Stewart public meetings in 2024

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will adopt a 2025 Revenue Anticipation Bylaw and review the 2024 Interim Housing Needs Report and Age Friendly Assessment Action Plan. The meeting will also include a closed session regarding personnel and land matters.

• Bylaw No 1029 2024 Revenue Anticipation Bylaw 2025
• Report on 2024 Interim Housing Needs
• Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Report
• Report on Stewart Complete Communities
• Closed meeting regarding personnel and land

PUBLIC HEARING

The District of Stewart is conducting a public hearing to discuss housekeeping amendments to its Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan. These changes aim to correct map errors from 2014 where residential properties were incorrectly designated as parks, recreation, and cemeteries.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1026, 2024: moves lots 1-6 of Block 1, D/L 468 from Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries (P1) to Residential, Single Family (R1)
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1026, 2024: removes an extra Lot 12 from the northern section of Block 1, D/L 468
• OCP Amendment Bylaw 1027, 2024: moves lots 1-6, 8-11 of Block 1, D/L 468 from Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries (P1) to Residential, Single Family (R1)

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will discuss an interim Housing Needs Report required by provincial legislation to inform future updates to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The meeting also includes the administration of an oath of office and the adoption of two housekeeping bylaws.

• 2024 Interim Housing Needs Report presentation by Alison Rustand and Urbans Systems
• 3rd Reading and Adoption of Zoning Amendment (Housekeeping) Bylaw 1026, 2024
• 3rd Reading and Adoption of OCP Amendment (Housekeeping) Bylaw 1027, 2024
• Oath of Office for David Cullinan
• Approval of 2025 Council Meeting Schedule

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss partnering with the province on future recreation projects at Clements Lake. It will review a Grant in Aid request from Stewart Christian Community Church for office equipment. Council will receive two options for a Dog Park, including leasing land on the Walking Trail and building/maintaining a park with detailed cost estimates.

• Potential recreation projects at Clements Lake (floating dock, sand beach, walking trail, connector trail, winter road use, Smugglers Trail revitalization, backcountry cabin)
• Grant in Aid request for Stewart Christian Community Church office equipment
• Dog Park Option 1: lease land on the Walking Trail (formerly Rodeo Grounds) – lease term and fee to be determined
• Dog Park Option 2: build and maintain park – fencing $9,710‑$14,776, install fencing $8,000, fill $47,624, staff prep $2,000, water tap $750, weekly maintenance $460 (summer), signage $215, benches $800, waste bag dispenser $815
• Potential $30,000 grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust covering up to 70% of Dog Park budget

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will adopt the agenda and hear several reports, including finance summaries and a boardwalk agreement. A Grant‑in‑Aid application from Stewart Christian Community Church requesting $2,500 for equipment will be presented for discussion. Bylaw 1028, which would establish a reserve fund for the Resource Benefit Alliance, is slated for adoption.

• Grant‑in‑Aid request: $2,500 for computer, projector and screen for Stewart Christian Community Church
• Bylaw 1028 – establish a reserve fund for the Resource Benefit Alliance (adoption)
• Boardwalk Agreement documents (unsigned licences SK949272)
• CFO report on the Stewart Community Connections Garden
• CFO October 2024 finance summary

Regular Council

The District of Stewart is meeting to discuss a new reserve fund bylaw and a purchasing policy amendment. Council will also review reports on a rural infrastructure grant and a request to sponsor public skating.

• Bylaw No. 1028, 2024 to establish a reserve fund for Resource Benefit Alliance Funds
• Purchasing Policy Amendment Report
• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program Grant report
• 2025 Under 1000 Grant in Aid Request
• Request to sponsor public skate

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will consider a recommendation to approve a Temporary Use Permit for Ascot Resources to operate an industrial work camp on 810-11th Avenue, or to reject the application. The meeting also includes the adoption of previous meeting minutes and correspondence from the Ministry of Social Development.

• Ascot Resources Temporary Use Permit for work camp on 810-11th Avenue
• OCP Amendment Bylaw 1027, 2024
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1026, 2024
• Minutes from September 23, 2024 Special Council Meeting
• Minutes from October 3, 2024 Special Council Meeting

Regular Council

The District of Stewart will convene a special council meeting to discuss items prohibited from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The session will be held in Council Chambers at 705 Brightwell Street.

• Motion to adopt the agenda
• Motion to resolve into closed meeting
• Report of business from the closed meeting
• Notices of motions & matters for introduction

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Special Council meeting will adopt its agenda, approve minutes from the September 9 regular council meeting, and receive a CAO report on the Northwest BC Regional Funding Agreement. Council will be asked to pass a resolution committing to asset‑management plans and to use the 2024 annual payment for an eligible purpose under the agreement. The meeting will also move to a closed session for discussion of personal information about municipal officers.

• CAO report recommending a council resolution to adopt sound asset‑management practices and to use the 2024 annual payment from the Northwest Regional Funding Agreement for an eligible purpose
• Motion to resolve the meeting into a closed session for personal‑information matters under Community Charter Section 90.1
• Motion to adopt the agenda as presented
• Adoption of minutes from the September 9, 2024 regular council meeting
• Report of business from the closed meeting of September 23, 2024 (details not specified in agenda)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss amending the District of Stewart's Purchasing Policy to allow staff to procure items between $5,000 and $9,999 without requiring formal quotations, a change aimed at improving the efficiency of operational purchases.

• Discussion on amending Purchasing Policy (ADM-020)
• Review of Property Insurance Coverage
• Minutes from July 8, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will consider the 2024‑2034 Canada Community‑Building Fund agreement, which provides a first‑year allocation of $43,476. A resolution will be moved to authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to sign the agreement on behalf of the municipality. The meeting also includes routine items such as adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes, and several staff reports on finance, public works, and community grants.

• Stewart CWF 2024‑2034 Agreement Letter – review and receive the funding agreement
• Resolution to authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to sign the CWF agreement
• Report from CFO – August 2024 Financial Summary
• Report from Manager of Public Works – Lagoon Blower Starter Unit repairs
• Report from DCD – Age Friendly Grant application for $15,000

Regular Council

Council will hear delegations regarding the development of a fenced dog park and a motorbike trail along the Nature Trail. The meeting also includes reviews of development variance permits and financial reports.

• Development Variance Permit application for 1210 Railway St.
• Development Variance Permit application for 406 9th Ave.
• Adoption of Revenue Anticipation Bylaw No 1025 2024
• Delegation from Wendy Jenic regarding Fenced Dog Park Development
• Delegation from Rob Kamermans regarding Motor Bike Trail along Nature Trail

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will read and consider Borrowing Bylaw No. 1025 for its first, second and third readings. Staff will present reports on two Temporary Use Permit applications from Scottie Resources – one for a warehouse and another for a sample preparation lab. Additional reports include the 2024 Property Tax Summary, the Downtown Vision Plan, Fuel Storage Options, and the Dangerous Goods Route. Public delegations will be heard regarding the Scottie Resources permits.

• 2024 Borrowing Bylaw No. 1025 – first, second and third reading
• CAO report – Temporary Use Permit for Scottie Resources warehouse
• CAO report – Temporary Use Permit for Scottie Resources sample prep lab
• CFO report – 2024 Property Tax Summary
• DCD reports – Downtown Vision Plan, Fuel Storage Options, Dangerous Goods Route

Committee of the Whole

The Committee will discuss potential project directions for the REDIP and NDIT grant programs, including possible upgrades to Rainey Creek Campground and Memorial Park. Members will also plan a meeting with representatives from the Nisga’a Nation using UBCM funding. These discussions aim to prepare for upcoming grant application deadlines.

• Potential REDIP grant projects for Rainey Creek Campground upgrades
• NDIT Main Street Revitalization project options for Memorial Park and playground
• Planning a meeting with Nisga’a Nation representatives using $5,867 in UBCM funding
• Notice of Motion regarding emergency fuel supply

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will review a proposed zoning amendment for adoption. The agenda also includes a recommendation to contact the MLA regarding delays in purchasing Crown land and updates on community development.

• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1023, 2024
• Recommendation to contact MLA regarding Crown land purchase delays
• June 2024 Community Development Department update
• Notice of motion for truck route signage
• Notice of motion for dirt bike signage

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will consider three readings of Zoning Amending Bylaw No. 1023, 2024. The agenda also includes reports on the 2023 Annual Report, Community Hall, and proposed changes to the Grant In-Aid policy. Additionally, council will receive correspondence regarding the financial impacts of higher-level government policy changes.

• Zoning Amending Bylaw No. 1023, 2024 (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading)
• Grant In-Aid Policy Changes report
• The 2023 Annual Report
• Community Hall report

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council will review proposed meeting requests for the upcoming UBCM Convention regarding various provincial ministries. The agenda also includes the May 2024 financial summary and reports on the Youth Soccer Camp and Rainey Creek Trail.

• Meeting requests to Provincial Ministries at the UBCM Convention
• May 2024 Financial Summary report
• 2024 Youth Soccer Camp report
• Dual Usage Rainey Creek Trail report

Regular Council

The District of Stewart is discussing updates to its Zoning Bylaw to comply with provincial Bill 44 requirements for small-scale multi-unit housing. Council is reviewing recommendations for building heights and setbacks in Residential Single Family and Rural Residential zones. The body is also receiving financial and program updates from the CFO and Director of Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw updates for Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislative requirements
• Local Government Climate Action Program funding allocation update
• April 2024 Financial Summary and 2023 SOFI Report
• Canada Summer Jobs priorities report
• BC Hydro EV Chargers update

Special Council

Council is meeting to adopt the 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw. This action establishes the property tax rates for municipal, hospital, and regional district purposes for the year.

• Adoption of 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1022
• Establishment of a $1.00 minimum taxation amount per real property parcel
• Residential tax rates: Municipal 7.0045, NW Regional Hospital 0.5075, Kitimat-Stikine Regional District 0.9821

Regular Council

Council will consider the adoption of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw and the third reading of the 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw. The meeting includes a presentation on the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project and a review of the 2023 Audited Financial Statements.

• 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1021, 2024 for adoption
• 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1022, 2024 for 3rd Reading
• Adoption of 2023 Audited Financial Statements
• Update on Eskay Creek Revitalization Project from Skeena Resources Limited
• Environmental Protection Notice from Ascot Resources regarding a sewage treatment plant

Special Council

The agenda for this special meeting consists primarily of procedural items. The council intends to move into a closed meeting to discuss personal information regarding municipal positions and solicitor-client privileged advice.

• Closed meeting regarding personal information of municipal officers, employees, or agents
• Closed meeting regarding solicitor-client privilege communications

Regular Council

The District of Stewart is meeting to discuss the 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw and the third reading of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw. Council will also review reports on an EV charging station, an automotive lift, and a downtown vision plan.

• 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1022 (1st and 2nd reading)
• 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1021 (3rd reading)
• Report on EV Charging Station
• Capital funding request for an automotive lift
• Downtown Vision Action Plan Draft

Regular Council

The District of Stewart Council is discussing updates to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to meet provincial Bill 44 housing requirements. The meeting also includes reports on structural flood mitigation and the Bear River Dike works.

• OCP and Zoning Bylaw updates for Bill 44 compliance
• Structural Flood Mitigation Project report
• 2024 CEPF Bear River Dike Works Planning & Approvals
• Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) report
• Age friendly report update

Special Council Meeting

Council is reviewing the first and second readings of the 2024-2028 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw. The meeting also includes proposals for critical equipment replacements and infrastructure repairs to maintain safety and legislative compliance.

• Bylaw 1021: 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw for 1st and 2nd reading
• Proposed purchase and installation of an Atria brand stair-lift for Al Lawrence Memorial Arena for $92,669.00 plus taxes
• Proposed funding up to $65,000 for repairs to stiff-legs and steel dolphins at the log storage facility
• Public input from Dolores Kennedy of Stewart Community Connections

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the operational budget, including historical assessment and tax data. The meeting also includes the recommendation of minutes from February 12 and February 21, 2024.

• Discussion of 2024-2028 Preliminary Operational Financial Plan
• Review of 2023 Operational Budget (unaudited)
• Recommendation to purchase three solid waste bins for $45,000
• Recommendation for $10,000 Grant In-Aid to the library
• Recommendation to keep water and sewer services funded through taxation

Special Council

The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate items. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or public hearings are listed for this session.

Regular Council - 13 Mar 2024 Previously Scheduled for Mar 11 2024

The District of Stewart Council will discuss a request for additional funding for waste receptacles and the adoption of two utility reserve bylaws. The meeting also includes the review of previous meeting minutes and the Deputy Mayor schedule.

• Funding increase request of $8,000 for HaulAll bear-proof garbage receptacles (total cost $52,080)
• Bylaw 1019, 2024 Water Utility Reserve Bylaw for adoption
• Bylaw 1020, 2024 Sewer Utility Reserve Bylaw for adoption
• Addition of Councillor Nelson to the Deputy Mayor Schedule

Regular Council

The District of Stewart is considering the adoption of bylaws for sewer and water frontage taxes. Council will also review a proposed policy for the appointment and compensation of an Acting Chief Administrative Officer.

• Bylaw 1017, 2024 Sewer Frontage Bylaw (sets rate at $2.50 per foot of taxable frontage)
• Bylaw 1018, 2024 Water Frontage Bylaw
• Bylaw 1019, 2024 Water Utility Reserve Bylaw
• Bylaw 1020, 2024 Sewer Utility Reserve Bylaw
• Proposed Acting CAO Policy providing $100 per day additional compensation

Special Council

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed for discussion.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2023 completed capital projects and discussing the 2024 budget. The body is evaluating committed projects, those currently in progress, and new project acquisitions.

• Request for $1,853,087 in total reserve funds
• Proposed new projects including Bridge Works ($500,000) and LG Climate Action Projects ($145,712)
• In-progress projects including Community Hall ($1,000,000) and WWTP Facility Upgrade ($958,560)
• Debt repayment schedule for equipment including a loader, skid steer, and genie lift
• Completed 2023 projects including Essential Drinking Water-CWF 2018 ($4,509,883)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is seeking direction on funding models for water and sewer services for the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. Council is also discussing updates to the Grant in Aid Policy and a specific funding request from the Stewart Public Library.

• Stewart Public Library grant request for $100,000 ($20,000 for a kitchen, $20,000 for a coffee bar, and $60,000 for shelving)
• Discussion on water and sewer funding options including frontage taxes, user fees, or taxation
• Proposed changes to the Grant in Aid Policy (FIN-003), specifically regarding maximum funding for grants over $1,000