From the Ashcroft Council meeting on Jan. 14.
Roll Call: Mayor Andy Anderson and councillors Alice Durksen, Jerry Fiddick, Helen Kormendy and Jackie Tegart.
Ashcroft doctors
Mayor Anderson noted that the community can expect two physicians in mid-February. He said they ran into some visa problems recently, but he made some phone calls and enlisted the help of MP Mark Strahl who also made some phone calls, and their paperwork was all straightened out.
National Health and Fitness
Council agreed to declare the first Saturday in June as National Health and Fitness Day in Ashcroft. The day is supported by Senator Nancy Greene Raine, who, in a letter, suggested that municipalities offer their sports facilities that day for free or at a reduced rate.
Coun. Tegart said she would ask the Branding Committee to invite Senator Raine to be a keynote speaker at the Wellness Festival this summer to speak about health and fitness.
Gas Tax revenue
Council received notice from the Union of BC Municipalities that Ashcroft had received $58,540 as its second Gas Tax receipt of 2012.
Ashcroft official flower
At the request of Ashcroft Communities in Bloom, Council proclaimed the daylily as the official flower of Ashcroft.
“They do grow everywhere here and without much water,” said Coun. Alice Durksen. “They’re very happy here.”
She added that she likes the local cactus as well, but they aren’t garden plants.
Web portal
Council discussed a request from TNRD that it donate $2,000 of its NDIT economic development funds to a regional Thompson-Nicola Web Portal.
Administrator Michelle Allen noted that the portal will be a economic driver for the region. Ashcroft will be included, but it will have a regional focus, she said.
The TNRD request said the project was eligible for NDIT funds. The TNRD was prepared to commit $5,000 if the member municipalities each provided $2,000.
Allen said the developers are stalled until they have all of their funding in place and commitments from the municipalities for $2,000 each. The portal is still in its initial stages, she said.
Coun. Tegart asked that the question be tabled until the next meeting of the NDITrust.
Poker Run parade
Council approved a parade route outlined by the organizers of this year’s Kamloops Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) Poker Run. The parade begins on Bancroft near the bridge and travels to the arena, using parts of Brink St. and Railway St.
The Harley Owners are planning the parade as one of the events to celebrate the 25th annual Poker Run this year. The Poker Run takes place June 1 and 2.
Curling Club
Council agreed to provide a letter of support for the curling club as they apply for grants to cover the cost of a new furnice and electrical upgrade. They are hoping to apply for $11,000 from the federal Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
Ashcroft Fire Chief
Brian Henderson was appointed for another two year term as the Fire Chief of the Ashcroft Volunteer Fire Dept.
Canada Day
Council agreed to provide a letter of support to Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society (WRAPS) so that they can apply for funding from Heritage Canada to organize this year’s Canada Day in Ashcroft.
Heritage Week
Coun. Helen Kormendy updated Council on the Feb. 24 event that she and Museum curator Kathy Paulos are planning at the Community Hall. The these of this year’s Heritage Week is neighbourhoods.
Kormendy said she is trying to engage youth in this year’s event and has commitments from both schools.
“We’re having the students develop something,” she said. “The goal is to get people really engaged in it. It almost feels like this theme is made for us.”
Next Meeting
Jan. 28 at 7 pm.
