Heather L. Pihulak

The council meeting addressed several major items, including a presentation on radon survey results and the adoption of the 2026-2028 Municipal Operating Budget. Significant actions included the establishment of a new comprehensive sign bylaw, the approval of a revised Community Improvement Plan, and the formal adoption of an Active Transportation Master Plan. Furthermore, the council received a Municipal Policing Study, authorized a funding agreement for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, and enacted various bylaws related to policies, remuneration, and license agreements.

The council meeting included several key agenda items such as the approval of a capital budget amendment for the museum roof and solar power project, an amendment to the tariff of fees and charges to include pickleball court rental fees, and the approval of updated city policies including a video surveillance policy, a whistleblower policy, and a debt management policy. Additionally, the council approved external borrowing to finance various capital projects and authorized zoning and subdivision amendments. The council also supported the development of a business plan for a community safety officer program and discussed a litigation matter in closed session.

The council held a special meeting to discuss and approve an amendment to the 2026 Utility Capital Budget in the amount of $600,000 for sewer and water reconstruction projects. Discussions included the reasoning behind the budget gap, rising contractor pricing, and strategies for improving project cost estimation and design timelines. Council approved the budget amendment and passed a by-law to finalize the changes for the specified infrastructure projects.

The meeting focused on the 2026 draft operating budget, including a status quo approach to expenditures, service level maintenance, and revenue adjustments. Key topics included a summary of the 2026-2028 operating budget strategies, principles for budget preparation, significant revenue and expenditure variances, debt financing, and reserves. The council also reviewed the Municipal Accommodation Tax projects for 2026. Furthermore, council discussed and supported various tariff of fees and charges, including parking, transit, and recreation services. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss labor relations matters.

The meeting focused on the presentation of a proposed new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the city, intended to integrate three existing plans into a single framework to promote economic growth, housing development, and revitalization. Key discussion points included the introduction of a new Energy Efficiency Grant, criteria for financial incentive programs, and public feedback regarding sustainability and energy-efficient building renovations. Council members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the application intake process, the timing of project approvals, and methods to balance developer accessibility with administrative oversight.