There were several delegations present at the June 23 meeting of the District of Barriere Council.
Jeff Conners, on behalf of Interior Health, the Canadian Cancer Society and Quit Now, spoke regarding the Outdoor Smoking Bylaw that many cities and districts in B.C. are considering or have already put in place.
The suggested bylaw is meant to help reduce the negative impact of tobacco use with current smokers, help prevent youth from starting, and to protect children from the effects of second hand smoke. The bylaw is generally aimed at prohibiting smoking in playgrounds, parks and trails, but each city or district can tailor theirs to suit their community. Council members thanked Conners for his presentation, and will keep the information for possible future consideration.
Barb Gordon spoke next on behalf of the Anti-Violence Advocates Society - one of Barriere’s newest community groups. This group is looking to provide an educational program for our schools to teach the youth about healthy relationships. It will be a four year program of 12 hours of instruction per year for youth in grades seven, eight, nine and 10. Council members moved to give the group a grant in aid of $500 for this program.
The final presentation was made by Cpl. Darin Underhill, who spoke to council regarding two projects, the annual 911 Emergency Services Golf Tournament, and the annual Bike Rodeo. Council members approved two grants, one of $500 for the Golf Tournament, and one of $150 for the Bike Rodeo. Councilor Kershaw stated that the TNRD would be making matching donations.
The final reading and adoption of the District of Barriere Zoning Bylaw No. 111 were passed, as were the first three readings of the District of Barriere Parks Bylaw No. 42, Amendment Bylaw No. 114. The latter adds one item to the existing bylaw and reads as follows:
“3.15 - It shall be an offence against this bylaw for any person to:
a) create a public safety issue or nuisance; or,
b) operate any motorized vehicle
in any District park or trail or upon any public lands (exclusive of highways) unless authorized in writing by the District. Any person or persons found in violation of this section are liable to a penalty of $200 for a first offense and $400 for each subsequent offense.”
The final adoption of this bylaw will be at the next council meeting.
Council members approved a motion to direct staff to work on an agreement with the McLure Wildfire Monument Society and the TNRD with respect to cost-sharing the maintenance costs (of approximately $2,500 per year) for the Wildfire Monument Site.
It was reported by Councilor Kershaw that he heard Steve Shannon and Mike Fennell talking during the Roundup radio program on Saturday morning, saying that they would clean up the rubble around the HY Louis building before July 20 if the District didn’t. After a brief discussion, council members passed a motion to send them a letter of thanks, accepting their generous offer.
The next District of Barriere Council meeting will be on July 14 at 7 p.m.