Take in the big game at The Ridge.  We're going to have food and drink specials, a tailgate party and much more!

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To the people of Gold River:

We, the family of Dan Lockhart, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless participation in the many searches for him, and for your outpouring of kindness and support since he has gone missing.

Dan's love of this community began several years ago, when he became an engineer at the pulp mill. In those days he was always proud to welcome us as visitors from Victoria, showing us the many wonderful sights and feeding us Steelhead, Halibut, or Cod caught one of his many fishing excursions. Those were the best days of his life, and those happy memories are what drew him to return home to Gold River when he was no longer able to work.

Here, in Gold River, he found an exceptional community who welcomed and embraced him despite his health challenges. We have always appreciated your acceptance of Dan, and that appreciation has grown with your current efforts.

Sincerely,

Myrtle Lockhart and Sue Adams

(Dan's Mom and sister)

This report comes to us from a local resident who attended the meeting.

EO&E

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GOLD RIVER VILLAGE COUNCIL January 15, 2018 Present at the regular council meeting were Mayor Brad Unger, Councillors Rod MacLeod, Darcy Curr, Gordon Waterman and Kirsty Begon. Administrator Larry Plourde was also present.

There were four first responders and four members of the public present in the gallery. Prior to the meeting Donna Schneider, Paramedic Unit Chief and Community Paramedic, made a presentation to council on the new Community Paramedicine Initiative. Community Paramedicine in BC will improve access to healthcare in rural and remote communities by expanding the role of qualified paramedics. Community paramedics provide primary care services within their scope of practice in patients’ homes or community in partnership with local healthcare providers. The program will help contribute to the stabilization of paramedic staffing in rural and remote communities and will help bridge health service delivery gaps in the community, identified in collaboration with local primary care teams. Community paramedics go into the patients home for regularly scheduled visits, set up through their doctor. They help patients stay connected with their family doctor or nurse practitioner. They support patients in managing their health so they can continue to live at home safely. They check in with patients about their medications. They look for fall hazards in the home and suggest ways of correcting them. They can refer patients to the right healthcare resource when they need additional help. They listen when patients have concerns about their health, and work with them to get the assistance they need. A broad provincial rollout of the program began in April 2016 with the selection of 76 rural and remote communities that will receive community paramedic staffing. Gold River is fortunate to be one of the communities chosen. Other North Island communities have also been included.

During Open Session Terry Robertson asked about the centrifuge at the sewage treatment plant. Administrator Plourde advised that it was on order and should be here by mid February. He also advised there is no building for it to go into when it arrives. He expected a report on tonight's agenda but some members of staff have been ill. They are estimating that the elevated platform will be the best location. Mr. Robertson also asked if the garbage issue at the wharf had been resolved. Mayor Unger advised that they have had conversations with Nootka Sound Services and Grieg Seafoods who both need more space at the dock than there is room for. They each have some shipping issues that should resolve themselves over the next few months. Suzanne Trevis asked why there was still no current agenda on the villages website. The ‘current agenda’ still being shown is for the December 18 meeting. Mayor Unger said he would have staff look into it.

The meeting was called to order and the agenda was approved. Minutes from the Regular Council Meeting held January 2, 2018, and a Committee of the Whole meeting held January 8, 2018 were both received. The purpose of the Special Meeting (Committee of the Whole) was so council could discuss and review the draft revised Official Community Plan bylaw no. 705, 2018. Council reviewed the draft and offered comments to Staff to update the OCP for first reading at a later date. The next meeting to review the Official Community Plan Bylaw will be Monday, January 22 at 6pm. Committee of the Whole meetings are open to the public, but are not open to public discussion. Under Council Information Items: Councillor Curr ask about the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Mr. Plourde advised that staff of Parks and Recreation were working on the page. The mayor added that the page would be for all village business not just Parks and Recreation. Councillor MacLeod reported that some members of the public had brought their concerns to him regarding police response to cougar sightings. They did not feel enough was being done when sightings were reported. Mayor Unger said he would bring it up when speaking with the RCMP. Mayor Unger advised that he was expecting a report on the Nimpkish Park Revitalization Project by next week. Council is also hoping to have some information soon on when they can run power to the municipal campground. There was some concern expressed about trees along the highway from Ray Watkins Elementary School. There was discussion about whether they were on Village property or property belonging to highways. Staff will look into this situation. The mayor also advised that he has a meeting later this month with our MP Rachel Blaney. He is also hoping to meet with MLA Claire Trevena. The mayor also reported that the economic development committee planning session went well last week. Jeff Miller has been hired to help with the process and was in town last month talking to residents and business owners. He will be back in town in early February to continue talking with community members. The Village has also put out a survey to the community. Hard copies are available at certain locations around town or you can take the survey online on the villages website. The Mayor also added that the people working on the video for the villages’ website would be back in town March 2 and then again in April and May. He also apologized for forgetting an item at the last meeting with regards to a letter of support from the MMFN regarding cell service. All letters on this subject have been forwarded to the regional district, our MLA, and our MP. There were three pieces of correspondence on the agenda. The first was from the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society regarding a request for a donation to the Yuquot Church restoration project. The second item was a copy of a letter from Dawson Creek to the Minister of Environment regarding prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels. No action was taken on either item. The third item was from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities regarding the 2018 call for resolution and nominations. This annual conference takes place in Victoria in April. Mayor Unger advised that rooms have been booked and all members of council will be going to the convention. Councillor Begon reported that over the last week she has been thinking hard about her decision to run for a position at AVICC. It is a decision that also includes running in the upcoming municipal election. She has decided to move forward with both. Mayor Unger supported the decision saying it would be a “good connection for the community”. During open session, Mrs. Trevis asked if the facebook page the village was talking about establishing was to enhance the website or replace it. The Mayor stated it was in addition to the website. Council then made a motion to adjourn in camera pursuant to the Community Charter section 90 (1) (c) labour relations or other employee relations. The meeting was closed to the public at 7:52. The next meeting of council will take place Monday, February 5th at 7pm.

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THANK YOU, Goldriverites!
from our BASEBALL in CUBA TRIP FUNDRAISER:
We would like to take a moment and THANK ALL WHO DONATED to the BOTTLE DRIVE we held this past SUNDAY. Our boys fund-raiser was a SUCCESS! We will HAVE ANOTHER BOTTLE DRIVE - SUNDAY APRIL 15th 
at Island Return It in Campbell River. We will be taking DONATIONS until then. You can drop off at our house 586 Eagle Cres, or call 283-7149, and we can pick up. All monies raised GO TOWARD the boys trip to CUBA. 
Thank you, your support is greatly appreciated.