Editor's Note - Although there was already money allocated for a new Rick Hansen sign earlier this year and in light of another temporary shutdown (rumoured) at the old Lignum's mill (Tolko's Lakeview Division) because of wet conditions in the bush, I'm wondering maybe if this plan should be re-evaluated for appropriateness. I remember the public wasn't happy about the statutues going up around Williams Lake in 2007-2008, due to cost and the then-state of the local economy
1) City Council adopts new criteria for boulevard parking
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Williams Lake City Council adopted Traffic Control Amendment Bylaw No. 2139, which revises the criteria for boulevard parking in residential zones of the city.
The City held public consultation sessions on the bylaw in the spring of 2011, and incorporated public feedback in the revised criteria, which are as follows:
1. Parking spot must be delineated (must have a clear border)
2. Parking spot must be surfaced either by paving (preferred), crush, or with grindings (available from the City at a low cost)
3. Parking spot must be connected to driveway
4. Homeowner can request a “curb drop” however this cost will be borne by the homeowner
5. Plans for parking spots must be approved by the General Manager of Planning and Operations (GMPO) BEFORE construction takes place
6. Parking spot must be clearly marked in the winter months for easy identification by snow removal crews
7. All passenger vehicles parked within boulevard parking spots must be licensed and insured
8. No recreational vehicles, trailers, or storage of any kind
9. Vehicle must not exceed size of allotted area both in width and length
10. Deadline for markers: October 31 of any given year to correspond with beginning of snow removal season.
The Bylaw Department will be actively enforcing these new criteria in the coming months.
Questions about the revised boulevard parking criteria can be directed to General Manager of Planning and Operation, via the City’s Communications Coordinator at 250-398-8488 or via email at kmacinnis@williamslake.ca
2) Council adopts Industrial Tax Revitalization Program
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, City Council adopted an Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Program, with the aim of providing another tool to attract investment in the community and offer incentives to current industries to upgrade their facilities.
The program is unique in that it links the amount of tax exemption to three strategic goals: capital investment, job creation, and green building initiatives.
The program provides three classes of tax exemption for industrial properties in the north end of Williams Lake and at the Williams Lake Regional Airport. Tax reductions are offered through three classes of five year declining exemption terms; with higher scoring developments receiving higher tax exemptions. The City will realize new tax revenues from each property participating in the program in the second year of their exemption term and beyond.
“Increased revenue from additional industrial investment may help us reduce tax rates for all properties in the industrial rate class,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “That is something this council has promised to address, and we will continue to work to foster a positive atmosphere for business and industrial development in Williams Lake.”
For more information, please contact:
Alan Madrigga
Economic Development Manager
Ph: 250-392-1764 or amadrigga@williamslake.ca
3) Rick Hansen Highway #97 South Sign to be replaced with a Monument
The City of Williams Lake has become aware of public concern with the condition of the Rick Hansen sign at the Welcome to Williams Lake on Highway 97 South.
The City is in the process of developing a new commemoration feature for Rick Hansen that will coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the Man in Motion Tour, which will be routed through Williams Lake and include an End of Day celebration in March 2012.
The City has commissioned Three Dimensional Services Inc. to design a new Rick Hansen Man in Motion Celebration Monument at the Tourism Discovery Centre to replace the existing sign. The monument will be erected well before the arrival of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. The design will be approved by Council before construction begins.
The City is looking to remove the sign due to its poor condition. It will not be replaced, as the pullout may eventually be eliminated to accommodate major road reconstruction in that area in the future.
The City is still looking for members to join the Rick Hansen Anniversary Relay Celebration Committee. Contact Deb Radolla at 250-392-1788 or dradolla@williamslake.ca if you are interested in serving on the committee.
4) Williams Lake Council explores Dangerous Weapons Bylaw
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Williams Lake City Council directed staff to investigate and develop a Dangerous Weapons Bylaw that would control the sale of bear spray and prohibit the sale of machetes and bladed weapons intended for purposes other than dressing or preparing food. This comes after a request from the Williams Lake RCMP.
Council also directed staff to send letters to those retailers who currently sell such items requesting their cooperation in exercising discretion when selling them. City staff will investigate examples from other municipalities and consult with the RCMP and the City’s legal counsel in the preparation of a draft bylaw for consideration by Council.
Increasingly, violent incidents in the city involve the use of machetes and bear spray and the Williams Lake RCMP are routinely finding these weapons being carried by criminals as a weapon of choice. The possession of these items as weapons presents a risk to law enforcement officers and those who may become involved in altercations with these individuals.
“Council is committed to exploring ways to add additional tools in our pursuit of crime reduction,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “There is no reason for residents to be in possession these weapons in our City, unless pursuing outdoor or wilderness pursuits.
“The aim of the bylaw is to better control the availability of these weapons, not to interfere with City businesses. We can all take steps to reduce the number of weapons in our city, and to reduce violent crime as well.”
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