The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 13 City of Fernie council meeting.

1. AGREEMENTS, LICENCES PERMITS & POLICIES

1.1 Floodplain Exemption

City of Fernie council authorized an exemption to KSAP Enterprises Ltd., Inc. No. 0499041 from the Application of Section 5.b (iii) of Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2289 requiring that a 15 metres floodplain setback from the natural boundary of Shadow Creek to enable the siting of a portion of an addition to the east side of the existing Fernie Brewing Company building.

1.2 Historic Downtown Patio Policy Amendment

Council authorized amendments to the Historic Downtown Patio Policy. Revisions include clarifying application process and deadlines, inclusion of an Allocation of Curb Space for construction of patios and a variety of patio styles.

1.3 Leisure Services Awards Program

Council approved a new Awards Program for the Fernie Memorial Arena to recognize citizens who have provided significant and substantial public service to our community: “Fernie Memorial Arena Hall of Fame.” Nomination deadline extended for 2017.

2. BYLAWS

2.1 Bylaw No. 2317 cited as Leisure Services User Regulation and Fees Bylaw was given first three readings. The bylaw was developed with extensive public engagement and input by community organizations.

3. OTHER INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

3.1 Jemi Fibre Corp. provided an update on operations in Fernie area and committed to work with the city as much as possible to mitigate visual impacts from area logging. Jemi Fibre’s tree planting program is on track to reach an average of 1.7M seedlings annually.

3.2 Northwest Hydraulic Consulting provided an overview of the Elk River Floodplain Mapping study. The final report will provide recommendations for the City to develop an action plan to continue to mitigate flood hazards in our community.

3.3 ISL Engineering and Land Services provided an overview of several options for discussion of the 2017 Capital Works Program Preliminary Design project including 7th Street and 1st Avenue.

4. UPCOMING MEETINGS AND OTHER NEWS

4.1 Next Scheduled Council Meetings: Monday, March 27 & April 10

Committee of the Whole (COTW) at 10 a.m. and Regular Meeting of Council 7 p.m.

4.2 Winter Parking The City of Fernie would like to remind drivers of the importance of driving and parking safely in school zones. To help make our streets safer for our children, we ask drivers to please be courteous and park responsibly when dropping off or picking up children from school and follow these tips.

Alternate parking schedule will be enforced up to April 15. Please see the city’s Winter Parking Policy for details.

4.3 School Zone Safety The City of Fernie would like to remind drivers of the importance of driving and parking safely in school

zones. To help make our streets safer for our children, we ask drivers to please be courteous and park responsibly when dropping off or picking up children from school.

4.4 Treated Effluent  The City wishes to advise area residents that in order to dispose of excessive amounts of water in the sanitary sewer collection system, due to rain and melting conditions it is necessary to temporarily discharge treated effluent to the Elk River. The discharge is currently taking place and will continue until March 31, in accordance with the Ministry of Environment operating permit.

For further information please contact City Hall at 250-423-6817 or visit the website for more info.

4.5 Spring Break  Leisure Services spring break schedule for the Fernie Memorial Arena and Aquatic Centre are available on line. We have activities to keep everyone busy over spring break.

4.6 Spring Registration Fair is April 5 and 6 at the Fernie Community Centre located at 901 6th Ave & Hwy #3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. If you would like to register for a FREE table, please contact Sharon Switzer at [email protected] or 250-423- 2245.

4.7 Canada Day Celebrations If you are interested in joining our Canada Day Committee for the celebration of our 150th year please contact Sharon Switzer at [email protected] or 250-423-2245.

City of Fernie

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