The City’s five-year capital plan was approved at last week’s Council meeting, enabling City staff to prepare this year’s major capital projects for tender or for our own City crews to begin working on as soon as the weather permits. For 2021, the total budgeted capital expenditure is $12.4 million, representing another major investment year for our community.
Historically, Council would approve the City’s operating budget first and then move on to the capital budget. This meant that major capital projects (road and sidewalk rebuilds, sewer and water system upgrades or expansions, new playgrounds, etc.) would not be approved by Council until early spring. Approving major investments that late in the year reduced the preparation time for major in-house projects and also meant the City tendered contract projects late in the season, generally increasing the bid prices from contractors. Approving the capital budget as early as possible stretches your tax dollars while maximizing our construction season.
Another way Council can stretch your tax dollars is through successful grant applications; something Council has become very effective at over the past six years. This year about 25% of the capital budget is predicated on receiving grants. Being successful at stretching our tax dollars this way requires vision, long term planning, solid asset management, and a reputation for delivering on our commitments.
Being successful at obtaining grants also requires that Council has ready access to the cash reserves it needs to match federal, provincial, and other granting agency contributions. Very seldom do grants fund one hundred percent of a project, the City’s contribution requirement can range from 10 to 80 percent of the total project cost. Regardless of the extent of the contribution from other governments and agencies, obtaining a grant for any portion of a needed project still stretches our local tax dollars, enabling us to do more with your tax dollars to maintain our community’s infrastructure and invest in needed modernization projects and new amenities.
The strategic investments Council has planned for this year include: major investments in our waterfront strategy, including a refresh of the footbridge, lighting of portions of the Riverfront Trail, a new municipal campsite, and new wayfinding signage; a new childcare facility in West Quesnel; the Food Hub (a cooperative food processing facility); improvements to the West Fraser Timber Park Trails; completion of the backdrop and interpretative signage for the Gold Pan; more public washrooms in our parks; improvements to Shiraoi House; and, the creation of a new RV day parking site downtown.
These strategic investments are part of the City’s economic development and transition strategy and will be paid for predominately by grants. Of the approximately $4.6 million tagged for these projects in the capital plan, about $4.2 million is targeted to come from grants.
Along with Council’s strategic investments, there will be continued improvements in the City’s core infrastructure: more road paving and rehabilitation (including a $300,000 rebuild of the 600 Block of McLean Street); sidewalk improvements; completion of repairs along Baker Creek; investments in the landfill; technology and equipment upgrades; and, major investments in our sewer and water systems.
All of these capital investments are necessary to maintain a vibrant community that will continue to attract visitors, residents, and investment through this transition period.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
