Tom
07-12-2008, 11:19 AM
I highlighted the only part of it that is good news...
Welcome Sumas Mountain's Electoral Area H as part of Abbotsford
By Joe Millican - Abbotsford News
Published: July 10, 2008 3:00 PM
Updated: July 10, 2008 4:01 PM
The City of Abbotsford has succeeded in a long-running bid to expand its boundaries into a significant section of Sumas Mountain.
The decision by the B.C. government now means that Electoral Area H – a large area on the top of the mountain – will become a part of Abbotsford after the municipal election on Nov. 15 this year.
Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les told the Abbotsford News today that the deal is now done, following a decision by the provincial government's cabinet in Victoria approximately one month ago.
"It will be amalgamated with the City of Abbotsford and will be effective at the end of this year," said Les.
"They will now become residents of the City of Abbotsford but it's not like their lives will be altered horrifically one way or the other. This is about a better future and integrated planning for the whole area."
The city had initially planned to take over Area H – which is currently governed by the Fraser Valley Regional District – on July 1, 2007, but was delayed after hearing complaints from the Sumas First Nation.
That essentially held up the move for a year, as government representatives consulted with officials in the aboriginal community.
The result of those discussions, Les said, is that the province decided that the City of Abbotsford could take control of the "populated areas and private property" but not the Crown land on the mountain.
A number of changes are now expected to occur as a result of the decision.
Area H residents, who currently pay less tax than people in Abbotsford, will have tax increases phased in over the next five years to bring them in line with current Abbotsford residents.
The province has agreed to issue a $250,000 grant to help fund a new firehall, while Area H residents will receive coverage from the Abbotsford Police Department as opposed to the Mission RCMP.
The City of Abbotsford will also be able collect fees from gravel trucks that use the roads in Area H.
Welcome Sumas Mountain's Electoral Area H as part of Abbotsford
By Joe Millican - Abbotsford News
Published: July 10, 2008 3:00 PM
Updated: July 10, 2008 4:01 PM
The City of Abbotsford has succeeded in a long-running bid to expand its boundaries into a significant section of Sumas Mountain.
The decision by the B.C. government now means that Electoral Area H – a large area on the top of the mountain – will become a part of Abbotsford after the municipal election on Nov. 15 this year.
Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les told the Abbotsford News today that the deal is now done, following a decision by the provincial government's cabinet in Victoria approximately one month ago.
"It will be amalgamated with the City of Abbotsford and will be effective at the end of this year," said Les.
"They will now become residents of the City of Abbotsford but it's not like their lives will be altered horrifically one way or the other. This is about a better future and integrated planning for the whole area."
The city had initially planned to take over Area H – which is currently governed by the Fraser Valley Regional District – on July 1, 2007, but was delayed after hearing complaints from the Sumas First Nation.
That essentially held up the move for a year, as government representatives consulted with officials in the aboriginal community.
The result of those discussions, Les said, is that the province decided that the City of Abbotsford could take control of the "populated areas and private property" but not the Crown land on the mountain.
A number of changes are now expected to occur as a result of the decision.
Area H residents, who currently pay less tax than people in Abbotsford, will have tax increases phased in over the next five years to bring them in line with current Abbotsford residents.
The province has agreed to issue a $250,000 grant to help fund a new firehall, while Area H residents will receive coverage from the Abbotsford Police Department as opposed to the Mission RCMP.
The City of Abbotsford will also be able collect fees from gravel trucks that use the roads in Area H.