Christmas comes early to city hall. The Cariboo Men’s Choir generously donated a piano last night as they opened our council meeting with Christmas carols.
We had a special presentation from Bob Simpson recognizing Sue Hemphill for her outstanding community service and her work on behalf of the environment. Sue is another worthy recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
Great news with Gibraltar Mines finding a tentative agreement with the union.
This gives some peace and assurance to all of their employees as Christmas approaches.
In the coming weeks, the four speed reader boards in town (Third Ave, Foster Way, South Lakeside Drive, and Mackenzie Ave) will start displaying your speed as you approach them. They are a good reminder to slow down and to be safe.
All too often we hear of crashes that involve speed. Especially now in the winter time, it’s very important to slow down.
The boards are currently on and collecting traffic data to help the City make decisions in the future.
A big thank you to the organizers and volunteers at the Christmas Wish breakfast Wednesday morning at the Ramada. Thanks to all who generously donated toys for children in our community.
It is the season for giving, and people gave generously!
Coming up in the New Year, Council will be consulting the community on whether residents want to see a separate line item on tax notices to pay for a five-person Crime Reduction Team to target active criminals and hot spots in the City.
The recent Crime Severity Index numbers are very encouraging – we’ve fallen 150 points, and from the top (worst) spot to #6, but there’s work to be done. Williams Lake has the busiest detachment in the province, and we need to make a change to tackle crime better.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! I hope everyone can slow down enough to spend time with those family and friends that are so important. I’m looking forward to a prosperous 2013!
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.