the broken typewriter

The Broken Typewriter Celebrates 2nd Anniversary; Bill 7 problematic; modernizing PRRD zoning bylaws

This week was a little quieter than last week as far as municipal meetings go – however, things are going to get crazy for us as a nation now that the Federal Election has at last been called and is set for April 28. There will be some coverage on that this week.

Local news – The Broken Typewriter as you know it, turned two on Tuesday. In celebration, I am trying to give away two one-year paid subscriptions to New Subscribers who signed up on Substack between March 18 & 20. And people did, but there is a glitch in the system and although the graph shows that there were new subscribers on these days, you’re not showing up on the list.

So, if you are one of these new subscribers, please send me a message so I can choose a couple of winners as promised!

The top story this week was about the disastrous effect the provincial NDP’s Bill 7 – the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act could have on the North, and how Premier Eby’s desire to charge American commercial vehicles to drive through BC to Alaska could impact the Alaska Highway and the communities along it, such as Fort Nelson.

The Peace River Regional District is working on modernizing the region’s Zoning Bylaws and seeks to streamline the five existing bylaws into one. The PRRD board expressed concerns around how to make sure all landowners in PRRD who will be affected by these changes are both made aware of what’s happening and provided opportunity for input.

The first step in the PRRD’s engagement is a survey – available both online and on paper at the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John PRRD offices.

Next up, the City of Fort St. John’s public safety department sought council’s support for a funding application for a housing solutions project to help alleviate circumstances for unhoused people in the community. The three-year project will look at the Housing First Model, determine if it’s a viable model for Fort St. John and find an organization to run such a program.

In this week’s Smart Money column, Brad Brain discussed the flexibility of First Home Savings Accounts – they can be used for more than simply saving for your first home – and what a good financial tool they are for young people.

Fort St. John City Council finalized its list of resolutions for the upcoming North Central Local Government Association meeting next month – and included three resolutions that the PRRD board had agreed it would submit, and request letters of support from municipalities such as Fort St. John. Resolutions are stronger and hold more weight if they come from the region, rather than a municipality, according to Councillor Tony Zabinsky who represents the regional district on the NCLGA board.

Coming up this week:

As mentioned, the long-awaited Federal election kicked off on March 23 – election day is scheduled for April 28.

Fort St. John and Taylor councils will be holding their regular meetings on Monday, March 24 – Taylor’s is at 5 p.m., Fort St. John’s is at 3 p.m. in their respective council chambers and the agendas are available on their websites.

On Wednesday, March 26, Area B residents are invited to a community meeting from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Montney Hall to discuss the Rose Prairie Water Station. A survey is also available on the PRRD’s website.