Mayor, Council, to nominate Chief Willie Sellars for 2023 BC Reconciliation Award
City of Williams Lake Council unanimously approved to nominate Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars for the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award during its Tuesday, January 10 Regular Meeting.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said he received a call for nominations for the award and decided to submit the nomination on behalf of the entire Council.
Rathor said when he started sharing the information and asking about potential nominees, Chief Sellars' name continued to be recommended.
"I wanted to forward his name on behalf of Mayor and Council," Rathor said.
Coun. Michael Moses added he strongly agrees with the recommendation and said it's an honour for this Council to submit the nomination.
The BC Reconciliation Award is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the BC Achievement Foundation and recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
The nomination period for the awards is open until January 20, 2023.
The 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award is now in its third year after two canoe paddles honouring the achievements of the 2021 and 2022 recipients were installed at Government House on November 22, 2022.
Community Futures delegation provides insight into PASS Program
A presentation from Community Futures on its PASS (Planning a Successful Succession) Program provided Council information about what's being done locally to help business owners nearing retirement or thinking about selling their business.
PASS community co-ordinator Laurie Walters said the program serves Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and communities west of the City.
The PASS Program, she noted, helps business owners plan, prepare, market and connect business owners planning for a sale. She added they can also provide business valuations to help owners entering the transition phase.
Council awards contract to purchase new snowblower at Williams Lake Regional Airport
Council approved the purchase of a 2024 self propelled snowblower to replace its 1983 unit primarily used for plowing the runway at the Williams Lake Regional Airport.
During the Regular Meeting Tuesday, Council awarded a contract for the purchase of a 2024 T60R36 Larue self-propelled snowblower from J.A. Larue Inc. for the purchase price of $596,520, plus taxes.
Originally, the contract was awarded to another company, however, the purchased snowblower would not perform in winter conditions at the airport and was returned to the supplier at no cost to the City. The new machine will replace the City's 1983 Vohl snowblower, which is currently in use
In a report to Council, the City's Procurement and Asset Management Coordinator said $502,200 of the purchase is grant funded and the additional $118,076.40 will come from airport reserves. The existing 1983 snowblower will be auctioned as surplus equipment. The City will keep the existing snowblower until it is determined the newly-purchased equipment will provide the necessary service required at the Williams Lake Regional Airport.
Council approves NDIT grant applications
Council approved a pair of grant applications to Northern Development Initiative Trust.
The first is a 2023 application to NDIT's Economic Development Capacity Building Program of up to $50,000 to offset wages for the Manager of Economic Development position.
Council also approved an application to NDIT for the Grant Writing Support program for up to $8,000.
The program helps City directors and managers research grant programs, track deadlines for grant reporting and prepare funding applications to access more funding dollars to support crucial City projects and initiatives.
Council approves UBCM grant application for Emergency Support Services Capacity Building Program
Council approved a 2023 application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for up to $30,000 to enhance the capacity of the local Emergency Support Services team through new equipment upgrades and volunteer training.
Services offered through the ESS team include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, information about a crisis and family reunification. The ESS team also partners with other agencies to connect people with services such as first aid, child minding, pet care and transportation, to name a few.
In a report to Council the City's Director of Emergency Support Services said the funds would be used to upgrade ESS computers and software and to offset costs for regular team meetings for volunteers, as well as training courses.