FAQs • Revelstoke, BC • CivicEngage

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2019 Draft Budget FAQ's

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1. What impact will the 2019 budget have on homeowners?

For 2019, the average home is valued at $389,413.
The impact on homes valued at $250,000, $500,000 & $750,000, is as follows:

2. Was there any public input in the preparation of this budget?

The period for public input begins on February 27, 2019 and runs until March 12, 2019.

The public is encouraged to submit their comments as follows:

In writing to 216 Mackenzie Avenue
By mail to Box 170, Revelstoke, BC, V0E 2S0
Via email to budget@revelstoke.ca
In person at the Public Consultation meeting to be held on March 7, 2019 at 3pm in Council Chambers at Suite 102 – 103 Second Street East.

3. What is the business planning & budget process?

Each year the City identifies priorities, goals and initiatives that ensure good use of resources and link back to our Strategic Plan. Public input is key to the entire process and residents are encouraged to get involved. Here’s the how the process works:

Council Members provide direction and feedback on strategic priorities to guide the budget process
Finance department reviews business plans and budget requirements as submitted by the different departments, and makes recommendations to Council
Review includes revisions and reprioritization of needs, taking into consideration strategic priorities, associated costs and public input
Council reviews recommendations and approves budget

4. What is the difference between the operating budget and the capital budget?

The operating budget covers ongoing operating expenses of the City and the capital budget covers long-term investment in infrastructure.

Operating budget

The operating budget includes all anticipated expenditures and revenues related to the ongoing operations of the City. Expenditures include salaries, goods, services, and transfers to reserves. Revenues include property tax and user fees. The shortfall between expenditures and non-tax revenues results in the portion that must be raised by property taxes.

Capital budget

The capital budget includes money spent on building, buying or improving capital infrastructure such as roads, buildings, vehicles and major equipment.

5. Besides property taxes, what other sources of funding does the City have?

Most of the City’s funding comes from property taxes. Other sources of funding include:

User fees
Development charges (capital budget only)
Grants and subsidies from other levels of government (restrictions apply)
Investment income
Contributions from reserves

6. How do Revelstoke’s property taxes compare with other nearby municipalities?

The following chart shows how Revelstoke’s property taxes compare to similar municipalities in 2017. (The tax rates for other municipalities have not been set for 2019 and the Provincial database showing the 2018 tax rates is not available)

7. What is the annual operating budget for the City?: For 2019, the operating budget is $22,057,315.

8. How is the operating budget funded?

The operating budget is funded with the following sources:

Property taxes
Grants
Cost sharing with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District
User fees
License and permit fees
Investment income
The largest funding source is property taxes. The next largest is grants.

9. What’s new in the 2019 budget?: The 2019 operating budget includes the addition of two new positions. One will improve the City’s ability to communicate with the community. The other will allow the City to provide improved customer service to the development community.

10. Why is the property tax increase more than the Consumer Price Index?

The Bank of Canada Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a common measure for inflation in the economy. The calculation uses the "basket of goods" theory where a broad range of goods that are typically used in an average household are used in the calculations. There are eight categories that are populated with a number of items within these areas:

Food
Shelter
Furniture & household equipment
Clothing
Transportation
Health care
Recreation & education
Alcoholic beverages & tobacco products.

As we can see, many of the items in each CPI category are not used by the City in the delivery of its products and services. Most items common to households and municipalities are the items that are increasing in price - utilities or fuels, for example. Unfortunately, many of the items that are remaining flat or decreasing are not purchases made in civic operations. Also, in the CPI "basket of goods", there is a lack of construction-related items such as concrete, steel, black-top and any of the related services to deliver these items.

11. Why does the City need a tax increase?

The following represents the need for a tax increase:

Inflationary pressures
Impact of previous Council decisions
Cost of growth
Addressing mandatory safety requirements
Catch up on deferred maintenance of capital assets

12. What does the City do to control or reduce costs?

In order to minimize the impact of these pressures, Mayor, Council and Staff are continually looking for ways to maintain or improve both the levels and efficiency of the services the City provides. Measures include:

Planned capital maintenance
Grant application submissions and
Long-term planning.
The City also reviews revenues and user fees to help offset the inflationary pressures, however, not all revenues are subject to inflationary increases or are automatically increased by municipal inflation due to a number of reasons including affordability, and competitive positions.

13. Will next year’s tax increase be lower?

There are many pressures, which will affect the City in future years, including growth, maintaining our existing assets and inflationary components. Inflationary costs for labour, insurance, utilities and fuel affect the City significantly and place additional pressure on the budget. Every time we add a new park, new road or facility, it has an impact on the Operating budget.

While tax increases are expected for the future, Mayor and Council are committed to keeping tax rates at a reasonable level while maintaining the balance between current budget demands, growth and addressing future capital issues.

14. With all the growth, why do we need a tax increase?: Although new growth does bring in additional assessment, it requires additional resources to be provided by the City for such items as garbage pickup, snow plowing and maintenance of additional roads, community services for new residents and the payment of capital infrastructure for new development

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Affordable Housing Summit Q&A

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1. In your opinion, what overall effect do short term rentals have on the community's affordable housing markets?: Short Term Rentals can take away available housing stock that would otherwise be available for long term rentals. This can be in the form of secondary suites that are usually considered more affordable rental options. Conversely, in some situations, Short Term Rental can provide supplementary income for a permanent resident onsite operator to offset the high costs of housing in resort municipalities. Given that Revelstoke has a low vacancy rate and minimal rental stock available, careful monitoring and enforcement is required to ensure Short Term Rentals don’t reduce available long-term housing stock.

2. How much of Revelstoke's housing issue is a missing middle problem? What approaches are being considered to address these housing gaps? (Low vs median income): Revelstoke’s housing stock is comprised of approximately 80% single detached residences. The Official Community Plan includes a target for new development that no more than 25% be single-detached residential. By 2041, if the community meets this target, Revelstoke will include be a predominately single-detached community with 63% of residential development being single-detached residences. Supporting more ground oriented residential development (i.e. duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and row houses) is an important part of the market housing strategy to try increase the supply of more affordable home options.

3. How do we regulate vacation home buyers inflating the real estate market? Is it possible to enact zoning restrictions in some areas to primary home buyers only?: Currently, the City’s zoning bylaw only permits Short Term Rentals in specifically zoned areas. While the rules differ depending upon which zoning you have, some of the areas do have requirements where a Short Term Rental must be operated by a permanent resident onsite operator. Visit the Planning and Development Services – Short Term Rental section of the City’s webpage for more info.

4. Why not more mobile home parks?: The Official Community Plan (OCP) currently includes policies (see Section 4.2.1(h)) to protect existing mobile home parks. The OCP also includes actions to consider adoption of a Mobile Home Park Redevelopment policy to help ensure additional protections for existing residents. While mobile home parks can provide affordable options for residents, they can also provide challenges as the residents do not typically own the land and are renting a pad (except for unique situations such as Johnson Heights), increasing vulnerability when an owner attempts to redevelop. With respect to additional mobile home parks, they are typically low density development and in Revelstoke where land is increasingly expensive, higher density is generally needed for a development to be feasible. Supporting smaller lot residential zones and eliminating outdated requirements such as a 6.0 m wide building width could help modular type structures be more readily permitted on smaller lots across the City, improving affordability.

5. How much is Whistler’s cash in leu for housing? Is it a flat fee or based on different metrics?

The charge is $5,908.00 per employee. Employees are determined on the following basis:

Commercial – 1 employee per 50 sq. m of gross floor area
Industrial – 1 employee per 250 sq. m of gross floor area
Residential (where subject to rental pool covenant) – 0.2 employees per guest room
Any other development – 1 employee per 50 sq. m of gross floor area

6. With employee housing, what happens if an employee loses their job or want to leave a job. Are they homeless?: This would be specific on the agreement that is in place for employee housing unit. Generally speaking, the agreements would include some language that would seek to cover details on circumstances that ay arise for the employee.

7. If Whistler took 30 years to mature, how can we do something in 10 years or less without crashing in the process? What can be adopted now to get us started?: The City is already working to try and establish real solutions for the ongoing housing crisis. Zoning amendments to increase supply of market housing including increased in density, expanding bonus density allowances (these are subject to housing agreements), allowances for carriage and garden suites, allowances for secondary suites in multi-unit dwellings, and short term rental regulations are some examples of rules that have been established to support housing. In addition, the City is currently working on two policies, one for establishing an Affordable Housing Reserve, and the other to guide municipal land disposition in conjunction with a comprehensive municipal land inventory. Staff are already examining ways to build up the Affordable Housing Reserve (employee housing DCC, cash-in-lieu payments for density bonusing). Lastly, by working with other municipal counterparts such as those at the Housing Summit, Revelstoke is seeking to learn from best practises for the City to implement.

8. For each of the speakers who are sharing details of a well-funded housing organization; where would your community be without that dedicated housing entity?

Will add responses as received by other municipalities.

Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is currently at the early stages with our Housing Authority and has not yet established a dedicated funding source. Without dedicated funding, our current approach has been partnerships with private sector and providing municipal incentive through DCC waivers and property tax holidays. Will put a dedicated funding policy in place very soon.

District of Tofino

It is my belief that without dedicated funding, Tofino would not have affordable housing

Whistler Housing Authority

Certainly not meeting our community goal of housing a minimum of 75% of employees within our municipal boundaries. Having employees afford to be able to live locally contributes to the success, diversity, and resilience of our community. Whistler’s Employee Housing Program administered by the Whistler Housing Authority creates the opportunity for employees to live affordability and securely in Whistler in close proximity to where they work. Most Whistler employees would struggle financially to afford to live in Whistler without the Whistler Housing Authority Program.

9. What is the status of the BC housing project on Downie Street? What can be done to bring this to reality sooner?: A Development Permit was issued by Council in September 2022 for Phase 1. Staff have been working with BC Housing and to encourage submission of a building permit and have offered ways to expedite the process. BC Housing has a specific process that they go through to secure financing and tender the project, and it is Staffs understanding that BC Housing is will be engaged in this process this spring. Staff will continue to work with BC Housing and expedite all reviews to get Phase 1 initiated as soon as possible.

10. WHA : can you expand on how affordability is maintained in perpetuity? Does WHA retain an equity share?: The Whistler Housing Authority does not retain an equity share in any of the affordable homeownership units, we do of course in our WHA owned and operated affordable rental units. We require Housing Covenants to be registered on title of all of our employee housing units that stipulate the rental rate and sale price of every unit created. These restrictions stay on title when the properties transfer ownership. There is also an Option to Purchase/Right of First Refusal Covenant in the name of the RMOW that enables the municipality to purchase back a covenanted employee housing unit whenever it sells or if the owner is using it in breach of the covenanted restrictions.

11. We need to develop micro-home communities in town and in the CSRD. Problem solved.: Micro homes are already permitted in Revelstoke. These are just single-detached dwellings that must comply with BC Building code and / or CSA standards for a permanent dwelling. Micro homes on wheels are considered Recreational Vehicles under BC Building Code (something that the City cannot supersede) and are permitted in campgrounds. Any developer is permitted to apply for a rezoning to create a small lot residential zone to allow for the development of small single-detached residences. The City will be working to create a standard small lot residential zone as part of the Zoning Bylaw Comprehensive Re-Write project.

12. What consideration has been given to how gig economy workers with often fluctuating annual incomes fit into qualifying parameters for affordable housing?: While this would be context specific to the agreement that is in place for affordable housing project, generally speaking, most agreements qualifications are based on gross annual income, so seasonal fluctuations should not typically have an impact on one’s ability to qualify.

13. How are you, as a Resort Community, leveraging OAP/MRDT taxes for affordable housing? Tools, models ?

Will add responses as received from other Resort Municipalities.

Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks

As Tourism Sun Peaks was established before our Municipality, OAP/MRDT funds flow directly to them. The Municipality has not requested access to these funds for Housing.

Whistler Housing Authority

We are using 50% of the revenues received from OAP/MRDT to be used as a direct capital contribution for the development of new affordable employee housing supply.

14. What kind of anti affordable housing campaigning is Tofino experiencing and why? How are you handling this?: Tofino has experienced anti-affordable housing complaints from some residents as well as a local taxpayer association.

15. What can the tourism industry, which is driving up costs, do better to support affordable housing?: The City currently in the process of researching and reviewing with other municipalities what tools are available to ensure that new developments including but not limited to those that may benefit form the increase in tourism (for example hotels, condos for short term rental) contribute to employee housing. One of the tools that is available to Resort Municipalities under provincial legislation is Employee Housing DCCs. Revelstoke staff in coordination with Whistler Centre for Sustainability are currently leading an initiative to collaborate with the province to get a better understanding of how this tool can be implemented.

16. Can prefab/modular home construction play a role in affordable housing in Revelstoke?: Yes. Modular housing under the right circumstances can be more inexpensive that traditional construction (although currently with labour shortages and material price increases, the difference between the two types of construction may be less).

17. How do you protect against base population displacement?: This is a challenging questions as migration between cities and provinces is quite common within Canada. Housing is generally one if not the largest single expense for most individuals. To support affordability to ensure local residents are not displaced, the City can develop zoning regulations to incentivize more of the market housing supply to support the “missing middle”, implement further mobile home park protections through policy, and continue to examine tools for non-market housing to increase the supply to ensure that local residents are not displaced as the community continues to grow.

18. How did the communities balance the availability of housing vs short term rentals, bylaw enforcement costs vs revenue from OAP/MRDT?

Will add responses when received from other municipalities.

Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks allows short term rentals in all Tourist Accommodation zoned areas which is primarily condo/townhouse complexes as well as through a Temporary Use Permit application process that allows up to 25% of any individual single family resident neighbourhoods to rent short term. Business license costs have recently been raised to cover the costs of a third party software program that will automate much of the complaint process and monitoring of advertising to ensure compliance with zoning and business license requirements.

District of Sicamous

Part 1: The first step in balancing the availability of housing with short term rentals is understanding the impact of short term rentals on housing supply. This means that local governments need access to data that isn't made readily available - a recommendation of the District's housing strategy is to support UBCM's call to action in this regard. In the meantime, regulation through a municipalities ability to issue business licences is the principle way to collect this information. The District implemented regulations through its zoning bylaw and business licencing bylaw early 2023.

Part 2: Bylaw Enforcement is a service for which the cost of is reflected in our business licencing fees for short term rentals. Part of the District’s housing strategy contemplates implementation of a BON system, which requires partnering with regional local governments to establish. This was already being contemplated and could be a significant enforcement tool that may be necessary to use.

Part 3: MRDT is a municipal sales tax on tourist accommodations, including short term rentals. Currently, the District participates in MRDT at 2%. Since implementation of regulations for short term rentals, the District has seen a significant increase in these funds. These funds can only be used to support tourism, however, with the support of accommodation providers, can contribute an additional 1% to a specific housing project. The District's housing strategy recommends exploring this with accommodation providers at the end of the current agreement and hopes to find support for one of the District's partner projects.

District of Tofino

STR bylaws are under review – currently STR bylaws have numerous restrictions and requirements – licensing fees are quite high in order to cover costs of enforcement. OAP has been covering many costs. There is a future possibility more MRDT may be transferred to affordable housing, though that would take stakeholder discussion and agreement.

Whistler Housing Authority

We allocate the revenue received from OAP/MRDT – 50% to Tourism Whistler promoting and supporting a thriving tourism market in Whistler, and 50% towards the creation of long term affordable employee housing for the community’s workforce.

19. For Al - Like Revelstoke , Sun Peaks is neighboured by resort land. Does the resort operator have a supportive role in creating affordable housing? If so, how?: The Sun Peaks resort operator currently have 380 beds used for their own staff accommodation and are in the process of developing additional units. The resort operator is also assisting with the development of an employee housing project through the allocation of available land that will be available to all employees of Sun Peaks businesses. The restriction to Sun Peaks employees will be through a covenant in favour of the Municipality. Future parcels of land are also designated for municipal of housing authority employees housing projects as the community grows. In addition, we are communicating with existing businesses to make sure that they clearly understand that it is their best interests to seek housing for their season employees but either purchasing employee housing or leasing housing that they manage for their employees. Non-market housing restricted to employees in the community with COLA increases on capital costs and managed by the Housing Authority must be established for the year-round families who wish to make your community home. This will provide long term affordable housing for year-round staff, easier said than done but this is our challenge.

20. Have any of the communities looked at infill density? (Carriage houses, zoning to allow for tiny homes in back yards etc) any success stories using that model?

Will add to the response when received from other municipalities (however City has a response below on our regulations)

In January 2022, Revelstoke adopted changes to the Zoning Bylaw that allow for a carriage or garden suite on all properties that have a single-detached dwelling to support further infill. While this is important for pursuing “gentle densification” it is only one tool to support solutions to the housing crisis.

21. Have age demographics been factored into future housing needs? A lot of baby boomers will be looking to downsize into the same type of units that younger: Yes, as part of the Official Community Plan one of the reports completed was an Age Friendly Report. Encouraging an increase in the supply of smaller dwelling units (condos, row houses etc.) where maintenance is addressed through a strata for things like lawn care and snow removal will be important to ensure that there are housing options for an aging population.

22. What do all of your organizations require from developers when they develop in your town? Ie cash in lieu, units etc ? How many/ how much?

Will add to the response when received from other municipalities.

Whistler Housing Authority

Within Whistler, the charge to contribute for employee housing is $5,908.00 per employee. Employees are determined on the following basis:

Commercial – 1 employee per 50 sq. m of gross floor area
Industrial – 1 employee per 250 sq. m of gross floor area
Residential (where subject to rental pool covenant) – 0.2 employees per guest room
Any other development – 1 employee per 50 sq. m of gross floor area

Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is unique in that the lift company has a Master Development Agreement with the Province and is the only one with access to develop vacant Crown lands which is linked to developing recreation infrastructure (new ski lifts). There are provisions for allocations of future land for employee housing as the community grows. We have not yet implemented specific cash in lieu or unit requirements for development. A specific housing Development Cost Charge will be brought in this spring to establish a source of dedicated funding for our Housing Authority.

District of Sicamous

The District does not currently require direct contributions as a condition of zoning. Our zoning bylaw employes an amenity bonus mechanism, whereby a developer may have an additional 2 dwellings or sleeping units per attainable rental unit provided. Our Development Cost Charge Bylaw currently includes exemptions for Affordable Housing, however this is a low-income threshold and does not speak to median income; our DCC bylaw is under review as recommended by the housing strategy. In addition, the strategy contemplates additional incentives through revitalization tax exemptions and a pre-approved plan library (siting permit required only, no DP), delegated approvals (short permitting turn around) as well as potentially establishing a requirement to provide a minimum number of attainable dwelling units or a cash in lieu contribution to the housing fund.

District of Tofino

DCCs as well as affordable housing units are calculated with an existing equation – this will also be under review.

Whistler Housing Authority

For developers of commercial, industrial, or residential units subject to a rental pool, the developer has the option to contribute to the provision of employee housing in Whistler in 3 ways:

1) Paying cash-in-lieu at ~$6,000 per employee generated by the new development;
2) Providing onsite staff accommodations; or
3) Providing offsite staff accommodations.

See RMOW Employee Housing Service Charge Bylaw for more information and employee generation formula.

23. Is it possible that we may never get ahead of the housing issue because so many people want to live in Revelstoke?: This is a challenging question. While the Official Community Plan (OCP) has population projects that were used to identify housing needs and inform the overall development strategy to meet this need, careful evaluation of future trends is needed to ensure that Revelstoke is adapting. Constant evaluation of local trends will be important to ensuring that the overall goals of the OCP with respect to housing are being met. The OCP has a separate Implementation Plan and as per that plan, staff will bring forward an annual report (starting this fall) that will serve as a status update to determine if the objectives of the OCP are being met.

24. Has the city considered approaching the rail yard about building a multi level parking structure to free up city lots downtown for infill development?: This is a great out of the box idea, but to date this has not been considered. As part of the comprehensive land inventory that is currently underway, consideration for existing City lots to review future development potential while ensuring parking is maintained is being considered.

25. Can we get actual action rather than lip service from our municipal government? Or should we expect similar results to our updated DCC’s?

Volunteers in the community, Council, and City staff have been hard at work to produce meaningful results to help the community achieve its collective vision with respect to housing. This is a challenging issue that can be complicated and requires coordination between all levels of government to produce meaningful results. Some action that has been completed of late with respect to housing:

Working with Revelstoke Community Housing Society (RCHS), BC Housing, CPR, RMR and other developers to get projects in the ground. CPR built 48 employee housing units, RMR is currently in the process of constructing two of three employee housing buildings, each containing 92 dwelling units (and in addition to these two buildings, modulars for construction staff containing 64 dwelling units).RCHS received occupancy in 2022 for a 24 unit apartment complex. Development Permit approval of Phase 1 BC housing was expedited and the City is awaiting submission of a building permit for expedited review.
In January 2022, substantial changes to the Zoning Bylaw were completed to allow for carriage and garden suites, secondary suites within duplexes and row houses, increases in baseline densities, expansion for bonus density, and reduced paring regulations for development that can achieve walkability (proximity to transit and key amenities). This is all in effort to allow for additional housing development.
In April 2022, amendments to City bylaws to regulate Short Term Rental were adopted with an overall goal of freeing up more long-term rental units in the community. Staff are currently enforcing the regulations through both proactive and reactive measures.
In July 2022, a new Official Community Plan was adopted that included over 1,100 hours of individual volunteer time (in addition to broader public engagement. This document has far reaching housing goals (75% of new development to be multi-unit development) and has a broad land use strategy that supports rezoning for multi-unit development (i.e. duplex, triplex, fourplex, small blocks of row houses) in all low density residential areas.
In August 2022, Revelstoke’s Housing Action Plan was adopted. The plan identifies three foundational actions and five priority strategies. Staff are already in the process of crafting policies and completing a comprehensive municipal land inventory to address two of the three foundational actions (An Affordable Housing Reserve Policy and Municipal Land Disposition Policy). These policies will outline how the City can contribute financially or through land disposition to non-market housing.

26. Is there an opportunity to reduce DCC fees for the first X number of accessory dwellings developed in Revelstoke to promote faster development?: The current DCC bylaw reduces DCCs by 50% for non-profit housing development. Staff will be initiating a DCC bylaw update, and with that update considerations for reducing costs for accessory dwelling units will be completed.

27. Would Revelstoke consider a speculation and vacancy tax to combat housing infrastructure sitting empty and help reduce market pressures from second homeowners?: This is something that is within the provincial jurisdiction. The City is supportive of this, but to date, the province has not extended this form of taxation to the City. Continued advocacy from the community is required.

28. Do your municipalities have issues with a lack of willing developers?

Will provide response when received from other municipalities.

Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is unique in that the lift company has a provincially approved Master Development Agreement as is the major developer with exclusively rights to lands for future development. The lift company have been a willing partner in working to solve the Employee Housing challenges and are working with the Municipality to develop an Employee Housing project that will be open to employees of all businesses located in Sun Peaks.

District of Sicamous

Once the District endorsed its new housing strategy, we began seeing a distinct increase in proponents interested in developing projects that specifically address the housing strategy and our housing needs assessment. As the District moves forward with implementation of the housing strategy it is anticipated that the District will see this trend continue.

District of Tofino

We have willing developers, but it has been challenging to impress on developers the current community housing needs amid over all resource limitations and the desire to maintain community character.

Whistler Housing Authority

No.

29. Instead of wanting to ban tiny houses and motor home, why can't we provide quality and safe version? For example having standards and inspections.: Micro homes (or tiny homes) are already permitted in Revelstoke. These are just single-detached dwellings that must comply with BC Building code and / or CSA standards for a permanent dwelling. Micro homes (or tiny homes) on wheels are considered Recreational Vehicles under BC Building Code (something that the City cannot supersede) and are permitted in campgrounds. Any developer is permitted to apply for a rezoning to create a small lot residential zone to allow for the development of small single-detached residences. The City will be working to create a standard small lot residential zone as part of the Zoning Bylaw Comprehensive Re-Write project.

30. Paul mentioned the risk of developers turning their backs on us due to high development costs - why not try to push the limit? We are far from it.: The opportunities for amenity negotiations (i.e. impose affordable housing requirements through Housing Agreement Bylaws) are typically at rezoning stage (although sometimes this occurs at Development Permit / Building Permit through bonus density regulations). City staff and Council do push the limit to ensure that developers are providing these units at the most affordable cost based on pro-formas developed for projects. With increases in interest rates, increases in the price of land, inflation, labour costs, and escalating material costs, there have already been projects that have fallen through prior to final approval due to not being financially viable. While Revelstoke is a desirable community, it will always be a balance to ensure that new development contributes their fair share to addressing the housing crisis while ensuring that the municipality does not make the cost to develop so high that investment goes to other communities.

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Building Permits

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1. Building Permit

City of Revelstoke Building Permits are granted in accordance with City Bylaws and the British Columbia Building Code. Building Inspectors deal primarily with the regulation and inspection of new construction and renovations, alterations, additions and changes in occupancy of existing buildings.

Online versions of the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes are now available free of charge. To access the BC Code documents, go to www.bcpublications.ca.

2. Demolition Permit

Prior to obtaining a permit to demolish a building or structure, the owner must:

provide to the City a vacancy date;
pay the applicable fees as set out in the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw; and
ensure that all municipal services and other services are capped and terminated at the property line to the satisfaction of the building official or the City’s engineering manager.

Every owner must ensure that, on completion of all demolition procedures, all debris and fill are cleared, and the site is levelled or graded, or made safe if levelling and grading are not possible. Every owner must ensure adherence to the “Safety measures at construction and demolition sites” requirements set out in Part 8, Division B of the building code.

3. Interior Renovations

Interior renovations and alterations must comply with Building Bylaw No. 2294 and the British Columbia Building Code.

Interior Renovations Application and Checklist

4. Other

General Building Permit Application and Checklist

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Business Services - Guides and Applications

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1. New Business Licence

All business licence applications are reviewed by Planning and Development Services and regulated through the Business Licence Bylaw and the Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw. Business Licence fees are charged on an annual basis and outlined in the Fees & Charges Bylaw.

2. Update to an Existing Business Licence

If your business changes (i.e. location, ownership, name, use), it is a requirement to update your Busines Licence with the City, in order to maintain the validity of the business’s licence. The types of changes the City is concerned with are name changes, ownership changes, location changes and update to use of the business. To recognize the change to your business, the City will require a completed Update to an Existing Licence Application. For some changes, such as location or use changes, additional inspections may be required.

3. Cancelling a Business Licence

Once a Business Licence is issued it will auto-renew on December 31st, on an annual basis, unless it is formally cancelled. Cancelling the Business Licence is the responsibility of the Business Licence holder and must be done immediately to avoid unwanted, additional charges associated with a business that is no longer operational. If you wish to cancel your Business Licence, please fill out the cancellation form.

Business Licence Cancellation

4. Encroachment Permit

For business owners who wishes to encroach on City sidewalks or road rights-of-way with retail displays (sandwich boards or additional outdoor seating areas (i.e. patio)

5. Cannabis Licence

The Provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) regulates the licensing of non-medical cannabis retail stores in British Columbia. Any Revelstoke cannabis retail application must be reviewed first by the LCRB, before being referred by the Province to the City of Revelstoke.

Once the City receives a cannabis retail application referral, the applicant is required to apply for and complete the City's Cannabis Licensing and Review application process. The LCRB requires local government input for all provincial Cannabis Retail Licence applications and Existing Licence Amendment applications. Local governments do not approve these types of applications; instead, they provide the LCRB with a Council resolution for each application. The LCRB will not process a Cannabis Retail Licence without a resolution from the applicable local government.

In addition to meeting provincial and federal requirements, provincial Cannabis Retail Licence applications must comply with City regulations, such as the Cannabis Licensing Policy, Zoning Bylaw and the Business Licensing Bylaw. Please review the following documents for compliance:

6. Liquor Licence

The Provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) regulates the licensing of all liquor establishments and the retail sale of alcohol in British Columbia. The City of Revelstoke is referred on a number of these applications, including liquor primary applications and other licence endorsements. The City also reviews requests for patio expansions and extensions to hours of operation.

Local government comment is a key component of the LCLB’s licensing decisions. Council recognizes the importance of public entertainment venues, including liquor establishments, as a component of all vibrant cities. Managing the priorities of all community stakeholders is a delicate balance.

Liquor Licence Application

7. Mobile Vendor

Mobile vending is business that is carried out entirely from a mobile unit, whereby, the entire stock of goods, wares, merchandise, or foodstuffs offered for sale is actually carried and contained within a unit that is designed to be or is mobile at the time the items are offered for sale within a fixed period of time (i.e. Food trucks and trailers, bicycles, carts, etc.).

Please note:

The City is not accepting new permit applications for the four vendor parking locations next to Grizzly Plaza for the 2022 season, this location is now full. Please check back February 2023 for updates.
The City requires submission of a Mobile Vendor - Special Temporary Street Vendor Application at least 30 days before proposed start date.

8. Sign Permit

The City of Revelstoke’s Sign Bylaw No. 2054 provides regulations on all signage within the City of Revelstoke.

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Bylaw Enforcement FAQ's

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1. Providing ID

Individuals are required by law to provide ID when requested.

Bylaw Officers have the same authority to request ID as a Police Officer, failure to provide ID as requested may result in a fine for obstruction of a Bylaw Officer in the amount of $1000.00, the attendance of the RCMP, your possible arrest and/or criminal charges.

2. Authority to Seize & Impound

If you are committing an offense under the Animal Control Bylaw, Bylaw Officers have the authority to seize and or impound your animal.

You may also be subject to fines associated with that offense as set out in Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2082.

3. Authority to Enter Property: Bylaw Officers have the authority to enter onto your property to inspect and determine whether all regulations, prohibitions and requirements are being met in relation to any matter for which the Bylaw Officer or authorized person has been authorized under this or another Act to regulate, prohibit or impose requirements (as per division 3, section 16 of the Community Charter).

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Cannabis Regulatory Framework FAQ

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1. What is the current framework for cannabis use in the City of Revelstoke?: In May 2018, the City enacted an interim prohibition (Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2224) of cannabis dispensaries (retail sales of medical and/or recreational cannabis), cannabis manufacturing facilities, and the commercial scale growing of cannabis as a horticultural use in all zones until a complete regulatory program, with community consultation, is developed and approved by Council. The work has begun and a community survey will be open to residents from August 27th until September 10th. The survey will be available on the City’s website and also in hard copy at the front counter of the Development Services Department at 216 MacKenzie Avenue.
It is the City’s goal to have regulations in place prior to cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018.

2. What is the process the City is undertaking to prepare for cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018?

The City’s planning process to develop regulations for cannabis involves several steps. Key milestones in the planning process are identified below. Please note due to the dynamic nature of community planning projects, the schedule is subject to change. For up to date information on upcoming Council meetings, please visit the City's Council Meeting Information page.

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3. How can residents of Revelstoke provide in input?: Residents will have an opportunity to complete a community survey with questions related to their thoughts on cannabis regulation in the City of Revelstoke. The survey will be posted on the City’s website (on the homepage) and will also be available in hard copy from the Development Services Department at 216 Mackenzie Avenue. The survey will be open from 9 a.m. August 27th until September 10th at 4 pm.

4. What is the federal government’s responsibility in cannabis sales and production?

The federal government is responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive and consistent national framework for regulating cannabis production, setting standards for health and safety, and establishing criminal prohibitions. More specifically, the federal government is responsible for the following:

• Establishing restrictions on adult access to cannabis, including purchasing through an appropriate framework, sourcing from a well-regulated industry, or growing safely in limited amounts at home;

• Establishing serious criminal penalties for those operating outside the legal system, especially those who provide cannabis to youth;

• Creating rules to limit how cannabis or cannabis accessories can be promoted, packaged, labelled and displayed, to protect youth;

• Instituting a federal licensing regime for cannabis production that will set and enforce health and safety requirements and protect against the involvement of organized crime in the legal industry;

• Establishing industry-wide rules on the types of products that will be allowed for sale, standardized serving sizes and potency, the use of certain ingredients and good production practices, as well as the tracking of cannabis from seed to sale to prevent diversion to the illicit market;

• Creating minimum federal conditions that provincial and territorial legislation for distribution and retail sale would be required to meet, to ensure a reasonably consistent national framework to promote safety (e.g., adequate measures would need to be in place to prevent diversion, cannabis could not be sold to youth, and only legally produced cannabis could be sold);

• Establishing the ability for the federal government to license distribution and sale in any province or territory that does not enact such legislation;

• Enforcing the law at the border, while maintaining the free flow of legitimate travel and trade; and

• Establishing and maintaining the national framework for cannabis for medical purposes.

5. What is the provincial government’s responsibility in cannabis sales and production?

Provinces and territories control the distribution and retail sales of non-medical cannabis within their jurisdictions. The BC Provincial Government has appointed the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to be the exclusive wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis, while retail sales will be offered to the public through a combination of government and private owned stores, as well as online through the government site.

In addition to their authority to establish age, possession, and personal cultivation regulations are more stringent than those contained in the federal legislation, provinces and territories are responsible for many matters of implementation, such as how and by whom cannabis may be sold and where it may be consumed within their jurisdiction.

The Province of British Columbia has announced that the minimum age to possess, purchase and consume cannabis in BC will be 19. More information on Provincial Cannabis Sales can be found here.

6. What is the City’s responsibility in cannabis sales and production?

Municipalities can set additional regulatory requirements to address issues of local concern.

For example:

Restricting where cannabis can be cultivated;
Limit the hours that cannabis retail stores can operate or impose other conditions such as signage specifications;
Establishing local zoning rules for cannabis-based businesses;
Restricting where cannabis may be consumed (i.e. through Clean Air Bylaws); and
Charging applicant fees to assess applications.

If City Council approves specific zoning for non-medical, cannabis-related businesses, applicants for a retail store licence must submit a licence application to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). When an application is received, the LCRB will notify the local government of the area where the proposed store will be located. Upon receipt of notice, local governments can:

choose not to make any recommendation in respect of the application for a cannabis retail store licence (Note: this would end a licence application in progress because the LCRB cannot issue a licence unless the local government gives the LCRB a positive recommendation that the licence be issued).
choose to make comments and recommendations in respect of an application for a cannabis retail store licence.

If the local government chooses to make a comment and recommendation on the licensee’s application to the LCRB, it must gather the views of residents (this can be through public hearing, public notification period or another means). If it makes a recommendation to deny the application, then the LCRB may not issue the licence.

7. Why is it important for the City to pass local regulations prior to legalization?

The City’s Development Services Department has received a substantial number of enquiries from companies and individuals wishing to operate cannabis retail stores in the City, and we expect that demand for business licences will be high. To balance competing community interests, the City wants to ensure that its regulations fairly address the concerns of residents and needs of retail operators.

Due to the speed at which this new industry is being developed and implemented, we want to ensure it is introduced in a manner that best meets the needs of Revelstoke residents. This includes determining where retail stores would best be located and whether any business licence restrictions or requirements should be imposed to fairly balance community interests.

The City will need to have regulations in place before cannabis retailers are authorized to operate.

8. Will residents have an opportunity to provide input if new cannabis-related businesses are proposed in the City?

If the local government chooses to make a comments and recommendation on the licensee’s application to the LCRB, it must gather the views of residents (this can be through public hearing, public notification period or another means). If it makes a recommendation to deny the application, then the LCRB may not issue the licence. If it makes a recommendation in favour of the application, then the LCRB has discretion whether to issue the licence but must consider the local government’s recommendation. More information on the local government’s role in licensing non-medical cannabis retails stores can be found within the Local Governments’ Role in Licensing Non-Medical Cannabis Retails Stores guide.

9. What is the City able to regulate?

Municipalities can set regulatory requirements to address issues of local concern.

For example:

Restricting where cannabis can be cultivated;
Limit the hours that cannabis retail stores can operate or impose other conditions such as signage specifications;
Establishing local zoning rules for cannabis-based businesses;
Restricting where cannabis may be consumed (i.e. through Clean Air Bylaws); and
Charging applicant fees to assess applications.

10. Where will cannabis be grown?: Currently, the Federal Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations allows the cultivation of cannabis within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Local governments cannot restrict cannabis production within the ALR so long as it is grown in an open field, in a structure that is soil-based or in an existing licensed operation. Local governments can, however, prohibit the development of industrial-style, cement-based and bunker-style cannabis production on ALR land.
Under the Cannabis Act, municipalities can determine where cannabis production can take place.

11. Will I be able to grow cannabis at home?

B.C. will align with the proposed federal legislation and allow adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, but the plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property. Home cultivation of non-medical cannabis will be banned in dwellings used as daycares. In addition, landlords and strata councils will be able to restrict or prohibit home cultivation.

However, municipalities may choose to set further restrictions on personal cultivation beyond what is outlined in the proposed Cannabis Act.

12. As a londlord or as part of a strata, what are my rights in terms of restricting cannabis cultivation on my property?

Strata corporations and councils:

With the help of their own legal counsel, strata corporations can enact their own bylaws prohibiting or restricting recreational cannabis cultivation or smoking in strata lots or on common property. Strata corporations also have the power to impose fines and other penalties on strata lot owners, who do not comply with strata bylaws.

Landlords:

Landlords in BC can prohibit home cultivation. Landlords can also allow home cultivation or allow it under certain restrictions (e.g. by allowing only outdoor cultivation of one plant). An amendment to the Residential Tenancy Act automatically prohibits home recreational cannabis cultivation in tenancies entered into before the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act came into force. Landlords should contact the Residential Tenancy Branch (link is external) for more information on their rights related to home cannabis cultivation.

Property owners:

Owners of strata property are required to comply with any strata bylaws related to home cultivation, and property owners who rent homes are subject to the rights and rules of the Residential Tenancy Act noted above. Property owners can prohibit home cultivation on their property. Homeowners wishing to grow cannabis on their property should consult provincial and federal legislation and any applicable strata bylaws.

13. How can I currently access cannabis for medical purposes and will this change with legalization of recreational cannabis?

Under the current system, individuals that require cannabis for medical purposes must be authorized by a health care provider. Sales are through federally-licensed producers only at this time. This process is not changing when the Cannabis Act takes effect on October 17, 2018.

There will be no medical retail licences issued at this time. Medical cannabis will continue to be sold directly by federally licensed producers only (with secure delivery by mail or courier) and any application to produce and sell medical cannabis must be made under the federal medical cannabis system. The federal government has committed to conducting a review of the medical cannabis system in five years.

Under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, individuals can also apply for a license to grow a specified number of plants for medical purposes or designate someone to grow on their behalf.

14. What about all of the existing cannabis retails stores / dispensaries? Are they legal?

No. Under current federal legislation, cannabis retail stores and compassion clubs are illegal and subject to enforcement.

Currently, cannabis for medical purposes can only be purchased if authorized by a health care practitioner. It may only be purchased from a licensed producer and sales are strictly on-line.

15. Will “cannabis cafes” be legal once cannabis is legal?: No. Consumption lounges have not been approved by the Provincial Government at this time. It is anticipated that this will be reviewed in 2019.

16. Will cannabis edibles (food products) be legal?: Edible cannabis products will not be legal or legally sold in 2018. The federal government has announced that they will become legal in the summer of 2019.

17. Who will regulate cannabis sales?

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, formerly the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, will be responsible for licensing non-medical cannabis private stores and monitoring the non-medical cannabis retail sector in B.C. It will enforce rules governing retails stores similar to those currently in place for liquor. Privately owned stores will not be authorized to sell cannabis online. Cannabis sales will only be permitted in licensed retail stores.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will consult with municipalities on each application submitted for a retail sales licence. The municipality will be required to consult with the community on each application. Applications will only be approved by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch if written support from the municipality is provided.

18. How will cannabis retail stores obtain their product?

All non-medical cannabis products will be distributed through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. As with alcohol sales, retail businesses will not be permitted to grow their own product or source it from a third-party.

Having LDB-run wholesale distribution and retail will help support the government’s key priorities of protecting children and youth, prioritizing health and safety, and keeping the criminal element out of cannabis.

19. What happens when cannabis is legalized on October 17, 2018?

Once cannabis is legalized:

Individuals aged 19 and older will be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or equivalent in non-dried form and be able to share up to 30 grams with other adults.
Individuals will be able to purchase cannabis from provincially licensed private retail stores, provincially operated retail stores and from the provincially operated online retail site.

Public consumption of cannabis in Revelstoke will be limited by:

Provincial Legislation, which prohibits cannabis smoking everywhere that tobacco smoking is prohibited and everywhere that children commonly gather (playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, etc.); and
The City’s Clean Air Bylaw, which prohibits smoking cannabis inside a community facility and within eight metres of an entranceway of a community facility, in a park, in a cemetery, inside a motor vehicle owned or leased by the City, in a transit shelter (and eight metres buffer surrounding) and during a special event located in a park.
Public intoxication will be prohibited, as will the sale of cannabis to those intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

20. What are the ricks of cannabis use?

There are well-documented risks from cannabis use to both immediate and long-term health. The main health risks include:

• Cognitive, psychomotor, and memory impairments;

• Hallucinations and impaired perception;

• Impaired child and youth brain development;

• Mental health problems (including psychosis);

• Pulmonary/bronchial problems (e.g., bronchitis, lung infections, chronic

• cough, increased mucus buildup in the throat, and potentially lung cancer);

• Dependence; and

• Reproductive problems.

Fischer, B., Russell, C., Sabioni, P., van den Brink, W., Le Foll, B., Hall, W., Rehm, J. & Room, R. (2017). “Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG): An evidence-based update.” American Journal of Public Health, 107(8). DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303818.

21. What are the economic impacts of cannabis-related businesses?

While it is premature to know exactly what legalization will mean economically for municipalities across Canada, it is apparent that cannabis sales bring millions of dollars into the coffers of states and municipalities in which recreational use of the substance is legalized.

In 2014, the first year of legalized sales, Colorado retailers sold $213,414,440 worth of recreational marijuana, before all taxes. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 15.09% of Colorado residents, or 808,220 people, smoke some amount of pot, resulting in average annual retail marijuana spending of $264 per user. Extrapolated to Ontario, which, according to Statistics Canada is home to 1,331,299 marijuana smokers (12.1% of the population), the first year of legalization could generate $351,462,936 in marijuana sales provincewide.

Source: http://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1119&context=olsrps

22. How can I open a cannabis business in Revelstoke?: Currently cannabis use and sales are prohibited within the City of Revelstoke. The City is working on a regulatory framework and plans to have this in place prior to legalization on October 17^th, 2018. The framework will identify zoning and business licensing requirements for opening a cannabis business in Revelstoke.

23. When can private retailers apply for a license?: The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is now accepting applications for the private non-medical cannabis retail store licence. Applicants must apply through the cannabis licensing application portal. The City will not review applications for non-medical cannabis retail stores prior to the full implementation of federal and provincial regulations. At that time, private operators will be expected to go through the City's official permitting process.

24. How can I purchase cannabis once legalized on October 17, 2018?: Individuals will be able to purchase cannabis from licensed retailers only. Cannabis will be sold in both public and private-owned retail stores, and online through the BC LDB’s retail site. In February 2018 the BC Retail Sales framework was released. The legal consumption age in B.C. is 19. Individuals will be able to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis at a time.

25. Where can I find more information on cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes?

There are several sources of government information on cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes. Here are a few:

Understanding the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/understanding-new-access-to-cannabis-for-medical-purposes-regulations.html

Cannabis Act Introduction:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/introduction-cannabis-act-questions-answers.html

B.C. Cannabis Retail Store Licensing Process:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/liquor-regulation-licensing/documents/bc_cannabis_retail_store_licensing_process.pdf

Health Canada Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Facts:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/legalizing-strictly-regulating-cannabis-facts.html

Cannabis Distribution System in B.C.

http://www.bcldb.com/cannabis

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Community Economic Development

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1. What is the population of Revelstoke?: According to the 2006 census, there are 7,900 persons living in Revelstoke and Area B of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. For more detailed demographic information, please view the following document. Revelstoke and Area Community Profile

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COVID-19

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1. What City services are available to residents?

City Hall - AVAILABLE by phone

Corporate Administration | 250-837-2911
Finance | 250-837-2161
- Payments by mail
- Payments by financial institution
- Payments by telephone or internet banking
Development Services
- Accepting and reviewing all land use applications - development@revelstoke.ca
- Accepting and reviewing all building permit applications - building@revelstoke.ca
- We acknowledge that there are permits underway and we are working diligently on developing processes to accommodate these applications.

Public Works - AVAILABLE by phone | 250-837-2001

Water
Sewer
Garbage

2. Where can I find out what Revestoke businesses are open?: Visit the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce website.

3. What do I do if I don't feel well?

Complete the Self-Assessment Tool
Contact HealthLinkBC / 811

4. Where do I find information on local public Transit?: Visit the BC Transit website.

5. How do I find out more about self-isolation?: Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

6. How many COVID-19 cases are confirmed in British Columbia?: Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

7. Where do I find information about Provincial support?: Visit the Government of British Columbia website.

8. Where do I find information on COVID-19 in Canada?: Visit the Government of Canada website.

9. Where do I find information COVID-19 in the interior?: Visit the Interior Health website.

10. Where do I find reliable information about local health and social services in the community?: Visit the Revelstoke Life website.

11. Where do I find information issued by the Public Health Officer?: Visit the Government of British Columbia website for Orders, Notices, Posters, Guidance and Letters.

12. How do I know what Essential Services are?: Visit the Government of British Columbia website for a list developed by Emergency Management BC.

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Finance

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1. How can I pay my property taxes?

You can pay Property Taxes via online banking through TD, Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, BMO, and Revelstoke Credit Union

Payments Methods: Property taxes and other payments can be made in-person, during the above noted drop-in hours. Payment is acceptable via debit (limits apply), cheque, credit (no credit for Property Taxes or Utilities) or cash but we ask that the online/distancing options are considered first and physical payments/cash last. Cheques can also be dropped off in the new secure drop box outside the Finance Department at City Hall (no cash, please) or mailed to: City Hall at PO. Box 170, Revelstoke, BC, V0E 2S0.

You can also sign up for the Property Tax installment plan.

See the Finance Section for more information

2. When are my property taxes due?

Typically, Property Taxes are due on July 2, or on the first business day after July 2 if it falls on a weekend or holiday.

For 2020 Property Taxes, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, property taxes are due Sept 2, 2020.

Visit the Finance Section for more details on Property Taxes.

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Fire Rescue Services

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1. How do I get my wood stove, pellet stove, or chimney inspected?: The Fire Department does not inspect wood stoves, pellet stoves. or chimneys. Please contact the City of Revelstoke's Building Department at (250) 837-3637 for inspections.

2. How many calls does the Fire Department respond to annually?

Revelstoke's Fire Rescue Services responds to more than 500 calls annually. The breakdown is as follows:

More than 30 fire emergencies
More than 100 medical first responder emergencies
More than 130 Motor Vehicle Incidents
More than 200 miscellaneous calls (i.e., public service calls, etc.)

3. Do I need a permit for open burning?: Open-air burning within the city limits is permissible without an authorization for the purpose of special occasion fires only in accordance with bylaw 1772, section 5.01. Open-air burning within city limits is permissible with a written authorization for fire smart related projects in accordance with bylaw 1772, section 5.02.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Is insurance manditory?: All events hosted on City of Revelstoke property are required to provide a copy of their liability insurance for a minimum of $3 - $5 million with the City of Revelstoke added as additional insured. No event will take place without having provided their proof of insurance.

2. Where will the event take place?: Be sure to consider all event requirements when selecting a location for your event. Will your event require power? Water? Access to washrooms? Garbage and recycling bins? Barricades and signage? If you are interested in booking a City venue, park or public space for a community event, please be advised that fees may be applied and deposits may be required. The City of Revelstoke venues include public buildings, parks, trails, parking lots, streets and roads.

3. Will your event require a business license?: Any type of sales of goods, whether it be coffee, raffle tickets, or jewelry admission or goods, sales of any type will require that your event obtain a temporary business license. We will work with you and send you in the right direction to help you decide which license is best for you.

4. Will the event require road closures?: Any disruptions to roads, sidewalks or parking spaces will require a Traffic Control Plan submitted with your event application. Advertising, neighbor notice and signatures, and a certified flag persons may be required at the expense of the event host.

5. Will there be food sales?: British Columbia Interior Health services must provide approved Temporary Food Service permits to any event with food vendors or other food service. Follow the link Temporary Food Service Permit for additional information. A copy of your approved permit must be submitted prior to your event.

6. Will alcohol be served?: A liquor license is required for any event in which alcohol is being served or sold. Follow the link Liquor Special Event Permit for more information. You must also submit a CAPE application (Committee to approve public events) three months in advance of your event. A copy of your BC liquor license and CAPE application must be submitted to the City of Revelstoke’s Parks Recreation & Culture Department.

7. Will you be hosting a raffle, 50/50 draw or other form of gaming event?: A B.C gaming license/permit is required for all raffle draws or gaming events. Find out more information by accessing Gambling Event License Classes and Types. A copy of your license must be submitted to the City of Revelstoke’s Parks Recreation & Culture Department prior to the event.

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Living Wages 2019: FAQs for calculations release

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1. 1. What are the living wages in BC?

Community	Living Wage	Year Calculated
Metro Vancouver	$19.50	2019
Greater Victoria	$19.39	2019
Revelstoke	$18.90	2019
Greater Trail	$18.83	2019
Nelson	$18.46	2019
Columbia Valley	$15.92	2019
Parksville-Qualicum	$15.81	2019
Fraser Valley	$15.54	2019
Comox Valley	$15.28	2019
Cranbrook	$14.38	2019
Kamloops	$14.38	2019
North Central Region	$14.03	2019
Powel River	$17.15	2018
Clayoquot Sound	$20.11	2017
Cowichan Region	$19.05	2017
North East BC (Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge)	$18.29	2017
Port Alberni	$17.56	2017
100 Mile House	$17.45	2016

2. 2. How is the 2019 living wage different from previous years?: The 2019 living wage follows the same methodology as has been used for the past 11 years. However, new this year are two provincial government investments into child care that offset increases in all other family expenses: the Affordable Child Care Benefit, and the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative. Many more families are eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit, which was introduced in September of 2018, than qualified for the previous child care subsidy it replaced. The benefit is worth over $7,000 per year for the Revelstoke living wage family. The benefit is also paid to child care providers, in addition to parents, which further reduces out-of-pocket expenses for parents. The Fee Reduction Initiative was active for 8 months of the living wage calculation in 2018, whereas in 2019 it applies for the full year and saves families $1200 annually.

3. 3. Why are the 2019 living wages lower?

Even though costs are increasing steeply for rent and other basic necessities, the cost of living for families with children is lower in 2019 thanks to the provincial government’s new child care policies. Median rent costs for a three-plus bedroom unit in Revelstoke have increased by $159/mo from $1,641 to $1,800, a whopping 9.7%. Utilities, food, clothing and footwear, and owning and operating a vehicle are also now more expensive.

However, the Province’s new child care investments are saving BC families thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs of child care – enough to offset all other increases in the cost of living and lower the living wages this year. The new Affordable Child Care Benefit is reducing child care costs for up to 80,000 families across the province, according to government estimates. Meanwhile, the vast majority of licensed child care providers have opted in to the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, introduced last year. In Revelstoke, the living wage family saves a further $5,292 on their child care expenses, compared to 2018.

This is a win for BC families with children. However, we know that costs continue to be high for all family types include those without children, single people, and seniors. For these and more family types, the cost of living did not go down this year, and therefore more needs to be done to ensure these groups can also enjoy an attainable cost of living in their communities.

The living wage is also impacted by the reduction of MSP premiums (which was cut by 50 per cent in January 2018 and will be completely eliminated in 2020).

4. 4. Are all families with children benefitting from these new child care investments?

No. Importantly, the Affordable Child Care Benefit is opt-in, meaning families have to apply to receive the benefit. Families who are eligible may not receive the amount they are entitled to if they do not know about this benefit. Families should visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-funding/child-care-benefit for more information.

Additionally, the living wage calculation assumes the family is able to access child care. Many communities continue to face a shortage of licensed child care spaces. Wages for Early Childhood Educators also continue to be low, meaning attracting enough ECEs to offer high-quality child care is difficult.

Another important note is that our living wage calculates for a family with a four-year-old and a seven-year-old. Some families will face higher costs than those captured in our calculation, such as those who pay higher child care fees for infants or toddlers, those with teenagers who have higher food costs, and so on. This means families will vary in the extent to which the child care subsidies will offset their expenses.

5. 5. Why do you calculate for a family of four/ What about other family types?

The Living Wage for Families Campaign calculates the cost of living for a family with two young children because we are focused on child and family poverty. Using the calculation for a family of four also provides a good representation of the possible costs that the majority of types of family units, from families with many children to lone parent families to single person households, might incur throughout their lives. The most common family type across BC is two parents with two children.

While the living wage calculation is based on the needs of two-parent families with young children, it would also support a family throughout life so that young adults are not discouraged from having children and older workers have some extra income as they age. The point of the living wage calculation is to provide a benchmark around what it costs to live in a community, and to raise the discussion about why we have such endemic poverty in Canada and the broad range of supports needed to address it.

In most communities, the living wage is also enough for a single parent with one child to get by. This was the case in Metro Vancouver until the 2012 living wage update but since 2012, the living wage is no longer sufficient for a single parent with one child in Metro Vancouver. This is because the cost of living is rising fast but too many programs intended for low-income families (such as the BC rental assistance program) have income thresholds that are much too low and the subsidy amounts provided have not kept up with the actual expenses that they are meant to defray (such as rent or child care fees). As a result, families are left with large out-of-pocket costs even if they qualify for assistance.

Without the Province’s investments into child care, living wages across the province would have increased considerably this year. In Revelstoke, the 2019 living wage without child care subsidies would have been $21.14 per hour – a shocking 9.1% increase over the 2018 living wage.

This is a call to action for the provincial government to invest more in family expenses other than child care, in order to ensure families without children also benefit from reduced expenses.

6. 6. What about housing expenses?

The median monthly rent for a three-bedroom unit in Revelstoke rose by $159 in 2019 to $1,800, a whopping 9.7 per cent increase, compared to a 6.5% increase in Metro Vancouver. Shelter continues to be the most expensive item in the living wage budget, and the fastest growing in many communities.

To help curb runaway rental costs, we continue to call for maximum rent increases to be tied to the unit, not to the tenant, to safeguard housing affordability. We also call for the protection of existing affordable housing stock.

Also of note is that vacancy rates across the province continue to be near-prohibitively low. Our living wage calculation assumes the family is able to find a 3-bedroom apartment to rent, but in some communities there are very few options for rentals.

7. 7. What should employers pay this year?

As supporters of the living wage, and acknowledging that the living wage may increase again next year if policy gains are not made in the other expense areas, current Living Wage Employers should continue to pay their 2018 living wage as an act of good faith. However, employers that apply for certification in 2019 will have only to meet the 2019 living wages.

We know our Living Wage Employers support their staff and contractors and want them to be able to have a decent quality of life. The living wage is still a bare bones amount that does not represent a luxurious lifestyle. The living wage includes conservative estimates for all expenses, and does not include costs such as debt payments, savings to buy a home, or an emergency fund. The costs of all family expenses other than child care are still increasing this year. Unless we see further progress on affordability, the living wage will again go up next year.

To learn more about becoming a certified Living Wage Employer, visit: http://www.livingwageforfamilies.ca/employers.

8. 8. What is the living wage/ How is the living wage calculated?: The living wage is the hourly wage that each of two parents with two young children must earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, child care, food and transportation), once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies have been taken into account. The calculation assumes both parents work full time (35 hours per week), and includes a 4-year-old who needs full time child care and a 7-year-old who needs care when not in school. The cost is calculated annually in Working for a Living Wage: Making Paid Work Meet Basic Family Needs in Metro Vancouver, a report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ BC office, First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, and the Living Wage for Families Campaign.

9. 9. Why is the living wage calculated every year?: The living wage and our calculation has drawn much-needed attention to the affordability crisis in BC. The cost of living has vastly outpaced increases in wages. In particular, the cost of housing has rapidly increased in recent years, and the changes from year to year are significant. Doing an annual calculation allows for an up-to-date picture of the cost of living across BC. Our calculation provides a way to rethink wages as something that should reflect what families actually get to be able to get by.

10. 10. Why does the living wage vary across the province?

The living wage is calculated based on regional costs for housing, transportation, child care, food, and other common family expenses. This means living wages will vary across the province. With a province as diverse as BC, communities differ when it comes to their cost of living. For example, while some communities may have lower housing or child care costs, others may have lower-cost public transit or greater access to goods and services.

No matter where they live, families should be able to afford a decent life. There are jobs that need to be done in every community, and therefore people need homes, services, and a good quality of life in every community.

11. 11. How does the living wage compare to the minimum wage?

While the living wage is an optional rate that employers can choose to pay, the minimum wage is the provincially-mandated legal minimum employers must pay their employees.

The current general minimum wage in BC is $12.65 per hour, and it will increase to $13.85 per hour on June 1, 2019. It will reach $15.20 per hour in 2021.

The living wage is an amount calculated to reflect the cost of living in a community, whereas the minimum wage is set arbitrarily by the provincially government and is not pegged to inflation or any metric of affordability. As our calculations show, families cannot afford to get by on the minimum wage.

The minimum wage continues to be several dollars below the living wages for most communities. In Revelstoke, the minimum wage as of June 2019 will still be $5.05 per hour lower than the living wage – a difference of over $20,000 in annual income for the living wage family.

However, the fact that some of this year’s living wages come closer to the general minimum wage points again to the power of good public policy. Our calculations for Prince George, Kamloops, and Cranbrook are in the range of $14 per hour, which is very close to the June 2019 minimum wage of $13.85. This is a win for BC families and shows what can happen when governments make bold public investments to help BC families.

Moreover, the Living Wage for Families Campaign is currently engaging with the government’s Fair Wages Commission, which is holding a public consultation about how to address the discrepancy between the minimum wage and a living wage. For more information on this consultation, which is open until May 31, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/fairwagescommission/.

12. 12. Should the living wage become the minimum wage?: We’ve known for many years that the minimum wage in BC has been too low. The minimum wage did not increase for ten years before it was raised to $8.00 from $7.60 in 2011. If the minimum wage had kept pace with regular increases and had been tied to the cost of living, the gap between the minimum wage and the living wage would be much smaller than it is now. It would not be feasible for the government to increase the minimum wage overnight, but eventually we would like to see legislated wages that mean people can afford to live in their communities. In a society as wealthy as ours, people should not have to make impossible choices like deciding to pay rent or buy food for their children.

13. 13. Does this relate to the provincial government’s new legislation on employment standards?: On Monday April 29, the provincial government introduced new amendments to the Employment Standards Act, following extensive public and expert consultation. While not directly tied to wages, these changes would bring greater economic security to workers and their families by protecting workers’ rights to collect the wages they’re entitled to, receive better support from the Employment Standards Branch and access job-protected leave. This is a further example of the ways that good public policy can have tangible and important impacts for families.

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OCP2019-01 and ZON2019-04

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1. How many units are proposed under the new zoning and how many could be constructed under the current zoning?

The proposed development will include a maximum of 60 dwelling units (mixture of single family, two family, and row house dwelling units). Secondary suites will only be permitted in the single-family dwellings. This results in the possibility of 27 Single family homes being able to construct secondary suites.

Under the current Single Family Residential (R1) zoning, if sanitary services were extended to the lands, it is estimated approximately 45-55 single family dwellings could be constructed. Each single family dwelling could build a secondary suite which results in the possibility of 45-55 secondary suits that could be constructed.

2. Will vacation rentals be permitted?: No, vacation rentals will not be permitted. This use is not a permitted use in the proposed CD20 zone.

3. Is this development considered high density?

No. Density under the proposed CD20 Zone is comparable with density under current Single Family Residential (R1) zoning. See table below:

Development Area/Scenario	# of potential Dwelling Units	# of Potential Secondary Suites	Density (excluding secondary suites)
Development under the proposed CD Zone	60	27	15.9 units/hectare (6.4 units/acre)
Development under Current R1 Zoning (with sanitary services)	55	55	14.6 units/ hectare (5.9 units/acre)
Development under Current R1 Zoning (with septic services)	32	32	8.5 units/ hectare (3.4 units/acre)

4. Is the minimum 5% parkland being dedicated as part of this development?: Yes. Under the Local Government Act, a municipality can dedicate 5% of the gross area of the land being subdivided as parkland, or, accept cash-in-lieu of dedicated land. Council directed Staff at the August 11, 2020 Council meeting to meet with the Developer to achieve 5% parkland dedication and this has been resolved in the sketch plan of subdivision.

5. Has a traffic impact study been undertaken for the proposed development?: Yes, the City has obtained a Traffic Impact Review for this proposal. The Review confirmed the increase in traffic attributable to the proposal was negligible when compared with a Single Family Residential (R1) development scenario.

6. How does this proposal contribute to the City’s current housing challenges?: The Developer has proposed to build 19 purpose built rental units and enter into a Housing Agreement through a Bylaw to secure 10 units for 12 years. It will cap the maximum rent at $2,375. This rent will be allowed to increase each year based on the acceptable increase rates in the BC Residential Tenancy Act. This rental rate was established based on the City’s Housing Needs and Assessment Report prepared by Dillion for household incomes of $80,000 – $99,000 per year. (considered moderate to above moderate). This demographic in our housing continuum has been defined as two-person household who may or may not have children who may no longer be able to qualify to purchase a house and are seeking housing to rent. This provision of propose built housing seeks to retain our workforce.

7. What community amenities is the developer providing as part of this development?: As part of phase 1 of the development, the Developer will be construct a sidewalk along the west side of Hay Road from the subject lands, south to Nichol Road, extend the sanitary line along the east side of Hay Road to the subject lands, and provide contributions towards the park infrastructure on the parkland adjacent to Grizzly lane. Staff and the Developer are currently reviewing a development agreement providing for these items.

8. How will pedestrian connectivity be achieved to ensure access from Hay Road to the school?: The City will formalize what is now an informal access from Hay Road through Mackenzie Village to provide access from the proposed sidewalk along Hay Road to the school. This connection is identified in Schedule E of the Master Development Agreement for Mackenzie Village. In addition, the City is completing the street design for Airport Road, Nichol Road and Camozzi Road which will inform the master transportation plan for the OCP. A pedestrian connection along Nichol Road from Hay Road to the school has been identified and staff are discussing this with the School District.

9. Is this development proposal in line with the City’s Official Community Plan?: Yes. This proposal complies with the applicable policies of the City’s OCP for Future Growth and with the Arrow Heights Neighbourhood Policies, which would be used to frame any future secondary neighbourhood plan for the area.

10. Why is this application being considered when the City is undergoing an Official Community Plan (OCP) review process?: Staff and Council must consider applications in accordance with current regulations and procedures. The Local Government Act expressly requires Council “must consider every application” to amend an OCP or zoning bylaw: LGA, s. 460. The OCP review is underway and will require consultation, technical and policy analysis before adoption by Council. Staff and Council cannot refuse to consider an application pending completion of the OCP review process.

11. Can applications for “large scale development” be put on hold until planning documents (OCP, DCC bylaw, Servicing Standards etc.) are updated?: No. Council must consider development applications in accordance with current bylaws and procedures. Council cannot issue a moratarium on considering applications. This restriction applies equally to “large-scale developments” as to other types of development.

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Parks & Sport Fields FAQ

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1. How many fields are there?

We have 7 baseball fields total, one with lighting for night games (Industrial). There are 6 located in Centennial Park with one in the Big Eddy.

There are 2 soccer fields, Queen Elizabeth and Centennial.

2. Do I have to book a field to use it?: City parks are for public use. If you are looking to organize a game on a specific day, we encourage people to book the space to ensure it is available. Anyone looking to host a special event, on City parks or fields must contact the department to book the space accordingly.

3. Can I camp at any City Parks?: There are no City park spaces designated to permit overnight camping. There are several designated campgrounds available in and around Revelstoke we recommend people contact for camping purposes.

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Parks, Recreation, and Culture

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1. How do I register for programs online ?: You can register online by going to the online website provided. If you have an account with us, simply use your e mail account to sign in and retrieve your password. If you do not have an account with us, you can easily create an account online. Once you are all set up you can browse all our programs, activities and events, and register from the ease of your laptop at home!
Register online!

2. What is the capacity for large weddings and events?: Here at the Revelstoke Community Centre we can host large weddings and events seating up to 400 people . For more information or to book, please call the front desk at (250) 837-9351 between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. You may also e-mail prc@revelstoke.ca to book or inquire about availability. Check out our Community Centre page for more information on reservations and booking requirements.
Facility Reservation Information

3. How do I register my child for a swim program?: To register your child for a swim program, you have a few options. We have online registration through the link provided https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/revelstokeprc/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true. or call 250-837-9351 #3
Online Registration!

4. Are there instructor or program opportunities with Parks, Recreation & Culture?: If you are interested and qualified, we are always looking for new instructors and program opportunities! For more information, contact Meghan MacIsaac, our Recreation, Facility & Program Coordinator at prc@revelstoke.ca.

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Planning Services - Guides and Applications

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1. Development Permit

The Official Community Plan (OCP) designates Development Permit Areas for environmental protection, protection of development from hazardous conditions, and to guide the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family residential development. A Development Permit (DP) sets forth conditions under which residential, commercial, or industrial developments may take place. Once issued, it becomes binding on the existing and future owners of the property. Depending on the type of DP it must be issued by either the Director of Development Services or City Council.

2. Development Variance Permit

A Development Variance Permit (DVP) is a permit issued by City Council that varies regulations of the Zoning Bylaw or the Subdivision, Development & Servicing Bylaw; however, it may not vary the permitted uses, densities, or floodplain regulations.

3. Board of Variance

Board of Variance Application

4. Heritage Alteration Permit

Heritage Alteration Permitting is a system by which the City strives to protect and preserve heritage character and form in the Revelstoke Station Heritage Area, as established in the OCP. Heritage Alteration Permits are reviewed against the provisions of the Revelstoke Station Heritage Conservation Area Design Guidelines.

Planning staff have started the process of preparing a Heritage Management Plan for the City that includes current best practices in heritage conservation and creates a heritage program that takes into account all of Revelstoke’s heritage values. Find out more about the Heritage Management Plan project and how you can get involved through Talk Revelstoke.

5. Temporary Use Permit

A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is an approval from the City Council for a temporary land use that does not conform to the Zoning Bylaw.

6. Rezoning

Zoning regulates the use and density of land by stipulating the siting, size and dimensions of buildings and structures as well as site specific uses. Zoning also establishes and promotes minimum standards for health and safety as well as conveniences. A rezoning application (also known as a bylaw amendment) is an application that is approved or rejected by Council to amend or supplement the Zoning Bylaw; it may amend the permitted uses or densities of land prescribed by existing regulations.

7. Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term strategy for land use management, development, and servicing. The OCP is intended to serve as a statement of the objectives and policies of the City. The goals of the OCP are implemented through the Zoning Bylaw. An Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment application is required when a lands current designation does not permit the proposed use or density.

8. Subdivision

Subdivision is the legal mechanism used to create new, titled parcels of land and to adjust existing property lines. This includes a basic lot line adjustment, but not a consolidation of two or more lots. Lot consolidations (cancellation of interior lot lines) do not require a subdivision application to the City but are instead approved by the Registrar of the Land Title and Survey Authority.

Please see our subdivision guide and application form to get an understanding of typical application requirements. The complexity of subdivision applications can vary in which we ask for you to discuss your ideas with City staff prior to submitting an application. The Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw outlines when DCCs are collected. Other fees and charges that may apply during the subdivision process can be found the in the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw.

9. Road Closure

Road Closure Application

10. Charges or Notices on Title

Charges or Notices on Title Application

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TELUS Insights

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1. What is TELUS Insights?: TELUS Insights uses an advanced approach to big data analytics that can help public and private organizations, as well as all levels of government, make smarter, more informed decisions based on real-world facts.

2. What it is the Revelstoke TELUS Insights project?

Using large sets of aggregated wireless network data, the Revelstoke TELUS Insights Data Project provides a 1-year analysis of the City of Revelstoke's population beginning in May, 2018 and continuing until April 30, 2019. The information provided includes origin and quantity of visitors, monthly comparisons of population metrics, and average dwell times. The data will be used by the City of Revelstoke and the City's designated Destination Marketing Organization (the Revelstoke Accommodation Association) to more accurately identify:

the true resident population of Revelstoke throughout the year,
the number of monthly visitors to Revelstoke,
the point of origin of visitors, and
how long they are staying in the community

3. Why is Revelstoke conducting this project?

1. It helps us to market tourism in Revelstoke as effectively as possible

Data concerning where people are coming from and how long they are staying in the community will help with our tourism marketing efforts and will allow us to make more informed decisions around funding and planning an array of initiatives and projects. It will also help us to identify missed opportunities for attracting visitors from other areas of the province, country and world.

2. Reliable data lets us make smarter decisions

Reliable data on the number of visitors allows us to better understand:

current and future needs for accommodation,
transportation infrastructure and services,
cultural events and programming,
parking, and
other important aspects of visitor experience.

3. It helps us to better understand the seasonal impacts on our community and plan accordingly

The data also enables us to measure the impacts of visitor traffic and increased tourism on Revelstoke and the local hospitality sector, including future workforce and staff housing needs, policing and emergency services, sanitation infrastructure, parks and recreational amenities, and business development.

A key issue that this project addresses is inaccurate and unreliable population data for the City of Revelstoke at different times during the year. Although we use Statistics Canada data, which is collected during the month of May every four years, the success of tourism in our community throughout different seasons makes it is extremely difficult to identify how many people are living or staying in the community at any given time. This lack of accurate resident data makes it challenging to plan for housing needs, business development, infrastructure upgrades, health care needs, and emergency preparedness.

4. Who is leading this project?: This project was initiated by the City in partnership with the Revelstoke Accommodation Association and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The project is managed by Community Economic Development for the City of Revelstoke, working directly with Telus through a contractual arrangement to collect and share the data.

5. What about privacy?

Data is collected passively from the TELUS network in a prescribed Revelstoke Study Area for the study period. To protect the privacy of customers, several frameworks and measures are in place:

All data is de-identified, meaning it cannot be traced back to an individual as all personal information has been removed.
All data is aggregated into large data pools, ensuring privacy is fully protected at all times.
All data is extrapolated to be representative of the total Canadian population.
All data is stored on secured TELUS assets.

6. What kind of data will be collected?

A data set was built with input from the Revelstoke project group and a series of algorithms are run on the data to identify specific characteristics, such as the:

Monthly unique count
Trips by length of stay
Daily unique count for visitors
Daily unique count for residents

7. How will the data be used?

The lack of reliable population and visitor data impacts our ability to plan for the future of our community. This issue was identified as a significant challenge in developing several community projects. For example, not being able to accurately identify the number of people living in the community or forecast future population growth limits our ability to predict future housing or infrastructure needs, establish development cost charges, determine necessary policing levels, or plan for future transportation or tourism infrastructure needs.

This project allows us to use big data analytics to more accurately understand key population metrics for our community. Tourism stakeholders, the business community, and City staff will be better able to plan for the city’s future needs and to identify specific economic development opportunities. For example:

Tourism Revelstoke will know where visitors are coming from, and where they are not. They can then use this information to develop marketing resources and ensure their efforts are targeted appropriately.
Tourism providers can develop more, and better, activities and services in response to the demand.
The City will be able to accurately assess the demand for short term worker housing, and can develop an Action Plan to meet the demand.
Local businesses can ensure that the goods and services they provide align with the demographics of our visitors and residents.
The City will be better able to plan both transportation and tourism infrastructure.

It is our belief that the entire community will benefit from this project, as it will help the community to operate more efficiently, and be more sustainable and forward-thinking in our economic development efforts.

8. How will the City communicate the findings with the public?

We will regularly issue communication updates via the City’s website and all information that can be shared with the public will be posted to the Community Economic Development website.

We will also work with local service providers and other City departments to share the relevant data so that planning and service delivery is effective, targeted, and inclusive.

9. What is the project timeline?: Data will be collected monthly from May 1^st,2018 until April 30^th,2019. Validation and communication will be ongoing for 2019.

10. What are the next steps?

It is important that these population counts are validated, so over the next several months we will be looking for opportunities to compare this data with other sources, including:

Hotel occupancy rates
Visitor Centre statistics
Parks Canada, museums, and other sources of visitor information
Parks and Recreation facilities
Water and sewage flow
Emergency and health care statistics
Traffic counts
Business information on sales and services

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Temporary Use Permit TUP2020-01

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1. Further Information on TUP2020-01 Application

The following information is to provide information in response to Community questions and submissions on the proposed temporary workforce housing at 1121 Johnson Way for the purpose of providing housing for construction workers who will be building permanent employee housing on the Resort lands, a golf course, Heli-Hotel and Conference Centre, realignment of Camozzi Road to accommodate golf course, water reservoir and additional parking lots over the next three years.

Click here for more information on the application.

2. Will this development visually impact neighbouring properties within Johnson Heights?: There are no developed properties in view of the subject site, the applicant has chosen a section of the subject property that is viewable from Oak Drive and Johnson Way but not from private properties. The proposal includes fencing around the site for screening, retaining existing trees and installing landscaping for further screening of the building and parking.

3. Why is the City considering a Temporary Use Permit for RMR employee housing in Johnson Heights when there is a neighbourhood planning process underway?

The Johnson Heights Neighbourhood planning process is in progress and not yet completed. The City will continue to engage with stakeholders to develop this long-range plan for the Johnson Heights area that respects the vision and guiding principles as established by the community to guide development for the next 20-30 years.

A Temporary Use Permit does not enable a permanent development and is only permitted for three years. Any extension of this Temporary Use would need to be considered by Council and align with the OCP policies in place at that time.

Currently, the lands are zoned RR60 which allows for a temporary construction work camp for utilities, transportation and communications.

4. Can the City refuse to accept an application for a Temporary Use Permit on the subject property?: The City cannot refuse to accept an application under the provincial legislative framework. Applications that are submitted to the City for review are evaluated against current City Bylaws and Policies. The temporary use on the subject property is supported by the existing policies and are required to be approved by Council resolution. Council is the decision maker on whether to grant the temporary Use or Not.

5. Why is the workforce housing not located on lands owned by Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR)?: RMR had evaluated different locations to house the workers including lands on Westside Road and at the Resort. Due to servicing constraints, topographic issues, and that land at RMR is already allocated for these construction activities over the next three years like golf course development, Heli-Hotel, and permanent employee housing, RMR determined these locations were not feasible.

6. Will there be a public hearing? How can I provide comments to Council on the proposed Temporary Use Permit?

No, there will not be a public hearing. Under the Local Government Act (LGA), Section 493 enables the City to pass a TUP by resolution if the OCP enables a TUP to be permitted in a land designation of the OCP and outlines general conditions for the TUP. The City’s OCP includes this enabling legislation.

As per Section 494 of the Local Government Act, local government must give notice to owners and tenants within 100 m of the subject property and must publish a notice in a newspaper no more than 14 and no less than 3 days prior to Council consideration of the TUP. Staff have followed the required public notice requirements as per section 494 of the LGA.

All persons who believe their interest in their property is affected by the proposed permit application may provide written submissions until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 to:

• admin@revelstoke.ca or;

• deliver their submissions to:

City of Revelstoke Administration

216 Mackenzie Avenue

PO Box 170

Revelstoke, BC, V0E 2S0

Please clearly write "TUP Submission – TUP2020-01” on your submission.

Please be advised that any correspondence submitted to the City in response to this Notice will form part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website as part of the meeting agenda. The City considers the author’s address relevant to Council’s consideration of this matter and will publish this personal information. Please do not include any other personal information (e.g. phone number, email address) if you do not wish this information disclosed.

7. When will Council be considering the Temporary Use Permit?: The Staff Report and Permits will be presented to Council on October 27, 2020 for consideration.

8. If approved by Council, how long will this development last? Can a Temporary Use Permit be renewed?: A Temporary Use Permit may be passed by Council for a maximum of three years in accordance with Section 497 of the Local Government Act. It can be renewed once after this three-year period, for up to a maximum of an additional three years. Any renewal is subject to Council approval and would be evaluated against current City Policy, which at that time is anticipated to include an adopted Johnson Heights Neighbourhood Plan.

9. What will happen when the workforce housing is no longer needed? Is the City responsible to restore the site to its original state?: No, the City will not be responsible to restore the site to its original state. In accordance with Section 496 of the Local Government Act, as a condition of approval, the applicant is required to provide a security to the City for the duration of the development to ensure that appropriate restoration of the lands occurs when the development ceases. In addition, the applicant is required to sign and undertake that they will ensure the removal of the accommodation and parking structures and restore the lands to the original state no later than the expiry of the permit. The City takes a security deposit to cover these removal costs should they not be removed.

10. Will this type of development impact neighbouring property values?: The City is not privy to any reputable statistical analysis that would support the assertion that temporary development has a direct negative impact on property values.

11. Traffic is currently an issue in Johnson Heights. Adding more vehicle trips per day will only add to the issue. How is the City addressing this?

The City has commissioned a traffic study as part of the Johnson Heights Neighbourhood Plan. The impact on the intersection at Oak Drive and Highway 1 has been reviewed as part of this application.

The City’s consultants have reviewed traffic information compiled to date which indicates that over the past ten years, eleven crashes and no fatalities have been reported at this intersection.

Most of the accidents are related to single vehicle, wildlife related, or weather related and not directly attributable to intersection safety.

Furthermore, the current peak trip time for this area is around noon, and construction works would generate trips in the morning and evening.

The consultant completing the transportation study on behalf of the City for the Johnson Heights Neighbourhood Plan recommended that the workforce housing proposal includes providing a shuttle service to the lands and consideration of split shifts for the construction employees. RMR has confirmed that a shuttle service will be provided, and staff are working with RMR to evaluate the option of split shifts for the construction workers.

Categories

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2019 Draft Budget FAQ's

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Affordable Housing Summit Q&A

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Building Permits

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Business Services - Guides and Applications

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Bylaw Enforcement FAQ's

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Cannabis Regulatory Framework FAQ

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Community Economic Development

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COVID-19

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Finance

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Fire Rescue Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Living Wages 2019: FAQs for calculations release

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OCP2019-01 and ZON2019-04

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Parks & Sport Fields FAQ

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Parks, Recreation, and Culture

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Planning Services - Guides and Applications

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TELUS Insights

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Temporary Use Permit TUP2020-01

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Categories

▼ 2019 Draft Budget FAQ's

▼ Affordable Housing Summit Q&A

▼ Building Permits

▼ Business Services - Guides and Applications

▼ Bylaw Enforcement FAQ's

▼ Cannabis Regulatory Framework FAQ

▼ Community Economic Development

▼ COVID-19

▼ Finance

▼ Fire Rescue Services

▼ Frequently Asked Questions

▼ Living Wages 2019: FAQs for calculations release

▼ OCP2019-01 and ZON2019-04

▼ Parks & Sport Fields FAQ

▼ Parks, Recreation, and Culture

▼ Planning Services - Guides and Applications

▼ TELUS Insights

▼ Temporary Use Permit TUP2020-01

Live Edit

▼
2019 Draft Budget FAQ's

▼
Affordable Housing Summit Q&A

▼
Building Permits

▼
Business Services - Guides and Applications

▼
Bylaw Enforcement FAQ's

▼
Cannabis Regulatory Framework FAQ

▼
Community Economic Development

▼
COVID-19

▼
Finance

▼
Fire Rescue Services

▼
Frequently Asked Questions

▼
Living Wages 2019: FAQs for calculations release

▼
OCP2019-01 and ZON2019-04

▼
Parks & Sport Fields FAQ

▼
Parks, Recreation, and Culture

▼
Planning Services - Guides and Applications

▼
TELUS Insights

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Temporary Use Permit TUP2020-01