Dogs were a hot topic at the June 18, District of Barriere council meeting. First up was a revision to the current Parks Regulation bylaw No. 42, to allow for dogs to go off-leash in a designated Dog Park area, specifically: “dogs shall be permitted in any park only if: such dog is on a leash; or, in a designated Dog Park area; and, under the care and control of a competent person”. The first three readings of this amendment were passed; final adoption will occur at the next council meeting.
A bit further down the agenda, came the discussion where such a Dog Park might be located. One such suggestion was to use the Ball Park closest to the Community Garden. In order for this to work, it would require the purchase of at least four gates. Not all Council members were in favour of this suggestion, as that Ball Park would no longer be able to be used for a Ball Park. Another suggestion was an area near the Elementary School and Beer Garden - if this was to be the choice, it would require fencing and at least two gates. A third suggestion was near Bradford Park, again fencing and gates would be needed. For all three scenario’s there would also be the need for signs.
Staff were directed by Council to price out some of these options, including signs, and to report back to the next Council meeting which will be a special meeting at 4 p.m. on June 27.
CAO Colleen Hannigan reported on the status of several other projects. The Annual Report has been prepared and will be presented for adoption at the Special Council Meeting at 4:30 p.m. on June 27. This will be immediately followed by the first Zoning Bylaw Review Round Table from 5 to 8 p.m.
For the Zoning Bylaw Review, a webpage will soon be developed that will have information on the process, dates of meetings, and other related information.
The railings and curbs have been installed at the Bandshell. A plan for installing pavers in front of the Bandshell and cleaning up the landscaping is being worked on.
Communities In Bloom volunteers constructed, installed and provided plants and soil for the planters along Barriere Town Road in Fadear Park. The new Desert planters have been planted.
Plans are underway for relocating the large population of marmots and gophers currently residing in the Ball Park areas. Council members passed a motion to transfer $1500 from surplus for this purpose.
The Barriere Lions Club is very busy with the construction of the gazebo in Fadear Park. The exercise equipment will arrive in early August.
Only 218 homes have not yet set appointments for the installation of the water meters. Reminder letters have gone out to those residents.
Council members will be discussing the wastewater system and whether or not to allow temporary holding tanks for new buildings. Staff will look into what other municipalities are doing, and will draft a bylaw for this, for consideration at the June 27, 4 p.m. Council meeting.
Staff members Doug Borrill and Paul Amos are currently studying for Level 1 Wastewater Treatment Certification. Borrill is also studying for his Level 3 Water Distribution Certification.
Mayor Humphreys presented executive assistant Tasha Buchanan with a certificate for her completion of the Local Government Administration from Capilano University.
Councillor Smith reported that the Communities In Bloom judges will be arriving in Barriere on July 18, and the committee is planning a community BBQ that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. for the community to come out and meet the Judges. On July 19, the committee will be taking the Judges on a tour throughout the community, finishing around 4 p.m. At that point, the Judges will confer and decide on our score.
Councillor Smith also reminded everyone present that the deadline for submitting nominations for the Diamond Jubilee Award is fast approaching. Nominations must be in to Cathy McLeod’s office by Sept. 1. The District Office has more information regarding the process for those interested in submitting nominations.
Councillor Smith also advised that the Food Action Coalition’s website will be launched at the Fall Fair.