The District will be going forward with traffic calming measures in the Weyerhaeuser subdivision, with a four-way stop at Robson St. and Murtle Rd., and an assessment of the intersection at Park Drive and Murtle Crescent, after months of conversations and research performed by District of Clearwater staff and council, as well as multiple complaints from residents.
Councillors Barry Banford and Lyle Mackenzie both have been quite vocal about the safety concerns of both intersections and the potential traffic calming measures that could be taken.
The news was noted by Coun. Shelley Sim during the DOC regular meeting on June 1. The Infrastructure Committee of the Whole meeting, held earlier that day, noted a few other projects could be in the works as the District looks to a feasibility study for a sewer collection system in the Strawberry Flats community and a staff report on the costs associated with integrating a mobile generator for District utilities in the event of a power outage.
Additional trails for Candle Creek
Darren Coates, chair of the Wells Gray Outdoors Club, gave a presentation during the Wells Gray Community Forest Commission meeting on May 31.
“As of 2020, there’s roughly 28 kilometres of trail now that’s been built, and there was 5,600 use days,” said Coun. Banford to the mayor and council during the regular meeting. “They’ve got about $500,000 invested in that area over the past years and there’s now a campground up here with about six sites, which I though was really, really interesting.”
He added a recommendation was brought forward to council from the WGCFC meeting to approve a grant for $96,000 from the commission to the WGOC to complete the next two phases of Candle Creek Trails, adding up to five kilometres of mountain biking trail.
The recommendation was passed by council.
Committee for housing needs
A notice of motion was on the docket for council at the June 1 regular meeting.
The rising house prices, both to purchase and for rent, as well as the lack of availability has caused some concerns in town, as the market has made it tough for newcomers to find housing, most notably in the health sector, meaning many job openings are left unfilled.
While it was agreed that a housing needs working group was important, there was concern that council may be spread a little thin with the number of task forces, working groups and committees that are currently in place.
Mayor Merlin Blackwell noted there has been interest from outside agencies, specifically in rural development, that could help with, or possibly even lead, the working group.
Because of this, council voted to table the discussion of a housing needs working group to the next regular meeting on June 15.
To view the agendas and minutes for past meetings, visit the District of Clearwater website. Click here.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter