REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON

Transcription

1 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA June 17, 2014 at 12:00 pm RDMW Office 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill A. CALL TO ORDER B. DELEGATIONS None C. ADOPTION OF AGENDA D. ADOPTION OF MINUTES May 20, 2014 E. REPORTS 1.TUP Policy Updates of the Regional Plan Bylaw No.674 Emergency Planning & First Nations. 3.Recomendations Suggested by the RDMW Planning Committee on May 20, 2014 Appendix A. F. CORRESPONDENCE - None ADJOURN Regional District of Mount Waddington

2 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON MINUTES MINUTES of the Regional District of Mount Waddington Planning Committee Meeting held Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at the Regional District Office, 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill. Present: Chair H. Soltau Directors: D. Rushton, P. Wainwright, A. Hory, J. Tidbury, J. Allen, Doug Aberley Staff: G. Fletcher-Administrator; J. Velaniskis-Manager of Planning, M. Tonkin-Recording Secretary Public: A.Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:40 pm B. Delegations None C. Adoption of Agenda: THAT the Planning Committee Agenda of May 20, 2014 be adopted with the following changes: D. Adoption of Minutes: E. Reports: Regional Plan of Bylaw No.674 Policy Updates 1. Sector: Communication See attached May 13, 2014 Planning Committee Report for proposed policy updates. D.A- Would like to add detail to this policy as to what we expect this to look like. H.S- Feels that we haven t had this discussion regarding funding of projects-section e in particular. 2. Sector: Renewable Energy See attached May 13, 2014 Planning Committee Report for proposed policy updates. D.A-Would like to encourage BC Hydro to cover costs for upgrades/expansions to energy projects. A power islanding policy should be added. G.F-This was in effect before but had been removed. He will look into the wording of this and bring forward at the next meeting. 3. Sector: Forestry See attached May 13, 2014 Planning Committee Report for proposed policy updates. P.W- Can we say something about Area Based Tenures as opposed to Volume Based Tenures as these are good for keeping the communities here. D.A-Area Based Tenures can be a contentious issue with First Nations. D.A-in regards to section b) all the big players continue to outsource jobs, can we link this policy to include local jobs? H.S-in regards to section e) Malcolm Island is having troubles getting logs. We need to lobby for local support.

3 4. Jonas will bring forward other policies to discuss for the next meeting as well as these changes we talked about for this policy update F. Correspondence None G. Meeting Adjourned The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m. CERTIFIED CORRECT: SECRETARY CHAIR RDMW Minutes December 17, 2013 Page 2 of 2

4 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON STAFF REPORT DATE: June 10, 2014 FILE: TUP TO: FROM: RE: Planning Committee Jonas Velaniskis, Manager of Planning TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATION TO PRODUCE MEDICAL MARIHUANA PILATZKE, 1737 TWIN PEAKS ROAD, HYDE CREEK, ELECTORAL AREA C Owner / agent: Legal description: Folio No.: Parcel identifier (PID): Civic address: Edward Pilatzke Strata Lot 26, Section 4, Township 1, Rupert District, Strata Plan VIS1593 Together with an Interest in the Common Property in Proportion to the Unit Entitlement of the Strata Lot as Shown on Form Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek OCP designation: Zone: Community water service: Community sewer service: Proposed TUP duration: Industrial Light Industrial (LIND-2) None Strata sewer system 36 months Staff Recommendation: Conditional support Purpose To consider the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) on an industrial parcel in the Twin Peaks area of Hyde Creek allowing the licensed production and processing of medical marihuana pursuant to the Federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation (MMPR) and subject to RDMW conditions. Executive Summary In 2013, the Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) received a mandatory notice from a property owner at 1737 Twin Peaks Road advising the Regional District that the owner was in the process of making an application to Health Canada for a commercial license to produce, process and ship medical marihuana. Following this notification, the Regional Board adopted a policy development direction that would prohibit the production of medical marihuana licensed under MMPR in all RDMW zones while allowing for the possibility to permit the use on industrially-zoned parcels subject to a TUP. Subsequently, the owner of the subject property submitted the current application for a three-year TUP. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the new Federal Regulation, which aims to shift the production of medical marihuana from residential to industrial facilities, and follows the Regional Board s recent policy move to direct the commercial production of medical marihuana to industrial areas. The proposed TUP includes a number of conditions aiming to ensure building safety, adequate property assessment for taxation purposes and adequate servicing. If approved, the proposed TUP would only be valid in conjunction with a Federal license issued under MMPR. This application was supported by the Hyde Creek Advisory Planning Commission (APC). Given the analysis contained in this report, staff support the issuance of the proposed permit. Recommendations THAT the Regional Board approve the Temporary Use Permit TUP (Pilatzke) to permit the commercial production, processing and shipment of substances licensed under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation for a period of 36 consecutive months on a property described as Strata Lot 26,

5 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 2 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Section 4, Township 1, Rupert District, Strata Plan VIS1593 Together with an Interest in the Common Property in Proportion to the Unit Entitlement of the Strata Lot as Shown on Form 1 (1737 Twin Peaks Road); AND FURTHER THAT the Administrator be authorised to execute the Temporary Use Permit TUP Background On December 20, 2013, RDMW received a notification from a property owner at 1737 Twin Peaks Road advising that the owner has made an application to Health Canada for a commercial license to produce, process and ship medical marihuana under the new Federal Regulation. Pursuant to MMPR, prospective producers applying for a Federal license are required to meet comprehensive facility security requirements, obtain personal security clearances and notify the local police force, fire authority and local government. Following the notification of a commercial license application in Hyde Creek, the Regional Board considered the zoning implications related to the production and processing of medical marihuana under MMPR. Given a number of uncertainties related to this land use, the Board adopted a policy development direction aiming to limit commercially licensed medical marihuana production in all areas of the Regional District while allowing for the possibility to direct this use to industrially zoned parcels subject to a TUP. Specifically, on February 18, 2014, the Regional Board adopted the following motions: THAT staff be directed to draft zoning bylaw amendments prohibiting the production of marihuana for medical purposes in residential, commercial, rural and recreational zones; AND THAT staff be directed to draft amendments to the Temporary Use Permit regulations to allow the possibility of issuing a Temporary Use Permit in industrial zones for the production of medical marihuana; AND THAT staff be directed to draft zoning bylaw amendments to permit the production of medical marihuana on parcels within the Agricultural Land Reserve; AND FURTHER THAT staff present the draft amendments related to the production of medical marihuana to all Advisory Planning Commissions of the Regional District of Mount Waddington. Consequently, staff drafted proposed amendments and initiated a consultation process with the Region s APCs, Local Community Commission, and Residents Association (with the exception of the Quatsino APC). The proposed policy amendments did not generate any opposition amongst the advisory groups while some groups were explicitly in favour of the proposed policy direction. Staff are currently finalising the necessary bylaw amendments to implement this policy direction. Following the Regional Boards policy development directive, the prospective producer and owner of the industrial parcel at 1737 Twin Peaks Road submitted the current application for a TUP. The 0.8-hectare property subject to the permit application is located in the industrial area of Hyde Creek (Figure 1) where all properties are zoned to allow primary industrial activities. The property currently contains an inactive sawmill, single detached dwelling and a fenced area containing three buildings (Figure 2). The fenced area and buildings are subject to the current TUP application. The strata property is serviced by the communal sewer system of the Twin Peaks strata subdivision. The applicant is concurrently going through the licensing process with Health Canada to retain the commercial license under MMPR. Policy Analysis Section 921 of the Local Government Act (LGA) authorizes a local government to issue a TUP in order to temporarily allow a use that is not otherwise permitted in that zone. In addition to varying the permitted use, a TUP may also impose conditions on the non-conforming use and regulate the construction of buildings and structures that are subject to that use. Pursuant to Section 921(11) of the LGA, a TUP may be issued for a maximum period of three years. A local government must notify adjacent property owners and occupants of a TUP application prior to considering the issuance of a permit. Regional District of Mount Waddington

6 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 3 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 The commercial production of medical marihuana falls within the purview of Canada s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and is regulated by Health Canada under the Federal MMPR, which aims to phase out previous licensing regulations. As a result of recent regulatory changes by Health Canada, commercial production facilities licensed under MMPR will no longer be located in residential dwellings and patients will no longer be able to grow marihuana. The intent of the new regulation is to shift the production of medical marihuana to large-scale industrial operations and to treat production similar to the production of other prescription drugs. Health Canada has indicated that local zoning regulations will be respected in the license approval process. It is important to note that a recent Federal Court decision granted a constitutional exemption delaying the full implementation of the new MMPR. Specifically, the Court decision extended the termination of existing personal and commercial production licenses, which were supposed to be phased out as of April 1, However, the Court s decision does not impact the commercial licensing process of new applications regulated by MMPR. Planning Analysis Pursuant to Bylaw No. 613, being the Hyde Creek Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw, 2001, the subject property is designated Industrial. The Hyde Creek OCP designates all of Hyde Creek as an area in which a TUP may be issued in accordance with the LGA. The already-existing TUP designation in Hyde Creek enabled the current application for a TUP prior to RDMW finalizing its bylaw amendment process to regulate the location of medical marihuana production facilities. Bylaw No. 648, being the Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw, 2002, zones the subject property as Light Industrial (LIND-2). The range of uses permitted in LIND-2 does not include the production and processing of medicinal products or controlled substances, such as medical marihuana. Therefore, a TUP is needed for the proposed use to occur on the subject property. As discussed in a previous staff report, which examined the zoning implications associated with MMPR, the commercial production of medical marihuana fits well within the industrial use category. Pursuant to the Federal Regulation, medical marihuana production facilities must meet certain structural standards, control odours and establish a secure and fenced perimeter. Distribution occurs only by shipment. According to Health Canada, buildings and areas subject to a commercial production license will be inspected by a Federal inspector for facility security and structural safety. The primary zoning concerns with MMPR related uses on industrial parcels are related to adjacent land use compatibility, adequate property assessment and servicing, matters that can be addressed via conditions of a TUP. Given the location of this proposal, recent policy development direction provided by the Regional Board and Federal licensing requirements, staff support the issuance of a proposed permit subject to the following conditions: 1) the permit is valid explicitly in conjunction with a Federal license issued under MMPR; 2) production and related buildings are limited to a designated and fenced area of the property; 3) buildings and structures subject to the permit meet BC building, fire and electrical code requirements; 4) no part of land or buildings subject to the permit are assessed as Farm Class for property assessment and taxation purposes; 5) any discharge from the temporary use area is connected to the community sewer system; and 6) the permit is valid for up to three years with a possibility of renewal upon application by the property owner. The proposed permit TUP is included as Appendix A with this report. Regional District of Mount Waddington

7 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 4 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Public Participation This application was considered and supported by the Hyde Creek APC on June 4, The notice of proposed permit and its consideration by the Regional Board was published in the North Island Gazette newspaper and was mailed to the owners and occupiers of adjacent properties in accordance with the requirements of the LGA and Regional District of Mount Waddington Development Procedures Bylaw No Respectfully: Jonas Velaniskis Manager of Planning Regional District of Mount Waddington

8 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 5 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Subject Property Figure 1: Subject Property on Twin Peaks Road Regional District of Mount Waddington

9 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 6 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Temporary Use Permit Area Figure 2: Temporary Use Permit Area Regional District of Mount Waddington

10 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 7 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Appendix A: TUP ISSUED TO THE PERMITTEE: Edward Perry Pilatzke 1749 Twin Peaks Road, Port McNeill, BC, V0N 2R0 1) This Temporary Use Permit is issued under authority of Part 26 of the Local Government Act and Section 7.10 of the Hyde Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 613, 2001, as amended from time to time, subject to compliance with all of the bylaws of the Regional District of Mount Waddington applicable thereto, except as specifically varied or supplemented by this Permit. 2) This Temporary Use Permit applies to that land within the Regional District of Mount Waddington described below: Legal Description: Strata Lot 26, Section 4, Township 1, Rupert District, Strata Plan VIS1593 Together with an Interest in the Common Property in Proportion to the Unit Entitlement of the Strata Lot as Shown on Form 1 Parcel Identifier (PID): Assessment Roll Number: Civic Address: 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek 3) The use of the land shall be carried out according to the Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Schedule A, which forms part of this Permit. 4) This Temporary Use Permit TUP shall expire 36 months after the date of its approval by resolution of the Board of the Regional District of Mount Waddington. CERTIFIED as TEMPORARY USE PERMIT TUP approved by resolution of the Board of the Regional District of Mount Waddington on June 17, Greg Fletcher Administrator Certified on:, 2014 Regional District of Mount Waddington

11 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 8 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 SCHEDULE A TO TEMPORARY USE PERMIT TUP PERMITTEE: Edward Perry Pilatzke of 1749 Twin Peaks Road, Port McNeill, BC, V0N 2R0 LAND SUBJECT TO TUP : 1737 Twin Peaks Road. Strata Lot 26, Section 4, Township 1, Rupert District, Strata Plan VIS1593 Together with an Interest in the Common Property in Proportion to the Unit Entitlement of the Strata Lot as Shown on Form 1 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: WHEREAS pursuant to Section of the Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw No. 648, 2002, no land, buildings or structures, or part thereof, shall be used, occupied, erected, moved, or altered unless in conformity with this Bylaw. AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 5.5.2(a) (Light Industrial) of Bylaw No. 648, permitted uses in the Light Industrial (LIND-2) zone do not include the production and processing of medicinal products or substances regulated by the Federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation. AND WHEREAS the owner, Edward Perry Pilatzke, has requested a Temporary Use Permit to allow the production and processing of substances regulated by the Federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation on the subject property. AND WHEREAS the Hyde Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 613, 2001, designates all of Hyde Creek, including the land subject to this Permit, as an area in which Temporary Use Permits may be issued in accordance with the Local Government Act. NOW THEREFORE BY A RESOLUTION of the Board of the Regional District of Mount Waddington on June 17, 2014, the Board approves Temporary Use Permit TUP to allow the production and processing of substances regulated by the Federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation on the land at 1737 Twin Peaks Road, in Hyde Creek and legally described as Strata Lot 26, Section 4, Township 1, Rupert District, Strata Plan VIS1593 Together with an Interest in the Common Property in Proportion to the Unit Entitlement of the Strata Lot as Shown on Form 1, subject to the following conditions: 1) That the Permitee retain and maintain for the period of this Temporary Use Permit a Federal commercial license issued under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation authorising the production, processing and shipment of medical marihuana. This permit is only valid in conjunction with the Federal license issued under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation. 2) That the Permittee provide the Regional District of Mount Waddington with a copy of the Federal license and any updates or renewals issued pursuant to the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation. The Permittee will advise the Regional District of Mount Waddington if the Federal license has expired or was otherwise discontinued within 14 days of such occurrence. 3) That the licensed production and processing of substances regulated by the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation and all related structures be limited to the area identified in Appendix A as Temporary Use Permit Area. Regional District of Mount Waddington

12 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 9 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, ) That all buildings and structures subject to this Temporary Use Permit comply with the requirements of the BC Building Code, BC Fire Code and BC Electrical Code. 5) That the land, buildings and structures within the Temporary Use Permit area will not be assessed for the permit period as Farm Class land or buildings under the Classification of Lands as Farm Regulation. 6) That the supply, production and processing facilities subject to this Temporary Use Permit be selfcontained in a manner that prevents the discharge of any materials or liquids from entering surface or ground water in the general area. Any building or structure containing processing activities, which may require liquid discharge or accessory washroom facilities, will be connected to the strata sewer system. 7) That prior to any construction of, addition to or relocation of buildings or structures on the subject property, the Permittee submit a complete Site Permit application to the Regional District of Mount Waddington for the siting of proposed works and obtain approval of the said permit. 8) That all construction, production and processing waste generated within the Temporary Use Permit area during the period of this permit be disposed of properly at an approved landfill or waste transfer facility. The disposition of contaminated soils will be conducted in accordance with appropriate regulations. 9) This Temporary Use Permit TUP shall expire 36 months after the date of its approval by resolution of the Board of the Regional District of Mount Waddington. Upon expiry of Temporary Use Permit TUP , the buildings and structures associated with the use subject to the Temporary Use Permit may remain on the land but shall no longer be used for any activities regulated under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation. The Regional Board will consider renewing the Temporary Use Permit upon receiving a renewal application from the owner of the subject property. I HEREBY CERTIFY this copy to be true and correct copy of Schedule A, being the Terms and Conditions of Temporary Use Permit TUP Greg Fletcher Administrator Certified on:, 2014 Regional District of Mount Waddington

13 Staff Report Temporary Use Permit TUP Page 10 Pilatzke, 1737 Twin Peaks Road, Hyde Creek June 10, 2014 Appendix A: Temporary Use Permit Area Temporary Use Permit Area Regional District of Mount Waddington

14 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON STAFF REPORT DATE: June 10, 2014 TO: Planning Committee File No.: PROJ FROM: Jonas Velaniskis, Manager of Planning RE: POLICY UPDATES OF THE REGIONAL PLAN BYLAW NO. 674 EMERGENCY PLANNING & FIRST NATIONS In May of 2014, following the Regional Board s direction to update the Regional Plan Bylaw No. 674 and integrate recent policy developments with the Plan policies, the Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) Planning Committee held its first policy discussion session on telecommunication, renewable energy and forestry sector policies. The Committee reviewed and made changes on the proposal to integrate sector-specific policies into the Plan. Appendix A contains the updated proposal with the Planning Committee s recommended changes highlighted. Since the May Planning Committee meeting, staff reviewed RDMW policy initiatives pertaining to emergency management and cooperation with First Nations, both of which were initiated after the adoption of the Regional Plan in Following is a description of the two existing policy initiatives as well as proposed integration updates to the Regional Plan. Emergency Planning and Management The Regional Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Service was established by bylaw in The EMO service aims to establish and maintain the presence of a lead regional agency responsible for emergency planning and management. EMO s main responsibility is to develop and implement emergency planning, preparedness and response systems throughout the Region. Also in 2005, the North Island Regional Emergency Planning Committee prepared the North Island Regional Emergency Plan (NIREP), which was subsequently adopted by the Regional Board. The Plan provides a detailed framework for coordinating response to and recovery from disasters within RDMW boundaries. The emergency function plays a key role in developing regional capacity to plan for and resiliency to sustain through an emergency situation; it also has land use implications related to hazard areas, siting of development and access. Emergency management updates to the Regional Plan are proposed for Planning Committee s discussion in Table 1 of this report. Cooperation with First Nations There are ten local First Nation communities and over 20 First Nations that have asserted traditional territories within the geographic boundaries of RDMW. The Regional District, local municipalities and local First Nation communities share a number of regional, and in some instances local, services. Land use policy development and management at RDMW level is also undertaken in consultation with First Nations. In fact, effective consultation is often the key factor in successful policy development and land management. Building strong and cooperative government-to-government relationships with the local First Nation communities is also a significant factor in sustaining and growing the Region s economy and population. In 2010, the Regional District, local municipalities and seven local First Nation communities signed the North Island Regional Protocol Agreement. The 2010 agreement acknowledges the distinct institutions, authorities and responsibilities of each government and recognizes that the interests of all communities are best served by cooperation. The Protocol Agreement established a framework for further bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements. The Regional Plan does not currently address First Nation cooperation. Related updates to the Regional Plan are proposed for Planning Committee s discussion in Table 1 of this report.

15 Staff Report Regional Plan Updates Page 2 Emergency Planning/Management and First Nations June 10, 2014 Table 1. Emergency Planning/Management and First Nations Proposed Policies 9.0 Regional District Infrastructure and Service: EMERGENCY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Current Policies of the Proposed policy updates Regional Plan 2004 North Island Regional Emergency Plan 7.2 Land Use Policies (page 6) (a) General Policies New development will not be permitted in areas that are hazardous to human occupation and activities, or in areas that are high risk in terms of ecological sensitivity Provision of Services (page 16) The RDMW will: Assist in co-ordination and planning of other region wide and municipal services such as fire protection, Emergency Planning (PEP), victims services, health care services, public transportation, highway accident assistance and other emergency services. 9.7 Emergency Planning and Management Land and settlement areas within the Region are defined by remoteness and rugged topography. The terrain is mountainous and exposed to a long stretch of coastline with complex inlet systems penetrating the Northwest Vancouver Island and Mainland coasts. The Region s natural features are beautiful; however, settlements are exposed to significant terrain hazards such as slides, forest fires, and slide and earthquake triggered tsunami floods. Recognising the full range of significant hazards and planning for emergency response is essential to managing the risk of exposure in our remote communities. In 2005, the Regional Board adopted the North Island Regional Emergency Plan establishing a detailed framework for coordinating response to and recovery from disasters within RDMW boundaries. In the event of a large-scale emergency, wellestablished cooperation between jurisdictions and their preparedness is vital. In order to continue strengthening the Region s capacity to mitigate, plan for and respond to emergency events, RDMW will: a. continue leading and building capacity of the Regional Emergency Management Organization; b. develop and implement community-specific emergency management plans for all settlement areas of the Regional District; c. update local official community plan development guidelines to reduce the exposure risk of new developments within known hazard areas; d. ensure that existing mutual aid agreements between jurisdictions, agencies and First Nations are maintained and pursue new partners within the Region and in adjacent jurisdictions; e. as a partner with the North Island 911 Corporation, continue to ensure that North Island residents are provided with an emergency call answering service.

16 Staff Report Regional Plan Updates Page 3 Emergency Planning/Management and First Nations June 10, Regional District Roles: COOPERATION WITH FIRST NATIONS Current Policies of Proposed policy updates the Regional Plan 2010 North Island Regional Protocol Agreement None 10.4 Cooperation with First Nations There are ten local First Nation communities and over 20 First Nations that have asserted traditional territories within the geographic boundaries of RDMW. Building strong and cooperative government-togovernment relationships with the local First Nation communities will be key in effective land use planning and management, as well as sustaining and growing the Region s economy and population. The Regional District, local municipalities and First Nation communities already share a number of regional, and in some instances local, services. Land use policy development and management at RDMW level are also undertaken in consultation with First Nation communities. In 2010, the Regional District, local municipalities and seven local First Nation communities signed the North Island Regional Protocol Agreement. The 2010 agreement acknowledges the distinct institutions, authorities and responsibilities of each government and recognizes that the interests of all communities are best served by cooperation. The Protocol Agreement established a framework for further bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements. Based on the principles of mutual respect, benefit and recognition, the Regional District will: a. continue making efforts in maintaining and strengthening cooperative relationships with the First Nations of the North Island Region Protocol Agreement; b. encourage First Nations participation in shared service decisionmaking and continue meaningful consultation on land use policy development and management matters; c. pursue bi-lateral and multi-lateral protocol agreements with local First Nations to address land management and servicing challenges; d. explore opportunities to harmonise regional, local and First Nations land use planning and economic development objectives. Staff will continue to bring forward policy updates for the Planning Committee to discussion throughout the next two months. Housekeeping amendments will be brought forward for Committee s discussion in July. The process of updating the Regional Plan should enter the interagency and public consultation stage this fall. Respectfully submitted, Jonas Velaniskis, M.Sc. Manager of Planning

17 APPENDIX A Draft Policy Updates to the Regional Plan with Recommendations Suggested by the RDMW Planning Committee on May 20, 2014 Current policies of the Regional Plan 6.0 Strategic Goals (page 6, goal 4) To support the development of efficient and effective transportation and communication services that provide long term and efficient linkages within and beyond the RDMW. 9.6 Communication Infrastructure Policies (page 16) One of the fundamental requirements of a strong economy is the ability to communicate. Business is increasingly reliant of the internet as a key tool in reaching customers, other businesses and business information. The ability to access high speed connections to communicate is important to development of the economy of the Region. The Regional District will support development of high speed communications linkages (high speed cable, ADSL, fibre optic and satellite connections) and will cooperate with Telus, local cable companies, private service providers, the School District, the Vancouver Island Library, North Island College, not for profit organizations and businesses to ensure the highest level of service possible. Sector: COMMUNICATION Proposed policy updates Design Nine Report RDMW Telecommunications Policy 6.0 Strategic Goals To support the development of efficient and effective transportation and communication services that provide long term and efficient linkages within and beyond the RDMW. 9.6 Communication Infrastructure Policies Effective communication networks are a fundamental component of a strong economy, community and public institutions. Businesses and institutions are shifting to delivering services online and are more and more reliant on telecommunication as a key tool in reaching global markets, other organizations and information. Communities and service consumers are increasingly reliant on access to a widening range of services online. Residents and regional stakeholders, particularly in municipalities and settlement areas, expect reasonable access to broadband; hence, access to sufficient and affordable broadband is highly important to the overall development and quality of life in the Region. In support of establishing an effective broadband network, RDMW will: a. support the development of broadband linkages and cooperate with service providers, businesses and public organisations to pursue the level of service that meets community and stakeholder needs and is affordable; b. develop and maintain a master inventory of existing and potential telecommunication tower sites, fibre routes and wireless coverage areas; c. work with stakeholders and lobby for the establishment of cellular coverage across the Region; d. develop requirements for broadband infrastructure for new development projects; e. where appropriate, combine the deployment of broadband linkages with service improvement projects.

18 Current policies of the Regional Plan 8.6 Energy Policies (page 12) The RDMW will support independent proposals for alternative methods of power generation that propose responsible management practices, that meet all relevant provincial, federal and local government policies and regulations, and that do not detract from adjacent land or water uses and related activities; Sector: RENEWABLE ENERGY Proposed policy updates 2004 Regional Zoning Bylaw Amendment No RDMW Alternative Energy Policy 8.6 Renewable Energy Policies The renewable energy sector has a significant presence on Northern Vancouver Island. Within the Regional District, independent large scale developments are already in operation in Cape Scott and on the Kokish River. A large cluster of potential renewable energy production sites on Crown lands are undergoing feasibility investigations. The sector represents significant opportunities for the Region. In support of encouraging responsible growth of the renewable energy sector, RDMW will: a. lobby senior levels of government and BC Hydro to undertake capacity upgrades of the current transmission corridor consisting of IL120, IL125, IL137 and IL130 lines whether by increases in line operating temperature or new infrastructure; b. where a cluster of projects are proposed, support renewable energy development proposals that cooperate through consolidated transmission line networks; c. support renewable energy proposals that exhibit environmental mitigation, sustainable project footprint and regard for adjacent resource sectors and land uses; d. where significant transmission corridors are proposed, support proposals that exhibit corridor pathways minimizing loses to the forest lands and that include capacity in anticipation of demand to accommodate future energy transmission projects; e. lobby for islanding of the Region s power supply generated by renewable energy projects within the Region in order to reduce exposure to a wide power blackout; f. establish site specific guidelines for alternative energy projects within RDMW zoning bylaws.

19 Current Policies of the Regional Plan 8.3 Forestry Policies (page 11) Support forestry uses conducted in a manner that demonstrates responsible management practices, and that meet all relevant provincial, federal and local government policies and regulations as the main use on Crown lands. RDMW recognizes and supports the provincial Working Forests initiative and recognizes the value of long term tenures associated with productive forest lands; Support community review of proposed harvest plans, related facilities and services plans, and forestry road development plans as part of the provincial review process; Support the regional forestry sector in any provincial review of tenure, including improved opportunities for First Nations tenures, community forests and other locally managed tenure options; Support sales of short term and small business timber access to North Island businesses and contractors. Support access to wood fibre for local value added and processing operations; Support a tenure system for the management and harvesting of non-timber forest products; Support forestry recreation values as part of ongoing forest management and tourism development; Sector: FORESTRY Proposed policy updates 2012 RDMW Forestry Policy 8.3 Forestry Policies The forestry sector is the foundation of the Region s culture, economy and environment. It is a vital thread in the local sense of community cohesion with potential to realize sustainable local employment and residential stability. The Region s forests also hold tremendous non-timber values for wildlife habitat and world-class recreation. The Regional District will continue to actively work with all stakeholders in the sector and the Region to secure local economic and social benefits while promoting environmental stewardship associated with the resource sector. The definition of local social and economic benefits of the forestry sector principally applies to the communities and First Nations within the Regional District of Mount Waddington. In supporting a sustainable forestry sector, RDMW will: a. support forestry uses conducted in a manner that demonstrates responsible management practices and that meet all relevant provincial, federal and local government policies and regulations as the main use on Crown lands; b. lobby for working forests as a major source of local employment and recognize the value of long term tenures associated with productive forest lands; c. lobby for and encourage area-based rather than volume-based forestry tenures within the Region; d. encourage and support community involvement in the review of proposed harvesting plans, related facilities and services plans, and forestry road development plans as part of the provincial review process; e. support the regional forestry sector in any provincial review of tenure, including improved opportunities for First Nations, community forests and other locally managed tenure options; f. lobby for and encourage sales of short term and small business timber access to North Island businesses and contractors; g. lobby for access to wood fibre for local value added and processing operations;

20 Support public access to and maintenance of forestry roads to communities and critical sites such as Winter Harbour, Grant Bay, Quatsino Village, Shushartie Bay and Raft Cove. h. support proposals for the management and harvesting of non-timber forest products, particularly for commercially viable enterprises; i. in accordance with professional forest practice codes, support practices that are sensitive to the appearance of the community interface, highway corridor and areas of popular recreation and tourism; j. encourage and support the continued operation and maintenance of the Nimpkish Valley Railway as a leader in sustainable approach to timber transportation in North America; k. advocate for public access to and maintenance of forestry roads to communities and critical sites such as Winter Harbour, Grant Bay, Quatsino Village, Shushartie Bay and Raft Cove; l. encourage and support continued and improved management of salmonoid habitat enhancement, old growth management and conservation areas within the Region s forests.