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Message from the Mayor
By Ute Juras
Village of Canal Flats Mayor
As April drew to a close the deadline of the cut backs at the Canal Flats Mill had arrived. On behalf of council, I would like to wish everyone affected all the best for the future. As mentioned in my last message, council has worked very hard on the budget process to not put further financial burden on our taxpayers by passing a zero increase in municipal taxes for this year.
Here is more good news. Council is very pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Family Resource Centre and entered into an agreement with them to rent the remaining room downstairs in the Columbia Discovery Centre for $1 for the next five years.
We are very excited to see services come to Canal Flats such as Family Counselling, Family Support Work, Women’s Counselling, Seniors Better at Home Program, Youth Outreach and Engagement, Employment Services, Early Learning Centre for children under six and their families, etc. This will not only help existing families access these programs where they live, but will also help in attracting new families to the community. A huge thank you to the Family Resource Centre!
There has been a lot of buzz around the re-zoning application by Benny Boyz Ventures Ltd. I would like to take this opportunity to explain the process. At the April 13 council meeting, council deferred first and second reading of the Amendment Bylaw to the May 11 meeting in order for staff to do some more research on questions we had. When the bylaw comes back to council, we can either turn it down or give first and second reading.
If the latter happens, the bylaw will proceed to public hearing. This will then give residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and/or give their opinion to council in writing prior to or during the public hearing or verbally by attending the public hearing. It is very important to note that council will NOT be able to receive any information once the public hearing is closed.
It is also important to note that council does not have an opinion on either side of the issue until after the public hearing. We need to keep an open mind and let both sides present their case before we make a decision.
After the public hearing the bylaw will come back to council for third reading. At that time, we can turn it down, make changes to address concerns voiced at the public hearing or proceed to adoption.
I understand that there is a Facebook page started for people to voice their concerns. However, in order to have your concerns on public record, you still need to send them to the village. Also, please refrain from adding any council members to the page.
It is very encouraging to see so many people getting involved with this issue. This is a very big decision for us and having feedback from both sides is very important. Please don’t hesitate to contact the village or me if you have any questions or need further clarification.
In the meantime, enjoy the lovely spring we are having and stay safe J
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/concerns (Phone: 250-489-9070, E-mail: [email protected]).
