2022 ANNUAL MUNICIPAL REPORT For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
3 City of Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada 2022 Annual Municipal Report For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 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. Stó:lō Welcome Figures Tourism Chilliwack
‘Gifts of Nature’ at Molson Coors' Chilliwack City Staff Table of Contents Introduction City Snapshot.............................................................................................10 Message from the Mayor........................................................................ 11 Organizational Chart................................................................................13 City Council................................................................................................14 Boards & Committees..............................................................................15 2022 Highlights. ........................................................................................16 Council’s Strategic Goals........................................................................17 Department Overviews Administration.......................................................................................... 39 Communications .....................................................................................40 Corporate Services................................................................................. 41 Development & Regulatory Enforcement Services (DARES) ........ 42 Engineering...............................................................................................44 Finance .....................................................................................................46 Fire Protection ........................................................................................ 47 Information Technology .........................................................................49 Operations.................................................................................................50 Planning .................................................................................................... 52 Policing......................................................................................................53 Recreation & Culture..............................................................................54 Subsidiaries Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) ................... ..56 Tourism Chilliwack Inc........................................................................... 59 Statistical Information Statistical Comparisons......................................................................... 62 Permissive Tax Exemptions. ................................................................. 69 2022 Audited Financial Statements KPMG LLP Auditor’s Report. ................................................................. 73 Consolidated Statement of: - Financial Position........................................................................... 76 - Operations & Accumulated Surplus........................................... 77 - Change in Net Financial Assets.................................................. 78 - Cash Flows.......................................................................................79 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................................80 Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO)...................... 91 Tourism Chilliwack Inc. ........................................................................107 Annual Report 2022 7
Welcome to Chilliwack - Yale Road Chilliwack City Staff Annual Report 2022 9 Introduction City Snapshot Message from the Mayor Organizational Chart City Council Boards & Committees 2022 Highlights Council’s Strategic Goals
10 City of Chilliwack City Snapshot $306M Building Permit Construction Values $929,700 Average House Price 68% Curbside Waste Diversion Rate 5 Off Leash Dog Areas 638 New Business Licences Issued Located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, British Columbia * Source: Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB) * 101,677 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 Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Message from the Mayor I am pleased to present the 2022 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 consider this report a summary of our achievements last year, as well as a road map for where we want to go. When 2022 began, our community was still dealing with the immediate effects of the 2021 flood and storms. Crews made repairs at more than 35 sites throughout the city. Provincial environmental approvals were required for major repairs on Bell Road, Camp River Road, and Hope River Road. Fortunately, we also completed two flood protection projects: the Fraser River erosion protection project added 485 metres of rock armouring along the river bank just downstream from the Camp Hope Intake, and the West Dike upgrade project raised a kilometre-long portion of the dike near the Great Blue Heron Reserve by approximately one metre. The City of Chilliwack also took steps to address climate change in 2022. Our Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw came into effect in April 2022, helping us all reduce waste from single-use plastics around town, and Council approved both the Corporate and Community Climate Action Plans. These plans will shape the City’s efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change over the next decade and beyond. As some projects wrapped up, new ones began. In 2022, we completed the Vedder Road widening project, installed a novice pump track at the Landing, and added two multi-use game areas to the Landing and Watson Glen Park. We also broke ground with Tzeachten First Nation on a multiuse pathway project along Chilliwack River Road, and started construction on the Little Mountain stairs, which will connect the valley floor to higher elevation trails on Little Mountain. The things we achieved in 2022 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. Thank you to anyone who called, emailed, took a survey, left a comment, participated in a public hearing, or attended a meeting this year. We look forward to hearing from even more of you in the future as we work to make Chilliwack a community where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. Enjoy the read! Mayor Ken Popove Annual Report 2022 11
Bridlewood Stairs Replacement Chilliwack City Staff Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) David Blain RCMP Officer in Charge Superintendent Davy Lee Director of Finance Glen Savard Director of Public Safety & Social Development Karen Stanton Director of Information Technology Erik Leidekker Director of Corporate Services Jennifer Hahn Fire Chief Ian Josephson Director of Planning Gillian Villeneuve Director of Recreation & Culture Ryan Mulligan Director of Communications Jamie Leggatt Director of Development & Regulatory Enforcement Glen White Director of Engineering David Blain Director of Operations Glen MacPherson Corporate Project Manager Eric Dyck Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Chris Crosman Mayor Ken Popove Councillors Chris Kloot Jason Lum Bud Mercer Nicole Read Jeff Shields Harv Westeringh Organizational Chart Annual Report 2022 13
14 City of Chilliwack City Council Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Chris Kloot Councillor Jason Lum Councillor Bud Mercer Councillor Jeff Shields Councillor Harv Westeringh Chilliwack City Council includes the Mayor and six Councillors who are elected for a four-year term. Members of the current City Council were elected in October 2022 and took office on November 1, 2022. Councillor Nicole Read Boards & Committees Affordable Housing and Development Advisory Committee Councillor Harv Westeringh (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee Councillor Jason Lum (Chair) Councillor Jeff Shields (Vice-Chair) Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee Councillor Chris Kloot (Chair) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Vice-Chair) Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society Board Councillor Jeff Shields (Liaison) Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) Councillor Jeff Shields (Liaison) Chilliwack Community Advisory Board (Reaching Home) Mayor Ken Popove Councillor Harv Westeringh Chilliwack Community Safety Governance Committee Councillor Bud Mercer (Chair) Clint Hames, Former Chilliwack City Mayor (Vice-Chair) Mayor Ken Popove Chilliwack Creative Commission Councillor Jason Lum (Liaison) Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation Mayor Ken Popove (Ex-Officio) Councillor Nicole Read (Liaison) Chilliwack Healthier Community Mayor Ken Popove (Chair) Councillor Jeff Shields (Alternate) Chilliwack Parks and Trails Advisory Committee Councillor Bud Mercer (Chair) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Vice-Chair) Design Review Advisory Committee Councillor Chris Kloot (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Emergency Executive Committee Mayor Ken Popove (Chair) Councillor Jason Lum Councillor Chris Kloot 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 Nicole Read (First Alternate) Councillor Jeff Shields (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 Nicole Read (First Alternate) Councillor Jeff Shields (Second Alternate) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Third Alternate) Fraser Valley Regional Library Councillor Nicole Read Mayor Ken Popove (Alternate) Heritage Advisory Committee Councillor Nicole Read (Chair) Councillor Bud Mercer (Vice-Chair) Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Councillor Jeff Shields Councillor Harv Westeringh Councillor Bud Mercer Public Art Advisory Committee Councillor Nicole Read (Chair) Councillor Harv Westeringh (Vice-Chair) Public Safety Advisory Committee Councillor Bud Mercer (Chair) Councillor Nicole Read (Vice-Chair) Tourism Chilliwack Councillor Harv Westeringh (Liaison) Transportation Advisory Committee Councillor Jeff Shields (Co-Chair) Councillor Jason Lum (Co-Chair) Annual Report 2022 15
16 City of Chilliwack 2022 HIGHLIGHTS GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE y Invested $3M into road rehabilitation program y Replaced Booster Pump Stations at Chilliwack Mountain Zone 3 and Promontory Zone 3/4 y Replaced Sardis Sports Complex ice plant compressor with energy efficient equipment y Completed construction of raising the West Dike, between Sumas Prairie Road and Vedder Canal ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP y Introduced Guided Nature Sessions to educate and engage with residents about local wildlife and ecosystems y Achieved a curbside diversion rate of 68% and reduced curbside recycling contamination rate from 7.9% to 6.2% y Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw came into effect, prohibiting plastic bags, straws and utensils, foam take-out containers and cups STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS y Installed new Multi-Use Game Areas at the Landing complex and Watson Glen Park y Installed two washroom facilities in the downtown area y Installed a new play structure, with accessible play features, at Webster Park y Completed Little Mountain Stairs y Installed six drinking fountains throughout the city COMMUNITY SAFETY y Provided fire safety and emergency preparedness sessions to more than 1,500 people y Conducted after-action review of 2021 atmospheric river event and assisted impacted residents with recovery efforts y Provided training and education to develop career and POC (Paid on-Call) firefighters VIBRANT ECONOMY y Enhanced crosswalks with pedestrian activated flashing beacons throughout the city y Installed 39 new LED streetlights in the downtown area y Approved public art to continue to enhance the downtown area 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 current and 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, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases while protecting waterways, riparian zones and airsheds. 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 area. 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 further includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety. Annual Report 2022 17
18 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #1: FINANCIAL STABILITY Plan for current and anticipated community needs while maintaining reasonable property tax levels for taxpayers. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS Prepare for anticipated and unanticipated community needs. Completed the annual update of our long-term Comprehensive Municipal Plan (CMP), identifying short-term priorities and anticipated long-term needs. Planning and funding strategies are built into the Comprehensive Municipal Plan for projects that may be eligible for future infrastructure grants to ensure municipal funding portions are in place. BALANCED BUDGET Fund planned capital expenditures without long-term borrowing debt and identify grant opportunities. All capital expenditures planned and funded without long-term debt in the 2022 Comprehensive Municipal Plan (CMP). Completed successful applications for available government grant funding programs to help offset project costs. 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 curbside waste 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 DCCs where eligible. STRATEGIC GOAL #2: GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE Ensure proactive and preventative maintenance of roads, utility, water systems, civic facilities and municipal fleet. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 ROAD AND UTILITY SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Maintain utility systems, minimize service delivery interruptions and meet pavement quality index goals for roadways. Invested $3M into the road rehabilitation program, resulting in 16 km of roads repaved. Flushed full water system and 150 km of sewer lines. Serviced 1,000+ fire hydrants. Replaced 2,640 metres of aging cast iron pipes. Replaced 585 metres of existing AC sewer pipes. Completed inspections of 62 road culverts to ensure safe condition and ongoing maintenance of assets. Completed construction of Mt. Shannon Zone 1 Booster Pump Station (BPS). Replaced Booster Pump Stations (BPS) at Chilliwack Mountain Zone 3 and Promontory Zone 3/4. Design and permitting of Wastewater Treatment Plan outfall rehabilitation underway. Replacement of Sanitary Pump Station #9. Completed cleaning of all three wastewater treatment plant digesters. 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 maintenance and roof inspections completed. Replaced Sardis Sports Complex ice plant compressor with new energy efficient compressors. Installed direct digital control (DDC) system at Operations Centre to facilitate energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction. Replaced a large portion of roof at Chilliwack City Hall. Continued the replacement of older fitness and gym equipment at both the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre and Cheam Centre. 134 heavy duty vehicles/equipment serviced and inspected. Completed over 1,950 repairs and preventative maintenance work orders for equipment and fleet. Annual Report 2022 19
20 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #2 CONTINUED: GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE Ensure proactive and preventative maintenance of roads, utility, water systems, civic facilities and municipal fleet. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 FLOOD PROTECTION Maintain dikes to provincial standards, ensure adequate drainage and maximize funding opportunities. 80,000 linear channel metres of drainage watercourses cleaned with approval from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD). All dikes, pump stations and flood boxes inspected and maintained prior to freshet and high winter stream flows. 35,000 m3 of sediment removed from Vedder River. Continued to support provincial agencies and their consultants as they plan to carry out additional sediment removals to address the 440,000 m3 that deposited during the 2021 atmospheric river events. Received funding through the Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to raise the West Dike between Sumas Prairie Road and the Vedder Canal. Construction completed in the fall through the design-build process. Received funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) for Fraser River Bank Protection, downstream of CHIP intake (completed in the spring) and for a Vedder River Flood Risk Assessment (study completed in November). WATER QUALITY Ensure an adequate water supply and maintain potable water standards. Stage 2 summer watering restrictions implemented. 1,750 water samples tested through the water quality testing program. Completed the semi-annual water main flushing, reservoir cleaning and production well repairs. STRATEGIC GOAL #3: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Encourage waste diversion and a “zero waste” philosophy, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases while protecting waterways, riparian zones and airsheds. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 PROTECT WATERWAYS AND RIPARIAN AREAS Enhance fish habitat and maintain Riparian Areas Protection Regulation standards. Procurement process is underway for Biological Treatment System Expansion Phase 2 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Collaborated with First Nations communities, local businesses and community volunteers to remove invasive species and replant native trees and shrubs along creeks. 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 study to explore opportunities to improve the ecological integrity and hydraulic performance of Bell Slough. Continued a project to improve the accuracy of headwater stream mapping in hillside areas. Introduced Guided Nature Sessions to educate and engage with residents about local wildlife and ecosystems. AIR QUALITY Protect the airshed, measure greenhouse gas emissions and implement energy efficiency opportunities where feasible. Followed provincial Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice. Updated the Corporate and Community Climate Action Plans in the fall. Utilized methane from Wastewater Treatment Plant to run biogas boiler heat digesters. Expanded the gas extraction system at the Bailey Landfill with the installation of new horizontal gas collectors and vertical wells. Worked with the Ministry of Environment to respond to air quality complaints. Enforced the Open Burning Bylaw and promoted alternatives to burning to reduce smoke. Annual Report 2022 21
22 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #3 CONTINUED: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Encourage waste diversion and a “zero waste” philosophy, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases while protecting waterways, riparian zones and airsheds. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 WASTE DIVERSION Achieve a 75% curbside program waste diversion rate by 2025, promote a “zero waste” philosophy and maximize recycling initiatives. Achieved curbside diversion rate of 68%. Completed a curbside waste composition study to identify focus areas for diversion initiatives and education. Zero waste initiatives including curbside recycling and compostable waste programs, Household Hazardous Waste Day, City-Wide Garage Sales and Shred-a-Thon events. Reduced curbside recycling contamination rate from 7.9% to 6.2%. Assisted Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in meeting region-wide separation requirements for recycling and compostable materials, by updating the City's Solid Waste Management Bylaw, which also included phasing out the ban on compostable waste disposal at Bailey Landfill. Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw came into effect in April, prohibiting plastic bags, straws and utensils, plus foam take-out containers and cups. Incorporated four-stream waste and recycling stations throughout the city and recreation facilities. SUSTAINABILITY Explore renewable energy opportunities, facilitate sustainable transportation and prepare longterm plan for landfill. Provided free transit for Canada Day and supported implementation for provincially mandated free transit for children under 12. Converted 1,200 streetlights to LED. Continued converting lighting to LED in City Fire Hall #1 and Townsend Park. Received grant approval for future work to capture waste heat from Chilliwack Coliseum and transfer it to Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre, resulting in an estimated reduction to the City’s greenhouse gas emissions by 553 tonnes (11.6%) per year. Installation commenced for 22 charging port stations in seven locations within the City. Ten stations are dual-port Level 2 chargers and two stations are single-port Level 3 chargers. 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. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 COMMUNITY CULTURE Foster community spirit by attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, community organizations and public art initiatives. Funded a total of 37 block parties and neighbourhood gatherings through the Celebration and Activity Program. The Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee continued to support public art initiative. Recognized sport achievement and legacy through Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame. Community Development Initiatives (CDI) policy funded a number of community non-profit service organizations and initiatives. PARKS AND TRAILS Provide and enhance quality parks and recreational opportunities. Installed new Multi-Use Game Areas at the Landing complex and Watson Glen Park. Constructed the connector trails at Ford Creek (300 m) and Thornton Creek (300 m). Installed two washroom facilities in the downtown area. Three parks added to the parks inventory: Pebble Park, Allan Creek Park and South Sumas Park. Completed playground upgrades at Westview and Uplands Parks. Continued the 10-year master plan for Vedder Greenway. Continued work with FVRD to enhance regional connections in Chilliwack. A new play structure for children ages 2-5, with accessible play features, was installed at Webster Park. Novice pump track area added to the Chilliwack Pump Track facility. Completed the Little Mountain Nature Park access steps. Started Phase 1 of Qoqó:lem Park, at Vedder Mountain. Ten 20+ year old swing sets replaced. Resurfaced Thom Creek Trail (500 m). Installed six drinking fountains throughout the City. Completed new parking lot at Meadowbrook Park. Annual Report 2022 23
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. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 INCLUSIVENESS Identify and support projects and programs that nurture accessibility, inclusion and diversity. Continued implementation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility (MTFIDA) Action Plan. The Accessibility Advisory Panel (AAP) continued to meet with department heads to provide feedback. Supported Pink Shirt Day. Continued support of Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC) accessibility initiatives. Continued to utilize alternative text on social media to make images more accessible. Provided funding for inclusive events through Community Development Initiatives (CDI) funding and the Neighbourhood Grant Program. Continued to update accessible signage, including parking signs, with a new symbol of access from the Accessible Icon Project, as recommended by the Accessibility Advisory Panel. Chilliwack City Council supported and funded Pride banners in downtown Chilliwack. Several City staff members participated in “Gender 101, Why is Gender Important?” and “Gender 201, A Deeper Understanding of Gender Fluidity”, facilitated by Jacqueline Oldhaver and presented by Chilliwack Healthier Community, the Gender Support Network, and Chilliwack Youth Health Centre. An online resource page was developed for staff to continue self-guided learning. Playground accessibility improvements were identified and funded in the 10-year Comprehensive Municipal Plan. Installed an accessible playground at the Landing. 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. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Build relationships of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations. Relationship building continues at the Council level. Ongoing support for Chilliwack Healthier Community and the Opening Doors Task Team. Staff utilized the Indigenous authors library to further their education and understanding. Honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. PDF guide on land acknowledgements for City staff was created and distributed. Partnered with Skowkale First Nation to install new speed reader boards on Chilliwack River Road with funding support from Fraser Health. Staff and Council have continued their education, including Historical Impacts Training through Stó:lō Nation. Began construction on new multi-use pathway on Chilliwack River Road from Promontory Road to Bailey Road, in partnership with Tzeachten First Nation, with partial funding received from the Province of British Columbia's Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program. Annual Report 2022 25
26 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #5: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development and encouragement of development in the downtown area. Work to create an environment that is positive to business creation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Attract and maintain business growth. Worked with Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (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. Promoted Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw to attract 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. Continued construction of 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. 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. Completed the Yarrow and South Vedder Neighbourhood Plans. Developed a new land use and growth projections model to support growth management decisions by staff. Created the Heritage Strategic Action Plan to preserve, conserve, and maintain the community's heritage resources. STRATEGIC GOAL #5 CONTINUED: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development and encouragement of development in the downtown area. Work to create an environment that is positive to business creation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 TOURISM Maintain, enhance and promote Chilliwack’s natural beauty and walkability. Consistently applied the Hillside Development Standards Policy to integrate hillside development within its unique natural context. New sidewalk installed on Balmoral Road, from Tyson Road to Lanark Street, to improve pedestrian connectivity. Enhanced crosswalks with pedestrian activated flashing beacons at four locations. Created short-term rental regulations to modernize tourist accommodations in the previous Bed & Breakfast Bylaw. 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 District 1881 is well underway with a number of commercial businesses operating successfully within the site. Installed 39 new LED streetlights in the downtown area. Completed storm sewer upgrades on Williams Road and Yale Road to support redevelopment in the downtown area. Constructed new downtown public parking lot on Princess Avenue at Nowell Street. Road rehabilitation on several downtown streets: • Yale Road – Nowell Street to Charles Street • Nowell Street – First Avenue to Yale Road • Yale Road – Main Street to Princess Avenue • Wellington Avenue – Mill Street to Charles Street • Spadina Avenue – First Avenue to Yale Road • Williams Street – Reece Avenue to Yale Road Approved public art to continue to enhance the downtown area. Annual Report 2022 27
28 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #6: CONNECTED COMMUNITY Provide opportunities to hear from the community, meet with other levels of government and share information throughout the community. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 COMMUNITY FORUMS Provide platforms for community feedback on major issues. Hosted in-person engagement for active transportation and road safety improvements on Mary Street and Knight Road. Community feedback was collected online, in-person, via email, mail and phone for various initiatives. Surveys conducted for various initiatives. Parks Operations used Engage Chilliwack to receive input and feedback from residents on future park designs. Utilized Engage Chilliwack platform for resident input on: • Community and Corporate Greenhouse Action Plans • Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan • Short Term Rentals • Active Transportation • South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan • Boat Speeds on the Vedder River • Yarrow Neighbourhood Plan Continued working with Lees and Associates to develop the next 10-year Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Plan. Provided opportunities for residents to engage and participate in planning processes and projects, including open houses and rezoning consultations. SHARE INFORMATION Make timely and accurate information available to the community. Over 60 print ads placed and 4 radio campaigns run to communicate information. 41 press releases issued. Responded to 95 media enquiries. Shared monthly e-newsletters about general City news and transportation projects. City website updated regularly. Information shared through the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts five days a week. The City has 14,941 Facebook and 8,375 Twitter followers. Created brochures and webpages about opening child care facilities and short-term rentals. RELATIONSHIPS Build and maintain relationships with other governments, organizations, and the community. Continued to build relationships with the development community. Ongoing dialogue between City elected officials and other municipal, provincial, federal and First Nations officials. STRATEGIC GOAL #7: 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. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 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. Provided refresher courses on important policy information. Provided refresher courses in relation to mental health, specifically related to psychological safety for first responders. Implemented trauma informed workplace training for first responders and staff who work at RCMP detachment. Provided more employer paid psychological services and counselling to all career firefighters. 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. Awarded funding under the Union of BC Municipalities Local Government Development Approvals Program to modernize municipal development workflow. The aim is to reduce application approval turnaround times by developing new processes and implementing electronic infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in 2023. Introduced streamlined review process for minor development variances that can be issued by staff. Annual Report 2022 29
30 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #8: CUSTOMER SERVICE Ensure employees receive customer service training in order to provide excellent and efficient service to the public. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 TRAINING Train employees to provide quality customer service. Customer service training provided for new staff. WORKPLACE SAFETY Build and maintain a safe and respectful workplace that minimizes work days lost due to injury. Provided Respectful Conduct in the Workplace training for all staff. Training was provided to staff in several areas including Occupational First Aid, Traffic Control Certification and other training specific to safety-sensitive work. Certification training continued for safety-sensitive duties, including Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry and Rescue, Bucket Truck Operator, Overhead Crane Operator, Occupational First Aid, Utility Locating, and other operationally relevant courses. In-house training expanded for the Operations Department to include Crane Operations, Bucket Truck Operations, Light Duty Snow Plow Operations, and Winter Snow & Ice Control Training. Training sessions are conducted by experienced employees passing on their knowledge and skills to their fellow colleagues. Annual Hearing Tests and Respirator Fit Testing continues, maintaining employee health and safety. Psychological Safety and Health education was provided through poster campaigns, educated toolbox talks, and courses. STRATEGIC GOAL #9: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It further includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 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 1,500+ people. Community Risk Reduction programs continued to be developed, including the Community Risk Assessment which is currently 70% complete. 105 multi-family residential buildings currently on the fire and life safety upgrade program with 77% 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. Conducted after action review of 2021 atmospheric river event and assisted impacted residents with recovery efforts. Added capacity to Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) team and trained new members. 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. Continued to develop and implement the training passport system to support firefighter and fire officer training and professional development. Continued on-site improvements at the fire training centre. Hired two additional full-time career firefighters. Hired one additional fire inspector/public educator. Continued working towards maintaining crews of four firefighters, on Engines 1 and 4, at all times. Trained and equipped career and POC (Paid On-Call) staff to deliver flat water rescue and wildfire suppression. Provided additional training and education to develop career and POC firefighters and fire officers. Annual Report 2022 31
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 further includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 TRAFFIC EDUCATION Support the Safer City initiative working with RCMP and ICBC. Safer City initiatives provided motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with road safety knowledge. Hosted Chilliwack Safety Fair event with local safety-oriented organizations. Online resources updated to clarify the rules of the road for roundabouts. Digital education tools assist all road users in learning about crosswalks, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), and school crossing guards. Held an annual scooter safety event to provide an opportunity to learn the rules of the road, ask questions, and try out a variety of scooters through a variety of activities. A dedicated rail safety web page on safercity.ca and regular advertising provided tips and reminders on safe rail crossing choices. A school bus safety video series and dedicated web page on safercity.ca provide reminders throughout the school year to protect our local students. STRATEGIC GOAL #9 CONTINUED: COMMUNITY SAFETY Safety encompasses a wide range of services including fire safety, comprehensive emergency management plans and training. It further includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 ADDRESS SOCIAL ISSUES Support improved inter-agency coordination and address homelessness. Provide funding, meeting space and in-kind staff support for Chilliwack Healthier Community. Continued work with the Community Safety Governance Committee to implement the Chilliwack Community Safety Plan. Continued supporting programs to address homelessness, including the establishment of a wellness centre (scheduled for 2023) offering one-stop health and wellness services, and additional supports for outreach. Received additional grant funding through Reaching Home, supporting projects operated by the following organizations to prevent and reduce homelessness: • Ann Davis Transition Society - Outreach and Outreach Supports; Housing Bridging Bursary Program • Chilliwack Youth Health Centre Preventing Homelessness in Young Adults • Salvation Army Supporting Those Finding Homes • Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Community Food Hub • Cyrus Centre Peer Outreach; Youth Outreach • Mennonite Central Committee Fraser Valley Rent Bank • Pacific Community Resources Society Housing Hub, Housing and Indigenous Housing Support Facilitators (2); Community Integration and Coordination (Outreach, Situation Table) • Ruth & Naomi’s Community Meal Skillet • PEARL Life Renewal Society – Life Renewal Place • Wilma’s Transition Society Emergency Housing Outreach • Cheam First Nation Emergency Shelter Operation • Chilliwack Youth Health Centre Wrap Around Youth Care Annual Report 2022 33
34 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 further includes support of RCMP initiatives and improvements in traffic safety. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022 SAFE PUBLIC SPACES Improve the safety of parks and public spaces. 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. RCMP SUPPORT Support RCMP activities and initiatives and maintain an adequate number of police officers. Health and Safety Inspection Team shut down 5 controlled substance/marijuana grow operations and conducted 25 health and safety inspections. City staff worked cooperatively with RCMP on trouble buildings and hotspots. Funded three additional RCMP members and five support municipal employees; 38 RCMP members have been funded over the past eight years. Maintained a population to member ratio of under 800. Former Operations building 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 enforcement officers provided year-round support including evening and weekend coverage, while seasonal bylaw enforcement officers assisted during the summer season. Three bylaw enforcement officers completed bicycle training in order to assist with proactive bicycle patrols in the downtown, parks and trails and other hotspot areas. One electric bicycle was added to the bicycle fleet to facilitate expanded and more efficient patrols. On average, bylaw enforcement officers have over 1,000 interactions with members of the public each month. Fraser River Erosion Protection Project Chilliwack City Staff
Crimson Ridge View Chilliwack City Staff Department Overviews Administration Communications Corporate Services Development & Regulatory Enforcement Services (DARES) Engineering Finance Fire Protection Information Technology Operations Planning RCMP Recreation & Culture Subsidiaries Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) Tourism Chilliwack Annual Report 2022 37
Fallen leaves at Mt. Thom Chilliwack City Staff Administration The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by Chilliwack City Council and is accountable to Council 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. 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 y Open communication with the community to create a better understanding and appreciation of Council’s role, its policies and its statutory responsibilities y Continuation of fostering positive relationships with other levels of government 11 ADVISORY COMMITTEES 60 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS 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. 2022 HIGHLIGHTS This division of local government is responsible for ensuring: Annual Report 2022 39
40 City of Chilliwack Communications The City of Chilliwack’s Communications Department works directly with Mayor and Council, senior management and all City departments to support communications, engagement, media relations, marketing, and brand management for the City. The Communications Department is responsible for supporting clear and effective communication and engagement through variety of methods, including: y Advertising y E-Newsletters y Emergency/Crisis communications In addition to the role of communications, the Communications Department also supports Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, including coordinating staff and Council education, compiling educational resources for staff, and coordinating project engagement with the Accessibility Advisory Panel (AAP). 2022 HIGHLIGHTS ✅ Staff participated in Historical Impacts Training through Stó:lō Nation, Disability Justice Training, Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, and Gender 101 & 201 ✅ Launched an online EDI resource directory for staff ✅ Developed the City-Hosted Events Guide for staff to plan events that are accessible, inclusive and environmentally friendly 43 PRESS RELEASES 600+ E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS 1,625 RESIDENTS REGISTERED ON ENGAGECHILLIWACK.COM 8,372 TWITTER FOLLOWERS 15,160 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) y engagechilliwack.com y Public engagement meetings y Website and social media content Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Corporate Services 23 PUBLIC HEARING MEETINGS 32 COUNCIL MEETINGS 74 POSITION CHANGES 100 BYLAWS ADOPTED 109 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) REQUESTS 144 JOB POSTINGS y Access to information y Human Resources » Recruitment » Benefits administration » Occupational Health & Safety issues » Training » Labour relations y Liquor licensing y Property management y Bylaw adjudication system y Records management y Administrative support services 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 2022 HIGHLIGHTS The Corporate Services Department serves the City of Chilliwack in the statutory function for the Corporate Officer, which facilitates Council business by: Image designed using resources by Freepik.com Annual Report 2022 41
42 City of Chilliwack Development & Regulatory Enforcement Services (DARES) The Development and Regulatory Enforcement Department manages land development and construction in Chilliwack, ensuring it is designed and constructed utilizing development policies in accordance with the Official Community Plan. In addition to managing land development, the department also oversees bylaw enforcement and property records. Land Development y Subdivisions y Development Permits (Geotechnical/Environmental/Riparian) y Riparian Areas y Property Record Maintenance Building Services y Permits y Inspections Bylaw Enforcement y Bylaw complaint response 6 HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS 37 DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATIONS (GEOTECHNICAL, RIPARIAN) 185 NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS CONSTRUCTED 608 OTHER DWELLINGS (INC. MULTI-FAMILY) 11,317 BUILDING INSPECTIONS ✅ Welcomed one seasonal bylaw enforcement officer to assist during the busy spring and summer months. ✅ Three bylaw enforcement officers completed bicycle training to assist with proactive bicycle patrols throughout the city. ✅ Over 2,600 complaints received for violations of City bylaws relating to unsightly premises, excessive noise and on-street parking. ✅ Responded to over 8,000 bylaw infractions relating to parking, camping in prohibited areas or during prohibited times, smoking in parks and other nuisance issues. ✅ Engaged in proactive bicycle and foot patrols in the downtown core, parks, trails, and other hot-spot areas. 2022 HIGHLIGHTS Annual Report 2022 43
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