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City eyes 1.89 % tax hike Public will have chance for input online Jennifer Feinberg The Progress
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The Local Harvest Market was the subject of discussion in council chambers this week again, as councillors were faced with the decision to issue a no-occupancy order.
Farm market facing possible closure Jessica Peters The Progress The future of the Local Harvest Market was unclear Tuesday afternoon, as Chilliwack city council entered its Chambers with a difficult task. Do they continue to allow the popular food market to run while in violation of city bylaws and the B.C. Building Code, or do they follow a staff recommendation and issue a no occupancy notice? Council will have made its decision after this newspaper’s press time, (for an update go online to www.theprogress.com). But whatever the outcome, it’s yet another step in a years-long discussion between the Harvest Market’s owner Dan Oostenbrink and the city. If council does issue a no occupancy notice, Oostenbrink would $
have two weeks before the no occupancy took effect. That would allow two weeks to either bring the business into compliance, or to close his doors until he addressed all deficiencies in the building. If Oostenbrink were to continue operating, he would face a fine of $500 per day. On Monday, Oostenbrink said wasn’t sure what direction council would go. It’s not the first time his business has been discussed in chambers. He admits that, “we did make mistakes” in how they grew their business. But he insists that he’s been working diligently to correct those problems. “We’re trying to clean up our act and make things better,” he said. He explained a bit of the business’ history. The Local Harvest Market
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into compliance. Oostenbrink said that he’s been busy with architects submitting new plans for a new building, which will eventually be used on site. In the meantime, he’s hoping to operate the business as it currently stands. He has 15 to 20 employees that rely on their jobs, customers to keep happy, and a farm that needs tending. “We’re not going to stop growing food on this property,” he said. “I’m a farmer. I love farming, and most of these other vendors that occupy our space are here because I’m not making an income on this produce solely. These other vendors supplement our income and make this market a reality.” To upgrade the current barn being used would cost “hundreds Continued: HARVEST/ p8
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began as a roadside fruit stand to sell off produce from the adjoining farm. That was in 2012, and at the time, everything was in compliance. They began to grow in popularity, and then in size. In April 2014, they “first stepped into this building,” he said, referring to the now-converted barn that houses a retail store that carries produce grown in the field, locally sourced food products, Anita’s Organic Mill products, Magpie Bakery products, and more. It also is home to a small cafe, with its own chef. By early 2015 their growth, which no longer adhered to the City of Chilliwack’s bylaws, and B.C. building codes, according to the city. That rankled city staff and council, but Oostenbrink was given an extension to bring his business
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The tax rate increase on deck for Chilliwack in 2016 is slightly higher than last year, at 1.89 per cent. But even with the small increase, Chilliwack will still be able to boast the lowest tax rates in the entire Lower Mainland. “We’re very purposeful in our budget process,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “This year we’ve kept service levels as is, with a small increase.” The 2016 tax rate — up a bit from last year’s 1.49 per cent — is part of the Financial Plan Bylaw, scheduled for introduction at the Tuesday council meeting. For most homeowners it will mean an extra $30 on their tax bill. New this year is a “citizen budget engagement tool” which will be available this week online at chilliwack.com. “Citizens will be able to log on to see the budget, and provide some feedback,” said Gaetz. “We’ll use that information, and priorities as we plan for growth.” Once council approves the financial plan, a public information meeting on the budget will set for Feb. 16. The 2016 tax increase of 1.89 per cent is designed to cover inflationary hikes in labour, contract costs and materials. It will also direct new funds toward parks and trails, with an eye to addressing “trail maintenance and garbage removal,” according to the staff report. It also means more for recreation and cultural services, by way of additional public art and public events. City-wide graffiti removal, community greening and streetscape