March 28, 2006
Carol Schaffer
Concerned Residents of Vavenby
Committee
Vavenby, BC
V0E 3A0
Dear Ms. Schaffer:
Thank you for your letter dated March 15, 2006, in which you express your
concerns regarding the potential inclusion of the Vavenby Mill (Industrial 3
properties) within the boundary of the Clearwater Incorporation Study.
The Ministry’s standard practice for inclusion of industrial sites within
newly incorporated municipalities is to mitigate any adverse affects to
surrounding communities outside the boundaries of incorporated areas. In this
regard, the Ministry can provide assurance to the community of Vavenby that any
negative tax implications to the community will be neutralized through
provisions outlined in letters patent (legal document) in the event that
Clearwater incorporates. Any opportunity for a positive tax implication to the
community of Vavenby will be identified through the consultant’s report.
As an attachment to this letter are responses to your questions about the
implications of the Study. Where responses are premature at this stage of the
incorporation process, I have indicated that the question will be analyzed in
the consultant’s report.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me at (250) 387-2257.
Sincerely
Tanya Kaul
Administrative Officer
Local Government Structure Branch
Attachment
Responses to Questions by the Concerned Residents of Vavenby
Sections 7 and 13 of the Local Government Act authorize Cabinet to
set the boundary of a new municipality, defined by letters patent.
The residents of Vavenby will have input to Clearwater’s incorporation
process through the community’s locally elected official, Director Bert
Walker, and through the Clearwater Incorporation Study Committee
(Committee). We would also assume that a broad public consultation would
provide information to Vavenby residents.
Any financial ramifications for future services to Vavenby will be
thoroughly analyzed in the consultant’s report in consultation with the
Committee.
The tax base for the Vavenby Fire Protection area will be analyzed in the
consultant’s report. This is an example of a service for which the Ministry
would ensure there is no impact on Vavenby residents.
Impacts to local roads outside the study area are not applicable to the
incorporation initiative. Upgrades and maintenance to local roads
surrounding the Vavenby Mill will remain a provincial responsibility.
Any special provisions for compensation to Vavenby will be documented in
Clearwater’s letters patent in the event Clearwater incorporates.
Same response as in 6.
Copies of the Study’s Terms of Reference can be obtained through the
Chair of the Committee or the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD).
All written documents can be obtained through the Committee.
No additional taxes will be imposed upon Vavenby in the event that
Clearwater incorporates.
Any discussion about changes to electoral area boundaries within the
Regional District would be between the Ministry and the TNRD.
In the event Clearwater incorporates with the inclusion of the Vavenby
Mill, the process of removing the Mill from the municipality would, at a
later date, require a municipal boundary reduction.
Tax implications on Vavenby will be documented in the consultant’s
report.
Same response as in 13.
Same response as in 13.
The community of Vavenby could potentially receive a net financial
benefit from the Mill possibly being incorporated within the boundary of
Clearwater, but this would be subject to discussions between the Committee,
the Ministry and the TNRD.
