Quesnel Council (Special Meeting, Public Hearing, Regular Meeting) Highlights - December 2, 2025 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Special Open meetings - Provincial & Federal

Council has met with our provincial and federal representatives and plan for ongoing discussions to ensure the needs of our community are brought forward to upper levels of government.

On December 2, 2025 MP Cariboo - Prince George Todd Doherty met with Council to discuss matters of mutual interest, including forestry, public safety and the Highway 97 Interconnector project, which is essential to maintaining the trade corridor through the province.  Council approved a letter to MP Doherty outlining the need and benefits of the Interconnector project for submission to the Federal Minister.

In November, Council met with MLA Prince George – North Cariboo Sheldon Clare to discuss local industry, the Dragon Mountain Fuel Treatment project, crown land within the city and the importance of the Highway 97 Interconnector to the entire province.

 

Public Hearing

Proposed Bylaws:

City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1979, 2025 [A bylaw to adopt a new Official Community Plan for the City of Quesnel, replacing City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw No.1879, 2019]

City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1980, 2025 [A bylaw to adopt a new Zoning Bylaw for the City of Quesnel, replacing City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1880, 2019]

British Columbia Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 44) requires all municipalities to update their Official Community Plans by December 2025 to include:

• Updated housing targets;
• New housing policies to help achieve these targets; and
• Changes to support the development of three to four units on residential lots.

Regular Council Meeting​​​​​​​

 

Retirement Presentation

Thank you to Krystal Earle for 25 years of service with the City of Quesnel! Krystal started with the city as an RCMP Clerk and then moved into the position of full-time Public Works Receptionist in 2018. 

Congratulations on your retirement and all the best in your future adventures!

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Delegation - BC SPCA

Representatives of the BC SPCA attended to advise Council that the organization has made the decision not to renew their contract with the City of Quesnel.  They cited a lack of resources as the rationale for this decision and have reprioritized care of the most vulnerable animals as their main priority in their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. 

Effective December 31, 2025, the BC SPCA will no longer:

• Provide kennelling services, however, will continue month-to-month for up to six months to allow the City time to find an alternative.
• Sell animal licenses or collect impound fees.
• Pick up stray animals.
• Enforce animal control bylaws.
• Respond to nuisance or dangerous dog calls.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action - 10-Year Progress Report

In the last ten years, the City of Quesnel has made progress towards responding to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The report identifies eleven calls to action that relate to the City of Quesnel’s operations, the actions undertaken to advance Reconciliation, opportunities for continued improvement and, serves as a benchmark for progress. 

The report emphasizes that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires collaboration, respect, and inclusion of Indigenous leadership. The City has demonstrated its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Residential School Survivors, and has taken steps to strengthen partnerships with Lhtako Dene, Nazko, ʔEsdilagh and Lhoosk'uz Dene Nations. 

 

Quesnel Regional Airport 

Council direct Staff to submit a grant application to the British Columbia Air Access Program fund for a proposed project to create a master plan to maintain current infrastructure while also planning for future projects that could be covered under future grants provided by BCAAP. The estimated eligible project costs are $35,000, 70% of which would be covered by BCAAP, with $10,500 from the City.

Council Procedure Bylaw

City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 received the first three readings and Council approved alternate means of posting, to include one advertisement in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer as well as posting on the City's website, City's Facebook page and on the City's Public Posting boards located at City Hall.

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NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO

CITY OF QUESNEL COUNCIL PROCEDURE BYLAW 1948 of 2023

Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 124(3) of the Community Charter that Quesnel City Council intends on amending Council Procedure Bylaw 1948, as follows:

• Definitions:  Addition of ‘Public Notice’
• Electronic meetings: Amended to distinguish between electronic attendance to accommodate a member who is unable to attend in person versus an electronic meeting in the event of an emergent situation.
• Part 3 – Council Appointments & Acting Mayor:  Replaces ‘Designation of Member to Act in Place of Mayor’, expanding on language from IWC-17 - Council Committees and Appointments policy. 
• Order of Proceedings:
  • Removal of ‘Land Acknowledgement’ from agenda order, as an Indigenous Acknowledgement will be added to the agenda header.
  • Condensed agenda headings
  • Addition of ‘Council Reports’:  Outlining the process for a Councillor to bring forward information for council consideration.
• Delegations: Updated timeline for submission of delegation requests and clearly defined review process for requests.
• Conduct and Debate: Addition of reference to ‘Council Meeting Norms and Expectations’
• Housekeeping:
  • Removal of side column Community Charter references (Best practice to exclude section references due to legislative changes)
  • Formatting
  • Better aligning language with the Community Charter

The proposed draft City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1975, 2025 is available on the City's website.

Enquiries on the above can be directed to Rhya Hartley, Deputy Corporate Administrator, at 250-992-2111 during normal weekday business hours.

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Public Notice Bylaw

Due diligence at its best!  The Policy & Bylaw Committee dove into a draft of a proposed Public Notice Bylaw to ensure as broad an audience for public notices as possible.  The Committee met twice and discussed in detail the options for public notice and their reliability, suitability and accessibility to the public.  The proposed bylaw was brought forward for discussion at Council and was referred back to the Policy & Bylaw Committee for further consideration regarding the timeline for public notice. This process ensures that all considerations are taken in providing the most transparent and broad public notice possible.

 

Council Information Package

A letter from CIP was brought forward for discussion - November 26, 2025 – Letter from the City of Pitt Meadows to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs re: Concerns Regarding Bill M216 – 2025 Professional Reliance Act

Both Council and Staff expressed concern regarding the parameters of this legislation and its effect on municipalities.  Council directed Staff to prepare a letter to the Minister outlining our concerns.

 

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1979 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw 1979, 2025 - Third Reading
• Bylaw #1980 - City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw 1980, 2025 - Third Reading
• Bylaw #1975 - City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 - First three readings and alternate means of posting
• Bylaw #1976 - City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw 1976, 2025 - Referred back to the Policy & Bylaw Committee for further discussion.

Announcements

Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Santa Extravaganza at Spirit Square, downtown Quesnel.

Enjoy holiday treats, warm drinks, reading and activities, and a meet & greet with Santa.

This free, family-friendly event is brought to you by the Quesnel Downtown Association — celebrating the season and supporting local spirit. Come make merry memories and celebrate. 

Williams Lake Special Council Highlights (2026 Budget/2026 Capital Plan) - Dec 3, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey (via Zoom), Lyons (via Zoom), Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 12:00pm

The Mayor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Council resumed discussion/line by line review on the City of Williams Lake 2026's Capital Plan as part of the City of Williams Lake's 2026 Budget/2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan 

The Chief Administrative Officer and City Staff responded to questions of Council 

And then Council adjourned at 1:20pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Dec 2, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

The Mayor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listing dated November 26, 2025 

2) Council gave first and second readings to "City of Williams Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2429" and "City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430"  and directed that a Public Hearing be scheduled for December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Williams Lake City Hall

3) Council approved its' meeting schedule for 2026 

4) Council designated Councillors to act as Acting Mayor for December 2025 + all of 2026 

5) Council endorsed Mayor Rathor's recommendations for Council appointments to Committees, Ad Hoc/Select Committees and Community Committees for the 2025/2026 term; directed that Councillor Moses be appointed to act as Council Liaison to Social Planning Council’s “Communities Ending Poverty Leadership Table” and Councillor Flaspohler be appointed to act as a Council liaison to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Community Action Team”

6) Council appointed Mayor Rathor to represent the City of Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board with Councillor Nelson be designated as the Alternate Director for Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board

Mayor Rathor welcomed Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Williams Lake City Council meeting 

7) Council appointed Councillor Sheila Boehm to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Board as the City’s Director for 2025/2026 and Councillor Michael Moses be appointed as the City’s Alternate Director

8) Council appointed Councillor Scott Nelson as the City of Williams Lake delegate to the Municipal Insurance Association of BC for 2026 with Councillor Joan Flaspohler and Councillor Sheila Boehm being appointed as first and second alternates, respectively.

9) Council proclaimed January 2, 2026 as "Wrestling Day" in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to Williams Lake Council Policy No. 115

10) Council approved the 3-year renewal Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District for Handy-Dart service for portions of Electoral Areas D,E,F within the Cariboo Regional District

11) Council endorsed recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #32-2025 and the report of the Director of Municipal Services dated November 19, 2025 regarding an outdoor winter skating area on Williams Lake be received for information, and this decision be ratified at the next Council meeting.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor J. Flaspohler

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #33-2025, the proposed list of climate projects from the Cariboo Climate Circle be referred to staff to follow-up with the group, and further that staff be directed to work with the Cariboo Climate Circle to bring back information and costs for installing bike lock stations in the community

c) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #34-2025 and the the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated November 18, 2025, Council target a 0% budget increase in principle and that a special meeting be held as soon as possible to review in capital projects in greater depth

d) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #35-2025, roundtable discussion be included on Regular Council agendas going forward with a time limit of 2 minutes and no motions permitted 

12) Council received for information: 

a) Letter from Hon. Christine Boyle (BC Minister of Municipal Affairs) re: Meeting at 2025 UBCM Convention 

b Letter from William and Kim McCaveney dated November 13, 2025, regarding concerns about parking during the Cariboo Memorial Hospital renovations and Staff follow up with Interior Health/Construction Contractor and deal with those who park contrary to the City's Traffic Control by-law near the Cariboo Memorial Hospital site ... 

13) Council considered and dealt with Late Items, as follows: 

i) Councillor Flaspohler -- 

Council held a discussion regarding the recent Facebook video of a Member of Council regarding their opinion of the recent coverage of the Williams Lake Tribune in regards to the upcoming closure of the Drax Pellet Plant 

Following discussion -- Council agreed to the following: 

That Council provide an formal apology to the Williams Lake Tribune and (to their) journalist Ruth Lloyd re-affirming our appreciation and respect towards the journalism they do for our community and further, that Council publicly state that comments by a single elected official does not reflect the position or opinion of Williams Lake Municipal Council and further, (Council) publicly state that Council, as a whole, expects a higher standard of conduct from its' (elected) officials and does not approve or support behavior that is slanderous, derogatory and disrespectful towards any member of the community (of Williams Lake) or business inside Williams Lake  

At the request of Councillor Moses: 

Resolved: 

WHEREAS the City Council reviews its' Council Code of Conduct Policy #228 annually before May 1 of each year to ensure it continues to meet the Council's needs and legislative requirements 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the annual review of Council Code of Conduct Policy #228 be scheduled for 2026 as well as request Staff to review/strengthen the social media and interactions with public and media portions of Policy #228 and report back to Council  

ii) Councillor Nelson -- 

Resolved: 

That Council recognizes that the Forestry Industry is in a critical and crisis state and requests that: 

1) The Provincial/Federal Governments to remove the red tape regarding forestry cutting permits within British Columbia immediately; 

2) Provincial/federal resources be authorized to get forestry cutting permits within BC in a time period of 60 days (2 months); 

3) Laid off workers in forest based communities receive additional benefits to current EI (employment insurance) salary to assist laid workers in transiting into other work settings; 

4) The BC and Federal Governments provide a clear, strategic emergency crisis plan for employees, companies and resource-based communities to backstop forest-based communities AND 

5) The Economic Development Team coordinate a Regional Economic Summit to advance our regional goals in a coordinated fashion 

14) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of December 2, 2025 

The Chief Administrative Officer and Mayor Rathor provided an update on the Water Treatment Plant Project and responded to questions from Council 

Resolved: 

That Council suspend Roundtable for this meeting 

Closed Council Meeting:

At 8:30pm -- Council passed the following Resolution: 

That Council proceed into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter, as follows:  

90(1) (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and 

90(1) (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

And then Council adjourned at 8:31pm

Esk’etemc Kukpi7 Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Courtesy of Esk'etemc First Nation:

The First Nation of Esk’etemc is proud to share that Kukpi7 Fred Robbins has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an award that recognizes his leadership, longstanding commitment to community, and continued efforts to strengthen relationships and advance Nation-building. 

Kukpi7 Robbins was nominated by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations. 

In a letter to Kukpi7 Robbins, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, wrote: "It is with great honour to inform you that you have been selected as the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we extend our warmest congratulations to you!" 

Recipients of the medal have made a significant contribution or achieved outstanding accomplishments within their communities. 

To be a recipient was a surprise and a great honour for Kukpi7 Robbins, who shared that it was great news, especially at a time which was very challenging for him as a leader. “It has been a heavy year for our community, having lost many Elders, or as I call them, our ‘history books’, so this honour was uplifting in a time of sadness and reflection,” shared Kukpi7. 

Over the decades, Kukpi7 Robbins has dedicated himself to learning from his Nation’s Elders. This has inspired him to focus on empowering future generations through his role in the development and promotion of Orange Shirt Day, as well as the co-creation of First Nations curriculum of Indian Residential School education for kids in grades 5 and 10. 

He hopes this recognition through the King Charles III Coronation Medal encourages future leaders to be active and vocal for their communities when it comes to improvements and healing. “I dedicate this honour to my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and to the leadership who blazed a trail of healing,” shared Kukpi7. 

“I would also like to recognize that my staff have stood beside me through difficult days, and my wife and daughters have given me unconditional love and trust as a leader, a dad, and a husband. Although this medal has my name on it, it is for my community, family, and our past, present, and future leaders.” 

Esk’etemc leadership, Elders, and community members extend their congratulations to Kukpi7 Robbins. This recognition reflects the strength, resilience, and continued work being carried forward on behalf of the community.

Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Dec 1, 2025 mtg

In the Rick Hansen Boardroom at Williams Lake City Hall 

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth (Area D), M. Neufeld (Area E), M. LeBourdais (Area F via Zoom) Tolin Pare (Area J via Zoom) and B. Anderson (Area K)

Present from City of Williams Lake: Mayor SPS Rathor (Chair) and Councillors S. Boehm, J. Flaspohler, S. Nelson and M. Moses (entered meeting at 5:33pm)

Meeting Chair: Mayor S. Rathor

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional, unceded Williams Lake First Nation territory within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (Late Items from Dir. Forseth - Joint Use Agreement and Agenda Distribution) - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting was adopted

Business:

1) Community Grants / Grants for Assistance - Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Joint Review

The Committee began its' review of the 2026 Community Grants / Grants for Assistance applications and made recommendations to the Regional Board/Williams Lake City Council in relation to grant awards 

2) Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2026-2030 Business, Financial and Capital Plans

The Committee resumed its' consideration of the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2026-2030 Business, Financial and Capital Plans

Resolved: 

That it be recommended to the Regional Board: 

That the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2026-2030 Business, Financial and Capital Plans be endorsed, as amended (Business Plan Goal #1 for 2026 - Construction of access from Highway 20 to the Esler Sports Complex over a 3 year period) 

3) Joint Use Agreement between Cariboo RD, City of Williams Lake, District of 100 Mile House, SD27 and TRU (Late Item)

Director Forseth provided a verbal report on this item 

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: 

That Staff arrange for a meeting between parties to the Joint Use Agreement 

4) Discussion Item - Agenda Distribution (Late Item)

Director Forseth reported on this item

Discussion ensued thereon 

No resolution resulted from the discussion

And then Joint Committee adjourned at 7:00pm

Soda Creek-Macalister Road Project complete!

 

The Project Manager for the Soda Creek-Macalister Road project, as part of the Cariboo Road Recovery Projects (10) reached out to the Cariboo RD's Area "D" Director earlier today and confirmed what locals in the Soda Creek Valley have been discussing since this past Friday (November 28, 2025) which is the Soda Creek-Macalister Road project is now complete and the advisory from DriveBC has now been removed ...

Thanks to the BC Ministry of Transportation for successfully completing this project and residents' in the Soda Creek Valley for staying engaged in ensuring that this project was seen to completion from March 2020 until late November of 2025 ...

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - November 2025

In the month of November 2025 - I attended the following meetings or events:

* November 4 - Winter Stakeholder Meeting hosted by Emcon Services in Quesnel where they discussed their Winter Road Maintenance plan and answered questions from attendees 

* November 6 - Monthly Meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission 

* November 7 - UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities webinar of "Presenting of Findings - Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project/Impacts on Local Governments" 

* November 12 - Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting 

* November 13 - Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) Meeting, followed by Cariboo RD's Finance/Budget Committee to discuss the 2026 Cariboo Regional District Budget 

* November 14 - Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* November 18 - Winter Stakeholder Meeting hosted by Dawson Road Maintenance via MS Teams where they discussed their Winter Road Maintenance plan and answered questions from attendees 

Then met with Cariboo RD Area "A" Alternate Director Charlotte Kurta to discuss collaboration opportunities between our respective Electoral Areas as well as answering questions about the general operations of the Regional District and finally took in the North Cariboo Joint Committee in Quesnel Council Chambers 

* November 24 - UBCM EA Directors Zoom call with Minister of State for Local Governments/Rural Communities B. Anderson and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Communities Steve Morissette along with an update from UBCM President Cori Ramsay 

* November 25 -- Took Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director Angelina Bennetts for a "Thank You" Lunch for her service to Cariboo RD Electoral Area "D" residents 

* November 26 - Meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee 

* November 27 - Met with Cariboo RD Staff re: Merging of Streetlight Services in Wildwood then took in the monthly meeting of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce 

Expenses submitted in the month of November 2025:

* November 13 - $206 for meetings of Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) Meeting, followed by Cariboo RD's Finance/Budget Committee to discuss the 2026 Cariboo Regional District Budget 

* November 14 - $206 for meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* November 26 - $83 for the meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Board of Education Meetings | Week of December 1-5, 2025

During the week of December 1-5, 2025 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Board of Education will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Quesnel - All meetings, as noted below, in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel) on Tuesday, December 2, 2025

1) Special Quesnel Council Meeting at 9am -- meet with Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty via Zoom.  Full Meeting Agenda here

2) Public Hearing at 5:30pm -- New City of Quesnel Official Community Plan/Zoning Bylaw.  Full Meeting Agenda here

3) Regular Quesnel Council Meeting, to follow adjournment of the Public Hearing.   On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: BC SPCA 

* Committee Reports

* Truth & Reconciliation Initiatives in Quesnel 

* City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 - First three readings

* City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw 1976, 2025 - First three readings

Full Meeting Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) -- Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, December 4, 2025.  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* New City of Williams Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2429 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430 - For consideration of 1st/2nd Readings

* Annual Appointments 

* Handy-Dart Renewal Agreement w/Cariboo Regional District (Areas D,E,F) 

* Airport Café Operations Award

* Recommendations from Nov 25, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

* Letter regarding concerns about parking at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake

* Letter from Hon. Christine Boyle re: Meeting at UBCM 2025 Convention w/City of Williams Lake Mayor and Council 

* Closed Council Meeting - As per Sections 92 + 90(1g,1i - litigation and legal advice) of the Community Charter

Full Meeting Agenda here

2) Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 12pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers to further discuss the 2026 City of Williams Lake Budget/2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan 

Full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

1) Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting - December 1st, 2025 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom, Williams Lake City Hall (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda: 

* Consider 2026 Community Grant/Grant for Assistance applications 

* Reconsider 2026 Central Cariboo Recreation Budget, Business and Capital Plans 

Full Meeting Agenda here

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Regular Board Meeting - December 5, 2025 at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Information Items (3) 

Full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting - December 5, 2025 at 9:45am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations: Lauren Shinnimin, RPF, from Forsite re: provide an update on Cariboo Regional District Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans and Harold Stolar, District Manager, Cariboo-Chilcotin, NRD, and Lindsey Wood, Director of Strategic Initiatives, from the Ministry of Forests re: provide information about a Landscape Planning exercise for Williams Lake.

* Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act)

* Year Round Grant Applications for Areas B,D,L

* Area "A" By-Election - Appoint Chief/Deputy Chief Election Officer.  By-Election should occur before end of February 2026 

* Information-Only items

* Committee Recommendations from Executive Committee, Anahim Lake Airport Commission, South Cariboo Joint Committee, North Cariboo Joint Committee

* Board Chair's recommendation for appointment to External Organizations

Full Meeting Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Nov 26, 2025 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth (Area D), M. Neufeld (Area E), M. LeBourdais (Area F) and B. Anderson (Area K)

Present from City of Williams Lake: Mayor SPS Rathor (Chair) and Councillors S. Boehm, and M. Moses 

Meeting Chair: Mayor SPS Rathor

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional, unceded Williams Lake First Nation territory within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting was adopted

Delegation: 

Margaret Waring, President; Sue Hemphill, Vice President; and Ken Day, Treasurer from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists/Scout Island Nature Centre were in attendance to discuss additional funding needed for the Otter Bridge Project

Following the presentation - A Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair, on behalf of Joint Committee, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business:

1) Community Grants / Grants for Assistance - Central Cariboo Joint Review

The Committee referred this item to a Special Joint Committee meeting, to be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 - due to a lack of the required quorum of Williams Lake City Council 

2) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2026 Business and Financial Plans

CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to Joint Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: That it be recommended to the Regional Board: 

That the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2026 Business and Financial plans be endorsed as presented.

3) 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Schedule

Resolved: That it be recommended to the Regional Board/Williams Lake City Council: 

That the 2026 meeting schedule for the Central Cariboo Joint Committee be endorsed, as presented 

4) Discussion Items: 

The Committee discussed the following items: 

* Posting of External Publications and Public Artwork in the CMRC (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex) 

* Daybreak Rotary Request for New Playground Installation and Renaming of Kiwanis Park to Rotary Park

* Concerns re: Distribution of Ice Board Ad Revenue between Ice Groups at CMRC 

* Proposal for Pickleball Facilities in Kinsmen Park

* Proposal for Williams Lake Dog Park/Financial Participation of Cariboo Regional District 

* Indoor Turf Facility Working Group Support Request (The Indoor Turf Facility Working Group will be attending the January 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting as a delegation) 

5) Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2026-2030 Business, Financial and Capital Plans

CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to Joint Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: 

a) At request of Director Forseth - the Committee agreed to divide the recommendation into two distinct motions

b) That the Central Cariboo Recreation 2026 five-year business and financial plans and the 2026-2030 capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be endorsed -- Committee divided as follows: 

Yeas - Directors Forseth, Neufeld and LeBourdais - 3 

Nays - Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm and Moses - 3 

Motion defeated by tie vote

c) That the Central Cariboo Recreation 2026 five-year business and financial plans and the 2026-2030 capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be referred to the Special Joint Committee meeting, to be held on Monday, December 1, 2025

d) That the Joint Committee recommend (to the Regional Board): 

That the Cariboo Regional District Board allocate an additional $500,000 in Community Works Funds in 2026 and $500,000 in 2027 to enable completion of the Esler Sports Complex Access Road project.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director S. Forseth (Area "D") 

6) Action Page 

Following review by Joint Committee -- Action Page was received

And then Joint Committee adjourned at 7:43pm

Drax Ceasing Operations at its Williams Lake Plant

Courtesy of Drax:

After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its pellet plant in Williams Lake, B.C. The curtailment and closures of neighbouring sawmills and the loss of a bid for key local supply have led to a significant reduction in fibre availability, thus making continuing operations at the plant no longer commercially viable. As a result, we expect to cease operations after an orderly wind-down when fibre availability runs out at the site, which we anticipate will take place by the end of 2025.

Drax leadership recognizes the impact that this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 30 employees affected. This includes a severance package, as well as wellbeing support. Colleagues are encouraged to apply to open positions at other Drax sites.

“The decision to cease operations weighs heavily on us, as we recognize the uncertainty it creates for our dedicated employees and their families,” says Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax. “We are profoundly grateful for their commitment and resilience, and for the unwavering support of our community. Together, we will navigate this challenging time with compassion and transparency.”

“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,” says White. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”

About Drax

Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com/ca