A shorter meeting for the Williams Lake City Council carried motions on initiatives aimed to help the Lake City’s economic growth during these trying times.
A motion that encourages residents to buy Williams Lake and Canadian
The mayor and Council unanimously carried a late item motion that asks residents to consider the items they buy from grocery stores and other businesses to stand with Canada against the potential tariffs from President Donald Trump.
“President Trump has been bullying us to become a 51st state of America. No, sir. It is not acceptable,” Mayor Rathor said. “I want to make sure our committee know this council is unitedly standing together, this community is standing together with Team Canada.”
The Council encourages residents of Williams Lake to be wary of which items they purchase, look for the “Product of Canada” labels. Council also encourages residents to shop at local markets and stores as much as possible.
Frustration with no Atlantic Power Deal continues
Councillor Scott Nelson delivered an emotionally driven speech on the importance of Atlantic Power in the region, and the “failures of Premier David Eby” in not closing a deal.
“He sat there 6 months ago and heard why this power plant is important, and still nothing.”
Williams Lake Mayor and Council, as well as the Cariboo Regional District, sent letters last week and earlier this week to Premier Eby and BC Hydro demanding action to ensure Atlantic Power stays open.
At the time of writing, BC Hydro, nor Premier Eby’s office have responded with a comment on the Atlantic Power situation.
Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws Request for Proposals
An update to the City’s Official Community Plan as part of the legislative changes made by the Provincial Government in 2023 was approved.
The updated bylaws ensure that small-scale multi-unit housing and the Housing Needs Report are included and embraced by local community bylaws. The Province has directed local municipalities that these bylaws need to be updated by December 2025.
“This is essentially a five-stage program that will encompass the direction that we will grow as a community over the next number of years,” says Councillor Scott Nelson.
City Staff estimate that $300,000 is needed to complete this bylaw project. $200,358 was already given to the City by the province in 2024. City Staff have requested $25,000 from the Capital Budget approved last meeting be invested to complete the mandated policy updates. The remaining $75,000 will be acquired from various grants.
Williams Lake Stampede Association will get new LED Lights for the Grand Stand
The council was asked to support the Williams Lake Stampede Association’s request for funding for new lights for the Stampede’s grandstand through the Northern Development Initiatives Trust’s Economic Infrastructure Program.
The funding will allow the Stampede Association to upgrade the old electricals of the stampede ground so everything is up to date, and more vendors and services can be accommodated.
The funding will also allow the Association to change all the lighting on the Stampede grandstands to LED lights, reducing energy costs, and providing a brighter and safer atmosphere.
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