Council expresses commitment to reconciliation
In the first Regular Meeting since Council's inauguration on November 1, City of Williams Lake Council expressed its commitment and support to work toward reconciliation following a delegation from Esk'etemc First Nation Chief Fred Robbins during the Tuesday, November 15 Regular Council Meeting.
Speaking to Council, Robbins said it's essential to start working together, to put an end to racism in the community and to support each other.
During his presentation, Robbins asked for participation from Council to help form a committee for the upcoming 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day, now also the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30,
In response, Council expressed its full commitment to true reconciliation efforts with surrounding Indigenous communities, with each member of Council offering to support what Robbins hopes will be a four-day event this coming September.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said he and each member of Council would be honoured and proud to participate in the project.
"We won't be one inch behind you," Rathor said. "We're with you. Every one of us will be there for you. My mandate is working together."
Zoning Amendment Application forwarded to MOTI for approval
Council adopted a Zoning Amendment Application and will now forward the updated bylaw to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval to rezone a property to add 'office' use at 318 Broadway Avenue North.
City to apply for NDIT Business Facade Improvement grant program
Council directed staff to apply for the 2022/23 Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) Business Facade Improvement program for the amount of $20,000.
Council authorizes donation of River Valley bridge damaged in 2020 flooding
Council waived its purchasing policy to authorize the donation of a 45-foot 'forestry bridge' previously located at the bottom of Frizzi Road to the Cariboo Regional District for Central Cariboo Transfer Station Landfill Operations located on Frizzi Road.
The bridge was damaged during the unprecedented flooding that occurred in 2020 in the Williams Lake River Valley, which also caused damage and washed away several other bridges in the area.
Geotechnical mapping of hazard area contract awarded
Council awarded the Geotechnical Hazard Area Assessment and Mapping contract to Palmer Environmental Group Inc. for a total project value of $60,000, including taxes.
Council noted the hazard mapping will form part of the Official Community Plan moving forward to address decisions surrounding land use and planning in the future.
Council gets update on disc golf course
The City's Director of Community Services provided an update to Council on the remaining items left for the completion of the Boitanio Disc Golf Course, which officially opened last month.
Remaining components include hole signage, which could not be installed until the tee pads and baskets had been constructed in order to ensure proper distance measurements for the signs.
The 18 fairway signs are slated to be delivered and installed in late November, weather permitting.
Large dedicated introductory and identification signage at two specific course entry points is also slated to be installed in the
spring of 2023.
The signs will include park history, an overall map and general disc golf etiquette guidelines.
Council commended the work of City staff and the assistance of the Cariboo Disc Golf Club in the successful completion of the project.
Council also asked staff for a report on requirements to keep the Boitanio Park washroom opened year round.
Mayor's expenses approved to attend federal announcement in Prince George
Council approved expenses and compensation for Mayor Surinderpal Rathor to attend the announcement for Canada Community Revitalization Funding by the Hon.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister Responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) in Prince George on November 17.
PacifiCan, formerly Western Economic Diversification Canada, promotes growth and diversification in B.C.'s economy by offering funds intended to help communities throughout Canada build and improve infrastructure.
Mayor Rathor said he plans to use the visit to network with Federal, Provincial and Indigenous partners.
Council to weigh options on City's mandatory vaccination policy
Council asked staff to prepare a report on the operational impacts and changes required to rescind the City's COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.
Mayor Rathor stressed no decisions will be made until a report is received from staff.