Double-Scoop Council Meeting Combo

New EPC, Memorial Park and Bus Shelter in the works

Finally back to full-strength for the first time since February, Village Council moved forward with several long-awaited initiatives in a pair of jam-packed agendas on Tuesday night.

Originally scheduled as two separate events —a Committee of the Whole (COW) and a Special Meeting— Council agreed to combine the agendas, (HERE and HERE) addressing the most significant of the issues first.

Interim EPC Appointment

Following up on a presentation made by Mary Brown and Roel Coert last April, Council agreed to appoint Brown to the position of Interim Emergency Program Coordinator (EPC), a position she has been filling on a volunteer basis since the departure of former EPC Phil Folkersen in May of 2024.

Long-time volunteer Coert will take over the role of Emergency Support Services Director (ESSD), which has long been held by Brown.

Councillor Ron McLaughlin, appearing for the first time in his new role, spoke to the importance for the community of having an EPC. He cited the recent wildfire in Squamish and the Village's lack of an evacuation plan as examples of the current gaping holes in the municipality's emergency services that an EPC helps to fill.

Enns Memorial Park Study Group

McLaughlin's proposal of a public park to be built in memory of David and Barbara Enns at the Village-owned property where Battani and Magnesia Creeks join near the waterfront off Brunswick Road, met with unanimous approval. Council also supported the idea that a proposal be prepared by interested volunteers outlining the scope, budget, and naming of the park for future consideration.

Wastewater Treatment Annual Report

Director of Operations Karl Buhr offered the 2024 Wastewater Treatment Annual Report (page 14) for Council's consideration. He drew Council's attention to the fact that water flow into the treatment plant has continued to increase every year, despite no appreciable change in the number of sewer connections. He added that overnight flows, which should be close to zero, are still significant, indicating either (or both) groundwater leaking into sewers, or fixture leakage.

Buhr also addressed the ongoing problems with public toilet usage and function at Lions Bay Beach. He reminded Council of an Infrastructure Master Plan consideration to bring additional sections of the Village (principally those on Lions Bay Avenue) into the sewer system through the use of a force main through the Beach Park. Buhr said this would offer a potential solution to the problem, rather than the current method of repeated, expensive repairs.

The report is not yet posted to the Village website, but can be found beginning on page 14 of the COW agenda.

New Bus Shelter Project

Buhr also addressed Council on the subject of the new bus shelter project, which he noted is not be confused with the Translink Connector pathways project. He said that the Ministry of Transport has funded $100,000 to relocate and rebuild the bus stop from its current location on Isleview. Some drawings have been commissioned, and Buhr noted that once more information is in place, he will reach out for public feedback.

New Beach Signage for Drop-off Zone and Dogs

After discussion, Council agreed to ask staff to adjust signage to reflect a 15-minute drop-off /pick-up zone at the entrance to Lions Bay Beach Park. It was also agreed that the sign indicating no dogs on the beach be enlarged. Speaking in the Public Participation element of the evening, Bird Friendly committee member Penny Nelson reminded members of Council of the sad incident where a dog attacked a bird on the beach. She said it is important the wording reflect that dogs harassing wildlife is against the law.

Other Items of Interest:

• Council approved the appointment of Councillor Jaime Cunliffe to the Climate Action committee (CAC). Cunliffe said she was giving up her seat on the Infrastructure Committee, as her skillset is more suited to the CAC.

  
  

• Mayor Ken Berry declined to accept a recommendation for a replacement on the Infrastructure Committee, saying that the selection of members of a standing committee falls to the Mayor, and that he would consider his options before making a choice.

  
  

• Councillor Neville Abbott noted that his request that staff investigate the eligibility of Lions Bay for rural community grants had lain dormant for a year. He offered to help facilitate the process, and his motion to formalize this request and move forward was carried.

• After the second closed section of the meeting, Mayor Berry reported that discussion was held regarding compensation for the EPC and ESS positions, as well as parking at the entrance to Lions Bay Beach Park.

The last meeting of Council prior to the summer hiatus is set for July 22 at 6 p.m.

The Watershed values your thoughts. Leave your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca

Like what you're reading? For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.