A weekly roundup of noteworthy news in municipalities across B.C.
Reason to celebrate in Nelson’s with its housing co-operative marking its 20th anniversary last Saturday. Residents gathered to commemorate the benchmark, and even made the event work double-duty as they also made it into a Halloween party. Congratulations!
Also in Nelson, a new eco-friendly public washroom is recently opened at Art Gibbons Memorial Park. The building is built from natural, and mostly locally sourced, materials. The 12-inch thick walls are made from clay and wood chips, sealed with natural plaster, and covered by a timber frame shelter to protect it from the elements.
To top the Nelson-related news, the city has been put into a top-10 list for best autumn colours in Canada – joining the ranks of all those wonderful eastern province municipalities with reputations for the vibrant fall colours.
Some slightly odd news coming out of the Township of Langley as Mayor Jack Froese seems to want to restrict elected members of council from asking questions of the public during hearings. Councillor Kim Richter was the most recent person to be ruled out of order by Froese during a public hearing on Oct. 15.
Those who frequent municipalities South of the Fraser have probably already heard that the new Port Mann Bridge may officially open with eight lanes on Dec. 3. For those who don’t drive – or don’t want to drive – but still want to visit, you’ll be happy to know that the opening is to coincide with the new Highway 1 Rapid Bus service, which is promised to be in place on opening day of the new bridge.
Julian Fell – one of the directors of the Regional District of Nanaimo’s – has gone public criticizing the new agricultural plan, stating that although it is a good idea on paper, it is not going to deliver an increase in food production. The plan has yet to be ratified.
It’s great to see that the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition has been aggressively pursuing the safe cycling rodeos they started in May, engaging the residents and elementary schools to teach safe cycling skills to kids and adults. To date, about 745 Grade 1 to 4 students from seven different schools have participated in the rodeos.
Ladner leaseholders of water lots on the Fraser River are upset over a sudden lease rate hike of nearly 80 per cent, administered by Port Metro Vancouver.
Friction in White Rock as the construction of a large, $2-million home at the corner of Cliff Avenue and Kent Street leaves neighbours “a little horrified.”
Surrey resident aren’t too happy to hear that their taxes will be going up almost $100 next year and approximately $250 for homes with secondary suites. Although the increases will not be considered by Council until December, they are are already hammering out the details.
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