City council has approved using $636,000 from water reserve funds to support water saddle replacements as part of the 2017 paving program. Streets slated for paving are Eleventh Avenue North from Coxon to Smedley Streets, Blair Street from Clarke to Western Avenues, Proctor Street from First Avenue to the east end and Fifth Avenue from Proctor Street to Carson Drive.
Stampede Queen contestants introduced
Williams Lake Stampede Queen contestants Brianna Wyness, Miss Tim Hortons, Kaylee Billyboy, Miss Gustafson’s Dodge, and Tennale Sailor, Miss Beaver Valley Feeds formally introduced themselves during Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
Brianna said she is looking forward to getting to know all the girls and city council.
Kaylee thanked council for its support and said she looked forward to being part of the contest.
Tennale said she was excited to start the Queen program with the Stampede directors and looks forward to meeting new friends.
Pickup truck tender awarded
City council has awarded a tender to Cariboo GM for the purchase of two pickup trucks for the price of $83,989 including applicable taxes.
Economic development work plan endorsed
Council accepted a work plan for the economic development services outlining tasks for a 15-hour a week position. The tasks range from responding to inquiries from investors, working with Cariboo Calling a Destination BC community consortium, the Small Town Love program and to represent the City in working with provincial and regional economic development partners and community agencies.
Sale of museum finalized
Council authorized Mayor Walt Cobb and the city’s corporate officer to sign a contract of purchase and sale agreement with Williams Lake Developments Ltd. for the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin property for the purpose of building the 72-care bed facility at the former Cariboo Lodge site.
Aviation mobile fuel agreement accepted
The Into-Plane Aviation Mobile Fuel agreement with the province for a term of six months effective May 1 through Oct. 31, 2017 was accepted by city council.
Gas tax strategic priorities fund applications approved
Council approved three applications to the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund 2017. The first one is for upgrades of the Soda Creek resource road with a 25 per cent contribution from the City in the amount of $315,000. A second application is in support of the Hodgson Road geotechnical mitigation assessment. Thirdly, the city is applying for funds to support the City Facility and Pavement Assessment with a 20 per cent contribution from the City in the amount of $25,000.
Zoning amendment receives third reading
A zoning amendment application for the new 72-care bed facility at the former Cariboo Lodge site is being forwarded to the Ministry of Transporation and Infrastructure for approval after city council gave it three readings. The zone change is to make it Comprehensive Development 1 New Residential Care Facility.
Winter Lights Medieval Christmas Market’s use of Courthouse Square approved
City council has approved the use of Courthouse Square for a Winter Lights Medieval Christmas Market taking place Friday, Dec. 1 to Sunday Dec. 3. The event is being organized by the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association. Council also agreed to write a letter of support for the association’s application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for a grant to cover 28 per cent of the cost to create a promo video aimed at attracting entrepreneurs from urban centres to set up business in the city’s downtown. Additional expenses in the application are for the creation of 20 street banners plus hardware to decorate 10 poles in the downtown core.
Request for flyover of RCAF and Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Council approved a request from the Quesnel’s International Airshow for a flyover of Williams Lake by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 demo team on Aug. 3, 2107. The RCAF must receive a letter from Mayor Walt Cobb authorizing the aircraft to to the flyover and stating “as low as 500 feet above ground.”
Telus requests letter of support
City council has agreed to write a letter of support for Telus regarding an application to the federal Innovation Science and Economic Development Connect to Innovate program for funding towards the implementation of enhanced broadband connectivity in rural areas around Williams Lake.
ALS Week
The city will declare ALS Week from June 18 to 24 after receiving a request from the ALS Society of BC - Williams Lake. City council is also encouraged to attend the sixth annual Williams Lake Walk for ALS taking place Saturday, June 24 in Boitanio Park at 11 a.m.
French Immersion Week
The city will declare French Immersion Week for June 12 to 18 at the request of Canadian Parents for French - Williams Lake Chapter, with the Quebec flag being raised on the city’s flag pole on June 15.