City makes presentation to outgoing Stampede Queen
On behalf of the City, Council expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing 2021/22 Williams Lake Stampede Queen, Karena Sokolan.
During the Tuesday, July 18 Regular Meeting, Council presented Sokolan with a Certificate of Appreciation for her commitment and passion representing the community in her role as Queen.
"We were lucky to have you," Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. "I want to thankyou for being such a wonderful ambassador for our community."
Speaking to Council, Sokolan said she not only loves the Stampede, but also loves the City of Williams Lake.
"I'm very, very sad to be done," she said. "It's not just about loving rodeo and wanting to promote that and the Stampede - it comes down to loving your community just as much and I'm grateful to hold this title."
Stampede Parade organizing committee delivers update on success of 2023 parade
Williams Lake Stampede Parade Organizing Committee Chair Willie Dye said this year's 2023 Williams Lake Stampede Parade was one of the busiest, most well-attended parades in many years.
During his presentation Dye thanked Rick Hansen for his participation as the parade's honourary parade marshal, and estimated roughly 5,000 to 6,000people attended, along with 100-plusparade entries.
"Rick Hansen, Don Alder, and all the difference makers created a buzz the parade has not seen in many years," Dye said. "We had excellent cooperation with the City."
Council thanked Dye for his efforts organizing a successful parade, and for making the parade such an inclusive event over the past two years.
Council moves forward on City accessibility plan
Council received the draft City of Williams Lake Accessibility Plan and will now move toward approval on August 15 following further consultation and an opportunity for public feedback.
Following adoption the plan, which is a legislative requirement, will be reviewed and updated in consultation with the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee at least once every three years to meet current standards.
Council takes first step toward development of McKinnon Road property
Council is moving forward with preliminary steps to develop a parcel of land located at McKinnon Road parallel to Highway 97.
The property was released back to the City by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in 2022 and is currently maintained by the City. Staff have identified the property as a parcel of land that could be utilized for development and have presented options to Council to determine its potential.
During Tuesday's Regular Meeting Council directed staff to proceed with the steps required to create a legal parcel of land for the lot and to prepare a road closure bylaw and removal of highway dedication bylaw for Council's consideration, as well as to provide public notice.
Zoning Amendment Application for Glen Arbor expansion moves toward public hearing
Council accepted an application from the Cariboo Park Home Society (Glen Arbor) to amend the City's zoning bylaw to allow for increased density and vary off-street parking.
The plan will see Glen Arbor increase from a 55-unit to a 70-unit seniors apartment complex, as well as allow for 42 parking spaces and two accessible spaces on the property.
In a report to Council, staff said the increase in housing would benefit the community and noted the downtown location to be ideal in providing amenities to residents.
Moving forward, a public hearing will be scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 pm to receive neighbourhood input before a final decision is made.
City approves street closure for annual BGC Williams Lake Club Annual Family Street Party
Council approved a temporary street closure of the alley connecting Third Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South, as well as a portion of Fourth Avenue South for the BGC Williams Lake Club's 21st Annual Family Street Party taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 4 to 9 pm.