Question and Answer Period
All Question and Answer Period submissions and their responses can be viewed on the City website.
Delegations
Council received two (2) delegations regarding:
- Mental health awareness, community engagement and the importance of physical activity. Fundraising was also discussed as the delegation will be running with the goal of beating the world record to run across Canada in order to help raise awareness for mental health; and,
- Advocacy for an accessible and inclusive White Rock Pier, including a request to have a permanent mat placed on the full length of the Pier.
Asset Retirement Obligations Policy
Council received a report regarding Finance Policy No. 326, Asset Retirement Obligations Policy, which outlines the accounting treatment for asset retirement obligations so that users of the financial report can discern information about these assets and their end-of-life obligations.
Council approved Policy No. 326 later in the meeting.
Property Tax Increase Update
Council received a report providing an update on the 2024 property tax increase and its estimated impact on an average single-family and multi-family (strata unit) household. The 2024 average property tax increase is currently set at 4.82%
2024-2028 Financial Plan Comments
Council received an on-table report summarizing public feedback received up to January 23, 2024 on the City’s “Talk White Rock” platform, including staff responses to each comment. Opportunity was also provided at this time for further in-person public comments during the meeting.
Update On Recent Provincial Housing Initiatives and Regulation Requirements
Council received a report providing an overview of the recent provincial legislative changes, Housing Statutes Bills 44, 46, & 47, and how they are expected to affect the City of White Rock. View the report.
Temporary Office and Council Chamber Options
Council received a report outlining options for the addition of new office spaces at City Hall. Council supported the following recommendations:
- Approved the relocation of Council Chambers to the Annex and the construction of offices in the vacated Council Chamber space at City Hall; and,
- Authorized staff to proceed with the renovations from the Financial Plan.
Committee Recommendations – Public Art and Culture Advisory Committee
Council approved the Committee’s recommendation to endorse a pier float design titled “Reality”, as presented by David Rowland from Creatix Studio, and for staff to move forward with this design.
White Rock Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw, 2024, No. 2492
Council gave final reading for the 2024 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw. This bylaw provides for the borrowing of sums of money as may be required to meet the current lawful expenditures of the City.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – 988 Poster Display
Council endorsed a resolution to display amended posters in all municipal/ City buildings with information on Canada’s 3-digit (988) crisis line for mental health and suicide prevention.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2024.