City of WL at NCLGA 2014

City of WL Mayor Kerry Cook, Councillors S. Rathor/D. Hughes
and City Gen Mgr of Planning/Ops Geoff Goodall

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Both of the resolutions put forward by the City of Williams Lake to the annual North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Convention this week in Fort St John from May 7-9, 2014 had strong support from delegates.

The resolutions were as follows:
• A Junior Council resolution that NCLGA and UBCM establish a youth caucus that would provide an opportunity for youth to participate in sessions to engage youth in civic affairs; and that UBCM member municipalities be encouraged to establish youth councils in their communities.
• A City Council resolution that the NCLGA and UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) advocate the Province of BC for the implementation of the Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning and call for action to begin steps towards implementing a $10/Day Child Care Program for BC.

The resolutions will now be forwarded on to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for consideration.

While in Fort St. John for the annual convention May 7th-9th, members of Council had a positive meeting with Auditor General for Local Government Basia Ruta. The discussion included a performance audit of the City of Rossland's spending on capital projects, and a resulting booklet resource to provide useful tools and advice to a wide range of local governments. The City welcomed the discussion and additional resources from the Auditor General.

The City of Williams Lake is one of six municipalities that will undergo a Performance in Managing Policing Agreements and Police Budget Oversight audit. The audit report will be issued by March 15, 2015. No audit reports will be issued between September and December 2014.

Council members took part in a number of engaging presentations, including a session on mobile workforces and camp structures, and a session on council procedures codes of conduct for elected officials. Cariboo Regional District Area F Director Joan Sorley and Phyllis Webstad gave a presentation on Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation work in Williams Lake.

Keynote speakers included Auditor General for Local Government Basia Ruta, UBCM President Rhona Martin, Secretary of State to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Development Linda Reimer. The convention also included discussion on energy leadership, regulatory reform, and a Q&A panel discussion with major industry representatives. Canadian Olympic speed skater Denny Morrison, who is from Fort St. John, gave an inspiring keynote address to delegates at a dinner Thursday.

Council also took a tour of the Pomeroy Sport Centre, which features two NHL sized ice rinks, one of
only four indoor Olympic-sized long track speed skating ovals in North America, and a 340-metre heated walking track.

Mayor Kerry Cook attended the Annual General Meeting of the Northern Medical Programs Trust, which was established to connect students with communities, growing the success of the Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia.

“We’ve enjoyed the practical sessions at the Convention, and the friendly, welcoming people of Fort St. John,” says Mayor Cook. “The inspiring words from Denny Morrison were a real highlight.”

Established in 1955, The North Central Local Government Association (the elected voice of Central and Northern BC) works to connect communities, identify common challenges and facilitate positive change.