Williams Lake Community Profile
Community Profile Overview (one page)
The City of Williams Lake has a population of 11,150 and the trading area has a population of 25,100. Williams Lake is located 552 km north of Vancouver at the junction of highways 97 and highway 20 in the Central Cariboo-Chilcotin area.
The climate has a distinct difference in the season’s with summer temperatures in the mid twenties ( C ) and winter temperatures varying from above zero to –30 ( C ). Annual rainfall is only 26.88cm and annual snowfall 192cm. Average July temperature is 15.5 C and average January temperature is –8.7 C. The weather pattern gives us many opportunities for both summer and winter sports, such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, white water rafting, fishing (both summer and winter), and other winter sports such as cross country skiing, downhill skiing, heli skiing and winter camping.
There are many educational facilities in the city and immediate areas, being administrated by school district # 27 with offices in Williams Lake. The University College of the Cariboo has a regional campus in Williams Lake and new courses are constantly being added.
The Cariboo Memorial Complex features the Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool, the Twin Ice arena and the Gibraltar room (multipurpose meeting and theatre room). The pool is open daily and supervision is provided. Also provided is a kiddie pool, hot tub and exercise room. Ice hockey of all levels is popular and summer sports such as soccer, minor baseball and softball are also very popular.
Good shopping is available in Williams Lake with many small retail stores, but the large chains such as Safeway, Save on Foods, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Zellers and Canadian Tire are all represented and a new Wal-Mart is in the planning stages.
Approximately 20 different denominations hold church services in various churches and temples our city.
The main industry is the Forest industry, employing many people in 6 main mills and many more in secondary lumber industries. Also with the price of copper improving 2 copper/gold mines will be reopened within the foreseeable future. The cattle industry is important in the area with 1179 ranches with 43,000 mother cows.
The general character of the population in the area is very friendly and hospitable. This is due to the fact that we are far enough away from the large cities to preserve our rural character, where you can always find a friendly neighbour to chat with. The demographics of Williams Lake have changed quite a bit in the last 2 years with a fluctuating population due to a downturn in several industries (mining and lumber).
Detailed Community Profile
The history of Williams Lake is of a fairly recent nature and dates back to early 1800 when the Cariboo was home to Chilcotin, Carrier and Shuswap Tribal groups. Several traditional tribal trails met in Williams Lake after the Roman Catholic Bishop Modeste Demers built a Chapel, just outside of what is now Williams Lake, the community grew by leaps and bounds. Williams Lake was incorporated as a village in 1929 and became a city in 1981.
The city of Williams Lake is situated 552 km north of Vancouver at the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 20 and is the principal transportation, shopping educational and entertainment centre for many of the smaller communities clustered around the city.
Population and average income
The City of Williams Lake has a population of 11,150 and the trading area has 25,100 (2001 census). This census also
shows that the largest part of this population is in the age bracket of 25-44. Median household income shows Williams
Lake at $49,156/household, and the whole trading areas income $49,907/household.
Climate
| Annual rainfall | 26.88cm |
| Annual snowfall | 192 cm |
| Average July temperature | 15.5 C |
| Average January temperature | - 8.7 C |
| Average frost free days | 120 |
| Growing season | End of May to Mid September |
| Annual Sunshine | 2,082 hours |
| Elevation | 940 meters |
Utilities
Water and Sewer are provided by the City of Williams Lake from drilled wells drawing water from an underground aquifer in
the centre of the valley below the lake. Outside the city some community water systems provide water to some areas, but
in these areas people mostly depend on water from drilled wells.
Electricity is provided by BC Hydro at rates the same as in the rest of the province and similarly gas is provided
by Terasen Gas.
Communications
| Newspapers | Williams Lake Tribune (3 x per week) |
| Cariboo Advisor (1 x per week). | |
| Several larger daily newspapers are available by subscription. | |
| Cable Service | Shaw Cable |
| TV Stations | CFJC |
| Global | |
| Radio Stations | CKWL |
| CFFM | |
| CBC | |
| Telephone/Cellular | Telus |
| AT&T, Bell, Rodgers | |
| Internet Access Providers | nine |
Education
Is provided by the Cariboo – Chilcotin School District # 27, with the head office being located in Williams Lake. The
district operates:
Two large secondary schools in Williams Lake;
Two large secondary schools in 100 Mile House;
Eight rural elementary/secondary schools;
Seventeen elementary schools (6 within the city limits);
Two adult education centres;
Alternate programs throughout the school district.
The School District also operates a co-ed dormitory for Secondary school students from isolated areas of the district and
a French Immersion program is provided from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Three private Christian schools within Williams Lake.
The Thompson Rivers University
This institution has recently been granted university status for a number of courses and is constantly expanding its number of
courses available. There is a regional campus in Williams
Lake which has undergrad courses and trades courses available.
Further info about TRU can be obtained at http://tru.ca
Transportation
Williams Lake is readily accessible by road, rail and air.
Williams Lake Airport – 14 km north of the city is capable of handling aircraft as large as 737's and Hercules. A number
of airlines provide daily flights to Vancouver. The airport is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and flights to
Vancouver can be reserved for as low as $ 99.00 one way. Greyhound bus line provides service to Vancouver and points
north to Prince George.
Recreation and Leisure
The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex features the
Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool, the Twin Ice Arena and the Gibraltar Room. The pool is open daily and is properly supervised,
also provided is a kiddie pool and hot tub and exercise room, with various pieces of equipment. There are also 2 private
gym facilities, one with Squash and Racquetball Courts.
The Blue Fins swim club has won many trophies provincially and is a popular swim club, with many teens and younger
members.
The Williams Lake Junior A ice hockey team THE TIMBERWOLVES and all levels of minor hockey operate out of the Cariboo
Memorial complex. There is also recreational hockey for adults, as well as The Stampeders semi-professional team. A
variety of recreational programs are offered by the Leisure Services Department.
The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is operated by the Williams Lake and District Historical Society and houses some unique ranching and rodeo displays. First Nations People and ranching pioneers are well represented in the cowboy heritage displayed.
Performances in the Park is a summer series of concerts, performed in the Gwen Ringwood Amphitheatre by local and touring artists every Thursday evening. The setting is spectacular and scenic and attracts audiences of up to 700 people for an evening of music.
Scout Island. A jewel in the heart of Williams Lake, Scout Island provides the main public access to Williams Lake itself. It provides a sandy beach, picnic area and boat launch. In the winter it is a central starting point for many winter activities, such as ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. For summer evening it provides comfortable walking trails and sites for watching waterfowl, beavers and otters. The Scout Island Nature Center has educational facilities, a preschool, and summer children’s programs.
The Williams Lake River Valley
this valley is a unique natural area within the city boundaries, providing numerous opportunities for walking, bicycle
riding, running, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. In the fall spawning salmon can be
watched. A total of 13 km of gravelled trails are provided and 17 rustic bridges cross the Williams Lake River.
Picnic tables and toilets are provided and this is a unique opportunity for a quiet walk, using part of the trail or
a 3-hour walk to follow the river to where it spills into the Fraser River.
Industry
The Forest Industry is the main economic driver of the region. It provides employment to a thousand workers in Williams
Lake in the 6 main saw mills and other smaller operations that produce other wood by-products. The Ministry of Forests
carefully monitors logging operations and therefore one can go for a drive in the woods and one will see very
few clear-cut sites. Wood waste from the mills is used by the Trans Canada (Williams Lake) power plant. It produces
67 mw of electricity for sale, primarily to BC Hydro.
Two plants are presently being built to produce pellets for home heating from mill waste.
Various other plants produce lumber such as doorframes, casing and other products from small dimension lumber. The
extensive use of lumber and timber that used to be called waste is now a valuable addition to our economy.
Mining
Traditionally there were 2 copper mines operating near Williams Lake, but due to low copper prices these mines were closed
down a couple of years ago. Now that the copper prices have recovered somewhat, plans are being made to reopen these mines.
Gibraltar mines is located approximately 30 km North of Williams Lake.
Agriculture
The cattle industry, which is large in the Cariboo/Chilcotin area, contributes a lot to the Williams Lake economy. In
1998 there were 1,179 ranches and farms in the region. Ranches range in size from a few acres to 30,000 acres in size and
real cowboys can be seen there during roundup times. The largest all breed bull show and sale in the province is held in
April every year in Williams Lake. This event is known for its high standards of quality. Agriculture in the
Cariboo/Chilcotin has been going strong since 1860 and many of the ranchers have been in the business for generations. It
has been a stable industry.
Tourism
Due to its varied geographical features, its many lakes and streams and rivers, the Cariboo/Chilcotin area has always been
a favourite holiday destination for many people from the U.S.A., Europe and the rest of Canada. Due to the large area
that is relatively uninhabited, it is not hard to find solitude. There are many quiet and beautiful areas for camping,
tent, motor home or resort. Hunting, fishing, hiking are popular sports in the area. Also heli-skiing is a popular (but
rather expensive) sport. Extensive cross-country trails are laid out just outside Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. Also
for the downhill enthusiasts a facility is available less than 40 km south of Williams Lake.
Major Events
Williams Lake Stampede. Is held over four days on the
July 1st Canada Day weekend. This is the second largest professional rodeo in Canada and attracts participants from all
over North America. Many different events take place during these four days.
Numerous other events take place during the year. These include craft markets, Farmers Market, Home and Construction
Shows, and the Harvest Fair.
Health Care
The City of Williams Lake is located within the Thomson Cariboo Chilcotin service area of Interior Health. Ambulatory,
acute care, continuing care, extended care; community nursing, and mental health services are provided to the population
of the region. Interior Health is in the process of restructuring and consolidating support services and is reviewing the
delivery of the health care services to all communities within its service areas.
Cariboo Memorial Hospital
A 46 bed acute care facility is the principal medical facility in the area. The hospital offers full in-patient care
including medicine, surgery and maternity care. These services are supported by occupational therapy and physiotherapy,
pharmacy, lab, x-ray, ultrasound, mammography and 24-hour emergency services with on-call pharmacy, lab and x-ray services.
Medical Staff. There are 28 full-time physicians who reside and practice in the City of Williams Lake.
Specialists include one Paediatrician, one Internal Medicine Specialist, two General Surgeons,
two Obstetrician/Gynecologist, and one visiting Psychiatrist.
Intermediate and Extended Care
There is a new extended and intermediate care facility for seniors. A new 31 suite Seniors Apartment is being built in
the downtown area which is low cost Seniors Housing.
Other Services availble Are:
- Williams Lake Addiction Services
- Central Cariboo Home Support
- Gateway Crisis Stabilization Program
- West Chilcotin Nursing Station
- Cariboo Foundation Hospital Trust, this trust fund is presently raising funds for the purchase of a CT Scanner at a cost of approximately $ 1 million.
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Cariboo Chilcotin Child development Centre
- Cariboo Chilcotin Family Resources Ltd.
- Cariboo Friendship Society
- Noopa Youth Centre
- Women’s Contact Society
- Senior’s Activity Centre
Veterinary Hospital
There are 2 well-staffed professional facilities.
The SPCA has a facility just outside of the city.
Retail
There are many retail stores of all varieties in Williams Lake, including Safeway, Save On Foods, Sears, Staples,
Canadian Tire, Zellers and a Wal-Mart Store is in the planning stages.
There many good quality restaurants and all the fast food outlets are represented in the city.
Due to the central location of Williams Lake a person can find all kinds of hotel and motel accommodation.
Churches
20 churches and temples are represented in Williams Lake. We have a good close relationship with St Peter’s Anglican
Church.
Community Social Service Groups
All well known Social Service Clubs and groups are represented in Williams Lake, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Elks.
Cultural and Heritage Groups
There a quite a number of these, such as the Cariboo Festival Society, Cariboo Art Society, Station House Studio and
Gallery Society and W.L. Studio Theatre Society.
The Community Arts Council offers a series of concerts by visiting performers. A community theatre society is very
active, producing 2-5 plays annually.
Station House Gallery is a local gallery showing works of local artists and has a gift shop.
St. Andrew's United Church - Pastoral Charge Profile
St. Andrews United Church Mission Statement
As a congregation of the United Church of Canada serving the Williams Lake area, we believe we are called by God to:
- Celebrate God’s loving presence in our lives; live the word of God by our words and actions;
- Serve the faith community by offering worship, pastoral care, education, and opportunities for spiritual growth for all ages;
- Serve the wider community by offering pastoral care and support services for those in need;
- Educate ourselves and others on issues of social concern;
- Support the wider ministry of the church through such avenues as the Mission and Service Fund.
Various Committees
The Christian Nurture and Development CommitteeThis committee studies the educational needs of the congregation and provides studies/activities so that all people can be in touch with God as revealed in Jesus. Last year the CN&D together with the Global Outreach Committee made a presentation for the Beads of Hope Campaign to explain the need for our support to the people around the world, and in our own community with AIDS.
The Fellowship Committee
This committee has fun planning functions for the congregation as well as ensuring that there are refreshments served at
fellowship hour following Sunday services.
The Physical Resources Committee
This committee is responsible for the upkeep of the church building and grounds. Most of the repairs are done by
volunteers. Volunteers also do the flower planting and landscaping that keep our church beautiful.
The Pastoral Care Committee
This committee is charged with embodying the very nature and foundation of St. Andrews as a caring community. This is
done by making phone calls to members of the congregation who are shut in or ill, sending out cards for special occasions,
and welcoming new people and keeping in touch with all members of the congregation. Several members do hospital and home
visits.
The Outreach Committee
This committee’s mandate is to consider the welfare and care of the poor in our area. They organize grocery vouchers, the
giving tree, and other donations to local community organizations.
This committee also arranges programs of outreach beyond the local community by distributing printed materials,
audio-visual aids, and hosting missionary delegations. Last year the Beads of Hope Campaign was started at St. Andrews to
call attention to the growing AIDS pandemic. St. Andrews has begun the process of building bridges to First Nations
communities.
The Worship Committee
The function of this committee is to provide oversight for worship services and the worship space. The WC organizes
alternate worship leaders, adult and youth confirmation classes, and services at seniors facilities in Williams Lake
several times a year.
The Ministry and Personnel Committee
This committee arranges for the hiring of the church’s support staff, and provides to all staff consultation (being
willing listeners), support and evaluations on a regular basis.
The “Pondering Our Ministry” Committee
This is a temporary subcommittee of the Church Council which formed to examine the strengths, issues, and direction of our
congregation. These people are a group of brainstormers who give input on the church’s goals and directions.
Other Groups
- Bag Lunch Bible Study This group gets together at noon each Wednesday to discuss and reflect upon biblical passages.
- The Choir This energetic group not only works together to provide music for worship, they have developed a sense of community that brings strength to the whole body of the church.
- Catering This group is one of St. Andrews primary fundraisers. They cater for rental groups, funeral receptions and other functions.
- Sunday School St. Andrews‚ has a number of dedicated volunteers who teach Sunday school to children and youth.
- The Youth Group Our youth group is small but much-loved by the congregation. They serve pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday, lead services, sing for seniors, visit places of worship for other faiths, and so much more.
St. Andrew's United Church - Resources Profile
Financial
The church was built in 1983 and is in good repair.
Pre Authorized Remittance (PAR) is available and is being used by the congregation.
Physical Properties
10,000 sq ft Church situated on 1.5+ acres
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| St. Andrew's from Huckvale Place | St. Andrew's from parking lot |
Church – upper level
Sanctuary
seats 255
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| St. Andrew's Sanctary | St. Andrew's Sanctuary |
Grand piano & 2 upright pianos, Hammond organ, Kurtzweil Electronic Keyboard
Sound system consists of:
- 4 microphones – Two stationary, one moveable and one wireless
- Cassette recorder & compact disk player
- Tape system for recording services
- Additional speakers from sanctuary to basement hall for overflow
Other AV equipment: Overhead projector, Television & VCR
Sound proof quiet room adjacent to sanctuary, with a speaker from the sanctuary.
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| St. Andrew's Quiet room and Babyfold off the sanctuary |
Library
St. Andrew's Library and Upstairs Meeting Room
Youth room
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| St. Andrew's youth Room |
Kitchens - one upstairs small kitchen & large kitchen downstairs
Women’s & Men’s washrooms on each level
Wheel chair access on both levels
Paved parking lot and attractive landscaping surrounding church
Ministers study with computer
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| St. Andrew's Minister's Study |
Church coordinators office includes: 2 personal computers, photocopier, fax machine, answering machine, and email – uc_wmslk@stardate.bc.ca
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| St. Andrew's Narthex | St. Andrew's Church Office |
Church – Lower Level
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2 church school rooms
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| St. Andrew's Sunday School Room(kindergarten) |
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| St. Andrew's Sunday School Room(Pre-School) |
1 large finished hall - MacKinnon Hall
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| St. Andrew's McKinnon Hall | St. Andrew's McKinnon Hall & pass through |
1 large kitchen
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| St. Andrew's Kichen with pass through |
1 live in suite for security person
Women’s & Men’s washrooms on each level
Wheel chair access on both levels
Paved parking lot and attractive landscaping surrounding church
Volunteers
- Worship Committee – 7-8 members and strong lay support. Helps coordinate the weekly services, pulpit supply.
- Ministry & Personnel – 3 member works on behalf of paid staff.
- Pastoral Care – An active committee of 10-12 doing visitation, delivering newsletters, hosts at funerals, sending cards, hospital and lodge visitation.
- Choir – 8 – 10 active members under the direction of the musical director.
- Christian Nurture & Development – Bible study weekly and book study groups, video nights and workshops.
- Global and Local Outreach – Addresses global & local concerns. Distributes food vouchers to local social agencies on behalf of the congregation. 4 members.
- Catering – This group caters to outside groups renting the basement hall & funerals.
- Fellowship – Provides after Sunday services refreshments, potlucks, birthday Sunday once each month. Provides refreshments following funerals for church members and adherents.
- Physical Resources – Does any maintenance on church building or coordinates volunteers.
- Church School – Ages 4 – Grade 12. 5 church school teachers and 1 church school coordinator.
- A monthly newsletter prepared by volunteers and distributed through family files, keeps members and families informed about upcoming events and current issues.
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| Month | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
| January | 7414 (est) | 9607 (272) | |
| February | 7552 (est) | 9879 | |
| March | 7690 (est) | ||
| April | 7828 (est) | ||
| May | 7966 (est) | ||
| June | 8104 (138) | ||
| July | 8314 (est) | ||
| August | 8524 (est) | ||
| September | 8734 (est) | ||
| October | 8944 (est) | ||
| November | 9082 (331) | ||
| December | 9399 (208) | ||
| Yearly total | 1985 (165/mo) |