Snow and ice
Councillors in Gibsons are backing changes to the Snow and Ice Control Policy in the wake of issues during major snowfalls last winter.
Gibsons’ bylaw is similar to many in the province in requiring property owners to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses. The Town looks after the roads and sidewalks in front of Town property.
Director of engineering Dave Newman told the Oct. 3 committee of the whole meeting that during the two big snowstorms last December there were complaints about the state of the sidewalks on sections of North Road, Gibsons Way, Shaw Road and O’Shea Road. He also said many property owners told Town staff they were unaware of the bylaw requirements.
Newman is proposing a change to the bylaw that would allow Town crews – time and resources permitting – to clear neglected sections of sidewalk and give the Town the option to bill for cost-recovery. Fines would still be imposed.
Budget projections
Gibsons is looking at a potential budget surplus heading into the final quarter of the year, despite increased costs for legal fees, snow removal and work to repair and upgrade the Town-owned geo-utility that serves the Parkland neighbourhood.
Director of finance Ian Poole told councillors at the Oct. 3 committee of the whole meeting that the $156,116 projected is largely because of increased revenues from building rent and the ICBC franchise as well as some savings because of staff vacancies.
Areas where costs are over budget include: $30,939 more than expected for the geo-utility, $23,738 more for office costs (including legal fees), and $11,870 extra for snow removal. The sewer treatment plant costs are also expected to be $29,540 in the red because of increased expenses for sludge removal. The Town is currently having the sludge trucked to Whistler for disposal. “We’re trying to work out a disposal location,” Mayor Wayne Rowe noted. “Hopefully back in the Sechelt area, but there are a number of parties involved that have to come together.”
Grant for food bank cooler
The committee of the whole voted Oct. 3 to support a grant request from the Salvation Army to help pay for a new industrial cooler for the food bank it operates out of its Gibsons Way location.
Coun. Silas White said he was “quite excited” to be able to offer help to the food bank. “That’s a really important service, not just for the town but the whole Sunshine Coast… I think this is a good opportunity to show our support.”
The $3,000 grant will use the remainder of the Town’s $20,000 grant-in-aid budget for 2017. Councillors turned down a $1,000 request from the Restorative Justice Program, which was already given $600 in an earlier round.
