2016 Annual Report DRAFT 2 - Valemount Annual... · 2017. 6. 12. · Village of Valemount, British...

Village of Valemount, British Columbia

2016 Annual Report and Financial Report For the year ended December 31, 2016

Prepared by: Village of Valemount In cooperation with Finance, Public Works, Bylaw, Administration and Economic Development Departments

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Village of Valemount

2016 Annual Report and Financial Report

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

Message from the Mayor ………………………………………………………………………….…… 4

Mayor and Council Roles & Stipends .…………………………………………………….……….. 5

Council Appointments & Committees …………………………………………………..……….. 7

Annual Report Requirements ……………………………………………………………………..…. 10

Vision, Mission, and Corporate Values……………………………………………………….….. 11

Village of Valemount Profile………………………………………………………………………...... 12

Municipal Services……………………………………………………………………………………..…… 15

2015‐2019 Corporate Strategic Plan …….………………………………………………………… 18

2015‐2019 UPDATED Corporate Strategic Plan ...………………………………………..…. 22

2016 Important Projects in Review………………………………………………………….…….. 23

Message from the CAO……………………………………………………………………………….…. 28

Organizational Chart………………………………………………………………………………………. 29

Current Departmental Operations….………………………………..………………………….…. 30

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STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Public Input, Declarations of Disqualification & Permissive Tax Exemptions…. 33

Development Statistics…………………………………………………………………………………… 34

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Appendix 25 Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 754, 2016………………………….…………

Appendix 1 ‐ 2014 Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report………………………

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INTRODUCTORY

INFORMATION

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Message from the Mayor

Council and I continue to focus on our role to protect and advance

the interests of the citizens of our community to the best of our

ability. We are ever mindful of keeping the quality of life enjoyable

for our residents by supporting efforts to create a more diversified

and growing economy in which our residents would have access to a

broader range of employment opportunities. We work hard to

balance social well‐being with fiscal prudence.

Together with our MLA, Minister Shirley Bond, Ministry Staff, Village

Senior Staff, Council and I engaged in a strategic planning session in

September. A review of the previous strategic agenda was conducted

and updated. Water, sewer and infrastructure remain the top

priorities.

Creating an environment to encourage economic diversification and manageable growth also remains a

high priority with Council and me. The Economic Development Committee, which was created last year

with members selected for their knowledge and expertise is successful. Together with the Village

Economic Development Officer, Silvio Gislimberti, their considerations and subsequent

recommendations are valuable to economic development plans for future economic well‐being in

Valemount.

Continued good relations with the Simpcw First Nation, remain high on Council’s and my list of

importance. It was a special honour to be included and asked to speak during the commemoration of

the One Hundredth Anniversary of their ancestors being forced to leave Tete Jaune. I suggested to

Chief Nathan Matthew that his Nation give consideration to making this an annual event in order to

commemorate the significant ordeal in the history of their ancestors and to honour them by so doing.

Council and I look forward to the ensuing year. It is our plan to once again foster citizen engagement and to maintain an open door policy.

Jeannette Townsend

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Mayor:

The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality and a member of Council, the Mayor

is responsible to provide leadership to Council, including recommending bylaws, resolutions and

others measures that in the Mayor’s opinion, may assist the peace, order and good government

of the municipality. The Mayor’s role is also to communicate information to Council; to preside

at Council meetings; to provide, on behalf of the Council, general direction to municipal officers

respecting implementation of municipal policies, programs and other directions of the Council;

and to represent the best interests of the citizens of the municipality.

Councillor:

Every Council member is responsible to contribute to the development and evaluation of the

policies and programs of the municipality respecting its services and other activities; to

participate in Council meetings, Committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which a

member is appointed; to carry out the duties assigned by Council; to consider the well‐being and

interests of the corporation, and to represent the best interests of the citizens of the

municipality.

2016 Council Remuneration

Name Stipend Expenses Total

Mayor Townsend $18,006.03 $8,860.60 $28,866.63

Councillor Blanchette $8,103.12 $2,524.32 $10,627.44

Councillor Reimer $8,103.12 $4,821.02 $12,924.14

Councillor Salt $8,103.12 $4,701.99 $12,805.11

Councillor Torgerson $8,103.12 $4,229.27 $12,332.39

TOTALS $50,418.51 $25,137.20 $75,555.71

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Council Appointments / Committees

Standing Committees

Columbia Basin Trust Community Councillor Blanchette

Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs Mayor Townsend, ex officio

Emergency Management Committee Councillor Salt

Councillor Torgerson

Mayor Townsend, ex officio

Public Works & Traffic Committee Councillor Reimer

Councillor Torgerson


Tourism Valemount Committee Councillor Torgerson

Councillor Salt


Lease Committee Councillor Reimer

Councillor Salt


Select Committees

Valemount Museum Building Committee Councillor Reimer


Direct Heat use Committee Councillor Torgerson


Economic Development Committee Councillor Reimer


Housing Committee Councillor Reimer


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Commissions

Appointment of Advisory Planning None may be appointed. See Section 10 of

Commission Members Bylaw 694, 2013

External Boards, Committees and Agencies

Regional District of Fraser Mayor Townsend, ex officio

Fort George Board of Directors Councillor Reimer – alternate

Valemount and Area Recreation Councillor Torgerson

Development Association (VARDA)

Board of Directors

Valemount Community Forests Councillor Reimer

Board of Directors Councillor Torgerson

Prince George Treaty Advisory Councillor Salt

Committee

Robson Valley Regional Marketing Mayor Townsend

Initiative Steering Committee

Valemount Community Television (VCTV) Councillor Reimer

Yellowhead Highway Association Councillor Salt

Mayor Townsend – alternate

Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) of BC Councillor Salt

Municipal Insurance Association (MIA) of BC Councillor Reimer

Mayor Townsend – alternate

Local Health Liaison (Northern Health) Councillor Blanchette

Canoe Valley Recreation Centre (Arena) Councillor Blanchette

Committee

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Robson Valley Support Society Councillor Blanchette

Board of Directors

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Mayor Townsend

Board of Directors

Columbia Basin Regional Advisory

Committee (CBRAC) Mayor Townsend

Omineca Beetle Coalition (OBAC) Mayor Townsend

Board of Directors Councillor Torgerson – alternate

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Annual Report Requirements

In accordance with Section 98 of the Community Charter, the

Annual Report is due before June 30th. The Annual Report outlines

the following:

the municipality’s audited annual financial statements for the previous year;

a list of the permissive tax exemptions provided by council and for each exemption, the

amount of property tax that would have been imposed during the previous year if the

exemption had not been granted;

a report on the municipality’s services and operations for the previous year;

a progress report on the performance of the municipality with respect to established

objectives and measures;

a statement of objectives and measures that will be used as the basis for determining

the municipality

performance during the current year; and

The details of any declarations of disqualification made against individual council

members during the previous year.

Once completed the annual report must be made available for publish inspection. After

making the report public, council must wait a minimum of two weeks before holding an annual

meeting on the report. This provides citizens with time to review the annual report ask

questions and prepare submissions. Council must give notice of the date, time and place of

the annul meeting in accordance with Community Charter‘s requirement for public notice.

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Vision, Mission and Corporate Values

Vision: Striving for a Vibrant and Balanced Community

Mission: To Serve the Community and Embrace Opportunity

Corporate Values: Approachable and Accountable, Passionate about the

Environment, Committed to Innovation and Change,

Transparent, Ethical and Professional and Committed to Service

Excellence

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Profile

Valemount is the home of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and is in the watershed of the Fraser and Columbia basins. It is located on the Yellowhead Highway 5, near the northern tip of Kinbasket Lake, 300 km south of Prince George, 320 km north of Kamloops, and 120 km west of Jasper.

Valemount is a rural community of approximately 1,002 residents on an area of 399 hectares or 4 square km. Valemount is also the commercial centre for another 700 people who live in the Regional District of Fraser‐Fort George (Area H), from Albreda to Small River.

Today Valemount’s economy is based on tourism and logging. Important tourist attractions include Cranberry Marsh, a designated Wildlife Management Area and sanctuary for wild birds, amazing snowmobiling, ski‐touring, cross‐country skiing and heli‐skiing in winter, and hiking, camping, canoeing, white‐water rafting, mountain biking, and trail riding in summer. Valemount offers natural beauty, quiet solitude, and clean mountain air.

Valemount is nestled between Cariboo, Monashee and Canadian Rockies. The topography primarily consists of Paleozoic or sedimentary and Proterozoic, sedimentary and minor volcanic rock. It is an area of glacial drift and colluviums with sandy deposits being the main glacial features.

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The Village of Valemount is served by 911, the RCMP, a volunteer Fire Department, and BC Ambulance Service. The Valemount Community Health Centre is a full service health centre with 3 full‐time doctors, support staff, lab technicians, and nurses, and additional services include a licensed daycare and pre‐school, an elementary school and a high school. The Valemount Airport lies five kilometers to the east of town.

An active library and a museum housed in a former train station are additional attractions, as is the beautiful Visitor Information Centre near the entrance to Valemount.

Mica Dam operations commenced in 1974. The lake lies 30 kilometres to the south of

Valemount, and the Canoe River is a tributary to the Columbia System

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Annual Community Events

A number of popular annual events occur in and around Valemount, as well as unique events

organized each year. Annual events include the following.

Canoe Mountain Rodeo

an event for the whole family

High School Rodeo

a regional event for teenage competitors

Valemountain Days

a summer festival with a parade, ball

tournament, logger’s sports, dance, and more

Valemount Farmer’s Market, vendors get

together weekly to provide fresh vegetables,

gluten free treats, local wares, concession,

buskers and more!

The Robson Valley Music Festival, with grass roots, multi‐genre musicians, artisan booths and

a variety of ethnic foods

Winter Fest, lots of kids activities including food, dog sledding tobogganing, curling and more!

Annual Lilac Walk, Culp Farm in Dunster, Gene and Linda Blackman’s in Tete Jaune, tea and

goodies in the garden at Tete Jaune

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The Annual Fishing Derby

Fun for the whole family on Kinbasket Lake;

Labour Day weekend

The Mount Robson Marathon

a spectacular run route, with local music and artisans as

well as a kid’s fun run

Annual Chili Cook Off

sponsored by the Valemount Best Western

Canada Day includes a variety of events at the

Valemount Museum, Valemount & Mount

Robson Visitor Centre and Village Sports Plex

grounds; kids activities, live entertainment, cake

cutting, concessions, fireworks

Blueberry Tea Event A celebration of blueberries! Blueberry tea and snacks at the Valemount

Museum

The Northwest Mud Racing Event, with a mud pit for enthusiasts

The Annual Dunster Ice Cream Social, a wonderful family event

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Municipal Services Overview

Tax payers and residents often overlook the sheer volume and value of services provided by

their local governments. While a great number of services are provided by local governments,

often less than half of the property tax bill goes to the municipality.

Village Taxes

Regional District

School

Policing

Hospital

BC Assessment

Village Parcel Tax

Village Village

Parcel Tax Property Tax

5% 37%

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Some of the services provided within the Village of Valemount include:

Streets and Roads

Paving, pot hole patching and crack repairs, maintenance of sidewalks and shoulders,

maintenance and installation of signage, line painting, maintenance of public parking areas,

snow removal, street sweeping, ditch and storm drainage maintenance, signage, and lighting.

Water Systems

Provision of treated and safe drinking water, provision of water and hydrants for fire

protection purposes, and water conservation initiatives.

Sewer Systems

Collection, treatment and disposal of domestic sanitary sewage.

Garbage Collection

Residential and commercial garbage (solid waste) collection and disposal, and cardboard

recycling pickup provided by Public Works.

Parks Facilities

Maintenance of community owned parks and facilities (and contract maintenance of some

Regional District park facilities); includes parks equipment maintenance and upgrading.

Cemetery Services

Maintenance of community cemetery is provided by Public Works equipment and man hours.

Maintenance of community cemetery database and mapping is provided by village office staff.

Animal Control

Provision of animal control services (primarily dog control and licensing).

Building Inspection and Fire Inspection

Provision of building inspection services to provide compliance with Provincial building,

plumbing and fire code regulations.

Subdivision Approvals

Subdivision approvals to ensure compliance with local land development regulations and

provide consistency in land servicing.

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Zoning and Land Use

Provision of regulations for compliance with zoning, consistency, and advance indication of

land uses.

Bylaw Services

Education and enforcement of local land use, nuisance and related regulations, with education

and enforcement initiated upon citizen complaint.

Economic Development

Policies and programs to provide community infrastructure and to improve the business

climate through specific efforts—in other words, economic development may be defined as

creating the right conditions for retaining existing business and attracting new business.

Tourism Development

Operation of Tourist Information Centre and promotion of tourism development and tourist

attraction opportunities.

Recreation Programs

The Village assists in the promotion of recreational programs in the community through

provision of facilities, advertising and assistance with program delivery.

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2015‐2018 Strategic Priorities Review

The 2016 – 2020 Corporate Strategic Plan

Strategic planning is the process of determining a municipality’s long term vision and goals,

and developing strategies and projects to achieve those goals.

A day‐long workshop was held in December 2015 with Council and senior staff to update

current and emerging issues and then prioritized the themes into the following 20 priorities for

2016 – 2020:

Public Health – Water and Sewer Systems

2016 The Village was approved for $470,000 towards the $705,000 project of replacing the lift station located on Hwy 5 and 5th Avenue.

2017 Village staff will continue to apply for grants to enhance the Village’s water and sewer systems

Zoning Bylaw Updates

2016 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 751, 2016: text amendments to Village of Valemount’s High Density Residential (R5) Zoning Schedule in order to support future residential development. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 744, 2015 (Passed in 2016) – Rezone of portion of 202 Ash to allow multi‐family residential use.

2017 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 770 – Amends the Rural Residential 2 Zone to allow a second principal dwelling. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 768 – Allow for indefinite existing residential use in Avenue C1 Zone.

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Valemount Glacier Destination Resort (VGDR) Support

2016 Continued to work with the proponent and other stakeholders throughout 2016 to ensure that the proposed project considers the objectives of the community and addresses local concerns. March 16, 2016, the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations held a formal Open House in Valemount. It was attended by more than 200 people and local residents could review all aspects of the proposed resort. On July 25, 2016, Jill Bodkin and Oberto Oberti attended the barbecue hosted by the Valemount Community Forest and met with the Mayor and Council, with Minister Shirley Bond and with Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament. On August 16, 2016, the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations approved the Master Plan for the project.

2017 Continue to support VGDR

Streamline Development Procedures

2016 Development Variance Permit Procedure amended – required advertising amended from newspaper to web ad. Decreases processing time by 2 weeks

2017 To be reviewed by Village staff

Pre‐zoned Land Issues

2016 None

2017 To be reviewed by Village staff

Water Resources

2016 Received CBT funding – Hired a Water Smart Ambassador to provide lawn and garden assessments that educated residents about efficient watering practices and why they’re important, as well as educate about the watering bylaws Enforce watering restrictions during summer months

2017 Continue to enforce watering restrictions during summer months Provide tours of the Water Treatment Plant to elementary school students to promote water conservation Apply for further funding: ‐Develop a risk framework and prioritize water rehabilitation needs

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‐Review potential development scenarios, and identify growth and climate change ‐related infrastructure needs

Finance and Taxes

2016

2017

Exploring Geothermal

2016 Continued to work with Geoscience BC, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training to develop an exploration program in the Valemount area to identify potential sources of geothermal heat for direct‐use. The Village in partnership with the Valemount Community Forest organized a Geothermal Industrial Park and Direct‐Heat Use Workshop. The workshop was held in Valemount, February 12–February 13, 2016. The event was sponsored by the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition (SIBAC) and over eighty participants attended the workshop. Forty‐six participants came from Valemount. As a result of the successful workshop the Valemount Geothermal Society was formed and Council established the Direct Heat Use committee.

2017

Financial Reserves

2016 Received UBCM funding ‐ Had study completed by FCS to determine required rates to secure future water and sewer maintenance, and replacement

2017 Will apply for further funding: Develop an integrated 10 year asset management plan Develop a financial policy for funding capital assets for application by the Village Assess the impact on user rates, taxation and development cost charges

Clean‐up Unsightly Properties

2016 Partnered with Regional District of Fraser Fort George for “Spring Clean‐up Day”. Provides limited fees for disposal and assistance with debris pick‐up from public works department.

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2017 Continue to partner with Regional District of Fraser Fort George for “Spring Clean‐up Day” Review options for removal of derelict vehicles Promote a fall clean‐up Educate public regarding bylaws

Emergency Planning

2016 Began to review current emergency plan

2017 Will update emergency plan, and Village emergency supplies. Have all staff and Council educated with both.

Community Engagement

2016 In partnership with Community Forests, the Village had a public BBQ on July 25, 2016. Jill Bodkin and Oberto Oberti attended the barbecue hosted by the and met with the Mayor and Council, with Minister Shirley Bond and with Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament.

2017

First Nations Relationships

2016 Simpcw representatives attended the Geothermal Industrial Park and Direct‐Heat Use Workshop and all open‐house meetings and public hearings regarding the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort project. Mayor Townsend and staff members attended the Simpcw First Nation Marking 100th Anniversary of Forced Relocation held in Tete Jaune, on August 13, 2016.

2017 Review options for Community to Community engagement

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Engage Youth

2016 Organized a tour with the Elementary School children to tour the Sewer Plant and Water Treatment Plant which included water conservation education and ended with a BBQ and take home “goodie bags” which included water timers

2017 Continue to

Engage Chamber & Local businesses

2016 Approved for NDIT Façade Program – Partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to administer the program that allows up to 50% or $5,000 towards a businesses façade improvements. Approved for NIDT Small Town Love program – Small Town Love is a unique marketing campaign that celebrates locally‐owned, independent businesses with an aim to strengthen their competitiveness and keep more dollars in the local economy.

2017 Will continue to partner with the Chamber of Commerce on the NDIT Façade program

Update Public Facilities

2016 The Village was approved for $470,000 towards the $705,000 project of replacing the lift station located on Hwy 5 and 5th Avenue. Completed crack sealing on 5th Avenue roads Continue to reserve funds for future Cemetery Upgraded Library doors Approved Library board to apply for funding for renovations (addition and access to basement) Installed new lighting in Visitor Information Centre Painted structures at Sports Plex The Village received $15,514 towards the expense of crack sealing the airport runway and taxiway.

2017 Approved for funding towards Museum renovations (siding, roofing, painting) Applying for funding for automatic door openers at Library Apply for funding for further upgrades to Sports Plex structures Further Crack Sealing Further work will be done at the airport with tree removal around the surrounding area and repainting lines. Street line painitng

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Human Resources Development

2016 Secured Interim CAO in order to recruit permanent CAO

2017 Review staffing levels

Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ISCP)

2016

2017

Valemount Community Forest

2016 In partnership with Community Forests, the Village had a public BBQ on July 25, 2016. Jill Bodkin and Oberto Oberti attended the barbecue hosted by the and met with the Mayor and Council, with Minister Shirley Bond and with Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament.

2017

GeoPark (Clearwater & North Thompson)

2016

2017

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2016 Important Projects Review

2016 Important Projects Review

Cranberry Marsh The boardwalk section of the Cranberry Marsh Trail was inaugurated on May 30th, 2016. After long nine years, two impressive cedar boardwalk sections of 600 metres and a trail section of 320 metres complete the trail of six kilometres around Cranberry Marsh. The project was completed thanks to funding contributions from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training through the Resort Municipality Initiative Program ($292,483) and the Columbia Basin Trust through the Community Initiatives Program ($68,662). Tourism Valemount will continue to work with Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Trust of Canada, and Ministry of Environment to improve the existing trail sections and also create wheelchair accessible sections. The hiking trail around Cranberry Marsh is a beautiful 6‐kilometre walk on flat terrain through conserved wetland. The scenery varies from wide open vistas on the dikes to secluded pathways through a forest of Black Spruce and Aspen. There are two lookout towers located along the trail.

May 30, 2016: Minister Shirley Bond and Mayor Jeannette Townsend

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Valemount Glacier Destination Resort The Village of Valemount continued to work with the proponent and other stakeholders throughout 2016 to ensure that the proposed project considers the objectives of the community and addresses local concerns. On March 16, 2016, the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations held a formal Open House in Valemount. It was attended by more than 200 people and local residents could review all aspects of the proposed resort. On July 25, 2016, Jill Bodkin and Oberto Oberti attended the barbecue hosted by the Valemount Community Forest and met with the Mayor and Council, with Minister Shirley Bond and with Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament. On August 16, 2016, the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations approved the Master Plan for the project. Geothermal Exploration In 2016, the Village continued to work with Geoscience BC, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training to develop an exploration program in the Valemount area to identify potential sources of geothermal heat for direct‐use. The Village in partnership with the Valemount Community Forest organized a Geothermal Industrial Park and Direct‐Heat Use Workshop. The workshop was held in Valemount, February 12–February 13, 2016. The keynote speakers came from various geographic regions and different expertise areas; for instance Bernie Karl, Chena Hot Springs Resort Chena, Alaska and Tonya “Toni” Boyd, Formerly Geo‐Heat Center, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Alison Thompson, Chair, Canadian Geothermal Energy Association and Craig Dunn, P. Geo Chief Geologist, Borealis Geopower Calgary, Alberta gave presentations relevant to the Valemount area. Mike Sato, Sea to Sky Onsen Inc., Squamish, BC. The event was sponsored by the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition (SIBAC) and over eighty participants attended the workshop. Forty‐six participants came from Valemount. As a result of the successful workshop the Valemount Geothermal Society was formed and Council established the Direct Heat Use committee. Housing Committee Mayor and Council expressed the desire to follow a list of recommendations expressed in the Valemount Affordable Housing Needs and Demands Assessment study prepared for the Village by Housing Strategies Inc., in January 2016. A Housing Committee was formed in the fall of 2016. The committee deals with housing data collection, strategic planning, funding of projects, society forms to deal with housing, and zoning and bylaws.

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Economic Development Committee Mayor and Council resolved to form a select committee of Council to deal with economic development planning and prioritizing. The committee started to meet in May 2016. The guiding principles of the committee are expressed in the Robson‐Canoe Valleys Economic Opportunities Plan prepared by Millier Dickinson Blais for the Regional District of Fraser‐Fort George in 2010. Community to Community In 2016 no official Community to Community meeting was held with the Simpcw FN. However, Simpcw representatives attended the Geothermal Industrial Park and Direct‐Heat Use Workshop and all open‐house meetings and public hearings regarding the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort project. Mayor Townsend and staff members attended the Simpcw First Nation Marking 100th Anniversary of Forced Relocation held in Tete Jaune, on August 13, 2016. Tourism Statistics In 2016, hotels and motels within the municipal boundaries registered

137,367 Visitor nights Accommodation revenues $8,242,031 excluding B&Bs

Visitor revenues $9,615,703 in addition to accommodation

Average length of stay 1.4 Accommodation revenues increase of 3.4% compared to 2015

Average Annual Occupancy Rate 56.8%

These numbers are based on Municipal Regional District Tax (Hotel room tax).

Lift Station Replacement – 5th Ave and Hwy 5

The Village was approved for $470,000 towards the $705,000 project of replacing the lift

station located on Hwy 5 and 5th Avenue. The lift station on 5th Avenue was in immediate

need of replacement in order to ensure that the overall wastewater collection system

continued to adequately serve the community. Furthermore, a more reliable wastewater

collection system will improve confidence in public services, which has the potential to create

a stronger business climate in the community. Finally, the new equipment will be more energy

efficient, reducing electrical consumption and providing potential cost savings to the Village of

Valemount. This project began in 2016 and will be finalized in 2017.

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CBT Water Smart Ambassador

Partnering with the Columbia Basin Trust in water conservation, the Village of Valemount

hired Madeline Pickerl as the Water Smart Ambassador for the summer of 2016. The focus of

the Water Smart Program is to provide lawn and garden assessments that educate residents of the

community about efficient watering practices and why they’re important, as well as educate about

the watering bylaw.

Canada Day

In 2016 the Village of Valemount contributed funding to the Canada Day events including local

entertainment, children’s events, Canada Day cake and fireworks.

Grant Writer

In 2016 Northern Development Initiative Trust and Valemount Community Forests provided

funding to allow the Village to hire a part time grant writer. With the aid of the grant writer

the Village was able to apply for and achieve grants that otherwise could not be obtained.

Village of Valemount Airport

The Village received $15,514 towards the expense of crack sealing the airport runway and

taxiway. This is the first step towards enhancing the airport facilities where further work will

be done with tree removal around the surrounding area and repainting lines.

BC Hydro Tree Canada Program

The Community Tree Planting Program provided the Vilalge with $5,000 to beautify two main areas

along the Big Foot Trail. Trees and shrubs created three focal points along the Big Foot Trail that

connects the Visitor Information Centre on Hwy 5 with Valemount’s downtown area, the library and

the museum on main street.

NDIT Business Façade Improvement Program

In partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Valemount and Area

Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Valemount administered the Business Façade

Improvement program for downtown businesses in 2016. Northern Development’s Business

Façade Improvement program provides municipalities with $20,000 which can be accessed by

local businesses to complete exterior improvements to their storefronts. Businesses are

eligible for a 50% reimbursement of the total project cost, up to $5,000. In 2016, 6 businesses

participated in the program and successfully completed exterior renovations:

Alpine Country Rentals

Chalet Continental Motel

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The Valley Sentinel

Valemount Swiss Bakery

VARDA

Yellowhead Realty

The Village and the Chamber of Commerce will be delivering the program again in 2017, and it

will now be available to all business in the highway entry & highway corridor area, as well as

businesses in the downtown.

Manufacturing Capacity Due Diligence‐Vegetation Resource Inventory

Partnering with the Valemount Community Forests, the Village received a grant from BC Rural

Dividends in the amount of $100,000 for the purpose of Manufacturing Capacity Due

Diligence‐Vegetation Resource Inventory.

This project encompasses ground checks, verification of the vegetation compilation of all

information including forest cover identification, digital mapping and a database. It is to

develop a modern and comprehensive technology tool to assess the capacity of the newly

acquired community forest area covering approx. 13,197 hectares.

Love Valemount

The Village of Valemount partnered with the Northern Development Initiative Trust in 2013 to

serve as a pilot community for the Small Town Love program. Small Town Love is a unique

marketing campaign that celebrates locally‐owned, independent businesses with an aim to

strengthen their competitiveness and keep more dollars in the local economy. Since the

launch of the program in 2013, over 35 local businesses have come on board and now have

their products, services and stories featured through the unique community web portal,

www.lovevalemount.ca. While the program became dormant through 2016, the newly hired

grant clerk has taken the program by storm and is currently bringing the program back to full

speed in 2017.

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Message from the Chief Administrative Officer

With the official announcement of the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort

and signing of the Master Development Agreement with the Province and

Simpcw First Nation, the Village of Valemount has now entered a period of

significant change and anticipated growth. In order to support this increase, the

Village has taken a proactive approach to supporting development and the

growth of the community through various administrative and operational

functions. Some of these functions include, but are not limited to: an update of

the Official Community Plan, evaluation of current zoning and Bylaws, with

planned Amendments to better reflect the current period of change, and

enhancements to internal operations and administration.

To this end, our centre of gravity is institutional credibility. In order to boost this, the stabilization and

enhancement of staffing capacity and capability, to serve Council and the community remains at the

forefront. Our intent remains on providing exceptional and responsive service to set the conditions for

residents and businesses alike to grow and flourish with as minimal as possible interference.

Looking towards the horizon, the Village has begun to forecast and plan for both the near and mid‐

term future. As such, studies shall be conducted that will evaluate a systematic overview of our critical

infrastructure, the organizational structure of Village staff, and currently a boundary expansion study is

underway to explore future options of VGDR and its relationship to the Village.

Additionally, other important files to note include: a potential future airport expansion, geothermal

heat, potential major developments to include commercial and residential, Kinder Morgan’s multi‐

billion dollar Transmountain Pipeline expansion project, and many others. The very successful

Valemount Community Forest continues to grow and expand to serve the community; likewise

VARDA’s exciting expansion of the bike park will also be an outstanding addition.

The Village is here to serve, and staff is grateful to be able to provide timely and effective service to the

community. As the previous2016 interim CAO and current Subdivision Approving Officer, Gord

Simmons likes to say, “We are here to make dreams come true within the parameters of legislation.”

2017 and beyond will provide numerous opportunities and challenges and we are ready.

Adam Davey Chief Administrative Officer

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2016 Organizational Chart

32



Current Departmental Organizations

Chief Administrative Officer – Adam Davey

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for providing leadership to and oversight of all

Village operations, implementing the strategic vision established by Council, establishing

relationships with other levels of government and other corporate bodies, and providing

guidance and recommendations to Council to most effectively serve the Village.

Approving Officer – Gord Simmons

The Approving Officer generally has a separate jurisdictions of authority for approving

subdivision plans.

Corporate Services Clerk – Carleena Shepherd

The Corporate Services Clerk is responsible for corporate services functions within the Village,

and manages special projects and initiatives, as required.

Director of Finance – Lori McNee

The Director of Finance is responsible for control and supervision over all financial affairs of

the municipality, preparation of budgets, provision of financial advice, oversight of insurance

and contracts, and administration of the taxation cycle.

Public Works Superintendent – Trevor Pelletier

The Public Works Superintendent is responsible to plan, direct, manage and oversee the

activities and operations of the Public Works Department, to administer the budget, staff and

physical facilities of the Public Works Department, and to coordinate assigned activities with

other Municipal departments and outside agencies.

Economic Development Officer – Silvio Gislimberti

The Economic Development Officer acts as the municipality’s primary economic development

contact and implements economic initiatives of the municipality. The Economic Development

Officer’s role includes work at a strategic, operational and implementation level such as

seeking funds, developing partnerships, creating and implementing plans, and managing

projects.

33

Building Inspector & Bylaw Officer – Dean Schneider

The Building Inspector is responsible for inspection and regulatory work involving inspecting

and checking buildings and on‐site requirements for compliance to the design, materials,

workmanship and safety devises with relevant bylaws, regulations and codes.

Animal Control Bylaw Officer – Chris Dolbec

Animal control officers are responsible for capturing and impounding dangerous or stray

animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, enforcing licensing laws, providing expert

testimony in court cases, rescuing trapped animals, writing incident reports, and providing

humane care to animals under their supervision.

Back row: (l to r) Dave McRae, Rob Bustin, Megan Vicente, Dean Schnieder, Melanie Hystad

Adam Davey

Middle row: (l to r) Suzanne Bloodoff, Sandy Janum, Lori McNee, Carleena Shepherd, Silvio

Gislimberti

Front row: (l to r) Jennifer Robinson, Dan Schnell, Krista Etty, Trevor Pelletier

Missing: Chris Dolbec, Duane Smith

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STATISTICAL

INFORMATION

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Public Input, Declarations of Disqualification, & Permissive Tax Exemptions

Public Input

Notice of an opportunity to provide public comment on the Annual Report was given through

advertising, and opportunity for comment provided in the two weeks prior to an overview

presentation of the Annual Report at a regular Council meeting held June 27, 2017

Declarations of Disqualification

Declarations of Disqualification Made Under Section 110 of the Community Charter.

NONE

Permissive Tax Exemptions

Permissive Tax Exemptions are granted at Council’s discretion upon written application prior to the adoption of the Permissive Tax Bylaw. For 2014, Village Council adopted the Tax Exempt Property Bylaw No. 704, 2013 which provided permissive tax exemptions for the following properties. Also shown is the amount of property taxes that would have been imposed on the properties in 2014 year if the properties were not Tax Exempt. Organization Value of Exempt Taxes VARDA $2,743.83

Valemount Curling Rink $5,848.21

Valemount Lions Club $820.36

Royal Canadian Legion $3,155.90

Valemount Senior’s (Golden Year’s) $858.48

Valemount Senior’s (Golden Year’s) $4,802.59

Valemount Senior’s (Prov Rental Hsing) $5,252.83

Valemount Senior’s (Prov Rental Hsing) $4,949.07

United Church of Canada $1,145.80

Roman Catholic Bishop $653.07

Valemount New Life Centre $1,384.34

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Statistics

In late spring of 2012, the results of the 2011 census were released, showing the overview below.

2016 Valemount Animal License Statistics

Total Animal Licenses issued 106

2016 Valemount Business License Statistics

New Business 23

Home Based Businesses 14

Standard Businesses 147

Short Term Vacation Rentals 3

Non Profit 3

Street Vendor 3

Total 170

2016 Building Permits

Decks $64,800

Additions $108,000

New Construction $1,234,000

Woodstove Inspections $168,800

151,000 $151,000

Roofs $67,000

Other Renovations $90,000

Total $1,882,800

2011 Census Data Summary for Valemount, BC

Population and dwelling counts Valemount British Columbia

Population in 2011 1,020 4,400,057

Population in 2006 1,018 4,113,487

2006 to 2011 population change (%) 0.2 7

Total private dwellings 592 1,945,365

Private dwellings occupied by usual 474 1,764,637

Population density per square kilometre 197.4 4.8

37



FINANCIAL

INFORMATION

2016 Annual Report DRAFT 2 - Valemount Annual... · 2017. 6. 12. · Village of Valemount, British...

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