A new transit agreement between the city and BC Transit will see fares remain the same.
In a report city council received during its regular meeting Tuesday, April 25 the director of development services Leah Hartley said the agreement for 2017 and 2018 reflects slowly rising costs, capital budgeting and administrative changes within BC Transit without significant increase in ridership or revenues.
Based on the past four years results, Hartley noted the city anticipates the service offer a total 72,119 rides, plus 8,750 HandyDart rides, 203 taxi supplement rides, 653 taxi saver rides and 916 health connections for a total of 82,641.
Hartley also recommended that BC Transit be invited to a committee of the whole meeting within the next six months to present details of its fleet upgrade program.
The city will also ask transit to provide increased afternoon service on Route 1 – the community bus – effective September 2017.
Intercommunity
business license
discussed
Council has directed staff to contact other communities in the region to see if there is an interest to pursue an intercommunity business license. In discussions with the Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, staff learned that one business license would work in other communities and the ministry would provide a template for the bylaws associated with setting it up.
“It would be very pro business and reduce costs,” Coun. Scott Nelson said.
Parking variances approved
Wave Properties Ltd. has been given permission to reduce the off-street parking requirements from 44 to 35 spaces for the new Mr. Mike’s Restaurant.
Council approved making one of the parking spaces on Oliver Street near Kentucky Fried Chicken a handicapped parking only as an alternative to making it no-parking.
Building permit
approved
Charter Bus Lines of BC has been given the green light to build a new bus garage at 1125 Murray Drive. Council approved a develop permit for the project and a proposed parking variance for a partial gravel parking area at the back of the lot.
Zoning amendments
The lot containing the former Cariboo Lodge at 185 Fourth Ave. North will have to be rezoned at comprehensive development for the construction of the new 70-bed residential care facility.
Council gave first two readings to a zoning amendment bylaw for the lot and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, May 23 at 7 p.m.
A zoning amendment for properties at 105 to 117 Paxton Road will be adopted after the owners complete health and safety requirements. The owners have requested the zoning be changed from South Lakeside Residential to Comprehensive Development.
The zoning amendment for a drive-thru restaurant being proposed at 1704 Broadway Ave. South has been given three readings and will now go the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval before council can give final approval.
Final approval has been given to rezone 113 Mayfield Ave. from service commercial to single family residential to allow for two mobile homes on the property.
Cemetery agreement approved
The city has signed a five-year agreement with Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services to operate the Williams Lake Cemetery Niche Walls and Spreading Garden Operating agreement.
Development cost charges bylaw
Council has asked staff to bring forward a report outlining how $1.6 million in development cost charge reserves are allocated for water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage and highways.
“Coun. Craig Smith has been developing this for use in the 2018 budget,” Mayor Walt Cobb said. “We want to make sure the money is going back to the right department so we know where we can spend it.”
Upcoming events
Lakers Car Club 22nd Annual Round-up Show and Shine will take place Sunday, May 28 from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the downtown.
Aboriginal Day celebrations will take place on Wednesday, June 21 beginning at 10 a.m. with a parade.
Organizers of the 2017 Stampede Parade, taking place Saturday, July 1 are encouraging city council to participate.
Proclamations
At the request of Cariboo Prince George MP Todd Doherty the city will proclaim Saturday, June 3 as National Health and Fitness Day in Williams Lake.
The month of May is proclaimed by the city as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Williams Lake.
At the request of Cariboo Prince George MP Todd Doherty the city will proclaim Saturday, June 3 as National Health and Fitness Day in Williams Lake.
The month of May is proclaimed by the city as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Williams Lake.
At the request of Cariboo Prince George MP Todd Doherty the city will proclaim Saturday, June 3 as National Health and Fitness Day in Williams Lake.
The month of May is proclaimed by the city as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Williams Lake.
Janitorial contract extended
A contract for janitorial services with Pact Enterprises Janitorial has been extended for another year for the bid price of $105,036, excluding applicable taxes. The contract covers janitorial services at city hall, the worksyard, the fire hall and Tourism Discovery Centre.
