The City of Rossland held its council meeting on Nov. 4, and helped out the Save Record Ridge Action Committee.
The action committee is holding an information and sponsorship event at the Rossland Miners' Hall on Thursday, November 7.
The group requested that council donate a total of $1,550 to cover rental costs, audio visual equipment and some food/refreshments in support of the event.
"We decided to host this event, largely because there has been so little engagement from the proponent (WHY Resources) or EMLI (Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation) on the process with our community," said organizer Melanie Mercier in a letter to council.
"We feel there is a huge gap in communication of information regarding the project and therefore a lack of knowledge among the general public about what's happening and how likely this mine really is to go ahead.
"This is a gap that we would like to help address, so our community knows at least as much as we know."
Council supported the committee by waiving the $750 +tax rental fee of the Miners' Hall. The meeting goes from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Delegation: President Frank Conradie led a delegation from the Rossland Curling Society and presented an overview of last year's record-breaking season and an outline of their plans for the upcoming 2024/2025 winter season.
The 2024 curling rink numbers have seen a 34 per cent increase in revenue of almost $45,000 over 2023, and, excluding grants, more than $77,000.
Attendance for the various leagues has improved, including doubles curling on Wednesdays, which has gone from 8 to 16 teams, as has the number of events, and drop-in curling, which has seen an almost 200 per cent increase, from 233 curlers to 686.
The Society also received funding from several groups, and completed many projects and improvements thanks to their generosity.
For more info see the report on the Nov. 4 agenda at Rossland.ca.
Staff reports and updates: BC Ministry of Transportation Active Transportation Grant will assist in Rossland's Centennial Trail Improvements.
Council approved applying for the Infrastructure Grant to improve two sections of the Centennial Trail. If the grant application is successful, the North Section plan includes separating the trail from the road and improving the crossing at Old Red Mountain Road.
The South Section will involve paving from the reservoir's north end to the water treatment plant tunnel, separating the trail from the road, and reducing the hill grade. Stay tuned for grant award updates.
2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan - Staff presented council with its initial overview of the plan, and will continue to refine budget estimates for major projects for 2025-2029 based on information flowing in from the City's Utilities Master Plan, Climate Action Plan and other reports expected to be finalized in early 2025. The budget for the 5-year plan from 2025-29 is currently just over $40,000,000.
For 2025, planned expenses include the acquisition of a Sterling Dump Truck with Sander ($251K) and an Industrial Snowblower ($295K).
Allocation of $500,000 for the recreation master plan and preparing for co-hosting the BC Winter Games in 2026.
Detailed engineering design and planning for retaining wall replacements at McLeod Avenue, Queen Street and First Avenue, to be carried out in 2026-2027 at a cost of approximately $990K in 2025.
Planning and design for major water and sewer improvements at Louie Joe, Saint Paul (Columbia-Vic) and near Centennial Ballfield ($486K total in 2025).
Review of Public Works Yard, with possible future upgrades to ensure appropriate levels of service are provided for.
For Information Only - Council was given a primer on Development Finance Tools such as Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs). Staff provided Council with an overview of available non-taxation funding alternatives that may be leveraged to support current and future infrastructure demands on the City.
DCCs are fees levied on developers to cover the costs of new infrastructure required due to development, such as roads, water, sewer, and drainage systems. ACCs are similar in function but are geared toward funding community amenities, including parks, recreational facilities, and affordable housing.
Both mechanisms are tools available to local governments under the Local Government Act in British Columbia to help manage growth-related infrastructure costs. Council directed Staff to continue to explore any available non-taxation funding alternatives when presenting requests for decisions.
