Skip to content

Highlights from Feb. 2 Barriere council meeting

District of Barriere Greenhouse Think Tank Committee appointed

North Thompson

Community-To -Community Forum

Thirty-one local government and First Nation representatives from the North Thompson Valley attended a Community to Community forum in Clearwater on Jan. 30. The Districts of Barriere and Clearwater were presented with a drum crafted by Sam Saul and hand-painted by Clint Donald.  Presentations were given by Telus, Yellowhead Mines, Kinder Morgan, Venture Kamloops and the Ministries of Transportation and Infrastructure and Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

Feb. 16 – 20  Proclaimed

2015 Chamber of Commerce Week

Mayor Virginia Smith, on behalf of Council, proclaimed Feb. 16 – 20, 2015 as “Chamber of Commerce Week” in the District of Barriere. The Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce is a business organization dedicated to strengthening Barriere’s business community and helping our town thrive.  Let’s celebrate our Chamber and local businesses all year round, but especially during the week of Feb. 16 – 20.

Greenhouse Think Tank Committee Appointed

The main feature of the new wastewater reclamation centre behind the Fire Hall is the greenhouse where wastewater will undergo the majority of its treatment. The plants that will be a direct contributor to this innovative process will grow in eight feet high bins of water. It has always been the District’s plan to create not only healthy plants but to explore the possibility of creating a small revenue stream that could be applied against the cost of running the operation. Many individuals responded to the District’s recent request for interested parties to participate in a “Think Tank” committee.  After a preliminary meeting with these volunteers to discuss the mandate of the proposed committee, Council appointed Grace Baker, Mary Bernt, Barb Buchanan, John Krop, Brian Schilling, Susan Ross, Bill Kershaw, Kim Rink, Lynn Wright, Doug Borrill, Colleen Hannigan and Mayor Smith, to form the committee.

Garbage Rate Increase Adopted

An amendment to the District’s Fees & Charges Bylaw has been adopted by council in response to the TNRD’s rate increase from $60 a tonne, to $80 a tonne for household waste.  This represents an increase of $1.50 per month for all utility billings.

Council Remuneration Policy Amended

Council Remuneration is reported annually and, as per policy, the remuneration for the mayor and councillors is  increased on January 1 of each year by an amount equivalent to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for B.C. for the immediate preceding year. If the change in the Consumer Price Index for B.C. for the preceding year is negative, the remuneration for the mayor and councillors will remain unchanged for the year thereafter.  The BC Consumer Price Index rose 1.2 per cent for the 2014 calendar year.

Memorial Bench Program Changes

Currently the District has had a selection of two benches available for residents and business to purchase and donate as part of its Memorial Program at a cost of $1,800 that includes a customized plaque and installation. Unfortunately, the supplier cost of these two benches and their shipping fees have increased dramatically.  In order to avoid an increase in the cost of the program, council approved a selection of two similar style benches that donators will now be able to choose from.  Anyone who would like more information on the Memorial Bench Program and/or the changes to the bench styles, can phone the District office or email tbuchanan@barriere.ca .

BC Mountain Bike Tourism Association to

Develop McBride to Barriere Strategy

Council resolved to provide a letter of support to the BC Mountain Bike Tourism Association for its funding application to the provincial Labour Market Partnership program to prepare a mountain bike strategy for the corridor from McBride to Barriere.

Upcoming Roads Issues Roundtable

for Public input:

February 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ridge, 4936 Barriere Town Road.

Upcoming Budget Meeting:

February 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ridge, 4936 Barriere Town Road.