City of Powell River Council briefs

Policy questioned
City of Powell River councillors were prompted to revise the city’s policy regarding access to the Powell River Recreation Complex swimming pool.

At the December 16 city council meeting, councillors heard a delegation from Ben Nelson, who urged the city to be as inclusive as possible.

“I’m here to speak to council on behalf of quite a few community members who are disappointed in the change in the accessibility to the recreation complex,” said Nelson. “These are people that are unwilling or unable to present proof of vaccination.

“I bring that up as an encouragement for you. I know you are very concerned with making our community inclusive.”

All participants in aquatic centre activities ages 12 and over are required to show proof of vaccination.

Councillor Maggie Hathaway proposed a motion that the provincial public health officer be requested to attend the recreation complex to provide input on how the city could keep the pool open without the expenditure of approximately $11,000 per week to provide security. Council approved the motion unanimously.

Approves variance
Councillors approved a development variance permit that would vary the city’s zoning bylaw by relaxing the maximum height of a building in the parks and playing fields zone from 13.5 metres to 15.35 metres. The city received an application for the development variance permit from the engineering consultant working on the resource-recovery centre in relation to the proposed commercial transfer station building.

Receiving grant
Council will direct staff to work with the Community Energy Association (CEA) as part of the game changer grant program. As a grant recipient, the city will receive a total of 425 hours of CEA staff time, valued at $60,000. According to a staff report, these hours will be used to assist the city in making progress on its active transportation goals, specifically developing a public engagement strategy, an internal implementation and change management strategy, assisting the city in securing external funding for active transportation infrastructure, as well as updating relevant plans, policies and regulations.

Lease extension
A recommendation was made for council to approve an extension of the lease for Unit 215-6975 Alberni Street, above Powell River Public Library, to Powell River Council for Arts and Culture to December 31, 2022, and a grant-in-kind in the amount of $31,910.35 in the 2022 to 2026 five-year financial plan be made to cover the lease cost for 2022. Council voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation.