|
This is the first Mayors report
of Spring 2005 and there are a number of spring growth related items to
report and comment on.
Last week the editor of
this paper wrote in his column on the importance of our wetlands.
Councillor Singh and myself recently had a chance to meet with Francis
Maltby who wanted to bring us up to speed as Councillors as to what he
is working on in studies of the wetlands around Revelstoke, the
importance of these areas and how best to protect them from negative
human impact. Interestingly one of the best nesting and feeding areas is
below the Downie log yard and was actually created from the excavation
that was done to build up the log yard. Over the years vegetation has
filled in and wildlife habitat has developed. This area is a real asset
to the community and the object is not to shut off human presence but
just ensure it occurs responsibly.
On the growth theme, the
City continues to receive an increasing volume of applications from
people interested in moving forward with their business; new signage,
new look to buildings, rezoning of lands to higher and better use. At
the March 29th meeting Council gave authorization to proceed with
rezoning applications for a couple of acreage parcels on Nichol Road to
change them to R1 residential and also adopted the Rezoning Bylaw to
rezone the Shire Properties Land at Nichol and Airport Way to Single
Family Residential. As well applications were reviewed concerning the
new Shell (Tim Horton’s) and a facelift and theme change for the Roma
restaurant, and got positive response. The quality of both projects is
high and can be an example for us all to aim a little higher.
These new developments
are an opportunity for some of us to look around and make sure we are
keeping up and being the best we can be. The Enhancement Committee was
recently given a slide show of signs and facades from around town. Some
were great, and some were not. Take a look around, does your awning need
sprucing up; is your sign fifteen years old, fading and chipped, has
your sandwich board been blown over a few too many times. Take a look.
We can’t be complacent and need to do our best.
Speaking of being the
best, please show your support for the Miss Revelstoke Ambassador
Program April 15 and 16 and its participants. These are young people who
are aiming for their best and deserve our support and encouragement.
Finally when it’s spring
my mind turns to having a fire to burn up the winter’s leftovers. Before
you light up here is what the Fire Chief has to say about the new Open
Air Burning Bylaw;
The open air-burning
bylaw has changed.
Written Authorizations
are required for the burning of Land clearing debris, Industrial and
Commercial wood waste and Hazard Abatement projects.
Permits are no longer
required for Property and Yard clean up or for Special Occasion fires.
Residents must consult the bylaw for definitions of these activities to
avoid loss of burning privileges or issuance of fines.
All residents are
encouraged to compost and should utilize the Public works drop off
location for yard debris as an alternate method of disposal other than
by open air burning.
All city residents
engaging in any form of open air burning are to be conversant and
knowledgeable in the content of the City of Revelstoke Bylaw sections
referencing “open air burning.”
Contact the Revelstoke
Fire Department for current information and secure a printed copy of the
Bylaw before conducting open air burns.
The Burning Bylaw
information is posted to the City Web site
here, or click
on the Fire Department link.
Prepared by Councillor Christopher Johnston
|
