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District council: town square supported in principle

100 Mile House councillors vote to support town square in principle

At its July 10 meeting, the District of 100 Mile House councillors unanimously approved a motion to support in principle the local Rotary Club’s plan to construct a town square on Third Street between the community hall and BJ’s Donut & Eatery.

If approved, it would close Third Street from the Birch Avenue to the alley behind the hall and the restaurant, but open the remainder of Third Street from the alley to Cedar Avenue to two-way vehicular traffic.

The support-in-principle motion would allow the district to gather more information from the Rotary Club of 100 Mile House and the general public prior to council making a final decision.

District administration recommended councillors to support in principle, but noted six steps should be met before approval is given.

• A more detailed financial plan that identifies costs and funding sources, in-kind services and total project cost details is needed.

• Rotary should work closely with the district’s community services staff to revise the initial design to ensure it is “maintenance friendly” and minimizes negative impacts to adjacent property owners.

• A joint public consultation should be conducted, involving Rotary, the district, surrounding businesses and general public.

• Council will need to determine what level of public support – 100 per cent of those most affected (BJ’s and community hall) or all surrounding businesses and property owners - is deemed adequate for councillors to give the project green light.

• Are there other funding partners that could be brought in to the project?

• How does the district limit its liability and/or financial exposure for the capital cost in the event the project isn’t completed.

The motion was moved by Coun. Spence Henderson and seconded by Coun. Dave Mingo. There was no discussion before all councillors raised their hands to approve it.

After the meeting, Rotary Club president Maureen Pinkney, who made a presentation to councillors on June 26, said she has heard nothing negative about the town square.

“So far, I have contacted almost every business in the immediate area of the square and were all very excited about the project and feel it will really add to the downtown core. I have received phone calls from other businesses and residents that are also very positive.”

Pinkney noted some comments she has received have been to do with the existing square and overgrown trees blocking the lighting to the parking lot. There were also concerns about it being slippery in the winter, and the existing need for public toilets downtown.

Although a firm date hasn’t been officially set for the budgeting details and the public consultation meeting, Mayor Mitch Campsall said he would like to see it happen as quickly as possible.