Building permit numbers continue to look good, with another $3 million coming in since the third quarter update, for a total of $15.1 million.
With a month left in 2013, our values are approaching double last year’s total of $8.4 million, and are the highest since 2009!
Insp. Warren Brown, CAO Garceau and I attended a Northern Crime Reduction meeting in Prince George last week with representatives from six other northern B.C. municipalities, all of which are in the top in the country’s Crime Severity Index.
We talked about a philosophical change to reducing crime. There needs to be a fundamental shift in how community policing is being addressed, and how communities need to look at community wellness. The province is considering an integrated, cross-ministry approach, which supports the community collaboration efforts in Williams Lake.
Parliamentary Secretary for Crime Reduction and veteran criminologist Dr. Darryl Plecas will bring the Premier’s blue-ribbon crime reduction panel to hold a roundtable consultation session in Williams Lake in January. Stakeholders will have opportunities to discuss current crime reduction approaches in the context of successes, challenges and gaps, as well as new opportunities. Stakeholders will have opportunities to discuss current crime reduction approaches in the context of successes.
The city will be looking forward to the panel’s findings, as improving community safety and wellness remains a top priority.
Hats off to Dave Dickson, who the province named as the Emergency Social Services Volunteer of the Year, one of six public safety volunteers to be recognized. In addition to his ESS duties, Dave works to make Williams Lake a safer community, in addition to volunteering at a number of different organizations. You are a true community builder. Thanks, Dave!
I had a wonderful time on the wagon during the Santa Parade and at Courthouse Square for the Winter Festival.
I saw lots of people come out with their families to share in the spirit of the Christmas season, and of course visit with Santa. Thanks to the BIA and all of the volunteers and sponsors for launching the Christmas season with such a great event!
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.
