Purple Thursday proclaimed in recognition of brain injury and prevention awareness
City of Williams Lake Council proclaimed Thursday, October 19 Purple Thursday after a presentation from Williams Lake Royal Purple volunteer Darlene Doucette at its Tuesday, October 3 Regular Meeting.
Doucette provided a short history of Williams Lake Royal Purple and its community support with an emphasis on youth, as well as introduced the Canadian Royal Purple Society National Cause: BrainLove - Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention and how Williams Lake Royal Purple members are working to support this cause.
For Purple Thursday, Doucette encouraged residents to wear purple in support of the day, which recognizes the intersection of interpersonal violence and brain injury.
The City’s proclamation will recognize the connection between the Canadian Royal Purple, communities and women’s shelters across Canada to stop violence.
Doucette also thanked the City, Mayor and Council for its years of supporting the organization and invited anyone interested in volunteering with the group to email her at ddoucette81@gmail.com.
Council expresses concern over temporary emergency room closure at Cariboo Memorial Hospital
After learning of a recent temporary emergency room closure at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Council directed staff to seek clarification from Interior Health.
In addition, Council expressed concern about the closure and lack of notice and communication provided to the City and residents.
GoByBike Weeks proclaimed in City from October 16-29
Streets for All Williams Lake, a group of cycling and active transportation advocates, provided an update to Council on its fall plans during Tuesday’s Regular Meeting.
Members Ruth Lloyd and Denise Deschene said the group is hosting its Fall Go By Bike Weeks from October 16-29,and encouraged the community to participate by utilizing forms of active transportation for travel.
Streets for All Williams Lake also invited residents to attend a feature film event in partnership with the Williams Lake Film Club, the Williams Lake Cycling Club and CCCARE, The Engine Inside, on Thursday, October 19 at 7 pm at Paradise Cinemas.
Following the presentation, Council proclaimed the weeks of October 16-29 Fall Go By Bikes Weeks in the City. Council and staff were also encouraged to participate in the event during these weeks.
Registration for Go By Bike Weeks is available by visiting gobybikebc.ca.
Downtown Williams Lake BIA tax levy bylaw renewal approved
Council will proceed with a request from the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association (DWLBIA) for the renewal of its DWLBIA Establishment Bylaw for a five-year term effective January 1, 2024.
The bylaw includes the collection of tax levies from assessed properties in the business improvement specified area, which are granted to the DWLBIA for business promotion purposes. The bylaw will tentatively be adopted on November 21, 2023 pending a 30 day counter petition process for property owners.
Road closure and removal of highway dedication bylaw adopted
Following approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Council adopted a road closure and removal of highway dedication bylaw for the potential development of a McKinnon Road property parallel to Highway 97.
The property was released back to the City by MOTI in 2022 and is currently maintained by the City. Moving forward, the City will issue a request for proposals to determine a potential use for the site.
Zoning amendment application adopted for The Little Cariboo Café
The Little Cariboo Café’s zoning amendment bylaw application to allow for the addition of part-time childcare and varied parking was adopted by Council following approval from the Ministry of Transportation. The bylaw will allow the Little Cariboo Café to add occasional daycare services in conjunction with its currently operating business.
Three-year BC Transit expansion initiatives to proceed in Williams Lake
Council approved entering into a memorandum of understanding with BC Transit to maintain, expand and improve transit options in Williams Lake over the next three years into 2027.
The Williams Lake expansion plans for the following initiatives to be implemented progressively each year to maintain service reliability and to look into expediting Sunday service for 2024/25, as well as to introduce holiday service. The City’s cost for for each three years of expansion will total roughly $62,000.
Council also brought up the possibility of expanding transit service to Cariboo Regional District areas, and will meet at a later date with the CRD to discuss options.
Williams Lake Hospice Society Memory Tree Celebration approved
Council approved the placement of the Williams Lake Hospice Society’s Memory Tree and ‘In Memory’ name cards donation box inside City Hall at the reception counter, as well as the use of the City Hall lobby and tree for displaying of name ornaments from November 1 to Christmas.
The City will also light the ‘Memory Tree’ outside City Hall, which will be decorated for the annual celebration taking place on December 3, 2023, from 3 to 4:30 pm at City Hall. The Memory Tree Celebration is hosted as a way for residents to remember family, loved ones and friends who have passed away.