As a way to ensure supporting Canadian, Williams Lake city council approved waiving their purchasing policy in two instances at their April 15 council meeting.
Council voted in favour of direct awarding a one-year contract extension to Star West Petroleum Ltd. for the supply of unleaded gas and diesel to the city. The city buys fuel in bulk for use at their public works yard and at the Williams Lake Airport for city vehicles and equipment.
Council appeared to be happy with the supplier and with the proposed price.
Coun. Scott Nelson said he's in the business of fuel supply and said it was a good rate.
He also later clarified with the Tribune about any perceived conflict of interest.
"If I do business with them I would always move to obviously declare conflict of interest," said Nelson, who said he knows the owners of Star West Petroleum Ltd. and they're good guys but he doesn't deal with the company.
Nelson said he purchases from the international market.
A rate for the city's fuel is evaluated weekly and the report by staff said the city used approximately 65,000 litres of unleaded gasoline last year and 78,000 litres of diesel fuel at a cost of approximately $248,679.85. Star West Ltd. has supplied the city's fuel for the past two years and is 100 per cent B.C.-owned and fuel products are purchased in Canada.
The city also approved the purchase of a new asphalt recycler trailer for public works road maintenance and repair work.
Council expressed their appreciation for the work staff did in finding a German-based Royal Paving to purchase the equipment from, in order to continue their push for avoiding U.S. capital purchases.
The city will purchase the trailer for $163,654.40.
Council had passed a resolution at their March 18 council meeting directing staff to put a pause on capital purchases and prioritizing buying Canadian as much as possible.
