It must be spring - it was a jovial and jocular group that met for the Wells Gray Country services committee meeting on Mar. 28 at the Community Resource Center. Beyond that, it was a full agenda.
One of the big ongoing projects is the Blackpool Community Hall. A grant from the North Thompson Community Foundations paid for the flooring, which is pretty much completed and looks great. An application has been submitted for another grant to redo the stage, install a sound system and some other projects. The work on the roof was progressing.
A request to Telus Mobility for cellular service in the Upper Clearwater area is awaiting a response, while service to Avola is apparently coming. There was some discussion about why users are being billed long distance charges for local calls and having this corrected.
Wells Gray Country Director Tim Pennell has been elected chair of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District solid waste committee. The septic disposal site at the Clearwater landfill will remain open until another suitable site is ready. There was a discussion about the operating hours for that site.
The contracts for construction of the Clearwater EcoDepot have been let, but there is still no determination of how the depot will be operated, whether by TNRD staff or contractors.
Putting the old dump site to bed will have some issues. A considerable amount of gravel will have to be trucked from Bear Creek to cover the waste site to the depth required. This will likely mean lots of truck traffic for a short distance along Clearwater Valley Road. There will be brushing back to improve sight lines, while dust control and traffic control measures will be implemented.
The TNRD is looking at developing a dog control bylaw. This bylaw is not breed specific, but it will give authorities a tool for dealing with dangerous dogs.
Other topics talked about include a feasibility study of the ball park and an engineering assessment of the community hall in Vavenby. There were also discussions regarding a series of grant applications for a variety of projects, the coroner service in the area, the Age Friendly Advisory Committee and the Sports coordinator position with the District of Clearwater.
The next services committee meeting will be held on April 18 at the resource centre.