December 2017 / January 2018 update:
Happy New Year, and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2018!
This update will cover the December and January meetings:
- A modular building has been purchased and placed at the Emma Lake landfill. The building will be used as an attendant space / office, and may also accommodate future recycling items such as electronics, etc.
- To save landfill costs at the Emma Lake landfill, Greenland is hauling to the Prince Albert landfill at no additional trucking charge for the winter. Garbage from the Prince Albert National Park and Elk Ridge resort / organized hamlet / McPhee Lake is also being hauled to Prince Albert.
- Protective Services staff attended the November 23 meeting regarding crime watch. RCMP and Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) representatives were also in attendance. It appears that in addition to the active COPP organization in the Emma / Christopher Lake areas, a Rural Crime Watch program may be established in the wider community. Both programs are supported by the RCMP.
- 2018 Council meeting dates were established. While most council meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month, statutory holidays and other events may affect that timing:
- January 8
- February 12
- March 12
- April 9
- May 7
- June 11
- July 9
- August 13
- September 10
- October 15
- November 13
- December 10
- Al Christensen was appointed to the Development and Maintenance Appeal Boards for a term of two years ending August 30, 2019.
- Approved the annual contract with the Lakeland & District Co-operative Volunteer Fire Department.
- Reviewed the Staff Operational Review from their meeting on November 17. The emphasis and goal of this annual meeting of staff is centered on improving operations through additional policy development, amendment of existing policies and bylaws, and to provide suggestions as to improving and streamlining municipal operations to better serve ratepayers and visitors.
- Received committee and other organization meeting reports – SK Rivers School Division, Wapiti Regional Library semi-annual, North Central Lakelands Planning Commission, Christopher Lake Library, Environmental Advisory Committee.
- Approved a new 4 year (2018 – 2021) partnership agreement with the Villages of Christopher Lake and Paddockwood, and the RM of Paddockwood for continuation of CPL Recreation.
- Established the 2018 staff salary grids and salaries (see the December Council Meeting minutes for specifics).
- Approved corporate sponsorship in the amount of $500 for the Lakeland Snowmobile Club.
- Approved sand/gravel for use of the Christopher Lake Nature Area Committee, in addition to mowing of grass in specific areas, and miscellaneous expenses. We appreciate the efforts of this committee, and their continued maintenance of the numerous trails through the nature area.
- A public hearing was held at the January meeting for two bylaws:
- Bylaw 12-2017 to expand discretionary uses with the Rural Residential (Large Acreage) RR1 zoning
- Bylaw 14-2017 to amend the Official Community Plan to include the Dark Sky Lighting requirement for residential buildings in Candle Lake.
Following the public hearing, having no ratepayer or public submissions, both bylaws were passed.
- Increased the EMO Co-ordinator hourly contract rate to $25.
- Moved that the District provide a submission to the Village of Christopher Lake at its public hearing on January 16, 2018, regarding proposed Bylaw 5-2017 to rezone 40 acres from Residential (R1) to Highway Commercial (C2) in order to accommodate a seasonal campground of 150 – 200 campsites. The District concerns include:
- Pressure on Bell’s Beach and other beaches on Christopher Lake that are already at capacity for boat launch facilities and parking;
- The impact on the condition and safety of the Bell’s Beach Road with extra pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic;
- The lack of information available regarding the proposed method and destination of sewage and garbage disposal, and what impact it may have on the District’s infrastructure, specifically the lagoon and landfill and Emma Lake; and
- The capacity of the lakes in the area to accommodate increased recreational watercraft.
As I mention in each update, while the contact information for myself and all councillors is on the website and/or available through the District office, we encourage you to contact the District office if you have a concern or require municipal services so that it can be addressed in a timely manner. Saying thank you is always a good reason for a phone call as well, and greatly appreciated by our Staff and Council.