Laura Klassen of the BC Self Advocacy Foundation gave a presentation to Williams Lake city council Tuesday on the benefits of a diverse workplace for local employers and communities.
Supreme Court Ruling
Council resolved to acknowledge the June 26, Supreme Court of Canada decision to uphold the 2007 ruling of the BC Supreme Court in declaring Aboriginal title to approximately 2,000 km2 in the heart of the Tsilhqot’in traditional territory in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of BC.
Council will also send and a letter of congratulations to Chief Roger William and the Tsilhqot’in people on their success; and to offer to co-host a community forum to gain understanding of the effects of the court’s ruling.
Canada Winter
Games Torch Relay
Council authorized submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay, based on the draft EOI and incorporating
feedback from Council, and approve a base budget of up to $5,000 for the event itself.
If the EOI is successful, Council will appoint one or two Councillors to head a Community Organizing Committee which would plan the event and seek sponsorship, donations and in-kind services for the event.
Second Quarter Economic Indicators Council received the Second Quarter Economic Indicators Report.
The Cariboo unemployment rate is 4.6 per cent, the lowest since 2009.
The average selling price of a single family home has risen to the highest level since 2010, and the vacancy rate for private apartments is 3.5 per cent.
Building permits and business licenses issued are on par with previous years.
Good Neighbour Bylaw Council gave three readings to the Good Neighbour
Bylaw, which consolidates many existing bylaws into one comprehensive document. There are also some changes to bylaws, including street nuisances, unlicensed vehicle and recreational vehicle (RV) parking, snow removal and sidewalk maintenance, and vacant buildings.
More information is available at williamslake.ca.
Second Quarter
Financial
Statements
Council received the Second Quarter Financial Statements report.
The City’s activities are progressing in accordance with the 2014 Financial Plan as approved by council within the city’s 2014 – 2018 five year financial plan bylaw.
Important dates
Fire Department Christmas in July Food Drive, July 29.
Mountain Bike Shuttles, each weekend through July 27.
Performances in the Park, Thursdays through August 21.
Next Regular Council Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Next committee of the whole meeting, Tuesday, August 26.
For detailed information on Council meetings, please visit
www.williamslake. ca.
Please direct inquiries to communications co-ordinator Ken MacInnis at 250-392-8488.