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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-01 Council Workshop Agenda and Reports.pdfCity of Maple Ridge 1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 2.MINUTES 2.1 Minutes of the January 25, 2016 Council Workshop Meeting 2.2 Minutes of Meetings of Committees and Commissions of Council •Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues o October 15, 2015 •Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission o October 8, 2015 2.3 Business Arising from Committee and Commission Minutes 3.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 3.1 COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA February 1, 2016 10:00 a.m. Blaney Room, 1st Floor, City 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. The meeting is live streamed and recorded by the City of Maple Ridge. REMINDERS February 1, 2016 Closed Council 11:00 a.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 p.m. February 9, 2016 Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Workshop February 1, 2016 Page 2 of 4 4.MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS 5.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Social Services Research Project Update 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Workshop for Council to identify top priorities in the areas of substance use, mental health and homelessness Facilitated by Scott Graham, Associate Executive Director, Manager of Research, Planning and Consulting SPARC BC (Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia) 6.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. 6.1 Ladner Sediment Group – Federal Funding for Disaster Mitigation and Infrastructure for the Lower Fraser River Letter dated January 19, 2016 from Michael E. Owen, Administration Chair, Ladner Sediment Group inviting the City of Maple Ridge to participate in a broad based group of Fraser River stakeholders endorsing a request for federal funding for disaster mitigation and infrastructure management in the lower Fraser River (from Hope to Georgia Strait). Recommendation: Refer to the Fraser Basin Council 6.2 Whonnock Elementary School PAC - Open letter to Maple Ridge Mayor and Council Letter dated January 13, 2016 from the Whonnock Pac providing information on a recent decision by the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School Boards to cancel school buses in Maple Ridge and requesting support to keep the buses operating. Council Workshop February 1, 2016 Page 3 of 4 6.4 Upcoming Events February 18, 2016 7:00 am Breakfast to Remember – Fairmont Vancouver, 900 Canada Way Organizer: Alzheimer Society BC March 6, 2016 1:00 pm Ridge Meadows Youth Impact Summit – Legacy Project Review Panel – Loon Lake Lodge Organizer: Rotary Club of Haney and Founders Cup Charity Foundation Date and time to be determined Thornhill Community Event - Thornhill Community Hall Organizer: Thornhill Community Association 7. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL Links to member associations: • Union of British Columbia Municipalities (“UBCM”) Newsletter The Compass o http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/resources/past-issues-compass/2016- archive.html • Lower Mainland Local Government Association (“LMLGA”) o http://www.lmlga.ca/ • Federation of Canadian Municipalities (“FCM”) o https://www.fcm.ca/ 8. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 9. ADJOURNMENT Checked by: ___________ Date: _________________ Council Workshop February 1, 2016 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 privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (j) 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; (l) 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 local government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential. City of Maple Ridge COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES January 25, 2016 The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on January 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular City business. PRESENT Elected Officials Appointed Staff Mayor N. Read E.C. Swabey, Chief Administrative Officer Councillor C. Bell K. Swift, General Manager of Community Development, Councillor K. Duncan Parks and Recreation Services Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services Councillor G Robson F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development Councillor T. Shymkiw Services Councillor C. Speirs C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services Other Staff as Required S. Matthewson, Social Planning Analyst C. Carter, Director of Planning S. Murphy, Planner 2 Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca 1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA The agenda was adopted with the addition of the following items: 8.1 Provincial Eating Disorder Week 8.2 Hospital Parking 2.MINUTES 2.1 Minutes of the January 18, 2016 Council Workshop Meeting R/2015-037 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of January 18, 2016 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 2.1 Council Workshop Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 2 of 5 2.2 Minutes of Meetings of Committees and Commissions of Council R/2016-038 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Social Planning Advisory Committee of November 4, 2015 be received. CARRIED 2.3 Business Arising from Committee Minutes – Nil 3.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil 4 MAYOR’S AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Councillor Speirs Councillor Speirs provided an update on the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues. He attended a Robbie Burns Night event. Councillor Bell Councillor Bell attended the launch of Block Watch. She advised that she received positive feedback on the Emergency Preparedness workshops. Deputy Mayor Shymkiw Deputy Mayor Shymkiw attended a meeting of the Pitt Meadows Airport Society Board of Directors, met with existing members of the Economic Development Committee, and with Infill and retired paramedics. He expressed concern over the ability of ambulances to respond in a regional emergency. Councillor Robson Councillor Robson encouraged staff to watch an interview with Peter Fassbender. He commented on the need for rental housing for refugees. Mayor Read Mayor Read attended a meeting of the Policing Task Force and advised that RCMP Superintendent Fleugel will be bringing back information on the auxiliary program. Council Workshop Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 3 of 5 5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative Update Staff report dated January 25, 2016 providing an update on of achievements and current work underway by the Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative. The General Manager Community Development, Parks and Recreation introduced the item. The Social Planning Analyst gave a power point presentation that provided an overview of the work of the teams that made up the Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative. 5.2 Interim Shelter Update – Operated by Rain City Housing Society Staff report dated January 25, 2016 recommending that a request be made to BC Housing for provision of additional outreach services to work with residents of the interim shelter during the exit time frame ending with the closure of the shelter on March 31, 2016. The General Manager Community Development, Parks and Recreation introduced the item. The Social Policy Analyst reviewed the report. R/2016-039 It was moved and seconded That Mayor and Council make a request to BC Housing to provide additional outreach services to work with residents of the interim shelter during the exit timeframe ending with the closure of the shelter on March 31, 2016. CARRIED 5.3 Draft Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Draft letter dated January 25, 2016 to the Chair Greg Moore and the Metro Vancouver Board summarizing the discussion of the draft Metro Vancouver Regional Housing Strategy held at the January 18, 2016 Council Workshop Meeting. The Director of Planning introduced the item. The Planner II reviewed the comments included in the letter to Metro Vancouver. Council Workshop Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 4 of 5 R/2016-040 It was moved and seconded That the letter dated January 25, 2016 to Chair Greg Moore and the Metro Vancouver Board attached to the Council Workshop Agenda be sent to Metro Vancouver together with the staff report dated January 18, 2016. CARRIED Councillor Robson - OPPOSED 6.CORRESPONDENCE – Nil 7.BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL 8.MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 8.1 Provincial Eating Disorder Week (“PEDW”) Councillor Duncan advised of a wrist band challenge for PEDW and suggested that Council participate in the challenge by submitting a photo to the organizing committee of all of Council wearing the PEDW wrist band. 8.2 Hospital Parking Mayor Read indicated that staff support is required to assist with research into the issue to determine the strategy to be pursued by Council. R/2016-041 It was moved and seconded That the Chief Administrative Officer identify a staff person to assist Mayor Read and Councillor Bell in researching the issue of pay parking at Ridge Meadows Hospital. CARRIED Council Workshop Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 5 of 5 9. ADJOURNMENT – 12:44 p.m. _______________________________ N. Read, Mayor Certified Correct ___________________________________ C. Marlo, Corporate Officer 2.2 Committee and Commission Meetings Minutes 2.2 MAPLE RIDGE/PITT MEADOWS MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues, held in the Meadows Room at the Pitt Meadows Municipal Hall on Thursday,October 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Kevin Priebe,Chair Community At Large, Maple Ridge Councillor Bruce Bell Council Liaison, City of Pitt Meadows Greg Turnbull Community At Large, Maple Ridge Mike Murray School District #42 Trustee Cydney Peacock, Vice-Chair Community at Large, Maple Ridge Bernice Rolls Community at Large, Maple Ridge STAFF PRESENT Petra Frederick Staff Liaison /Recreation Coordinator Sunny Schiller Committee Clerk REGRETS/ABSENT Councillor Craig Speirs Council Liaison, City of Maple Ridge Maria Kovacs Community At Large, Maple Ridge 1.CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:13 pm.As quorum was not present it was decided to begin with Item 4.1. 4.DELEGATIONS 4.1 Yvonne Chui –Recreation Manager, Arts and Community Connections Sidewalk Stamping –Presentation and Discussion The Recreation Manager explained the Sidewalk Poetry Sidewalk Stamping project. Poems will be stamped into new or renovated sidewalks in Maple Ridge. Visuals examples were provided. Installation sites will be chosen to allow people to stop at the poems without impeding pedestrian traffic. Selkirk Avenue in Maple Ridge has been selected as a test site for the first installation. Bernice Rolls and Cydney Peacock entered at 5:16 pm.Quorum was reached at this time. The Committee provided feedback on the stamping. It was requested that no edge be allowed around the wording. It was suggested that a plaque with the poem in braille could be provided at the poem site to improve accessibility. MACAI Minutes October 15, 2015 Page 2 of 3 R15-025 It was moved and seconded That the Sidewalk Stamping project be supported. CARRIED 2.MINUTES ADOPTION R15-026 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of September 17, 2015 be adopted. CARRIED 3.AGENDA ADOPTION R15-027 It was moved and seconded That the agenda be amended to include Item 7.2 Park Accessibility Community Concern and be adopted as amended. CARRIED 5.QUESTION PERIOD 6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1 Online Survey –Review and Roll Out The Staff Liaison provided an update on the online accessibility survey which is currently available to committee members for testing.After discussing the feedback provided Mike Murray volunteered to reword the survey and work with Staff to improve the design. It was suggested that testing be done by a member of the public before full launch. A PDF will be generated for written submissions. It was agreed that a fillable PDF was not required. 6.2 Age Friendly Project –Update and Initial Findings The Staff Liaison provided an update on the process of evaluating Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for age friendliness. Reports are currently being created based on the data gathered. Recommendations and ideas based on the feedback were shared.Bernice Rolls was thanked for her contributions to this project. 7.NEW BUSINESS 7.1 PM Resident Concern –Discussion and Recommendations A concern regarding the accessibility of crossings and sidewalks in Pitt Meadows has been received from a local resident. Councillor Bruce Bell reported the concern has been referred to Pitt Meadows staff for follow up. It was suggested MACAI Minutes October 15, 2015 Page 3 of 3 that the Staff Liaison follow up with Pitt Meadows staff. It was suggested that the newly hired Pitt Meadows Engineer be invited to a meeting in the spring to familiarize them with the work done by MACAI. 7.2 Park Accessibility Community Concern The Staff Liaison reported a resident in the neighbourhood of Reg Franklin Park in Maple Ridge had reported a concern regarding accessibility being negatively impacted by construction. The matter will be forwarded to Parks staff for follow up. 8.CORRESPONDENCE 9.ROUNDTABLE Councillor Bell reminded members that the holiday train will be coming through Pitt Meadows on Friday,December 18th. This event gathers donations for the local food bank.Councillor Bell also provided an update on a recent incident involving one dog attacking another. Greg Turnbull showed off the new safety antennae for his scooter provided by the Tetra Society (an organization providing custom assistive devices to people with disabilities). Greg Turnbull left the meeting at 6:33 pm. Bernice Rolls related her experience attending the graduation ceremony for a service dog.Service dog certification was discussed.Ms. Rolls offered to find out information on the PADS certification program. Mike Murray asked how accessibility related input is collected for municipal projects such as park renovations and the leisure centre renovation. The Staff Liaison provided information on the leisure centre retrofit. Cydney Peacock requested an update on the accessible bus stop that has been requested for east Maple Ridge. The information has been provided to Engineering. The Staff Liaison will provide an update in the future. Kevin Priebe reported he has recently begun working at the Rick Hansen Foundation, where he is carrying out accessibility audits in local communities and advocating for improvements. In response to a request from the Staff Liaison Mr. Priebe offered to check on the availability of an audit for the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. 10.ADJOURNMENT It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:52 pm. Chairperson /ss City of Maple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows MAPLE RIDGE and PITT MEADOWS PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission, held in the Meadows Room, Maple Ridge City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 6:30 pm. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Commissioner Nicole Read, Chair City of Maple Ridge, Mayor Commissioner Bruce Bell, Vice-Chair City of Pitt Meadows, Councillor, Acting/Mayor Commissioner Richard Boulton Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Commissioner David Murray City of Pitt Meadows, Councillor Commissioner Mike Murray School District No. 42, Board of Education, Chair Commissioner Eleanor Palis School District No. 42, Board of Education, Trustee Commissioner Dave Rempel School District No. 42, Board of Education, Trustee Commissioner Shannon Roberts Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Commissioner Tyler Shymkiw City of Maple Ridge, Councillor Commissioner Mike Stark City of Pitt Meadows, Councillor STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Kelly Swift General Manager: Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services Wendy McCormick Director Recreation David Boag Director Parks & Facilities Geoff Mallory Manager Parks & Open Space Bruce McLeod Manager Parks Planning & Development Ingrid Kraus Executive Assistant COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Commissioner John Becker City of Pitt Meadows, Mayor Commissioner Nancy Jellett Member at Large, Maple Ridge Commissioner Don Mitchell Member at Large, Maple Ridge Commissioner Christine Smith Member at Large, Maple Ridge Commissioner Kiersten Duncan City of Maple Ridge, Councillor Commissioner Stefany Tunshell Member at Large, Maple Ridge There being a quorum present, Chair Nicole Read called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. 1. Welcome & Introductions Commissioner Read welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. Page 1 of 4 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2015 2. Adoption of the Agenda R15-066 It was moved and seconded That the Agenda for October 8, 2015 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 3. Minutes of the Commission Regular Meeting – September 10, 2015 R15-067 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting of September 10, 2015 be approved as circulated. CARRIED 4. Delegations 4.1 Ms. Lindy Sisson, Executive and Artistic Director, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council – Season Premiere Update Ms. Lindy Sisson introduced Mr. Phillip Hartwick, Business Manager. She then provided an update and highlights of the operations, events, memberships, their new branding and logo, financial position and statistics. A copy of the annual report, financial statements and three year strategic plan were circulated with the agenda package. Ms. Sisson also left copies of the 2015/2016 Season brochure for information. 5. Staff Presentations: 5.1 Proposed Synthetic Field Update Mr. Bruce McLeod provided an update on the concept plans for the proposed field in the Albion area. Using a PowerPoint, maps were used to show the potential for the four fields, lighting options for evening games and expanded parking areas. Staff have received input from sports organizations and will continue to meet with stakeholders through the process. Questions were raised abut the budget, drainage, impacts for events in the area and opportunities for a field house in the future. 5.2 Whonnock Lake Update Mr. Bruce McLeod provided an update on the project to date and used a PowerPoint to show the maps of the new features, the gazebo, playground and drainage work completed. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of 4 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2015 5.3 Leisure Centre Pool Expansion Final Drawings Mr. Michael Millward used PowerPoint slides to introduce the final drawings and reviewed the new features for the pool expansion project in detail. Questions addressed included chemical treatment alternatives, the advantages of keeping the waterfall, project schedule and tender process. 5.4 Dog Off Leash Park – Gold Ears Bridge Site Mr. Bruce McLeod used a PowerPoint to highlight the subject area and proposed off leash park site. Discussions with Translink are ongoing and if feasible, additional discussions will need to take place with the bridge operator and residents in the area. Commissioner Stark Left the meeting at 7:20 pm 6. Decision Items 6.1 Pickeball Court Recommendations Mr. Geoff Mallory provided an update on the request received from residents for pickleball courts and reviewed the staff report. Currently there are no outdoor courts in Pitt Meadows and three in Maple Ridge. A discussion followed on input to be gathered from the tennis groups, looking at how North Vancouver handled their courts, and what is included in these costs. R15-068 It was moved and seconded That a recommendation be forwarded to Pitt Meadows Council on a preferred option for consideration in their 2016 Capital Budget; 1.Conversion of the existing practice one-half court at Somerset Park to 2 Pickleball courts at a cost of $10,000, OR 2.Conversion of 2 of the 4 tennis courts at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park to 4 Pickleball courts at an approximate cost of $30,000, OR 3.Construction of 2 new Pickleball courts in Cottonwood Park at an approximate cost of $50,000. CARRIED Ms. Kelly Swift advised the Commission that Mr. Geoff Mallory is leaving to join the City of Langley. Mr. Mallory was thanked for all of his work in the parks department. 7. Discussion Items 7.1 Commission Evaluation 2015 Ms. Kelly Swift provided the background on this evaluation which has been completed annually but was not done in 2014 due to the JLSA review. Feedback will be collated and the summary returned to Commission for discussion in November. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of 4 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2015 7.2 Sharps Containers Ms. Kelly Swift spoke to the resolution made by Maple Ridge Council at their September 29 meeting. She then provided an update on an earlier presentation made to Maple Ridge Council by the Fraser Health Authority (FHA). Concerns have been raised around the number of needles found in parks and school areas, the various needle distribution programs and the gaps in service for needle pick up. Staff will be engaging FHA in further discussions around this topic. A discussion followed on the concerns, where and how needle disposal boxes are used now, expectations of FHA, harm reduction practices, education and possible solutions. Once more information is available, this item will be brought back to the Commission. Commissioner Palis indicated that she would be able to send information on programs available in Vancouver and other areas to Ms. Swift. 7.3 Chilcotin Park Mr. David Boag advised that this park project has been completed and showed some pictures of the new play equipment, landscaping and fencing around the park. 8. Information Items 8.1 Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council 2014-2015 Annual Report (handout) 8.2 Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council Financial Statements (handout) 8.3 Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council Strategic Plan (handout) 9. Commission Liaison Reports – Nil. 10. Staff Liaison Reports – Nil. 11. Question Period – Nil. 12. Motion to adjourn The regular meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. ________________________________ Nicole Read, Chairperson /ik Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of 4 Mayor and Council City of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Ladner Sediment Group 29-3871 River Road West Ladner, BC V4K 3N2 604-946-9747 ladnersedirnentgroup@dccnet.corn Representing more than $100 million in annual economic output from fisheries, fish processing, marine parts and service, tug/tow/barge, ship building/repair, restaurants, marinas, yacht clubs, and condominium, private property and float home owners. M&c_L CAO /·· GM ·;~January 19,2016 Other_ Ce__r_·~ _____ _ Action: Federal Funding for Disaster Mitigation and Infrastructure for the lower Fraser River Dear Ms. Mayor Read, The purpose of this letter is to invite the City of Maple Ridge to participate in a broad based group of Fraser River stakeholders endorsing a request for federal funding for disaster mitigation and infrastructure management in the lower Fraser River (from Hope to Georgia Strait). The need for urgent action and a united front lies in the significant and increasing flood risk to Fraser River communities, the federal government's commitment and pending announcements on infrastructure spending, and given the considerable costs involved, the unworkability of the current funding formula (e.g., requirement that communities bear one-third of the expense). More specifically, we seek your support to resurrect and create an expanded version of the 2008 Fraser River Dredging Plan which (as you may recall) was successful in securing a funding commitment from the liberal government of the day. This will include funding for dredging but also dikes and flood box improvements, seismic upgrades and proper management for long term maintenance. Although the change in government negated the 2008 commitment, mobilizing all the Fraser River communities, the UBCM, the BC government and over 300 users of the river certainly proved significant and effective10 • The urgency of updating our decades-old flood protection infrastructure is well known, as are the implications of a significant flood (which we 've been lucky to avoid since 1948). Although 10 The Ladner Sediment Group was able to build on the awareness created and secure funding for an eight million dollar dredging effort is evidence to its impact. This was thanks to the BC government, Delta Corporation, Port Metro Vancouver and the City of Richmond. With its local river channels reduced from 20 feet to two feet in some areas, Delta was facing a huge economic and flood risk and although the community was fortunate this time, the lack of sustained funding for dredging means the reprieve will be short lived. 6.1 incalculable, the impact from a significant flood would exceed tens of billions of dollars, whereas the cost of an up-to-date flood prevention system pales in comparison. In this context, Prime Minister Trudeau's commitment to invest in infrastructure-which includes funding to improve storm systems, raise dikes and reduce the impact of floods- represents a significant opportunity for BC and lower Fraser River in particular. Certainly that's the view of many of the original Fraser River stakeholder group we've spoken to, including the provincial government, Port Metro Vancouver, numerous municipalities and First Nations bands. We understand fully that some jurisdictions have already made submissions to Ottawa and that others are in the process of doing so. In this regard, our intent is to highlight and support these requests as examples of what needs to be included in a comprehensive and sustainable disaster mitigation and infrastructure management program for the lower Fraser River. If you agree to participate in the Fraser River stakeholder group, we would ask for confirmation in writing (so we can again demonstrate the significant support for federal action), and a contact name we can reach out to for information on your specific concerns and needs. In return, we will work to create the largest stakeholder group possible, incorporate everyone's interests in a compendium report and (with your involvement) communicate our collective request for federal funding. Given the time sensitivities involved, an early indication of your interest is paramount. I can be reached by email at mowen@dccnet.com or by phone at 604-946-9747. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Michael E. Owen Administration Chair, Ladner Sediment Group Open letter to the Maple Ridge mayor and council The Whonnock Elementary School PAC has received numerous letters from our school community regarding the recent decision to cancel the school buses in Maple Ridge. As mayor and council of Maple Ridge, we thought it was important to share this information with you, our elected officials. We realize that ultimately the decisions made by the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school boards are just that, made by the trustees; however, we know that you have a very strong voice and if you feel it is important enough, you can get involved in finding a solution to this problem. Some of the decision you are making today regarding zoning and construction and some of those that have been made by council over the past 1 0 -15 years have had a large but negative impact on the communities of North and East Maple Ridge when it comes to schools. In particular East Maple Ridge in the Albion area, has seen an explosive growth and it continues to grow at a fast pace. The local schools such as Albion, Alexander Robinson and SRT have more than outgrown their buildings and have had to resort to placing portables on the school grounds. A few years ago, a decision was made to re-align some of the catchments in some of these overpopulated areas to shift some of the population from the congested and overfull school to those under populated schools like Webster's Corners and Blue Mountain. This decision .was not a popular one with many of the parents who lived close to these overflowing schools and who expected their children would attend a school close by. Having the commitmentlrom the school board that school buses would be provided to get the kids to school helped ease some of the pain of having to travel such large distances to a school far from where the students lived. The school board trustees now say that because they do not' have enough funding from the government; they have to go back on their commitment to provide transportation to them families, some of which have attended Whonnock Elementary. In the Whonnock area, not much has changed. It is still sparsely populated. There have been no new school build or new developments in sometime. There Is spotty at best transit in some areas and none in others meaning the school bus is the way to get to school for over 70 kids. This represents 30% of Whonnock Elementary school population. Once the kids graduate from Whonnock, many if not most attend Garibaldi Secondary. This high school is located more than 10 kilometres west of Whonnock and even further away from the homes of many families. Over 30% of Garibaldi's resident population take the school bus., just under 1 00 from the Wtlonnock area and over 100 from North fylaple Ridge. This is a larger number of students in an area with a relatively small population. 6.2 If you have ever traveled the roads in the Whonnock area you will know that there is not much in the way of sidewalks or much of a shoulder. You will also know that we have many kids of wildlife such as bears and cougars just to name a few. Many of us rely on the school bus to get our children safely to and from school every day. If you are familiar with the Whonnock Elementary parking lot you will know that there is space for about 8 -10 cars, not including the teachers parking. There is some on street parking but just past the school large ditches and small if any shoulders with few places to park. Although we are not allowed to part at the fire hall, hardly a day goes by when a parent does not park in the lot as there is no other place to pull in to pick up their child. With the introduction of the pay to ride school bus fee, some parents in the Whonnock community, who could, removed their kids from the bus and now someone drives them and picks them up. Not everyone can do this as many parents work out of town. This has greatly increased the traffic around the school but nothing compared to the up to 70 more vehicles we can expect if the school buses really are cancelled. This school was built as a bussing school and simply can not safely accommodate the volume of cars that not having any school buses will cause. In the district 42 preliminary budget it states that in the school act there is no specific requirement to provide transportation. It also notes that the provincial government recommended looking at our transportation as an administrative savings area to be considered by school districts in meeting the provincially established administrative savings targets. When the provincial government said this we do not believe they were saying cut all transportation and leave the students in the most remote parts of the district and those without access to transit to fend for them selves. In regards to there not being a specific requirement to provide transportation, it has been provided for more years than anyone could count and has been the only means of transportation for many in Maple Ridge. As Maple Ridge has grown, more schools in some parts of East Maple Ridge have been built and transit has been available to more areas, the school bus routes have been understandably reduced. There is however still a desperate need for school buses in a few areas of East Maple Ridge, North Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows where transit is simply not an option. When families in these affected communities moved here, many researched the bus routes to ensure there would be a way for their children to get to school. We have lived in these rural areas for years or have moved here knowing that school buses would pick up and drop off our kids from school. Now this service is in jeopardy. There may not be a large number of students, who require this transportation, 370 in the 2014/2015 school year or 262 families, but for those of us, who do, it is an essential service and one that we feel should not be eliminated. 2o}'3 The School Boards Policy #5400 states that "the Board of Education believes it is their responsibility to ensure appropriate transportation for eligible students to their catchments area school" What is the point of a policy, if, with the stroke of a pen, it can be eliminated. When this policy was made it was the belief of the Board. Just because there is not enough funding does that mean that the board no longer believes that it is their responsibility to ensure appropriate transportation to their catchments areas? How can it just be stricken, like it never existed?. Lastly it should be noted that the bus has not been cancelled for the children with special needs. The buses for the children with special needs will still run. Interestingly enough we practice inclusion in the class rooms but not on the bus. Some creative thinking could lead to sharing of services for the buses that transport the children with special needs. Maybe we could encourage more families to take the bus to take some of the cars off the road and help eliminate some of the congestions at some of the more rural schools. There are lots of ideas we can come up with to both save money and keep the buses for the kids in the most rural areas of the district. In closing we ask that you talk amongst yourselves and review the school boards decision to eliminate the school buses for the regular riders beginning in the 2016/2017 school year. There are many families, 262, in the most remote areas of Maple Ridge that rely on the school bus as the only means to get their children to and from school safely. With more construction going on in the east, more and more people will be looking to find ways to get their children to school. It makes sense to keep the buses running. We look forward to talking with you.