Inaugural Meeting of 2026-2030 Williams Lake Municipal Council - November 3rd, 2026

The Inauguration Ceremony began at 6:00pm

Mayor-Elect SPS Rathor and Councillors-elect P. French, R. Lloyd, M. Moses, S. Nelson, J. Ryll and N. Wiebe were escorted into Williams Lake Council Chambers, led by a piper/drum procession

Williams Lake First Nation provided a Drumming Ceremony (Honour Song)

Oaths of Office & Allegiance were then conducted and completed by BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson for Mayor-elect SPS Rathor and BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson presented the Williams Lake Mayoral Chain of Office to Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor

Oaths of Office & Allegiance were then conducted and completed for Councillors-elect P. French, R. Lloyd, M. Moses, S. Nelson, J. Ryll and N. Wiebe by BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson 

Mayor Rathor thanked the previous Williams Lake City Council for their work on behalf of the community of Williams Lake and wished them well in their future endeavours 

Council approved the November 3rd, 2026 Inaugural Meeting Agenda - as presented (click here)

Inaugural Meeting Video here

Inaugural Addresses:

Mayor Rathor and Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll and Wiebe then provided their Inaugural Addresses to commence their 2026-2030 term of office

Inaugural Business:

1) 2026 City of Williams Lake General Local Election results

Council received for information a report of the Chief Election Officer regarding the 2026 City of Williams Lake General Local Election results

2) Annual Council Meeting Schedule for 2027

Council adopted its' meeting schedule for 2027

3) Designation of Councillors as Acting Mayor - 2026/2027

Council designated Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll and Wiebe to serve as Acting Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor for the November and December 2026/2027 term 

4) Council Committee (Internal/External) Appointments for 2026/2027

Council endorsed the recommendations of Mayor Surinderpal Rathor for Council appointments to Committees, Ad Hoc/Select Committees and Community Committees for the 2026/2027 term - click here

5) Cariboo Regional District Appointments for 2026/2027 - City Director and Alternate Director

Council appointed Mayor Surinderpal Rathor to serve as Director representing the City of Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term, with Councillor Jason Ryll to serve as Alternate Director 

6) NDIT Appointment - City of Williams Lake

Council appointed Councillor Michael Moses to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Board as the City’s Director for 2026/2027 and Councillor Ruth Lloyd to serve as the City’s Alternate Director

7) MIABC (Municipal Insurance Association of BC) Appointments for 2026/2027 - City Delegate & Alternates

Council appointed Councillor Scott Nelson as the City of Williams Lake delegate to the Municipal Insurance Association of BC for 2026-27 and Councillor Paul French and Councillor Nathan Wiebe to serve as first and second alternates, respectively.

8) Cariboo RD representative on NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Board of Directors 

Council received a letter from the Cariboo Regional District dated October 23, 2026 advising of the nomination period for appointments of Cariboo Regional District representatives (appointee/alternate) to the NCLGA Board of Directors' and Council agreed to endorse Mayor Rathor to be considered for this appointment by the Cariboo Regional District Board at its' November 13, 2026 meeting

9) 2027 Wrestling Day in the City of Williams Lake

Council proclaimed January 2, 2027 as “Wrestling Day” in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to Council Policy No. 115.

10) Congratulatory Messages

Council received for information messages of congratulations to Mayor and Council on election to office from Tolko Industries Ltd. and Thompson Rivers University,

11) Messages from the Public Gallery

Members of the Public Gallery addressed Council 

And then Council adjourned at 7:41pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 27, 2026 mtg

Editor's Note -- this is the final meeting of the 2022-2026 Williams Lake Municipal Council

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

The Mayor welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth and incoming Williams Lake City Councillors-elect Paul French, Jason Ryll and Nathan Wiebe to tonight's Council meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (Late Item) - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the cheque listings/Electronic Funds Transfer for the period of October 8-22, 2026

2) Regarding the 2026 Annual "Memory Tree" Celebration -- Council authorized the following: 

a) approve the placement of the 'In Memory' book, signage and ornaments in the Williams Lake City Hall lobby from mid-November 2026 leading up to the event, as well as a donation/draw box to be located at the reception counter during these dates;

b) approve the use of the Williams Lake City Hall lobby and a tree for displaying of the name ornaments from mid-November through December;

c) approve the use of Williams Lake Council Chambers on December 6th for a small ceremony for the reading of the 'In Memory' book names to be recorded and posted for public viewing online;

d) approve the barricading of the Williams Lake City Hall parking lot during the Memory Tree event taking place outside City Hall on Sunday, December 7, 2025 for the lighting of the Hospice Tree, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

e) and that the event be coordinated with City of Williams Lake Staff and the Williams Lake Fire Department

3) Council received for information a letter from the BC Deputy Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General dated October 21, 2026, following up on the City of Williams Lake's delegation with the Minister of Public Safety/Solicitor-General  at the annual UBCM convention in September 2026 regarding RCMP funding and prolific and repeat offending concerns

4) Council received for information a list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235 regarding proclamations, flag raising or lighting requests

5) Late Item - Mayor Rathor presented a discussion item around recognition of Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA/Premier-designate Lorne Doerksen as being the 1st Premier of British Columbia from Williams Lake.  Following discussion, the following Resolution was agreed to: 

THAT Council Policy be waived and that a Certificate of Merit be presented to MLA Lorne Doerksen as the 1st Premier of British Columbia from Williams Lake

5) Council received for information the Council Information Package as of October 27, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities as well as "Council Farewell Statements" from the outgoing 2022-2026 Williams Lake City Council

6) Closed Council Meeting

At 6:39 pm -- Council approved the following resolution: 

That Council now resolve into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Meeting -- according to Section 92 of the Community Charter (Charter) for discussion of items identified under Section 90 of the Charter:

 (1a - personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality) 

And then Council adjourned at 6:40pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 6, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

The Mayor welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Council meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area appeared before Council to provide a Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy Update - presentation here

2)  Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best from the Williams Lake Skatepark Association appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project - presentation here

Following each presentation - a Question/Answer period ensued...

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegations for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

1) Council received for information the presentation of Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area regarding an update on the Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy and successes in the work of poverty reduction in Williams Lake, the request of the Social Planning Council for a continued Council liaison was endorsed and their request for further financial support was referred to the 2027 budget process for consideration 

2) Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best, Williams Lake Skatepark Association, regarding an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project in Boitanio Park; agreed to endorse the project and City Staff were directed to continue working with the Association on the skatepark redevelopment project, including grant research and that the feasibility report be referred to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee when the Society presents to the Committee

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfer listings dated September 24 and October 1, 2026

* Quarter 3 2026 Budget Status Report 

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held September 23, 2026 

* Council Information Package, as of October 6, 2026

2) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council directed Staff to send a response to the LCRB (Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch) regarding the relocation of an existing cannabis retail licence application at #420-1185 Prosperity Way that states: 

(a) The City of Williams Lake has considered the location of the proposed store and the views of the residents; and 

(b) The City of Williams Lake recommends the application be issued, as minimal concerns have been identified by the various City departments on the general impact to the community, and the proposal aligns with Council Policy No. 213 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 [insert any additional Council reasons] and include a record of the community consultation with the response to the LCRB regarding the licence application

3) Council directed Staff to purchase bike racks for the remaining three locations using LGCAP money in accordance with the City of Williams Lake Purchasing Policy and work with the Cariboo Regional District to install bike racks outside the Gibraltar Room Entrance, as previously requested

4) Council approved free transit service (i.e. conventional and HandyDART) on general voting day for the Provincial Election, taking place on Saturday, October 24, 2026

5) Council approved meals, travel, compensation and other associated expenses for interested Council members to attend the 162nd Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day in Quesnel, BC on October 26, 2026

6) Council approved 2 Recommendations from a previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #08-2026 and the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 15, 2026, the Contract Services Agreement and the Arts Centre Management and Operations Agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed for five-year terms with annual payments of $81,000 and $35,000, respectively, plus applicable taxes; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements. (Editor's note -- this recommendation was also endorsed by the Cariboo Regional Board as its' October 2, 2026 meeting)

b)  That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #09-2026 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated September 8, 2026, the Minutes of the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group meetings held August 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026, together with the results of the Request for Proposals process for an Indoor Sport Feasibility Study, be received for information and Council endorse award of the Indoor Sport Facility Feasibility Study RFP to HCMA Architecture and Design for the bid price of $64,500, plus applicable taxes

7) Council authorized the following, in relation to the annual 2026 Remember Day events in Williams Lake: 

* approve the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 24 to November 11, 2026; 

* approve the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11, 2026 at 11:00am, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested

* approve the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony

* authorize the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole for the week of November 7 through 11, 2026

8) Council agreed to support the request of the Station House Studio & Gallery Society in their letter dated September 30, 2026 their application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust 'Community Places' Program for up to $30,000 toward their restoration, safety, accessibility and security upgrades project to the historic Station House building

9) Council approved an amendment to the Williams Lake & District Seniors Centre's 

2025 Better at Home Program fee for service agreement to permit use of remaining unused funds from their 2025/2026 seniors snow removal service, due both to the mild recent winters and challenges retaining snow removal contractors, toward their seniors lawn maintenance program

And then Council adjourned at 7:18pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Sept 22, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillor M. Moses

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Jane Wellburn & Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group 

Presentation here

Following their presentation - a Question/Answer period ensued...

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council regarding an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group and request for continued support of research and funding opportunities for implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan and that the Plan be endorsed and budget resources be committed in support of the Williams Lake Active Transportation Network Plan over multiple years 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfers listings dated September 10 and 17, 2026

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings - as of September 22, 2026

* Council Information Package, as of September 22, 2026

2) Council approved a 2026 application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund ‘Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training’ Program for funding of up to $30,000 to enhance the capacity of the local Emergency Support Services (ESS) team

3) Council directed the Corporate Officer to file a Notice on Title (Section 57, Community Charter (BC)) for property at 3018 Edwards Drive for not being in compliance with the City of Williams Lake's Building Bylaw/BC Building Code

4) Council awarded the Works Yard Zone 2 Loop Upgrade contract, a phase of the Mackenzie Fireflow Rezoning project, to Morben Construction Ltd. for the construction tender amount of $154,707.94, excluding GST, for a total project value of $184,707.94

5) Late Items: 

* Council received a verbal report of the Mayor regarding the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention from Sept 14-18, 2026

* At request of Councillor Nelson -- 

That a letter be forwarded to the Provincial Government requesting information on the status of the San Jose Watershed (water entering Williams Lake and flowing into Williams Creek) and the plan of the Provincial Government 

And then Council adjourned at 7:09pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - September 8, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Lyons and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillors Flaspohler and Moses

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Janda Group appeared before Council to provide a verbal update on the Boitanio Mall Residential Housing Development

Following their presentation -- A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information 

Business:

1) Council received/received for information the following: 

* accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfer listings dated August 27 and September 3, 2026 

* "Council Information Package" as of September 8, 2026

2) Council endorsed a recommendation from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows: 

Council receive for information the report of the Community Well-Being & Safety Coordinator and further:

 A. That Council use the attached summary to inform discussions and advocacy efforts at the upcoming UBCM Convention focussing on the reports top recommendations and requesting:

    i. expanded access to mental health, detox and withdrawal services in Williams Lake,

    ii. additional policing resources in Williams Lake, and

    iii. the creation of 50 additional complex care housing units in Williams Lake.

B. That, following the 2026 UBCM Convention, staff review the immediate, local level recommendations from the attached survey for potential options to consider in the near/medium term; and

C. That information gathered through the survey, interviews, and public engagement session be used to help inform future strategic planning and current community safety initiatives, as well as the 2027 budget process.”

At the request of Councillor Nelson, it was RESOLVED:

That Council request Staff to arrange a meeting between Red Road Recovery/Interior Health with the key goal to establish expanded access to mental health, addictions, involuntary and detox beds for Williams Lake 

Motion for Closed Council Meeting - 6:48pm:

It was RESOLVED:

Following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting -- Council proceed into a Closed Meeting according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Sections 90(1) of the Community Charter, as follows:

1a - personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality, 

1c - labour relations or other employee relations AND

1j - information that is prohibited, or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited, from disclosure, under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

And then Council adjourned at 6:49pm

Committee of the Whole (Williams Lake Council) Session - Sept 1, 2026 mtg

Present in the Rick Hansen Boardroom: Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors J. Flaspohler, M. Moses and S. Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillors S. Boehm and J. Lyons

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Community Safety Concerns - Public Survey Feedback

Report of the Community Well-Being & Safety Coordinator was presented to the Committee

Report/Presentation here

Following the presentation -- a discussion ensued thereon....

Committee Recommendation to Williams Lake Council:

That Council receive this report for information; and further: 

1. That Council use the attached summary to inform discussions and advocacy efforts at the upcoming UBCM Convention; 

2. That, following the 2026 UBCM Convention, staff review the immediate, local level recommendations from the attached survey for potential options to consider in the near/medium term; 

3. That information gathered through the survey, interviews, and public engagement session be used to help inform future strategic planning and current community safety initiatives, as well as the 2027 budget process. 

4. Advocate for more complex addiction/mental health care beds for Williams Lake... 

There being no further business -- the Committee then adjourned

Williams Lake Council Highlights - August 25, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Council meeting and acknowledged the absence of Councillors A. Delainey and J. Lyons

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Resolved: That the Mayor be authorized to provide a letter of achievement and certificate to Mr. Pat Matthews for his significant involvement in local radio 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* accounts payable computer cheque and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfers) listings dated August 13 and 20, 2026

* Letter from UBCM or Union of BC Municipalities Resolution re Extraordinary Resolution 2025-ER1 - Existing Policy ('2026 Health Care Provider Crisis' Submission) 

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings as per Council Policy #235 (August 31, 2026 - International Overdose Awareness Day and September 10, 2026 - World Suicide Prevention Day) 

* Council Information Package as of August 25, 2026

2) Council approved compensation, registration and travel expenses for those wishing to attend the UBCM Annual Convention being held in Vancouver, BC from September 14 to 18, 2026

3) Council directed staff to initiate the public notification and agency referrals process for the proposed relocation of an existing retail cannabis store to be located at #420-1185 Prosperity Way and that it be brought back for final consideration of Council at their October 6, 2026 regular meeting, following receipt of public input at the meeting, as well as agency and public comments received, after completion of the public notification process (including notices to be posted by the applicant in the required timeframe) conducted in a format as approved by Williams Lake's Chief Administrative Officer

4) Council approved free transit service (i.e. conventional and HandyDART) for Municipal Election Day taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026

5) Council approved a Committee of the Whole recommendation concerning the timeline for the 2027 Budget/2027-2032 Five Year Financial Plan, as follows: 

Council approve the proposed budget and five-year financial plan preparation timeline for 2027 and that:

i) Staff be directed to prepare a budget based on maintaining services and staffing levels at existing levels,

ii) Achieve a zero percent increase in the mil rate be a goal for preparing the 2027 budget,

iii) A report be prepared for Council's consideration on options for funding the Water Treatment Plant project,

iv) Staff be directed to investigate options for grants to offset the costs of the capital project costs, and

v) An analysis be provided showing the costs of maintaining status quo service levels compared with 2026 costs

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor J. Flaspohler

And then Council adjourned at 6:42pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - August 11, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Delainey, Boehm, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillor J. Flaspohler

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Presentations/Delegations:

Council presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Kayla Lucas for her extraordinary actions during a KIJHL hockey game between the Quesnel River Rush and the Williams Lake Mustangs on March 9, 2026

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* A/P Computer Cheque and Electronic Funds Transfer for the period of July 16, 23, 30 and August 6, 2026 

* WLFD/Williams Lake Fire Department Rapid Response Crew - Operational Update

* Response Letter from BC Health Minister Osborne re Support for Ambulance Paramedics of BC

* Response Letter from BC Forests Minister Parmar re Forestry is a Solution Initiative

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raising List - as per Council Policy #235 

* Council Information Package - as of August 11, 2026

From the Council Information Package and at the request of Councillor Moses -- the letter from Billie Sheridan regarding Response to Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Naming Rights Policy was referred to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for its' information

2) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council approved Development Permit No. 05-2025 for Altus Group, on behalf of the owner – BC Housing, to permit construction of a 51-unit supportive housing complex located at 845 Carson Drive

3) Council authorized entering into a Licence of Occupation Agreement with Wave Properties Ltd., Inc. No. BC0689786 for an existing overhead awning sign located at 29 Third Avenue South 

4) Council authorized a letter be sent from the Mayor of Williams Lake to the Premier of BC and relevant provincial Ministers outlining the importance of the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) funding and the critical need for continuation of this funding program and directed that the letter be shared with local MLAs, NCLGA, UBCM and all BC municipalities & regional districts

5) Council ratified an email poll as follows: 

"Council provide a resolution of support for the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice’s application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust's Marketing Initiatives Program for funding to support the group’s Physician Recruitment Marketing Expansion Initiative"

6) Council awarded the contract for the Fire Service Review, Community Risk Assessment, and Fire Master Plan to Tim Pley & Associates Limited (TPA) for the proposal price of $66,113.25, including applicable taxes, reflecting the City’s deductive scope change issued during the RFP process

7) Council waived its' Purchasing Policy No. 138 to approve a direct award for the re-bricking of the retort at the Crematorium to Stingray Crematory Services Ltd. for the purchase price of $71,000.00, plus applicable taxes

Motion to Proceed to Closed Session:

At 6:49pm -- Council passed the following motion: 

That Council proceed into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Sections 90 of the Community Charter, as follows:

(1j) information that is prohibited, or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited, from disclosure, under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

(1k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interest of the municipality if they were held in public

And then Council adjourned at 6:50pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - July 14, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Boehm, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda, with 1 Late Item, adopted (Verbal Report of Mayor Rathor re: Minimum Payment of Property Taxes paid by seniors') 

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated June 25, July 2 and 9, 2026

* Downloading of Costs Q1 and Q2 2026 Update

* Q2 2026 Budget Status Report

* Minutes of the June 24, 2026 meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings as per Council Policy #235

* Council Information Package - as of July 14, 2026

2) Council ratified emails polls, as follows: 

i) Support for WLFN (Williams Lake First Nation) Green Municipal Fund Grant Application

ii) Support for WLFN's (Williams Lake First Nation) NDIT/Northern Development Grant Application

3) Council awarded the Tender for supply of winter sand to Peterson Contracting

for the tendered price of $34.86 per cubic metre, excluding applicable

taxes (GST)

4) Council awarded the tender for supply of dried bulk highway salt to Chances

Bulk Unloading, for a three-year contract, for the tendered price per tonne of: year one $275.80, year two $289.40 and year three $301.28, including applicable taxes

5) Council awarded the contract for CCTV camera inspection and cleaning of approximately 20,888 metres of sanitary sewer mains to C3 Mainline Inspections Inc. for the bid price of $111,541.92, excluding applicable taxes

6) Council received an update on the REDIP/Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program grant status and revised Workforce Recruitment and Retention Program activities plan and approved a contribution of $78,000 over two years in 2027 and 2028 to support

the WRRP or Workforce Recruitment and Retention Program activities

7) Council endorsed 1 recommendation from a recently held Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows: 

That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #07-2026, the report of the Director of

Community Services dated June 17, 2026 regarding an update on the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group and June 1, 2026 ISFWG Minutes be received and the Terms of Reference for the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group be endorsed

Editor's Note -- this same recommendation was approved at the July 10, 2026 meeting of the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors' 

8) Council approved the following Resolution: 

"That the public art installation proposal from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society seeking approval from the City, as facility owner, for installation of their proposed "Cariboo Confluence: A Celebration of Place" mural on the exterior facade of the Central Cariboo Arts Centre adjacent to the main entrance facing Borland Street, with the project to commence later in 2026 and be completed over two phases, be received and Council endorse the proposal"

9) Late Item - at request of Mayor Rathor, Council agreed to request a staff report on advocating to the Provincial Government regarding programs for seniors to assist them with paying their property taxes

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities

Mayor Rathor advised that this would be the last Roundtable session for the 2022-2026 Williams Lake Municipal Council, as per Section 18(3) of the Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw, as follows: 

Notwithstanding Section 18(1)(k) (Order of Business at Council Meetings), Roundtable shall not be included as part of any Council (meeting) agendas for the period of three months (90 days) prior to any by-election or general local election of members to the Council (Mayor/Councillor(s))

Proceed to Closed Council Meeting:

At 6:56pm -- Council passed the following motion: 

That Council proceed into a Closed Meeting - following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting - according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items

identified under Section 90 (1) or (2), as follows:  

(1c) labour relations or other employee relations 

And then Council adjourned at 6:57pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - June 23, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Boehm, Moses and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillor J. Lyons

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Presentation:

Mayor/Council presented a "Accessibility Award of Merit" to Four Rivers Co-Op as well as a Certificate of Appreciation for 20th Anniversary of Sho-gun Martial Arts in Williams Lake

Business:

1) Council received or received for information -- 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated June 11 and 18, 2026

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held May 27, 2026

* Information Related to TRU Williams Lake Campus - Social Planning Council Community Survey Results

* News Release from BC Ministry of Public Safety/Solicitor-General re: Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative Expansion (CPOII) and further, that the Williams Lake RCMP provide, as part of their quarterly report to Council, information on the Prolific Offender Program and Stats 

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings for the period ending June 23, 2026

2) Following Public Input -- Council approved the 2025 Annual Report for the City of Williams Lake 

3) Council agreed to support Williams Lake First Nation’s grant application to the Government of Canada’s ‘Community Opportunity Readiness Program’ to fund Phase 1 of the Nation’s Northside Development project

4) Council accepted the donation of $4,030.92 from the BC Northern Real Estate Board for the expressed purpose of supporting the Williams Lake Fire Department’s Live Fire Training Shipping Container Project.  In addition: staff were authorized to proceed with the purchase of a used metal shipping container and complete associated work within the existing operational budget, with donor recognition to be carried out as described in the Staff report

5) Council approved an application to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for $25,000 towards two Williams Lake Fire Department electric fans.

6) Council added Courthouse Square repaving to the 2026 Paving Rehabilitation projects, award the repaving to Keywest Asphalt Ltd. for the amount of $125,807.00, and approved project budget over expenditure with deficit to be covered from Reserve for Downtown Parking funds, for a total value with contingency of $138,387.70

7) Council awarded the repaving of portions of Pioneer Drive to Keywest Asphalt Ltd. for $107,005.60 to be allocated from unused 2026 paving budget, for a total value with contingency of $119,846.27

8) Council endorsed two recommendations from a previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows:

* That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #05-2026 and the report of the Community Services Facilities Manager dated April 29, 2026, the Naming Rights Policy for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be adopted as presented and staff develop revenue-generating opportunities based on the policy framework.

* That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #06-2026, the Performances in the Park event support and delivery agreement between the Cariboo Regional District, the City of Williams Lake, the Williams Lake First Nation and the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed as amended for a three-year term, including an annual payment of $22,000 to the Society for eight summer events; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement.

Editor's Note -- the above-noted recommendations were also endorsed by the Cariboo Regional District Board , at their June 19, 2026 meeting

9) Council endorsed 3 recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows: 

* Safety & Security Concerns of Muslim Community in Williams Lake -- view here

Editor's Note: Council approved Items 1,2 in the recommendation from Councillor Moses while Items 3-7 was referred to the Social Planning Council requesting input as to items that they have the capacity to action

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #12-2026 and the report of the Planner dated May 26, 2026, Council direct staff not to pursue further investigation, development, or implementation of policies permitting the use of non-standard vehicles for regular transportation use on City roadways at this time

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #13-2026, Council authorize the Mayor to approve correspondence on a timely and an as-needed basis expressing the City's perspective on community impacts of sentencing and/or releasing of prolific offenders in the community.

Members of Council reported on their recent activities 

And then Council adjourned at 7:42pm