SCRD · ANNEX N pp 71-75 7. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw 2010 Year end...

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Thursday, March 17, 2011

SCRD Board Room, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 9:30 am AGENDA 1. Adoption of the Agenda PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS 2. Kevin Davie (10:30 a.m.) - re logging Sunshine Coast Community Forest and Elphinstone COMMUNICATIONS 3. District of Sechelt - Towns for Tomorrow Sechelt Aquatic Facility ANNEX A

pp 1 4. Carol and Edward Eades - Dakota Ridge ANNEX B

pp 2 REPORTS 5. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report ANNEX C

pp 3-14

6. Parks Services Manager - Parks Planning Coordinator Work Plan 2011 ANNEX D pp 15-17

7. Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee minutes of January 17, 2011 ANNEX E pp 18-21

8. Recreation and Parks & Services Committee minutes of March 7, 2011 ANNEX F pp 22-24

9. Community Garden - Discussion ANNEX G pp 25

10. Recreation Services Manager - 2011 Spring Ice ANNEX H pp 26-27

11. RFP - Master Plan Verbal

RECESS 12:00 Noon

C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s C o m m i t t e e A g e n d a M a r c h 1 7 , 2 0 1 1 P a g e | 2 RECONVENE 1:30 PM COMMUNICATIONS 1. Heart and Stroke Foundation - Smoke-Free Outdoor Public Places ANNEX I

pp 28-29 2. Ministry of Environment - Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation - Summary

of Consultation Comments ANNEX J pp 30-46

3. UBCM - School Community Connections ANNEX K pp 47

4. Dawn Bezaire - Hillside Development Group ANNEX L pp 48

5. UBCM - RCMP Contract Renewal - Update on Negotiations ANNEX M pp 49-70

REPORTS 6. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - January & February Monthly

Building Statistics ANNEX N pp 71-75

7. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw 2010 Year end Statistics ANNEX O pp 76-78

8. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw Enforcement Notification (Ben) Workshop

ANNEX P pp 79-85

9. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw 631 Fire Regulations ANNEX Q pp 86-113

10. Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department - 2010 Annual Report ANNEX R pp 114-127

11. Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Department - 2010 Annual Report ANNEX S pp 128-136

12. Sunshine Coast Emergency Program - 2010 Annual Report ANNEX T pp 137-145

13. Sunshine Coast Emergency Program Planning Committee minutes of February 23, 2011 - receipt

ANNEX U pp 146-151

14. Sunshine Coast Policing Committee minutes of February 28, 2011 - receipt ANNEX V pp 152-153

NEW BUSINESS IN CAMERA ADJOURNMENT

Chair Garry Nohr and DirectorsSunshine Coast Regional District1975 Field RoadSechelt, BC VON 3A1

RE: Towns for Tomorrow Sechelt Aquatic Facility

To Whom it May Concern:

We also are partnering with Sunshine Coast local governments and others to addressGreenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions reductions through the Community Energy and EmissionsPlan. We support the very significant energy and GHG savings realized by implementing thesefacility upgrades.

This letter is to endorse the Towns for Tomorrow grant application, by the Sunshine CoastRegional District for the Sechelt Aquatic Facility. Reducing energy use and the GHG footprintfor the pool will be a most significant benefit to the community. The grant will allow theRegional District to fund this project without a spike in taxation and to achieve a realisticpayback from the investment.

I wish you success on this important project.

Yours truly,

2nd Floor, 5797 Cowrie Street, P.O. Box 129, Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada VON 3A0Tel: 604-885-1986 • Fax: 604-XXS-7S91 • VnrnnvrL in 604-6SQ-16S0 • Whdtp unvwdictrt o’hp1t 1-,.

COPyDistrict of Sechelt

“Heart of the Sunshine Coast”

January 3, 2011 File No. 0400-50-SCRD-201 1

I.f A ‘r? F’

—‘_.--.

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:‘ /As the landlord for the Sechelt Aquatic Facility, the District of Sechelt works in partnershipthe Sunshine Coast Regional District. Our citizens help fund and enjoy the use of this facilitywhich supports recreation for their health and social benefits.

Mayor

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iE 2— 213112634 Hwy 101

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Roberts Creek

B.C. VON 2W3Jan3rt2Oll

To all Sunshine Coast Directors c H AWe are writing this to express our thanks for the v&:Vhat the

Sunshine Coast Regional District has done to enable the residents of the SunshineCoast to enjoy the fabulous opportunities up on the Dakota Ridge. We had thechance, not long ago, to go up there and found a winter paradise_ we no longerneed to take the ferry, drive and join the crowds on the Lower Mainlandmountains, thanks to the support you have given to this area, as well as thevolunteers in various capacities. We urge you to continue to support this area, asit provides a wonderful winter recreational facility for the use of all SunshineCoast residents. Dakota Ridge is a jewel on the coast — lets make use of it andencourage people of all ages to get out and exercise! Please continue to support itfor everyones sake.

Yours sincerely

i3’f ,VwY(c/AF

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SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 7, 2011

TO: Community Services Committee – March17, 2011

FROM: Parks & Recreation Staff

RE: Monthly Report – Parks and Recreation Divisions

RECOMMENDATION THAT the Community Services Committee recommends the Parks and Recreation Division Monthly report for March 2011 be received by the SCRD Board as information.

The Recreation Division has been giving priority to the following activities for this reporting period: A. RECREATION

GACC- Room 209 Contingency planning: With the rooftop heating system not functioning effectively in room 209, user groups and SCRD recreation programs had to be moved and/or rescheduled on an as-needed basis.

GACC - Dry-floor programming: Staff have planned a range of dry-floor programs in

an effort to offer opportunities to the public and generate revenue when the ice is removed. A parent and tot play time will give this group a chance to have some fun inside during the rainy months. Opportunities for teen sports and Friday night roller blading/skating drop-ins have also been provided. Based on feedback from youth and others, staff are exploring options for roller skate purchase for public rentals. Other communities have been contacted to share their experiences re: roller rentals and cost estimates will be provided soon.

Seniors Yoga in Sechelt and Gibsons: Peg Neilon has been offering 50+ yoga in Sechelt and gentle yoga in Gibsons. The gentle yoga was created to engage seniors who are not already active. This new program ran successfully with a full class. The Sechelt class is also growing in popularity and the class request its continuation

Move for Health - Local Events registered with the BCRPA and Grant Application:

Our SCRD Move for Health Day events were registered with the BC Recreation and Parks Association and a small grant ($300) was applied for to help support local, free activities on the Coast in May.

Field Users Meeting - Feb 23rd: The spring/summer field users meeting was held at the Sechelt Arena on Feb 23rd. All groups signed the „Field Use Disclaimer‟, their booking requests were obtained and scheduled. Field users were also notified that the geothermal installation for the new RCMP building will affect play on Brothers Park (run by the Town of Gibsons, however, booked by the SCRD).

Legacies Now 2010 Follow-up - Arts & Culture Scan and Plan: Consultant, Rodger Hunter, interviewed staff regarding the results of the Arts & Culture Scan (2006) and

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Parks & Recreation Monthly Report – March 2011 Page 2 of 12

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Plan (2007). Broad general feedback was provided on how the SCRD Recreation Division role in the arts has evolved. Staff referred him to Francine Lucas and Donna Shugar who were leaders in the project, to provide more in-depth feedback.

B. GIBSONS AND AREA COMMUNITY CENTRE (GACC)

1) Youth Centre

Based on feedback of Youth Centre staff and the needs of the at-risk and vulnerable youth attending the youth centre, staffing has been increased to two during open hours. The Youth Centre will close for one month during the summer to cover the costs; however, the Gibsons & Elphinstone Community School is looking at running potential programs at the Youth Centre during this period.

Drop-In Sports Night - Sports Night was able to run all four Fridays this month, as staff are now able to access Gibsons Elementary School gym when the Elphie gym is not available. Youth played soccer, dodge ball and basketball.

Food bank - staff are continuing to work with Youth Outreach Workers to create a small food bank for youth at the Youth Centre. A donation bin has been put out The Youth Centre has also connected with the Food Bank in Sechelt and is picking up donations once per week.

Friday night Ice Skating – Running Friday‟s from 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. until March 4th. The staff has been able to utilize money from Jumpstart to subsidize 18 low income youth.

Youth Cooking Program - Friday night dinner program continues to be a success with an average of 15 youth attending each week. Youth staff has been in contact with Rotary who have agreed to continue funding the programming with a further $450 donation.

Girls Group – This program is running again each Saturday 2 p.m.-3 p.m. The free girls yo-ga drop-in continues to be successful and will run until March 19th. An average of five girls have been attending each week.

Wireless Wednesdays - Each Wednesday continues to be X-Box free. Youth are encour-aged to participate in other activities such as pool, cards, team building games or board games.

Leadership Group - The second youth Leadership Group meeting took place with six youth attending. The leadership group will be responsible for developing new ideas and planning events and activities to take place in the Youth Centre. They will also learn to improve their leadership skills through planned activities and volunteering in the community. The group is now meeting weekly.

Anti- Bullying Activities - This month the Youth Centre ran activities to help combat bully-ing. Youth tye-dyed their own pink shirts for Pink Shift Day, help put up posters displaying what bullying means, and joined discussions on how to stop bullying.

Valentine’s Day Dance - Youth Centre held a Valentine‟s Day dance, Youth helped deco-rate the Centre and participated in a limbo contest and hot potato game.

Volunteering - Youth helped decorate the large banquet room at GACC for the Social Bal-lroom Valentines Dance and volunteered by running the concession stand for the dance on Saturday night. Volunteers receive school leadership and HACE credit.

4



2) Seniors Programming

Seniors Wellness Centre Host

Seniors work out time included a volunteer host.

Seniors Drop In Program

Drop in activities included an old movie, baking, a visit from a VCH dietitian, and crafts. Numbers were low through February due to cold weather.

3) Courts

A women‟s squash social has been created for Wednesday mornings to encourage women to meet other women players, learn the rules and receive tips from a volunteer coach/facilitator.

Alternative school is using the courts for a PE segment for their students.

4) Adapted Programs

Music Explorations program (partner with SCACL) – 87 participants

Adapted Fitness Class (in partnership with ICAN and VCH) – 96 participants.

Nia for Adults with Developmental Disabilities – 9 registered participants.

5) Drop-In Fitness Schedule

902 participants attended the 15 classes offered per week in February – attendance is stable and consistent with previous months.

119 children were signed into the Child-minding service at GACC.

6) Miscellaneous GACC Programs

Grade 8 Health and Career Education class visit – 22 Elphi students attended with teachers to take part in a cardio kickboxing class and to learn about opportunities in regards to programs being held for youth at the Youth Centre. The HACE teacher was extremely impressed with all that is available.

Due to problems with a heating unit in room 209, some user groups and programs had to be moved. The seniors‟ bridge group has been temporarily moved to Frank West Hall, a yoga class has been moved to Cardinall Hall, and other bookings have been moved to available space within the facility.

5



C. ARENA INFORMATION

1) GACC - Arena Summer Hockey School Registration Staff along with the Communications Officer developed the New and Updated SCRD hockey school pamphlet which has already paid off with six participants registered. This is the first time we have had registrations this early for a program that is six months away. Special Charity Event Staff partnered with the Sechelt Fire Department and the RCMP to run the Charity Battle of the Badges fund raiser hockey game to fight Muscular Dystrophy. This took place at GACC on Saturday February 26th at 7:00 p.m. Considering the weather, the event was a great success and $1,200.00 was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy. A few staff played in the game and Carleen McDowell belted out the National Anthem. There was also a large amount of food items collected, then donated to the local food bank. Charity Fund Raiser Tournament Staff are working with Mr. Brent Lymer to organize the annual Nanna Lou Charity Fundraiser that will take place at GACC on March 12th 2011 11:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. and then 5:15 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. In honor of Marylou Lymer, this hockey tournament raises funds in the fight against breast cancer. Marylou Lymer courageously lost her battle against breast cancer a few years back. Spring Break Staff put together the Spring Break ice schedules that are displayed on the web site, at the facilities and in the 2011 Spring Recreation Guide. During Spring Break there will be two Minor Hockey tournaments at GACC, the first is for Bantam age players on March 18-19 & 20, and the second is for Atom age players on March 25-25 & 27.

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Gibsons Community CentreDrop In AdmissionsGibsons Community CentreDrop In Admissions

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2) Sechelt - Arena Spring Ice User groups are attempting to have bookings to cover the $5,000.00 operating costs for a four week spring ice season. At the time of this report, the combined youth and adult groups were approximately $1,500.00 short of the total. Staff have proposed a final deadline of Friday March 4, 2011 for groups to commit to the extended season. Special Booking The Best team in the BCHL, The Powell River Kings, is coming to town on Saturday March 5th 2011 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. to show the community one of their high tempo practices. Staff asked the team coaches if the players could meet and speak to our young local hockey fans. Autographs and photos will be allowed.

Special Programs

Registration has been slow for the „Come and Learn with Us‟ program during Spring Break, however, registration should pick up as the program is promoted in the School flyer and the March Recreation guide. This program will give each participant a two hour session including a skate lesson, hockey lesson and speed skating lesson. The objective of this program is to build partnerships and continued growth within our youth user groups.

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700 Sechelt ArenaDrop In Admissions

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D. SECHELT AQUATIC CENTRE Aquatics

Thursday Night Toonie admission from 7 – 9 p.m. Attendance for Point of Sale admissions February 2008 48 February 2009 61 February 2010 48 February 2011 196

Private Lessons: 3

Pool Rentals:

o Birthday parties - 8 o Scuba - 2 o Chinook Swim Club – Fun Meet February 20th o Special Olympics - 8

Swim @ School Programs

o Nine School classes began the Red Cross Swim @ School Program.

Aqua Fit Statistics: February 2011 58 total class = 984 total participants February 2010 55 Total classes = 872 Total participants February 2009 48Total classes = 992 Total Participants Child Minding 44 children participated in the service during February. The service was offered 12 days in February. Health and Wellness Drop in Fitness Statistics February 2011 42 Classes - 530 participants February 2010 61Classes - 685 participants February 2009 37 Classes - 478 participants February 2008 38 Classes 434 participants

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Incidents/Accidents 18 incident/accidents were reported. None required Emergency Services.

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Sechelt Aquatic Drop In Admissions

E. GIBSONS AQUATIC Staff Training Sessions

Three staff members, Lynn, Trish and Diane have recertified the NLS and Aquatic Emergency qualifications.

Rentals

There was one rental this month, the skinny dippers club. Special Events

Bring your sweetheart to swim day on February 14. Swimming Lessons Red Cross lessons were held in February, the private Guppies and Goldfish program lessons, School Board lessons as well as home school lessons. February Attendance

Public Swims: 815 Aquatic Fitness: 722 School Board and Private Lessons: 621 Rentals: 1

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F. PENDER HARBOUR AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTRE

1) Aquatics/Programs February Totals: Fitness: 509 (61 classes) Swim: 1043 Total: 1552

Our totals continue to show improvement compared to past years. We are coming up to the one year celebration of re-opening and are planning to mark this with a family event to be held on Sunday April 17. A Ladies Only Spa Night was held Thursday March 3 and was a big success. There were 22 participants and very positive feedback so staff is planning for another event in November. With the program „Are you at Risk‟ diabetes awareness, we‟ve partnered with the PH Heath Care Centre. We‟ve since had six new new faces to the facility to try out the Gentle Waves fitness class. A few of them signed up and have started coming regularly. The Harbour Seals Swim team recently participated in an event at the Sechelt pool with the team members doing very well. Staff are very hopeful the swim team numbers will grow and are looking to plan an event at the Pender Pool in May. Volunteer coaches Rob Hynd and Bob Steele have been invaluable to the progress of the team. St. Patricks Day promotion: Thursday March 17, all day, customers can pull a shamrock for a chance to have a free admission.

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-07

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-07

Jul-

07

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-07

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v-0

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-08

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-08

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08

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No

v-0

8

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-09

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No

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Jan

-10

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No

v-1

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Gibsons PoolDrop In Admissions

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Spring 2011 programs will begin the week of March 28th. Registration will begin Monday, March 14. New programs will include Gym Bugs (ages 3-5), Belly Dancing, Martial Arts for Kids and Adults and Discover Scuba. The facility will operate as usual during Spring Break, March 21-25 with the exception of the Boot Camp fitness program. The promotion „Dive into Spring Break‟ will run March 19-27. The promotion is for children/youth/adults and families. By visiting the facility three times they can earn 2 free swims. Valid only during this time frame and applies to cash only admissions.

2) Maintenance

Heat Pump system is functioning.

The AC unit has been repaired, however, there is still an issue concerning the piping to the unit. It is currently being investigated as all piping may need to be replaced. Concerns regarding the flooring in the fitness room were brought forward last December and are still waiting resolution. Communications with the contractor and supplier are ongoing.

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-09

Jan

-10

Feb

-10

Mar

-10

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-10

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-10

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No

v-1

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20

10

dec

Jan

-11

11

-Feb

Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre

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H. PARKS

Parks Division has given priority to the following:

Continued development of Community Parks Service Levels Study. Safety and key maintenance activities being the priority of outdoor work. Continuation of key capital projects. Planning for 2011.

1) Area A

Klein Lake Campground

Staff noted poorly constructed log floats for swimming/boating are located in front of several of the waterfront campsites, which appear unsafe for public use. Staff have contacted MOTAL for direction on how to best coordinate and resolve this matter - a collaborative removal/replacement/signage program is recommended by Parks staff. Approval of $3000 in the 2011 budget will assist in accomplishing this project.

Meeting is set with MOTAL for early in April (Frank Ullmann) to discuss best course of corrective action

Staff met with Egmont Community Club (Feb 16th) to go over the campground‟s 2011 operations.

Sunshine Coast Recreation Corridor Trail Project (Kleindale - Pender Trail Link)

The process of getting all the trail marker signs placed is still underway. Four trail interpretive signs are still in process of being drafted. Four trail key map signs are still in process of being updated.

Pender Harbour Lions Field Several hazard trees that surrounded the field have been removed.

2) Area B Danger trees have been removed from Frog Pond lane.

3) Area D

Cliff Gilker

Road work completed, scrape, shape and infill material laid down. New stairs installed at sports field access. New kiosk and sign installed next to the playground.

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4) Area E Ocean Beach Esplanade Staff have mapped new shoreline log structures in our GIS system and are

developing a monitoring program to measure their effects on sand accretion, erosion and habitat.

5) Area F

Sprockids

Staff are working with members of the Capilano University Mountain Bike Program and Doug Detwiller, president of Sprockids, to host a day of trail repair and riding at the Sprockids Park on Saturday April 2nd. This family event will involve lessons in how to maintain trails, hands on work, and riding.

Soames Hill

New directional signage installed throughout the trail system.

I. DAKOTA RIDGE WINTER RECREATION AREA

Staff have been working with volunteer groomers and volunteer trail hosts to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to visitors of the winter recreation area. Volunteer groomers are on-site Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays. Volunteer trail hosts meet and greet on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Both groups are doing an excellent job of keeping the area safe and fun. Volunteer efforts on Dakota Ridge form an integral part of the Operations. Staff would like to make a correction to last month‟s DR report. A total of $9,120 was collected in the entire 2009/2010 ski season. The following table outlines the 2010/2011 revenue collected to the end of March:

The SCRD will most likely triple revenue this year as compared to last year, from $9,120 to approx $27,000. The Ticket Sales line-item breaks down to approx $6,000 collected from the drop-in lock box, situated on the hill next to the Warming Hut, and $6,000

Description Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Total

Program Revenue (63) (579) 40 (1,571) 440 (1,732)Season Passes 0 (231) (488) (5,449) (880) 0 (7,048)Ticket Sales 0 (4,467) (3,782) (3,763) (12,012)Other Revenue Dakota Ridge 0 (2,340) (2,340)Revenue Required 0 0Total Revenue 0 (294) (1,066) (12,215) (6,233) (3,323) 0 0 (23,131)

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collected from vendors who sell day passes, the bulk of these sales coming from Alpha Adventures. Jackrabbits will be having a season wrap-up on Sunday March 13th. This fun day will incorporate the nationally certified “Race Rocks” program into the day‟s events. Having this event will position the club to hold races/events next year similar to those which are part of the BC Cup Cross Country Circuit. This means that in the future, other ski clubs from BC would come to Dakota Ridge to take part. Jackrabbits invited students from local schools to join this year‟s day of fun and races. To coincide with the end of Spring Break, staff are planning to wrap up the ski season on April 3rd.

J. TRAILS & BICYCLE/WALKING PATHS

Staff have been working with the contractors to complete the bicycle//walking paths along Gower Point Road and Redrooffs Road. The contract is close to completion with one driveway crossing to be paved and two guard rails to be installed along Gower, and five driveway aprons to be paved along Redrooffs. Line painting will take place late spring or early summer when there is a least two weeks of good weather to allow the paint to properly dry.

K. FIRE MITIGATION PROGRAM

Under the guidance of the 2007 Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Report, staff have been preparing an inventory of the wildfire mitigation prescriptions for 2011. This grant work is to be tendered this spring and completed prior to the summer fire season.

L. CEMETERY Key activities have been:

Continuation of ongoing operations. We have sold 5 burial plots and 3 cremation plots for 2011. We have had 1 burial and 5 cremations to date for 2011.

(Note: clients are purchasing full burial plots for use as family cremation plots.)

M. OTHER

Potential trails for remaining Parks Master Plan funds are being reviewed for areas B, D, E and F and will be brought to April Community Services meeting for discussion.

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SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 10th, 2011

TO: Community Services Committee (March 17th, 2011)

FROM: Carleen McDowell, Parks Services Manager

RE: WORK PLAN 2011-Parks Planning Coordinator

RECOMMENDATION(S): THAT the Community Services Committee recommends the SCRD Board receives for information the staff report entitled Work Plan 2011- Parks Planning Coordinator report. BACKGROUND

During the February 24, 2011 Community Services meeting the following resolution was passed;

Recommendation No. 29 Parks Work Plan The Community Services Committee recommended that the Parks Services Manager bring forward a 2011 work plan for the Parks Planning Coordinators.

DISCUSSION Parks Planning Coordinators work a 35 hour week for approximately 44 weeks per year net working time. This is a maximum 1540 hours available to work on various projects. We are currently operating with 2 staff in these positions until October 2011 at which time we anticipate a staffing changeover. It is estimated that Parks Planning Coordinators spend 10-12% of time renewing permits, writing reports, dealing with public inquiries, OCP questions/subdivisions, staff meetings, marketing, budget, maintaining relationships with government agencies and drafting letters of support and maintenance and operational issues that arise during the year. More information now follows:

General Area Inquiries: Staffing

Area A

Sheane Area E Sam

Area B

Sheane Area F Sam

Area D

Sheane

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Work Plan 2011 Parks Planning Coordinator Page 2

Parks Planning Coordinators Projects

Trails – Supervision and public consultation

PMP trails completion Developing trail standards, signage, networks Suncoaster Trail

Adopt a trail (4 groups 10km) Related wrap up

$10,000 Cliff Gilker Trails restoration project Sunshine Coast Trails Society Adopt a Trail Program

650 Ongoing 2011 only Ongoing Ongoing 2011 only 2011 only Ongoing Ongoing

Campgrounds (Klein Lake & Katherine Lake)

$ 3,500 Klein Lake Swimmer Safety Docks etc

Ongoing 2011 only

Halls - Caretaker Agreements Halls - Inspections

Ongoing

Risk Management in all Parks Specific One Time Project

$ 3,000 Sprockids signage and maintenance

Ongoing 2011 only

Wildfire Mitigation $47,447 Wildfire Mitigation (24 locations and public information)

2011 only

$3,345 Shirley Macey Park completion (final structures in Rose Garden, interpretive signage)

2011 only

Parks portion of Parks and Recreation Master Plan (i.e. inventory)

2011 - 2012

Roberts Creek Estuary Project (work done in 2012) 2011- 2012

Bike Paths Gas Tax 2010 completion 2011 planning and completion Active Transportation Committee Bike Racks in Parks- Bike Shelters Bike to work week

665 Ongoing

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Work Plan 2011 Parks Planning Coordinator Page 3

Dakota Ridge Ongoing Operations Volunteer Coordination and recognition event Mountain Risk Management Business Plan ($15,000)

680 Ongoing

$15,000 Chaster Shoreline Project $25,000 PMP Funds

650 2011

SCRD Sustainability initiatives - SCRD Strategic Plan- Green Team Corporate Ongoing

Administration as noted above 650-680-665

Not in work plan for 2011- awaiting additional direction from Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Environmental Management Strategy Invasive Plant Council Updating Maps Pets in Parks DCCs – Parks Acquisition for Planning- Guidelines UREP Strategy

Projects by Other Staff

$7,000 Chaster Patio Canopy & $4,500 Chaster House Access Ramp

John Miller

$ 2,000 Cliff Gilker 3rd party fee for covenant & $1,500 Cliff Gilker Legal Fees

Paul Fenwick

Shirley Macey Field Drainage -$35,000 Carleen - John $ 4,000 Dan Bosch - Swimmer Safety John $4,506 Connor Park Landscape completion John W consultation

with Sheane Cemetery Plan Carleen Fields- Joint Use Carleen Contact with MIA- Risk issues Carleen Service Level work Carleen On-going Directives log clean up Carleen Website Geri- Cecelia

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SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT DAKOTA RIDGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

January 17, 2011

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DAKOTA RIDGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD IN THE CEDAR ROOM OF THE SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICES,

1975 FIELD ROAD, SECHELT, BC

PRESENT: Chair Peg Neilon

Members Ron Skene

Urs Pfaeffli

Lorne Carroll

Celia Robben

Jamie Mani

Craig Moore

ALSO PRESENT: Parks Services Manager Carleen McDowell

Parks Planning Coordinator Sam Adams

Parks Secretary - Recorder Geri Gelineau

REGRETS: Lydia Watson

CALL TO ORDER 5:12 p.m.

AGENDA The Agenda was adopted as amended.

MINUTES

Recommendation No. 1 Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee Minutes

The Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee recommended that the minutes of the meeting held

November 29, 2010 be received amended;

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NEW BUSINESS

Craig Moore noted that the bank account of the Dakota Ridge Society is being closed

within the week. “Peg replied that the funds can be transferred to a Dakota Ridge

petty cash account within the Tetrahedron Outdoor Club accounts.

CORRESPONDENCE

Letter from Miroslav Vydra

The Sunshine Coast Regional District received a copy of a letter sent early January by Miroslav

Vydra, to the Coast Reporter regarding his appreciation of the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation

Area.

Email from Vince Verlaan

The Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee received correspondence from Vince Verlaan, regarding his

appreciation of being hired to facilitate a Mission Statement workshop held Nov. 29th

.

Draft Mission Statement

The DRAC were asked to review and comment on the preliminary Mission Statement drafted by Peg

Neilon and Ron Skene. The final statement will become the overriding Mission Statement to meet

the Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee’s Purpose and Role stated in the DRAC Terms of Reference

and long term (five year) focus.

Discussions ensued regarding the verbiage of the Draft Dakota Ridge Vision and Mission statement.

A revised and hopefully final version will come back to the next DR meeting for further review.

REPORTS

Current Operations

Sam Adams updated the Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee on the 2011 season operating plan as

follows:

Road

The road has been in good shape this winter.

Ploughing contract is under agreement until the end of March. The year’s contractor has

been good at providing turn-outs to allow vehicles to pass on the one lane road and has

managed to keep the road and parking area in good condition to date.

Work is being done to expand the parking area to allow for an additional 15 to 20 vehicles

with no additional cost incurred as it involves snow moving rather than construction.

Parking is an issue on the weekends. Need to plan for additional space in the spring and

develop over the summer.

19



Signage showing the parking layout for driver’s reference is required to ensure optimal use of

all parking spaces. Plan to involve the SnowSeekers (Snowmobile Club) in the parking

planning. May need an area lower down the road that will allow them to park trailers. This

can also be overflow parking for other Dakota Ridge visitors.

Discussion ensued regarding requesting road partnerships with organizations that are also

using the Forestry road. The SCRD to hold major permit with partnerships to take out sub-

permit. To be explored at a future meeting.

Potholes slow vehicles down, which is safer, however, can damage vehicle.

DR Facebook page is being updated by staff and users on a daily basis to reflect current

conditions and information.

User Fees

The trail head cash bow for day use payments has been so full that no more money could be

stuffed into it. This is good for revenues but may need to empty the box more frequently over

the Christmas season.

Season Pass sales for the 2010.2011 season are double the sales for the 2009/2010 season.

It was noted that when a Family Season’s pass is purchased, only one pass (photo ID) is

issued to the family. This is being addressed by staff and next season a pass will be issued to

each family member.

It has been estimated that Dakota Ridge has doubled it’s revenue to date compared to 2010.

Volunteers are currently enforcing ticket purchases on weekends only.

Require a better system to physically count users of Dakota Ridge, discussion ensued

regarded the use of an infra red system or vehicle counter system (BC Parks uses this type of

setup for the Tetrahedron Park visitor numbers).

Volunteer Trail Host & Groomers

There are currently 20 trail hosts who volunteer in pairs to cover shifts over the weekend.

Trail hosts will be requested to inform users that walking is not permitted on the ski trails.

There are six volunteer groomers who cover two shifts on the weekend and one weekday shift.

Is there a need to groom between snowfalls? Groomers and staff will discuss the grooming

schedule and adjust the schedule on an ad hoc basis dependant on conditions. This will

optimize the use of time for staff and volunteers and fuel consumption.

Essentially, for operations, volunteers put in 10 person days per week and staff put in three.

Sliding Area

Togobbaners currently use whatever areas that appeal to them. These areas may not be safe

for users.

People have also been climbing the Warming Hut Quonset roof and sliding off of this. A sign

has been posted on the structure advising that the roof is unsafe and to stay off of it.

Many families have commented that they would be happy to pay a sledding user fee if a good

sledding/sliding area were developed.

A small hilly section of trail behind the warming hut has been designated an interim sliding

area.

Long Term: DRAC will plan/construct a better sledding/sliding area over the summer months

in preparation for next year’s winter season.

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Special Events

Snowshoe Race – March 5th

The Tetrahedron Outdoor Club Executive cancelled this year’s Snowfest event (notifying the

SCRD just weeks prior to the event) as they were unable to get a volunteer coordinator.

Discussion ensued regarding the TOC offering an honorarium for a coordinator to organize

the annual event for next year.

Snow & Tell at Dakota Ridge

Invitations to Snow & Tell have been sent out to all Sunshine Coast Government officials. Show &

Tell is being held Sunday Feb 6th

. Everyone is to meet at the Wilson Creek Plaza at 9:45am

NEW BUSINESS

Fundraiser Dance

Craig Moore has organized a Valentines’ dance Feb 12th

at the RC Hall, a portion of the funds

raised will be donated to Dakota Ridge. DRAC members will volunteer at the event.

Future Meetings

Group discussion regarding format and frequency of future meetings. Agreed that the committee

will meet in March and the spring to deal with parking lot issues and a five year plan. The

summer will be for projects related to the tobogganing area and the parking lot. All agreed that

DRAC will continue to focus on proactive work that will enhance DR operations and increase

revenues. Some side discussion about access in general being a major stumbling block,

committee members will look to work on creative solutions that will allow better transportation

options for all residents and visitors to access winter recreation on the Ridge. Meeting dates

will be decided after budget.

Parking Lot Items

Look at snowshoe trails

Planning for the 2011 addition to Cross Country BC (CCBC) magazine

Future direction and vision

Building of a volunteer booth-close to trail head to facilitate ticket/pass checking

Increase compliance with tobogganers-develop a toboggan area to keep sleds off of

roads.

Increased parking lot area – invite Snowseekers to that discussion.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on March 14, 2011 at the SCRD offices.

ADJOURNMENT 6:50 p.m.

21

SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT

RECREATION AND PARKS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

March 7, 2011

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE RECREATION AND PARKS SERVICES ADVISORY

COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE CEDAR ROOM OF THE SUNSHINE COAST

REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICES, 1975 FIELD ROAD, SECHELT, BC

PRESENT: Chair Anne Titcomb

Members Barbara DeMott

Elise Rudland

John Lockwood

Carolyn Mortensen

Heather Gordon

Brenda Wilkes

ALSO PRESENT: Manager of Parks Services Carleen McDowell

Manager of Recreation Services Bruce Bauman

Recorder Geri Gelineau

REGRETS: Members Elaine Futterman

Pat Hunt

Vicki Dobbyn

Dale Peterson

Sarita Moodie

CALL TO ORDER 5:02 p.m.

AGENDA The agenda was adopted as amended.

PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS

MINUTES

Recommendation No. 1 – Recreation and Parks Services Advisory Committee

The Recreation and Parks Services Advisory Committee recommended that the minutes of the

meeting held February 7, 2011 be received.

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R e c r e a t i o n & P a r k s S e r v i c e s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e M a r c h , 2 0 1 1 P a g e 2

COMMUNICATIONS

Recommendation No. 2 –Enabling Accessibility

The Recreation and Parks Services Advisory Committee recommended that the correspondence

from the Enabling Accessibility Fund Program Support Team be received as information.

Active Communities

Carolyn facilitated an Active Communities workshop in early February. The group works with

Vancouver Coastal Health and Active with Legacies Now. Active Communities is a group of

community members whose main objective to raise physical activity levels in British Columbia

by 20%. Funded through ActNow BC, the initiative mobilized and collaborated with

communities, local governments, Aboriginal and partner organizations to promote healthy

lifestyles choices, increase accessibility to physical activities and build supportive community

environments.

REPORTS

Hall Allocation Policy

Discussion ensued on hall allocation policy regarding political issues and elections.

Bruce Bauman contacted the local government in Whistler to request their policy. It was noted

that in Whistler a room could be rented for a political event or meeting, however, there was to be

no lobbying outside of a room, or in any public spaces inside the building or directly outside the

building.

A new paragraph regarding political etiquette will be drafted and added to the current Hall

Allocation Policy and be brought back to the April RPSAC meeting to be reviewed. There will

also be a paragraph giving the Recreation Manager and Parks Manager sole discretion in

suitable use of recreation facilities, halls and parks subject to relevant bylaws.

Budget Process Update

Round 3 discussions took place Monday March 7, 2011. Carleen and Bruce provided an

overview of the Parks and Recreation Financial Plan for 2011.

Carleen informed the advisory committee that the Parks Master Plan has been approved over

two years, 65% to be paid in 2011 and 35% in 2012. Other projects that were approved were a

business plan for Dakota, cemetery planning, bicycle/walking paths and joint use. Bruce noted

that there will be a Recreation Service Review and that staff is currently in consultation with two

consulting firms.

Anne noted that in the last few years there has been very large difference in the amount of

programs offered in the Recreation Guide and would like to see recreation re-invested.

23

R e c r e a t i o n & P a r k s S e r v i c e s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e M a r c h , 2 0 1 1 P a g e 3

Professional Wrestling Proposal

Bruce Bauman, Recreation Manager requested feedback from RPSAC regarding allowing events

such as Professional Wrestling to take place in SCRD facilities.

It was noted by the advisory committee that those types of events do not reflect the vision that the

advisory committee has adopted and would not like to see them in SCRD facilities.

The Committee will review the current mission, vision values and identify events/programs not

suitable for SCRD facilities, halls and parks.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Recreation and Parks Master Plan

An Ad Hoc committee received and reviewed 10 RFP’s for the Parks and Recreation Master

Plan. Staff, as well as three representatives of RPSAC, Pat Hunt, Elise Rudland and Anne

Titcomb sat on a review committee and short listed three finalists. A consultant will be hired by

May 2011.

A budget of $125,000 (65% to be paid in 2011 and 35% in 2012) has been approved for the

Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Community Connections Discussion related to Master Plan

Anne Titcomb spoke with the RPSAC committee regarding developing a list of community

connections related to Parks and Recreation. It was noted that the Volunteer Centre probably

has the most up to date lists of community groups.

Geri will send out a blank excel spread sheet of information required.

NEXT MEETING April 4, 2011

ADJOURNMENT 6:20 p.m.

Parking Lot Items

Hall Allocations Policy

GIS Training

Park/Facility Tour

Values Based Fees and Charges for the Investment Fee

24

Regular Board Minutes of January 27, 2011 Page 8

Recommendation No. 17 Community Garden

TFIAT discussion on the Community Garden Project be referred to theFebruary Community Services Committee with information to beprovided from each Director regarding their interest in participating.

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SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 7, 2011 TO: Community Services Committee – March 17, 2011 FROM: Bruce Bauman, Recreation Services Manager RE: 2011 Spring Ice RECOMMENDATION(S) THAT the Community Services Committee receives the report on 2011 Spring Ice as information; AND THAT the Committee recommends to the SCRD Board that the user groups cover all variable costs associated with ice outside of the fall/winter season. BACKGROUND At the February 26, 2009 Corporate and Administrative Services Committee Meeting the following recommendation was adopted:

Recommendation No. 12 Spring Summer Ice 2009 The Corporate and Administrative Services Committee recommended that the report regarding the financial implications surrounding the requests received to date for Spring/Summer ice for 2009 be received; AND THAT staff proceed with the planning of the August 15th to August 29th, 2009 ice time, with the contingency that the users commit to this time and payment is received three weeks in advance; AND THAT staff communicate with the users about potential ice being available during April 13 to May 22, 2009 provided that ice rental commitments increase to cover variable costs.

DISCUSSION Some of our ice users have continued to ask for the SCRD to support ice in the “off season” (spring or summer). In 2009 the issue came to a head and the above resolution was passed so that ALL variable costs are to be covered by user groups (rentals).

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In reviewing costs for the Sechelt Arena we have determined that variable costs are approximately $5,000/week made up of staffing costs, utilities and supplies. In reviewing the commitments of all groups to spring ice (4 additional weeks) we have secured $3,000 - $4,000 per week. The original deadline according to our Ice Allocation Policy for groups to request ice time in the Spring of 2011 was in the fall and we have extended it many times in an effort to work with groups. SUMMARY The Ice Season for 2011 was based on the 2010 operational budget and facility schedule. The user groups in 2011 are looking for the SCRD to cover some variable costs which given budget current constraints staff cannot support.

27

THE LUNG ASSOCL4TION

___

FOUNDATION j .I3FAhOF SC S YUKON

CURES I O.EANMR I OSFEESIUDS www.b.IimaFhdJng wzswers. For life. -.

4200— i22 W 3caa Va.icc; BC V6H 3V2 2875 •Dak S Vaicover BC ‘6r 2<2T 604.72.6.43C4 64.725.2732 T 504.731 .5864 F 504.731 580

www.eards-oke.bc.ca Dc.1urg.ca

January 20, 2011

Chair Garry Nohr and Members of the Regional BoardSunshine Coast Regional District1975 Field RdSechelt, BC VON 3A1

Dear Chair Nohr and Members of the Regional Board:

SUBJECT: Smoke-Free Outdoor Public Places

We are writing on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon and the BCLung Association, which make up the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. The Coalition’s missionis to raise public awareness about the serious health risks of tobacco use and exposureto second-hand smoke. We are writing to encourage you to pursue legislated smoke-free environments in your municipality.

Increasingly, municipalities in BC and around the world are implementing smoke-freepolicies and bylaws. The most recent trend is to extend these smoking restrictions tooutdoor public places as, contrary to long held public belief, second-hand smoke doesnot quickly dissipate in outdoor settings. Depending upon the specific situation, smokelevels generally do not decrease to the background level for fine particles or carcinogensuntil approximately 7 metres, or about 25 feet, from the source, even in outdoor settings.

The health hazards associated with second-hand smoke are well documented andirrefutable. In a 2006 report, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that second-handsmoke causes cancer, coronary heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, and that thereis no safe level of exposure to it. Health conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, highblood pressure and diabetes are exacerbated by even brief exposure to second-handsmoke.

Children in particular are more susceptible to these health problems associated withexposure to second-hand smoke since their lungs and respiratory systems are not yetfully developed. As such, banning smoking in places where children play, such asparks, playgrounds and beaches, is of even greater importance.

Cigarette litter also poses a health and environmental risk. Many people who smokecigarettes routinely dispose of their cigarette butts on the ground. This litter may pose apotential fire hazard, especially in periods of dry weather. The litter leaches toxins intothe ground and waterways which damages living organisms that are in contact with thetoxins. Cigarette filters do not break down easily, resulting in costly clean up of this litteron a routine basis.

There is strong public support for expanding smoke-free laws in British Columbia. A BCStats poll conducted for the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. in January 2008 for the Imagine!A Smoke-Free BC campaign, found that 73% of British Columbians support smokingbans in outdoor public places. Given that eighty-five percent of British Columbians agedfifteen and older do not use tobacco products, the balance in society is shifting to

28

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support expanding more outdoor smoke-free environments. As the public becomesmore aware of the health risks of exposure to second-hand smoke, they no longeraccept the premise that breathing other people’s smoke — even in outdoor settings — is anuisance to be tolerated.

Moreover, scientific peer reviewed studies have concluded that comprehensive smokingbans save lives. Smoking bans are the impetus for many people to quit smoking, whichin turn leads to lower levels of acute and chronic illnesses associated with smoking.

We have listed on the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. website the Provincial regulations onsmoking bans in public places, as well as all municipalities in BC that have implementedsmoke-free public places bylaws that exceed provincial regulations. This informationcan be found at http://www.cleanaircoalitionbc.com/ktt smokefree legislation. html.Outdoor public places where smoking has been banned in several municipalities, aroundwhich is a no-smoking buffer zone, are:• Customer service area patios i.e. of bars and restaurants• In parks, on playgrounds, on playing fields, in outdoor stadiums and other public

gathering places where people sit or stand in close proximity, and on beaches• At special events where people sit or stand within close proximity• At public transit or vehicle for hire (i.e. taxi) stops

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further or assist in anyway we can to implement a smoke free public places bylaw or strengthen an existingbylaw. We encourage you to contact our director, Jack Boomer at 250.721.4268 inVictoria or via email at iackboomershaw.ca.

Sincerely,

i4 4R

Diego Marchese Scott McDonaldChief Operating Officer President & CEOHeart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon BC Lung Association

cc. Gene Chin, Provincial Coordinator, Clean Air Coalition of B.C.

29

From: Cindy Bertram 1mailto:cindybertramteIus.net1Sent: February-09-11 9:56 AMTo: Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation ConsultationSubject: Summary of OBSCR Consultation Comments Posted

Glen Okrainetz,Director, Air Protection,Ministry of Environment

Circulated by:

Cindy Bertram

—--- —,

:

DRe: Summary of Consultation Comments Posted: Open Burning Smoke ControlRegulation (OBSCR)

Dear Stakeholder, ‘SfThe Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing regulations and developing codes ofpractice for specified industries and activities under the Environmental ManagementAct(EMA). As part of this development process the ministry posts policy intentions papers forconsultation (intentions papers). An intentions paper outlining proposed revisions to theOBSCR Regulation was posted in the fall of 2010.

A Summary of Consultation Comments document is now available for the OBSCRRegulation 2010 Intentions Paper on the ministry’s website:http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open burning/index.htm

Ministry staff are now working on legislative drafting instructions for the revisedregulation. Updates on progress, and notice of information or consultation events, will bedistributed through this e-mail list of interested stakeholders and posted on the ministry’swebsite.

Thank you to those who have submitted comments on the posted intentions paper. Formore information on the Environmental ManagementAct Codes of Practice and RegulatoryReview Project, please see the ministry’s website at:http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/

Sincerely,

Coast Project SupportP0 Box 28159Westshore RPOVictoria, BC V9B 6K8

B Please consider the eftects on climate change and the environment heibre printing this email.

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INTENTIONS PAPER – June 2010 Page 1 British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport

1. Introduction The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport (the ministries) are un-dertaking a review process and intend to revise the Environmental Management Act’s Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR). Intentions Paper for Consultation – July 2010 The purpose of this intentions paper is to present the ministries’ current intentions for revising the OBSCR and to provide an opportunity for stake-holders and the public to comment on these changes. Subsequently, an amended regulation will be developed in consideration of this input. Implementation of the new regulation is antic-ipated in advance of the 2011 burning season. The intentions paper contains:

Background information regarding open burn-ing, protection of air quality, government goals, experience with the OBSCR, and cli-mate change considerations;

Proposed revisions to the OBSCR, including: - Outlining the objectives guiding proposed

revisions, - Updating the proposed approach to smoke

control and the regulation of open burning, - Clarifying the scope and definitions, - Defining the primary and secondary smoke

sensitivity zones, - Adding provisions for the use of air curtain

incineration and forced air assistance, - Clarifying the rules governing open burning

(including general rules, open burning in smoke sensitivity zones and smoke man-agement plans),

- Defining the process for assessing and au-thorizing an open burn, and

- Updating the powers and penalties; Proposed support for implementation of the

OBSCR, including Best Management Practic-es and assuring compliance; and

Information for providing comment on pro-posed intentions.

The intentions paper, a response form for provid-ing comments to the ministries and links to related legislation are posted on the Ministry of Environ-ment website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes. A link to the intentions paper can also be found at www.bcairquality.ca/topics/burning-outdoors.html.

Review process to date From May-July 2008 the Ministry of Environ-ment posted an intentions paper outlining pro-posed changes and invited stakeholders to pro-vide feedback and suggestions. Over 100 submis-sions were received from stakeholders, including municipalities, forestry and agricultural sectors, regional environmental organizations, First Na-tions and the general public. The intentions paper and summary of public comments are available at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm. Readers desiring additional background information regarding the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation and associated issues should review these earlier documents. Following the initial intentions paper, the multi-ministry review team developed and considered options to address concerns and suggestions raised through consultations. Review team mem-bers have pursued formal and informal opportuni-ties to review and refine potential options with stakeholders. These discussions and presentations at meetings, conferences and web-based seminars involving forestry and industry sectors, as well as local government, have supported preparation of this intentions paper. In the fall of 2009, the review team formed a stakeholder reference group to explore the work completed to date and provide further input re-garding the regulatory review. This reference group had representation from the Ministries of Environment, Healthy Living and Sport, Forests and Range, Agriculture and Lands, and Commu-nity and Rural Development, as well as repre-sentatives from industry sectors, local govern-ments, and health care professionals. The refer-ence group offered the opportunity for shared

31

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes

http://www.bcairquality.ca/topics/burning-outdoors.html

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm.


learning around stakeholder needs and interests. Based on this dialogue, the review team worked collaboratively to develop the proposed revi-sions to the regulation, described in section 3 of this intentions paper. The intentions presented in this paper reflect in-put heard during this process, as well as previous consultation comments. Balancing Provincial Priorities The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport (the ministries) share responsibility for air quality management in Brit-ish Columbia (BC). The Ministry of Healthy Liv-ing and Sport advises on standards, objectives, and regulations to protect human health while the Ministry of Environment regulates air emissions from a variety of sources using approvals, per-mits, regulations, guidelines and codes of prac-tice. In addition, the ministries support commu-nity based airshed planning – a multi-stakeholder process for identifying and meeting community supported air quality goals through cooperative local measures. The two ministries are collaborating in develop-ing proposed amendments to the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, with input from the Ministry of Forests and Range and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Review of the regula-tion includes consideration and balancing of pro-vincial government priorities, including:

Great goal # 4: Lead the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries man-agement, bar none;

Great goal # 2: Lead the way in North Ameri-ca in healthy living and physical fitness;

The BC Air Action Plan and Climate Action Plan to address greenhouse gases and air pol-lutants;

The BC Bioenergy Strategy and future oppor-tunities for the use of biomass;

The “Filmon Report” recommendations on fuel management for community safety and protection; and

Support thriving forestry and agricultural in-dustries.

2. Background 2.1 Open burning and air quality We burn organic material (wood and vegetation) for many reasons – to:

Heat our homes (wood stoves and fireplaces); Dispose of debris from gardening, agriculture

and land development; Reduce logging slash and prepare land for

planting; Dispose of sawmill wood residue; Prevent wildfires; Restore or enhance wildlife habitat; Improve range for livestock; and Enjoy beach and camp fires.

However, what was once considered a harmless or entirely beneficial practice is now recognized as a significant source of air pollution and a health risk. The smoke (i.e., “air emissions”) generated by open burning can have significant impacts on air quality, with associated health and environmental concerns. Factors that affect the degree of pollution associated with burning include: the type and quali-ty of material being burned; the meteorological conditions at the time of burning; and the location of the burn in relation to sensitive receptors. Burn-ing debris that is mixed with soil, stumps, garbage and other contaminants – or that is not seasoned – results in much more emissions than burning clean dry debris. Once smoke enters the atmosphere, its concentration at any one place or time varies with transport and dispersion mechanisms.1 Effective smoke management involves an understanding of both proper burning techniques and the conditions that impact transport and dispersion of emissions (including local meteorological and topographical features, weather and atmospheric venting condi-tions). It is very difficult for an operator on the 1 For more information about smoke meteorology, see www.forestencyclopedia.net/p/p4/p137/p761.

32

http://www.forestencyclopedia.net/p/p627

https://hlth005.gov.bc.ca/HPB/AQS/OBSCR_ref/obscr_team/Shared%20Documents/www.forestencyclopedia.net/p/p4/p137/p761


ground to know how smoke from a burn is going to drift and whether it will impact people close by or even further away. In mountainous regions of BC, many communities are more susceptible to higher pollutant concentra-tions when weather conditions and topography limit the transport of pollutants away from populated areas.

Figure 1: Open burning vegetative debris pile

The smoke produced from open burning contains tiny particles called particulate matter (PM) and a large array of organic and inorganic compounds – the normal byproducts of wood combustion. Parti-culate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter, called PM2.5, is small enough to be breathed into the deepest parts of our lungs2. It is associated with an 2 For a more complete description of fine particulates and their impacts on human health in BC, see “Air Quality and Your Heath” at: www.bcairquality.ca/health/index.html. For a summary of health and other impacts of particle pollution see Environment Canada information on the “Clean Air Picture” at: www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/EN/Air/air_clean.shtml. The UBC “fire-smoke” website provides comprehensive infor-mation on forest fires, smoke-related air quality and its ef-fects on human health www.firesmoke.ubc.ca/firesmoke_and_health/default.htm. See also the “State of the Air Report 2009” and other re-sources under the “air quality” link of the B.C. Lung Associ-ation: www.bclung.ca.

array of health problems – from a runny nose and coughing, to bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and heart disease - and contributes to premature deaths.

Senior citizens, infants and people who already have lung or heart problems are most at risk, but healthy younger adults and children can also be af-fected.

Research has shown that there is no threshold below which smoke has no health effects. This means it is important to minimize the amount of smoke pro-duced and humans’ exposure to it. The majority of health impacts from smoke result from extended exposure to concentrations below the level at which a public advisory would be issued3.

Smoke causes other problems as well. It can blot out the landscape so effectively that road and air travel are dangerously affected, and beautiful views are hidden. Smoke is also a sign that we are not us-ing our resources wisely: much of the material sent up in smoke could be turned into a valuable prod-uct, such as compost, wood chips, particle board, or wood pellets. It can also be used as fuel in biomass incineration or cogeneration plants for the produc-tion of electricity and heat.

With growing scientific understanding of the health impacts of wood smoke and the value of wood fiber for beneficial re-use, open burning is becoming less accepted as a method of managing woody debris.4,5 The regulation of open burning is increasingly focused on air quality and health protection objectives. These values must be ba-lanced however, with protection of communities and the potential use of prescribed fire to reduce risks posed by wildfires.

3 Every Breath You Take…. Provincial Health Officer’s Annual Report 2003, Air Quality in British Columbia, A Public Health Perspective. 4 For further information about Ministry of Environment ex-pectations regarding solid waste planning, landfilling, open burning and emissions, see: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/mpp/incin_landfill.htm. 5 http://bcairquality.ca/topics/rcbc-alternatives.html

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https://hlth005.gov.bc.ca/HPB/AQS/OBSCR_ref/obscr_team/Shared%20Documents/www.bcairquality.ca/health/index.html.

http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/EN/Air/air_clean.shtml

http://www.firesmoke.ubc.ca/firesmoke_and_health/default.htm

http://www.bclung.ca/

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pho/pdf/phoannual2003.pdf



http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/mpp/incin_landfill.htm

http://bcairquality.ca/topics/rcbc-alternatives.html


2.2 Protection of air quality in BC Open burning of piled land clearing debris, forestry harvesting debris and agricultural debris – activities governed under the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation – are the largest single source of PM2.5 in BC outside the Lower Mainland (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Percentage of PM2.5 emissions from dif-ferent sources in BC6

Other major sources of PM2.5 include industrial emissions, residential and commercial wood heat-ing, mobile sources and wildfires. Several regula-tions under the Environmental Management Act govern these other sources. New standards for Wood Fired Boilers have been introduced in the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation. The Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation, which addresses residential wood stoves, is being updated as well. Resource management open fires7 – the burning of unpiled debris to achieve ecological land manage-ment objectives – are less common sources of open burning and are regulated under the Wildfire Act and its regulations. These “broadcast burns” require approved burn plans which address smoke mitiga-tion, as well as fire safety, issues. These burns are exempt under the Environmental Management Act

6 Source: 2005 B.C. Criteria Air Contaminant Emissions Inventory. The provincial air emissions inventory for com-mon air contaminants compiles regional and province-wide information regarding point sources (i.e., industrial facili-ties), mobile sources (e.g., boats, planes, vehicles) and area sources (e.g., back yard burning, open burning) of emissions. Open burning is the largest source of fine particulate matter emissions in the province, accounting for over a quarter of all these emissions. 7 See section 3.3 for a complete definition.

from requirements to follow the OBSCR and are out of scope for the OBSCR review. Reducing the health impacts of emissions from wildfires is best accomplished by fire prevention measures and by effective communication during the wildfire season – advising citizens of air quality and safety concerns. Open burning of piled debris can reduce risk of wildfire. It is also important to acknowledge that fire (and smoke) has been an element of the majority of ecosystems in BC and is a natural process that is vital to healthy ecosystems. As well as provincial government regulations, local governments also have authority to manage wood smoke. Local government bylaws8 can address res-idential woodstove use, small scale backyard burn-ing, open burning and some industrial sources. These bylaws may be more restrictive than provin-cial requirements. 2.3 Climate change and open burning Wood is a renewable energy resource and trees recycle carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 produced from wood burning in managed forests is general-ly not considered to contribute to the problem of climate change provided that sustainable forest management practices are employed (e.g., rep-lanting).9 Yet, wood burning generates products of incomplete combustion – carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – all of which contribute to global warming to some extent10 (as well as their key role as health-damaging air pollutants). Some alternatives to open burning – such as land filling, composting, or chipping and hauling – may generate more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than open burning. However, near to communi-ties, the particulate matter reductions from reduc-

8 Model bylaw guides for managing backyard burning and wood stove emissions are available at: www.bcairquality.ca/topics/municipal-smoke-bylaws.html. 9 See NRcan, canmetENERGY and bioenergy links at: www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=103&PgId=586 10 See page 205 of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-chapter2.pdf.

Precentage of 2005 Provincial Fine Particulate Matter Emissions

0%

10%

20%

30%

Open Burning Wood Industry Wood Heating Pulp&Paper Off RoadVehicles

Marine On RoadVehicles

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https://hlth005.gov.bc.ca/HPB/AQS/OBSCR_ref/obscr_team/Shared%20Documents/www.bcairquality.ca/topics/municipal-smoke-bylaws.html

http://www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=103&PgId=586

https://hlth005.gov.bc.ca/HPB/AQS/OBSCR_ref/obscr_team/Shared%20Documents/www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-chapter2.pdf

https://hlth005.gov.bc.ca/HPB/AQS/OBSCR_ref/obscr_team/Shared%20Documents/www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-chapter2.pdf


ing open burning far outweigh the GHG costs of doing so. Recovering some of the material for biofuel can be a benefit because the electricity and/or heat that is generated is an added value that is otherwise lost in an open burn, and biofu-els can help displace the use of fossil fuels. Pollu-tant emissions from centralized waste-to-energy facilities can be controlled to a much lower level than open burns.

2.4 History and experience with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation

The OBSCR was introduced in 1993 with the intention of regulating the open burning of land clearing debris and burning in areas of high popu-lation density. The regulation requires burn oper-ators to take measures to limit impacts on nearby homes, schools and hospitals, and to ensure that atmospheric conditions are favourable to smoke dispersion (i.e., “good ventilation conditions”) prior to initiating an open burn. The regulation also limits burn duration and the number of burns allowed within municipal boundaries. Given the large number of open burns that occur in the province each year, the regulation follows an “authorize-by-regulation” approach. Burn op-erators are not required to obtain a permit for the release of smoke emissions from an open burn but rather are expected to follow the requirements set out in the regulation. Burn operators are re-quired to comply with the Wildfire Act and its regulations, which may involve obtaining a Burn Registration Number from the Ministry of Forests and Range, as well as any applicable local by-laws. Revisions to the OBSCR are being proposed in part based on recommendations made in a 200411 audit of the regulation. The audit find-ings were discussed in detail in the first inten-tions paper. The proposed changes are also be-ing driven by new information about the health effects of low levels of smoke and the desire to

11 Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2004. Provin-cial Audit Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation: A Compliance and Effectiveness Assessment September 2003-March 2004. Final Report July 28, 2004.

make the regulation more effective in protecting population centers from the substantive health impacts of smoke.

3. Proposed revisions to the regulation Key elements of the proposed revisions:

Establishing a comprehensive province-wide framework for smoke management – with two zones based on population density

Revising definitions to ensure consistency with related legislation (such as the Wildfire Act and its regulations)

Expanding the scope of the regulation to in-clude open burning at log sort and forwarding facilities

Encouraging the use of “air curtain incinera-tors” to reduce emissions

Setting general and smoke sensitivity zone-specific rules addressing requirements for planning and undertaking burns

Enabling development of “smoke management plans” to guide practices in specific areas or regions – in cooperation with stakeholders and government ministries

Utilizing a “one-window” system (in partner-ship with the Ministry of Forests and Range) for registering and tracking open fires

Developing “Best Management Practices” guidelines to support burn operators and other stakeholders in meeting the goal and objec-tives of the regulation

3.1 Goal and objectives guiding pro-

posed revisions The overall goal of the review process and pro-posed revisions to the regulation is to reduce or minimize impacts to human health and safety by reducing air pollution from open burning. Achieving this goal may involve:

Reducing the amount of material burned; Reducing smoke produced during burning;

and Reducing the effects of smoke on human pop-

ulations; while

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Recognizing the use of fire as a land manage-ment tool.

The following set of objectives has been used by the review team to assess potential changes and guide revision of the regulation:

Regulatory provisions support adoption of best practices and allow for innovation;

Clear regulatory direction enables verification of compliance and enforcement;

Implementation and monitoring costs for gov-ernment and burn operators are feasible (e.g. results-based and minimize administrative bur-den);

Debris managers and burn operators can plan burns efficiently and effectively;

Costs of following provisions are justified for public health improvements and savings to the health care system; and

Regulatory provisions collectively support government goals and objectives – social, economic and environmental.

3.2 Proposed approach to smoke control

and the regulation of open burning The ministries intend to revise the regulation to establish a comprehensive province-wide frame-work of two “smoke sensitivity zones” (“primary” zones where the risk to populations is higher and “secondary” zones where the risk is lower but not insignificant). Each zone will have specified and consistent standards for parties considering the open burning of vegetative debris. The regulation will also provide a process for the creation of lo-cally flexible smoke management plans. The proposed smoke sensitivity zoning frame-work will be refined and implemented in consul-tation and coordination with other government agencies, notably the Wildfire Management Branch of the Ministry of Forests and Range. It will also be consistent with existing fire and burn management frameworks, such as the Open Fire Tracking System that is used to support the is-suance of Burn Registration Numbers under the Wildfire Act.

This risk-based province-wide approach supports government’s primary goal of reducing or mini-mizing impacts to human health, as well as related objectives described in section 3.1 above. Open burning in the most smoke-sensitive areas of the province, for example, will be very restricted and will utilize specific science-based standards (see section 3.6 below). Clear and accessible informa-tion about government expectations will support public and burn operator understanding, com-pliance monitoring and enforcement of the regula-tion. 3.3 Definitions and scope of the

regulation The ministries intend to amend definitions in the OBSCR so that they are consistent with current legislation and to clarify the scope of provisions in the regulation. The regulation governs open burning from the following activities:

Fuel management in the urban/wildland inter-face;

Fire hazard abatement to fulfill a contractual obligation for forest licensees;

Piled burning as part of resource management open fires;

Pest and disease control – forest health and agricultural applications; and/or

Debris disposal – by forestry industry, agricul-tural sector12, land developers or individual property owners13.

Along with the above activities currently go-verned under the regulation, the ministries intend

12 Includes debris from orchard, vineyard or crop replanting, and piled burning of removed trees/vines/debris from agri-cultural development or ecosystem management (i.e., squar-ing up land, expanding cropping area on agricultural land, or removal and burning from ditch lines). 13 Disposal of whole trees or large scale vegetative debris piles for land development differs from disposal of branches and smaller scale vegetative debris piles associated with yard clean up – the latter are considered backyard burns, and fall under local government jurisdiction.

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to amend the OBSCR to include open burning of wood waste at log sort and forwarding facilities. To support public understanding, language in the regulation will be revised, where possible, to be more consistent with the Wildfire Act and its reg-ulations. For example, the OBSCR will be struc-tured to utilize the following “categories” of open fires as defined in the Wildfire Regulation:

Category 2 – an open fire other than a camp-fire that (a) burns material in one pile not ex-ceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width, (b) burns material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width, or (c) burns stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 ha; and

Category 3 – an open fire that burns (a) ma-terial concurrently in 3 or more piles each not exceeding 2 m height and 3 m in width, (b) material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 m in height or 3 m in width, (c) one or more windrows, or (d) stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 ha.

Proposed regulatory requirements will be based on the size of the pile, rather than the activity or sector generating the debris. The following categories of fires defined in the Wildfire Regulation are outside of the scope of the OBSCR:

Category 1 – a campfire that (a) burns piled material no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width, and (b) is lit, fuelled or used by any person for recreational purpose, or by a first nation for a ceremonial purpose.

Resource Management Open Fire14 – an open fire that (a) burns unpiled slash over an area of any size, or (b) is not a category 1, 2 or 3 open fire and is lit, fuelled or used for silviculture treatment, forest health management, wildlife habitat enhancement, fire hazard abatement, ecological restoration or range improvement.

14 See section 3.6 D for information about pre-treatment burning of piled debris as part of resource management open fire activities.

Open burning activities that would be exempt from the regulation will be limited to those activi-ties specified in section 6 of the Environmental Management Act (EMA):

Campfires – which are defined as Category 1 open fires;

Resource management open fires; The burning of leaves, foliage15, weeds, crops

or stubble for domestic or agricultural purpos-es (as exempted under EMA); and

Open burning under approved solid waste management plans.

3.4 Open burning sensitivity zones The ministries are proposing to amend the regula-tion to enable establishment of smoke sensitivity zones based on population density. Areas of the province with a population density of 200 people per square kilometre or more (as provided by the most recent census data) would be categorized as “primary smoke sensitivity” zones (PSS zones). As these areas are more populated, rules for open burning would be more constrained than rules for more remote areas. These standards would also apply to areas within a 10 km radius surrounding the PSS zones. This 10 km buffer is intended to limit impacts from open burning under poor vent-ing conditions (e.g., overnight) on populated areas16. Remaining areas of the province would be consi-dered to be secondary smoke sensitivity zones (SSS zones) under the regulation. These zones will be subject to default rules (that can be modified in smoke management plans) reflecting the fact that smoke in these areas can still cause human health concerns. This risk-based model is similar to “cat-egory A” and “category B” classifications in the current regulation – defined on the basis of munic-ipal boundaries. Defining primary smoke sensitivi-

15 To clarify this exemption, foliage will be defined in the regulation to mean vegetation that is removed in the mainte-nance of cropped plants, or for normal horticultural pur-poses. 16 10 km is considered a reasonable buffer under poor condi-tions, recognizing that smoke will disperse over a large dis-tance.

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ty zones on the basis of population density pro-vides greater protection to more people in the province, will only cover those portions of munic-ipal areas where populations do exist, and will also include populated areas of district municipalities (which are currently classed as “category B” areas). It is expected that over 2/3 of the prov-ince’s population will be included in the primary smoke sensitivity zones, which will cover approx-imately 5% of the province’s land base. It is proposed that the zone boundaries would be updated on a regular basis, following updates to census data. It is the ministries’ intention to develop and main-tain a current smoke sensitivity zone map that will be easily accessible to the public using web-based formats. 3.5 Use of air curtain incinerators and

forced air assistance Applying forced air to a fire can help it to burn hot and efficiently, thereby reducing emissions. The ministries wish to encourage the use of commercially available “air curtain incinerators” as this technology can substantially reduce emis-sions when used properly. For the most part, air curtain incinerators will be used within primary smoke sensitivity zones and areas in secondary smoke sensitivity zones where road access is fea-sible. Air curtain incinerators operate by force-fully projecting a curtain of air across an open chamber or pit in which combustion occurs. In-cinerators of this type can be constructed above or below ground and with or without refractory walls and floor. At log sorts, the use of forced air assistance will be required (rather than encouraged). Recogniz-ing that many of these log sorts are located where road access may restrict the use of air curtain in-cinerators, other types of forced air assisted de-vices (i.e., blower fans) will be acceptable. A suitable forced air device must meet the follow-ing criteria:

Volume of Wood Waste Minimum Required Air Flow

< 80 m3 8 000 CFM

80 -150 m3 10 000 CFM

> 150 m3 > 10 000 CFM The ministries intend to revise the regulation to au-thorize use of air curtain incinerators and forced air assistance in specified situations (see section 3.6 below) – in accordance with specified standards and requirements consistent with provincial air quality objectives and regulatory measures in other jurisdic-tions. Any requirements related to registering and reporting open burning via air curtain incineration or forced air assistance would be the same as those required for category 3 burns. Standards for air curtain incinerators and forced air assisted devices would address fuel content, ash disposal, opacity limits where applicable, testing and reporting requirements. Fuel content would be limited to vegetative debris (from land clearing, right-of-way maintenance – such as hy-dro lines, roads and rail lines – and forestry op-erations) or clean untreated wood (from remote log sorts and forwarding facilities). Ash from air curtain incinerators may be disposed of on site, either by burying it or by applying it on the prop-erty in accordance with good agronomic practices (e.g., ash residue should not be applied within 30 metres of a watercourse and no more than 100m3/year applied to a single property). Ash disposal at log sorts must follow Ministry of En-vironment requirements. The opacity limit (of smoke emissions) for air curtain incinerators would be 10 percent (6 minute average) during operation and 3517 percent (6 minute average) during the start up period (within the first 30 minutes of operation). Unit owners and operators would be strongly encouraged to have opacity cer-tification training at least every two years. Audits and site visits would be used to determine compli-ance. Reporting requirements would be similar to those required of burn operators conducting open burns without forced air assistance (report vol-ume burned). 17 EPA 40 CFR Part 62, Sec. 62.15375.

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Additional measures governing operation of air curtain incinerators could include requirements for operator training and/or certification. Proper operation of air curtain incinerators is essential for the realization of the emission reduction bene-fits. Feedback on this issue from the first inten-tions paper showed general support for training and certification. This provision could be written into the regulation but not brought into force im-mediately, in order to allow for the establishment of operator training programs. Where forced air assistance is not mandated, burners may still wish to employ forced air for best management practices. Where forced air as-sistance is mandated, burners may wish to utilize air curtain incinerators to achieve maximum re-duction of emissions from the burn. 3.6 Rules governing open burning The ministries are proposing to amend the OBSCR to establish the following sets of rules for specified smoke sensitivity zones. Note that the rules will be specific to open burning as de-fined in the regulation. A. General rules (applicable in both zones)

The ministries are proposing the following gen-eral rules – applicable in all smoke sensitivity zones:

Only vegetative debris and items approved by the director (e.g., tree planting boxes) are al-lowed to be burned.

Fires must be setback from residences and businesses, school grounds, hospitals and community care facilities at least the follow-ing distances (based on smoke dispersion modeling): - From residences and businesses – 150 m

if air curtain incineration is used, and 500 m if not, and

- From school grounds, hospitals and community care facilities – 500 m if air curtain incineration is used, and 1000 m if not.

With the exception of debris from log sorts and forwarding facilities, all open burning must occur on the same parcel of land from which the debris originated.

For situations in a woodlot or community forest tenure where the setback distances set out in the regulation (including air curtain in-cinerator setback distances) cannot be met, the burn operator may: (1) transport the de-bris to fibre utilization facilities in the area; or (2) transport and open burn the debris at another location within the tenure (on private or Crown land) where the setback distances can be met – the definition of “parcel of land” in the regulation would be revised to ensure that these options are available to woodlot and community forest tenure holders.

For category 3 fires18, burn operators will be required to keep records on site for the dura-tion of the burn and retain these records for a period of one year from the date of the burn. These records are necessary for emissions tracking, tracking of conditions that lead to successful/unsuccessful burns, compliance ve-rification, and enforcement. These records will not be required to be submitted unless re-quested for enforcement purposes. The type of information that would be tracked includes: - Burn Registration Number (including

contact information and location/ sensi-tivity zone rating),

- Smoke management plan identification; - Venting forecast and weather conditions

at ignition, - Volume of debris/estimated pile quantity; - Approximate piling date/curing time; - Source of debris (land clearing/ forestry/

agriculture, etc.), and - Training certification number if applica-

ble. While onsite burn records will not routinely be

required to be submitted, burn operators con-ducting category 3 burns will be required to update information in their Burn Registration Number after the burn has been conducted. In

18 See section 4.3 above for the definition of open fire “cate-gories” (in accordance with the B.C. Wildfire Regulation).

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most cases, reporting will be limited to the ac-tual number of piles burned and approximate date they were burned. In primary smoke sen-sitivity zones (PSS zones), burn operators will also be required to report when the piles stopped smoking and/or when the piles were extinguished.

B. Open burning in a primary smoke sensitiv-

ity zone

The ministries intend to allow open burning of category 2 and 3 fires in a primary smoke sensi-tivity zone during daylight hours only and during optimal venting periods19 – under the following terms: 1. Open burning without the use of air curtain

incineration will be allowed for single days where only 5% of the original volume can still be emitting smoke by sunset of that day and no visible smoke can be emitted by sun-set of the second day. The venting must be ‘good’ on the day of ignition and forecast to be ‘good’ on the second day if smoke is re-leased on the second day.

2. Open burning using air curtain incinerators will be allowed for two consecutive calendar days (including overnight operation) when the venting is ‘good’ on the day of ignition and forecast to be ‘fair’ or better on the second day. Burning may continue until vent-ing is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’.

There will be no maximum number of burns per year or maximum periods between burns but Ministry of Environment regional managers may require that no burning occurs during the first good venting day after a period of poor venting to allow accumulated particulate in the airshed to disperse. This temporary burn ban will be com-municated online and through the venting index hotline. 19 Venting should be ‘good’ on the day of ignition. Venting is ‘good’ when defined as good through: 1) the 4:00PM Venting Index Forecast issued by Environment Canada; or 2) a custom venting forecast. Under ‘good’ conditions, igni-tion can occur no sooner than 2 hours after sunrise. An ex-ample of an online sunrise/sunset calendar can be found at: www.earthtools.org.

Open burning of wood waste from log sorts and forwarding facilities will not be allowed in PSS zones or within 5 km of the perimeter of a PSS zone. Site specific authorizations (e.g., approvals) may be granted under the Environmental Man-agement Act.

The ministries are aware that in a limited set of circumstances there may be specific reasons ne-cessitating open burning in a primary smoke sen-sitivity zone. To address such situations, the min-istry intends to allow exceptions to setback dis-tances and PSS zone criteria for the following activities:

Community wildfire protection program; Management of forest diseased trees; Management of agricultural diseased vegeta-

tion; or “Other” specified circumstances (as approved

by the director of the Ministry of Environ-ment).

These exceptions must be recommended or sup-ported by a professional (e.g. agrologist) or offi-cial (e.g. fire chief or MoFR official) – and must include ‘plans’ that document how smoke im-pacts will be mitigated.

C. Open burning in a secondary smoke

sensitivity zone Open burning of category 2 and 3 fires without air curtain incineration will be allowed for three consecutive calendar days from the day of igni-tion provided the ventilation index is ‘good’ on the day of ignition and forecast to be ‘fair’ or bet-ter on the second day. Both the smoke release period and venting requirements may be modified in smoke management plans. Open burning of category 2 and 3 fires using air curtain incineration will be allowed for three consecutive calendar days (including overnight operation) from the day of ignition provided the ventilation index is ‘good’ on the day of ignition. Burning may continue beyond the three calendar days until the venting is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’.

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Open burning of wood waste from log sorts and forwarding facilities using air curtain incinera-tion will be allowed if the designated site is lo-cated 5 km or more from the perimeter of a pri-mary smoke sensitivity zone. Burning will be allowed for three consecutive calendar days from the day of ignition provided the ventilation index is ‘good’ on the day of ignition. Burning may continue beyond the three calendar days until the venting is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’. Open burning of wood waste from log sorts and forwarding facilities using forced air assistance will be allowed for designated sites located 15 km or more from the perimeter of a primary smoke sensitivity zone. Burning will be allowed for three consecutive calendar days from the day of ignition provided the ventilation index is ‘good’ on the day of ignition and forecast to be ‘fair’ or better on the second day. The ministries are seeking comments and suggestions for requir-ing a maximum of four burns per year at these sites. D. Smoke management plans Currently, several forest districts in the province have smoke management plans that guide the practices of forestry operations and work well to minimize smoke impacts from open burning. In general these plans provide regional flexibility for forestry operators to meet the intent of the OBSCR. The ministries are proposing to formalize smoke management planning under the OBSCR and broaden the plans to include the interests of other stakeholders. The ministries will provide a tem-plate that builds on the best available examples of smoke management plans. Ideally, a plan’s area would be by forest district, but larger plan areas could be considered. While an approved smoke management plan would be an option under the OBSCR, in the case where a plan does not exist, or where a burn op-erator has not signed on to a plan, the default rules and smoke sensitivity zones would apply.

Venting requirements and smoke release duration within the secondary smoke sensitivity zones could be relaxed or tightened under a smoke management plan. Pile burning as pre-treatments to Resource Management Open Fires could also be addressed in a smoke management plan. Companies or associations who choose to follow a smoke management plan would be required to sign on to the plan as a commitment that they and their employees/members will follow the prac-tices laid out in the plan. A plan could be amended at any time to add or remove signato-ries. Smoke management plans under a new OBSCR may be collaboratively created through a multi-stakeholder process and interested parties within the forest district will be consulted. The Ministry of Environment would direct the process and ap-prove final plans – to ensure that human health issues are satisfied and public consultation needs and identified concerns have been addressed. Other parties that may be involved in a process to develop a smoke management plan include:

Ministry of Forests and Range; Ministry of Agriculture and Lands; Other ministries as appropriate; First Nations; Local forest industries/companies; Associations (e.g., woodlot, cattleman’s,

fruit/grape growers, land developers); Utility corporations; Local government; Health authorities; Airshed groups/NGOs; and Other interested public/user groups.

3.7 Process for assessing and authorizing

an open burn The steps a burn operator needs to take to ensure compliance with all legislation and bylaws re-lated to open burning will vary with the location of the proposed burn.

41


In all cases, the first step that operators should take is to seek opportunities for debris utilization or alternative disposal methods. The ministries have published an inventory of businesses and facilities that accept household and business ve-getative debris in every regional district of the province20. More added value opportunities for debris may also become available in the future. Category 3 open burns outside of municipal boundaries must have a Burn Registration Num-ber from the Ministry of Forests and Range and must comply with the Wildfire Act and Regula-tion as well as the OBSCR. The ministries are presently exploring operational and cost effec-tiveness considerations involved in collecting category 3 post-burn reports via the Open Fire Tracking System in partnership with the Ministry of Forests and Range. Operators wishing to initiate open burning for category 3 fires would be required to:

1) Obtain a Burn Registration Number from Ministry of Forests and Range (valid for 2 weeks to 3 months). Additional questions about volume of debris, curing time, and ori-gin of debris may be asked at this time;

2) Follow all requirements in the OBSCR, in-cluding favorable venting (as determined by the Environment Canada venting index, a custom ventilation forecast, or other as au-thorized by the Director); and

3) Confirm the actual volume of debris that was open burned – this is a critical aspect for the province’s emissions inventory – additional Burn Registration Numbers would not be is-sued until the operator has fulfilled this re-quirement.

Category 2 or 3 open burns within local govern-ment boundaries must comply with the OBSCR and any local bylaws. In this case, burn operators would seek information about any local require-ments to open burn from their local government and follow all requirements in OBSCR, including 20 See http://bcairquality.ca/topics/rcbc-alternatives.html.

favorable venting (as determined by the Envi-ronment Canada venting index, a custom ventila-tion forecast, or other as authorized by the Direc-tor). The ministries will provide information about OBSCR requirements and education and awareness resources to local governments and the public through the BC air quality website (www.bcairquality.ca). Burn operators should be able to access all needed information about open burning through a “single window” (hosted by the Ministry of Forests and Range, local government or the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport through www.bcairquality.ca). A single window approach would support the ministries’ objectives of maximiz-ing compliance and consistency and minimizing in-convenience to burn operators – reinforcing the pri-mary objective of reducing the effects of smoke to human populations. 3.8 Powers and penalties The ministries intend to add or strengthen provi-sions in the regulation to improve enforceability, as recommended in previous reviews. Proposed provisions will address the ability of designated staff to:

Issue cease and desist orders; Suspend or deny Burn Registration Numbers

for repeat violators; Require burners to provide tracking docu-

ments (e.g., log books, burn authorization number or operator certification).

The ministries will also explore the feasibility of issuing tickets for fines of varying amounts de-pending on the severity of the infraction (e.g., open burning within the setback distances to schools, hospitals or community care facilities, or during poor venting may result in a larger fine than for “administrative” infractions).

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http://www.bcairquality.ca/

http://bcairquality.ca/topics/rcbc-alternatives.html


4. Supporting Implementation and Compliance

4.1 Best Management Practices The regulation will be supported by guidelines and/or “best management practices” (BMPs) that provide information regarding how burn opera-tors can meet government goals for protection of human health and manage burning or alternative means of treating wood wastes in a manner that is consistent with the Environmental Management Act, regulations and codes of practice. These practices and procedures could be based on exist-ing BMPs developed by the industries and/or de-veloped jointly with government and would not have the force of law. Guidelines or BMPs may be viewed as assistance to persons governed by a reg-ulation in meeting their legal obligations. BMPs will be incorporated in smoke management plans and exist as standalone guides for all burn operators21. BMPs related to agricultural waste disposal in particular will cover management of debris that is currently exempted22 from the Envi-ronmental Management Act. Aspects of open burning that may be appropriate for best management practices guidance could include pile construction, curing plans, meteorol-ogy of smoke dispersion, how and when to ignite piles, and issues related to specific requirements and exemptions. Best practices for the setup and operation of air curtain incinerators and other forced air assistance devices could also be in-cluded. Any best management practices docu-ments prepared for this regulation will comple-ment related documents, such as the smoke con-trol guide being developed for the Wildland Fire Strategy.

21 For an example, see the Woody Debris Management info-flip available at: http://fire.feric.ca/36512008/FinalReport/WoodyDebrisManagementStragegies-InfoFlip.pdf. 22 The burning of leaves, foliage, weeds, crops or stubble for domestic or agricultural purposes.

4.2 Assuring Compliance The ministries will develop a strategy for the pro-motion of voluntary compliance with the require-ments of this regulation, in cooperation with in-dustry associations, airshed groups and other in-terested parties. Compliance promotion may en-tail training for staff, as well as information and education for those considering open burning. Burn operator training and certification may be written into the OBSCR though not enacted until such a program is developed and available. The ministries’ approach to assuring compliance with the OBSCR will include regular and random compliance reviews and inspections, as well as reviews and inspections in response to identified or potential issues or concerns regarding protec-tion of human health. The ministries are committed to using compli-ance verification data to guide the ongoing man-agement of open burning practices and assure that government goals for air quality are being met. The Ministry of Environment options for re-sponse to non-compliance will include written advisories, warnings, directives, tickets and court proceedings. The choice of response will be guided by ministry-wide compliance policy, the compliance history for the burn operator and the significance of the impact from the non-compliance occurrence. Note that the ministries intend to strengthen the fines and penalties provi-sions of the regulation (see section 3.8 above).

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http://fire.feric.ca/36512008/FinalReport/WoodyDebrisManagementStragegies-InfoFlip.pdf

http://fire.feric.ca/36512008/FinalReport/WoodyDebrisManagementStragegies-InfoFlip.pdf

Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation


5. Providing Comment on Proposed Intentions for the Regulation

The ministries are intending to finalize the OBSCR in advance of the 2011 burning season. Comments regarding the proposed intentions of the ministries are being solicited and will be care-fully considered in the review and development process. The ministries welcome all suggestions with respect to any aspect of the regulation. This intentions paper and a response form with questions based on proposed intentions for the reg-ulation have been posted on: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm. Those interested are invited to submit comments using the instructions and questions provided on the response form. Individuals or organizations may also make written submissions to the minis-tries without following the format set out in the response form – as desired. Submissions will be compiled and summarized, without specific attribution, by an independent con-tractor and the summary posted on the Ministry of Environment website and linked to www.bcairquality.ca. Following review of com-ments and submissions, the ministries will complete legal drafting of the regulation for legislative review and implementation. Comments to the ministries should be made on or before September 23, 2010. All submissions will be reviewed for inclusion in a consultation summary report. Comments re-ceived will be treated with confidentiality by ministry staff and contractors when preparing consultation reports. Please note that comments you provide and information that identifies you as the source of those comments may be publicly available if a Freedom of Information (FOI) re-quest is made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have any questions or comments regarding the consultation process, review the information

posted on the ministry website, or contact Cindy Bertram of C. Rankin & Associates, who has been contracted to manage consultation com-ments, at: Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 5293

Victoria, B.C. V8R 6N4 Fax: (250) 598-9948

Thank you for your time and comments!

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http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/open_burning/index.htm

http://www.bcairquality.ca/

mailto:[email protected]

Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation


APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF RULES GOVERNING OPEN BURNING

Type of Burn

General Rules *PSS Zone Rules *SSS Zone Rules Smoke Management Planning

Category 2 • Only vegetative debris can be burned and on the parcel of land from which the debris ori-ginated

• Fires must be setback 500 m from residences and businesses and 1000 m from school grounds, hospitals and community care facili-ties

• Open burning is allowed for single days where only 5% of the original volume can still be emitting smoke by sunset of the first day and no visible smoke by sunset of the second day

• Venting must be ‘good’/’good’

• Open burning is allowed for three consecutive ca-lendar days

• Venting must be ‘good’/’good’ or ‘good’/fair’

• In SSS Zones, the smoke release pe-riod and venting re-quirements may be modified in a smoke management plan

Category 3 • Only vegetative debris can be burned and on the parcel of land from which the debris ori-ginated


• Record keeping is required ** • Burn operators are required to update infor-

mation in their Burn Registration Number af-ter the burn has been conducted

• Open burning is allowed for single days where only 5% of the original volume can still be emitting smoke by sunset of the first day and no visible smoke by sunset of the second day

• Venting must be ‘good’/’good’

• Open burning is allowed for three consecutive ca-lendar days



Category 3 – Air Cur-tain Incine-ration

• Only vegetative debris can be burned and on the parcel of land from which the debris ori-ginated




• Open burning is allowed for two consecutive calen-dar days (including over-night operation)

• Venting must be ‘good’/’good’ or ‘good’/’fair’

• Burning may continue beyond day two until vent-ing is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’

• Open burning is allowed for three consecutive ca-lendar days (including overnight operation)

• Venting must be ‘good’ on the day of ignition

• Burning may continue beyond day three until the venting is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’


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Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation


Log Sort Facilities < 5 km from PSS Zone

• No open burning will be authorized under the OBSCR ***

• N/A • N/A • N/A

Log Sort Facilities 5 km to 15 km from PSS Zone

• Only vegetative debris can be burned and air curtain incinerators must be employed




• N/A • Open burning is allowed for three consecutive ca-lendar days (including overnight operation)

• Venting must be ‘good’ on the day of ignition

• Burning may continue beyond day three until the venting is forecast to be ‘poor’ or turns ‘poor’

• Rules cannot be modified in a smoke management plan

Log Sort Facilities > 15 km from PSS Zone

• Only vegetative debris can be burned and forced air assistance (i.e., blower fans) must be employed

• If air curtain incineration is employed, the above rules apply




• N/A • Open burning is allowed for three consecutive ca-lendar days


• Rules cannot be modified in a smoke management plan

*PSS zone= primary smoke sensitivity zone; *SSS zone = secondary smoke sensitivity zone **Records are required to be held for at least one year following a burn, including registration information, venting forecast and weather conditions, volume and source of debris burned and applicable training certification requirements

*** Site specific authorizations (e.g., approvals) may be granted under the Environmental Management Act

46

copyLoca[Government Program Services

.prdraths to address provincial-local government shared priorities

MAoT: F:LE

‘ 7 41Chair and TrusteesSchool District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast)

-POBox22O -

Gibsons, BC, VON 1VO

RE: 2010 School Community Connections (Round 2) — SupportingNeighbourhood Learning Centres

Dear Chair and Trustees,

Thank you for your application for Round 2 of the 2010 School CommunityConnections — Supporting Neighbourhood Learning Centres program. Wehave reviewed your submission and are pleased to advise that yourproject, heritage centre at Madeira Park Elementary School, has been approvedin the amount of $10,000.00 — including $7,500.00 from the main grant and$2,500.00 from the additional grant opportunity.

A cheque for $7,500.00, representing 75% of the total approved grant, willbe forwarded from the BC School Trustees Association shortly. Thebalance of the grant will be eligible for release upon satisfactorycompletion of the final report form and financial summary.

Please note the final report is due within 30 days of the completion of yourproject (as identified in your application) and no later than January 31,2012. The final report form and details on reporting requirements areavailable on the U13CM website.

The Schools Community Connections program is a partnership betweenthe BC School Trustees Association and the Union of British ColumbiaMunicipalities. Funding has been provided through the provincialMinistry of Education.

We wish you every success with your project. If you have any questions orconcerns, please contact Local Government Program Services at (250) 356-5134 or [email protected]

Sincerely,

JaiT28201T

CoI.u1SIA

MUNICIPALITIES

Administration provided

by UBCM & the BCSchool Trustees

Association

Funding provided byProvince of B.C.

BRITISHCOLUMBIA

The Best Place on Earth

For programinformation, visit the

Funding Programssection at:

www.ubcm.ca

LGPS Secretariat

Local Government House525 Government StreetVictoria, BC, V8V 0A8

E-mail: [email protected]: (250) 356-5134Fax: (250) 356-5119

Danyta WelchPolicy & Program Officer

cc: Deborah Palmer, Superintendent, School District No. 46John France, CAO, Sunshine Coast Regional District

47

"K"

rRECEIVEDJ FEB242011 IL S.C.R.DJ

February22, 2011

The Corporate Officer IDSunshine Coast Regional District1975 Field RoadSechelt, BCVON 3A1

Sunshine Coast Regional District Board of Directors,

I am writing to inform the Board I will not be seeking reappointment as a member on theHillside Development Group Advisory Committee (HIDEGRO). My term will expire onApril23, 2011.

I have served on this Committee since March of 2006. Although I have enjoyed learningabout Hillside and the SCRD’s efforts to grow this area (in addition, meeting manymembers of the Board and the committee members), I feel I have not been required tocontribute my skills in accounting and finance which would have been the main reason Ijoined this group back in 2006. After much consideration, I feel it would be best for meto find another group on the Coast where I would be able to volunteer my time andcontribute more of my skills and experience.

I would like to thank the Board for appointing me to this committee for the past 5 yearsand wish you every success in your efforts with Hillside.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bezaire, CGAChief Financial OfficerSunshine Coast Credit UnionT (604)[email protected]

cc Paul Fenwick

48

"L"

MEMBER RELEASE February 3, 2011

TO: Mayor & Council, Chair & Board, Senior Staff FROM: Councillor Barbara Steele, UBCM President RE: RCMP Contract Renewal – Update on Negotiations

This communication is being forwarded to provide information on the status of negotiations related to the renewal of the RCMP contract in follow up to the presentation that was made at the 2010 UBCM Convention Program and other prior communications. Overview The RCMP contract negotiations have moved through a number of different stages since 2007 when UBCM first began participating in the contract renewal process and it has had to adapt its strategy a number of times to deal with these changes. Given the changing dynamics at the current stage of the RCMP contract negotiations, the UBCM Executive determined that it would be beneficial to have a political observer participate in the process, and appointed Mayor Peter Fassbender of the City of Langley as the local government representative on the Province’s Contract Renewal Team. Mayor Fassbender has attended the meetings since July 2010 and reports to the UBCM Community Safety Committee (see Appendix A for further details of UBCM participation). UBCM would like to thank Mayor Fassbender and Murray Dinwoodie, City Manager, City of Surrey for stepping forward to represent local government interests on this very important matter as observers at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial RCMP Contract negotiations. UBCM will be working with the Province on the development of a permanent Committee to address concerns related to the new RCMP contract and would like your input on it. UBCM Strategy A special resolution (SR1 - RCMP Police Costs & Accountability) was endorsed by the members at the 2010 UBCM Convention highlighting the need for political action at this point in the discussions. The resolution outlined a strategy to ensure that key elected representatives in the federal and provincial governments were aware of the key local government concerns regarding the renewal of the RCMP contract and the delivery of RCMP services at the local government level (see Appendix A). UBCM has been working to arrange meetings with the federal and provincial representatives as outlined in the resolution. UBCM is currently pursuing meetings with key federal cabinet representatives to discuss the RCMP contract.

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RCMP Contract – Status of Local Government Issues/Concerns Page

2

In response to the special resolution, the UBCM Executive appointed an RCMP Contract Review Committee of elected officials to represent local government in meetings with key federal and provincial government representatives on the RCMP contract (see Appendix C). The UBCM RCMP Contract Review Committee met with the federal BC Conservative Caucus on November 19, 2010 and presented the information documented in Appendix D. The presentation focused on affordability/cost containment; partnership; and accountability. The meeting with the BC Conservative Caucus was well received and provided an opportunity to brief federal representatives on local government concerns. The UBCM Contract Review Committee also met with the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General on January 7, 2011 to highlight local government concerns and expectations regarding the renewal of the RCMP Contract. The meeting with Minister Coleman was very positive with the Minister providing the following comments: 1. Timing of Completion of the RCMP Contract Renewal Process The Minister advised that the Province of BC is not interested in rushing a settlement if

some of the key outstanding issues have not been adequately addressed. He indicated that an agreement might be reached by sometime in March, and that work towards this date would encourage all parties to do their utmost to resolve existing issues.

2. Cost Sharing/Cost Containment The UBCM Committee reinforced the UBCM position on the need for adjustments to

the cost sharing formula and that the rate of cost increases in local government police services in recent years is not sustainable for local governments. The Minister understood these issues but suggested that the Federal government would probably not budge on the master cost sharing formula. He reinforced the provincial position to look at cost containment and the shifting of costs in such areas as medical expenditures, Integrated Teams, Cadet Training and other cost drivers. The UBCM Committee emphasized that local government will be looking will be looking to the Provincial government to provide financial assistance to local governments to assist in paying for local police services if such outcomes are not achieved through the Federal/Provincial/Territorial negotiations.

3. Accountability/ Transparency The Committee discussed a number of points with respect to the ongoing Contract

Management process. The Minister was very positive in his perspective on the need for increased accountability and communication between the RCMP, the Federal government, the Provincial and Local Governments. He recognized the need for local governments to play a more active role in the future in the on-going management of the RCMP Contract during the term of the contract.

Status of Contract Negotiations The RCMP contract renewal negotiations have advanced to the Deputy Minister level. Lori Wanamaker, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has assumed the lead role for British Columbia. Ms. Wanamaker chairs the Provincial Territorial Contract Advisory Committee (P/T CAC), which includes the Deputy Ministers and other

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representatives of the eight provinces (not including Ontario and Quebec) and the three territories that have a contract with the Federal government for RCMP services. The P/T CAC is the group responsible for direct negotiations with the Federal government for the renewal of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial RCMP Police Services Agreement. The current focus of the negotiations is on “cost base” issues (e.g. medical costs, pension costs, member benefits, and legal costs). These are some of the key cost drivers underlying the agreement and the goal is to contain these costs in the new agreement. A spreadsheet is attached to this communication, entitled “RCMP CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS – Review by Local Government Working Group and UBCM” (see Appendix B), that lists the issues/concerns that have been identified to date by RCMP-policed BC local governments and that have been forwarded by the UBCM to the Province for consideration. The spreadsheet includes a brief summary related to each of the issues/concerns and a description of the corresponding provincial action being taken at this time. The Province has categorized the issues/concerns under three broad themes. These are: • Partnership (the Province and local governments want to be viewed as a partner rather

than a client); • Governance and Accountability; and • Cost Containment / Affordability. The “Partnership” theme covers all of the issues and concerns of local government. Local governments want to be viewed as partners in policing rather than clients. This means that they should be given meaningful and timely opportunities for input into decisions that will affect the costs and delivery of police services provided by the RCMP. In general, reasonable progress has been made in negotiations to date in relation to the local government issues and concerns under the “Partnership” theme and the “Governance and Accountability” theme. Negotiations in relation to the “Cost Containment” theme are currently underway. Given the financial pressures that the Federal government is experiencing, negotiations in this area have been challenging. However, there has been some recent progress in this area. If the federal government agrees to a Provincial/Territorial proposal to cap costs in some areas, it will be a major step in containing future costs. Background for Contract Renewal Process: The provincial and federal governments are in the process of negotiating a renewal of the Agreements (or contracts) under which the RCMP provides police services in B.C. The renewal of the Agreements is referred to as the Contract Renewal Process. There are three inter-connected Agreements (“the Agreements”) that are being addressed through the renewal process: 1. Provincial Police Services Agreement (PPSA) - this provincial-federal Agreement

engages the RCMP as the provincial police force;

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2. Municipal Policing Agreement (MPA) – based on the PPSA, this provincial-federal

Agreement contains the terms and conditions under which the Province is able to sub-contract Provincial RCMP police services to municipalities; and

3. Municipal Police Unit Agreements (MPUA) – this municipal-provincial Agreement allows municipalities with populations in excess of 5,000 people to contract through the Province for the delivery of local police services by the RCMP.

The term of the current Agreements runs from April 1, 1992 to March 31, 2012. Each of the three (3) Agreements is quite similar in terms of content. The Contract Renewal Process is being managed in three phases. The first phase was the “information-gathering” phase. This phase was completed in early 2010. The second phase, which is currently underway, is the “negotiation” phase. It is anticipated that an agreement-in-principle will be concluded between the federal and provincial/territorial governments in 2011. Once an agreement-in-principle has been concluded, the provincial-municipal phase of the contract renewal process will begin. The Province will prepare and forward a draft of a proposed MPUA agreement and a related Companion Document (that provides more information regarding the interpretation of each of the clauses in the MPUA agreement) to the UBCM Local Government Working Group for initial review and comments with a view to finalizing the MPUA. This process will include communication with local governments who ultimately enter into a MUPA with the Province for the continued delivery of local government police services by way of the RCMP. Need for Continuing Local Government Involvement: Local government participation in the renewal process for RCMP Agreements is critical to ensure the best possible outcome for local governments. BC Local Government Contract Management Committee The Province and the UBCM have agreed that a Contract Management Committee should be established as soon as possible. This will be a permanent Committee to address concerns related to the RCMP Contract and to the on-going delivery of local government police services by the RCMP. UBCM will be working with the Province on the development of a Terms of Reference for the Provincial RCMP Contract Management Committee and on the membership on the Committee, which would include both Provincial and local government representatives. UBCM would appreciate your views and suggestions on the Terms of Reference of such a Committee, including the size and make-up of the Committee. UBCM Contact: If you or your local government has any comments or input related to the information contained in this communication, please forward such comments and/or input to Ken Vance at the UBCM Offices in Richmond at 604-270-8226 (ext. 114) or at [email protected].

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APPENDIX A: UBCM Participation in RCMP Contract Negotiations

The UBCM, in January of 2007, was requested by the province to participate as a member of the provincial negotiating team in RCMP contract negotiations. The UBCM has undertaken a number of measures to obtain member input into the process and to begin preparations for the negotiations. These measures have included the following: • In March 2007, the UBCM in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety and

the Solicitor General held a consultation session in Richmond to start the process of identifying key issues that will need to be addressed through the negotiation process. An invitation to this session was sent to all UBCM member local governments.

• In June 2007 a UBCM staff representative, as an interim measure, attended a meeting of the of the Provincial/Territorial Contract Advisory Committee (P/TCAC) with the Federal government to observe the negotiations, as the local government representative to the Province’s Contract Renewal Team

• In October 2007, the UBCM sent a communiqué to the UBCM member local governments which: - Identified an intended course of action with respect to the RCMP contract

negotiations; - Advised that the UBCM would be appointing a Local Government representative to

be a member of the Provincial negotiating team and a Local Government working group to provide local government input into contract negotiations;

- Provided a summary of the key issues that were identified by municipal representatives at the March 2007 consultation session; and

- Requested any comments and suggestions from the UBCM member local governments.

• In March, 2008, in another communiqué to all UBCM member local governments, the

Executive Director of the UBCM advised of the appointment of a local government representative to the Provincial negotiating team and of the appointment of a Local Government Working Group that would provide input into contract negotiations on behalf of B.C. local governments (the representatives are listed in Appendix “A).

The UBCM has continued to ensure that local government issues have been considered in the process through: • The appointment of a local government representative to the Province’s Contract

Renewal Team - Murray Dinwoodie, CAO/City Manager, City of Surrey and the interim appointment of Paul Gill, General Manager, Corporate & Financial Services, District of Maple Ridge as an alternate.

• The more recent appointment of Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley as the local government representative to reflect the changing dynamics of the negotiation process;

• The appointment of a local government working group (LGWG) to assist in developing information in support of contract negotiations on behalf of B.C. municipalities which is chaired by Murray Dinwoodie, CAO/City Manager. City of Surrey;

• The establishment of a small advisory committee of local government elected officials in early 2010 to assist the staff appointed UBCM Local Government Representative on

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the provincial negotiating team, and the subsequent appointment of a new committee of elected officials in October 2010 to assist the elected representative appointed by the UBCM to observe the RCMP contract negotiations (see Appendix A).

A UBCM local government representative has attended all the meetings of the Provincial/Territorial Contract Advisory Committee (P/TCAC) with the Federal government negotiating team to observe the negotiations and provide the Province with advice on local government issues and concerns. The LGWG has developed a draft mandate for contract discussions and a communications process to ensure that the interests of affected municipalities are well understood and properly balanced in developing the mandate. In addition, the working group has met on several occasions with the Assistant Deputy Minister for Policing and Community Safety, Mr. Kevin Begg, to discuss issues and concerns raised by B.C. local governments. In 2009 UBCM undertook a survey of local government concerns regarding policing costs and the RCMP contract. A policy paper was presented at the 2009 UBCM Convention entitled paper Police Services in British Columbia – Affordability & Accountability and the recommendations outlined in the report were endorsed. UBCM organized a meeting to discuss contract issues on January 20, 2010 for municipalities with populations over 5,000 that have chosen to be policed by the RCMP and are required to enter into a Municipal Police Unit Agreement (MPUA) for the use of RCMP services with the province. There are currently 60 municipalities that have an MPUA with the province. A copy of the presentations made at this meeting and the issues discussed were also posted on the UBCM website for viewing. UBCM in July 2010 wrote the province requesting that two observers – a local government staff representative and a political representative – be allowed to attend the RCMP contract negotiations as member of the British Columbia negotiating team. We were informed by the province that it would not be possible to have two observers attend the meeting, as the understanding with the other provincial/territorial governments and the federal government was that only one observer was allowed to attend. Given the current dynamics of the contract discussions Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley was requested to attend. A policy session on the RCMP contract was held at the 2010 UBCM Convention to update the members on the status of the RCMP contract negotiations. The session provided an opportunity to hear from the local government representatives attending the contract discussions and the chief provincial negotiator. It also provided an opportunity for local governments to provide input into the process and highlight their issues. British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) at the 2010 UBCM Convention adopted the following resolution: 2010-SR1 RCMP Police Costs & Accountability “Whereas local governments are concerned about the rapidly increasing costs of RCMP police services and the affordability of these services in the future; And whereas local governments are concerned about the accountability of the RCMP to local governments for the delivery of police services at the local level:

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Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM implement the following strategy to ensure the federal and provincial governments are fully aware of the local government concerns related to the delivery of local police services by the RCMP and the strength of these concerns: That a meeting be organized as soon as possible between the federal Minister for Public Safety and local government representatives to discuss BC local government concerns with the rapidly increasing costs of RCMP services and the need for increased accountability of the RCMP.” That a meeting be organized as soon as possible between the federal BC Conservative Caucus and local government representatives to discuss local government concerns with the rapidly increasing costs of RCMP services and the need for increased accountability of the RCMP; That a meeting be organized as soon as possible between the appropriate provincial cabinet representatives and local government representatives to discuss local government concerns with the rapidly increasing costs of RCMP services, the need for increased accountability of the RCMP and measures that the province can take to assist in addressing these issues.

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Appendix B

RCMP CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Review by Local Government Working Group and UBCM

Issue Name Summary Contract Renewal Action

Funding Formula Local Governments (LGs) are requesting that the Federal and Provincial governments change the cost-sharing formulas from: 70:30 and 90:10 to 50:50 and 70:30.

Policing is becoming unaffordable to LGs and LGs need relief by way of a favourable adjustment in the cost sharing formulae. If this is not achieved, the LGs are requesting that the province play a greater role in funding local police services. Alternately, they are requesting that the provincial government provide consistent funding to make up the 20% difference that the LGs over 5,000 pay for policing.

The LGWG rationale is fundamentally one of affordability within the narrow range of revenue streams that are available to LGs to fund local services.

These proposals were examined by the PT Cost-share and Population Threshold Project Group (PG). The analysis addressed the financial impacts of changing the population thresholds, and of adjusting the cost share ratios. Municipal concerns have been raised and examined during each step of this project group’s work.

Making these adjustments would primarily benefit municipalities in BC and Alberta.

In 2007, the federal negotiators received approval from Cabinet to maintain the current cost shares and population thresholds – given the change in economic climate, there is concern that a return to a Cabinet made up of largely non-Contract area MPs would result in a worse situation for the Provinces, Territories and Municipalities.

In response to this UBCM request, BC has proposed that the federal government reduce the cost share from 90/10 to 70/30 for Regional Integrated Teams, Cadet Training, Divisional Administration, Complaints Process, and Police Dogs (if dog training/breeding costs are included in the new Contract). The impact to the federal government of these proposals is approximately $25 million. In July the federal government indicated support for the 70/30 cost share for Regional Integrated Teams, but not the other elements of the proposal. The PTs have not accepted this response.

The PTs are also proposing to eliminate the New Entrants Policy (there is no cost share for new RCMP contracts – new entrants pay 100%), and allow the Provincial Force to provide services to municipalities between 5-15K population. The federal government has not agreed to rescind the policy but has agreed to the 5-15K proposal so long as this action would be cost neutral to them – this means the province or impacted municipality would have to cover the accommodations/staff costs.

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RCMP Pay LGs are requesting:

• a regional pay structure;

• representation on Pay Council;

• salary increases tied to a relative index.

The concept of regional pay has been explored and rejected through several studies. Issues with regional pay include the complication of calculating the impacts on pensions etc given the movement of members and the disincentives to draw members to certain regions of Canada.

The new contract will include provisions that continue and strengthen the Contract Advisory (will now be called Management) Committee. It will include representatives from Public Safety Canada, Contract Jurisdictions and the RCMP, and also permit PTs to invite municipal observers. The role of the new CMC will be to provide feedback/advice to decision makers (like federal Treasury Board) on any matter that impacts the cost, quality, governance or service provided by the RCMP during the term of the contract. PTs are also requesting representation on the Pay Council – this request has been denied for years. It is highly unlikely that the municipalities will gain representation on the Pay Council.

Salary increases are determined by federal Treasury Board. They approved an “average of the top three in the comparator universe” for the RCMP; however, this does not guarantee increases at any time. Contract partners are interested in maintaining a competitive pay and benefit package in order to attract recruits and retain members.

PTs are currently exploring placing an industry standard cap on superannuation contributions and other benefits as well as an overall Pay and Compensation cap to control this large cost driver.

Special Events / Emergency Planning

LGs are seeking cost neutrality when resources are reallocated for special events or emergencies. Currently, costs such as overtime for members to backfill are not being reimbursed.

The cost share is in part based on the benefit to Canada that it may draw up to 10% of a unit’s members in the event of an emergency. Special events and emergencies are tracked on separate collators and the LGs are reimbursed for salary, transportation and other incremental costs for their members allocated to these events or emergencies.

The Municipal Companion Document will provide guidance regarding RCMP consultation with LGs in the event of emergencies/special events, and the need for redeployments to be balanced with local needs. It will also clarify the policy for withdrawing members and equipment and set out how mechanisms will be in place to track and report on the resources allocated to events to ensure LGs are appropriately reimbursed.

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Accommodations The LGs would like the MPUA amended and guidelines developed to outline accommodation requirements.

They would also like the ability to use a dispute mechanism if the municipalities and the RCMP are unable to agree on major changes to the existing accommodation.

The LGs would also like to see a 5 year Capital Plan be developed by the local RCMP detachment in consultation with the LG.

Accommodation requirements/standards will be described in the Municipal Companion Document.

A dispute resolution mechanism will be included in the new agreement.

The PTs support the request for an improved capital planning process and the need to evaluate the appropriateness of RCMP accommodation standards.

Equipment LGs are interested in:

• including the definition of equipment in the Agreement;

• including information on assets such as files and data that need to be considered in the event of termination of the agreement;

• clearer language that indicates ownership of all assets based on percentage paid by each party;

• the development of business cases to ensure equipment is safe and efficiently used and replaced; and,

• an asset management planning process.

These issues will be addressed in the new MPUAs and Companion Document and through the strengthened role of the Contract Management Committee and Local Government Contract Advisory Committee. There is a need for LG input into decisions regarding the setting of standards and changes to standards since these affect the costs incurred by LGs in the delivery of police services.

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Training Costs (Depot)

LGs want expenses associated with training new cadets to be paid by the RCMP (they say if they hire an accountant, they don’t pay for their training eg.).

LGs want to explore using more civilian staff to perform non police functions, hiring trained police officers from other forces and using the Justice Institute as a BC training centre.

PTs have raised the subject of cadets paying tuition or periodically reviewing the need for cadet pay with the federal government. Further discussions are expected on this issue.

Civilianization is being pursued by the RCMP and the PTs share this interest. The Province has been briefed on their efforts and believes the RCMP is making reasonable progress. The RCMP is motivated to do so because it may create some room in their budget, and enhances the organization’s performance in key areas such as finance and research.

The RCMP is making efforts to allow an easier transition for independent members to move to the RCMP e.g. Pension portability. The Province is aware of no barriers to movement at this time and is aware of senior officers from independent forces moving into E Division (e.g. Inspector of VPD and Superintendent of Delta).

Police Officer training is specialized and investigative techniques are not intended for public consumption – for this reason the RCMP hires their cadets before they are enrolled in training.

Support Staff LGs want input into the number and skill sets of support staff required at their detachments.

The Municipal Companion Document will address the process for consultation between the LG and RCMP on municipal support staff for the detachment. The MPUA dispute resolution mechanism may be engaged to address disagreements.

The companion document will articulate the parameters for maintaining and/or transitioning Federal and Municipal support staff when Municipalities go over or under the 5,000 threshold (i.e., moving between Provincial and Municipal Police Services).

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Cost Escalation and Control of PRIME BC

LGs are concerned about the increased costs of PRIME BC, and that the Board currently does not including any LG representation (currently all law enforcement).

The Province has agreed to include three LG non-police representatives on the Board of PRIME BC.

Traffic Fine Revenue

LGs want the TFRS made permanent.

This is not a Police Services Division issue. All grants are the responsibility of the Ministry of Community Services.

Keep of Prisoner Fees

LGs want KOP fees increased. The KOP budget is the responsibility of Corrections Branch. Police Services Division supports this request and advocates internally for increases.

Civil Forfeiture The LGs would like the Civil Forfeiture Act/Regulation be amended to allow for LGs to be reimbursed for the costs of municipal resources involved in the seizure of assets under the Act.

The Province does not want police forces to be directly benefiting from or motivated by the seizures they make (or for there to be the perception that they are).

LGs can apply for crime prevention and other grants under the Act. These grants are funded from the proceeds of civil forfeitures.

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Financial Planning and Reporting

Planning: LGs are interested in having detachment commanders provide 5 year financial plans that include long-term operating and capital requirements.

Reporting: LGs are requesting monthly financial statements provided within 14 days of month end, detailing actual costs. Adherence to GAAP is requested.

PTs are negotiating terms for 5 year financial planning for staffing, accommodation, equipment purchases, etc. and regularized reporting that will meet the requirements of PTs and LGs. The federal government is in agreement with this concept.

Staffing – Vacancy Rates

LGs want the RCMP HR plan to meet their staffing requirements, address vacancy rates, seasonal demands, the ratio of cadets to veterans and the turnover rate of members.

The Province shares these interests and is pursuing these topics with the RCMP outside of the contract negotiations. In addition, some issues are still being pursued within the contract negotiations, such as backfilling positions where the member is on long term disability.

The RCMP reports success in reducing vacancy rates and report internally on progress. The RCMP, like many other sectors, faces an aging workforce and turnover driven by high retirement/promotion rates. The RCMP will be required to track and report to the LG vacancies at the LG detachment level. There will also be reports issued to LGs on the vacancies at the provincial and federal levels of policing in BC including where those vacancies are located.

Regional Integrated Teams

LGs would like to see Regional Integrated Teams funded by the Province.

Failing that, the LGs are interested in prov/muni/RCMP governance structures at the District level put in place to address regional issues such as Integrated teams.

BC has proposed to the federal government that the regional integrated teams be cost shared at 70/30 vs. 90/10 – the federal government has agreed. The province is working with LG representatives to develop options for regional team governance.

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Community Priorities

The desire is to rephrase the wording in the MPUAs to make it more explicit that the local government priorities, goals and objectives are carried out by the RCMP. Also, the Detachment commander is to report out monthly on how the priorities, goals and objectives are being met.

The RCMP has initiated a local consulting process to identify local priorities, goals and objectives, and document the outcomes of that process. The new MPUAs and/or the companion document will clearly articulate this process. A process for establishing local reporting mechanisms will also be included in the companion document.

Integrated Detachments

LGs want integrated detachments to have greater accountability around members and support staff, and how their time is used/charged.

Improved RCMP reporting and accountability are key objectives of the PTs in the new agreements. An improved governance model is a priority that is being pursued by Police Services Division. The sharing of costs and workload in integrated detachments has been identified as a significant issue by LGs. Police work associated with First Nations reserves is part of this concern. The objective is to ensure that parties share equitably in the costs of the services they benefit from – improved accountability under the new contract should assist in clarifying where there are issues.

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Performance Measures, Audit/Evaluation

LGs want a role in setting RCMP performance measures.

LGs want municipal police units to provide reports on the implementation of their objectives and priorities.

LGS want the new agreements to include the ability to audit and perform program/service evaluations on their municipal forces.

LGs and the Province want to put in place a Local Government Contract Advisory Committee that would include membership (administrative and elected) from LGs and from the Province and would act to consider issues that arise during the term of the new contract and vet any proposed adjustments. The RCMP will be invited to attend meetings and provide input as required.

The Municipal Companion Document will describe the RCMP/LG consultations that are currently occurring via RCMP policy. This annual performance planning process is intended to engage all RCMP-policed communities in establishing policing priorities and performance measures for their communities. Regular reporting is included in the process.

PTs share the interest in obtaining the ability to conduct independent reviews, audits and evaluations and are currently negotiating this subject.

BC is committed to embedding the LG Contract Advisory Committee (with appropriate representation) and a process that ensures regular discussions between the Province and the Local Governments regarding RCMP contract issues in the new MPUA and companion document.

Also, local community policing committees are contemplated in the current Police Act, and over the coming year more attention will be focused on developing support for such committees.

OIC Selection The LGs of all sizes want the option to have a role in the selection of their OIC (and acting OIC) and in their performance reviews.

Local government involvement in OIC selection is included in RCMP policy – it will be described in the Municipal Companion Document and MPUAs.

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Federal Policing (i.e. National Security, Border Patrol etc.)

LGs want the contracts to define more clearly the difference between federal, provincial and LG policing responsibilities.

LGs want to be able to monitor more closely how much time their municipal resources spend on federal duties.

LGs want the number of Federal resources located in the municipalities to be reflective of the amount of federal policing required. They are concerned that vacant federal positions result in greater demand on municipal members.

The Municipal Companion Document will describe the relationship between federal, provincial and municipal policing responsibilities, and the mutual benefits of integrated policing.

PTs share the desire to have the appropriate number of federal resources in communities and effective tracking and reporting mechanisms for vacancies.

The federal government has increased the number of federal positions in BC and decreased its vacancy rate over the past five years. PTs are continuing to monitor federal vacancy rates.

Dispute Resolution Mechanism (Conflict Resolution)

The LGs would like to see a process included in the Agreement that includes a graduated dispute resolution mechanism to deal with issues arising at the municipal level.

A graduated dispute resolution mechanism will be included in the new MPUAs.

Principal Police Contact (Authority of Council)

The LGs would like Article 5 of the MPUA be amended to identify Council (not the Mayor) as setting the objectives and priorities for the detachment, and the Principal Policing Contact as the primary contact with the OIC.

The Province is expecting the LG Contract Advisory Committee to identify what amendments need to be made to the MPUA to appropriately reflect the reporting relationships. The language may need to be flexible to reflect local circumstances/preferences.

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Term of Contract – Length of Agreement

LG agree to a 20 year contract term with two caveats:

1. input into the formal 5 year review process; and,

2. formal, regular discussions with the Province on LG policing matters.

PTs prefer the 20 year term because it provides stability and facilitates planning as well as reduces the substantial effort that is inherent in contract negotiations. Within the Agreement there are provisions for renewal of the agreement prior to expiration, as well as provisions for terminating the Agreement prior to the expiration date.

The LG Contract Advisory Committee will be formalized in the new agreements to facilitate regular input/feedback to the Province as well as LG input into the 5 year Contract review process.

LGs want the option to open up the cost sharing formula at the 5 year review period during the 20 year term of the contract - and with the mutual agreement of both parties, this will be possible. PTs are cautious about this prospect: future change in the economic climate may make this more or less advisable given that this change would have to be approved by Federal Treasury Board.

The 2 year opt-out clause will also be included in the new agreements.

Policing of First Nations Lands

LGs are concerned that the responsibility for policing First Nations lands is at the federal/provincial level but because they believe inadequate resources are provided by these other orders of government, policing of first nations lands often falls to LG RCMP members. The demands from some First Nations lands are relatively high and as such the resources that are absorbed are significant.

Policing on First Nations land is provided by the Province.

Through arrangements made between the Provincial and Federal Governments and the First Nation under Community Tripartite Agreements, the RCMP may provide additional dedicated policing services to reserves. The Federal funding for these services is considered a contribution program – funding is limited and increases are not necessarily matched in timing with Provincial funding in the way that funding is matched for the Provincial Police Force. When resources are available, they are allocated based on an assessment of which community is at highest risk/need.

The Province is working with First Nations to create additional positions with funding from the First Nation to satisfy their policing needs.

Removal of a Member

The LGs would like to be able to direct their request for the transfer of a member out of a detachment to the District Commander directly and not have to go through the Solicitor General.

The Province supports this more local approach and will consult further on who the appropriate decision maker would be in this situation.

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RCMP Organization Structure and detachment boundary maps

LGs want to better understand the organization of the RCMP and the jurisdiction of detachments.

The companion document will set out the requirement for providing LGs with the local RCMP organization structure and detachment boundary maps will be included in the Municipal Companion Document.

Claims Against the RCMP (similar to Citizens Complaints)

The LGs would like the CEO etc. of the LG to be notified of any new claims, inquests or inquiries against the local RCMP detachment or any of its RCMP members at the earliest possible date after such claims, inquests or inquiries are received. Outstanding claims, issues and resolutions should also be reported to the LG.

PTs expect improved/enhanced complaint reporting through the new RCMP complaints legislation that was developed in consultation with PTs.

The Province supports the idea that there be a contractual commitment that the OIC will inform the PPC of any public complaint that is filed against any member in the local detachment.

Institutional Knowledge

The LGs would like an Administrative Procedures supplement added to the agreement that includes pertinent RCMP policies, prov/fed/RCMP funding formulas and other financial information that reflect municipal contributions. The LGs would like this supplement to be maintained and updated by the Province and distributed to the LGs.

The Province will develop an interpretation and administration guide referred to as the Municipal Companion Document.

The Companion Document is expected to be a living document that will be completed prior to signing the agreements.

Planning – best management practices

LGs want a contractual obligation that the RCMP be innovative and modernize its management and HR practices.

LGs want to be consulted on these issues, as well as on any civilianization work the RCMP is exploring.

Internal Management is under the control of the RCMP, and will remain so. The LG Contract Advisory Committee and CMC are anticipated to be consultative forums regarding any issues that impact the cost, quality, governance and services provided by the RCMP.

The RCMP is undergoing a management transformation as a result of the Brown Task Force and other reviews.

Health Services – in particular, leave management – is under review and will be addressed in the contract.

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Public Donations The LGs are currently accepting donations to the RCMP on their behalf and then directing those funds to the RCMP. The LGs would like the RCMP to be able to accept those donations themselves and/or be accountable for how the donations are spent

This is not a Contract Renewal Issue.

The RCMP Foundation is the appropriate avenue for public donations to the RCMP.

Public Complaints – RCMP Service

The LGs are interested in receiving reports from OICs on citizen complaints filed regarding local members’ conduct.

PTs are anticipating improved reporting resulting from changes to the complaints process/legislation.

The Province supports the idea that there be a contractual commitment the OIC will inform the PPC of any public complaint that is filed against any member in the local government.

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APPENDIX C

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

UBCM Community Safety Committee Councillor Kevin Flynn, City of Salmon Arm, Chair Mayor James Atebe, District of Mission Councillor Jerrilyn Schembri, District of Tumbler of Ridge Mayor Greg Moore, City of Port Coquitlam Mayor Mary Sjostrom, City of Quesnel Councillor Tim Stevenson, City of Vancouver BC Assoc. of Police Boards UBCM RCMP Contract Reveiw Committee: Councillor Barbara Steele, City of Surrey, UBCM President Councillor Kevin Flynn, Salmon Arm – Chair of the UBCM Community Safety Committee Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley Mayor Dan Rogers, City of Prince George Mayor Sharon Shepherd, City of Kelowna Murray Dinwoodie, City Manager, City of Surrey Gary MacIsaac, Executive Director, UBCM UBCM Local Government Working Group – RCMP Contract: Murray Dinwoodie, CAO/City Manager, City of Surrey Paul Gill, General Manager, Corporate & Financial Services, District of Maple Ridge Ted Swabey, General Manager Community Safety and Development, City of Nanaimo Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager of Law and Community Safety, City of Richmond Rick Earle, Deputy City Manager, City of Burnaby Keith Grayston, Financial Planning Manager, City of Kelowna Fred Banham, CAO, Peace River Regional District Corien Speaker, CAO, District of Elkford Victor Kumar, CAO, City of Rossland Ken Vance, Senior Policy Advisor, UBCM

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APPENDIX D Presentation to BC Conservative Caucus, November 19, 2010

BACKGROUNDER BC Local governments have a major stake in the outcome of the RCMP contract renewal negotiations: • BC local governments represent approximately 30% (i.e., over 3,200 members) of all

RCMP contract policing in Canada. • Including the provincial police force, BC accounts for over 50% of all RCMP contract

policing in Canada. There are a total of 186 local governments in British Columbia and the RCMP provides local policing services in 174 of them. Local governments in British Columbia want to make sure that a new RCMP contract will allow for the delivery of local policing services at an affordable cost through the term of the new contract. Time needs to be taken to make sure that all of the parties to the agreement fully understand what the agreement will deliver and that it will work. KEY MESSAGES 1. AFFORDABILITY/COST CONTAINMENT Affordability - The RCMP costs for BC local governments have been increasing at a rate greater than inflation and have reached a point where affordability is a significant problem. RCMP Police service costs are the single largest component of the operating budget of BC’s larger local governments absorbing between 25% and 48% of the total property tax revenue stream. Cost Containment - Cost increases of 7% or more to support the RCMP superannuation plan, increases in CPP payments on behalf of RCMP members and new rifles for police vehicles are no longer sustainable. Requests:

1. That the Contract provide for BC local governments with a population over 15,000 to pay 70% of the costs of RCMP local police services in place of the 90% that they currently pay. This should include the cost of integrated teams, recruitment and cadet training costs and Divisional Administration costs that are cost-shared.

2. That the Contract put a cap on the local government contributions to the RCMP superannuation plan per member at 60% of the plan’s costs per member with the remaining 40% being paid by the members themselves and the federal government.

3. That the Contract maintain the contribution to the Canada Pension Plan per member as is currently paid or if there is an increase in the amounts to be paid in this area that there be an equivalent offset in some other cost burden for which BC local governments are currently responsible.

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4. That the Contract include a provision that RCMP members in BC be covered for health care under the BC Medical Services Plan.

2. PARTNERSHIP BC local governments want to be recognized as full partners in the on-going management of the RCMP agreement, have meaningful input into decisions that are made in relation to changes in the cost of police service delivery and ensure that local government priorities are given due consideration by the other orders of government and the RCMP. Request:

1. That BC local governments be given a permanent seat on the Federal / Provincial / Territorial RCMP Contract Management Committee.

3. ACCOUNTABILITY BC local governments are concerned about the limited consultation related to and the ongoing pattern of RCMP cost-related “surprises” being thrust on them on a fairly regular basis. Local governments need time to plan for new financial expenditures. Requests:

1. That the RCMP introduce new technology (hardware and software) that will allow delivery of timely, accurate and understandable information.

2. That the Contract contain provisions that will allow a local government to conduct an independent audit on its local detachment as a whole or for a particular function and receive information on any audits that are carried out at the Divisional level.

3. That the Contract stipulate that where the RCMP member vacancy rate, including both hard and soft (maternity/paternity leave, long term sick leave, etc.) in a local detachment grows above 5% that actions must be taken immediately by the RCMP to temporarily reallocate members to that detachment to reduce the vacancy rate to below 5%.

4. That the Contract have specific provisions relative to local governments having ownership of the assets (i.e., technology, equipment, police kit, guns, etc.) for which they have paid under the RCMP Agreement.

5. That the Contract require the RCMP to introduce on an on-going basis current/innovative management practices (such as civilianization, technology, human resource management methods and processes, etc.) so as to ensure efficacy of police service delivery.

6. That the Contract require the preparation by each local detachment of a 5-year financial plan including both operating and capital plans

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SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 1st, 2011 TO: Community Services Committee (March 17th, 2011) FROM: Peter Longhi, Chief Building Inspector and Bylaw Manager RE: Building Department Statistics for January and February, 2011 RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the Community Services Committee recommends to the SCRD Board that the Chief Building Inspector’s report regarding Building Division Statistics, to February 28th , 2011 be received.

BACKGROUND Building activity by area has been tracked and reported on the attached VADIM and EXCEL reports for this year to date, (February 28th, 2011). In addition, a four year history is provided. Permit revenues for January and February reflect expected seasonal trends. A number of permit renewal notices have gone out over the last month with favorable responses and permit renewal fees taking place. There are still several permits awaiting Islands Trust, Structural Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering reviews that are ready to issue once these approvals have been received. Some of the permits that were ready for pick up in mid December have not been picked up yet, possibly as a result of colder working weather inhibiting pouring of concrete for foundations. Staff expect that this should change when the warmer weather approaches. Hospital permit revenues have been deferred and secured in a deferred revenue account. Area B has shown to be the focal point for construction value for January and February 2011, once again with single family home construction. Respectfully submitted; Peter Longhi

71

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SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT BP5700 Page: 1Date: Mar 03, 2011 Time: 8:38 am

Permit Trpe: All Status Code: ISSUEDDistrict: All Year: 2011Area: All Areas Period: 1 To 1

BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORTFor the Month of: January 2011

Three Year Construction Type ComparisonWork Code Description 2011 2010 2009

ADDITION AND ALTERATION 7 6 6WOOD STOVE/CHIMNEY 0 0 0AUXILIARY DWELLING 1 0 0COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION 1 1 2

DEMOLITION 0 2 1

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING 1 0 0INDUSTRIAL BUILDING 0 0 0MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS 0 0 0NEW CONSTRUCTION 0 0 0SWIMMING POOL 0 0 1

plumbing fixtures only for SFD 0 0 0PERMIT RENEWAL 0 0 0SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING 10 5 4SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING 0 0 0Special Inspection 1 0 0TEMPORARY PERMIT 0 0 0TENANT IMPROVEMENT 0 0 1UPGRADE 0 0 0RETAINING WALL 5 3 0

WOOD STOVE/ CHIMNEY 0 0 0AUXILIARY BUILDING 7 4 3CHANGEOFUSE 1 0 0

Total Permits: 34 21 18

- Total Bliflngs:

Total Project Values: $ 4,053,500.00 $ 5,624,000.00 $ 2,500,400.00

Cumulative Values: $ 4,053,500.00 $ 5,624,000.00 $ 2,500,400.00

District Breakdown

District Name Total Number of Permits Total Billings Total Project Values

Area A 10 9,459.00 1,573,000.00AREA B 7 5,509.00 643,500.00Area D 8 3,041.00 212,000.00

Area E 3 3,298.00 345,000.00AREA F 6 8,746.25 1,280,000.00

GrandTotals: 45.

Rate Breakdown

Rate Name Total Number of Permits Using Rates Rate Total Billings

APPLICATION FEE 22 3,775.00APPLICATION PAYMENT 18 -3,480.00BUILDING PERMIT OFFICE EXPENSE 27 54.00CIVIC ADDRESS 5 875.00SUBSOIL DRAINAGE 10 500.00MICROFILMING 30 1,232.00PENALTY 2 246.00

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT 3 4,231.25

PLUMBING FIXTURES 8 1,732.00RESIDENTIAL PERMIT 30 19,318.00TITLE SEARCH 20 180.0074

SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT 6P5700 Page: 1Date: Mar 02, 2011 TIme: 3:24 pm

Permit Type: All Status Code: ISSUEDDistrict: AN Year:. 2010Area: AN Areas Period : 2 To 2

BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORTFor the Month of: February 2010

Three Year Construction Type ComparisonWork Code Description 2010 2009 2008

ADDITIONANDALTERATION 5 15 8

WOOD STOVE / CHIMNEY 0 0 0

AUXILIARY DWELLING 0 0 0

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION 1 1 9

DEMOLITION 0 1 5

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING 0 0 0

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING 0 0 0

MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS S 0 0 0

NEW CONSTRUCTION 0 0 0

SWIMMING POOL 1 0 0

plumbing fixtures only for SFD 0 0 0

PERMIT RENEWAL 0 0 1

SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING 9 12 11

SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING 0 0 0

Special Inspection 0 0 0

TEMPORARY PERMIT 1 0 0

TENANT IMPROVEMENT 0 0 0

UPGRADE 0 0 0

RETAINING WALL 0 1 3

WOOD STOVE] CHIMNEY 0 0 0

AUXILIARY BUILDING 13 8 14

CHANGE OF USE 0 0 1

Total PermIts: 30 38 52

Total BliUngs: 1p2Total Project Values: $ 3,245,530.00 $ 5,681,500.00 $ 5,d5,250.00

Cumulative Values: $ 8,869,530.00 $ 8,181,900.00 $ 8,420,250.00

District Breakdown

District Name Total Number of Permits Total BIllings Total Project Values

Area A 7 2,483.50 321300.00

AREA B 4 5,203.00 636,000.00

Area D 6 4,680.00 520,230.00

Area E 3 3,888.00 438,000.00

AREA F 9 11,258.00 1,325,000.00

Sechelt Indian Government District 1 94.00 5,000.00

Grand Totals: 34!’0.

Rate Breakdown

Rate Name Total Number of Permits Using Rates Rate Total Billings

APPLICATION FEE 23 4,770.00

APPLICATION PAYMENT 24 -4,870.00

BUILDING MISC 1 400.00

BOND PAYMENT 1 -1,000.00

CIVIC ADDRESS 4 700.00

DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL 1 10.00

SUBSOILDRAINAGE 17 1,035.00

HYDRONIC HEAT FEE 1 100.00

MICROFILMING 28 1,052.00

PENALTY 7 1,747.0075

H:\WP\2011\Building Department\REPORTS 2011\bylaw stats 2010.docx

SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 1st, 2011 TO: Community Services Committee (March 17, 2011) FROM: Peter Longhi, Chief Building Inspector and Bylaw Manager

RE: Bylaw 2010 Year-end Statistics

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the Community Services Committee recommends the SCRD Board receives the Chief Building Inspector’s report regarding the Bylaw Statistics for 2010. BACKGROUND Two year data has been provided on the attached graph and spreadsheet. Staffing levels remain at four days per week. The method of initiating files changed from 2009 to 2010 with the changes in Bylaw Compliance Officer file recording methodology. The current method more accurately measures the activity. In 2009, files were recorded in error when a received phone call was all that was needed to resolve an issue. This is no longer the practice. A new file is only created when a legitimate complaint requires more staff time than just a phone call to resolve; for example the new file will require some research, a site visit, consultation, letters etc. Respectfully submitted, Peter Longhi

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78

SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 3rd, 2011 TO: Community Services Committee ( March 17, 2011) FROM: Peter Longhi, Chief Building Inspector and Bylaw Manager RE: Bylaw Enforcement Notification (BEN) Workshop. RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the Community Services Committee recommends the SCRD Board receives the Chief Building Inspector’s report regarding the BEN workshop; AND THAT the Community Services Committee forwards recommendations on more reports needed or desired decisions to the SCRD Board for approval. BACKGROUND Directors, SCRD staff and invited attendees from the Town of Gibsons were engaged in a BEN workshop on February 3rd, 2011. The focus of the workshop was to assess where the Regional District presently stood with regard to progress towards potential implementation of a graduated BEN program, what issues needed additional review and what next steps remained to move potential BEN implementation along. Attached are the notes from this meeting for Director’s review in preparation for giving staff direction. It was suggested by the committee that a pilot BEN program be implemented. It was determined that the committee review the list of bylaws to be included in a pilot program. (Currently the bylaws proposed for a graduated implementation are Ports, Animal Control, Tree Cutting, Watering, and Building Without a Permit, Smoke Control, Kennel and Solid Waste-Illegal Dumping). Where requested, staff will report back to the April Community Services Committee meeting. Respectfully submitted Peter Longhi

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SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT Bylaw Enforcement Notification System Workshop

February 3, 2011

NOTES FROM A BYLAW ENFORCEMENT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WORKSHOP HELD IN THE CEDAR ROOM OF THE SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICES, 1975 FIELD ROAD, SECHELT, BC

PRESENT: Chair D. Shugar Directors B. Janyk L. Lewis G. Nohr L. Turnbull B. Wilbee ALSO PRESENT: GM Community Services P. Fenwick GM Infrastructure Services B. Shoji Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager P. Longhi Manager of Legislative Services A. Legault SCRD Animal Control B. Rice SCRD Bylaw Enforcement S. Spurgeon Town of Gibsons, Acting CAO R. Beauchamp Town of Gibsons, Bylaw Enforcement S. Booth Admin. Assistant Community Services/ L. Edstrom Recorder CALL TO ORDER 9:10 a.m. INTRODUCTIONS Introductions were made. AGENDA The Agenda was accepted.

• The Purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Bylaw Enforcement Notification System (BEN): where we are to date; what issues need to be reviewed; and, what the next steps involve.

• The Chief Building Inspector and Bylaw Manager’s report to the December 2010 Community Services Committee was distributed.

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Where are we to date

• A selected number of bylaws and infractions have been identified by the Board for potential BEN application

• A Provincial Order in Council has approved the SCRD for implementing the BEN system, (November 30th 2010) • A draft fine fee schedule has been produced, (emulating the MTI Bylaw fine schedule) • Screening officer policy has been drafted • Dispute process and operations policy has been considered • Fine collection process has been discussed • Progressive enforcement letters have been revised and are a work in progress • Public process to discuss the system has been undertaken in three venues

What issues need further review

• Roster agency referral process • Qualifications of Adjudicators - external and potential SCRD • Other - screening process and safeguards, policy, and use of MTI vs. BEN

What the next steps could involve • Draft a Board Policy surrounding the application of the BEN system, (in progress) • Create a BEN Bylaw referencing the ticket schedules under MTI • Register with a Roster Agency and set adjudicator list with them • Acquiring a tracking system for tickets (current review of a number of software systems) • Training the enforcement officers (training in house) • Training the screening officer (training in house) • Prepare a communications plan ready for deployment (public relations officer to consult on media plan). • Set up the budget and accounting processes with Finance (collection and distribution of ticket revenue to various functions) • Approval from the Board to proceed with BEN

DISCUSSION Rick Beauchamp, Acting CAO for the Town of Gibsons, provided information on his experience with the BEN adjudication process and provided an overview of the successes and challenges he has experienced regarding BEN.

• BEN was modelled on a system from England who now have a 95% success rate on collections. North Vancouver municipalities have piloted the project. Under the MTI system of 44,000 tickets, 1100 went to the court system. Staff time costs were between $400 and

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• 600 per ticket. They now have only 100 sent to adjudication. Under BEN they have the legal ability to cancel tickets (subject to policy) and have a compliance agreement as a tool to reduce the ticket amount. City of Vancouver and Victoria are now adopting the BEN system.

• Director Turnbull - Has concerns about fairness and the administrative procedure. She is not satisfied with the minimum qualification requirements for adjudicators. What mechanism is there if someone does not agree with a ticket they receive? Civil liberties come into question if the only recourse is the Supreme Court to dispute a ticket. Where are the safety mechanisms?

• Rick Beauchamp - An education process and a corporate philosophy needs to be adopted. This system provides a 14 day window to challenge a ticket. The screening officer would interview the party and determine if the ticket is valid and could cancel the ticket in some circumstances. The only mechanism for appeal is the courts. A written report can be sent to the adjudicator rather than staff attending in court. Due process is up to each jurisdiction.

• Peter Longhi - Noted the screening officer process is an important step prior to the adjudication process. The screening officer can make recommendations.

• Sue Booth - Her screening officer at the Town of Gibsons is the Chief Building Inspector and others.

• Lee Turnbull - Concern that the screening process be objective and fair and possibly from outside the organization.

• Paul Fenwick - Noted there is a huge amount of work changing from one system to another. If Directors have reservations, the pilot project could be deferred. Suggested that the SCRD screening officer could be the Town of Gibsons and vice versa, subject to agreement.

• Rick Beauchamp - A staff person can be appointed as a screening officer. They could cancel a ticket if appropriate. The issue could go to a screening officer for review and determine if the ticket is valid. The new system has flexibility to deal with people versus the current system. Under legislation a surcharge fee can be implemented to those going to adjudications which could be a deterrent in moving forward. An adjudicator can make a determination to uphold the ticket or cancel.

• Lorne Lewis - Feels this may be good for government but not for the taxpayer. The philosophy in rural areas has been is live and let live.

• Peter Longhi - The adjudication process decides on the validity of a ticket. An SCRD policy could determine terms of payment where tickets apply.

• Lee Turnbull - Likes the idea of a second neutral screening process. What about a mediation - each element of the process needs to be looked at and needs to be fair. Mediation means having a neutral person.

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• Rick Beauchamp - Regarding the 14 day clause - if someone has been out of town when a ticket is issued and ticket can be re written and the process explained. This can be set out in an overall policy and philosophy -- the option is not available under MTI.

• Garry Nohr - Feels that the public needs to be shown that there is a system that works, noting there would be few consistent violators.

• Sue Booth - They do not give out tickets until a last resort. Feels it is good to have both BEN and MTI in place. The Town has had BEN since November 19, 2010 and have since then issued 10 BEN tickets and 100 % have complied compared to only 36% the previous year.

• Peter Longhi - Regarding the screening officer policy staff can work with the Board to develop this. .

• Donna Shugar - Need for an overriding policy and philosophy which will direct staff and an explanation of compliance agreement. Needs to see an agreed to policy before signing on to BEN.

• Lee Turnbull - Agrees with Donna. Does not want to see the Board as a watchdog. Does a citizen have the choice of BEN or MTI.? Need for safety and oversight.

• Rick Beauchamp - With respect to civil issues, bylaw officers are trained to deal with the public. The BEN system is flexible. It is important to have a philosophy.

• Lorne Lewis - Favours a system where the approving officer is outside of the organization.

• Barrie Wilbee - Feels the process as outlined on page 11 of the staff report is a process that could work for more diversely settled areas. He noted the Sunshine Coast is evolving, people are moving in and we are in transition. We need a policy and a step process, possibly using a couple of bylaws as test cases and then get feedback. We need time to sell to public and get some tools to move forward with compliance.

• Donna Shugar - Care should be taken in how bylaws are written. Suggested looking at the infractions list chosen by the Board. Simplify the pilot project.

• Garry Nohr - He is concerned about a person without funds to pay a ticket. He is prepared to put forward BEN in Halfmoon Bay.

• Lee Turnbull - Feels we have made good process today: need to draft a policy as a framework; look as the previously agreed to infractions list; a second screening is good; give the public a choice of MTI or BEN if possible; higher standards for adjudicators; need to look at minimum level.

• Lorne Lewis - We are ahead of other rural areas.

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• Sue Booth - Agrees that the SCRD should do BEN - they could share an adjudicator. Suggested attending an adjudication hearing in North Vancouver to see it work.

• Donna Shugar - Is it only the Bylaw Officer that decides on MTI or BEN? Barry Janyk stated that at the Town does not interfere with the Bylaw Officer.

• Barb Rice - Noted that MTI goes to a justice of the peace who are not judges.

• Lee Turnbull - The problem is the minimum standards - there is no control once it goes to the adjudicator.

• Barry Janyk - BEN works well for the Town of Gibsons. He feels there is fair recourse. Bylaw needs the tools to enforce. He has comfort with the new system.

• Lee Turnbull - Would like to see a draft policy. Have an investigation as to how much leeway to design an appeal process. Look into embedding into bylaws a qualification standard.

• Rick Beauchamp - As for qualifications, there is a standard and a process by the Attorney General’s office. A contract must be approved by the Attorney General’s office.

• Garry Nohr - Staff need a chance to prepare reports. Other areas have gone through the process. We can readjust the policy as it moves forward.

• Barb Rice - She has trouble enforcing bylaws. Need to move forward on BEN.

• Rick Beauchamp - 144 municipalities and regional districts in BC have signed up for BEN.

• Sue Spurgeon - Wants something for when they are not able to enforce.

• Paul Fenwick - Suggested the notes of the workshop go to the February 24th Community Services Committee meeting and Directors be requested to pass resolutions seeking specific information or draft policies together with any directions on next steps.

• Donna Shugar - Need to build safeguards into what we do to make sure of fairness, compassion and justice are written in to ensure civil liberties of the public. Need a new version of letters and a descriptor of what a compliance agreement is.

• Barry Janyk - We may be able to get draft policies from other constituencies.

• Peter Longhi - He noted the information in his staff report has been taken from other municipalities and is subject to amendments.

• Barrie Wilbee - There needs to be a high level of review of processes and policy.

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• Paul Fenwick - An overall report card could be done after one year. Peter Longhi could

prepare monthly reports.

ADJOURNMENT 10:55 am

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SCRD STAFF REPORT

DATE: March 10th, 2011 TO: Community Services Committee - March 17th, 2011 FROM: Peter Longhi, Chief Building Inspector and Bylaw Manager RE: Sunshine Coast Regional District Proposed Fire Protection Bylaw RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the Community Services Committee recommends to the SCRD Board that the Chief Building Inspector’s report regarding the proposed SCRD Fire Protection Bylaw #631 be received; AND THAT the Community Services Committee recommends to the SCRD Board that the proposed Fire Protection Bylaw 631 be moved forward for adoption.

BACKGROUND The existing Fire Protection Bylaw 354 was adopted by the SCRD Board in 1992. A number of changes to Provincial Codes as well as scope of Fire Protection service delivery have prompted a need to revisit the existing Fire Protection Bylaw and more clearly define roles and responsibilities of the public as well as respective participating fire protection divisions. The wording of the document has had the review at draft stage of two sets of legal experts in Fire Bylaw legislation before presentation to the public for commentary. A draft of the proposed Fire Protection Bylaw has been made available for public commentary by way of the SCRD web site and has had the review of the Gibsons and Area Fire Commission. An executive summary of changes has been made available to the Committee, particularly with respect to campfires and how they align with the recent changes in Provincial Burning Regulations by way of previous reports to this Committee. While public response to the proposed Fire Protection Bylaw has been low, comments have been incorporated into the current version before the Committee. A final review by participating Fire Chiefs has also been undertaken with minor final changes made. Please note specifically changes to section under campfires Section 5.1, d) and 5.12 a) and b).

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Egmont Fire Protection District has had the opportunity to review the proposed Bylaw but at this time has chosen to maintain the existing Fire Protection Bylaw as they are a relatively new Fire Protection District. Respectfully Submitted Peter Longhi

Attachments

Final proposed Fire Protection Bylaw 631.

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SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 631

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. CITATION .......................................................................................................................................... 1

2. SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION .......................................................................................................... 1

3. FIRE CODE APPLICATION .................................................................................................................. 5

4. FIRE DEPARTMENT ........................................................................................................................... 5

5. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 8

6. PROPERTY OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS ........................................................................................... 12

7. PERMITS ......................................................................................................................................... 17

8. ENTRY AND INSPECTIONS .............................................................................................................. 18

9. ORDERS .......................................................................................................................................... 19

10. FEES AND COST RECOVERY ............................................................................................................ 22

11. CONTRAVENTION AND PENALTIES ................................................................................................ 23

12. SCHEDULES AND REPEAL................................................................................................................ 23

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SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 631

A bylaw to provide for the prevention and suppression of fires and to regulate the conduct of persons at or near or in relation to fires.

WHEREAS a regional district may operate any service the Board considers necessary or desirable for all or part of the Regional District under section 796 of the Local Government Act; AND WHEREAS the Board of the Sunshine Coast Regional District wishes to establish a service to provide for the prevention and suppression of fires and to regulate the conduct of persons at or near fires; NOW THEREFORE the Board of Directors of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:

1. CITATION

1.1 This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Sunshine Coast Regional District Fire Protection Bylaw No. 631, 2011”.

2. SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION

2.1 This Bylaw applies to all areas within the Fire Protection Districts of Gibsons / West Howe Sound, Roberts Creek and Halfmoon Bay. The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation under the Environmental Management Act applies to all such areas.

2.2 In this Bylaw:

“AHJ” means Authority Having Jurisdiction within the Regional District, and includes the Regional District Building Division, the Fire Chief of a Fire Protection District or the Fire Prevention Officer for the Regional District. “apparatus” means any vehicle provided with machinery, devices, equipment or materials for fire protection and assistance response as well as vehicles used to transport fire fighters or supplies. “Board” means the elected board of the Regional District. “Bylaw Enforcement Officer” means a person employed by the Regional District to enforce the bylaws of the Regional District, or a person appointed to act in his or her absence.

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Sunshine Coast Regional District Fire Protection Bylaw No. 631, 2011 page 2

“campfire” means a contained fire no greater than 0.5 metres in diameter and no greater than 0.5 metres in height, set for the purposes of cooking, warmth or enjoyment, and without limitation includes beach fires. “Class A Burn Pile” means a burn pile composed of vegetative material produced while clearing land and which originated on the property on which the fire is to be located unless a permit pursuant to the Environmental Management Act is in place. “Class B Burn Pile” means a burn pile composed of garden waste material which originated on the property on which the fire is to be located. “competent person” means a person who is at least 19 years of age and capable of effectively supervising, managing, controlling and extinguishing a fire. “construction waste” means waste materials resulting from the construction, alteration, renovation or demolition of any building, structure or improvement to land and without limitation includes paper, plastic, drywall and wood materials such as dimensional or pressure-treated lumber, plywood and particle board. “equipment” means any tools, contrivances, devices or materials used by a Fire Department to combat a fire or other emergency or otherwise deal with an incident. “extinguished” means a fire that is sufficiently suppressed so that there is no chance of re-ignition. “Fire Chief” means a) the individual hired by the Board to be the Fire Chief of a Fire Protection

District; or b) where the members of a Fire Department elect a person to be the Fire Chief

of that Fire Protection District, the individual who is elected and subsequently ratified by the Board and appointed by the Fire Commissioner as the local assistant to the Fire Commissioner.

“Fire Code” means the British Columbia Fire Code, as incorporating the National Fire Code of Canada, and any regulations made under it, and any amendments or successor codes. “Fire Commissioner” means the Fire Commissioner for British Columbia appointed pursuant to the Fire Services Act. “Fire Department” means the organization that provides fire prevention and protection services under this Bylaw to the Fire Protection District in which it is located and when referred to collectively, includes all of the Fire Protection Districts within the Regional District. “Fire Prevention Officer” means a person or persons appointed by the Fire Chief to inspect premises and issue burning permits.

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“Fire Protection District” means the Gibsons / West Howe Sound, Roberts Creek, or the Halfmoon Bay fire protection district, as applicable. “Fire Protection” means all aspects of fire safety including but not limited to fire prevention, fire fighting or suppression, pre-fire planning, fire investigation, public education and information, training or other staff development and advising. “Fire Services Personnel” means, collectively, the Members and Officers of the Fire Department. “garden refuse” means grass or other clippings, leaves, weeds, brush, tree and shrub prunings, cuttings, and similar materials being waste from garden growth. “high tide mark” means the high point reached by tides where debris is deposited (e.g. logs). “hotel” means a) an apartment house b) a residential condominium building that has

i. two (2) or more levels of strata lots as defined in the Strata Property Act, or ii. one or more corridors that are common property as defined in the Strata

Property Act; or c) a boarding house, lodging house, club or any other building other than a

private dwelling, where lodging is provided for less than six (6) people. “incident” means a situation where a fire or explosion is occurring or imminent or a situation or event to which the Fire Department has responded. “incinerator” means a metal or masonry container or furnace or other similar device designed to burn material with a screen preventing the escape of sparks. “Member” means a paid or volunteer fire fighter of a Fire Department. “Member in Charge” means the senior Member at the scene of an incident or a Member appointed as such by the Fire Chief. “occupier” means a tenant, lessee, licensee, agent of the owner, and any other person who has the right of access to and control of a building or premises. “Officer” means a) the Fire Chief or b) a member of a Fire Department who has been appointed in writing by the Fire

Chief to act in place of the Fire Chief, to issue permits, enforce this Bylaw or any provisions of this Bylaw.

“outdoor fire” means any fire that burns in the open air, or outside a building, whether or not it is completely enclosed in an incinerator, furnace or other device, but does not include a campfire, a barbecue, or a fire for the purpose of an

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aboriginal ceremony, where all regulations of the applicable Fire Department and any other AHJ are observed. “owner” means a person who has ownership or control of real or personal property and includes a) the registered owner of an estate in fee simple, b) the tenant for life under a registered life estate c) the registered holder of the last registered agreement for sale, and d) in relation to common property and facilities in a strata plan, the strata

corporation. “permit” means a current and valid document, issued by an Officer under this Bylaw, authorizing a person to carry out an activity or undertaking described therein, and includes any terms, conditions, restrictions or requirements that may be attached for a fire safety or prevention purpose. “private dwelling” means a dwelling unit used for residential purposes as defined in the Sunshine Coast Regional District Zoning Bylaw No. 310. “private hydrant” means any fire hydrant installed on private property as part of a system for fire protection for that property. “Regional District” means the Sunshine Coast Regional District. “responsible person” means a person who is at least 16 years of age and capable of effectively supervising, managing, controlling and extinguishing a campfire. “rubbish” means trash, garbage, or other unwanted things. “service station” means any facility used wholly or partly to dispense gasoline, propane, natural gas or other combustible liquid for use as a vehicle fuel, whether as a direct or indirect supplier of such fuel. “tank” means any and all tanks identified and regulated pursuant to Part Four of the Fire Code. “toxic material” includes without limitation rubber tires, tar, asphalt shingles, batteries, electrical wire insulation, plastics, painted or treated wood materials, and all other substances which may produce heavy black smoke when burned. “vehicle” means any motorized transportation device that uses gasoline, methanol, natural gas or other combustible substance, electricity or battery power in order to operate and includes, without limitation, any passenger vehicle, truck, tractor, farm equipment, motor cycle, snowmobile, and motor boat.

2.3 Except as otherwise defined in this Bylaw, words and phrases in this Bylaw are to be construed in accordance with their meanings under the British Columbia Building Code, the Fire Code, and the Fire Services Act. Words in the singular

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include the plural and gender specific terms include both genders and include corporations. A reference to a statute in this Bylaw refers to a statute of the Province of British Columbia unless otherwise indicated, and a reference to any statute, regulation, code or bylaw refers to that enactment as it may be amended or replaced from time to time. The headings in this Bylaw are for convenience only and must not be construed as defining or in any way limiting the scope or intent of this Bylaw.

3. FIRE CODE APPLICATION

3.1 The Fire Code is hereby adopted as part of this Bylaw and may be enforced by an Officer.

4. FIRE DEPARTMENT

4.1 The Gibsons, Roberts Creek and Halfmoon Bay Fire Departments are hereby continued and the head of each Fire Department shall be known as the Fire Chief.

4.2 In addition to the Fire Chief, a Fire Department shall consist of such number of Deputy Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Captains and other Officers and Members as from time to time may be deemed necessary by the Fire Chief.

Fire Chief and Officers

4.3 The Fire Chief has responsibility and authority over the Fire Department, subject

to the direction and control of the Board, and in particular is responsible for all fire protection and assistance response activities involving the Fire Department, including:

(a) first response medical emergencies;

(b) rescue operations;

(c) response to fire, hazardous spills and materials, explosives and similar incidents;

(d) and mutual aid to other fire services and to the Province or Canada as necessary; and

(e) other public services that the Board may direct from time to time.

4.4 The Fire Chief is responsible for administering this Bylaw and for the management,

control and supervision of the Fire Department and its Members, and for the care, custody and control of all Fire Department buildings, apparatus and equipment.

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4.5 The Fire Chief reports to the Board on matters relating to the Fire Protection District for which he or she is responsible. Any Fire Chief may speak to the Board on matters of general concern to the Regional District in collaboration with the other Fire Chiefs or with their endorsement.

4.6 For the purposes of sections 26 and 36 of the Fire Services Act, the Fire Chief is responsible for the preparation and enforcement of a policy for a regular system of inspection of hotels and public buildings within the Fire Protection District.

4.7 The Deputy or Assistant Chief(s) shall report to the Fire Chief and, in the absence of the Fire Chief, have all of the powers and shall perform all of the duties of the Fire Chief.

Authority of the Fire Chief and Appointed Officers

4.8 The Fire Chief, and any other Officer appointed by the Fire Chief to act on behalf

of the Fire Chief in relation to any of the following functions and powers, may:

(a) make and enforce rules for the proper and efficient administration and operation of the Fire Department and change, replace or withdraw the rules;

(b) enter on property and inspect premises for conditions that may cause a fire, increase the danger of a fire, or increase the danger to persons or property from fire;

(c) take measures considered necessary to prevent and suppress fires, including the demolition of buildings and other structures to prevent the spreading of fires;

(d) require an owner or occupier to undertake any actions the Officer considers necessary for the purpose of removing or reducing any thing or condition the Officer considers is a fire hazard or increases the danger of fire;

(e) exercise the following powers under Section 25 of the Fire Services Act:

i. if an emergency arising from a fire hazard or from a risk of explosion causes the Officer to apprehend imminent and serious danger to life or property, or of a panic, the Officer may immediately take steps to remove the hazard or risk;

ii. if the Officer believes that conditions exist in or near a hotel or public

building that, in the event of a fire, might seriously endanger life or property, the Officer may immediately take action to remedy the conditions to eliminate the danger and may evacuate and close the hotel or public building; and

without limiting the foregoing, for these purposes the Officer may evacuate a building or area, and may call on police and other fire prevention authorities who have jurisdiction to provide assistance;

(f) provide for assistance response;

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(g) request that any person at or near an incident render reasonable aid to mitigate

the incident;

(h) issue a permit under this Bylaw, except that where a provision states that a permit may be issued by the Fire Chief, it may only be issued by the Fire Chief;

(i) enforce this Bylaw and any other Regional District bylaws, rules, orders and regulations applicable to the Fire Protection District for the prevention and suppression of fire and the protection of life and property;

(j) inquire into, investigate and record the causes of fires in the Fire Protection District;

(k) collect and disseminate information in regard to fires in the Fire Protection

District; (l) investigate and make inquiries into fires;

(m) research best practices in methods of fire prevention; and (n) for the Fire Protection District or, at the request of the Board or in collaboration

with Officers of other Fire Protection Districts appointed under this Section, for the Regional District and in accordance with any applicable Regional District policies and procedures, provide, advise and make recommendations for other Officers, Members, employees or the public in relation to:

i. the provision of adequate water supply and pressure;

ii. the installation and maintenance of fire protection equipment;

iii. the enforcement of measures for the prevention or suppression of fire

and the protection of life and property;

iv. life safety or rescue equipment; and

v. fire prevention generally.

Temporary Restriction and Closure of Areas

4.9 The Fire Chief may, by order in writing, establish temporary restrictions in certain areas of the Fire Protection District against burning or entry by persons in accordance with Part 9 of this Bylaw.

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5. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Fire Prevention

5.1 A person must not make or light a fire on any property owned or held by the Regional District or within any park or public place except:

(a) an employee of the Regional District acting in the course of their employment;

(b) a Member of a Fire Department in carrying out a Fire Department purpose or

activity;

(c) as authorized under a valid and subsisting permit issued by the Fire Chief or other Officer; and

(d) strictly in compliance with any provisions of this Bylaw that specifically authorize

the activity.

5.2 A person must not discard, drop or throw any lighted match, cigar, cigarette or other burning material or substance on or into combustible material or in such close proximity as to alight the combustible material.

5.3 A person must not make or light an outdoor fire or cause, suffer or allow a fire to burn in the open air or in any portable appliance or device whatsoever except:

(a) in a barbecue or other food preparation device, an outdoor heater, or any

similar appliance or device, that meets the CSA (or other recognized testing agency) standard for certification;

(b) as specifically authorized under this Bylaw or approved by the Fire Chief or other local assistant: i. for fire training exercise, ii. as necessary for public safety; iii. for special circumstances or celebrations, with the approval of the Fire

Chief obtained in advance and in writing; or

(c) as authorized under a valid and subsisting permit from the Fire Chief or other Officer.

Solid Fuel Burning

5.4 A person must not burn wood or other solid fuel in a chiminea or similar clay or refractory style appliance, and must ensure that any stove or other such containment devices or appliances used for burning wood or other solid fuel meets or exceeds the CSA standard for certification.

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Construction and Toxic Waste

5.5 Whether or not a person holds a permit, a person must not in any circumstance cause, permit, suffer or allow the burning of construction waste or toxic material unless expressly authorized by written permit or approval of the Provincial or Federal government and in strict compliance with any restrictions, requirements or conditions of such permit or approval.

Fire Watch and Duty to Extinguish

5.6 Anyone who starts a fire or is responsible for burning any materials must ensure that a competent person is present and supervising the fire at all times and who is equipped with appropriate tools to extinguish the fire. Before leaving the fire area, the competent person and any other person responsible for the burning must ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.

Burning with Permit

5.7 A person holding a permit for an open air fire must comply with this Bylaw, any and all restrictions, requirements and conditions of the permit or approval, and any applicable Provincial or Federal regulations, rules, and conditions of permit or approval.

Restricted Areas

5.8 A person must not enter an area that has been closed or light a fire in an area that

has been restricted by the Fire Chief due to hazardous conditions pursuant to this Bylaw during the period of closure or restriction, except as expressly authorized by the Fire Chief or under the direction and control of the Province.

Protection of Personnel, Equipment and Devices

5.9 A person must not:

(a) obstruct or impede any Fire Services Personnel in the execution of their duties

and in particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, must not obstruct, impede or in any way hinder a Member, Officer or any person acting under the direction of an Officer or Member in Charge at the scene of a fire or other incident;

(b) fail to yield the right of way on any highway, street, road, lane or statutory right of

way within any of the Fire Protection Districts to any Fire/Rescue vehicle, equipment or personnel, whether or not a street, road, lane or right of way is private or public;

(c) obstruct the progress of any Fire/Rescue vehicle, equipment or personnel;

(d) enter a burning building or structure or any building or structure that an Officer or

Member in Charge at an incident considers to be threatened;

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(e) enter within fire lines designated by ropes, guards, barricades or other barriers

placed by police or Fire Services Personnel to deal with an incident, or progress beyond any such barriers except at the direction or with the express permission of an Officer or a Member in Charge;

(f) run over with a vehicle any line or lines of fire hoses, whether in use or

otherwise;

(g) stand within nine (9) metres of any charged fire hose unless authorized to do so by an Officer;

(h) remove, deface or replace any signs required pursuant to this Bylaw or the Fire

Services Act; or

(i) contravene or fail to comply with a direction by a peace officer or Fire Services Personnel during or at the scene of an incident.

Liability

5.10 Burning material in accordance with this Bylaw does not absolve any person from liability for any damage which may result from any fire started or maintained.

Campfires

5.11 A person must not light, fuel or maintain a campfire except:

(a) on a beach, subject to any order by the Fire Chief that campfires are prohibited;

(b) in an area that is designated by a sign or posting indicating that campfires are

permitted; and (c) in accordance with regulations under the Wildfire Act, this Bylaw and any

restrictions or conditions imposed by the Fire Chief. (d) on property owned or occupied by that person subject to the requirements for

campfires in sections 15.11 to 15.15 inclusive of this Bylaw.

5.12 A person must not light a campfire on a beach at any place above the high tide mark, and must not light a campfire closer than:

(a) 5.0 metres from any building, wooden roofed structure or other concentration of combustible materials; or

(b) 2.5 metres from any private property line.

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5.13 A person must not fuel a campfire with any fuel other than dry, seasoned wood. A responsible person must be present and before the campfire is lit must clear the area of twigs, chips, branches, leaves, needles, and other potentially flammable debris or material, leaving a clear area of dirt or sand surrounding the campfire.

5.14 When a campfire is burning, a responsible person must be present at the campfire at all times, and must have appropriate tools and water supply nearby to extinguish the campfire completely.

5.15 The responsible person and any other person responsible for the campfire must ensure that before leaving the campfire area, the campfire is completely extinguished.

Fire Hydrants – Public Place

5.16 In relation to a fire hydrant, standpipe or other Fire Protection District connection installed by the Regional District or a Fire Department in, on or within a public place, a person must not:

(a) tamper with the mechanical operation of a fire hydrant;

(b) except as authorized under a permit issued by the General Manager of Infrastructure for the Regional District and additionally approved by the Fire Chief, and subject to any conditions, requirements, directions or restrictions imposed by either or both officials: i. take water from or otherwise use any standpipe, hydrant or other Fire

Department connection or equipment; or ii. remove a fire hydrant from its authorized or required location.

5.17 The fire hose connection type, hydrant colour coding, and location of all fire

hydrants and other Fire Department connections shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Chief. A clear and unobstructed radius of at least one (1) metre must be maintained around the fire hydrant.

Fire Alarm Activation

5.18 A person must not activate a fire alarm system unless:

(a) there is a fire;

(b) the person reasonably believes that a fire or other incident is occurring or is imminent; or

(c) the activation is carried out for testing purposes by persons authorized by the

Fire Chief.

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6. PROPERTY OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS

Protection of Property – General

6.1 An owner or occupier of real property must not cause, permit, suffer or allow:

(a) the accumulation on the property of any brush, debris, trees or tree parts from any land clearing operation;

(b) the accumulation of any paper, hay, straw, bags, litter, flammable or combustible materials, explosives or any other matter or thing in or around land, premises or buildings or on a roof in such a manner as to constitute a fire hazard or cause a fire to start or to spread rapidly and endanger persons or property;

(c) the deposit of ashes or other material from any stove, furnace, barbecue or fireplace or any greasy or oily rags or other materials in any receptacle other than a metallic or non-combustible or non-flammable receptacle with a tight-fitting and non-combustible lid;

(d) the use of any defective cooking or heating device on the property where the defect could cause or result in a fire;

(e) the stopping up of any pipe hole in any chimney on the property, except with a stopper of metal or other non-combustible material specifically designed and approved as a stopper for chimney pipes; or

(f) the obstruction of any fire escape, fire exits, door or window, or any hall or passageway leading to any fire escape, fire exits, door or window on that property.

Building, Storage and Equipment Safety

6.2 Every owner and occupier of real property or a building or structure must:

(a) ensure that the occupancy and use is in compliance with the Fire Code;

(b) keep and maintain the property in a safe manner so as to minimize the risk of fire;

(c) ensure that the storage of all dangerous goods meets the requirements of the Fire Code;

(d) keep in good and efficient working order and repair any and all closure, specialized sprinkler systems and fire separations installed to prevent the spread of fire within the building or structure, including without limitation those fire and life safety systems designed by a fire protection engineer that have been approved for installation as alternative installations by the AHJ;

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(e) where the owner or occupier makes, stores, uses or has charge of or control over any shavings, whether wood, metal, paper or other fibre or product generated from any production process, sacks, bags, hay, straw, waste paper, paper boxes or other flammable or combustible materials, ensure that at the close of each business day or, for ongoing operations, at least once each day, all such materials are compactly baled or stacked in a safe manner and stored in non-combustible receptacles with tight-fitting, non-combustible covers and in accordance with the Fire Code;

(f) provide for the regular and proper maintenance of every commercial cooking

exhaust system and chimney stove pipe or flue that is in regular use, so as to ensure that the exhaust system, pipe or flue does not catch fire through otherwise normal usage;

(g) provide all fire detection and suppression equipment and emergency systems required by the Fire Code or any alternative solutions that have been approved by the AHJ;

(h) ensure that all fire detection and suppression equipment and emergency

systems, including all smoke alarms, fire alarms and sprinkler systems within any building or structure, are kept and maintained in good working order and where applicable, repaired and replaced in accordance with the Fire Code; and

(i) comply with any order issued by the Fire Chief and, subject to any provisions for

appeal, with any order issued by another Officer under this Bylaw.

Back Yard / Garden Refuse Fires

6.3 A person must not light or burn a Class B Burn Pile except to burn garden refuse gathered from the property on which the burn is to occur and must ensure that the burn occurs only:

(a) from October 15th to April 15th inclusive;

(b) at a distance of at least:

i. fifteen (15 ) metres from any building, and ii. five (5) metres from any part of the property line;

(c) in a size not exceeding 1.0 metre in height and 2.0 metres in diameter;

(d) under the supervision of a competent person who is present at all times;

(e) with appropriate tools, materials and resources to control the burn and

extinguish the fire;

(f) in compliance with any additional restrictions, conditions or requirements imposed under a Provincial enactment or Regional District bylaw; and

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(g) if the person conducting the burn is not the owner, with the consent of the owner of the land.

Clearing or Grading Land

6.4 A person must not light or burn debris or a Class A Burn Pile for any purpose,

including for the purpose of clearing or grading land, except:

(a) under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, or Officer;

(b) at a minimum distance of i. thirty (30) metres from any building or structure ii. one hundred (100) metres from any neighbouring building or structure; iii. fifteen (15) metres from any property line or standing timber; iv. five hundred (500) metres from schools in session, hospitals and facilities

used for continuing care; and

(c) in strict compliance with paragraphs (d) through (g) of Section 6.3.

6.5 A person must comply with any additional restrictions, requirements or conditions imposed by the Fire Chief or Fire Inspector under this Bylaw in relation to Class A or Class B Burn Piles.

Construction and Installations

6.6 Where the Fire Code, Fire Services Act or another Provincial enactment imposes

restrictions or requirements for fire safety in relation to a proposed construction or installation, the owner of the property on which the construction or installation is to be located, or the agent of such owner must provide to the Regional District, in addition to permit applications required by another bylaw of the Regional District, any information, plans, or drawings as the Fire Chief or Fire Prevention Officer deems necessary for a full review of the proposed construction or installation.

Fire Alarm Systems

6.7 An owner or occupier of any premises using a fire alarm system must:

(a) if using a system that is monitored by an outside monitoring agency, ensure that

at least one contact person is available twenty-four (24) hours a day to attend, when notified by the monitoring agency, to enter and secure the premises at an incident;

(b) if using a system that is not monitored by an outside monitoring agency:

i. maintain and provide to the Fire Department a current list containing the names and telephone numbers of at least three (3) contact persons, at least one of whom is available twenty-four (24) hours a day to attend, to enter and secure the premises at an incident;

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ii. notify the Fire Department promptly of any changes in the names or

telephone numbers of the contact persons; and (c) where an agency, or a contact person fails to respond within twenty (20) minutes,

allow and assist the Fire Department in whatever way possible to gain entry to the premises to investigate the fire alarm.

Fire Hydrants on Private Property

6.8 Where a fire hydrant is located on privately owned property, the owner or occupier

of the property must ensure that:

(a) the fire hose connection type, hydrant colour coding, and location of all fire hydrants and other Fire Department connections are approved by the Fire Chief;

(b) the space around the fire hydrant is maintained with stable ground cover and is clear and unobstructed for a radius of at least one (1) metre;

(c) the ground cover and clearance around the hydrant is maintained so as to provide a clear view of the fire hydrant by a person approaching in a vehicle from either direction on the nearest road or lane;

(d) the fire hydrant is maintained in good working condition at all times;

(e) the fire hydrant is inspected, serviced and tested at least once a year by a fire protection technician in accordance with the Fire Code;

(f) the fire hydrant is flushed and drained, and all the threads of outlets and caps greased with waterproof grease, at least once a year;

(g) provide the Fire Chief with an annual written report describing the inspection, servicing and testing performed on the fire hydrant during the previous twelve (12) months; and

(h) any order by the Fire Chief for meeting any requirement or requirements of this

section is promptly complied with, and in any case ensure that any directions are carried out within a time period specified in the order.

Multi Storey Buildings and Elevators

6.9 The owner or owners of every building having three (3) or more storeys must

display at each floor level, in each stairwell thereof, in a conspicuous location, a number or sign to identify each floor level.

6.10 The owner or owners of every building that is equipped with a passenger elevator must have a sign displayed directly above the call button on each floor thereof containing the words:

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“In case of fire, use exit stairway – Do not use elevator.”

The dimension of each such sign must be at least 75 mm by 130 mm in size.

Refuse Containers

6.11 Every owner of real property who uses commercial refuse containers must locate the containers in areas that are designated or approved in advance in writing by the Fire Chief or by the Regional District Fire Prevention Officer. Commercial refuse containers located adjacent to any building or structure shall be stored in non-combustible enclosures and in any place where any combustible material exists above such containers or enclosures must be provided with a non-combustible top lid or ceiling material.

Service Stations

6.12 Every owner and operator of a service station must maintain the station in a safe manner and in strict accordance with this Bylaw.

6.13 Every owner and operator of a service station must ensure that every employee of the station receives timely fire safety training on matters contained within Section 4.6 of the Fire Code to a standard that meets or exceeds any applicable law or standard established by the Province of British Columbia.

Tanks

6.14 Every owner or occupier of real property on which a tank has been installed or is

to be installed must ensure that at all times the tank meets all of the requirements of the Fire Code with respect to its installation, use, maintenance, repair, removal or abandonment.

6.15 A person must not deliver any petroleum or flammable or combustible product to

any tank located on property anywhere in the Fire Protection District unless that person, having made reasonable inquiry, is satisfied that the tank meets all of the applicable provisions of the Fire Code.

6.16 Where an Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an event has occurred that may have resulted or could result in the shifting of the earth around any tank, the Officer may require the owner or occupier of the property on which it is located to immediately arrange for and conduct testing for leakage in accordance with the standards set out in the Fire Code.

Vacant Premises

6.17 For the purposes of this section, “vacant premises” includes a lot, building or other structure in respect of which a water or electricity service has been intentionally discontinued, other than for temporary maintenance, repair or upgrading, so that

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the condition of the premises is not suitable for human habitation or other occupancy that is normally permitted.

6.18 The owner of vacant premises must promptly act to ensure that, at all times:

(a) the premises are free from litter and debris or accumulations of combustible or flammable materials, except where storage of combustible or flammable materials strictly complies with the Fire Code and this Bylaw; and

(b) all openings in the premises are securely closed and fastened in a manner

acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent fires and the entry of unauthorized persons.

6.19 Where an owner has failed to securely close a vacant building as required under

this section, the Fire Chief may, by notice in writing, order the owner to secure the building or other part of the vacant premises against unauthorized entry in a manner and within a time period set out in the notice.

6.20 Where an owner of vacant premises fails to bring the premises into compliance with this Bylaw within the time period set out in the notice, or if the Fire Chief or a Member is unable to contact the owner for the purposes of delivering the notice or bringing the property into compliance, the Fire Chief, upon determining that the conditions on the property create a significant fire hazard or risk to human safety, may cause the premises to be cleared or made safe and secure as necessary by Regional District employees or agents at the cost and expense of the owner.

Fire Damaged Buildings

6.21 The owner of a building or other structure that has been damaged due to fire,

explosion or similar catastrophic or damaging event must immediately act to ensure that the building is guarded or that all openings and points of entry into the building are kept securely closed and fastened in a manner acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons. If the owner fails to provide reasonable and timely security for this purpose following an incident, or otherwise as directed by the Fire Chief, the Fire Chief may cause security measures to be taken as necessary at the cost and expense of the owner.

7. PERMITS

7.1 Where a permit is required under this Bylaw, unless otherwise stated, a person must apply for a permit from the Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, or Member on a form approved by the Fire Chief, and pay any applicable fee established in Schedule A.

7.2 When applying for a permit pursuant to this or any other bylaw of the Regional District for a construction or installation that is subject to the Fire Code, the Fire Services Act or other enactments for fire safety and protection, the applicant must provide any information, plans or drawings as the Fire Chief may deem necessary

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or advisable for that construction or installation. In every case where a permit or approval from the Province or Canada is normally required under an enactment, the applicant must provide a copy of the permit from the Province or Canada, or alternatively provide confirmation that the proposed activity is exempt from the requirement of a permit or approval from the Province or Canada.

7.3 The Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer or, where permitted in this Bylaw, another Officer, may issue a permit, or approve that part of a Regional District permit pertaining to fire safety, and impose any restrictions, requirements and conditions as to location, time, size, duration, type of burning and other matters as the Fire Chief or other Officer deems necessary and advisable to ensure compliance with this Bylaw, the Fire Services Act and other applicable enactments.

7.4 Without limiting section 7.3, but subject to the minimum distances established in this Bylaw for a type of fire, the Officer may specify a minimum distance from buildings, structures or other combustible materials at which burning under a permit may be carried out.

7.5 The Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer or other Officer may refuse to issue a

permit or may suspend, revoke or cancel a permit if: (a) the Officer is not satisfied that the proposed activity or thing complies or is

capable of complying with applicable provisions of this Bylaw and any other enactment that the Fire Chief or other Officer considers applicable, and any restrictions, conditions or requirements imposed in the permit; or

(b) in the opinion of the Officer, any significant fire or safety hazards cannot be minimized or sufficiently controlled in the circumstances.

7.6 The Fire Chief may cause any permits to be suspended temporarily:

(a) in conjunction with restricting an area under section 9.6 or closing an area under section 9.7;

(b) by order in writing if weather, wildfire hazard levels, water resources or similar conditions in the area of the permit are such that, in the opinion of the Fire Chief there would be a significant risk to life or safety if the activity under the permit were to continue.

8. ENTRY AND INSPECTIONS

Entry during Incident

8.1 Despite any other provisions of this Bylaw, the Fire Chief or other Officer or a Member in Charge may, during an incident, enter, pass through or over real property, buildings or other structures on or adjacent to the site of the incident, and cause or allow other Members to do likewise, and to bring apparatus and equipment on, into or through such property, buildings or structures as the Officer

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or Member in Charge deems necessary or advisable to gain access to the incident or to protect any person or property.

Entry For Inspection

8.2 The Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer or any Member designated by the Fire Chief may enter on a property or premises at all reasonable times to inspect and determine whether all restrictions, requirements and prohibitions of this Bylaw are being met and without limiting the foregoing, whether or not any of the following conditions exist:

(a) the premises are in a state of disrepair that a fire starting in them might spread so

rapidly as to endanger life or other premises or property;

(b) the premises are so used or occupied that fire would endanger life or property;

(c) combustible or explosive material is kept or other flammable conditions exist on the premises so as to endanger life or property;

(d) a fire hazard exists on the premises.

8.3 Every occupier of a building or premises that is being inspected by an Officer or Member under this Bylaw must render any assistance and provide any information required by the Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, or Regional District Fire Prevention Officer in relation to the inspection.

8.4 A person must not prevent, obstruct or impede an Officer or Member from conducting an inspection under this Bylaw, and must not withhold or falsify information required by the Fire Chief or the Regional District Fire Prevention Officer in relation to the inspection.

Entry for Remedial Work

8.5 Where an order made under this Bylaw has been delivered to an owner or occupier of land or premises or of a building or other structure, and the owner or occupier fails to take the required action or actions within the time period stated in the order, subject to the Fire Services Act the Regional District staff or Members of the Fire Department may, after providing notice to the owner or occupier and at reasonable times, enter onto the property and carry out the work required, or cause the work to be done or the requirement, at the cost and expense of the owner or occupier.

9. ORDERS

Disposal of Combustible Materials

9.1 Where the Fire Chief determines that an unusual condition exists that presents an undue risk of danger to life safety or damage to property resulting from a fire, the

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Fire Chief may, by order in writing, restrict or prohibit the deposit of combustible materials in any landfill operation with the Fire Protection District until the unusual conditions are removed or addressed.

Remedial Orders

9.2 Where an Officer determines that a building or structure is in such a state of disrepair or is being used in a manner that, in the opinion of the Officer, the condition or use

(a) may cause or result in fire, explosion;

(b) may contribute to the spread of a fire; or (c) presents a hazard to persons or property in surrounding buildings, structures

or land,

the Officer may, in writing, order the owner or occupier to remedy the state of disrepair or alter the use in such a way as to remove the conditions that led to the order, within a time period specified in the order.

9.3 Where an Officer determines that there exists on, in or within any land, premises,

building or other structure any

(a) flammable or combustible materials or substance;

(b) explosive material or substance; or (c) accumulation of waste materials, litter, rubbish or debris,

that, in the opinion of the Officer, is likely to cause or result in a fire or fire hazard, thereby endangering persons or property, the Officer may, in writing, order the owner or occupier to remove and lawfully dispose of such material, substance, or accumulation, as the case may be, within a time period specified in the order.

9.4 Where an Officer believes that any provision of this Bylaw is being or has been

contravened or that any real property, buildings or other structures are in a state that does not comply with this Bylaw, the Officer may, in writing, order the person who is apparently responsible for the contravention or for the property to remedy the contravention or non-compliance, or both, within a time period specified in the order.

9.5 In setting a date by which requirements in the order must be carried out, the Officer must have regard for any factors that may tend to increase the hazard or danger and the degree of urgency involved in correcting or removing the conditions of hazard or danger.

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Fire Restricted Areas

9.6 If the Fire Chief is of the opinion that conditions of unusual danger or exposure to fire exists, the Fire Chief may, by an order in writing, establish any area within the Fire Protection District as a restricted area, within which any campfire, outdoor fire or other type of burning in the open air shall not be permitted for such period or periods of time as the Fire Chief deems appropriate.

Closed Areas

9.7 Where the Fire Chief is of the opinion that the safety of life or property or both is

endangered through a hazardous condition of weather or forest cover, or by a fire in any forest or woodland area, the Fire Chief may, by an order in writing, declare that area of the Fire Protection District, or any portion thereof, as a closed area for such period or periods of time as the Fire Chief deems appropriate. If the Fire Chief imposes a closure order under this section, no person may enter into that area during the period of closure other than as an authorized firefighter acting under the direction and control of a recognized fire fighting unit or otherwise as authorized in writing by the Fire Chief or under the direction and control of the Province.

Effective Date of Posted Order

9.8 An order made under section 9.1, 9.6 or 9.7 is effective from the date that a copy of

the order is posted in or near the area to which it applies. A copy of the order must be delivered to the Regional District to the attention of the Chief Administrative Officer as soon as possible after being posted.

Reconsideration

9.9 Where an order has been made under this Bylaw by an Officer other than the Fire Chief to remedy a violation or non-compliance in relation to land, premises or buildings or other structures, the person to whom it is directed or the owner or occupant, as applicable, may seek reconsideration by the Fire Chief within the time period stated in the order or ten (10) days, whichever is longer, of the date of the order, and the Fire Chief may confirm, modify, amend, suspend or reverse the order. Subject to the Fire Services Act and Local Government Act, an order by the Fire Chief is final.

9.10 An order made by the Fire Chief, another Officer, or the Fire Inspector under this Bylaw is served:

(a) by mailing the order to or leaving it with the person to whom it is directed, or by

deposit in the person’s mailbox or receptacle at the person’s residence or place of business;

(b) by mailing or otherwise delivering the order to the last known property owner;

or

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(c) if the person to whom it is directed cannot be found, is not known, or refuses delivery, by posting a copy of the order in a conspicuous place on any premises that is subject to the order.

9.11 A person must not deface, remove or destroy an order that has been posted

pursuant to this Bylaw.

9.12 An order made under this Part does not limit the requirements that may be imposed under section 4.8 (d) [owner or occupier to undertake actions necessary to removing or reduce hazard].

10. FEES AND COST RECOVERY

Inspections

10.1 Where an Officer or Member: (a) conducts an inspection or re-inspection of a property site, building or other

structure pursuant to a request by the owner, occupier or agent of either, to determine compliance with this Bylaw or the Fire Code; or

(b) conducts a re-inspection of a premises after an order has been issued following a previous inspection,

the owner or occupier must pay the applicable fees established in Schedule A.

Attendance at Class A or B Burn Pile, Rubbish Fire or Campfire

10.2 If a fire within a Fire Protection District is fuelled by a Class A Burn Pile, a Class

B Burn Pile, rubbish, or a campfire and

(a) was started, maintained, suffered or allowed in contravention of this Bylaw;

(b) has not been extinguished as required under a permit or this Bylaw; or

(c) in the opinion of the Fire Chief or his designate, is out of control,

and the Fire Department attends to control or extinguish the fire, the owner or occupier of the property for which the service is provided must pay a fee of $600 per apparatus per hour, with the minimum charge for each apparatus being for one hour.

Standby at Premises with Fire Alarm System

10.3 If the Fire Department attends a premises in response to a fire alarm system and

remain on standby there until such time as the owner, occupier or a contact person arrives to provide access to or secure the premises, commencing after the initial 60 minutes (one hour), the owner or occupier of the property must pay a fee

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of $600 per apparatus per hour, with the minimum charge for each apparatus being for one hour.

Collection as for Property Taxes

10.4 Where a person subject to an order under this Bylaw fails to take action required by the order, and the Regional District carries out the work or otherwise fulfills the requirement, the Regional District may recover the costs incurred from the owner, occupier or person responsible for the work as a debt to the Regional District.

10.5 Money owed to the Regional District under this Part is payable upon receipt of an invoice from the Regional District. Any disputes over the amount owing must be brought to the attention of the Fire Chief within thirty (30) days of the date of the invoice and may be heard and resolved by the Fire Chief or financial officer for the Regional District, or by both of them.

10.6 If an amount owing under this Part for work done or services provided to land or improvements remains unpaid on December 31st of the year in which the debt was incurred, the amount is deemed to be taxes in arrear and may be treated in the same manner as for property taxes.

11. CONTRAVENTION AND PENALTIES

11.1 A person who: (a) contravenes, violates or fails to comply with any provision of this Bylaw; (b) suffers or allows any act or thing to be done in contravention of this Bylaw; or (c) fails or neglects to do anything required to be done under this Bylaw,

or of any permit or order issued under this Bylaw, commits an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to paying a fine of up to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) and to pay any further amounts that may be ordered under the Offence Act, and where the offence is a continuing one, each day that the offence is continued shall constitute a separate offence.

11.2 This Bylaw may be enforced by means of a ticket issued under the “Sunshine

Coast Regional District Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 558, 2006”, as amended or replaced from time to time.

12. SCHEDULES AND REPEAL

12.1 Schedule A is attached to and forms part of this Bylaw.

12.2 The Sunshine Coast Regional District Fire Protection Bylaw No. 354, 1991, and all amendments thereto, are hereby repealed.

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READ A FIRST TIME this day of , 2011. READ A SECOND TIME this day of , 2011. READ A THIRD TIME this day of , 2011. ADOPTED this day of , 2011.

_________________________________ CORPORATE OFFICER _________________________________ CHAIR

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Sunshine Coast Fire Protection Bylaw No. 631, 2010

SCHEDULE A

FIRE SERVICES FEES

Permit for a Class A Burn $ 25.00 Inspection or re-inspection pursuant to a request to determine compliance with Bylaw or the Fire Code $ 100.00/hour Re-inspection after order has been issued $ 100.00 Apparatus – where applicable $ 600.00/hour PLEASE NOTE OTHER BYLAWS MAY ALSO BE APPLICABLE: Despite the provisions of this bylaw, properties within the Town of Gibsons are also subject to any additional regulations enacted by the municipality, including but not limited to Residential Backyard Burning Bylaw No. 971, 2003.

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GIBSONS & DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL REPORT

2010

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"R"

INTRODUCTION

MISSION STATEMENT

The Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department improves the quality of life in our fire protection district by reducing suffering from loss of life, destruction of property, and damage to the

environment. This is achieved through dedication to training, public education and fire prevention by using up to date equipment and techniques.

The Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department is a composite fire department comprised of up to 39 volunteer firefighters and 3 paid staff members - Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer and Maintenance Technician. The department operates 8 pieces of apparatus out of 2 firehalls and covers an operational area of approximately 25 sq. miles. The Fire Protection Area incorporates the municipality of the Town of Gibsons and portions of electoral areas E and F of the Sunshine Coast Regional District and serves a population of approximately 10,000 people. The fire department is a function of the SCRD and the Town is a participating member of that service. The fire department provides services to the public in the form of fire suppression, emergency medical first response, rescue, extrication, hazardous materials control, fire prevention, public education, public assistance and mutual aid. This annual report gives an in depth look at what the department accomplished during 2010 and provides statistical information on call types, when they occur and where they occur with respect to area. Most of the attached charts give a 4-year comparison that can be used to identify trends or anomalies in specific areas.

VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING

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GIBSONS & DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL REPORT

FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS

Incidents 2010 was the busiest year on record for the fire department. The 242 incidents far surpasses the previous high of 214 set in 2008 and is a 31% increase in volume over the 185 calls recorded in 2009. Medical Aid calls accounted for a large portion of incidents, a trend that has developed over the last few years. Unlike the larger career fire departments that respond to all Medical Aid call types, Gibsons only responds to a few specific medical call types or when our assistance is requested by the BC Ambulance Service.

Automatic Alarms have in the past been the highest call type but we have seen a steady reduction due to better maintenance and upgrading of older faulty systems. The fire department classifies its response as either “emergency” or “routine”. Emergency responses require apparatus to use lights and siren whereas routine responses can typically be handled by an individual or a single apparatus driving under normal conditions. Of the 242 calls in 2010, 216 were considered “emergency” calls and 26 were “routine” calls handled by the staff or duty officers. There were several large dollar loss fires this past year with the most spectacular fire being the Coles Marine Diesel building that also spread to the hostel next door. This fire incurred losses of approximately $700,000. Other total loss fires involved a house that was under construction at the time and a travel trailer that was set up as a permanent residence. The good news from these events is that were no serious injuries reported from either occupants or firefighters. There department also responded to 10 “out of area” calls, most being motor vehicle incidents on the Port Mellon Highway.

Incidents Reported in 2010 Automatic Alarm 32 Medical Aid 59 Beach Fire 6 Miscellaneous 18 Brush Fire 8 M.V.I. 32 Chimney Fires 7 Mutual Aid 0 Dumpster Fires 0 Rescue 1 False Alarms 0 Rubbish Fire 3 Hazardous Materials 8 Smoke Complaint 12 Hydro Lines 11 Structure Fire 15 Illegal Burn 21 Vehicle Fire 10 TOTAL 242

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Response Fire department members committed 3351 man-hours of time responding to the 216 paged calls. This averages out to 15.5 man-hours per call. The 26 routine calls are removed from this averaging. A key component of any emergency response is timing. The sooner crews can arrive on the scene the better the outcome of the incident. There are many factors that affect response times and the department has little control over most of them. Early detection, early notification and prompt dispatching all combine to start the ball rolling. Once the department’s pagers have announced a call, the members drive to the firehall, ‘gear up’ and drive the apparatus to the scene. A delay in any of the above steps has the potential of impacting the outcome of the incident. In terms of average response times for 2010, E-Comm dispatched our calls in 57 seconds, we had a unit responding in 3 minutes and 1 second after the page and arriving on scene in 3 minutes and 13 seconds. This gives an average total time of a 9-1-1 call being placed to having a truck on scene as 7 minutes and 11 seconds. This response time is slightly better than the 7 minutes and 33 seconds recorded in 2009.

Along with response times another key and often more important component of response is the number of responding firefighters. The department relies heavily on the availability of enough of its members to be able to adequately handle any emergency situation. As the face of the membership changes so does the availability. In an effort to ensure an adequate response, members are required to respond to at least 20% of calls to maintain active membership. In 2010 each member responded to an average of 43% of the paged calls or 92 calls. Availability of members is also dependent on their employers

who can sometimes ill afford to let their employees leave to respond to calls. The department and indeed the community at large owes these employers a debt of gratitude for their often overlooked contribution. Past trends indicate that a week day typically has the lowest manpower response while evenings and weekends have a better response. In 2010 the department averaged 14 firefighters per call for the week day calls, 14 firefighters for evenings and 15 firefighters on weekends. The weekday numbers have increased from a previous average of 10 firefighters per call to this year’s average of 14 giving a much more balanced response throughout the week.

Permits The fire department issues burn permits for land clearing debris only in the SCRD electoral areas as the Town of Gibsons has a no burn policy and does not allow any open burning. In 2010 a total of 10 “Class A” permits were issued, 7 in area E and 3 in area F. Changes to the Fire Protection Bylaws in both the Town and the SCRD regarding open burning have been in effect for a few years and there are still a significant number of Illegal Burn and Smoke Complaint calls that are fielded by the department’s duty officers. It is unclear whether the individuals are not aware of the regulations or if they are choosing to ignore them. A revision to the SCRD bylaw is underway and will hopefully help clarify some issues around open burning.

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Fire Prevention Fire Inspections

New Construction 15 Apartments 2 Schools 7 Service Stations 0 Care Homes 7 Industrial/Marina 2 Halls/ Theatres 1 Public Buildings 20 Restaurant/Hotels 9 Commercial 0

TOTAL 63 Municipalities have a legal requirement to inspect all public buildings to ensure compliance with all applicable Codes and Standards. The department’s Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) fulfills this obligation and also doubles as the local E9-1-1 system coordinator. At present there are approximately 350 ‘inspectable’ properties in the fire protection area that fall under the Fire Services Act requirement for inspection. As noted in the chart above the FPO performed 63 inspections on properties within the fire protection area in 2010. Inspection intervals are usually established by the type of occupancy. Higher risk properties are inspected more frequently than lower risk properties and inspections are usually performed when there is a change of occupancy or ownership of a building. In addition to inspections the FPO is also a key component in plan checks for new projects proposed for the area. Although plan review by the fire department is not a requirement, there is great value in providing input before the project is completed to avoid unnecessary conflicts post construction.

Public Fire and Life Safety Education Public fire and life safety education is a key component of Fire Prevention and the department’s public education programs are overseen by the Fire Prevention Officer. The department participates in a variety of events and programs throughout the year to help promote a better attitude toward fire and life safety. The biggest event of the year is Fire Prevention Week in October. Department members expend considerable effort and energy to visit all of the local elementary schools with the Fire Safety House to teach some important lessons on escape planning and home fire safety. This year the department teamed up with a group called Community Safety Net. This group produces a variety of educational materials for children. The company solicits donations from the local business community and then returns the funds in the form of a booklet and DVD on fire safety. Due to the generosity of the community the department received over 500 booklets. These booklets are handed out during the school visits or when children come to the firehall for a tour. The department also provides portable fire extinguisher training to community groups and businesses when requested. Ongoing safety programs include Child Car Seat inspections, pre-school visits and hall tours. As with most programs the department is dependent on its volunteer members to assist with the delivery of public education. Staff members are able to set up the programs but without the volunteer help the message would not be delivered.

PERSONNEL

MANPOWER The department is considered to be a composite department in that it has a combination of paid staff and volunteer responders. The 3 paid staff positions are: Fire Chief – responsible for the overall administration of the department, Fire Prevention Officer – responsible for building

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inspections, fire investigations and public education and the Maintenance Technician – responsible for vehicle maintenance, building maintenance and equipment readiness. The staff members are also responding firefighters. A full compliment of volunteer responders for the department is 40. The department had 36 regular members at the close of 2010.

During the year 6 members retired or relocated due to work availability. A recruit class of 10 members was started in January due to exceptionally low numbers at the close of 2009. In looking at the member demographics the average age of current members is 42 and their average experience is 9 years. Typically the longer serving members are well established in the community and are willing to make the long term commitment required by the department. Some younger members

do remain with the department but they traditionally have shorter department careers. Like many other groups that rely on volunteers, the fire department continually struggles with recruiting and retention of members. In an effort to attract and reward members the department began a remuneration program for members who attend the regular training sessions. The members are now receiving $20 for each 2 hour practice session they attend and $70 for each full day session. The department hopes to expand this program in future years so that it may prove to be an incentive for prospective recruits and will help retain existing members. TRAINING The fire department trains to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards as mandated by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC). Within the standards recognized by the OFC, there are 3 levels of competency that fire departments can attain. The lowest or entry level is Basic Firefighter. This is considered the minimum that a firefighter needs in order to safely perform the job requirements. The NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualification has 2 levels, Firefighter 1 is considered to be the minimum for interior firefighting and is usually based on the equipment available and Firefighter 2 is a more advanced standard. The Gibsons department trains to the Firefighter 2 standard when possible. Some restrictions to attaining full Firefighter 2 competence are equipment limitations and service delivery choices. The majority of

the firefighter training is performed by in-house trainers and because we have a certified evaluator we can proctor exams that are accredited by the Justice Institute of B.C. This certification is recognized on a national and international level. In 2010 a concerted effort was made by all of the members to attain a certified level of training. All of the Gibsons firefighters have at least the Basic Firefighter certification including the recruit class that managed to complete the program in less than 1 year. There were 10 firefighters that completed the full NFPA 1001

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Firefighter 1&2 Certification with several more within an exam or 2 of completion. In addition, 2 firefighters completed the evaluator program which now gives the department more flexibility in administering written and practical evaluations. As with call attendance, members are required to attend a minimum number of practice sessions to maintain active membership. The requirement varies with the years of service for the individual. The more experience a member has, the lower the minimum hours of practice time required. In 2010 the members participated in a total of 4969 practice hours, or an average of 142 hours per member. When considering that regular practice occurs on Wednesday nights from 7:30pm to 9:30pm it is easy to see how much extra time the members are committing to training. Most of the training sessions focus on practicing the basic firefighting skills and are lead by the senior members of the department. Some sessions are dedicated to more specialized subjects and require outside instructors. A Hazardous Materials Operations level course was hosted by the department to comply with a revision to the NFPA 1001 standard. 14 members participated in and completed this course. An Air Brakes course was held and now all members but 1 has the air brake endorsement on their driver’s license. In addition to the above, all members are trained in Emergency Scene Traffic Control, Electrical Safety and Gas Safety.

FACILITIES

NORTH ROAD The North Road firehall is the department’s administration building and houses the staff offices. All of the department functions and weekly training sessions are held in this hall. It houses 6 of the department vehicles and is also where the vehicle maintenance is performed. The department has occupied the building since its completion in 1984. The building has had a seismic upgrade, automatic sprinkler system, mansard restoration and new paint in recent years to make it serviceable for many years to come. An exhaust extraction system was installed to help protect the health of the firefighters by reducing their exposure to harmful exhaust emissions. This hall has at present 25 members assigned to it for emergency calls. The hall assignment is based on where the members live and their proximity to the firehalls.

CHASTER ROAD

The Chaster Road firehall was completed in 1992 and has served as a satellite hall since then. The hall houses a single pumper/tanker truck. Until recently, the hall had been referred to simply as ‘Hall 2” or the Chaster Road hall but in 2006 the hall was dedicated and renamed as the Cliff Mahlman Firehall in memory of a long serving life member of the department that passed away. Cliff was a driving force behind the department for 36 years and is in large part responsible for the department’s progressive direction. This hall has 11 members assigned to it as emergency responders.

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APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT The department operates with 8 pieces of rolling stock of various functions and descriptions. A listing of the equipment from the oldest to the newest and a brief summary of each are as follows:

• 1983 Mack Triple Combination Pumper – 800 gallons of water, 1250 gallon per minute pump, ground ladders, 1200’ large diameter hose, 5 breathing apparatus.

• 1991 Mack Ladder Truck – 56’ boom, 500 gallons of water, 1250 gallon per minute pump, 1000’ large diameter hose, 5 breathing apparatus.

• 1999 Ford Rapid Response Mini-Pumper – 300 gallons of water, 125 gallon per minute pump, Compressed Air Foam System, 2 breathing apparatus, first aid equipment.

• 2001 Freightliner Pumper/Tanker – 1200 gallons of water, 1050 gallon per minute pump, potable water tank, 5 breathing apparatus, first aid equipment, ground ladders.

• 2003 Ford Ranger – Fire Prevention Officer use for building inspection and fire investigation. • 2003 Freightliner Rescue Truck – Heavy Hydraulic Tools, Air Bags, First Aid & Rescue

equipment, 5 Breathing Apparatus, Generators, Ventilation Equipment, hand tools. • 2004 Ford E300 Utility Vehicle –

General purpose van used to transport members to training venues, used as a maintenance vehicle, tows Fire Safety House.

• 2008 Ford Sport Trac -command vehicle with first aid equipment, hand tools. The department’s vehicles are all in good condition and there were no major repairs required in 2010. The 1983 Mack Pumper is nearing the end of its service life and is expected to be replaced next year. The in house maintenance program keeps down time to a minimum and allows the equipment to be in service in case it is needed.

BUDGET

The fire department budget for 2010 was $729,482 which included a surplus of $146,398 carried over from the previous year. The fire department budget is derived entirely from taxation apportioned across the 3 participating areas. The budget is divided into 2 sections and is discussed below. OPERATING The operating budget is the largest component and is expended on carrying out the regular functions of the department. In 2010 $446,965 was expended on operating items such as salaries, building maintenance, insurance, heat and hydro, truck equipment and maintenance, utilities and training. A large surplus was the result of 2 incomplete Capital projects which meant the money was not transferred from the Operating account. Most individual line item accounts were within the budgeted limits. Utility accounts were over budget due to price increases that took effect after the budget was approved. The E-Comm

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contract budget was also in a deficit due to changes made to the service, again, after the budget was approved. CAPITAL The department had planned for 2 main capital projects to be completed in 2010. A training facility constructed of used shipping containers was proposed to be sited at the Town of Gibsons Works Yard. The Town gave approval for use of the site but zoning issues delayed the actual purchase of the facility until late in the year and delivery is scheduled for early 2011. A new truck was to be purchased but design criteria and inability to meet with several suppliers caused a delay in formulating the specification. This project will be carried over into the 2011 budget discussions. Respectfully submitted R. Stevens, Fire Chief Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department

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ANNUAL REPORT

2010

Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Department

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ROBERTS CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Overview of the Fire Department

The Roberts Creek Fire Department provides life, property and environmental protection to the community of Roberts Creek. Service to non-residents is also provided, e.g. rescue from motor vehicle accidents and medical assistance to BC Ambulance Service (BCAS). The fire department serves a population of 3307 (2006 Census – an increase of 7% since 2001) and protects over 1600 private dwellings as well as several commercial and public buildings. The Fire Protection Area covers roughly 28.5 Km2 of the total 143.59 Km2 in Area D. At the end of the year the membership of the Roberts Creek Fire Department consisted of twenty volunteer members. Volunteer firefighters are responsible for all aspects of the operation of the department. This includes 24/7 response to fire and rescue incidents and maintaining the operational readiness of all apparatus and equipment. No remuneration is paid to the membership for providing these services. The Sunshine Coast Regional District employs one person to look after clerical/administrative/fire inspection duties. At this time the fire chief is filling this position.

Apparatus

RCVFD apparatus consists of the following:

Rescue 1: Rescue 1 entered service in the summer of 2006. This apparatus was built to our specs by Hub Fire Engines on a Freightliner M2 chassis and is leased through MFA. This is a multi-purpose unit functioning as an equipment carrier, mobile lighting plant, firefighter rehab centre and general staging hub. The PTO driven 25 KW generator supplies copious amounts of power and allows the twenty five foot high 9000 watt light tower to transform darkness into daylight. An eight foot powered slide-out tray brings all the auto extrication equipment out in the open, easily at hand.

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Engine 1: This apparatus is a compressed air foam system (CAFS) manufactured by Hub Fire Engines in 2000. It is a very versatile piece of apparatus built on a one ton Ford F550 4x4 chassis. This offers a great amount of manoeuvrability allowing it to negotiate the many narrow, winding driveways encountered in Roberts Creek. The CAFS in effect provides for a tenfold increase in the usefulness of water. In other words the 300 gallons of water carried is equal to 3000 gallons.

Engine 2: This apparatus is a full Class “A” Type I pumper with a 1050 igpm pump, carries 800 gallons of water and can transport six firefighters. Engine 2 is equipped with a 10” dump valve so it can function as a water shuttle when fighting fires outside of hydrant serviced areas. It is built on a Peterbilt chassis and was manufactured by Anderson Engineering in 1992; replacement will be postponed until 2017.

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Engine 3: This apparatus is a full Class “A” Type II Pumper and fills our need for a tanker as it carries almost 1300 gallons of water. It also has a foam injection system and carries 30 gallons of foam concentrate. Engine 3 is built on a Freightliner FL112 chassis and was manufactured by Hub Fire Engines in 1999. It carries three fire fighters.

Car 1: Car 1 is a 2009 Ford F-150 crew cab, acquired in Oct. Of 2009 and leased through MFA Leasing. This four-wheel drive vehicle is important as a day-to-day service vehicle for routine activities such as burning permit inspections mainly located on rough back roads and as transportation for fire fighters to and from education venues. Car 1 is also indispensable as a command vehicle at emergency incidents as it contains an array of reference material as well as first aid and communications equipment.

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Coast Reporter©

The Crew:

L to R Back Row: Doug Dew, Colin Kelso, Bruce Searle, Billy Wray, Josh Williams, Brian Hamilton, Pat Higgins. Front Row: Andy Dubé, Don Kraus, Stephen Gemmell, Rob Michael, Kevin Kennelley. Camera Shy: Arthur Griffiths, Grant Gunn, John Hawkes, Darin Macey, Stephanie McLeod, Edna Naylor, Chris Rose, Stefan Weston.

Facilities:

The Roberts Creek Fire Hall consists of meeting room, offices and apparatus bays. The bays are a two tandem-bay arrangement accommodating four vehicles. The lower floor area consists of one vehicle bay, a classroom, a gym/fitness centre and a storage area for the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program. Grounds maintenance and janitorial services are by contract.

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Activity

Operations

The Roberts Creek Fire Dept. responded to 63 callouts in 2010. Incident hours totalled 46.65 hours requiring 288.38 person hours. Our highest percentage of calls (25.4%). was to 16 Motor Vehicle Incidents. Close runners-up were Wires-Down incidents (11 calls – 17.46%) and Illegal Fires (10 calls – 15.87%). With the exception of a mutual aid call to Gibsons to the fire at Cole’s Marine the only structure fire we had of note was at a large indoor agricultural business. Although this was purportedly a certified operation, as in most grow-ops the windows were board up, the entrances were blocked and the interior was vastly modified with multiple rooms, hallways and voids. This makes for very dangerous conditions for fire fighters. Health Canada is the agency that issues these licenses. It’s unfortunate that they refrain from passing on pertinent information to authorities having a vested interest (e.g. Police, Fire, Building Department and the Electrical Safety Branch. The licensees should be required to have permits and inspections before commencing production, perhaps then the structural and electrical work would be up to standard and fire fighter’s lives would not be compromised. Legal grow-ops are apparently no safer than illegal grow-ops. Fortunately there were no booby traps as is often the case; however there was a propane tank inside a building. Had the fire reached that area the consequences could have been catastrophic.

Training

In-house and contract training provided 153 hours of training amounting to a total of 1161 person-hours. The total amount paid out to RCVFD members for training and honorariums in 2010 was $20,755, similar to 2009.

In July Training Officer Rob Michael moved up to fill the vacated position of Assistant Chief and Stephen Gemmell was appointed Training Officer. Over the last couple of years Rob got us started in the Basic Fire Fighter program with several members graduating to date. All new recruits are being certified to this as our minimum standard. We have now embarked on the Fire Fighter II program. All members are participating in this training and are encouraged to attain certification however that is not mandatory at this time.

Several members took advantage of Justice Institute of BC certificate courses most being held at the Maple Ridge campus; four members attended Live Fire II, five attended Auto Extrication II, three attended Hazmat Awareness, two Hazmat Operations, two attended S215 Fire in the Wildland Urban Interface and one attended Fire Scene Management II.

Permits

Only six Class “A” permits were issued in 2010 a decrease of 60% from 2009.

Inspections

The Roberts Creek Fire Prevention Officer/Office Administrator carries out fire inspections. There are approximately forty premises requiring inspection. These include two schools (one public, one private), two youth camps, one beverage establishment, three restaurants, several commercial occupancies and daycares.

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Prevention

In addition to providing commercial property inspections to promote fire safety and awareness, the department also holds an open house during Fire Prevention Week in October. This provides a venue to showcase our skills and allows the public a chance to meet our members and see our equipment up close. Fire Prevention Week also gives a dedicated group of firefighters an opportunity to bring the fire safety message to Roberts Creek School where a large number of the students visit the Fire Safety House.

Finance

Budgetary Considerations

At the end of the 2010 budget year there was a $48,824 surplus.

Capital Plan Implementation

The buy-in to the E-Comm managed Fire Department Management (FDM) records management program was approved and commenced in December. The exterior of the fire hall was painted this last summer. Though not accounted for in the Capital Plan, as mentioned in Five Year Plan – Building below, this long overdue upgrade was accomplished through the regular budget.

Five Year Plan

2011-2015

Land & Improvements: None planned

Building: Ongoing maintenance and upgrades will be accomplished through the regular budget process and not rely on capital planning. Some projects include interior painting, office renovation and cited improvements to bring SCRD buildings up to the 2006 building code.

Machinery and Equipment: None planned

Office Equipment: None planned

Vehicles: Replacement of Engine 2 will be postponed for five years by implementation of annual ULC testing following 2012. Insurance Underwriters prefer replacement after 20 years but will accept ULC re-certification of pump until 25 years.

Miscellaneous

We continue to struggle with recruitment however our membership has remained relatively static over the last two years. We are fortunate to have both a dedicated crew of volunteers, strong mutual aid agreements and good relationships with our neighbouring departments.

In Dec. we purchased a new Amkus hydraulic cutter for Auto Extrication. This will replace our existing cutter which is now over 20 years old and has been surpassed in capabilities by the

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new unit. We will upgrade the old cutter to a combination spreader/cutter to be carried on our mini-pumper for use as an auxiliary unit and when only the small truck can access the scene e.g. logging road incidents.

Recommendations

As has been mentioned in previous annual reports the Fire Chief advocates a regionalised fire department for the Sunshine Coast. This will go a long way to improve the sharing of resources and manpower and will address the decline in membership that the local volunteer fire departments are experiencing.

The federal government should be encouraged to pass legislation to allow a $3000 tax credit for volunteer fire fighters. Any incentives that can be offered as an aid to recruitment and retention of volunteers will be welcomed by fire departments.

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Incident Statistics 2010

1

1

1

1

3

2

10

1

3

5

16

6

2

11

Ambulance Assist

Automatic Alarm

Beach Fire

Brush Fire

Chimney Fire

False Alarm

Illegal Burn

Kitchen Fire

Medical

Misc.

MVI

Structure Fire

Vehicle Fire

Wires

Callout Count63

Incident Type Percent of TotalAmbulance Assist 1.59%

Automatic Alarm 1.59%

Beach Fire 1.59%

Brush Fire 1.59%

Chimney Fire 4.76%

False Alarm 3.17%

Illegal Burn 15.87%

Kitchen Fire 1.59%

Medical 4.76%

Misc. 7.94%

MVI 25.40%

Structure Fire 9.52%

Vehicle Fire 3.17%

Wires 17.46%

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2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report

Prepared by: Bill Elsner CEM Emergency Program Coordinator

Emergency management addresses six principal strategies: risk assessment,

preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program evaluation. The

Sunshine Coast is susceptible to many types of disasters and emergencies. The

primary concerns are wildfire, dangerous goods, landslides, tidal surges and

earthquakes. These events can have collateral effects sufficient to prompt the

formal declaration of a local state of emergency.

A Planning Committee (SCRD) chaired by the Emergency Program Coordinator

is composed of representatives of agencies having direct functional

responsibilities during a major emergency. These agencies include but are not

limited to; RCMP, Fire, BC Ambulance, BC Forest Service, Vancouver Coastal

Health, BC Ferries, School District 46 and BC Hydro. Additionally, a number of

volunteer groups such as Emergency Social Services (ESS), Emergency Radio

Communications, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Coast Guard Auxiliaries play a

major role in our Emergency Program.

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This year the Emergency Program Coordinator was awarded the professional

designation of Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) by the international

Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). As you can see in the volunteer activity statistics at the end of this report, the

residents of the Sunshine Coast are very well served by over 140 dedicated,

committed and highly skilled un-paid professionals. These men and women

gave up a staggering 11,000 hours of their time to train for and respond to

citizens in need. The actual cost of these donated hours is $.22 per hour or about

$1.60 per resident. From a public safety perspective there is no doubt lives are

saved and made tolerable each year by the heroic actions of these selfless

individuals.

On behalf of all the residents of the Sunshine Coast I would like to thank all the

emergency services volunteers who serve us. You have our greated support and

appreciation.

Respectfully,

Bill Elsner, CEM

Emergency Program Coordinator

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program

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2010


Public Awareness Presentations and Committees: The following groups and activities pertain to public awareness, a cornerstone to Emergency Planning: o Seniors Network Advisory Group committee (SNAG) o Sunshine Coast Policing Committee (SCRD) o Transportation Advisory Committee (SCRD) o Joint Health and Safety Committee (SCRD) o Emergency Preparedness Committee (Area A) o Regional Emergency Preparedness Committee o Food Security Committee o Osprey Apartment residents o Roberts Creek Co-housing residents o Elphinstone Community Association o Town of Gibsons public presentation o District of Sechelt council o Powell River Regional District integrated planning presentation o Emergency Preparedness Week activities including newspaper articles, mall

displays and EOC training o Frequent submissions to local media regarding public safety issues such as

extreme weather precautions, fire smart initiatives, travel safety, storm surges and general preparedness

o Emergency preparedness information is routinely updated at www.scrd.ca

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http://www.scrd.ca/

2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Response Highlights o Level one EOC activation during Chile mag 8.8 earthquake o Landslides on waterfront properties in Davis Bay o Storm surge response Davis Bay o Heavy rainfall response Area E o 4 ESS Level 1 responses for local Fire Departments

Operations and Planning o Ongoing recruitment of volunteers for Search and Rescue, Emergency Social

Services and Emergency Communications o Maintain current contact information of all response personnel o Chair monthly meetings of the Emergency Planning Committee o Regular updates to Vital Services Directory o Maintain and test emergency backup generators o Regular tests and maintenance of VSAT satellite system o Inspect and maintain emergency medical supplies including 200 Bed

Emergency Hospital and Casualty Collection Units o Inspection and repairs to Mobile Command Unit o Provide advice and guidance to local authority staff on matters dealing with

public safety o Maintain Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in a state of readiness and

functionality o Frequent interviews with local media on emergency preparedness matters

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2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Grants and projects o Applied for Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) funding of

$10,000. If successful, this 50/50 cost sharing grant program with the federal government will be used to conduct and evaluate a large scale emergency exercise.

o Coordinator applied for and received $66,000.00 from UBCM for further wildfire mitigation projects.

Training and Exercising o Coordinator attended a “GIS for Emergency Managers” workshop.

o Structural Protection Unit (SPU) training provided for all Coast Fire

Departments. This training included setting up sprinkler units on structures before and during wildfires.

o Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) tabletop exercises. Conducted to train

and challenge SCRD staff that would be in the EOC during a disaster. The scenario chosen was an Urban Interface Wildfire.

o Joint Search and Rescue and Amateur Radio Emergency Service exercise.

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2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Emergency Social Services (ESS) Emergency Social Services volunteers provide short- term support (up to 72 hours), to preserve the emotional and physical well-being of individuals who are evacuated from their homes during an emergency. The goals of ESS are to: o Help people plan for emergencies o Respond to emergencies when they occur o Assist in the recovery from disasters During a disaster, trained ESS volunteers provide: o Food, clothing and shelter o Registration of names and addresses to re-unify families o Financial assistance through government programs o Care for pets o Information, support and comfort to those affected Another component of ESS is the Emergency Social Services Level 1 team that works with Fire Departments and Police to assist individuals in smaller emergencies. Several new members have joined and received training in how to deliver ESS L-1. We now have teams in place in all areas of the coast. This year they responded to 4 ESS Level 1 cases and assisted 8 people with food, shelter and clothing. The third component of ESS is the Animal Disaster Response group. Their mandate is to educate pet and animal owners about preparing for disasters. During a disaster they provide assistance and care to animals. Our SCEP ESS team meets monthly where they train and participate in exercises that test and strengthen their skills. We have 34 ESS volunteers, coming from all walks of life and new volunteers are always welcome. Training is extensive and free!

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2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Search and Rescue (SAR) Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue volunteers are mandated to provide land based and inland water search and rescue services under direction from the RCMP. They are often called on to provide mutual aid response to other communities. As well, they can be tasked by fire departments and SCEP to provide assistance wherever it is needed.

This year SCSAR responded to 6 callouts for lost persons, medical assists and body recovery. Five were on the Sunshine Coast and 1was a mutual aid response off the coast. The mutual aid call was a multi-day response on the longest search in BC history.

A concerted recruitment effort this year resulted in 14 new members. Members meet for weekly training to hone their skills and to check over equipment. Training consisted of Helicopter Hover Exit, First Aid, Ground SAR and Rope Rescue. Two members became certified as Search Managers after 4 days of training and completing a practicum. SCSAR volunteers continue to work toward completion on the interior of the new SAR hall. Annual operating costs include: rope replacement, liability insurance, phones and pagers.

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2010

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Units The 3 volunteer CCGA units provide marine rescue under the direction of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC). They are also available to provide emergency marine transport to the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) and Search and Rescue (SAR).

Unit 61 in Pender Harbour continues to outfit their new vessel.

Unit 14 in Gibsons spent $11,000.00 on engine repairs.

Unit 12 in Halfmoon Bay purchased a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RIB) for rescue use in Sechelt Inlet.

Amateur Emergency Radio Service (ARES) The ARES volunteers consist of licensed amateur radio operators (HAMS) who provide a reliable mode of back up communication when the telephone system fails. As well, they host a weekly emergency radio net check in and keep all radio equipment in a state of operational readiness. This year they upgraded repeaters in Gibsons and Sechelt with a third planned for Pender Harbour.

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2010 Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report

Volunteer Activity: Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 14 Response 50 hours Rescues 17 persons Training/exercising 2116 hours Members 23 Property saved $226,200 SCRD Grant $ 5,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 61 Response 90 hours Rescues 38 persons Training/exercising 1715 hours Members 21 Property saved $284,000 SCRD Grant $ 5,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 12 Response 54 hours Rescues 23 persons Training/exercising 1928 hours Members 21 Property saved $163,000 SCRD Grant $ 5,000 Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue Response 357 hours Rescues 5 persons Training/exercising 2718 hours Members 34 SCRD Grant $ 19,000 Emergency Social Services Response 4 Assisted 8 persons Training/exercising 1224 hours Members 34 SCRD Budget $ 5,000

Emergency Communications

Training 1803 hours Members 8 SCRD Budget $ 5,000

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DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST EMERGENCY PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE SCRD OFFICES, 1975 FIELD ROAD, SECHELT, BC PRESENT: Chair, SCEP Coordinator Bill Elsner

Amateur Radio Barry Yee Amateau Radio Don Pendergast BCAS, Executive Director, Lower Mainland Michael Sanderson BCAS, Supt., Sunshine Coast Richard Chick BCAS, Gibsons Ray Mcclean BCAS, Gibsons Sheree Haydu BCAS, Madeira Park Tonya Stephan BCAS, Sechelt Rebecca Alcock BCAS, Sechelt Sherman Hellier BC Hydro Jeff Sherer CKAY Sean Eckford District of Sechelt Bruce Haynes Emergency Management BC, Sr. Regional Manager John Oakley Emergency Management BC, Regional Manager Mike Andrews Emergency Social Services Marilyn Pedersen Fire Departments - Sechelt Fire Chief Bill Higgs MOE Parks & Protected Areas Ryan Elphick RCMP S/Sgt. Herb Berdahl RCMP Sgt. Russ Howard Search and Rescue Harry Almond Search and Rescue Alex Tebbutt

SCRD, GM, Community Services Dept. Paul Fenwick Admin. Assistant, Community Services Dept./Recorder Lynda Edstrom CALL TO ORDER 3:00 pm

INTRODUCTIONS

Introductions were made.

AGENDA

The agenda for the meeting was accepted.

SUNSHINE COAST EMERGENCY PROGRAM

PLANNING COMMITTEE

February 23, 2011

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PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS

John Oakley, Senior Regional Manager and Mike Andrews, Regional Manager - Emergency Management BC Mr. Oakley and Mr. Andrews addressed the Committee regarding the Restructure of Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP). They provided a PowerPoint presentation. Highlights as follows: Vision Statement: Safer individuals and communities through integrated emergency

mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

EMBC Structure:

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Planning • Led by Cam Filmer, this unit will provide a critical role leading strategic policy and

planning in support of the entire suite of EMBC’s programs and services. The unit will include four functional areas including:

• Planning, Policy and Legislation; • Business Continuity Management; • Integrated Public Safety; and, • Catastrophic and Recovery Planning.

Mitigation:

Led by Dave Ferguson (Deputy Fire Commissioner), this unit will enhance the capacity of communities and partners to reduce the potential impacts of emergencies or disasters. The Office of the Fire Commissioner will also be located within this area. Primary functions of the unit include:

• Stakeholder Services (Strategic Mitigation/Flood Program; Fire Services/Structure Protection; and SAR/ESS Specialists);

• Volunteer Training, Coordination and Exercise Programs; and, • Stakeholder and Public Education and Reporting.

Emergency Coordination :

• Led by Chris Duffy, this unit will coordinate the provincial response to emergencies and disasters and provide specialized technology resources to support emergency response activities. The unit will include:

• Emergency Coordination (BCERMS response structure); and, • Telecommunications and Speciality Systems.

Corporate Services:

• Led by David Curtis, this unit will provide specialized strategic and business services to support all areas of EMBC. This includes:

• Finance and Business Transformation (budgeting and forecasting, recoveries and contract management);

• Business Services (facilities; systems and Quality Assurance); • DFA, JEPP Programs; and, • Coordinating and standardizing administrative services across the organization.

BC Coroners Service

• Led by Dr. Diane A. Rothon (Chief Coroner), this unit will be responsible for the investigation of all unnatural, sudden and unexpected, unexplained or unattended deaths in the province. It will also make recommendations to improve public safety and prevent deaths in similar circumstances through a range of quasi-judicial public processes. Areas within this unit include:

• Legal Services and Inquests; • Investigation Programs; • Regional Investigations Operations; and • Child Death Review.

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Annual Operational Statistical Summary 2008-09:

An Integrated Service Delivery Model: Increased efficiency:

• financial and administrative services amalgamated, offices combined.

Augmented planning section : • focus on integrated planning: stakeholder engagement, building on success of Olympics

and continuing Integrated Public Safety. • Develop logistics section. • Identified need for large logisitics support.

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Client focused approach: • provide expertise and stakeholder support in the fields of emergency management, fire

safety and death prevention/public safety.

Multi-disciplinary approach: • increased collaboration with scientists, academics and emergency management

organizations in recognition of the diverse facets of emergency management.

“One stop shop”: • Vision is that EMBC will become an accessible resource for stakeholders at all levels

through increased use of technology, an updated website and diverse toolkits including online training modules.

Challenges: • Fiscal restraints. • Business transformation/change.

Exercise Planning

• Will help with facilitation.

Social Media • Will be developed, i.e. in New Zealand earthquake - social media was online within 2

minutes. A satellite image can pinpoint where all “tweets” are located. Mr. Oakley noted that the Sunshine Coast is in the forefront of EMBC’s areas of concern should a disaster occur. He also noted that he has a lot of respect for the capabilities of the considerable resources, the EOC and communication system located on the Sunshine Coast, as well as the support from BCAS, RCMP and the SCRD Board.

Mr. Oakley stated that Becky Denlinger, Fire and Emergency Management Commissioner and ADM would like to attend a SCEP meeting. Bill Elsner will send Ms. Denlinger an invitation.

Bill Elsner thanked Mr. Oakley and Mr. Andrews for their presentation.

MINUTES

Bill Higgs / Marilyn Pederson

THAT the minutes of the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program Planning Committee meeting of meeting held January 27, 2011 be received.

CARRIED

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REPORTS Agency Reports Alec Tebbutt, Search and Rescue - received a call for a lost skier on the Tetrahedron. He thanked Ryan Elphick of BC Parks for his help. After an all night search the skier was found alive and uninjured at the Edwards Lake cabin. Harry Almond, Search and Rescue - A repeater for emergencies on Vancouver Island is needed. EMBC asked that Harry email them with the details and they will work to finding a solution. Chief Bill Higgs, SVFD - noted all has been quiet. NEXT MEETING March 30, 2011 ADJOURNMENT 4:00 p.m.

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SUNSHINE COAST POLICING COMMITTEE

February 28, 2011

MINUTES FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST POLICING COMMITTEE HELD AT THE SCRD OFFICES, 1975 FIELD ROAD, SECHELT, BC. PRESENT: (Voting Members) SCRD Director, Elphinstone Lorne Lewis, Chair SCRD Director, District of Sechelt Alice Lutes (Alternate) SCRD Director Area A Barry Wilbee (Alternate) SCRD Director Area B, SCRD Chair Garry Nohr SCRD Director, Area D Donna Shugar SCRD Director, Area F Joyce Clegg (Alternate) Roberts Creek Representative CarolAnn Glover SC Youth Awareness Greg Russell School District #46 Debra Palmer ALSO PRESENT: Crimestoppers Mary Bitroff Emergency Program Coordinator Bill Elsner RCMP, Detachment Commander S/Sgt Herb Berdahl SCRD GM Community Services Dept. Paul Fenwick SCRD Admin. Assistant Lynda Edstrom Press - CKAY Sean Eckford _____________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER 9:05 AM Introductions were made. AGENDA The agenda for the meeting was accepted.

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MINUTES Recommendation No. 1 Minutes The Sunshine Coast Policing Committee recommended that the minutes of the meeting held January 10, 2011 be received. CORRESPONDENCE Recommendation No. 2 Correspondence The Sunshine Coast Policing Committee recommended that the following items of correspondence be received:

• Copy of letter to Attorney General of BC regarding Restorative Justice. • Letter from Solicitor General regarding Restorative Justice.

REPORTS Recommendation No. 3 RCMP Monthly Report The Sunshine Coast Policing Committee recommended that the RCMP Monthly Report for the period since January 10, 2011 be received. Note: A written copy of the report was provided to the committee. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on May 2, 2011 at 9:00 am.

ADJOURNMENT 10:10 am

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SCRD · ANNEX N pp 71-75 7. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw 2010 Year end...

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Transcript of SCRD · ANNEX N pp 71-75 7. Chief Building Inspector & Bylaw Manager - Bylaw 2010 Year end...