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2005 Annual Report

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ANNUAL REPORT

AND

RESOLUTIONS

TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE 55th
Association of ANNUAL MEETING
Vancouver FILBERG CENTRE
Island and COURTENAY, B.C.
Coastal
Communities April 1 – 3, 2005

PLEASE BRING THIS
PLEASE BRING THIS
REPORT WITH YOU
REPORT WITH YOU

41
ANNUAL REPORT

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AVICC MEMBERS

We are pleased to convey this fourteenth AVICC Annual Report and Resolutions Book.
It was the wish of your Executive to provide to all members in advance of the Annual
Meeting a record of the year’s activities and advance notice of the matters that will be
placed before you at the April 1 – 3, 2005 Annual Meeting.

We have divided this publication into two parts:
• Annual Report.
• Resolutions.

1. ANNUAL REPORT

In the first part of this publication you will find the:
• President’s Report.
• Responses to AVICC’s 2004 resolutions - responses that are still awaited will be
circulated at the Annual Meeting if available.

2. RESOLUTIONS

The second part of this publication contains materials to be considered at the 2005
Annual Meeting. In this section you will also find the Nomination/Election
procedures. Under this process, the Nominating Committee issues a call for
nominations, manages that process, but does not make recommendations. Information
on those nominated for the 2005/2006 AVICC Executive is contained in the March, 2005
AVICC Supplemental Newsletter. The main item in this section is the resolutions to be
considered at the 2005 Annual Meeting. The 24 resolutions received before the
deadline are printed.

Late Resolutions along with:
• comments/recommendations of the Resolutions Committee on all resolutions
• audited financial statements
• final convention program

will be available at the time of registration.

Mayor W. J. (Jack) Peake
President

Eydie Fraser
Executive Coordinator

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

In just a few short weeks I will be welcoming you to the 56th Annual Meeting in
Courtenay. I look forward to meeting again with all of our members from around the
Island, Sunshine Coast and the Central Coast.

At the first UBCM Executive meeting after we saw one another in Kelowna I was
appointed as Vice-Chair to the UBCM Resolutions Committee and a member of the
Environment Committee.

At this time I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Councillor Mary Ashley,
Mayor Ken McRae and all members of the E & N Rail Committee for all their work on
behalf of AVICC to ensure that the rail service on the Island was maintained. We will
be giving an update on the success we have achieved to date at the meeting in
Courtenay.

Some of our other activities include:

EXECUTIVE/COMMITTEES
• 3 meetings of the Executive

MEMBERSHIP/FINANCIAL
• membership maintained
• there was no dues increase for 2004.

CONVENTION
• the 2004 Convention in Parksville was very successful. The Executive will be
meeting to discuss the final program and will endeavor to have that program out
to you by mid-March. A draft was posted to our website in February.
• 30 resolutions were presented with 25 being endorsed, 2 withdrawn and 3 not
endorsed.

COMMUNICATIONS
• one issue of the AVICC Newsletter was produced and distributed.
• various circulars and member updates
• AVICC website established in December, 2003.

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to extend a thank you to the Executive
for their continued support and involvement with AVICC over the past year. I would
also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation on behalf of the
Executive and myself to Eydie Fraser, Executive Coordinator and Richard Taylor of
UBCM for their dedication and assistance.

I look forward to seeing you in Courtenay and your continued involvement with
AVICC in the year ahead.

Mayor W. J. (Jack) Peake
President

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SUMMARY OF 2004 AVICC
RESOLUTION RESPONSES

This report summarizes the responses from the provincial government to the
resolutions endorsed at the 2004 AVICC Annual General Meeting, submitted to UBCM
and endorsed by UBCM:

B4 ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM FUNDING GRANTS Lake Cowichan

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities call on
the Province of British Columbia to mandate, implement and fund Alternative
Justice Programs where community organizations exist, meeting provincial
criteria and standards, or where they may exist in the future;

AND BE IT RESOLVED that local government be given the option as to
whether or not it wants to implement the mandated provincial program or
implement its own Alternative Justice Program using volunteers from the
community.

Response of: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

The Ministry recognizes that alternative justice programs (community
accountability and restorative justice programs) offer a valuable and
complementary alternative to the formal criminal justice system.

There is federal legislation respecting the use of alternative justice measures.
Specifically, the Criminal Code deals with the use of alternative measures for
adults, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act provides guidance for the use of extra
judicial measures for youth.

In keeping with the federal legislation, for cases referred by Crown Counsel, the
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provides alternative justice
measures through Adult community Corrections (Adult Probation) while the
Ministry of Children and Family Development provides a similar service
through Youth Justice Services (Youth Probation).

For police-based referrals, a less formal discretionary process of alternative
justice is available. This process may include referral to a Community
Accountability Program as a way to respond to some minor offences. The
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provides start-up and ongoing
funding for eligible volunteer-based Community Accountability Programs. To
qualify for funding, programs must meet existing provincial criteria.

In addition to the financial support provided to these programs, the Ministry
provides additional guidance, resources and training opportunities, as well as
the opportunity to apply for limited insurance coverage.
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B24 PROPOSED LIFTING OF MORATORIUM O
N PACIFIC WHITING (HAKE) THREATENS
ON-SHOE PROCESSING Alberni-Clayoquot RD

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities support
the retention of the moratorium on Joint Venture Hake fishing vessels in BC
and communicate a strong message to the Government of Canada Department
of Fisheries and Oceans and the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food that affected communities must be fully consulted prior to any further
decision regarding this fishery.

Response of: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

British Columbia reaffirms its support for onshore jobs for BC communities and
remains committed to the importance of shore-based hake processing.

In fact, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries John van Dongen, committed
to the Alberni-Clayoquot Fisheries Committee at a meeting on August 9, 2004
that for our part, the Province would ensure that we consult with them prior to
any decision on joint venture factory ships.

The Minister also recognized that to deny a joint venture fishery for this year
would be a major loss of in excess of $12 million dollars for the harvesting sector.

This year there was a very large Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for hake
announced by the federal government. Because there wasn’t the capacity in on-
shore plants to process all the TAC, the federal government made some of this
large catch available to offshore processing.

However, the Minister provided a strong message to the federal Minister that
British Columbia agreed to the allocation of hake to the joint venture only
because of the unusual size of the hake Total Allowable Catch.

He also made it clear that BC hope to see a return to all-onshore allocation in
2005.

B27 PROVINCIAL FUNDING OF HEALTH FACILITIES Saanich

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the
Province of BC to invest in health capital at more appropriate levels to
maintain, upgrade and replace publicly funded health facilities;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge
the Province of BC to reinstate its historic share of major health capital
projects and offsetting operating cost increases to all Health Authorities.
45

Response of: Ministry of Health Services

The provincial health budget in British Columbia increased to $10.9 billion in
2004/05 and now consumes 43 percent of the provincial budget.

The 2004/05 operating and capital budgets make approximately $320 million in
funding for facility and equipment projects available to health authorities.

In B.C.’s regionalized model, health authorities determine priorities for facilities
and equipment according to local needs. To assist health authorities in
addressing their capital needs within the available resources, the province has
undertaken significant changes to the way capital is planned and managed.
These strategies include:

• providing three-year rolling budgets to enable health authorities to plan for
the long term;
• undertaking a province-wide assessment of health system assets to provide
better data for prioritizing projects; and
government remains committed to encouraging health authorities to explore new
funding options that provide diverse and innovative solutions to meeting capital
needs, including the use of private-public partnerships where appropriate and
cost effective.

B31 HERITAGE STEWARDSHIP Saanich

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the
BC government to maintain stewardship of heritage resources by investing the
appropriate funding levels required to preserve, protect and enhance our
heritage resources throughout British Columbia and on Vancouver Island.

Response of: Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services

• In order to implement the direction from the Core Services Review and to
meet budget reduction targets the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and
Women’s Services undertook several initiatives to refocus the role of the
Province in heritage conservation and to facilitate the long-term stewardship
and sustainability of BC’s heritage resources. These included:

• devolution of Provincial heritage properties to community management
through 15-year site management agreements, a step that will enable
increased community and private sector participation and investment in
these historic places, promote heritage tourism and produce greater economic
and social benefit for many communities.

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• establishment of the Heritage Legacy Fund of BC, in collaboration with the
Heritage Society of BC, The Land Conservatory of BC and the Vancouver
Foundation, through an initial Provincial endowment of $5 million, as a non-
governmental source of funding for community heritage initiatives;
• development and implementation of the Historic Places Initiative, a major
national program to recognize, protect, conserve, rehabilitate and promote
Canada’s heritage sites, in partnership with the Federal government, other
provinces and territories, local governments, volunteer organizations and the
private sector;
• refocusing staff efforts and program investment to build community heritage
planning and management capacity and to enhance heritage-related training
and education.

B51 BC HYDRO STREET LIGHTING SERVICE Sooke

MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN

B52 BC HYDRO LOCATES SERVICE North Cowichan
Sidney

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that BC Hydro reinstate the field locate
service for buried underground hydro service.

Response of : Ministry of Energy and Mines

BC Hydro will, at no cost, provide location drawings when requested and will
assist in interpreting these drawings. Physical field checks would only take place
if the drawings are insufficient or non-existent.

BC Hydro continues to work with a voluntary and multi-party provincial
working group that is reviewing issues like underground locates to ensure all
understand the significant financial and operational impacts involved.

B62 DIFFERENT TAX RATES FOR
LAND AND IMPROVEMENTS Central Saanich

NOT ENDORSED

B73 INCLUSION OF HOGWEED ON NOXIOUS WEED LIST Nanaimo RD

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request
that the Province designate Giant Hogwed as a noxious plant in the Weed
Control Regulation, or some other legislation of comparable stature, and
impose a duty on all land occupiers to control Giant Hogweed;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this duty to control Giant Hogweed
be enforced using provincial rather than local government resources.
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Response of: Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection

This is an area of concurrent authority. The Union of British Municipalities
(UBCM) should contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to
discuss the Weed Control Act and the Weed Control Regulation they administer.

UBCM can use their existing authority under the Ministry of Water, Land and
Air Regulation – Spheres of Concurrent Jurisdiction, Section 8(3) J and K – to help
control Giant Hogweed.

Response of: Ministry of Agriculture. Food and Fisheries

Last fall, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries advised the Regional
District of Nanaimo that we would be pleased to support the addition of Giant
Hogweed to Schedule A, Part II – Regional Noxious Weeds, Regional District of
Nanaimo.

We had outlined that the next step was for Nanaimo Regional District to provide
a management plan and confirmation that it requires the ability to enter lands
and enforce control in situations where cooperation is not forthcoming. To date,
the Ministry has not received such a plan.

However, local government is not prevented from controlling weeds on lands
they are responsible for – they could add Giant Hogweed to by-laws regarding
nuisance vegetation, unsightly vegetation or by-laws they administer and
enforce.

B74 BTK (BACILLUS THURINGLEENIS KURSTAKI)
AERIAL PESTICIDE SPRAY Comox-Strathcona RD

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial and federal governments
be encouraged to fund rigorous and comprehensive pre- and post-spraying
inventory and monitoring programs to assess the affects of BTK spraying on
non-target species in Garry Oak ecosystems.

Response of: Ministry of Forests

The Gypsy Moth poses a threat to forests and urban trees and parks. It also
poses a quarantine threat and resulting trade restrictions. The application of BTK
by the Ministry of Forests balances the need to eliminate the Gypsy Moth and
maintain public health in a scientifically responsible manner.
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Following large-scale use of a BTK in the Victoria area in 1999, a Capital Health
Region report determined that the aerial spraying program did not affect human
health. This study supported the conclusions of previous federal and
international studies. In 2004, the Gypsy Moth threat received aggressive
attention in two small areas: Saanich and Delta. Aerial treatment was the only
effective option to control this problem before it became permanently
established. Results of the 2004 spray program are expected in October.

From 1999 to 2003, government commissioned a study to look at the effect of an
aerial spraying on non-target lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). The study
found that lepidopteran populations were depressed immediately after the spray
but in most cases rebounded to pre-spray levels by 2003 if healthy populations
existed outside of the spray area. The Ministry of Water, Land and Air
Protection, along with the Ministry of Forests, is currently pursuing the
possibility of a lepidopteran monitoring plan with scientists at the Pacific
Forestry Centre.

Ongoing detection programs and prompt eradication measures will prevent this
imported pest from becoming established in the province.

B76 UNCONFINED AQUIFIER PROTECTION Nanaimo RD

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province, in enacting groundwater
protection legislation, ensure that the regulatory and operational requirements
that apply to the commercial, industrial and development sectors be
sufficiently prescriptive and effectively administered and enforced to protect
the province’s unconfined aquifiers from contamination and that the Province
supports local government efforts to protect aquifiers and their sources.

Response of: Ministry of Water, Lands and Air Protection

The Ministry recognizes the vulnerability of confined aquifiers to impacts from
land use activities. Groundwater management plans will be a useful tool to
address this issue in critical areas.

The Ministry will continue to work with the Ground Water Advisory Board to
develop and enact outcome-based regulations for Phases 2 and 3 of the Ground
Water Protection Regulation.

The Ministry will work with the British Columbia Ground Water Association
and other key stakeholders to promote a high degree of voluntary compliance
with industry and well owners.

Water, Land and Air Protection will continue to classify, characterize and
monitor high priority aquifers in the province to support local governments in
their groundwater protection efforts.
49

B78 NATURAL SHORELINES: RECOGNITION OF IMPORTANCE

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request
that the provincial government pay extra attention to emerging values and
roles of natural marine riparian areas in helping protect our coastal
communities and the ocean waters beside them;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities
promote the values of riparian buffers along its members’ marine and
freshwater shorelines through policies, model bylaws and guidelines, as well
as through public education and awareness, whether or not there are
Development Permit Areas or Environmentally Sensitive Areas designated or
established.

ENDORSED

B87 INCREASED ELECTRICITY RATES

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities object to
BC Hydro’s proposed increase in electricity rates.

Response of: Ministry of Energy and Mines

The New Era platform and the British Columbia Government’s Energy Plan
commit to allowing the BCUC to again regulate BC Hydro’s rates. BCUC’s
review of BC Hydro’s revenue requirements application is the appropriate forum
for addressing concerns about rates.

This is the first time in a decade that BC Hydro’s costs and proposed rates have
been reviewed. BCUC’s open and transparent process should ensure that rates
are kept as low as possible.

Even with the proposed increase, BC still has the third lowest electricity rates in
North America.

B110 HARMONIZATION OF PST ON FILM PRODUCTION AVICC Executive

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request
that the Province harmonize the application of PST and treat film production
as a manufactured product for PST purposes.

Response of: Ministry of Finance

The government of British Columbia has followed through with its commitment
to improve the competitiveness of the film and television industry through a
number of measures including:
50

• Extending the Film Incentive BC and Production Services tax credits for five
more years;
• Providing an enhanced regional incentive for film credits; and
• Introducing a Digital animation or Visual Effects tax credit.

In addition, government has undertaken to clarify the application of sales tax to
this industry by updating information bulletins provided by the Ministry of
Provincial Revenue.

The film and television industry makes a valuable contribution to British
Columbia’s economy and the government’s initiatives recognize and encourage
that contribution.

In fact, film and television production in British Columbia reached a record
$1.405 billion in 2003 representing a 47% increase over the previous year. The
highest previous total was $1.18 in 2000.

B113 PROPOSED SCOTT ISLANDA MARINE
PROTECTED AREA Port Hardy

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities strongly
recommend to Environment Canada that the current provincially protected
status of Scott Islands remain as it is and that the Ministry conduct additional
studies towards minimizing bird/human conflicts in the surrounding ocean.

Response of: Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection will continue to maintain the
Scott Islands as a protected area and supports the development of additional
management strategies to protect breeding bird populations by the CWS.

The province’s view continues to be that this initiative must be coordinated with
other land use and marine planning initiatives, competing values, including
economic values, First Nations and local government interest. We support in
principle the concept of a Marine Wildlife Area providing it results in a
cooperative, balanced management regime to protect the foraging area for the
significant breeding bird populations of the ecological reserves on the Scott
Islands in addition to the economic and social interests of the communities
whose livelihood is dependent upon the resources in this area.

B117 PARKING FEES IN PROVINCIAL PARKS Comox-Strathcona RD

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities strongly recommend that the Minister of Water, Land and Air
Protection remove parking fees from provincial parks.

NOT ENDORSED
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B127 FUNDING FOR AFFILIATED CARE HOMES Port Alberni

On motion was referred to the UBCM Executive.

B139 COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Union of BC Municipalities urge the
provincial government to restore funding levels to allow Community Schools
to have the flexibility to provide services to the broader community.

MOTION ENDORSED. Provincial response not yet received.

C13 EXEMPTION FROM PROVINCIAL SALES TAX Saanich
(See B68 Local Government’s Being Exempt from Payment of Provincial Sales
Tax)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities approach
the provincial government to immediately exempt local governments from the
payment of Provincial Sales Tax;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such exemption should not result in
any reduction of grant sin lieu or any other monies presently directed from the
provincial government to municipal governments, nor should such exemption
be seen as an opportunity to download additional responsibilities to
municipal governments without providing sufficient funding to compensate
for such additional responsibilities.

This resolution was endorsed and has been forwarded to the Minister of Finance.
UBCM is still awaiting a response.

C22 WEST NILE VIRUS STRATEGY Sooke
(See A12 – West Nile Virus Funding)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province provide annual funding to
local governments who request it for monitoring, public education programs
and mosquito control measures to enhance public and livestock safety.

Response of: Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services

The West Nile virus has not yet reached British Columbia. However, we are
working in collaboration with municipalities, organizations and agencies to
prepare for that eventuality.

Government has provided a total of $4.4 million to ensure the province is
prepared for the potential of West Nile Virus. Funding has been provided
through:
52

• Ministry of Health Services – in 2004, one-time funding of $1 million to assist
local governments in their West Nile Virus mosquito control program, $1.4
million to the BC Centre for Disease Control for surveillance programs and
$400,000 to health authorities for coordination within their regions.

• In fiscal 2003/04, the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s
Services provided $1.6 million for advance planning work to help 128 local
governments prepare for the possibility of the virus. This funding was
available for the 2004 season as it was distributed after January 2004.

Government acknowledges and thanks local governments who worked in
partnership with Public Health departments to develop the 2004 WNV
prevention programs. Government will be reviewing the WNV funding that was
provided in 2004 and will be advising health authorities and municipalities when
decisions have been made.

C26 BC SOCIAL ASSISTANCE RULES Saanich
(See Resolution B134 – Provincial Welfare Policy)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities urge the provincial government to rescind the laws introducing
income assistance time limits and reducing benefits.

Response of: Ministry of Human Resources

Time limits were introduced as par t of the government’s new emphasis on
employment and personal responsibility. Time limits motivate employable
clients to find job as quickly as possible and to stay employed.

The time limit policy is designed to ensure that no one who is unable to work or
who is actively looking for work will lose assistance even after they have reached
their time limit. Exemptions to time limits include persons with disabilities,
pregnant women, single parents with young children, people in a special care
facility or people with a drug or alcohol problem.

Clients face time limit sanctions only if they are capable of working and choose
not to follow through on their legally binding employment plan, refuse a job or
quit a job without just cause.

Clients who actively look for work and follow the steps outlined in their
employment plan will not face time limit sanctions and will continue to receive
full support and shelter even after receiving income assistance for a cumulative
two years out of five.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION PROCEDURES AND
REPORT FOR THE AVICC EXECUTIVE

The ongoing administration and policy determination of the AVICC is governed by an
8-person Executive Board that is elected and appointed at the Annual Convention.

THERE ARE SEVEN ELECTED POSITIONS:

President
First Vice-President
Second Vice-President
Director at Large (3 positions)
Electoral Area Representative

THERE IS ONE APPOINTED POSITION:

Immediate Past President

NOMINATION PROCESS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE

The Executive have introduced a process whereby a notice of the AVICC Executive
positions open for nomination, the process and the procedures for nomination was
circulated to all members. [See Appendix C]

That notice stated that a candidate must be nominated by two elected officials of an
AVICC member local government. The candidate must be an elected official of an
AVICC member.

Background information for Candidates was made available on request that set out the
main responsibilities and commitments of an AVICC Executive member.

A nomination and consent form is available and was to be used for all nominations in
advance of the AGM. [Also see Appendix C]

NOMINATING COMMITTEE – is appointed under the provisions of the AVICC
Constitution and is appointed by the President.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for overseeing the nominating and election
process and is appointed by the AVICC President and is composed of two members of
the Executive. This year’s Committee is composed of:
Past President Mary Ashley, Chair
President, Mayor W. J. (Jack) Peake
54

It is part of the duties of the Nominating Committee to review the credentials of each
candidate. A Report on Nominations including, at the candidate’s option, a photo and
300-word biography will be prepared under the direction of the Nominating Committee
and distributed in the Pre Convention Newsletter.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The Nominating Committee is responsible for reporting to the full Annual Meeting.
The Nominating Committee does not make recommendations.

They will report on Friday, April 1st, 2:15 p.m. on nominations received for positions of
President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, three Directors at Large and
Electoral Area Representative.

While the nomination process has been expanded, it will not change the process where
candidates can be nominated off the floor at the Convention. That process remains in
place. The changes outlined above provide for those that are interested in seeking office
to be directly nominated prior to the Convention without the “sanction” of a
Nominating Committee.

ELECTIONS PROCESS

The process will then proceed in three steps:

STEP 1 – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

FRIDAY, April 1, 2:15 p.m.
Nominating Committee present the nominations for positions of President, First Vice-
President, Second Vice-President.

Nominations from floor for Officer positions (President, First Vice-President, Second
Vice-President)

Candidate speeches if necessary.
Friday, April 1, 4:55 p.m.
Elections for Officers positions (as necessary).
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 a.m.

STEP 2 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Saturday, April 2, 11:50 a.m.
Nominating Committee present nominations for three Directors at Large.
Nominations from the floor for the above positions.

Candidate speeches if necessary.
Elections for remaining Executive positions (as necessary).
55

STEP 3 – ELECTION OF ELECTORAL AREA REPRESENTATIVE

Sunday, April 3, 10:00 a.m.
Nominating Committee present nominations for Electoral Area Representative
Nominations from the floor for the above position.

Candidate speeches if necessary.
Election for position (as necessary).

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THE 2005 EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS
THE 2005 EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS

As a result of the Call for Nominations, the Committee has received and will be placing
the following names forward for consideration during the 2004 Convention:

President
• Councillor Bea Holland, City of Victoria

First Vice-President
• Councillor Nichola Wade, District of Saanich

Second Vice-President
• Director Rod Sherrell, Regional District of Mount Waddington

Director at Large(three to be elected)
• Mayor Christopher Causton, District of Oak Bay
• Mayor Barry Janyk, Town of Gibsons
• Mayor Ken McRae, City of Port Alberni

Electoral Area Representative

For further information on the nomination and election process contact:

Councillor Mary Ashley
c/o Municipal House
545 Superior Street
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1T7
Phone: (250)356-5133 Fax: (250)356-5119

57
AVICC CONFERENCE RULES
AND
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING RESOLUTIONS
_________________________________________________________________

GENERAL RULES

1. Sessions will begin and end promptly at the scheduled hours.

2. Delegates will use the floor microphones when speaking.

3. All elected officials of members attending the Annual Meeting of the Association
shall be delegates entitled to participate in debates and to vote on any matter
before the Meeting. [Constitution s. 7] Other delegates shall not be entitled to the
privilege of the floor unless authorized by the Meeting. Guest speakers may be
permitted at the direction of the Executive.

4. At all business sessions of the Meeting, twenty five delegates shall constitute a
quorum. [Constitution s. 8g]
______________________________________________________________________________

VOTING RULES

5. Only elected officials of members are entitled to vote. [Constitution s. 7]

6. Voting on ordinary resolutions normally shall be by a show of hands (holding the
voting card) and the Chair’s decision as to whether a motion is won or lost is final
unless, immediately upon the decision of the Chair being declared, ten or more
voting delegates then present, by standing, demand a standing vote, whereupon
the Chair shall again put the same question to the Meeting to be decided by a
count of those standing in favour of and against the motion. In the event that the
result of the standing vote is questioned by twenty-five or more voting delegates
then present, or at any time in the discretion of the Chair, the Chair shall order that
the matter before the Meeting be determined by ballot, and the result of such ballot
shall be final.

7. Where voting is by ballot, scrutineers shall be appointed by the Chair to distribute
the ballot, collect the same, and to count and report the vote.

8. In all cases, where the votes of delegates then present, including the vote of the
Chair, are equal for and against a question, the question shall be negatived, and it
shall be the duty of the Chair to so declare.

9. No vote by proxy shall be recognized or allowed.
58

10. When voting by show of hands all delegates shall hold their voting card. In the
case of a ballot, the voting card must be presented and initialed by the scrutineers
before a ballot is issued.

RULES OF PROCEDURE

11. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the Association, its
Executive and Committees, so far as they may be applicable without coming into
conflict with the Constitution or rules adopted by the Association. [Constitution
s.13]

12. The Presiding Officer shall enforce order and strict observance of the Constitution
and Rules and Procedures. Subject to an appeal to the meeting sustained by a
majority vote of delegates present, the Presiding Officer shall have the right to
decide all questions of order and the Officer’s rulings in this regard shall be final.

13. A delegate wishing to move, second or speak to a motion shall arise and address
the Chair and shall wait until he or she is recognized before speaking. Delegates
must announce their name, local government office and membership or other
qualifications each time they rise to speak.

14. Delegates must confine their remarks to a maximum speaking period of three
minutes; including the introducer of a motion.

15. No delegate may speak more than once on any one question unless and until all
other delegates desiring to speak have been heard.

16. Any amendment and any motion to withdraw any resolution from consideration
of the meeting or to refer the same to the Resolutions Committee, or to any other
committee, and any motion affecting the resolution must be moved and seconded
from the Meeting Floor.

17. Should discussion continue on any resolution for an undue length of time without
reasonable agreement being reached, the resolution may be cleared from the floor
by a favourable vote to refer the resolution to the Resolutions Committee for
further consideration and report.

(Note: Because the time factor does not allow the Resolutions Committee to
properly reconsider resolutions, a motion to refer to the Committee will only be
accepted in the event adjournment is imminent and there are regular resolutions
which have not been dealt with.)
______________________________________________________________________________
59
HANDLING OF RESOLUTIONS
STEP-BY-STEP RULES

PRECEDENCE OF RESOLUTIONS

18. Resolutions shall be dealt with in numerical order. However, two or more similar
resolutions, addressing the same subject matter may be dealt with by a single
resolution. [i.e. Resolution #14 covers resolution #15 and #16 then only resolution
#14 will be considered by the Meeting.]
______________________________________________________________________________

PROCEDURES FOR RESOLUTIONS PRINTED IN THE RESOLUTIONS BOOK

19. The Chair will cause the title and the “enactment” clause of the resolution to be
read.

20. The resolution will after reading be properly before the Meeting and will not
require a mover or a seconder.

21. A spokesperson for the Resolutions Committee will then give the views of the
Resolutions Committee together with any suggestions and reasons therefor.

22. The Chair shall then call on a delegate from the sponsoring member to introduce
the resolution.

23. The sponsor is permitted three minutes to introduce the resolution.

24. The Chair will then call for discussion from the floor.

25. If there are not speakers opposed to the motion the Chair may call the question.

Discussion shall proceed in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure” (steps 11 to
17)

Delegates must confine their remarks to a maximum speaking period of three
minutes.

Voting on the resolution shall proceed in accordance with the “Voting Rules” (steps
5 to 10).

Voting is on the resolution, NOT on the recommendation of the Resolutions
Committee.
60
PROCEDURES FOR LATE RESOLUTIONS

26. Resolutions submitted following the expiry of the regular deadline shall be
considered “Late Resolutions” and shall comply with all other submission
requirements, except that a copy of the resolution shall be provided to the AVICC
by the Monday noon preceding the date of the Annual Meeting.

27. Late Resolutions shall be available for discussion after resolutions printed in the
resolutions book have been considered but not before the time printed in the
Meeting Program for consideration of Late Resolutions. Late Resolutions shall be
dealt with only if the Meeting so decides.

28. Late resolutions are deemed to be appropriate for discussion only if the topic is
such that it has arisen since or was not known prior to the regular deadline date
for submission of resolutions.

29. Late Resolutions admitted for plenary discussion shall be dealt with in the order
presented in the Late Resolutions report.

30. In the event that a late resolution is recommended to be admitted for discussion
the sponsor shall produce sufficient copies for distribution to the Convention.

31. The Chair will cause the title and “enactment” clause of the Late Resolution to be
read by a spokesperson for the Resolutions Committee.

32. The Late Resolution will after reading be properly before the Meeting and the
procedures for handling resolutions will apply (Steps 20 to 25).
______________________________________________________________________________

FOR RESOLUTIONS NOT PRINTED IN THE RESOLUTIONS BOOK

33. Any delegate may, during a Meeting, put forward any motion which, if duly
seconded, shall be dealt with as follows: The Chair shall put the question – “Shall
the motion before the meeting be admitted for discussion?” – and such question
shall require a three-fifths majority vote before the motion can be put forward for
discussion by the Meeting.

At the discretion of the Chair any such motion shall be submitted in writing and
copies may be required to be provided to all delegates present before
consideration thereof.

34. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Executive may submit any matters not
requiring Extraordinary Resolution to any Meeting for consideration or action at
any time.
61

FOR EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

35. All resolutions originating at a Meeting workshop or seminar that is not held as a
regular plenary session shall be referred to the Executive unless handled pursuant
to Steps 33 or 34.

36. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION: Any amendments to the Constitution may
only be made pursuant to Extraordinary Resolution duly adopted by the
Association. [Constitution s. 11].

37. EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS: Notice of Extraordinary Resolutions
intended to be submitted for consideration shall be given in writing to the
Secretary not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the date fixed for the Annual
meeting, and shall be included in the printed material sent to members by the
Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the Meeting. A favourable three-fifths
majority vote at an Annual Meeting of the delegates then present shall be
necessary to adopt an Extraordinary Resolution. [Constitution s. 11].

62
2005 RESOLUTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Resolution Title Page

EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION

ER1 INCORPORATION OF AVICC 22

REFERRED RESOLUTIONS

RR1 DRUG COURTS 22
RR2 PROVINCIAL OPEN FIRE BAN 23

ENVIRONMENT

R1 SALMON ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS 23
R2 HARBOUR PROTECTION – DERELICT VESSELS 24
R3 PRAWN FISHERY QUOTA 24

FINANCE

R4 MUNICIPAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
SERVICE REVIEW 25
R5 FEDERAL FUEL TAX 25
R6 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 26
R7 PROVINCIAL HOUSING PROGRAM 26

GOVERNANCE

R8 INCLUDING COASTAL COMMUNITIES
IN POLICY DECISIONS 26

LEGISLATION

R9 REGISTRATION OF NOTICE OF
NATURAL HAZARD ON PROPERTY TITLE 27
R9 DANGEROUS DOGS 28
R10 SAFE STREETS ACT 28
R11 FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL DECISION ON
MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES IN RCMP DETACHMENTS 29
63

LAND USE

R12 CROWN TENURES 29

TOURISM

R13 FUNDING FOR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES 30

ASSESSMENT/TAXATION

R14 PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS 30

HEALTH

R15 CARE HOME FUNDING FORMULA 31
R16 RESIDENTIAL CARE BEDS 31

COMMUNITY SAFETY

R17 FIRE FIGHTING EQUPMENT STANDARDS 32
R18 RESPONDING TO THE THREAT OF TSUNAMIS 32

SELECTED ISSUES

R19 UBCM CONVENTION BE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL 33
R20 UBCM CONVENTION DAYS 33
R21 REQUEST FOR OPPORTUNITY
TO MEET WITH FEDERAL OFFICIALS 34
R22 EXPANDED GAMBLING IN BC 34

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Comments on all resolutions and recommendations of the AVICC Executive will be
contained in the delegate’s materials available at the conference.

64
AVICC RESOLUTIONS 2005

EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION

ER1 INCORPORATION OF AVICC AVICC Executive

WHEREAS when the Association of Vancouver Island Municipalities known as the
Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities was formed it was not
incorporated;

AND WHEREAS the lack of incorporation does not allow the Association to conduct
business as an independent legal entity nor does it provide the basis to ensure the
Executive in conducting their duties on behalf of AVICC:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities endorse the application to establish the Association under the Society in
accordance with the attached Constitution;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the attached Bylaws (as printed in the Annual
Report) govern the AVICC between its formation as a society and the first annual
meeting.

Conference Decision:

REFERRED RESOLUTIONS

These are resolutions that were submitted as late resolutions to the 2004 UBCM
convention. They were at that time determined not to meet the criteria as Emergency
Resolutions and were referred to AVICC to consider as part of the regular resolution
process.

RR1 DRUG COURTS Port Hardy

WHEREAS the cost in 2000/01 for adults to be housed in correctional facilities was $2.5
billion (up from $2.4 billion in 1999/00);

AND WHEREAS the average expense in British Columbia per adult inmate was
$161/day and per youth was $61/day;

AND WHEREAS out of the 28,926 cases, 184 were young offenders and 77 of those were
imprisoned for a total of $4,697/day;

AND WHEREAS 53% of federal incarcerations were for violent crimes and 17% of those
were drug related;
65

AND WHEREAS five years after Canada’s first drug treatment court was established in
Toronto there are definite signs of success with two more drug treatment courts
opening in Vancouver and St. John, NB and three more to be established, and New York
has been able to close prisons with a projected savings of $18 million:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM work with the provincial government to
urge the federal government to supply adequate funding for drug treatment courts in
all areas of British Columbia and accessible to all British Columbians.

Conference Decision:

RR2 PROVINCIAL OPEN FIRE BAN Comox-Strathcona RD

WHEREAS the British Columbia Forest Service, pursuant to the Forest Practices Act of
British Columbia, has the authority to prohibit open fires in the province, with
exceptions being areas regulated by local government burning bylaws and privately-
owned and commercial campgrounds;

AND WHEREAS the threat of forest fire is considered extreme when such a ban is
considered by the Forest Service and such a ban should be considered the paramount
and ultimate word on whether or not fires may be permitted:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to amend
the appropriate legislation to provide that when an open fire ban is established by the
British Columbia Forest Service to be in effect province-wide or in specific areas of the
province, that no other authority be allowed to supercede that ban even in areas
regulated by local government burning bylaws and privately owned commercial
campgrounds, without exceptions.

Conference Decision:

ENVIRONMENT

R1 SALMON ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS Gold River

WHEREAS the salmon resource is of the highest social, cultural and economic value to
the people and local governments within the boundaries of the Association of
Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities;

AND WHEREAS the recent funding and production cuts to Fisheries and Oceans
Canada Salmon Enhancement Program threaten the future of the salmon resource, and
the social, cultural and economic value derived from it;
66

AND WHEREAS these cuts to funding and production were implemented by the
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister and his Pacific Regional staff without public
consultation or proper public disclosure prior to these cuts to funding and production
of salmon fry for release;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities on behalf of the people and local governments it represents, requests that
the Prime Minister of Canada direct the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to
stop any further funding or production cuts to the Salmon Enhancement Program:

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and
Coastal Communities also requests that the Prime Minister of Canada direct the
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to initiate no further substantive changes to
the Salmon Enhancement Program funding or production without a thorough and
rigorous consultation process with local government, interest groups and all fisheries
stakeholders.

Conference Decision:

R2 HARBOUR PROTECTION – DERELICT VESSELS Ladysmith

WHEREAS the Town of Ladysmith has made several appeals to the Provincial and
Federal governments to remove derelict vessels from Ladysmith harbour;

AND WHEREAS there has been no action to date by either the Provincial or Federal
Governments to enforce removal of derelict vessels from Ladysmith harbour;

AND WHEREAS the risk of environmental contamination and the aesthetic and the
aesthetic blight posed by derelict vessels is of concern to all coastal communities
affected by this issue:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities strongly recommend to
the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, the
Provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and Land and Water BC that
immediate action be taken to remove any derelict vessels that have been unoccupied for
a period of six months or longer from the harbours of any coastal communities
requesting such action.

Conference Decision:

R3 PRAWN FISHERY QUOTA Powell River RD

WHEREAS the economies of many coastal communities are suffering from declines in
production and employment traditionally provided by resource industries;
67

AND WHEREAS fisheries quota systems typically concentrate on licenses, employment
and revenue in fewer hands and away from smaller centres:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities petition the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans,
against the proposal to introduce a quota system in the BC prawn fishery as it will
reduce employment and revenues in many coastal communities.

Conference Decision:
______________________________________________________________________________

FINANCE

R4 MUNICIPAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
SERVICE REVIEW Port Hardy

WHEREAS Municipal Insurance Association no longer maintains the liability insurance
coverage needed for members;

AND WHEREAS members must now seek outside liability coverage in such areas as
marine facilities and community partnership programs:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Association of Vancouver Island and
Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities request MIA to conduct a full
review of its services to ensure it is meeting the needs of the membership.

Conference Decision:

R5 FEDERAL FUEL TAX Sunshine Coast RD

WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) National Board of
Directors has unanimously adopted a proposal for sharing the federal fuel tax on a per
capita basis;

AND WHEREAS some regional districts in British Columbia provide transit services:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities support the FCM proposal regarding distribution of the federal fuel tax
with the proviso that funds be allotted to electoral areas on the same basis as
municipalities.

Conference Decision:
______________________________________________________________________________
68

R6 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Gibsons

WHEREAS housing costs are rising across this community and in BC in particular;

AND WHEREAS senior levels of government have in the past supported affordable
housing initiatives;

AND WHEREAS access to safe, affordable housing is a requirement of healthy
communities:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities urge the Union of BC Municipalities, the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities and the provincial and federal governments to make available new
monies to address the shortage of affordable housing which is being felt in communities
across this province.

Conference Decision:

R7 PROVINCIAL HOUSING PROGRAM Saanich

WHEREAS the lack of affordable housing and numbers of homeless have reached crisis
levels on southern Vancouver Island;

AND WHEREAS the provincial government was warned by a wide range of
community groups and gerontology specialists that focusing on an assisted living
program from other housing needs would not be the best use of federal-provincial
funds for housing:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities call on the provincial government to
reinstate the Homes BC program or similar comprehensive housing program to deliver
much needed affordable and appropriate housing for seniors, low income families and
individuals and those with special needs.

Conference Decision:

GOVERNANCE

R8 INCLUDING COASTAL COMMUNITIES
IN POLICY DECISIONS Alberni-Clayoquot RD

WHEREAS there is now ample data to show that coastal communities are suffering
economic stress;
69

AND WHEREAS some of this can be attributed to declines in some resources, there is
still a substantial amount of wealth being generated from resources adjacent to coastal
communities, but communities are no longer sharing in most of that wealth;

AND WHEREAS the Provincial and federal policies and decisions are favoring
economic models that largely ignore socioeconomic impacts on coastal communities;

AND WHEREAS it is within the mandates of both governments to have community
benefits as a central objective, yet that objective is absent from most decisions, knowing
they would have adverse impacts on coastal communities;

AND WHEREAS innovative mechanisms are needed to ensure coastal community
access and benefits over time:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that both the federal and provincial governments
recognize that the health and wealth of coastal communities is a central objective in
their mandate, and that they explicitly address the costs and benefits of different
options on coastal communities, and choose options that address the potential costs and
secure long term benefits;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that both the federal and provincial governments
include coastal communities in policy decision that may impact coastal communities,
and meaningfully address our concerns and interests;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOVLED that we meet with federal and provincial elected
representatives and civil servants from various departments to discuss strategies and
policy approaches that will explicitly address the loss of access and benefits within
communities.

Conference Decision:

LEGISLATION

R9 REGISTRATION OF NOTICE OF
NATURAL HAZARD ON PROPERTY TITLE Gibsons

WHEREAS local governments receive geotechnical reports, which identify natural
hazards on properties within their jurisdiction;

AND WHEREAS local governments are not authorized by the Land Title Act, the
Community Charter or the Local Government Act to register a notice of a natural hazard on
the title of property where a hazard has been identified;
70

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities lobby the provincial government to
amend the Land Title Act to authorize local governments to file a notice of a natural
hazard on the title of a property within the jurisdiction of the local government;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the BC Assessment Authority consider notices
of natural hazard in determining actual value of a property.

Conference Decision:

R9 DANGEROUS DOGS Victoria

WHERERAS Victoria City Council believes difficulties arise in administering the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and that this legislation fails to assign full
responsibility to dog owners who behave irresponsibly with their dog;

AND WHEREAS Breed Specific Legislation is not considered an adequate or
appropriate solution to the problem, Victoria City Council believes a provincial review
and debate of this issue is necessary and a uniform policy be established:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia consider an
amendment to the Provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to include the
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the breeding and care of
animals in British Columbia, be applied to all dog breeders, dog pounds, shelters and
pet stores selling dogs:

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia investigate the
implementation of a system of monitoring, accessible to all animal control agencies,
Municipal Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, that will track individuals
who repeatedly nurture aggressive dogs, including appropriate fines and penalties for
repeat offenders.

Conference Decision:
______________________________________________________________

R10 SAFE STREETS ACT Saanich

WHEREAS the new Safe Streets Act introduced by the provincial government came into
effect on January 28, 2005;

AND WHEREAS this legislation represents poor bashing and does not address the
issues behind people panhandling which are poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol
addiction and homelessness;
71

AND WHEREAS the cost of enforcing this Act would be better spent to provide the
community resources to help these people;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities ask the BC government to rescind the
Safe Streets Act:

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the province be asked to adequately fund
community agencies to deal with the issues of poverty, addiction and homelessness.

Conference Decision:
_________________________________________________________________________

R11 FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL DECISION ON
MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES IN RCMP DETACHMENTS Nanaimo City

WHEREAS the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that municipal unit police agreements
contravene Section 10 of the RCMP Act which states that “civilian employees are
necessary for carrying out the function and duties of the Force shall be appointed or
employed under the Public Service Employment Act;

AND WHEREAS this decision will have a significant disruptive effect on police service
operations, labour relations, employee relations, finances, potential liability and other
administrative issues;

AND WHEREAS Justice Canada is currently reviewing the issue and will be making a
decision on whether or not to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities request the Minister of Public Safety
and Emergency Services Canada take action to maintain municipal employees as
support staff for RCMP municipal contract policing services; and further, that if this
matter should go before the Supreme Court of Canada that the City of Nanaimo and all
other municipalities affected be granted intervener status.

Conference Decision:

_____________________________________________________________________________

LAND USE

R12 CROWN TENURES Comox-Strathcona RD

WHEREAS the Provincial Government has been granting Crown tenures in the
Regional District of Comox-Strathcona without appropriate zoning and therefore,
without benefit of public input through a public hearing process;
72

AND WHEREAS the granting of Crown tenure by the Province in advance of local
zoning bylaw approvals has caused conflict and hardship for both the communities
involved as well as the applicants, and has put many applicants into a position of non-
compliance with local bylaws:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government ensure that the
appropriate zoning for the applied for use is in place prior to any Crown tenure being
granted.

Conference Decision:

TOURISM

R13 FUNDING FOR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES Sunshine Coast RD

WHEREAS Visitor Information Centres provide a valuable service to visitors to our
communities and also to local residents who wish to access information prior to
travelling to other areas of BC;

AND WHEREAS the Visitor Information Centres are in a constant struggle because of
limited funding available:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities urge the Provincial Government to provide increased funding for Visitor
Information Centres.

Conference Decision:

ASSESSMENT/TAXATION

R14 PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS Sunshine Coast RD

WHEREAS Section 15(1)(q) of the Taxation (Rural Area) Act provides that “land and
improvements if the land and improvements are (i) owned or occupied, and (ii) used
exclusively by a nonprofit organization for activities that are of demonstrable benefit to
all members of the community where the land is located” are exempt from taxation;

AND WHEREAS BC Assessment may apply exemptions under this section without
consultation with the local government;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities urge the Provincial Government to amend the Taxation (Rural Area) Act to
require approval of the local government in which the property is located prior to
granting an exemption under Section 15(1)(q):
73

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and
Coastal Communities request that BC Assessment be required to provide a list of
existing exemptions under this section to the applicable local governments for review
and approval.

Conference Decision:

HEALTH

R15 CARE HOME FUNDING FORMULA Port Alberni

WHEREAS the Vancouver Island Health Authority funds public and private care
homes, including not-for-profit care homes;

AND WHEREAS the Vancouver Island Health Authority is developing a formula for
care home funding based on required care hours per individual:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities seek the commitment of the Vancouver Island Health Authority to fully
fund any formula developed;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Association of Vancouver Island and
Coastal Communities seek the commitment of the Vancouver Island Health Authority
that the formula recognize the excess care costs of individuals with extreme care needs,
whether because of severe dementia and phychogeriatric systems or physical and
medical conditions.

Conference Decision:

R16 RESIDENTIAL CARE BEDS Saanich

WHEREAS since 2002 the BC government has closed hundreds of residential care beds
on Vancouver Island and thousands across BC without adequate replacement beds;

AND WHEREAS many acute care beds in our hospitals are being occupied by seniors
needing residential care, creating long waiting lists for other acute care services;

AND WHEREAS waiting lists for residential care beds are growing:
74

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities call on the provincial government to
provide adequate capital resources to re-open or build sufficient residential care beds to
meet the demand on Vancouver Island and across BC.

Conference Decision:

______________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITY SAFETY

R17 FIRE FIGHTING EQUPMENT STANDARDS Alert Bay

WHEREAS local governments in British Columbia understand the need for and
wholeheartedly support the provision of fire fighting services;

AND WHEREAS the cost of fire fighting places a large financial burden on small
municipalities and volunteer fire departments, given the Worker’s Compensation Board
(WCB) requirement to replace call-out gear every three years, regardless of the level of
actual use or the degree of deterioration of the equipment:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities work with WCB to forge new fire
fighting equipment standards that recognize the circumstances of small municipalities
and volunteer fire departments.

Conference Decision:

R18 RESPONDING TO THE THREAT OF TSUNAMIS Port Alberni

WHEREAS the British Columbia Utilities Commission approved the 2004 Transmission
System Capital Plan of the British Columbia Transmission Corporation without any
reference to the risk of tsunamis in the “managed risk program”‘

AND WHEREAS hydro transmission infrastructure critical to the economic and
physical health of Vancouver Island coastal communities and essential for the timely
recovery from natural disasters, remains located within known tsunami inundation
zones:
75

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities request that the provincial Utilities Commission and the British Columbia
Transmission Corporation ensure that the next update to this plan identify tsunamis as
a “managed risk program” with a commitment to analyze the risk, prioritize action and
schedule the implementation of priorities, with full consultation with our Coastal
Communities.

Conference Decision:

SELECTED ISSUES

R19 UBCM CONVENTION BE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL Port Hardy

WHEREAS the Union of BC Municipalities encourages all members of local
government to attend their annual convention;

AND WHEREAS many local governments do not have the financial resources available
for all members of Council to attend the convention:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UBCM reduce the convention registration
fees and that accommodation expenses be reduced by holding the convention outside of
both high and shoulder tourist season.

Conference Decision:
______________________________________________________________________________

R20 UBCM CONVENTION DAYS Courtenay

WHEREAS the Union of BC Municipalities Annual Conference is traditionally held for
5 working days;

AND WHEREAS it may be difficult for local government elected officials to leave their
place of employment or their business during the week for this length of time:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities support the City of Courtenay resolution that UBCM Annual
Conventions be held over a weekend, similar to the Annual Federal of Canadian
Municipalities Convention

Conference Decision:

R21 REQUEST FOR OPPORTUNITY
TO MEET WITH FEDERAL OFFICIALS Port Hardy

WHEREAS local government representatives attend conferences for an opportunity to
meet with senior levels of government;

AND WHEREAS federal ministers or senior officials do not attend the Association of
Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities
conventions:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AVICC and UBCM invite federal ministers and
senior officials, in ministries relevant to the members, to attend annual conferences and
to request that the ministers/officials be available for appointments with local
government representatives.

Conference Decision:

R22 EXPANDED GAMBLING IN BC Saanich

WHEREAS the current provincial government was elected on a platform of no
expanded gambling in BC;

AND WHEREAS the last four years have seen the introduction of internet gambling,
the introduction of 8,000 more slot machines, 24-hour casino operations, raised betting
limits and allowed consumption of alcohol on the casino floor;

AND WHEREAS the impacts on individuals, families and communities from gambling
and addictive behaviour are substantial and destructive:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities urge the BC government to halt the
expansion of gambling and reduce the increased levels that have occurred since 2001.

Conference Decision:
______________________________________________________________________________

77
APPENDIX A

ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND
and COASTAL COMMUNITIES

CONSTITUTION

1. NAME

The Association shall be known as the Association of Vancouver Island and
Coastal Communities.

2. OBJECTIVES

The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities is a body formed
for the purpose of representing in one organization the various municipalities,
regional districts and other local governments of the areas defined in section 3.

The objects of the Association shall be:

(a) To secure all possible united action in dealing with local government matters.

(b) To co-operate with other organizations dealing with matters under Provincial and
Federal jurisdiction.

(c) To co-operate with the Union of B.C. Municipalities and other associations of
municipalities in British Columbia for the advancement of the principles of local
government.

(d) To secure united action among its member municipalities and regional districts
and to promote greater autonomy within local governments.

(e) To acquire and distribute amongst the members, municipal information that may
be deemed to be of value to members.

(f) To hold meetings for promoting the objects aforesaid.
78
3. MEMBERSHIP

The membership shall be open to all municipalities, regional districts or other local
governments that lie within the following: Alberni-Clayoquot, Capital, Central
Coast, Comox-Strathcona, Cowichan Valley, Mount Waddington, Nanaimo,
Powell River, and Sunshine Coast regional districts and who make application for
membership, are accepted by the Executive and pay annual dues.

4. OFFICERS

The Officers of the Association shall be the President, First Vice-President and
Second Vice-President.

5. EXECUTIVE

(a) The Executive shall consist of the :
• President,
• Immediate Past President,
• First Vice-President,
• Second Vice-President,
• three Directors at Large,
• Electoral Area Representative
elected annually at the Annual Meeting.

(b) Executive members shall assume their respective positions immediately prior to
adjournment of the Annual Meeting at which they are elected.

(c) In the event of a vacancy among Officers the next ranking Officer shall fill the
vacancy and any remaining vacancy among the Officers shall be filled by the
appointment of the Executive from among its members. In the event of any other
vacancy occurring in the Executive it shall be competent for the Executive to
appoint a local elected official to fill the vacancy.

(d) Except for the Immediate Past President, the Officers and other members of the
Executive shall hold office only while they remain elected representatives of a
member of the Association.

(e) The Executive shall appoint a Secretary-Treasurer.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCEDURES

(f) The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee that shall make nominations
for Executive positions and cause these to be circulated prior to the Annual
Meeting.

(g) The Executive shall prepare annually Nomination and Election Procedures that
shall be circulated at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
79
(h) All delegates shall be eligible to stand for election on the Executive; except that
those wishing to stand for or hold the position of Electoral Area Representative
must be Electoral Area Directors.

6. DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE

(a) The Executive shall have the power and it shall be their duty to put into effect the
will of the Association as expressed by resolution at any Association meeting.

(b) The President, or in the President’s absence, the senior Vice-President, shall
preside at all meetings.

(c) The Executive shall manage the affairs of the Association between meetings and
shall report thereon at the next meeting of the Association.
(d) Four members of the Executive shall constitute a quorum.

(e) The Executive may confer and vote by correspondence or teleconference.

(f) The Executive shall have power to make such reasonable expenditures as may
become necessary for the carrying out of the business of the Association.

(g) The Executive may enter into contracts on behalf of the Association, acquire or
lease real and personal property and generally carry on the business of the
Association within the limits of the fiscal arrangements of the Association.

7. REPRESENTATION AT ANNUAL MEETINGS

Elected officials of members shall be entitled to attend as delegates, fully
participate in the Annual or Special Meetings, and vote.

8. MEETINGS

(a) The Annual Meeting shall be held the first weekend in April or as approved by the
membership.

(b) Special meetings may be called at any time at the discretion of the Executive.

(c) The location of the following year’s annual meeting shall be decided as the last
order of business at the Annual Meeting.

(d) At all Meetings there shall be a registration fee. The amount of the registration fee
shall be determined by the Executive and may be altered from time to time.
80
(e) There shall be no refund of registration fees if the cancellation notice is received
less than ten days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Executive may set deadlines
for partial refund cancellation notice.

(f) At least ninety days’ written notice shall be served on all members prior to the
Annual Meeting.

(g) Twenty-five (25) delegates shall constitute a quorum for any Annual Meeting or
Special Meeting.

9. SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION AT MEETINGS

(a) All matters for discussion at the Annual Meeting shall be forwarded to the
Secretary at least forty-five days prior to such meeting, and the Secretary shall
arrange for the printing of the same and forward a copy of all matters to be dealt
with to all members. Resolutions shall only be accepted from members.

(b) Matters to be discussed at any Annual or Special meeting will be such matters as
are contained in the notice given of such meeting provided that with time
permitting, any other matter of local government interest may be properly brought
before the meeting, with the approval of three-fifths of the members present at
such meeting.

RESOLUTIONS/RULES AND PROCEDURES

(c) The Executive shall circulate with the Resolutions to be considered at the Annual
Meeting a copy of the Rules and Procedures for Handling of Resolutions which, if
accepted by the delegates shall govern the proceedings.

(d) It is understood that any member of the Association may submit a resolution
direct to UBCM without endorsation of the Association.

10. COMMITTEES

It shall be the duty of the President to appoint all Committees.

11. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Resolutions to amend the constitution shall be submitted in writing at least forty-
five days prior to the Annual Meeting and shall require a three-fifths majority to
adopt such amendment.
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12. ANNUAL DUES/FINANCIAL

(a) The Executive shall have the power to establish and levy annual dues upon
members in such amounts, as the Executive may deem requisite to meet the
financial demands of the Association.

(b) Auditors shall be appointed annually at the Annual Meeting.

13. RULES OF PROCEDURE

Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the Association, its
Executive and Committees, so far as they may be applicable without coming into
conflict with the Constitution or rules adopted by the Association.

14. ASSOCIATION LIFE MEMBERSHIP

(a) Life memberships may be granted by the Executive to persons who have held
municipal, regional district or other local government office.

(b) Life Members who are not member delegates shall have the privilege of the floor
but shall not be entitled to vote.

PASSED AS AMENDED by the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities in Annual Meeting assembled at Campbell River, British Columbia, on
the eighth day of March 2002.

Councillor Mary Ashley
President

Eydie Fraser
Executive Coordinator

Certified correct as of March 8, 2002

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APPENDIX B(2)

AVICC LIFE MEMBERS

DATE POSITION/NAME PLACE

1949-1950 Lorne Jordan Port Alberni

1951-1952 Earl Westwood Nanaimo

1953 Bert Beasley North Cowichan

1954 Bill Henderson Cumberland

1955-1956 C.A.P. Murson North Cowichan

1957 Alf Wurtele Esquimalt

1958 Jack Dobson Duncan

1959 Bill Moore Courtenay

1960 George Chatterton Saanich

1962 John Cook Nanaimo

1963 Don Morton North Cowichan

1964 Reeve Lee Central Saanich

1965 Fred Bishop Port Alberni

1966 Doug Watts Oak Bay

1967 Les Hammer Port Alberni

1968 Rob Baird Victoria

1969 Kay Grouhel Ladysmith

1970 S.A.D. Pike Powell River

1971-1972 Archie Galbraith Central Saanich

1973-1974 G.H.A. MacKay Nanaimo
83

1974-1975 William (Bronco) Moncrief Cumberland

1975-1976 Ed Lum Victoria

1976-1977 George McKnight Port Alberni

1977–1978 K. Paskin Duncan

1978-1979 Ken Hill Esquimalt

1979-1980 Mayor George Piercy Comox

1980-1981 Mel Couvelier Saanich

1981-1982 Mayor Anne Fiddick Gold River

1982-1983 Alderman Dick Winkleman Nanaimo

1983-1984 Mayor Norma Sealey Sidney

1984-1985 Mayor Robert Ostler Campbell River

1985-1986 Mayor Gillian Trumper Port Alberni

1986-1987 Alderman William (Bill) Kinley Port McNeill

1987-1988 Mayor Tom McCrae Tahsis

1989-1990 Mayor Frank Ney Nanaimo

Director George Borza Nanaimo R.D.

Mayor George Cochrane Courtenay

Alderman Walter Behn Port Alberni

Alderman Eric Simmons Victoria

1990-1991 Alderman Bill Cox Ladysmith

1992-1993 Mayor Ron Webber Courtenay

1993-1994 Mayor Al Huddlestan Port Hardy

1994-1995 Councillor Martin Segger Victoria
84

1995-1996 Councillor Maxine Williams Alert Bay

1996-1997 Director Jim Gurney Sunshine Coast R.D.

1998-1999 Mayor James Lornie Campbell River

1999-2000 Councillor John Crook Langford

2000-2001 Mayor Frank Leonard Saanich

2001-2003 Mrs. Pearl Myhres Zeballos

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APPENDIX C(1)

2005 AVICC MEMBERS

CITIES VILLAGES

Courtenay Alert Bay
Duncan Cumberland
Langford Gold River
Nanaimo Port Alice
Parksville Sayward
Port Alberni Tahsis
Victoria Zeballos

DISTRICTS REGIONAL DISTRICTS

Campbell River Alberni-Clayoquot
Central Saanich Capital
Esquimalt Central Coast
Highlands Comox-Strathcona
Lantzville Cowichan Valley
Metchosin Mount Waddington
North Cowichan Nanaimo
North Saanich Powell River
Oak Bay Sunshine Coast
Port Hardy Islands Trust
Powell River
Saanich
Sechelt
Sechelt Indian Government District
Sooke
Tofino
Ucluelet

TOWNS

Comox
Gibsons
Ladysmith
Lake Cowichan
Port McNeill
Qualicum Beach
Sidney
View Royal

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR AVICC EXECUTIVE

AVICC is the collective voice for local government on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine
Coast, Powell River and the Central Coast. The membership elects directors during the
Convention to ensure the directions set by the general membership are carried forward.
The Executive also provides the direction to the AVICC between Conventions.

This circular is notice of the AVICC Executive positions open for nomination, the
process and the procedures for nomination.

1. POSITIONS OPEN TO NOMINATIONS

The following positions are open for nomination:
• President • Director at Large (3 positions)
• First Vice-President • Electoral Area Representative
• Second Vice-President

2. NOMINATION PROCESS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE

A candidate must be nominated by two elected officials of an AVICC local government
member. The candidate must be an elected official of an AVICC member.

Background information for Candidates is available on request that sets the main
responsibilities and commitments of an AVICC Executive member.

A nomination and consent form is available and should be used for all nominations.

The members of the 2005 Nominating Committee are:
• Councillor Mary Ashley, Past President
• Mayor W. J. (Jack) Peake, President

3. NEXT STEPS

To Be Included In This Report, Nominations Must Be Received By
February 18, 2005
87

4. FINAL COMMENTS

The nomination process does not change the process where candidates can be
nominated off the floor at the Convention. That process remains in place. The process
outlined above provides for those that are interested in seeking office to be directly
nominated prior to the Convention without the “sanction” of a Nominating Committee.

5. FURTHER INFORMATION

Copies of the “consent form” or duties of Executive members are available from the
AVICC office.

All other inquiries should be directed to:

Councillor Mary Ashley, Past President
Chair, 2005 Nominating Committee
c/o AVICC
545 Superior Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 1X4

Phone: (250) 356-5133
Fax: (250) 356-5119
Email: efraser@civicnet.bc.ca

88
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2005 AVICC EXECUTIVE

We are qualified under the AVICC Constitution to nominate1 a candidate and we
nominate:

Name:

Position in local government (Mayor/Councillor/Director):

Municipality or Regional District represented:

AVICC Executive Office Nominated for:

Signed:
Name ___________________________ Name ______________________________

Position: _________________________ Position:____________________________

Mun/RD ________________________ Mun/RD___________________________

Signature ________________________ Signature___________________________

CONSENT FORM

I consent to this nomination and attest that I am qualified to be a candidate for the office
I have been nominated to pursuant to the AVICC Constitution2. I also agree to provide
the following information to the Chair, AVICC Nominating Committee (c/o AVICC
Office) by February 18, 2005.

• photo (to size set by Nominating Committee Chair)
• biographical information. The maximum length of such information shall be 300
words. If the information provided is in excess, the Nominating Committee Chair
shall edit as required.

Signed Name:

Position:

Mun/RD:

Signature:

Date:

1 Nominations require two elected officials of members of the Association.
2 All nominees of the Executive shall be elected representatives of a member of the
Association. Nominee for electoral area representative must hold the appropriate
office.

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