The Village of Burns Lake is inviting residents to weigh in on its draft 2024 Annual Report, which outlines a series of major projects planned for 2025 and summarizes the Village's operations for 2024.
Among the initiatives highlighted for the coming year are infrastructure upgrades, housing development efforts, environmental investments, and expanded recreation services. The report outlines service extensions to the Village Heights development, phase 2 upgrades to Government Street, and resurfacing of the arena and multiplex parking lots. Safety improvements are also on the agenda, including new crosswalk enhancements.
The Village plans to move ahead with the arena solar project and purchase a new garbage truck to support operational efficiency. Work on the Rod Reid Trail will continue, alongside feasibility assessments for the old fire hall and ongoing planning for the Gowan Road development.
Housing remains a key priority in 2025. Through the newly created Burns Lake Housing Enhancement Society, the Village intends to support the development of new housing units by submitting an application to BC Housing and collaborating with regional partners on the Gowan property. Additional infrastructure design work is underway to ensure the Village Heights area is shovel-ready for future builds.
Recreation programming is also expected to grow in the new year, with the Village acquiring a van to expand access to programs and events. Environmental initiatives include the completion of the arena HVAC upgrades and plans to continue implementing the updated Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
While the report serves as a forward-looking document, it also reviews the Village’s achievements in 2024. These include completion of the new fire hall, upgrades to the wastewater treatment system and sidewalk network, installation of accessible washrooms at the multiplex, and several community events supported throughout the year. Burns Lake also partnered on tourism marketing campaigns, launched a kayak rental station at the lakefront, and supported local healthcare recruitment.
Mayor Henry Wiebe, in his message at the front of the report, acknowledged the ongoing pressures faced by the community—including economic shifts and rising living costs—but praised the resilience and cooperation shown by residents, staff, and partner organizations. Newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer Ryan Nitchie echoed those sentiments, recognizing the groundwork laid by his predecessor Cheryl Worthing and committing to transparent, strategic leadership in the years ahead.
Financially, the report shows the Village managed 25 capital projects in 2024, including eight major investments totalling nearly $9 million—largely funded by grants and reserve contributions. Property taxes made up just 11 per cent of municipal revenues, with the rest coming from a combination of external funding sources, fees, and other charges.
The full draft of the 2024 Annual Report is available for public review through the Village of Burns Lake. Residents are encouraged to provide comments or attend the July 8 council meeting, where final adoption of the draft plan will take place. Municipal staff say public input will play an important role in finalizing the report, which serves both as a record of the past year and a guide for the future.
