Advisory Groups

Municipal committees are groups of volunteers who meet to discuss and help make decisions on issues that affect the community.

Check out the Current Vacancies

Apply to an Advisory Commission Here

Accessibility and Inclusion Committee Application

Accessibility and Inclusion Committee

The District of Kitimat is recruiting people with lived and learned accessibility experiences to join our newly created Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.

Committee members will work together to:

  • Participate in group discussions to provide an understanding of accessibility issues within the disability community.
  • Identify barriers to individuals in or interacting with, the District of Kitimat.
  • Make recommendations to the District of Kitimat on how to remove and prevent barriers.
  • Evaluating and uncovering solutions to address accessibility challenges.
  • Contribute to the development of an Accessibility Plan for our organization.
  • To provide feedback to Council on matters referred to the committee by Council.

Note: The AIC is established pursuant to Part 3 of the Accessible British Columbia Act (“the Act”) and the Accessible British Columbia Regulation (“the Regulation”).

 Membership

The committee will consist of a minimum of eight, and up to 11 appointed individuals. To meet the requirements of the Act, the committee will include:

  • a majority of persons who self-identify as having a disability and/or individuals who support or are from organizations that support persons with disabilities; and
  • at least one member who self identifies as Indigenous.

Authentic representation matters. We recognize that each person’s lived experience and intersectionality is unique, and that one individual cannot speak on behalf of an entire group or community.  Our goal for the composition of the committee is to reflect the diversity of all persons within Kitimat.

Time Commitment

Presently, we are planning for the committee to meet at least four times per year.  Meetings will likely be two hours in duration and will be arranged in a hybrid method, to allow for both in person or virtual attendance.  The meeting schedule will be determined once the committee is established, with input from committee members.

In recognition of the value of lived experience and appreciation of the time given, the District of Kitimat will provide each member of the committee with a $50 honorarium per meeting. In addition to this honorarium, travel expenses to participate in these meetings will be reimbursed.  A childcare subsidy is also available.

How to Apply

We ask that individuals applying:

  • be living in Kitimat
  • not be employees of the District of Kitimat

Applicants are encouraged to highlight their experience surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in their application forms.

Applications can be filled out online at https://forms.kitimat.ca/Accessibility-and-Inclusion-Committee-Application (Link to the form is at the top of this page)

Alternatively, hard copy application forms can be picked up from any District of Kitimat facility and returned to Municipal Hall in person, by mail to 270 City Centre, Kitimat BC, V8C 2H7, or by email to mpenner@kitimat.ca

Applications are due by June 30, 2023.

We will strive to accommodate all members to ensure they are able to fully participate, if you have a specific accommodation request, or would like more information about the committee, please contact Marli Penner at mpenner@kitimat.ca or by phone at 250-632-8915.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

What is the purpose of this committee?

The committee will support the District in the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act requirements to remove and prevent barriers to individuals in, or interacting with the District of Kitimat in pursuit of a more inclusive and accessible community.

What is my role as a committee member?

  • Participate in group discussions to provide an understanding of accessibility issues within the disability community.
  • Identifying barriers to individuals in or interacting with, the District of Kitimat.
  • Making recommendations to the District of Kitimat on how to remove and prevent barriers.
  • Evaluating and uncovering solutions to address accessibility challenges.
  • Providing the District with guidance and advice regarding accessibility within its departments and municipal events, including how the District may become more inclusive in its operations.
  • Contributing to the development of an Accessibility Plan for our organization.
  • Providing feedback to Council on matters referred to the committee by Council.

 

Why am I being asked to serve on this committee?

Effective accessibility and inclusion planning depends on meaningful input from the different voices, points of views and lived experiences of people in the community. Your involvement will support the creation of a more accessible, equitable, diverse and inclusive community.

 

How long is my term as a committee member?

Two years, with an option to reapply for a second consecutive term, to a maximum of 4 years.

 

What is the time commitment?

There are four anticipated committee meetings each year.  However, additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Meetings are expected to be up to two hours in duration.

 

Will I be compensated?

Committee members will receive an honorarium of $50 per meeting unless they are participating in the committee as part of their paid employment.

 

What additional resources are available to support my participation?

The work of the committee depends on it being an accessible space where the experiences and expertise of all members are valued. Reimbursement for childcare and transportation are available to facilitate your attendance.

 

Are meetings in person, virtual, both?

Meetings will be conducted using a hybrid model of in person and virtual attendance, to accommodate those who may not be able to attend in person.

 

How will I receive information?

Information and resources about the work of the committee will be shared electronically through email. If any committee members are unable to access resources electronically, we will work with these individuals to find an accessible alternative, which may include hard copies of materials or phone calls.

 

What are some benefits of being a part of this committee?

As a part of this committee, you can:

  • Make a positive difference by sharing your knowledge and experience to promote accessibility and inclusion in the community.
  • Build connections with others in the community who are passionate about similar issues.
  • Learn about other initiatives the District is working on that aim to address issues you are concerned about.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions or would like to learn more about the committee?

The committee chairperson, Marli Penner, is available to answer your questions and provide any further information you may require. You can contact her by email at mpenner@kitimat.ca or by phone at 250-632-8915.

Advisory Planning Commission (APC)

Members meet monthly to help advise Council on development applications, Official Community Plan amendments, and other planning and land use matters.
APC is made up of nine members with Council and School Board sitting as non-voting members:
• One Council member
• One School Board representative
• Seven members of the public

Meetings
APC meetings are usually held the third Thursday of every month at 5:00 p.m. in the District of Kitimat main office.  The public is welcome to attend APC meetings.  Before 4:30 p.m. of the meeting day, please contact Community Planning and Development at 250-632-8900 or email us to obtain WebEx login information.  

 Agendas
2023

APC Meeting - 1 June 2023

A. April 18, 2023 Report from Consultant

B. Land Use Designations, Forest License Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2029, 2023

C. G5 Forestry Zone Amendment Bylaw No. 2030, 2023

D. Excerpts from the Kitimat Official Community Plan 

E. Application dated October 31, 2022

F. Technical Reports

  Review Tetra Tech Response (March 11, 2022)

  Assessment Report (April 12, 2022)

   Geotechnical Peer Review 1, 2023 (October 6, 2021)

    Preliminary Design Issued for Permitting (December 7, 2021)

(February 22, 2022)

             Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Investigation (February 28, 2020)

(February 1, 2023)

 Technical Memo – Supplement (March 3, 2023)

 Sandhill Development Application (July 13, 2021)

Assessment / Sandhill Waste Soil Storage (March 10, 2022)

Environmental Assessment (February 4, 2020)

G. Draft Section 219 Covenant (pages 4-18)

 2022

APC Meeting - 23 June 2022

APC Meeting - 12 May 2022
APC Meeting - 20 April 2022
APC Meeting - 17 February 2022

 2021
APC Meeting - 19 January 2021 
 

Minutes

2023
 
 2022

20 April 2022 
17 February 2022

 2021

12 December 2021
22 July 2021

Board of Variance (BOV)

BOV members meet as needed to hear appeals from property owners who wish to change property siting requirements set by zoning regulations.
The board has three members, all selected by Council.
Board members must:
• Be able to appreciate community and neighbourhood aesthetics
• Be able to read construction drawings
• Have good knowledge of building procedures and materials

Council Appointments to Committees - 2023

View the 2023 District of Kitimat - Council Appointments to Committees here.  

Downtown Design Panel

Panel members meet as needed to review and make recommendations on development permit applications for new construction and renovations in the Downtown Revitalization Area.
The panel is made up of four members:
• Two Advisory Planning Commission members
• Two downtown merchants
Development in the downtown area follows the Downtown Design Guidelines and colour palette.

Energy, Emissions and Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Members will meet a minimum of three times per year with additional meetings held on an as required basis.  The committee is made of up of ten members.

  • Role of the Commission: To provide informed recommendations identified by staff and/or Council and related to the matters of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) and the Solid Waste Management Strategy Action Plan (SWAP).
Agendas 
16 May 2023

Housing Committee (HC)

Members make recommendations to Council for the annual budget, five year capital plan, Official Community Plan, and housing programs and policies.
Committee members are selected by Council and include one person from each of the following:
• Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities
• Multi-Family Landlords
The HC was established in April 2012. The mandate at the time was to complete a Housing Needs Assessment. The mandate has been expanded and extended. The Commitee reviews housing policies and projects referred by Kitimat Council, and provided input to the planning process developed for the 2020 Housing Action Plan and Needs Assessment.
Agendas
 Minutes

 

Leisure Services Advisory Commission (LSAC)

Members meet monthly to discuss and make recommendations on issues affecting Kitimat's recreational needs.
The commission is made up of eight members:
• Five members of the public
• One member of Council
• One Mount Elizabeth Secondary School student
• One School Board member

Traffic Committee

Traffic Committee members help with traffic issues in the community and makes recommendations to Council to improve transportation.
The committee consists of:
• Director of Community Planning and Development
• Director of Engineering Services
• One member of Council
• RCMP Representative
• Two professional drivers

 

Contact Us