Council approves Glen Arbour seniors housing addition
At its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 29, Council adopted a zoning amendment bylaw and approved a development permit for the construction of a new five-storey, 36-unit addition to the Glen Arbour seniors housing complex on Oliver Street.
The property is located within the Downtown Development Permit Area and will help to provide increased housing for seniors.
The five storeys will help to enhance livability in the city’s downtown core as a way to help seniors in the community age in place.
The Glen Arbour addition will be roughly 5,700 square feet spread across five storeys.
New Williams Lake RCMP Inspector/Officer in Charge provides update
The Williams Lake RCMP’s new Inspector and Officer in Charge, Robert Lake, introduced himself to Council and provided an update on crime statistics and new developments within the detachment.
Reporting on crime trends, Lake told Council there were 5,727 calls for service in the Williams Lake jurisdiction from January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023.
Lake said the number of calls received is a decrease of 204 calls- down 3.44 per cent - for service compared to 2022.
Council discussed policing in the community and expressed a desire to work together in the future.
The RCMP update is available on the City’s website https://williamslake.civicweb.net/
Coun. Michael Moses appointed to Federation of Canadian Municipalities committees and forums
Council enthusiastically endorsed Coun. Michael Moses to be its representative on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)committees and forums for 2023/24.
FCM represents the interests of member municipalities on policy and program matters falling within federal jurisdiction and has a board of directors made up of elected municipal officials from all regions and sizes of communities.
Coun. Moses thanked his colleagues for their support and said he would do his best to continue to represent the city and the region well.
Council proclaims KidSport BC Powered by Sport BC Week
Following a presentation from local KidSport representative Rick Miller, Council proclaimed the week of October 1-7, 2023 as KidSport BC Powered by Sport BC Week.
Prior, Miller spoke to Council about the organization’s provided services, successes and positive benefits to the community.
KidSport works to remove financial barriers preventing children from experiencing the benefits of sport and provides opportunities for local youth to improve their health and wellbeing through sport.
Winter sand tender awarded
Council awarded a contract for the supply of wintersand to Peterson Contracting for the price of $33.13per cubic metre, excluding taxes, for the 2023/24winter season.
In 2020/21 the City purchased 1,500 cubic metres ofwinter sand for a total cost of $42,918.75.
The contract allows for up to 1,500 cubic metres of sand, which is stored at the City’s Public Works Yard.
Council proclaims Orange Shirt Day Month
Council endorsed several proclamations including Orange Shirt Day Month in September, as well as authorizing the raising of the Every Child Matters flag at City Hall on Sept. 6.
Other proclamations included National Forest Week (September 17-23, 2023), United Way BC Day (September 26, 2023), World Pancreatic Cancer Day (November 16, 2023), and Purple Day at the request of the BC Epilepsy Society (March 26, 2024).
Council endorses seniors homesharing project report
Council endorsed the BC Healthy Communities Williams Lake Age Friendly Project - Seniors Homesharing Planning Project final report as a guiding document on seniors housing in the community.
The report aimed to better understand the desires of residents for aging in the community.
Downtown Williams Lake BIA submits business plan, renewal of tax levy bylaw
Council received the proposed budget and business plan from the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association and request for renewal of the downtown business improvement area tax levy bylaw. Staff will now prepare a report for Council with a draft bylaw, analysis and timeline moving forward for the renewal process.
Council provides direction on 2024 budget, financial plan process
Council formalized some direction as it begins the 2024 budget and financial plan process, as well as requested information from staff in several areas that could influence budgetary decisions.
Council also agreed to provide transparency and consultation moving forward during the budgeting process, including a public open house budget information session in February of 2024.
Dried bulk highway salt contract awarded
Council awarded a contract for the purchasing of dried bulk highway salt to Chances Bulk Unloading Ltd. at the cost of $217.34 per cubic metre, excluding taxes.
In 2022/23, the City used roughly 1,352 cubic metres of dried bulk highway salt, costing $323,660. This year’s pricing is a 9.42 per cent decrease from the pricing in 2022.