The District of 100 Mile House Council unanimously voted to receive the Commissionaires report on bylaw enforcement for January 2025.
During the month of January 2025, there were four requests for services according to a monthly progress report attached to the Feb. 11 District of 100 Mile House Council agenda - which had involved a complaint regarding a shipping container in a residential zone, a barking dog, a local business owner calling to report torn open garbage bags at an adjacent property, and a local Strata Corp calling to ask how they can keep illegal parkers off their property.
Other issues that Commissionaires dealt with were various parking issues, "including a large number of vehicles parked backwards and also parked in handicapped zones", snow clearing issues, multiple business license follow-ups, and speaking with a business owner interested in the possibility of setting up a shipping container storage yard in 100 Mile House.
There had been some discussion by Coun. Donna Barnett about open bins of garbage, and whether or not it has been resolved. Joanne Doddridge told Barnett that the bylaw enforcement officer had spoken and informed the inquirer it was not presently permitted.
Letter calls for council to cater to aging residents more
In a Jan. 23 letter to council, an anonymous resident told council that it had been brought to their attention that council had changed zoning for Highway 97 for tourism-related businesses. The writer stated, "If this is true, surely it will discourage new business in town" adding that the decision results in properties like Kingsgate, the old flooring store, the Red Coach Inn and 100 Mile Realty being left empty at a time when they should be encouraging all new businesses. The letter also called for the District of 100 Mile House to cater to an aging population because the majority of the residents are retirees.
Coun. Donna Barnett, in response, said that the bylaw has been like that for a long time.
"I don't know where this information comes back, but it is totally incorrect."
Council votes to donate assets to PSO Jr. Firefighting Program
The District of 100 Mile House Council unanimously voted to approve a donation of assets to the Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) Jr. Firefighting Program.
The assets are five sets of 2012 Turn-Out Gear (named E-238) and four sets of 2014 Turn-Out Gear (named E-241). In a Jan. 30, 2025 report prepared by Sheena Elias, the Director of Finance with the District of 100 Mile House, it had been stated that the "turn out gear has expired and can no longer be used by the Fire Department (referring to 100 Mile Fire Rescue)."
Council reads House and Parcel Numbering Amendment Bylaw three times
The District of 100 Mile House Council read the House and Parcel Numbering Amendment Bylaw No. 1443 for the first, second and third time.
According to a Feb. 6 report prepared by Joanne Doddridge, the Director of Economic Planning and Development with the District of 100 Mile House, the amendments "simply reflect a change to the composition of the Staff Planning Committee." The amendment would have the Staff Planning Committee be made up of the district's director of planning, 100 Mile Fire Rescue's fire chief, and/or their designated deputies, and/or any other person appointed by the administrator.
Council reads two zoning amendment bylaws twice
The District of 100 Mile House Council unanimously voted to read Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1442, 2025 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1441, 2025 twice.
The amendment to Bylaw No. 1442 came from an application submitted by Maggie Pitcher of the numerical company 1255513 BC Ltd - who submitted the land application to council on Jan. 9, 2025.
Pitcher says that they have been approached by a "very talented, and highly sought-after group of wellness professionals who wish to occupy our building with the intent of creating a health and wellness facility the entire community and its visitors would benefit from."
The application would add two additional permitted uses to C-2 zoning, "health care office" and "health and fitness facility." Some reasons given for support are that the building would not need any further changes.
Meanwhile, Bylaw No. 1441 was requested by Sean Ross of SKR Ventures. The amendment would introduce a site-specific tractor sales and service shop, as well as a commercial heavy truck repair shop at 980 and 989 Alpine Avenue. Both bylaw amendments must go through a public hearing, which are tentatively scheduled for Feb. 25.
Council approves Illegal Secondary Suites policy
The District of 100 Mile House Council unanimously voted to approve the Illegal Secondary Suites policy.
During the Council meeting, there was some discussion over the policy, where there had been a recognition that the District does not have the capacity to inspect and identify all illegal secondary suites. It had been agreed that it's best to address concerns if it's brought to the District's attention. The agreed approach was to work with the property owners, allowing them to either legalize the suite or decommission it. Staff has recieved clarification that they would be persuing Section 57 notices on Title primarily for illegal suites were staff has become aware of safety concerns.
The next District of 100 Mile House Council meeting is on Feb. 25.
