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What is The Social Planning Council?

Activities:

o Monthly Meetings: Attend meetings with guest speakers from within the community &/or presentations at each meeting. We currently meet the fourth Monday of every month (excluding summer) at City Hall with light lunch by donation.

o Facebook & Email Group: Utilize the network on Facebook. Start discussions, learn about & share upcoming community events, projects and meetings. If you don’t use Facebook, then join the email network instead.

o Inform City Council: The SPC provides reports to City Council regularly and the City keeps the SPC informed. Use the network and have your voices heard.



Strategic Direction of the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area:

o Poverty Reduction and the local Living Wage Campaign.

o Community Collaboration and Networking.

o Retention and Succession of residents within the Area.



Community Social Planning:

o Supports communities in building an integrated approach to complex problems that take into account social, economic, and environmental concerns.

o Maximizes the effectiveness of often scarce resources by working to reduce duplication, overlap and competition.

o Provides an ongoing forum for communication, coordination and conflict resolution.



Friday, August 31, 2012

Community Updates – August 31, 2012

Community Updates – August 31, 2012

1) Jail n’ Bail Fundraiser (Cops for Cancer Fundraising):

Safer Communities Coordinator Dave Dickson, and Constable Chris Ives will be riding in the 850 km trip from Prince George to Prince Rupert from September 14 – 20th to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. They are continuing to raise funds from around the community. The next fundraiser will be on Wednesday Sept 12th in Spirit Square downtown Williams Lake between 9 am – 2 pm. This fun event enables you to send someone behind bars.

To have someone you know (friend, family member, boss, coworker, etc.) thrown behind bars at this event, please contact Dickson at 250-392-8701 or email dave.dickson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

2) Williams Lake Harvest Fair:

Taking place at the Stampede Park on September 8 & 9th, find exhibitions of various goods. There will also be wagon rides from Cariboo Carriage, entertainment including musicians, clowns and magicians. See the Tribune’s Harvest Fair Booklet for more information (available around town and at the Tribune office).

3) What are you most interested in?:

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS OF THE SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL

Poverty Reduction:

Continue connection with Living Wage BC; Promoting & developing a living wage Campaign for Williams Lake including continuing measure of Living Wage calculations.

Develop a community poverty reduction plan.

Advocate for local government to enact Poverty Reduction legislation and new legislation (other community connection examples).

Looking at solutions for affordable and safe housing (e.g. Seniors and life long lease).

Food (nutrition, security) initiatives and greater access.

Childcare, transportation, education, services.

Literacy and financial literacy.

Community collaboration:

Identifying balance between doing more with less.

Building network systems.

Develop clear purposes for collaboration.

Building a knowledge base/language about collaboration – what is it, what are the levels – what are the measures – the continuum - networking – cooperation – collaboration.

Develop SPC leadership role around cooperation and community collaboration.

Creating an environment for shared action.

Develop a process for info sharing on issues.

Retention & succession:

Building Community Desirability.

Tap into resources & reach out.

Encourage engagement.

Education – build, encourage and promote.

Look at Mine development and it’s impact.

Encourage City, Industry and Government to plan and anticipate negative impacts.

To get involved in any or all of the above: email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com, call (1)250-243-2126 or join Facebook: Socialplanning Council, or check out our webpage: http://socialplanningcouncil.blogspot.ca/.

The next SPC meeting is on September 24th at 11:30 am at City Hall (downstairs boardroom). Even if you cannot attend meetings, you can still participate.

4) The Williams Lake Library now has a Facebook Page. Please visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRD-Williams-Lake-Library/188026934639955

5) Public Play Party at SINC:

There will be a public Play Party at Scout Island Nature Centre (SINC) on Saturday September 8th from 10 am – 3 pm. Play games, take guided nature walks, nature challenges and visit information action stations. The event is being hosted by the Healthy by Nature Movement, a coalition of Scout Island Nature Centre, Williams Lake Field Naturalists, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society and the Williams Lake Environmental Society.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Community Updates – August 23, 2012

Community Updates – August 23, 2012
1) Fish Lake Gathering – Saturday Aug 25 to Sunday Aug 26th

Tsilhqot’in Cheifs and youth are preparing to host a gathering at Fish Lake on Aug 25 – 26th. It will be an opportunity to meet Cheifs, Elders and community members, try horse-back riding, fishing, great food and witness a telent show, music, tournaments and more. The gathering will provide the area’s supporters with the chance to learn more about the Tsilhqot’in culture and territory and why protection of other water bodies in the area such as Nabas (Little Fish Lake), and nearby Yanah Biny and the Dasiqox (Taseko River) are vital to First Nations communities. Fish Lake is located three hours southwest of Williams Lake. For more information contact TNG mining, oil and gas Manager JP Laplante at 250-267-3759 or organizing youth at 250-394-7020.

2) Kids Running for Kids celebration BBQ update:

On June 30th, approximately 70 local young people, who formed Kids Running for Kids , began a relay run from Williams Lake to Vancouver, with the goal of raising $50,000 for BC Childrens Hospital. The group arrived in Vancouver on July 7th, and presented a cheque for $77,726.47 to the Hospital Foundation. Kids Running for Kids is still gratefully accepting donations, and is looking to reach $100,000 raised.

Mayor Kerry Cook and Williams Lake City Council invited the community to help raise even more funds for BC Childrens Hospital by attending a barbeque for the Kids Running for Kids group. City Councillors cooked hot dogs at 6 pm in Boitanio Park on Thursday, August 16th to close out this summer’s Performances in the Park series, organized by the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society.

Donations made at the BBQ or any before August 26th will be matched by the CN Miracle Match program. Mayor & Council presented each Kids Running for Kids participant with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Aug 16th event. Stephen Forgacs, Director of Communications for the BC Childrens Hospital Foundation was on hand to thank the children and award them a Certificate.

3) Volunteer with Citizens on Patrol (COP)
Citizens on Patrol must be at least 19 years of age, pass a criminal records check, and interested in making our community a safer place for everyone. Members patrol the community, record suspicious events and report these observations directly to the RCMP using radios. COP also requires office volunteers to perform data entry functions, general office work, communicate information to members, and co-ordinate patrols. If you wish to assist the RCMP in making our community a better place to live please call Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or Bob McIntosh at 250-305-1041 or 250-303-1428. Everyone is invited to attend our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Community Police Office at 327 Oliver Street (corner of 3rd & Oliver).

4) The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Fitness Centre offers free orientations for those adults 55 and older. Registered personal trainer Judy Orosz will provide an orientation to the facility and teach you about how to use the equipment safely, gym etiquette, and what times of the day would be best for you to work out. She will help you gain confidence in using the equipment and answer any questions you have regarding your own fitness. Please call ahead to book your complimentary session at 250-398-7665.

5) Women’s Contact Society AGM is September 10th at 6pm.

Contact Ashlee Turatus at 392-4118 or email officeassistant.wcs@telus.net for more information. The Women’s Contact Society is located at 301 – 19 North First Avenue (above Caribou Ski).

6) Free Zumba Classes

The Women’s Contact Society has started to offer a new, free fitness program with a licensed Zumba Instructor. Classes will be on Mondays from 3-4 pm and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the Centre’s board room. To register call 250-392-4118. Drop-ins are welcome, however space is limited.

7) Community Garden Plots at the Memory Garden (at the bottom of Carson Drive)

The Williams Lake Food Policy Council wants to invite you and your friends to use a garden plot during the 2013 growing season. It's fun, healthy, community building, lowers your grocery bill, and gives you exercise. Phone or email Cody Slinn to claim one of the 4' x 8' or 4' x 12' beds: codyigk@hotmail.com / 250 392 0294.

You are also welcome to join the Gardener's Group Committee, who are shaping the future of this garden in terms of content, governance, philosophy etc. Contact Cody for details.

8) Annual Tour de Cariboo on September 8th

It’s time now to start seriously training for the 20th Annual Tour de Cariboo coming up on Sept 8th. The tour is a bicycle ride, race or relay from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake. The ride is supported by recovery vehicles in case people have to cut their ride short. Free overnight accommodation is also provided at Gavin Lake for participants. Contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters for more information at 250-398-8391.

9) The Cariboo Caledonia Pipe Band, the second of two Scottish bagpipe bands in the WL area. Our inaugural practice will be Sunday Sept 9, 2012 2:30 pm at the Legion basement. Contact Bill Sheridan for more information.

10) CCC Tourism Summit & Conference, September 30 - October 2, Wells, BC

Tour Barkerville & celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Gold Rush Trail in Wells, BC!

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast annual conference is the tourism industry event of the year in our region! Delegates from across the region and from all areas of the tourism industry convene to network, educate themselves and show support for the Tourism Industry. The Conference is designed to educate, provide networking opportunities, influence new ideas and recognize our amazing industry leaders here in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast!

To register, donate, nominate someone or just visit the website - http://www.landwithoutlimits.com/agm.html

11) Latest Update from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society is available. Please email for a copy.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Community Updates - August 10, 2012

Community Updates – August 10, 2012
1) The Boys & Girls Street Party is tonight from 6 – 10 pm.
Calling all Children, Youth and Families! Enjoy free entertainment, free acitivities and free food for the whole family. Bouncy castle, music, graffiti wall, prozes, face and nail painting, crafts and more. Children and Youth are also invited to soak a police officer with water balloons at 6:30 pm.
Location: Boys & Girls Club at 17 South 14th Avenue (across from Safeway). For more information about this event, call 250-392-5730.
2) Creative Kids Art Exhibition and Silent Auction
Thursday, August 16th, from 11 am – 2 pm in Spirit Square (Old Courthouse Square in downtown Williams Lake at 1st & Oliver Street).
The Child Development Centre (CDC) is thrill to be part of this year’s Art Walk! On Aug 16th, the CDC will be hosting a silent auction and family event in Spirit Square.
The silent auction will feature preschooler’s self-portraits. You will be amazed at the creativity of the children’s art! Look and see how the self-portraits are unconventional… delight in how children share and express their insights about themselves.

Pledge sheets to purchase the artwork will be available at the event and the silent bidding will conclude on Aug 31st. Pledges can be made at the CDC and the BIA office (3rd & Oliver Street) after the event on the 16th.

The purpose of this event is to help fund new programming in preschool this fall and promote the importance of early learning and creativity as factors that enhance a child’s success in life.

3) Recreation Services updates:

Wacky Wednesdays at the pool! -Each week at the pool we celebrate Wacky Wednesday with a different theme. There are tons of games and prizes for the kids, so come down and get wet! Every Wednesday until August 22nd from 1:30am - 3:00pm, Regualar rates apply

Annual Pool Shutdowns:
Pool Shutdown:

August 27 - September 16, 2012
Fitness Centre Shutdown:

August 27 - September 4, 2012

Administration hours from August 27 - September 4:

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm

Saturday and Sunday Closed

Administration hours from September 5 - September 16:

Monday to Friday 5:30am - 8:30pm

Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 7:30pm

The next set of swimming lessons starts: August 13th.
Register early in order to make sure your child gets a spot! Contact: CMRC at 250-398-7665 to register
4) Please continue to send your summer events and updates to the Social Planning Council at spc-coordinator@xplornet.com (two weeks before the event ensures timely distributions). Social Planning Council meetings will resume in September.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Community Updates – August 3, 2012

Community Updates – August 3, 2012


1) Nominations for the Annual Provincial Nesika Awards (forwarded package is attached & available online).

Dear members,

I am please to inform you that nominations are now open for the annual Provincial Nesika Awards 2012 and I would like your help in spreading the word to all you municipal members and encouraging their constituents to participate!

The Provincial Nesika Awards started in 2008 and recognize the people, organizations and businesses whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together. The Provincial Multicultural Advisory Council organizes and sponsors the Awards to honor and celebrate British Columbia’s cultural diversity and indigenous communities.

There are four categories open for nomination – Individual, Youth, Business and Organization. Winners in each category will receive and award trophy and $5000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice to further support the work of multiculturalism in the province. Four Awards winners will be recognized at the Award Event during BC Multiculturalism week in November 2012.

Attached is a nomination form that you can distribute. The nomination form can also be downloaded online at www.EmbraceBC.ca

2) City of Williams Lake invites High School Students to apply to serve on Junior Council (deadline August 15).

Williams Lake high school students are invited to submit an application to serve on the Williams Lake Junior Council for the September 2012 to September 2013 term. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2012.

The Junior Council is a group of seven high school students from Grades 10-12 that suggest ideas that could enhance life for youth in the city. Junior Council members are appointed by City Council and provide a youth voice to decisions made by the city. It is an opportunity to learn about and participate in the process of local government.

Junior Councillors will attend 2-4 meetings a month, will take turns attending City Council meetings, and help plan activities to engage youth in civic affairs, among other duties. Requirements to serve on the Junior Council are that the person be a student at a Williams Lake high school, is 18 years old or younger, and must be able to attend at least 75% of Junior Council meetings.
Applications can be submitted by e-mail to juniorcouncil@williamslake.ca or by dropping off the application form at the city or giving it to one of the current Junior Council members: Talia Baptiste, Cody Haley-York, Ivona Ognjanova, Abbi Taylor, Patrick Newsome, and Ana Lomavatu.
For more information, contact Manager of Social Development Anne Burrill at 250-392-8480.
3) Start training for the Annual Tour de Cariboo on September 8th
It’s time now to start seriously training for the 20th Annual Tour de Cariboo coming up on Sept 8th. The tour is a bicycle ride, race or relay from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake. The ride is supported by recovery vehicles in case people have to cut their ride short. Free overnight accommodation is also provided at Gavin Lake for participants. Contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters for more information at 250-398-8391.
4) Local Mountain Bike Events Bring Over $45,000 to the Community in 2012

The Williams Lake Cycling Club hosts two annual events in Williams Lake each summer that attract mountain bikers from across British Columbia (“Pedal By the Puddle” and “Peel Out”). This year the events attracted 347 competitors, and more than half of those were from out of the Cariboo region.

“Our goal is to contribute to the diversification of the Cariboo regional economy as we realize the effects of the mountain pine beetle. We are continuously interested in partnerships with governments and business that can help achieve this goal,” says Justin Calof, Executive Director of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium.

Events that attract out of region tourists have a significant impact on the economy. City staff, using the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model, has calculated that the economic impact of the 2012 events resulted in more than $45,000 of new money being spent in Williams Lake.
“Partnering with the Williams Lake Cycling Club and Cariboo Mountain Biking Consortium helps to maximize marketing dollars and reach tens of thousands of potential cycling tourists,” says Councillor Laurie Walters, chair of the Community Services Committee. “Strategic promotion of these world class recreation assets and local events is proving to be a great return on investment for our community.”
The City of Williams Lake continues to be a supporter of Mountain Biking and has an official partnership with the Williams Lake Cycling Club. The City and Club, along with the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, Cariboo Regional District, Tourism BC, Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign in an effort to attract even more mountain bike tourists to the region. Since the initiative began in 2012, there has been a substantial increase in mountain bike tourist spending.
5) Installation of utility cabinet wraps underway

Schickworks Signs and Stitches has installed the first of 10 vinyl wraps for City utility cabinets. A Laureen Carruthers photo of an old Chevrolet truck is now installed at the Corner of 2nd and Oliver Street on the larger of the two utility cabinets. This utility cabinet is one of the more complicated cabinets to wrap, due to the dimensions and tricky box layout. In the coming weeks, the remaining nine wraps will be installed on cabinets around the city, weather permitting.

On June 27th a Selection Committee, consisting of three City Council members and three Board members from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, went through the tough process of selecting ten photos out of 120. The ten photos will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around ten City-owned utility cabinets within Williams Lake this month.
“It is a priority for the City of Williams Lake to take proactive measures to manage graffiti and beautifying our community,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “Programs such as the Cabinet Wrap Initiative for City owned infrastructure is a great start, but we need to work in collaboration with the private sector and other levels of government to implement further successful results in other areas of our community.”
The City hopes to continue this project as partnerships arise.
6) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society update (newsletter available online or by request).

Community Updates – August 3, 2012

Community Updates – August 3, 2012


1) Nominations for the Annual Provincial Nesika Awards (forwarded package is attached & available online).

Dear members,

I am please to inform you that nominations are now open for the annual Provincial Nesika Awards 2012 and I would like your help in spreading the word to all you municipal members and encouraging their constituents to participate!

The Provincial Nesika Awards started in 2008 and recognize the people, organizations and businesses whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together. The Provincial Multicultural Advisory Council organizes and sponsors the Awards to honor and celebrate British Columbia’s cultural diversity and indigenous communities.

There are four categories open for nomination – Individual, Youth, Business and Organization. Winners in each category will receive and award trophy and $5000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice to further support the work of multiculturalism in the province. Four Awards winners will be recognized at the Award Event during BC Multiculturalism week in November 2012.

Attached is a nomination form that you can distribute. The nomination form can also be downloaded online at www.EmbraceBC.ca

2) City of Williams Lake invites High School Students to apply to serve on Junior Council (deadline August 15).

Williams Lake high school students are invited to submit an application to serve on the Williams Lake Junior Council for the September 2012 to September 2013 term. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2012.

The Junior Council is a group of seven high school students from Grades 10-12 that suggest ideas that could enhance life for youth in the city. Junior Council members are appointed by City Council and provide a youth voice to decisions made by the city. It is an opportunity to learn about and participate in the process of local government.

Junior Councillors will attend 2-4 meetings a month, will take turns attending City Council meetings, and help plan activities to engage youth in civic affairs, among other duties. Requirements to serve on the Junior Council are that the person be a student at a Williams Lake high school, is 18 years old or younger, and must be able to attend at least 75% of Junior Council meetings.
Applications can be submitted by e-mail to juniorcouncil@williamslake.ca or by dropping off the application form at the city or giving it to one of the current Junior Council members: Talia Baptiste, Cody Haley-York, Ivona Ognjanova, Abbi Taylor, Patrick Newsome, and Ana Lomavatu.
For more information, contact Manager of Social Development Anne Burrill at 250-392-8480.
3) Start training for the Annual Tour de Cariboo on September 8th
It’s time now to start seriously training for the 20th Annual Tour de Cariboo coming up on Sept 8th. The tour is a bicycle ride, race or relay from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake. The ride is supported by recovery vehicles in case people have to cut their ride short. Free overnight accommodation is also provided at Gavin Lake for participants. Contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters for more information at 250-398-8391.
4) Local Mountain Bike Events Bring Over $45,000 to the Community in 2012

The Williams Lake Cycling Club hosts two annual events in Williams Lake each summer that attract mountain bikers from across British Columbia (“Pedal By the Puddle” and “Peel Out”). This year the events attracted 347 competitors, and more than half of those were from out of the Cariboo region.

“Our goal is to contribute to the diversification of the Cariboo regional economy as we realize the effects of the mountain pine beetle. We are continuously interested in partnerships with governments and business that can help achieve this goal,” says Justin Calof, Executive Director of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium.

Events that attract out of region tourists have a significant impact on the economy. City staff, using the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model, has calculated that the economic impact of the 2012 events resulted in more than $45,000 of new money being spent in Williams Lake.
“Partnering with the Williams Lake Cycling Club and Cariboo Mountain Biking Consortium helps to maximize marketing dollars and reach tens of thousands of potential cycling tourists,” says Councillor Laurie Walters, chair of the Community Services Committee. “Strategic promotion of these world class recreation assets and local events is proving to be a great return on investment for our community.”
The City of Williams Lake continues to be a supporter of Mountain Biking and has an official partnership with the Williams Lake Cycling Club. The City and Club, along with the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, Cariboo Regional District, Tourism BC, Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign in an effort to attract even more mountain bike tourists to the region. Since the initiative began in 2012, there has been a substantial increase in mountain bike tourist spending.
5) Installation of utility cabinet wraps underway

Schickworks Signs and Stitches has installed the first of 10 vinyl wraps for City utility cabinets. A Laureen Carruthers photo of an old Chevrolet truck is now installed at the Corner of 2nd and Oliver Street on the larger of the two utility cabinets. This utility cabinet is one of the more complicated cabinets to wrap, due to the dimensions and tricky box layout. In the coming weeks, the remaining nine wraps will be installed on cabinets around the city, weather permitting.

On June 27th a Selection Committee, consisting of three City Council members and three Board members from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, went through the tough process of selecting ten photos out of 120. The ten photos will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around ten City-owned utility cabinets within Williams Lake this month.
“It is a priority for the City of Williams Lake to take proactive measures to manage graffiti and beautifying our community,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “Programs such as the Cabinet Wrap Initiative for City owned infrastructure is a great start, but we need to work in collaboration with the private sector and other levels of government to implement further successful results in other areas of our community.”
The City hopes to continue this project as partnerships arise.
6) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society update (newsletter available online or by request).

Contact Us

The Social Planning Council is made up of volunteers from the community. Many of us work in social services agencies or also volunteer for other organizations.

Our Mailing Address is Box 20045, Williams Lake BC V2G 4R1

To reach the Society Coordinator Jessica Dunn please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or call 250-243-2126

To reach the Communities that Care Project Facilitator Barb Jones please email communitiesthatcare.wl@gmail.com or call 250-305-4838

To reach the THRIVE Williams Lake Project Manager Anne Burrill please email annelburrill@gmail.com or call 250-267-7211

To reach the current SPC Chair Larry Stranberg please email happytrails@cfdccariboo.com or call 250-392-3626