Here is a quick look at what you can expect at Tonight's (Feb. 5) Village of Pemberton regular council meeting, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Council Chambers (7400 Prospect Street).
A new parking lot on Fougberg Park
Staff has asked council for permission to proceed with a development plan that would see Fougberg Park replaced with a 16-car parking lot.
The parking spaces would be located at the back portion of the park and be accessed by John Currie Lane.
According to a staff report on the proposal, the plan was developed after
downtown business owners raised concerns about a loss of parking associated with the $5.3 downtown revitalization plan, which intends to make the downtown core more pedestrian friendly.
"Through this process opportunities were sought to reduce the overall loss in parking stalls due to the realignments in the downtown core," reads the agenda report.
"As such, staff introduced the idea of establishing a small public parking lot in the Village owned Fougberg Park."
The downtown enhancement plan will consist of essential upgrades to failing infrastructure and key improvements related to roads, sidewalks, waterlines, stormwater and street lighting. It is slated for completion by fall 2019.
Both the Rona and Pemberton Valley Dyking District have indicated their support of establishing a parking lot on Fougberg Park, according to the staff report.
The report said both have offered to assist with the development of the parking lot through contribution of material and funds.
The proposed design would see the front of the Fougberg Park remained green space, with landscaping and picnic benches
BikeBC funding application
Does Pemberton need better cycling infrastructure?
VOP council is considering if it will apply for a provincial grant that would provide funds to develop a Village of Pemberton Cycling Network Plan.
The plan would include a number of components, including setting out goals and objectives for a cycling network as well as a capital expenditure plan.
The provincial fund-known as the BikeBC Program-supports projects related to commuter cycling and improved safety for cycling.
Under the terms of the grant, the VOP would be responsible for paying half of the cost of developing the plan.
In its report to council, staff said they have spoken with two consultants, and it was indicated that the development of a plan would cost approximately $15,000, meaning the VOP would be required to contribute $7,500.
Council will therefore also consider allocating $7,500 from the 2019 budget to match the provincial contribution.
Cannabis retail
Council will also vote on updating its business license regulations and fees related to cannabis retail and production businesses.
At a Jan. 22 committee of the whole meeting, council approved an annual license fee of $5,000 for a cannabis retail operation, $5,000 for a standard producer, and $2,500 for a micro-producer, after considering what other jurisdictions are charging.
It also supported a non-refundable application fee of $1,000 for a cannabis retail business.
In October 2018 council approved its recreational cannabis retail policy.
The VOP has already given its seal of approval to one business operator (the owners of the Pemberton Hotel) to set up shop.
