Elliot White, and Erin Judge, Organizational Support Services, presented the Flood Mitigation Reach 6 options and cost estimates, noting that proposed progression of Reach 6 would involve the construction of a berm as structural mitigation between Clearwater Drive and the Clearwater River, the relocation of the Heritage Shipyard to a new location within the riverfront, and structural mitigation of all historical artifacts, as well as planning for future growth of the Clearwater Drive corridor. It was further noted an alternate option for Reach 6 flood mitigation would be to elevate Clearwater Drive to a minimum elevation of 250.9m and that this option would cost approximately $40 million more than the construction of a berm.
Administration answered questions of Council regarding other options for Reach 6 flood mitigation, including safety concerns related to sightlines between Clearwater Drive, the Clearwater River, and properties located along Clearwater Drive.
Point of Order
Councillor S. Wigle called a Point of Order as Councillor S. Dogar, was providing debate points rather than asking questions. Mayor S. Bowman upheld the Point of Order.
Exits, Returns and Entrance
Councillor J. Stroud exited the meeting at 4:51 p.m. and returned at 4:53 p.m.
Councillor A. Grandison entered the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Councillor F. Banjoko exited the meeting at 5:09 p.m. and returned at 5:20 p.m.
Recess
A recess occurred from 5:23 p.m. to 5:38 p.m.
Delegation
Jack Peden, Board Member, and Verna Murphy, Executive Director, Fort McMurray Heritage Society (the Society), were available to answer questions of Council, and noted that the Society's goals include having the Heritage Shipyard relocated in a cost-effective manner to an area that is pleasing to the public with a view of the Clearwater River.
Councillor F. Banjok put forward the following motion as recommended by Administration for consideration of Council:
"THAT:
1. the Flood Mitigation - Reach 6 project be approved with structural mitigation placed at a minimum elevation of 250.9m, between Clearwater Drive and the Clearwater River, with future growth consideration on the Clearwater Drive corridor.
2. Administration proceed with relocating the Heritage Shipyard to a new location within the riverfront alongside Reach 6 and provide structural mitigation of all historical artifacts to a minimum elevation of 250.9m."
Point of Order
Councillor F. Banjoko called a Point of Order as a side discussion between Councillors K. Ball and L. Bussieres was occurring during questions to Administration. Mayor S. Bowman asked Council Members to refrain from side conversations during the meeting.
Councillor S. Wigle requested that the motions related to the Flood Mitigation Reach 6 structural mitigation and the relocation of the Heritage Shipyard be severed.
Debate continued on the first portion of the severed motion.
Exit and Return
Councillor A. Grandison exited the meeting at 6:26 p.m. to 6:27 p.m.
Councillor S. Dogar was disconnected from the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and was absent for the vote on the proposed Flood Mitigation - Reach 6 structural mitigation. Councillor S. Dogar returned to the meeting at 6:40 p.m. and was present for the vote on the proposal to relocate the Heritage Shipyard.
Voting occurred on the first portion of the severed motion.
INSERT VOTE HERE
Debate continued on the second portion of the severed motion.
Mayor S. Bowman proposed a friendly amendment to add the words "in consultation with the Heritage Shipyard Society" following the words "to a new location", which was accepted.
The motion under debate now reads as follows:
"THAT Administration proceed with relocating the Heritage Shipyard to a new location in consultation with the Heritage Shipyard Society within the riverfront alongside Rach 6 and provide structural mitigation of all historical artifacts to a minimum elevation of 250.9m"
Voting then occurred on motion 2, as presented above.
INSERT VOTE HERE
Recess
A recess occurred from 6:48 p.m. to 7:01 p.m.
Councillor S. Wigle put forward the following motion for consideration:
"THAT Administration be directed to construct the Flood Mitigation - Reach 6 project as an elevated road within a minimum elevation of 250.9 m"
Following questions of Administration and with consensus of Council, Councillor S. Wigle withdrew the motion regarding the construction of Flood Mitigation - Reach 6 as an elevated road, noting that options for flood mitigation in that area should be further reviewed and consideration should be given to the safety of residents and property in the area.
Councillor S. Wigle then presented the following motion for consideration:
"THAT the matter be referred to Administration for further review and report back with more information, including safety and advice and/or opinion of RCMP, and options for Flood Mitigation Reach 6"
Council debated and considered the motion before them and voted on the motion presented by Councillor S. Wigle.