During the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities conference at the end of September, Williams Lake city council hopes it can meet with provincial ministers and ministry staff.
At its committee of the whole meeting Aug. 7, council began to prioritize a list of meetings.
Coun. Surinderpal Rathor said his main priority is water and sewer for Woodland Drive.
“We have to persist,” he said.
For Coun. Laurie Walters, infrastructure funding for aging recreational facilities is a concern.
Coun. Sue Zacharias said New Prosperity mine is a priority that council members should be bringing to the attention of all ministers.
“We need jobs, we need a bigger economy, we need work and need something to be happening,” she said.
She also pointed out the city’s latest standings with crime and violence.
“Again we’ve hit the radar, even though we’re down. We shouldn’t give up talking about that. Do we need a crime analysis person?”
Mayor Kerry Cook advocated discussions about the community forest, the Cariboo Memorial Hospital master plan, First Nations relationships and reconciliation, advanced education and international students.
“It’s also important to have a meeting outside of the ministers with the premier, to give an overview of our major projects. I think a meeting with CN Rail is also important,” Cook said.
Coun. Danica Hughes voiced concerns about intoxicated persons in public spaces.
“There are no laws that the police can enforce other than a $100 fine for public intoxication and I think that our domestic violence numbers and intoxication go hand and hand. I would like us to have a discussion about public intoxication because it’s a huge drain on hospitals and the RCMP.”
Cook suggested it might be a good resolution to put forward at the next North Central Local Government Association annual meeting.
Coun. Geoff Bourdon advocated the city inquire about being the venue for pilot projects.
“There are a lot of projects that have come through that have been hugely beneficial for us because we were the right place for the pilot,” he said.
Cook also requested a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure the Toop Road intersection remains on the table, as well as discussion on BC Rail properties.
Acting chief administrative officer Geoff Goodall told council staff will take the suggestions and prepare a report for council’s approval before submitting meeting requests by the Aug. 17 deadline.
