The District of Barriere started the Mar. 4, council meeting with a presentation by Yellowhead Pioneer Residence (YPR) representative, Pam Simpson. Simpson spoke about the Residence, about how it worked, who can apply for residency, and what the staff can and cannot do for the residents.
Currently the residence has a few vacancies, and any adult who can live independently but may require regular help with daily activities can apply for a suite. Interior Health decides who is eligible. Staff provide the residents with two meals and two snacks a day, light housekeeping, laundry services, 24 hour emergency response system, and a wide variety of social and recreational opportunities.
Simpson stated that YPR will be having an open house in April, for those who would like to get more information about assisted living.
In June 2011, council approved the preparation of a Water Conservation Plan through the Public Works Committee, and a draft was brought back to Council at the February 18, 2013 meeting, where a few minor changes were discussed. These changes have been made to the draft, which is now completed. Council members moved to approve the District of Barriere 2013 Water Conservation Plan. A part of the Plan included information about the last several years of water consumption:
• Total consumption in 2008 - 192,422,185 US gallons;
• Total consumption in 2009 - 214,917,427 US gallons;
• Total consumption in 2010 - 172,127,101 US gallons;
• Total consumption in 2011 - 147,011,038 US gallons;
• Total consumption in 2012 - 169,468,632 US gallons - which works out to 991.3 L/capita/day.
Council members approved participating in the Youth Employment Initiative with School District #73 and Barriere Secondary.
Council members also approved moving ahead with another grant opportunity from Invest Canada-Community Initiatives. This grant is for 50 per cent funding, so council also approved moving $6,000 from general surplus to economic development for the District’s portion of this.
The next general meeting will be on March 18, at 7 p.m.