An Election Promise Now One Step Closer To Reality

April seemed to just fly by, didn’t it? It was a pretty big month as far as Town Council decisions go but rather light on most other fronts for me. Here is a look at the details of the past month in my life.

A Few Meetings

I had a total of eight scheduled meetings throughout the month. One I could not attend due to a time conflict. I know, it doesn’t sound possible, but for some reason, I have experienced double bookings for meetings more than once since being elected to Town Council. This month saw that happen again.

Town Council Meetings

Tuesday, April 6 - 7:30 PM - Regular Town Council Meeting, Council Chambers, Town Hall
Monday, April 19 - 7:30 PM - Regular Town Council Meeting, Council Chambers, Town Hall

Other Regular Meetings

Friday, April 9 - 10 AM - Meeting with PXA President, Council Chambers, Town Hall
Thursday, April 15 - 5:30 PM - Museum Society Meeting (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 21 - 3 PM - Princeton Healthcare Steering Committee (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 28 - 3 PM - Tourism Marketing Meeting (Crimson Tine Players), Princeton Visitor Centre (*)

Other Events/Activities

Wednesday, April 21 - 5 PM - Canadian Mental Health Association, Penticton (Zoom) (*)

(*) - denotes attendance at a meeting as the only member of Town Council

Some Details From The Town Council Meetings

Probably the biggest news to come out of the April 6, 2021, Town Council meeting was the 2021 Loan Authorization Bylaw that received three readings. This will get the ball rolling on major infrastructure improvements. In this case, sewer and water. It has taken a long time to get to this point as infrastructure was one of the main issues every candidate spoke of during the last Municipal Election campaign back in 2018. There is a long and involved process that follows the final approval of this bylaw by the Inspector of Municipalities which will lead to the requirement of seeking approval from local electors through the Alternate Approval Process (as directed by Section 86 of the Community Charter). If approved by electors, the Town can proceed to borrow up to $7-million to cover the costs of upgrading the water and sewer system servicing the community. It’s a huge step I don’t take lightly, but a step necessary for any significant future growth.

At the April 19, 2021, Town Council meeting another Business Facade Improvement Grant Application was approved. This one was for the front and side of the building located at 139 Vermilion Avenue which is home to Vermilion Chiropractic Centre. Council approved the allocation of up to $5,000 for reimbursement for the facade improvements taking place at that business location. The previous Town Council meeting saw the approval of a Business Facade Improvement Grant Application for $5,000 submitted by Sagebrush Physiotherapy at 217 Vermilion Avenue.

Health Update

I have been feeling very strong the past couple of weeks. I have been adding more and longer light jogging intervals into my regular walks along the KVR. I have also managed to jog the entire length of the tunnel that passes under Highway 3. I’m told the tunnel is 1,000-feet in length. I know that it measured out at 450 strides for me...lol There is no further word on my upcoming kidney operation so I’m focusing on just building my strength so that whenever it happens, I can have a speedy recovery. On April 29, both my wife, Brenda, and I received our first COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines at Riverside Centre. I was impressed with how smooth the process went on site after experiencing much the same frustration as many other residents have in dealing with the initial registration phase online. We ended up booking via the phone, which went very well. I can’t imagine how difficult the logistics must have been, and continue to be for administering the vaccines so I am grateful that we have a local clinic set up for this purpose.