On December 8 and 9, the Committee of the Whole met for two full-day, back-to-back sessions covering a wide range of key topics.
Commonly called a “COW”, these Committee of the Whole meetings are less formal than typical Council meetings to allow for a more thorough discussion of complex subjects. During these meetings, motions do not require a seconder and anyone can speak to the same topic as many times as they like. Motions passed at a COW are not finalized until, and unless, Council adopts the report from the COW at the next regular meeting.
December 8, 2025:
- Council discussed what types of amenities they might like to see an Amenity Cost Charges bylaw contribute to. Amenity Cost Charges are a new provision that would allow the Village to collect monetary contributions from developers to go towards things like a community centre, recreation facilities, libraries, and daycares. A draft bylaw will be prepared based on this feedback.
- A motion was passed to permit a Non-Farm Use application for two lots adjacent to the East Sector Recreation Site. These would be required for any future trail formalization, disc golf or washroom buildings as outlined in the Village’s 2025-2028 Resort Development Strategy.
- View the PowerPoint slides from these two presentations here
- Staff were asked to research:
- A multi-year plan to phase in wildlife-resistant waste bins in public spaces
- An honorarium for Deputy Mayors
- Progress and outstanding items from the 2019 Lagoon Master Plan
- Council informally discussed a wide range of topics from housing for tourism sector employees, building inspection services, fuel mitigation in the East Sector area, boat launch use and revenue, expanding services at the Village Health Centre, the secondary evacuation route, tree canopy coverage goals and tree management bylaws, and partnerships with the District of Kent – no resolutions were passed regarding these items.
- Lastly, Mayor Talen advised that Agassiz Harrison Community Services has not heard from BC Housing regarding the grant application for the Seniors Housing Project
December 9, 2025:
- Working together to Build Belonging - Kelli Paddon from Equiiti Strategic presented to Council on the I.D.E.A. framework. Council discussed various scenarios and provided feedback on what they’re hearing from the community, what the risks or worries are, and how to measure success. Learn more about the project and complete Survey 1 here.
- Dike Project Update: The proposed design approach is to upgrade the dike and road at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. For the remainder of the Waterfront Dike, the proposed approach is to mitigate seepage with below grade sheet pile cut off walls and seepage trenches, and use a Modular Water-Filled LDPE Barrier for the deployable flood barrier. View the PowerPoint slides here, and keep an eye out for updates on our Waterfront Dike Upgrade Project page.
- The Storm, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Master Plans are completed, and are recommended for adoption. You can view the plans here, and the PowerPoint slides here. Master Plans inform priority projects and upgrades, grant applications, future development approvals and servicing requirements, and guide future asset management and capital planning.
- Council discussed several improvement projects including a crosswalk/sidewalk extension at Miami River Drive and Walnut Avenue, road paving on Naismith Avenue, Cedar Avenue West, Echo Avenue and Alder Avenue, accessibility improvements on the beachfront and Rendall Park, and solar lighting and hydrant the south end of McCombs Drive. No resolutions were passed, but these discussions will help inform staff’s preliminary work on the 2026 budget.