2023-04-06 Summary

Meeting commenced 6:30 p.m. Attendees:

Attendees in person at NVC Library: Chris Howorth Erika Rathje Jasper Tam Dana Bourgeoise Grace McEwan - 1st meeting Fiona Welsh Peter Schofield Jen Petersen - 1st meeting Graham & Laurie Parkinson - 1st meeting Larry Wilson Blair Barrington Martyn Schmoll Eric Gadot Anderson (Blue Ridge Community Association) - 1st meeting Paul Stott Duncan Wilcock Paul Janzen Don Piercy Sophia Hunter Derrick Engels Attendees on-line via Google Meets: Laurie & Graham Parkinson Martyn Schmoll

12 attendees in person, 8 online

Meeting commenced 6:32 pm

CNV Marine/Main transit extension funding from translating means new infrastructure on 3rd street East west of Cotton/Low Level road diversion. Sophia provided details but they are not generally available at this time Painted bike lanes for north side and joint bus/bike shared lane on south. Delineators to be added on north side. Graham and Laurie Parkinson suggested an "off ramp" for access to the Spirit trail from south side. The Casano overpass is scheduled for completion in 2024. Tony Valente has left the ITC committee to be replaced by councillor Jessica McIlroy. DNV 2023-2027 Budget deferrals will be addressed at next council meeting. Everyone encouraged to attend Monday March 6 at 5 pm. Otherwise e-mail budget@dnv.ca with your input. Martyn pointed out each 1% increase in the budget provides DNV with an additional $1.1 million. Erika pointed out City of Van is boosting taxes @ 10+% vs DNV proposedcincrease of 4.5%. Several attendees pointed out that budget reductions mean deviation from the regions Official Community Plan. Paul S. pointed out that construction costs have inflated above 30% YTY. In the future councillor votes on motions will be published. Don provided a spreadsheet he created outlining how the deferred budget would affect priority infrastructure projects.

Proposed Blueridge trail Eric G.A. pointed out many cyclists frequent the area to access MTB trails. Traffic and parking along Berkely Avenue are issues at crime times. The Blueridge Community association is exploring 2 goals: A trail paralleling Berkely that would give access to the MTB trails. A trail route from Blueridge to Parkgate. Discussion ensued surrounding the issues in crossing over lands held by numerous title holders.

Library Bikes Duncan introduced the concept of cargo bikes as a pilot at one DNV library location. He has had exploratory meeting with library staff to explore the idea and funding opportunities. Concept has worked in other jurisdictions. DWV Paul S. and Peter outlined prospects for an extended Spirit trail through to Horseshoe Bay. Drawings were made available for the project along Marine Drive through to and including 31 Street/Westview route. Lanes for the above were judged to be non compliant with AAA standards. A meeting is forthcoming with DWV staff at which it is hoped the option of delineators will be added. Council votes on the above project April 3. Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.