Smithers council would like to host next year’s North Central Local Government Association convention.
However, they’d like to co-host the annual meeting with neighbouring communities to ease the work load.
The District of Houston and the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako have already agreed to be cohosts while Witset is also thinking of jumping on as a partner.
The Village of Telkwa has decided not to take part and the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, New Hazelton and Hazelton are still pondering the invitation.
“The goal is for the entirety of the event to be covered through sponsorship and other activities,” explained David Schroeter, director of corporate services. “In terms of the way that a surplus or deficit would work, should there be deficit, the cost is shared between all of the cohosting partners.”
Smithers council decided, if they are selected to host, to hire an event planner who will be paid for by the town.
That will cost $50,000 and the money can come from the COVID-19 surplus fund.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Mayor Gladys Atrill. “It’s an opportunity to bring people into the community and showcase not only the community but businesses within and I recognize there’s going to be work attached. I appreciate the resourcefulness and figuring out how we could do this without putting pressure on current staff.”
The North Central Local Government Association is a non-profit, non-partisan association comprising all elected officials in North Central British Columbia. The association works to connect communities, identify common challenges and facilitate positive change.
Smithers last hosted the AGM in 2010.
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