Council seeks public consultation to allow Accessory Dwelling Units zoning
City of Williams Lake Council is asking for public feedback as it proceeds with the addition of a zoning bylaw to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within City limits.
During its Tuesday, January 24 meeting Council acknowledged the housing challenges the community is currently facing and noted ADUs as one option to help address the issue.
ADUs include carriage houses and garden suites and are small, standalone homes located on already existing lots with a main residence. An ADU can have one or two storeys and can be above a detached garage. Council directed staff to undertake public consultation in the form of an online survey and to develop draft bylaws to amend current zoning restrictions to streamline the allowance of ADUs in specific residential zones.
Council also noted ADUs are a win-win for the community.
Council requests inter-government meeting to discuss community safety
Council asked staff to coordinate a meeting between the City, Williams Lake RCMP, Indigenous leaders, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson, MP Todd Doherty, the Cariboo Regional District and School District 27 to create an action plan to assist in helping ensure community cohesion and cooperation to decrease criminal and gang activity.
Council noted a recent RCMP public warning stemming from a shooting incident during this past summer's Williams Lake Stampede citing an increased threat to public safety prompted the meeting request.
Chamber of Commerce Fee for Service increase referred to budget discussions
Council referred a request for a fee for service increase from the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce back to budget considerations.
The Chamber request, which was made during the Tuesday, January 17 Committee of Whole Council meeting, asked for a $15,000 increase to its annual fee for service from $150,000 to $165,000.
Council's decision was based on overall 2023 budget considerations and fairness to other fee for service application requests.
Fee for Service requests will be discussed during the January 31, 2023 Special Committee of Whole Council Meeting.
Council lends support to Freezin for a Reason polar bear swim
After receiving a letter of request for support, Council agreed to donate $375 toward the costs of the annual Freezin for a Reason Polar Bear Swim held at Scout Island.
This year's swim will be held on February 4, 2023 and is a way for community organizations, groups, individuals and sports teams to fundraise through pledges.
In the letter of request, Freezin for a Reason Project Coordinator Sunny Dyck said the City's donation will be used to cover insurance costs and safety protocols.
Dyck also extended an invitation encouraging the entire community, as well as Mayor and Council, to attend.
Registration is scheduled to get underway at 12:30 pm with the plunge beginning at 1 pm.
NDIT grant application for Local Government Internship Program approved
Council approved a 2023 application to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant of up to $50,000 to host an intern under the Local Government Internship Program.
Council also committed to providing a financial contribution of $10,000 and staffing resources to host an intern, and to providing training and professional development opportunities.
Purple Day proclaimed by Council
Council proclaimed 'Purple Day,' held on March 26 annually during Epilepsy Awareness Month, to increase knowledge and understanding of epilepsy in the community.
During the month, City Hall will be lit up purple in recognition of the day.