The Town of Ladysmith watershed resolution found a wave of support at the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
Coun. Steve Arnett said the resolution they brought to the convention — for the province to help local municipalities secure the local watershed through either the aid of purchasing or donation of land — was almost unanimously supported by fellow delegates.
“There were a couple of folks that voted against it, but it went through. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Words of support started rolling around the convention early and when it came time to present the resolution, Arnett said the reasoning is simple.
“Ten years after Walkerton (reference to the Ontario town that had its water supply contaminated), why are we still in a place where we are not protecting our watershed sources from the beginning?” said Arnett, who was spurred into public life by the very issue.
While he is thrilled with the warm reception the town’s resolution received, Arnett said there is still much to be done.
“It doesn’t mean that tomorrow, we are going to be given the deeds to crown lands,” said Arnett.
It was the idea of the support that impressed Arnett.
“It was the principle that was endorsed by the entire province, essentially, that each community should own, control and protect its watershed.”
AT the UBCM, Arnett said there was lots going on. Among them asking B.C. Hydro to freeze the installation of smart meters until more questions are answered, the banning of tanning beds for children under 18 and to continue working with RCMP to reach a deal.
Arnett said fellow councillor Lori Evans gave a very passionate speech on the need to do away with Medical Service Plan premiums and Bruce Whittington spoke to eradicating invasive species such as hogweed.
While at the UBCM, the Town of Ladysmith also received a couple of honours. It was named one of five most business friendly towns (read next week’s Chronicle for more on that) and an honourable mention in the Community Excellence Awards.
“The Community Excellence Awards program recognizes ideas that rise above challenges with vision, creativity and teamwork,” said Community Excellence Awards Chair and East Kootenay Regional District Director, Heath Slee. “This year’s winners represent a showcase of world-leading communities and ideas and we’re very pleased to be able to recognize their accomplishments.”
The town was awarded the honourable mention for accessibility and inclusion for the community services building.
