Update on proposed bylaw for limiting commercial vehicle speed
Limiting vehicles over 13,700 kg to travel at 30 kilometres per hour on Burrard Avenue between the bridge and its intersection with Highway 16, the proposed new bylaw will be considered for adoption at its final reading during the next council meeting on March 7.
The district council received two formal responses from residents, and public sentiment from social media was also considered in the discussion.
Concerns included potential problems created by dual speed limits, as well as the street’s width that may not allow 2-lane traffic at times due to parking or snow.
The new bylaw originated from the RCMP and residents’ concerns on heavy vehicles’ ability to stop or slow down in the downtown core, while travelling at 50 kilometres per hour.
Program for subsidized senior transportation to Prince George continues
The district council is continuing its contract, on a year-by-year basis, with the District of Fort St. James’ Seniors Helping Seniors Transportation Service.
In a four-month trial period from last September to December, Vanderhoof’s seniors, coordinated by the local Seniors Connected program, accessed the subsidized service 11 times for their medical appointments in Prince George.
A concern raised by a Seniors Connected representative at the Feb. 22 council meeting is the need for an additional round trip to be arranged between the seniors’ home and pickup point, which is located at the A&W restaurant on the corner of Highway 16 and Burrard Avenue.
The district council is also looking at reducing the cost per trip for the contract renewal, as well as exploring provincial initiatives that are under development regarding Highway 16 transportation, Clement said.
The program currently costs the district $60 per trip, as well as $100 of administrative costs for each week the service was accessed.
Aquatic Centre Design Committee
Three councillors and three members of the public will be appointed by the district council for the Aquatic Centre Design Committee.
For the next six months, the committee will provide input to a contracted architect, through monthly or bi-monthly meetings, to produce a final tender-ready design for Vanderhoof’s pool.
Meeting with Saik’uz council to council
Vanderhoof’s mayor and district council will host a meeting with their Saik’uz First Nation counterparts in early March.
With no fixed agenda, the meeting is an opportunity for councils from the two communities to chat on mutually beneficial issues in an informal setting, said CAO Tom Clement.
Last meeting took place two years ago, though the councils are looking into the possibility of biannual meetings, where each community plays hosts in turn.
90 trees for 90 years
To commemorate Vanderhoof’s 90th birthday, the Nechako Waste Reduction Initiative is looking to plant 90 trees around the district of Vanderhoof. More information to come.
- with files from the District of Vanderhoof