Another empty storefront downtown with Fields store gone.
The other day I came across a copy of the strategic priorities adopted for Williams Lake in the early days of the Kerry Cook council. Number 7 was “Lively Downtown.”
It’s getting less lively all the time, I would say.
The priorities are the vision for the city, and it’s early days to be sure, but how are we doing with other strategies? I’d give full marks for arts/culture/heritage. We have the arts centre and a heritage committee. Active and convenient transport? Go Bus hours have been extended. World-class recreation? Pool improvements are underway, and we have a dog park and plans for trails. Partnering with First Nations? OK with some bands, iffy with others. Local Food/ Agriculture? City supports non -profit groups (i.e. farmers markets, community gardens). Cherished local ecosystems. Council dropped the sustainability committee. Don’t hear much from the water committee, but the Water Wise program is still going strong. Citizens are “greening” themselves with two new non-profit groups and the Green Gazette newspaper. Is the installation of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) at city hall counted as green?
I don’t know about social well being, but like the lively downtown, we aren’t moving forward very fast with either resilient economy or affordable housing/liveable neighbourhoods. Any non-profit groups out there willing to get the ball rolling?
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What is the difference between a protest and an information rally? We can find out July 19.
The inherent problems associated with the proposed Enbridge pipeline caught the attention of Premier Christy Clark after reports of the company’s inability to deal quickly and effectively with a major spill in the U.S. hit the headlines. A caravan travelling from Nelson to Kitimat, with stops along the way, will be at Herb Gardner Park at 11 a.m. Thursday and will have information on the B.C. part of the pipeline.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.