The Dec. 9 council meeting was a long one as the District of Hope council and staff heard and discussed a number of things that ranged from the RCMP Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment Strategic Plan to the Cascade Lower Canyon Community Forest (CLCCF) needing access to Squeah Forest Road.
RCMP Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment Strategic Plan
Council listened to a presentation by RCMP Superintendent Davy Lee regarding the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment Strategic Plan. This 2024 to 2027 plan will focus on improving community safety and forming strong partnerships with community members, leaders, and groups — especially with regards to First Nation communities and supporting Indigenous youth.
“This will be revisited as needed, to show the response to the current pressures and opportunities that affect the communities,” Lee said. “The plan (incorporated) input from local governments, teachers, communities, partners and our city employees to focus on police initiatives, public safety concerns, priorities and collaborative efforts to enhance public safety.”
For more information about the plan, readers can find a pdf version of it on the RCMP website.
Hope Communities in Bloom
Hope Communities in Bloom (HCiB) Co-Chairs Teresa Williams and John Mason presented their yearly review to council.
“We are enormously proud to continue our beautification campaign,” Williams said. “ So we have a terrific reputation for our longevity within the BC communities. So we’ve been given large grants by organizations and businesses to continue our work, and we’re pretty proud of that.
“And I’ve sent out emails to supporters, informing them of upcoming activities. The latest email encourages (them to come to our) gathering to meet and greet and celebrate our 5-bloom win. Because once again, we’ve won 5-blooms.”
Williams spoke about the projects and work that HCiB has done throughout the year. Some of this work includes: regular litter pickups throughout the community; coordinating recycling efforts on Earth Day; planting flowers and other plants around town; supporting district initiatives such as the FireSmart program; checking and replacing holiday lights; volunteering and helping to organize Hope’s World Class Chainsaw Carving Competition.
She said that HCiB’s future plans involve revitalizing the junction near the base of Mount Hope. HCiB will be using the money, normally going towards the banner, to hiring a contractor.
After finishing their presentation, HCiB presented council with a plaque to honour the district’s continued support of and partnership with CiB.
Diversity Disconnect Research Project
Council listened to representatives from Free Rein Associates as they presented their research done for their Diversity Disconnect Research Project. Specifically, the representatives shared their report regarding challenges faced by jobseekers and employees in rural communities who are disabled, come from a low-income background, or are a minority. The report also looked at employers and whether they were willing to hire jobseekers who are disabled, or provide adequate support for their disabled employees.
To read the report readers can visit www.freereinassociates.ca/diversity-disconnect.
Cascade Lower Canyon Community Forest – Squeah Forest Road Access
Council agreed to support the letter being sent by CLCCF for transmission to the Provincial Government regarding the lack of access to the Squeah Forest Road. Specifically, the council “fully endorses the requests being made and authorizes the Mayor to sign on behalf of council” and will attach “an official copy of this resolution” to CLCCF’s letter.
Deaccession of Museum Artifacts
Council agreed to let AdvantageHOPE deaccess the latest batch of museum artifacts examined from the collection.
FVRD Air Quality Management Service Area Merger & Establishment Bylaw
Council agreed to adopt the “Fraser Valley Regional District Regional Air Quality Management Service Area Merger & Establishment Bylaw No. 1753, 2024.”
Accessibility Advisory Committee – Bench and Table Recommendations 2025/26
Council agreed to the Accessibility Advisory’s recommendations to provide more public benches and accessible picnic tables in Hope for 2025. Council also agreed to include these changes in the 2025 and 2026 fiscal year.
Mayor Victor Smith, and councillors Angela Skoglund, Scott Medlock, Heather Stewin, Pauline Newbigging, and Dusty Smith were all present for the Dec. 9 meeting.
The next meeting will be on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
