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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPAC 2008-09-03 Minutes.pdf-) District of Maple Ridge SOCIAL PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Social Planning Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Road, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Judy Dueck Candace Gordon Lyn Taylor-Scott Ian Brooks, Vice Chair Connie Schmid Paul Livingstone Gwen Champagne Kim Macey, Chair Ross Dunning Andy Libbiter Alex Bodden, Staff Sgt. Betty Levens STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Shawn Matthewson Lynn Marchand Sue Wheeler REGRETS/ABSENTS Caroline Wilkin Gordon Hall Bob Masse Tom Meier Bob Jones Inspector Wakely Councillor Linda King Kathie Chiu Cheryl Ashlie 1. Called to Order and Introductions Council Liaison Ridge Meadows Child, Youth & Family Network Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living Community at Large Ridge Meadows Seniors Society Community at Large Community Living BC Community at Large Community at Large Fraser Health RCMP Ridge Meadows Seniors Society Community Services Committee Clerk Director of Community Services Ministry of Children and Family Development Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Youth Council Business Improvement Association Business Improvement Association Business Improvement Association RCMP Ministry of Children and Family Development Mountain View Community Church and The Caring Place School District No. 42, School Trustee The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Adoption of the Agenda Ros-11 Motion was moved and seconded Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 1 of5 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 That the Agenda for September 3, 2008 be adopted with the following additions; 5. 7 Resignation of Gordon Hall, Youth Representative 5.8 Planning meeting CARRIED 3. Minutes of the Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Ros-i s Motion was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 2, 2008 be adopted CARRIED 4. Delegations and Presentations A brief discussion took place amongst the Committee regarding the health issues of Inspector Wakely. ACTION ITEM: Parks & Leisure staff will send a card to Inspector Wakely on behalf of the Social Planning Advisory Committee. 5. Unfinished and New Business 5.1 Provincial Nesika Awards -Nomination Recommendation Shawn Matthewson gave an overview of the 2008 Provincial Nesika Awards which recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and communities for exceptional initiatives that bring people together and demonstrate the benefits of cultural diversity. Ms. Matthewson suggested that the Committee approve the nomination of Unity in Diversity for the award. ROS-19 Motion was moved and seconded That the Social Planning Advisory Committee support the nomination of Unity in Diversity for the 2008 Provincial Nesika Awards CARRIED 5.2 Health Canada Drug Strategy Community Investment Fund: CYFN Substance Misuse Prevention Committee Application -update Sue Wheeler gave an update on the CYFN Substance Misuse Prevention Committee application. Ms. Wheeler advised that the grant application for funding under the Health Canada Drug Prevention Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 2 of 7 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 Strategy Community Fund for funding of $800,000 over two years was endorsed by both the Committee and Maple Ridge Council. However, a request from Health Canada was received requesting that the application be resubmitted with a substantially lower funding request, approximately $100,000 per year for the 3 year funding period. Ms. Wheeler advised that the grant application has been resubmitted in the amount of $300,000 over three years and gave an overview of how the amount was reduced in order to apply within the grant guidelines. Ms. Wheeler shared that the Substance Misuse Prevention Committee is awaiting the announcement of the final outcome of the grant application process. 5.3 UBCM Housing and Homelessness Questionnaire -Council Response Sue Wheeler gave an overview and circulated the "UBCM Questionnaire -Affordable Housing & Homelessness" that was received by Council for the summer months. As the questionnaire was received and due during the month of August when SPAC doesn't meet, Ms. Wheeler was directed by Council to work with the Council liaisons to SPAC, Councillors Dueck and King to prepare a response to the questionnaire on behalf of Council. Feedback was also received from the District of Maple Ridge Planning Department and Alouette Home Start Society. The intent of the questionnaire was to gather feedback from BC Municipalities for discussion at the annual UBCM Conference in late September. The questionnaire submission was reviewed with the Committee. 5.4 Community Profile: Snapshot 2002 Update -CYFN Recommendation Sue Wheeler gave an update on the history of the development of the "Community Profile: Snapshot 2002" document that was in partnership with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child, Youth and Family Network (CYFN) and the Building Community Solutions Steering Committee. The 2002 document was used to set community priorities in 2002 and now six years later the goal is to update the document with current data. This data will be utilized in the work scheduled to begin next year on the development of a Social Planning Strategic Plan for the District of Maple Ridge. With the update of the document, Ms. Wheeler was directed to survey the members of CYFN to determine if there were any recommendations regarding revisions in the data being collected or the format. Ms. Wheeler circulated and reviewed the "Draft Additions to the Snapshot Indicators Update" outlining the proposed revisions recommended by CYFN. Ms. Wheeler further advised that discussions will take place with researchers with the goal that the updated Snapshot be completed prior to the New Year. SPAC members are asked to review the list of indicators and submit any additions or changes to Ms. Wheeler. 5.5 Traction for Community Action, Social Planning Conference -Staff Report Sue Wheeler gave an overview of the Traction for Community Action, Social Planning Conference which was attended by herself, Angie McLeod and Christine DiGiamberardine in June. Ms. Wheeler advised that many informative and worthy sessions were attended and that the conference is offered every three years at no cost. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 3 of? Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 5.6 Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) Proposal; Developing a Methodology and Conducting an Affordability Study Sue Wheeler informed the Committee that at the recent Social Planning Conference, SPARC BC had shared their plan to develop a guidebook that could be used by BC communities to determine affordability. An initial study with Whistler, BC demonstrated that knowledge of affordability was very effective for businesses to utilize when establishing wages. Initial indications are that utilization of this information was effective in businesses decreasing staff turnover and increasing productivity. The proposal is that the District of Maple Ridge pilot SPARC BC's Affordability Study Guidebook by facilitating an affordability study process of this community. This work would assist in creating awareness about the actual cost of living in the District of Maple Ridge. The proposal notes that affordability studies can be used to: inform living wage initiatives; advocate for raising income assistance rates; strengthen local economies by reducing the gap between rich and poor; and enrich community life by looking at the costs citizens pay to participate in one's community and finding ways to help families afford such activities. The approximate cost to the District for participation in the study is approximately $10,000. ACTION ITEM: Staff are directed to meet with the Economic Development Manager to discuss a partnership in this project and this topic will be added to October Agenda. 5. 7 Resignation of Gordon Hall Shawn Matthewson advised that Gordon Hall, representative from the Maple Ridge Youth Council, has resigned from the Committee as he has moved to attend University. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to the District Student Advisory Committee advising them of the vacant position on the Social Planning Advisory Committee. 5.8 Business planning meeting It was discussed with the Committee that the October 1st, 2008 SPAC business planning meeting would commence at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Robson joined the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Mayor Robson advised the Committee that the BC Heritage Days weekend was a great success with over 4000 people attending. Mayor Robson advised that the local high schools will be approached to have their reunion days around the same as BC Heritage Days with hopes of attracting 10,000 people to the community. Mayor Robson left the meeting at 8:11 p.m. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 4 of7 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Child, Youth and Family Network Updates Candace Gordon advised that the CYFN meeting is next week and that at present she had nothing to report except that the CYFN contributed to the indicators that will be included in the Snapshot update. 6.2 School Community Connections Update Shawn Matthewson gave an update on the School Community Connections program and reported that Eric Langton Elementary is undergoing renovations. Ms. Matthewson further advised that 15 families attended the open house which was held on June 9th and in the fall a Neighbourhood Steering Committee will be formed. 6.3 Building Community Solutions Update Shawn Matthewson previously reported that Elaine Yanamoto was hired in the role of Coordinator to support the work of this Committee. Ms. Matthewson further advised that the August 9th, 2008 Farmer's Market on the Farm had over 800 attendees despite the poor weather. The vendors reported average sales. 6.4 Glenwood School Neighbourhood Garden Project Update Sue Wheeler advised that the Glenwood School Neighbourhood Project continues to experience many successes in becoming an integral part of both the school community and the neighbourhood. The garden was experiencing minor vandalism but with the support of the new Community Safety Officers, who made visits to homes in the surrounding area, no further damage has occurred to the garden. The Neighbourhood School Garden Steering Committee, made up of representatives from Fraser Health, the School District, the CEED Centre, BC Cancer Society, continue to support the implementation of their vision to support gardens to develop at every elementary school in our community. Blue Mountain Elementary is the next school to be supported in their development of a school neighbourhood garden. 6.5 Roundtable Shawn Matthewson Ms. Matthewson advised that the summer programs, with much support from the community partners, were very successful, however the Whonnock Lake camps lacked registration. Ms. Matthewson further advised that the fall programs are up and running and the Active Kids Club (AKC) at Eric Langton Elementary and Yennedon are almost full, with Highland Park Elementary as the newest school to offer the AKC. Gwen Champagne Ms. Champagne advised that restructuring of the Ministry of Children Services is to be finalized by December. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 5 ofl Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 Betty Levens Ms. Levens reported that the new programs at the Senior Centre start this month and that the Centre is very busy. Ms. Levens further advised that the Terry Fox Run is Sunday, September 14th and circulated pledge forms to the members. It was noted that .87 cents of every donated dollar to the Terry Fox Foundation goes to directly to cancer research. Lyn Taylor-Scott Ms. Taylor-Scott advised that the Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. A picnic will be held on Saturday, September 13th at the bandstand with live music. Ms. Taylor-Scott advised of a seven unit affordable housing project that is being built on 224th and Callaghan. The ground breaking is on September 17th at 4:00 p.m. and Ms. Taylor-Scott is seeking a letter of support for the project from the Social Planning Advisory Committee. R0S-20 Motion was moved and seconded That the Social Planning Advisory Committee provide a letter of support for the project CARRIED Paul Livingstone Mr. Livingstone gave an update on his family. Staff Sgt. Alex Bodden Staff Sgt. Bodden advised the Community Safety Officers are active in the community. Staff Sgt. Bodden indicated that he hopes to increase the communication between the Committee and the RCMP as he is working to include other members, CFYN, Youth Diversion and groups working with high risk youth. Staff Sgt. Bodden gave an update on Inspector Wakely. Ross Dunning Mr. Dunning advised of his involvement in the BC Summer Games group over the summer, and of his attendance at a meeting with Minister Linda Reid. Mr. Dunning indicated that the meeting provided a very positive frame of mind for this community. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 6 of7 I Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2008 Judy Dueck Councillor Dueck advised of her attendance at Minister Linda Reid's meeting. Councillor Dueck further advised of the continuing parking problems at schools, now that school is back in session, and to encourage people to walk to school. The fire department was advised that the School Board will be fined if cars are parked in the fire lanes. Andy Libbiter Andy Libbiter spoke about the $1,000,000 donation by Ron Antalek to the Ridge Meadows Hospital and advised that the donation will be allocated to enhancements at the psychiatric ward at the hospital. The renovations will improve the current psychiatric department and increase safety. Sue Wheeler 8. Ms. Wheeler gave an overview of the growing community partnerships with the new "Keeping Kids in School" School District #42 team, which works in the secondary school system to find innovative ways to keep kids in school. Ms. Wheeler advised that an outreach teacher will be hired and beginning this September the Greg Moore Youth Centre will host a "Store Front School. The goal of this program will be to connect with kids that are not in school, build relationships, learn about them and their needs as students, and encourage and support them back into the school system. Next Meeting The next Regular Meeting of the Social Planning Advisory Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Blaney Room at the Maple Ridge Municipal Hall. 6. Adjournment -8:58 p.m. /Im Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 7 of 7