Courtesy: Town of Peace River
➡ Long-term debt repayment: Council directed Administration to repay several debts from the capital reserve, including $291,640.13 for a loan to Vision Credit Union; $114,676/10 + GST for a compact track loader; $369,189.05 + GST for a cat wheel loader; and $107,486.79 + GST for a hydraulic excavator. Over the last couple of years, the Town’s cash position has improved to a point where it can repay select higher-interest debt, such as the above.
➡ Grants to Organizations: Council approved grants of $2,000 to the North Peace Performing Arts Festival Association; $6,000 to the Peace River Art Club; and $2,500 to the Peace River Curling Club ($2,000 for Oktoberfest and $500 for Curl for a Cause).
➡ Lions Campground lease. Canadian National Railway previously provided the Town of Peace River with a long-term lease option for a portion of the CN-owned property adjacent to the Town property of 8700 100 Ave formally known as the Lions Campground. Having received legal advice that indicated the terms were not favourable to the Town, Council declined to take CN up on its offer and defeated the motion to enter the lease agreement.
➡ Land Use Bylaw amendment. Council provided first reading to Bylaw 2163, which amends Land Use Bylaw No. 1891 by adding “indoor participant recreation services” to the light industrial (M-1) district and mixed industrial-business (M-1B) district. In simple terms, this is to allow a gym at 8102 102 Ave in the industrial area on the West Hill. As first reading has passed, there will now be a public hearing to discuss the proposed change prior to final consideration by Council.
➡ Mayor Elaine Manzer also provided a thank-you to APEX Security for their work during the past three months on the security services pilot project. We are looking forward to the arrival of a new Director of Protective Services to build our community safety and bylaw enforcement capabilities.
