Rhonda Anne Anderson

The meeting convened as a closed session to address matters permitted under Section 92 of the Community Charter. Key discussion topics for the closed session included personal information about an identifiable individual being considered for a municipal position, negotiations and related discussions concerning the proposed provision of a municipal service that could harm municipal interests if held publicly, and discussions with municipal officers and employees regarding objectives, measures, and progress reports for preparing the annual municipal report. The closed session concluded, and the meeting reopened to the public.

Key discussions during the meeting involved directing staff to revise the Energy Step Code Policy for Building Permit Application Requirements and prepare corresponding Bylaw amendments, maintaining existing provincial timelines for both Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code. Council approved the final design for the Cottonwood Park tennis courts, authorizing procurement and construction of three courts. Further actions included granting final approval for a development application at 1015 Austin Ave. by adopting a Zoning Amendment Bylaw and a Housing Agreement Bylaw. A Temporary Use Permit for an inflatable theme park at 1150 The High Street was approved, with an amendment made to delete the renewal clause. Council also adopted a Zoning Amendment Bylaw concerning the processing of In-Stream Development Permit Applications affected by Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Implementation. Staff was directed to submit the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) - Second Annual Progress Report to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Finally, Council adopted bylaws related to Street and Traffic modernization, addressing electric kick scooter dangers and introducing stacked fines for enforcement.

The Council-in-Committee meeting addressed key operational items. The primary focus was on the presentation and subsequent reception for information of the Draft Accessibility and Inclusion Plan for 2026-2029. Discussion points during this agenda item included the implementation of the plan across all city departments, reconciling diverse accessibility needs and barriers, the importance of embedding accountability owners into the strategy, considering accessibility measures during municipal elections, and opportunities for creating additional accessible parking spots. The next meeting date was scheduled for February 9, 2026.

The meeting covered several new business items, beginning with a Committee Orientation Review and discussion regarding the selection of organizational representatives for Select Committees. The Committee recommended approval of the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee 2026 Work Plan. Significant discussion occurred regarding AccessAbility Week 2026, including suggestions for interactive workshops (e.g., sports wheelchairs, RDSP support) and organizations to invite. An update was provided on the Accessibility and Inclusion Plan development, with discussion focusing on making the Plan more accessible (plain language, glossary) and encouraging awareness. Transportation updates included recognition for the Guildford Way improvements and concerns raised about the placement and accessibility of crosswalk buttons at specific intersections. In the Roundtable, emerging issues included suggestions for enhancing accessibility at the Lights at Lafarge event, accessible communications for the General Local Election, and addressing inappropriate use of accessible parking spots. Supporting materials later in the document show the Committee also discussed endorsements for grant applications and provided input on the Festivals and Events Strategy and the Curbside Management Strategy from an accessibility lens.

The Regular Council Meeting included a delegation from School District No. 43 regarding the promotion of Real Acts of Caring (RAC) Week. Key staff reports covered the approval of Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 5241, 2026, related to a housing project at 1015 Austin Ave. The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer presented amendments to the 2026 Council Meeting Schedule and an update to the Freedom of the City of Coquitlam Award Policy, which was subsequently approved. The meeting adjourned after these items were addressed.