I’m going to take this opportunity to update you on things going on around town.
The Hot Springs foot bridge is moving along nicely as you could see from the picture in last week’s paper. We hope to have it completed by mid July with a grand opening on the Aug. 9 weekend. We will advertise the date when confirmed.
The breakwater is falling apart and we have been working with the launch club to have it replaced. We are looking at different options. BC Hydro has contributed $100,000 towards the replacement and we are working with BC Hydro and the comptroller to define responsibilities.
The floating dock and the wharf are issues that have been brought forward by several members of our fishing community and you can be rest assured that we are working with Columbia Power Corporation and BC Hydro to rectify the concerns. We are currently waiting to see what remedies they will come up with.
We have had issues with the arena ice plant and are waiting for further reports, from the investigative process that is underway, to put together a plan so that we can have it up and running for this winter.
Shon’s Bike Shop received a license to occupy one of the parking stalls in front of his business. Council has granted him a license to occupy and his business will be charged at the same rate as other businesses in town (such as What’s Brewing), that occupy Village Property. Council cannot provide an unfair advantage to business and that is why we charge for the use of Village Property. It is our duty to ensure that all businesses in town are on the same playing field. We are currently charging just over a third of the range that we could charge for the use of Village Property.
A reminder that water restrictions are in place and watering is from 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. even and odd days, depending on your house number. Our staff will be issuing warnings and ticketing people who abuse water restrictions. It is our hope that we will not have to issue any tickets or warnings this year.
We learned at the BC Hydro operations meeting last week that it is possible that our lake level will drop to 1425 feet and possibly lower in August and September due to work being carried out at Mica.
Council is disappointed that the rodeo will not be held this summer and are looking forward to the August long weekend slow pitch tournament.
The trails society is going great guns on the trails and is to be commended for their work.
Council has received funding, from Columbia Power Corp., to place heritage plaques on some of the buildings that are listed in the heritage walk. We are in the process of putting those together. Hopefully, we will have them in place this summer.
July 1 festivities are coming together under Dawn Devlin (Chamber of Commerce president) and a handful of very exuberant volunteers. They desperately need help for the day and if you can give an hour or two, please drop in at the Visitor Centre and leave your name and number. Help cover costs of the day by purchasing the $2 button.
Congratulations to the grads of 2013, we wish you all the best.
Congratulations also go out to Dr. Subszwari and his wife on their newborn son, Yusuf.
A great big thank-you to everyone who attended the award ceremony for me and who have taken the time to offer congratulations. This is such an amazing community.
I appreciate all the people who take the time to bring concerns forward and have asked for clarification on issues happening around town.