Williams Lake city council voted unanimously to support a shade sail project for Kiwanis Park by Daybreak Rotary Club.
The city showed their support at their regular council meeting on March 12, formalizing support voiced at the committee of the whole meeting the previous week.
Andrew Sandberg presented to the council at their committee of the whole meeting on March 5.
The club is looking for the city to provide in-kind support for a shade sail project, which would see the installation of a large steel pole and a seasonal shade sail at the park in downtown Williams Lake.
The city agreed to endorse the project in principle, provide a letter of support, and in-kind support from staff if needed.
Sandberg said the 16-by-16 shade is one of the smallest and most basic models the company offers and will cost about $30,000 for the shade alone. He has already spoken to Celtic Engineering and Sugar Cane Archaeology about supporting the project with their professional services as well.
Council acknowledged the work of the Daybreak Rotary in the community and inquired as to staff’s position on the project. Rob Warnock, director of municipal services, said staff had met with Sanberg and already provided their input.
Coun. Moses inquired as to whether Sanberg had considered planting trees at all as a natural option and Sanberg responded simply, they had not.
He said the rotary club wants to install a structure they can have forever. He said his two young daughters would be retired before a tree could provide them shade in the park. Coun. Flaspohler also mentioned there may be challenges with having trees in the park due to overhead power lines and needing ongoing maintenance.
Coun. Delainey asked about the ongoing requirements for maintenance of the sail and Sandberg said it would need to be taken down for the winter and get put back up for the summer, which would be the city’s responsibility.
READ MORE: Williams Lake’s Daybreak Rotary bouldering park open in Boitanio Park
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