Questions were asked during the Meeting via Zoom.
Rhonda Millikin, 7212 Fitzsimmons Road South
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Ms. Millikin asked why Council does not put the project on hold during the current crisis.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that this is a provincially established process, as laid out in the Community Charter, and is a process that Council are required to follow.
Ms. Millikin asked if Council would vote down the additional tax burden associated with the undergrounding project.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the decision will be made by Council as to whether or not they decide to proceed with the project.
Ms. Millikin asked who will pay for the Project Manager salary hired by the RMOW in February 2020 if the project is voted down.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the 8 months salary cost would be borne by the RMOW.
Ms. Millikin asked if Council would do the right thing and protect all homeowners in Whistler, including White Gold, by voting down the significant increase in taxes plus connection costs for an unnecessary project.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that he would not speak on behalf of what Council will do later in the meeting. He advised that this is a local area service so it will only be charged to the homeowners in White Gold.
Claire Thornthwaite, 7470 Ambassador Crescent
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Ms. Thornthwaite asked if Council has considered that the 50% threshold mandated in the Community Charter is far too low for a project with such substantial financial repercussions. She also asked if Council is aware of any precedents where a petition for a local services area of this scope has passed for a beautification project.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that beautification projects happen across the province and there are also local area services established for other purposes as well. He also advised that the 50% is a provincially mandated threshold, which is what local governments are expected to abide by.
Monique Wilberg, 7245 Fitzsimmons Road South
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Ms. Wilberg asked if the Mayor and councillors have a clear understanding of what this community initiative process looks like from the perspective of the White Gold homeowners. She asked if Council could give more thought to the understanding of the White Gold homeowners. She also asked if Council could describe what the process entailed.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the letter circulated laid out the process in accordance with the Community Charter.
Adam Yates, 7486 Ambassador Crescent
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Mr. Yates asked what the process on asking a question to Council regarding a section of road in White Gold.
Mayor J. Crompton advised Mr. Yates to email Council on this matter.
Tom Prohascka, 7470 Ambassador Crescent
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Mr. Prohascka asked how Council will justify the possibility of residents having to sell their house due to their inability to pay for this upgrade.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that this is not something he hopes will happen. He advised that there are other avenues, such as tax deferral, that can be pursued.
Garry Watson, 2317 Boulder Ridge
Re: RZ1157 Rezoning at Nita Lake
Mr. Watson asked if the proforma reflects a $3.9 million land cross or does it refer to $10 million.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that he could not disclose what the proforma says. He advised that there is the public process and the opportunity to write letters to Mayor and Council and to speak at the Public Hearing.
Mr. Watson asked why a lower ratio is not being insisted on in the bylaws proceeding.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the RMOW is currently going through the public process and the suggestion that a different ratio be considered is on record and will be shared at the Public Hearing.
Mr. Watson asked why the employee units are not being refused or put on hold until we see the outcome for the demand of employee housing after COVID-19.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that this will be discussed at the Public Hearing. He also advised that the RMOW has put a lot of time measuring the level of interest in housing and the WHA waitlists remain long and currently there is a significant need for housing in the community.
Pete Davidson, 7277 Fitzsimmons Road South
Re: White Gold Undergrounding Project
Mr. Davidson made comments on the four day extension.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the process as laid out in the Community Charter was followed. Both extensions were followed. He also advised that the number who have rescinded their vote has been recorded and far exceeds the 50% required by the Community Charter.
Three questions were submitted in advance of the Meeting by email.
Sandra Durrans, 5200 Jordan Lane
Re: RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road
Ms. Durrans asked why Council is considering moving this bylaw forward when there are traffic and environmental issues and density problems. She also asked if Council should fully address these fundamental issues and review these new reports before any further decisions are made, to ensure this is the appropriate zoning for the future of this parcel of land.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the public will have a number of opportunities should Council give first and second readings tonight. He advised that a Public Hearing will be scheduled prior to third reading. He also advised that an updated traffic-impact study will need to be completed.
Cheryl Green, 5205 Jordan Lane
Re: RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road
Ms. Green asked how council can justify approving an increase in density of 2290m2 of market housing in the area.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that Council will consider this at tonight's meeting.
Paul Wood, 5-650 Clyde Ave, West Vancouver
Re: RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road
Mr. Wood asked if council feel the tax payers are getting enough for the community in exchange for this land re-zoning in this sensitive area. He also asked if Council will consider the alternate road access with required traffic studies to be completed at the busiest times.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that Council is considering the application as has been presented at this time.