Cariboo Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites community to attend 100th Anniversary Open House
The Cariboo Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Society invited the community to its upcoming 100th Anniversary Open House coming up September 16, 2023 in the City Hall lobby from 1-3 pm.
Speaking to Council at its Tuesday, September 12 Regular Meeting, CMHAS president Judy Newbery shared the group’s history, as well as detailed some of the many fundraising efforts CMHAS has undertaken over the years as a result of proceeds from operating the gift shop, raffles, bake sales and auctions at the Cariboo Memorial Hospital.
Newbery said to date, CMHAS has raised over $500,000 in the community to help make patients’ stays at the hospital, including those requiring long-term care, more comforting.
Newbery was joined by other CMHAS members, who introduced themselves to Council during the meeting.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor thanked the CMHAS for its work on behalf of Council.
“The work you do is remarkable, ”Rathor said. “And you do it because you believe in it.”
Council also invited the community to City Hall to enjoy some refreshments for the CMHAS Open House on September 16.
Council gives zoning amendment application third reading to allow part-time child care at Little Cariboo Café
An application from the Little Cariboo Café to add part-time childcare and a parking variance was given third reading by Council following a public hearing at Tuesday’s Regular Meeting.
The amendment allows the Little Cariboo Café to add occasional daycare services in conjunction with its currently operating business.
The bylaw will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval.
Pending MOTI approval, final adoption is scheduled to take place at the Tuesday, October 3 Regular Council Meeting.
During the public hearing, no comments for or against the application were presented.
Installation of Every Child Matters crosswalk to move ahead
Council approved the installation of an orange Every Child Matters crosswalk at the intersection of Yorston Street and Third Avenue in downtown Williams Lake.
The crosswalk will incorporate a 10th Anniversary Every Child Matters design created by Ponoka, Alberta Grade 10 student Charliss Santos after her design was selected by the Orange Shirt Society as the winner of its 10th anniversary logo contest.
The City has been approved for up to $10,000 through the Union of BC Municipalities Urban Communities Partnering for Reconciliation program.
The City has partnered with the Cariboo Friendship Society and Orange Shirt Society to install the crosswalk art and is applying for an additional $10,000 through the Orange Shirt Society Crosswalk Program.
The City has set the goal of having the crosswalk installed in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of Orange Shirt Day events from September 27-30.
Council approves development permit for new office supplies business
Council approved a development permit for the construction of a new, standalone commercial building at 270 Broadway Avenue North.
Quality Office Solutions Inc., currently located at Fourth Avenue in downtown Williams Lake, plans to build and relocate to the new location.
In addition, Council approved two of three variances requested by the applicant.
Council addresses safety concerns identified on Oliver Street property
Council passed a resolution to place a remedial action requirement at 84 Oliver Street in downtown Williams Lake.
The remedial action order requires the property owner to mitigate safety hazards on the property identified by staff presented in its report to Council.
The safety concerns stem from an open excavation on the property originally resulting from a fire in 2019,which caused the the total loss of the building and neighbouring building.
The goal of the resolution is to have the open excavation filled to remove safety hazards to City infrastructure and the adjacent building.
Airport Utility Study contract awarded
Council awarded the Williams Lake Regional Airport Utility Study project to McElhanney for the amount of $89,300, excluding taxes.
The study will help future considerations for airport development by measuring current water and sewer capacity to help guide decisions on how to meet potential future demands.
The City will use a grant obtained through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to carry out the airport utility study.
Director of Protective Services provides update
Director of Protective Services Evan Dean provided a year-to-date report to Council on Protective Services operations from January 2023 to September 1, 2023.
In his presentation Dean discussed bylaw calls for service, Williams Lake Fire Department calls for service and noted an improved retention of paid on call firefighters, FireSmart initiatives within the City, WLFD personnel deployments to assist BC Wildfire Service efforts and community safety and well-being responses.
Council pays respects to former City Councillor and former WLFN Chief/Councillor
Council acknowledged the passing of former longtime City Councillor Sue Zacharias and former Williams Lake First Nation Chief and Councillor Rick Gilbert during its Regular Meeting.
Council offered condolences to both families and expressed its appreciation for their contributions to the community.
City to track UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Council directed staff to begin tracking the City’s progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to actions specific to municipalities, as well as discuss the development of a tracking list with Williams Lake First Nation.
The tracking list will be developed under the guidelines of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
Street naming policy to include options for Indigenous names
Council directed staff to provide a report updating the City’s Street Naming Policy with options on having Indigenous names included as a second line on street signs.
Council encouraged to complete ‘Reconciliaction’ Calendar
Council endorsed a request from the City’s Community Services Committee for it to complete the City of Jasper’s 'Reconciliaction Calendar’ and share its progress on social media.
The City will also prepare a report with potential reconciliation actions for future years in advance of Truth and Reconciliation Days.
The ‘Reconciliaction Calendar’ lists 30 small activities to take part in each day starting at the beginning of September leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Seniors’ Activity Centre invited to submit expression of interest to Snow Angels program
Council encouraged the Williams Lake Seniors Activity Centre to submit an application to an upcoming call for expression of interest for the snow angels volunteer program, which will assist with shoveling sidewalks for community members requiring assistance during the winter.
Earlier this year, Council directed staff to issue a public expression of interest to assist residents in need with snow clearing. The expression of interest will also be open to other potential groups wishing to volunteer as part of the program.