11 min read city council cliff notes

City Council Cliff Notes - June 9, 2025 - Salmon Arm

City Council Cliff Notes - June 9, 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:

  • E-Scooter/Bike Talk Started: Council began discussing how to handle e-scooters and e-bikes, with several motions passed to get staff to research and prepare bylaws for a pilot program, look into safety (Vision Zero), educate the public, and explore options for sidewalk use and a shared rental program. The big question of liability insurance with MIA was also flagged for staff investigation.
  • Rural AT Infrastructure Relaxed: Council supported a recommendation to ease requirements for active transportation (bike lanes, paths) infrastructure in rural areas like Salmon River Valley Road, especially where it's not a short/medium-term priority, to reduce burdens on property owners.
  • Various Staff Reports & Bylaws:
    • Approved funding and contract for a water main extension (8th Ave NE).
    • Approved purchase of "smart covers" to monitor storm sewer flow downtown.
    • Amended a license agreement for the now-separate Rowing and Paddling clubs at Canoe Beach.
    • Formalized liability insurance extension for the Shuswap Recreation Society.
    • Appointed new members to the Agricultural Advisory Committee.
    • Advanced bylaws related to ticket information and a zoning change for Carriage Lane.
    • Council Meeting Time Change: Adopted a bylaw to change the regular council meeting start time to 1:00 PM (from 1:30 PM), move presentations earlier, and remove the inactive Youth Council item from the agenda, effective June 23rd.
  • MRDT Report: Received the 2024 MRDT (tourism tax) report showing strong revenue and occupancy growth, and successful events like the 55+ BC Games.
  • Old Municipal Hall: Public input session on options for the Old Municipal Hall announced for June 17th.
  • Parade Route: Approved the Shuswap Agricultural Association's request for their new Fall Fair parade route, despite some reservations about the process and route change.

Key Recurring Themes/Actions:

  • E-Scooters/Bikes: This was a major focus, with council taking initial steps to potentially legalize and manage their use, while also considering safety and infrastructure.
  • Process & Due Diligence: Several items involved staff being directed to research, prepare reports, or investigate implications (e.g., MIA liability, rail study info, bylaw reviews).
  • Community Support & Infrastructure: Decisions made to support community groups (Seniors Centre light, Métis Association, Rowing/Paddling clubs) and make practical infrastructure decisions (water main, storm sewer monitoring).
  • Responding to Provincial Mandates: Discussions around SCHMOO and the speculation tax highlighted ongoing adjustments to provincial legislation.

Full Meeting Summary

Attendees:

  • Acting Mayor: Councillor Sylvia Lindgren (due to Mayor Alan Harrison's absence)
  • In Chambers: Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, Councillor Kevin Flynn
  • Virtual: Councillor Debbie Cannon, Councillor David Gonella, Councillor Tim Lavery
  • Staff: CEO Erin Jackson (implied), Planner Jen Wilson, Chris Larson (Staff), Manager of Engineering (name not provided, referred to as Manager of Engineering), Manager of Roads and Parks (name not provided, referred to as Manager of Roads and Parks), Deputy Corporate Officer Rhonda, Manager of Planning and Building (name not provided, referred to as Manager of Planning and Building), Bylaw Officers JF Kluche, Amanda Pollson, Trevor Cunningham.
  • Absent: Mayor Alan Harrison, Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond.

Meeting Summary:

1. Call to Order & Land Acknowledgement

  • [00:12] Land acknowledgement.

2. Agenda Adoption

  • [00:17] Motion by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon, to adopt the agenda. Passed unanimously.

3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

  • [00:30] None.

4. Confirmation of Minutes

  • [00:37] Regular Council Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2025.
  • Motion to adopt by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon. Passed unanimously.

5. Committee Reports

  • Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) Meeting Minutes of June 2nd [01:11]
    • [01:35] Councillor Tim Lavery began a detailed presentation of ATAC's recommendations regarding e-scooters and e-bikes. He noted the complexity of the issue and the committee's in-depth learning.
    • Recommendation 1 (Item 8.2 in ATAC minutes - Pilot Program): ATAC recommends the City join the provincial electric kick scooter pilot project to permit legal use of e-scooters on Salmon Arm city roads, subject to provincial conditions (age 16+, helmet, bell/horn, etc.).
      • [07:40] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That Council authorize staff to prepare and present to Council the necessary bylaw to join the BC E-Scooter Pilot Program. Seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon.
      • Passed unanimously. [11:15]
    • Recommendation 2 (Item 8.2 in ATAC minutes - Safety & Vision Zero): ATAC recommends referring safety issues to the Traffic and Safety Committee and that Council hold an in-service training on Vision Zero, with consideration for formal adoption of the Vision Zero approach due to challenges with Salmon Arm's infrastructure and topography.
      • [14:46] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That safety issues be referred to the Traffic and Safety Committee for their input and that Council receive an in-service on Vision Zero for background perspectives. Seconded by Councillor David Gonella.
      • Councillor Kevin Flynn raised concerns about MIA liability and the need to understand implications for the City's insurance.
      • Passed unanimously. [23:38]
    • Recommendation 3 (Item 8.2 in ATAC minutes - Public Education): ATAC recommends the City share important e-scooter safety information to educate potential users and the general public.
      • [24:52] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That Council ask staff to prepare educational information and a communication plan to align with joining the BC E-Scooter Pilot Program. Seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn.
      • Passed unanimously. [25:49]
    • Recommendation 4 (Item 8.2 in ATAC minutes - Sidewalk Use): ATAC recommends Council review existing bylaws to permit the respectful use of electric scooters on Salmon Arm public sidewalks, acknowledging divergent community thoughts and differing rules in other municipalities.
      • [29:21] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That Council ask staff to coordinate presentation of Vision Zero for Council and that staff present a review report on the impacts of a potential bylaw permitting use of e-scooters on our sidewalks. (Note: Vision Zero presentation part was later deemed redundant as a previous motion covered it).
      • [41:51] Revised Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That Council ask staff to present a review report on the impacts of a potential bylaw permitting the use of e-scooters on city sidewalks. Seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon.
      • Councillor Sylvia Lindgren suggested considering this after the Vision Zero presentation.
      • Passed unanimously. [43:04]
    • Recommendation 5 (Item 8.3 in ATAC minutes - E-Scooter/E-Bike Share Program RFP): ATAC recommends the City pursue an RFP to contract for a shared e-scooter and e-bike program in Salmon Arm.
      • [44:50] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery: That Council authorize staff to prepare for a Request for Proposal (RFP) (amended from "tendering process") for an e-scooter/e-bike sharing service once the City enters the BC Pilot Program. Seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren.
      • Passed unanimously. [47:13]
    • Motion re: MIA Liability Insurance: [47:44]
      • Motion by Councillor Kevin Flynn: That in light of all of these motions around an e-scooter program, that staff be instructed to do all the due diligence around the potential liability at MIA and making sure that our MIA insurance properly covers our liabilities for both e-scooters and e-bikes (amended to include e-bikes). Seconded by Councillor Tim Lavery.
      • Passed unanimously. [49:36]
    • Recommendation 6 (Item 8.3 in ATAC minutes - AT Infrastructure in Rural Areas): ATAC supports Option 3 from a staff report (Feb 24, 2025) to amend the service level in rural areas to remove AT infrastructure requirements (shoulder widening, bike lanes, MUPs, land dedication) where not in short/medium-term priorities, specifically referencing Salmon River Valley Road.
      • [51:52] Motion by Councillor Tim Lavery to support ATAC's recommendation. Seconded by Councillor David Gonella.
      • Passed unanimously. [54:54]
  • Community Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes of June 2nd [55:14]
    • [55:25] Councillor David Gonella highlighted the commission's strong feeling about preserving the historical relevance and frontage elements of the Old Municipal Hall.

6. Staff Reports (Order Adjusted)

  • 9.5 Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments [56:48] (Moved up in agenda)
    • Presented by Corporate Officer (name not given, likely Jaime Shorter or Deputy).
    • Motion: That Council appoint JF Kluche, Amanda Pollson, and Trevor Cunningham as Bylaw Enforcement Officers in accordance with Section 36 of the Police Act for the term of their contractual employment. Moved by Councillor Kevin Flynn, seconded by Councillor David Gonella.
    • Passed unanimously. [58:24]
  • 9.1 8th Avenue NE Water Main Extension [58:49]
    • Presented by the Manager of Engineering.
    • Motion: That Council amend the 2025-2029 Financial Plan to include the 8th Avenue Northeast Water Main Extension project in the amount of $55,000 to be funded from the 20th Avenue Northeast at Lakeshore Upgrade Project; and further, that Council award the 8th Avenue Northeast Water Main Extension project to D. Webb Contracting Ltd. for an amount of $49,435.00 plus applicable taxes with a pre-approved contingency of $5,000; and furthermore, that the City’s Purchasing Policy No. 7.13 be waived in the procurement of the contracting works to authorize the sole sourcing of the same to D. Webb Contracting Ltd. Moved by Councillor Debbie Cannon, seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn.
    • The project involves looping the water main in conjunction with "The Hub" development to improve redundancy and flow.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:07:50]
  • 9.2 Storm Sewer Flow Monitoring – Smart Covers [1:08:03]
    • Presented by the Manager of Engineering.
    • Motion: That Council approve the purchase of three (3) manhole flow monitors from Flow Systems Distribution Inc. for the quoted amount of $33,421.80 plus applicable taxes; and further, that the City’s Purchasing Policy No. 7.13 be waived in the procurement of the flow monitors to authorize the sole sourcing of the same to Flow Systems Distribution Inc. Moved by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, seconded by Councillor David Gonella.
    • Smart covers will monitor storm sewer flow in the downtown area, particularly where high lake levels can cause backflow and flooding. Data will help calibrate models and allow proactive mitigation.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:13:10]
  • 9.3 Canoe Beach License for Use and Occupation – Rowing and Paddling Clubs [1:13:17]
    • Presented by the Manager of Roads and Parks.
    • Motion: That Council approve an amendment to the existing License for Use and Occupation for the Canoe Beach washroom/storage facility to reflect the official names of each club, being the Shuswap Paddling Club and the Salmon Arm Rowing Club. Moved by Councillor Kevin Flynn, seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon.
    • The original Shuswap Rowing and Paddling Club has separated into two distinct organizations.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:14:25]
  • 9.4 Shuswap Recreation Society Liability Insurance [1:14:32]
    • Presented by Deputy Corporate Officer Rhonda.
    • Motion: That Council authorize the renewal of the Service Provider Agreement with the Shuswap Recreation Society, to extend the City's Municipal Insurance Association of BC liability coverage to the Society, for a fixed term ending December 31, 2030, and further, that the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the Agreement. Moved by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn.
    • This formalizes an ongoing arrangement to extend the City's MIA liability coverage to the Society.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:18:01]
  • 9.6 Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) Appointments [1:18:14]
    • Presented by the Manager of Planning and Building.
    • Motion: That Council appoint Louise Langevin and Daniel Huespe to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for a term ending September 30, 2026. Moved by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:19:44]

7. Introduction of Bylaws

  • 10.1 Ticket Information Utilization Amendment Bylaw No. 4731 [1:19:51]
    • Presented by the Manager of Planning and Building.
    • Motion: That Ticket Information Utilization Amendment Bylaw No. 4731 be read a first, second and third time. Moved by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren, seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon.
    • Updates the bylaw to reflect housekeeping and substantial amendments made to the Zoning Bylaw.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:21:07]

8. Reconsideration of Bylaws

  • 11.1 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4722 (Carriage Lane - 481 Hwy 97B SE) [1:21:14]
    • Presented by the Manager of Planning and Building.
    • Motion: That Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4722 be adopted. Moved by Councillor David Gonella, seconded by Councillor Debbie Cannon.
    • Amends zoning for Carriage Lane from R6 to R10.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:22:03]
  • 11.2 Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 4721 (Adoption) [1:22:03]
    • Presented by Corporate Officer Rhonda.
    • Motion: That Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 4721 be adopted. Moved by Councillor Debbie Cannon, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren.
    • Changes meeting start time to 1:00 PM, moves presentations earlier, and removes the SAS Youth Council heading. Effective June 23rd.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:23:41]

9. Informational Correspondence [1:24:07]

  • 12.1.6 Salmon Arm Métis Association Letter of Support: [1:24:34]
    • Motion by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren: That Council write a letter of support for the Salmon Arm Métis Association's application for cultural spaces funding. Seconded by Councillor David Gonella.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:25:39]
  • 12.1.3 UBCM Meeting Requests: [1:25:52] Councillor Kevin Flynn requested Council provide staff/CAO with requests for meetings with provincial ministers/staff for UBCM, as the Mayor will not be attending. To be confirmed at the June 23rd meeting.
  • 12.1.7 Letter from Fifth Avenue Seniors Activity Centre re: Parking Lot Lighting: [1:27:32]
    • Motion by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren: That Council approve the City covering the ongoing electrical costs for a new LED light to be installed by the Fifth Avenue Seniors Activity Centre in their parking lot. Seconded by Councillor Kevin Flynn. Cost estimated at $20.64/year for LED.
    • Passed unanimously. [1:29:01]
  • 12.1.4 Letter re: Speculation Tax Unintended Consequences: [1:29:36] Councillor Kevin Flynn acknowledged a letter from a local business owner regarding the impact of the speculation tax, noting it as an unintended consequence of provincial legislation. Acting Mayor Lindgren suggested this could be a topic for UBCM meetings.
  • 12.1.5 Letter re: Valley Rail Planning Study: [1:32:10] Councillor David Gonella requested more information about the proposed study before offering support. Staff will follow up with the author (Professor Lovegrove) for more details/slides, and CSRD reps will report back after the CSRD presentation.
  • 12.1.9 Letter re: Backyard Chickens: [1:36:10] Councillor David Gonella inquired about revisiting the animal control bylaw to allow backyard chickens on smaller properties. Director of Community Services confirmed the Animal Control Bylaw is under review and draft amendments will go to AAC in September before returning to Council.
  • 12.1.11 Letter from Hon. Minister Ravi Kahlon re: SCHMOO (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing): [1:38:42] Councillor Sylvia Lindgren asked if a response was required. Director of Planning and Building confirmed reporting has occurred and no further reply is pending. Councillor Kevin Flynn noted the letter is likely for municipalities not fully adhering to SCHMOO; staff confirmed Salmon Arm is generally ahead but has differences in parking requirements.

10. Council Statements [1:41:38]

  • [1:41:45] Councillor Kevin Flynn spoke about the successful Trail Alliance celebration with Five Alarm Funk and attending the Air Cadets celebration, praising both events and participant diversity.
  • [1:43:53] Acting Mayor Sylvia Lindgren spoke about laying a wreath for D-Day at the Cenotaph and being re-elected to FCM.

11. Question & Answer Period [1:44:37]

  • None.

12. Adjournment [1:44:55]

  • Meeting adjourned. No public hearing scheduled for the evening.
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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