Skip to content

Council meeting highlights

The Nakusp City Council met on Tuesday October 14, one day after the Thanksgiving holiday Monday.

The Nakusp City Council met on Tuesday October 14, one day after the Thanksgiving holiday Monday.

Motogiro representative Dave Marshall presented Council with the report that the event held in September involving timed old-time motorcycle races on the Hot Springs Road and his association’s intention to have the event become an annual one, occuring each September.  Discussions will be ongoing.

The Council heard updates from the Village CAO Linda Tynan regarding the status of outstanding actions on Council Resolutions including the unsightly property located behind the Esso and speed control along both Broadway and 8 Ave.

Mayor Karen Hamling, Councillor Guy Duchaine and Councillor Ulli Mueller each gave a verbal report concerning their experiences of the UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) conference held from September 22-26 in Whistler.

Mayor Hamling spoke about the Mayor’s Caucus, policing and mental health, community forests and carbon offsets, more hospital beds, the ferry and use of the backup ferry, and Nakusp’s recycling program.

Councillor Duchaine lauded the experience of attending the UBCM and shared his experiences.  His sessions included rural business development funding and another on proposed changes to the way in which paramedics and other medical services are used in rural areas.

Councillor Mueller gave her report concerning changes to recycling and possible relocation of the recycling depot to the landfill site, upcoming events with the Nakusp and Area Development Board, the search for a suitable site for the Renaissance Faire, the Mushroom Festival's was great success, the Arrow Lakes Grape Growers seeking funding assistance and her participation in the Communities in Bloom judges visit which happened in the middle of July.  While Nakusp ranked high with urban forest, floral displays, beautifully kept residential yards and strong heritage, it was noted that signage on the entrances to town is poor and none of the public garbages provided recycling compartments for drink containers.  Mueller also attended the UBCM and brought back news about changes to B.C. building codes vs. fire department response times, green energy and a WorkBC trade show installation she would like to see brought to Nakusp Secondary School entitled “Find Your Fit.” where students can try some of the skills needed for future careers.

Councillor Zeleznik submitted his report in writing mainly concerning NACFOR and cutting permit development in Summit Lake and Galena.  Many residents of Summit Lake are concerned that any logging in the area will destroy toad populations. NACFOR is working with Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program biologists to fund and research the impact that logging in the area would have on the toads.

Council voted on cash dividend disbursements to various non-profits in the area including the Rotary Club, the Legion, the Ski Club, Trails Society and others.  Discussion ensued about future disbursements and changes to the grant application process.

Council touched on Bergevin Electical’s ongoing investigation of the possible development of a small hydropower project on Gardner Creek as well as to decide on a request for possible expansion of the Nakusp airport hangar.

Councillor Hughes took the opportunity to address growing public concerns about logging activities in Summit Lake based on mounting pressure from the general public.  Mayor Hamling refused to give a public response until more information is known about the matter.  Both Councillors Mueller and Duchaine disagreed, arguing that NACFOR is a separate entity and should be “allowed to do their job” without interference from their only shareholder and sole owner, the Village of Nakusp.