Council meeting, January 22, 2024
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price and Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu, and Helen Marchetti were present. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended. One councillor sent regrets.
Delegations
No residents or organisation representatives spoke at this meeting.
Reports and decisions
- 2024 Operating Budget: Council reviewed the proposed operating and capital budgets for the coming year. After discussing funding for road repairs, park upgrades, and public safety, members approved the budget. The final decision sets a 3.9 per cent average property tax increase to cover essential city services. Carried 7-0.
- Winter Transit Adjustments: Transit staff reported that snow clearing operations along downtown streets will temporarily shift bus stops near the Downtown Transit Terminal. The City will post updated schedules and signage to help riders find their new stops. Carried 6-1.
- Downtown Zoning Update: The Planning and Environment Committee recommended amending the Zoning By-law to permit additional commercial and mixed-use developments at 42 Mercer Street. Council agreed the changes will help small businesses open in the downtown core. Carried 7-0.
- Water Street Parking Safety: By-law Enforcement proposed temporary parking restrictions on Water Street to keep the road clear for emergency vehicles and improve pedestrian safety near City Hall. The changes take effect immediately for the remainder of the winter season. Carried 7-0.
By-laws
The following by-laws were read a first, second, and third time and passed:
- By-law 2024-004: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (permitted uses at 42 Mercer Street)
- By-law 2024-005: A by-law to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 (temporary parking restrictions on Water Street)
- By-law 2024-006: A by-law authorizing an agreement with the Director of Public Works for infrastructure services
- By-law 2024-007: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.