The District of Houston's newest leisure services director has started work.
Rebecca Tait's first official day was Dec. 2. She replaces Cassie Henrickson who left in early September.
Originally from the Bulkley Valley, Tait has just spent a little more than four years holding various administrative positions at Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Similar to colleges serving northern and rural areas in B.C., Keyano College offers a wide variety of programming and courses stretching from north-central Alberta to the Saskatchewan border and north toward the Northwest Territories.
Previous to Keyano College, she spent four years managing the overall affairs of The Pleasant Valley Plaza in Houston.
Tait also holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Toronto School of Theology.
"Having grown up in the Bulkley Valley, I am both honoured and eager to contribute to the well-being of our community and to address its evolving needs," she said via a District of Houston release.
District of Houston chief administrative officer Ryan Nitchie said the District staff is looking forward to her skill and experience.
"Rebecca brings passion and enthusiasm to the role and a connection to the region that we are fortunate and excited to capture," he added.
As the leisure services director, Tait is responsible for activities at the leisure center as well as the District's parks and trails. Leisure services also covers community-based events.
Housing lease moves along
Council has expanded on its wording in a resolution to support the construction of an approximately 36-unit housing development by the Dze L'Kant Housing Society on property owned by the District of Houston.
A first resolution passed in May indicated council "resolves to intend" to provide the property. But a revised motion released from in camera Dec. 3 indicates council "resolves to commit" up to 1.5 acres at 3553 11 St. This new motion provides the housing society with the assurance it needs as part of its financial package leading to construction.
The land for the development is to be subdivided from the property and the lease is to be for 60 years at a cost of $1 a year.
Subdivision and land development costs are to be the responsibility of the housing society.
The motion also states once the lease is draft and the subdivision is complete, signing by authorized District officials can take place. The planned effective date is March 1, 2025.
Fire chief given new duties
Fire chief Jim Daigneault, also the District of Houston's protective services director, can expand upon his job titles.
He's now the District's fire inspector and fire investigator, following provincial legislation requiring a local government to have someone designated for those two roles.
"His expertise will allow the District to meet its regulatory responsibilities effectively while maintaining high standards of fire safety inspections and investigations," a memo to council from District of Houston chief administrative office Ryan Nitchie indicated.
Daigneault is already a local assistant to the provincial fire commissioner and holds a fire investigator accreditation.
