Indigenous artwork to replace existing crosswalk
At its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 21, City of Williams Lake Council approved the design and painting of a new crosswalk featuring Indigenous artwork.
The crosswalk will replace the existing crosswalk adjacent to Marie Sharpe Elementary at the intersection of Third Avenue and Cameron Street. non-profit groups.
During the meeting, Marie Sharpe Elementary School Parent Advisory Council communications director Austin Tate said the artwork (pictured above) was designed by local First Nations artist Michaela Gilbert.
Work on the new crosswalk is expected to get underway during the summer of 2022 and will be conducted by Yellowhead Pavement Marking Division.
Tate added the Marie Sharpe Elementary School PAC has also committed to covering the costs of future project maintenance.
Pride in the Puddle Parade and Festival coming up Aug. 20
Following a presentation from Billie Sheridan, Williams Lake Pride Society Chief Parade Organizer, Council approved the 2022 Pride in the Puddle Parade scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at 8:30 pm in downtown Williams Lake.
Sheridan said the society chose to host a twilight parade during the evening to coincide with this year's theme: 'Illuminate Your Life!' featuring a display of lights, colour and music from different organizations, businesses and non-profit groups.
UBCM grant funding applications approved
Council approved two grant applications:
1.) Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Extreme Heat Mapping and Risk Assessment Funding Application.
The joint application from the City of Williams Lake, City of Quesnel and District of 100 Mile House is to the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Extreme Heat Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning Grant Stream for $90,000.
2.) UBCM Infrastructure Grant Application
Council approved an application to the UBCM 'Canada Community - Building Fund' Capital Infrastructure Stream for the Well 6 Replacement Project for the amount of $2,130,000. The well is located at the City's Scout Island site as the capacity of the existing well is insufficient.
Council approves Development Variance Permit for new Vietnamese restaurant
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for Vince Le, on behalf of Wave Properties Ltd., who plans to open a new Vietnamese restaurant at 19A Second Avenue South.
The development variance permit will reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces required for restaurant use from five spaces plus one accessible space to zero spaces for the proposed restaurant only. Le noted during the meeting there is back alley loading access to the building for vehicles, which would also help mitigate parking congestion along the roadway.
2021 Annual Municipal Report approved
Council approved the 2021 Annual Report - a summary overview of the City's operations during 2021.
The report is available for viewing on the City's website at www.williamslake.ca/archivecenter.
BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement approved
Council approved the 2022/23 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit, as well as authorizing Mayor Walt Cobb and the City's Corporate Officer to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
Cemetery irrigation upgrade contract awarded
Council awarded the request for proposal for cemetery irrigation upgrades at the Williams Lake Cemetery to TGK Irrigation Ltd. for $241,983.
Road crush tender awarded
Council authorized staff to re-tender the purchase of the road crush project with revised quantities from 5,000 cubic metres to 3,000 cubic metres due to budget considerations.
Council approves purchase of two new pieces of heavy equipment
Council approved two requests for proposals for the purchase of two pieces of heavy equipment to replace aging vehicles in the City's fleet. The first is a 2022/23 wheel loader from Inland Kenworth Ltd. for the price of $334,600. The second is a tandem axle dump truck from First Truck Centre Prince George for the amount of $387,360.96 (plus a $12,000 surcharge).
Letter of support issued for parking permit program
Council endorsed the Seniors Activity Centre's administration of a SparcBC Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities in Williams Lake. Mayor Cobb thanked the Accessibility Advisory Committee for preparing the report and said having the program available in the City will be a valuable addition to the municipality as permits would often require a wait time due to a lack of local availability.
Two updated bylaws adopted
Council adopted two new bylaws: the updated Business License Bylaw and the updated Sign Bylaw.
Council to follow up with BC Housing on temporary shelter contract
Council received a report reviewing the temporary shelter operating at the Hamilton Hotel in Williams Lake, including input from BC Housing and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Branch, Council requested staff to prepare a follow-up report after receiving complaints about activity in the area from residents for comparison, and a future meeting in September with BC Housing.
Housing incentives, initiatives and strategies explored
Council requested staff to prepare a further report to encourage residential density and commercial development in the City of Williams Lake, adding to its current initiatives already in place.
At its meeting, several options were identified by the City's Planning Analyst including:
- Amending the City's Zoning Bylaw to authorize carriage homes broadly across applicable residential zones
- Potential spot zoning of specific properties where densification opportunities are identified
- Options to address evolving climate change related building requirements and encourage development
- Investigate parking considerations in the downtown core to better encourage residential development
UBCM grant application for wastewater treatment plant assessment approved
Council approved an application for funding for the Williams Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant Assessment Project under the UBCM 'Canada Community-Building Fund / Strategic Priorities Fund' - 2022 Capacity Building Stream.
Staff to update Council with options for additional Indigenous relations and reconciliation resources
Council approved a request from the City's Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Committee, based on a report from Cariboo Chilcotin Care (CCCARE), for staff to provide a report to Council offering additional resources to enhance Indigenous relations and reconciliation, including financing options, potential models and timelines.
City of Williams Lake Council, Williams Lake First Nation Council, to schedule upcoming meeting on items of interest
A council to council discussion is in the works between the City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation.
Both the City and WLFN have agreed to a future meeting to discuss several items of joint interest including the cur rent fire protection agreement , development of WLFN's Poplar Glade/Yorston street properties, installation of a f lag pole and the Secwepemc flag at City Hall , as well as further items of importance to both parties.