The District of Barriere Committee of the Whole held a meeting on March 25, to discuss several items. Committee members received a report on the Septage station: the plumbing has now been completed and the electrical work has begun.
Also received was a report by Cheryl Thomas on greenhouse plant ideas for revenue generation.
Committee members heard a report from Greg Smith, from Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd., regarding the District Hot Water Heating research. Smith reported that the costs required for crossing the highway are prohibitive when compared with the anticipated return for such a project. District staff will look into the possibility of having such a facility closer to town.
Gerald Allgaier, Barriere’s building inspector, spoke to the committee regarding updating the Building Bylaw. He had four recommendations: two regarding Mobile homes and their foundation/blocking requirements, and their skirting requirements; one to add a floodplain clause and definition; and one to add geoclimatic data for Barriere, to help building designers and truss manufacturers. Committee members moved to accept the recommendations. A draft of the revised bylaw will be brought to one of the next Council meetings.
The committee then discussed at length the Barriere Town Road design options. They settled on option one, with a slight adjustment on the southern portion of Barriere Town Road to include an extra crosswalk just north of the IDA parking lot. This design incorporates a grass swale along the west side of the road, which will separate the pedestrian and scooter walkway from the road.
Staff will be looking into the possibility of a Free Dump Day for Barriere residents.
Staff will also be looking at creating load restrictions for various roads around town, to deal with loaded trucks coming into residential areas and leaving large ruts.
There was some discussion regarding the Student Work Program that the District has undertaken, particularly in regards to clarifying the hiring process.
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on April 16, at 7 p.m.