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 approved the grant in aid request of $500 to the Kamloops Disc Golf Club for the 2019 Summer Solstice Disc Golf Tournament, to be expended from the 2019 Council Grant-in-Aid budget. This is a Disc Golf Tournament that is organized by our very own local disc golfer – Dennis Greffard and is held at the Wells Gray Golf Course. It is anticipated to bring in 70-80 participants.
• Each Councillor, on a bi-monthly rotating basis, will prepare an article (up to 350 words relevant to the municipality) that reflects what they love about their community for the Community Newsletter.
• Council directed Administration to work with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District with respect to developing a Housing Needs Report for the District of Clearwater. This is a requirement of the Province for all communities to complete a housing needs report. Grant applications must be submitted by November 29, 2019.
• Council directed Administration to move forward with developing a new Community Economic Development Strategic Plan, with the assistance of a facilitator, with funding to be provided from the Economic Development Reserve Fund.
• Council directed staff to correspond with the local Internet Service Providers to understand where they are at with expansion of broadband and cell services and to bring a report to Council on the steps required towards the submission of a funding application for a Connectivity Infrastructure Strategy, to include funding requirements.
• Council directed Administration to include a Futures Game in the Small Business Pub Night event scheduled for Small Business Week in October, 2019.
• Council agreed to endorse in principle for Junior Council to apply for a grant under the North Thompson Communities Foundation to support their sustainability initiatives.
• Council passed the following recommendations from the Wells Gray Community Forest Commission:
Thompson Rivers University:
To provide from the Wells Gray Community Forest Commission funds to Thompson Rivers University the amount of $150,000 for the Wells Gray Research and Education Centre project. A Classroom will be named in recognition of the Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation. Funds will be distributed upon receiving proof of building permit issuance for the modular office building.
Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area A:
To provide from the Wells Gray Community Forest Commission funds to the Thompson Nicola Regional District (Area A) the amount of $50,000 for the Ferry Road Picnic Shelter project. The Wells Gray Community Forest logo will be included as part of the Kiosk with a statement outlining the benefits of the Community Forest. Funds will be distributed upon receiving a project completion report with corresponding receipts.
Wells Gray Outdoors Club
To provide from the Wells Gray Community Forest Commission funds to the Wells Gray Outdoors Club the amount of $44,000 for the years of 2019 and 2020 for the Mountain Bike Trail Construction project. Recognition be given to the Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation at the trail head. Funds will be distributed upon receiving a project completion report to include corresponding receipts.
• Council waived the purchasing policy and awarded a contract to On Call Construction for concrete work at Reginald Small Park in the amount of $12,537.37 plus GST, with the funds to be allocated from the 2019 Parks Capital budget.
• Council approved that Development Permit No. DP-19-01 be issued for the parcel at 272 Glen Road (legally described as Lot 2, District Lot 1680, KDYD, Plan EPP63460. This is associated with the form and character of the development of this property.
• Council formally adopted Bylaw No. 201, 2019 Smoking and Vaping in Public Spaces Regulation. The Bylaw prohibits smoking (including cannabis) within 7.5 metres of an entrance to a public building or District park, sports venue, playground, outdoor public spaces or parking lots. The bylaw comes into effect July 1, 2019. Signs will be posted at applicable locations.
• Council gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 211, 2019 regarding the property located at 429 Haywood Road. This is to construct 10 cabins for overnight stays.
• Council voted in favour of removing the wording relating to Bee Keeping from Bylaw No. 212, 2019 and formally adopted the bylaw as amended. Zoning amendments relating to Bee Keeping will come back to Council at a future date.
• Council gave third reading to Bylaw No. 213, 2019 and Bylaw No. 214, 2019 relating to amendments to the Business Licensing Regulation and Development Procedures respectively.
• Council adopted Liquor and Cannabis License Referrals Policy No. 1902.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 2 p.m.