Reg Amyotte

The committee reviewed and recommended approval of the Spring 2026 Grant in Aid applications for several local organizations including the Ashcroft 4-H, Twisted Desert Music Society, Ashcroft and District Lions Club, and Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS). The committee also decided to defer the evaluation of the BOSS Enrichment Centre grant application pending the submission of required financial documentation. Additionally, the committee discussed the allocation of the grant budget and the process for handling future applications.

The Council discussed the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) Invasive Plant Program and evaluated the Village's potential participation. An operational update was provided by Ashcroft Terminal regarding their rail transload facilities, safety culture, and planned site transitions. Council approved several community donation and facility use requests, referred a grant policy for review, endorsed the 'Forestry is a Solution' initiative, identified a water reservoir project as a primary federal funding priority, and supported a public safety petition. Additionally, the Council approved the renewal of the UBCM membership and endorsed a late resolution from the District of Peachland regarding the potential application of PST to professional services.

The council meeting agenda includes the appointment of Ms. Tami Jones to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, a decision on participating in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) Invasive Plant Program, and reviewing various correspondence, including a request for an Inter-Community Business License for mobile vendors. Additionally, it features staff reports on Grant-in-Aid funding, correspondence regarding federal funding priorities, and updates on various community events and initiatives.

The Council meetings in February included the adoption of several bylaws, such as the Water Regulations Bylaw No. 881, 2026, and the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 882, 2026. The Council also revised the Travel Reimbursement Policy to permit the use of the Kia EV9 electric fleet vehicle, approved expenses for Councillor Clement to attend the LGLA Leadership Forum, and approved a road closure for the BC Drag It Challenge event. Furthermore, the Council approved edits to the Accessibility Advisory Committee's Terms of Reference and made appointments to that committee. Separately, a public meeting was held to discuss the upcoming residential water meter installation scheduled to begin in April, and to present proposed updates to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws, including integrating FireSmart principles and considering cannabis retail establishments downtown. Discussions also covered feedback from the Streets and Safety Working Group regarding speed limits.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council includes acknowledging traditional territory, review of the minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting, and receiving delegations regarding the TNRD Invasive Plant Program and the Ashcroft Terminal Operational Update. Staff reports feature a Request for Decision concerning community support requests, including fee waivers for the Ashcroft & District Community Resource Society and Ashcroft & District Health Care Auxiliary, a donation for the Desert Sands Community School Travel Club, and permission for the Ashcroft & District Lions Club's Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast, alongside a directive to review the Grant in Aid Policy. Correspondence items for action include endorsing the "Forestry is a Solution" initiative, responding to MP Caputo regarding federal funding concerns, supporting a public safety petition from the City of Prince George, and approving the renewal of the UBCM membership. The meeting also addresses COTW recommendations and includes reports from Mayor Roden and Councillors.