Kevin Dicken

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council included several key items requiring resolution. Discussions involved receiving delegations from AdvantageHOPE regarding their 2026 vision and plans. Staff reports addressed the endorsement of flood protection works for the Hope Golf Course, including authorizing up to $624,569 from the Growing Communities Fund for the project, and supporting an application for the Local Government Development Approvals Program funding up to $150,000 to improve the development approvals process and implement standardized designs. Furthermore, the Council was set to consider approval for a Development Variance Permit regarding setbacks for a dwelling relocation at 66563 Summer Road, and Geotechnical Hazard Development Permits for properties at 21902 Union Bar Road and 66545 Stephens Road. The agenda also included receiving correspondence, including the Accounts Payable Cheque Listing for January 2026.

The meeting addressed several items, including the adoption of the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting held on January 12, 2026. The Hope & District Arts Council presented on Concerts in the Park, detailing costs, band selection criteria, attendance figures, and community survey results, while requesting support through sponsorships and vendor table options. The Fire Chief presented two reports: one leading to the approval of moving a capital budget amendment of $150,000 from 2027 to 2026 for a capital purchase, and another detailing the structural assessment for Fire Hall 1, where Council supported staff direction to bring deficiencies into compliance and plan for replacement. The Mayor reported on various community initiatives, including progress on a rental housing needs report, community beautification, the creation of a community calendar, and announced the intention to replace the Republic of China (Taiwan) flag display with a directional sign for Taipei City. Councillor reports covered topics such as AdvantageHOPE updates, accessibility improvements including bench installations, and inclusion projects. Under Bylaws, Council approved a 3-year Temporary Use Permit for daycare use at 571 Rupert Street, gave final readings to two amendment bylaws (MTI and BNE), repealed the obsolete Pool Hall Repeal Bylaw, and approved a Geotechnical Hazard Development Permit for a property on Trans-Canada Highway, contingent on satisfactory professional reports. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding labour relations.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Fraser Canyon Hospice Society regarding their services, the growing need for hospice care due to the aging population, and challenges related to funding and volunteer recruitment. Council endorsed the continuation of the Station House relocation and restoration project, authorizing archaeological costs to be funded from the Station House Reserve, with potential drawing from the Infrastructure Reserve if necessary. A Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel was established to authenticate the roll and consider complaints for the 753 Water Amalgamation Project, with three councillors appointed to this panel. Additionally, variances and permits were approved for applications at 21301 Lakeview Crescent concerning zoning bylaws and geotechnical hazards, enabling the preservation of an existing dwelling and construction of a new home. Notification was directed for a zoning bylaw variance application concerning setbacks at 66563 Summer Road.

The Public Hearing was convened to receive input on the District of Hope Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1617, 2025, which designates a new Official Community Plan largely driven by new legislation. Discussions included concerns raised by the public regarding heavy industry in residential areas, industrial traffic, safety concerns, and the lack of specific enforcement language for industrial properties within the OCP. Further concerns were raised regarding the omission of statements on rock quarries and gravel pits, and the impact of topsoil removal on flooding. Staff clarified that the OCP provides high-level strategic direction, and specific regulations would be addressed through subsequent bylaws and master plans. It was also noted that the Local Government Act requires the identification of suitable sand and gravel deposits within the OCP.

The agenda for the meeting included the acknowledgement of Stó:lō traditional territories, adoption of the agenda, and adoption/receipt of previous minutes from the Regular Council Meeting of February 9, 2026, and the Public Hearing of February 9, 2026. A delegation from the Fraser Canyon Hospice Society was scheduled to present. Staff reports covered the Station House relocation and restoration project, seeking endorsement to proceed with archaeological permitting and construction, funding for which would be drawn from the Station House and Infrastructure Reserves. Another staff report recommended establishing a Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel concerning the 753 Water Amalgamation Project and scheduling its meeting for April 20, 2026. The agenda also included items on Permits and Bylaws, specifically recommending approval of Zoning Bylaw variances for a Development Variance Permit at 21301 Lakeview Crescent, approving a Geotechnical Hazard Development Permit for the same property, and directing staff to proceed with notification for a Development Variance Permit at 66563 Summer Road.