Archives Society
• Discussion on $30,000 allocation from Financial Stabilization Reserve Fund for encampment cleanup
• Planning for 2027 budget items including FireSmarting for high-risk parks and increased bylaw enforcement

Regular Council Meeting

Council will hear a delegation on the proposed New Forest Act, then vote on several bylaws including reserve fund transfers, financial plan amendment, election procedures, bylaw enforcement, and harbour authority lease renewal. They will also decide on expanding the city's intervenor status regarding an export licence application by PREI, approve the 2025 annual report, and direct staff to request meetings with provincial ministers on energy, forests, housing, mill site redevelopment, and shelter services. A public engagement on a wildlife attractant bylaw is also directed.

• Adoption of Reserve Fund Transfer Bylaw 2814 and Repealing Bylaw 2815
• Adoption of 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2820
• First three readings of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2818
• Authorization for Powell River South Harbour Authority head lease renewal with Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Council supports expanded intervenor status in PREI export licence application

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The committee is discussing a policy direction for homeless encampments on city property. A report recommends amending the Parks Bylaw to prohibit overnight sheltering in some parks while allowing it in others, allocating $30,000 from reserves for cleanup, and planning future funding for FireSmarting and increased enforcement capacity. The committee will also receive an annual update from Sunshine Coast Tourism.

• Amend Parks Bylaw to prohibit overnight sheltering in certain parks and allow in others
• Add $30,000 to 2026-2030 financial plan for encampment cleanup, from Financial Stabilization Reserve
• Include FireSmarting high-risk parks in 2027 budget
• Increase 2027 budget for bylaw enforcement, parks resources, and encampment cleanup
• Delegation: Annual update from Sunshine Coast Tourism

Regular Council Meeting

Council will consider applying for intervenor status with the Canada Energy Regulator regarding the PREI license application, including up to $50,000 in funding. Also on the agenda: zoning amendments for a supportive housing shelter on Complex Way, a development permit for a new industrial facility on Duncan Street, and transfers of $250,000 each from sewer and water reserves to the general surplus.

• Apply for intervenor status on PREI license before Canada Energy Regulator; up to $50,000 authorized
• Zoning amendment for supportive housing shelter on Complex Way (BC Housing) – third reading and adoption
• Development Permit 436 – new multi-unit industrial facility at Lot 3 Duncan Street
• Transfer $250,000 from Sewer Capital Reserve and $250,000 from Water Capital Reserve to general surplus
• First three readings of Election and Assent Voting Bylaw 2821

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will consider a recommendation to direct staff to engage the public on a draft Wildlife Attractant Bylaw. The bylaw aims to address wildlife attractant management, such as insecure waste storage, to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Other items include the draft 2025 Annual Report and discussion of resolutions for the Union of BC Municipalities convention.

• Recommendation to seek public feedback on draft Wildlife Attractant Bylaw
• Draft 2025 Annual Report presented for information
• Direction on proposed resolution topics and meeting requests for UBCM convention with cabinet ministers
• Adoption of minutes from May 5, 2026 meeting
• Public input and clarification periods on agenda items

Board of Variance Meeting

The Board of Variance will hear an appeal to relax the rear setback from 3m to 1.3m at 5596 Maple Avenue to bring an existing unauthorized accessory dwelling unit into compliance. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• BOV00174: variance to reduce rear setback from 3m to 1.3m at 5596 Maple Avenue for a carriage house conversion

Regular Council Meeting

The Powell River City Council will consider an $80,000 budget increase for the ACC/DCC Special Project. The meeting also includes decisions on several community grants and new municipal policies.

• Increase 2026 ACC/DCC Special Project budget from $100,000 to $180,000
• Approval of Bylaw Enforcement Policy C09-001
• Approval of Candidate Conduct & Use of City Resources Policy C09-002
• 2026 Grants-in-Aid including $10,000 to Four Tides Hospice Society
• Spring 2026 Powell River Community Forest Grants

Committee of the Whole Meeting - 19 May 2026 - CANCELLED

Special Council Meeting

Council will vote on approving the City of Powell River's Draft 2025 Financial Statements. The financial statements show a $5.3M increase in cash and investments, a $3M increase in reserves, and a $1M decrease in long-term debt. Actual capital spending was $5.7M against a budget of $36.8M, with the Aquatic Centre roof project deferred pending grant funding.

• Approval of Draft 2025 Financial Statements with auditors' positive opinion
• Cash and portfolio investments increased by $5.3M to $71.7M
• Reserves rose by $3.0M to $52.1M
• Long-term debt reduced by $1.0M to $31.9M
• Aquatic Centre Roof project ($10.1M) did not proceed in 2025

Regular Council Meeting

The Powell River City Council will meet to adopt the 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw and the Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw. The agenda also includes a development permit for 4446 Willingdon Avenue and discussions regarding the municipal housing authority process.

• Adoption of 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw 2819, 2026
• Adoption of Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw 2817, 2026
• Development Permit 425 for a new addition at 4446 Willingdon Avenue
• Discussion on Municipal Housing Authority process
• Appointment of Jeff Cadman as Chief Financial Officer

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will review the City of Powell River Downtown Plan, which proposes zoning amendments for the Old Arena Site and the decommissioned Westview Wastewater Treatment Plant. The meeting also includes discussions on new bylaw enforcement and candidate conduct policies, as well as a delegation regarding water sustainability.

• City of Powell River Downtown Plan review
• Proposed zoning amendments for Old Arena Site
• Proposed zoning amendments for Decommissioned Westview Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Bylaw Enforcement Policy C09-001
• Conduct of Candidates During Election Periods Policy C09-002

Special Council Meeting

Council will give first three readings to the 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw, which sets municipal tax rates and collects levies for the qathet Regional District and other authorities. The bylaw must be adopted by May 15. The qathet Regional District levy is decreasing by about 10.6% due to surplus carryforwards.

• First three readings of 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2819
• qathet Regional District levy drops ~10.6% from 2025 to 2026
• Municipal tax rates follow methodology approved January 22, 2026
• City collects taxes for Province of BC School District, BC Assessment, and Municipal Finance Authority

Regular Council Meeting

Council will hear a presentation from BC Housing regarding the HEART and HEARTH programs. The discussion focuses on supporting individuals in encampments and transitioning them to services like the Driftwood Shelter.

• Presentation on BC Housing's HEART and HEARTH programs
• Proposed rescinding of Council Policy 271 regarding City Property
• Zoning amendment for City-owned Barnet Street properties
• First, second, and third reading of Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw 2817, 2026
• Consideration of wildlife attractant management options

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will receive an update on the 2024-2026 Council Strategic Priorities and progress on departmental goals. The meeting also includes a delegation from the qathet Community Action Team regarding the 10th anniversary of the BC toxic drug public health emergency.

• Delegation: qathet Community Action Team regarding the toxic drug crisis
• Update: 2024-2026 Council Strategic Priorities
• Update: Council Action Items - April 2026
• Adoption of March 31, 2026, Committee of the Whole minutes

Regular Council Meeting

The Powell River City Council will consider adopting a five-year financial plan and establishing 18 different reserve funds. The meeting also includes a proposal to purchase two automated waste collection trucks for $1,166,118.10.

• Adoption of 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw 2794, 2026
• Establishment of 18 reserve funds, including Affordable Housing and RCMP funds
• Purchase of two automated waste collection trucks from Rollins Machinery Ltd. for $1,166,118.10
• Adoption of Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Source Control Amendment Bylaw 2795, 2026
• Adoption of Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bylaw 2793, 2026

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing strategies to prevent wildlife like bears, crows, and rodents from entering urban areas. Options include enacting a new Wildlife Attractant bylaw or amending existing animal control and solid waste bylaws.

• Discussion of a new Wildlife Attractant bylaw
• Proposed amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw
• Proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Collection Bylaw
• Infrastructure - Capital Projects Update
• BC Transit Fare Review - Powell River Transit System

Board of Variance Meeting

The Board of Variance will hear two appeals regarding setback relaxations on Willingdon Avenue. One application seeks to build a carriage house, while the other involves expanding a commercial building footprint.

• Variance appeal for 4687 Willingdon Avenue to relax front setback and building separation for a carriage house
• Variance appeal for 4446 Willingdon Avenue to relax side and rear setbacks for commercial building expansion
• Public hearing for both items scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at City Hall

Regular Council Meeting

The Council is considering several significant legislative items, including a large-scale development proposal for Couverdon's Benchlands and a 2026-2030 Financial Plan. They will also review multiple bylaws regarding reserve funds, utility rates, and fire response agreements.

• Couverdon Real Estate Benchlands zoning and community plan amendments
• 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw 2794
• Sewer and water user rate and parcel tax bylaws
• Establishment of 18 different reserve fund bylaws
• Negotiation of a long-term lease for a qathet Pickleball Association facility

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole is receiving an update on the Driftwood Shelter and qathet Overdose Prevention Site located at 7104 Barnet Street. The facility is expected to open on April 1 or 2, 2026, providing 24/7 services for people experiencing homelessness. The Committee will also discuss the adoption of a new City Policy Framework.

• Update on Driftwood Shelter and qathet Overdose Prevention Site at 7104 Barnet Street
• Proposed adoption of the City Policy Framework
• Guided tours of the new shelter facility scheduled for April 1, 2026

Special Council Meeting

The Powell River City Council will hold a special meeting on March 10, 2026. The agenda consists of procedural items and a motion to enter a closed meeting to discuss specific personnel and labor relations matters.

• Motion to enter closed meeting regarding personal information of an individual
• Motion to enter closed meeting regarding labour or employee relations

Regular Council Meeting

The Powell River City Council will consider several bylaw amendments regarding water, sewer, and sanitary user rates. The meeting also includes a discussion on a potential community engagement process for changing the city's name.

• Proposed amendments to Waterworks, Sewer Collector, Sewage Treatment, and Sanitary System user rate bylaws
• Amended Tourism Service Agreement with qathet Tourism Society
• Staff report regarding a potential community engagement process for a city name change
• Delegation from Qwoqwhes Forestry Holdings regarding the $80.0 million purchase of Stillwater Forest Operation
• Request for endorsement of the 'Forestry is a Solution' campaign

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole is considering a proposal to begin discussions with Tla’amin Nation and the qathet Regional District regarding a regional automatic aid agreement for fire response. Members will also review a new Conflict of Interest and Legal Expenses Policy and hear a delegation regarding Community Resource Centre supports.

• Proposed automatic aid agreement for regional fire response
• Adoption of Conflict of Interest and Legal Expenses Policy 273
• Delegation from Lift Community Services regarding Community Resource Centre supports
• BC Transit service update
• Request for endorsement of 'Forestry is a Solution' from BC Council of Forest Industries