Victoria has been a great city to host the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. On Monday, I attended a B.C. Mayors’ Caucus meeting, where 140 mayors discussed challenges and opportunities in B.C. municipalities.
We agreed that long-term, stable, and predictable funding from senior governments is necessary going forward, so cities and towns can maintain infrastructure and accommodate growth. The mayors shared ideas on how to provide stable service levels to residents, and we heard encouraging words from Minister of Community, Sport, and Community Development Bill Bennett. He said he would like to see a closer relationship between the federal and provincial governments and municipalities.
On Tuesday, council had a very productive meeting with Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond. She recognized the past work the RCMP and the city have done to reduce crime and took our requests seriously. We also met with the Interior Health Authority and Ministry of Health.
I encourage everyone to make sure they have their say on the feasibility study being presented for possible renovations to the Sam Ketcham Pool, which are coming up next month. Whether you use the pool regularly or not, any possible renovations will have a significant impact on taxpayers. Please come to the open houses on Oct 11 at the Gibraltar Room or the public information sessions, learn about the options, and give your feedback. That is what will help guide decisions by the city and Cariboo Regional District’s concerning the pool and the complex.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the week in the capital city.
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.