Council meeting, March 24, 2025
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price chaired the meeting. All six ward councillors were present: Marcus Lindqvist (Ward 1), Priya Raman (Ward 2), Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Grace Whitlock (Ward 4), Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), and Helen Marchetti (Ward 6). City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended to support council.
Delegations
Two residents spoke during the public comment period. One resident from the Railside neighbourhood raised concerns about weekend noise near the transit terminal. Another resident from the Benchlands area asked about trail improvements ahead of the spring running events.
Reports and decisions
Transit fare assistance programme
Council reviewed the proposal to expand fare assistance for low-income riders. The programme will allow eligible residents to renew their subsidized monthly transit passes at a reduced rate. Staff noted that demand for the programme has grown over the past year. Council agreed to extend the renewal deadline to March 31 so more riders can take advantage of the subsidy before full fares resume in April. Carried unanimously.
Development charges for new growth
The city needs to fund new roads, parks, and water infrastructure to keep up with housing construction in the Wildrye and Northgate neighbourhoods. Council approved updated development charges to ensure new builders contribute fairly to these upgrades. The new rates will apply to all building permits issued after April 1. Carried 6-1, with Councillor Beaudry voting against due to concerns about construction costs.
Benchlands Drive parking adjustments
Following feedback from local businesses and the Benchlands Community Hub, council approved temporary parking restrictions on Benchlands Drive to improve sightlines for vehicles entering and exiting driveways. The changes will be in effect from May 1 until October 31. Carried unanimously.
Benchlands Lookout Park trail maintenance
City works crews will begin clearing overgrown paths and replacing worn signage at Benchlands Lookout Park this week. The upgrades are timed to finish before the May Tamsin River Run, ensuring safe footing for thousands of participants. Carried unanimously.
By-laws
The following by-laws were passed on first, second, and third reading:
- By-law 2025-040: A by-law to amend Transit System By-law (transit fare assistance program)
- By-law 2025-041: Development Charges By-law 2025-041
- By-law 2025-042: A by-law to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 (parking restrictions on Benchlands Drive)
- By-law 2025-043: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.