DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF SPECIAL MEETING

DECEMBER 16, 2017 7:30 am

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1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

1.1 December 16, 2017 Special Meeting Agenda

 Recommendation that the December 16, 2017 Special Meeting Agenda be adopted.

2. NEW BUSINESS

2.1 Vanderhoof Airport

 

Recommendation That Council approve the re-allocation of $5,575.00 from the 2017 Vanderhoof Airport Crack Sealing budget to cover the cost of the geotechnical investigation in preparation for expanding the existing airport apron and applying for the BC Air Access Program funding.  

2.2 Stuart Lake Hospital 

 Recommendation  That the District of Vanderhoof authorize the draft letter of support for the Stuart Lake Hospital replacement.

2.3 YELL Program and SD91 ICUBED Summit 

 Recommendation That the District of Vanderhoof support the Young Entrepreneut Leadership Launchpad (YELL) and the School District 91 ICUBED Summit Program.

3. ADJOURNMENT

3.1 Adjournment to In Camera Meeting 

 

Recommendation That Council hold an In Camera Meeting following the adjournment of the December 16, 2017 Special Meeting under Community Charter section 90(1)(c) so Council may discuss matters relating to labour relations and other employee relations.

3.2 Adjournment of the December 16, 2017 Special Meeting

 Recommendation  That the December 16, 2017 Special Meeting be adjourned. 

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District of Vanderhoof Discussion Paper

Mayor and Council

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Prepared by: Special Projects Coordinator Subject: Vanderhoof Airport – Apron Expansion Meeting Date: December 16, 2017

RECOMMENDATIONS

That Council approve a Geotechnical investigation of the grounds surrounding the existing apron at the Vanderhoof Airport, in preparation for expanding the existing airport apron by 50ft, and that the Airport crack sealing budget not utilized in 2017 be re-allocated to fund this request.

SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE

British Columbia Air Access Program (BCAAP) provides funding to municipal airports for infrastructure improvements. This funding program opens mid-December and is expected to close on February 9th. District of Vanderhoof staff will be preparing a funding application to BCAAP for the apron expansion. In preparation for the application, a geotechnical investigation is required in order to determine the structural stability prior to obtaining paving quotes.

BACKGROUND

The Vanderhoof Airport Development Society, the local Flight School, the Flying Club and the 2018 Airshow Committee have all requested an expansion of 50 feet to the existing airport apron. Jack Wilms, an aviation engineer from Tetra Tech, visited the Vanderhoof Airport at the end of November to complete an airport assessment. During this assessment, Mr. Wilms recommended a 50 foot expansion to the apron. He also recommended completing a geotechnical investigation for ground stability surrounding the apron. Mr. Wilms’ full report will be available at the end of December.

DISCUSSION

BCAAP funding requires a shovel ready project in order to consider allocating funds. In order to determine the paving requirements with regards to structural fill and thickness of asphalt, the District of Vanderhoof must first determine the conditions of the soil surrounding the existing apron. The expansion design is to increase the apron 50 feet to the south. There is a possibility that structural fill has already been placed in this area and therefore would only require asphalt. However, the properties to the north of the apron removed 4 feet of native soil, due to the structural instability, before constructing hangers. A geotechnical report would determine the structural stability prior to obtaining paving quotes. These quotes would be part of the BCAAP funding application and any other grant opportunities. Due to the tight timeline of the BCAAP funding application, it would be best to have the geotechnical investigation complete before the district breaks for the holidays.

FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATIONS

The GeoNorth Engineering investigation work is quoted at $ 5,575.00. Funding is available from the 2017 operating budget, as the Vanderhoof Airport crack sealing budget has not been utilized to date and is therefore available to fund the geotechnical investigation professional fees.

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ATTACHMENTS

GeoNorth Engineering Ltd. Quote

__________________________ __________________ Prepared By: Approved by: Zoë Dhillon Lori Egli

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District of Vanderhoof Incorporated 1926 Geographical Centre of BC

160 Connaught Street, PO Box 900, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 – Phone (250)567-4711 – Fax (250)567-9169 www.vanderhoof.ca mayor@district.vanderhoof.ca

December 16, 2017 The Honourable Adrian Dix Minister of Health Room 337 Parliament Buildings Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4 Dear Minister Dix, Re: Replacement of Stuart Nechako Hospital The Stuart Lake Hospital is a critical hub for Fort St James residents and surrounding First Nations communities. This facility is 45 years old, originally assembled with camp trailers, and was meant to serve as a temporary acute care facility. This building is in dire need of replacement, we have been told that this facility replacement is top priority for the Northern Health Authority and the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District. Due to its deteriorating condition, this hospital is not able to provide an acceptable standard of care for patients. Space limitations have detrimental impacts on functionality and service levels, the public corridors are being used for patient waiting rooms and storage which compromises confidentiality and security. The Stuart-Nechako Hospital District is primarily comprised of a residential tax base which limits the ability to offset the replacement cost with tax increases. The condition of the Stuart Lake Hospital impacts the Vanderhoof community, as it results in an influx of patients to our local hospital. The District of Vanderhoof is fully supportive of the immediate replacement of the Stuart Lake Hospital and requests that you prioritize this project within the Ministry of Health. Thank you for your time, should you wish to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Regards, DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF Gerry Thiessen Mayor cc: Jerry Petersen, Chair, Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District John Rustad, MLA, Nechako Lakes

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District of Vanderhoof Incorporated 1926 Geographical Centre of BC

160 Connaught Street, PO Box 900, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Office: (250) 567-4711 www.vanderhoof.ca

BC Rural Dividend Program

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: Northern Youth Entrepreneurship Community Development Partnership – YELL & SD91 Program

The District of Vanderhoof supports of the implementation of Northern Youth Entrepreneurship Community Development Partnership – YELL & SD91 Program.

Investing in the resiliency and creative potential of our youth is imperative to strengthen and diversify our economy. Traditionally, young people leave our community to pursue post-secondary education and careers elsewhere. Programs that connect youth and mentors to build a rich support network are essential to retaining talented youth and driving innovation and economic growth in our community. YELL Canada’s programs have been extremely successful towards increasing youth resiliency and job readiness.

School District 91 successfully launched the 2017 ICUBED Tech and Entrepreneurship Summit with over 160 individuals in attendance. This summit provided a platform for the youth to learn and be part of the Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. Initiatives that connect youth to leading and innovative local employers, are vital to inspire youth to pursue diverse careers that enhance economic opportunities.

We look forward to the opportunity to support the launch of this program within Vanderhoof. Thank you for your time, please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss further.

Regards, DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF

Gerry Thiessen Mayor

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YELL Program and SD91 ICUBED Summit 

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