REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AMENDED AGENDA

Monday, November 04, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chambers of City Hall

1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC

We respectfully acknowledge the unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh,
on whose land we live, work, and play.

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A.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That the agenda for the regular meeting of Council scheduled for November 4, 2024, BE ADOPTED.

B.

MINUTES

B.1

Adoption of the Regular Council Meeting Minutes - October 21, 2024

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That the minutes of the regular Council meeting held October 21, 2024, BE ADOPTED as read on this day and that such minutes as read set out all of the business before Council at that meeting and fully and properly record all of the resolutions passed by Council at that meeting.

C.

DELEGATION(S)

C.1

Carefree Society

Presenter: Christos Vardacostas, Executive Director
Topic: Carefree Society - Carefree Service

D.

CONSENT AGENDA (FOR INFORMATION)

D.1

Inventory of Non-government Organizations that Provide Outreach Services

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council RECEIVES FOR INFORMATION the report dated October 15, 2024, from Mayor Yu, Chair, Standing Committee on Public Safety titled, “Inventory of Non-government Organizations that Provide Outreach Services.”

E.

REPORTS

STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - COUNCILLOR GARTH FRIZZELL, CHAIR

E.1

Strong Cities Membership

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council DIRECT staff to apply for membership in the Strong Cities Network as described in the report titled, “Strong Cities Membership”, from the Chair of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, dated October 17, 2024.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BEAR AWARENESS - LISA CRAN, CHAIR

E.2

Recommendations to Council to Improve Bear Awareness

• RECOMMENDATION #1:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council:

  1. ESTABLISH a City staff position with a focus on sustainable waste management that includes achieving Provincial Bear Smart Status and reducing human-wildlife conflict; and
  2. COMMITS to sustained financial support for this position for each year of the 2025 to 2030 5-Year Operational Financial Plan.
• RECOMMENDATION #2:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council DIRECT Administration to establish a Bear Aware Technical Committee that meets regularly with membership to include at least:

  1. City staff whose operational focus is related to the Bear Smart Program and bear awareness; and
  2. one (1) member of each of the following stakeholders:
     1. Northern Bear Awareness Society;
     2. University of Northern British Columbia;
     3. Lheidli T’enneh First Nation;
     4. British Columbia Conservation Officer Service;
     5. Regional District of Fraser-Fort George;
     6. Wildlife Biologist from Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship;
     7. Other City staff members as required.
• RECOMMENDATION #3:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council:

  1. DIRECT Administration to incorporate multiple automated bear-resistant solid waste garbage bins based on industry standards as a two-year pilot project to select a brand compatible with City operations and to be established in areas known to have high-bear encounters; and
  2. DIRECT Administration to return a report to Council within two months following the end of the pilot project advising on the results and budget implications for implementing bear-resistant bins city-wide, with a priority roll-out on high bear conflict areas. The report should also propose incentive strategies for bear-resistant bin participation and consider allowing temporary opt-out provisions for homeowners/tenants with secure garbage storage, with the end goal of all residents having bear-resistant bins that are always secure, including on pick-up days.
• RECOMMENDATION #4:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council DIRECT Administration to continue to phase in bear-resistant solid waste receptacles in public spaces, including parks and bus stops.

• RECOMMENDATION #5:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council DIRECT Administration to consider the following tools when addressing bear-related issues:

  1. Actively participating in and supporting programs aimed at reducing bear attractants through initiatives such as bear-resistant garbage bins, fruit gleaning and harvest sharing, and public education; and
  2. Combining support for these programs with the enforcement of section 11 in the City of Prince George Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 8425, 2012, would effectively mitigate human-bear conflicts. Additionally, this approach offers an opportunity to foster community engagement and enhance local food security.
• RECOMMENDATION #6:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council ADOPT a new bylaw specific to wildlife attractants and solid waste. The proposed bylaw should:

  1. Use section 11 from City of Prince George Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 8425, 2012, which addresses "Feeding Wildlife and Control of Wildlife Attractants."
  2. Use Section 6 from City of Prince George Garbage Collection Regulation Bylaw No. 7661, 2004, which pertains to "Garbage Containers and Locations."
  3. Implement a progressive increase in fines for infractions related to wildlife attractants and solid waste, along with offering alternative payment options.
  4. Establish requirements for the maintenance of fruit trees and bushes, specifically the need to manage fruit before it falls to the ground.
  5. Mandate the securement and/or enclosure of wildlife attractants to prevent access by wildlife.
• RECOMMENDATION #7:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council DIRECT Administration to amend the City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, and other applicable bylaws, to permit electric fencing to secure wildlife attractants specifying requirements for voltage, installation, and maintenance.

• RECOMMENDATION #8:

  The Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness RECOMMENDS that Council:

  1. DIRECT Administration to include educational materials on human-bear interactions with the City’s utility bills for the spring and fall billing cycles; and
  2. DIRECT Administration to continue incorporating bear awareness information on the garbage collection schedule, social media platforms, and website.

MANAGER OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES/CORPORATE OFFICER - ETHAN ANDERSON

E.3

Dissolution of the Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council DISSOLVES the Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness as the committee has achieved the objectives outlined in its mandate as defined in the committee’s Terms of Reference.

E.4

Nomination of Council Representative to the Prince George Public Library Board - December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council NOMINATES and APPOINTS one of its members to serve on the Prince George Public Library Board for a one-year term beginning December 1, 2024 and ending November 30, 2025.

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - ERIC DEPENAU

E.5

2024 Mental Health and Addictions Accord

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council SUPPORTS the Mental Health and Addictions Accord as set out in the document from North Central Local Government Association and attached to the staff report dated October 17, 2024 from the Director of Administrative Services titled “2024 Mental Health and Addictions Accord”; and AUTHORIZES the Mayor to sign the Accord on behalf of Council. 

E.6

Social Health - Issues Update

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council RECEIVES FOR INFORMATION the report dated October 18, 2024, from the Director of Administrative Services, titled “Social Health – Issues Update”.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - DEANNA WASNIK

E.7

Development Variance Permit Application No. VP100671

• Applicant: Ryan Ralph Hemmerich
• Location: 6374 Hillcrest Place

Documents for Council's consideration regarding "Development Variance Permit Application No. VP100671" include:

1. Staff report dated August 1, 2024 from the Director of Planning and Development titled "Development Variance Permit Application No. VP100671";
   1. Location and Existing Zoning Map;
   2. Development Variance Permit No. VP100671; and
   3. Exhibit "A" to VP100671.

Correspondence for Council's consideration regarding "Development Variance Permit Application No. VP100671" include:

1. Correspondence received October 28, 2024 from Ryan Hemmerich including three signatures in support of the application; 
2. Correspondence received October 29, 2024 from Ryan Hemmerich including one signature in support of the application; and 
3. Correspondence received October 31, 2024 from Ryan Hemmerich including two signatures in support of the application.

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council DENIES Development Variance Permit No. VP100671 to vary “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007” for the property legally described as Parcel A (Being a Consolidation of Lots 1 and 2, See CA7062939), District Lot 2003, Cariboo District, Plan PGP38074 as follows:

  1. Vary Section 10.1.6 1. by increasing the maximum combined gross floor area of accessory buildings and structures on a site from 90.0 m2 to 186.0 m2, as shown on Exhibit “A” to VP100671. 

E.8

Section 219 Covenant Application No. RC000028 (Bylaw Nos. 9495 and 9496)

Item removed at the request of the Applicant.

E.9

Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment No. CP100212 (Bylaw No. 9513, 2024) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application No. RZ100798 (Bylaw No. 9514, 2024)

• Applicant: L&M Engineering Ltd. for Eastway Sand & Gravel Ltd., Inc. No. 719195
• Location: 880 Guay Road

Documents for Council's consideration regarding "Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment No. CP100212 (Bylaw No. 9513, 2024) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application No. RZ100798 (Bylaw No. 9514, 2024" include:

1. Staff report dated September 24, 2024 from the Director of Planning and Development titled "Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment No. CP100212 (Bylaw No. 9513, 2024) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application No. RZ100798 (Bylaw No. 9514, 2024";
   1. Location and Existing Zoning Map;
   2. Appendix "A" to Bylaw No. 9513;
   3. Appendix "A" to Bylaw No. 9514;
   4. Exhibit "A" to CP100212; and
   5. Rationale Letter.

City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024

City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9514, 2024

• RECOMMENDATION #1:

  That Council GIVES FIRST READING of “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024.”

• RECOMMENDATION #2:

  That Council CONSIDERS “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024”, in conjunction with the current Financial Plan and confirm there are no issues.

• RECOMMENDATION #3:

  That Council CONSIDERS “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024”, in conjunction with the current Regional District Solid Waste Management Plan; and confirm there are no issues.

• RECOMMENDATION #4:

  That CONSIDERS “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024”, in conjunction with the City of Prince George Strategic Framework for a Sustainable Prince George and confirm there are no issues.

• RECOMMENDATION #5:

  That Council GIVES SECOND READING of “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024”.

• RECOMMENDATION #6:

  That Council APPROVES the following public consultation process to fulfill the requirements of Section 475 of the Local Government Act:

  1. Request for written comment from properties identified on Exhibit “A” to CP100212; and
  2. Publish notification of public consultation in accordance with the “City of Prince George Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, 2022”.
• RECOMMENDATION #7:

  That Council GIVES FIRST AND SECOND READING of “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9514, 2024”.

• RECOMMENDATION #8:

  That Council EXPANDS from 30 metres distance to the notification area shown on Exhibit “A” to CP100212, as required in the "City of Prince George Development Procedures Bylaw No. 9423, 2023", for the mailing of notice of the public hearing for the "City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513, 2024" and "City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7580, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9514, 2024."

• RECOMMENDATION #9:

  That Council PERMITS that consideration of Final Reading of proposed Bylaw No. 9514, 2024 BE WITHHELD until the following requirements have been met to the satisfaction of Administration:

  1. Receipt of a Traffic Impact Study;
  2. Receipt of a Servicing Brief;
  3. Receipt of a Geotechnical Report; and
  4. Registration of a Section 219 Covenant on legal title of Lot 1 Except: Part Subdivided by Plan BCP12745, District Lot 955, Cariboo District, Plan PGP39143 that dictates a no-build area as outlined in the geotechnical report.

  In addition, any recommendations presented in the preceding items must be addressed to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development.

DIRECTOR OF CIVIC OPERATIONS - BLAKE MCINTOSH

E.10

Snow and Ice Control Policy Review

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council RECEIVES FOR INFORMATION the report titled “Snow and Ice Control Policy Review” dated October 18, 2024 from the Director of Civic Operations.

E.11

Carrie Jane Gray Park Upgrade Report and Concept Plan

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council DIRECTS administration to utilize the Carrie Jane Gray Park Renewal “Preferred Concept Plan” and “Phasing Plan” attached to the report dated November 4, 2024 from the Director of Civic Operations titled “Carrie Jane Gray Upgrade Report and Concept Plan”, to guide proposed phased infrastructure investment to the Carrie Jane Gray Park area for Council’s consideration through annual capital budget funding submissions, commencing in 2025.

E.12

Tree Donation Program

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council RECEIVES FOR INFORMATION the report titled “Tree Donation Program” dated October 1, 2024, from the Director of Civic Operations.

F.

BYLAWS - FINAL READING AND ADOPTION

F.1

City of Prince George Restrictive Covenant Discharge Bylaw No. 9477, 2024

Applicant: Stantec Consulting Ltd. on behalf of 1451187 B.C. Ltd., Inc. No. BC1451187
Location:  3737 Highway 16 E

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That Council GRANTS FINAL READING AND ADOPTION to "City of Prince George Restrictive Covenant Discharge Bylaw No. 9477, 2024".

G.

NOTICE OF MOTION

COUNCILLOR KYLE SAMPSON SUPPORTED BY COUNCILLOR TIM BENNETT AND COUNCILLOR CORI RAMSAY

G.1

Celebrating Prince George Residents: Establishing an Annual Citizen Recognition Medal Program

In accordance with City of Prince George Council Procedures Bylaw No. 8388, 2011, notice of the proposed motion is provided. The proposed motion will be included on the November 18, 2024 Council Meeting agenda for Council's consideration.

COUNCILLOR TIM BENNETT

G.2

City of Prince George Support for Santa Claus Parade

In accordance with City of Prince George Council Procedures Bylaw No. 8388, 2011, notice of the proposed motion is provided. The proposed motion will be included on the November 18, 2024 Council Meeting agenda for Council's consideration.

H.

CORRESPONDENCE

H.1

Correspondence dated October 11, 2025 from 29 Individuals: Psychiatric Care Facility and Advocacy

I.

ADJOURNMENT

• RECOMMENDATION:

  That there being no further business the Regular Meeting of Council, BE ADJOURNED.