Welcome to the District of Wells News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE GOLD RUSH TRIANGLE

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the District of Wells News.

Because the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes area currently doesn't have an active newspaper, the District of Wells has decided to fill the void.

We will be publishing a monthly online newsletter that will be a combination of District of Wells news, along with local news and announcements.

Submissions to the District of Wells News are always welcomed, and can be submitted to Sundance Topham, Deputy Clerk, District of Wells. The District of Wells email address is wells@goldcity.net, or you can reach the District of Wells via phone at 250-994-3330.

Our hope is that the District of Wells News can be your home for up-to-date information on the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes area.

Posted by Sundance Topham Comments Top

District Holds Public Consultation Meeting

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL PLANS DISCUSSED

As part of its ongoing commitment to enter into meaningful dialogue with the residents of Wells, the District of Wells held a public consultation meeting on March 20th.

The purpose of the meeting was to review and solicit input on the District of Wells 2007 Annual Report, the Five-Year Financial Plan, and the 2007 Budget Overview.

These three documents are the building blocks of the District of Wells municipal operations, and Chief Administrative Officer Gary Champagne went through the documents with members of Council and the assembled public gallery.

Some of the highlights of the evening include a staff recommendation for no increase in municipal taxes in 2007, and a District of Wells commitment to increase reserves in the coming years.

"I am recommending no increase in municipal taxes for 2007," said Champagne. "And, even with no increase, the level of services provided by the District of Wells will remain unaffected."

"The District of Wells will also be building its reserves in the coming years, with anticipated surpluses in 2009, 2010 and 2011."

Other items of interest include the District of Wells' attempt to secure funding to build a new turfed ballpark at the "Old Ballpark" site on Pooley St., and a performance stage/picnic shelter at Fred Wells Park. Both of these initiatives are grant dependent, with a final answer expected from the provincial government in late spring.

The District of Wells also has a point-of-use water quality upgrade proposal that is awaiting grant approval, and they are working diligently to finish the 2010 Olympic Live Site/Conference Centre in the Wells Community Hall, and the 2010 Workout Area in the basement of the Wells Community School.

Posted by Sundance Topham Comments Top

Theatre Royal SpringTour to Stop in Wells

BENEFIT CONCERT APRIL 4TH AT THE CURLING RINK

The Theatre Royal tour had one night left on Wednesday, April 4th, the night before we play the metropolis of Horsefly.

We will now be performing in Wells as a benefit for the Wells Curling Club. The club needs your support so please try and make it.

Tickets are a suggested minimum donation of $15 which includes a great burger from the Rocker Box Grill, at the Curling Rink.

Tickets can be purchased at Wells Service Station, the Wells General Store, or from Carrie Johnson at 994-3366.

Show time is 7:00. We will be presenting the Gold Rush Music Hall Revue, an evening of laughter, great music and great songs. The cast and crew and pleased that we are virtually ending the tour back in our home town, after five weeks and 35 performances. And now, we're off. See you soon.

For more information on the Theatre Royal visit their website.

Release by Richard Wright Comments Top

Yael Wand Releases "At Your Door"

NEW ALBUM GAINS CRITICAL SUCCESS

For everyone who's ever heard Yael Wand sing, it wasn't a matter of if she would gain recognition for her evocative and beautiful music, but a matter of when.

With the release of her latest album, "At Your Door", it seems like the time is now.

A recent review of Yael's album in the Province Newspaper notes that:

"Israel-born and Vancouver-raised, Smithers singer/writer Yael Wand is a strong, literate writer who's obviously put in her woodshedding time. Narrative, love song or lighthearted ode to spring, she deserves to be better known."

- J.P.M. The Province

Now I know that the reviewer says Smithers, but we all know that the lyrics in Yael's latest album are pure Wells.

Besides the excellent reviews that Yael's been getting, she's also been receiving lots of radio play, including airtime on Village 900 out of Victoria and the local CBC affiliate in Prince George.

Yael is currently on tour across Canada promoting her album, and fans can keep track of her tour, as well as hear tracks off her various albums, and most importantly, purchase her new album, by visiting www.yaelwand.com.

Posted by Sundance Topham Comments Top