Notes from Council, March 17, 2025:

  • Following a presentation from Kitimat Flying Club representatives, Council approved that the District will apply for two grants on behalf of the Club, one for $35,000 and another for $200,000. The grants are to develop a Kitimat Airpark Master Plan, and for equipment for maintenance at the Airpark.
  • Council heard from residents during the public input portion of the meeting agenda, who spoke in support of an active transportation route between Kitimat and the Cable Car subdivision. Active transportation means a route supporting walking, cycling, or other means not requiring a motor vehicle.
    • Previously at the March 3, 2025 Council meeting, Council moved to add to the budget a Town to Cable Car Active Transportation project. This item, costed at $150,000, provides for an engineering study for the development of a proposed route.
  • Following a public hearing on the topic, Council adopted the C4 Local Store Zoning Amendment bylaw for 1442 Nalabila Boulevard. This amendment to the bylaw allows for an additional restaurant business to operate within the allowable 225 square metres of commercial floor space as well as increase the maximum amount of living units from one to two.
  • Council adopted the 3 Blueberry Avenue Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw and Zoning Amendment bylaw. These amendments mean that this property may have up to four dwelling units on the parcel.
  • After a process of soliciting for public feedback and hearing from staff, Council have recommended approval to the Liquor and Cannabis Licence Branch of a Patron Participation Endorsement Application, submitted by PF Pizzeria and Bistro. The application relates to their wish to host live music and open mic events, and seeking comment of the local government is a component of the application process.
  • The first three readings have passed for the Water Rates Amendment Bylaw. This bylaw would increase residential water rates – a flat fee on property tax notices – in a phased approach beginning July 1 this year with another increase at the start of 2026. At the full increase in 2026, it represents a $3.42 monthly increase, or a $41 annual increase.
    • The amendment also changes commercial water rates as well. The exact change in cost depends on the nature of the commercial operation.
  • Council has approved an updated Procurement Policy and Procedures document. This is a guiding document for the District, which essentially provides the direction on procurement processes and outlines the purchasing limits of goods, services and capital projects.
  • Council provided some additional direction as budget deliberations continue:
    • Added $600,000 to the 2025 budget for expenses relating to the development of a dedicated pickleball court.
    • Added improvements to the fire hall to the 2025 budget. The total $202,000 addition provides for flooring and kitchen improvements to the Public Safety Building where the fire hall is located.
    • Council has now approved all items listed in capital projects for the 2025 budget.
    • Although Council is still deliberating on certain items relating to the budget, as of this meeting all operational costs, community grants and capital projects have been approved.
    • The budget is formally complete at a later day – at most by a May 15 deadline - with the adoption of the annual financial bylaws; five-year financial plan, flat tax rate bylaw, and property tax rate bylaw.

Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Agendas and minutes of Council meetings are available on our website here.

Video recordings of Council meetings are shared here: Council Video on Demand

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