Proceeds with fire department borrowing
Powell River Regional District board will go ahead with borrowing $682,500 for the purchase of a new water tender, fire engine and other equipment for Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department. Committee of the whole received the alternate approval process certificate of sufficiency at its meeting on September 14; the board will adopt the bylaw amendments at its September meeting. The local government received 112 elector response forms during the process; 306 were needed to block the borrowing.
Recommends golf course tax exemption
Committee of the whole recommended to the board that it pass a bylaw that provides Myrtle Point Golf Club with a 2018 permissive tax exemption. Unlike municipalities, regional district governments are not permitted to provide the tax relief and must seek the provincial government’s approval. The golf club has been asked to provide $917 toward fire protection.
Recommends denying legion tax exemption
The committee recommended the board deny the request from Texada Island Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 for a 2018 permissive tax exemption. Despite the organization’s community contributions and involvement, the committee acknowledged that it did not meet the criteria set out to grant permissive tax exemptions.
Recommends updating Texada recreation bylaw
As regional district administration continues its housekeeping of outdated enabling legislation for services, the committee is recommending that the board convert Texada Island’s recreation to a modern service establishment bylaw. The update will also provide sufficient financial requisition room past the current five-year financial plan.
Recommends Van Anda dock public engagement
Committee recommended to the regional board that it ask the local community what it would like to see happen with the Van Anda dock and look at selling it. The regional district has owned the infrastructure since 2002 when it bought it from the federal government. In 2008, a structural review indicated that it was no longer safe to be used for commercial loading. A recent inspection concluded that up to $100,000 worth of repairs will be necessary for the dock within the next five years.
