District of Clearwater's water and sewer rates are going up by about five per cent, but then will remain the same until 2018.
That was the gist of two bylaws given first, second and third reading by town council during its March 24 meeting.
“I've heard very little feedback on these two bylaws,” commented Mayor John Harwood. “People seem glad the rates will remain the same for four years.”
The new rates took effect on April 1 and will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2018.
New water rates are $24 per month for a single family dwelling, duplex unit, apartment, mobile home or other multiple dwelling unit.
Schools pay $12 monthly per classroom, restaurants pay $106, motels and hotels pay $11 per unit plus $24 for living quarters, and campgrounds pay $3 per site.
New sewer rates are $25 per month for a single family dwelling, duplex unit, apartment, mobile home or other multiple dwelling unit.
Schools pay $52 monthly per classroom, restaurants pay $100, while motels and hotels pay $11 per unit plus $25 for living quarters.
Questions about fire standards
Town council approved a recommendation from staff that it update Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department's training handbook to correspond with a new Interior operations level firefighter standard.
Fire chief Mike Smith reassured the council members that there wouldn't be much additional cost as the department already trains to nearly the same level as the new standard.
There were some questions from councillors, however, on what the ramifications would be if the fire departments in Vavenby and Blackpool were not able to meet the new standards.
Clearwater has mutual aid agreements with both departments and so firefighters from the other communities could find themselves called to fires in Clearwater – and vice versa.
“The regional district is seeking a legal opinion,” said Mayor John Harwood, who also serves as Clearwater's representative on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. “We have joint relations with Vavenby and Blackpool. What happens if they don't meet the standard?”
Councillor Shelley Sim suggested the expectations of the insurance companies should be clarified. She also felt the new standards are another example of downloading by a senior level of government.
New trail along Park Drive
Town council approved staff applying for federal Gas Tax funding for a multi-use path along Park Drive from the hospital to Murtle Crescent.
Although detailed costing has not been done, constructing a two-meter wide asphalt pathway would likely cost close to $200,000, said chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx.
The route is already heavily used by seniors with walkers and scooters, youth biking or walking to school, as well as by visitors getting exercise, she noted.
The need for pathways to connect the different cores of Clearwater has been a consistent theme since incorporation.
The District's trails task force is working with TRUE Consulting to develop a trails network plan. The task force also has been building a loop trail around the hospital that would eventually connect with the proposed new pathway.
The Gas Tax grant, if received, would cover 100 per cent of the cost of the proposed new pathway.