Tribune
WEEKEND FRIDAY JANUARY 4 4, 2013
bcclassified.com
VOL. 24 NO. 1
REACHING 10,675 HOMES WEEKLY
WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR AT THE 13TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR SWIM IN WILLIAMS LAKE Dozens of people participated in the 13th annual Polar Bear Swim held in Williams Lake on New Year’s day at 1 p.m. Here Australian teacher Brendan Mallyon, who taught in Williams Lake previously, and Columneetza secondary school rugby coach and member of the Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club, Todd Pritchard of WIlliams Lake, take the plunge into the 2 C water. Organizers carved a pool in the 10-inch ice layer for swimmers to access the lake. For more photographs of the swim see the Jan. 8 issue of the Tribune. Monica Lamb-Yorski photo
Sledding at Sacred Heart School hill..................Page A11
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Property assessments are in the mail
More than 4,500 property owners throughout the City of Williams Lake can expect to receive their 2013 assessment notices in the next few days. “Most homes in Williams Lake are remaining relatively stable in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Darin Johnson, deputy assessor. “Most home owners in Williams Lake will see modest changes in the minus 10 per cent to plus 10 per cent range.”
Overall, the City of Williams Lake’s Assessment Roll increased from $1.24 billion last year to $1.25 billion this year. A total of $16.2 million of this growth includes subdivisions, rezoning and new construction. “Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2012 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact our office as indicated on their notice as soon
as possible in January,” said Johnson. “If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by Jan. 31, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” added Johnson. The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and meet between Feb. 1 and Mar. 15 to hear formal complaints. The Cariboo assessment office is located at Suite 202 – 350 Barnard Street in Williams Lake. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or email at www.bcassessment.ca.
Quiet holiday season so far, say police Overall, it was a fairly quiet holiday season for the RCMP, said the Williams Lake RCMP in a press release Jan. 2. Police responded to approximately 200 calls for service which included several motor vehicle accidents on the highways. New Years Eve and early morning brought a steady pace of alcohol involved disturbances. The most notable was a large wedding reception New Years Eve where several people were arrested due to intoxication and related ill behaviours. Several road checks were set up
where a trend of decreased impaired driving continues. Public awareness and Operation Red Nose are likely two very significant contributors to this positive trend. The Williams Lake RCMP wishes everyone a happy New Year. Please drive safely and allow for extra time when traveling due to the icy roads. Sometime overnight on Dec. 28, 2012, thieves struck at Brandt Tractor, Williams Lake, BC. Stolen was a brand new John Deere Skid Steer tractor, Model 320D. The skid steer had a hydraulic blade attachment on
the front. The thieves would have required a trailer to steal this tractor. If anyone has knowledge or witnessed this crime please call the Williams Lake RCMP or Crime Stoppers. At 7:30 pm on Saturday, Dec 28, 2012, the Williams Lake RCMP received a report of a theft from the Comer Beer and Wine store. Upon arrival, police learned that the lone male suspect was in the process of stealing some alcohol. When confronted by the two employees and another customer, the male brandished a knife and fled. A very detailed description
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was provided of the suspect. The following evening in the nearby vicinity during a routine patrol, a police officer observed a male matching the description of this suspect. When the police officer attempted to speak with this male, the suspect fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was arrested and taken to the RCMP detachment. He was later released for a court date in the future. Assault with a weapon, theft, and uttering threats are charges that the RCMP will be recommending to Crown Counsel.