Going to the Dogs
MLA Jackie Tegart surprised the Village of Clinton Council on April 17 with a $20,000 cheque for a Dog Park and sani-dump on one of the brownfields in Clinton. Council had been working on plans for this for some time and Suncor had approved the use of three lots that they own. The Village had applied for a grant to help with construction.
The plans call for a fenced dog park with trails, shrubs, benches, etc. and a sani-dump outside the fence on Village right-of-way.
Ashcroft plans 2.5% tax hike
Ashcroft Council announced plans for a tax increase of 2.5 per cent this year for residential properties, which was lower than anticipated.
Coun. Alf Trill asked about the large increase in user fees planned for in the fourth year (2018) of the five-year plan. Administrator Michelle Allen said the increased figures represent costs associated with the new water treatment plant once it’s in operation.
Cache Creek taxes going up 4%
Cache Creek Council gave the first three readings to Tax Rates Bylaw 777 at its Apr. 27 meeting. The rates anticipate a four per cent increase in residential taxes this year, and 2.3 per cent thereafter.
The Village is still anticipating over half a million dollars in revenue from the Landfill for the next two years. The bylaw needs one more reading to adopt this year’s $4,439,939 budget.
ER hours reduced again
Interior Health advised residents that the Ashcroft Hospital and Health Centre Emergency Department would be reducing its hours due to a lack of physician availability.
Ashcroft Mayor Jack Jeyes said the international licensing program is being streamlined and Ashcroft was hoping to receive two doctors from the program this coming Winter.
Maclean Crescent under budget
The Village is still waiting for the new street lights on Maclean Cres. to be turned on, but the paving is finished and under budget.
The contract was awarded to Bree Contracting last Fall for $435,745. The project was started last year but had to be suspended for the winter.