News Flash

Question and Answer

• Citizens questions and comments were presented to Council regarding:
  • Tree cutting in the City and the importance of maintaining and increasing the tree canopy by following the City Tree Protection Bylaw and Policy
  • Concern with a recent delegation request to trim foliage on the “hump” between East and West Beach 
  • The current budget process – it was suggested that charts for capital expenditures in the past, present and future would be helpful to see where funding could be cut. Staff noted that budget discussions will continue through the coming week, and that capital expenditures would be discussed at the March 8 Finance and Audit Committee meeting.

COVID-19 Update

• The Fire Chief provided an On-Table update on the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Tree Protection, Canopy Enhancement and Management on City Lands Policy 611 - Update 

• Council endorsed several updates to Tree Protection, Canopy Enhancement and Management on City Lands Policy 611. These changes were made in conjunction with recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Committee.

Semiahmoo Peninsula Polar Bear Plunge On March 19

• Council endorsed a recommendation supporting the Semiahmoo Peninsula Rotaract District 5050 Polar Bear Plunge event, to be held at White Rock Beach on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The event is organized as part of a Canada wide event called “Making Waves the Rotaract Canada Polar Plunge”, to raise money for the Rotary Foundation’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, with a focus on providing clean water for indigenous communities in Canada.

Amendments to Bylaws 2419 and 2420

• Amendments were brought forward for two (2) Bylaws – The City’s Building Bylaw and the Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw. These amendments were required to address the recently adopted White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw.

Status Update Of Council’s 2021-2022 Top Priorities 

• An updated progress report was provided on Council’s top priorities.

Land Use and Planning Committee

• Council supported a recommendation brought forward from the Land Use and Planning Committee directing staff to advance a zoning amendment application for 14056 North Bluff Road to the next stage of the application review process. This application proposes to change the subject site from a one-unit residential (RS-1) zone to a three-unit (triplex) (RT-2) zone.

Housing Advisory Committee

• Council supported a resolution from the Housing Advisory Committee to support the five calls to action items noted in the Canada-British Columbia Expert Panel on the Future of Hosing Support and Affordability. These include:

1. Creating a planning framework that proactively encourages housing
2. Reforming fees on property development
3. Expanding the supply of community and affordable housing
4. Improving coordination among and within all orders of government 
5. Ensuring more equitable treatment

Economic Development Advisory Committee

• Council received seven (7) recommendations from the Committee regarding their work plan. These items were referred back to staff for potential comments/ feedback.

Continuation of Pier Lights in Support of Ukraine

• Council supported a motion to continue to light the pier in blue and yellow in support of the Ukraine.  Lighting will be staggered between other scheduled events and will continue until Russia withdraws from Ukraine.

Fundraising Opportunities in Support of Ukraine

• Staff provided an update on fundraising opportunities for humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. Discussions are underway with various community representatives. A small committee will be organized to plan a fundraising event at the end of March. Further details will be provided, and the event will be advertised by the City so that the public can attend and offer their support.

Letter to Prime Minister Requesting Relaxation of COVID-19 Testing at the Land Border

• Council endorsed a resolution to send a letter the Prime Minister requesting relaxation of COVID-19 testing at the Canada U.S. land border.