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This weeks paper will have a full page writeup on Mackenzie crossing
showing what will be taking place as well as a lot of the process the
City has gone through over the years to get us where we are today. You
may have noticed work going on at the crossing as we are starting to
build the fencing that is required with either of the two options that
are on the table. The fencing being used on the Plaza side of the
crossing will be wrought iron which is similar to what is used in the
plaza. The Track Street side will be black chain link fencing which is
what was used down by the Railway Museum and almost becomes invisible
because of the way it blends into the background.
I have had very
encouraging talks with both Transport Canada and CPR in regards to the
City’s ultimate goal of installing "full protection crossing". I feel
confident that this will be achievable sooner, rather than later. We are
so confident that we will hold off in the short term of installing the
crossing gates and night-time closure. However, if full protection is
not forthcoming in a timely manner, Council will implement nighttime
closure until full protection is achieved.
One other item worthy of
note is one of the letters we received suggested that a 4' chain link
fence would increase visibility of pedestrians and therefore be safer.
We agree and I made that argument to Transport Canada who also agreed,
it was then passed on to CPR, and consequently the fencing that will be
installed will be 4' high.
I have been in talks with
contractors for Mt. Mackenzie developers who are looking forward to
doing some on mountain work this year. The activity contemplated is
building access roads and logging lift lines and ski runs. This has to
be done prior to any development proceeding such as ski lifts, base
village and residential development. Coming up on May 12th is the next
public meeting for the Official Community Plan this will be held in the
Firehall at 7:00 pm. I understand that there will be representatives of
Mt Mackenzie Resort Ltd. in attendance so if you have questions keep
this date in mind.
I was disappointed to
receive a letter of resignation from our Animal Control Officer. All the
reports I heard and saw, showed our contractor doing a very good job in
a sometimes difficult situation. With handling the day to day running of
the pound, doing patrols, handling and dealing with complaints from the
public, as well as running an adoption program to avoid as much as
possible the euthanizing of animals, this is an extremely difficult job.
We are looking at options on how to provide this service to the public
as cost effectively as possible.
If you are a pet owner
you have a responsibility to look after your animals. Owners should be
asking themselves if their animals are being a nuisance to the
neighbourhood, are they dangerous, and am I a responsible pet owner? If
you are contemplating making a complaint, is it valid, and is the
animal/owner not being responsible and respectful of the neighbourhood,
and are they breaking any municipal bylaws? We all want a community that
is safe and clean where pets, owners and non-pet owners have a happy
co-existence.
Mark McKee
Mayor
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