Here are some highlights from the October 16, 2023, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Audio system upgrade for CN Centre
Council approved $950,000 for the CN Centre audio system to be upgraded. The funding comes from the Northern Capital and Planning Reserve fund.
In a report presented to council outlining the project, it was explained that an assessment in 2019 identified the equipment, dating back to late 90’s, had exceeded both its technical lifetime and its reliable service lifetime. The assessment also explained the existing systems were at high risk of a system wide failure with little or no access to spare parts or replacement pieces.
COVID delayed the urgency for the equipment to be replaced, but now the facility is back to operating at full capacity, the need for the sound system to be replaced is a priority.
City Hall transformer to be replaced
Council agreed to a budget and scope amendment to Project # 3229 – City Hall Transformer replacement to allow a total cost of $1.2 million. The project will be funded from the Northern Capital and Planning Reserve and will replace the existing transformer with a new BC hydro transformer.
The city hall transformer dates back to 1965 and is at end of life and was identified for full replacement by Technical Safety BC in 2016. This project was also delayed due to COVID and resource limitations.
Once completed the new service feed will ensure reliable service to the City Hall building, plus updated electrical components will facilitate future connections as part of the Civic Core development plan.
Permissive tax exemptions
Council approved the first three readings of Bylaw No. 9424, 2023 in relation to the 2024 Permissive Tax Exemptions.
The total estimated value for the tax exemptions in the report’s recommendations is $1.97 million or 1.52% of the tax levy (based on 2023 tax rates and assessment values). Permissive tax exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further Council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life (economic, social, and cultural) and delivering services economically.
Provincial legislation provides statutory tax exemptions for places of worship. Permissive Tax Exemptions are generally granted by local councils for non-profit organizations.
Two new residences were approved for tax exemptions by the finance and audit committee this year, 334 15th Avenue used by non-profit group AiMHi for people with developmental disabilities and 970 4th Avenue used by Carrier Sekani Family Services.
New cellphone tower coming
Council received a request for concurrence confirming that the City has been consulted and supports the design and location of the proposed wireless communications facility at 8266 Domagala Road.
Rogers are hoping to build a 53 metre self-supported cellphone tower to improve coverage and network quality within a few kilometres of the property.
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