It’s going to be a busy evening in council chambers tonight. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up.
Public hearing on retail cannabis
The public has been invited to give feedback on a proposed bylaw outlining the area where cannabis can be sold in Prince Rupert.
The city’s administration first introduced Bylaw No. 3430, 2018 in October, which designated most of Prince Rupert’s downtown and Cow Bay for retail cannabis sales.
Based on a request by the property owner at 1100 Park Avenue at Five Corners downtown, council is now considering an amendment that will include that area as a place where cannabis can be sold.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to respond to this change before council makes a final decision.
Council will also consider the Trade or Business Licence Amendment Bylaw No. 3432, 2018, which governs the process through which individuals can actually apply to open a cannabis store in Prince Rupert.
During its public information session on Nov. 13, the city outlined the steps and fees required to acquire a licence to sell cannabis, which includes steps at both the municipal and provincial levels.
If council gives first, second and third readings to the bylaw, another public feedback meeting will be scheduled for Dec. 12 in council chambers.
READ MORE: Council votes to expand proposed retail cannabis zone in Prince Rupert
Tourism Board appointments
On Nov. 16, council appointed Mike Cote and Janess Iverson to the Prince Rupert Tourism Board during a closed meeting. Council made their appointments after reviewing applications for the positions and making a vote through secret ballot.
Dam replacement project to cost 2.5 times more than expected
City administration will also outline anticipated capital works and capital purchase expenses for 2019. It will seek approval of those expenses from council so that city staff can plan the purchases and construction schedules for the upcoming year.
Of particular note is the impact of the Woodworth Lake Dam replacement project. Council applied for a grant under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund that was intended to cover 83 per cent of the project’s costs.
However, the tendered cost of the project is 2.5 times higher that what was originally anticipated. In its report to council, administration anticipates making up the difference using money from the Legacy Prince Rupert fund and debt financing (which will be paid down using the Legacy fund).
Administration is asking council to consider a borrowing bylaw to help fund the project.
Increased funding for roads
Administration is also recommending an increase to the city’s paving budget, which has remained the same since 2018.
READ MORE council briefs here
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