Brian Bennewith

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the adoption of the Minutes from the February 9, 2026 meeting (which is excluded from the summary content), and the adoption of three bylaws: the Village of Ashcroft Water Regulations Bylaw No. 881, 2026; the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 882, 2026 (updating Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fees); and the Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 883, 2026. Staff reports covered seeking approval for a temporary road closure on Railway Avenue for the BC Drag It Challenge event on June 21, 2026, and the approval of the Community Charter Section 168 Council Remuneration Report. Correspondence items included a request for the Fire Hall to be illuminated purple for the BC Epilepsy Society's Purple Lights Campaign, a request for recognition of the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Lions 75 Year Anniversary, and Councillor Clement's request to attend the LGLA Forum. Additionally, the Council addressed proposed updates to the Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and confirmed appointments.

The council meetings highlighted several significant actions, including giving first and second readings to the Water Regulations Bylaw No. 881, 2026, and the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 882, 2026, concerning water, sewer, and solid waste fees. Key decisions involved approving the upgrade of the Mesa Vista Park playground, directing staff to seek grant funding, and supporting an Economic Development Capacity Grant application. The council also approved the destruction of 2025 Local By-Election materials, waived an ice rental fee for a fundraising game, approved the Farmers Market relocation request, and proclaimed Heritage Week. Financially, the 2025 year-end review showed a strong position, and a decision was made regarding a slight utility rate increase for 2026 to cover rising operational costs. Furthermore, the village purchased its first electric fleet vehicle using carbon neutral funding.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) funding, which resulted in the purchase of an electric vehicle and a reduction in arena door replacement costs, necessitating a review of the Travel Policy. Council addressed Wildfire Preparedness Planning, noting increasing long-term temperature trends. The Mesa Park Playground upgrade was discussed, with plans for construction starting in the spring and mail-out notices requested for residents. The year-end Finance Review showed a surplus of approximately $163,000, allocated to reserves for future capital needs like a garbage truck replacement, emergency preparedness, and road works, despite necessary increases in property taxes and fees to cover rising operating costs. Correspondence items included approving the Ashcroft Farmers Market's request to use Pool Park subject to agreement terms, and proclaiming February 15-22, 2026 as Heritage Week. Mayor Roden also reported on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District's initiation of an Alternative Approval Process for a new Kamloops Search & Rescue facility and Fire Hall.

The meeting agenda included significant discussions on bylaws and reports. Key items involved presenting a coordinated package of bylaws to modernize water regulations, update utility fees (water, sewer, and solid waste), and establish administrative enforcement, specifically involving third readings for Bylaw No. 881, 2026, Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 882, 2026, and Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 883, 2026. The Council also reviewed the Election Procedure Bylaw ahead of the General Local Election and requested appointment of Election Officials. Other topics included adopting amendments to the Travel Reimbursement Policy to reflect the purchase of a Village-owned electric vehicle, receiving an update on the Fire Smart Coordinator's planning, receiving a positive year-end finance review showing a surplus, and approving action on correspondence items such as supporting the Ashcroft Farmers Market's location change and proclaiming Heritage Week.

The Council meeting addressed several key items, including adding a request for free facility use to the New Business agenda. Council gave first and second reading to three bylaws related to water regulations, utility fee amendments (Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fees), and enforcement alignment. The Council confirmed the existing Annual Remuneration, Conference Attendance and Travel Expense Policy. Under Staff Reports, approval was granted for the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to attend the 2026 CAO Forum and to destroy 2025 Local By-Election materials. Council also approved proceeding with accepting a quotation for new playground equipment at Mesa Vista Park and authorized staff to explore funding opportunities. Furthermore, Council supported a grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to support the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator position. The CFO provided an update on the Water Meter Project, noting focus is shifting to North Ashcroft and downtown for installation and leak detection efforts. Council reviewed correspondence and waived the ice rental fee for the Guns and Hoses Organizing Committee fundraising game before moving to a closed meeting to discuss labour relations or other employee relations matters.