The Committee reviewed their priorities as follows:
1. Review land use bylaw to facilitate conversation and decisions regarding section items
It was noted that Administration has already completed extensive consultation and engagement on the proposed Land Use Bylaw.
2. Understand current processes for commercial development permitting, and business license process to make recommendations to streamline process (Road Map)
The Committee agreed to endorse Business Licensing amendments suggested by the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation and will continue discussions on ways to gather developer feedback on permitting processes.
Exit and Recess
Due to technical difficulties, S. Jackson exited the meeting at 9:46 a.m. resulting in a loss of quorum. The meeting therefore recessed following S. Jackson’s disconnection and resumed at 9:51 a.m. at which time S. Jackson reconnected to the meeting and quorum was re-established.
3. Commercial rent feasibility study and review of tax and how it impacts rates
The Committee deferred future discussions on this priority.
Action
Administration to provide an update on a Council motion regarding property tax in rural areas
4. Identify opportunities for business development with “outside the box” thinking
· Committee members indicated that Priority No. 4, should be moved up the priorities listing.
· Administration indicated that a new Municipal Development Plan is underway and suggested this would align with the Committee’s mandate.
Administration to provide Committee members with the Business License Bylaw