The District of Barriere held their August council meeting on August 15.
Barb Gordon was on hand with two petitions for the council members to consider. First, she asked if council members would be willing to help hawk the Raise a Reader newspapers in September. Council Kershaw volunteered to do this; the other members were not sure if they would be available on the date in question.
The second petition that Gordon presented was regarding a proposed Eco Park behind the Elementary School. Currently there is a walking trail that winds its way through habitat types such as: meadow, forest, wetland and river. In each habitat there are a number of birds, mammals, insects, fish and reptiles to discover and observe. An Eco Park would enhance this area by providing a wheelchair and stroller friendly trail (with signage that includes distance and loop info) that showcases all the natural habitats with signage/name plates to encourage species awareness and education. The park would enhance the community and provide an enjoyable experience for all residents and visitors, making Barriere a destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Council members passed a motion to support the development of an Eco Park in Barriere. The next step for the Eco Park will involve a walk through of the area with Environment Canada to find out what habitat there is in the area, and to make sure nothing is disturbed, as well as an archeological study of the area through Simpcw.
Staff members received approval from council to apply for a grant to finish the ramps and the area around the Bandshell to make it fully accessible from the parking areas and around the entire building itself. By the Sept. 6 council meeting, they hope to have figures on all the anticipated costs.
A request was received from Simpcw First Nation to partner with the District to provide the opportunity for local youth to participate in Tae Kwon Do over the winter months. Simpcw would provide the instructor, Rob Gill, from the North Thompson Tae Kwon Do club, and all the equipment. The District would provide the venue, washrooms and utilities. Council has been advised by the Building Inspector that the upper level of the fieldhouse could be used for this purpose, however, an extra valve will need to be added to the water line, so that the water to the concession can be turned off separately from the fieldhouse. The estimated cost for installing the valve is approximately $400. Council approved a motion to install the valve.
The Barriere Integrated Sustainability Plan and Official Community Plan open house on Aug. 8 was well attended. A few corrections resulting from comments received at the open house are being made. The revised version will be posted on the District website by Aug. 19 for public review. It is intended that the ICSP and OCP documents will go to Council for first reading at the Sept. 6 meeting, at which time the Council can set the date for the formal Public Hearing, potentially Sept. 19.
Staff members have been busy contacting local, regional, and global companies regarding the opportunity for them to participate in the development of the Barriere Southgate Industrial Park (old Tolko mill site). To date, the District has received three letters of intent to purchase land in the development.
Council will have an Economic Development Booth at the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo.
The District of Barriere has received confirmation that the grant application for installing the Universal Water Meters was approved. Staff is currently preparing the Request for Proposal for this project. It is hoped that work on installing the meters can start by October.
During the next two weeks the District will weed-whack the entire length of Barriere Town Road to help prepare the town for the Fall Fair celebrations.
“I encourage everyone to come out and participate in the Fair,” Mayor Fennell stated, “come see the parade, and check out all the displays and booths.”
Municipal elections are fast approaching. Nomination packages will be going out at the end of August, with the elections to take place on November 19.
The next regular Council meeting will be on September 6, at 7 p.m.