The Alternative Approval Process

The Alternative Approval Process

Bylaw 5798 and the Alternative Approval Process Some community awareness is happening about this Youth Programming tax bylaw. That’s great! Up until Friday I’ve had maybe one call on it, but I’ve had a few emails and a few calls this weekend. Here is the process we’re going through right now:– your CSRD Director (me) feels in general that a program or service has a community benefit, and that the cost is not unreasonable. In this case, roughly $12,500 from…

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Summer Weather Report

Summer Weather Report

WEATHER REPORT for the summer was just released and suggests we will have another hot, dry June-August. Not exactly what I would like to hear. My preference would be for it to rain every day (between 1am and 5am). Failing that, maybe every third or fourth day. Extra vigilance will be needed from everyone. Keep an eye out for smokers tossing butts, let them know we don’t appreciate it. Keep campfires low, while we can still have them. And protect…

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Spring Road Work

Spring Road Work

At this time of year many calls I receive are about the state of the roads. The reality is that the CSRD has no control over what happens with the roads, it’s up to Ministry of Transport and their budget. But, I can make requests and give suggestions as well as get information. So here is what I know… Graders will be out re-shaping local gravel roads starting this week. New gravel will not be going on until the fall….

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Bylaw Disconnect

Bylaw Disconnect

I recently heard that the Shuswap Lake RV Resort in Celista just bought another 3 acres that will provide them with another entrance area and room for more RV sites. Currently the plan on their website shows up to 122 RV lots, along with the needed services (water, septic, roads, etc.). The new property will likely allow them to add more. This is somewhat aggravating to the neighbours, and many are asking how can they put that many units in…

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Getting the message out

Getting the message out

During the election I ran on a platform of reasonable growth and communicating with the people of the North Shuswap. Almost 6 months in now (wow, that’s gone fast), and I’m still working on both. And I think they’re both getting better. Growth possibilities are happening with new job opportunities being built and in planning stages, and I’m getting better at this Facebook thing. Also, monthly Kicker articles let you know what’s coming up. Communication in the North Shuswap is…

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Town Hall Results

Town Hall Results

I got around to tabulating some results today. So far I have received 45 survey responses, most from the meeting, but a few from the website (www.NorthShuswap.Info). It’s wonderful to see the interest out there. The top categories of interest are: Emergencies – Preparing for them Housing and Health and Tourism. The top individual vote getter was Roadside Parallel Trails followed closely by Health Care & Services. The great thing is that every topic has at least a few people…

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Town Hall Success!

Town Hall Success!

First Town Hall meeting was a great success!I was really happy to see about 60 North Shu residents come out to discuss community topics. We had some great conversations on a variety of topics like Fire proofing your lot to independent housing for seniors. Of the 60 people there, we got back over 30 questionnaires listing their areas of interest or concern and over 20 are willing to discuss it with me further. From my point of view that is…

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Town Hall – March 9th 1pm

Town Hall – March 9th 1pm

Yes, the first town hall of 2019 will be held Saturday March 9th at 1pm at the Celista Hall. I’m looking forward to getting feedback from the community on a variety of topics. My plan is to begin with wider area concerns, kinda the bigger picture items, and then narrow down to more specific areas of concern. For instance, we’ll begin by chatting about our Forests and Logging as one of the main employers in the North Shuswap. We’ll then…

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Budget time…

Budget time…

So, awesome sunrises and sun sets are one of the many great things about the NS. There is, unfortunately, a balance in life. My week has been taken up with Budget discussions! 🙁 Actually, it’s not all bad. More an education in the ways of local government and their taxing/spending powers. So, I know, you’re waiting for me to tell you that taxes are going down. Well, have they ever gone down? Not in my memory. The only time that might…

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Gas anyone? Natural I mean..

Gas anyone? Natural I mean..

One of our neighbours in Magna Bay was inquiring about the possibility of Natural Gas coming out to the North Shuswap. Here’s a reply from Peter Hill of Fortis… “…given the distribution system would need to be extended from either Chase or Sorrento and cross the water twice, Its unlikely the costing would be of interest to you and your neighbors. Cheers, Peter”. No surprise there!?