A public hearing is set to be held regarding Children Matters Community Services' zoning application for 721 Cariboo Trail.
The hearing is set to take place on Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at the 100 Mile House Community Hall and is open to anyone to attend. Shawn Enns, the founder and acting president of Children Matter Community Services, as well as Tyler Judd, who is the owner of the property in question, have applied to have the property rezoned to allow them to offer specialized home support services for children and youth. At a meeting held in November to discuss the proposal around 60 people showed up to listen.
"It's for children and youth who don't have a home they can reside in. But as opposed to foster care, we offer a staffed residential home - so it's the same concept, just we employ people to take care of the kids," Enns said.
The public hearing is being held because of legal requirements under the Local Government Act Tammy Boulanger, the district's chief administrative officer, said. The hearing will give residents surrounding the property a chance to voice any concerns and allow other interested parties to share their views on the proposed changes.
Public hearings have several rules that participants need to know. The procedure, according to a document provided to the simplymastery, states that "all persons present who believe that their interest in this property is affected by the proposed bylaw will be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard, make representations, or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw."
"Members of Council may ask questions of you following your presentation. The function of Council members during the public hearing is to hear the views of the public," the document states.
To maintain order throughout the public hearing, a speaker's list will be established - if anyone wishes to address the public hearing, they must stand and their names will be recognized and added to the list. Remarks also should be commenced by stating the name and address. Comments must be limited to the matters contained in the application and the public hearing cannot be obstructed.
Speakers must be civil and respectful of others. Speakers are asked to limit their remarks to no more than five minutes each time. Everyone on the speaker's list will be allowed to speak - with them being allowed one presentation to present new information only.
"All letters and input must be received before the closing of the public hearing," Boulanger said.
Enns is looking forward to the public hearing, noting it is an important step in the process.
"It's been quite a large turnout for people who want to have their concerns heard. I think a public hearing is the perfect avenue to take, for everybody to express themselves," Enns said.
Enns will be attending the hearing alongside Julie Pariseau, the CEO of Children Matter Community Services, as well as Katelynn Nicholls, the COO of Children Matter Community Services.
After the public hearing, the district is set to vote on Enns' zoning application on Feb. 25.
Enns said that he is hopeful that the bylaw rezoning will pass district council.
"These services are quite needed around the Cariboo, and the 100 Mile district or the region - it could use some of these youth and children's services," Enns said.
