FAQs • Williams Lake, BC • CivicEngage

***As authorized by the Local Government Act, and pursuant to the City of Williams Lake's General Local Government Election Bylaw No. 2364, voting may be done by mail ballot. Contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca) to inquire on how to sign up for a mail ballot package.

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3. Do I qualify to vote?

You can vote in a civic election in the City of Williams Lake as a “resident elector” if you:

Are 18 years of age or older on the day of registration OR, if an election or assent voting is in progress, will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election or assent voting; and
Are a Canadian citizen**; and
Have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration; and
Are a resident of the City of Williams Lake; and
Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

All City of Williams Lake residents who meet these requirements can vote. It does not matter whether you rent or own your home.

If you own property in the City of Williams Lake but live somewhere else in BC, you are qualified to vote in the City of Williams Lake civic election as a “non-resident property elector” as long as you:

Are not entitled to register as a resident elector in the City of Williams Lake; and
Are 18 years of age or older on the day of registration, OR if an election or assent voting is in progress, will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election or assent voting; and
Are a Canadian citizen**; and
Have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration; and
Have been a registered owner of real property in the City of Williams Lake for at least thirty (30) days immediately before the day of registration (the only persons who are registered owners of the real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust); and
Have received the written consent of the majority of individuals registered as owners of the real property to be registered as the non-resident property elector for this property (if there is more than one owner of the property); and
Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

Non-resident property electors can vote only once, regardless of the number of properties they own. If there is more than one registered owner of a property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the other owners, register as a non-resident property elector. If you have any questions about registering and voting as a “non-resident property elector”, contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca).

Pre-registration as a non-resident property elector is recommended.

**Landed immigrants who are not yet Canadian citizens are not permitted to vote in civic elections.

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4. Can I still vote if I do not live in the City of Williams Lake boundaries?

Are not entitled to register as a resident elector in the City of Williams Lake; and
Are 18 years of age or older on the day of registration, OR if an election or assent voting is in progress, will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election or assent voting; and
Are a Canadian citizen**; and
Have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration; and
Have been a registered owner of real property in the City of Williams Lake for at least thirty (30) days immediately before the day of registration (the only persons who are registered owners of the real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust); and
Have received the written consent of the majority of individuals registered as owners of the real property to be registered as the non-resident property elector for this property (if there is more than one owner of the property); and
Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

Pre-registration as a non-resident property electors is recommended.

**Landed immigrants who are not yet Canadian citizens are not permitted to vote in civic elections.

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5. When will we know who is running for Mayor and Councillors?

The nomination period closes on [DATE TBD], 2026 at 4:00 PM. A notice of election will be placed in the local newspaper and on our website the following week, indicating who the candidates are.

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6. Is my name on the current list of electors?

The City of Williams Lake is now using the Provincial elector list, prepared by Elections BC, for resident elector registrations. If you would like to make sure you are on the voters list, you can do so by registering with Elections BC before [DATE TBD], 2026 electronically via the following link or by phone (1-800-661-8683). Visit the Elections BC website at https://elections.bc.ca/voting/register-to-vote/ for more information on how to register to vote or to update your voter information (i.e. residential or mailing address).

Note that should you not reside within City limits, but qualify to vote in the City of Williams Lake’s local government election as a non-resident property elector (see Election FAQ's No. 3 and 4), please contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca), or visit the Corporate Services office at City Hall, 2nd Floor, 450 Mart Street. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Advance non-resident property elector registrations will be accepted at the City of Williams Lake Corporate Services office until [DATE TBD], 2026. Registrations will not be accepted after this date but will be accepted on voting days.

Pre-registration for non-resident property electors is encouraged.

Eligible resident and non-resident electors will also be able to register at the time of voting.

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7. Can I register to vote on election day?

Yes, both resident and non-resident property electors may register at the time of voting, during each of the advance, special and general voting opportunities, or when voting by mail-in ballot.

Pre-registration for non-resident property electors is encouraged.

If you have any questions about registering and voting as a “non-resident property elector”, contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca).

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8. Do I need identification to vote?

Yes. Resident Electors must produce two (2) valid pieces of identification that provide evidence of the person's identity and residency in the City of Williams Lake, at least one of which must contain a signature (picture identification is not necessary). Valid ID include:

BC Driver’s License
City of Williams Lake Tax Notice
ICBC Owner's Certificate and Vehicle Insurance Documents
Social Insurance Card
BC Identification Card
Credit Card
BC Services Card
Utility Bill
Citizenship Card

Non-Resident Electors must produce two (2) valid pieces of identification in order to prove identity, at least one of which must have a signature, as well as proof of ownership of property in the City of Williams Lake. If there are other owners of the property in question, you must also have written consent from the majority of all the owners stating that you are the one owner who is designated as the Non-Resident (Property) Elector for that property. Non-resident electors can vote only once, regardless of the number of properties they own. ***Property registered in company/corporation names do not qualify under the Local Government Act to vote in municipal elections. See Election FAQ No. 3 and 4 for more information.

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9. Do you offer curbside voting for persons with disabilities?

Yes, curbside voting is available at both advance voting opportunities as well as on general voting day. Contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca) for more information.

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10. Can I vote if I am out of town in October?

Individuals who will be unable to attend the advance voting opportunities or cast a ballot on General Voting Day will be able to vote by mail. For information on, and to pre-register for, a mail-in ballot, please visit the Corporate Services office at City Hall, 2nd Floor, 450 Mart Street during regular office hours, or contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca).

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11. Are mail-in ballots permitted?

All individuals who qualify to vote but are unable to attend the advance voting opportunities or cast a ballot on general voting day, or those who prefer it, will be able to vote by mail. For information on, and to pre-register for, a mail-in ballot, please visit the Corporate Services office at City Hall, 2nd Floor, 450 Mart Street, or contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca).

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12. Do I have to vote for all six (6) Councillor positions on the ballot?

No. The ballot contains all the candidates running for office. Electors have a choice of voting for UP TO SIX (6) Councillor candidates, but are not required to vote for six (6). In other words, if you only have four (4) Councillor candidates you wish to vote for, you may do so.

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13. Am I qualified to run for office?

You do not have to be a resident of, or own property in, the City of Williams Lake to be nominated, elected and to hold office as a member of local government. However, you must meet the following criteria (Section 81 of the Local Government Act):

Canadian citizen (landed immigrants who are not yet Canadian citizens are not qualified); and
Will be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day; and
Resident of BC for at least the last six (6) months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; and
Not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

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14. Do I have to live in the City of Williams Lake to run for office?

No. The Local Government Act does not limit candidates to residents of the communities.

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15. How to I get nominated?

Candidates must be nominated by two qualified resident electors to run for Mayor OR Councillor. Nomination packages for Mayor and Councillor will be available as of [DATE TBD], 2026 from the Corporate Services office at City Hall, 2nd Floor, 450 Mart Street, during regular office hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Nomination packages for School Board Trustee will be available from School District No. 27. Nominations for Mayor and Councillor must be filed with the Chief Election Officer or the Deputy Chief Election Officer at City Hall and will only be accepted between 9:00 AM on [DATE TBD], 2026 and 4:00 PM on [DATE TBD], 2026. A nomination deposit is not required.

See Division 6, Sections 86 to 91 of the Local Government Act; City of Williams Lake "General Local Government Election Bylaw No. 2364, 2022" for more information.

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16. How many nominators do I need to run for office?

Two eligible electors from the City of Williams Lake. See the Candidate’s Guide to Local Government Elections in BC for more information.

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17. Where do I get nomination papers and when is the period for filing them?

Nomination packages for Mayor and Councillor will be available as of [DATE TBD], 2026 from the Corporate Services Department at City Hall, 2nd Floor, 450 Mart Street. Nomination packages for School Board Trustee will be available from School District No. 27. Nominations for Mayor and Councillor must be filed with the Chief Election Officer or the Deputy Chief Election Officer at City Hall and will only be accepted between 9:00 AM on [DATE TBD], 2026 and 4:00 PM on [DATE TBD], 2026. A nomination deposit is not required.

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18. What are the rules for campaign signs?

City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022, Section 20(g) “Signs Permitted in all Zones” states the following:

“Political campaign signs are permitted in all zones only during Federal, Provincial, or Municipal election or referendum periods per Provincial and Federal legislations, on behalf of candidates for public office or referendum on election ballots provided that such sign shall be removed within four days following the general voting day. Such signs shall not be installed:

On or over a street, including any boulevards or public right of ways;
On private property, without the written consent of the property owner where the sign will be located;
Within three 3 metres of a fire hydrant;
If it exceeds 2 metres in height, as measured from the grade of the site to the top of the political campaign sign or its supporting structure, whichever is greater;
With a sign face exceeding 1.5 square metres in area; and
In a manner that it obstructs, simulates, or detracts from the visibility of regulatory signs or other traffic control devices.”

The City’s Sign Bylaw permits temporary election signs to be placed from the beginning of the election period (as determined by Provincial/Federal legislation) until four days after the general election day.

See the Candidate’s Guide to Local Government Elections in BC, the Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in BC for Candidates and their Financial Agents, and the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA) for more information.

In addition to the rules included in the City’s Sign Bylaw, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure regulates sign placement along Provincial highways (i.e. Highways 97 and 20). Their regulations can be found online at: www.gov.bc.ca/electionsigns. Based on Ministry policy, signs along provincial highways cannot be placed until the campaign period begins (DATE TBD, 2026).

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19. Where can I find information on campaign financing, elector organizations and third party sponsors?

On May 29, 2014, the Government of British Columbia gave Royal Assent to the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA) and the Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act (LESAA). The new rule changes in LECFA and LESAA are now in force and will affect candidates, elector organizations and third party advertising sponsors for the November 2014 and subsequent general local elections. For more information or answers to questions about LECFA election advertising, third party advertising and campaign financing rules, please contact Elections BC at:

Elections BC – Electoral Finance
Phone toll-free: 1-800-661-8683 / TTY: 1-888-456-5448
Email: electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca
Fax: 250-387-3578 / Toll-free Fax: 1-866-466-0665
Mailing Address: PO Box 9275 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC, V8W 9J6
elections.bc.ca

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20. Where can I find information on financial disclosure requirements?

See the Financial Disclosure Act and the Candidate’s Guide to Local Government Elections in BC.

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21. What is an Elector Organization?

An Elector Organization is an organization that encourages the election of a particular candidate. If the organization wants to have its name appear on the ballot with the candidate’s name, it must have been in existence for 60 days and have had a membership of 50 electors of the local government for that period. Elector organizations are bound by the same campaign fundraising and disclosure rules as candidates. See the “Related Documents & Links” on the City's 2026 Election page for more information.

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22. What is a Campaign Organizer?

A campaign organizer is a group or individual that encourages the election of a particular candidate or support for a particular elector organization through a series of campaign activities. An individual, other than a candidate, who undertakes an election campaign is a campaign organizer only if he or she accepts financial support for the campaign activities from other people or groups. A group does not need to be incorporated under the Societies Act to be a campaign organizer. Campaign organizers are bound by the same campaign fundraising restrictions and disclosure rules as candidates. See the “Related Documents & Links” section on the City's 2026 Election page for more information.

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23. Does the public have access to candidates’ nomination documents?

Yes. As authorized under Section 89 (8) of the Local Government Act, and pursuant to Section 2 of the City of Williams Lake "General Local Government Election Bylaw No. 2364, 2022", public access to nomination documents will be provided in City Hall during regular office hours and by Internet access until 30 days after the declaration of the election results.

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24. What was the voter turnout for past municipal elections in Williams Lake?

2022: 3,197 of the 8,185 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 39.1%
2018: 3,051 of the 8,072 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 37.8%
2014: 3,565 of the 7,780 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 45.8%
2011: 3,638 of the 7,173 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 50.7%
2008: 2,989 of the 6,682 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 44.7%
2005: 3,857 of the 7,769 eligible electors voted = voter turnout of 49.6%

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25. Who can I contact if I have questions?

Chief Election Officer at 250-392-1773
Deputy Chief Election Officer at 250-392-1774
E-Mail at elections@williamslake.ca

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Financial Services

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1. When are taxes due?: Property taxes for a year are due on July 2 of the year. If July 2 falls on a Sunday or Saturday that is a non-working day, then the due date is on the immediately following working day.

2. When can I expect my tax notice?: Tax notices are generally mailed out the last week of May. If you have not received your notice by June 10, contact City Hall immediately at 250.392.2311.

3. Can I claim my homeowner grant even if I can’t pay my taxes?: Yes! It is very important to do this. If the grant is not claimed by the due date then a 10% penalty would apply. It costs nothing to make the grant claim.

4. Why do I have to claim my grant each year?: On average, 20% of all households change hands each year. The city has no way to guarantee that a property owner is still eligible for the grant.

5. Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?: Yes, you can, but there is a "convenience fee" added. The credit card companies charge City fees of 3 to 5 percent every time credit card payment is made - these fees are charged back to customers for offering the privilege of paying with an alternative non-standard payment method. City accepts many other payment methods that are fee-free.

6. Can I make payments with Interac?: Yes, City Hall accepts Interac.

7. Can I pay my taxes on-line through the city’s webpage?: No, the City is not offering online payment services. Please use other available options such as payment through your financial intuitions online banking, payment through our pre-authorized payment program, paying at the City Hall in person or by using our drop box outside the front door of City Hall. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 250.392.2311.

8. Your office hours are not convenient for me, how can I pay my taxes?: You can mail your payment to us, drop off a postdated cheque, pay online through your bank or signup for pre-authorized payments. Call us at City Hall to find out how, 250.392.2311.

9. I forgot to claim my homeowner grant for last year, can I still claim it?: Yes you can. You may claim a retroactive homeowner grant for the previous year. To learn more and apply visit gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant or call 1 888 355 2700.

10. Can I make monthly payments on my taxes?: Yes, you can make payments on your tax account at any time throughout the year. However, if current taxes are not paid in full by the due date there will be a 10% penalty on the amount outstanding at that time.
Alternatively, you can signup for our new pre-authorized payment plan, call City Hall to find out how, 250.392.2311.

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Garbage Collection

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1. Will my solid waste and recycling be picked up when my collection day lands on a statutory holiday? What is the garbage collection schedule?: No. The City’s garbage contractor does not work on statutory holidays. Your solid waste and recyclables will be collected the following day. For more information on the collection schedule and routes please review the garbage collection guide

2. Why must I have my solid waste carts on the curb before 7:00am on the morning of my collection day? Why can’t I put them on the curb the night before?

There are a several reasons to have your solid waste on the curb at 7:00am on your collection day.

The City’s contractor may have to make schedule adjustments for time to time, so the time in which your carts are collected may change. Not having your carts at the curb first thing in the morning may cause you to miss your collection.

During the winter months, the Municipal Services crews are busy with snow clearing and having solid waste carts are on the street the night before makes the job that much more difficult.

Having the carts on the street the night before also increases the risk that your carts may fall victim to vandalism. The carts are your responsibility and if they are damaged, lost or stolen through no fault of the City, it is the home owner who is responsible for the cost to have them replaced

3. What is the cost if my carts are lost, broken, or stolen?: The cost for carts is $65 each. This cost is the responsibility of the home owner if the cart is lost, stolen or damaged through no fault of the City or its contractors. The new carts can be purchased at City Hall during business hours.

4. How do I know which cart is mine if I get them mixed up with the neighbor’s carts?: Each cart has a unique serial number on the side of the cart and if you have it written down, you can easily identify your cart.

5. During the winter months, where do I put my cart?

During the winter months every resident can put their carts where they normally put them provided they are:

Sitting on the ground or asphalt, not on a snow bank

They are at least 2 meters away from other obstructions, such as a snow bank or a vehicle

They are not blocked by any other obstruction that impedes the tipping arm of the truck

6. What can I put in my recycle cart?

The items that all City of Williams Lake residents can put in their recycle cart are:

All tins cans, cleaned
All newspapers
All cardboard
All other paper products
Most rigid plastic packaging
No Styrofoam, plastic bags, or glass
Paper cups

7. Why can’t I put glass in my recycling cart? It is recyclable.: Yes, glass is recyclable however when a resident puts glass into a recycling cart it can be broken and the broken glass then contaminates the entire contents of the cart. Glass is also very hazardous to the people who receive the recyclables and have to sort the material.

8. Can I get another solid waste or recycling cart if I need more?: Yes. If a residence needs another solid waste or recycling cart, the registered property owner can apply for a second set of carts at City Hall during business hours. The applicant will have to pay for the second set of carts initially and the additional fees for tipping those carts will be included on their utility bill.

9. What if I have a secondary suite in my residence and I want another set of carts?: The registered property owner can apply and pay for another set of carts and the tipping fees for those carts will be included on the next utility bill.

10. What if I generate more garbage per week than I can put in my garbage or recycling cart?: It is the responsibility of the home owner to take care of any excess solid waste that does not fit in to the solid waste carts.

11. Will the City’s garbage contractor pick up my garbage if the lid is open a little bit?: No. the lids for both the solid waste and recycling container have to be completely closed to be able to be tipped into the truck. Having the lid open, even slightly encourages garbage to escape either by wind or birds and animals to get in and throw garbage out.

12. Is my garbage can bear proof?: No. If you live in an area that is frequented by bears, you need to take the required precautions to ensure the bears do not get into your garbage or even encourage the bears to visit your garbage cart. Bears are creatures of opportunity and if they know where they can get an easy meal they will return to the same place. Do not place anything in your garbage that a bear might be able to eat or smell from a great distance.

13. The larger carts are just too big for my needs; are there any smaller sizes of carts that I can get?: Yes. The City has two sizes of carts 240 liters and 120 liters. A resident can apply for a smaller set of carts for medical reasons at any time. But once they have the smaller carts there is a $130 fee to have the carts changed back to the 240 liter size again.

14. I am moving to another home in Williams Lake or out of the City completely. What do I do with my solid waste carts?: The carts belong with the property, if you are moving you must leave your carts with the residence for the new home owners. Likewise, the new home into which you are moving into should have a set of carts for you upon your arrival.

15. I am moving into a new home in Williams Lake; how do I get a new set of carts?: If you are moving into a new home in Williams Lake, you must apply and pay for a new set of carts at City Hall during business hours. Once the fees have been paid, a new set of carts will be delivered with a set of instructions for the new resident.

16. What if I put non-recyclable items into my recycling cart?: If the City’s contractor sees the contamination in the cart and can stop the tipping process, they will do so and the resident will have to deal with the cart on their own. If this happens too often, the City will visit the residence and educate the home owners on the use of the recycling cart. If the problem persists the City has the right to suspend solid waste collection services to that address until the home owner complies with the proper procedure.

17. Can I put anything I want into the garbage cart?

No. Certain items are prohibited in the garbage carts. These items are, but not limited to:

Explosives
Raw sewage or septic tank sludge
Highly flammable materials
Noxious, offensive, or unwholesome matter
Oversized items of any kind that do not allow for proper closure of both garbage and recycling containers
Dead animals
Demolition or construction waste
Trade waste
Any liquids

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Lost and Found Animals

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1. Why should I license my dog, it never leaves the yard?: Dog owners like to believe that their dogs will never go missing. But the chances are that your dog will wander off at some point in its life.
All dogs over the age of 2 months in the City must be licensed for the current year. If your dog is not licensed you could receive a $50.00 fine.

2. Where do my dog license dollars go?: At two months of age all dogs must be licensed in the City of Williams Lake. Dogs’ licenses are their ticket home. Please ensure contact information with the City is up to date. It also lets other citizens know that a dog at large has a home and is not a stray. The money collected for dog licensing goes in to the Williams Lake BCSPCA and the Animal Control Bylaw Services.

3. What are the benefits of a City of Williams Lake dog license?

Reunites dogs with the owner
Deliver public education programs
Help neighbors resolve their animal related conflicts
Your dog will spend less time in the shelter which reduces stress and minimizing the risk of contracting a disease
Protection from dangerous dogs
Educate dog owners about responsible ownership
Warm shelter and care for the dogs
Investigation of dog attacks
Encourages population control and reduced licensing fees encourage owners to spay/neuter pets
It is a way for the city to get a better understanding of the number of dog owners throughout the city. With accurate information on the number of dogs residing in particular areas, the city may be able to plan and provide for various dog owner needs, such as municipal dog parks and spay/neuter initiatives.
It is a way to prove ownership of your dog. Unfortunately, dogs like any other property can be stolen. Licensing gives you a way to prove that your dog belongs to you. You can increase your chances of having your dog returned to you by providing your dog’s breed, sex and other identifying features (tattoos, microchips etc) when you license.

4. What are the license fees?

Spayed or neutered dog: $10.00
Unspayed or unneutered dog: $20.00
Late application fee (after March 31st): $10.00 plus regular license fee
Replacement license tag: $5.00
Aggressive dog: $200.00

If your dog is not currently correctly licensed and is impounded a $50.00 fee will be added to your total (this is in addition to the licensing, impounding and boarding fees).

5. How often do I need to renew my license?: Once a year. Your dog’s license is valid for one year from January 1st to December 31st.
You are advised to buy your new license ahead of time but are responsible for purchasing whether or not you receive a renewal notice.

6. Where can I obtain a license?

Licenses may be obtained at the following locations:

City Hall
450 Mart Street
Williams Lake
250-392-2311
Total Pet
32 North Broadway
Williams Lake
250-398-6300

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Snow & Ice Policy

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1. What kind of equipment for snow and ice control does the city own?

5 Sanding and salting trucks. Three are equipped with under body plows and 2 are equipped with both under body and front plows. All 5 trucks are equipped with Magnesium Chloride pre-wetting tanks.

1 Anti-icing spray truck

3 Front end loaders with 10’ snow blades

2 backhoes with 8’ snow blades

1 sidewalk machine equipped with snow blade or broom

1 grader equipped with snow gate and 10’ wing, as well as blower attachments

2. Does the city hire contractors for hauling snow?: Yes. The city registers contractors every fall for the winter season for hauling snow. Contractors must register and fill out a contract agreement. For further details including hourly rates, please contact the Municipal Services Department 250-392-1783.

3. What is the city’s snow budget?: The 2014/15 budget for snow and ice control in Williams Lake is $500,000. This allows the city to respond to snow and ice events with sanding and salting trucks, snow plows, sidewalk plow and hand clearing of stairs and bus stops.

4. Does the city reduce service when the budget is spent?: No. By Resolution of City Council the city maintains the same level of service. On years when snow and ice control expenditures exceed the budget, the additional services are paid by reserve funds.

5. How does the city determine the level of snow removal service?: In October 2011 City Council adopted a Snow and Ice Control policy which outlines the level of snow removal service the city will provide during snow and ice events. The document details all aspects of snow and ice control including street priorities, clean up of the downtown core, residential plowing, parking lots and sidewalk plowing.

6. Why can’t the sand particles be smaller or larger?: In order for sand to be effective it must be large enough to provide tire traction. If sand is too fine it will blow off the road surface before it has a chance to become embedded in the snow and ice. If the grains of sand are too large, they can cause considerable damage to vehicles and windshields. To help the sand stick to ice, the city pre-wets the sand as it comes off the back of the sand truck with Magnesium Chloride.

7. Can we request not to have sanding or salting in our neighborhood?: No. The city has a legal obligation to provide snow and ice control services to all citizens, on all public roadways.

8. Why can’t the city remove the snow they put in front of my driveway entrance from the plow truck?: The plows trucks need to plow the roads in order to maintain snow and ice control. It would be very costly for the city to clean driveways. Remember, when shoveling your driveway: always pile the snow on your property and on the left side of your driveway (When facing the property). This will give you a better line of vision when you exit your driveway and the plows will not drag your shoveled snow back across your driveway entrance.

9. Why does the city spray liquid on the roads?: When the forecast calls for snow conditions or when temperatures mean icy roads could develop, the city will occasionally, under the right weather conditions, apply Magnesium Chloride to some of the arterial roads and hillsides. These liquid deicers prevent snow from bonding to the road surface and make it easier to plow the road clear.

10. Why does the city blow snow on my boulevard? Can’t it be hauled away? Do I have to clean up the sand in the spring?

The city owns the boulevard portion of the road in front of your property and needs to blow snow onto the boulevard in order to keep the streets and drains clear.

It is not cost effective to haul snow from these areas and would cost the city approximately $350,000 per winter season to haul this snow away.

Yes, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clean and maintain their boulevard in front of their property. In the spring property owners can rake the winter sand off the boulevard into the gutter. The city street sweeper will be around to clean up the streets and winter sand in the spring.

11. Who is responsible for removing snow from sidewalks?: The city’s Good Neighbour Bylaw requires the owners or occupiers of real property to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk(s) bordering their property by 10 a.m.

12. May I place the snow from my driveway onto the traveled portion of the street?: No. Pushing snow out onto the traveled portion of the road surface creates a potentially dangerous situation for motorists and you could be held liable if an accident was caused by the buildup of snow.

13. I am a business owner. What am I supposed to do with snow that has fallen on my property?: All owners/occupiers of real property are responsible for snow and ice that is on their property. Property owners/occupiers have a legal obligation to ensure that snow is stored within their property.

14. Why is the snow downtown plowed to the center of the street?: In the downtown area there are not enough locations where large accumulations of snow can be placed without impeding traffic. The snow is plowed (windrowed) to the center of the street where it can be picked up and hauled away during the night shift hours.

15. I have a question or concern regarding snow and ice control. Who should I contact?: City operations can be contacted Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 250-392-2311.
For all after hour calls including weekends, please contact the city’s emergency answering service at 250-392-5255.

16. What is the city’s winter schedule?: The city’s winter shift schedule runs from November 1st to March 31st Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Winter shifts will be extended including weekends if required due to inclement weather conditions.

17. Where do I place my solid waste and recycling carts during winter months?

Find or clear an unobstructed site to put your carts out for collection. It’s the responsibility of the resident to clear appropriate space at thecurb/roadway in front of their property for placement of carts.

Put carts as close as possible to the curb/roadway without obstructing the street, sidewalk or bike lane. Often placing your carts on either side of your driveway allows for greater ease for the collection trucks and you.

Keep carts off the travelled portion of the roadway so as not to interfere with snow plows. Do not place carts in a location where the snow plow will hit them.

The cart should be no closer than one meter from any obstacle, parked vehicle or other cart. Minimum one meter is required between each cart. When considering cart placement it is important to note the automated arm on the collection truck can only reach a maximum of eight feet from the truck, and up to one foot off the ground.

Do not place carts behind or on top of snow banks.

Please have your carts out for collection by 7:00 am on your collection day. Avoid placing your carts out the night before collection and bring them away from the road as soon as possible to avoid interfering with snow plows that are often working in the very late or early morning hours to clear our roadways.

Clear your cart of snow and ice to ensure the lid is properly down and opens when the cart is tipped into the truck. Your cart will not be tipped into the truck if the operator sees that the lid is not properly closed.

General Safety: As the waste collection carts are equipped with wheels, please use extra caution when wheeling them in snow and ice conditions.

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