Williams Lake public meetings in 2024

Regular Council

The City of Williams Lake Council is reviewing the 2025 budget with a goal of 0% tax increase above assessment. The body is also deciding on the adoption of zoning and OCP amendments for a multi-family residential project and reviewing several lease and grant applications.

• Adoption of Bylaw No. 2382 and 2383 for Residential Multi-Family designation at 1138 Lakeview Crescent
• Proposed $5,000 Community Grant for Williams Lake Blue Fins
• Amendment of 2025 NDIT Local Government Internship Grant application from $50,000 to $60,000
• Proposed five-year lease renewals at $1.00 per year for the Chamber of Commerce and Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society
• Proposal to waive late penalties for September-October 2024 utility billing due to Canada Post job action

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive a shipping‑container report for information, and provide direction on the 2025 budget update with approval to start new capital projects before the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan is adopted. Council will also waive late penalties for September‑October 2024 utility bills due to the Canada Post job action. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Adopt agenda and minutes of the November 26, 2024 meeting
• Receive shipping‑container report (July 18, 2024) for information
• Approve direction for 2025 budget update and early capital approvals
• Waive late penalties for September‑October 2024 utility billing period

Public Hearing

The City of Williams Lake is holding a public hearing to consider amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. These changes would allow the construction of a 4-storey, 14-unit residential apartment building.

• Bylaw No. 2382: Change OCP designation from Commercial – Highway (CH) to Residential Multi-Family (RMF)
• Bylaw No. 2383: Change zoning from Residential 1 (R-1) to Medium Density Multi-Family Residential (R-4)
• Project location: 1138 Lakeview Crescent
• Proposed development: 4-storey, 14-unit residential apartment building

Regular Council

Council will adopt the agenda and minutes from the November meetings. A public hearing will consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2382 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2383, both affecting the property at 1138 Lakeview Crescent. The council will approve the City’s Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Roadmap, and will endorse a $10,000 UBCM Community‑to‑Community funding application. It will also adopt the Community Grants Program awards totaling $33,850 for 2025.

• OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2382 – change to Residential Multi‑Family designation at 1138 Lakeview Crescent (public hearing)
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2383 – change to Medium Density Multi‑Family Residential (R‑4) zone at 1138 Lakeview Crescent (public hearing)
• Approval of Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Roadmap
• Community Grants Program awards totaling $33,850 to local groups
• Approval of $10,000 UBCM Community‑to‑Community funding application

Joint Committee

The Central Cariboo Joint Committee will receive a presentation of the Interim Housing Needs Report for the City of Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo region and decide whether to endorse it for final approval by Council and the CRD Board. The committee will also review applications for the 2025 Community Grants and CRD Grants for Assistance to consider funding awards. A late‑discussion item will provide a verbal report on security at the CMRC.

• Presentation and endorsement of the Interim Housing Needs Report (CitySpaces Consulting Ltd.)
• Joint review of 2025 Community Grants (City) and Grants for Assistance (CRD) applications
• Late discussion – verbal report on security at the CMRC

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive a presentation on Boitanio Park disc‑golf course maintenance, endorse the Williams Lake Regional Airport Utility Plan, discuss 2025 council and community‑committee appointments, and vote to make the temporary GIS clerk position permanent. The council will also approve in principle the preliminary 2025 budget, the 2025‑2029 financial plan and the 10‑year capital plan and direct staff to present the plan at a public information session.

• Endorsement of the Williams Lake Regional Airport Utility Plan dated April 30, 2024
• Discussion of 2025 council and community‑committee appointments
• Recommendation to make the temporary GIS clerk position permanent with early budget approval
• Approval in principle of the preliminary 2025 budget, 2025‑2029 financial plan and 10‑year capital plan
• Information presentation by Mark Savard of the Cariboo Disc Golf Club on Boitanio Park disc‑golf course maintenance

Special Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a special closed meeting on November 21, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the Rick Hansen Boardroom, City Hall. The meeting is closed under the Community Charter sections 90(1)(c) and (j) concerning labour or employee relations and protected information. No agenda items are disclosed in the notice.

Regular Council

City Council will discuss the preliminary 2025 budget and long-term financial plans. The body is also considering a property tax write-off and the adoption of new parks and public land bylaws.

• Preliminary 2025 budget and 2025-2029 financial plan
• Request to write-off $60,888.15 in uncollectible property taxes for 351 Hodgson Road
• Grant application to NDIT for up to $50,000 for a 2025 Local Government Internship
• Adoption of Parks and Public Land Bylaw No. 2419 and Amendment Bylaw No. 2421
• Approval to move to next design phases for Water Treatment Plant disinfection using chloramines

Regular Council

Williams Lake Council will consider a new Snow and Ice Control Policy, approve a $66,150 transformer replacement contract, and schedule a public hearing for a zoning change at 1138 Lakeview Crescent.

• Approve Snow and Ice Control Policy No. 231
• Award $66,150 transformer replacement contract to Valley Power Line Construction Ltd.
• Schedule Public Hearing for OCP & Zoning Amendment at 1138 Lakeview Crescent
• Renew $30,000/year Fee for Service agreements with Williams Lake Cycling Club and Scout Island Trails
• Approve new Fee for Service applications from Stampede Parade Society ($15,000) and Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy ($2,800)

Special Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will receive a report from the Senior Engineering Technologist on disinfection options for the new water treatment plant. The report outlines chlorine and chloramine alternatives, associated costs, and operational considerations. Council will discuss these options and plan to decide on a method at a future meeting.

• Receive report on water treatment plant disinfection options
• Review chlorine vs. chloramine secondary disinfection methods
• Consider cost estimate of $13M‑$19M for organic removal if chlorine is used
• Note potential city share of 33% of additional costs without extra grant funding
• Plan to decide on disinfection method at a future council meeting

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will adopt its agenda and minutes, then consider three key items. It will recommend that the new Parks and Public Lands Bylaw No. 2419, 2024 and the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment No. 2421, 2024 be sent to a regular council meeting for first three readings and that staff receive direction on enforcement options. It will also review the 2025 Fee‑for‑Service funding report and consider new one‑year applications from the Stampede Parade Society and Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, and receive a report on the 2025 Community Grants intake, referring award decisions to a joint review meeting on November 27.

• Parks and Public Lands Bylaw No. 2419, 2024 and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment No. 2421, 2024 – recommendation to bring forward for first three readings and seek enforcement direction
• 2025 Fee‑for‑Service continued funding – review CFO report and consider new applications from Stampede Parade Society and Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy for a one‑year term
• Community Grants Program 2025 intake – receive Deputy Corporate Officer report and refer award consideration to the Nov 27 joint review meeting with Cariboo Regional District

Joint Committee

The Central Cariboo Joint Committee is meeting to review arts and recreation strategic plans and approve several service agreements. The body is deciding on funding for local cycling and nature trails and a budget adjustment for the West Fraser Aquatics Centre.

• Renew Williams Lake Cycling Club agreement for $30,000 per year (2025-2027)
• Renew Scout Island Nature Centre agreement for $30,000 per year (2025-2027)
• Reallocate $20,000 for four new pump impellers at West Fraser Aquatics Centre
• Endorse Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2025 Business and Financial Plans
• Endorse Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2025-2029 plans

Regular Council

The City of Williams Lake is reviewing grant applications for an airport cafe and fire department equipment. Council is also discussing amendments to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee terms of reference and updates on the Boitanio Mall redevelopment.

• UBCM grant application for $37,500.00 for Fire Department turnout gear washing and drying system
• REDIP grant application for the Airport Café Project at the Williams Lake Regional Airport terminal
• Proposed amendment to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference for joint grant reviews
• Approval of Poppy Campaign sale days (Oct 24 - Nov 11) and Remembrance Day ceremony logistics
• Approval of City Hall lobby and chambers use for the 2024 Annual Memory Tree Celebration

Regular Council

Council will review the 2024 third quarter budget status report and consider several public works awards. The meeting includes discussions on a development variance permit for a mobile home park and a request for a secure care facility.

• Development Variance Permit for 1406 Broadway Avenue South
• NDIT Business Façade Improvement Program grant application for $20,000
• Bridge inspection engineering services contract with ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. for $93,750.30
• Dried bulk highway salt tender award to Chances Bulk Unloading Ltd. at $228.34 per cubic metre
• Denial of property tax exemption requests from Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will receive a delegation from Cianna O'Connor on overdose awareness, hear a report on community engagement for the budget process, and consider approving a new Snow and Ice Control Policy No. 231, which would repeal the existing Policy No. 97. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and minutes from the September 3, 2024 meeting.

• Delegation from Cianna O'Connor re overdose awareness
• Budget and Financial Plan - Community Engagement Strategy
• Updated Snow and Ice Control Policy No. 231 (repeals Policy No. 97)

Joint Committee

The Central Cariboo Joint Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a proposed increase to the arena sound system upgrade budget from $25,000 to $45,000, a report on arts and culture grant awards, and amendments to its terms of reference. The committee will also discuss recreation and arts business plans and a proposal to extend BC Transit services to rural fringe areas.

• Proposed increase to CMRC Rink I Arena Sound System budget from $25,000 to $45,000
• Spring 2024 Arts and Culture Grant Awards report recommending $13,760 in grants
• Amendment to Terms of Reference for annual joint grant review meeting
• Discussion on BC Transit extending services to rural fringe areas
• Discussion on 2024 Business, Financial and Capital Plans for recreation and arts

Regular Council

Williams Lake Council is meeting to decide on several administrative and financial items, including a land sale, a grant application, and contract awards. They will also consider proclamations and a flag raising. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and accounts payable listings.

• Approve sale of McKinnon Road lot to 1487314 B.C. Ltd for $58,000
• Apply for UBCM grant of $25,000 for asset management project
• Award five-year audit contract to MNP for $202,200
• Award five-year banking services contract to Bank of Montreal
• Proclaim October 2024 as National Roller Skating Month

Special Council Meeting

This is a special closed meeting of Williams Lake City Council, held under the Community Charter to discuss the acquisition, disposition, or expropriation of land or improvements. The meeting is closed to the public because disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the municipality's interest. No decisions or discussions are detailed in the public notice.

• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1)(c) regarding land or improvements
• Meeting held at City Hall Rick Hansen Boardroom at 5:30 PM

Special Council Meeting

This is a special closed meeting of Williams Lake City Council, held under the Community Charter. The only items on the agenda are discussions about personal information regarding a potential or current municipal officer/employee and labour relations. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1)(a) and (c)
• Discussion of personal information about an identifiable individual for a municipal position
• Discussion of labour relations or other employee relations

Regular Council

Council will receive updates from Enbridge and BC Housing, and consider several recommendations from Committee of the Whole to guide the 2025 budget and five-year financial plan. Key priorities include the Water Treatment Plant, addressing the potential loss of Atlantic Power, and focusing on core services. Council will also vote on adding Sunday transit service in 2025 at an additional cost of $59,826.

• MOU with BC Transit for Sunday service starting April 2025, costing the City $59,826
• Direct staff to prioritize Water Treatment Plant in 2025 budget
• Direct staff to report on Pioneer Complex site if it defaults to City after 2024 tax sale
• Direct staff to report on investment growth targets and impediments
• Direct staff to focus 2025 budget on core services and infrastructure only

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will consider a staff report proposing the 2025 budget and five-year financial plan preparation timeline, and will provide direction to staff on budget development. The report outlines financial pressures, including increased costs, reserve drawdowns, and potential revenue losses, and seeks Council guidance on service levels, staffing, tax rates, and funding options.

• 2025 budget and five-year financial plan timeline approval
• Budget direction on service levels, staff levels, tax rates, and fees
• Report notes 2024 operating budget of $33.7M revenues and $29.9M expenditures
• Capital budget of $15.5M for 2024, with $6.4M water projects deferred to 2028-29
• Potential $809,115 tax and $511,429 fee revenue loss if Atlantic Power shuts down

Special Council Meeting

Council is holding a closed meeting to discuss information that is prohibited from disclosure under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The meeting is closed to the public and no decisions or agenda items are listed.

• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1)(j)
• FOI Act Section 21 exemption cited

Regular Council

Council will consider a development variance permit to allow a 30m communications tower at 45 Highway 20, hear an Interior Health quarterly presentation, and set the 2025 budget timeline. They will also adopt several bylaws and consider a request to carry over grant funds for the Gavin Lake Forest Education Society.

• Development Variance Permit DVP #03-2024 for 30m tower at 45 Highway 20
• Adoption of Waterworks Amendment Bylaw No. 2409 and Sewerage Works Management Amendment Bylaw No. 2410
• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2418 (housekeeping amendments)
• 2025 budget and five-year financial plan timeline and direction
• Request to carry over $1,250 of $2,500 GIA funding for Gavin Lake Forest Education Society to 2025

Special Council Meeting

This is a special closed meeting of Williams Lake City Council, held to discuss litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality, and information protected from disclosure under FOIPPA. The meeting is closed to the public, and no decisions or discussions are publicly available.

• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1)(g) for litigation matters
• Closed meeting under Community Charter Section 90(1)(j) for FOIPPA-protected information

Regular Council

Council will hold a public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2418 (housekeeping amendments) and may give it third reading. They will also consider several contracts, including a $100,000 direct award for an Active Transportation Plan, a $166,741 sewer inspection tender, and lease awards for the recreation complex. A late presentation from the Ministry of Health on emergency room closures is scheduled for 6:30 PM.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2418 (housekeeping amendments)
• Direct award of $100,000 to Fraser Basin Council for Active Transportation Plan
• Award of $166,741.05 to Enviro Jet Services Ltd. for CCTV sewer inspection
• Lease award to Caribou Ski Source for Sports for CMRC sports shop (3-year term)
• Ratification of food concession lease to Dog n Suds at $1,102.50/month

Special Council Meeting

This is a notice for a closed (in-camera) Council meeting. The agenda contains no public business; it only announces that Council will discuss matters exempt from public disclosure under provincial law, specifically information protected by FOI provisions and preliminary negotiations about a potential municipal service.

• Closed meeting under Community Charter Sections 90(1)(j) and (k)
• Discussion of information prohibited from disclosure under FOIPPA Section 21
• Preliminary negotiations for a proposed municipal service

Public Hearing

The City Council is considering Bylaw No. 2418, 2024, to make general housekeeping updates to the existing zoning bylaw. The proposed changes include adjusting building heights in several residential zones and updating permitted uses in the Service Commercial zone.

• Increase building heights in RR-1, A-1, CD-11, CD-19, CD-24, CD-26, and RA-1 zones
• Add permitted uses in CS-1 zone including Restaurant, Office, and Personal Services
• Implement a 20% Utility Tax Surcharge for each secondary suite
• Update definitions for terms such as Mobile Home, Modular Home, and Panhandle Lot
• Establish new driveway width and grade requirements

Regular Council

Williams Lake Council is meeting to decide on several items, including first and second readings of a zoning housekeeping bylaw, approval of a development variance for a stagecoach display at the Stampede Grounds, support for a grant application for that display, a new Community Grants Program policy, and a late grant request. They will also hear delegations about Pride Week and an accessibility award, and receive reports on the budget and other matters.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2418 - housekeeping amendments, public hearing set for Aug 13
• Development Variance Permit #02-2024 for 850 Mackenzie Ave S (Stampede Grounds) - reduce front setback to 0m, increase height to 5m for stagecoach display
• Support WLSA NDIT grant application for stagecoach display case
• Late Grant-in-Aid request: $5,000 for Wrestling in Williams Lake event (Team Bhullar Foundation)
• New Community Grants Program Policy No. 230, repealing Policies 18 and 202

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing a new Community Grants Program Policy and discussing updates to homelessness management. Staff have been directed to prepare a Parks and Public Lands Bylaw to address temporary overnight sheltering. The meeting also includes reports on protective services operations and a presentation from Interior Health.

• Introduction of new Community Grants Program Policy No. 230
• Direction for staff to prepare a Parks and Public Lands Bylaw regarding temporary overnight sheltering
• Protective Services year-to-date operations report
• Fire Prevention introduction and update
• Interior Health presentation on the Healthy Communities Development Program

Special Council Meeting

Council is considering a recommendation to waive purchasing policy and direct award the Well 6 construction project to Precision Service and Pumps. This project aims to replace the failed Well No. 3 to restore water production redundancy. The meeting will also include a discussion regarding recent emergency room closures at Cariboo Memorial Hospital.

• Direct award of Well 6 construction project to Precision Service and Pumps for up to $808,441.10 (excluding GST)
• Discussion of Cariboo Memorial Hospital recent emergency room closures
• Proposal to waive City purchasing policy for the Well 6 project

CANCELLED = Joint Committee

The scheduled meeting for the Central Cariboo and City of Williams Lake Joint Committee was cancelled. The provided agenda included discussions on recreation funding, childcare staffing, and aquatic staff updates.

• Proposed $5,000 capital project allocations for Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Soccer Associations, and Minor Fastball Association
• Proposed construction of a small storage shed for the Cariboo Disc Golf Club
• Report on the reduction of licensed childcare spaces at Boitanio Licensed Day Camp Program
• Update on aquatic staffing at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre

Regular Council

The Williams Lake City Council is reviewing a year-two summary of the Healthcare Landing Program and discussing potential housing density at 845 Carson Drive. The meeting also includes a proposal to award a three-year engineering services contract to TRUE Consulting Group.

• Healthcare Landing Program year two summary presentation
• Potential housing density update for 845 Carson Drive
• Three-year General Engineering and Project Management Services contract award to TRUE Consulting Group
• Proposed Central Cariboo Joint Grant for Assistance Program
• Denial of utility bill normalization request for Margetts Meat Market

Special Council Meeting

The City is discussing the financial viability of Atlantic Power & Utilities (Williams Lake) Ltd. following its notice to BC Hydro regarding its electricity purchase agreement. Council is considering expressing concern to the Premier and preparing a delegation to advocate for the facility's continued operations.

• Delegations regarding Atlantic Power & Utilities electricity purchase agreement renewal
• Discussion on Atlantic Power's contract negotiations with BC Hydro
• Potential delegation to Victoria to advocate for Atlantic Power operations
• Review of In-Camera Report #01-2024 regarding provincial government progress

Special Council Meeting

The City of Williams Lake has issued a notice for a special closed meeting. The session will address protected information and preliminary municipal service negotiations.

• Closed meeting regarding prohibited information under FOIPPA Section 21
• Discussions regarding preliminary municipal service negotiations

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing a proposed Landfill Use Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District. Other items include approving the 2023 Statement of Financial Information and establishing an Indigenous Relations Working Group.

• Landfill Use Agreement between City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District
• Approval of the 2023 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) report
• Establishment of Indigenous Relations Working Group Terms of Reference
• Support for Central Cariboo Food Hub NDIT Marketing Initiatives application
• Review of 2025/26 Municipal Contract Policing Multi-Year Financial Plan

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing a recommendation to enter into a Landfill Use Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District. The agreement aims to clarify funding and responsibilities for the Central Cariboo Transfer Station and Gibraltar landfill. The City's portion of projected capital costs for Gibraltar landfill works between 2026 and 2028 is estimated at $3,388,000.

• Proposed Landfill Use Agreement with Cariboo Regional District
• Presentation on inclusive housing by Community Living BC Community Council
• Projected City share of $3,388,000 for Gibraltar landfill works (2026-2028)
• Review of Council Code of Conduct Policy

Regular Council

The Council will review zoning amendments for small-scale multi-unit housing and approve a $203,500 budget increase for the Water Treatment Plant archaeology component. Other items include a $710,000 FireSmart funding application and a contract renewal for cremation services.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2414, 2024 regarding small-scale multi-unit housing
• $203,500 budget increase for Water Treatment Plant archaeology costs
• $710,000 UBCM FireSmart Community Funding application
• Development Permit No. 04-2023 for exterior renovations at 1335 Hwy 97 South
• $5,000 annual allocation for the Williams Lake Public Art Committee

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing proposed zoning changes to comply with provincial legislation regarding small-scale multi-unit housing. The amendments aim to allow up to four units on residential lots connected to city water and sewer. If approved, the bylaw will move to the Regular Council Meeting on May 28, 2024.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2414, 2024 regarding small-scale multi-unit housing
• Proclamation of 'GoByBike Week' from June 3 to June 9, 2024
• Presentation from Massive Canada Building Systems Inc. regarding local manufacturing
• Review of the Council Code of Conduct Policy
• Discussion regarding meeting requests for the 2024 UBCM Convention

Regular Council

The Council will consider the adoption of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan and the 2024 Municipal Tax Rate. The meeting also includes discussions on zoning amendments, transit agreements, and several public works contract awards.

• Adoption of 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2412
• Adoption of 2024 Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2413
• Pavement Rehabilitation 2024 contract award to Peters Bros Construction Ltd. for $1,282,349.00
• Waterworks 2024 contract award to Morben Construction Ltd. for $254,856.00
• Zoning amendment for permanent metal shipping container use at 3018 Edwards Drive

Special Council Meeting

The City of Williams Lake has scheduled a closed meeting for April 30, 2024. The session will address personal information regarding municipal employees or agents and matters related to labour or employee relations.

• Closed meeting regarding personal information of municipal officers, employees, or agents
• Closed meeting regarding labour relations or employee relations

Public Hearing

The City of Williams Lake is holding a public hearing regarding Bylaw No. 2411 to amend zoning for a property in the Two-Family Residential (R-2) zone. The amendment would permit a permanent metal shipping container to support a carport roof structure. Staff have noted concerns that the structure may not fit the form and character of a small residential zone.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2411 (Lamarche)
• Proposed use of permanent metal shipping container at 3018 Edwards Drive
• Public hearing for residents to support or object to the land use change

Regular Council

The City of Williams Lake is considering the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw and the 2024 Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw. Council is also reviewing infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment upgrades and an aviation fuel agreement.

• Introduction of 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2412
• Introduction of 2024 Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2413
• Proposed $155,309 annual Into-Plane Aviation Mobile Fuel Agreement with the Province
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Upgrade award to CHB Services for $386,170
• Renewal of Central Cariboo Recreation Management Agreement for a five-year term

Regular Council

The Williams Lake City Council will hold a public hearing regarding Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2407, 2024. The meeting also includes discussions on a new sewer agreement for the regional airport and the purchase of a municipal dump truck.

• Public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2407, 2024
• Purchase of a 2025 114SD Freightliner single axle dump truck for $337,636.00
• Renewed sewer service agreement with CRD for Williams Lake Regional Airport
• Zoning amendment direction for a permanent metal shipping container at 3018 Edwards Drive
• 2024 Budget Info and Consultation Session Results report

Public Hearing

The City of Williams Lake is holding a public hearing regarding Bylaw No. 2407 to rezone a vacant lot from Town Centre Commercial to Park, Recreation and Open Space. The proposal by BENCH Site Design Inc. on behalf of WLFN Administration Offices Inc. aims to create the WLFN Memorial Park. The project includes an amphitheater, seating, and public art to commemorate the Williams Lake First Nation's Village Claim win.

• Rezoning of 98 Third Avenue South from C-1 to P-2
• Request to vary all building setbacks to 0 metres
• Proposed installation of five parking spaces, including two accessible spaces
• Public hearing for Bylaw No. 2407, 2024

Regular Council

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment for cattle use by Westridge Ventures. Other key items include a proposed amendment to the Business License Bylaw regarding short-term rentals and a request from BC Housing to support an emergency shelter at 98 First Ave South.

• Public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2405 (cattle grazing for Westridge Ventures)
• Proposed Business License Amendment Bylaw No. 2416 regarding short-term rentals
• Application for $1,400,000 for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation
• BC Housing request for statutory immunity for an emergency shelter at 98 First Ave South
• 2023 Year-End Report from the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Public Hearing

Council is considering Bylaw No. 2405 to amend the Single Family Residential (R-1) zoning for Westridge Ventures Ltd. properties. The amendment would permit fenced cattle grazing on approximately 49.31 acres to manage wildfire fuel. The proposal includes a limit of no more than 60 head of cattle and prohibits additional building construction.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2405 for Westside Connector (end of Westridge Drive)
• Proposed cattle grazing limit of 60 head of cattle
• Minimum land area requirement of 199,556m2 for grazing
• Site includes Lot D District Lot 8841, 8842 and Lots 1 & 2 District Lot 8841

Regular Council

Council will discuss whether to support BC Housing's application for Statutory Immunity to establish an emergency shelter at the former Elks Hall. This would allow the shelter to operate without a municipal rezoning process. The meeting also includes discussions on rezoning 98 Third Avenue South and residential water metering priorities.

• BC Housing emergency shelter proposal for 98 First Ave South
• Rezoning application for 98 Third Avenue South from C-1 to P-2
• Public hearing scheduled for April 9, 2024, regarding 98 Third Avenue South
• Proposed shade sail installation at Kiwanis Park
• Parcel Tax Roll Reviews scheduled for April 26, 2024

Special Council Meeting

The City of Williams Lake has issued a notice for a special closed meeting of Council. The meeting is being held pursuant to the Community Charter to discuss information prohibited from disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

• Closed meeting scheduled for March 5, 2024, at 5:30 PM

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing a recommendation that universal residential water metering is not a near-term priority. The meeting also includes presentations from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and the Rotary Club regarding a shade sail for Kiwanis Park.

• Presentation from Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association regarding regional tourism
• Rotary Club of Williams Lake Daybreak proposal for a $29,211.84 shade sail at Kiwanis Park
• Recommendation to support staff decision to amend residential water meter installation requirements
• Discussion on residential water metering priorities

Regular Council

The Williams Lake City Council is reviewing a zoning amendment to allow cattle grazing at 318 Broadway Avenue North. The meeting also includes the adoption of bylaws regarding water parcel taxes, tree protection, and bylaw notice enforcement.

• Zoning amendment for cattle grazing at 318 Broadway Avenue North
• Adoption of Water Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 2408
• Adoption of Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404
• Adoption of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2401
• Endorsement of Accessibility Awards of Merit Policy No. AAC01/24

Regular Council

Council is reviewing the 2024 budget and capital plan, including a proposed 3% tax rate increase. The agenda also includes several vehicle contract awards and updates on provincial housing legislation.

• Proposed 3% tax rate increase to cover 2024 capital expenditures
• Purchase of a service truck from Express Custom Trailers Mfg. Inc. for $130,006.00
• Purchase of a 2024 Backhoe/Loader from Finning Canada for $246,400.00
• Purchase of an aerial bucket truck from Versa Lift Canada ULC for $189,924.00
• First three readings for Water Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 2408, 2024

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing the 2024 budget and capital plan to determine which items to remove. They are also considering a request for tax exemptions from the Tsilhqot'in National Government and a proposal to request an accessibility review for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital expansion.

• Update on the Williams Lake Power Plant by Atlantic Power & Utilities (Williams Lake) Ltd.
• Request for Cariboo Memorial Hospital expansion plans to be reviewed by a Rick Hansen Foundation professional
• Permissive tax exemption requests from Tsilhqot'in National Government for properties at 253 Fourth Avenue North, 925 Second Avenue North, and 1729 South Lakeside Drive
• 2024 Budget and 2024 Capital Plan update to direct staff on potential capital item removals

Special Council Meeting

The City of Williams Lake has issued a notice for a special closed meeting of Council. The meeting is being held pursuant to the Community Charter to discuss information protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

• Closed meeting pursuant to Community Charter Section 90 (1) (i)

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing updates to the 2024 budget and 10-year capital plan. Proposed measures include a 13% increase in water rates and the deferral of approximately $6.4M in non-essential water projects.

• Proposed 13% increase in water rates (approx. $37/year for residential)
• Deferral of $6.4M in non-essential water projects until 2028-2029
• $10,000 Grant-in-Aid for Social Planning Council
• $128,370 total contract award to McElhanney Ltd for Tower Crescent Reservoir Design
• Direct award of wildfire mitigation contract to Borland Creek Logging up to $219,150

Special Council Meeting

The Williams Lake Council has scheduled a closed meeting for January 25, 2025. The meeting is being held pursuant to Section 90 (1) (b) of the Community Charter.

• Closed meeting regarding personal information for a municipal award, honour, or anonymous gift

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council is reviewing the 2024 budget and long-term financial plans. Proposed changes include deferring $6.4 million in non-essential water projects and increasing water rates by 13% to fund the Water Treatment Plant.

• Deferral of $6.4 million in non-essential water projects until 2028-2029
• Proposed 13% increase in water rates
• Proposed doubling of Water Parcel Tax (additional $84 per parcel)
• Discussion of a $1.7 million funding shortfall in the General Fund
• Proposed public budget open house in February or March 2024

Regular Council

Council will discuss a policy position regarding Federal Bill C-48 and bail reform for prolific offenders. The meeting also includes a recommendation to award a two-year janitorial services contract for several city facilities.

• Proposed policy position objecting to the release of prolific offenders under Bill C-48
• Janitorial services contract award to DRG Professional Building Maintenance for $149,553.00 annually
• RCMP Police Commission Report covering August to December 2023
• Proposal for a seniors activity park in Kiwanis Park on Proctor Street
• Request for a resolution to permit alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) in BC

Committee of Whole Council

The Committee of Whole Council will review a proposal for a seniors activity park in Kiwanis Park and receive updates on the Pine Valley Sewer System. Council will also discuss local healthcare delivery and a request regarding legislative changes for alkaline hydrolysis funeral services.

• Proposal for a seniors activity park in Kiwanis Park on Cameron Street
• Update on Pine Valley Sewer System 2024 Business Plan and Financials
• Request for resolution supporting alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) in BC
• Discussion regarding local healthcare services and Interior Health
• Presentation from Cariboo Regional District regarding sewer system financials