Williams Lake mayor seeks second term, points to collaboration and major projects

“When I took over, the relationship between the City of Williams Lake and other levels of government was broken,” Rathor said. “We can never win alone. We have to work together.”

Rathor said those relationships helped secure funding for several major projects, including the new Cariboo Memorial Hospital redevelopment, housing developments and upgrades to civic infrastructure.

He also highlighted the city’s financial position, noting council has made significant progress paying down municipal debt. Rathor said the city’s debt stood at roughly $6.5 million when he took office and is expected to be reduced to about $430,000 by next year.

Among the projects he hopes to continue if re-elected are completion of the city’s water treatment plant, further phases of the hospital redevelopment, development of an indoor sports facility and advocacy for the replacement of Marie Sharpe Elementary School.

Rathor also defended his record on public safety, a key issue in many B.C. communities. He said the city has increased funding for patrol programs and worked closely with the provincial government on homelessness, housing and mental health initiatives.

The mayor pointed to plans for new supportive housing units in Williams Lake and said addressing homelessness requires both housing and treatment options.

“We want to help those people who want help,” he said. “We can only help them by putting them into treatment and housing.”

Rathor acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the forestry sector but said the city is actively working with industry leaders and provincial officials to identify long-term solutions for the Cariboo economy.

Williams Lake voters will choose between Rathor and former mayor Walt Cobb when ballots are cast on Saturday, October 17.

by Greg Fry

Williams Lake mayor seeks second term, points to collaboration and major projects

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