Musical request entertains meeting room
Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) is asking for monetary and in-kind donations to assist with this year’s two-week symphony school.
Speaking to City of Powell River’s committee of the whole, Thursday, January 15, Arthur Arnold, PRISMA’s music director, provided his wish list. He said that PRISMA proposes a five-year contract with the city, including the use of the entire Powell River Recreation Complex as an in-kind donation. A discount for PRISMA students to use the gym and pool at the complex would also be welcome, according to Arnold. The organization requests that city buses run between the Powell River Town Centre Hotel and the complex, if possible, and also to have free rides on city buses for PRISMA students if they show their passes so they can explore the city. A wired Internet connection during the music academy’s run has also been requested, rather than wireless service, which Arnold said has been “sketchy.” He envisions big tents in the vicinity of the complex where audiences can gather for a glass of wine or where VIP sponsors can be entertained.
For its outdoor concert at Willingdon Beach, the summer academy is request services such as the use of the park, electricity, et cetera. To expand promotion of the academy, Arnold requested a monetary donation of $15,000.
The matter was referred to the city’s finance committee.
Later in the day, at the Powell River Regional District’s rural services committee, Arnold told regional directors that PRISMA operates on a $250,000 budget, which is “unheard of” for a two-week festival such as this. Arnold requested a $15,000 donation from the regional board.
Moratorium letter
Council will send a letter to the provincial government recommending a moratorium on the development of the Site C dam proposed for the Peace River in northeastern BC.
When a letter from Gwen Johansson, mayor of Hudson’s Hope, calling for a moratorium, was reviewed at a committee of the whole meeting recently, the original recommendation was to note and file the letter, but several councillors spoke in favour of further review. At the Thursday, January 15, city council meeting, Terry Webster, a former Hudson’s Hope councillor now living in Powell River, supported Johansson’s plea and asked the local council to write in favour of a moratorium for further study.
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman moved that a letter be sent to Bill Bennett, minister of energy and mines, expressing support for the District of Hudson’s Hope’s request for a one-year moratorium, and that the BC Utilities Commission be given time to consider less expensive alternatives to the Site C dam project. Councillor Russell Brewer suggested a copy also go to MLA Nicholas Simons. The motion carried unanimously.
Approves permits
Council approved three development variance permits at its Thursday, January 15 meeting. One was to facilitate a new vestibule and awning and minor elevation upgrades to the commercial building currently occupied by Canadian Tire. The second was for 6950 Jasper Street, to vary the Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, R2 Single and Two Family Residential Zone side yard setback requirements for a single family dwelling, from 1.8 metres to 1.35 metres, to permit construction of a sundeck. The final variance permit related to vacant property located on Nootka Street at Manson Avenue. Council was asked to consider varying Infrastructure Design and Construction Bylaw 2225, 2009, by waiving the requirements for asphalt pavement, sidewalk, street lighting and sanitary sewer and storm sewer mains to permit construction of one single-family dwelling. Council passed all three development variance permits unanimously, with Leishman removing herself from the Nootka Street property vote because her employer is involved in the development.
