Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of February 3rd 2014

Council meeting presided over by acting Mayor, Sharon Cross.  Councillor Pallesen absent.

Delegation - RCMP 4th Quarter Mayor's Report

Cpl. Barry Graham gave a very positive report showing there have been decreases in crimes across the board in the last quarter. Focused investigations into drug related events have been part of the reason for the drops in crime. The full report can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3639

A new order of business begins this evening after the adoption of the new Council procedure.  This will enable those coming to the meeting to see their business completed before Correspondence and the Administration report.

Bylaws

6.1 Board of Variance Bylaw 3787

To increase the number of regular scheduled meetings of the Board of Variance from four to six on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December
Adopted

6.2 Zoning 3788
To consider third reading and adoption of an amendment to the City's Zoning Bylaw to change and  add new definitions, and to amend the C-6 Tourist Commercial Zone to better clarify regulations and permissible uses for an RV park development located on the Mission Hills Golf Course property.
Adopted

6.3 Zoning 3789
To consider third reading and adoption of a bylaw to amend the City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw 3737, 2012, to enable Medical Marijuana Grow Operations (MMGOs) with associated land use regulations, as a permitted use within an industrial zone, in anticipation of new Federal regulations concerning the licensing of MMGOs.
Carried.

6.4 Voting Machines 3790
To provide for the use of automated voting machines, voting recorders or other devices for voting in
the 2014 General Local Elections and subsequent elections.
Automated voting machines have been used in British Columbia for many years. According to data 
collected by Civic Info, among the same size municipalities (Courtenay, Dawson Creek, Fort St. 
John, Powell River, Salmon Arm, Williams lake) Cranbrook, Terrace and Prince Rupert are the 
only communities not using voting machines. In the province, over 70 municipalities, including 
Nelson (10,230 pop.), Trail (7,681 pop) and Castlegar (8,992 pop.) are using automated voting 
machines. 
Municipalities contacted had only positive comments about their experience of using automated 
voting machines and expressed that they would never go back to manual count.
Three readings carried.

New Business
8.1 Year of Reconciliation
Motion to be considered:
WHEREAS the City of Cranbrook is committed to furthering our positive relationship with our 
Ktunaxa neighbours; and 
WHEREAS on October 21, 2013 Cranbrook City Council unanimously passed a proclamation 
declaring October 21, 2013 to October 21, 2014 as a Year of Reconciliation with the Ktunaxa 
nation; 
THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct City staff to organize a joint meeting between 
Cranbrook City Council and the Ktunaxa Nation Council to discuss ways to best implement the 
Year of Reconciliation.
Carried

To consider directions to be given to City of Cranbrook's representatives on the Regional District of 
East Kootenay Board related to receiving Elk Valley Waste at the Central Landfill. 
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3645
There was some discussion around this issue which at first glance appeared might possibly be a worthwhile venture. However on further investigation into costs and with the proposal from the Elk Valley of a $50 payment per ton, the current proposal was rejected.  

8.3 RDEK Bylaw referrals
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3646
To consider a referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for proposed amendments 
to the Rockyview Official Community Plan (OCP) and Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaws to allow a 
campground. 
The RDEK has referred a proposed OCP and Zoning amendment to the City for comment. The proposed amendments will change the OCP and Zoning designations of a 4.2 acre (1.7 hectare) property located at 1873 Jim Smith Lake Rd. and Laidlaw Rd. area, legally described as Lot A, District Lot 3575, Kootenay District, Plan 4296. Bylaw No. 2506 would amend the Rockyview OCP designation of the property from MH, Medium Holdin9s to C, Commercial designation. Bylaw No. 2507 would amend the Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw designation from RR-2, Rural Residential (Small Holding) Zone to C-4, Recreation Commercial Zone. The amendments would facilitate development of a campground use with up to 20 RV campsites and a small area for possible tenting. Campground servicing is indicated as being minimal with the 
use of outhouses and a well sourced, water tap proposed (see attached site plan).
Carried

8.4
To consider approval of an application for funding through the BC Healthy Communities Society, 
Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant in 
partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Cranbrook. 
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff 
That Council endorse the City being the applicant of a grant application on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Cranbrook to BC Healthy Communities Society, Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant for funding of $21,000 to assist Big Brothers Big  Sisters Cranbrook in their "Friendly Youth Initiative" focused on parents and expansion of youth projects.
Councillor Davis enquired as to whether this would be setting a precedent for other grant applicants.  It was explained that this is a grant to Municipalities and must be applied for through the municipality channel.
Carried

8.5 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel
"THAT Council set a date for the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel to be held on April 28,2014, at 3:00 pm in the Council Chamber." 
"AND FURTHER THAT Council appoint Denise Pallesen, Councillor; Wayne Staudt, Chief Administrative 
Officer; and Charlotte Osborne, Director of Finance & Computer Services, as members of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel." 
Carried


Administration Update
Can be read fully at: 
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3649


Correspondence 12.1 - 12.11
beginning:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3650

12.4  Worthy recipients for the hometown hero awards for those involved in care of the environment can be nominated at"
They overcome environmental obstacles. They engage others in support of a sustainable community. You may know them as a neighbour, volunteer group or local business, but to Earth Day Canada, they’re Hometown Heroes working to support a healthier environment.

12.5 Letter from Dave Butler Chamber of Commerce regarding Economic Development


12.8 Final payment from Federal Government of $25000 for Waste Water Capacity Improvements


12.9 Correspondence from Auditor General for Local Government - project is much bigger and taking longer than anticipated. Results now not expected until August. Councillor Whetham enquired as to staff time involved and so far it has been tagged at 108 hours.



12.11 This letter concerning potential additions to Reserve Lands within municipal boundaries resulted in some discussion.

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3660
It was felt the letter has not adequately addressed the concerns expressed by municipalities as to problems that would arise.  A meeting with MP Wilks will be requested.

Councillor Warner gave Notice of Motion for graduated Business License Fees dependent on number of employees.




Monday, February 3, 2014

Advance Council Notes for February 3rd 2014

Delegation - RCMP 4th Quarter Mayor's Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3639

A new order of business begins this evening after the adoption of the new Council procedure.  This will enable those coming to the meeting to see their business completed before Correspondence and the Administration report.

Bylaws

6.1 Board of Variance Bylaw 3787
To increase the number of regular scheduled meetings of the Board of Variance from four to six on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December

6.2 Zoning 3788
To consider third reading and adoption of an amendment to the City's Zoning Bylaw to change and  add new definitions, and to amend the C-6 Tourist Commercial Zone to better clarify regulations and  permissible uses for an RV park development located on the Mission Hills Golf Course property.

6.3 Zoning 3789
To consider third reading and adoption of a bylaw to amend the City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw 3737, 2012, to enable Medical Marijuana Grow Operations (MMGOs) with associated land use regulations, as a permitted use within an industrial zone, in anticipation of new Federal regulations concerning the licensing of MMGOs.

6.4 Voting Machines 3790
To provide for the use of automated voting machines, voting recorders or other devices for voting in
the 2014 General Local Elections and subsequent elections.
Automated voting machines have been used in British Columbia for many years. According to data 
collected by Civic Info, among the same size municipalities (Courtenay, Dawson Creek, Fort St. 
John, Powell River, Salmon Arm, Williams lake) Cranbrook, Terrace and Prince Rupert are the 
only communities not using voting machines. In the province, over 70 municipalities, including 
Nelson (10,230 pop.), Trail (7,681 pop) and Castlegar (8,992 pop.) are using automated voting 
machines. 
Municipalities contacted had only positive comments about their experience of using automated 
voting machines and expressed that they would never go back to manual count.

New Business
8.1 Year of Reconciliation
Motion to be considered:
WHEREAS the City of Cranbrook is committed to furthering our positive relationship with our 
Ktunaxa neighbours; and 
WHEREAS on October 21, 2013 Cranbrook City Council unanimously passed a proclamation 
declaring October 21, 2013 to October 21, 2014 as a Year of Reconciliation with the Ktunaxa 
nation; 
THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct City staff to organize a joint meeting between 
Cranbrook City Council and the Ktunaxa Nation Council to discuss ways to best implement the 
Year of Reconciliation. 

8.2 Elk Valley Waste to Central Landfill
To consider directions to be given to City of Cranbrook's representatives on the Regional District of 
East Kootenay Board related to receiving Elk Valley Waste at the Central Landfill. 
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3645

8.3 RDEK Bylaw referrals
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3646
To consider a referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for proposed amendments 
to the Rockyview Official Community Plan (OCP) and Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaws to allow a 
campground. 
The RDEK has referred a proposed OCP and Zoning amendment to the City for comment. The proposed amendments will change the OCP and Zoning designations of a 4.2 acre (1.7 hectare) property located at 1873 Jim Smith Lake Rd. and Laidlaw Rd. area, legally described as Lot A, District Lot 3575, Kootenay District, Plan 4296. Bylaw No. 2506 would amend the Rockyview OCP designation of the property from MH, Medium Holdin9s to C, Commercial designation. Bylaw No. 2507 would amend the Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw designation from RR-2, Rural Residential (Small Holding) Zone to C-4, Recreation Commercial Zone. The amendments would facilitate development of a campground use with up to 20 RV campsites and a small area for possible tenting. Campground servicing is indicated as being minimal with the 
use of outhouses and a well sourced, water tap proposed (see attached site plan).

8.4
To consider approval of an application for funding through the BC Healthy Communities Society, 
Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant in 
partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Cranbrook. 
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff 
That Council endorse the City being the applicant of a grant application on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Cranbrook to BC Healthy Communities Society, Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant for funding of $21,000 to assist Big Brothers Big  Sisters Cranbrook in their "Friendly Youth Initiative" focused on parents and expansion of youth projects. 

8.5 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel

Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3649

Correspondence 12.1 - 12.11
beginning:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3650



Saturday, February 1, 2014

The Flathead Exhibit Comes to Cranbrook

photo - courtesy Joseph Cross
Conservation meets art in this stunning exhibition.

Five local artists participated in an artist retreat in the Flathead Valley. Painting alongside iconic plein air painter Dwayne Harty, their goal was tell the story of the Flathead through paintbrush. Local artists included Joseph Cross (Cranbrook), Simon Haiduk (Kimberley), Denise Lemaster (Invermere), Laura Nelson (Fernie) and Tara Higgins (Fernie), as well as Jackson Hole-based Dwayne Harty. 

The resulting works were curated in the Flathead Valley Art Exhibition, which first opened at Waterton’s Wildlife Festival in September 2013. Cranbrook and District Arts Council is thrilled to be hosting this exhibit for the month of February.

In describing the event Joseph Cross said, ”Six creative souls, gathered in one of the world's remaining pristine valleys.  Our job - to paint it, to depict the beauty and character of the Flathead Valley in our individual and unique ways.  Not having visited the valley before, I soon realized how vast it was.”

For the past century and a half, art has played a central role in providing inspiration to protect and conserve nature in North America. The Flathead Valley has been the center of international conservation efforts for decades. A geographic extension of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Flathead Valley is a critical connection for wildlife in the Rocky Mountains, connecting them from Montana’s Glacier National Park to the Banff protected areas complex. 

“We drank water straight from the river, knowing that it is the most pure water in the world, and the global benchmark for evaluating water quality.  The memories of our gourmet meals, our daily hikes, viewpoints, wildlife encounters, and campfire camaraderie will stay with me forever.  Being a part of telling the Flathead story through my art, is an honour and privilege,”  said Cross.

The show will open officially at the Cranbrook & District Arts Council Gallery on February 4th, running through to the end of the month. Join us for the Opening Reception on February 7, from 7-9PM. 

The Show is open for just a few hours today - 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday Feb 1st.


About Cranbrook and District Arts Council • www.cranbrookanddistrictartscouncil.com We support development of the visual, literary and performing arts in the Cranbrook & District area, and work to increase public awareness and opportunities for participation in arts and cultural events in the community.

Contact:
Marisa Phillips,  Administrator, Cranbrook and District Arts Council  email info@cdac.shaw.ca









Friday, January 31, 2014

Michael's Musings

Accessibility improving for seniors and disabled persons in Cranbrook

By Michael J Morris

While having a chat with Councillor Sharon Cross over coffee recently on a wide range of issues facing Cranbrook, the subject of improvements for seniors and disabled persons arose.

Right off the top though, in the interests of full disclosure, Sharon and I have been friends since 1989 when I arrived at East Kootenay Community College, now College of the Rockies, where she was executive assistant to the president. 

Sharon had contacted me after my column on sidewalk snow removal in the city appeared, and we arranged a meet.

Anyway, we chatted about snow removal, and on that front, enough said. In fact, when it snowed again this week, I was delighted with the city's efforts, and doubly so, upon seeing a news release from the city's corporate communications officer on the subject. Enough already on that subject for the time being anyway.

In the course of the conversation, Sharon advised that Mayor Wayne Stetski had recently compiled a list of improvements for seniors and disabled persons, and others too, that enhances accessibility. I asked if she could provide me with a copy and within hours, the mayor had made one available. Good stuff.

All were supported by the city, but some were projects undertaken  by other organizations, and some received assistance from the provincial and federal governments.

Here is my summary from the list provided, as well as some observations -- and it may not be complete but it shows that in Cranbrook there is a focus on accessibility.

An elevator lift has been installed at the Cranbrook Seniors Centre - and I would add there is also one now at Christ Church Anglican, and although I don't use the one at the church at the moment, except when I want a little "joy ride" it is well used and a welcome addition for those who need it.

The mayor's list notes that sidewalk letdowns have been installed at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and automatic door entries at six buildings.

At the Studio Stage Door, there is a new stair lift and more accessible washrooms. There are also portable ramps at some businesses.

For the visually impaired, new two colour lino is now in place on stairs at city hall as well as warning pads.

A major project, and long overdue but finally completed was wheelchair access ramp at the RCMP headquarters in downtown Cranbrook.

Extending the length of walk signals at intersections is a project in progress. I'm personally very supportive of this one because I've never made it more that half way across since I came here in 1989 before it changes to "Don't Walk", and I walked much faster than I do now.

I don't know if they plan to have those 30 second timers but when I am in a city that does, it really helps -- the challenge becomes to make at 30 seconds.

The mayor also noted that the City of Vancouver, and I would add others too, are considering a bylaw that includes accessibility features in new residence construction, but that may be a story for another day.

I extend my thanks to Sharon for taking time from her very busy schedule to chat and give me a very detailed overview on challenges facing Cranbrook, and to Mayor Stetski for making the accessibility list available so quickly. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.














Thursday, January 30, 2014

Go on - Smile

What's Happening.....

Cranbrook Library - ongoing
Art Display
The Work of the late Jimmy Warland

Fort Steele ongoing
Everyday Outdoor Public Skating
9:30am - 3:30pm

Thursday January 30th

Country Music Night and Dancing
Eagles Nest
Eagles Hall
715 Kootenay St.
8:00pm - 11:00pm

Saturday Febraury 1st

Zentangle Workshop 
with instructor Cindy Hagen
$35 including the kit
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, Tenth Av S.
250-426-4223

Symphony of the Kootenays
Sultans of String
Key City Theatre 7:30pm
Tickets $29.50 adults Youth $16

Sunday February 2nd

Symphony Family Concert
Fiddle Fire with Chris McKool
Key City Theatre
2:00pm
Tickets $15

Monday February 3rd

Funtasik Singers Sing a Long
Singing just for fun
Everyone welcome
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, Tenth Avenue South
6:45pm - 8:15pm

Tuesday February 4th - February 28th

The Flathead Exhibit officially opens

First opened in Waterton National Park in September
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
is proud to be the first to host this exhibit in the area
5 well known artists, stunning paintings
Reception, Friday February 7th, 7:00pm
Gallery open 11:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Friday
11:00am - 2:00pm Saturday

Thursday Febraury 6th

Rockies Film Series
'All is Lost' with Robert Redford
Tickets Lotus books


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

City Snow Clearing Underway

Cranbrook, BC (January 29, 2014) -- Snow clearing operations are now underway in the City of Cranbrook, thanks to a return of winter weather today.
During and following major snowfalls, City snow removal operation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and operates with a small fleet of vehicles; four salt/sand trucks with belly plows, two graders and two loaders.  With this schedule and the equipment we have, it is reasonable to expect most areas of the City to be cleared within 3 or 4 days of a snowfall, depending on the amount of snow and how fast it comes down.
Residents are encouraged to review the City's Snow and Ice Removal policy to understand how and why the City clears its snow the way it does.
Clearing snow is not just the responsibility of the City Public Works department, which does the best they can with the resources available to keep the community moving during the winter months.  Responsibility also lies with each resident and business owner to help clear around their home or business.
“Regularly clearing ice and snow from your sidewalks and driveways will allow much easier access to your property by the fire department, RCMP or paramedics should an accident or other emergencies happen.” says Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services Chief Wayne Price, adding “it also will make walking easier for our local mail and newspaper carriers and the public at large.”

Residents are also encouraged to avoid pushing or blowing snow from their sidewalks, driveways and any windrows back into the street, after the City plows have been by.

Remembering Pete Seeger