Williams Lake Council Highlights - Nov. 5th, 2024 meeting

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

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

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

Meeting Agenda approved with Late Items

Minutes of previous City Council meetings were adopted

Meeting video here

Delegation:

1) Bert Groenenberg and Ruth Lloyd, Streets for All Williams Lake appeared before Council to discuss June BC Active Transportation Summit

Following their presentation (click here) - a Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council referred to Staff the presentation of Bert Groenenberg and Ruth Lloyd, Streets for All Williams Lake regarding information learned at the BC Active Transportation Summit held in New Westminster, BC and potential projects to be identified, via grants, through the annual budgeting process

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated October 24 and 31, 2024 

2) Council endorsed recommendations from a previous meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows:

* That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #09-2024, the agenda item summary from Lore Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant, Cariboo Regional District dated October 15, 2024 regarding the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting schedule for 2025 be received and the schedule be endorsed as follows, with meeting start times to be 5:30 PM:

        Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (CRD)

        Wednesday, February 26, 2025 (CRD)

        Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (CRD)

        Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (CRD)

        Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (City)

        Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (City)

        Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (City)

        Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (City)

        Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (City)

* That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #07-2024 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated October 7, 2024, the Fee for Service agreement with the Williams Lake Cycling Club be renewed for a further three-year term effective 2025 through 2027 in the amount of $30,000 per year; and further, that the schedule for issuance of funds be amended to allow that 50% of the contract be paid the first Thursday in April and the remaining 50% be paid the first Thursday in July, and the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement

* That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #08-2024 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated October 7, 2024, the Fee for Service agreement with the Scout Island Nature Centre be renewed for a further three-year term effective 2025 through 2027 in the amount of $30,000 per year; and further, that the schedule for issuance of funds be amended to allow that each year the contract is paid out at 100% in February of each year, and the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement.

3) Council agreed to amend the City of Williams Lake Employee Computer Purchase Plan Policy No. 188 to include the purchase of smartphones and tablets, and adding the condition that the policy applies only to full-time staff with at least one year of employment, and staff were directed to update the purchasing procedure accordingly

4) Council received information regarding the OCP public consultation for Bylaw No. 2382, and gave second readings to City of Williams Lake Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2382 and City of Williams Lake Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2383 for property at 1138 Lakeview Crescent; staff were directed to issue notice of the applications to surrounding property owners and tenants within a 100 metre radius of the subject property and a Public Hearing be scheduled for December 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall

5) Council agreed to provide a resolution in support of Cariboo Regional District “Central Cariboo Search and Rescue Service Amendment Bylaw No. 5461, 2024"

6) Council awarded the request for proposal for a transformer replacement to Valley Power Line Construction Ltd. for the proposed price of $66,150.00 including all applicable taxes

7) Council approved the new Snow and Ice Control Policy No. 231; Snow and Ice Control Policy No. 97 was repealed and that a review be conducted of Policy #231 prior to the 2025/26 winter season

8) Pursuant to Section 131 of the Community Charter (click here) -- Mayor Rathor required Williams Lake City Council to reconsider Council Resolution #380/24, as follows:

That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024, the presentation from Cianna O'Connor regarding overdose awareness be received for information; and further, that Council work with the Interior Health Authority to discuss safe consumption sites.

Following discussion - Council Resolution 380/24 was adopted (once again)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Mayor Rathor; Councillor S. Nelson

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

* That pursuant to the report of the Senior Bylaw Officer dated October 31, 2024, together with Committee of Whole Council Report #28-2024 and the report of the Senior Bylaw Officer dated October 22, 2024, “City of Williams Lake Parks and Public Lands Bylaw No. 2419, 2024” and “City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2421, 2024” be introduced and given first three readings; and further, that staff be directed to enforce the proposed bylaw based on the status quo enforcement process (including no additional staff positions and based on complaints received)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #29-2024, the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated October 4, 2024 and the 2024 Fee for Service Agreement Annual reports be received; and further, that Council approve the new Fee for Service applications from the Stampede Parade Society, in the amount of $15,000, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, in the amount of $2,800, each for a one-year term.

* That, pursuant to the October 8, 2024 report of the Senior Engineering Technologist, Council consider options for for Water Treatment Plant disinfection; Council directed Staff to proceed with Option 1 (Maintain the current grant project budget and schedule, adopting the use of chloramines)

10) Council received the Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held October 23, 2024

11) Council agreed to provide a letter in support of the Barkerville Heritage Trust's bid for continued management and operation of Barkerville Historic Town and Cottonwood Historic Site

12) Council received for information a letter from the Deputy Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Tara Richards dated October 24, 2024 regarding the meeting with Williams Lake City Council representatives on September 18, 2024 during the annual UBCM Convention

13) Council reported out on a previous In-Camera Resolution from its' October 22nd, 2024 In-Camera Meeting, as follows:

“That pursuant to the report of the Deputy Corporate Officer dated October 18, 2024 and Accessibility Advisory Committee Report #04-2024, Council remove current member Troy Johnny and appoint Kesha Neal and Mike Dewing as new members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee

14) Late Item -- Council authorized the raising of the National Metis flag in honour of Louis Riel on November 16, 2024 on the City's flag pole

15) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of Nov. 5th, 2024

A verbal report was provided by the Mayor, as to progress regarding Atlantic Power was provided to Council

Members of Council provided reports on their recent activities

Proceed to Closed/In-Camera Council Meeting:

At 8:47pm -- Council adopted the following Resolution: 

That Council now resolve 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) or (2) of the Community Charter: 

(1c) labour relations or other employee relations

Council adjourned at 8:49pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Highlights - Nov 5th, 2024 mtg

Present: Chair T. Pare; Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais and Anderson

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

Meeting agenda adopted, as amended

Minutes of the previous Rural Caucus meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

Shea De La Mare, Quality Manager, and Acting Manager of Operations for Dawson Road Maintenance SA 17, appeared before the Caucus to discuss Dawson Road Maintenance's activities in the Central Cariboo and Chilcotin.

Following his presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Mr. De La Mare for his time/information... 

Business:

1) 2025 Draft Caucus Meeting Schedule

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented 

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus establish its' meeting schedule for 2025 as follows:

Wednesday January 22, 2025 

Wednesday February 26, 2025 

Wednesday March 19, 2025 

Thursday April 10, 2025 

Thursday May 22, 2025 

Wednesday June 18, 2025 

Wednesday September 3, 2025 

Thursday October 2, 2025 

Wednesday November 12, 2025 

2) Caucus held a general discussion about the upcoming Joint Grant for Assistance review with the City of Williams Lake in late November 2024 

No resolution resulted from the discussion

Caucus adjourned at 3:45pm

Fuel Management Treatment Work to Begin in Westridge Drive/Country Club Boulevard Areas

Courtesy of City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake will be conducting a fuel management treatment project between the residential areas of Westridge Drive and Country Club Boulevard.

Work is set to begin this month and will continue throughout 2024 and into 2025 depending on weather conditions and aims to reduce the threat of wildfire to homes, structures and recreation values, as well as to improve and maintain the grassland ecosystems present in the area. The total area of fuel treatment works is 68 hectares.

“The intent is to create a healthier, more open forest that will not support aggressive wildfires and will be safer for crews to fight wildfires in,” said Evan Dean, Director of Protective Services and Williams Lake Fire Department Chief.

Specific fuel management treatment activities may include:

• Danger tree removal
• High retention partial harvesting
• Spacing and pruning of the understory conifer trees
• Surface fuel clean-up
• Pile burning and/or chipping of cut material

Residents and motorists travelling through the City may see smoke and flames during project operations.

Funding for the project was secured through the Province’s Community Resiliency Investment Program and is a continuation of work started in 2022.

Cariboo RD Area "D" 2024 Community Survey

Last month, I did a #CaribooRD Electoral Area "D" Community Survey for items to work on in 2025, for those living on or residing in:

* Soda Creek Road (past the City of Williams Lake municipal boundaries) 

* Mile 168 Road 

* Commodore Heights 

* Pine Valley 

* Fox Mountain 

* Wildwood 

* Deep Creek 

* Xat'sull First Nation (Deep Creek/Soda Creek Reserves) 

* Tyee Lake 

* Blue Lake 

* Soda Creek Valley 

* McLeese Lake/Duckworth Lake 

* Macalister 

* Marguerite 

A big THANK YOU for the 47 people who filled out the electronic survey 

Broadly speaking, the following topics came forward: 

* Roads (Item most often raised and will continue to advocate on this throughout the Electoral Area) 

* Internet Access (there should be movement on this item in Deep Creek, Wildwood, PIne Valley by the end of 2026) 

* Streetlights in McLeese Lake 

* Seniors' Care Services in McLeese Lake 

* Garbage/Recycling Curbside PIck up (previously, the Regional District has surveyed residents' in Commodore Heights, Pine Valley, Fox Mountain for this service and rejected by local residents) 

* More Policing Services including clamping down on speeding (am working on this) 

* Animal Control in the Electoral Area (working on this for 2025 through Regional District initiated survey) 

* Allowance of 2nd Family Dwelling on ALR Land 

* Secondary Dwelling on Rural Properties (already permitted in many cases -- rural residents' just need to contact Regional District planning staff at 250-392-3351 to start the process) ...

* FireSmart Programming (Regional District is working on this..) 

* Independent VFD funding support (proposed to use Regional District Staff time to research a funding model recently approved in principle by TNRD (Thompson Nicola RD) Board however this was rejected by a 10-4 vote of the Cariboo Regional District Board..  Will continue to advocate for Independent VFD's at McLeese Lake/Tyee Lake ... 

* Water Testing at Tyee Lake 

Again, thank you to everyone who submitting a response and I will do what I can to address the concerns brought forward to the best of my ability... 

Yours in service, 

Steve

Cariboo RD Board begins 2025 Budget Discussions'

The Cariboo Regional District Board, meeting in Finance Committee (of the Whole) begins its’ 2025 budget review starting this coming Wednesday

Key Points: 

* Regional District website as the 2025 Budget and Five Year Financial Plan is developed — 

https://www.cariboord.ca/en/regional-government/budget-and-finances.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawGTkqpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT_caSoJEVBMzG6GN4WYrxAJz11qMfKL6jeVvZnsPJsDBwEEa3gT5oG6Nw_aem_L_37TeGkYOQZhOwwr1nAIA

* High level overview of Cariboo RD 2025 Budget & 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan — 

https://pub-crd.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=50551&fbclid=IwY2xjawGTks9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZJ3dNuUEuiN7UcQ7hcmM5cYSBpI6DQd7V0zXXdsuz51lTfqdh52x_yOMQ_aem_0em-a9j01cRJMB_PB3lHhQ

* available 2025 business plans for the Cariboo Regional District can be reviewed at 

https://pub-crd.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=7314b087-2c14-461b-bb5c-acb6dfd3f96c&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=108&Tab=attachments&fbclid=IwY2xjawGTkvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW_nZgsFsYL2cENG-1UKAbbVnD3VL5GTK-6m_bFV-VnL6_4Daa9Ru94EAg_aem_J1hEmXsBPLVENuDeQKhiDA

* Budget process — First review of 2025 budget to take place at Regional District’s Finance Committee in November 2024 with additional budget review sessions in January 2025 and February 2025 with public consultation expected in the month of February 2025 and finally budget adoption in mid to late March 2025 

* questions, comments, concerns in relation to Regional District local taxation for those residing in Area “D” of the Cariboo Regional District can be emailed to myself at sforseth@cariboord.ca or by phone at 250-267-6725.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings: Week of November 4-8, 2024

During the week of November 4-8, 2024 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments will be holding meetings, as follows:

Wells - Meetings as follows in Wells Council Chambers/Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue):

i) In-Camera/Closed Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 5th from 12pm - 2:30pm under Sections 90(1a, l - appointment/strategic planning) of the Community Charter

ii) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 5th from 3-5pm.  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: 2022 Audited Financial Statements

* Unfinished Business: Strategic Priority Projects

* Reports from Wells Mayor Ed Coleman and CAO

View the full Agenda here 

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Streets for All Williams Lake - Sharing Information from June BC Active Transportation Summit

* OCP & Zoning Amendment Applications for property at 138 Lakeview Crescent

* Cariboo RD's Central Cariboo Search and Rescue Service Amendment - Council consent required

* Recommendations from previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee and Committee of Whole Council meetings for endorsement 

* Mayor Rathor's Direction to Council to reconsider Council Resolution No. 380/24 re Overdose Awareness Presentation and Safe Consumption Site

* Report from previous In-Camera Meeting re: Accessibility Advisory Committee Membership Changes

* Closed/In-Camera Council Meeting -- Section 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings, as noted below, to take place in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

1) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 at 3:00pm.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Dawson Road Maintenance

* 2025 DRAFT Rural Caucus Meeting Schedule

View the full Agenda here

2) Finance/Budget Committee - Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at 9:30am to consider the 2025 Budget/5 Year Financial Plan (1st Round).  Agenda can be viewed here 

3) Policy Committee - Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at 3pm.  On the Agenda:

* Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy

* CAO Evaluation Policy Amendment Request

* Review Current Practice -- Land Acknowledgement for Regional District Board/Committee Meetings

* Draft – Privacy Management Program Policy

View the full Agenda here

4) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board - Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Information Item: Access Change at Teck ED at Royal Inland Hospital

* Closed/In-Camera Board Session: Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

5) Cariboo Regional District Board - Thursday, November 7th, 2024 upon recess/adjournment of the CCRHD Board.  On the Agenda:

* Annual Election of Board Chair/Vice-Chair for 2024-25 year

* 11am Delegation: MTS Maintenance Tracking Systems Inc. re: outline, develop and implement a formal Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) for the Cariboo Regional District

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only) 

* NDIT Application – 2025 Business Façade Improvement Program

* Borrowing Resolution – Kersley VFD

* NCLGA Mental Health and Addictions Accord - Next Steps

* Recommendations from Committees' or Commissions

* Request from Area "B" Director B. Bachmeier re: $1,000 from Area "B" Director Initiative Fund for Christmas Appreciation Dinner

* Closed/In-Camera Board Meeting -- Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - October 2024

During the month of October 2024 -- I attended the following meetings or events:

* October 3rd, 2024 -- Monthly Meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission

* October 15th, 2024 -- 2025 Wildwood Fire Department Budget Meeting

* October 16th, 2024 -- House call to individual in Cariboo RD Area "D" on Douglas Road

* October 17th, 2024 -- Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting 

* October 23rd, 2024 -- Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting

* October 28th, 2024 -- Coffee w/City of Williams Lake Councillor Joan Flaspohler

* October 31st, 2024 -- Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce AGM

In addition -- I responded to inquiries of Cariboo RD Area "D" residents via phone/text, email or social media 

During the month of October 2024 -- I submitted the following expenses:

* October 17th -- $83 for Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting 

* October 23rd -- $83 for Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting

~SF

Pile burning planned for Wildfire Risk Reduction project on Fox Mountain

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with Borland Creek Logging Ltd will be conducting pile burning on Fox Mountain as part of a Wildfire Risk Reduction project.

 

Completion of this 23 hectare project will help reduce the wildfire hazard near Williams Lake and restore grown-in Interior Douglas-fir stands to a natural and more desirable state. The scope of this project includes the removal of surface and ladder fuels, as well as pruning and thinning the existing stand to create crown separation and reduce the risk of a high-intensity crown fire.

 

Pile Burning may happen as early as Nov 1, 2024, and continue periodically until March 20, 2025. Ignitions and burning will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow smoke to dissipate.

 

Smoke and flames may be visible for motorists traveling on Highway 97 and from the south side of Williams Lake.

 

For more information regarding the Ventilation Index and Open Burning and Smoke Control Regulations, please visit: Ventilation Index - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

 

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: Wildfire Service - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

 

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

 

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

 

Shelly Harnden, RFT – Contract Manager

Land and Resource Coordinator

Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest District

Phone: 250-706-6276

Email: Shelly.Harnden@gov.bc.ca

Wildfire Risk Reduction project planned above Comer Hill Estates MHP

From the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Borland Creek Logging Ltd and BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a fuel management project above Comer Hill Estates Mobile Home Park and along the North side of Soda Creek Road.

Completion of this 15.3 hectare project will help reduce the wildfire hazard near Williams Lake and restore grown-in Interior Douglas-fir stands to a natural and more desirable state. The scope of this project includes the removal of surface and ladder fuels, as well as pruning and thinning the existing stand to create crown separation and reduce the risk of a high-intensity crown fire.

Burning may start as early as Nov 1, 2024 and continue periodically until March 20, 2025. Ignitions and burning will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow smoke to dissipate.

Smoke and flames may be visible from Soda Creek Rd, Mackenzie Ave, and the community of Williams Lake.

For more information regarding the Ventilation Index and Open Burning and Smoke Control Regulations, please visit: Ventilation Index - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: Wildfire Service - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

Williams Lake Council to hold Special Committee of the Whole session Friday at 12 noon!

Williams Lake Council has scheduled a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Friday (Nov 1st, 2024) at 12pm to discuss Water Treatment Plant Disinfection Options/Next Steps

The full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Final Count Complete in BC Election 2024

Courtesy of Elections BC:

Final count for the 2024 Provincial General Election is now complete in every provincial electoral district in British Columbia

Voting results for each electoral district by party and candidate are available on the Elections BC website.

The results in the Kelowna Centre and Surrey-Guildford electoral districts are subject to automatic judicial recounts. Under the Election Act (BC), judicial recounts must take place if, at the conclusion of final count, the difference between the top two candidates is less than 1/500th of the total ballots considered.

In Kelowna Centre, the threshold for a judicial recount is 49 votes. The difference between the top two candidates is 38 votes.

In Surrey-Guildford, the threshold for a judicial recount is 38 votes. The difference between the top two candidates is 27 votes.

Under section 139 of the Election Act (BC), an application for a judicial recount must be made within six days of the conclusion of final count. The deadline for judicial recount applications is November 4, 2024. Applications are made to the Supreme Court of British Columbia and must be on the bases set out under section 139 of the Election Act (BC).

A judicial recount is conducted by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and may include some or all of the ballots and certification envelopes for an election. The timing of the recount will be determined by the Court.

A record 2,107,152 voters participated in the 2024 provincial election. Preliminary voter turnout is estimated at 58.3%.

Statement from BC's Lt-Governor re: BC Election 2024

Courtesy of the Hon. Janet Austin - BC's Lt-Governor:

“As Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, I have spoken with Premier David Eby, who has advised me that he is prepared to continue as Premier of British Columbia. This follows the outcome of the October 19, 2024, provincial election, having received today, October 28, 2024, assurances from Elections BC of the results of the final count.

I extend my thanks to all candidates who ran, and to those departing the Legislative Assembly for their dedicated service to the province.

I also wish to thank the entire team at Elections BC, and to express my gratitude to all British Columbians who voted and took time to participate in our democracy.”

Voters approve loan for new Red Bluff Fire Hall

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Voters have given the green light for the Cariboo Regional District to build a new firehall, allowing the CRD to borrow up to $3.25 million after a referendum. 273 votes were cast in favour of the proposal, while 114 votes were cast against it. Voter turnout is estimated to be about 12% based on the 2,200 houses in the Quesnel Fringe Fire Protection Service area.

With this result, the CRD’s Board will be able to adopt the necessary loan authorization bylaw to start construction of a new firehall. The contract for building the new firehall is also expected to be put out to open tender following a detailed design process and confirmation of financing. The loan would be paid off over 30 years and residential property taxes would increase by $21.40 per $100,000 of assessed value to pay for the loan. An average home would see an increase of $70.62 per year based on a $330,000 assessed value.

“The Red Bluff Firehall provides protection to a very large area, including properties in Red Bluff, Dragon Lake, Richbar, and South Quesnel,” said Mary Sjostrom, Electoral Area “A” Director. “Thank you to everyone who voted for your support and allowing the Cariboo Regional District to build a new firehall to meet the needs of our volunteers and of our growing community for years to come.”

The Red Bluff Firehall was first built in 1981 and enables the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department to provide fire protection to properties in Red Bluff, Dragon Lake, Richbar, and South Quesnel. Due to a much larger population, significant commercial and industrial developments, and changing firefighting standards, the existing firehall no longer meets the needs of the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department and must either be retrofitted or replaced.

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Oct 18th, 2024 mtg

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD):

Invasive Species Council presents its hit list for invasive species

Gail Wallin of the Invasive Species Council of BC presented to the Board about the invasive species management priorities for the Cariboo Chilcotin, along with their own community education and outreach activities in the region. Species of high concern included:

• Black Henbane (Early Detection and Response designated)
• Blueweed
• Burdock
• Spotted Knapweed
• Orange Hawkweed
• Hoary Alyssum
• Yellow Flag Iris

Other species of concern flagged included feral pigs (reported sitings in the Cariboo), and invasive fish species such as goldfish (abandoned as pets into watersheds) and small mouth bass (illegally introduced for recreational fishing) which present hazards to the sustainability of lake and stream ecosystems.

Tatla Lake Community Hall Solar Panels

$28,000 has been committed towards installing solar panels at the Tatla Lake Community Hall. This funding comes from a $150,000 allocation of the CRD’s share of Community Works Funds, targeted at community hall energy efficiency and water conservation projects. Electricity generated by these solar panels will lower the carbon footprint of the building and reduce operating costs, freeing up funds for other projects at the hall.

UBCM CRI Application for Fire Departments

The CRD will be asking for more funding for its 14 volunteer fire departments from the Province of BC’s Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training grant. The CRD is applying for up to $40,000 for each fire department for firefighting equipment (such as Self-Contained Breathing Appratus, hand tools, or turnout gear) and specialized training. In 2024, the CRD successfully obtained $358,000 for a variety of equipment, which helped reduce the costs of operating the department to the communities they serve.

UBCM CRI application for FireSmart

A funding application will be made to the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program expand the Cariboo Regional District’s FireSmart programs and actions in 2025. In 2024, the Cariboo Regional District launched a FireSmart Education program, focused on meeting with residents and communities to highlight the importance of FireSmart principles and practices, and how to incorporate them into how we manage our properties. This year’s request includes continued funding for a FireSmart Educator position and the development of Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans (CWRPs) for Electoral Areas D, E, F, G, H, and L. This will position the CRD to access future funding for FireSmart initiatives.

Emergency Management Strategic Plan approved

The Board has approved a new Emergency Programs Services Strategic Plan to guide how the CRD governs and manages emergency operations going forward. The Strategic Plan was developed following major legislative changes caused by the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, BC’s new framework for emergency management by local and provincial authorities. Recommended actions that are part of the plan include pursuing regional partnerships to maximize organizational capacity and financial resources, adapting the program to new legislative requirements, and restructuring the staffing of the Emergency Program Services department to better reflect the emergency management needs of the region.

Emergency Notification System usage defined in policy

The CRD has formalized how it will use its emergency notification system under a new policy statement. The CRD will remain committed to using the notification system to spread information about CRD actions to protect life-safety of residents, including evacuation alerts and orders, boil water advisories, and shelter-in-place notifications. However, the CRD will not use the system to broadcast notifications from other authorities, such as air quality advisories, burning prohibitions, or critical service disruptions. Residents in the Cariboo-Chilcotin can sign up to receive emergency notifications online through the CRD’s website: www.cariboord.ca/emergencynotification

Upcoming Meetings:

Nov. 6 @ 9:30 a.m. – Finance-Budget Committee

Nov. 6 @ 3:00 p.m. – Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus

Nov. 7 @ 9:30 a.m. – CCRHD/CRD Board

Nov. 12 @ 3:00 p.m. – North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus

Nov. 12 @ 5:30 p.m. – North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee

Elections BC "Final Count" Timeline from Oct 26-28, 2024

From Elections BC:

Initial count is complete in all electoral districts across the province, and Elections BC is preparing to administer final count for the 2024 Provincial General Election. Under the Election Act (BC), final count cannot begin until at least the fourth day after Final Voting Day, and candidates cannot officially be declared elected until final count is complete. Final count is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

Initial count

Initial count began after polls closed at 8 p.m. Pacific time on October 19. Results from voting places with tabulators were reported faster than ever before, with first results reported within 15 minutes and over 50% of results within 30 minutes. There were non-technology voting places throughout the province, and results from these manual counts were not reported until later in the evening. Extensive out-of-district results from B.C.’s “vote anywhere” model also took more time to report.

Elections BC’s goal was to report 50% of preliminary results by 8:30 p.m., which was achieved with 59% of preliminary results reported by that time. By 9 p.m. 85% of preliminary results had been reported. Under the manual counting processes in the 2017 B.C. election, 13.5% of preliminary results had been reported by 9 p.m. on election night.

Results reporting on election night slowed after 9 p.m. for several reasons. The manual count of ballots at non-technology voting places took longer to complete and report. For voting places with tabulators, election officials were focused on reporting out-of-district ballots. Out-of-district ballots take longer to report because election officials must report ballots from multiple electoral districts (in some voting places ballots from over 50 other districts had been cast). On Elections BC’s website, many districts showed their results complete except for one ballot box from Final Voting Day. Before confirming that all ballot boxes from advance voting and final voting have reported, election officials check that the results they have reported are accurate as a quality assurance measure. This process took time but was essential to ensure results had been reported accurately.

Results reporting paused early in the morning on October 20 with results 99.72% reported, and resumed later on the morning of October 20.

Most types of ballots are counted at initial count. This includes ballots from advance voting, Final Voting Day, and mail-in ballots received by mail before the close of advance voting. Some ballots cannot be counted until final count, because they require additional integrity checks to ensure the voter was eligible to vote and that they only voted once. Ballots counted at final count include mail-in ballots returned after the close of advance voting, and out-of-district ballots cast by voters at non-technology voting places.  

Final count

Election officials are now preparing for final count, scheduled for October 26 to 28. As part of this process, further quality assurance checks are conducted on the results reported at initial count. Any transcription errors identified will be corrected on the Elections BC website and candidates will be notified. Ballots considered at final count are screened before being counted to ensure that the voter was eligible and that they only voted once.

Final count includes absentee and mail-in ballots that cannot be counted at initial count. The majority of the ballots counted at final count will be mail-in ballots. Packages could be returned up until 8 p.m. Pacific time on October 19, either by mail or in person. Many packages were received close to the deadline and must be counted at final count. Elections BC estimates that approximately 49,000 ballots will be considered at part of final count. A breakdown of the number of ballots being considered at final count by electoral district will be provided before final count starts.

Voting results will be updated on Elections BC’s website during preparations for final count the week of October 21 (to correct any transcription errors) and while final count progresses from October 26 to 28.

Recounts

District electoral officer recounts will take place in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre electoral districts. Under the Election Act, recounts must take place in these districts because the difference between the top two candidates is 100 votes or fewer. These recounts will take place as part of final count between October 26 and 28. Under the Election Act, ballots at district electoral officer recounts are counted manually, by hand. Candidates or official agents can also request district electoral officer recounts until October 22. Recount requests may only be made for the reasons outlined in section 139(2) of the Election Act.

Judicial recounts may occur after the conclusion of final count. If the difference between the top two candidates in an electoral district is less than 1/500th of the total ballots considered, a judicial recount must take place. Judicial recounts are conducted by a justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and may include some or all of the ballots in an election. Judicial recounts can also be requested by a candidate for the same reasons as a district electoral officer recount (see section 139(2) of the Election Act). Judicial recount requests must be made within six days of the conclusion of final count (November 4).

Voter turnout

At the conclusion of initial count, voter turnout was estimated to be 57.41%. This is up from the last B.C. election in 2020, in which 53.86% of registered voters cast a ballot. As of the close of initial count, 2,037,897 ballots have been cast, the most ever in a provincial election in B.C. The previous record was 1,986,374 votes cast in the 2017 provincial election.

Williams Lake Council meets in Committee of the Whole Tuesday!

This coming Tuesday (October 29th, 2024) at 6pm -- Williams Lake Council meets in Committee of the Whole.  On the Agenda:

* Review of Fee for Service Agreements

* Review Grant in Aide/Grants for Assistance applications to prepare for discussion with Cariboo RD Areas D,E,F,J,K Directors in late November... 

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 22nd, 2024 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Policies

As per City Development & Review Policy IWC-15, the Policy and Bylaw and Financial Sustainability and Audit Committees are conducting a five-year review of Council and Administrative policies.

Union of BC Municipalities Convention

Five members of Council participated in this years' convention. Councillors Elliott, Goulet, Roodenburg, Runge and Vik travelled to Vancouver, to represent our community and take in a variety of sessions available to participants.  Council identified several topics that were relevant to Quesnel, including Indigenous Relations, housing, homelessness / encampments, public safety, climate change, transportation, water solutions and emergency preparedness. 

2025 Council Remuneration

As per the Council Remuneration Policy, Council remuneration is adjusted annually by the BC Stats consumer price index for September. Council Remuneration will increase by 2.0% on January 1, 2025. 

Development Services

Council waived one of the Multi-Unit Incentive Bylaw’s livability requirements for the proposed 17-unit housing development at 668 Doherty Drive.., permitting eight units to have balconies where all units are required by the incentive bylaw. 

Grants

Council approved the following grant applications:

• Northern Development Initiative Trust - $20,000 Business Façade Improvement 
• Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Volunteer & Composite Fire Department Training & Equipment funding program, to increase the capacity of the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department, offering auto extrication and a fire officer program.

• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program - Tourism Capacity Enhancement Project 

Indigenous Relations 

Indigenous Liaison Councillor Roodenburg, advised that on November 5th, City Council will sit down to dinner with Lhtako Dene Council and Elders.

In response to a letter from Nazko First Nation, the City will be reaching out to Nazko to set up meetings to further dialogue and relationship building.

Councillor Roodenburg noted that Council's commitment to reconciliation will then have them reaching out to Lhoosk'uz Dene Nation and ?Esdilagh First Nation to start building relations with all four of our neighbouring Indigenous communities.

Bylaws

• Bylaw 1957 - Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1957, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Final Adoption
• Bylaw 1958 - Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1958, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Final Adoption

Announcements/Events

• October 25/24 – 1:00 – 4:00 pm – The Quesnel Lions Club is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a free swim at the Quesnel Arts & Recreation Centre.
• October 31/24 – 3:00 – 4:30 pm – Spooktacular Halloween - The Rotary Club of Quesnel is hosting a costume parade at Dunrovin Park Lodge.  Register in advance at rotaryhalloweenparade@gmail.com
• October 31/24 – Grant opportunity - The Rotary Club of Quesnel will distribute $1600 to local musical organizations.  Deadline is October 31st – check out the application process on their Facebook page.
• October 24/24 – 12:00 pm – World Polio Day. The Rotary Club of Quesnel is hosting an open public meeting at the Legion hall.

The October 22, 2024 Council Meeting was unable to be recorded due to technical difficulties. As a result, no video recording is available.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Oct 23rd, 2024 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld and M. LeBourdais

Present from City of Williams Lake: Councillors S. Boehm, J. Flaspohler and S. Nelson

Meeting Chair: Director M. LeBourdais

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

Business:

1) The Committee received for information the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Performances in the Park 2024 Report' 

2) The Committee received for information the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2024-2028 Strategic Plan'

3) The Committee endorsed Fee for Service renewals for both Williams Lake Cycling Club and Scout Island Trails 

4) The Committee agreed to recommend the following to the Regional Board:

*  That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 17, 2024 regarding the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2025 Business and Financial Plans be received, and the plans be endorsed as presented

  * That pursuant to the report of Brandy Links, Community Services Facility Manager, City of Williams Lake dated October 17, 2024, the Board endorse the proposed adjustment of funds in the current capital budget as outlined and reallocate $20,000 from unspent capital funds from completed 2024 capital projects for the purchase of four new Pump Impellers for the West Fraser Aquatics Centre

* That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 17, 2024 regarding the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2025-2029 business and financial plans and the 2024-2029 capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be received, and the plans be endorsed as amended (Add Business Plan Goal: Participate in Discussion for new Bike, Skate and Scooter facility in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake) 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson 

5) The Committee agreed to recommend to Williams Lake Council/Regional District Board that the draft 2025 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule be approved

The Committee discussed the Response Letter from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy re Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable and referred the item to the January 2025 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

The Committee received its' Action Page and agreed to remove Item #4 and #5

The Committee adjourned at 7:15pm

Lac La Hache gets new water treatment system

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Water supplied through the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Lac La Hache water system will soon be protected from bacterial infections through chlorination of the drinking water supply. While most communities in B.C. chlorinate their drinking water supply, the Lac La Hache water system has not been chlorinated, and coliform bacteria have been previously detected in the system.

Chlorine is a versatile disinfectant that kills many types of bacteria, viruses and parasites (pathogens) that cause water-borne infections. Some water-borne infections can cause severe illness and even death. Water suppliers add chlorine disinfectants to drinking water to protect public health and protect against contamination from the pipes water travels through.

The well replacement and treatment process was made possible by $750,000 in funding from the BC Growing Communities Fund. To ensure that water supplied through this well was safe to drink, filtration and disinfection processes were included. This also reduces the potential requirement to issue boil water notices to residents in the future because of the reduced risk of pathogens being present in the water supply.

The CRD Utilities Department will be holding a public information meeting on November 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Lac La Hache Community Hall. Electoral Area "G" Director, Al Richmond, and the CRD's Utilities Manager, Kelly McDonald, will be present to answer questions and provide residents with more information about their water system. For more information, please contact the Utilities Department at 1-800-665-1636 or by email to mailbox@cariboord.ca

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Oct 22nd, 2024 mtg

Present: Acting Mayor S. Nelson and Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, and Lyons

Absent: Mayor SPS Rathor and Councillor A. Delainey

Editor's Note -- Councillor Micheal Moses is currently on unpaid leave of absence from Williams Lake City Council/Committee meetings' until end of October 2024, due to his participation as a BC NDP candidate in the Provincial Election of October 19th, 2024 

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

Meeting Agenda approved

Meeting Video here

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Williams Lake City Council held October 8th, 2024 were adopted

Delegations:

None

Business:

1) Council received for information a report of the Manager of Planning & Development regarding an update on the Boitanio Mall redevelopment project and Staff were directed to report back to Council on options for keeping the Boitanio Mall project moving forward in 2025 

2) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated October 8, 10 and 17, 2024

The Acting Mayor acknowledged the presence of Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth at tonight's meeting of Williams Lake City Council 

3) Council endorsed a recommendation from a previous meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows:

That the report of the Deputy Corporate Officer, City of Williams Lake, dated September 18, 2024, be received and that Council approve the proposed amendment to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference to allow for an annual special joint review meeting to include all members of City Council and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Area D, E, F, J and K Directors, for consideration of funding applications submitted under the CRD’s Grants for Assistance Program and the City’s Community Grants Program, respectively.

4) Council approved an application to the Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Forest Transition stream for financial assistance toward the proposed Airport Café Project for a new facility to be located within the Williams Lake Regional Airport terminal building

5) Council approved an application to the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for $37,500.00 toward a Williams Lake Fire Department Structural Turnout Gear Washing and Drying System

6) Council received letters regarding meetings at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention, as follows:

* Deputy Minister of Housing Teri Collins

* Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Fazil Mihlar

7) Council received the September 25th, 2024 meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee

8) In relation to the request of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 139 in their letter dated October 9, 2024, Council:

a) approved the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 24 to November 11, 2024;

b) approved the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11, 2024, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

c) approved the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony; and further,

d) authorized the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole for the week of November 7 through 11, 2024

9) In relation to the letter from the Williams Lake Hospice Society dated October 15, 2024 - Council:

a) approved the placement of the 'In Memory' Book, signage and ornaments in the City Hall lobby from November 2024 leading up to the event, as well as a donation/draw box to be located at the reception counter during these dates;

b) approved the use of the City Hall lobby and a tree for displaying of the name ornaments from November through to Christmas;

c) approved the use of Council Chambers for a small ceremony for the reading of the 'In Memory' Book names to be recorded and posted for public viewing online;

d) approved the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the Memory Tree event taking place outside City Hall on Sunday, December 1, 2024 for the lighting of the Hospice Tree, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

And that the event be coordinated with City Staff and the Fire Department

10) Council received a letter from the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) dated October 18, 2024 requesting consideration of endorsement of their regional Mental Health and Addictions Accord and inviting a representative from Council to participate in the Symposium being held November 14, 2024 in Prince George, BC and that Council issue a letter of support in favour of this NCLGA initiative 

Acting Mayor S. Nelson advised that he was serving Notice that the following Resolution of Council would be brought forward for reconsideration at the November 5th, 2024 Williams Lake City Council Meeting:

That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024, the presentation from Cianna O'Connor regarding overdose awareness be received for information; and further, that Council work with the Interior Health Authority to discuss safe consumption sites.

11) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of October 22nd, 2024 

Council received a verbal update from the Manager of Economic Development in relation to the situation at the Atlantic Power Co-Gen Power Plant

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Closed Council Meeting:

At  6:28pm -- Council resolved the following:

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 of the Community Charter, as follows: 

(1a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality 

Council adjourned at 6:29pm