http://www.canada.com/Tofino+council+meeting+April/4693655/story.html
Looks like the Mayor still wants pay parking !! Thank you to Dorothy Baert for the motion to have council meetings in the evening !!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Box Parade !! April 28 .2011
Box Parade today !!! Starts at 6 pm at the park by 1st and Arnet !!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHg_n-uGaXY
Here's some scenes from last year !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHg_n-uGaXY
Here's some scenes from last year !
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Foreign Ownership Debate and Vacation Rentals April 27 ,2011
http://vreaa.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/peter-ladner-on-cbc-foreign-buyers-eroded-communities-resort-towns-avoiding-unaffordable-vancouver-a-chief-financial-officer-from-a-mining-company-could-not-afford-to-move-to-vancouver-becaus/
I see there is a demand for a debate regarding Vacation Rentals.I'd like readers to check out this link and see how it applies to the situation here.....many issues are raised....please make your comments logical and read them over before you post....thanks,Ralph
I see there is a demand for a debate regarding Vacation Rentals.I'd like readers to check out this link and see how it applies to the situation here.....many issues are raised....please make your comments logical and read them over before you post....thanks,Ralph
April 27,2011 skype at council
I was working during yesterday's council meeting but received several reports of Skype being used.Could anyone that was present please give a brief report ? thanks,Ralph
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Hot Dog Update !! April 26,2011
This just in ! live from Council chambers ! The Hot Dog Stand and the Taco Wagon have received their Temporary Use Permits !
Monday, April 25, 2011
Beach clean up at North Chestermans
There is a beach clean up at north Chestermans beach this evening at 6:30. Sponsored by Surfrider.
April 25,2011 Coldwater Classic Update
Lynda Kaye said:
Dear Ralph,
Here's the latest news about the Cold Water Classic: O'Neill Canada contacted Tourism Tofino recently with this message: "[O'Neill] is unable to host the CWC Canada event anymore without financial help from partners… we’re looking for additional funding of around $175 – 200K USD. We do not have access to any corporate sponsors in Canada at the moment and will not be able to carry the financial risk – meaning that we rely on the support of city councils and/or tourism boards."
Statement from Tourism Tofino: "Tourism Tofino invested approximately $55,000 in the 2010 Cold Water Classic and has budgeted the same amount for the 2011 competition. Tourism Tofino's 2011 budget has already been approved by the Tourism Tofino and Chamber of Commerce boards of directors and is awaiting for approval from the District of Tofino.
As much as Tourism Tofino would love to have the Cold Water Classic return to Tofino, the organization is not in a position to provide additional funding to support it."
Dear Ralph,
Here's the latest news about the Cold Water Classic: O'Neill Canada contacted Tourism Tofino recently with this message: "[O'Neill] is unable to host the CWC Canada event anymore without financial help from partners… we’re looking for additional funding of around $175 – 200K USD. We do not have access to any corporate sponsors in Canada at the moment and will not be able to carry the financial risk – meaning that we rely on the support of city councils and/or tourism boards."
Statement from Tourism Tofino: "Tourism Tofino invested approximately $55,000 in the 2010 Cold Water Classic and has budgeted the same amount for the 2011 competition. Tourism Tofino's 2011 budget has already been approved by the Tourism Tofino and Chamber of Commerce boards of directors and is awaiting for approval from the District of Tofino.
As much as Tourism Tofino would love to have the Cold Water Classic return to Tofino, the organization is not in a position to provide additional funding to support it."
Council Meeting Agenda for April 26,2011
http://tofino.fileprosite.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1716
Lots on the agenda: nightly rentals at the Shore,Hot Dog Stand and Taco Wagon....Tofino Transit....
Lots on the agenda: nightly rentals at the Shore,Hot Dog Stand and Taco Wagon....Tofino Transit....
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Pothole Update April 23 2011
An irate reader has called several times to report many potholes around town !! A bad one on Lynn rd. and some others by the fire hydrant on Campbell before 4th st.Nice dry weather for pothole repair......if you are traveling south watch for some bad potholes in the park.....I'll try to get some photos up later today.....feel free to submit any reports...thanks,Ralph
here's a couple of beauties from Lynn Rd......
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19 ,2011
Just a note to readers: Without the Westcoaster it is a bit difficult to get information about public meetings and community events.....if there is something you would like to publicize please let me know and I will post it...I'll try to have a report on the District Foreshore Meeting tomorrow....thanks,Ralph
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Beach Bus Cancelled ? April 16,2011
Sources have told TofinoNews that there may be no funding for Tofino's only public transit, The Beach Bus.The Beach Bus ran in the summer providing transit to and from the beaches and resorts with a fare of two dollars.Please write in if you have any info.....thanks,Ralph
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Westerly News reports voting irregularity at Tofino Council
Updated 9pm April 14 2011 http://www.canada.com/Tofino+council+meeting/4615417/story.html The westerly news reports that 3 councilors were in favor of the motion supporting the Cultural Mapping project.Sources have told tofinonews that only 5 councilors were present....more as this story unfolds....does anyone know what the Mayor's actions were in this vote ?? thanks,ralph
In response to many questions....this is from the Community Charter: General voting rules 123 (1) Unless otherwise provided, a motion on a bylaw or resolution, or on any other question before council, is decided by a majority of the council members present at the meeting. (2) Each council member has one vote on any question. (3) Each council member present at the time of a vote must vote on the matter. (4) If a council member does not indicate how he or she votes, the member is deemed to have voted in the affirmative. (5) If the votes of the members present at a council meeting at the time of the vote are equal for and against a motion, the motion is defeated. (6) A requirement under an enactment for an affirmative vote of a specified portion of all members of a council means an affirmative vote of that portion of the number of members of which the council consists under section 118 [size of council]. (7) The voting rules established by this section also apply to council committees
In response to many questions....this is from the Community Charter: General voting rules 123 (1) Unless otherwise provided, a motion on a bylaw or resolution, or on any other question before council, is decided by a majority of the council members present at the meeting. (2) Each council member has one vote on any question. (3) Each council member present at the time of a vote must vote on the matter. (4) If a council member does not indicate how he or she votes, the member is deemed to have voted in the affirmative. (5) If the votes of the members present at a council meeting at the time of the vote are equal for and against a motion, the motion is defeated. (6) A requirement under an enactment for an affirmative vote of a specified portion of all members of a council means an affirmative vote of that portion of the number of members of which the council consists under section 118 [size of council]. (7) The voting rules established by this section also apply to council committees
Stump dump update
Looking into the status of the stump dump at six mile. Please write in if you have any recent information. Thanks, ralph
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Apathy ? Please watch this video
http://www.ted.com:80/talks/dave_meslin_the_antidote_to_apathy.html
great video about apathy and politics.....please watch...thanks,Ralph
great video about apathy and politics.....please watch...thanks,Ralph
Hot Dog Stand Update April 12,2011
this just in......council has narrowly approved the Hot Dog stand's application for a Temporary Use Permit.It will now go through the public notification process and go to a final vote at the next council meeting.I think the same holds true for the Taco Wagon....some councilors were worried about signage with ice cream cones.....they want to make Tofino look more like Whistler......I've never been to Whistler but I'm sure it looks lovely.....
Shore nightly rentals April 12 2011
This just in .....Mayor Fraser is pushing to get a vote on the Shore nightly rental issue...the text amendment wasn't ready for a vote at today's meeting so look for it at the next meeting.....somehow Fraser's interest in the Shore issue comes as no surprise.....
Monday, April 11, 2011
Budget Meeting Report
About 30 people plus staff and councilors were on hand for the budget meeting.It was a pretty quiet affair and everyone remained civil.....Interesting to note that the District's contract with Tourism Tofino is up for renewal this year....I'll try to get more info on that subject....
A concerned citizen brought up the poor condition of the firehall....it has been allowed to decay into a disgraceful state of disrepair....
I have to clarify a couple of items with the treasurer which I will hopefully report on tomorrow....
A concerned citizen brought up the poor condition of the firehall....it has been allowed to decay into a disgraceful state of disrepair....
I have to clarify a couple of items with the treasurer which I will hopefully report on tomorrow....
Hot Dog Stand Update April 11,2011
Hi Ralph,
Here's an update regarding our hot dog stand's progress with the District. Feel free to post it on your blog if you like.
Sugar Shack hot dog stand temporary use permit (TUP) renewal goes before Council at tomorrow morning's meeting. This renewal, if approved by Council, will give us another 24 months of permitted use. After this TUP, it is not renewable, and we cannot apply for another one. Our TUP first reading is at tomorrow's Council meeting, then a notification period, and then a final Council decision at the meeting thereafter.
I encourage everyone interested in keeping this town's culinary scene and local economy diverse to write a letter or email the District stating your support. All letters collected during the notification period will be entered on the record and will help strengthen our application during the final approval process.
You can mail to:
PO Box 9, Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
Or use Email:
office@tofino.ca
We would not still be here without the support of this town. A sincere thank you for your continuing support, Tofino!
All the best,
Luke & Cherissa
Sugar Shack
Here's an update regarding our hot dog stand's progress with the District. Feel free to post it on your blog if you like.
Sugar Shack hot dog stand temporary use permit (TUP) renewal goes before Council at tomorrow morning's meeting. This renewal, if approved by Council, will give us another 24 months of permitted use. After this TUP, it is not renewable, and we cannot apply for another one. Our TUP first reading is at tomorrow's Council meeting, then a notification period, and then a final Council decision at the meeting thereafter.
I encourage everyone interested in keeping this town's culinary scene and local economy diverse to write a letter or email the District stating your support. All letters collected during the notification period will be entered on the record and will help strengthen our application during the final approval process.
You can mail to:
PO Box 9, Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
Or use Email:
office@tofino.ca
We would not still be here without the support of this town. A sincere thank you for your continuing support, Tofino!
All the best,
Luke & Cherissa
Sugar Shack
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tofino Budget Meeting
4/11/2011
Presentation of 2011 Budget & Opportunity for Public Input - April 11th, 2011 7pm Community Hall
Presentation of 2011 Budget & Opportunity for Public Input - April 11th, 2011 7pm Community Hall
Cold Water Classic Surf Contest
Some blog readers have been asking about the 2011 Cold Water Classic surf contest.....I went to their website but couldn't find a Canadian date.....Dates have been announced for Scotland,New Zealand and California....I'll try to contact O'Neill tomorrow to get the dates for the Canadian contest. If anyone has the info please comment....thanks,Ralph
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Meeting with Treasurer April 9,2011
I met withe the treasurer yesterday.A good meeting and I learned a few interesting things.
1. there is $324,000.00 in the Campbell St. Improvement Fund.
2. there is about $400,000.00 in the Cash in lieu of Parking Fund
A couple of ideas....
Let's use some of the money from the Campbell St. Improvement fund to pay for the new water pipes on Campbell St...that would free up the money currently allocated to it to be used on other necessary water projects.
Let's open up the parking lot next to the theater for free parking ! It sits almost empty all the time...do we really need to be charging ten bucks to park for a few hours when we have 400 grand in the parking account ?
Let's use the 400 grand in the parking account to actually create some more parking ! what a novel idea....I know that cars are politically incorrect but the reality is that they will be around for the next few years.....
1. there is $324,000.00 in the Campbell St. Improvement Fund.
2. there is about $400,000.00 in the Cash in lieu of Parking Fund
A couple of ideas....
Let's use some of the money from the Campbell St. Improvement fund to pay for the new water pipes on Campbell St...that would free up the money currently allocated to it to be used on other necessary water projects.
Let's open up the parking lot next to the theater for free parking ! It sits almost empty all the time...do we really need to be charging ten bucks to park for a few hours when we have 400 grand in the parking account ?
Let's use the 400 grand in the parking account to actually create some more parking ! what a novel idea....I know that cars are politically incorrect but the reality is that they will be around for the next few years.....
Friday, April 8, 2011
Council email procedure April 8,2011
Some members of council are using private email addresses when discussing council issues.The reason for this is that they are then not part of the public record and cannot be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act.
This obsession with secrecy breeds suspicion and mistrust....What is going on that councilors want to keep their correspondence private ?
We have tofino.ca email addresses for all council and staff....let's hope that the Mayor demands that his colleagues use these addresses for all council issues so that we can have open and transparent government. Here's a list of email addresses in case anyone on council forgot ....
John Fraser
Mayor
Tel: (250) 725-3774
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: fraser @ tofino.ca
Stephen Ashton
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: ashton @ tofino.ca
Dorothy Baert
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: baert @ tofino.ca
Donna Fraser
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3774
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: dfraser @ tofino.ca
Gord Johns
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: johns @ tofino.ca
Michael Tilitzky
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: tilitzky @ tofino.ca
Rose Zilliken
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: zilliken @ tofino.ca
This obsession with secrecy breeds suspicion and mistrust....What is going on that councilors want to keep their correspondence private ?
We have tofino.ca email addresses for all council and staff....let's hope that the Mayor demands that his colleagues use these addresses for all council issues so that we can have open and transparent government. Here's a list of email addresses in case anyone on council forgot ....
John Fraser
Mayor
Tel: (250) 725-3774
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: fraser @ tofino.ca
Stephen Ashton
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: ashton @ tofino.ca
Dorothy Baert
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: baert @ tofino.ca
Donna Fraser
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3774
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: dfraser @ tofino.ca
Gord Johns
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: johns @ tofino.ca
Michael Tilitzky
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: tilitzky @ tofino.ca
Rose Zilliken
Councillor
Tel: (250) 725-3229 ext 0
Fax: (250) 725-3775
E-mail: zilliken @ tofino.ca
Thursday, April 7, 2011
No Tsunami Warning April 7,2011
A strong earthquake has occurred, but a tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coast. NO tsunami warning, watch or advisory is in effect for these areas.
Based on the earthquake magnitude, location and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts. At coastal locations which have experienced strong ground shaking, local tsunamis are possible due to underwater landslides.
At 7:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time on April 7, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 7.4 occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.)
Based on the earthquake magnitude, location and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts. At coastal locations which have experienced strong ground shaking, local tsunamis are possible due to underwater landslides.
At 7:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time on April 7, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 7.4 occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.)
April 7,2011
Sorry, no update on any Freedom of Information requests....if anyone has community announcements I'd be happy to post them.
I was talking to a blog reader the other day....she remarked that elections just aren't the same without Doug Arnet....
I was talking to a blog reader the other day....she remarked that elections just aren't the same without Doug Arnet....
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Plastic at Comber's Beach April 5, 2011
No, it's not a slow news day....just thought I would ask people if they are going to the beach to pick up a bit of plastic if they can.....thanks,Ralph
Monday, April 4, 2011
Taco wagon moving to Vancouver !!
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/wordofmouth/archive/2011/04/05/in-words-of-new-street-food-vendor-tacofino.aspx
It seems the Taco Wagon didn't want to gamble on getting a Temporary Use Permit from this council.
It seems the Taco Wagon didn't want to gamble on getting a Temporary Use Permit from this council.
2010 Tofino Taxation Spending
According to an ad in the Westerly News the District spending was as follows:
Administration 37%
Public works 22%
Parks and rec 15%
Council 12%
Protective services 10 %
Development services 2%
Misc administration 2%
Administration 37%
Public works 22%
Parks and rec 15%
Council 12%
Protective services 10 %
Development services 2%
Misc administration 2%
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Support for Japan April 3,2011
http://www.theheartoftofino.com/2011/03/tofino-lets-send-tsunami-of-support.html
Adrienne Mason is organizing a fund raising supper to support the relief effort in Japan.Please try to attend.thanks,Ralph
Adrienne Mason is organizing a fund raising supper to support the relief effort in Japan.Please try to attend.thanks,Ralph
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Dog Day Afternoon
The Hot Dog Stand is open at least until early May when the current permit expires.Drop by and talk to Luke for more information.Buy a dog....support free enterprise....
A question for Tofino Council from Blog Reader April 2,2011
This question was asked by a blog reader and a response from Tofino Council is requested:
-a two part question - What are the village's short and long term plans regarding upgrades to our water mains, crumbling culverts and construction of new sidewalks?....and....What priority is council putting on making improvements to the aforementioned?
-a two part question - What are the village's short and long term plans regarding upgrades to our water mains, crumbling culverts and construction of new sidewalks?....and....What priority is council putting on making improvements to the aforementioned?
Friday, April 1, 2011
Blog stats for March 2011
Some people have been asking how many people read the Tofinonews......while some politicians dismiss this blog as the lunatic fringe the blogspot stats show that it had 21,816 page views in March or just over 700 per day.Thank you all for reading Tofinonews !! Your input is greatly appreciated.Ralph
Development Encouraged as Tofino tackles Sewer Treatment Issue
Tofino Council has decided that by encouraging development they will broaden the tax base enough to deal with the sewage problem.With more taxes coming in it is expected that the sewer treatment plant will become affordable and water rates will drop.
Council has decided to drop all frivolous ventures such as the Municipal Campsite until the basic needs of the District are met.Greenwashing will stop.Providing infrastructure such as sewer,water,roads are the new priority.
An efficient recycling program will be developed that will see glass included.No recycling will go to the landfill.
All District hiring will be done based on qualifications for the job.
Bert Demeria Memorial Park will be developed as a park, not a raspberry patch.
One day each week a different councilor will spend half a day in the office and the other half working with the Public Works crew so as to stay in touch and boost staff morale.
Mayor and council will keep their offices outside of city hall so as not to interfere with the day to day business of staff.Home offices will be encouraged and will provide a tax break for elected officials.
More affordable housing will be available as vast tracts of land are subdivided and the development cost charges roll in.Council has invoked an innovative policy that will allow developers to pay DCC charges and other fees over a five year period so that the up-front charges aren't prohibitive.The District will actively encourage Co-op housing in both subdivisions and strata projects.
In an effort to stimulate small business the council has created a comprehensive parking plan for the downtown area.Rather than penalize businesses by charging them for non-existent parking spots the District of Tofino will open up the lot next to the theater for free parking.A parkade will be built at the site of the current fire hall that will provide parking for tourists and locals while offshore users will have increased parking as First Nations work with the District to redevelop the First Street Dock.In conjunction with local business groups the Council has created an Ombudsman's Office.The Ombudsman will work with council and business to make sure that businesses are treated in a fair manner while the District's needs are also met.
In order to enhance Tofino's reputation as the Culinary Capital of Canada the District has passed legislation allowing for "unconventional" food outlets.They will be required to be located on commercial property and provide washrooms and parking. All restaurants will be encouraged to cook outdoors as much as weather permits so that customers and staff can both enjoy the rare sunshine here.
The citizens of Tofino will also elect a Municipal Auditor General who will report to the public not only on District financial matters but who will also ensure that In-Camera secret meetings deal only with appropriate issues.The Auditor will also act as a mediator if conflicts arise so as to minimize the District's court challenges.
Council has also included on the ballot an initiative to move Council meetings and public hearings to an evening time slot.This way the electorate can decide what time works best for them.An informal question and answer meeting will be held once a month.
Council will ensure that all personal conflict with the Parks and Rec department will cease and desist and that an agreement with the school is reached.The kids will come first.
All in all it looks like a new era is dawning for politics in Tofino where openness,transparency and accountability are keywords. Consensus and Co-operation are now the order of the day.
Council has decided to drop all frivolous ventures such as the Municipal Campsite until the basic needs of the District are met.Greenwashing will stop.Providing infrastructure such as sewer,water,roads are the new priority.
An efficient recycling program will be developed that will see glass included.No recycling will go to the landfill.
All District hiring will be done based on qualifications for the job.
Bert Demeria Memorial Park will be developed as a park, not a raspberry patch.
One day each week a different councilor will spend half a day in the office and the other half working with the Public Works crew so as to stay in touch and boost staff morale.
Mayor and council will keep their offices outside of city hall so as not to interfere with the day to day business of staff.Home offices will be encouraged and will provide a tax break for elected officials.
More affordable housing will be available as vast tracts of land are subdivided and the development cost charges roll in.Council has invoked an innovative policy that will allow developers to pay DCC charges and other fees over a five year period so that the up-front charges aren't prohibitive.The District will actively encourage Co-op housing in both subdivisions and strata projects.
In an effort to stimulate small business the council has created a comprehensive parking plan for the downtown area.Rather than penalize businesses by charging them for non-existent parking spots the District of Tofino will open up the lot next to the theater for free parking.A parkade will be built at the site of the current fire hall that will provide parking for tourists and locals while offshore users will have increased parking as First Nations work with the District to redevelop the First Street Dock.In conjunction with local business groups the Council has created an Ombudsman's Office.The Ombudsman will work with council and business to make sure that businesses are treated in a fair manner while the District's needs are also met.
In order to enhance Tofino's reputation as the Culinary Capital of Canada the District has passed legislation allowing for "unconventional" food outlets.They will be required to be located on commercial property and provide washrooms and parking. All restaurants will be encouraged to cook outdoors as much as weather permits so that customers and staff can both enjoy the rare sunshine here.
The citizens of Tofino will also elect a Municipal Auditor General who will report to the public not only on District financial matters but who will also ensure that In-Camera secret meetings deal only with appropriate issues.The Auditor will also act as a mediator if conflicts arise so as to minimize the District's court challenges.
Council has also included on the ballot an initiative to move Council meetings and public hearings to an evening time slot.This way the electorate can decide what time works best for them.An informal question and answer meeting will be held once a month.
Council will ensure that all personal conflict with the Parks and Rec department will cease and desist and that an agreement with the school is reached.The kids will come first.
All in all it looks like a new era is dawning for politics in Tofino where openness,transparency and accountability are keywords. Consensus and Co-operation are now the order of the day.