These are the stories from Monday’s council meeting that we will be following. Check www.albernivalleynews.com and next week’s paper for updates.
City to extend boundaries
The city will be submitting a proposal to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to extend its boundaries to include two properties on 21st Avenue and Argyle Street. The two lots are currently on ACRD land.
The city must go through an Alternate Approval Process in order to approve any boundary extensions. Because fewer than 10 percent of electors opposed the boundary extension, the city will be proceeding with this petition.
Fire Department applies for
funding
In 2017, the Port Alberni Fire Department prepared an application for funding through the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative FireSmart Planning Grant Program. The funding would allow the fire department to work with the ACRD to provide training for residents to make their properties FireSmart.
Although the grant application was successful, many local programs were not completed because the city could not get support from BC Wildfire Service.
The city will now be submitting a 2018 funding application in the amount of $7,957 to complete the mitigation work started in 2017.
Traffic count completed
The city of Port Alberni undertook a Traffic Count Study in 2017, completing traffic counts at seven intersections. The data is now available on the city’s website.
Director of development services Scott Smith has recommended that the city hire a consultant to analyze the study data and prepare a report for road infrastructure improvements—including options for a truck route.
This consultation would cost approximately $40,000, which is currently included in the supplementary projects list of the 2018-2022 draft financial plan.
City forms Working Group
A Nuisance Property Working Group has been established, bringing together the city’s bylaw officer, fire department and building inspector, as well as a representative from the RCMP.
City staff is currently working on a report regarding nuisance activities at the Harbourview Apartments, and this working group has also identified the former CJAV building on Third Avenue and the former Beaufort Hotel on Angus Street as potential nuisance properties.
Additional location for Starboard Grill
The city has entered into a lease with the Starboard Grill for the location of the former Sweet Pea Café at Harbour Quay.
The assets of the café were purchased by Starboard Grill, and the site will soon be re-branded as Portside Café & Fine Foods.
The Starboard Grill will also be staying in its old location.
