CC Joint Committee Meetings resume

Joint Release of the Cariboo RD/City of Williams Lake:

The Central Cariboo Joint Committee (CCJC) resumed business last week on Wednesday, May 22 at the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) office. This is the first time that the members from the City of Williams Lake Council and the central Cariboo Regional District have met since resolving the Williams Lake rural fringe fire protection issue.

“I am pleased the Central Cariboo Joint Committee is back at the table, so that we can progress with important projects such as the Sam Ketcham Pool Study,” says Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Electoral Area F Director Joan Sorley. “I am optimistic that with this return to meetings, we will continue rebuilding our relationship with the City of Williams Lake through the Central Cariboo Joint Committee and in the spirit of collaboration and respect.”

“It is important to continue to work together, and not let disagreements sidetrack important items,” says Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “The possible replacement of the Sam Ketcham Pool is one of those critical items that we must make progress on.”

During the meeting, the CCJC received the final draft of the Williams and District Pool Feasibility study completed by Professional Environmental and Recreation Consultants and Bruce Carscadden Architect. The process to develop the report involved extensive review of the existing facility and public consultation, which was guided by a task force of Central Cariboo Recreation Advisory Committee and other stakeholders. The recommendations for the report will be considered at the next CCJC meeting scheduled for July 10.

To view the final draft of the report, visit the CRD website at cariboord.bc.ca or the City of Williams Lake at williamslake.ca.

Despite the temporary suspension of joint meetings, the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake have been working on important issues such as the negotiation of a new five-year agreement for management of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, which is owned by the CRD and operated by the City. The current agreement expires in December 2013.