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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Guest Editorial from Mike Dauphinee




Hi Ralph,
   Here’s my feedback to the D.O.T. regarding the proposed 2020 budget. I encourage all residents and taxpayers to submit their own thoughts, concerns, and ideas too.  Submissions can be made on-line at www.tofino.ca  budget feedback.  Phone, write, email your mayor and council. Tell them your thoughts, concerns, complaints and ideas. Let them know that the taxpayers are watching and that we intend to be heard.

FEEDBACK Submitted to D.O.T. (This is just one example, please add your own personal items as you wish)

Tell us what you think about proposed projects:--------- The district needs to develop a more comprehensive plan to identify the difference between "want' and "need". There are many things that it would be nice to have and there are many things that we MUST have. However, there is a limit to available funds, and as our mothers taught us, you cannot have everything you want. Three simple questions, in most cases would do this. 1- Do we really need this? 2- Do we really need this now? 3- Have we explored all possible options and is this the best deal we can get on behalf of the taxpayer?
Waste Water - As we begin planning for waste water conveyance and treatment systems, what questions do you have? How can we improve the www.tofino.ca/lwmppage?-------------- Stop spending money on this!  Most people are unable to comprehend the technical aspects of this project anyway, they're not engineers. We have already spent a good sum on consultants regarding the project, now take the information gained from that and get on with the project!
Communications - In 2018 the District adopted a Communications Strategy.How do you receive information about the District and how can we communicate better?--------- I feel that I don't receive straight facts in most District communications. Instead, I get the "spin" that the D.O.T. wants me to believe. The recent public transit AAP proposal is a prime example of this. Why wasn't Tofino's representative on the ACRD board kicking and screaming about the unfair way that Tofino's taxpayers were committed to paying the lion's share of the costs of this project?
Elections - We're considering adding an extra advanced voting day (approx. $2,000) or mail-ballots (approx. $500) for future elections. What are your biggest barriers to voting in municipal elections?----------- I believe that approx. 50% of the properties in Tofino are owned by non-residents. All of these owners pay taxes. A lot of taxes! However, unless these owners happen to be in Tofino, on election or advance poll days, they don't get a vote! This is taxation without representation. This is, simply, wrong, and spits in the face of the idea of democracy.  A mail-in ballot should be provided to every home in Tofino that receives a property tax bill, sent out early, with PLENTY of time allowed for the taxpayer to respond.
Website Refresh (Approx. $30,000) - What do you want to see in a new District website?----------- The website is fine as it is. The logo is fine too. Neither need any changes. Use the $43,000 to reduce taxes, or to pay down our debt.
Bylaw Enforcement - What issues should we address more? How should our resources be prioritized?--------------- $448K for by-law enforcement is outrageous!  Is there some crime-wave happening that the people are not aware of? Staff reductions at By-Law are obviously required.
New Indoor Recreation Facility - This is a grant-dependent project (Tax 26.67% Grant 73.33%). If we are unsuccessful in receiving a grant, how do you think we should proceed?-------------- Wants vs Needs. We need a sewage facility, we need water infrastructure upgrades. We DO NOT NEED a gym. We don't have the money to pay for it, and we cannot risk using up the long term debt allowance on a project that we don't really NEED.In light of recent and future tax increases, now is not the time for further big money projects.
Shuttle Service - Did you use the service? What do you like about it and how could it be improved? (Reminder: this service is not funded by taxation)-------------Here’s an example of the “spin” I mentioned above. True, it’s NOT funded by taxation. It is, instead, largely funded my paid parking revenue, money that rightfully belongs to the taxpayers of Tofino. (Not a lie, but not the truth, either. My municipal government is trying to deceive me)  No, I don't use it. I never will. Once the new transit system is operational, the shuttle should be scrapped, and those RMI funds re-directed to pay for the operation of the transit bus, which IS funded by taxation.-
Multi-Use Path - What do you think about the proposed improvements over the next 5 years? What sections should be prioritized?------------ All Ok with me. Until the RMI and MRDT funds can be re-directed toward paying parts of the cost of tourism infrastructure. it doesn't matter what the money gets spent on.  Note: The section near Jensen's Bay Rd seems to be in quite poor condition, perhaps it could be placed closer to the top of the list?
Open House - Did you attend the open house/town hall? What were your thoughts about this format?----------- The problem with this format is that it's a "one shot" deal. If you happen to be unable to attend at the scheduled time, you get left out.  How might these displays be left erected for a few days, in order for more taxpayers to have an opportunity to participate?
Town Hall - What should the next Town Hall with Council be about?------------ TAXATION!  And the effects of high taxation, on residents, families, seniors, homeowners, employers, employees, wages, leaseholders, landlords, tenants, small business, on every facet of the local economy. Continued increases to taxation levels will make Tofino a place where no one can afford to live. Is this the community we want to be responsible for?

I have an additional comment:  There’s a line item in the planning budget for $50,000 (35K from taxation) for a “housing needs assessment” . What is this!!  Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the current vacancy rate in Tofino is 0%. People are living in campers, vans, truck boxes, just trying to get out of the rain. Families have left town, moved away. People simply cannot find a place to live. There are no places. Housing availability is nowhere close to providing the housing units that the market is demanding. The idea that $50K of the public’s money would be spent to “assess” this deplorable social circumstance is both shocking and shameful. Throwing the taxpayers money at it isn’t going to fix it.  


Sent from Mail for Windows 10


Thursday, November 28, 2019

Subsidized Housing Story

https://www.westerlynews.ca/news/tofino-housing-project-clears-zoning-hurdle/

I guess there are more virtue signalling points with subsidized housing than salmon habitat preservation. The district has hundreds of acres of land yet they choose to build right next to MacKenzie Creek . There has been no land rezoned for a multi-lot  subdivision since the Yew Wood project a decade ago.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Westerly Story on Ecolodge

https://www.westerlynews.ca/news/council-questions-commercial-nature-of-tofino-botanical-gardens-student-dormitory


MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT OF TOFINO
COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, AT 7:30P.M.
George Patterson, Tofino Botanical Gardens, re: Dormitory Construction Project

              George Patterson presented information on the dormitory construction project for the Tofino Botanical Gardens, noting that he wanted to officially inform Council that they are moving ahead with the project.  He asked for a general letter of support.  He noted that research and education could be a significant economic sector for Tofino, but there is a lack of dormitory space.  Upon completion of the project, other institutions offering programs in the community will be able to utilize the dormitory.

              Mayor Anderson thanked Mr. Patterson for his presentation.


Friday, November 22, 2019

Transit Proposal

https://www.acrd.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=aap

  This is being funded based on your property’s assessed value. That means the averageTofino home will pay way more than the average Ucluelet home. Why not just have a fixed annual fee that is the same for all ? Please vote against this unfair funding proposal .

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Council Agenda Packages - Oct. 22nd Council & Public Hearing


District of Tofino Meeting Agenda

Please find below links for the following agenda packages:

2019-10-22 Public Hearing Agenda (4:00 pm - 4:30 pm)
A Public Information Session will be held at 3:30 pm in the Council Chambers.

700 Sharp Road - Tofino Housing Corporation

Public Hearing - 22 Oct 2019 - Bylaw 1270 - Agenda - Html
Public Hearing - 22 Oct 2019 - Bylaw 1270 - Agenda - Pdf
 
2019-10-22 Regular Council Agenda

Agenda items include:
  • Correspondence from Village of Pouce Coupe re. Support for Transportation Network Services
  • Correspondence from Clean Energy BC re. 2019 Generate Conference
  • Correspondence from Tofino Housing Corporation re. 2020 Affordable Housing MRDT Plan
  • 2020 Tactical Plan & 2020 Affordable Housing MRDT Plan
  • Coastal Addendum to the Alberni Agriculture Plan - Coastal Agriculture Roundtable
Regular Council - 22 Oct 2019 - Agenda - Html
Regular Council - 22 Oct 2019 - Agenda - Pdf
 
Click Here for Council Minutes, Agendas and Videos

On Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chamber, Municipal Office, 380 Campbell Street, a Special Council Meeting will be held for the purposes of reviewing 2019 Quarter 3 Reports and the 2020-2024 Financial Plan.

Tofino residents and businesses are encouraged to attend budget meetings to make Council aware of your priorities and to learn about the process.  District staff are available to answer questions, and to distribute your feedback to Council.  In general, the annual budget process is as follows:
  • August: All Departments submit proposed Budgets
  • August-Sept: Detailed Budget Review by CFO, CAO, and each Department 
  • October/November: First Budget Meeting*
  • January: Second Budget Meeting*
  • January/February: Public Consultation* (Open Houses, Feedback Forms, Presentations)
  • March: Final Budget Meeting* – authorization to prepare Financial Plan and Annual Tax Rates Bylaw based on Budget discussions
  • April: Introduce Five-Year Financial Plan and Annual Tax Rate Bylaws*
  • Before May 15th: Adoption of Bylaws*; submit to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
*All meetings are open to the public and advertised in advance.
Learn about the Municipal Budget
For more information please contact the Corporate Services Department at:
(T) 250-725-3229
(E) corporateservices@tofino.ca 

 
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Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Post by Omar Soliman

Hello all, apparently I may be one of the only people left in Tofino who doesn’t speak with anonymity, which is an increasingly worrying problem in today’s world. Yes I live in an RV on public lands at Cox Bay. I have lived in this town for 4 years with only a short period of that time being under a real roof in a real house. My door is open at anytime if you want to discuss what it has been like. This election isn’t about me and what I’m going through, and for the reasons why I think people haven’t been willing to rent me a space (including crabapple whom I’ve spoken with on multiple occasions) which are not important because what I think doesn’t matter, what matters is what’s going on with this town and what we can do to mitigate its potential demise. My opinions should not matter to you the residents of this town, what should matter to you is selecting an INDIVIDUAL who is going to champion YOUR opinions and principals. It is not the responsibility of your elected officials to curb your decisions, it is their responsibility to gather information democratically and enforce the will of the people, that’s what I’m willing to do, I am willing to be your megaphone, I will never vote against what the PEOPLE of this community want. At the end of the day we all have rights as Canadians, and if you want to know what those rights are and how to cherish them and execute them to the fullest extent of the law, you need to elect officials who understand them and are will to fight for them for you. I will make only one promise, I promise that whatever roads we decide to take, whatever mistakes we need to get up from, and whenever we need to stand up to injustices in our town and in the world, we will always do it with confidence, with conviction, and we will do it together, I promise. 

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Candidates for By-election







 


2019 By-Election
District of Tofino

Close of Nomination Period

DECLARATION OF CANDIDATES
Friday, September 27, 2019



As of 4:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2019, the following persons are declared candidates for the office of Councillor in the 2019 Tofino By-Election to be held Saturday, November 2, 2019:
 
  • Stephen Ashton
  • Craig Heber
  • Dan Law
  • Ronnie Lee
  • Omar Soliman
  • Cathy Thicke



__________________
Elyse Goatcher-Bergmann
Chief Election Officer



Local Government Act, section 97(1)
 
2019 Tofino By-Election
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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Braden Smith Resigns in Winnipeg

https://globalnews.ca/news/5676757/city-of-winnipeg-loses-chief-planner/
Not mentioned in this article :
The owners of the Parker Lands have launched a $30-million lawsuit against the City of Winnipeg, which accuses four senior city officials of abusing their power.
  In a statement of claim filed Tuesday morning, companies linked to developer Gem Equities accuse the city’s planning, property and development director John Kiernan, chief planner Braden Smith, senior planner Michael Robinson and permit administrator Martin Grady of abusing their public positions. The lawsuit also names the City of Winnipeg as a defendant, which the developer claims is liable for alleged misconduct related to the proposal to redevelop the site as “Fulton Grove.”
“The lawsuit sets out a number of specific instances of what the plaintiffs say are deliberate, unlawful conduct,” said Gem Equities lawyer Kevin Toyne.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges city officials denied hearings on the proposed development plans, refused to process applications related to it and otherwise acted in “bad faith.” The lawsuit alleges “the sloth, incompetence and negligence of city employees was sufficient to thwart and delay the Fulton Grove development.”
Sounds like Yew Wood !! 

Monday, July 22, 2019

Vancouver Island Development Booming

https://www.westerninvestor.com/news/british-columbia/island-s-time-real-estate-developers-catch-a-wave-1.23888655

No mention of Tofino . The last multi-lot residential subdivision that required rezoning was Yew Wood. Demand here remains strong with houses going up quickly in the Gibson Heights project.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Water Tank Still Leaking




Note date on original story. Other photos taken today. 

Tofino In Contest To Reduce Ecological Footprint

https://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/13-island-councils-and-boards-compete-in-climate-challenge-to-reduce-ecological

Let’s see Tofino get in a contest to reduce taxes and water rates !!
Let’s see Tofino get in a contest to reduce wasteful spending !

Friday, July 19, 2019

July 22, 2019 Special Council Meeting







 

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Pursuant to section 127(2) of the Community Charter and section 22 of the District of Tofino Meeting Procedure Bylaw No. 1229, 2016, notice is hereby given that a Special Council Meeting will be held Monday, July 22nd, 2019, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chamber, Municipal Office, 380 Campbell Street for the purposes of considering a tender award for the Multi-Use Path extension, and consideration of a Development Permit for the properties at 1451 and 1461 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC.

THIS NOTICE is given this 19th day of July, 2019.

______________________________
Elyse Goatcher-Bergmann
Deputy Corporate Officer
Links to the July 22, 2019 Special Council Meeting agenda packages are provided below:

Special Council - 22 Jul 2019 - Agenda - Html
Special Council - 22 Jul 2019 - Agenda - Pdf
 
Click Here for Council Minutes, Agendas and Videos
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Thursday, July 18, 2019

Dorothy Baert







 

 

COMMUNITY NOTICE

 


July 18, 2019


Tofino Councillor Dorothy Baert Passes Away

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Councillor Dorothy Baert passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

A fourth-term member of Tofino Council and a decades-long resident of Tofino, Councillor Baert was a huge champion of the arts, for the environment, for affordable housing, small business and much more. In addition to her duties as a member of Council, Councillor Baert served on the board of directors of the Tofino Housing Corporation and chaired the District of Tofino’s Community Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Mayor Josie Osborne:
"Councillor Baert was an incredibly hard-working and passionate woman who always put community first. Whether advocating for public art, heritage initiatives, affordable housing, or preserving viewscapes, Dorothy was highly respected for her determination, consistency, and principled approach to elected office.  On top of all that, she was a good friend. She was an invaluable member on Tofino Council and she will be missed terribly. ”

Councillor Dorothy Baert’s passing is a huge loss for the community of Tofino. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and her many, many friends and colleagues.
District of Tofino
office@tofino.ca
250-725-3229
www.tofino.ca
 
Click Here to View the Notice 
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