News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

Last night the Williams Lake Field Naturalists spoke to the Committee of the Whole at City Hall regarding the need for increased funding for Scout Island Nature Centre.

“The City has supported us well for the last several years, providing core funding for our staff, but we need an increase in that funding in order to pay staff and provide programs at Scout Island year-round,” stated Sue Hemphill from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists.

Discussion last night included services provided to the community and to visitors, including nature trails, boat launch, as well as the fact the there will be less funding beginning next year and that the loss of Katimavik affects volunteer options. The request was for $40,000, with the hope that other grants and fundraising will come through. It was also noted that the Cariboo Chilcotin Museum receives financial support from both the City and the CRD.

 The Committee of the Whole made the decision that the request for increased funding for Scout Island Nature Centre be referred to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee (the CRD and the City) for consideration.

Sue Hemphill explained that in order for the programs to run all year, and in order to keep staff, the funding has to increase. “There are 4,000 volunteer hours put in here every year as it is. You will lose your young people if they don’t have an assured salary.

“Scout Island has been described by a recent tourism assessment as ‘the most visited place in Williams Lake,’ she continued. “It is extremely important to the community---it’s a true community centre.”

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