Disposition of Resolutions Presented to the 2010 AGM & Convention
RR1 DERELICT VESSELS – Sooke
WHEREAS the sixty-five year old tugboat, Florence Filberg, British Columbia, became grounded in November 2007 within the Sooke harbour after breaking loose from its mooring and being abandoned by its owner;
AND WHEREAS the District of Sooke has requested assistance from the provincial and federal governments with regards to the safe and efficient removal of the Florence Filberg, British Columbia with no success;
AND WHEREAS the Florence Filberg, British Columbia was the target of arsonists on the evening of Friday July 3, 2009 causing it to burn fiercely, thus causing potential air quality and environmental issues and causing a further navigational hazard;
AND WHEREAS the estimates to remove what remains of the Florence Filberg, British Columbia from the Sooke harbour are approximately $120,000;
AND WHEREAS there are approximately twenty abandoned derelict vessels in the Sooke harbour and basin and other coastal communities in Canada can be or have been faced with the same predicament such as the Florence Filberg, British Columbia:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia negotiate directly with the Government of Canada to determine which of those two orders of government has appropriate jurisdiction in these matters;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities negotiate with the Province of British Columbia to continue to work with the federal government in addressing this outstanding issue affecting all coastal communities in BC;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the removal of derelict vessels be at no cost to local government.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that the order of resolutions be amended to allow RR1, R4, R5 and R6 to be considered at the same time was endorsed.
R4 DERELICT VESSELS – North Saanich
WHEREAS derelict and abandoned boats, vessels and structures anchored near Vancouver Island coastal communities are an increasing problem;
AND WHEREAS the safety hazards, the risk of environmental contamination and the visual pollution caused by derelict and abandoned boats is a growing concern to all coastal communities affected by this issue:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities strongly petition the Province, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to take immediate action to remove any derelict vessels that have been unoccupied for a period of three months or longer from the coastal waters and harbours of any communities requesting such action.
R5 DERELICT AND ABANDONED VESSELS, BARGES & DOCKS – Islands Trust
WHEREAS UBCM has previously endorsed resolutions on the topic of derelict vessels in 2005 and 2009 and the issue of derelict and abandoned vessels, barges, and docks continues to be a growing problem for local governments in British Columbia;
AND WHEREAS there are many derelict and abandoned vessels, barges and docks that pose a threat to human safety, have an impact on aquatic habitats, and/or are generally unsightly:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM lobby the provincial and federal governments to develop a coordinated approach to the timely and adequate removal of all types of derelict and abandoned vessels, barges and docks in all situations and consider the following strategies:
- funding mechanism(s) such as a fee on vessel registrations or a surcharge on marine fuel to fund the removal of derelict and abandoned vessels, barges and docks;
- designated disposal areas where owners can take their unwanted boats and structures to provide an alternative to abandonment on public property; and
- establishment of fibreglass boat recycling centres.
R6 DERELICT VESSELS – Sechelt District
WHEREAS harbour authorities on the west coast of Canada face ongoing issues with vessels being abandoned by owners and in most cases these derelict vessels can no longer be linked to a specific owner so their removal must be managed by the harbour authority at substantial cost;
AND WHEREAS these vessels create environmental and safety issues and limit other recreational boaters’ use of the harbour authority’s infrastructure:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and Union of BC Municipalities work with the Province of British Columbia to petition the Government of Canada to make legislative changes that would streamline the process for removal of abandoned or derelict vessels from its harbours at little to no cost to the harbour authority.
ON MOTION, R4, R5 and R6 were ENDORSED
On regular motion, duly moved and seconded, that R1 and R2 be joined was endorsed. The intent is that a single resolution be forwarded to UBCM.
R1 ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING – Powell River City, Powell River RD
WHEREAS arts and culture are universal goods which represent a very important part of the social fabric of all communities;
AND WHEREAS the Province’s Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has recommended that the Province restore funding for arts and culture organizations to the 2008/2009 levels:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the AVICC call on the Province of British Columbia to restore funds to the community arts and culture organizations to the 2008 / 2009 levels.
R2 SUPPORT FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL FUNDING – North Saanich
WHEREAS arts and culture contribute to the economic viability, sustainability and social diversity of British Columbia communities;
AND WHEREAS the recent cutbacks to cultural services and cultural funding grants could have serious economic and social impacts affecting every municipality:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities petition the Province to restore funding for the arts to their 2008-09 levels.
ON MOTION R1 AND R2 AS A JOINED RESOLUTION was ENDORSED
R3 MEAT REGULATIONS – North Saanich
WHEREAS the Province’s Meat Inspection Regulations are having an adverse effect on the local economy of rural communities due to the hardship they impose on small scale producers and processors;
AND WHEREAS the regulations are also negatively impacting local food security and sustainability due to the distances local producers are required to transport livestock, the stress it places on the animals, and the additional greenhouse gas emissions that result:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities petition the Province to tailor the Meat Inspection Regulations to allow local, and / or mobile small-scale abattoir facilities to operate under less stringent facility regulations, without the requirements for a meat inspector on site when slaughtering, and that any meat processed in such a manner will be allowed to be sold locally to the public.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the phrase “without lowering health and safety standards” be added to the enactment clause, was endorsed.
The motion, as amended, then read:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities petition the Province to tailor the Meat Inspection Regulations to allow local, and / or mobile small-scale abattoir facilities to operate under less stringent facility regulations without lowering health and safety standards, without the requirements for a meat inspector on site when slaughtering, and that any meat processed in such a manner will be allowed to be sold locally to the public.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
R7 CANADA GOOSE POPULATION – North Saanich
WHEREAS non-migratory Canada geese have been rapidly increasing in numbers for the past twenty years;
AND WHEREAS the geese are having an increasingly severe impact on food production from the damage they cause to crops;
AND WHEREAS legal methods of resolving the problems associated with Canada geese are largely ineffective in the long term:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities petition the federal government and Canadian Wildlife Service to implement changes to the regulations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and make effective mechanisms available to local governments in dealing with the problems associated with overpopulation of Canada geese.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R8 RIPARIAN AREA PROTECTION ON PRIVATE FOREST LANDS – Parksville
WHEREAS the study of ecosystem services as they relate to water is still developing and scientists are working to understand human impacts on water and the functions of fresh-water ecosystems in storing, filtering and purifying water;
AND WHEREAS the Private Managed Forest Land Act does not impose ecosystem-based riparian regulations and permits selective harvesting to the water’s edge on all water courses including fish-bearing streams and community drinking water sheds:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the provincial government amend the Private Forest Management Land Act to adopt the Suzuki Foundation’s recommendations for riparian reserves as defined it is publication “A Cut Above” (a no-harvest zone on each bank of the stream, two times the length of the tallest, site-specific, mature tree in width) with the goal to maintain and restore the productivity and resiliency of riparian ecosystems by maintaining along a stream or river all the biological and physical characteristics of an undisturbed forest, including both buffering and connectivity.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the phrase “to adopt the Suzuki Foundation’s recommendations for riparian reserves as defined it is publication “A Cut Above” (a no-harvest zone on each bank of the stream, two times the length of the tallest, site-specific, mature tree in width)” be deleted was endorsed.
The motion as amended, then read:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities request the provincial government amend the Private Forest Management Land Act with the goal to maintain and restore the productivity and resiliency of riparian ecosystems by maintaining along a stream or river all the biological and physical characteristics of an undisturbed forest, including both buffering and connectivity.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the amended resolution be further amended to include the phrase “and where Riparian areas have already been daylighted, that replacing and restoration of riparian areas be undertaken immediately” added to the enactment clause after “connectivity” was defeated.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
R9 SOUTHERN STRAIT OF GEORGIA NATIONAL MARINE CONSERVATION AREA RESERVE – Islands Trust
WHEREAS the Southern Strait of Georgia in British Columbia is an ecologically, economically, and culturally rich area that contains the critical habitat of the endangered southern resident orca and is being harmed by a variety of human activities;
AND WHEREAS the Government of British Columbia and Parks Canada agreed in 1995 under the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy to undertake a study to assess the feasibility of protecting and managing this area as a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, and have been engaged in the feasibility study since 2004:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM supports the establishment of a large, ecologically zoned NMCAR in the southern Strait of Georgia from the proposed southern end of Haro Strait, up to and including, Gabriola Passage, and urge immediate action from the provincial and federal governments to proceed on this initiative while respecting First Nations interests in the area.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R10 PARKLAND DEDICATION – Metchosin
WHEREAS Section 941 of the Local Government Act grants all municipalities the ability to acquire 5% dedication for park land during the subdivision process (or monies in lieu of park land);
AND WHEREAS Section 941 in subsection 5(b) does not apply to a subdivision by which the smallest lot being created is larger than 2 hectares;
AND WHEREAS rural communities often have land zoned for a minimum lot size greater than 2 hectares and as a result are not able to avail themselves of this provision:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that provincial legislation be amended to increase the size of the smallest lot in Section 941 5(b) to be larger than 4 hectares.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R11 COMMUNITY FARM MARKETS – North Saanich
WHEREAS local community farm markets build communities, have re-vitalized the local economies of urban and rural communities, and can provide food security with a lower carbon footprint;
AND WHEREAS local farm markets require funding to cover start-up costs for infrastructure, promotion and insurance:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities petition the Province to provide funding to contribute to the start-up costs for communities to establish new local farm markets.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the word “permanent” be added to describe the type of farm markets was defeated.
ON MOTION was DEFEATED
R12 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING – Sunshine Coast RD
WHEREAS the BC Association of Emergency Managers was unable to secure grant funding for Emergency Management training for the 2010/2011 fiscal year despite the withdrawal of sponsored training from the Provincial Emergency Program budget in March 2009;
AND WHEREAS it is imperative that all local governments have access to emergency management training in order to respond to emergency situations and safeguard the lives and property of the people of British Columbia;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities urge the Solicitor General to reinstate core funding for emergency management training.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R13 EXPANSION OF INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTPROGRAMS TO INCLUDE MAJOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES – Central Saanich
WHEREAS numerous local governments throughout British Columbia are experiencing significant issues and challenges in relation to local government facilities, in terms of aging infrastructure and inadequate space and functionality;
AND WHEREAS many, if not all, major infrastructure grant programs do not contain significant funding components for the extensive upgrading, renovation, reconstruction and new construction of essential local government facilities:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AVICC urge the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to lobby the Government of the Province of British Columbia and the Federal Government of Canada for the addition of significant funding components in the infrastructure grant programs to assist local governments with major facilities projects such as municipal halls, fire halls, public safety buildings and public works yards.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R14 INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS FUND – Sunshine Coast RD
WHEREAS concern has been expressed that local governments across the country will be unable to meet the deadline of March 31, 2011 for completing projects approved under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund;
AND WHEREAS the implications for local governments unable to complete projects on schedule is unclear:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the federal government be requested to extend the completion deadline for Infrastructure Stimulus funded projects from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the date March 31, 2012 be amended to October 30, 2011 was defeated.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R15 TREATY SETTLEMENT COSTS – Colwood
WHEREAS open and principled community based agreements with Aboriginal people (treaties) may encompass multiple local governments, but the availability of the land component may be vastly different from one local government to the next;
AND WHEREAS there is a real long-term cost associated with the removal of lands from local government jurisdictions, which may place a burden solely on the land-owning local governments;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be requested to include a formula to fairly compensate any local government for the loss of land as a result of settlement agreement with Aboriginal people so that all the parties who benefit from the agreement share the costs and benefits of the agreement equally.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R16 JUSTICE SYSTEM LEGISLATION – Parksville
WHEREAS elected officials have a responsibility to provide for the protection and safety of the citizens of all communities and only the federal government has the ability to change the necessary justice system legislation;
AND WHEREAS the diminishing effectiveness of the Canadian criminal justice system to control crime and the public’s loss of confidence in the system has resulted in the subsequent deteriorating effectiveness of our policies agencies to control crime:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government petition the federal government to review the Canadian criminal justice system, with input from the RCMP, towards:
1. finding ways to limit the court’s ability to interpret laws to benefit lawbreakers, to the detriment of victims;
2. Crown Counsel to be more open to approving charges beyond those that have a substantial likelihood of a conviction;
3. improving sentencing guidelines to ensure that the legislated maximum penalties are imposed for lawbreaking convictions;
4. emphasizing the protection of society and the responsibility of individuals for their criminal behaviour; and
5. emphasizing the rights of law abiding citizens over that of criminals.
ON MOTION was DEFEATED
R17 PRIME BC – North Cowichan
WHEREAS the Police Records Management Environment (PRIME) is the provincially-approved system for all police agencies in British Columbia;
AND WHEREAS PRIME was established, and user fees increased in 2010 by 100%, with no consultation with local governments:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities urge the Province of British Columbia to hold user fees for PRIME BC at 2009 levels and consult with local governments before implementing further fee increases that affect local government budgets.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R18 RCMP INVESTIGATION COST SHARING Campbell River
WHEREAS British Columbia local governments can now be subject to unexpected costs as a result of investigations not covered by the RCMP contract;
AND WHEREAS these unexpected costs have the potential to create financial hardship for local governments:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AVICC members establish a collective fund that would be used to pay the costs of RCMP investigations not covered by their individual RCMP contracts.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the word “municipalities” be added after member was defeated.
ON MOTION was DEFEATED
R19 RELEASE OF LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA SITES INFORMATION – Sooke
WHEREAS Health Canada licences medical marijuana sites in communities and has no provision to notify local authorities to provide information on these sites;
AND WHEREAS the District of Sooke recently experienced an incident at a licensed medical marijuana site that protective services would not have attended if they had known it was a registered site;
AND WHEREAS, due to the safety risks imposed on both occupants and local authorities and the difficulty in monitoring fire and safety standards on these sites due to lack of information, local authorities should receive regular information as to registered medical marijuana sites:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities urge the federal government:
a. to require those persons applying for a medical marijuana site be required to comply with local building code and inspection requirements prior to Health Canada issuing the licence, and
b. to release the information as to registered medical marijuana sites to local authorities.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
R20 SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAM – Sechelt District
WHEREAS many communities no longer have an assigned provincial judge and therefore have inadequate means to promptly resolve criminal issues;
AND WHEREAS the shortage of judges results in members of the public being poorly served and delays in due process;
AND WHEREAS many communities use community justice mechanisms to deal with first time offenders, reducing court time and helping to seek resolutions to matters in a more expeditious manner:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be urged to adequately fund the services the community justice programs provide to communities and the now very overloaded court systems.
Upon request, the chair agreed to add the word “strongly” before “urged” as a friendly amendment.
The motion then read:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be strongly urged to adequately fund the services the community justice programs provide to communities and the now very overloaded court systems.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
R21 BC FERRIES SUBSIDY – Metchosin
WHEREAS children suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer who reside on Vancouver Island and in coastal communities may require treatment at the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS the ferry subsidy to access non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community helps alleviate the financial burden incurred while travelling for reasons associated with the children’s health conditions;
AND WHEREAS the ferry subsidy is restricted to the patient (and an escort under certain conditions), and does not cover the cost of parents travelling back and forth from their home to Vancouver during the extended period of their child’s treatment:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government, through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and BC Ferries, recognize these prohibitive pressures and seek to help families by subsidizing the ferry fares of immediate family members incurred when travelling back and forth on BC Ferries during the extended period of their child’s treatment.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure be changed to Ministry of Health Services and the phrase “ these prohibitive pressures and seek to help families” be replaced with the phrase “the financial challenges for some families and provide help” was endorsed.
The motion as amended, then read:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that BC Ferries and the provincial government, through the Ministry of Health Services, recognize the financial challenges for some families and provide help by subsidizing the ferry fares of immediate family members incurred when travelling back and forth on BC Ferries during the extended period of a child’s treatment.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
R22 SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS – Sechelt District
WHEREAS there are many communities that have inadequate support for citizens with mental illness and those who have dual diagnosis with addiction issues in need of mental health services, and have a higher risk of homelessness and other health related issues;
AND WHEREAS many members of our communities are unable to function and participate safely and fully in society and require a safe haven such as a drop-in centre:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be urged to expand services and funding for people with mental illness and addictions, especially in small and midsize communities, where seed monies to fund “not for profit”, day programs, street support workers, recreation programs and nutrition programs are critically lacking.
ON MOTION was ENDORSED
LR2 B.C. FERRIES FARE INCREASES – Sunshine Coast RD
WHEREAS the B.C. Ferry Corporation continues to escalate fares to our coastal communities that are well in excess of all provincial and national cost of living and income increases;
AND WHEREAS B.C. Ferries current corporate mandate and operating model does not consider two of the fundamentals of our communities’ sustainability, i.e. the social and economic implications;
AND WHEREAS it is apparent that any changes to this upwards spiral rests with the Province;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM form a task force with the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to explore ways and means to eliminate these extreme annual hikes.
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that the phrase “prior to the Province entering into the third contract term with the Corporation” be added to the enactment clause was endorsed.
The motion as amended, then read:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM form a task force with the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to explore ways and means to eliminate these extreme annual hikes prior to the Province entering into the third contract term with the Corporation.
ON MOTION, as amended, was ENDORSED
LR11 PHYSICAL ACCESS FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS – Parksville
THAT the City of Parksville, on behalf of Parksville’s Measuring Up Committee, lobby the Provincial & Federal governments through the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities that Canadian public transportation providers be required by law to provide physical access for disabled passengers in Canada similar to the United States “Americans with Disabilities Act” which was adopted in 1990.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
On motion, duly moved and seconded, that LR12 and LR13 as motions from the floor and distributed to all members in attendance be admitted for discussion was endorsed.
LR12 RAIL TERMINUS IN NANAIMO – AVICC Executive
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AVICC support the establishment of the main rail terminus in Nanaimo and the proposed two train early morning southbound schedule as a first step in providing improved rail service on Vancouver Island, and encourages VIARail to increase the operating subsidy necessary for this to occur.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED UNANIMOUSLY
LR13 COASTAL DOUGLAS FIR MOIST MARITIME LAND USE– AVICC Executive
WHEREAS a logging application has been submitted to Calvin Ross at South Island Forest District in Port Alberni to log the Nanoose Wetland Forest (DL33).
WHEREAS even small parcels like DL33 make important contributions to conservation of coastal Douglas Fir and contains the only remaining intact watershed of any tributary supplying Nanoose Creek, a wild salmon stream.
WHEREAS BC Environment Ministry confirm that nearly every type of Old Growth Douglas Fir Forest on BC dry coastal plain is now rare or endangered.
WHEREAS the coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem that once dominated the Georgia Basin now teetered at the brink of extinction and most of what does remain is the responsibility of British Columbians.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AVICC request that the Ministry of Environment to allow for the Coastal Douglas Fir Moist Maritime land use order to follow its proper public consultation and ministerial development course and process.
ON MOTION, was ENDORSED
Late Resolutions Which Were Submitted, But Were Not Approved for Debate:
LR1 PROPOSED PRIVATIZATION O BC AMBULANCE SERVICES
LR3 BASE LEVEL HARM REDUCTION
LR4 ALCOHOL REDUCTION STRATEGY
LR5 MEDICAL CANNABIS
LR6 DEVELOPMENT OF A SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION ACT FOR B.C.
LR7 ALLOCATING A LARGER PROPORTION OF FEDERAL GAS TAX REVENUE TO MUNICIPALITIES
LR8 LEGAL AID FOR B.C.
LR9 AMENDMENT TO THE CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT
LR10 ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTIES DEEMED CONTAMINATED