Kaslo council, April 23: Permit for Jazz Fest campground at South Beach
The Village is giving notice of its intent to consider issuing a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Society (KJES) to operate a campground on the lands known as South Beach. The campground would be active from August 1 to 5, in conjunction with the 2024 Kaslo Jazz Festival.
Council considered what conditions to impose if the TUP is granted, such as a $5,000 damage deposit and a commitment that the site be returned to its pre-event condition no later than 14 days after the event. The site also includes municipal road allowances, so KJES would need proof of insurance with the Village as an additional insured.
KJES has operated and managed the site as a campground in years past. For this year, it has hired 24-hour security and will have guards on-site from 12 pm on August 1 until 12 pm on August 5. KJES has also hired an independent contractor to provide 24-hour first aid, to alleviate pressure on local medical services. If the TUP is approved, more arrangements will be made for wildlife-proof garbage disposal, and potable water availability.
The South Beach property owner has given KJES consent. Council will make a decision on the TUP at its May 14 meeting.
Langham road closure
The Langham Cultural Society is having a 50th anniversary block party on Saturday, June 8, and council approved its request for a road closure.
A portion of 5th Street – south of A Avenue and the laneway in Block 10 – will be closed to traffic from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on June 8. The laneway will remain open to emergency vehicles. Access to the Legion parking lot will be affected, but the Legion is in support of the application.
The block party will feature vendors, artists and artisans, hoop dancers, balloon artists, face painting, a food truck, and more. There will also be activities at the Langham galleries and theatre, and a dance at the Legion in the evening.
Banner agreement
Council amended its agreement with North Kootenay Lake Arts and Heritage Council (NKLAHC) to allow installation of a decorative banner on the utility pole beside City Hall. The pole is on the corner of 4th Street and B Avenue.
The agreement already allows banners during the summer months on the 300-400 block of Front Street, and portions of 4th and 5th Streets between A Avenue and Front Street.
So far, NKLAHC has 22 artists who have agreed to paint a banner. Before installation, banners must be approved by Village staff.
Arena property reserve
The Village will reimburse the Kaslo & District Arena Association (KDAA) the $2,181.96 cost of repairs to the Olympia ice surfacer.
The funds will come out of the $100,000 donation that the KDAA received, which the Village has been holding in the Kaslo and Area D Arena Property Reserve Fund. The donation came from the Pearson family, in memory of Murray Pearson.
Rachael Lesosky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Valley Voice
