It was a night to honour long time employees Patrick Hayes and Jeannie Williams on behalf of the Town of Princeton. This was the start to the first town council meeting for June. Hayes has been with the town for twenty years and Williams eleven. The two received gift certificates as a token of appreciation for their years of service. Mayor McLean thanked them “for their dedication to their jobs.”
“It is wonderful when we look at the long service and dedication these two have contributed to our town members,” added Councillor Frank Armitage. “We really hope that Pat and Jeannie know how much they are appreciated.”
Nurse Practioner and spokesperson for the Aquatic Centre Committee Tanya ter Keurs presented a brief update on the committee’s progress thus far to council. “We have outlined our goals and are gathering information so that the community can make an informed decision at the referendum based on non-biased facts,” stated ter Keurs. “There are two sub-committees - one is a finance committee and one is marketing committee. The finance committee is working to finalize the financial implications the Aquatic Centre will have on the community and residents and the marketing committee is working to make sure the facts about the Aquatic Centre are getting out to the public.” Ter Keurs said the Facebook page created for the Aquatic Centre called “Pool for Princeton” now has 289 friends and seems to be growing daily. “It has become a great resource,” stated ter Keurs. The Committee has also adopted the slogan “Let’s Jump In” and is waiting for the results from their logo contest that was held through the schools. The Aquatic Centre Committee will be hosting a public meeting on June 21 and another in September a couple of weeks before the September 24 referendum date.
Mayor Randy McLean stated, “There are tons of positives to having an Aquatic Centre in this community. Everybody is anxious to hear the numbers and we need to get the cost information out there. We need people to know exactly what this referendum is about.”
It was Councillor Ray Jarvis first attendance to a meeting since undergoing surgery on his leg and while he didn’t have much to report on, he
did report that “It is great to be back.”
Councillor Jason Earle attended the Tonasket Rodeo and stated, “I had a fantastic time. Peter Pine and the Princeton Ambassadors were a big hit.”
Councillor Frank Armitage reported that the museum public opening will be held on July 1, Canada Day. “We will finish on time,” said a delighted Armitage. Armitage also attended the recognition awards event held by the Princeton Arts Council to honour John Sandness, Ruth Kavanaugh and Norma Krator. “It was very nice to see these long time artists recognized,” Armitage said.
Recreation and Culture Director Lyle Thomas announced that the museum renovation would be painting the outside over the next few days. “We are in the polishing stage right now. This is going to be a small scale world class museum when we are done and we need to credit of the museum society.”
Councillor Marilyn Harkness attended a Community for Kids meeting and informed council of the new facilitator who has been retained. There are lots of great activities coming this summer for kids.”
Mayor McLean attended a Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association meeting and said, “tourism is a valuable asset. Sixteen per cent of people employed in Penticton are employed in the tourism industry and eleven per cent in Princeton. “
The new ambulance unit chief met with McLean and pointed out some problems with the present hiring system. “He wondered if we trained and hired permanent Princeton residents if it would keep people here,” stated McLean. “It is something we need to take a look at.”
McLean also noted that some residents are frustrated by the lack of bus service from Princeton to Kelowna. “There are big issues surrounding people getting to appointments there.”
Councillor Harkness agreed, “The province is not meeting the needs of rural towns through their provincial assistance programs. We need to continue to investigate this issue.”
Mayor McLean also said that town staff is working to deal with the business with the yard sale issue on Bridge Street. “Main street should not look like this.”
Residents anxious for the zigzag to be fixed will be happy to know a gentleman has been retained to help the town work towards upgrading and a redesign of the popular shortcut trail from downtown to the second bench.