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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, October 31, 2014

Community Updates (16) – Oct 31, 2014



Table of Contents:
 
1) Zombie Walk & Haunted House - Fri Oct 31st
2) Halloween Fireworks - Fri Oct 31st
3) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week - "Success"
4) Ski Swap - Sat Nov 1st from 2 -5 pm
5) How to Vote in the upcoming elections on Nov 15th - see below
6) City of Williams Lake Local Government Elections for Mayor and Councillors
7) Cariboo Regional District Elections
8) Two CRD Referendums on Sam Ketchum Pool & Handydart contribution - see below
a) Central Cariboo Pool Renovation & Update Assent Voting
b) North Cariboo Handydart Contribution Requisition Increase Assent Voting
9) School District No. 27 Trustee Elections
10) SINC & the WL Field Naturalists present - NATURE’S SCRIBES
11) Happy Autumn from the Central Cariboo Arts Centre
12) Early Bird Christmas Craft Fair - Nov 7 & 8th at the Elks Hall
13) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy - 4th Annual Photo Literacy Contest
14) Reminder - The Fabulous Harlem Crowns Basketball Team Nov 1st
15) Reminder -  English for Professional Purposes - starts Nov 8th
16) KidSport Applications & Affordable Recreation Cards

1) Zombie Walk & Haunted House - Friday, October 31

The walk leaves from the Potato House at 49 Borland Street at 6:00pm sharp! Be there in your best Zombie attire and cruse the streets.

2) Halloween Fireworks - Friday, October 31 

Bonfire: 7:15 pm Fireworks: 7:45 pm The Lions Club will be offering hotdogs & hot chocolate by donation at the event. Sponsored by: Community Policing, TOLKO, Lions Club, Recreation Services and WL Fire Department

Date: October 31, 2014
Time: 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Time Details: Bonfire@ 7:15 PM Fireworks @7:45 PM
Location: Stampede Park  (800 S. MacKenzie Ave.)
Contact: 250-398-7665
Cost: Free

3) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week - "Success"
The Positive Action word of the week of Nov 3rd is: Success: To feel good about who you are, what you are doing, and how you treat others.

If you would like more background information about Positive Action please contact Carla Bullinger at 250-267-8249 or email comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

4) Ski Swap - Sat Nov 1st from 2 -5 pm
Public drop-off from 8:30 - 11:30 am ($1 per item) with the public swap starting at 2pm at the Gibraltar Room at the Recreation Complex in Williams Lake. For this one day only get 10% off season's passes, and after the swap at 7pm,  the Mt. Timothy Ski Area Annual General meeting is taking place.

5) How to Vote in the upcoming elections on Nov 15th - see below
The Social Planning Council encourages everyone to vote in the following elections. Resources to help you get informed and ready to vote are below and online at http://socialplanningcouncil.blogspot.ca/2014/10/how-to-vote-in-upcoming-elections-on_19.html

6) City of Williams Lake Local Government Elections for Mayor and Councillors
The 2014 City of Williams Lake Local Government Election will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Marie Sharpe Elementary School Gymnasium, located at 260 Cameron Street, Williams Lake, BC.  See Election Calendar at www.williamslake.ca for additional voting opportunities.

List of candidates and more contact info can be found online at http://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2014

Contact Cindy Bouchard, Chief Election Officer for the City of Williams Lake at cbouchard@williamslake.ca or 250-392-1773

7) Cariboo Regional District Elections
The Cariboo Regional District has general mandates to provide essential services to rural residents; represent all residents, including those inside municipal boundaries, on issues of regional concern; represent all residents in sub-regional areas delivering joint services in partnership with the municipal areas.

Areas with upcoming elections on Nov 15th and the candidates can be viewed online at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/resources/elections

For more information please contact Alice Johnston at ajohnstone@cariboord.ca or 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636

8) Two CRD Referendums on Sam Ketchum Pool & Handydart contribution - see below
More information for both items can be found below and on the Cariboo Regional Districts webpage at http://www.cariboord.ca/news/referenda or contact the CRD directly at 250-392-3351.

a) Central Cariboo Pool Renovation & Update Assent Voting
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, qualified electors within the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services Area will be voting on the following question:

Are you in favour of the Cariboo Regional District adopting Bylaws 4906 and 4907, which will authorize the borrowing of up to $10 million over 20 years and increase the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services annual taxation limit to a maximum of the greater of $3,500,000 or $1.98/$1,000 of assessed value of land and improvements, to provide for the upgrade and renovation of the pool and amenities at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex?

(Based on 2014 assessed values, the estimated annual cost to undertake this borrowing and operate the upgraded pool translates to a residential tax rate increase of approximately $40/$100,000. The new taxation limit for recreation services of $3,500,000 translates to a residential tax rate of $148/$100,000 of the net taxable assessed value of land and improvements).

For more information on the Sam Ketchum pool referendum please contact the Cariboo Regional District's Manager of Community Services at 250-392-3351 or the City of Williams Lake, Director of Community Services 250-392-1786 or view the FAQ online www.cariboord.bc.ca/uploads/271/FAQ-pdf

b) North Cariboo Handydart Contribution Requisition Increase Assent Voting
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, qualified electors within the North Cariboo HandyDART Transit Service Area will be voting on the following question:

Are you in favour of the adoption of Bylaw No. 4917, which would increase the maximum annual taxation for a contribution toward the cost of HandyDART transit services in rural areas to the greater of $70,000 or an amount raised by applying a tax rate of $0.07233/$1,000 to the net taxable value of land and improvements in the service area?

(Based on 2014 assessed values, this translates to a maximum residential rate of $7.03/$100,000 to the net taxable assessed value of improvements).

For more information please contact the Cariboo Regional District office at 250-392-3351.

9) School District No. 27 Trustee Elections
For more information on the elections please visit http://www.sd27.bc.ca/trustee-elections/

Please contact Chief Election Officer Mr. Kevin Futcher or Deputy Chief Election Officer  Ms. Connee Newberry at 250-398-3833 or connee.newberry@sd27.bc.ca

10) Scout Island Nature Centre & the WL Field Naturalists present - NATURE’S SCRIBES
November 12 to 14 (Fall break)
1:00 to 4:00 pm
@ Scout Island Nature Centre
A Nature Writing Adventure for kids 8 - 13

Observing and absorbing Nature connects us to all that is; writing can help us integrate and share what we experience.  Providing a space and a  structure for exploring that process with  children is the goal of these workshops.

Paula Laita and Jenny Noble love to mentor kids in developing their unique voices through  outdoor exploration, writing games and playful discoveries. Group size is limited, so be sure to register early by phoning 250-398-8532

This program is made possible with the support of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake through the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society

11) Happy Autumn from the Central Cariboo Arts Centre
We would like to thank everybody that came out to the brainstorming session on September 29th, when we discussed ideas to improve accessibility of the Arts Centre for its users and the general public. A wealth of possibilities both great and small were generated, many of which have already been put in motion (including new and improved signage!). We invite you to join the conversation on November 5 from 4-5pm for the second chapter in the discussion. RSVP to artscentre@centralcaribooarts.com by October 29th if you would like to attend. The notes and follow-up resources from last month’s meeting are attached right here.

November 7th and 8th is the long awaited Christmas Sale hosted by the Cariboo Potters' Guild and Cariboo Art Society. Come down to the Arts Centre and sample the wide selection of handmade wares. Friday, November 7th from Noon to 8pm, and Saturday November 8th from 10am to 3pm.

We are looking forward to the 4th annual Earth Friendly Holiday Event at the arts centre, Friday November 28th from 6 - 9pm, and Saturday November 29th from 11 - 2. Enjoy a bowl of soup to the sounds of live seasonal music, or make your own gifts from recycled materials. Local artists and crafters will guide you in making wreaths, wrapping paper, bird feeders and ornaments. Visit the gift shop, where local artisans and producers will have their goods on sale. As usual the event is free to all ages. This event is made possible with the support of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake via the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society.

From Whirlaways Square Dancing to Crochet lessons with Cheryl Proctor, there are lots of things going on around the community in upcoming months. Check out our community events calendar at centralcaribooarts.com/events to stay up to date (and don't forget to send along your event info to be included in the calendar)!

Please note that the Central Cariboo Arts Centre and CCACS offices will be closed for the holidays on December 24th and will reopen on January 5th. That is, there will be no bookings at the Centre during this period, and CCACS Staff will not be available during this time.

12) Early Bird Christmas Craft Fair - Nov 7 & 8th at the Elks Hall
Free admission, concession on site and lots of tables! Friday Nov 7th from 11 am - 7 pm, and on Saturday Nov 8th from 10 am - 4 pm at the Elks Hall located at 98 First Ave South in Williams Lake. For more information please call 250-296-3590.

13) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy - 4th Annual Photo Literacy Contest
You still have until the end of today to submit your photo!

Take your best shot and win bragging rights and prizes! Your photos need to show someone using their literacy skills reading, writing, following a recipe, using their phone or computer. We use literacy skills in almost everything we do. You decide what to photograph between Oct 1 - 31st and have fun.

Contest Rules: 1) All photos must show a person / persons using their literacy skills and 2) You must have permission of the person in the photo with their full names.

How to Enter? Email photos to Mel Newcombe at mel@caribooliteracy.com

You must include your name, email, address and contact number, as well as photo information.   Identify people in the photos from left to right!  All photos become property of Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy and will be on our website www.caribooliteracy.com. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 12th!  Check out our website, Facebook and CCPL’s weekly banner ads in the Free Press and Tribune newspapers.   Contact Mel Newcombe at 250-945-4199 or mel@caribooliteracy.com for more information.

14) Reminder - The Fabulous Harlem Crowns Basketball Team is coming to Williams Lake Nov 1st
Don’t Miss This!!

The Fabulous Harlem Crowns Basketball Team.
Saturday November 1st at 4pm
Columneetza Gymnasium
Admission by cash donation
Presented by the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society

15) Reminder -  English for Professional Purposes - starts Nov 8th
Dates: Nov 8, 15, 22 & 29th - Saturdays from 10:30 am - 3pm
Fee: $195, Thompson Rivers University-Continuing Studies.
Info: 250-392-8010

Program Description: An intensive business communication course designed for Skilled Immigrants who work in the Cariboo region and wish to move ahead in their career by improving written and verbal communications skills.

Topics Covered: Writing in Plain English, Giving presentations, Organizing and running meetings, and Working in the Canadian context.

16) Recreation Complex's KidSport & Affordable Recreation Cards (ARC) - funds available
KidSport is a community based sport-funding program that provides grants for children ages 18 and under to participate in a sport season of their choice. There are funds available so please if you know a child who would like to participate in a sport but cannot due to financial reasons (sports can be expensive these days) please stop by the recreation centre, call 250-398-7665 or visit www.kidsport.ca/bc for more information.

The Affordable Recreation Card (ARC) takes applications from residents living within the Central Cariboo Recreation taxation boundary who have limited financial resources. Individuals and or couples whose combined family income meets the following guidelines:

Family size 1 person - max yearly income of $16500
Family size 2 persons - max yearly income of $21000
Family size 3 persons - max yearly income of $26000
Family size 4 persons - max yearly income of $31000
Family size 5 persons or more - max yearly income of $35000

It entitles individuals and/or family members to: 50% discount on drop-in swimming, skating, fitness classes and fitness centre admissions; 50% discount on one, three, six month or annual fitness passes (excluding 10 ticket pass); One free swim, skate, fitness centre or fitness class admission per month; 50% discount on one group Red Cross Swim lesson (level 1 - 10) or preschool swimming lessons, and 1 free recreation services program per year excluding select programs (speak with the Rec Centre). All information is kept in strict confidence and if you have questions or need any assistance please call Deb Radolla, Manager of Active Living at 250-392-1788

Thursday, October 30, 2014

How to Vote in the upcoming elections on Nov 15th


The Social Planning Council encourages everyone to vote in the following elections. Resources to help you get informed and ready to vote are below.

City of Williams Lake Local Government Elections for Mayor and Councillors
The 2014 City of Williams Lake Local Government Election will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Marie Sharpe Elementary School Gymnasium, located at 260 Cameron Street, Williams Lake, BC.  See Election Calendar at www.williamslake.ca for additional voting opportunities.

List of candidates and more contact info can be found online at http://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2014

Contact Cindy Bouchard, Chief Election Officer for the City of Williams Lake at cbouchard@williamslake.ca or 250-392-1773

Cariboo Regional District Elections
The Cariboo Regional District has general mandates to provide essential services to rural residents; represent all residents, including those inside municipal boundaries, on issues of regional concern; represent all residents in sub-regional areas delivering joint services in partnership with the municipal areas.

Areas with upcoming elections on Nov 15th and the candidates can be viewed online at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/resources/elections

For more information please contact Alice Johnston at ajohnstone@cariboord.ca or 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636

CRD Referendums on Sam Ketchum Pool & Handydart contribution - see below
More information for both items can be found below and on the Cariboo Regional Districts webpage at http://www.cariboord.ca/news/referenda or contact the CRD directly at 250-392-3351.

1) Central Cariboo Pool Renovation & Update Assent Voting
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, qualified electors within the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services Area will be voting on the following question:

Are you in favour of the Cariboo Regional District adopting Bylaws 4906 and 4907, which will authorize the borrowing of up to $10 million over 20 years and increase the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services annual taxation limit to a maximum of the greater of $3,500,000 or $1.98/$1,000 of assessed value of land and improvements, to provide for the upgrade and renovation of the pool and amenities at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex?

(Based on 2014 assessed values, the estimated annual cost to undertake this borrowing and operate the upgraded pool translates to a residential tax rate increase of approximately $40/$100,000. The new taxation limit for recreation services of $3,500,000 translates to a residential tax rate of $148/$100,000 of the net taxable assessed value of land and improvements).

For more information on the Sam Ketchum pool referendum please contact the Cariboo Regional District's Manager of Community Services at 250-392-3351 or the City of Williams Lake, Director of Community Services 250-392-1786 or view the FAQ online www.cariboord.bc.ca/uploads/271/FAQ-pdf

2) North Cariboo Handydart Contribution Requisition Increase Assent Voting
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, qualified electors within the North Cariboo HandyDART Transit Service Area will be voting on the following question:

Are you in favour of the adoption of Bylaw No. 4917, which would increase the maximum annual taxation for a contribution toward the cost of HandyDART transit services in rural areas to the greater of $70,000 or an amount raised by applying a tax rate of $0.07233/$1,000 to the net taxable value of land and improvements in the service area?

(Based on 2014 assessed values, this translates to a maximum residential rate of $7.03/$100,000 to the net taxable assessed value of improvements).

For more information please contact the Cariboo Regional District office at 250-392-3351.

School District No. 27 Trustee Elections
For more information on the elections please visit http://www.sd27.bc.ca/trustee-elections/

Please contact Chief Election Officer Mr. Kevin Futcher or Deputy Chief Election Officer  Ms. Connee Newberry at 250-398-3833 or connee.newberry@sd27.bc.ca

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