Office & Administration News

Office & Administration

News

CAO’s Report Larry Baran

Preparation for the two Plebiscites in September is proceeding. The bylaws are in place and the plans for the formal voting process are underway. I am happy about the process because long-delayed decisions will be made, and the Town can move forward. I have been contacting some property owners about the poor condition of their property and reminding them to clear brush and trees from their yards if that growth presents a wildfire hazard. So far this year, the Yukon has experienced about 300 wildfires and it would be devastating if a wildfire started in one of these unkempt properties only to spread to other homes. Some of these properties have absentee owners, which only increases the risk. Speaking of fires, Kieth Austin has been appointed the Deputy Fire Chief and we are developing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office to address a few things with the Faro Volunteer Fire Department. One issue that the Fire Department has asked that the Town address is the Fire Siren system, so that is now on my list. Council is moving forward on the subdivision and sale of a number of Faro properties, including the Old Fire Hall, the Old Legion Building, Ogilvie Crescent Duplexes, as well as undeveloped residential lots on Dawson. All properties, when ready for sale will be listed so that all public has ability to bid on the properties. In many cases, Council will call for Requests for Proposals where money will not be the sole determinant, but also what the developer proposes to do with the property and how it would benefit the community. The Town of Faro completed a draft of a ten-year Solid Waste Management Plan for Yukon Environment. The details of future operation have increased to meet new environmental regulations, which means the costs for future operations will also increase. The Public Works Department continues to look for additional funding sources to offset these increased costs, as well as seeking to introduce new services to create revenue from the region, not just the Town. The Town will commence the process to review and update the Official Community Plan this August. This is not an easy project because it also involves the Zoning Bylaw update and, due to the extensive consultation process (including a review by the Minister), will take about a year to complete. It will be good to have community involvement on the long-term growth plans for the Town of Faro.

Message from the Mayor ................................ p. 1 Council Meetings ....................................... p. 1 Office & Administration News ......................... p. 2 Message from the CAO ............................. p. 2 Be Bear Aware .......................................... p. 3 NDP Caucus Visits Faro ............................ p. 3 Advisory Committee Meeting ..................... p. 3 Town of Faro Community Plebiscite .......... p. 4 Recreation New & Events ............................... p.6 Message from the GM of Rec. & Culture ... p. 6 Faro Pool Schedule ................................... p. 6 Pool Information ........................................ p. 7 Seniors Events .......................................... p. 8 Future Recreation Projects/Programs ........ p. 8 Up-Coming Rec. Actives ............................ p. 9 Campbell Region Interpretive Center ............. p. 10 Sabine ....................................................... p. 10 August Recreation Schedule ..................... p. 11 Public Works Up-dates ................................. p. 12 Message for the Operations Manager ....... p. 12 Asset Management System ....................... p. 13 Grant Opening of the CSB ......................... p. 14 Faro Volunteer Fire Department ............... p. 14 Dena Cho Trail Up-dates ........................... p. 15 Faro Vandalism ......................................... p. 15 Community Notices ......................................... p. 16 Town Contact Information ......................... p. 16

Please be Careful with Your Pets The RCMP have asked that the Town Office remind all residents who like to walk their pets to be more careful about their time off-leash. Recently, while a resident was letting their dog run off -leash on Blind Creek Road, their pet was taken by a wild animal (not sure whether it was a bear, wolf, or whatever) but it was killed. Of more concern was that the incident didn’t happen a great distance down Blind Creek Road, but fairly close to the residential area. When people simply let their pets out to run for a while at night, they are also inviting wild animals into the community who look at these wandering pets as a buffet for the taking. Remember, if you see a fox quickly cross the road, there are probably other animals out there that you don’t see.

Town of Faro Offices & Facilities will be CLOSED on September 5, 2022 for Labour Day, Including:

The Town Office, The Rec. Center, The Landfill, Public Works

NDP Caucus Visits Faro – August 9, 2022

The NDP Caucus took advantage of summer’s good weather to visit with Faro Town Council and then host a community BBQ on August 9th. Pictured (left to right) are Annie Blake (MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin), Emily Tredger (MLA for Whitehorse Centre), and Kate White (MLA for Takhini -Kopper King and NDP Party Leader). They are the NDP Caucus and they were in Faro to visit with Council to discuss their concerns as well as meet with the community in general. This was Annie Blake’s first visit to Faro, and she appreciated the warm welcome that she received. Lots of smiles were showing by these MLAs as they took selfies with residents and served lots of juicy burgers. Thank you, for their warm welcome.

Committee of the Whole Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers

Job Postings

Administration Casual Receptionist

Recreation Department

Various Casual positions All job postings and descriptions can be found on the Town’s Website.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Public Works Advisory Committee

Is chaired by Councillor Taylor Fetterly and meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm in Council Chambers. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 7 @ 7:00 p.m. Tourism & Economic Development Advisory Committee

Is chaired by Councillor Sarah McHugh and meets the third Wednesday of the month at 2 pm in Council Chambers. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 14 @ 2:00 p.m.

Recreation & Culture Advisory Committee

Is chaired by Councillor Sarah McHugh and meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pmin Council Chambers. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 21 @ 7:00 p.m.

Date: Monday, September 12, 2022 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: Council Chambers

What is a plebiscite? First used in 1860 Merriam-Webster defines plebiscite as a “vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler.” How is a Plebiscite different then a Referendum? According to the Yukon Municipal Act: A referendum “referendum” is definitive and binding in nature and is a means to secure the public’s approval or rejection of a specific issue. A plebiscite “plebiscite” is advisory and non-binding in nature and is a means to secure an expression of the public’s opinion on a particular issue. Why not hold a Referendum? Referendums are votes on bylaws. Because no bylaw has been introduced regarding either the Solar Complex or the Gravel Quarry, and because Council is looking for input from the residents before proposing a bylaw, a plebiscite is the correct procedure according to Yukon’s Municipal Act. When and where will the Plebiscite take place? The plebiscites will take place on Monday, September 12, 2022 in Council Chambers. Voting will be open between 8:00am and 8:00pm. What if I am not in Faro on Voting Day? In order to vote, you must be present on voting day, or fill out a Special Ballot. Special Ballot information will be available in the coming weeks. Who is Qualified to Vote? Unless otherwise disqualified, every person shall be qualified to vote who is a Canadian Citizen; is the age 18 years or older on the day on which the poll was taken; and is a resident of the municipality and has resided in the municipality for a period of six months preceding the day the poll is taken. Where can I get information on the Plebiscite topics? The Town has gathered all known reports and information. This information is available on the Town’s website under the Town Hall Section at: http://faro.ca/p/municipal-election. Is there a Summary of the Information on both Topics? No. Any summary written could potentially hold the bias of the author. In order to get an unbiased vote, the information available needs to be presented in a full and unbiased manner. Council wants to know what the majourity of residents want to do with both plebiscite topics. The only way for an unbiased vote is for residents to read and review the information in the Reports and vote on the facts. As a result Council has directed that official background information be posted on the Town’s website, so that the public can review that information and make their own decision based on the same information that Council has read and reviewed.

How were the Plebiscite Questions Developed ? Town Council has developed plebiscite questions based on the feedback from the public meetings, and Council has directed that official background information be posted on the Town’s website, so that the public can review that information and make their own decision based on the same information that Council has read and reviewed. Why go to Plebiscite and Council just make some decisions ? The composition of this Council is very representative of the community because there is no consensus on either plebiscite. Each Councillor has their own perspectives and beliefs, just like other members of the community, so that was why these plebiscite questions were worded the way they were. Council realizes that decisions MUST be made. However, rather 5 people make these decisions without consultation, Council is prepared to ask the community for guidance. Council wants feedback from the community so that they (Council) can work toward a consensus amongst themselves. Yes, they realize that whatever the decision is, someone is going to be unhappy, but decisions have to be made and that is what they were elected to do. So, Faroites … Here is your chance to put your “X” next to the idea that you think is right for the community. Based on the direction from the plebiscites, Council will have a better idea on how to proceed.

Solar Complex

The ballot questions shall read as follows:

Please select your preferred option for the Solar Complex in Faro. (Mark only ONE option)

 The Town should do nothing at this time and review the situation at the end of May 2023.

 The Town should try to actively list the Solar Complex (“as-is”) for sale, until September 30, 2023, before any decisions are made.

 After completing Asbestos Removal, the Town should demolish and remove the Solar Complex building.

 After completing Asbestos Removal, the Town should renovate the Solar Complex building as funding is made available.

Please select your preferred option for the Proposed Gravel Quarry in Faro. (Mark only ONE option)

 Support the Quarry location initially proposed by Boreal Engineering Ltd.

 Support an alternate Quarry location away from residential development, such as Lot 1027 (Landfill Property).

Gravel Quarry Top Header

The ballot questions shall read as follows: