Curling club presented Accessibility Award of Merit
The Williams Lake Curling Club was presented the Accessibility Award of Merit during the Tuesday, March 21 Regular Council meeting.
The award, presented by AAC Chair Maureen Straza, is given annually to an individual, organization or business that makes a significant contribution to improve accessibility within the City of Williams Lake.
Over recent years, the Williams Lake Curling Club has made significant accessibility upgrades to its facility including the construction and installation of a new elevator to connect both the upper and lower levels of the facility, along with accessibility upgrades to its washrooms and rink access.
Straza and Council thanked the Williams Lake Curling Club for its commitment to improving accessibility, as well as its devotion to community spirit.
Rick Hansen announced as 2023 Stampede Parade Marshall
Williams Lake Stampede Parade Committee Chair Willie Dye announced Rick Hansen will be the 2023 Williams Lake Stampede Parade Honourary Parade Marshall. Dye said Hansen told him he would be honoured to take part in the parade, scheduled for Saturday, July 1 in downtown Williams Lake.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said it's a great opportunity to honour a hometown hero and to thank him for all of his hard work throughout Williams Lake, Canada and the world to bring awareness to people with mobility issues and the accessibility challenges they face.
Accessory Dwelling Units move toward public hearing
Council gave first and second readings to a zoning amendment bylaw that will streamline the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within the City.
Staff were directed to proceed with notice of public hearing, scheduled for April 18, 2023 at 6 pm in Council Chambers. The public hearing will be a chance for the public to speak for or against the proposed bylaw, or provide written comments.
ADUs were proposed as an option earlier this year to address a critical housing shortage within the community and will allow for residents to construct ADUs on an existing property where regulations are met.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair presents year-end update
Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair Maureen Straza provided a presentation to Council about its work and accomplishments throughout 2022 addressing accessibility and mobility issues facing the community.
Among the highlights were an Access Awareness Day grant from Sparc BC which allowed the group to host an Access Awareness Day at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, the addition of disabled parking stalls at the CMRC, additional parking signs for disabled parking at the Williams Lake Farmers' Market, a spring walk with the City's Municipal Services Department to identify on-street disabled parking spots for repair, as well as the implementation of the Sparc BC Parking Placard Program.
In response to the presentation, Council noted the exceptional work being done in the community by the AAC, and thanked the group - consisting of representatives from the community, government, seniors agencies and persons with disabilities - for all of its hard work to make positive changes in Williams Lake.
City to submit three NCLGA resolutions
The City will submit three resolutions for consideration at the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting in May of 2023 following a poll of Council earlier this month.
The three resolutions to be submitted for consideration are to address the rural health care provider crisis, improved Ministry of Health communication and to lobby the provincial government to address BC Housing delays to address the significant housing shortage facing the community.
Council gives first three readings to energy conservation building bylaw amendment
Council gave first three readings to a Building Bylaw Amendment to allow the construction community to more easily adhere to the Province's BC Energy Step Code.
The bylaw amendment allows the construction community to achieve code compliance by adhering to a set group of regulations such as window specifications or insulation values. Council noted while the changes are positive for addressing adverse environmental impacts they will likely result in a higher cost to builders.
Homeless camp at Scout Island raises Council concerns
Council directed City staff to work with the appropriate agencies to have a homeless tent camp removed out of the Scout Island riparian trail network.
At the Tuesday Regular Meeting Council raised concern regarding fire safety and environmental risks due to activity in and around the camp.
Additional accessible parking, increased connectivity, slated for Seniors Activity Centre
Council approved the installation of five accessible parking stalls at the Seniors Activity Centre and will provide $55,000 for the project and related walkway upgrades to increase connectivity in the area.
Council's funding commitment will depend on the success of a $25,000 federal grant application submitted by the SAC to assist with the cost of the project.
Council to keep current snow removal policy in place
Council approved keeping the City's current snow and ice removal policy, as well as directed staff to look into potential City support for a volunteer program to assist with snow clearing needs.
Street closures approved for upcoming events
Council approved temporary street closures for the following events: the 2023 Graduation Parade on Saturday, June 10 at 5:30 pm, a Williams Lake Cycling Club mountain bike race on May 2 at Western Avenue and Donald Road from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and the Realm of Toys Easter Festival for sections of Oliver Street and Second Avenue North on Sunday, April 9 from 10 am to 4 pm.