Post Notes Council Meeting of Monday October 25th

There were two delegations:

• Gerry Sobie and Jenny Humphrey appeared as a delegation to report on Cranbrook’s first ever Trash to Treasure Event. This event was organised by a committee within Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook. Trash 2 Treasure day is a small but progressive idea that is good. It provides camaraderie amongst neighbours. It provides useful items to those who may not otherwise choose or be able to purchase them. It provides fun items for the creative amongst us and it keeps items out of the landfill. This initiative is one small part of becoming a sustainable community.

The lack of feedback from all but one councillor was regrettable. We were left with the impression that council was uninspired by our presentation and the whole concept of Trash2Treasure.

However Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook see the concept of Trash 2 Treasure Day as one more necessary step in helping our community become more sustainable. We are willing to assist in making that happen in whatever small ways we can. In fact it is imperative that we do. We are enthusiastic and looking forward to organizing another T2T day in the spring during Pitch In Week.

• Sergeant Laurie Jalbert gave the RCMP report. She went over the new drinking and driving regulations. Sgt Jalbert also summarised some of the Community statistics for the last quarter and spoke of staffing issues.

Under the new laws, drivers caught with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher or those who refuse to give a breath sample will;
Get a three-month driving ban.
Get a $500 administrative penalty, and a $250 driver's licence reinstatement fee.
Have their vehicle impounded for 30 days.
Have to pay for the towing and impoundment costs
Have to pay for the mandatory use of an ignition interlock device for one year.
Face possible criminal charges.

Full regulations at:
http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/driver-prohibitions/immediate

Media reports:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/introduces+tough+drunk+driving/3551044/story.html
and
http://www.theprovince.com/news/introduces+toughest+drunk+driving+laws+country+honour+Alexa+Middelaer/3547769/story.html


More notes on this meeting  at a later date.