District of Sechelt council passed a new highways and parking bylaw during their Oct. 22 regular council meeting.
The new 20-page bylaw gives ticketing power to bylaw officers for those parked illegally and adds a section on advertising devices on highways.
The new bylaw states that no person is allowed to drive a vehicle “carrying any advertising device of a temporary character unless permission in writing therefore has first been obtained from the superintendent of public works or his designate.”
It also states no one is allowed to carry advertising signs along the highway without first getting permission.
“No person shall use any highway for the purpose of selling or displaying any article or thing, except with the written permission of the superintendent of public works or his designate,” the new bylaw states.
Coun. Darnelda Siegers said the new bylaw does not apply to people who have permanent advertising on their vehicles, such as realtors.
“It’s looking at vehicles that purposely are sitting on a street to advertise versus somebody who wraps their vehicle and then drives around for their normal business,” Siegers said.
The new bylaw passed unanimously through council.
Fortis BC
Council authorized staff to sign a new Fortis BC agreement that will see gas customers pay up to 25 per cent less over the next three to four years.
The new agreement will allow Sechelt to collect an operating fee from Fortis BC, estimated at about $73,000 per year.
Previously the province had legislation in place to shield Fortis BC from paying fees to municipalities until their construction debt was paid off. That debt was fully paid three years ago.
Parfitt dismissed
Long time director of development services Ray Parfitt has been dismissed from the District for reasons that are not being shared with the public.
When asked why Parfitt is no longer working at the municipality communications manager Connie Jordison said, “The District does not release information on human resources management issues that are pending resolution, to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.”
Justice Services Building
Sechelt has sent out a request for quotations to renovate the holding cells at the justice services building.
The project scope includes making better sightlines into the cells, adding new security features and a resurfacing and painting the cells.
Quotes will be taken until Thursday, Nov. 13 and the District has stated that the “lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.”
Goodbye Hockley
Coun. Doug Hockley said his goodbye to council Oct. 22, noting he would be going on holidays and would be unable to finish his role as councillor this term.
Hockley served as the alternate mayor in John Henderson’s absence and made a motion that Coun. Chris Moore take over the duty as he is the only other councillor not seeking re-election.
All were in favour of the move.
“This has been a full three years and I want to really commend you for your passion, your enthusiasm, your insatiable curiosity and your sartorial splendour, but most of all your single minded commitment to doing what’s best for Sechelt,” Henderson said. “On behalf of all of us, thank you.”
Mobile art app
Sechelt has launched a new mobile art app that will take users on a GPS-guided tour of the many public art works in Sechelt.
The free app can be downloaded on iOS or Android mobile devices and the map can be downloaded ahead of time so you don’t have to stay connected to use it.
Arts coordinator Siobhan Smith encourages residents to start exploring Sechelt’s public art at www.BaladoDiscovery.com or by downloading the BaladoDiscovery app.
Guided walking tours of Sechelt’s public art are also still available by appointment for groups of five people or more by contacting Smith at 604-989-0804 or by email at [email protected].
