Creston public meetings in 2023

Council Meeting

Council will consider using the former fire hall property as an emergency shelter through March 31, 2024. The meeting also includes discussions on new short-term rental bylaws and a proposed child care facility on Cedar Street. Additionally, the council will review updates to the Backyard Hen Pilot Program.

• Temporary use of former Fire Hall property for an emergency shelter
• Proposed short-term rental bylaws including Zoning Amendment No. 1977
• Child care facility proposal for Cedar Street property
• Adoption of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1969, 2023
• Backyard Hen Pilot Program update

Council Meeting

Council will discuss potential locations for a childcare facility funded by the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. The agenda also includes decisions on a lease renewal with School District No. 8 and support for Casey’s Community House operating hours.

• Proposed use of Town-owned property on Cedar Street for a childcare facility
• Lease agreement renewal for the Creston Education Centre with School District No. 8
• Support for Casey's Community House to extend weekend operating hours
• $984.98 discretionary grant request for Creston Valley Search and Rescue
• Amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1969, 2023

Council Meeting

Creston Council will review several recommendations from the November 21 Committee of the Whole meeting. Topics include proposed changes to the Board of Variance Bylaw and new tree protection initiatives. The agenda also includes discussions on airport planning and cemetery regulations.

• Denial of Development Variance Permit Application 23/01 for 145 Devon Street
• Proposed amendment to Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1563 to reduce required meetings
• $500 discretionary grant for Kootenay River Secondary School volleyball travel
• Proposal for a new Tree Planting Program and Tree Protection Bylaw
• Review of cemetery regulations for green burials at Forest Lawn Cemetery

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Special Committee of the Whole is conducting a multi-day review of the 2024 budget. Discussions include service budgets for water, sewer, solid waste, and various municipal departments.

• 2024 Water Service Budget presentation
• 2024 Sewer Service Budget presentation
• 2024 Solid Waste Service Budget presentation
• 2024 Utility Rates Review
• Review of Five Year Capital Plan and One Time Projects

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several municipal proposals including capital replacement budgets and bylaw amendments. Discussions include sewage station capacity, airport master planning, and tree protection programs.

• 2024 Proposed Capital Replacement Budget presentation
• Collis Street Sewage Lift Station capacity investigation budget request
• Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1563 amendment to reduce required meetings
• Development Variance Permit Application 23/01 for 145 Devon Street
• Creston Valley Regional Airport Master Plan and BC Air Access Grant application

Council Meeting

Council will consider adopting the Trails Master Plan and a five-year financial plan amendment bylaw. The agenda also includes a proposal to invest approximately $235,000 from the Cemetery Care Fund into a mortgage fund. Additionally, a delegation regarding shelter for unhoused individuals is scheduled.

• Adoption of the Trails Master Plan
• Investment of approximately $235,000 Cemetery Care Fund Balance into MFA Mortgage Fund
• Application for RDCK grant for accessory dwelling unit plans
• Adoption of Five Year Financial Plan (2023-2027) Amendment Bylaw No. 1992, 2023
• $6,929 grant application for Forest Lawn Cemetery columbaria units

Centennial Event Advisory Committee

The committee is reviewing several Centennial event activities, including a potential drone show for May 14, 2024. Discussions also include budget updates regarding a $17,200 grant and a pending $75,000 municipal budget request.

• Approval to book drone show for May 14, 2024
• Receipt of $17,200 Canada Heritage Festivals Grant
• $75,000 pending approval in 2024 municipal budget
• Interest in a Heritage Fair for September 2024

Council Meeting

The Council is reviewing an amended Five Year Financial Plan for 2023-2027. Discussions include approving 2024 budget guidelines, lease agreements for the Creston Education Centre, and various infrastructure project referrals.

• Amended Five Year Financial Plan 2023-2027 Bylaw No. 1992
• Lease agreements for Creston Education Centre with RDCK and Valley Community Services
• 2024 Budget Guidelines and Schedule approval
• B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant application
• Donation of Town merchandise to Sue's Clothesline

Cemetery Select Committee

The committee will review the draft cemetery budget and receive updates on several projects. Discussions include a columbaria project update and information regarding green burials.

• Review of Cemetery Draft Budget
• Columbaria Project Update
• Green Burials update
• Municipal Finance Authority Fund recommendation

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2024 budget guidelines, schedule, and various infrastructure proposals. Discussions include tree planting programs, playground replacements, and active transportation grants.

• Approval of 2024 Budget Guidelines and Schedule
• Research into a public/private tree planting program and protection bylaw
• Replacement plan for Creston Education Centre playground equipment
• Application for the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant
• Review of intersection assessment at Hilton Street and 2nd Avenue NW

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Special Committee of the Whole will conduct a strategic planning workshop. No delegations are scheduled for this meeting.

• Strategic Planning Workshop

Council Meeting

The Council will review several items including upcoming committee appointments and correspondence regarding tourism and community forest funding. Additionally, the agenda includes the adoption of two specific bylaws.

• Adoption of Commercial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1988, 2023
• Adoption of Council Procedures Amendment Bylaw No. 1991, 2023
• Support for Creston Valley Tourism Society funding application
• Support for Creston Community Forest Goat Mountain Trail Project grant application
• Proclamation of October as Foster Family Month

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Director of Finance and Corporate Services will present information regarding the 2023 Budget Amendment. This includes a presentation of the revised five-year financial plan.

• Presentation on the 2023 Budget Amendment
• Revised Five Year Financial Plan presentation

Council Meeting

The meeting includes discussions on grant applications for Market Park Phase 2 and a Stormwater Management Master Plan. Council will also review the adoption of several bylaws, including changes to open burning regulations. Additionally, recommendations include establishing fees for electric vehicle chargers and replacing a roof at 1130 Canyon Street.

• Grant application for Market Park Phase 2 development
• Funding application for a Stormwater Management Master Plan
• Adoption of Open Burning Amendment Bylaw No. 1990, 2023
• Proposed fees for Town-owned Electric Vehicle Chargers
• Roof replacement for the Downtown Public Washroom Building at 1130 Canyon Street

Centennial Event Advisory Committee

The committee will receive verbal updates regarding the Centennial publication and event logo. Members will also review activities and develop a workplan.

• Verbal update on Centennial Publication
• Report on Centennial Event Logo and Branding
• Review and revision of activities
• Workplan development

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will review a quarterly report from the Creston RCMP. Council is also considering the adoption of the 2022-2026 Council Strategic Plan and a roof replacement for public washrooms.

• Adoption of the 2022-2026 Council Strategic Plan
• Roof replacement at 1130 Canyon Street (Downtown Public Washroom Building)
• Creation of fees for Town owned Electric Vehicle Chargers
• Creston RCMP Quarterly Update report

The council approved the meeting agenda, adding a verbal report on the 2022‑2026 Strategic Plan. A motion to recess at 5:30 p.m. and shift to a closed Committee of the Whole under the Community Charter was carried. The meeting was subsequently adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

• Adopted agenda, including verbal report on Strategic Plan (motion carried)
• Recessed meeting at 5:30 p.m. and moved to closed session (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:52 p.m. (motion carried)

Council Meeting

The Council will consider applying to the Housing Accelerator Fund to increase local housing supply. They are also scheduled to adopt the 2023 Disaster Response Plan and review several bylaw amendments.

• Application to the Housing Accelerator Fund
• Adoption of the 2023 Disaster Response Plan
• Zoning Amendment for 314 - 11th Avenue North
• Open Burning Amendment Bylaw No. 1990, 2023
• Repeal of Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 1989, 2023

Council approved the 2023 Disaster Response Plan and authorized an application to the Housing Accelerator Fund to increase local housing supply. The board also directed staff to repair the roof at 1130 Canyon Street and advanced several bylaws through their reading process.

• Adopted Town of Creston Disaster Response Plan (2023)
• Authorized application to the Housing Accelerator Fund to increase housing supply
• Directed staff to repair the roof at 1130 Canyon Street
• Read Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023 (314-11th Avenue North) a third time
• Read Repeals Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 1989, 2023 a third time
• Read Open Burning Amendment Bylaw No. 1990, 2023 a first, second, and third time
• Read Council Procedures Amendment Bylaw No. 1991, 2023 a first and second time

Public Hearing

The Town of Creston is holding a public hearing regarding Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023. The proposal would rezone the property from Residential – Low Density (R1) to Commercial Neighbourhood (CN). If adopted, the change would allow for a mixed-use building with long-term rental residential on the bottom floor and a massage clinic on the main floor.

• Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023
• Rezoning of 314 - 11th Avenue North from R1 to CN zone
• Amendment to 'Mixed-Use' definition to allow residential and commercial configurations

Council held a public hearing regarding Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023. The proposal seeks to rezone 314 - 11th Avenue North from Residential – Low Density (R1) to Commercial Neighbourhood (CN) to allow for a massage clinic and long-term rental residential use. No final decision on the amendment was recorded; the hearing was closed after receiving submissions.

• Received all written and oral submissions regarding Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023
• Closed the public hearing

Council Meeting

The Council is reviewing several bylaw amendments, including zoning changes for 220-6th Avenue North and 314-11th Avenue North. Discussions also include an application for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund and updates to the Open Burning Bylaw. Additionally, the council will consider a new Commercial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw.

• Adoption of Zoning and OCP Amendment Bylaws for 220-6th Avenue North
• Application for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund
• Proposed amendment to Open Burning Bylaw No. 1929 to eliminate yard waste burning
• First and second readings for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980 (314-11th Avenue North)
• Introduction of Commercial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1988

Council adopted two bylaws regarding the Official Community Plan and zoning for 220-6th Avenue North. The body also advanced several other bylaws through first and second readings and authorized a $150 sponsorship for a local pet adoption fundraiser.

• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1975, 2023 for 220-6th Avenue North (Opposed: Mondia, Elford)
• Adopted Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1976, 2023 for 220-6th Avenue North (Opposed: Mondia, Elford)
• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1980, 2023 (314-11th Avenue North)
• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of Commercial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1988, 2023
• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of Repeals Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 1989, 2023
• Authorized $150 sponsorship for Creston Pet Adoption and Wellness Society's Calendar Fundraiser
• Authorized Mayor to write letters of support for a Francophone School and 2024 Wetland Education and Awareness Programs
• Authorized Mayor to proclaim September 26, 2023, as United Way BC Day

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole provided direction to staff on multiple zoning, tax, and safety bylaw amendments. They also authorized an application for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Housing Accelerator Fund.

• Directed staff to draft Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 314-11th Avenue North
• Authorized staff to apply for the Housing Accelerator Fund
• Directed staff to prepare a new Commercial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw
• Directed staff to draft a bylaw to repeal Planning Commission Bylaw No. 665
• Directed staff to pursue formalization and legal review of the Creston Valley Flood Management Partnership
• Directed staff to amend Open Burning Bylaw No. 1929 to eliminate yard waste burning
• Recommended staff bring forward an amending Bylaw to the Procedures Bylaw

Public Hearing

Council held a public hearing to discuss proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1975 and Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1976. These amendments would rezone 220 – 6th Avenue North from Residential – Low Density (R1) to Residential – Medium Density (R3) to allow for multi-family development. No final decision on the rezoning was recorded in the minutes.

• Received all written and oral submissions regarding Bylaws No. 1975 and 1976 and closed the public hearing (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council authorized participation in a wood smoke reduction program providing rebates for residents. The council also granted third readings for a Zoning Amendment Bylaw and an Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw. Additionally, the Mayor was authorized to support a grant application for technology upgrades at the Creston Auditorium.

• Authorized $100 per stove rebate for up to 20 residents via Wood Smoke Reduction Program
• Approved 3rd reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1975, 2023 (Councillor Mondia opposed)
• Approved 3rd reading of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1976, 2023 (Councillor Mondia opposed)
• Authorized Mayor to support Creston Valley Auditorium Society's grant application to RDCK
• Adopted July 25, 2023 meeting minutes

Council Meeting

Council adopted a new Electronic Message Board Policy and approved two $250 discretionary grants. The body also directed staff to draft short-term rental bylaws and update project costing for the development cost charges program.

• Adopted Electronic Message Board Policy (PUB-001-011)
• Approved $250 grant to Creston Valley Rotary Club
• Approved $250 grant to Friends of Creston Valley Thundercats
• Authorized Licence of Occupation for Electrorecycle at Millennium Park south parking lot
• Approved letter of support for Westword Communications funding application to Creative BC
• Directed staff to draft updated short-term rental bylaws
• Referred Tilted Brick Gallery's request for art installation location and costs to staff
• Directed staff to update development cost charges program costing and identify growth projects

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole issued several recommendations for Council approval, including updating project costing for development cost charges and drafting new short-term rental bylaws. The committee also recommended authorizing a one-day land use license for Electrorecycle at Millennium Park.

• Recommended staff update development cost charges project costing and plan stakeholder engagement for late 2023
• Recommended staff participate in the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Recommended Council refer the Creston Climate Action Plan to staff for revisions based on public consultation
• Recommended staff draft short-term rental bylaws based on community feedback
• Recommended staff present the Electronic Message Board Policy at a future meeting
• Recommended Council receive correspondence on the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area public comment extension
• Recommended authorizing a Licence of Occupation for Electrorecycle at Millennium Park south parking lot for July 23, 2023

Council Meeting

Council approved first and second readings for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1975 and Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1976, referring them to a future public hearing. Other actions included directing staff to develop a municipal housing corporation business case and a draft Disaster Response Plan.

• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1975 (Councillor Mondia opposed)
• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 1976 (Councillor Mondia opposed)
• Directed staff to prepare a business case for a municipal housing corporation
• Directed staff to submit a draft Disaster Response Plan for adoption consideration
• Approved parking permit for Panago Pizza at 1025 Canyon Street for one delivery vehicle
• Authorized Mayor to request hazardous waste and electronics recycling from RDCK
• Authorized Councillors Dumas and Ares to attend Columbia River Field School Sept 8-10

Council Meeting

Council approved a development permit for 1628 Canyon Street and authorized a grant application for road asset management. The body also adopted the 2022 Annual Report and established new privacy policies and a Privacy Officer. Additionally, Council authorized a request for the Snowbirds to perform for the town's 100th anniversary in 2024.

• Approved Development Permit 23/02 for 1628 Canyon Street conditional on $10,000 security and other requirements
• Authorized BC Infrastructure Planning Grant application for local road Asset Management Condition Assessment
• Adopted the 2022 Annual Report for the Town of Creston
• Appointed the Corporate Officer as the Privacy Officer
• Adopted Privacy Breach Policy GOV-002-068 and Privacy Impact Assessment Policy GOV-002-069
• Authorized application to Royal Canadian Air Force for Snowbirds to celebrate 100th Anniversary in 2024
• Directed staff to procure two Electric Vehicle chargers for Market Park pending grant funding
• Directed staff to draft a Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Councillor Mondia opposed)

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole directed staff to submit the draft Disaster Response Plan to a future Council meeting for adoption consideration. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Directed staff to submit draft Disaster Response Plan to upcoming Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole made several recommendations for future Council action, including the procurement of two electric vehicle chargers at Market Park. They also recommended moving forward with a development permit for 1628 Canyon Street and a zoning amendment for 220 6th Avenue North.

• Recommended Council direct staff to procure two EV chargers at Market Park, conditional on grant funding
• Recommended Council direct staff to present Development Permit 23/02 (1628 Canyon Street) for consideration
• Recommended Council direct staff to draft a Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 220 6th Avenue North
• Referred Housing Plan Implementation and Zoning/OCP amendments to the July meeting
• Recommended Council consider the Privacy Impact Assessment and Privacy Breach Policy
• Received presentation on Water, Sewer, and Storm Asset Management

Council Meeting

Council approved the Town of Creston Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and adopted an Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw. The board also approved a $6,000 discretionary grant for the Kootenai Community Centre Society and authorized a public art installation.

• Approved Town of Creston Strategic Plan 2022-2026
• Adopted Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1968
• Approved $6,000 discretionary grant to Kootenai Community Centre Society
• Approved installation of 'Invisible Garden' art in four locations
• Authorized Mayor to write support letter for Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Program
• Directed staff to contact Lower Kootenay Band regarding a Council to Council event
• Directed staff to present final 2022 Annual Report on June 27, 2023

Centennial Event Advisory Committee

The Centennial Event Advisory Committee reviewed updates on a centennial publication and discussed potential community art projects and heritage fairs. The committee issued a formal recommendation to Council regarding a Royal Canadian Air Force application.

• Adopted June 6, 2023 agenda (Motion Carried)
• Adopted February 28, 2023 meeting minutes (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council apply for Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds flybys for 2024 anniversary

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole recommended that Council adopt the Town of Creston Strategic Plan 2022-2026 at the June 13, 2023 meeting. Additionally, the Committee recommended that staff contact the Lower Kootenay Band regarding a Council to Council event.

• Recommended adoption of Strategic Plan 2022-2026 for June 13 meeting
• Recommended staff contact Lower Kootenay Band for Council to Council event

Public Hearing

Council held a public hearing to receive submissions regarding proposed updates to the Official Community Plan. No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Council voted to receive all submissions and closed the public hearing.

• Received all written and oral submissions regarding Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1968, 2023 and closed the public hearing (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council approved several new administrative policies and the 2022 Statement of Financial Information. The body also authorized a letter of support for FortisBC and approved a special event permit for the Battle of the Bands. Additionally, Council directed staff to improve wheelchair accessibility at the Creston Education Centre.

• Adopted Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Policy SER-010-035
• Adopted Code of Conduct Policy GOV-001-013
• Adopted revised Procurement Policy FIN-003-005 (Councillor Elford opposed)
• Approved 2022 Statement of Financial Information
• Authorized Mayor to support FortisBC renewable natural gas application
• Approved Millennium Park booking and 300-person capacity for Battle of the Bands
• Directed staff to make Creston Education Centre external door wheelchair accessible
• Read Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1968 a third time