Basement Flooded

Nieves Windley and Greg Smith requested to be heard on a significant flooding event as a result of Monday ‘s heavy hail storm and water run-off.

In an e-mail dated May 26 Ms Windley referred to previous correspondence relative to remedial work the Town had performed across the driveway of an adjacent home to prevent water run-off down the driveway. The asphalt berm the Town laid down could have been extended further along the shoulder to a point adjacent to the storm drain grating.

Greg Smith expressed his frustration that he had warned the Town after the work was completed and had stated that any significant run-off would be directed onto their property and this is exactly what happened Monday. Council and staff attended the scene after the meeting was adjourned.

 

Earlier

Enbridge – Delegation

Donny van Dyk of Manager of Coastal Aboriginal and Community Relations for Enbridge presented Council with an update on the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project which first saw the light of day 10 years ago. The scope and detail of this project appears staggering in its complexity.

The majority of crude oil shipped from Alberta is destined for the United States; a mere 2% currently leaves Canada for other destinations. This is where Kitimat comes into the picture and we can only speculate how much crude will finally be shipped to Pacific Rim countries.

There will be some who balk at any suggestion that shipping crude oil by tanker let alone allowing a pipeline to be built across BC is an economic activity which should receive any support. However there are some major economic factors to be considered for BC alone; 560 long-term jobs, 3000 jobs during construction and $1.2 Billion dollars in provincial tax revenue; couple that with $1/2 Billion in studies related to transmission and safety concerns and one has to realize that oil in any form is Big, Big business.

Considering the advanced safety features which will be designed into the pipeline across the province and the significantly advanced safety protocols imposed on the marine transport portion one might consider the benefits as outweighing the chance of a spill. One preliminary benefit has already been felt in the South Okanagan; there is now a regular flight from Kelowna to Fort McMurray. It is interesting to note that 60% of the First Nations located along the route have signed on as equity partners.

BCFGA – Delegation

Mr. Pinder Dhaliwal, Vice President of the British Columbia Fruit Growers Association, presented Council with an update of the Association’s activities. In its 125 years of existence the BCFGA has supported the provinces fruit growers and can now lay claim to an annual contribution to our economy of $552 Million dollars with a projection of an increase in exports from the present $11 Billion dollars to $14 Billion in 2017.

The BCFGA is supports the Sterile Insect Release program, Starling Control and the Wood Waste Chipping program in addition to its commitment to the principles of the Agricultural Land Reserve, Water conservation and labor practices, specifically issues of treatment of foreign workers. The BCFGA wants to expand and utilize unproductive land situated in the ALR and develop a new industry strategy focusing on a provincial replanting program.

Some of the issues facing fruit growers include damage to fruit trees by deer and the habituation of Coyotes and Bears.

Development Permits:

A Development Variance Permit was approved for the residents at 1096 Fairview Road. Originally there had been a concern raised about the height of their fence and impairment of vision when exiting from Morningstar Road onto Fairview Road. The owners have very little space behind their house and want to maintain a safe haven at the front of their property abutting Fairview. It appears there have been issues with interlopers in the past which necessitated increasing their fence for privacy and security for their children. Council approved their request.

Bylaws:

The owner of 570 Merlot Avenue wishes to have the zoning amended to allow for subdivision and maximization of lot use. Based on the information presented by staff it was decided to give first two readings on the request and proceed to a Public Hearing June 9th.

Building Regulation Amendment Bylaw 1140.01 was given first, second and third readings to require all pre-1990 houses slated for demolition be subject to a Hazardous Materials Assessment and an Abatement Report, prepared by a qualified professional and submitted to the Building Inspector along with the permit application.

The Oliver Library needs to buy more shelving/furnishings and has asked the Town if money has been budgeted for 2014. Council suggested that the Okanagan Regional Library should include the RDOS in a request for a 1/2 contribution. Alternatively the Library could draw from the Library Furnishing Reserve Fund which presently stands at $7,500.00