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| Local Politics |
Schools, fire stations and community halls, were bustling with voters in the region on Tuesday.
While results are unofficial until final ballot counts are verified by Elections BC, it seems pretty clear that Donna Barnett was able to maintain a second term as MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
Barnett secured a solid lead early, with a 72 vote margin over Wyse, a trend which continued until all 137 ballot boxes had been reported. At the end of the day, Barnett sidelined Wyse with 2,699 votes.

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| Local Politics |
At its meeting May 7, City Council adopted the 2013 budget and five-year financial plan, and gave first three readings to the 2013 Tax Rate Bylaw.
The budget proposes no changes to water and sewer fees, no long-term borrowing, and proposes a 1.97% tax revenue increase, the lowest in eight years.
The budget totals $32.5 million, with $12.3 million in capital spending and $18.8 million in operating costs. Capital projects include the widening and repaving of South Lakeside Drive from Hodgson Road to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, a pedestrian overpass connecting Mackenzie Avenue and the River Valley Trail, and public wi-fi at City Hall and the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. A project to repave the Williams Lake Regional Airport runway is dependent on a $7 million federal grant.
City Council meeting highlights - May 7, 2013
| Local Politics |
Delegations:
1) Jay Goddard, Jessica Knodel and Rosanna McGregor from the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area appeared before Council to give an update on its current activities.
2) Sharon Taylor from Welcoming Communities BC appeared before Council to give a presentation on the introduction of Welcoming Communities BC project.
Business:
- Council received for information the cheque runs for April 25th and May 2nd (Bourdon – moved, Bonnell – seconded)
- Council received for information Mayor Cook's report on her bi-weekly activities (Walters – moved, Bonnell – seconded)
Five-year financial plan to receive first readings
| Local Politics |
Council will consider giving first three readings to the 2013-2017 Financial Plan at its April 23 regular Council meeting.
As proposed following the April 17 budget meeting, the 2013 Budget will see a 1.97% tax revenue increase, which is the lowest increase since 2005. There are no changes to water and sewer fees.
Capital projects ($4.9 million total) include:
- Widening and repaving of South Lakeside Drive
- Phase 5 of the River Valley storm sewer upgrade
- Public Wi-Fi at City Hall and Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
- City-wide parking lot improvements
- Pedestrian underpass/bridge connecting Mackenzie Avenue and the River Valley Trail
More details on the 2013 Budget and five-year Financial Plan will be communicated after the April 23rd Council meeting.
CRD explores feasibility of a volunteer fire department in McLeese Lake
| Local Politics |
Audited Financial Statements
Chartered Accountants, Kane Fraser and JoAnne Francis presented the Cariboo Regional Hospital District (CRHD), the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) and the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) 2012 audited financial statements. According to Mr. Fraser, the financial position of the corporations remains strong. For inquiries contact the CRD’s Chief Financial Officer at 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636.

(Photo: Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Honourable Bill Bennett made an announcement for funding of the Gateway Water System at today's Cariboo Regional District Board Meeting. CRD Chair Al Richmond, Electoral Area H Director Margo Wagner, Minister Bennett and Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.)















