Firebreak Rehabilitation

Jody Butz, Regional Fire Chief, Erin O'Neill, Recovery Task Force, and Brad McMurdo, Acting Director, Planning and Development, presented an update on Firebreak Rehabilitation, which was presented on June 12, 2018, and the public engagement that has since occurred.

Councillor V. Murphy put forward the following motion for consideration:

"THAT Administration be directed to proceed with the current scope of the Firebreak Rehabilitation and Trail restoration project, which includes grade, topsoil and seeding the area from back of property line to 30 metres and the area beyond 30 metres will be graded, seeded and trees will be planted (in 2019); and

THAT Administration increase the current scope of the project to include:

a) where possible, all trails, damaged and undamaged, be relocated outside the 30 metre zone;

b) post and rail fence be installed at all access point; and

c) all remaining standing trees within the 30 metre zone be removed, or where possible, relocated; and

THAT Administration be further directed to:

a) investigate a program that would allow for hedge plantings that meet FireSmart principles immediately adjacent to the fence line and report back to Council with recommendations; and

b) proceed with an education campaign in 2018 and in 2019 begin the targeted enforcement of encroachments on municipal lands, by area, starting with the firebreak rehabilitation areas; and

c) review the existing Off Highway Vehicle Bylaws and report back to Council on options for fine increases and increased enforcement options."

Exit and Return

Councillor K. Balsom exited the meeting at 9:05 p.m. and returned at 9:06 p.m.

Gale Buchanan, Thickwood resident, spoke to concerns with the removal of more trees causing privacy and weed issues, the enforcement of encroachment, and the areas where trees have not been removed to create a firebreak.

Exit and Return

Councillor K. McGrath exited the meeting at 9:35 p.m. and returned at 9:37 p.m.

Steven Stryde, Timberlea resident, spoke in opposition to the motion, noting concerns with the 30 metre firebreak, encroachment issues and the lack of consideration of the residents' input.

Recess

A recesss occurred between 9:53 p.m. and 10:08 p.m.

Exit and Return

Mayor D. Scott exited the meeting at 10:09 p.m. and returned at 10:14 p.m., during which time Deputy Mayor B. Inglis assumed the Chair.

Dan Sorensen, Timberlea resident, spoke to understanding the need for firebreaks but raised concerns with encroachment issues, and proposed that ownership of any encroached upon land be transferred to the property owner.

Keith Janzen, Eagle Ridge resident, spoke in opposition to the motion, particularly as it relates to the 30 metre firebreak, citing a lack of privacy and consultation with affected residents, noting he would like more collaboration with the Municipality.

Kristen Bazylo, Eagle Ridge resident, spoke to residents' concerns not being taken into account with regards to the firebreak rehabilitation, noting more collaboration between residents and the Municipality is needed.

Ken Foster, Eagle Ridge resident, spoke in opposition to the motion, noting concerns with the 30 metre firebreak behind his residence. He would like to see the formation of a committee made up of members of Council, the Recovery Task Force, specialists and residents to help with the issues.

Exit and Return

Councillor J. Peddle exited the meeting at 10:27 and returned at 10:27 p.m.

Rob Denis, Timberlea resident, spoke in opposition to the motion, noting that the 30-metre firebreak could be reduced as it doesn't mitigate the fire risk factor, and that homeowners who are encroaching should be able to purchase or lease that land.

Monique Gauthier and David Wendel, Timberlea residents, speaking on behalf of Jeremy Fresz, Sarah Fresz, Craig Longeville, Reno Lasabe, Jesse and Andrea McPherson, Erica and Terry Dirk, Paul Logamont, Kelly Koban, Lorna and Patrick Spargo, spoke to concerns with residents' issues having not been heard or incorporated in the proposed motions, especially with the tree removal in the firebreak, which has impacted her quality of life.

Exit and Return

Councillor S. Lalonde exited the meeting at 10:46 p.m. and returned at 10:47 p.m.

Jodi Schmidt, Timberlea resident, spoke to the condition of the firebreak areas, the off-highway vehicle use within the firebreak and the enforcement of encroachment, and noted that the loss of greenery has an impact on property value.

Chris Godwin, Eagle Ridge resident, spoke to concerns with the firebreak and the 30 metre setback.

Liz Guilbeau, Timberlea resident, raised concerns with the 30 metre firebreak zone, particularly in regard to the tree removal, off-highway vehicle use and the enforcement of encroachment, particularly in areas where residents have not erected fences.

Recess

A recess occurred from 11:10 p.m. to 11:27 p.m.