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This week has been extremely
hectic with preparations for the Premier's visit and the public signing
of the Master Development Agreement in the plaza on Thursday afternoon.
This is the last major government hurdle in the approval process that
now clears the way for development to start. Talking with Robert
Powadiuk and Hunter Milborne from Mt. Mackenzie Resort Ltd (MMRL), they
are looking at starting this year to log and build access roads, lift
lines and ski runs. At the same time a lot of design and engineering
work will have to proceed before lifts are installed and lots can start
selling and eventually village and accommodation construction can begin.
This is a significant step forward and a lot of people need to be
thanked for their dedication and participation, Don DeGagne, City
Administrator, Tom Knight, City Planner, Psyche Brown and Bill Irwin
from Land and Water BC, Robert and Hunter from MMRL, our consultants
Brent Harley and Associates and obviously City Council who showed great
leadership and patience. But the biggest influence and support came from
the community. Thanks to all of you that took the time to get informed
and give us your feedback, we will be looking for more input as this
project unfolds.
Last Wednesday evening
Council met with representatives of the Interior Health Authority who
informed us that Revelstoke healthcare facilities got a major capital
approval of 6.2 million dollars that will see 2 new 15 room residential
care cottages built on the hospital property. Assisted living also gets
a big boost with a new 11 room facility to be built on part of Moberly
park. This building will be attached to the existing solarium and will
mean that those seniors currently in Moberly Manor that will stay in
assisted living, will only have to move down the hall to their new room.
I know that changes to healthcare have created a lot of anxiety and
frustration in the community over the last two years. I do feel
confident that when the new facilities are open healthcare will be
better. I do get a lot of calls from people concerned that others are
not getting the level of care that they need but I cannot inquire into
someone’s healthcare. We should be encouraging those people to make sure
they are being assessed so they can get the level of care that is
appropriate for them.
Monday’s Council meeting
heard from concerned citizens about the City’s plans on moving forward
with Mackenzie crossing. Council has made a decision to install both
decorative and chain link fencing at the crossing and implement
night-time closure from 11pm to 7am. At the same time, we have applied
for Full Protection Crossing, this is what is installed at Pearson St.
This is the ultimate fix and one that only became possible in the fall
because of changes that CPR made to their operations. It could take many
years to get funding approval from Transport Canada for this option and
the night-time closure is seen as a reasonable way to bridge the gap.
Most of the improvements for the night-time closure (including fencing)
will be required for Full Protection Crossing implementation, so the
current investment will serve the future as well. The group attending
the Council meeting also brought a 1400 signature petition that is being
reviewed by different Committees of Council.
Mark McKee, Mayor
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