1 00:01:08,960 --> 00:01:16,240 6:00 p.m. folks. Good evening. It's my honor to welcome each and every 2 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:18,880 one of you on behalf of the council the community. 3 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:24,520 If I may request each and every one of you in present, make sure your phone is 4 00:01:23,560 --> 00:01:29,560 on vibration or silent mode. 5 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:33,480 Nobody get disturbed. The whole council is present along with 6 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:38,640 uh senior staff as required but the council flashed 7 00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:42,000 forward due to her personal reason. She is a zoom in. She's with us 8 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:47,520 uh through the internet. 9 00:01:44,920 --> 00:01:52,000 It's my honor to acknowledge that we are gathered 10 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:57,120 in the William Lake First Nations Sepnic people's unceded territory. Thanks to 11 00:01:54,080 --> 00:02:02,000 the chief and the nation allowing us to the business and get together. Adoption 12 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:05,320 of the agendas on the floor. >> So, second. 13 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:08,960 » Moved and seconded. Any addition or deletion? Hearing none, 14 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:12,280 all in favor. Carried unanimously. 15 00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:18,240 Minute of the regular council meeting held in July 14th. 16 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:21,920 » Move the recommendation. >> Moved and seconded. Any addition or 17 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:25,280 deletion? Hearing none, 18 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:29,800 all in favor. Carried. 19 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:34,320 We don't have any delegation today, but I'm honored to announce we had a very 20 00:02:32,360 --> 00:02:38,760 special privilege 21 00:02:35,959 --> 00:02:41,880 to receive one of our well-deserved 22 00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:46,120 hero. On behalf of the city of Williams Lake, 23 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:52,560 it is my privilege to present a certificate of appreciation to 24 00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:58,959 Kayla Lucas in recognition of her action during the game between the Canim Lake 25 00:02:56,000 --> 00:03:01,959 and Williams Lake Mustangs on March 9th, 2026. 26 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:09,400 This is a trailblazer thing as I'm concerned. 27 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:13,320 What Kayla did, I expect every citizen to be ready to do when the time comes 28 00:03:11,760 --> 00:03:16,600 like a great honor. 29 00:03:15,239 --> 00:03:22,320 Following a serious life-threatening injury to a young Mustang player, 30 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:26,280 Kayla stepped forward and provided care in the critical moment 31 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:29,120 before the physician or medical assistance 32 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:32,360 arrived. Her calm 33 00:03:30,680 --> 00:03:36,760 demeanor, quick thinking, and willingness to act 34 00:03:34,519 --> 00:03:40,800 under pressure helped support the injured athlete when it mattered the 35 00:03:39,320 --> 00:03:45,360 most. Kayla's action reflect the compassion, 36 00:03:43,239 --> 00:03:50,720 the true leadership, and community 37 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:55,320 spirit that are valued in Williams Lake. It should be everywhere, in fact. 38 00:03:53,320 --> 00:03:58,880 And we have the council, the staff 39 00:03:56,600 --> 00:04:03,000 in the city of Williams Lake. Thank you, my friend, 40 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:06,959 for your outstanding service and care and compassion. 41 00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:14,120 Kyla, please accept the certificate of appreciation with our sincere gratitude 42 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:20,519 and con- congratulations. Again, I will read what is written, then 43 00:04:17,880 --> 00:04:24,120 I'm going to request Ms. Lucas to come forward, 44 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:29,280 and also my colleagues who are present for a photo opportunity. 45 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:33,040 Usually, when the 90 days before the election, 46 00:04:30,440 --> 00:04:38,240 we don't do any photos for any individual council member, 47 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:42,919 not the mayor. Not that mayor is not above the law. Everybody is equal. We 48 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:47,040 take all seven members equal, but today, because it's a very special occasion, 49 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:52,160 it's a privilege to present this certificate. So, if I 50 00:04:49,040 --> 00:04:55,600 may request, we will post it on the city web page. 51 00:04:54,080 --> 00:05:00,120 Uh from city of the Williams Lake certificate of appreciation, Kyla Lucas, 52 00:04:58,760 --> 00:05:04,520 on behalf of the city of Williams Lake council and the community of Williams 53 00:05:01,480 --> 00:05:10,320 Lake, thank you for your courage, quick thinking, and professional action during 54 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:15,280 the medical emergency took place on March 9th, 2026, 55 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:21,280 uh during the hockey game. Your life-saving action in support of a 56 00:05:18,040 --> 00:05:25,400 young athlete demonstrate the compassion, service, and 57 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:31,120 community-minded spirit that are the heart of the Williams Lake. 58 00:05:28,960 --> 00:05:34,640 Kyla, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. It's dated in the city of 59 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:40,919 Williams Lake, British Columbia, on 11th day of 2026, 60 00:05:37,640 --> 00:05:45,760 signed by my office and each and every council member. May I request you please 61 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:45,760 to come forward. 62 00:06:04,184 --> 00:06:06,204 » [clears throat] 63 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:09,280 » Always face to the chair. Always face to the chair. You have to stand here. No, 64 00:07:07,840 --> 00:07:12,840 no, no, no. Come in here. Yeah. 65 00:07:11,640 --> 00:07:14,120 Face me because I am in [clears throat] court. 66 00:07:13,520 --> 00:07:19,919 » Okay. >> People are watching you. 67 00:07:16,520 --> 00:07:19,919 » I'd like a little pressure, I guess. 68 00:07:22,130 --> 00:07:24,150 » [clears throat] 69 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:33,240 » This, I feel, is um I'm very grateful for the recognition. 70 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:37,200 Um I certainly could not have acted in the 71 00:07:35,440 --> 00:07:39,960 way I did without a lot of assistance and support. 72 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:44,320 Um I'm really thankful to the people that 73 00:07:41,560 --> 00:07:47,560 were there, that did uh come to my assistance. One of them being Tyler 74 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:50,360 Judd. Who I'd like to 75 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:54,560 acknowledge um also helped to keep me calm because 76 00:07:53,160 --> 00:08:00,440 it wasn't a situation that I'd like to repeat. Um but 77 00:07:57,320 --> 00:08:04,680 the only thanks I needed was that uh Dawson is here with us tonight. And I 78 00:08:02,880 --> 00:08:08,800 just like to acknowledge how grateful I am that 79 00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:12,680 um that was the outcome. So no recognition really necessary, but I'm 80 00:08:10,960 --> 00:08:14,960 very grateful for it. So thank you very much. 81 00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:17,520 » Thank you. Give a round of applause quickly. 82 00:08:23,840 --> 00:08:29,200 Thank you, folks. I would not expect as a 83 00:08:27,120 --> 00:08:33,800 your community leader or uh any less than what Kayla did from 84 00:08:31,400 --> 00:08:36,919 anybody. It's a great lesson to learn for all of us. 85 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:40,960 When the help is needed, we should volunteer. 86 00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:44,839 Don't think twice. Thank you once again, Kayla. You're a 87 00:08:42,320 --> 00:08:47,160 great inspiration. Look the support you had 88 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:51,400 from the family and friend of the people, okay? Thank you once again. 89 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:55,680 Moving forward, computer checks, please. 90 00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:59,800 » The recommendation that the accounts payable computer check and EFT listings 91 00:08:57,240 --> 00:09:02,160 dated July 16th, 23rd, and 30th, and August 6th, 2026 be received for 92 00:09:01,520 --> 00:09:06,360 information. >> So moved. 93 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:10,280 » Moved and seconded. All in favor. Thank you, folks. 94 00:09:07,839 --> 00:09:10,280 » Thank you. 95 00:09:50,760 --> 00:09:57,880 » Hey, we'll get back to the business. Uh we took the vote on the 96 00:09:56,000 --> 00:10:03,080 computer checks and we're moving to the development permit application 97 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:06,160 number five. >> The recommendation that pursuant to the 98 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:10,640 report of the planner dated July 22nd, 2026, Council approve development permit 99 00:10:08,360 --> 00:10:14,560 number five 2025 for Altus Group on behalf of the owner BC Housing to permit 100 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:18,720 construction of 51 unit supportive housing complex located at 845 Carson 101 00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:21,680 Drive. >> Second. 102 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:25,360 » Moved and seconded. I might understand there's a few people online. 103 00:10:24,600 --> 00:10:29,160 Um if anybody from the public wanted to ask 104 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:33,480 any question, uh they're most welcome to come forward. 105 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:41,160 Anybody from the public? Anybody from the developer 106 00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:47,120 want to speak? It's a great news for the city of 107 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:53,080 Williams Lake. Uh it's a 51 unit four-story. 108 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:57,320 The it's been in the discussion for a few years. 109 00:10:54,640 --> 00:11:02,040 I want to thanks to the BC Housing and specially our very own 110 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:06,240 economic development manager Ms. Win Camp. 111 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:10,680 She've been persistence on this site along with the so many community leaders 112 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:17,720 in the community. Took us long time, but I'm glad. 113 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:23,040 Yes, it might be sales pitch. I make no bones telling the community 114 00:11:21,440 --> 00:11:27,880 including last Thursday in the performance in the park, I said it. I'll 115 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:33,520 say it anytime. There's nothing nothing in the last four 116 00:11:31,040 --> 00:11:38,160 year minus two and a half month it come to this table which has not been 117 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:46,120 done positively. This council 118 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:50,360 and the staff has worked together as a one team. 119 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:56,400 I've delivered very positively. I'm very proud of each and every one. 120 00:11:53,480 --> 00:12:02,360 It's a long time overdue. We finish up 36 unit in the Glen Harbor 121 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:07,960 right behind the city hall. It used to be 34, adding 36 unit became 122 00:12:06,560 --> 00:12:13,280 30 unit. Now, these are four-story. 123 00:12:10,680 --> 00:12:17,880 There's, I believe, 30 plus unit right now. 124 00:12:14,480 --> 00:12:23,160 And it will be demolished once the few residents left there only handful. 125 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:28,320 Once they found the place for them and it will be done. Thanks to the 126 00:12:25,760 --> 00:12:35,480 government. Thanks to the BC Housing. Thanks to our very own economic 127 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:41,240 development manager who delivered it. 51 plus 36 unit it will be 87 unit 128 00:12:38,440 --> 00:12:46,880 delivered by this council uh during the time of this council. Like 129 00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:52,280 I said, not all work done. I didn't start it yesterday. We've been 130 00:12:48,760 --> 00:12:57,760 working on this a long time and I'm honored and 131 00:12:54,360 --> 00:13:01,240 tell the community let them see how this thing is coming to fruition. Councillor 132 00:13:00,320 --> 00:13:04,760 Nelson. >> Thank you very much, Your Worship. I'll 133 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:09,880 be supporting the application that's in front of us. The proposed development 134 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:14,000 will be a multi- purpose 135 00:13:11,520 --> 00:13:20,520 four-story facility that will provide approximately 51 self-contained homes 136 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:25,960 including accessible and couple-oriented suites designed to offer safe, stable, 137 00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:32,040 and inclusive housing for the vulnerable individuals in Williams Lake community. 138 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:37,600 I recognize that this is 51 units. Um I can tell you that this started 139 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:40,840 about 5 6 years ago. Uh thank you Beth uh and your department. Thanks to the 140 00:13:39,160 --> 00:13:42,720 community as well. Um 141 00:13:41,520 --> 00:13:47,640 this replaces the existing 33 units that are 142 00:13:45,440 --> 00:13:52,920 there, Your Honor. So, we're we're netting out approximately 17. 143 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:57,560 Um that's the good news is is that this is going to be modern, safe, and 144 00:13:55,440 --> 00:14:01,960 reliable. And it's going to replace an old dilapidated building that's done its 145 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:05,880 time and helped out. Um I've always said and I will continue 146 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:09,880 to advocate that I don't support tents, people living in tents. 147 00:14:07,560 --> 00:14:14,080 This is what we need and we need more of it on behalf of the provincial and 148 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:20,360 federal government. So, I recognize that we are it's only a net 17 units, 149 00:14:17,280 --> 00:14:24,480 but it's going to be simply the start of I think many more to come. So, I'll be 150 00:14:22,480 --> 00:14:28,080 supporting the recommendation, the development application from the Ultras 151 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:32,760 Group on this particular application, Worship, and hoping that we can get on 152 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:36,080 moving forward to get it built. I do recognize that the Canadian Mental 153 00:14:34,240 --> 00:14:39,880 Health Association will be the 154 00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:44,440 one that's going to be running the supportive housing. 155 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:49,040 And I think that when we're in Victoria um the next time around, we need to 156 00:14:46,920 --> 00:14:52,839 continue to emphasize that if we're going to get people off the streets and 157 00:14:50,640 --> 00:14:57,160 not in tents, then we need more of this type of supportive housing. 158 00:14:54,839 --> 00:15:00,920 Uh this community has been very very supportive of of these types of 159 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:04,880 projects. And we can only continue to advocate to have more of these so we can 160 00:15:02,640 --> 00:15:10,040 get people off the streets. So, my hand goes up. I want to thank BC Housing for 161 00:15:08,440 --> 00:15:14,080 quite honestly making sure that this one stayed on on the docket because there 162 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:18,360 was a lot of projects that got knocked off uh during this last budget process 163 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:23,839 on the provincial side. So, thank you very much. 164 00:15:19,640 --> 00:15:23,839 » Thank you. Councillor Fletcher, please. 165 00:15:25,880 --> 00:15:32,240 » Thank you, Your Worship. Yes, I also very much support this 166 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:36,520 initiative and this development. I think this is absolutely incredible 167 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:41,040 for Williams Lake. It is the next step. You know, I think as a council, we saw 168 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:44,800 so many discussions about how we didn't want a shelter. Individuals didn't want 169 00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:49,200 a shelter from BC Housing within our community. Because we accepted having a 170 00:15:47,320 --> 00:15:52,840 shelter, I think that's why we got the financial support to continue to have 171 00:15:51,120 --> 00:15:57,080 this development for our community, which is so important because 172 00:15:55,320 --> 00:16:02,560 things are expensive out there. It's hard for people to be living the way 173 00:15:59,920 --> 00:16:07,960 that they need to. Costs of rent is ridiculous. You know, people that have 174 00:16:04,880 --> 00:16:12,120 all the apartment complexes, it's costly for people to try and and have a place 175 00:16:10,200 --> 00:16:16,320 there. Where this is supportive housing and and this gets people off the streets 176 00:16:14,440 --> 00:16:21,120 like my colleague mentioned. So, this is really really important for Williams 177 00:16:18,240 --> 00:16:25,760 Lake. I also think that this development is really smart looking. I like the 178 00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:29,680 design. I like the way that it appears. So, I think it'll be a real positive 179 00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:34,160 thing for the neighborhood as well as businesses that are in the area. 180 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:38,680 You know, there's already an established supportive housing facility there in an 181 00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:42,800 old building, but you know, there we've never noticed or I've never heard of you 182 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:48,200 know, great impacts to the neighborhood. So, I think an expansion off of this and 183 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:52,280 will be just a real win-win for our community. 184 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:55,560 I do have a couple questions. I noticed one of my colleagues mentioning that it 185 00:16:53,880 --> 00:17:01,000 would be 80, but it's not. I think it's a total of 51 units and I'd like 186 00:16:57,680 --> 00:17:06,680 clarification on that. And um my other question is that I noticed the 187 00:17:03,839 --> 00:17:09,600 northern part of the property, there's still quite a bit of space that's not 188 00:17:08,199 --> 00:17:14,439 being utilized. Has there been any discussion of potential expansion down 189 00:17:12,880 --> 00:17:18,600 the road over and above this development once 190 00:17:16,760 --> 00:17:23,560 it's completed. Thank you. >> I think I said it all to reply that 191 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:30,440 first part of the question. I said 81 unit. I said adding 192 00:17:27,199 --> 00:17:37,360 36 unit from the Glenn Harbor and 51 of the Council Flash Fuller. It's not 81, 193 00:17:33,320 --> 00:17:42,520 it's a 51 unit, but it will be total 81 unit delivered 194 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:47,840 just by this council. Reference to the space, I know the answer. I had the 195 00:17:44,840 --> 00:17:52,560 answer, but I let our CEO reply that question. The space sitting there, 196 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:55,720 what's happening with that? >> Your Worship, I think that you have a Do 197 00:17:54,320 --> 00:17:58,760 you have a representatives from BC Housing that probably be more in tune of 198 00:17:57,680 --> 00:18:01,640 what's happening with that space that you can uh 199 00:17:59,920 --> 00:18:05,640 ask the question to them. I think that Tyler's on there. 200 00:18:03,080 --> 00:18:10,280 » Yeah, could you please reply that the question for Council Flash Fuller from 201 00:18:08,520 --> 00:18:14,360 BC Housing? >> Thank you very much, Mayor and Council. 202 00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:17,360 My name is Tyler Baker. I'm the Director of Development for the interior. Nice to 203 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:21,360 see you all again. Very astute question, Council Flash 204 00:18:19,200 --> 00:18:26,280 Fuller. Yes, there's some um land remaining. We were actually quite 205 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:30,880 careful to reserve land for a future use. At the moment, we don't have 206 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:35,400 funding for to know what that will be. You know, but it leaves open the door 207 00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:39,240 to do something in the future when we have funding to meet the needs in the 208 00:18:37,360 --> 00:18:43,680 community. And when we come to that decision, it'll be a as this has been as 209 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:48,680 our other decisions have been, it'll be a joint partnership to talk about what 210 00:18:46,480 --> 00:18:53,440 the needs are in the community and what our funding can be used best used for to 211 00:18:50,920 --> 00:18:56,640 meet those needs. So, we don't know yet, but it'll be part of the picture in the 212 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:59,600 future and it'll be a real asset for the community. 213 00:18:57,880 --> 00:19:03,200 » Thank you. I really appreciate that response and I think that's great 214 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:07,800 proactive vision because we know that times change, needs from communities 215 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:12,760 change, and the fact that we might have some area that we can put focus towards 216 00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:16,760 is I think a really really positive thing. So, I really appreciate that and 217 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:20,520 all the thought and processes behind from everyone. And I also just want to 218 00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:24,040 really thank the province for continuing with this program as we know that 219 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:27,920 there's been substantial cuts and everybody wants to have those supports 220 00:19:26,120 --> 00:19:31,800 in their community because everybody's feeling the impacts right now. So, um I 221 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:35,840 just want to put a thanks out to you, your team, um also the team for the city 222 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:38,800 of Williams Lake that have worked with you and other community members that 223 00:19:37,720 --> 00:19:42,440 have worked with you guys as an organization in making this happen. So, 224 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:46,920 thank you so much. This is a real positive positive one for us. 225 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:52,680 » And last part of your comment was Counselor Flash Fuller 226 00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:57,080 um how we got this project. Yes, there's only one project in the BC going on 227 00:19:54,720 --> 00:20:04,000 that's in Williams Lake. That is a sign of your, mine, this council, this team's 228 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:08,440 um mission by working together. We got this project because we worked together 229 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:14,960 with the everybody, with the all the stakeholder, regardless they're Victoria 230 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:17,360 or Ottawa or regional or or or local. So, 231 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:20,960 it's another uh 232 00:20:18,120 --> 00:20:25,080 mission completed or will be accomplished in the 233 00:20:23,120 --> 00:20:29,600 days and months to come because we worked together. Counselor 234 00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:33,080 How we in, please? >> Thank you, Worship, and I just want to 235 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:37,960 echo I mean I think most of the comments have been made. I I do want to add that 236 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:42,440 I think we did ask we wanted 80 units. I mean 55 was I thought 55 was the number, 237 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:45,440 but anyway, down to 51. It's pretty usual, but 238 00:20:43,720 --> 00:20:49,680 um it's it's a drop in the bucket. I think we still need more, but it it's 239 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:53,440 such a good start and it hopefully will lead the way to to down the future. We 240 00:20:51,760 --> 00:20:58,400 are very lucky and I do want to say thank you to BC Housing for keeping us 241 00:20:56,720 --> 00:21:02,160 on the books cuz that's we're sure thankful we cut that line because I 242 00:21:00,600 --> 00:21:05,720 think we are one of the few still left standing with some of that funding. So, 243 00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:10,360 hopefully more will come in the works cuz we aren't the only community that 244 00:21:07,960 --> 00:21:14,560 needs housing and we need more housing and so many do. So, I just wanted to 245 00:21:12,360 --> 00:21:17,760 echo and say my thanks, but um I do appreciate it and I look forward to 246 00:21:15,960 --> 00:21:22,600 hopefully seeing it actually going up soon. Thank you. 247 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:27,720 » I just to let you know also being I had on my speed dial a dialer's number and I 248 00:21:25,600 --> 00:21:32,920 know our economic development manager also had that. We won't let him get 249 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:36,160 away. And uh we'll keep working on it and uh 250 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:39,120 Okay, I got a question to Moses, Councillor Glaning, and Councillor 251 00:21:37,920 --> 00:21:43,480 Anton, please. >> Thank you, Your Worship. 252 00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:49,280 Yeah, we we've been patiently and excitingly waiting waiting for this 253 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:54,200 meeting for for this agenda item. I I want to make sure that we point out 254 00:21:51,240 --> 00:21:57,920 that this type of supporting housing is one that helps people who have graduated 255 00:21:56,440 --> 00:22:02,000 from the Canadian Mental Health's Housing First programs. This means that 256 00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:06,760 they've already shown their dedication to recovery and their ability to be able 257 00:22:04,280 --> 00:22:12,280 to pay for their housing. The The people who receive these types of housing are 258 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:17,120 often facing some form of disability or a barrier to receiving income or 259 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:22,960 housing. The The supportive housing that this is replacing was a very successful 260 00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:27,720 program with very little footprint. So, this is an amazing service that we're 261 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:32,200 we're receiving to our community. Uh but it took a lot of work in the 262 00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:36,480 background, lots of advocacy to ensure that we didn't lose our project while a 263 00:22:34,040 --> 00:22:40,360 lot of other cities lost theirs. So, I want to say a quick thank you to 264 00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:46,080 Tyler and the rest of the team at BC Housing and the team at Canadian Mental 265 00:22:42,800 --> 00:22:49,720 Health Association. The The This is This is a great achievement for us. Let's So, 266 00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:54,120 let's get that shovel in the ground, Tyler. We Because we we have more 267 00:22:52,120 --> 00:22:58,560 projects where this one came from and we're already ready to get those going 268 00:22:56,040 --> 00:23:03,720 next cuz I I agree with Councillor Beam that we still need more. So, I have a 269 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:07,880 hopeful question for Tyler. At at our local Friendship Centre, we already have 270 00:23:05,600 --> 00:23:11,240 blueprints and land ready for another apartment building. When are you going 271 00:23:09,560 --> 00:23:15,440 to get it get that one started next for us? Thank you, Your Worship. 272 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:21,200 » I wonder if Tyler wanted to respond to that or should I move ahead? 273 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:26,120 » I'm always happy to speak about um the next project in the pipeline. We 274 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:29,760 like I said, we are always looking for opportunities even if we don't have 275 00:23:27,360 --> 00:23:34,520 funding available right now. When we do, we need things that are ready to go. So, 276 00:23:32,360 --> 00:23:39,440 um happy to talk to you about that. >> Definitely William Lake I always had a 277 00:23:37,240 --> 00:23:44,320 um shovel ready program, you know, shelf ready program. So, whenever you're 278 00:23:41,160 --> 00:23:48,080 ready, uh Counselor Drainy, please. Thank you, Tyler. 279 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:52,480 » Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um yeah, thank you. Kudos everybody for getting this 280 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:55,640 project to go forward. I like I love a visual person, so I love reading and 281 00:23:54,160 --> 00:24:00,560 seeing these uh seeing the design and uh the 282 00:23:57,840 --> 00:24:07,560 architecture. Um but maybe I'm having a moment here. Um I only count 30 283 00:24:05,160 --> 00:24:11,720 six. Like we've got we've got uh three on the main floor and then there's two 284 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:15,160 floors of third 16, so that's 32 plus two is 38. 285 00:24:13,840 --> 00:24:19,560 Where's the other Where's the Where's the 51? 286 00:24:17,360 --> 00:24:24,200 Unless I'm missing a floor or something. >> You're probably missing the plan. I know 287 00:24:21,240 --> 00:24:26,200 the number shows that way, but I I'm with you. I've seen it. I thought 288 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:28,000 about it. >> Okay, so I'm not the only one that 289 00:24:27,200 --> 00:24:31,640 » Yeah, yeah, you're not the only one. Yeah. 290 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:35,120 I definitely saw Yeah. I checked with the staff it was 51. Trust me. 291 00:24:34,400 --> 00:24:37,200 Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Tyler's a tease still showing me 292 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:39,120 the >> You're right on. 293 00:24:38,040 --> 00:24:44,880 » 51. [laughter] Um I think there was I mean obviously 294 00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:49,280 you guys are a great proponent for um for BC Housing and for people that are 295 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:52,960 less fortunate and to help um get people off the streets and into beds. And I 296 00:24:51,120 --> 00:24:56,360 think with the shelter as a kind of an example [clears throat] as well, too, 297 00:24:54,160 --> 00:25:00,440 with just the the model of being able to bring your goods with you. uh being able 298 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:04,680 to have somebody if you have a partner, being able to have a pet, um being able 299 00:25:02,400 --> 00:25:08,760 to see those little storage units for shopping carts or for your bike or or 300 00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:13,360 whatever, I think are um just great little details to be added. 301 00:25:10,840 --> 00:25:18,080 Um the layout looks fantastic. I mean, it's going to be such a 302 00:25:15,960 --> 00:25:23,000 gem for that part of the area, and I really look forward to seeing, you know, 303 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:28,840 what else we are able to uh get off the ground. And also, um 304 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:32,720 to Counselor Flash forward's point that my eyes, I was just focusing and I'm 305 00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:35,360 like, what land is she talking about? Where is the extra land? Well, there's a 306 00:25:34,120 --> 00:25:39,680 whole freaking pile of it right behind there. So, um wonderful. That just means 307 00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:42,760 that maybe one day we'll get another one there, hopefully. So, I just want to say 308 00:25:41,400 --> 00:25:45,840 thank you. Want to make sure I wasn't missing something cuz I didn't count 51, 309 00:25:44,640 --> 00:25:50,680 but we're sure that we're going to get 51 even though it's not in the package 310 00:25:48,120 --> 00:25:53,560 as 51 shown. We're good to go. Mayor's telling me he's going to hold your feet 311 00:25:51,720 --> 00:25:56,440 to the fire. Thanks, Tyler. >> I got to check I can't say anything in 312 00:25:55,160 --> 00:26:00,600 place. >> Thank you. Yeah, I was super excited to 313 00:25:58,560 --> 00:26:03,080 see this project in the report and all the plans just look beautiful, and I 314 00:26:01,760 --> 00:26:05,800 really want to say I appreciate the aesthetics of the building. It 315 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:08,920 definitely gives people a sense of pride to be able to go to such a beautiful 316 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:12,240 home. Obviously, I was very appreciative that we had the Jubilee house, but this 317 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:15,200 is definitely such an upgrade not just in the number of units, but the 318 00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:18,520 beautification of the area, too, and really giving people something to look 319 00:26:16,560 --> 00:26:21,960 forward to going home to. Thank you. >> Before I let it go to the second round, 320 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:26,840 I let Counselor Nelson want to make a comment. Uh Tyler, I I know um 321 00:26:27,560 --> 00:26:32,360 what you think in William Blake William Blake at the best mayor and council and 322 00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:36,200 the staff. And whenever you wanted to build more 323 00:26:34,040 --> 00:26:40,440 houses, and we are all ready for you. We'll help you every which way you 324 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:43,840 needed, and please continue working together philosophy, okay? I look 325 00:26:42,360 --> 00:26:48,440 forward. Counselor Nelson. >> Yeah, Your Worship. I I I it's just 326 00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:53,040 I know that uh there's been a lot of pressure on a lot of other communities. 327 00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:58,080 My colleagues alluded to that as well. Um so, from my perspective uh 328 00:26:55,640 --> 00:27:01,880 Tyler, just a huge shout out to you and your entire team. Working very close 329 00:27:00,120 --> 00:27:05,680 with the city of Williams Lake and working closely with the non-profit 330 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:08,480 organizations. And I think that this Team Williams Lake really just wants to 331 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:12,040 thank BC Housing on this particular project. We know and recognize how how 332 00:27:10,880 --> 00:27:14,680 tough it is out there across the province, 333 00:27:13,120 --> 00:27:17,760 but we're dedicated to ensure that we can help and get people off the streets. 334 00:27:16,760 --> 00:27:20,880 And this is certainly the right direction. Thank you. 335 00:27:19,480 --> 00:27:24,120 » Thank you. I think everybody spoke enough. I 336 00:27:22,280 --> 00:27:28,440 already asked according to my instruction if anybody 337 00:27:25,920 --> 00:27:33,200 wanted to speak for or against or any comment. I didn't have to, but I'll ask 338 00:27:30,800 --> 00:27:36,360 second time from public if anybody have to say anything. 339 00:27:35,080 --> 00:27:40,840 Hearing none, all in favor. 340 00:27:38,240 --> 00:27:46,040 Carried unanimously. Congratulations and thanks Tyler once again. 341 00:27:43,440 --> 00:27:50,880 Okay, I'm moving along license of occupation agreement with properties. 342 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:54,920 » Recommendation that pursuant to the report of the planner dated July 21st, 343 00:27:52,720 --> 00:27:58,960 2026, Council authorize entering into a license of occupation agreement with 344 00:27:56,280 --> 00:28:04,040 Wave Properties Limited uh for an existing overhead awning sign 345 00:28:00,880 --> 00:28:06,360 located at 29 3rd Avenue South. >> Second. 346 00:28:04,640 --> 00:28:10,840 » Moved and seconded. Any question, concern, comment? Hearing none, all in 347 00:28:09,040 --> 00:28:17,440 favor. Opposed if any, carried unanimously. 348 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:21,080 Request for continuation of provincial LG cap funding. 349 00:28:19,760 --> 00:28:24,840 » Recommendation that pursuant to the report of the planner dated August 4th, 350 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:28,080 2026, Council authorize a letter to be sent from the mayor to the premier BC 351 00:28:26,520 --> 00:28:31,160 and relevant provincial ministers outlining the importance of the Local 352 00:28:29,200 --> 00:28:35,040 Government Climate Action Program funding and the critical need for the 353 00:28:32,560 --> 00:28:39,360 continuation of this funding program and further that the letter be shared with 354 00:28:36,320 --> 00:28:43,320 local MLAs and CLGA, UBCM and all BC municipalities and regional districts. 355 00:28:41,520 --> 00:28:47,160 » So moved. >> Moved and seconded. We had is some 356 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:51,280 supporting letter other communities have written the similar letter. These are 357 00:28:49,440 --> 00:28:56,480 very important funding. And we will request and every time 358 00:28:53,120 --> 00:29:00,720 anytime I'm talking to the Victoria, I'll definitely be mentioning. I've 359 00:28:58,600 --> 00:29:05,680 already mentioned this to a couple minister already as 360 00:29:03,320 --> 00:29:09,960 couple of the ministers showed up here all of sudden Friday. 361 00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:13,600 So they are aware of our request, okay? Our Council Moses. 362 00:29:11,920 --> 00:29:19,080 » Thank you, Worship. Yeah, this is definitely something that we need to 363 00:29:16,560 --> 00:29:23,200 hold the province to to to ensure that we continue receiving this funding. Not 364 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:27,840 just our municipality, but right across the whole province needs this funding. 365 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:31,280 But here here in Williams Lake, we we just recently created that partnership 366 00:29:29,720 --> 00:29:35,360 with the Cariboo Chilcotin Climate Circle. And this type of funding is what 367 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:40,600 allows us to do that and the ability to get that work done. So I just want to 368 00:29:37,440 --> 00:29:44,240 point out that us advocating for this is trying to make it so that we can fund 369 00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:48,640 that partnership and get great climate projects done. Thank you, Worship. 370 00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:52,840 » Thank you. All in favor. Carried unanimously. Poll of Council, 371 00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:55,800 please. >> The recommendation that pursuant to the 372 00:29:54,160 --> 00:30:00,520 report of Legislative Services Assistant Coordinator dated August 7th, 2026 and 373 00:29:58,520 --> 00:30:03,960 the email poll conducted on July 29th, 2026 authorizing Council to provide a 374 00:30:02,400 --> 00:30:07,160 resolution of support to the Central Interior Rural Division of Family 375 00:30:05,720 --> 00:30:10,640 Practices application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Marketing 376 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:12,880 Initiatives program for funding to support the group's physician 377 00:30:11,640 --> 00:30:15,760 recruitment marketing expansion initiative be ratified. 378 00:30:14,720 --> 00:30:20,120 » So moved. >> Moved and seconded. Any question 379 00:30:17,680 --> 00:30:23,480 concern? Hearing none, all in favor. Carried. 380 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:28,560 Williams Lake Fire Department Rapid Response to operational update. 381 00:30:27,160 --> 00:30:32,120 » The recommendation that the report of the Director of Protective Services 382 00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:35,320 dated August 4th, 2026 containing an operational update on the Williams Lake 383 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:38,320 Fire Department's Rapid Response Crew be received for information. 384 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:42,480 » Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh 385 00:30:40,840 --> 00:30:47,360 Chief Dean is there, director of protective services, please. 386 00:30:45,320 --> 00:30:50,960 » Your worship, council, I realized as I was walking up here that this is maybe 387 00:30:49,320 --> 00:30:56,680 the last time I get to do this with this particular group, so 388 00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:56,680 it's been a pleasure. Thank you. 389 00:30:56,920 --> 00:31:00,400 Um I just wanted to take this opportunity, as you've seen in the 390 00:30:58,920 --> 00:31:03,280 report, to go over the just a little bit of an 391 00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:07,560 update on the Williams Lake Fire Department and the rapid response crew 392 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:11,760 that we implemented on July 24th. Uh as you can see in the report, just as 393 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:16,160 a reference, uh we brought it in in response to the current weather 394 00:31:13,640 --> 00:31:19,960 conditions as well as some community anxiety about some recent fires that had 395 00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:27,000 happened in the area, as well as uh resource deployment down in the Felker 396 00:31:22,280 --> 00:31:31,160 Lake fire area. Um and it yielded great results almost immediately. Uh we had 397 00:31:29,400 --> 00:31:37,720 four fires in 4 days that our crew was able to respond in about 5 minutes, uh 398 00:31:33,920 --> 00:31:40,720 which is about 7 minutes faster than our typical response time. 399 00:31:39,320 --> 00:31:43,520 Uh as you know, it's a paid on-call department, so everybody has to rush 400 00:31:42,000 --> 00:31:48,200 down to the hall from their homes or from their businesses and get in a truck 401 00:31:45,760 --> 00:31:53,200 and get over there, and having a crew on standby at the fire hall uh was able to 402 00:31:50,840 --> 00:31:57,600 expedite that significantly, which we believe saved multiple structures on 403 00:31:56,120 --> 00:32:00,840 uh numerous events. Um just for reference, in the period 404 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:04,480 since we started that, we've already had 30 calls for service in the 18 days 405 00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:08,600 since then. Um so we've been able to do this. Um 406 00:32:07,720 --> 00:32:13,200 it's been a bit of a strain on the department, so we rejigged the model 407 00:32:10,600 --> 00:32:17,040 after about a week. Um we went away from having four people 24 hours down to now 408 00:32:15,240 --> 00:32:21,640 we have two during kind of the critical fire hours of the day, of noon to 10:00 409 00:32:20,160 --> 00:32:27,280 p.m. That's still been difficult to staff, 410 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:30,720 but uh it's been successful, and um I just kind of wanted to share that with 411 00:32:28,520 --> 00:32:34,920 the community and have a bit of a good news story out there for Williams Lake 412 00:32:32,280 --> 00:32:34,920 Fire Department. 413 00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:42,402 » Thank you very much, uh Councillor Delaney. Before that, Mr. 414 00:32:41,120 --> 00:32:45,160 Moraca >> [clears throat] 415 00:32:42,440 --> 00:32:48,320 » and Councillor Nelson. >> Thanks, Your Worship. 416 00:32:46,760 --> 00:32:51,440 Chief Dean kind of brushed over the advantages of the 417 00:32:50,360 --> 00:32:54,840 rapid response and having their membership at the hall for these events 418 00:32:53,360 --> 00:32:59,240 and these fires. If anybody that was in the area and could see where the burn 419 00:32:56,480 --> 00:33:02,760 lines went to, they was very close and that difference of timing between what 420 00:33:01,040 --> 00:33:06,920 they would respond to from home rather than being at the hall, obviously could 421 00:33:04,640 --> 00:33:11,880 have resulted in way, way bigger substantial damage. And those those 422 00:33:08,920 --> 00:33:14,720 decisions to mobilize that model were made at the fire hall and I support that 423 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:17,640 decision. I think it was a great one completely by the Williams Lake Fire 424 00:33:16,080 --> 00:33:23,720 Department and I think they did a fantastic job, Your Worship. 425 00:33:19,440 --> 00:33:28,600 » Thank you. I could not insist uh three days in a row 426 00:33:26,920 --> 00:33:31,520 same place. It's a sick thing. 427 00:33:31,720 --> 00:33:40,720 There's a saying way, way back actually uh one of our 428 00:33:37,360 --> 00:33:40,720 police chief said here 429 00:33:40,840 --> 00:33:47,760 at time of old council, council rather, you can give me 1,000 police officer 430 00:33:45,440 --> 00:33:53,400 and I can park them on each block of the street, I cannot assure you 431 00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:58,960 this safety of the community. The community has to police themselves. 432 00:33:57,280 --> 00:34:06,320 I'm requesting publicly to the community, keep your eyes open, please. 433 00:34:03,080 --> 00:34:06,320 Watch for your neighbor. 434 00:34:07,080 --> 00:34:13,280 That's the only way we can make sure our community's safety. 435 00:34:13,840 --> 00:34:23,399 When the Boston Pizza side got on fire my phone was ringing 436 00:34:19,840 --> 00:34:23,399 off the hook from Vancouver. 437 00:34:25,960 --> 00:34:32,280 The people was calling reference to their guest 438 00:34:30,960 --> 00:34:35,520 the owners in the hotel there. 439 00:34:35,679 --> 00:34:39,159 It's a serious matter, folks. 440 00:34:39,200 --> 00:34:47,919 We cannot ask the fire department to look after our safety. We have to. 441 00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:51,760 So, I request each and every one of you watching, listening, 442 00:34:50,040 --> 00:34:57,680 reading in the paper, or on the listening on the radio, 443 00:34:54,200 --> 00:35:04,320 please keep your eyes open and look for each other. I got counselor Nelson 444 00:35:01,560 --> 00:35:08,280 and the counselors Oh, sorry. Sorry, you're first. Counselor Delaney, and 445 00:35:06,920 --> 00:35:12,480 then Counselor Nelson, Counselor Flashford. Yes, I got you that way. 446 00:35:11,160 --> 00:35:16,560 » Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I just wanted [clears throat] to say 447 00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:20,840 thank you very much for the intelligent report that was written and for having 448 00:35:19,720 --> 00:35:24,000 um the compulsion to think outside the box 449 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:27,560 and put something together that works for our community. It's an excellent 450 00:35:25,600 --> 00:35:31,400 model. I mean, we see it in other centers, maybe not municipalities, but I 451 00:35:29,800 --> 00:35:35,880 would the fire center and having people mobile from their place of work is a 452 00:35:33,600 --> 00:35:39,520 huge, huge advantage. Um and 453 00:35:37,280 --> 00:35:43,680 the way that you've structured it, too, um takes into consideration those 454 00:35:41,880 --> 00:35:48,680 rotations so that you don't have, you know, people just around everywhere on 455 00:35:46,200 --> 00:35:51,920 standby. You actually have your crew that are allotted the time, and if 456 00:35:50,520 --> 00:35:55,400 there's something happens, they go out and they do it. We don't have people 457 00:35:53,520 --> 00:35:58,040 just waiting for a phone call. Um a whole pile of people waiting for a 458 00:35:56,800 --> 00:36:01,360 phone call. Cuz it's not awesome to be on standby, you know, cuz then you can't 459 00:35:59,800 --> 00:36:04,680 go do things, you know, you can't really leave your, you know, 20 minutes or 460 00:36:03,400 --> 00:36:08,400 whatever from where you are. So, I think this is a I think that was an awesome 461 00:36:06,640 --> 00:36:12,880 way, and I love that it hardly is costing anything extra. Like, we might 462 00:36:10,240 --> 00:36:16,400 see a little bit at the very end, but you worked within the budget that you 463 00:36:14,360 --> 00:36:20,480 were given. So, like great work. I I love it. It was awesome. 464 00:36:18,200 --> 00:36:25,080 Thank you. >> Um Counselor please. 465 00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:29,560 » I I echo my my colleague's comments. The rapid response crew that you put in 466 00:36:27,240 --> 00:36:33,360 place on July the 24th saved, in my opinion, a number of 467 00:36:31,400 --> 00:36:38,560 facilities inside this community. It was a very smart, calculated move. 468 00:36:35,960 --> 00:36:42,120 Um and highly effective. Uh so, I think that we're going to probably see some 469 00:36:39,640 --> 00:36:47,080 positive changes uh continue along that way. I think it was the right decision. 470 00:36:44,480 --> 00:36:51,960 Um we've got extreme uh fire behavior right now. The weather conditions are 471 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:55,240 hot, they're dry, they're windy. And then you take the bozos and the idiots 472 00:36:53,520 --> 00:37:00,360 that are out there lighting the fires in these times. So, kudos to you and the 473 00:36:57,920 --> 00:37:04,920 entire fire department cuz I've seen you guys in action and it's unbelievable 474 00:37:03,160 --> 00:37:07,920 what you've done here. And I think it's great. And quite frankly, if he needs a 475 00:37:06,560 --> 00:37:10,080 little bit more money to top up in the future, 476 00:37:09,120 --> 00:37:13,440 you know where where I'm going to be supporting. I think it's just great. So, 477 00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:18,400 pass it on to the entire team. Thank you very much. 478 00:37:14,920 --> 00:37:18,400 » Councillor Fleshman, please. 479 00:37:18,720 --> 00:37:25,720 » Thank you, Your Worship. Yeah, I just want to compliment the 480 00:37:22,960 --> 00:37:31,000 organization being the fire department and um upper management um 481 00:37:28,920 --> 00:37:34,560 just the city for this work and making sure that this is happening for our 482 00:37:32,400 --> 00:37:39,240 community. You know, I know it's historical. We have done and I'm sure um 483 00:37:37,080 --> 00:37:44,680 Chief Dean would reiterate, but we've done patrols like in 2010, other years 484 00:37:42,400 --> 00:37:48,240 that have been um where there's high fire risk. There's always been such 485 00:37:46,360 --> 00:37:52,040 proactive work with Williams Lake Fire Department and I'm just so happy to see 486 00:37:50,120 --> 00:37:58,800 that continuing. This is the kind of stuff that can build 487 00:37:54,880 --> 00:38:02,720 confidence in a community because as an organization 488 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:08,560 or as a council, if we're doing things that's creating fear in people, when we 489 00:38:05,920 --> 00:38:13,760 have the history of having to uh evacuate our whole city, 490 00:38:11,120 --> 00:38:18,560 that's not good. You do not want to create more fear in people. You want to 491 00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:24,080 work on trying to do the proactive work like this that makes the community feel 492 00:38:21,320 --> 00:38:28,720 confident in the team that we have and the work that we can do to collectively 493 00:38:26,240 --> 00:38:35,560 as an organization. So, I just think that this is amazing work. I want to put 494 00:38:31,320 --> 00:38:40,440 the the compliment and accolades to the members of the organization because I 495 00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:45,800 know that they are all with other jobs, they are all with families, and when 496 00:38:42,680 --> 00:38:51,000 they sign up to do these shifts, they're doing it off their own back and their 497 00:38:47,720 --> 00:38:55,960 own time. You know, uh so easy for us as just council members to talk so big 498 00:38:53,520 --> 00:38:58,720 about how amazing we are and what we do, but we're not the ones that's out there, 499 00:38:58,160 --> 00:39:04,320 um you know, patrolling till 10:00 at night 500 00:39:01,120 --> 00:39:10,040 or going out when putting a fire that is rapidly growing um out, and I just know 501 00:39:07,560 --> 00:39:15,520 how incredible these people are, and I'm just happy to see this work. Like you 502 00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:20,440 said, Chief Dean, this is good news um messaging, and it is because 503 00:39:18,200 --> 00:39:25,480 we want our community to feel confident, not scared that everything's going to 504 00:39:22,400 --> 00:39:30,080 burn. We want them to feel like we have this um under control, and we can pay 505 00:39:28,320 --> 00:39:35,080 attention to it. From the day that I joined the organization, 506 00:39:32,080 --> 00:39:38,720 um which was back in the late '90s, we were 507 00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:43,080 doing proactive burns at the Stampede Grounds and proactive burns in Bow 508 00:39:40,680 --> 00:39:47,880 Valley Park because people used to go and light it back then. So, I just love 509 00:39:45,760 --> 00:39:52,000 to see this continuation of this great teamwork and great positive initiatives. 510 00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:55,520 Thank you. >> Councilor Moses, thank you. Councilor 511 00:39:53,680 --> 00:39:59,480 Paisley. >> Thank you, Worship. 512 00:39:57,320 --> 00:40:03,600 Yeah, first off, thank you so much, Fire Chief, for the work that you and your 513 00:40:00,800 --> 00:40:05,960 team have continually been doing to keep our community safe. 514 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:10,760 Uh the the points that Councilor Delaney 515 00:40:07,840 --> 00:40:15,360 made, I think, are spot-on on the the work that you're doing inside and 516 00:40:12,640 --> 00:40:19,320 outside of the box and within within a very contained budget. So, thank you so 517 00:40:17,600 --> 00:40:22,800 much for making sure that that work is being done. 518 00:40:20,600 --> 00:40:27,400 And I I also agree with Council Nelson that if our if our our team needs some 519 00:40:25,240 --> 00:40:32,080 help in the future on this topic that I'll I'll be in support of making sure 520 00:40:29,880 --> 00:40:36,000 that that you get the the 521 00:40:33,720 --> 00:40:40,400 resources the resources that that your team could would need because you're 522 00:40:38,240 --> 00:40:44,960 you're doing such a great job and we need that to continue. Um 523 00:40:43,160 --> 00:40:50,000 if anyone wants to be an extra pair of eyes to to help make sure that that our 524 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:54,600 our community sees these faster, I recommend everyone looks into uh the 525 00:40:52,480 --> 00:40:59,920 citizens on patrol and see if you can take some time to volunteer. Uh being 526 00:40:57,600 --> 00:41:04,880 able to get get our our teams out there a few minutes faster often makes a 527 00:41:02,120 --> 00:41:10,080 really big difference. Uh so, big thank you and congratulations, Fire Chief, for 528 00:41:07,280 --> 00:41:14,880 for leading such a successful summer and keep keep going with it. Thank you. 529 00:41:12,480 --> 00:41:19,520 » Please convey our gratitude and thanks to your team, Chief. 530 00:41:16,600 --> 00:41:22,840 And um I can't say enough. Our community is so lucky to have the 531 00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:28,040 staff we have. And your dedication, your compassion, 532 00:41:25,400 --> 00:41:32,360 each and every one of you. I'm going to name very lucky. 533 00:41:30,680 --> 00:41:37,880 I want to thank from bottom of my heart to each and every one of the city staff 534 00:41:35,200 --> 00:41:43,040 and the leadership of Mr. Maraca. We're very lucky to have it. 535 00:41:39,720 --> 00:41:46,680 Reference to citizen patrol, just 35 40 year back, I was one of the person who 536 00:41:45,160 --> 00:41:51,280 started this community policing in William Wright. 537 00:41:47,880 --> 00:41:55,360 But I have never seen this many members citizen of patrol and very active. 538 00:41:53,800 --> 00:42:00,120 Congratulation to the chair, uh Bob Sunner, and the 539 00:41:58,280 --> 00:42:04,320 team members. I I really appreciate it. 540 00:42:02,200 --> 00:42:09,800 Council Moses one of them and I got another member sitting in the audience. 541 00:42:06,920 --> 00:42:14,160 Um Ruth Lloyd, thank you very much. And all the other people visiting, I will 542 00:42:12,160 --> 00:42:17,840 equally encourage, please join the session patrol. Thank you very much for 543 00:42:16,120 --> 00:42:21,920 once again, appreciate. Uh any more comment, compliment? Hearing 544 00:42:19,960 --> 00:42:26,280 none, all in favor. Thank you. Carry fire service review, 545 00:42:24,680 --> 00:42:28,760 please. >> Recommendation that pursuant to the 546 00:42:27,560 --> 00:42:33,200 report of the director of protective services dated July 21st, 2026, council 547 00:42:31,600 --> 00:42:36,520 award the contract for the fire service review, community risk assessment, and 548 00:42:34,880 --> 00:42:41,920 fire master plan to Tim Play and Associates Limited for the proposal 549 00:42:38,520 --> 00:42:41,920 price of $66,113.25, 550 00:42:42,200 --> 00:42:48,800 including applicable taxes, reflecting the city's deductive scope change issue 551 00:42:46,200 --> 00:42:52,800 during the RFP process. >> Moved and seconded. Any question, 552 00:42:50,760 --> 00:42:56,920 concern to chief? Hearing none, all in favor. 553 00:42:55,080 --> 00:42:58,600 Thank you. Thank you, chief. >> Thank you very much. 554 00:42:57,600 --> 00:43:04,440 » Appreciate it. Moving along, uh 555 00:43:00,880 --> 00:43:07,360 crematorium re-bricking award. >> Recommendation that direct that pursuant 556 00:43:06,200 --> 00:43:10,960 to the report of the municipal services coordinator dated August 4th, 2026, 557 00:43:09,680 --> 00:43:14,400 council waive the purchasing policy number 138 to approve a direct award for 558 00:43:12,960 --> 00:43:18,200 the re-bricking of the retort of the crematorium to Stingray Crematory 559 00:43:16,600 --> 00:43:21,120 Services Limited for the purchase price of $71,000 560 00:43:19,840 --> 00:43:24,320 plus applicable taxes. >> So moved. 561 00:43:22,840 --> 00:43:29,240 » Yeah, uh uh thank you. Anybody had any compliment or 562 00:43:27,000 --> 00:43:32,240 comment or question? Hearing none, I'll say a couple word. 563 00:43:30,880 --> 00:43:37,840 It's uh bypassing because there's a very limited 564 00:43:35,240 --> 00:43:43,360 people, in fact, one or two people in Western Canada, never mind in BC, who 565 00:43:41,200 --> 00:43:51,800 does this work. It's very specialized work. As most of you know, I don't uh 566 00:43:47,160 --> 00:43:58,960 like um bypassing the RFP, but this I'm in favor. The person is doing lot 567 00:43:56,720 --> 00:44:05,840 with the less money compared to what would be regular. He's making the round, 568 00:44:02,160 --> 00:44:10,040 and it's a long overdue. And uh so, I recommend the council we go through with 569 00:44:08,080 --> 00:44:17,000 the staff recommendation, even though it's moved and seconded. All in favor? 570 00:44:13,400 --> 00:44:17,000 Carried unanimously. Thank you. 571 00:44:21,240 --> 00:44:25,080 Response letter from the Minister Osborne. 572 00:44:24,120 --> 00:44:29,160 » Clerk's note that the letter from Minister Osborne dated July 14th, 2026 573 00:44:27,880 --> 00:44:33,240 in response to letter from the mayor dated February 4th, 2026 regarding 574 00:44:31,480 --> 00:44:37,200 support for ambulance paramedics of BC be received for information. 575 00:44:34,880 --> 00:44:41,200 » So moved. Moved and seconded. All in favor? 576 00:44:39,960 --> 00:44:45,760 Carried. Response letter from Minister Parmar, 577 00:44:43,400 --> 00:44:49,120 forestry is a solution. >> Clerk's note that the letter from 578 00:44:46,640 --> 00:44:52,640 Minister Parmar dated July 13th, 2026 in response to letter from the mayor dated 579 00:44:50,440 --> 00:44:55,960 March 12th, 2026 regarding support for the BC Council of Forest Industries 580 00:44:54,280 --> 00:44:57,920 Forestry is a Solution Initiative be received for information. 581 00:44:57,280 --> 00:45:00,600 » So moved. >> Second. 582 00:44:58,520 --> 00:45:05,280 » Moved and seconded. Mr. Parmar was here Friday on a quick tour along with the 583 00:45:03,600 --> 00:45:12,800 Mr. Amali. Uh he traveled pretty late night uh 584 00:45:08,720 --> 00:45:18,760 Wednesday around 11:30, 12:00 midnight. They came to see us and give us the 585 00:45:14,320 --> 00:45:25,120 update on the timber supply as well as uh the fire situation and they traveled 586 00:45:21,640 --> 00:45:28,840 back Thursday night after. It's an honor that minister the from minister time to 587 00:45:27,680 --> 00:45:35,000 time our coming minister of uh environment, 588 00:45:31,240 --> 00:45:40,120 minister of mining was here and I had a great opportunity to represent the 589 00:45:37,760 --> 00:45:44,520 community and the council. So, it's uh been an excellent that even 590 00:45:42,520 --> 00:45:48,680 the Victoria and Ottawa is listening, watching us. They know we exist. 591 00:45:47,680 --> 00:45:52,720 Um they're keeping us 592 00:45:50,160 --> 00:45:56,640 in the loop and I keep twisting their arm 593 00:45:53,600 --> 00:46:00,800 at time to time. All in favor? Thank you. 594 00:45:58,080 --> 00:46:04,720 Um proclamation, please. >> Recommendation that the list of 595 00:46:02,000 --> 00:46:07,520 recognitions provided in the uh agenda be received for information. 596 00:46:06,960 --> 00:46:12,280 » Second. >> Moved and second. Any question concern? 597 00:46:09,840 --> 00:46:17,160 Hearing none, all in favor? Carried. 598 00:46:13,800 --> 00:46:20,760 And nothing here. We'll go in camera. Nothing nothing. 599 00:46:18,720 --> 00:46:23,280 Okay, council information package. >> That the uh recommendation that the 600 00:46:22,040 --> 00:46:26,720 council information package for August 11th be received for information. 601 00:46:26,000 --> 00:46:30,520 » Second. >> Anything you wanted to bring at the 602 00:46:28,440 --> 00:46:33,120 council, Moses? >> Yes, thank you, Your Worship. There's 603 00:46:31,600 --> 00:46:38,040 two letters I would like to pull out of the package if if you allow. 604 00:46:35,440 --> 00:46:42,240 Uh the the first one is a letter from the Aboriginal Housing Management 605 00:46:39,800 --> 00:46:46,360 Association from July 17th. >> Mhm. 606 00:46:43,480 --> 00:46:52,160 » Uh the this was a request for for our council to support a motion that's being 607 00:46:49,800 --> 00:46:56,800 made at UBCM this year, and I would like to advocate on the behalf that we do 608 00:46:54,000 --> 00:47:00,920 support this motion when it happens. Uh what what is happening is that the 609 00:46:59,160 --> 00:47:07,120 Aboriginal Housing and the Friendship Centres are are uh destined to lose 610 00:47:03,760 --> 00:47:12,240 their funding in 2028, I believe it is. And what this will do is cause another 611 00:47:09,480 --> 00:47:16,040 wave of homelessness across our country, and indeed right also right here in 612 00:47:14,320 --> 00:47:20,640 Williams Lake, because that funding does affect Williams Lake directly. So I I 613 00:47:18,800 --> 00:47:25,480 just want to say that I'll I'll definitely uh individually be in support 614 00:47:23,040 --> 00:47:29,360 of this uh motion at UBCM, and I hope that our our colleagues in the room will 615 00:47:27,400 --> 00:47:32,720 also join us in that. >> Is there anything you wanted to move to 616 00:47:30,800 --> 00:47:35,560 make the special motion, anything? >> No, Your Worship. 617 00:47:33,600 --> 00:47:40,320 » Okay, fair enough. I'll be when we go to UBCM, I don't think very many council 618 00:47:38,160 --> 00:47:44,520 members are going to UBCM. Uh only two three of our four of us 619 00:47:42,120 --> 00:47:47,320 going. We will definitely be watching and we'll definitely support that, and 620 00:47:46,520 --> 00:47:51,200 you got my support. >> Thank you. And I uh the second letter 621 00:47:48,920 --> 00:47:55,320 I'd like to pull out is the letter from Billy Sheridan regarding the memorial 622 00:47:53,200 --> 00:47:58,520 complex potential renames. >> Yes. 623 00:47:56,400 --> 00:48:02,520 » Thank you, Your Worship. Um she she brings up good points that renaming the 624 00:48:00,360 --> 00:48:06,960 complex could bring the unexpected consequence of removing the memorial 625 00:48:04,680 --> 00:48:12,760 aspect of the name. And this memorial aspect is to pay respect to our to our 626 00:48:10,480 --> 00:48:17,840 veterans and our our currently serving. So, I I would like to to just make a 627 00:48:16,080 --> 00:48:22,640 simple motion that we have this letter forwarded to joint committee so that 628 00:48:20,480 --> 00:48:27,360 along with the regional district we can review these unintended consequences and 629 00:48:25,400 --> 00:48:32,320 make sure that we we move forward in a way that we continue to pay our respects 630 00:48:30,080 --> 00:48:35,560 to our veterans while also looking for opportunities for them 631 00:48:33,720 --> 00:48:39,160 » the recommendation to forward that to another problem. I moved and seconded it 632 00:48:37,080 --> 00:48:43,640 but it was a misunderstanding for as I'm concerned. There's no such thing of 633 00:48:41,400 --> 00:48:44,400 removing the name memorial but I'm not against 634 00:48:44,040 --> 00:48:49,280 » Perfect. >> what you're saying. As far as I'm 635 00:48:46,040 --> 00:48:53,560 concerned, there's nothing no discussion removing the memorial. It will never 636 00:48:51,240 --> 00:48:57,800 happen. But you moved it you seconded it. It's not your motion or seconded 637 00:48:55,960 --> 00:49:01,440 motion. It's a council motion. Now I'll take it to the motion as presented. All 638 00:49:00,640 --> 00:49:04,880 in favor. >> Wait, may may I speak to the motion? 639 00:49:03,160 --> 00:49:08,520 » Yes, please please please. >> I just want to say thank you for for 640 00:49:06,480 --> 00:49:13,280 your words of of encouragement and of of saying that that 641 00:49:10,960 --> 00:49:18,640 the memorial will not be removed. So, let's just for for the the sake of the 642 00:49:16,600 --> 00:49:20,800 motion to make sure that we make that known to the public. 643 00:49:19,160 --> 00:49:24,480 » You bet you. We will definitely take it to information. You're right. That's 644 00:49:22,160 --> 00:49:29,080 another problem. All in favor of taking it to the joint. Thank you. 645 00:49:26,080 --> 00:49:33,600 Carried. And there is no round table anything. We will be going 646 00:49:31,640 --> 00:49:38,920 in camera quickly. I just want everybody the media the 647 00:49:36,000 --> 00:49:43,960 the people know because 90 days before since 17th July there's no more round 648 00:49:41,280 --> 00:49:46,720 table till the election happen. Motion for the in camera, please. 649 00:49:45,880 --> 00:49:52,600 » So moved. >> Moved and seconded all in favor. 650 00:49:49,080 --> 00:49:57,600 So motion to adjourn regular meeting. Moved it. I need second. Move and second 651 00:49:55,000 --> 00:50:00,520 a constitutional second. All in favor. Carried. Thank you.