Mark Fortune

This Official Community Plan for Electoral Area 'C' serves as a comprehensive guide for planning and development from 2021 to 2041. It establishes a community vision focused on preserving the area's wilderness, rural character, and strong community identity through environmental stewardship, climate-resilient development, and collaborative partnerships with First Nations. Key strategic pillars include Reconciliation, Parks and Recreation, Environment, Emergency Management, Growth Management, Housing and Affordability, Employment and Economy, Transportation, Utilities, and Services, and Agriculture and Food Security. The plan aims to enhance rural infrastructure, diversify housing options, strengthen the local economy, protect diverse cultural heritage, and provide accessible public gathering spaces, guided by Nuu-chah-nulth principles.

The Board discussed and acted upon several key items, including the adoption of the agenda, receiving updates from the Literacy Alberni Society and the Organizing Committee for FIFA 2026 Activities regarding the Canada Soccer National Training Centre. Consent agenda items were adopted, and correspondence regarding pedestrian safety on Highway 4 and Provincial Sales Tax expansion was received. The Board endorsed the Synergy Foundation's Port Alberni Circular Economy Workforce Development Plan 2026-2036, authorized a joint registry agreement with the City of Nanaimo, and approved various financial and administrative matters, including the 2025 Statement of Financial Information, banking signatories, and several bylaw readings and adoptions. Additionally, several planning applications, including official community plan amendments and temporary use permits, were addressed, and staff reports on airport taxiway concepts and financial updates were received.

The public meeting was held to discuss a temporary use permit application for a property located at 9010 Bryson Road, which is intended to be developed into a sheep farm. Key discussion topics included the proposed addition of up to six unserviced camping sites for agritourism and accommodation, concerns regarding fire protection and safety, noise and traffic management, insurance liabilities, and the status of existing structures, such as recreational vehicles, on the property. The meeting served as a forum for residents to voice concerns directly to the project applicant.

The Board of Directors held meetings to address various operational and administrative matters. Key actions included the election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the Board and the Hospital District, the approval of a multi-year funding service contract with Island Health, and the adoption of a Long-Term Financial Plan Policy along with associated financial amendments. The Board also discussed emergency preparedness, including grant applications for emergency services and updates to the Disaster and Emergency Management Plan. Furthermore, the Board addressed infrastructure projects such as landfill environmental testing services, the Bamfield submarine waterline replacement, and potential dock transfers, alongside processing various land use, rezoning, and development variance permits.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several administrative and operational agenda items, including the adoption of the Log Train Trail Regional Park Management Plan and partnerships for a bioregional food system study. Multiple contracts were awarded, covering watermain replacement, golf course and campground leasing, and landfill operations and infrastructure. The Board reviewed a work plan for Official Community Plan updates and endorsed resolutions for the AVICC conference concerning freshwater storage planning and emergency evacuation route maintenance. Additionally, several zoning amendment bylaws were adopted.