April is National Volunteer Month and on behalf of council and the city, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers in Williams Lake who contribute thousands of hours of their time to make our city a great place to live, work, raise a family, and to visit.
Every day, in large and small ways, Williams Lake’s volunteers demonstrate our city’s spirit of generosity, hospitality, kindness, and inclusion. They welcome newcomers, coach young athletes, care for those who are ill, and raise funds for important community projects. This week and every week, thank a volunteer!
People continue to invest in Williams Lake. There is a $1.44 million building permit for new commercial space at Prosperity Ridge. Several projects have just completed or are going through the development approval process: a new 36-room hotel, an autism centre at the Child Development Centre, a new 14-lot single family subdivision, renovations and upgrades at both McDonald’s and Can Com, and a new car dealership building. Great things are happening!
I was in Kelowna recently at the annual Council of Forest Industries (COFI) convention. Information sessions included the provincial and global economic outlook; emerging, North American, and Asian markets; and opportunities for B.C. This was a valuable opportunity to network with leaders in the industry and hear how the forest industry is and will continue to be a major economic generator for our province and our community.
The annual Cariboo-Chilcotin branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association held its media launch of the Ride Don’t Hide event last Wednesday. This is a great event to help raise money and awareness for programs and services which support women and their families, including support groups, community victims services, and counselling. Participants of all ages can enjoy an easy scenic ride on the beautiful River Trail June 22.
The TRU Gala recently was absolutely stunning. This elegant evening supported scholarships for students pursuing advanced education in Williams Lake. Thank you to event co-ordinator Sally Nairn and the organizing committee, and TRU Grit foundation chair Brian Garland and his group of local businesspeople for your efforts in planning another successful event.
I was on hand recently for a Chamber of Commerce wine and cheese event at Walk-Rite Shoes to welcome new owners Melanie and Troy Ablitt. I’m glad to see this important downtown store will continue under new ownership. I wish Melanie and Troy all the best.
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.