The District of Vanderhoof released their quarterly newsletter in September. In the newsletter the District has covered topics related to 2020 Utility Payments, Grant-in-Aid, Community Bus Update, Vanderhoof Arena, Aquatic Centre, Citizen Budget 2021, Revitalization tax exemption program, a woodstove exchange program and a message from Councillor Ken Young.
2020 Utility Payments
The 2020 utility bills will be sent to residents in September. Utilities are due by October 30 by 4:30 p.m. The District will penalize residents who make late payments.
Citizens can pay online via a credit card, through their personal online banking, in-person and by mail. There is a separate fees attached to paying via credit card.
Visit www.vanderhoof.ca and click Online Services to access the online portal.
Grant-In-Aid
The annual Grant-In-Aid intake period for the District of Vanderhoof closes Oct. 31. Eligible non-profit communnity groups can apply for up to $2500. Applications forms for these grants can be found on the District website under the heading finance.
Incase a group has received funding in previous years, they still need to re-apply each year to be eligible.
Community Bus Update
There is no date announced by the District for when the service will be running in Vanderhoof again. However, the District said the service will be up and running shortly and residents should watch the District website or their Facebook page for updates.
Vanderhoof Arena
Due to restrictions as a result of the pandemic, all public skating times have been cancelled for the rest of the 2020-2021 ice season.
Aquatic Centre
Vanderhoof’s pool will be reopening September 8. More information about safety guidelines and protocols due to COVID-19 is available on the YMCA’s website at www.nbc.ymca.ca
Citizen Budget 2021
The District will begin its third consulation for the 2021 budget. The municipality has asked residents to check the District website or Facebook page in September/October for information on how to take part in the developing 2021 municipal budget. Once this information is available from the District of Vanderhoof, the Express will be publishing the material as well.
Revitalization Tax Exemption Program
The idea of the Revitalization Tax Exemption Program is to encourage new development and improvements to existing buildings within the municipal boundaries of the District. The program offers municipal tax exemption for five years for permanent new construction or renovations to commercial or residential buildings. Exemption rates vary every year and eligibility requirements need to be met. For more information about the Revitalization Tax Exemption Program, visit the Programs, Incentives, and Grants section on the District’s website.
Woodstove Exchange Program
Citizens can continue to swicth out their old, uncertified stoves for a clean-burning EPA-certified wood, pellet or natural gas stove. Residents can get up to $1200 in incentives and rebates for switching out their old woodstoves.
Woodsmoke releases particulate matter into the air that can affect both respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Message from Ken Young
Councillor Ken Young wrote a message for residents on behalf of council. His message has been edited as a result of space restrictions.
“Currently, our community has become a very busy and bustling place. The workers at the LNG Camp near the Airport have arrived along with new families who have also moved into our community to become our coworkers, friends and neighbours. We welcome you all to Vanderhoof and we are glad you now call it home!”
Young shared a list of improvements staff has ensured. These improvements include — Paving; resurfacing; Sidewalk upgrades; directional signage; Disc Golf course; Surface upgrade on Skatepark along with new benches installed; Dog Park in progress; Painting of Arena. LED lighting installed and Zamboni area upgraded; Ferland Park had trees planted; Parking area at Riverside Park has been resurfaced, year-round washrooms will be installed, a new paved multi-use pathway will be installed as funding was secured, all camp sites now have hookups; Supporting construction of a new home for seniors; New housing report has been completed; All Parks and flowers in town looked great all summer.
Inquiries to the Updater can be made to Hilary Irvine at 250-567-4711 or at hilaryirvine@district.vanderhoof.ca.