Council highlights provide a summary of key decisions made by Council during regularly scheduled meetings. Complete agenda packages and meeting minutes can be found here.
• Council voted in favour of forming a select committee and develop the terms of reference to guide the mandate of a recruitment/retention committee.
• Council voted in favour that a discussion of three commercial areas in Clearwater be moved to the Community Economic Development fall planning workshop.
• Council voted in favour for the District to undertake research to complete the feasibility and options to establishing a broadband/internet utility service in Clearwater.
• Council voted in favour that up to $1,000 be allocated from the Community Transition Strategy Funds (Economic Development) to create a community-based competition for the creation of a 30-second video showcasing why Clearwater is the BEST.
• With respect to the re-opening of the North Thompson Sportsplex Council approved the following plan for 2020:
o September 18 – open for Family Skating and Adult hockey
o September 19 – Minor Hockey begins season
o September 21 – Figure Skating begins season
o September 26 – ice time available for private rentals / Lounge available for rental
o October 15 – Curling club begins season
o Concession to be open as required
• Council approved the following recommendations from the Trails Task Force Committee:
o THAT the Wells Gray Inn (Clearwater Village) to Roundabout multi-use pathway commence at the roundabout on Highway 5 and leave Highway 5 at the first lamp standard; and that this section of the multi-use pathway be constructed with curb, gutter sidewalk.
o THAT the District apply for the BC Active Transportation Grant for Phase 1 – to construct the connecting multi-use pathway from the Wells Gray Inn to the Roundabout on Highway 5, to include paving the gravel pathway connecting Eden Road to the Roundabout on Highway 5; and that the application for the BC Active Transportation grant include Phase 2 – to realign Clearwater Village Road commencing at Murtle Road travelling down Stegg’s Hill and ending at Webber Road to complete a safe alternative traffic connection to Strawberry Flats.
o THAT a grant application be submitted to the Rural & Northern Community Infrastructure Grant for the design and construction of the multiuse pathway from Park Drive (end of current multiuse pathway) to Raft River Elementary School.
• Council approved the expenditure of $66,648 for the purposes of completing the Wyndhaven multi-use pathway with the installation of 765 meters of asphalt (to include saw cutting and traffic control); and that the funds are to be expended from the 2020 Gas Tax.
• Council approved the revised grant in aid request of $600 from the North Thompson Arts Council, with funds allocated towards advertising and promotions for the 2020 Purple Flag Project.
• Council directed Administration to prepare public messaging with respect to the designated use at the Boat Launch located at the end of Lakeview Road. The matter will be forwarded to the September 1st, 2020 Parks & Recreation Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the potential of relocating the wharf to the beach area, prohibiting swimming, and diving and restricting the area to service animals only.
• Council approved the annual loan payments for Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 235, 2020 as follows:
o 50% ($21,343.13) Sewer User fees
o 50% ($21,343.13) Septic Receiving annual revenue
Council formally adopted Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 235, 2020 following the Alternative Approval Process.
• Council formally adopted Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 238, 2020. The amendment provides for beekeeping within the District boundaries.
• Council formally adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 239, 2020 that acknowledges that beekeeping is permitted in all zones, subject to the Animal Control Bylaw and limit the number of hives based on lot area.
• Council formally adopted Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 240, 2020 that provides for minor amendments that include:
o Updated references to new community groups
o Acknowledges Clearwater’s Bee City designation
o Expanded agricultural policies
o Added a polity to support garden and carriage suites as secondary/accessory uses
o Updates references to the most current Provincial legislation
o Adds policies to follow recommendations in Source Water Assessment and Protection Strategy Report
• Council directed staff to review and report back to Council on the implications of changing the speed limits within the Miller Subdivision (Davy and Miller Road).
• Council directed Administration to provide a letter of endorsement to the Minister of Natural Resources in support of the NRCan grant application by ZAAP Charge Inc.
• Council voted in favour of appointing Mayor Merlin Blackwell as voting delegate to MIABC AGM and Councillor Shelley Sim was appointed as the Alternate for the District of Clearwater.
• Council directed staff to request an appointment with staff of the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to discuss safety concerns at the Wells Gray Inn Intersection crossing Highway 5 to Old North Thompson and Dunn Lake Road.
• Council directed staff to contact Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure staff to request a meeting with Minister Trevena to discuss safety concerns at the Wells Gray Inn Intersection crossing Highway 5 to Old North Thompson.
• Council directed staff to provide a letter of support with respect to the proposed resolution by the Village of Kaslo regarding a Strategy for Rural Economic Development Through Health Care.
• Council approved a donation of $500 to Raise the Reader fund raiser for 2020 (a combination of funds raised from book sale table and grant in aid budget).
• Council directed staff to contact the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development with respect to traffic flow on Forest Service Road 2A.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. and is open to the Public using physical distancing!