The Collaboration for Religious Inclusion (CRI) presented their needs assessment results to council Tuesday night.
The needs assessment, which was concluded in April 2017, was conducted in an effort to understand current issues that individuals face with regards to their faith in the region.
Astonishing numbers, both negative and positive, were found during the assessment process, including the importance of faith during wildfire response and recovery.
According to the assessment of 375 respondents, 71 per cent said faith played a role in their experience during and after the wildfire, while 33 per cent reported that their faith had become more important since.
On the other hand, 84 per cent said that discrimination and negative perceptions are prevalent in Canada, which leads to the most startling result which is that only 4 per cent of those who reported being targeted by a hate crime reported it to police.
The group requested that council provide quiet spaces at Jubilee and Timberlea Landing buildings, as well as recommendations to other facilities in the region.
Council also unanimously voted in favour of the amendments to the Land Use Bylaw in regards to home business and home occupation, which were proposed by Councillor Lalonde at the Mar. 27 meeting. The changes provide clarifications to inconsistencies and limit the size of home businesses, while protecting the character of residential neighbourhoods.
The other Land Use Bylaw on Tuesday’s agenda which impacts Dunvegan Gardens was read for the first time. Council voted to hold a public hearing on May 8 to decide if rezoning of their properties should be allowed.
Another bylaw change voted in Tuesday night will close a portion of road, allowing Camp Yogi Society to rebuild while also allowing them to control and manage access through the camp facility area.
The Emergency Management Bylaw, which clarifies the roles and responsibilities and provides a plan for response to any emergency that could arise.
Financial statements were also presented by the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation, Regional Recreation Corporation and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Public Library Board.
After leading a moment of silence in honour of the Humboldt Broncos, Mayor Don Scott proclaimed April 15-21 National Volunteer Week, April 23 Animal Abuse Prevention Day and April 24 Human Values Day.
The next council meeting is scheduled for April 24.
