2023-03-02 Summary

Meeting commenced 6:35 p.m. Attendees:

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

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.

• 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.