New Positions at the City of Williams Lake

The 2010 Budget includes funding for a number of new positions and I thought it important to provide some information as to why these positions are necessary at this time:


Fire Department Administrative Assistant - This position has been 'on the books' for a number of years and the main reasons it hasn't been filled was lack of office space in the old Fire Hall. There is a considerable amount of record keeping, data entry, reports and other administrative requirements within the Fire Department and currently the Fire Chief, Fire Inspector and Safety Officer look after all the administrative duties. This simply is not cost effective and reduces the capacity of these postions to perform thier core functions such as safety inspections.

There is also the need in the new Fire Hall to have a receptionist who can staff the Hall when the Officers are out on fire calls or other duties.

Events/Marketing Coordinator - This half-time position is an extension of Economic Development and Recreation Services and is intended to provide more capacity to encourage and facilitate events in the community such as conferences, tournaments and sporting events. These types of events result in significant spending in the community with minimal investment. Often potential event organizers do not have the capacity to apply for conferences or tournaments or connect with other supporting resources in the community. This position will develop resources to assist event organizers and will work with the Chamber of Commerce and other groups to encourage and support such events.

Planning Technician - This eight-month position is intended to assist the Development Services department with completion of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and the Official Community Plan processes currently underway. These two initiatives require a signifcant amount of work on the part of our Development Services staff which reduces their capacity to keep up with the day to day planning and development functions. This new position will provide short-term capacity until such time as the ICSP and OCP processes are complete.

CN Rail Ties/Chips Update

On Tuesday, April 6th, the City issued a BC Fire Code Order to CN Rail to remove the rail ties and chips stored next to the Station House Gallery. Under the Order, CN Rail has 30 days to comply and have 7 days to appeal the order. It has also been confrimed that BC Rail Properties has cancelled CN Rail's lease, effective in June 30. I have had numerous inquiries as to what CN Rail plans to do with the chips but we have had no communication with CN Rail and the City is not aware of what arrangements are being made.