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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-15 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfI. 2. 3. 3.1 4. 4.1 District of Maple Ridge COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA February 15, 2010 9:00 a.m. Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more information or clarification. REMINDERS February 15, 2010 Closed Council following Workshop Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 P.M. February 16. 2010 Public Hearing 7:00 p.m. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA MINUTES - February 1, 2010 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL Fraser Health Authority Update - Valerie Spurrell, Executive Director UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets in the Official Community Plan Staff report dated February 5, 2010 recommending endorsement of the process for early and ongoing public consultation in establishing targets, policies and actions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to be included in the Official Community Plan. Council Workshop February 15, 2010 Page 2 of 4 4.2 Albion Flats Concept Plan Process Staff report dated February 8, 2010 recommending that the Albion Flats Concept Plan Process be approved. 4.3 Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act Response to Minister Rich Coleman Staff report dated January 25, 2010 recommending that the letter from the Social Planning Advisory Committee addressed to Minister Rich Coleman be supported. Deferred from the February 1, 2010 Council Workshop Meeting. 4.4 Request for Endorsement of letter from the Agricultural Advisory Committee to Metro Vancouver Report from Candace Gordon, Chair, Agricultural Advisory Committee recommending the endorsement of a letter from the Agricultural Advisory Committee to Metro Vancouver. 5. CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include: a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be taken. b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter. c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion. d) Other. Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent. 5.1 Sierra Club BC - Species and Ecosystems Protection Act Letter dated January 27, 2010 from Susan Howatt, Campaigns Director, Sierra Club BC requesting endorsement of ten principles for a new Species and Ecosystems Protection Act. Recommendation: a) receive for information with no further action to be taken Council Workshop February 15, 2010 Page 3 of 4 5.2 Ministry of Community & Rural Development - Local Government Election Issues Letter dated January 29, 2010 from Bill Bennett, Minister of Community & Rural Development and Harry Nyee, President, UBCM seeking written comments to assist in the review of local government election issues 6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT Es�_�•lll11fi ►u►al►yrl Checked b : 604 Date: to 091 Council Workshop February 15, 2010 Page 4 of 4 Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; (b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity; (c) labour relations or employee negotiations; (d) the security of property of the municipality; (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; (f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment; (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; (h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality, other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council (i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor -client privile e, including communications necessary for that purpose; 0) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; (1) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report] (m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting; (n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of subsection (2) (o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91(other persons attending closed meetings) should be exercised in relation to a council meeting. (p) information relating to focal government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential. 1 Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer DATE: February 5, 2010 ATTN: Council Workshop Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets in the Official Community Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Local Government Act was amended, through Bill 27, to require municipalities to establish targets, policies, and actions for the reduction of community -wide greenhouse gas emissions and include these in their Official Community Plans. The deadline for completing these Official Community Plan amendments is May 31, 2010. During the development of the 2006 Official Community Plan, much thought and consideration on reducing community greenhouse gas emissions was undertaken as part of addressing climate change, and significant public input was provided throughout that process. Additionally, substantial public input went into the background information provided for the development of the 2008 Town Centre Area Plan. As a result, the Official Community Plan includes numerous policies and actions that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This report proposes a process for early and ongoing public consultation through the process to incorporate Bill 27 requirements into the Official Community Plan, and identifies potential targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Whereas Council has considered the requirements of Section 879 of the Local Government Act that it provide, in respect of the establishment of the Reduction Targets, one or more opportunities it considers appropriate for consultation with persons, organizations and authorities it considers will be affected and has specifically considered the matters referred to in Section 879(2) of the Act; And whereas Council considers that the opportunities to consult, proposed in respect of an amendment to the Official Community Plan (as summarized in the report entitled "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Targets in the Official Community Plan" dated February 5, 2010) constitute appropriate consultation for the purposes of Section 879 of the Local Government Act; Page 1of16 4.l Now therefore, Council resolves that the early and ongoing consultation as identified in Appendix E, in the report entitled "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Targets in the Official Community Plan" dated February 5, 2010 be endorsed, and 2. That the proposed greenhouse gas emissions targets of 34% reduction in per capita emissions from the 2007 baseline by 2020, and 50% reduction by 2031, be forwarded to Public Open House, and 3. That the process identified in the report entitled, "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Targets in the Official Community Plan" dated February 5, 2010 be endorsed. i�7l.�ii1��.�L�P►F Greenhouse gas emissions discussed in this report are summed in two different subsets: that of the entire community, and that of the District of Maple Ridge corporate entity. Communitv Emissions For the 2007 reporting year, greenhouse gas emissions for the community of Maple Ridge were about 380,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)1. About 57% of these emissions were generated from on -road transportation; about 40% were from buildings, and the balance was generated from solid waste. See Appendix C for details. Land -use change emissions from deforestation or reforestation are not considered in the inventory at this time due to a lack of accurate information. The 2007 year forms a baseline for future reporting. Corporate Emissions As a corporate entity, the District of Maple Ridge also inventories "corporate" greenhouse gas emissions, a subset of community emissions. Corporate emissions account for less than 1% of community emissions, but are among the largest individual source entities. Included in this .calculation are all the buildings the District operates in providing services to the community, emissions associated with the fuel consumed by our passenger vehicle fleet and equipment, and the waste collected from corporate buildings and community and park trash receptacles. The District has been doing much to reduce this "carbon footprint," such as using ground -source heating/cooling and other LEED certification initiatives at Fire Hall Number 1, and dehumidification and solar hot water heating at the Leisure Centre. Smaller reduction initiatives are too numerous to list, and many more potential reductions are being researched and evaluated. Maple Ridge is a signatory to the BC Climate Action Charter. While Bill 27 is legally binding, the charter is not. By voluntarily signing on, the District has agreed to develop strategies and take actions to: (a) become carbon neutral in respect of municipal operations by 2012; (b) 1 Source: Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory(CEEI) 2007, Ministry of Environment, Province of British Columbia. It is anticipated that the Province will provide these inventories to municipalities on a bi-annual basis. Resources are available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/climate/ceei/ Page 2 of 16 measure and report on the community emissions profile; and (c) create a complete, compact, more energy efficient community. There are no targets associated with this agreement other than the carbon neutral statement. The reduction targets discussed in this report relate to community emissions only, as that is the focus of the legislated requirement. Communky Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Tar ets The flexibility that is incorporated into Bill 27 enables each municipality to decide on how many greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to adopt and to select only those that are feasible and measureable. Individual communities are unique. Some have a significant commitment to sustainability and the resources required to meet that commitment; some communities have growth pressures and competing land uses; some are experiencing no growth; some are heavily industrial and others are bedroom communities. Along with population and organizational capacity, these factors will result in a wide range of achievable targets for individual communities across the Province. Community -wide greenhouse gas emissions will be influenced by many factors over the coming decades. These influences include, but are not limited to: • The BC Building Code • Improvements in building design • More energy efficient mechanical systems • The use of alternative and renewable fuels • More fuel efficient vehicles • Transportation network and transit system • Existing and future land -use policies and decisions • Local jobs • Changes to solid waste disposal methods • Personal behaviour changes and social norms with regard to composting, recycling, travel modes, vehicle selection, personal living space, preferred residential density, lifestyle choices, proximity to place of work and transit, etc. • Population growth • Economic development Complex modeling and community energy and emissions planning would be required to define a realistic, challenging yet achievable target for Maple Ridge. This approach does not currently have dedicated resources; nevertheless, the District has taken action toward reducing emissions on both the corporate and community fronts: • The Corporate Strategic Plan and existing Official Community Plan policies demonstrate a commitment to a more sustainable approach to growth, and a reduction in energy consumption and emissions. • Programs such as the tax exemption to encourage higher density residential development in the Town Centre also demonstrate this commitment. Page 3 of 16 • Corporately, the recent implementations of alternative and renewable energy at the Fire Hall and Leisure Centre, and the build -out of our hybrid fleet, further demonstrate the District's commitment to these goals. The absence of a target has not precluded action with respect to reducing emissions on the corporate side, and on the community side, policies and programs are in place that encourage reduced emissions. This being said, the legislation requires at least one emissions reduction target. To this end, four different scenarios were assembled, to calculate what various targets would mean to the community out to 2031 based on the population projections in the Official Community Plan: 1. Static Per Capita - For this scenario, it was assumed that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per person, calculated at 5.3 tonnes CO2e in 2007, would remain the same through to 2031. This is the most conservative case, as it is likely that land -use policies, technology, and personal behaviour will cause per capita emissions to decrease over time. These reductions could be offset, for example, by non-residential emissions. 2. Static Aggregate - For this scenario, it was assumed that the aggregate community -wide emissions of 380,000 tonnes CO2e in 2007 would remain the same through to 2031. Stabilizing overall emissions while experiencing growth in the community may be a challenge, if not offset by other emissions reduction influences. 3. Provincial Target - For this scenario, the Provincial targets of 33% from 2007 levels by 2020, and 80% by 2050, were used. These targets drive a 50% reduction target for 2031. This is the most aggressive scenario and may not be appropriate for a growing community. Appendix A discusses the Provincial targets. 4. 34/50 Model - This scenario is a hybrid of the Provincial Target and Static Aggregate scenarios, based on achieving the Provincial targeted reductions, but on a per capital basis, rather than on the aggregate emissions as intended by the Province. The results of the forecasting exercise are shown in Appendix D. Two graphs represent the results in aggregate emissions, then per capita. It should be noted that although scenarios 3 and 4 reference a 2050 target figure, the results are forecasted only to 2031, in alignment with the Official Community Plan. Observations include the following: 1. Under the Static Per Capita scenario, overall emissions would rise from 380,000 to 574,000 tonnes CO2e, a 50% increase, by 2031. 2. Under the Static Aggregate scenario, overall emissions would remain stable, but per capita emissions would need to drop from 5.3 in 2007 to 3.5 tonnes CO2e by 2031. This represents a 21% drop by 2020 and 33% by 2031. 3. Under the Provincial Target scenario, aggregate emissions drop from 380,000 to 190,000 tonnes CO2e by 2031, and per capita emissions decrease from 5.3 in 2007 to 1.7 tonnes by 2031. This represents a 47% drop by 2020 and 67% by 2031 per capita. Page 4 of 16 4. As the name implies, the 34/50 model achieves a 34% reduction in per capita emissions by 2020 and a 50% reduction by 2031. In the aggregate, emissions drop by 16.5% by 2020 and 25% by 2031. Selecting the per capita targets removes the population variable from the indicator, which is more appropriate in a growing community. Without a comprehensive modeling effort, it is difficult to surmise whether the impacts of the positive influences on greenhouse gas emissions will outstrip population growth and economic development efforts, and the many other factors which could potentially influence our emissions profile. The Static Per Capital scenario is a conservative target, given the advances in energy efficiency we are experiencing even two years after the 2007 baseline emissions inventory. The 34/50 Model is not as aggressive as the Provincial target, but it is more aggressive than the Static Aggregate model, and moves towards reduced overall emissions to a degree that may be more appropriate for a growing community. Given the time and expense involved in developing a target specific to Maple Ridge (considering factors such as community behaviour, infrastructure, energy efficiency improvements, growth issues, land use and existing and future policies), the 34/50 Model is proposed. This targets a 16.5% reduction in aggregate greenhouse gas emissions and 34% in per capita emissions below 2007 levels by 2020, and a 25% reduction in aggregate emissions and 50% reduction in per capita emissions by 2031. These targets acknowledge the need to reduce energy and fuel consumption, while recognizing the constraint of resources required to do so. If the District does in the future complete a comprehensive study, then the proposed targets could be revisited. Official Community Plan Amendments and Public Consultation The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan has a wide range of policies and actions that support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the community. These policies have been organized into the specific sector categories provided by the Province (i.e. transportation, buildings, infrastructure, and natural resource protection). It is proposed that the existing Preparing for Climate Change section in the Official Community Plan be amended to include the newly created targets, along with a statement on how these will be measured using energy consumption and emissions conversion data supplied by the Province. The section will also contain references to the existing Official Community Plan policies and actions that support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Proposed Public Consultation The process for identifying targets, policies, and actions for the Bill 27 mandated amendments to the Official Community Plan is proposed in the following steps: Page 5 of 16 Event Date Council Workshop February 15 Public Open House March 4 Committee of the Whole March 15 First Reading March 23 Public Hearing April 20 _ 2nd and 3rd Reading April 27 Final Reading May 11 The Local Government Act requirements for public consultation in amending the Official Community Plan are discussed in Appendix E, along with information on the Public Consultation. Public Open House One Public Open House will be held on March. 4, 2010 to provide education on the Bill 27 requirements and to invite comments on the 34/50 Model targets. The existing Official Community Plan policies and actions that support reduced community emissions will be provided for context. The information that will be presented at the Public Open House for comment will also be posted on the website with options for providing input, prior to the open house event. Apart from the usual advertising, letters and emails will go out to as many stakeholders as possible to inform them of the Open House date and the information on the website. The comments received at the open house and any direct stakeholder consultation will be considered. The final draft will be presented to Council as a bylaw for adoption into the Official Community Plan. The public will have one further opportunity to comment on the draft at the Public Hearing that is required as part of the bylaw adoption process. Alternatives If the May 31, 2010 deadline is not met, the Province suggests the following: "If the statutory timeline is not met, the same test applies to the targets, policies and actions requirement as applies to other required OCP content: 1. Council would be vulnerable to community concerns, 2. The local government would be exposed to potential legal challenge, and 3. Questions about greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, policies and actions may be important in the future when putting forward funding or grant proposals to the Province." Another alternative would be to incorporate additional sector -specific greenhouse gas emission reduction targets into the Official Community Plan. In order to meet the compressed timeline, this is not recommended, but can be undertaken in future, when resources can be dedicated to the preparation of a community energy and emissions plan. In the meantime, indicators will be identified, baseline measures will be developed, and trends will be tracked in order to build a resource database that can be utilized in future energy and emissions planning activities. Page 6 of 16 CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of complex community energy and emissions modeling and planning, it is proposed that the District of Maple Ridge invite the public to comment on amending the Official Community Plan to include a community per capita greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 34% reduction below 2007 levels by 2020 and by 50% by 2031. This approach to target -setting acknowledges the desire to reduce energy and fuel consumption, and addresses the issues faced by a growing community. Co -prepared by: Laura n, CMA Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Planning Co -prepared by: Lisa_Zosiak, Plan r Approv by: Jan ering, MCP, M.C.I.P. ❑irec . of PI ning Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng GM: P Work eve pm Services Concurrence: J.L. (Jiq Rule Chief Administrative Officer Attachments: Appendix A: Backgrounder on Bill 27 Requirements relating to GHG Reduction Targets Appendix B: Additional Supporting Targets Appendix C: Community Energy and Emissions Inventory Appendix D: Emissions Reduction Scenario Results Appendix E: Local Government Act Requirements for Public Consultation Page 7of16 Appendix A: Backgrounder on Bill 27 Requirements relating to GHG Reduction Targets On May 29, 2008, Bill 27, the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act, was enacted by the Provincial Government. The intent of Bill 27 is to facilitate more sustainable initiatives within BC municipalities by considering climate issues and energy conservation approaches when planning and managing land -use. Through this legislation the Local Government Act was amended to require each municipality to establish targets, policies, and actions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and include these in their Official Community Plans. The deadline for completing these Official Community Plan amendments is May 31, 2010. Because BC municipalities are at different stages of implementing sustainable development policies, the legislation is designed to be flexible. This enables each municipality to decide its own approach to establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and setting policies and realistic actions for meeting these. The requirements for local governments related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in communities have been incorporated into the Local Government Act, specifically under Section 877(3), which states: An official community plan must include targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the area covered by the plan, and policies and actions of the local government proposed with respect to achieving those targets. Fulfilling this municipal mandate also involves the following: 1. establish targets for the Official Community Plan; each community will decide on their own unique greenhouse gas emission reduction targets 2. define the policies and actions that will be used to achieve those targets 3. at least one target is to be defined as an emissions reduction target This report is the outcome of a review of existing policies and collaboration between Sustainability and Corporate Planning, and Planning staff, and consultation with the M;nistry of Community Development. What Are Greenhouse Gas Emissions? A greenhouse gas is defined in Bill 44 as "carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride, and any other substance prescribed by regulation under the Act." Greenhouse gases are generated by: electricity and fossil fuel energy use; transportation (such as vehicle kilometers travelled, fleet composition and fuels(s) consumed); and • quantity and composition of waste and disposal methods. Page 8 of 16 Appendix A: Backgrounder on Bill 27 Requirements relating to GHG Reduction Targets (cont'd) Province of British Columbia Emissions Reduction Target Through Bill 44, the Provincial government has set targets for BC to achieve a 33% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2007 levels by 2020 and by 80% below 2007 levels by 2050. The Act also requires the Provincial government and all other public sector organizations to be carbon neutral by 2010. The reduction targets are in line with the broad scope of the Provincial government's Climate Action Plan2. The plan includes a wide range of initiatives to reduce emissions, currently estimated to achieve 73% of the 2020 goal. A 27% policy gap needs to be resolved. Percentage of Target Reductions Achieved by Sector Land Use Landfill 9 IMT Policy Gap Industry 27% 164 �. Buildings ,-- 49b Electricity Transportation 28',0 Source: BC Climate Action Plan 2 The Provincial targets are based on scientific information indicating the amount of reduction needed to counter existing trends toward climate change related impacts such as sea level rise, increased heat waves, plant and animal extinction and decreases in global food production. Information related to these impacts can be found in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s 2007 report. Page 9 of 16 Appendix B: Additional Supporting Targets Bill 27 states that many different targets may be defined by a municipality, but at least one must be a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. The Provincial government has identified that greenhouse gas emissions are a result of a range of community activities that include buildings, land use,. transportation, and waste. Several examples of potential indicators and measures for these four activity sectors are provided by the Province's supporting literature to Bill 27. Some of these measures are not feasible for Maple Ridge due to a lack of data, but can be replaced by others where data is more easily obtained. At a corporate level, we are already tracking greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations, and have set targets and are tracking greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the Fire Hall and Leisure Centre energy efficiency projects. Many actions, policies and programs are already in place and will continue to move the community toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Below is a list of community indicators that may be considered in future. It is provided at this time for information only. In addition, we are establishing baseline data so that we can begin to track trends relating to these indicators. • Residential Density • Housing Diversity • Proximity to Transit • Proximity to Services • Energy Efficiency of Buildings • Area of Land in Agricultural Land Reserve • Area of Land in Community Gardens • Solid Waste and Emissions • Urban trees and Greenspace In future, when resources can be dedicated toward community energy and emissions planning, it may be desirable to set targets at this detailed level. Page 10 of 16 Appendix C: Community Energy and Emissions Inventory Maple Ridge Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by sector Solid Waste 3% On -Road Vehicles 57% Buildings 40% Buildings Sector Residential 27% Commercial I Institutional 9% Industrial --- - 4% Total greenhouse gas emissions = 381,979 tonnes CO2e Buildings sector: includes emissions from electricity and natural gas consumption (source: BC Hydro and Terasen Gas). It does not include emissions from the combustion of other fuels such as oil, propane or wood. On -road Vehicles sector: includes estimated emissions from all registered on -road vehicles. It does not include vehicles not licensed for public roads, such as bulldozers, forklifts, all -terrain vehicles, or slow moving heavy equipment vehicles such as rollers, graders, etc. Also excluded are marine, rail and air transportation vehicles. The calculation of emissions is based on registered vehicles (source: ICBC) multiplied by fuel consumption figures by vehicle (source: Natural Resources Canada) multiplied by odometer readings (source: AirCare and vehicle transfer records) multiplied by emission conversion factors (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Solid waste: sector includes emissions from estimates of the annual mass (tonnes) of municipal solid waste disposed of at all regional district landfills and facilities and attributed to Maple Ridge (source: Metro Vancouver Regional District). It does not include materials disposed of using other methods, such as compost, green waste, and waste taken to recycling facilities. Page 11 of 16 Appendix C: Community Energy and Emissions Inventory Manie Ridge Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory - 2007 Consumption By Type EneFgy& Emissions Tatil Tyke Ca4s�Ls[al tkn = ., _-..-_, E1Le1gy Cgffix Er"(&A MAO) RMDEPMAL BUILDnfv E€rJIRC•.f 25,729 W7.105.A80 e,m . .••?T AONQ 1.1a5.580 6,756 !,l71,23a 1l4,1l3 pf=.Ir3F cab 19,972 i,86&65r �J 97 GSC 1,865.655 95,477 COMMHF13AL BUL014G5 _--a'!Ey 2',290 15$,f,%177 (,Yn 67,M kwoc 56%507 3,425 1,1434134 33,174 kaairo ti36 1 ma 581929 = J51 + 4C MUM 29,750 iNDII"ML UVWN55 - E-.G=' 429 58.361.79E Ki4n 13594E KMC 210,102 1254 4^0l1 10412 Haulm G26 17 267-W iJ '6-3:a GOC 287.W K728 SMOTAL 9fttkgy 2BA47 M163,7471Wh 1,876.189 11,466 4A1114M 151�s" 42.-,:f9 21269 2.735 m J 2„735= 139,905 Cansumpion By Type Enetgy& EnassJam Told ON ReaLO TwwsnvMTATNNi - - - Type WsmCDnwmpwn Elrengp" CO,fe(q Enffw(G!} C'OW(1) $WALL PASWNSEa CABS 19.WA 17,5041168 Mr-- 'Im LiJ W6.694 43,714 M1M.323 44,334 GYlc e4 File! 333 223085 itr% E:0 LOU 8,629 620 LAmE Nssm a CAFIs C-$aet� 7,592 7716,866 tl:c: :v' Oj 267A67 19.272 27%w! M923 ❑lrsa rae 119 9DA53 7Ga_. - : U 3AS9 251 LcmrTe0cfs, VANsy AND SUts Sa=9re 21,187 A4,970,731 .1Gs=. 2-123 L�U 1'sWAW 112,309 1ATSis" M.MM3 OW18 Fti,F 196 345,1A5 it,_- 1-751 LU 13,3511 959 l.tybS: �rrpe-= 92 ?93„944 I ... 2.1W LFU 4.909 295 COMM910ALV9iKLE5 Ga6ct: •: 4,026 7.531„ N ;VE 1,.87' W 261.032 1e,808 4M1A�" 34,5M MAS-9 F1*9 2,087 5,5W,176 lt, 7;; _'ia UU 214,217 15,393 WON,PFvpa- 195 259,704 tires -- L4y 6,573 395 Tmcim TFULEA TnL KS OIemA F-LbH 22 275,333 Wit i .f. 2 LR1 10,766 774 10.7" 774 mamp+ows mclarn• 503 941,962 trs 1 373 Lhi 32,648 Z352 37AM :AN 71e1e Ft1e 54 10%376 !t_w ?-9aE-- L4i 4,231 304 wow PFopare 15 24A93 1Ees 1AIRW Lru 620 37 Ma7mcfaEs AmDMaFEca C-WoAee 1,808 672.576'ma S2 LFU 23,311 1,689 33,311 14" Bus ;3&cnre 53 443,050 Yttes :.36C _ I_ 15,357 1,107 i1,371 $3M7 23 414,00011f ES 14.04u 16,014 1.151 SLM"FFAL =:.35u1:? 54AM 79,780.588 Rnr. 2.755.195 199,242 3 041.0= 218,4" Me W- =A Z834 6,9%,568 Wes 2711L705 19AW q -r = 303 473.141 1fFEz 12,102 727 Em sionsT" SI31 DWASTF - ----- ---'--- - - - - Type Egi nadan Medmd Msis (1) COLe (t1 CU,e () CaMMu4rrF Sam WAsn - . .- - Wa512 Cenntmcf, 31,050 11,188 11,1" SLFsrarAL 31,050 i1,i88 11"Im Grand TOW Activity GOnsm"Pum Enemy Cure Erwgy& FrissionsToW seemerty 521,183,747kft 1.878:"Oc�.J 11 t EF1agy1Ws CO*(1) NZKa.9 Gas Z735,2326J 2.735.$3r2GJ 1399Wt Gawk* 79J80,58tMM 2.765,195GJ 189,2421 7,659,A23 3i "O Dime! FueM, 5.` 3 w8 ftes 270.705 GJ W,4521 W PMPWK 478,t41 Ures 12,102 GJ 727 t SOM Waste 11,11331 Source: Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (CEEI) 2007, Ministry of Environment, Province of British Columbia. It is anticipated that the Province will provide these inventories to municipalities on a bi-annual basis. Resources are available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/climate/ceei/ Page 12 of 16 Appendix D: Emissions Reduction Scenario Results 1. Aggregate Emissions under four scenarios: 700,000 a) p 500,000 V m c 0 400,000 0 t7 x .r 300,000 c� a� m L ai 200,000 Q 100,000 ® Static Per Capita ■ Static Aggregate ❑ Provincial Target ❑ 34/50 Model +5C0/ 6% 2007 2020 2031 Page 13of16 1. Per Capita Emissions under four scenarios: ® Static Per Capita ■ Static Aggregate ❑ Provincial Target ❑ 34/50 Model 6.0 f -21 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 J 5.3 5.0 w v 4.0 N d C G ° 3.0 r Q U 2.0 a 1.0 [SRI] N11iYA 3= -50% 2020 2031 Page 14of16 Appendix E: Local Government Act Requirements for Public Consultation The proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan require public consultation to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Local Government Act. The public process that is proposed to meet the requirements of Bill 27 is designed to accommodate a short timeframe. However, much thought and consideration on addressing climate change was undertaken during the development of the 2006 Official Community Plan and significant public input was provided throughout that process. Additionally, substantial public input went into the background information provided for the development of the 2008 Town Centre Area Plan, which is an important area for the type of compact development that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The following is the Local Government Act requirements for consultation during Official Community Plan development: Section 8 79 (1) During the development of an official community plan, or the repeal or amendment of an official community plan, the proposing local government must provide one or more opportunities it considers appropriate for consultation with persons, organizations and authorities it considers will be affected (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the local government must: (a) consider whether the opportunities for consultation with one or more of the persons, organizations and authorities should be early and ongoing, and (b) specifically consider whether consultation is required with: i. the board of the regional district in which the area covered by the plan is located, in the case a municipal official community plan, ii. the board of any regional district that is adjacent to the area covered by the plan, iii. the council of any municipality that is adjacent to the area covered by the plan, iv, first nations, v. school district boards, greater boards and improvement district boards, and vi. the Provincial and federal governments and their agencies. (3) Consultation under this section is in addition to the public hearing required under section 882(3)(d). In addition, Section 881 of the Act requires consultation with the School Board during the preparation of an amendment to an official community plan. Affected Parties All residents of Maple Ridge will be welcome to participate in the Public Open House session. Public notification will be done approximately two weeks in advance and wil! include newspaper advertisements, and website notification. Invitations will also be mailed out to local organizations including, but not limited to, the Downtown Business Association, neighbourhood associations, and the Chamber of Commerce. Page 15of16 Pursuant with Section 879(2) of the Local Government Act, the following considers consultation with specified organizations and authorities: Metro Vancouver Formal consultation with Metro Vancouver is not felt to be necessary, as this organization was consulted during the Official Community Plan process and is aware of the existing policies. Additionally, the anticipated amendments do not impose any land -use implications within the region. ■ Neighbouring Municipalities Consultation with Pitt Meadows Meadows and the District of Mission is not felt to be necessary as the amendments do not impose any land -use implications on either of these municipalities. These communities were consulted during the Official Community Plan process and are aware of the existing policies. Agricultural Land Commission The Commission was consulted during the development of the Official Community Plan and is aware of the policies within the Plan. • School District 42 Section 881 of the Local Government Act requires consultation with the local school board during the preparation of an amendment to an official community plan. In order to satisfy this requirement, invitations will be sent to School District 42 to attend the public open house sessions and a copy of the draft amendments will be referred to the School District for comment prior to presentation to Council. Formal referral to the School District will occur following First Reading of the bylaw by Council. Federal and Provincial governments and their Agencies Outside agencies will be forwarded a copy of the amendments in accordance with Provincial and Federal regulations. Page 16 of 16 40 Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer Albion Flats Concept Plan Process EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: DATE: February 8, 2010 FILE NO: CP/009/10 ATTN: Workshop On January 11, 2010 Council passed the following resolutions: • That staff be directed to proceed with an area plan for the Albion Flats Area A utilizing the Concept Plan approach noted in the staff report dated November 5, 2009, taking into account key linkages to Area B, with a completion date of March 31, 2011 for the Concept Plan. • That the Agricultural Land Commission be asked to make their senior staff available to meet and discuss the current land use policy and explore the opportunities for collaboration. It is understood that any changes to existing uses will require the consent of the Agricultural Land Commission. Council has requested that senior staff of the Commission participate in the development of the proposed concept plan. Council has directed staff to develop a broad concept plan that would be presented for endorsement by the Agricultural Land Commission. Council has requested that the concept plan be completed by March 31, 2011. Once approved or endorsed by the Commission, the concept plan will be developed into an area plan. At this stage, the approval of Metro Vancouver would be required, although there will be ongoing consultation with Metro Vancouver during the preparation of the concept plan. The 2010 work matrix endorsed by Council included the requirement for a report further detailing the concept plan process. This report contains the recommended process for undertaking the Albion Flats Concept Plan review. RECOMMENDATION: That the Albion Flats Concept Plan Process as recommended in the report "Albion Flats Concept Plan Process", dated February 8, 2010 be approved. 4.2 DISCUSSION The concept plan will include an overall context review of adjacent land uses in the area, with an aim towards identifying compatible land uses, adequate service levels, and required infrastructure to support these land uses. The main focus of this concept plan study area for the portion of lands that are mostly within the Agricultural Land Reserve, north of Lougheed and bounded by 2401h Street and Tamarack Lane. The geographic boundaries of the study area are shown on Appendix A. It is acknowledged that the intersection at 240th Street and Lougheed will be considered, and the linkages between the study area and the Albion Industrial area will also be considered in the scope of this work, as discussed by Council at the workshop of January 11, 2010. BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The study area has been noted for its strategic location within the community and the range of possible uses that could be located there. Based on the findings of background research, the Official Community Plan noted the diverse interests associated with this site, which in addition to agriculture, could include commercial, industrial, and recreational uses. Recognizing that the study area requires senior government agency approvals, the initial step in this process is to identify a feasible land use option that is acceptable to the community and to pertinent agencies. Once endorsed or approved, more detailed studies would follow. On January 11, 2010 Council endorsed the concept plan approach which included the following work items: • Detailed public process • Preliminary servicing assessment • Preliminary environmental impact assessment • Preliminary agricultural impact assessment • Preliminary drainage and stormwater management assessment • Preliminary transportation study • Engaging an experienced economist to assist in assessing the highest and best uses for the area • Engaging a consultant to undertake a socio-community preliminary assessment • Input from Parks and leisure Services regarding existing and future recreation use and trails • Engaging a consultant to prepare a life cycle fiscal impact analysis to assess the fiscal performance of the Urban Area Boundary adjustment • On -going discussion with the Agricultural land Commission, Metro Vancouver, and Provincial ministries. This process will focus on establishing a recommended option for Council's consideration that will form the basis of the concept plan. It is noted that some of this information will be facilitated by consultants, however where possible, appropriate District staff will be engaged in order to efficiently utilize the resources that have been committed to this process. In addition to the Planning Department, ongoing input will be required from municipal Departments including: Engineering, Community Development, Parks and Leisure Services, Sustainability and Corporate Development, and Economic Development. The inputs from other departments such as Building and Operations will be requested as the need arises. -2- CONCEPT PLAN PROCESS • Step 1 Establishing baselines, evaluating information, and notifying the community Completion: Summer 2010 i) Public Engagement' -to notify residents that the concept plan process has begun and provide contact information. a. Public Announcement - and press release of Commencement of Albion Flats Study (Feb 2010) b. Ongoing advertisements- in local newspaper informing about the process and suggesting contact. c. Special links- to municipal website providing information about the process and contact addresses, with hardcopies available at Municipal Hall, and staff available to answer questions during City Hall hours. d. Maple Ridge Home Show (April 30, May 1&2, 2010). ii) Background Research2 - As directed by Council, initial information should provide baseline assessments on the following: • servicing assessment • environmental assessment • transportation study • agricultural assessment • drainage and stormwater management • economic analysis (including highest and best use and an overall assessment of community goals) • socio-Community assessment • lifecycle fiscal impact analysis iii) Preparation of Communications Materials - Using District resources, prepare communications materials to engage stakeholders during the public consultation process. iv) Presentation of analysis, and communications materials to Council, and to pertinent advisory committees. - once the background studies and materials have been completed, this information will be presented to Council prior to proceeding to Step 2 as follows. • Step 2 Concept Plan Development Completion: March 2010 i) Charette - The general public and other community stakeholders will be invited to participate in a design charette process to identify a preferred land use option for the study area. This event will be advertized in the newspaper and information will be posted on the municipal website. All pertinent background information will be available at the charette. 1 Council may wish to direst staff to hold a public information meeting at the outset of the process. 2 Land owners, residents, and other stakeholders in the area will be engaged to provide local information that will assist in the background research component of the concept plan. -3- ii) Refinement of Preferred Land Use Option - following the charette event, it is envisioned that the land use option will be further refined for submission to the District. This proposed land use option will be presented to Council for endorsement. iii) Public Open House- the Council endorsed land use option will be presented to the public for final comment. • Step 3 Finalization of the Concept Plan Completion: March 2011 i) Following this public event, the concept plan will be finalized for Council's endorsement. ii) Following Council's endorsement, the concept plan will be submitted to the Agricultural Land Commission for consideration. DESIRED OUTCOME: The desired outcome of this concept plan process will be to determine the highest and best uses of the study area, for acceptance by Council, using information derived from background research, public consultation, and professional assessments evaluating overall community goals including economic, agricultural, environmental, and social goals. After acceptance / approvals are given by pertinent government agencies, a more detailed planning process will commence. OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: As the study area is within the jurisdiction of the Agricultural Land Commission and Metro Vancouver, input from these agencies has been requested and ongoing dialogue will be made as the concept plan develops. The initial dialogue with pertinent agencies is summarized as follows: • Agricultural Land Commission: The Commission was requested to meet with Council to review their intentions 'for the study area and establish their willingness to consider exclusion applications in the area. In correspondence dated January 7, 2010, the Commission denied this request, stating that it was not considered appropriate to meet with potential applicants in advance of an application occurring. However, the Commission offered their staff resources to assist in the development of an area plan for the subject area. • Metro Vancouver: The Albion Flats is identified as a Special Study Area in the Draft Regional Growth Strategy. Assuming the Regional Growth Strategy is adopted prior to completion of the concept plan and the Albion Flats remains a Special Study Area, then the land use designation could be amended through the Regional Context Statement. However, until the Regional Growth Strategy is adopted, most of this land remains within the Green Zone. CONSULTATION: Public Consultation will be a significant component of the development of possible land use options for Council's consideration. Members of municipal advisory committees will be invited to participate in consultation events. It is also recommended that background information be forwarded to pertinent advisory committees for comment. Some of the background studies required to prepare a land use concept may engage stakeholders in consultation. It is noted that the process will be publicized at the Maple Ridge Homeshow and the draft land use concepts will be developed further with input received during the design charette. Information will be posted on the municipal website on a regular basis, as well as regular updates to Council at specific steps. INTERDEPARTMENTAL/ BUSINESS PLAN & FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Funds totalling $100,000.00 have been earmarked for professional consultant services to assist in the development of the concept plan. To utilize these funds most economically, staff expertise will be used wherever possible in the development of background research. It is anticipated that consultants will be retained to undertake various technical background reports and the charette process. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: The policies of the Official Community Plan will be a consideration in the development of possible land use options for the study area. Although the concept plan will not involve policy changes or introduction of new bylaws at the outset, it will be used to guide land uses and bylaw amendments through the subsequent development of an area plan. -5- CONCLUSION: This concept plan process provides an approach designed to meet the direction of Council at the workshop of January 11, 2010. This approach provides a framework for preparing a land use concept plan for submission to the Agricultural Land Commission, including a public consultation program. It is recognized that this process is an initial step in moving towards pursuing desired land uses in the study area. 4�� 65A Prepared by: Diana Hall Planner r-\ Ap c ved Py:,- JaNt Pi rin , MCIP Director of Planning Approved by. Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng GM: Public Works & D elo ent Services Concurrence: L. (Jim) Rule ,Chief Administrative Officer The following appendices are attached hereto: Appendix A - Context Map - Study Area -7- RIDGEMAPLE Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer DATE: January 25, 2010 FILE NO: 0540-20-01/SPAC1 ATTN: Council Workshop Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act Response to Minister Rich Coleman EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Province of British Columbia has now passed Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act enabling police to assist British Columbians that are homeless to shelters when communities issue an extreme weather alert. The Assistance to Shelter Act provides police with the option of using reasonable physical force to compel a person who has been deemed at risk of suffering physical harm to an emergency shelter. The Act is not intended to supplant or limit the enforcement of other provincial or federal acts. The Act does not provide any powers of arrest, nor does it provide any powers to compel a person at risk to remain in a shelter once the police have transported them there. The Social Planning Advisory Committee has discussed the implications of the Act and recommends sending the attached letter to the office of the Honourable Rich Coleman. RECOMMENDATION(S): That the letter from the Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee, addressed to Rich Coleman, be supported and forwarded on behalf of the Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: The Assistance to Shelter Act has raised questions and concerns amongst advocates for the homeless and those working in shelters. Additionally, the Vancouver Police Department and many municipalities across British Columbia have also registered their concern in statements to the province. After a review of the Act, the Social Planning Advisory Committee has outlined their concerns in the attached letter. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee remains committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government and community organizations to find solutions to address the issue of homelessness. b) Desired Outcome: That this letter be sent to the Honourable Rich Coleman. c) Strategic Alignment: Page 1 of 2 4.3 Support of this outcome follows the current emphasis on sustainability and is in alignment with the district's safe and livable community mandate d) Citizen/Customer Implications: Recognition that all citizens have the right to make decisions about their own health and safety. e) Interdepartmental Implications: Police services could be impacted by the regulations outlined in Bill 18. CONCLUSION: The Assistance to Shelter Act raises a number of questions and concerns that requires a community response. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee recommends sending the attached letter to the Honourable Rich Coleman. f f i , ri Prepa?,ed atthewson Coordinator, Social Planning pproved by: Mike urra Gene aI M ager, Community Development Park and ecreation Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) ule Chief A inistrative Officer Page 2 of 2 Deep Roots Greater Heights January 25, 2010 Rich Coleman, MLA Fort Langley - Aldergrove #130-7888 2OOth Street, Langley, BC V2Y 3J4 Dear Honourable Rich Coleman, It is well known that the causes of homelessness are complex and varied. Accordingly, responses intended to address the issue must be equally as complex and varied. To include Bill 18 as one of the responses to the issue of homelessness is not appropriate or supportive of finding a collaborative solution to this growing problem. With this Bill having received Royal Assent, what measurements are in place to ensure that it has been effective? There is no question that the plight of individuals that are homeless is a very difficult one especially during extreme weather conditions. The recent incidents where individuals in an effort to keep warm have lost their lives are tragic and regrettable. However, to suggest that the Act is a response that would prevent such tragedies is difficult to imagine. The Act itself presents a number of fundamental questions and concerns. It is not clear as to what constitutes" extreme weather" and how this decision is made. The determination by a police officer as to whether a person is "at risk" is also complicated. Currently, police officers have a number of tools to deal with individuals who are placing themselves or others at risk including the Mental Health Act, the Child, Family and Community Service Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and the Offence Act. Additionally, what constitutes "reasonable force" to remove someone from the streets and place them in a shelter is unclear. Removing someone against their will and taking them to a shelter surely is not a guarantee that they will stay there. Police resources could be taxed unnecessarily. Ultimately, personal dignity and individual freedom are as important as personal safety. Individuals that are homeless deserve to be safe and treated with dignity and respect. The Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness has identified the pressing need for a national housing strategy to address the growing number of homeless or those at risk of homelessness across Canada. The Steering Committee has also identified the three ways to home as being affordable housing, adequate income and support services. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee supports the collaborative efforts of all levels of government, community organizations, non -profits agencies, businesses and individual community members working together to find solutions to the issue of homelessness. Sincerely. L�vo Chair, Social Planning Advisory Committee cc: Sue Wheeler, Director of Community Services District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Canada • Tel: 604-463-5221 • Fax: 604-467-7329 enquiries@mapleridqe.ca • www.mapleridge.ca District of Maple Ridge Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: February 9, 2010 and Members of Council FILE NO: FROM: Agricultural Advisory Committee ATTN: Workshop SUBJECT: Request for endorsement of letter from Agricultural Advisory Committee to Metro Vancouver. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On the January 28, 2010 meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Committee passed a resolution to send a letter to Metro Vancouver in support of the agricultural policies of the Regional Growth Strategy. The Committee noted that Council endorsement was required prior to sending the letter. This correspondence is the Committee's request to Council for this endorsement. RECOMMENDATION: That Council endorse the letter from the Agricultural Advisory Committee, dated February 8, 2010 as attached for forwarding to Metro Vancouver. DISCUSSION: The letter as compiled by the Agricultural Advisory Committee is attached. G��Xaa-�- QS &-Cs� Prepared by: Candace Gordon, Chair Agricultural Advisory Committee 4A Deep Roots Greater Heights February 8, 2010 Your file CP-11=01-RGS-01 Mr. Johnny Carline Chief Administrative Officer Metro Vancouver 4330 Kingsway Burnaby BC V6Z 2V8 Dear: Mr. Carline: Re: Comments on the Regional Growth Strategy At the January 28th meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, a resolution was passed to extend the following comments: The Agricultural Advisory Committee for the District of Maple Ridge would like to express its strong support for the protection of agricultural land and the promotion of agricultural viability as proposed in Strategy 2.3 of the Draft Regional Growth Strategy. The Committee gratefully acknowledges your acceptance of these comments at this later date. Yours truly, Candace Gordon, Chair Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Canada • Tel: 604-463-5221 • Fax: 604-467-7329 enquiries@mapleridge.ca • www.mapleridge.ca 100% Recycled Paper FEB 0 2 2010 SIERRA MAYOR CLUB 304-733 Johnson St T (250) 386-5255 E info@sierraclub.bc.ca C Victoria BC V8W 3C7 F (250) 386-4453 W www,sierraclub.bc.ca Ogler L Mayor Ernie Daykin Action: c_ 11995 Haney Place Y i Maple Ridge, BC January 27, 2010 Re: Endorsement for a new Species and Ecosystems Protection Act Atm. Mayor and Council; One year ago, the members of the Species at Risk Working Group- Sierra Club BC, Wilderness Committee, Ecojustice and the David Suzuki Foundation- contacted you about our campaign to ensure protection for British Columbia's species at risk, including strong habitat protection. We are pleased to share with you that the August 2009 Throne Speech made a welcome announcement of a new Species at Risk Task Force, which will make a policy recommendation in 2010. While this is an important step toward the protection of species at risk in our province, we still need to demonstrate that legislated protection is an important priority for all British Columbian. We are requesting that City Council take effective action to conserve our irreplaceable natural heritage by passing a motion to endorse the ten principles for a new Species and Ecosystem Protection Act. Already, eight municipalities- Fernie, Coldstream, North Saanich, Mission, Osoyoos, Burnaby, Whistler and Hudson's Hope- have answered our call to endorse the ten principles for a new Species and Ecosystem Protection Act. We would be thrilled to add your municipality to the growing numbers of British Columbians who support a new Species and Ecosystem Protection Act and will highlight your efforts on our website www.lastr_laceonearth.ca British Columbia sells itself to the world as "the best place on earth." Unfortunately, it's one of the last places on earth without an endangered species law. Despite having some of the richest wildlife in North America, and more endangered species than any other province or territory, British Columbia is one of only two provinces in Canada without endangered species legislation. Our vision is a strong Species and Ecosystem Protection Act that protects at -risk species and prevents other species from becoming at risk of extinction or extirpation. Studies of provincial and international species protection laws and best practices show that laws based on the following key principles protect species and ecosystems at risk: 1. Enshrine the principle that healthy ecosystems are essential to healthy human societies and economies; 511 2. Recognize that biological diversity is essential to healthy ecosystems; 3. Identify, protect and recover at -risk biodiversity throughout the province; 4. Protect and recover biodiversity by protecting habitat; assessment, list and develop recovery strategies for at -risk biodiversity on the basis of sound science; 5. Incorporate global warming into policy, planning and management; 6. Enshrine the precautionary principle, the principle of intergenerational equity, and the polluter -pays principle; 7. Require citizen, community and First Nations participation; 8. Require accountability and transparency; 9. Be funded; and 10. Be enforced. To protect our incredible wealth of diversity, the BC government needs to enact a strong, stand- alone endangered species and ecosystems law. A strong provincial Species and Ecosystem Protection Act will help BC's biodiversity adapt to global warming by reducing impacts from other activities. Additionally, this law will help maintain the essential ecosystem services (e.g., carbon storage, pollination, nutrient cycling) that nature provides us, helping us maintain, and pass on to future generations, the biological richness and healthy ecosystems we are blessed with today. Habitat protection is a way to heal ecosystems that are starting to show signs of ill health, such as imminent loss of species, in order to maintain all the irreplaceable benefits that local communities receive, including ecotourism opportunities that access to wild places brings. We all care deeply about endangered species. Recent polling shows that close to 90% of British Columbians support the creation of a single, effective provincial law to protect species. Our organizations have joined forces to campaign for species protection legislation for B.C. that includes necessary, strong habitat protection. We hope that, given what is at stake, your municipality will support the above -mentioned 10 principles. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue with you further. Yours truly, Susan Howatt Campaigns Director Sierra Club BC (250) 386-5255 ext. 239 susanla.sierraclub.bc.ca On behalf of: David Suzuki Foundation Ecojustice Wilderness Commitee JAN 2 9 2010 His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC V2x 6A9 Dear Mayor Daykin and Councillors: aC@N{1TgD 000 FHB a 2 2010 BRITISH COLUMBIA �raro� The Best Place on .Earth Other `. ,Action: Ref: 134$$5 The Local Government Elections Task Force is currently seeking written comments from your local government, and from organizations and individuals in your community, to assist in its review of local government election issues. Announced at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2009 Convention, the Local Government Elections Task Force is a joint, consensus -based group of provincial and UBCM members. The Task Force co-chairs are Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister. of Community and Rural Development, and Chair Harry Nyce, President of the UBCM. Other Task Force members are: • Surrey Councillor, Barbara Steele, first vice-president, UBCM; • Quesnel Mayor, Mary Sjostrom, third vice-president, UBCM; • Donna Barnett, MLA, Cariboo—Chilcotin; and • Douglas Horne, MLA, Coquitlam—Burke Mountain. Recognizing the importance of hearing from local governments throughout British Co!wrnbia, the Task Force invites you to submit the comments of your local government on any or all of the following topics: • Campaign finance, including contribution/spending disclosure and limits, and tax credits; • Enforcement processes and outcomes; • Role of the British Columbia Chief Electoral Officer in local government elections; Ministry of Community and Rural Development Office of the Minister ■ PO Box 9056 Stn Prov Govt ' v BRITISH vano uv 2wo vancounr xmo COLUMBIA Victoria BC V8W 9E2 C?Cy �-� PagYIN[[ Phone: 250 387-2283 Fax: 250 387-4312Rm www.gov.bc.ca/WU . 2 Mayor Daykin and Councillors Page 2 • Election cycle (term of office); • Corporate vote; and, • Matters raised in election resolutions submitted to the 2009 UBCM Convention, such as the eligibility of volunteers. To assist in its deliberations, the Task Force would appreciate your comments as soon as possible, preferably by April 15, 2010. It is anticipated that the Task Force will deliver its recommendations to the Province of British Columbia and the UBCM by May 30, 2010, after which legislation is expected to be presented to the Legislature in time for the 2011 local government elections. The Task Force is aware of the tight time frame and that the interest in local government elections extends beyond local governments to the broader community including individuals, community groups and other representative organizations. As such, the Task Force requests that you share this request for written comments within your community, particularly with local groups and individuals interested in local government election issues. Written comments can be made via email to: Local Election sTaskForceiv ov.bc.ca, by fax to: 250 3 87-7972, or by mail to: Local Government Elections Task Force c/o Ministry of Community and Rural Development PO Box 9839 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9Tl Though the Task Force will receive feedback primarily through written comments, individual Task Force members will also engage in conversations on the election issues under review as they meet with local government representatives, organizations and citizens during the normal course of their responsibilities. For local governments, the UBCM is planning a one -day workshop in March for its members who wish to attend. In addition, Area Associations will have a further opportunity to discuss these issues at their Spring Conventions. Workshop details will be announced shortly. For farther information on the Local Government Elections Task Force, please visit the website at: www.LocaiElecuonslaskForce.auv.bc.ca. .../3 Mayor Daykin and Councillors Page 3 We look forward to hearing from you on ways to improve our local government election processes. Sincerely, Bill Bennett Harry Nyce Minister of Community President and Rural Development Union of British Columbia Municipalities