Brian Bennewith

This Official Community Plan for the Village of Ashcroft serves as a comprehensive roadmap for guiding the community's growth and change. It establishes goals and directions for land management and various aspects of community development, including economic development, environmental protection, emergency preparedness, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, social needs, and housing. The plan details land use policies for residential, downtown, industrial, agricultural, and open space areas, while also addressing infrastructure and accessibility. Its overarching vision is to foster a vibrant, active, and creative community that promotes healthy well-being and collaborative inter-generational development by 2045, adapting to demographic shifts and economic transitions.

The Council meeting covered the renewal and strengthening of the Ashcroft-Bifuka Sister City relationship, including potential replacement options for the Heritage Park mural. Additionally, the Council reviewed a delegation request from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #77 regarding a permissive property tax exemption and explored the associated legislative requirements and administrative considerations.

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused on preparing advocacy topics for the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities Convention. Key discussions included addressing the challenge of managing increasing provincial expectations regarding rural capacity and shared accountability, particularly for small communities, and exploring long-term sustainability and funding models for the FireSmart program.

The council received a presentation on the 2025 audited financial statements and an update regarding Dawson Road maintenance operations. The council granted the first three readings for the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw and the Tax Rate Bylaw. Additionally, the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan was adopted, and the council endorsed a grant application for marketing initiatives. Permission was granted for a bulk mail-out, and the council agreed to host a presentation regarding a regional Search and Rescue Alternate Approval Process. Discussions also addressed a notice of motion concerning public questions during delegations and updates were provided on various committee and project activities, including parks and tourism planning.

The community forum focused on the presentation of the 2026 budget, detailing proposed projects, tax calculations, and financial context, including the village's debt-free status and asset management. Key discussion topics included capital projects like the Water Meter Program, FireSmart program, Sewer Treatment Plant upgrades, garbage truck replacement, and grant-funded initiatives. The meeting also addressed public and council inquiries regarding procurement processes, federal funding opportunities for infrastructure, and overall long-term financial stewardship.