10 min read city council cliff notes

City Council Cliff Notes - June 23, 2025 - Salmon Arm

City Council Cliff Notes - June 23, 2025 - Salmon Arm
Let’s be honest — most people aren’t spending their free time digging through Salmon Arm City Council minutes. The city’s website isn’t exactly a beacon of navigability, and the meetings hardly binge-worthy content. That’s where this comes in.
What you’ll find below is a plain-English summary of what actually happened at the latest council meeting — who said what, what got approved, and what got kicked down the road. It’s not thrilling, it’s not funny, and we don’t send it out to our subscribers because we respect your inbox. But it’s here if you want it — a way to stay informed without needing to decipher incorrectly uploaded PDF agendas or scrub through 3-hour videos.
Consider it your shortcut to civic literacy. Boring, yes — but useful. Actually, just boring.

Disclaimer: This summary is provided for informational purposes only and may (probably) contain errors or omissions. While we do our best to capture what happened, it is not an official record and should not be relied upon as a complete or fully accurate account of the meeting. For the official minutes and decisions, please refer to the City of Salmon Arm’s website. Also, it's seriously so boring so read at your own risk.

Video available here if you REALLY wanna watch the full thing:

TLDR:

New Tourism DMO Launched: Council received a detailed 2-year Visitor Attraction Strategy from the new Salmon Arm Tourism partnership (City/SAEDS), outlining targeted campaigns for wellness, road trips, and culinary tourism, with a strong focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success and return on investment.

Comprehensive Building Bylaw Overhaul Initiated: A new, modernized Building Bylaw was given first reading, aiming to replace the 2012 version to better manage risk, align with new provincial codes (like the Energy & Zero Carbon Step Codes), and provide clearer enforcement guidelines. The bylaw was referred for consultation with the construction industry (SCIP), the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), and the Chamber of Commerce.

New Housing Development Advanced: A Development Permit for a 12-unit rental housing project at 1231 First St SE was approved, including variances for reduced parking and a taller retaining wall. The project's approval secures the units as rentals through a housing agreement in exchange for density bonusing.

Community & Non-Profit Support: Council approved a one-time grant of $3,750 from Council Initiatives for the Agricultural Society's grandstand project, recognizing significant community effort while directing them to formal grant processes for future funding. Support was also provided for an anti-racism grant application, the Shuswap Family Resource Centre's Skate Fest, and the Okanagan Regional Library's advocacy efforts at UBCM.

Annual Operating Agreements & Finances: Council approved the annual RCMP and BC Transit operating agreements, discussing the high cost and subsidy levels for these essential services. The financing for the completed Zone 5 Booster Station was converted from short-term to long-term debt, and the City's 2024 Annual Report was officially received.

Provincial Advocacy Set for UBCM: Council finalized its list of meeting requests for the upcoming UBCM convention, targeting ministers for key local issues such as Highway 97B, rural policing, housing, infrastructure funding, and the Canoe Beach tenure.

Key Recurring Themes/Actions:

  • Strategic Planning & Partnerships: A major theme was the formalization of strategy and partnerships, exemplified by the new Tourism DMO and the comprehensive update to the Building Bylaw.
  • Housing Facilitation: Advancing new rental housing through development approvals and updating bylaws to align with provincial housing initiatives remains a key priority.
  • Balancing Community Support with Process: Council demonstrated a willingness to support community-led initiatives (like the grandstands) with one-time funding, while consistently reinforcing the need for groups to use established, formal processes (like grants-in-aid) for ongoing support.
  • Financial Oversight: Regular review of annual operating agreements, project financing, and the City's annual report highlighted a focus on understanding costs, subsidies, and long-term financial health.

Full Meeting Summary

Attendees:

  • Mayor Alan Harrison
  • In Chambers: Mayor Alan Harrison, Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, Councillor Kevin Flynn, Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond, Councillor David Gonella
  • Virtual: Councillor Tim Lavery, Councillor Debbie Cannon
  • Staff: CEO Erin Jackson, Director of Planning and Community Services Gary Buxton, Chief Financial Officer Chelsea Van de Cappelle, Building Safer Communities Coordinator Sarah Henderson, Corporate Officer (name not provided), SAEDS Representatives Jenna Robbins, Holly Flinkman, Sapphire Games, Lana Fitt, Kate Watson.
  • Proponent: Cole Skogland (AR Broadview Holdings).

Meeting Summary:

1. Call to Order & Procedural Update

  • [00:07] Mayor Alan Harrison called the meeting to order, noting this is the first meeting with the new 1:00 PM start time and revised procedural bylaw.
  • [01:23] Land acknowledgement.

2. Agenda Adoption

  • [01:40] CEO Erin Jackson noted one late item: a letter from residents regarding Development Permit Application DP460 (Item 21.2 for the evening hearing).
  • [02:19] Motion by Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond, seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn, to adopt the agenda as amended. Passed unanimously.

3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

  • [02:41]
    • Councillor David Gonella: Item 8.1 (SAEDS presentation due to Folk Music Society sponsorship), 13.1.9 (Agricultural Society rental agreement), and 13.1.12 (Arts Council/WOW sponsorship).
    • Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond: Item 8.1 (SAEDS presentation due to past work by her company).

4. Confirmation of Minutes

  • [03:54] Regular Council Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2025.
  • Motion by Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond, seconded by Councillor David Gonella. Passed unanimously.

5. Committee Reports

  • [04:51] Development Planning Services Committee (June 16): No business arising.
  • [05:06] Environmental Advisory Committee (June 3): No business arising.
  • [05:19] Greenways Liaison Committee (June 12):
    • [05:27] Councillor Tim Lavery flagged that the gravel pit adjacent to the South Canoe Trail (used for parking for events like Salty Dog) may not be available for future use by the Ministry of Transportation. Shuswap Trail Alliance is following up.
  • [07:15] Climate Resiliency Plan Steering Committee (May 28): No business arising.

6. Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Update

  • [07:39] None.

7. Presentations

  • 8.1 Salmon Arm Tourism DMO Pilot Program [08:07]
    • Councillors Gonella and Wallace Richmond excused due to conflict.
    • [08:21] CEO Erin Jackson introduced the partnership and working group.
    • [09:57] Jenna Robbins (SAEDS) presented the 2-year Visitor Attraction Strategy.
      • Goal: Position Salmon Arm as a leading four-season destination, increasing overnight stays and growing the tourism economy.
      • Funding: A mix of MRDT funds and a $100,000 annual City contribution.
      • 2025 Campaigns: "Restore Here, Explore Here" (wellness), "The Road is Open, Adventure Awaits" (road trips), and "Taste the Local Life" (culinary/agritourism).
      • 2026 Plans: Focus on event hosting, wine touring ("Sip, Savor & Explore"), trails, and positioning Salmon Arm as a base for skiing ("Ski the Triangle").
      • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Success will be measured by brand reach, digital performance, content effectiveness, occupancy rates, and partnership growth.
    • [26:31] Discussion included adding a specific sporting event campaign (covered under event hosting strategy), the importance of KPIs and ROI, developing Indigenous tourism content, and the inclusion of smaller conferences/AGMs.

8. Staff Reports

  • 9.1 Plan H Grant Application – Anti-Racism Strategy Implementation [39:22]
    • Presented by Building Safer Communities Coordinator Sarah Henderson.
    • Motion: That Council authorize the submission of a grant application to Plan H for the purpose of implementing the Collaborative Anti-Racism Strategy; and further, that the 2025-2029 Financial Plan be amended upon successful receipt of the grant funding. Moved by Councillor Tim Lavery, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren. [39:34]
    • [42:31] Councillor Debbie Cannon declared a conflict of interest and left the meeting for this item.
    • The grant is for Phase 2 funding ($15,000) to implement the strategy developed in Phase 1.
    • Passed unanimously. [45:59]
  • 9.2 2024 Annual Report [46:32]
    • Presented by the Corporate Officer.
    • Motion: That Council receive the 2024 Annual Report for information. Moved by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren. [46:43]
    • The report was made available to the public; no comments received.
    • Discussion highlighted the report's valuable content, including photos, First Nations connections, the "Who Does What" civic info page, tax exemption details ($1.4M in forgone revenue and city-paid taxes), and the long-term debt summary. A suggestion was made to re-include the "tax dollar breakdown" graphic in future reports.
    • Passed unanimously. [57:11]
  • 9.3 2025-2026 RCMP Funding [57:17]
    • Presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
    • Motion: That Council approve in principle the 2026/2027 Municipal Police Services budget of $4,586,818; and further, that Council approve in principle the 2026/2027 Municipal Police Services Guards and Matrons budget of $120,625. Moved by Councillor Kevin Flynn, seconded by Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond. [57:29]
    • This is the annual approval required by the federal and provincial governments. Discussion included the lack of municipal control over costs and the need for more rural policing resources.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:02:22]
  • 9.4 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement [1:02:29]
    • Presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
    • Motion: That Council authorize the execution of the Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit for the period of April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Moved by Councillor Debbie Cannon, seconded by Councillor Tim Lavery. [1:02:35]
    • Discussion focused on the budgeted 28.7% increase in ridership vs. a slight decrease in revenue (explained by the mix of paid vs. free riders, like youth). The cost per ride was calculated at $15.69, with a subsidy of $14.10 per ride.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:13:53]
  • 9.5 Zone 5 Booster Station – Completed Project Financing [1:14:04]
    • Presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
    • Motion: That Council approve the conversion of short-term borrowing in the amount of $2,225,000 to long-term borrowing through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC for the Zone 5 Booster Station Project. Moved by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, seconded by Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond. [1:14:17]
    • This formalizes the long-term debt for the now-completed project, which came in under budget.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:19:48]

9. In-Camera Session [1:19:55]

  • Motion to move In-Camera passed. Council set a public return time of 3:30 PM.

10. Introduction of Bylaws (Post In-Camera)

  • 11.1 Building Bylaw No. 4725 (First Reading) [1:24:58]
    • Presented by the Director of Planning and Community Services.
    • Motion: That Council give first reading to Building Bylaw No. 4725; and further, that Council direct staff to undertake appropriate public engagement including referral to and discussion with the Environmental Advisory Committee, the Shuswap Construction Industry Professionals and the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. Moved by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren. [1:25:04]
    • This is the new building bylaw discussed at the June 16 planning committee.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:27:55]

11. Reconsideration of Bylaws (Adoption)

  • 12.1 Ticket Information Utilization Amendment Bylaw No. 4731 [1:28:01]
    • Motion: That Ticket Information Utilization Amendment Bylaw No. 4731 be adopted. Moved by Councillor Debbie Cannon, seconded by Councillor Tim Lavery. [1:28:14]
    • This is a housekeeping bylaw to align with recent zoning bylaw updates.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:28:51]

12. Correspondence [1:28:59]

  • 13.1.3 UBCM Meeting Requests: Motion to request meetings with various provincial ministers. An amendment was added to include a request to the Minister of Forestry regarding community forests. A suggestion was made to create a standardized "leave-behind" info package for ministers. Passed unanimously. [1:36:39]
  • 13.1.10 Skate Fest Request: Motion to support the Shuswap Family Resource Centre's Skate Fest event at Blackburn Park. Staff will work with them regarding food truck policies. Passed unanimously. [1:41:20]
  • 13.1.8 E-Scooter Concerns: Letter from a resident to be forwarded to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee. [1:41:48]
  • 13.1.11 Okanagan Regional Library Support Request: Motion to write a letter supporting the ORL's advocacy efforts at UBCM for increased provincial library funding. Passed unanimously. [1:46:12]
  • 13.1.2 Okanagan Rail Project: Motion to provide a letter of support for the study. Passed unanimously. [2:02:39]
  • 13.1.12 Wednesday on the Wharf Parking Request: (Councillor Gonella absent). Motion to approve a parking exemption for the event's sound vehicle/trailer. Passed unanimously. [2:01:14]
  • 13.1.9 Shuswap Agricultural Association Funding Request: (Councillor Gonella absent). Motion to provide a one-time grant of $3,750 (half of the ask) from Council Initiatives to recognize community effort on the grandstands, and to direct the association to apply through the Community Foundation for future needs. Passed unanimously. [2:18:35]

13. Council Statements [2:19:01]

  • Councillor Wallace Richmond praised the Airport Appreciation Day.
  • Councillor Sylvia Lindgren invited ideas for "anti-idling" sign messages.
  • Mayor Harrison moved to approve $450 from Council Initiatives for parade candy. Passed unanimously.

14. Evening Session: Public Hearings

  • 21.1 Building Official Section 57 Notice on Title Hearing (4540 72nd Ave NE) [2:25:50]
    • Motion: That Council confirm the recommendation of the Building Official to file a notice at the Land Title Office stating that a resolution relating to a contravention of Building Bylaw No. 3939 has been made. Moved by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond. [2:26:27]
    • The hearing was regarding a non-compliant, uncertified retaining wall. The homeowner did not speak.
    • Passed unanimously. [2:30:19]
  • 21.2 Development Permit Application DP460 Hearing (1231 First St SE) [2:30:33]
    • Motion to approve the Development Permit and variances (same as the one passed at the June 16 committee meeting). Moved by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn. [2:31:32]
    • The proponent, Cole Skogland, spoke in favor of the project. No other members of the public spoke.
    • Passed unanimously. [2:43:18]

15. Adjournment [2:43:52]

  • Meeting adjourned.
That’s the meeting — in all its procedural glory. If you made it this far, congrats: you now know more about local government than 99% of your neighbours.
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