This month I want to begin with two notes of appreciation. Thank you to RCMP Staff Sergeant Kevin Keane for his years of service to Salmon Arm and the Shuswap. We truly appreciate your leadership in reducing crime. While we will miss your presence, we wish you and your family all the best in your new posting and we look forward to meeting our incoming staff sergeant.
It was identified in 2013 that the Syme Bridge, located on 70th Avenue SW, was quickly reaching the end of its useful life and must be replaced. This bridge forms a portion of the city road network and, therefore, it is the responsibility of the city to replace it. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to CSRD area D Director Rene Talbot for recognizing the Syme Bridge also serves CSRD residents in his area and contributing $100,000 from gas tax funds to help pay for the replacement.
After a 46-cm snowfall in January, we can certianly understand the problems that come with the massive snowfall in eastern Canada. Our snowfall, followed by warmer weather and rain resulting in early snow melt, is taking a toll on local roads. A portion of Foothill Road slid away and city engineers have deemed it necessary to close this road until the slope stabilizes and repairs can be completed.
Lastly, following a community input session on cell tower location, council has asked staff to prepare a city policy. The policy will address the installation of new telecommunication towers in the city, with Industry Canada’s Revised Consultation Protocol (2014) serving as the basis. Council asked that some aesthetic and design guidelines, along with early notification, be included in the new policy. You can look forward to the new policy coming to council in a few months.
– Nancy Cooper, Mayor of Salmon Arm
