REGULAR MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

-
Remote Meeting
https://www.whistler.ca/municipal-gov/council/watch-council-meetings
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
  • Interim General Manager of Resort Experience, T. Metcalf
  • Acting General Manager of Infrastructure Services, J. Ertel
  • Director of Planning, M. Kirkegaard
  • Municipal Clerk, A. Banman
  • Manager of Communications, G. Robinson
  • Senior Planner, C. Beaubien
  • Planner, S. Johnson
  • Legislative Services Administrative Assistant, L. Bast
  • Council Coordinator, N. Cooper

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

  • Moved ByCouncillor D. Jackson
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Grills

    That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of August 18, 2020 as amended to include under Other Business “Community Enrichment Program 2020 Funding”.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of July 21, 2020.

    CARRIED

Questions were submitted in advance of the Meeting by email.

Cheryl Green, 5205 Jordan Lane, Whistler

Re: 5298 Alta Lake Road Traffic Study

Ms. Green asked if Council would consider the recommendation by staff that a revised traffic study would be done.

Mayor J. Crompton responded that Council will have this information to consider as part of the rezoning process.

Jesse Veenman, 9371 Emerald Drive, Whistler 

Re: Childcare Report

Ms. Veenman asked Council how they plan to increase investment and the priority of childcare for Whistler families.

Mayor J. Crompton agreed that the lack of childcare affects women disproportionately, and noted that Council would be speaking to this matter later in the Meeting when the Child Care Report is presented.

Community Conversations

Mayor J. Crompton noted that last month, the RMOW invited the public to join four virtual community conversations that focused on the characteristic of Whistler’s shared vision: Sense of Place, Environment, Tourism-based Economy and Community.

Face Coverings

Mayor J. Crompton noted that BC Transit, in alignment with TransLink and other transportation agencies, will be proceeding with the mandatory use of face coverings on buses across the Province as of August 24, 2020. The advice from health professionals, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, has been to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible, including on transit vehicles. He encouraged riders to start wearing a mask today, and added that wearing a face covering creates a safe and comfortable environment for all those on board. Mayor J. Crompton noted that, as part of BC Transit’s ‘Together we Ride’ campaign, he and members of Council will be handing out reusable face masks to transit riders on August 21, 22 and 25. Mayor J. Crompton noted that wearing a mask on transit is important because physical distance is difficult. He asked that people also wear a mask in the village and inside public buildings. More information can be found online at bctransit.com/covid

Meadow Park Sports Centre

Mayor J. Crompton noted that Meadow Park Sports Centre welcomed pass holders back on August 17, 2020 with the reopening of the fitness centre and squash/basketball courts. He added that pre-booked timeslots need to be reserved prior to visiting the facility up to 72-hours in advance. Public access will be restricted to facility users with a reservation, and drop-in visits will not be permitted at this time. For more information on current availability, process changes, and what is required prior to arriving at the facility visit whistler.ca/mpsc.

Bear Attractants

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Conservation Officer Service (COS) continues to receive reports of bears accessing garbage and other attractants at multiple locations throughout Whistler. He reminded community members to manage garbage, recycling and other attractants so bears can’t access them, at home or in cars; never feed or approach a bear; and to report bear sightings in residential areas by phoning the BC COS. Calling the COS when the bear is first seen in a neighbourhood or yard provides more options to manage the bear. Visit Whistler.ca/bears to learn more.

Fuel Thinning

Mayor J. Crompton noted that fuel thinning work  will begin on Thursday, August 20, 2020 the forested area west of Nesters neighbourhood, and given the interconnected layout of the trails, all trails on Nesters Hill will be closed for the duration of the project. Work is expected to take five weeks to complete. For a complete list of trail closures, and more information about the project, visit whistler.ca/fuelthinning.

Strategic Planning Committee

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Strategic Planning Committee met on July 22 for their first meeting since the pandemic began. They discussed current challenges as well as thinking about how Whistler moves forward. He noted that public input and public expertise is critical to the success of our community.

Tourism Sector Meeting

Mayor J. Crompton noted that last week he (and some other Sea to Sky community representatives) spoke with the Minister of Economic Development, the Honourable Joly and our M.P. Patrick Weiler, about Canada’s tourism sector. He heard their thoughts on how Canada is responding, and shared some of the unique challenges the Whistler community faces.

Annual Climate Caucus Summit

Mayor J. Crompton noted that he attended the second annual climate caucus summit, and added that over 250 councillors, mayors, and regional directors from across Canada are working together to create and implement policy to address Canada’s climate challenges. He noted that COVID-19 has changed the way municipalities do things but it hasn’t dampened the commitment to taking serious climate action.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Mayor J. Crompton announced that Councillors C. Jewett and D. Jackson are among the 93 elected officials selected to participate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities first ever climate leadership course.

Condolences

On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Mike Suggett.

On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of D’Arcy Burke. He noted that D’Arcy became an inspiration and pioneer in the world of mountain biking, and helped to build some of Whistler’s most iconic trails.

Councillor C. Jewett

Councillor C. Jewett noted the following events:

  • Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre: Lil’wat artist Ed Archie NoiseCat
  • Arts Whistler: Art on the Lake, August 27, 2020
  • Audain Arts Museum with Bearfoot Bistro: dinners al fresco under the Museum.
  • Whistler Museum and Archives: Valley of Dreams and Discover Nature Tours, and Crafts in the Park in conjunction with the Whistler Library.

Councillor A. De Jong

Councillor A. De Jong reflected on the passing of Mike Suggett, and noted that he was the first avalanche forecaster for Whistler. He was a true steward to the Valley.

Councillor A. De Jong recognised the efforts of municipal staff with the annual toad migration in redirecting the toads under the trail.

Councillor A. De Jong noted that a bear was recently destroyed due to the mismanagement of food waste. He reminded people to be vigilant about food waste in construction bins, and also with the home delivery of food packages. He noted that the fire hazard level is high and asked people to FireSmart their home.

  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That Council receive Information Report No. 20-073 regarding the final report for the Whistler Child Care Planning Project.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That council direct staff to investigate and report back to Council on the feasibility of an expansion of the Kids on the Go program, and to further collaborate with UBCM for the space creation funding.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That Council pass the resolution attached as Appendix “A” to Administrative Report 20-074 providing Council’s recommendation to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch in support of an application from Forged Axe Throwing Ltd. for a new liquor primary application to add liquor service to their existing axe throwing business with an interior occupant load of 61 persons and for hours of service from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor D. Jackson
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That the 2019 Annual Report and Financial Statements, attached as Appendix “A” to Administrative Report No. 20-076, be received and considered by Council; and further

    That Council consider submissions and comments from the public with respect to the annual report.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That Council endorse the following Regular Council Meeting Schedule for 2021:

    January 5

    February 2

    March 2

    April 6

    January 19

    February 16

    March 16

    April 20

    May 4

    June 1

    July 6

    August 17

    May 18

    June 15

    July 20

    September 7

    October 5

    November 2

    December 7

    September 21

    October 19

    November 16

    December 21

    and further

    That the following members of Council be appointed as Acting Mayor for the months of January 2021 to December 2021 (inclusive):

    January:

    John Grills

    July:

    Jen Ford

    February:

    John Grills

    August:

    Jen Ford

    March:

    Duane Jackson

    September:

    Cathy Jewett

    April:

    Duane Jackson

    October:

    Cathy Jewett

    May:

    Ralph Forsyth

    November:

    Arthur De Jong

    June:

    Ralph Forsyth

    December:

    Arthur De Jong

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor A. De Jong
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That Council receive the regular meeting minutes of the Whistler Bear Advisory Committee of March 11, and June 17, 2020.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That Council receive the regular meeting minutes of the Forest and Wildland Advisory Committee of March 11, 2020.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Grills
    Seconded ByCouncillor D. Jackson

    That “Five-Year Financial Plan 2020-2024 Amendment Bylaw No. 2288, 2020” be adopted.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    Whereas the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (“Whistler”) wishes to appoint Marc Colson as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to section 36 of the Police Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c 367, and upon Marc Colson swearing the oath pursuant to section 1(b) of Police Oath/Solemn Affirmation Regulation, B.C. Reg. 136/2002 before a Commissioner for taking Affidavit in the Province of British Columbia, Whistler hereby appoints Marc Colson as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer to perform the functions and duties specified in the Bylaw Officers job descriptions; and

    Whereas the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (“Whistler”) wishes to appoint Adam Pocock as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to section 36 of the Police Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c 367, and upon Adam Pocock swearing the oath pursuant to section 1(b) of Police Oath/Solemn Affirmation Regulation, B.C. Reg. 136/2002 before a Commissioner for taking Affidavit in the Province of British Columbia, Whistler hereby appoints Adam Pocock as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer to perform the functions and duties specified in the Bylaw Officers job descriptions; and further

    Whereas the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (“Whistler”) wishes to appoint Trevor Armstrong as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to section 36 of the Police Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c 367, and upon Trevor Armstrong swearing the oath pursuant to section 1(b) of Police Oath/Solemn Affirmation Regulation, B.C. Reg. 136/2002 before a Commissioner for taking Affidavit in the Province of British Columbia, Whistler hereby appoints Trevor Armstrong as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer to perform the functions and duties specified in the Bylaw Officers job descriptions.

    CARRIED

Due to technical issues, Acting Mayor C. Jewett became Chair of the Meeting.

Acting Mayor C. Jewett announced that the 2020 Community Enrichment Program funding has been allocated as follows:

Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment - Climate Action Campaign Jam (formally Climate Change Symposium)

$5,000

Whistler Naturalists Society

$3,000

Whistler Learning Centre

$5,000

Whistler Waldorf School Society

$3,167.59

BC Luge Association

$2,000

Sea to Sky Nordics

$3,000

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program 

$6,000

 Whistler Blackcomb Freestyle Ski Club

$1,500

 Whistler Gymnastics Club

$5,500

 Whistler Minor Hockey Association

$2,800

 Whistler Mountain Ski Club

$2,500

 Whistler Nordics Ski Club

$3,000

 Whistler Pickleball Association

$2,109

 Whistler Sailing Association

$3,000

 Whistler Sea Wolves Swim Club

$3,000

 Whistler Skating Club 

$2,750

 Whistler Slo Pitch Association - Pitching machine

$4,000

 Whistler Sport Legacies Society

$5,600

 Whistler Youth Soccer Club

$5,000

 Point Artist-Run Centre Society, The

$4,000

 Whistler Singers

$2,000

 Whistler Valley Quilters' Guild Society

$2,000

TOTAL

$75,926.59

  • Moved ByCouncillor A. De Jong
    Seconded ByMayor J. Crompton

    That three pieces of correspondence from the following individuals regarding RZ1146 7104 Nancy Greene Drive:

    • Danny and Mirjana Popescu;
    • Holly Adams; and 
    • Chan King-leung

    be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Grills
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That correspondence from Andrew J. Ross regarding RZ1152 WMSC Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2256, 2020 be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That three pieces of correspondence from the following individuals regarding RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road:

    • Susan Hamersley;
    • Sandra Durrans; and 
    • Cheryl Green

    be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owns commercial properties which are leased to food and beverage outlets)

Councillor J. Grills left the Meeting at 7:05 p.m.

  • Moved ByCouncillor D. Jackson
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That three pieces of correspondence from the following individuals regarding RZ1169 Whistler Village and Whistler Creek Core Commercial Areas:

    • David Dale-Johnson;
    • Tony Kalla; and
    • Pat Kelly

    be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That correspondence from Craig Allars regarding the Whistler Community Church Building Project be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That correspondence from Judy Taylor-Atkinson regarding COVID-19 safety measures on the Village Stroll be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED

Councillor J. Grills returned to the Meeting at 7:08 p.m.

  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByMayor J. Crompton

    That Correspondence from Trish Paterson regarding Build Back B.C. Better be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor A. De Jong
    Seconded ByCouncillor D. Jackson

    That correspondence from David Girard, Director, Canadian Home Builders Association, regarding the Illegal Spaces Task Force be received and referred to staff.

  • Amendment:
    Moved ByCouncillor J. Grills
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That the motion be amended to add: "That Council direct staff to set up a meeting by the end of 2020 with the CHBA".

    CARRIED
  • MainMotionAsAmmended:

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

    That correspondence from David Girard, Director, Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA), regarding the Illegal Spaces Task Force be received and referred to staff; and 

    That Council direct staff to set up a meeting by the end of 2020 with the CHBA.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That correspondence from Jackie Copland regarding Squaw Valley Crescent renaming be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That Correspondence from Ben Pires regarding renaming the Province be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That correspondence from John and Karen Wood regarding an Alta Lake Station Nature Reserve be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That correspondence from Denis Ebacher regarding air quality be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Grills

    That correspondence from Robin Brown regarding parking at Alpha Lake Park be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That correspondence from Cheryl Parker regarding Lorimer Road Facilities be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByMayor J. Crompton

    That correspondence from Fred Shandro regarding motor vessels on Green Lake be received and referred to staff.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Grills
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That correspondence from Archana Castelino requesting that the Fitzsimmons Bridge be lit blue and white on September 6, 2020 in support of Dystonia Awareness Month be received and the bridge lit.

    CARRIED
  • Moved ByMayor J. Crompton
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Grills

    That the Regular Council Meeting of August 18, 2020 be terminated at 7:20 p.m.

    CARRIED
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