News Flash

Question and Answer

• Comments expressing concern regarding the proposed $10 application fee for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and that the FOI files had not been updated on the City website.
  
  
• The recommendation from the Finance and Audit Committee regarding the Business Improvement Association (BIA) levy was discussed. A resident suggested that the City reach out to Commercial Property Owners in White Rock and encourage those paying the levy to provide their comments on the BIA to Council.
  
  
• Question on construction parking issues from the Altus development and hospital visitors in the area.
  
  
• Request for staff to provide an update on Maccaud Park design.
  
  
• Questions regarding a topographic survey and city encroachments on a property on Parker Place.

Questions that were not answered during the meeting will be addressed on the Question and Answer webpage.

Presentations: 

• Engaged Communities Canada Society (ECCS) made a presentation on the operation of the Daytime Warming Centre at Centennial Park. The Shelter accommodated 486 visits over a 35-day period during February and March. ECCS provided a number including basic needs supports, emotional support, transportation, medical support, overdose response and prevention, on-site counselling services, cleaning services, activities and entertainment, as well as system navigation support and service/ program registration.
  
  
• The Executive Director of the White Rock Business Improvement Association (BIA) provided an update regarding 2022 to 2023 annual activities. Information was also provided on how the BIA selects their programming and how they are accountable to their members.  
  
  
• A representative from Urban Systems attended to provide an overview of the White Rock City-Wide Parking Strategy. Council received a corporate report and directed further discussions on this topic take place at an upcoming Governance and Legislation Committee meeting.  

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

72-Hour Parking Bylaw Exemption Report
Council received a report with options for a 72-hour parking bylaw exemption for a number of properties built prior to 1990 that lack a driveway or parking pad. Further discussion on this topic will take place at an upcoming Governance and Legislation Committee meeting.

West Beach Parkade – Utilization of Parking Level 4
Council endorsed a recommendation directing staff to permit public parking on the fourth level of the West Beach parkade at the start of the tourist season, from the Victoria Day long weekend to the Labour Day long weekend, as well as the day before and the day following long weekends throughout the year and during stretches of good weather.  Council also directed staff to obtain a quote on operating the gate for the parkade remotely.  

Picnic-On-The-Pier Event
Council endorsed “Picnic on the Pier” a fundraising event to be hosted by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation ion Thursday, August 4, 2022. This event will host dinner and drinks on the Pier and will require a Beer and Wine Garden/Private Function Liquor Licence as well as a partial closure of the Pier on August 4 to set up for and host the event.

Promenade Sculptures Competition Proposal Review
Council endorsed the White Rock Promenade Sculptures Competition to proceed as proposed by the White Rock Events Society, subject to the organizers raising 75% of the required funds through donations and sponsorship.  This sculpture competition exhibit will take place at the White Rock waterfront and is a year-long event that is expected to begin in fall of 2022.

White Rock Freedom of Information Bylaw, 2022, No. 2421
Council received a report regarding an amendment to the White Rock Freedom of Information Bylaw to introduce an FOI application fee. A recommendation was endorsed to have this fee be implemented for those submitting more than one (1) request per calendar year.

Status Update of Council’s 2021-2022 Top Priorities 
An updated progress report was provided on Council’s top priorities.

Finance and Audit Committee
Council endorsed that commercial property owners and/or their representatives be invited to attend a Council meeting as a delegation in regard to the White Rock BIA.

Grants-In-Aid Sub Committee
Council supported recommendations brought forward from the Grants-in-Aid Sub Committee approving a number of general and arts and culture grants for 2022. Applicants still looking to apply for a grant through the city may do so prior to the late submission deadline on June 1, 2022.

Bylaws Receiving Final Reading
Two (2) bylaws with administrative amendments received final reading:

1. Bylaw 2419- White Rock Building Bylaw; and
2. Bylaw 2420 - White Rock Ticketing for Bylaw Offences