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Prepared by Councillor MacFarlane
As required by law City Council
has adopted Bylaw No. 1708, the Five Year Financial Plan for the years
2003-2007. Although it is a five year plan, the first year is the budget
for 2003. The next four are projections and all subject to change as
Council goes through its annual planning process to finalize each year's
budget. The Bylaw provides for an average 4.4% increase as outlined in the
accompanying Bylaw No. 1709 which sets the tax rates for the year 2003.
The 2003 Budget provides for no reduction in services and covers increased
costs related to factors like inflation and policing. Council has also
approved bylaws that provide for no change in sewer and water rates for
this year. Tax notices should be out by the end of May and, as always, if
citizens need more information please contact City Hall.
The issue of train whistle
cessation at the Pearson Street crossing has finally been resolved. To
achieve this has been both frustrating and taken a long time but the
whistling finally stopped Monday May 12 at noon. City Council and Staff
are now continuing to work with Transport Canada to achieve the same at
the Mackenzie Avenue crossing. This one has been particularly difficult to
solve. Council is well aware that the whistling impacts on our local
tourist industry. Council is looking at a ban on whistling here between
the hours of 11pm and 7am but this would mean the Mackenzie Avenue
crossing being closed during this time. There will be a public meeting in
the near future to get public feedback.
The final paperwork is
being completed so that the City of Revelstoke will become the owner of
our historic Court House. Although Council was not pleased with the
decision to eliminate Court services, it was felt that it was very
important to make sure there was provision of at lease a circuit Court
here in Revelstoke. The City will pay the province $350,000 for the Court
House and an agreement has been reached so that a circuit court will
operate here in Revelstoke. Through negotiations and the development of
leases with the Attorney General and BCBC the City will be paid
approximately $81,000 in rent a year. This should cover the operating
costs of the building and will also see the continuation of both the
Government Agent offices and the Conservation offices being located in the
building. Council will also be exploring other ways to generate revenue
from the building.
City Council and Staff are
continuing to work on a proposal made to Mt. Mackenzie Resorts Ltd. on the
development of a major resort at Mt. Mackenzie. Council's goal is to get
out of the ski hill business while preserving local skiing opportunities.
The facilitation of the development of a major resort at Mt. Mackenzie
will mean a significant long term economic impact for Revelstoke.
Recently announced changes
to provincial forestry policy have been a topic of discussion for Council.
Council has informed the Minister of Forests that it supports changes that
would offer the chance for community forest licensees to get more timber.
This would be of huge benefit to the Revelstoke Community Forest
Corporation. Council also registered its concerns with regards to
appurtenancy rule changes as this could have significant negative impacts
for small forestry-dependent communities.
Work continues to be done
on fund raising for the Aquatic Centre. The most recent donation was for
$10,000 from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and is much
appreciated.
A great way to get
information about Council and our city is to go to the City's website at
www.cityofrevelstoke.com. For instance, if recent changes to garbage
pick-up procedures have you confused you can get the required information
on the website. Of course, you can also phone the Public Works department
for the information. You will also find an opportunity on the website to
give feedback to Council which is always appreciated.
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