ANNUAL MUNICIPAL REPORT 2021 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
City of Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada 2021 Annual Municipal Report For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 PREPARED BY THE CITY OF CHILLIWACK FINANCE DEPARTMENT 8550 YOUNG ROAD ~ CHILLIWACK, BC ~ V2P 8A4
TERRITORY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The City of Chilliwack acknowledges that we are honoured to live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples.
Annual Report 2021 7 Table of Contents Introduction City Snapshot......................................................................... 10 Message from the Mayor....................................................... 11 Organizational Chart............................................................. 12 City Council. ........................................................................... 14 Boards & Committees............................................................ 15 2021 Highlights...................................................................... 16 Council’s Strategic Goals....................................................... 17 Department Overviews Administration....................................................................... 36 Corporate Services................................................................. 37 Information Technology........................................................ 38 Finance.................................................................................... 39 Engineering............................................................................ 40 Operations.............................................................................. 42 Fire Protection........................................................................ 44 Policing. .................................................................................. 45 Planning & Development...................................................... 46 Recreation & Culture. ............................................................ 48 Tourism Chilliwack Inc........................................................... 49 Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO).......... 50 Statistical Information Statistical Comparisons......................................................... 54 Permissive Tax Exemptions................................................... 61 2021 Audited Financial Statements KPMG LLP Auditor’s Report................................................... 65 Consolidated Statement of: - Financial Position............................................................ 68 - Operations & Accumulated Surplus. ............................. 69 - Change in Net Financial Assets...................................... 70 - Cash Flows........................................................................ 71 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................... 72 Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO).......... 83 Tourism Chilliwack Inc. .......................................................101
Annual Report 2021 9 Introduction City Snapshot Message from the Mayor Organizational Chart City Council Boards & Committees 2021 Highlights Council ’s Strategic Goals 9
City of Chilliwack 10 City Snapshot $347 M Building Permit Construction Values $802,800 Average House Price 68% Curbside Waste Diversion Rate 5 Off Leash Dog Areas 618 New Business Licences Issued Located in the hear t of the Fraser Valley, British Columbia * Source: Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB) * 100,580 Population 42,800 acres Farmland Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Annual Report 2021 111 Message from the Mayor 23 COUNCIL MEETINGS 12 PUBLIC HEARING MEETINGS I am pleased to present the 2021 Annual Report for the City of Chilliwack on behalf of Council. In this report you will find important information about City operations, including a financial overview, accomplishments and progress made on Council’s strategic goals. I hope you will think of this report as a summary of all our collective achievements, as well as a road map for where we plan to go next. 2021 was filled with challenges. Chilliwack faced heat waves, an influx of evacuees fleeing wildfires, and historic flooding, all in the context of a pandemic. Yarrow and Majuba Hill were evacuated, along with residents elsewhere impacted by landslides, and many residents faced sewer backups, localized flooding, and highway closures. Our community worked together to fill sandbags and find items or lodging for people in need, showing just how resilient Chilliwack can be. And yet, there were still many bright moments. We planted thousands of climate-resilient trees on Mt. Thom, continued retrofitting streetlights with LEDs, and Council approved the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw. Council approved the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility Action Plan, and we made accessibility improvements to our website and the Cheam Leisure Centre. We celebrated Chilliwack-born Jordyn Huitema’s Olympic gold medal victory with the Canadian women’s soccer team, opened the pump track at the Landing, widened a portion of Prest Road, and opened the new Ross Road. This year, for the first time, Chilliwack honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. While this is an important day to reflect on the legacy and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools, there is work to do every day. In 2021, we renewed our commitment to building relationships with Indigenous neighbours, and will continue to support truth and reconciliation. The things we achieved in 2021 would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Council, advisory committee members, volunteers, City staff, and you, the citizens of Chilliwack. To anyone who called, emailed, took a survey, left a comment, participated in a public hearing, or attended a virtual meeting this year – thank you. You helped us shape twenty-one projects with feedback on our new engagement platform, engagechilliwack.com. Your involvement makes Chilliwack an even better place to work, live and play, and we look forward to another year of growth with you. Enjoy the read! Mayor Ken Popove
City of Chilliwack 12 Organizational Chart Mayor Ken Popove Councillors Chris Kloot Sue Knott Jason Lum Bud Mercer Jeff Shields Harv Westeringh Deputy Director of Operations Joe Koczkur Utilities Supt. Mechanical/ Electrical Sandy Hamilton Utilities Superintendent Brendan Kurtz Fleet Operations Manager Jake Nesbitt Manager of Parks Planning Richard Fortin Manager of Accounting Services Megan Winn Manager of Revenue Services Leigh Kreitner Assistant Fire Chief Training/ Operations Andrew Brown Assistant Fire Chief Prevention/ Investigations Michael Bourdon Assistant Fire Chief Emergency Program Coordinator Chris Wilson Director of Development & Regulatory Enforcement Chris Crosman Manager of Building and Regulatory Enforcement Garrett Schipper Approving Officer Manager of Land Development Glen White Director of Recreation & Culture Ryan Mulligan Manager of Recreation & Corporate Wellness Carolyn Marleau Director of Planning and Engineering David Blain Projects Engineer Chandra Naiduwa Manager of Environmental Services Tara Friesen Manager of Long Range Planning Karen Stanton Manager of Development Planning Gillian Villeneuve Corporate Project Manager Eric Dyck Corporate Officer Jacqueline Morgan Manager of Human Resources Heather Vegh Property Manager Wayne Moseanko Purchasing Manager Kris Meakin RCMP Administration Manager Riley Reimer Corporate Safety & Training Manager Jenn Hirschman Superintendent of Recreation Facilities Eric Schulz Manager of IT Solutions Cory Carruthers Manager of Business Solutions Gary Palaniuk Manager of Network Infrastructure & Security Jason Robillard Manager of Transportation & Drainage Kara Jefford Manager of Utilities Jenny Tough IT Program Manager Linda Verhoeven RCMP Officer in Charge Superintendent Davy Lee Deputy CAO Chris Crosman Director of Information Technology Erik Leidekker Director of Finance Glen Savard Director of Operations Glen MacPherson Director of Corporate Services Jennifer Kooistra Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Peter Monteith Director of Communications Jamie Leggatt Fire Chief Ian Josephson December 31, 2021 Superintendent of Civic Facilities Darrell Lindhout City of Chilliwack 1A3nnual Report 2021 13
City of Chilliwack 14 City Council Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Chris Kloot Councillor Sue Knott Councillor Jason Lum Councillor Bud Mercer Councillor Jeff Shields Councillor Harv Westeringh Mayor and Council were elected in November 2018 for a four year term. City of Chilliwack 1A5nnual Report 2021 15 Boards & Committees Affordable Housing and Development Advisory Committee Councillor Harv Westeringh (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee Councillor Chris Kloot (Chair) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Vice-Chair) Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) Councillor Jeff Shields (Liaison) Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society Board Councillor Jeff Shields (Liaison) Chilliwack Creative Commission Councillor Jason Lum (Liaison) Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation Mayor Ken Popove (Ex-Officio) Councillor Sue Knott (Liaison) Chilliwack Healthier Community Mayor Ken Popove (Chair) Councillor Jeff Shields (Alternate) Chilliwack Parks and Trails Advisory Committee Councillor Bud Mercer (Chair) Councillor Jason Lum (Vice-Chair) Community Advisory Board Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Harv Westeringh Design Review Advisory Committee Councillor Chris Kloot (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Emergency Executive Committee Mayor Ken Popove (Chair) Councillor Chris Kloot Councillor Sue Knott Fraser Valley Aboriginal Relations Committee Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Jeff Shields (Alternate) Fraser Valley Regional District Board Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Jason Lum Councillor Chris Kloot Councillor Bud Mercer Councillor Jeff Shields (First Alternate) Councillor Sue Knott (Second Alternate) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Third Alternate) Fraser Valley Regional Hospital Board Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Jason Lum Councillor Chris Kloot Councillor Bud Mercer Councillor Jeff Shields (First Alternate) Councillor Sue Knott (Second Alternate) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Third Alternate) Fraser Valley Regional Library Councillor Sue Knott Heritage Advisory Committee Councillor Sue Knott (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Integrated Community Safety Task Force Councillor Bud Mercer (Chair) Clint Hames, Former Mayor (Vice-Chair) Mayor Ken Popove Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility Mayor Ken Popove (Co-Chair) Councillor Jason Lum (Co-Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Co-Chair) Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Councillor Jeff Shields Councillor Harv Westeringh Councillor Bud Mercer Public Art Advisory Committee Councillor Sue Knott (Chair) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Vice-Chair) Public Safety Advisory Committee Councillor Jason Lum (Co-Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Co-Chair) Tourism Chilliwack Councillor Harv Westeringh (Liaison) Transportation Advisory Committee Councillor Jeff Shields (Chair) Councillor Jason Lum (Vice-Chair)
City of Chilliwack 2021 HIGHLIGHTS STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Completion of Chilliwack Pump Track facility with a paved, looping circuit for bikes, scooters, skateboards and more. Features approximately 500 m of track and tunnel crossover, with two separate circuits for a variety of abilities. VIBRANT ECONOMY Multi-phase downtown redevelopment at Five Corners continues with new businesses opened in 2021. Installed 82 new LED energy efficient streetlights in the downtown area. CONNECTED COMMUNITY Utilized online engagement platform, engagechilliwack.com, to gather resident input on various initiatives. COMMUNITY SAFETY Received grant funding from UBCM’s Strengthening Communities Program to support programs to address homelessness. GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE Invested $5.5M into the road rehabilitation program. Inlet works upgrade at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Design and permitting of Wastewater Treatment Plant outfall rehabilitation underway. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Collaborated with local businesses and community volunteers to remove invasive species and replant 1,500 native trees and shrubs along creeks at 15 locations. CUSTOMER SERVICE Continued use of “box office” style customer service wickets at the front of City Hall. City Hall re-opened to the public in September. 16 Annual Report 2021 17 COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC GOALS Council’s strategic goals provide a framework for the decisions made by Council and guide the City’s approach for delivering services to the community. Financial Stability Plan for anticipated community needs while maintaining reasonable property tax levels for taxpayers. Good Stewardship of Municipal Infrastructure Ensure proactive and preventative maintenance of roads, utility, water systems, civic facilities and municipal fleet. Environmental Stewardship Encourage waste diversion and a “zero waste” philosophy, while working to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases, and protect waterways, riparian areas and the airshed. Strong Neighbourhoods Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, while providing high-quality parks and recreational opportunities. Vibrant Economy Contract with CEPCO for economic development and encouragement of development in the downtown. Work to create an environment that is positive to business creation. Connected Community Provide opportunities to hear from the community, meet with other levels of government and share information throughout the community. Organizational Excellence Employ recruitment strategies that focus on attracting the best workforce, while providing opportunity for internal advancement. Provide focus on workplace safety and on-site training while encouraging ongoing professional development. Customer Service Ensure employees receive customer service training in order to provide excellent and efficient service to the public. Community Safety Safety encompasses a wide range of services including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It also includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety.
Annual Report 2021 19 18 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #1: FINANCIAL STABILITY Plan for anticipated community needs and maintain a reasonable tax burden for taxpayers. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS Prepare for anticipated and unanticipated community needs Completed the annual update of our long-term Comprehensive Municipal Plan (CMP), outlining short-term priorities and anticipated long-term needs. Planning and funding strategies built into the Comprehensive Municipal Plan for projects that may be eligible for future infrastructure grants to ensure municipal funding portions in place. BALANCED BUDGET Fund planned capital expenditures without long-term borrowing debt and identify grant opportunities All capital expenditures funded without long-term debt in the 2021 Comprehensive Municipal Plan. Completed successful applications for available government grant funding programs. Ongoing grant research for eligible project opportunities. REASONABLE PROPERTY TAXATION Maintain reasonable property tax levels and ensure new growth pays for itself Chilliwack maintains the lowest general municipal taxation levy on a representative home when compared to 19 Lower Mainland communities surveyed. With the inclusion of water, sewer and garbage collection fees, Chilliwack’s total fees are lower by an even greater margin, while providing vast services and amenities. Chilliwack continues to have a low business class property tax multiplier. Reviewed Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and amended rates accordingly to ensure growth-driven capital needs are completed and funded by DCC’s where eligible. STRATEGIC GOAL #2: GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE Maintaining roads, water and sewer systems, civic facilities and municipal fleet. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 ROAD AND UTILITY SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Maintain utility systems, minimize service delivery interruptions and meet pavement quality index goals for roadways. Invested $5.5M into the road rehabilitation program. Flushed 120% of water system and 135 km of sewer lines. Serviced 1,000+ fire hydrants. Replaced 3,800 metres of aging cast iron pipes. Replaced 770 metres of existing AC sewer pipes. Completed inspections of 36 large diameter road culverts and 23 bridges to ensure safe condition and ongoing maintenance of structural assets. Inlet works upgrade at the Wastewater Treatment Plant completed. Rehabilitation of the primary clarifiers at the Wastewater Treatment Plant completed. Design and permitting of Wastewater Treatment Plan outfall rehabilitation underway. MUNICIPAL FACILITY AND FLEET MAINTENANCE Extend the life of buildings by funding repairs and maintenance in a timely manner. Maintain fleet for optimal performance and life span. Regular major maintenance and roof inspection completed. Replaced all six HVAC roof top units at Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre with higher efficiency units and upgraded the direct digital control (DDC) system. Upgraded the access and security system at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. Major pipework replacement completed at Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. Four HVAC roof top units replaced on oldest part of City Hall building with higher efficiency units. City Hall boiler replaced with a new higher efficiency unit. Pool basin at Rotary Pool repaired and painted. Interior and exterior pool building painted. HVAC system replaced in the dressing room at Sardis Sport Complex. Sound system at the Cultural Centre upgraded. 134 heavy duty vehicles/equipment serviced and inspected. Completed over 1,600 repairs and preventative maintenance work orders for equipment and fleet.
Annual Report 2021 21 20 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #2 CONTINUED: GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE Maintaining roads, water and sewer systems, civic facilities and municipal fleet. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 FLOOD PROTECTION Maintain dikes to provincial standards, ensure adequate drainage and maximize funding opportunities ✓ 78,000 linear channel metres of drainage watercourses cleaned with DFO and FLNRORD approval. ✓ All dikes, pump stations and flood boxes inspected and maintained prior to freshet and high winter stream flows. ✓ No gravel removed from Vedder River in 2021 (removals occur in even-numbered years to protect pink salmon). ✓ Received funding through the Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to raise the West Dike (right bank) between Sumas Prairie Road and the Vedder Canal. The design-build process is underway. ✓ Received funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund administered by UBCM for Fraser River Bank Protection, downstream of CHIP intake; project to be completed by spring 2022 and for a Vedder River Flood Risk Assessment, study to be completed by summer 2022. WATER QUALITY Ensure an adequate water supply and maintain potable water standards ✓ Stage 2 summer watering restrictions implemented. ✓ 1,750 water samples tested through drinking water quality testing program. ✓ Semi-annual water main flushing, reservoir cleaning and production well repairs completed. STRATEGIC GOAL #3: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Encourage waste diversion and a “zero waste” philosophy, while working to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases and protect waterways, riparian areas and the airshed. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 PROTECT WATERWAYS AND RIPARIAN AREAS Enhance fish habitat and maintain Riparian Areas Protection Regulation standards ✓ Effluent above and beyond minimum provincial standard requirements. ✓ Inlet Works upgrade at the Wastewater Treatment completed. ✓ Completed backup power and electrical upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. ✓ Collaborated with local businesses and community volunteers to remove invasive species and replant 1,500 native trees and shrubs along creeks at 15 locations. ✓ Mitigative measures undertaken to preserve and enhance fish habitats during open channel drainage maintenance. ✓ Enforcement of Development Permit Area #3 rules. ✓ Enforcement of riparian covenants. ✓ Commenced a project to improve the accuracy of headwater stream mapping in hillside areas. AIR QUALITY Protect the airshed, measure greenhouse gas emissions and implement energy efficiency opportunities where feasible ✓ Followed provincial Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice. ✓ Updates to the Corporate and Community Climate Action Plans underway; studies to be completed by early 2022. ✓ Utilized methane from Wastewater Treatment Plant to run biogas boiler heat digesters. ✓ Organic Food Waste Pre-Processing and Anaerobic Digester #4 procurement process underway. ✓ Planned expansion of the gas extraction system at the Bailey Landfill with the installation of three horizontal gas collectors. ✓ Worked with the Ministry of Environment to respond to air quality complaints. ✓ Updated the Open Burning Bylaw with new restrictions to reduce smoke. ✓ Planted 22,000 climate resilient tree species in Mt. Thom Park with funding through a federal grant.
Annual Report 2021 23 22 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #3 CONTINUED: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Encourage waste diversion and a “zero waste” philosophy, while working to protect waterways, water course riparian areas and the airshed. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 WASTE DIVERSION Achieve a 75% curbside program waste diversion rate by 2025, promote a “zero waste” philosophy and maximize recycling initiatives ✓ Curbside diversion rate of 68% in 2021. ✓ Zero waste initiatives including curbside recycling and compostable programs. ✓ Supported Fraser Valley Regional District with the region-wide separation requirements to separate recycling and compostables in all sectors through an update to the City’s Solid Waste Management Bylaw. ✓ Adopted Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw, which will come into effect in April 2022. SUSTAINABILITY Explore renewable energy opportunities, facilitate sustainable transportation and prepare long- term plan for landfill ✓ Provided free transit for National Seniors Day and supported implementation for provincially mandated free transit for children under 12. ✓ Converted 1,021 streetlights to LED, which is over one-third of the City’s ornamental streetlights. ✓ Continued the conversion of lighting to LED in City Hall, the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre, Cheam Leisure Centre and the parking lot at Heritage Park. ✓ Received early grant approval for future work to capture waste heat from the Chilliwack Coliseum and transfer it to the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. This is estimated to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions by 553 tonnes (11.6%) per year. ✓ Procured a second electric ice resurfacing machine for the Sardis Sports Complex. ✓ Awarded federal ZEVIP Grant for 22 level 2 EV chargers, and provincial Clean BC Grant for two level 2 and two level 3 EV charging ports to be installed at City facilities and parking lots. ✓ Consistent reviews and implementation of landfill financial planning strategies to ensure continued economic sustainability. STRATEGIC GOAL #4: STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, while providing high quality parks and recreational opportunities. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 PARKS AND TRAILS Provide and enhance quality parks and recreational opportunities Over 100 parks and 100 kilometres of trails in City. Allan Creek and South Sumas Parks added to the parks inventory. Included playground accessibility improvements in the 10-year CMP. New green gym facilities installed at Webster Park. Playground upgrades completed at James Street Park. Upgraded the pickleball facility at Kinsmen Park, on Portage Avenue. New skate park facility added to Rosedale Park. Upgraded existing trails in Mt. Thom Park. Completed the Thornton Creek Trail from Uplands Road to Promontory Road. 10-year master plan for Vedder Greenway commenced. Continued work with FVRD to enhance regional connections in Chilliwack. Downtown improvements on Yale Road, included the installation of 10 new banners, poles, and basket options with irrigation. TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Build relationships of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations Relationship building through Indigenous Connect Meetings. Staff utilized the Indigenous author library to further their education and understanding. Honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Implemented land acknowledgement at the start of Council meetings and in staff email signatures. Illuminated the Vedder Road roundabout artwork orange. Staff and Council have continued their education, including Indigenous Cultural Safety workshops through the Chilliwack Economic Resource Network. Funding received from the Province of British Columbia’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, through partnership with Tzeachten First Nation, for new pedestrian connection on Chilliwack River Road from Promontory Road to Bailey Road.
Annual Report 2021 25 24 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #4 CONTINUED: STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, while providing high quality parks and recreational opportunities. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 COMMUNITY CULTURE Foster community spirit by attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, community organizations and public art initiatives Heritage Park, Chilliwack Coliseum and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre held shows and events that showcased local artists and performers virtually. Also hosted smaller shows in accordance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders. The Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee continued to support public art initiatives. Recognized sport achievement and legacy through Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame. Assisted in the coordination of the virtual Canada Day event. Community Development Initiatives policy funded a number of community non-profit service organizations and initiatives. INCLUSIVENESS Identify and support projects and programs that nurture accessibility, inclusion and diversity Approved the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility (MTFIDA) Action Plan. The Accessibility Advisory Panel met with department heads to provide feedback, including input on the development of the new Active Transportation Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. Supported Pink Shirt Day. Supported Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC). Reviewed and updated the City’s website and social media to make content more available and accessible. Provided funding for the Chilliwack Pride event. Updated Neighbourhood Grant documents to increase accessibility and inclusiveness. Cheam Leisure Centre underwent major upgrades to improve accessibility, achieving Gold with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. STRATEGIC GOAL #5: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development. Encourage development in the downtown and foster an environment that is positive to business creation. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Attract and maintain business growth ✓ Worked with CEPCO to set mutual priorities for economic development. ✓ Continued to provide low business taxes and fees compared to other Lower Mainland communities to attract and retain business within the city. ✓ Offered Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw to promote business expansion and reinvestment within the community. ✓ Worked with the Chilliwack Economic Recovery/Resource Network (CERN) to develop and facilitate strategies to assist and support local businesses in economic recovery from COVID-19. ✓ Work began on a City Hall expansion to better serve the public. ✓ Participating member of the Fraser Valley Intermunicipal Business Licence program. Licence sales have nearly quadrupled since the program began in 2013. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Encourage redevelopment in the downtown area ✓ Revitalization tax exemptions available to promote business reinvestment in the downtown core. ✓ Multi-phase downtown redevelopment at Five Corners is underway with new businesses opened in 2021. ✓ Installed 82 new LED streetlights in the downtown area. ✓ Completed storm sewer upgrades on Princess Avenue and Young Road to support downtown redevelopment. ✓ Approved public art to continue to enhance the downtown area. PLANNING Ensure plans are in place to facilitate regional growth predictions ✓ Chilliwack’s Official Community Plan and Comprehensive Municipal Plan continue to accommodate regional growth. ✓ Public engagement for the Yarrow and South Vedder Neighbourhood Plans was initiated. ✓ Development of a new land use and growth projections model was initiated.
Annual Report 2021 27 26 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #5 CONTINUED: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development. Encourage development in the downtown and foster an environment that is positive to business creation. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 TOURISM Maintain, enhance and promote Chilliwack’s natural beauty and walkability Tourism Chilliwack continued to execute their 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. Planted pollinator gardens in Prest Road and Chilliwack Central Road roundabouts. Consistently applied the Hillside Development Standards Policy to integrate hillside development within its unique natural context. New sidewalks installed on Tyson Road, Strathcona Road and Crystal Drive, Promontory Road and Vedder Road to improve pedestrian connectivity. Enhanced crosswalks with pedestrian activated flashing beacons at 25 locations. STRATEGIC GOAL #6: CONNECTED COMMUNITY Provide opportunities to hear from the community, meet with other levels of government and share information throughout the community. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 COMMUNITY FORUMS Provide platforms for community feedback on major issues In Summer 2021, in-person engagement for the Active Transportation Plan took place at various community events. Adapting for the COVID-19 pandemic, community feedback was collected primarily online, via email, mail and phone. Surveys conducted for various initiatives. Parks Operations used Engage Chilliwack to receive input and feedback from residents on future park designs. Utilized online Engage Chilliwack platform for resident input on the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw; Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan; short-term rentals; active transportation; South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan; boat speeds on the Vedder River; and the Yarrow Neighbourhood Plan. Contracted Lees and Associates to develop the next 10-year Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Plan. SHARE INFORMATION Make timely and accurate information available to the community Over 50 print ads placed and 12 radio campaigns run to communicate information. 33 press releases issued. Responded to 105 media enquiries. Shared monthly e-newsletters about general City news and transportation projects. City website updated regularly. Information shared through the City’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts five days a week. The City has 11,520 Facebook followers, 6,771 Twitter followers and 4,549 Instagram followers. RELATIONSHIPS Build and maintain relationships with other governments, organizations, and the community Staff continued to build relationships with the development community. Ongoing dialogue between City elected officials and other municipal, provincial, federal and First Nations officials.
Annual Report 2021 29 28 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #7: ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE Recruitment strategies focus on attracting the best workforce, while providing opportunity for internal advancement. We have a focus on workplace safety and on-site training and professional development. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 RECRUITMENT Strategize to attract and retain outstanding staff. ✓ Focus on opportunities for internal advancement for staff. ✓ Educational opportunities offered to promote advanced knowledge and qualifications. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Encourage employee development and create opportunities for internal advancement ✓ A combination of virtual and in-person training sessions were completed for a variety of educational courses. Staff received refresher courses on important policy information as well as new tools in relation to mental health. ✓ Staff from all departments completed the Progressive Institute of Education for Chilliwack Employees’ Success (PIECES) program through the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). WORKPLACE SAFETY Build and maintain a safe and respectful workplace that minimizes workdays lost due to injury ✓ Prevention of Workplace Violence training was provided for many frontline staff. ✓ Training was provided to staff in several areas including Occupational First Aid, Traffic Control Certification and other training specific to safety-sensitive work. STRATEGIC GOAL #8: CUSTOMER SERVICE We ensure employees receive customer service training in order to provide efficient service. We regularly seek taxpayer/customer feedback. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 TRAINING Train employees to provide quality customer service Customer Service training provided for new staff members. EFFICIENCY Provide fast and efficient service Concerns and issues followed up on promptly. Maintained efficient turnaround times on approvals for all types of development. Building inspection reports recorded electronically and field reports sent directly by email to property owners, applicants and builders. Continued the use of “box office” style customer service wickets at the front of City Hall to safely allow in-person customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. City Hall reopened to the public in September, incorporating several safety measures in light of the pandemic. Awarded funding under the Union of BC Municipalities Local Government Development Approvals Program to modernize workflow within Municipal Development to build new processes and implement electronic infrastructure to decrease application approval turn-around times. Project anticipated to be complete in 2023.
Annual Report 2021 31 30 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #9: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services, including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It also includes supporting RCMP initiatives and improving traffic safety. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY Provide effective fire and life safety education to the community and increase safety in multi-family residential and gated communities ✓ Conducted fire safety and emergency preparedness sessions, both virtually and in-person, to 900+ people. ✓ Community Risk Reduction programs continued to be developed, including the Community Risk Assessment which is currently 68% complete. ✓ 115 multi-family residential buildings currently on the fire and life safety upgrade program with 75% of the upgrades completed. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Prepare for response and recovery of the City in times of disaster and work with First Nations to integrate emergency plans ✓ Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme heat, and atmospheric river events through the Emergency Response and Recovery Plan. ✓ Assisted Emergency Management British Columbia with the provision of Emergency Support Services to 1,350 wildfire evacuees and 1,250 atmospheric river evacuees. ✓ Worked with First Nations communities on flood preparedness and planning. FIREFIGHTERS Continued firefighter staffing requirement planning and increase quality and quantity of firefighter training and education ✓ Developed and implemented a training passport system to support firefighter and fire officer training and professional development. ✓ Delivered and placed in-service a new Ladder Truck, training and equipment to Firehall 4 (Sardis) to improve aerial capabilities. ✓ Continued on-site improvements at the fire training centre. ✓ Hired additional firefighters. ✓ Maintained 100% in-service time for Engine 4 (Sardis). STRATEGIC GOAL #9 CONTINUED: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services, including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It also includes supporting RCMP initiatives and improving traffic safety. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 TRAFFIC EDUCATION Support the Safer City initiative working with RCMP and ICBC ✓ Safer City initiatives provided motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with road safety knowledge to attempt to reduce local crash statistics. ✓ Hosted a drive-thru Chilliwack Safety Fair event with local safety-oriented organizations. RCMP SUPPORT Support RCMP activities and initiatives and maintain an adequate number of police officers ✓ Health and Safety Inspection Team shut down four controlled substance/marijuana grow operations and conducted 32 health and safety inspections. ✓ Health and Safety Inspection Team assisted with remediation in buildings that may have housed unlicensed marijuana grow operations. ✓ City staff worked cooperatively with RCMP on trouble buildings and hotspots. ✓ Funded five additional members for 2021 and have funded 35 over the past seven years. ✓ Maintained a population to member ratio of under 800. ✓ Former Operations building is being converted into additional space for the RCMP Detachment to better serve the needs of public and staff. BYLAW ENFORCEMENT Provide enhanced and proactive bylaw enforcement ✓ Eight full-time Bylaw Officers provide year-round support, including expanded evenings and weekend coverage. ✓ Two Bylaw Enforcement Officers completed their bicycle training in order to assist with proactive bicycle patrols in the downtown, parks and trails and other hotspot areas. ✓ On average, bylaw officers have over 1,000 interactions with members of the public each month.
Annual Report 2021 33 32 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #9 CONTINUED: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services, including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It also includes supporting RCMP initiatives and improving traffic safety. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 ADDRESS SOCIAL ISSUES Support improved inter-agency coordination and address homelessness ✓ Provided funding, meeting space and in-kind staff support for Chilliwack Healthier Community. ✓ Completed the Chilliwack Community Safety Plan, under the guidance of the Integrated Community Safety Task Force. ✓ Implemented the Community Safety Governance Committee to implement the Chilliwack Community Safety Plan. ✓ Implemented COVID-19 related physical and operational upgrades to all City facilities to keep patrons and staff safe in accordance with WorkSafeBC and Provincial Heath Officer Orders. ✓ In response to COVID-19, Fraser Health commissioned Evergreen Hall to be an isolation center for homeless people. ✓ Received grant funding from UBCM’s Strengthening Communities Program to support programs to address homelessness in Chilliwack including security, sanitation, bylaw enforcement, policing and integrated outreach response. ✓ As per the City’s Reaching Home Program, supported projects operated by the following organizations to prevent and reduce homelessness: • Ann Davis House Transition Society • Chilliwack Youth Health Centre Preventing Homelessness in Youth Adults • Salvation Army Supporting Those Finding Homes • Chilliwack Community Services Community Food Hub • Chilliwack & District Seniors Homeless Prevention • Cyrus Centre Peer Outreach • Pacific Community Resources Society Housing Hub, Annis House Homeless Supports and Outreach Vehicle • Ruth & Naomi’s Outreach Vehicle • PEARL Life Renewal Society • Wilma’s Transition Society Emergency Housing Outreach Worker • Stó:lō Service Agency Homelessness Prevention for Families • Cheam First Nation Emergency Shelter Operation • Growing Up Society – Home for Families at Risk • Skwah First Nation Homelessness Prevention for Families at Risk; bathroom and shower facilities for people experiencing homelessness STRATEGIC GOAL #9 CONTINUED: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services, including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It also includes supporting RCMP initiatives and improving traffic safety. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 SAFE PUBLIC SPACES Improve the safety of parks and public places Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles applied in park and public space upgrades. Mobile security patrols continued: four patrol vehicles worked overnight and one additional patrol during the day. Night patrols ensured any temporary shelters in parks were removed at the prescribed time. High visibility patrols with RCMP, Bylaw and security conducted throughout the downtown core and various commercial areas.
Annual Report 2021 35 Department Overviews Administration Corporate Services Information Technology Finance Engineering Operations Fire Protection Policing Planning & Development Recreation & Culture Tourism Chilliwack Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO)
Annual Report 2021 37 36 City of Chilliwack Administration The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by Chilliwack City Council and is accountable to Coucil for the policies and programs delivered by the City of Chilliwack. As the most senior official in the City’s administrative structure, the CAO provides guidance and advice to Council and provides direction to all City departments. Administration provides support for Council, Committees of Council and departmental operations. By providing guidance to the City’s departments, Administration ensures a coordinated and balanced implementation of Council’s policies. This division of local government is responsible for ensuring: y The most cost effective delivery of services to the public y Corporate fiscal responsibility and accountability y The provision of efficient, timely and friendly customer service y Responsive action to community needs The Communications function of Administration works collaboratively across the organization to ensure that information is thorough, factual and timely. Communications activities include disseminating timely and accurate information, boosting awareness and understanding of local government processes and priorities, developing website content, communication through social media, coordinating advertising and supporting a consistent identity for communications. 14,500 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS 8,269 TWITTER FOLLOWERS 7,500 VISITS ON ENGAGECHILLIWACK.COM 38 PRESS RELEASES 21 ONLINE SURVEYS Corporate Services 128 BYLAWS ADOPTED 122 JOB POSTINGS 92 POSITION CHANGES 79 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS 58 NEW HIRES The Corporate Services Department provides the statutory function of the Corporate Officer, which facilitates Council business by: y Access to information y Human Resources y Labour relations y Liquor licensing y Occupational health and safety y Property management y Law enforcement support services y Bylaw Adjudication system y Records management Corporate Services also provides a wide variety of internal services to Council and other City departments. Some of these include: y Preparing minutes and agendas y Composing, reviewing and providing advice on municipal bylaws y Initiating the follow-up action to Council meetings y Providing adjudication services for bylaw offences
Annual Report 2021 39 38 City of Chilliwack Information Technology The Information Technology (IT) Department provides technical service and support for the City. These include: y Website development & maintenance y Programming services for in-house applications y Technical help-desk support y Network administration y PC support y Telecommunications y Administration of security systems y Monitoring of Systems Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) programs which maintain flows and controls of the water and sewer systems The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) function of IT maintains detailed cadastral mapping information that tracks exact lot lines, properties, right of ways, setbacks, zoning and the location of sewer and water utilities, manholes and fire hydrants. 22,146 PARCELS OF LAND MAINTAINED IN THE GIS SYSTEM Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Finance The Finance Department is responsible for the financial management of the City including: y Accounts receivable y Accounts payable y Payroll y Collection of property taxes, water/sewer utility fees, and curbside recycling and solid waste fees y Safekeeping of all financial instruments y Investment management y Risk management 23,747 HOME OWNER GRANTS RECEIVED 19,265 MYCHILLIWACK ACCOUNTS 4,656 TAX PREPAYMENT PLAN PARTICIPANTS The Finance Department is responsible for the development of the City’s annual Financial Plan (budget), the annual financial statements, the annual review of the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and the preparation of the Annual Report. Finance is also responsible for the external annual reporting of financial activities to the Province. Finance staff liaise with all City departments and various external organizations, including the RCMP and the Fraser Valley Regional Library, to coordinate the City’s financial activities.
Annual Report 2021 41 40 City of Chilliwack Engineering The Engineering Department is responsible for the planning, design and construction of various City infrastructure. This includes the provision of transportation related services, the urban transit system, drainage and flood protection infrastructure and sewer and water utilities. The City’s waste reduction, biodiversity and other environmental initiatives are the responsibility of the Engineering Department. 9,325 TONNES OF COMPOSTABLES COLLECTED 3,890 TONNES OF GLASS & MIXED RECYCLABLES COLLECTED 68% DIVERSION RATE THROUGH RECYCLING & COMPOSTING Environmental Services Ø Single-use Item Reduction y Bylaw adopted by Council in September y Plastic retail bags, straws, utensils, foam cups and containers to be prohibited y Minimum fees to be applied to paper and reusable bags y Fibre-based utensils, paper straws, as well as bendable straws for accessibility needs to be made available on request Ø Illegal Dumping and Litter Collection y 6 tonnes of waste removed from river banks y 120 groups cleaned litter from over 196 km of roadways through the Adopt-A-Road program y Free dumping passes to the Bailey Landfill provided to volunteers for clean up of illegally dumped material Ø Open Burning Bylaw Update y Bylaw updated in cooperation with the Fire and Bylaw Departments y Includes new restrictions that align with provincial legislation to reduce smoke and protect the region’s air quality Ø Flood Debris Disposal at Bailey Landfill y Offered free disposal of debris from atmospheric river events y Assisted the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries with livestock mortalities y Managed additional waste from within the region due to transportation interruptions Ø Habitat Enhancement y 24 habitat enhancement events took place with volunteers from 25 community groups y Over 6 hectares of habitat were enhanced by planting trees and other native shrubs 2021 HIGHLIGHTS Image designed using resources by Freepik.com 1,500 m CAST IRON WATER PIPES REPLACED 280 m SEWER MAIN REPLACED 67 REBATES ISSUED UNDER THE TOILET REBATE PROGRAM 31 WATER CONSERVATION KITS SOLD 3,800 m NEW SIDEWALKS 13 km ROADS PAVED 22 RAPID RECTANGULAR FLASHING BEACON CROSSWALKS INSTALLED Utilities Ø Wastewater Treatment Plant Inlet Works Upgrade Project y New inlet works building to house new treatment system Ø Major renovation of primary clarifiers Ø Ross Road - Teskey/Jinkerson Connector y Opened in late August 2021 y One single-lane roundabout y Approximately 250 m of new road construction y Storm main relocation y Drainage works y Street lighting and trail connections Ø Promontory Road (Vedder Elementary to Chester Drive) y Road widened to include new travel lanes, new sidewalk, streetlighting, paving, and line markings y Traffic signal upgrades y Pedestrian activated signal at Promontory Elementary Transportation Ø Prest Road (Highway 1 to McGuire Road) y Re-opened to traffic on Labour Day weekend y Improvements included road widening for sufficient lane width and bike lanes y Replacement of Semiault Creek bridge
Annual Report 2021 43 42 City of Chilliwack The Operations Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City's: The Operations Department maintains over 100 parks and natural areas which together make up over 400 hectares of green space. Operations also maintains over 100 km of recreational trails ranging from challenging hillside terrain, to easy and flat riverside trails. Providing water and sewer service to properties within the municipal boundaries, the Operations Department maintains and operates: y 52 sanitary pump stations y Wastewater Treatment Plant y 10 potable water production wells y 14 water booster pump stations • Parks • Trails • Sports fields • Sanitary sewer system • Potable water system 1,750 WATER SAMPLES TESTED 1,600 REPAIRS & PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE WORK ORDERS COMPLETED 1,000 FIRE HYDRANTS DISMANTLED, SERVICED & REBUILT Operations y 19 water reservoirs y 5 drainage pumping stations y Over 750 km of water and sewer pipe systems • Roads • Open drainage • Storm sewer system • Dyking infrastructure • Fleet maintenance Ø Open Channel Drainage Program Over 70,000 m of open channel maintained to help reduce threat of flooding and improve production on agricultural land. Work yielded several thousand salmonids, various fish species and amphibians. Ø Wet Well Cleaning Completed cleaning and inspection of all 52 lift station sites to ensure continued and proper operation. Ø WWTP New Generator Installed a 500 kilowatt standby power generator in early spring at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Ø December Snow & Ice Operations worked around the clock to clear snow and ice around the city. Ø November Rainfall Staff were in action during the atmospheric rivers where more than 160 mm of rain fell in 24 hours. Staff worked more than 10,000 hours in November & December for the flood/slide response and recovery. 2021 HIGHLIGHTS PARK PROJECTS Rosedale Skatepark - opened in Spring 2021. The concept, selected by local youth, is one of openness and the ability to have circular flow along with multiple riders using in parallel. Philippson Family Park - located on Promontory along Sylvan Drive and opened in Summer 2021. The land was donated by longtime resident, Rodney Philippson. Highlights include embankment slides, benches and a drinking fountain. Kinsmen Park - located on Portage Avenue. Pickleball courts upgraded to include acrylic resurfacing to have a gritty, non-stick surface. The addtion of two colours, green and blue, improve visibility when playing. James Street Park - a new play structure was installed in Summer 2021 to provide the surrounding community with much needed play amenties. Webster Park Green Gym - Six pieces of outdoor equipment were added to provide adults with a place to get outdoors for exercise and fresh air. The structure of the exercise circuit allows parents to supervise their children while they exercise. Webster Park - Upgrades to parking area and adjacent pathway include paving, as well as improved drainage, in the parking area.
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