2009 Goals and Objectives

Council, by enabling inclusive, active and effective participation by individuals, community stakeholders, and organisations envisions the following objectives for 2009:

1. Create a 20 year facility plan that promotes a high quality of life and encourages a sense of community identity and belonging for all; without compromising the economic or environmental integrity of our municipality for future generations.
• In conjunction with community stakeholders, the 20 year facility plan will engage youth, by creating opportunities for culture, leisure, community, sport and other activities.
• Cultivate a culture of activity, community involvement, and health by providing opportunities for all community members to enjoy the facilities.
• The Facility Plan will actively incorporate sustainable initiatives, including recycling, energy efficiency, and alternative energy sources as identified by the community energy plan.¹

2. Encourage a healthy community, which enables people to maintain a high quality of life and productivity. A healthy community includes access to health and social services; a thriving environment; and effective community engagement. A healthy community includes; but is not limited to:
• High quality local health care and social services,
• Clean and safe neighbourhoods with maintained and improved public green spaces, such as Spirit Square,
• Improving air quality and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle by creating opportunities for walking and cycling, and reducing dependence on cars,
• Working with community partners, such as local police, sports and arts groups, First Nations, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, to engage youth in activities which will help lower levels of crime, drugs and antisocial behaviour.

3. Promote village revitalization and sustainable infrastructure development.
• Upgrade 8th Avenue in a manner consistent with our goal of achieving a healthy community; this includes pathways for cyclists and pedestrians and incorporating the economic, aesthetic, social and environmental benefits of green infrastructure,
• Incorporate a long term Energy Plan that is responsive to the economic and environmental challenges of the future,
• Stimulate downtown revitalization through the development of design guidelines to provide an attractive town centre as well as a diverse and a strong business community with links to the wider economy,
• Continue advocating for improvements to streets and the Dangerous Goods Route (Highway 16) which would aid not only downtown revitalization, but the health of the community.

4. Sustainable economic development that can meet present and future challenges by anticipating and preparing for change rather than reacting to it.
• Recognize that all community members, not just businesses, are users and participants in the economic system,
• Encourage a wide range of jobs and training opportunities,
• Explore options for developing a Master Tourism plan with our regional partners,
• Strengthen our relationship with Regional District Bulkley-Nechako Electoral Area B to maximize our economic opportunities.

¹ The Village of Burns Lake is undergoing the development of a Community Energy Plan with completion expected in the fall of 2008

Continue to lobby for timely replacement of the hospital

• Direct meeting by Mayor and CAO; in concert with the Regional District, with the new Health Minister seperately from UBCM
• Lobby for appropriate cost sharing formula
• Explore options for creating alternate partnerships

Improve and Expand Recreation Oportunities

• Increase number of hours and days of arena use
• Secure additional funding for recreation
• Support local recreation groups
• Develop concrete plans to move forward with Phase 1 completion of a community event centre
• Explore joing grant opportunities with Areas B & E
• Increase user groups at Spirit Square

Business Stimulation and Support

• Create ongoing Community Market at Spirit Square
• Implementation of Downtown Design Guidelines
• Explore servoce extension to Regional District Area B to provide better services to the greater community
• Enhance beautification and Communities in Bloom programs
• Pursue grant funding for community improvements
• Continue pursuing green initiatives in the community
• Work towards improving accessibility of all businesses for seniors and persons with disabilities
• Work to retain current businesses

Improve Community Communications and Engagement

• Maintain new website and provide timely updates
• Create minimum of quarterly mail outs to all residents and businesses in the greater Burns Lake area
• Improve Community Calendar of Events on website and in publications