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Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023
First seen: November 7, 2023
Last seen: December 12, 2023
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December 12, 2023Council
Full RecordingBill 44-2023 Public Meeting - What We Heard Report
Council voted to establish an ad hoc committee to engage citizens regarding the impact of Provincial Bills 44 and 47 on the Town, following feedback from a public meeting.
"The discussion was contentious. Councillor MacKenzie questioned the validity of the consultation results, citing biased language in the survey and unequal distribution of invitations. Councillor Mattson and Mayor Tobias defended the consultation process as transparent and necessary due to the province's imposition of rules without municipal consultation. Council ultimately agreed to form an ad hoc committee, proposed by Councillor Rogers, to leverage citizen input in navigating the new legislative framework, addressing concerns about staff capacity and the high workload."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Mayor establish an ad hoc committee to engage citizens with respect to how they think Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act and Bill 47 Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act will impact the Town."
Moved by: John Rogers
Seconded by: Ron Mattson
Gery Lemon
Don Brown
John Rogers
Damian Kowalewich
Sid Tobias
Ron Mattson
Alison MacKenzie
November 7, 2023Council
Full RecordingProvince of British Columbia's Bill 44-2023
Council voted to organize a public Town Hall meeting regarding Bill 44 and directed the Mayor to write to provincial leaders, including the Auditor General, requesting a halt to the legislation until full public and municipal engagement is completed.
"Council widely criticized the provincial government for its lack of consultation with municipalities and the public, citing the heavy-handed approach and potential negative impacts on infrastructure and local services. The Mayor confirmed he was already pursuing a value-for-money audit through the Auditor General. Council unanimously supported holding a Town Hall meeting (scheduled for Nov 23) and sending letters to key provincial figures and UBCM to push back against the legislative approach."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT a Town Hall meeting be held on November 23, 2023 to hear the concerns from residents regarding the Province of British Columbia's Bill 44-2023, Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023; AND THAT the Mayor write to Premier David Eby; Hon. Mitzi Dean, MLA; Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing; and Michael Pickup, Auditor General, urging them to halt readings on this legislation until fulsome public engagement has been completed with municipalities and their residents; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this letter be provided to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and all Mayors and Council in British Columbia."
Moved by: Gery Lemon
Seconded by: Don Brown
Gery Lemon
Alison MacKenzie
Sid Tobias
Ron Mattson
Don Brown
John Rogers
Damian Kowalewich