April 24 Council Highlights

From the meeting of April 24, 2019

Council considers Outdoor Smoking Regulation Bylaw

In anticipation of the legalization of cannabis, Council had reviewed the smoke-free regulations within neighbouring municipalities. As a result, the Outdoor Public Spaces Smoking Regulation Bylaw No. 1608, 2019 (Bylaw 1608) was presented to Council for three readings to address tobacco, vapour and cannabis product use in public spaces.

Bylaw 1608 will prohibit the use of cannabis, tobacco and vapour in public outdoor spaces as set out in provincial legislation and will include additional regulations to prohibit smoking of tobacco or vapour products 6 meters from outdoor bleachers in Centennial Park and in public outdoor spaces during events. For more information regarding Bylaw 1608 please see pages 75 to 90 of the April 24, 2019 agenda.

Bylaw 1608 will not apply to ceremonial use in relation to traditional Aboriginal cultural activity or carrying of lighted incense or other lighted smoking equipment used solely for ceremonial or religious purposes.

Subject to the bylaw’s adoption, smoke related littering of matches, cigars, cigarettes, cannabis substances or dispensing devices will also not be tolerated, and applicable fines would be applied. No smoking signs indicating these new regulations will be installed at appropriate park locations as budgeting permits.

Council will consider adoption of Bylaw 1608 at the May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting.

Regulatory certainty required for Bill C-68

Council opted to send a letter supporting Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant’s concerns regarding Bill C-68, which contains amendments to the Fisheries Act.

According to a letter sent from Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant, the Federal Government is proposing to broaden the definition of “habitat” and add a new concept of “water flow.” These changes will greatly expand the scope of offences that municipalities could be charged with.

Mayor Pranger noted that the District struggles annually with regulations set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and other federal and provincial legislation that complicate local farmers abilities to effectively drain their agricultural lands. These governments also prevent gravel removal from the Fraser River, which also greatly impacts our community every freshet season.

Council will be requesting that the Federal Government ensure regulatory certainty be established before the bill is passed into law, to prevent the return of conflicted interpretations and inconsistencies in enforcement of the Fisheries Act.

Hometown Country Canada Day 2019

As requested by several local downtown merchants, the 2019 Canada Day festivities have been relocated to Pioneer Park. Mark your calendars for July 1, 2019 and come out to Pioneer Park to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

My Health My Community Survey Out Summer 2019

The My Health My Community (MHMC) Survey is administered through a partnership between Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, that asks people in the region over 18 years old to anonymously provide information about their health, lifestyle choices, community involvement and neighbourhood characteristics. The data is used to create snapshots of a community’s health and overall wellbeing.

As part of the MHMC survey, the District has been offered the opportunity to identify five unique, community-specific survey questions to help identify our residents’ needs, goals and interests related to health and wellness. The critical information gathered through this process will help support local governments and other agencies to understand trends, resourcing needs and health inequalities of those in our community.

The survey is anticipated to be released in Summer 2019. More information will be posted on the District’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as it becomes available.

RCMP Recognizing Excellence Awards Ceremony

Mayor Pranger will be attending the RCMP “Recognizing Excellence” Awards Ceremony for the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment on Wednesday, June 12.

This annual event recognizes RCMP Officers, operational support staff, volunteers and civilians for their outstanding contributions throughout the year.