North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) president Jill Hayward made a presentation to mayor and council on Jan. 25, to inform them that the NTFFRA will be hosting a grand celebration at the fairgrounds in Barriere on July 1, 2017, in recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday. Hayward stated the event is still in the early planning stages, and noted the organization has submitted a grant application to the federal government to assist in the cost. She asked that the district support and join in the event and noted that as plans take shape the NTFFRA will be asking any group or organization within the area interested in participating to contact them. The day’s events will be focused on celebrating the heritage of the country while providing entertainment, concessions, games, educational venues and a Regional Loggers competition. There will be no admission charged to the event. Council welcomed the event and approved a motion made by Councilor Ward Stamer to cover the cost of garbage removal for the event.
Tour of Solar Aquatics Building
A tour of the Solar Aquatics Wastewater Reclamation Centre was given on Wednesday January 13th for members of SD#73 and TRU. The tour was organized by our local School Trustee, Rhonda Kershaw and attended by the TRU Assistant Dean of Science Dennis Acreman, BSS principal Ken Rife, BSS senior science teacher Corina Waage, Assistant Superintendent Alison Sidow, District Principal Sheryl Lindquist, SD#73 Clearwater area Trustee Shelley Sim, and SD#73 Trades & Technology Coordinator Ron Collins. They were welcomed to Barriere by Mayor Virginia Smith and Councillor Al Fortin. Attendees were very enthusiastic about the facility and how the school curriculum could incorporate some of the potential learning opportunities the plant could provide.
Mayor Swears in Chamber Executive
On Jan. 1 Mayor Smith was invited to swear in the new Chamber Executive. The Chamber has announced it is providing two scholarships in the amount of $350 each to the high school for students who are interested in business programs or the trades.
TNRD Committee Appointments
Voting, where required, was carried out for the Board Committee Appointments at the TNRD Board Meeting held on Jan. 21. Mayor Smith remains seated on the Emergency Management and Policy Review Committees.
Request For Proposals (RFP) Winter Road Maintenance:
The three year term for the existing winter road maintenance contract is up in 2016. The option to renew for an additional two year term has been decided against due to the fact there was only one bid during the initial call for proposals which was higher than anticipated. Council directed staff in a closed session on Jan. 11 to issue a new Request For Proposal (RFP) the next three to five-year term as early as legally possible in order to have the results prior to final budget deliberations. This RFP has been posted on the District’s website (www.barriere.ca) and on BCBid with a closing date of Feb. 15.
Family Fun Night Reminder:
The Family Fun Night in Barriere runs from 5:30 – 9:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Ridge. There will be a bouncy castle, DJ hosted dance, Uncle Chris the Clown, movie, concession, cake contest, baby/tot room, arts and crafts, parent retreat room and silent auction. Entry is by donation but not required. Everyone is welcome.
Upcoming District of Barriere Budget Meetings that are open to the public will take place on Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m., and Feb. 22, at 4 p.m., at the Ridge, 4936 Barriere Town Road.