Clearwater town council approved granting $500 to the Wilderness Gateway Relay during its June 21 meeting.
The District also will advertise the event on the municipality’s website, Facebook, calendar and Highlights column.
Councilor Stephanie Teare said the relay is a unique event, but was concerned there would not be enough entries. It includes long distances and difficult terrain, and is not for the average family, she felt.
Council also approved awarding a $4,000 contract to Shelley Sim to coordinate the 2011 Canoe Regatta.
Interim chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx pointed out that the District also budgets another $7,000 for the regatta, although it has never spent that much.
Councilor Bert Walker said that the District is therefore spending up to $11,000 for the regatta compared to $500 for the relay.
“Where are we going on this?” he asked. “Are we being fair and level?”
Candus Graffunder said it is necessary to hold strong community events, such as the regatta, to draw people to Clearwater.
“This is our signature event,” she said.
“It’s truly a family event and we have to keep it,” said Christy Dobi of the regatta.
New subdivision fees
Council approved a graduated fee system for subdividing property. For three lots or fewer, the cost will be $350 per lot. From three to 20 lots, the fee will be $250 per lot. Owners subdividing into more than 20 lots will pay $100 per lot.
The present system with one flat rate encourages landowners to subdivide in a piecemeal manner. The hope is the graduated system will encourage them to subdivide all at once, making more property available for homes and other developments.
New approving officer
Council approved naming Ridley (Lee) Dodds as the municipality’s approving officer.
The role had previously been part of Isabell Hanford’s portfolio when she was chief administrative officer, said Bert Walker. However, council does not want to over burden Leslie Groulx while she acts as interim CAO and so Dodds is being hired. Dodds also acts as approving officer for Sun Peaks.
The approving officer is responsible for ruling on subdivision proposals within municipal boundaries.
Union negotiations coming
District of Clearwater has hired Western Industrial Relations to negotiate with its CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) workers, said Mayor John Harwood.
At present there are two CUPE contracts – one for the Sportsplex and one for the office and maintenance staff. Both are coming up this year and the District would like to see the two rolled into one agreement.
