Gorana Cabral

The Council-in-Committee meeting featured a presentation from the Recreation Facilities Association of British Columbia and the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, during which the City was presented with awards for the Mundy Park Pool project.

The council meeting addressed a resolution in accordance with Section 92 of the Community Charter to close the meeting to the public. During the closed session, the council deliberated on matters concerning personal information about an identifiable individual considered for a municipal position and engaged in negotiations regarding the proposed provision of a municipal service.

The council discussed various municipal matters, including the Annual Tax Rates Bylaw, updates to high-density zones and rental incentives to align with provincial housing legislation, and the 2027-28 school sites proposal. Furthermore, the council approved the Urban Forest Management Strategy and its implementation plan. The meeting also covered the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Amendment Bylaw, and concluded with organizational decisions regarding the 2026 General Local Election, including the appointment of election officers and the implementation of mail-in ballots.

The meeting included an orientation for the committee, followed by a review and approval of the 2026 Work Plan. Discussions were held regarding the Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (MICR) program, including its expansion and RCMP partnerships for youth in crisis. Traffic safety priorities were reviewed, covering topics such as enforcement measures, driving education for youth, and collaborative road design. The committee also received presentations on safety planning for public events, urban wildlife coexistence strategies, and fraud prevention initiatives targeted at vulnerable groups including seniors and newcomers.

The committee reviewed the Urban Forest Management Strategy, which includes plans for tree planting, forest rehabilitation, and community stewardship programs. Updates were provided on the Annual Transportation Program, focusing on pedestrian infrastructure improvements, transit signal upgrades, and the expansion of the shared e-micromobility program. Additionally, the committee discussed the exploration of district energy systems in the city, evaluating technical feasibility, climate impacts, and industry survey findings.