Rocky Mountain Rangers hoping to set up in Williams Lake
Normand Dionne, Commanding Officer of the Rocky Mountain Rangers of the Canadian Armed Forces, told city council during the regular meeting Tuesday the Department of National Defence is interested in potentially expanding into Williams Lake and establishing a regiment here.
With the nearby training area in the Chilcotin having a regiment in Williams Lake would make sense, he said.
Rocky Mountain Rangers offer part-time work for men and women 18 years or older, or aged 17 with parental consent.
Pavement rehabilitation and waterworks contracts awarded
City council approved awarding pavement rehabilitation and waterworks contracts for 2016 to Peters Bros. Construction Ltd. for the total tendered amounts of $954,532.15, $203,246 and $29,432, excluding GST for paving, waterworks and tennis courts.
South Lakeside trunk sewer replacement contract awarded
Ram Excavating has been awarded the contract to replace the South Lakeside trunk sewer for a total tendered amount of $219,810.83, excluding GST. Council approved the tender and authorized reallocating up to $37,310.83 from the sewer reserves to cover higher than expected construction costs.
Council receives reports from Coun. Sue Zacharias
Reports from Coun. Sue Zacharias about the May 17, 2016 Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area meeting and the Women's Spirituality Circle Gathering held May 14, 2016 were received by council.
Williams Lake Stampede entry sign endorsed
Council supported and endorsed partnering with Pioneer Log Homes of B.C. and the Stampede Association for the installation of a new log Williams Lake Stampede Park sign with the city's costs not to exceed $35,000, to be paid out in 2017.
Council also approved a clause that the Stampede Association will be responsible for any further maintenance of the structure.
Council endorses recommendations from Hodgson and Dog Creek Road geotechnical report
City council will continue to develop a monitoring response plan for the areas impacted by land slippage in the Hodgson and Dog Creek Road areas.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be invited to participate in a neighbourhood assessment of ground stabilization options and the city will make applications for sustainable infrastructure grant funding.
Consultation with property owners on a neighbourhood level to let residents know about the city's plans will take place, possibly in the summer or fall.
Coun. Ivan Bonnell said the city is going to work with the Cariboo Regional District on the process, not only on monitoring, but with the provincial authorities about potential options for remedial actions.
Rural Dividend Fund application approved
Council approved an application to the Rural Dividend Fund by the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Association and the Economic Development Corporation for a new initiative.
The SEEDS Initiative is designed to be an incubator for developing entrepreneurs from two different specific ends of the area's demographics, Coun. Jason Ryll said.
"One being for summer students and the other being for those aged 50 or older in order to help spur on entrepreneurial growth and business development,"
Council to give letter of support for affordable housing
A request from the Williams Lake Association for Community Living for the city to provide a letter of support for its application to BC Housing for funding towards a proposal to create 40 units of affordable housing by constructing an apartment building at 253 First Avenue North was approved by council.
Powder Kings application to NDIT endorsed
Council endorsed an application from the Powder Kings to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to upgrade and enhance the Yank's Peak Snowmobile Riding Area.
Special liquor license for Puddle Pounders approved
Council approved a special liquor license application from the Puddle Pounders to host a women's roller derby event taking place May 29, 2016, at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Rink Two. The application is still subject to RCMP approval.
City proclamations
Access Awareness Day in the City of Williams Lake is June 4, 2016.
June 1 to July 3, 2016 is Stampede Season in the City of Williams Lake.
Citizens are asked to observe this period by decorating their places of business in western decor, wearing western clothing, supporting the Stampede Association in its many endeavours and extending a friendly Cariboo smile and hearty welcome to all visitors.
ALS Week - June 19 to 25, 2016.
World Oceans Day - June 1 to June 8.