Cindy Alblas of the Christina Gateway Development Community Association gave a report on the proposal to establish a two per cent occupied room tax in the Boundary that would fund a destination marketing organization with the goal of increasing overnight tourism.
She asked council to support the initiative and to urge local motels to sign on, but council made no decision at the time.
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Area E director Vicki Gee attended a special meeting with Midway council on Jan. 14. Topics of discussion were Gee’s grant-in-aid budget, possible participation of Area E in the West Boundary Community Forest, emergency funding needed by the Boundary District Curling Club, the upcoming Trans-Canada-Trail meeting on Feb. 5, recycling bins, fire department expansion, and road rescue.
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The works foreman reported that someone has been tossing towels and rags into the sewer system in Midway which is causing grief for the works crew and extra expense for for the taxpayers when the rags jam the lift station pumps.
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The village has approved participation in a Municipal Insurance Association initiative that will allow eligible groups who provide services to the community to purchase $5 million thirdparty liability insurance under the umbrella of the village.
The library, museum and community association are all likely to be eligible. Council agreed to offer the package to the community association at Monday night’s meeting.
Administrator Penny Feist reported that she had inquired about inclusion of the senior’s group but MIA had turned the idea down.
The group being brought under the municipal liability insurance would be responsible for paying the $250 annual premium.
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A letter from resident Heather Remillard suggesting the airport and hangar be used as the B.C. headquarters of the provincial radio controlled flying club was forwarded to the local radio controlled flying club.
Another letter from Remillard suggested an alternate location for the village office, but council turned the idea down. They said that recent renovations had been done to the existing building and the next big construction project would probably be renovation or replacement of the community hall.
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A request for funding help to replace the cooler unit at the curling rink was referred to a later meeting to which a member of the curling club would be invited.
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Gail Bryan and Dave Lyle have indicated they are willing to continue to serve on the board of variance for another three years. The third member, Frank Owen, has declined and the village will advertise the opening.
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Council received word from the Ministry of Highways that crosswalks and signage have been approved for Florence Street.