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District of Port Hardy

2008 Annual Report

Standing: Councillors Stan McLennan, Al Huddlestan, Larry Woodall, Eric Ralph Seated: Councillor Nikki Shaw, Mayor Bev Parnham, Councillor Helen Steed

DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

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District of port hardy 2008 Annual Report FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 The District of Port Hardy 2008 Annual Report has been prepared by the Financial Services Department with contributions from other Municipal Departments and related organizations. mail District of Port Hardy

7360 Columbia Street PO Box 68 Port Hardy, BC Canada V0N2P0

phone 250-949-6665 fax 250-949-7433 email [email protected]


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Table of contents

Message from the Mayor ....................................... 4 ABOUT US....................................................................... 5 Port Hardy overview 2008 ..................................... 6 District emblems ...................................................... 7 OUR VISION ................................................................... 8 OUR VALUES .................................................................. 9 2008 COUNCIL GOALS & outcomes .......................... 10 2009 council goals .................................................. 11 COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES ............................................................. 12

REPORTS

ADMINISTRATIVE CHART ............................................ 13 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER .............................. 14 CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION ................................. 15 Recreational services ............................................ 16 PORT HARDY TWINNING SOCIETY ............................. 20 PORT HARDY FIRE DEPARTMENT ................................ 21 PORT HARDY COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM ................... 22 WATER & WASTEWATER SERVICES (EPCOR) ................ 23 FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION .................................... 26


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A Message from the Mayor

On behalf of Council, I am pleased to present the 2008 District of Port Hardy Annual Report. The annual report contains our financial statement, lists permissive exemptions provided by council, lists our services and operations and reports on our performance with respect to District objectives.

In 2008, Council made maintaining a positive financial picture during the global economic downturn a top priority, ensuring outstanding services and operations for our tax payers while keeping tax requisitions affordable.

Some of our very specific goals were realized or are in the works - from upgrading existing commuter trails, continuing the Seine Float improvement project, supporting a Regional tourism strategy, implementing our new brand, developing a comprehensive community signage program, supporting the continued development of both wild and aquaculture fisheries, and continuing to develop positive working relationships with our First Nations neighbours. The new council elected in November 2008 has been working hard in the early stages of its mandate to develop a meaningful, practical five year strategic plan and accompanying business plan. We have developed goals and action plans that will provide a framework for a sustainable, viable and very liveable community. Council is an enthusiastic group committed to working as a team and moving Port Hardy forward, knowing that we live in one of the best places on earth - with many untapped opportunities for smart growth and development.

Bev Parnham, Mayor


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ABOUT US

The District of Port Hardy, incorporated in May 1966, is a key community on Northern Vancouver Island. We are the largest of six communities in the Regional District of Mt. Waddington and we have a current population of approximately 3,822 with a land base of 4,731 hectares. Port Hardy’s First Nations neighbours include the Quatsino, Kwakiutl, and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Bands.

In 1849 the Hudson Bay Company brought in the first European settlers and built Fort Rupert on the shores of Beaver Harbour. Other settlers came to the Port Hardy area at the turn of the century when Alec and Sarah Lyon operated a store and post office on the east side of Hardy Bay in 1904, not far from the existing settlement at Fort Rupert. A 1912 land deal promoted by the Hardy Bay Land Co. put the area on the map and increased its population. By 1914, twelve families had settled, built a school, sawmill, church and hotel.

The community has three historic industries - fishing, logging and mining - hence the name for our annual local festival Filomi Days. The future holds promise of more economic benefits from resources, particularly oil and gas, pending decisions by the federal and provincial governments with regard to off-shore exploration and development. Wild fish stocks have been quite low but there is a growing aquaculture industry in the Port Hardy area. There is good seafood processing capabilities for both wild and farmed fish. Port Hardy has a work force trained in forestry and large, medium and smaller forestry companies are maintaining local offices. With a spectacular natural setting, an active tourism industry, both conventional and eco-based offers opportunities for further economic growth.

(Photo courtesy Yana Hrdy)

The District has significant infrastructure that was put in place to support the growing population during the 1970’s. Among the community’s amenities are: an indoor heated pool, skating arena, curling rink, high school, 3 elementary schools, an ambulance service, volunteer fire department, hospital and seniors housing. The District is connected by land to the Vancouver Island communities to the south by Highway 19 and to the rest of the province by air with a federally run airport, municipally operated seaplane base and by water with a municipal pier, government wharf and BC Ferry terminal. A deep sea dock is located outside the town core at the former BHP Island Copper mine site at Rupert Arm. The current businesses and infrastructure offer the ability to support growth in population as well as new business and tourism.


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PORT HARDY OVERVIEW 2008

INTRODUCTION: The District Municipality of Port Hardy is located on the north-east tip of Vancouver Island, 500 km. north of Victoria. Port Hardy is an active community which serves as the regional center of Northern Vancouver Island and the Mid-Coast area. The climate of Port Hardy is moderate with an average yearly temperature of a maximum of 11.7oC and 4.9oC minimum. MUNICIPAL POPULATION: 2006 Census 3,822 2001 Census 4,574

13,000 + AREA: 4,731 hectares (40.88 sq km)

HOUSING UNITS 1,805 - Single Residential 12 - Senior housing units 57 - Other units including apartment buildings PER CAPITA INCOME: $27,346 ADMINISTRATION: Mayor and 6 Councillors, Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Financial Services MAJOR INDUSTRIES: Fishing - Forestry - Tourism Sawmills Service Industry - Aquaculture - Seafood Processing

ACCOMMODATION: Bed and Breakfast - 20+ R.V. Parks &Campsites - 5 (216 sites) Hotels - 8 (390 rooms) EDUCATION: Public: 3 elementary, 1 Secondary School District #85 Vancouver Island North www.sd85.bc.ca Private: Avalon Adventist Junior Academy www.avalonschool.netfirms.com Post Secondary: North Island College www.nic.bc.ca POLICE: R.C.M.P. Detachment - Staff Sgt and 11 members FIRE: 2 Fire Halls, Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, 30 volunteers AMBULANCE: BC Ambulance Service, 3 ambulances, Unit Chief, 14 paramedics HOSPITAL: Acute & Multi-Level Care beds, 4 doctors, 2 dentists, heliport WATER SYSTEM: Water treatment plant (Dissolved Air Flotation System) with capacity to serve 8,500 ELECTRICITY: B.C. Hydro and Power Authority SEWAGE: Secondary Wastewater Treatment: 417,000 gal/day STREETS AND ROADS: Asphalt 40.9 km Unpaved 3.0 km PARKS AND PICNIC AREAS: 10 Parks, 5 Ball Fields

RECREATION: Harbour Trail and Walkway - Quatse River Hatchery - Chain Saw Carvings - Museum & Library - Totem Poles - Native Carvers (Copper Maker Gallery) - Scuba Diving - Fishing - Eagle Watching - Harbour Tours - Port Hardy Rec. Centre - Bowling (N.I. Lanes) - Cape Scott, San Josef, Raft Cove Provincial Parks - Caving (Little Huston, Devils Bath) - Bird Watching (Quatse River Estuary) - Stream and Lake Fishing - Steelhead Fishing - Horseshoes - Whale Watching (Telegraph Cove) - Skiing (Mt. Cain) - Kayaking - Forestry Tours - Art & Gift Galleries - Hiking - Walk the Docks - Beach Walks - Mountain Biking RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: 13,000 Sq.ft. Civic Center - 25 Meter Indoor Swimming Pool - Ice Skating Arena with Dry Floor Time in the off season - 4-sheet Curling Club - Outdoor Tennis Court - Dirt Track Motor Speedway - Bowling Alley - Fitness Studios - Dance Studio - Racquet Courts/Gymnastics - 5 Ballfields - Playgrounds - Seniors Facility w/ Recreational, Arts and Crafts Programs - 9-hole Pro Golf Course 20 Minutes Away - Ski Resort Within 1¾ Hours Driving Time GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Federal - 4 Provincial - 12 DISTANCE FROM PORT HARDY TO: Port McNeill 46 km - 28 miles (½ hr ) Port Alice 48 km - 30 miles (¾ hr ) Campbell River 235 km - 148 miles (2½ hrs) Nanaimo 400 km - 243 miles (5 hrs) Victoria 500 km - 313 miles (7 hrs) HIGHWAY: No. 19 - South to Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria AIRPORT: 3 paved runways, (longest 5,000m), an all weather ILS system, a flight service station and fuel facilities, weather office. AIR: Pacific Coastal Airlines, Eagle Air Services Inc., Vancouver Island Helicopters, Port Hardy Seaplane Base BC FERRY- Year round service to Prince Rupert - Bella Bella - Bella Coola - Shearwater www.bcferries.com NEWSPAPER: North Island Gazette - weekly www.northislandgazette.com RADIO: The Port - 1240 AM CBC Radio - 95.5 FM INTERNET: Telus, Cablerocket TELEVISION: Keta Cable – Satellite service

VISITOR INFORMATION

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER Box 249, Port Hardy B.C. CANADA V0N 2P0

tel: 250-949-7622 fax: 250-949-6653 email: [email protected] www.ph-chamber.bc.ca


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THE DISTRICT’S EMBLEMS

District Of Port Hardy Crest

The crest or coat of arms is the official insignia of the District of Port Hardy and represents our roots in the land and sea, fishing, logging and mining as well as our close relationship with First Nations people. In the early 1970’s Councillor Wilson Jones felt Port Hardy needed an official crest and contacted his sister Laureen Jones of Vancouver to see if she could design one suitable for the District. Research was done on heraldry, coats of arms and the history of Port Hardy and the chevron was designed from that research.

Arms - Argent, on a chevron sable, between a seme of trees vert in chief and a salmon naiant of the first on azure, a pick axe and shovel crossed. Crest - Kwakiutl thunderbird displayed Supports - Dexter (right of shield) a Canadian deer proper Sinister (left of shield) a lion proper Motto - Per Mare, Per Terras (by land, by sea) District OF PORT HARDY LOGO

The harbour community of Port Hardy is located on Northern Vancouver Island and is nestled amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia. A fascinating history, spirited First Nations culture, unspoiled beaches, the North Coast trail and an amazing variety of marine, mammal and bird wildlife make it a “must see” for those who want to experience nature at it’s very best. Officially adopted in 2008, the brand and slogan was the culmination of two years of work done by a group of local citizens working closely with Council and staff.

Bear - The bear represents our vast array of North Island wildlife and was chosen for the brand as black bear sightings are frequent. Water - The wave represents our vibrant harbour, incredible beaches and rich marine history. Salmon - The salmon represents the coastal fishery, one of the economic mainstays of our community. The culture of our First Nations neighbours is celebrated by the shape, head and decoration of the salmon. Trees - The tree honours our forest industry and the many fascinating trails coursing through our forests and parks. Slogan - The slogan “Live the Adventure” is an invitation to one and all to visit our community and explore the beauty and culture of our magnificent North Island.


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OUR VISION

Port Hardy is a town with a colorful history and an exciting future. Our vision is a timeless picture of the town we want to be, now and in the future. We see a town that will have sustainable economic opportunities to support a high quality of life. Our environment, along with natural and man-made amenities, has and will continue to provide a place that people choose to live, raise families, work and grow old.

Our economy will be based on improving opportunities as an exciting tourist destination, utilizing our forest and fish resources, a vibrant aquaculture sector, a variety of value added industries and effective business services. We will optimize the benefits we have from our strategic location as a service centre for North Island communities and also connecting the North Coast of British Columbia and the Central Coast of Vancouver Island.

(Photo courtesy Shane Field)

We aspire to a Port Hardy that is supportive of all parts of our community; a town that is safe, livable, affordable and attractive to all ages.

Port Hardy — A SAFE AND SERENE COMMUNITY OFFERING UNIQUE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL EXPERIENCES SUPPORTED BY DIVERSE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES; THE SERVICE CENTRE FOR NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE CENTRAL COAST AND A YEAR ROUND TOURIST DESTINATION.


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our VALUES

The following statements are key area commitments for the way the District of Port Hardy will do business and what we esteem.

MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS - THE DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY WILL: • Be fiscally responsible and accountable in balancing expenditures and income while

maintaining a reserve fund for both emergencies and opportunities.

• Strive to provide the highest value of public services within our available funds.

• Be creative in stimulating and supporting an economically healthy community.

PROVISION OF SERVICES - THE DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY WILL: • Provide support for local businesses, citizens, service clubs and other community

groups.

• Ensure that required information is available for all (residents, businesses, neighbouring communities and visitors).

• Ensure accountability measures are in place backed up by review processes.

• Be responsive to public input and concerns and provide appropriate venues and opportunities to receive such communication.

• Show compassion and understanding to those affected by changes by considering all aspects - financial, social, environmental and technical when making significant changes that will affect the community.

• Demonstrate a high degree of consideration, support, communication, trust and respect in our relationship with our neighbouring communities.

SUPPORTING A QUALITY OF LIFE - THE DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY WILL:

• Work in the public interest for health, safety and quality of life for all residents.

• Promote community pride through encouraging all residents and businesses to keep a clean and tidy town.

• Support public events and social activities that promote contact and communication between citizens.

• Maintaining and improving public, cultural and recreational facilities.

(Photo courtesy Rob Driemel)


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2008 council goals and objectives

GOAL OUTCOME

Transportation

• Upgrade existing commuter trails through Local Motion and other grant opportunities.

• Grants applied for.

• Continue to refine the Seine Float and Granville Street projects.

• Seine Float Project underway. Granville Street shelf ready.

• Explore opportunities to improve and expand broadband services in the community.

• Ongoing.

Tourism

• Support the implementation of the Regional Tourism Program as outlined by Tourism Vancouver Island.

• Implemented.

• Implement a new brand for the community. • Implemented.

• Develop and implement a community signage program.

• Developed and underway.

• Develop a new trail brochure for the Port Hardy Area

• Under development.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Continue to support the development of the biomass project.

• Final report due June 2009.

• Continue to develop our relationship with First Nations.

• Ongoing.

• Support the Tri-Port Timber-Community Forest • Potential sites identified study underway. • Support the further development of sustainable

wild and aquaculture fisheries. • Ongoing.

• Explore options for a downtown revitalization strategy.

• Stink Creek & Commuter Trail proposal grant submission.

Community, Social, Health & Education

• Investigate further enhancement opportunities for the skate board park.

• Submitted under recreation facilities upgrade grant.

• Consider options for future potential uses of the Beaver Harbour Park area.

• Ongoing.

• Encourage and support post-secondary education opportunities.

• Ongoing.


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2009 COUNCIL GOALS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Complete community signage program.

• Develop a functioning working relationship with local (3) First Nations.

• Encourage Tourism Port Hardy membership to stakeholders.

• Provide leadership in creating alternative green energy projects.

• Proceed with the development of the Tri-Port Community Forest License.

• Investigate the feasibility of community watershed / land use / forestry program.

• Support the further development of sustainable wild, commercial, recreational and aquaculture fisheries along with local management and research.

• Investigate the pros and cons of a development corporation.

• Support the further development of fish freezer and processing capacity.

• Support and lobby for the Knob Hill Wind Farm project.

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

• Completion of Seine Floats and Upgrade project.

• Broadband throughout the community; identify deficiencies and gaps.

• Airport meetings and opportunities.

• Sidewalk deficiencies and cycling.

• Explore opportunities for deep sea port.

• Prepare options for Seaplane Base.

• Discuss long term highway plans with Ministry of Highways.

COMMUNITY, SOCIAL, HEALTH & EDUCATION

• Support initiatives for a healthy community i.e. Abbeyfield House, extended care.

• Building bridges with post-secondary education institutions i.e. University of British Columbia and Vancouver Island University.

• Work with Port Hardy Museum to develop a future vision.

• Work with appropriate agencies to develop an action plan to address the drug and alcohol • problems on our streets and throughout the community.

• Develop an effective animal control program in the community.


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COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES

JOINT ADVISORY PLANNING / HARBOUR COMMISSION The purpose of the Joint Advisory Planning/Harbour Commission is to advise Council on all matters respecting land use, community planning and harbour use/development. Commission members - Ken Knopp, Chairman Members: Randy Ball, Gordon Patterson, Ernie Knopp, Jack Masterman, Karin Moeller, David Lang

JOINT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION The purpose of the Joints Parks and Recreation Commission is to advise Council on matters respecting parks, recreation and recreation development.

Commission Members - Donna Gault, Chairman Members Brad Sedola, Shari Ogren, Judy Macrae, Rob Tucker, Wolfgang Luebke, Jerry Davidson

BOARD OF VARIANCE A local government that has adopted a zoning bylaw must establish a board of variance. The purpose of the board is to review allegations that a District land use bylaw would cause hardship and to provide a variance to the applicant where they find that a hardship does exist. Commission Members Brian Welchman, IV Villani and George Walsh

COMMITTEE TO APPROVE PUBLIC EVENTS (C.A.P.E.) The purpose of C.A.P.E. is to give those affected by beer gardens an interest in the approval process and to ensure that approval is given to community oriented events and to deny beer garden licences to those who have abused the privilege. Committee members Councillor Stan McLennan – District of Port Hardy, Wayne Ellis - Port Hardy RCMP, Russell Boucher and Theresa Roe - Liquor Control Board, Helen Seitz - citizen

(Photo courtesy Shannon Dayley)


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The day to day operations of the District of Port Hardy are administered by the Chief Administrative Officer, Rick Davidge, who also acts as liaison to the RCMP and EPCOR. There are two senior department heads, Deb Clipperton of Financial Services and Gloria Le Gal of Corporate Services. There are 30-35 full and part time employees as well as the volunteer positions of Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and PEP Coordinator. The District also has a number of contract positions for Animal Control, Wharf Manager and Operational Services.

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DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART


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Administration

RICK DAVIDGE, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Our staff is committed to realizing the goals and objectives as defined by Council on an ongoing basis. The following community driven priorities were accomplished in 2008. • Seine Float Project funding secured. Phase I Float Construction underway. • Road rehabilitation and improvement funding secured. Three major road upgrades are

planned. • Implementation of the regional tourism program. • Community branding implemented. • Biomass Feasibility Study, Phase II underway • Water Treatment Plant backup generator installed and operational. • Tsulquate Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade completed and operational. • New subdivision completed and approved. • Worked collaboratively with the Mount Waddington Regional District to develop the North

Island Transit System. • Community forest discussions underway with the Ministry of Forests. • Major lift station upgrade funded and underway. Our 2008 Annual Report provides departmental reviews of the District’s activities throughout the year. We are fortunate to have a dedicated and skilled group of people to provide a range of services. I would like to thank each staff member and volunteer for their dedicated and enthusiastic efforts to make our community a better place.


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CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION GLORIA LEGAL, CMC - DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES

The Corporate Administration department brings together several service areas: corporate office, information services, building inspection, animal control, planning and bylaw enforcement. The Department serves as the official secretariat to Council and its committees and provides the legislative, statutory and procedural information to support their decision making process. The Director is responsible for conducting elections, administering the information and privacy program, drafting bylaws and contracts, risk management and acquisition of rights-of-ways and property for parks and other municipal initiatives.

ADMINISTRATION • Coordination of 2008 local government and school trustee election including bylaw

amendments, packages for candidates, advertising, brochures, staff training and election completion.

• Reviewed and set corporate policy for records retention and destruction, including training relevant staff and preparing supporting bylaw to be adopted by Council.

• Coordinated installation of new telephone system throughout District buildings. • Completion of asset list of District properties and coordination of map detailing use of the

properties. • Negotiations with Public Works Canada on renewal of Coast Guard lease. BYLAWS • Amended Unsightly Premises Bylaw and Garbage Regulations Bylaw including Conservation

Office approval to add Conservation Officers as Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

• Coordinated review of and amendment to Council Remuneration Bylaw. • Coordinated with RCMP in ticketing noise infractions. DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES • Council approval of the Rural Residential Zone. • Recommendation to Council and their adoption of the Site Profile Program. • General Council approval of three strata conversions of previously occupied buildings.

Continued oversight by Municipal Inspector and Director to complete the strata process. • Policy developed for public building inspection and beginning of inspection process. • Council order for remedial work on apartment building under Community Charter. • Initiated review of sign regulations.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS • Successful application for UBCM Emergency Planning grant to

complete a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis and coordinating with consultant to complete the analysis.

(Photo courtesy of Gary Rolfe)

DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY 2008 annual report

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Recreational services AQUATIC CENTER

MELINDA DENNISON - AQUATIC SUPERVISOR Yet another year has come and gone and it has been a great year at the Aquatic Center. While there have been staff changes we have maintained throughout the year many scheduled swims and programs, including school swimming lessons, length swims, family swims, public swims, Aquafit classes, after school lessons, Saturday morning lessons, pool rentals, and advanced aquatic courses. At the present time, the swimming pool employs eleven casual people. All individuals hold their life guarding and water safety instructor certifications and two hold lifesaving instructor certification. As well we employ one person who is solely an Aquafit instructor and three cashiers. EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS In October 2008 the Aquatic Supervisor completed the Water Safety Instructor Trainer Course over two weekends in Duncan, BC. There is now qualified staff to teach local youth and adults to become swimming instructors.


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Recreational services

DON CRUICKSHANK MEMORIAL ARENA

GORD WOLDEN — ARENA SUPERVISOR

During 2008 the Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena hosted five Minor Hockey Tournaments and the ‘C-Force Wild Women’s Hockey Tournament’. Patrons and user groups rented the Arena for 1,216 hours while skates and events put on by the recreation department attracted 2,800 skaters, both steady numbers in comparison to last year. We held a very successful “Olympic fun day Skate” and hosted ten free locally sponsored Holiday skates this year. 2009 should see similar ice use.

Arena staff were busy in the off season dealing with maintenance issues and helping to create successful Canada Day Celebrations, Filomi Days Celebrations and the ‘Filomi Days Dance’. The four Totem Poles commissioned by the District were erected in the main lobby area in February and a Trophy case, built from funds raised by Minor Hockey, was added in October. These additions have given a distinctive look to the entrances of the Recreation and Civic Centres.


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2008 EVENTS

• Jan 25th to 27th Minor Hockey Bantam tournament

• February1st to 3rd Minor Hockey Midget tournament

• February 8th to 10th Minor Hockey Peewee tournament.

• February 23rd and 24th Coast Radio Celebrity Hockey games (North Pole Initiative)

• March 8th and 9th Minor Hockey Novice tournament

• March 15th to 18th Men’s Recreation League Playoffs

• March 19th Ice out • April 8th to June 24th we re-

introduced drop in floor / rollers hockey

• July 1st Canada Day

• July 18th & 19th N.I Eagles Filomi Days Dance

• September 6th Early Ice in • October 2nd Start of Learn to

Skate Program. • October 4th C.A.H.A. / Minor

Hockey Skills Day • November 15th Minor Hockey /

Chevy Fun Jamboree • November 21st to 23rd C-Force

Wild Hockey Tournament • November 23rd Olympic Fun

Day Skate • November 28th to 30th Minor

Hockey Atom Tournament • December 20th Christmas

schedule started

CAPITAL PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE Arena

• General plumbing and facility repair and maintenance. • Repair to dasher boards behind the goals revealed a deterioration of the foundation

boards. This issue was not dealt with due to the extent of labour to repair this along with replacement being in future plans. Extra bracing was added to two corners of the boards.

• Failure of the gear box, a starter and the fly wheel caused a couple periods of down time for our Olympia. Staff was able to borrow the Zamboni from the Village of Port Alice to allow us to operate for a week while ours was being repaired.

Pool

• Repair and service to the air handling unit for the pool deck. • Repair the counter in the men’s dressing room. • Installed laundry facilities (for in-house use) at the pool • Failure of the GFI breaker for the hot tub heater required replacement and closed the hot

tub for three weeks. Other

• Sanded and painted exit doors and fire escapes around the Recreation Centre.


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Accomplishments in 2008 Skating Program The arena ran one set of the ‘learn to skate’ program in 2008. There was a good level of registration and the structure and dynamics of the program will be developed to make it a more successful program in the future. Procedure and Maintenance Manual This was a goal for the arena that made excellent progress in 2008. There now is a working manual that is useful for staff training and as a reference tool. Updating and maintaining the manual will be an ongoing project for the arena staff. Educational accomplishments Monthly training / safety meetings increased the knowledge and efficiency of all employees throughout the year. All staff members now have at least their 5th class refrigeration certification as required by their position. Further qualifications as Pool Operators are planned for the future. Ongoing participation in the leisure development course have provided valuable tools for working with staff and the public as well as excellent networking opportunities for the arena lead hand. Doing the Right Things Right Program The program is designed to reward youth for good behaviour and practices as opposed to discipline for bad. Youth demonstrating good or notable behaviour can get ‘ticketed’ for their actions –the ticket being a free pass for a Pool / Arena event. This project has been underway since October with 100 tickets given to the RCMP to hand out and an additional 100 tickets were purchased by youth probation. An assessment of the program will be done next year.


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PORT HARDY TWINNING SOCIETY

Port Hardy, British Columbia Canada Numata-cho, Hokkaido Japan

VISION STATEMENT - To strive for the advancement of friendship between our community and Numata through the promotion of exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, education, and sports... in full and free cooperation with our sister city.

In 2001 the Port Hardy Twinning Society was formed from volunteers on the District of Port Hardy Council Twinning Committee. The twinning relationship between the District of Port Hardy and Numata has grown stronger each year and in 2008 we celebrated the 14th anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Agreement. Numata Visits to Port Hardy There are bi-annual trips to Port Hardy of between 10-15 students and adults from Numata. Our guests stay in private residences (homestays) and learn first hand about Canadian, North Island and Port Hardy lifestyles. Great friendships have been made and knowledge about Japanese, Canadian and First Nations lifestyle and culture exchanged during the visits. From 1993 to 2008 there have been 125 adult and student visitors from Numata to Port Hardy with ages ranging from 13 to 70 years old. Numata Delegation - 2008 In July a delegation of 10 came from Numata to experience summer and Filomi Days in Port Hardy. Delegation members included a town representative as the delegation leader, an adult chaperon and 6 junior high and high school students. The delegation were ‘homestayed’ with the Twinning Society members and during their visit enjoyed a wide variety of activities: kayaking, a Native canoe ride, participating in the Filomi Days parade and boat building contest, horseback riding, golf, fishing, campfires at Storey’s Beach, dinners, receptions and a great day at San Jose Bay. Port Hardy Visits to Numata There are now bi-annual visits from Port Hardy to Numata and those students and adults who have gone there have had the experiences of a lifetime. They too have stayed in private homes; have toured areas of Hokkaido, visited all grades of schools, factories, farms, and taken

part in Japanese cultural traditions such as tea ceremonies and ikebana. From 1993 to 2008 Port Hardy has sent 58 visitors, 21high school students and 37 adults, with ages ranging from 13 to 62. Plans are underway for a group from Port Hardy to visit Numata in August of 2009. Hunt Hall at Numata’s Life Long Learning Center The pole, commissioned by Numata, was carved in Port Hardy by Calvin Hunt of the Coppermaker Gallery, shipped to Numata and completed there with help from the townspeople.

(Photo courtesy Leslie Driemel)

(Photo courtesy Leslie Driemel)


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PORT HARDY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Port Hardy Volunteer Fire Department was established in July of 1968 and as the town grew a second Fire Hall was added in 1976. The Department protects over 26 square kilometres and also responds to road rescue calls, travelling north to Holberg, south to the Port Alice turnoff (intersection of Hwy 30 /Hwy 19) and west to Mile Marker 15 on the Port Alice Highway (Hwy 30).

There are mutual aid agreements with Coal Harbour (Quatsino Reserve), Port McNeill, Coastal Fire District, Port Hardy Airport, Kwakiutl First Nation (Fort Rupert Reserve) and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation (Tsulquate Reserve). In 2008 the Department responded to 134 calls. The Department is manned wholly by volunteers and keeps a roster of 32 members which includes Fire Chief Barry Evans and Deputy Chief Schell Nickerson. Practice nights are Monday at 7:00 pm at either Fire Hall #1 (7440 Central Street) or Fire Hall #2 (4985 Beaver Harbour Road). At Fire Hall #1 there is a 1981 International Engine, a 1996 Freightliner Engine and a 2002 Freightliner Rescue. At Fire Hall #2 houses a 1979 Ford Mini-Rescue/Engine and 2004 Freightliner Engine. Anyone 19 and older that would like to help out their community can come out for a practice or call to see if this is for you. Contact: Fire Chief Barry Evans [email protected] cell 250-230-0331

Deputy Chief Schell Nickerson [email protected] cell 250-230-0705


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PORT HARDY COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM

The Communities in Bloom spirit is alive and well in the community of Port Hardy. Supported and partially funded by the District of Port Hardy the Port Hardy Communities in Bloom (PH CiB) committee held three projects during the year: Mothers Day Festival (May) Hanging Baskets (June) Garden Tour & Tea (July). The Committee also purchased $1,000 (400 lbs) of daffodil bulbs and $600 worth of other varieties of bulbs for the Port Hardy public garden areas. Anita Shurben, 2008 Chair PH CiB. May 2008 – Mothers Day Mothers Day Festival: Our Mother's Day Festival is the chief fundraiser for PH CiB. On the Saturday before Mother's Day Rotary Park, in the heart of Port Hardy, is filled with plants and soil for the residents to pot up and take home to beautify their gardens. Jason Dunlop, owner of

Home Hardware, generously donated a trailer full of sea soil to the project. This year the PH CiB committee added a spring flowers colouring contest for kindergarten to grade five students and gave them nasturtium seeds, our town flower. A pet parade was held and was fun for all who participated. The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary cooked hotdogs and hamburgers and even entered one of their very best trained (hot) dogs in the parade. The young adults of the M.S. Hockey

Tournament helped youngsters make Port Hardy Heads from sawdust, nylons, elastics and grass seed. Whether it rains or shines the Mother's Day Festival is always a great success. July 2008 – Eagle Ridge Manor

The staff of Eagle Ridge Manor long term care facility asked the PH CiB committee to help them freshen up the Manor’s gardens. The Port Hardy Rotary Club supplied funds for the project and the Red Hat Divas donated hanging baskets. PH CiB, along with friends and family members of the residents, supplied the manpower. Garden areas were extended, weeded, enriched the soil and new plants added. Fifteen hard working gardeners showed up and the project was completed in six hours. Staff from

the Manor provided hotdogs, goodies and lots of juice for lunch. A local gentleman made planters for the Manor in memory of his wife. Everyone enjoyed being part of this project as it brought much happiness to our pioneer residents of Port Hardy. It was great fun to plant their garden and PH CiB hopes it brings much pleasure to our pioneer residents. July 2008 Garden Tour Gardens on the North Island are varied in size, some are hectares large while others are postage stamp size and all are beautiful. Nine residents opened their gardens to the public on July 6 from 10am to 2pm and fifty residents toured the gardens. The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary convened the tea while Queen Mum and helpers from Red Hat Divas poured for the guests. The door prize was a lovely hanging basket grown and donated by a PH CiB member.


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PORT HARDY WATER SYSTEM

ANNUAL REPORT 2008

In 1999 the District of Port Hardy signed a long-term agreement with EPCOR to manage the water and wastewater system and to build a state-of-the art water treatment plant. The new plant started official operation in May 2000 and helped change Port Hardy’s reputation of poor water quality to one of the best in British Columbia. In 2008, the plant continued to produce a very high level of treatment providing excellent water quality to the District of Port Hardy, with no water quality violations. Operational Highlights The following summarizes incidents that occurred during the year that had an impact on plant quality or production rates. In February, March, April, May and June there were power outages due to inclement weather that caused disruptions to plant production. The May power failure to the water treatment plant caused a low reservoir level resulting in high turbidity and pH in the reservoir effluent. A distribution water sample from Thomas Point area taken on the 27th of May came back from the lab with a positive result of 1 total coliform count/100ml. A retest was performed on June 3rd and the results were acceptable. Throughout the course of 2008 there were times where, due to heavy rains and high river colour events, that the water treatment process was disturbed. In these events the plant is taken offline, no water is pumped to the reservoir and water flow is resumed only when the water quality is restored. At times this may result in lower than desired reservoir levels but quality was not compromised. Progress Highlights Emergency Procedures - The environmental health officer has reviewed emergency procedures and changes are under way. A review and re-prioritization of potential hazards and emergencies has been done by Port Hardy staff. The document will be further reviewed over the course of 2009. Certified Operators - The Operational Permit requires certified operators to match the Water Treatment Plant Level III Certification. There are now three Water Treatment Level II Operators on staff who, after accumulation of operational experience and educational upgrading, will be eligible to write the level III exam in 2009. Cross Connection Control - Currently there is an internal cross connection control program in effect and a formal connection control program is in the works and. Backflow preventers are installed in all treatment plants in areas that may be a possible risk and these assemblies are tested annually. In 2008 all sewage liftstations with wash down hose bibs were upgraded with backflow preventers.


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Water Wise Program Continuation - A total of 83 meters have been installed to date including commercial users and multi-family dwellings. Small commercial buildings will be metered by the end of 2009. All new homes and constructions will be metered as part of this program. Continuing public education around proposed metering/rate changes and general information on water wise initiatives was conducted and will be ongoing until all users are metered. Capital Highlights - In addition to the initiatives described above, there were a number of additional capital projects in 2008: 1. Emergency Power Generator - An application for a land easement has been put into the

Crown for placement of a new emergency power generator. The generator has been sized to the need of the plant with some room for future expansion

2. Assessment of Reservoir Capacity and Water Consumption Report - The evaluation was

completed in 2008 and the conclusion was that the reservoir storage capacity was below recommended requirements. Increased reservoir capacity has been included in the 5 year plan.

3. Alarm System - Process alarms and intruder alarms have been separated. The system now

includes the sodium hypochlorite system as well as future expansion for the new emergency power generator

PORT HARDY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

& COLLECTION SYSTEM Annual Operations Report 2008

There are two major collection areas in the town, each with a wastewater treatment facility. The Airport Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP), built in 1975, is located adjacent to the Transport Canada Airport facility and operates under permit PE-04168. Its effluent is discharged into the Queen Charlotte Strait. There are three lift stations located in the AWWTP collection system. The Tsulquate Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP), originally built in 1972, services the majority of the population of Port Hardy, and has historically operated under permit PE-385. The discharge from this facility is sent into Hardy Bay. There are eight lift stations located in the TWWTP collection system. The plant underwent a major upgrade in 2007 which included the addition of two sequential batch reactors, (SBR) a new headworks and ultraviolet disinfection (UV). The permit was also updated into a more stringent Operational Certificate (ME-00385). Tsulquate Wastewater Treatment Plant Highlights The upgrades to the Tsulquate Wastewater Treatment Plant continued in 2008. The new headworks system (screening and grit removal), SBR trains, and UV disinfection systems were put online in 2007. The original extended aeration treatment basin has been back in service since May of 2008 after being taken offline for cleaning, inspection and refurbishment. The new SBR trains performance has improved since the existing extended aeration basin was put back online and effluent quality has greatly improved greatly improved.


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Since May 2008 all regulatory limits have been met. The new treatment process was tested during the high rain month in the final part of the year. Due to the increased capacity, effluent quality was maintained. The collection and reporting of quality data has evolved as the plant operation Airport Wastewater Treatment Plant Highlights The AWWTP has performed well during 2008. Due to a better equipped lab effluent quality testing frequency has increased and provides better performance monitoring.

EPCOR Port Hardy Crew

A structurally reinforced replacement pipe was installed in February 2008 and more structural reinforcement of the pipe anchoring system was completed in June 2008 to provide long term protection. Extensive water quality monitoring was conducted during the repair period, with more than 250 tests completed from 11 sample locations in the four month period. Regular consultation and updates were provided to the many regulatory bodies and stakeholders involved in the response, including the Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Health Canada, and Kwakiutl First Nations. The Airport wastewater treatment plant continued to produce excellent effluent in 2008. There were no permit violations this year.

Collection System Highlights The infrastructure is aging and the 11 lift stations have minimal alarm systems and limited backup power capabilities. The need for upgrading the infrastructure was identified in the Liquid Waste Management Plan In May 2008, the provincial and federal governments awarded a Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to the District of Port Hardy for major upgrades at the Central Street and Trustee lift stations, which are the most critical lift stations in the system. The grant also provides funding to upgrade the controls/alarm systems at the other lift stations and provide better provisions for backup power during major power outages. The projects will be progressing during the remainder of 2008 and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2009. Several lift stations in the system required emergency maintenance during the year and new pumps were ordered for the Hardy Bay Lift Station and the Fort Rupert Lift Station due to pump failures. Detailed inspections of all of the lift stations were completed in the summer of 2008, and a comprehensive lift station assessment report was compiled in the fall. The information from the assessment report has been incorporated into the 5 year capital plan for the 2009 budget cycle.


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FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

DEB CLIPPERTON, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

2008 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On the following pages are:

• the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (Statement A) • the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Statement B) • the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (Statement C)

For your information and review the complete 2008 Audited Financial Statements are available on the District of Port Hardy website www.porthardy.ca.


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Statement A


Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at December 31, 2008

2008 2007

Financial Assets

Cash and Investments (Note 2) $ 3,983,936 $ 4,577,660

Accounts receivable (Note 3) 2,886,201 1,872,937

Inventory held for resale 506 506

6,870,643 6,451,103

Financial Liabilities

Accounts payable and other liabilities (Note 4) 857,909 866,928

Performance deposits and bonds (Note 5) 213,842 236,164

Deferred revenue (Note 6) 529,086 352,691

Capital leases (Note 8) 1,348,361 1,537,158

Long-term debt (Note 9) 1,833,418 2,000,000

4,782,617 4,992,941

Net Financial Assets 2,088,027 1,458,162

Non-financial Assets

Capital Assets (Note 10, Schedule 5) 58,687,420 57,127,500

Supply Inventory 107,742 -

58,795,162 57,127,500

$ 60,883,188 $ 58,585,662

Financial Position

Operating funds (Note 12) 3,160,252 2,855,132

Reserves (Note 13) 2,217,296 2,140,187

5,377,548 4,995,319

Equity in capital assets (Note 11) 55,505,641 53,590,343

$ 60,883,188 $ 58,585,662


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Statement B


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

2008 2007

Cash and Temporary Investments Provided by (Used For)

Operating Activities

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenditures $ 736,745 $ (702,962)

Increase (Decrease) in Non-Cash Financial Assets

Change in performance deposits and bonds (22,322) 103,771

Change in deferred revenue 176,395 (20,740)

890,818 (619,931)

(Increase) Decrease in

Change in accounts receivable (1,013,264) 1,068,490

Change in inventory (107,742) 6,441

Change in accounts payable (9,019) (486,832)

(239,207) (31,832)

Financing Activities

New debt issued - 1,000,000

Debenture debt repaid (354,517) (161,952)

(354,517) 838,048

Net increase in cash position (593,724) 806,216

Cash, beginning of year 4,577,660 3,771,444

Cash, end of year $ 3,983,936 $ 4,577,660

Represented by

Cash $ 234,595 $ 197,567

Investments 3,749,341 4,380,093

$ 3,983,936 $ 4,577,660

Supplemental information

Interest paid $ 160,672 $ 145,347


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Statement C

District of Port Hardy

Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

2008 2008 2007

Actual Budget Actual

Unaudited

Revenue

Taxes $ 1,977,599 $ 1,996,119 $ 1,905,957

Grants in lieu of taxes 118,249 120,202 115,969

Sewer user rates 898,873 922,650 800,088

Water user rates 1,421,097 1,200,060 1,223,344

Sale of services 1,687,934 1,731,612 1,265,089

Other revenue 462,885 612,344 575,640

Transfers from other governments 1,242,905 7,566,662 998,726

7,809,542 14,149,649 6,884,813

Expenditures

General government services 1,189,766 864,826 965,076

Transportation services 1,309,930 7,860,975 1,468,839

Protective services 342,216 334,965 283,393

Environmental health services 631,969 489,620 521,242

Recreation services 950,310 1,288,318 1,188,354

Community development 217,702 333,966 178,611

Water utility 912,152 1,486,711 943,909

Sewer utility 1,518,753 4,090,556 2,038,352

7,072,798 16,749,937 7,587,776

Annual surplus (deficit) 736,744 (2,600,288) (702,962)

Debt

New debt issued - - - 1,000,000

Debt principal repayments (354,518) (364,157) (161,952)

(354,518) - (364,157) - 838,048

Change in fund balance 382,226 (2,964,445) 135,086

Fund balance

Beginning of year 4,995,319 4,995,315 4,860,233

End of year $ 5,377,545 $ 2,030,870 $ 4,995,319


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Comparison of Property Taxes and Utilities on an Average Residential Property

$$ %

2007 2008 Increase Increase

Assessment

Average Residential Assessment 108,277 132,022 23,745 22%

Property Tax Levy

General Municipal Taxes 554.23 564.12 9.89 1.78%

Tax Collections for Other Authorities

Vancouver Island Regional Library 33.49 32.19 -1.30 -3.88%

Regional District 95.70 108.80 13.10 13.69%

Regional Hospital District 38.89 41.33 2.44 6.27%

BC Assessment Authority 7.33 8.12 0.79 10.76%

Municipal Finance Authority 0.03 0.04 0.01 21.91%

School Taxes 424.15 445.34 21.18 4.99%

Police Tax 38.55 43.83 5.28 13.71%

638.14 679.65 41.50 6.50%

Total Tax Levy 1,192.37 1,243.77 51.39 4.31%

Home Owner Grant

Basic Grant -570.00 -570.00

Total Tax Payable with Basic Grant 622.37 673.77 51.39 8.26%

Additional Grant -845.00 -845.00

Total Tax Payable with Additional Grant 347.37 398.77 51.39 14.80%

Utilities Single Family User

Recycling 12.00 12.00

Garbage 22.50 22.50

Water 93.00 93.00

Sewer 72.50 81.25

200.00 208.75 8.75 4.38%

Total Taxes and Utilities (Basic Grant) 822.37 882.52 60.14 7.31%


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2008 HIGHLIGHTS

PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS


Assessed Values 1994 - 20082008 Completed Roll

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Mill

ions

Recreation / Non-ProfitManaged ForestBusinessLight IndustryMajor IndustryUtilitiesResidential


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PROPERTY TAXES This chart indicates how your property taxes are split between the District of Port Hardy and other independent taxing authorities that also receive a portion of property tax dollars.

Schedule of Tax Rates 2008

LIGHT MANAGED RECREATION/ RESIDENTIAL UTILITY INDUSTRY BUSINESS FORESTS NON-PROFIT

GENERAL 4.2729 31.1213 20.8573 15.4399 31.1213 4.2717

V.I.R.L. 0.2438 1.7748 1.1897 0.8801 1.7748 0.2438

HOSPITAL 0.3131 1.0958 1.0644 0.7670 0.9392 0.3131

REGIONAL 0.8241 2.8843 2.8019 2.0190 2.4723 0.8241

SCHOOL 3.3732 14.2000 6.8000 6.8000 2.0000 3.6000

MFA 0.0002 0.0005 0.0005 0.0001 0.0008 0.0002

BCAA 0.0615 0.4787 0.1944 0.1944 0.2705 0.0615

POLICE 0.3320 1.1621 1.1289 0.8135 0.9961 0.3320

TOTALS 9.4208 52.7175 34.0372 26.9141 39.5750 9.6463


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In accordance with Section 98(2)(b) of the Community Charter, we disclose that the following properties were provided with permissive property tax exemptions by the District of Port Hardy Council in 2008. Permissive tax exemptions are those exemptions granted by bylaw in accordance with Section 224 of the Community Charter. Property/Organization 2008 Municipal

Tax Exemption Bishop of Victoria $ 1,240Seventh Day Adventist Church 19,609Seventh Day Adventist Church 1,315Seventh Day Adventist Church 658Port Hardy Ecumenical Society 1,578Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada 3,061 Baptist Church BC 944Pt Hardy Congregation Jehovah's Witnesses 965PH Chamber of Commerce 3,089PH Hospital Auxiliary 1,836PH Heritage Society 4,442Rainbow Country Day Care 1,018Royal Canadian Legion 59Royal Canadian Legion 1,012Royal Canadian Legion 656Vancouver Island Health Authority 630Vancouver Island Health Authority 48,927Fort Rupert Curling Club 180Fort Rupert Curling Club 11,415PH Harvest Food Bank 1,865

Total $104,499


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