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Message from the mayor for May
By Ute Juras
Mayor of the Village of Canal Flats
Another month has gone by way too quickly and judging by the weather we are moving fast towards summer. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be diligent about the dry conditions when working in your yards and going into the backcountry.
The province has currently issued an Open Fire Ban which includes:
* the burning of any waste, slash or other materials.
* stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.
* the use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels or cages of any size or description.
* the use of binary exploding targets (e.g., for rifle target practice).
* the use of air curtain burners (forced air burning systems).
So far campfires are still permitted. For updates and for more information go to www.bcwildfire.ca.
During a Committee of the Whole meeting on May, Council went through our 2015 Strategic Plan to develop and Implementation Plan. We have created committees for the Recreation Master Plan, Senior/Youth Program, Business Attraction/Diversification, Community Pride and Celebration, Community Garden, Tilley Memorial Park Plan and ATV Bylaw.
Each council member has taken a role in several of those committees. Some of the committees will be looking for additional volunteers to help with input from the general public or stakeholder groups. These will be advertised or some will be contacted directly. Stay tuned to the newsletter and council meetings for updates and more information.
In an effort to keep improving the look of our village and for environmental safety, the village is continuing to ask property owners to comply with the Unsightly Premises Bylaw. I would like to make it clear that our main objective is compliance.
Staff will work very hard with everyone to come up with a plan to address any issues and concerns. At this time, I would like to ask those affected to please refrain from contacting staff members at their home on days off or after business hours. I realize that we live in a small town and that many of you are good friends with the people who work for the village. I also realize that it is easy to just pick up the phone after supper or on the weekend to connect with this friend and talk or complain about what is happening to you. All of our staff work very hard while they are fulfilling their duties. Just like the rest of us, they would like to go home at the end of the day, put up their feet and enjoy their families. Besides, they do not get paid to deal with work matters outside of business hours. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
On a lighter side, Canal Days are here and I look forward to seeing you all there. If you recall, Cranbrook lost the Zamboni Challenge to our own Mathieu Fournier last March and as a result of a wager the Mayor of Cranbrook, Lee Pratt, will be joining me in the parade wearing our Canal Flats Canadiens Jersey. Please be sure to give him a warm Canal Flats Welcome.
That’s it for this month. Have a fun Canal Days and stay safe!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/concerns (Phone: 250-489-9070, E-mail: [email protected])
