REGULAR MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 5:30 P.m. - 10:30 P.m.

Remote Meeting

To attend via Zoom go to www.whistler.ca/CouncilMeetings

PRESENT:

• Mayor J. Crompton
• Councillor A. De Jong
• Councillor R. Forsyth
• Councillor J. Ford
• Councillor J. Grills
• Councillor D. Jackson
• Councillor C. Jewett

STAFF PRESENT:

• Chief Administrative Officer, V. Cullen
• General Manager of Corporate and Community Services, T. Battiston
• General Manager of Infrastructure Services, J. Hallisey
• Interim General Manager of Resort Experience, T. Metcalf
• Director of Human Resources, D. Wood
• Director of Planning, M. Kirkegaard
• Manager of Communications, G. Robinson
• Municipal Clerk, B. Browning
• Manager of Corporate Projects, M. Comeau
• Deputy Municipal Clerk, A. Banman
• Legislative Services Administrative Assistant, L. Wyn-Griffiths
• Environmental Coordinator, A. Sefton
• Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, E.DalSanto

OTHERS:

• Whistler 2020 Development Corporation Board Member, Eric Martin

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor J. Crompton recognized that the Meeting is being held on the traditional territories of the Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• Moved By Councillor J. Ford
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of November 17, 2020 as amended to add three items of correspondence regarding the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project and to introduce a motion to reconsider the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project under Other Business.

  CARRIED

3.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor R. Forsyth

  That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2020.

  CARRIED

4.

PRESENTATIONS AND DELEGATIONS

4.1

2020 Employee Recognition Week Awards 

Mayor J. Crompton declared a recess of the Meeting at 5:39 p.m.

The Meeting was reconvened at 5:45 p.m.

CAO V. Cullen presented Employee Recognition Week Awards to the following staff members:

• Above and Beyond Category to Francis Morrell;
• Excellence in Teamwork to Melissa Talaro;
• Excellence in Customer Service to Alex Capon;
• Excellence in Health and Safety to Miriam Bougie;
• Excellence in Being a Resort Ambassador to Sylvie Allen;
• Excellence in Leadership to Patricia Moore; and
• Team Accomplishment to the Bylaw Department.

4.2

Parcel A Update

A presentation was given by Whistler 2020 Development Corporation Board Member Eric Martin regarding the Parcel A update.

5.

PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

Questions were asked during the Meeting via Zoom.

Gabriel Plisca, 7124 Nancy Green Drive

RE: 2022 Whistler Election

Mr. Plisca asked when the next election is in Whistler?

Mayor J. Crompton advised that the next election is October 2022.

Mr. Plisca asked if the process is difficult.

Mayor J. Crompton advised on the process.

What is the weekly average time commitment from Council?

Mayor J. Crompton advised that the RMOW Council spend up to 40 hours.

Chris Wilberg, 7245 Fitzsimmons Road South

RE: White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project

Mr. Whilberg asked what is the exact cost of this project and can we table the process until we know further information.

Mayor J. Crompton advised that Council have added a reconsideration for this project and advised Mr. Whilberg to wait and hear the discussion. He also advised that there is no 'opt out'.

General Manager of Infrastructure Services J. Hallisey advised that if the project goes over budget, there would be a re-petition process.There is a lot of detailed information on our website.

Claire Ruddy, 4725 Spearhead Drive

RE: Hosting Council Meetings Electronically

Ms. Ruddy asked can you as Council see how many people are participating and is there any way for participants able to see other people who are attending the Council Zoom meetings?

Ms G. Cullen advised that we can see in our webinar who is attending.

Ms. Browning advised that the ability to see who is streaming the meeting live is not a live feature right now. However, the Communications Department has advised that they can track how many people are streaming the meeting and have provided this in a previous staff report to Council.

6.

MAYOR'S REPORT

COVID-19

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the most recent provincial health order limiting social interactions is in effect until noon on November 23. The COVID-19 pandemic has already disrupted the lives of many in our community, and impacted our businesses. He reminded everyone that now is the time to do everything we can to put the brakes on COVID-19. Our community and ski season depends on it. He noted that it is critically important that we follow the recommendations of our public health officials. He advised that no social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your core bubble. A core bubble is meant to be as small as possible. He also reminded everyone to avoid non-essential travel and stay in our home communities and to maintain 2 metres of physical distance and wear a face covering. There is no cost for a COVID-19 test and B.C. MSP coverage is not required. Anyone concerned that they might require a COVID-19 test should first use the BC Centre for Disease Control’s self-assessment tool at www.bccdc.ca. He advised that if anyone has been directed to self-isolate, please do so properly. Remember to be kind, be calm, be safe.

Virtual Budget 2021 Community Open House

Mayor J. Crompton thanked everyone who attended the virtual Budget 2021 Community Open House last night. More than forty community members attended. He advised that if anyone were not able to make it, all the Budget 2021 information and meeting materials are available online at whistler.ca/budget. He noted that a recording of the presentations can be watched and asked everyone to share feedback via a survey at whistler.ca/budgetopenhouse. He also noted that feedback can be shared or questioned asked by emailing [e-mail]. Feedback is being received until four p.m. on December first.

Remembrance Day

Mayor J. Crompton noted that last week our community gathered virtually for Remembrance Day.  He thanked Steve LeClair for organizing a meaningful ceremony.

New General Manager of Resort Experience Announcement

Mayor J. Crompton announced that Jessie Gresley-Jones has been selected as the new RMOW General Manager of Resort Experience, and will be starting December 2. Originally from Rossland, B.C, Jessie will be joining the RMOW from his current position with the City of Vancouver, where he has served as section head of development engineering for the city’s major projects. He replaces Jan Jansen, who retired in February 2020 after 30 years with the RMOW. Toni Metcalf has been serving as interim general manager for resort experience and will resume her permanent role as manager of economic development and tourism recovery once Jessie joins the organization. Mayor J. Crompton thanked Toni for her leadership and hard work in this role during an unprecedented time.

Connect Whistler week - November 16-20

Mayor J. Crompton noted that this is a week designed to help newcomers get better acquainted with their new home and the community of Whistler. Connect Whistler is going digital this year. To view the schedule of events and participate in the virtual scavenger hunt, visit www.mywcss.org/connectwhistler. 

Seasonal service changes for Whistler Transit’s early winter seasonal service

Mayor J. Crompton noted that changes begin Saturday, November 21, with the full winter service schedule starting December 5. This will see the seasonal return of routes 4 Marketplace shuttle, 20x Cheakamus and 32 Emerald. Details for this seasonal service change, early winter extra service, and route schedules are available at bctransit.com/whistler.

Cheakamus Community Forest wildfire fuel reduction

Mayor J. Crompton noted that work is set to resume November 30, 2020 along Cheakamus Lake Road. The road will be closed for the duration of the project, 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week, to all public vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and skiers. Farside and AM/PM trails may require intermittent closures. For safety reasons, please stay off the road and closed trails, follow signs and instructions of wildfire crew, and leash dogs. Learn more about wildfire management in Cheakamus Community Forest and throughout Whistler at whistler.ca/FuelThinning.

Councillor Jewett’s Art Update

Councillor C. Jewett provided an update on the following items:

• Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre has made a decision to close until November 26. There have not been any Covid cases amongst the staff. Rather this is done to ensure that the communities stay healthy and that their elders and vulnerable people are protected.
• The Audain’s next major exhibition Reservoir featuring Rebecca Belmore will be opening a bit later than expected due to new Covid restrictions. It will open Nov. 27 with the opening performance rescheduled to the spring. Meanwhile the micro exhibit of Tak Tanabe and Jack Shadbolt is still on until Nov. 22. Please go and view these rarely seen pieces.
• The Whistler Film Festival is coming! Tickets can be purchased online. You can still stay in your bubble and watch the films from the comfort of your own home! Select films will screen at the Maury Young Arts Centre. On Dec. 1-20. Whistlerfilmfestival.com.
• Cornucopia has had to postpone events until the end of November due to Covid restrictions. Check out whistlercornucopia.com to stay up to date and get tickets for delicious events.
• Bratz Biz is on! Nov. 28 and 29 outside at SLCC. Whistler’s budding artists and entrepreneurs will be selling their wares. Time to get your Christmas shopping done! Dress warmly and bring your credit card, this will be a cashless event.
• Arts Whistler presents Hear and Now Music Festival - online live and local every Thursday. Upstairs at MYAC the Think It Over Art Exhibit featuring local artists continues.

Councillor A. De Jong’s AWARE Update

Councillor A. De Jong provided a brief update on AWARE. AWARE has been deep in strategic planning for the next few years. AWARE is also submitting an application to the new Federal Climate Action and Awareness grant program.

Councillor R. Forsyth’s Whistler Public Library Update

Councillor R. Forsyth noted that the Whistler Public Library is open for checkout and no are reservations required.

7.

INFORMATION REPORTS

7.1

Community Energy and Climate Action Plan Report - Q3, 2020 Report No. 20-113 File No. A05001

• Moved By Councillor A. De Jong
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That Council receive Information Report No. 20-113 regarding quarterly progress on implementing the 2016 Community Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP).

  CARRIED

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

8.1

DVP01199 - 2931 Big Timber Court - Retaining Wall Height Variance Report No. 20-114 File No. DVP01199

• Moved By Councillor D. Jackson
  Seconded By Councillor J. Grills

  That Council approve the issuance of Development Variance Permit DVP01199 for the proposed development located at 2931 Big Timber Court to vary the height of a retaining wall located in a side setback area from 0.6 metres to 1.1 metres, as shown on Architectural Plans ID 9 and ID 12 dated March 16, 2020, prepared by Upward Construction, and Site Survey dated February 26, 2020, prepared by Doug Bush Survey Services Ltd., attached as Appendices “B” and “C” to Administrative Report to Council No. 20-114.

  CARRIED

8.2

Whistler Transportation Action Plan 2020 Monitoring Report and Next Steps Report No. 20-115 File No. 546

• Moved By Councillor R. Forsyth
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That Council receive the update for the TAG Community Engagement February – March 2020 Summary Report attached as Appendix “A” to Administrative Report to Council No. 20-115;

  That Council receive the update for the Whistler Transportation Action Plan 2020 monitoring program attached as Appendix “B” to Administrative Report to Council No. 20-115;

  That Council authorize staff to work with the Day Lot Operating Committee, RMOW staff and TAG members to implement the next steps for the Whistler Transportation Action Plan as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Group at the October 8, 2020 meeting; and further

  That Council direct staff to advertise for applications for the four Citizen-at-Large positions on the Transportation Advisory Group to be appointed by Council at the January 19, 2021 Closed meeting of Council.
• Amendment:
  Moved By Councillor J. Ford
  Seconded By Councillor J. Grills

  That the motion be amended to add: "That Council direct staff to pursue applying the Spirit Transit Pass Benefit to include the one month pass".

  CARRIED
• Motion as Amended:

  The main motion as amended with the final wording as follows:

  That Council receive the update for the TAG Community Engagement February – March 2020 Summary Report attached as Appendix “A” to Administrative Report to Council No. 20-115;

  That Council receive the update for the Whistler Transportation Action Plan 2020 monitoring program attached as Appendix “B” to Administrative Report to Council No. 20-115;

  That Council authorize staff to work with the Day Lot Operating Committee, RMOW staff and TAG members to implement the next steps for the Whistler Transportation Action Plan as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Group at the October 8, 2020 meeting;

  That Council direct staff to advertise for applications for the four Citizen-at-Large positions on the Transportation Advisory Group to be appointed by Council at the January 19, 2021 Closed meeting of Council; and further

  That Council direct staff to pursue applying the Spirit Transit Pass Benefit to include the one month pass.

  CARRIED

8.3

Council Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic Report No. 20-117 File No. 0519

Mayor J. Crompton declared a recess of the Meeting at 8:49 p.m.

The Meeting was reconvened at 8:55 p.m.

• Moved By Mayor J. Crompton
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That Council sever the second recommendation.

  CARRIED
• Moved By Mayor J. Crompton
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That Council defer recommendations 1, 3 and 4.

  CARRIED
• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor J. Grills

  That pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192, the RMOW affirm that it is excluding in-person public attendance at its Regular Council meetings on the basis that full public attendance in a manner consistent with public health orders and recommendations cannot be accommodated at this time and the RMOW is ensuring openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability at these meetings by the following means:

  • Providing draft agendas and minutes on the RMOW’s website;
  • Providing clear communication to Council, staff and members of the public on the ways people can hear, or see and hear, Regular Council meetings;
  • In addition to our regular avenues for receiving Council correspondence, providing the opportunity for members of the public to email in questions for Public Q&A up to 4:00 p.m. on the Council meeting day;
  • Providing for members of the public to “attend” meetings via Zoom webinar and participate in Public Q&A via their phone or computer;
  • Continued livestreaming of Regular Council meetings; and
  • Providing videos of Regular Council meetings as available on the RMOW’s new interactive website for viewing on an on demand basis;
  CARRIED

8.4

Emerald Dreams Conservation Co. Ltd. - 2020 Annual Filing Report No. 20-118 File No. VAULT

• Moved By Councillor D. Jackson
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (the “Municipality”) in open meeting assembled, hereby resolves that the Municipality, as sole shareholder of Emerald Dreams Conservation Co. Ltd. (the “Company”), pass the consent resolutions of the sole shareholder of the Company; a copy of which is attached as Appendix “A” to this Administrative Report No. 20-118, and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk execute and deliver the attached resolutions on behalf of the Municipality.

  CARRIED

9.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

9.1

Transit Management Advisory Committee

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor J. Ford

  That Council receive the regular meeting minutes of the Transit Management Advisory Committee of September 28, 2020.

  CARRIED

10.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

10.1

Liquor Licence Application Processing Fee Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Expanded Service Areas) No. 2302, 2020

• Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owning two commercial properties that are actively pursuing patio extensions.)

Councillor J. Grills left the meeting at 9:01 p.m.

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor J. Ford

  That "Liquor Licence Application Processing Fee Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Expanded Service Areas) No. 2302, 2020" be adopted.

  CARRIED

10.2

Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2301, 2020

• Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owning two commercial properties that are actively pursuing patio extensions.)

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That "Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2301, 2020" be adopted.

  CARRIED

10.3

Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw (COTW Chair) No. 2300, 2020

Councillor J. Grills returned to the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor J. Ford

  That "Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw (COTW Chair) No. 2300, 2020" be adopted.

  CARRIED

11.

OTHER BUSINESS

Interim General Manager of Resort Experience T. Metcalf stated "I’ve been involved in this project in my personal capacity as a resident of White Gold, and to maintain that separation, I am going to leave for this portion of the meeting".

Interim General Manager of Resort Experience T. Metcalf left the Meeting at 9:04 p.m.

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor D. Jackson

  That Council reconsider the following motion of November 3, 2020 in respect of White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project No. 20-111 File No. T07801-2020:

  That Council direct staff to proceed with the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project, including the next steps of detailed design and construction; and

  That Council direct staff to prepare a Local Service Area Bylaw that will enable the relocation of overheard utility services in the White Gold neighbourhood, and prepare the Loan Authorization (White Gold Utility Undergrounding) Bylaw required for this project.

  That Council direct staff to bring back the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project for Council's reconsideration at the December 1, 2020 Council meeting.
• Amendment:
  Moved By Councillor D. Jackson
  Seconded By Councillor J. Ford

  That the motion be amended to add: "That Council direct staff to include with the staff report a supporting appendix providing the additional information in response to the communication received from members of the public".

  OPPOSED: (1)

  Councillor R. Forsyth

  CARRIED
• Motion as Amended:

  The main motion as amended with the final wording as follows:

  That Council reconsider the following motion of November 3, 2020 in respect of White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project No. 20-111 File No. T07801-2020:

  That Council direct staff to proceed with the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project, including the next steps of detailed design and construction; and

  That Council direct staff to prepare a Local Service Area Bylaw that will enable the relocation of overheard utility services in the White Gold neighbourhood, and prepare the Loan Authorization (White Gold Utility Undergrounding) Bylaw required for this project.

  That Council direct staff to bring back the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project for Council's reconsideration at the December 1, 2020 Council meeting.

  That Council direct staff to include with the staff report a supporting appendix providing the additional information in response to the communication received from members of the public.

  OPPOSED: (2)

  Councillor R. Forsyth, and Councillor J. Grills

  CARRIED
• Moved By Councillor D. Jackson
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That Council direct the Mayor and CAO to prepare a letter to the White Gold residents outlining the process and communication plan that has been followed for the White Gold Undergrounding Project.

  CARRIED

12.

CORRESPONDENCE

12.1

Alta Lake Road Sewer File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor A. De Jong
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That correspondence from the following individuals, regarding the Alta Lake Sewer Extension Petition be received and referred to staff:

  • David Ashby; and
  • Bob and Connie Griffiths.
  CARRIED

12.2

Adoption Awareness Month File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor J. Grills

  That correspondence from Cory Heavener regarding Adoption Awareness Month be received and declared.

  CARRIED

12.3

Lakeside Park Concession File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor D. Jackson

  That correspondence Dan Wilson regarding the Lakeside Park Concession be received and referred to staff.

  CARRIED

12.4

2020 Transportation Report File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That correspondence from Brendan Ladner regarding the 2020 Transportation Report be received and referred to staff.

  CARRIED

12.5

White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project File No. 20-111

• Moved By Councillor D. Jackson
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That correspondence from Correspondence from the following individuals, regarding the White Gold Utility Undergrounding Project be received and referred to staff:

  • Karen Ford;
  • Hugh Oswald;
  • Rob Third and family;
  • Monique Wilberg;
  • Phil Jensen;
  • Kathy Zurcher; and
  • Jeffrey and Donna Green.
  CARRIED

12.6

Universal Broadband Fund Launch File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor R. Forsyth
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That correspondence from MP Patrick Weiler regarding the Universal Broadband Fund Launch be received and referred to staff.

  CARRIED

12.7

Food Banks Canada Rural and Northern Capacity Fund File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor J. Ford
  Seconded By Councillor A. De Jong

  That correspondence from MP Patrick Weiler regarding the Food Banks Canada Rural and Northern Capacity Fund be received and referred to staff.

  CARRIED

12.8

Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Program File No. 3009

• Moved By Councillor C. Jewett
  Seconded By Councillor D. Jackson

  That correspondence from MP Patrick Weiler regarding the Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Program be received and referred to staff.

  CARRIED

13.

TERMINATION

• Moved By Councillor R. Forsyth
  Seconded By Councillor C. Jewett

  That the Regular Council Meeting of November 17, 2020 be terminated at 9:29 p.m.

  CARRIED