Kara Jefford

The council meeting addressed several municipal matters, including the support of the Union of BC Municipalities Community Excellence Awards application for the accessibility and inclusion plan, and advocacy for the continuation of the local government climate action program. A design-build proposal for utilities upgrades was approved, as was the 2026-2027 annual operating agreement for transit services. Requests for proposal documents for janitorial services were authorized, and the replacement of the evaporative condenser at the Coliseum was approved. The 2025 annual municipal report was received for information. Annual General Meetings for the Economic Partners Corporation and Tourism Chilliwack Inc. were scheduled. Additionally, various Official Community Plan amendments were discussed and advanced, including a public hearing date, and a non-farm use application for a property on Unsworth Road was forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission.

The council meeting addressed several public hearings and planning applications. Key topics included a zoning bylaw amendment to define and include trade schools as a permitted use in specific industrial zones, a development variance permit and development permit for a new three-story commercial building featuring childcare, medical, and pharmacy services, and a development variance permit to allow for elevated walkways to access secondary suites in suburban hillside residential properties.

The council discussed several infrastructure projects, including the award of the 2026 Asheville Rehabilitation tender, the upcoming Main Street rebuild, and the Prestro Magcguire to Bailey project. Key discussions focused on project phasing, the impact of development on completed improvements, the stabilization of paving costs, and efforts to address railway crossing concerns and whistle cessation. Members also addressed potential delays related to archaeological investigations and the necessity for in-person meetings with provincial ministers to expedite permitting processes.

The council held a public hearing regarding a zoning bylaw amendment for property on Yaro Central Road to facilitate a business expansion. They also reviewed development variance permit requests for properties on Barton Avenue and Hawthorne Road, concerning lot line setbacks and the construction of a detached garage. Following the public information meetings, the council moved forward with the zoning bylaw amendment and the issuance of the development variance permits. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to a closed session.

The council received an annual user group report from the Aullet Thresherman's Association, which highlighted membership growth, site upgrades, and community events. Key actions included the approval of a contract for the installation of electric bear fencing at the Bailey sanitary landfill, the authorization of a tourism services and visitor center management agreement, and the receipt of the annual development cost charge report. The council also gave readings to an election procedures bylaw, a zoning bylaw amendment regarding a trade school use, and a housing agreement bylaw, with members expressing concerns regarding the natural light and design of specific housing units.