Special honours for several Nakusp firefighters
The council meeting held June 25 began with special honours for several members of the Nakusp & District Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor Karen Hamling presented Governor General of Canada Fire Services Exemplary Service Awards to Chief Terry Warren with a 30-year bar (service since November 17, 1983), Deputy Chief Reg Gustafson with a 20-year medal (service since June 27, 1995), and Captain Bill Regner with a 20-year medal (service since January 10, 1990.) This distinction honors ‘members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed at least 20 years of service which have been served in the performance of duties involving periods of risk.’ The Province of British Columbia Long Service Awards followed. Warren was awarded a 35-year bar, Regner and Captain Richard Cann were acknowledged with 25-year medal. The Province of BC awards go to ‘members of a paid or volunteer fire service who have completed at least 25 years of service to recognize their dedicated and selfless service to their communities and province.’ Public seating was filled to capacity with friends and families of the recipients. The mayor recognized the spouses of the firefighters, saying, “Without you ladies, they would not be able to do what they do.”
Climbing wall project update
A delegation from Nakusp Secondary School presented an update on the climbing wall project. Their representative Cameron Mackintosh walked council gave a slideshow explaining what has been happening since the last delegation attended a council meeting seeking a letter of support in the fall of 2017. They are a lot closer to starting the project, with liability insurance being the hinge-point. The school board’s insurance does not extend to members of the public outside of staff and students, but the funding they have been approved for depends on after-hours access by the public. There is a society being formed to direct the project, and board director’s insurance would also be a concern. Principal Peter Gadja answered questions and pitched a request for the village to consider putting the insurance needed under the Municpial Insurance Association of British Columbia [MIABC.] The CAO, Laurie Taylor confirmed that she had already looked into it and that this was a possibility, saying, “There is no issue with it. And it does include director’s insurance.” The Village administration will report findings at the July 9 meeting.
Two business licences given temporary approval
Two business licences were approved on a trial basis, as they were not straightforward based on location. The businesses are located in residential areas where the current zoning bylaw states that “intent is not to carry on a commercial business.” Short term (8 week with review and potential extension) licenses were approved based on the unique nature of the operations; Wet Willy’s Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals would rent paddle boards and kayaks from the home’s garage located across the street from the public beach and The Arrow Stand would rent blow-up paddle boards from a stand located on public property close to the beach and run the business from their residence at 201-1st St NW. Councillor Ulli Mueller said, “It adds life to the community, it’s right by the beach, the season is short and it’s fun and touristy. A great idea for the summer.” Council voted in favour of the trail licences with no objections.