2019 Annual Report

City of Chilliwack 46 growth-related studies and plans: Aging Adults Housing Needs Study, a Childcare Space Creation Study, and the Sardis Neighbourhood Plan and a Housing Needs Report. An update to infill policies was also made to support neighbourhood densification. In collaboration with CEPCO an industrial land review was undertaken which resulted an industrial land policy to support efficient use of land. Engage the Community Provide community forum venues on major issues under consideration. Public meetings and online feedback. As part of the Residential Parking Study, public engagement sessions were held at Cottonwood Mall and Evergreen Hall in addition to an online survey. City staff engaged the community on a wide variety of subjects, including the new curbside collection program, playground replacement, updates to the Building Act, roundabout safety, wildfire preparedness, road safety, neighbourhood planning and more. Parks Operations hosted public engagement sessions in Cottonwood Mall and at the Chilliwack Fair on a wide variety of subjects including outdoor exercise equipment, the looping of the Vedder Rotary Trail, the Experience the Fraser Trail and updates to the City's Greenspace and Trail Network Plans. Park meetings were held in community parks to receive feedback from local residents on future park designs at Parker Park, Kensington Park, Emerald Park, Balmoral Park and Mountview Park. 2019 engagement included Seniors Housing Study, Childcare Space Creation Study, Heritage Action Plan, Sardis Neighbourhood Plan and rural community engagement. Staff continue to attend Canadian Homebuilders Association functions regularly; liaised and continued to build relationships with members of our development community. Advertising City services, events and initiatives regularly on City website and through print and radio ads where feasible. Event attendance, online and in-person feedback and public uptake of City services. Events well-attended and response to City services and initiatives continues to grow. Online surveys received hundreds of responses and budget survey completed online and on paper. Committees of Council meet regularly. Committees meeting attendance and regular feedback to Council. All Committees active during year. Build and maintain positive relationships with other governments. Meetings between City elected officials and other municipal, provincial, federal and First Nations officials. Individual meetings have occurred as needed to discuss specific issues. These meetings will continue and joint group meetings will be scheduled. Inter-agency interactions. City staff continue to work collaboratively with other organizations to further and communicate projects of mutual interest. Ensure timely and accurate information to the community. Information provided. A social media presence was established on Facebook and Twitter in 2011, on Instagram in 2018 and timely updates are provided on a regular basis. A social media policy is in place and staff regularly answer questions and concerns posted on social media. The City has 8,743 followers on Facebook, 6,000 followers on Twitter and 1,781 followers on Instagram. Develop and Maintain a First-Rate Work Force Have recruiting strategies that attract the brightest and the best. Qualified applicants. To date in 2019, there have been 90 job postings for 113 positions. As of October 1, 2019, 51 new employees have started with our organization.