City to work with Seniors Centre to help address accessible parking improvements
City of Williams Lake Council agreed to work with the Seniors Activity Centre to help address a lack of accessible parking at the facility.
A presentation from Seniors Activity Centre Manager Glenda Winger noted the facility is in dire need of increased accessible and general parking as it has outgrown its capacity.
In 2023, she said the SAC has already sold 300 memberships.
She said in addition to daily events during centre hours, the facility also plays host to several community events and private group rentals, which have also increased due to the closure of the Elks Hall in recent years.
Currently, Winger said the SAC has five accessible parking spaces.
Following the presentation, Council directed City staff to meet with representatives from the SAC to discuss its proposal and options for additional accessible parking on the site, as well as to provide an information report to Council.
Council expressed its full support for the great work of the Old Age Pensioners Organization in the community, who operates the SAC.
BC SPCA Animal Shelter Operations Contract renewed
Council approved a new Animal Shelter Operations Contract with the BC SPCA for a three-year term effective March 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
The annual cost of the contract is $23,79.68.
The contract will be paid in monthly installments of $1,981.64, plus Consumer Price Index in subsequent years.
Council endorses upcoming Indoor Spring Classic Rodeo
Following a presentation from newly-formed Interior Rodeo Event Association representative Richard Kohlen, Council endorsed its upcoming event, the Indoor Spring Classic Rodeo.
The IREA decided to create the Indoor Spring Classic after learning the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association was disbanding, and its longstanding, annual April rodeo would no longer be taking place.
"It'll be a very similar event as the last 20-something years, Kohlen told Council, noting they hope to encourage local participants to take part.
Council expressed its gratitude for the years of work put in by the former Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association and thanked the new group for taking on the event, slated to take place April 14-16, 2023 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Expenses approved for NCLGA 2023 AGM and Convention
Council approved compensation, registration and associated travel expenses for interested Council members to attend the North Central Local Government Association's 2023 Annual General Meeting and Convention in Dawson Creek from May 9-12, 2023.
Council expresses interest in working with Province on potential overdose prevention or similar use site
Council expressed interest in working with the Province to ensure the community is as informed as possible about the creation of an overdose prevention site or safe consumption site in Williams Lake.
Council also said it would like to keep Interior Health Authority aware of the community's needs and concerns.
The discussion followed a report from City staff about regulatory framework surrounding overdose prevention and safe consumption sites, which identified that municipal approval is recommended but not required for operation.
Currently, neither a safe consumption site or overdose prevention site is operating in the City, but is common in many other B.C. municipalities.
The report followed two previous delegations brought forward at Council in December of 2022: one from First Nation Health Authority and Interior Health Authority and another from a group of concerned citizens.
Chamber of Commerce Week proclaimed
Council proclaimed the week of February 13-17, 2023 as 'Chamber of Commerce Week' in the City. Chamber of Commerce Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate the role the local Chamber plays in the community.
Joint Use Facilities Agreement Renewal approved by Council
Council approved the renewal of the Joint Use Facilities Agreement between the City, Cariboo Regional District, District of 100 Mile House, School District 27 and Thompson Rivers University - Williams Lake Campus.
The Joint Use Facilities Agreement allows each party to access each other's facilities to offer programs and services that would otherwise not be possible.
Council approves Lakers Car Club's 27th Annual Spring Round-up Show and Shine
Council approved the Lakers Car Club's annual Spring Round-up Show and Shine taking place Sunday, May 28 in Williams Lake.
The event takes place from 5 am to 5 pm on Oliver Street between Mackenzie Avenue and Second Avenue, First Avenue between Yorston Street and Borland Street including Courthouse Square and City-owned parking lots adjacent to Yorston Street and 97 FIrst Avenue South.
City staff will also work with emergency services to coordinate barricades and safety requirements are met.