The municipality announced the dissolution of several advisory committees on Tuesday.
Citing the desire for a more efficient system of governing, nine committees will be eliminated under the restructuring while two will be combined into a new committee. Work carried out by these former committees will be redistributed to council, staff, or partner organizations. The total number of advisory committees remaining will be 10.
“Over the past 25 years since incorporation, Bowen Island’s success has been built on collaboration,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard in a press release. “Our advisory committees have played a vital role in shaping policies, master plans, and programs that guide our community’s development. With strong frameworks now in place, we are confident in our ability to implement these initiatives and continue building a sustainable future.
The nine committees being discontinued are the Community Centre Select Steering Committee, Community Grants Advisory Committee, Finance Advisory Committee, Heritage Commission, Housing Advisory Committee, Public Art Advisory Committee, Recreation and Community Services Commission, Snug Cove Sewer Local Advisory Committee, and the Transportation Advisory Committee.
The Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee and Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee are being combined into a new committee, the Parks and Environment Advisory Committee.
“Although some committees will be winding down, community input remains essential. One significant opportunity for involvement in 2025 will be the review of Bowen Island’s Official Community Plan (OCP), which will help define the long-term vision for our island. In addition, we will retain and strengthen the use of the 10 committees that remain, who provide direction and advice on issues as diverse as climate, finance, and infrastructure,” added Leonard in the release.
The 10 committees which will be active going forward are the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Advisory Design Panel, Advisory Planning Commission, Board of Variance, Community Centre Joint Management Committee, Community Economic Development Committee, Emergency Program Executive Committee, Mayor’s Task Force on Infrastructure, Official Community Plan Steering Committee, and the new Parks and Environment Advisory Committee.
