Evan Dean

The council meeting included a presentation from the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society, providing updates on museum events and general operations. Discussions also took place regarding computer check and EFT listings, mayor's attendance at BC Natural Resources Forum, and Westside Crown lands development.

The council meeting included a presentation on the healthcare Landing program, which aims to strengthen rural healthcare by welcoming and retaining healthcare professionals through community-driven hospitality, housing support, and professional integration initiatives. The program focuses on housing support, community integration, social connection, and family support. The program has helped 77 individuals, including 38 new to the program, and 31 have returned consistently.

The council discussed and adopted the agenda, followed by the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Key discussion points included a zoning amendment application, a second quarter budget status report, and a downloaded cost update from senior levels of government, with a noted omission of costs for additional policing. The council also addressed the River Valley Recovery Project, public works at the airport, and a zoning amendment bylaw. Additionally, a partnership proposal from the Williams Lake Pickle Ball Club was reviewed, with a consensus to support the club's endeavors while ensuring proper processes are followed.

The council held a public hearing regarding zoning amendment bylaw number 2427 of 2025, which aims to rezone a property from civic assembly institutional P1 to a newly created neighborhood mixed-use MU1 zone. The purpose is to facilitate a future multi-building mixed-use development with residential housing and small-scale commercial uses. Concerns were raised about the infrastructure's capacity to handle the development, traffic impact, parkland, and the potential effect on property values.

The council discussed and ratified expenses for travel to Victoria BC to lobby for continued operation of the Atlantic Power Williams Lake plant, though the trip was later canceled. An update on emergency communications was presented, focusing on backup communication methods during emergencies. The council also discussed the establishment of an outdoor skating area on Williams Lake, encouraging staff to establish it as soon as environmentally possible each winter season. They received a letter regarding the nomination period for appointments of regional district representatives to the NCG board. Additionally, they discussed the BC Farmers Market nutrition coupon program and agreed to provide a letter of thank you to the Minister of Health to encourage continued support.