Engineering and Environmental Services
2016 Achievements
Engineering and Environmental Services
Pelmewash Parkway
From even before the opening of the new Highway 97 alignment in August 2013 , negotiations have been going on with the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for the transfer of the “ old highway ” now known as Pelmewash Parkway to the ownership and control of the municipality .
Negotiations were ongoing through 2016 and progress was made toward the planned turn-over of ownership in 2018 .
Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw Update
The Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw ensures that new development is appropriately serviced and meets the District ’ s requirements for infrastructure and objectives as outlined in documents such as the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan .
The Engineering and Environmental Services Department has continued to work to update and revise the Subdivision and Servicing Bylaw to ensure it is current with regard to standards and technologies . The Bylaw was completed December 2016 .
Blasting Bylaw
Council adopted Blasting Bylaw 965 , 2016 setting out regulations for blasting in Lake Country . Blasting permits can be issued for 90-days and require a pre-blast survey , notifications and reporting . Council also put fines of $ 500 in place for failing to comply with the bylaw by adopting MTI Amendment Bylaw 966 , 2016 and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 967 , 2016 .
Blasting activities will be restricted to between 8:30 a . m . and 4:30 p . m . Monday to Friday ( excluding holidays ), with violation penalties upon conviction reaching up to $ 10,000 . In addition , the property owner must indemnify and defend the municipality against any legal claims arising from blasting activities on their property . Blasting operations must be posted and neighbours notified of blasting activity .
Blasting can allow for the creation of new areas of development but must be monitored by engineers , blasters , regulators , and project supervisors in order to maintain the stability of the earth where they are excavating ,” said Michael Mercer , Director of Engineering and Environmental Services . “ If not supervised and regulated , complaints of vibrations and instability of preexisting foundations of structures on neighbouring properties occur .”
The District of Lake Country ’ s Blasting Bylaw has been developed in compliance with the Provincial legislation surrounding the Occupational Health and Safety Act ( 2010 ) that outlines the best practices for blasting to ensure the safety of employees on the construction site through guidelines formed by WorkSafeBC . The bylaw also falls under s . 8 and s . 15 of the Community Charter and follows local regulation Bylaw 857 ( Nuisance Bylaw ), 2013 .
2016 Annual Report 39 | P a g e