Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education Meetings | Week of January 26-30, 2026

A number of Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education will be meeting during the week of January 26-30, 2026, as follows: 

Quesnel - Meetings, as noted below: 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Recommendations

* CanExport grant application for an Industrial Lands Inventory 

* Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department Call-out Annual Report

* Public Safety and Development - Next Steps

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 9:00am in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: '

* Continuing discussions on 2026 Operating/Capital Budgets

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Trustee Liaison Appointment Approval (verbal) 

* Report of the Superintendent

* Financial - Q2 Finance Report 

* Report from previous Committee of the Whole meeting

* Board Meeting Structure - Revised Procedural Bylaw (Interim Feedback Received)  

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart Street, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Percy Guichon, CEO Central Cariboo Rehabilitation Ltd. & Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent re Palmer Project Update and Letters of Support Request

* Williams Lake Curling Club - Application for Liquor License Change

* Memorandum of Understanding for Emergency Support Services with Cariboo Regional District - 2026 Renewal

* Appointment of Election Officials - 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Election (Mayor/6 Councillors and SD27 Zone 6 Trustee) 

* Requests from Councillor Nelson re: Support for City of Richmond's Public Safety Camera System and Support for Paramedics

* Endorse recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole meeting

* Letter from Consus Management Ltd. re Roots on First Facility Concerns

* Closed Council Meeting: Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House -- Meetings, as noted below, in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026: 

1) Committee of the Whole at 4:30pm-- On the Agenda: 

* South Cariboo VIC Year End Update 

* Economic Development Strategy

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Regular Council Meeting at 5:30pm -- On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- i) Community Living BC – Inclusive Housing and ii) Community Futures Cariboo-Chilcotin – PASS Program

* Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 

* Closed Council Meeting -- Sections 90(1c) and 90(2b(i)) [labour and confidential negotiations between the municipality, provincial/federal governments and a 3rd Party] of the Community Charter 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

1) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- Brian Hansen, from the Indoor Turf Facility Working Group re: Update and Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, from the City of Williams Lake and Montana Russell in attendance to present information on a request to place artwork in the lobby of the Aquatic Centre of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

* Information Items --CCACS FALL 2025 Grant Award Update; 2025 Performances in the Park Report - Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and CMRC Grant Application for Building Accessibility Upgrade Projects

View the full Meeting Agenda here

BC Wildfire Service prescribed burn planned for Dipping Road

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation, will conduct a prescribed burn approximately 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake on the north side of Highway 20.

When and where

Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday, January 22, 2026, and continue periodically until Friday, February 13, 2026, as weather permits.
The prescribed burn will cover up to 20 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest.
Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dissipation.

What to expect

Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling on Highway 20.
Low-to moderate-intensity spot fires will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.
Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Continuing previous Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest. This project is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.

Learn more

Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

Learn more about prescribed burning online at http://www.prescribedfire.ca

Reporting

To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.

Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.

Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.

Contact

Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

2026/23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum commences!

Today sees the start of the 2026 or 23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum in the City of Prince George on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh 

The Forum's full Program can be viewed here

A number of the Cariboo RD Area Directors as well as the Mayor of Williams Lake, Surinderpal Rathor, are attending the Forum in Prince George this week and look forward to hearing about their experiences at the Forum upon their return back to the Cariboo-Chilcotin 

The 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum runs from January 20-22, 2026

Cariboo RD Area "A" By-Election 2026 - Nomination Period Closes

Following the termination of the nomination period for the Cariboo Regional District's Area "A" by-election on January 16, 2026 at 4:00pm -- two individuals have been formally nominated for the position of Cariboo Regional District Area "A" Director to complete the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, as follows: 

* Nicole Audet

* Chris Helmink

Following a standard 7 day candidate withdrawal period (January 16 to 23, 2026) -- the Cariboo Regional District's Chief Election Officer (assuming no candidate withdraws) will then make a formal declaration in the afternoon of January 23, 2026 that a "Election by Voting" will be required... and that will take place on February 21, 2026

More details on the Cariboo Regional District website here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education Meetings | Week of January 19-23, 2026

During the week of January 19-23, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards' of Education will be meeting, as follows: 

Wells - Meetings of Wells Council in Wells Council Chambers or via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells, BC) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - as follows: 

i) Closed Session from 2-3pm and from 4:45pm to 5:30pm as per Sections 92 + 90(1a - appointment and 1L - Strategic Planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

ii) Open Session from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Updates on Strategic Priority Projects

* Report from Mayor Coleman

* Report from the Chief Administrative Officer

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel - Meetings, as noted below: 

1) Special Closed/In-Camera Quesnel Council meeting on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 from 4-5pm in the Forestry Innovation Centre as per Section 92 + 90(2b - confidential negotiations between City of Quesnel, Provincial/Federal Governments and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter to facilitate a meeting with the Hon. Ravi Parmar - BC's Minister of Forests.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here 

2) Policy/Bylaw Committee on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Development Applications Procedures bylaw - Discussion

* Multi-Unit Tax Exemption Limit

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the Open Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Margaret-Anne Enders & Robert Fahoum re Proposed City Actions for Gaza

* Discussion re: Parking near Cariboo Memorial Hospital 

* Update - UBCM Mental Health 9-1-1 Option

* Artificial Intelligence Policy No. 236

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally -- a number of Cariboo-Chilcotin Mayors/Councillors or Directors from the Cariboo Regional District will be attending the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 19-22, 2026.  Full details here.  I personally will not be attending the Natural Resources Forum this year but look forward to hearing details about the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum from my Cariboo Regional District colleagues upon their return from Prince George.... 

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - January 16, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors C. Oakes, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, E. Coleman, S. Rathor, M. Pinkney and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 9:52am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Director Oakes (Area "A") and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Quesnel) to today's Board Meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the Special Board meeting on December 19, 2025 was received/adopted

Delegations/Presentations - 1:00pm:

Kalyn May, Invasive Plant Management Coordinator, appeared before the Board to present the annual Invasive Plant Management Report for 2025 - presentation here

Following her presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued...

The Chair thanked Ms. May for her time/information:

Business:

1) Following a Public Hearing, the Board gave 3rd Reading to North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5510, 2025 (Area B/5289 Quesnel-Hixon Rd) 

2) The Board rejected 2 Development Variance Permits, as follows: 

* Area G/5606 103 Mile Lake Rd as there is space for the mobile home and shed to be located elsewhere on the property

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director B. Anderson (Area “K”) 

* Area L/7645 Beazely Rd as it is not in the public interest to approve the requested variances

3) The Board approved Notices on Title in Electoral Areas "C", "H" and "L"

4) The Board agreed to re-appoint George Atamanenko, Greg Atherton, Marilyn Buyar, Elizabeth Hunter, Rocky Nenka, and Brent Rutherford to the Heritage Steering Committee for a two-year term ending December 31, 2027

5) The Board approved up to $25,000 for a preliminary feasibility study for a potential regional water system serving the South Cariboo

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Pinkney, Forseth and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Electoral Area "D", District of 100 Mile House and City of Quesnel) 

Meeting recessed at 11:00am to CCRHD Board

Meeting resumed at 1:00pm 

1:00pm Presentation — see above re: 2025 CRD Invasive Plant Annual Report 

6) The Board approved a Year Round Grant For Assistance application for the 100 Mile Lions Club in the amount of $1,000 and funded from Areas G,H,L divided equally 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Oakes, Bachmeier, Anderson and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Areas A,B,K + City of Quesnel) 

7) The Board approved a grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for $49,500 in funding from the Labour Market Research Plans Program and that the appropriate Cariboo Regional District signatories be authorized to enter into necessary agreements, should the grant application be successful

8) In relation to the "Make the Move" Project -- the Board authorized the following: 

* That Procurement Policy No. 2023-9-32 be waived, permitting the direct award of a marketing services agreement for the Rural Workforce Retention and Expansion project to War Room Inc. for up to $70,000 plus applicable taxes, based on the firm's foundational work already completed for this project, which will maximize efficiency and value

*That the appropriate Cariboo Regional District signatories be authorized to execute the marketing services agreement for the Rural Workforce Retention and Expansion project with War Room Inc.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director B. Anderson (Area "K") 

9) The Board authorized applying to the BC Air Access Grant Program for the Anahim Lake Airport Apron Expansion Project in the amount of $1,650,000 and that up to $1,000,000 in Community Works Funding through the Community / Regional Impact Project stream be approved as matching support for the grant and that the Anahim Lake Airport five-year financial plan be amended, if the grant is successful, to allocate up to $200,000 in capital reserves 

10) The Regional Fire Chief provided a Training Update for the 14 Volunteer Fire Departments in the Cariboo Regional District 

11) The Board approved the proposed realignment of the Board on the Road program to the CRD Community Engagement Sessions model, consisting of four sessions annually rotated through Electoral Areas, and directed staff to update the existing Board on the Road Policy to reflect this change

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

12) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of December 2025, in the amount of $2,253,715.48

13) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees or Commissions, as follows: 

a) Annual Grants for Assistance - Electoral Area "B": 

At request of Director Bachmeier -- a Grant to the North Cariboo Seniors' Council was approved in the amount of $10,000 and to be charged against Electoral Area Grant Budgets as follows: 

Area A - $4,500

Area B - $3,500

Area I - $2,000

and that a letter be forwarded to North Cariboo Seniors’ Council advising to apply to Quesnel Community Foundation in future years.. 

b) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus meeting of January 12th, 2026: 

Area "H" Director Margo Wagner be appointed to the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce and Area "G" Director Al Richmond be appointed to the South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation for 2026

c) South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting of January 12th, 2026: 

Up to $30,000 from the South Cariboo Recreation budget be made available to the 100 Mile Outdoor Rink Society to procure detailed electrical and mechanical engineering designs for the outdoor rink project

d) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting of January 14th, 2026: 

i) That the following representatives to Central Cariboo Community Committees, without meeting remuneration, be appointed for 2026:

Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce - Director Anderson

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Director LeBourdais

UNBC South Central Advisory Committee - Director Anderson

ii) $3,000 from the Tourism Event Support allocation in the Central Cariboo Economic Development function for the Williams Lake Cycling Club's Grant for Assistance application be approved

e) Finance/Budget Committee meeting of January 15th, 2026: 

i)  the preliminary budget be amended to include an allocation of up to $20,000 for a backup power generator at the Wildwood Fire Hall in Electoral Area "D" from the Community Works Fund

ii) the 2026 - 2030 Provisional Five Year Financial Plan be forwarded to the CRD’s Communications Department to be circulated for public consultation

14) The Board authorized a Public Assent Process in relation to Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025, as follows: 

i) That participating area approval is to be obtained through the Alternative Approval Process for Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

ii) That the Cariboo Regional District Board authorizes the Elector Response Form as attached hereto for the Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025 Alternative Approval Process, which allows for a single elector response on each form, and which may be accepted by email or facsimile provided it is an accurate copy of the original form

iii) That the Cariboo Regional District board has determined that 242 represents a fair determination of the total number of eligible electors for the Alternative Approval Process with respect to Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

iv) That the Cariboo Regional District Board has established March 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. as the deadline for receiving elector responses for the Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025 Alternative Approval Process

15) The Board discussed submitting 2026 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association Resolutions and took no further action… 

16) The Board received Information-Only items and following discussion, took no further action

Director E. Coleman (District of Wells) left the meeting at 3:48pm

17) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Cariboo Regional District Deka Lake Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5542, 2026

And then the Board adjourned at 4:02pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - January 16, 2026 mtg

Present: 

Directors Oakes, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Rathor, Pinkney, Smith and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 9:30am by the Deputy CAO 

The Deputy CAO called 3 times for nomination of CCRHD Board Chair for 2026:

Director Al Richmond was duly nominated

Hearing no further nominations -- Director Al Richmond was elected, by acclamation, Chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District for 2026

The Deputy CAO called 3 times for nomination of CCRHD Board Vice-Chair for 2026:

Director John Massier was duly nominated 

Hearing no further nominations -- Director John Massier was elected, by acclamation, Vice-Chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District for 2025

Director Richmond assumed the Chair at 9:32am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Director Oakes (Area "A") and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Quesnel) to today's Board Meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting was received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board received a number of Information Only items and following discussion, the Board authorized the Chair to sign the Northern Regional Hospital Districts' Memorandum of Understanding (reform of the Hospital District Act), on behalf of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District 

2) Interior Health/Regional Hospital Districts Memorandum of Understanding Renewal

A report from the Chief Financial Officer was presented to the Board 

Discussion ensued thereon 

Resolved: That the appropriate CCRHD signatories be authorized to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding renewal between Interior Health and Regional Hospital Districts within the Interior Health Authority region 

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

3) SCHF (South Cariboo Health Foundation) request for Foundation Partnership funding – Tilt Chairs and Ultrasound Machine

A report from the Chief Financial Officer was presented to the Board 

Discussion ensued thereon 

Resolved: That the request from the South Cariboo Health Foundation for the purchase of 10 tilt chairs and an ultrasound machine by way of a Foundation Partnership Grant, be authorized to a maximum of 40% ($50,800) of the total costs

The Chair provided a verbal report on his recent activities

Meeting recessed at 9:52am

Meeting resumed at 11:00am

4) In-Camera/Closed Board Session 

At 11:00am -- the Board proceeded to a closed session as per Sections 92 + 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter 

At 12:16pm -- the Board resumed its' open session 

And then the Board adjourned at 12:17pm

Quesnel Council Highlights - January 15th, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Land Donation

The City of Quesnel accepted a donation of land on Richards Road (Lot B, District Lot 6682, Cariboo District, Plan PGP20413 PID 009-956-131)

Dragon Mountain Fuel Treatment

Council directed staff to continue to advocate to the Provincial Government for the implementation of effective wildfire-risk-reduction activities within and adjacent to Dragon Mountain Provincial Park in order to protect the communications hub and to advance efforts for the construction of a secondary access road to the summit of Dragon Mountain to provide emergency egress.

City of Quesnel Vehicle Replacement Policy CF-12 

During the 5 year policy review, the Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee reviewed minor changes to the Fleet Policy and, based on industry standards, discussions with other fleet managers, and a review of the City’s equipment costs, it was agreed that equipment lifecycle replacement remain unchanged. Language to the policy has been added, which ensures staff have the flexibility to apply discretion to all replacements based on usage and maintenance costs.

An analysis of our fleet was done, reviewing the history of the full life cycle costs of the equipment in our fleet. The city currently has 85 units in the fleet replacement program with a replacement value of approximately $13.7 million, including 34 light commercial, 17 heavy commercial, 9 Heavy Industrial, 9 medium industrial, 11 trailers, 3 passenger vehicles and 2 loader-mounted snow blowers.

Optimizing life cycle costs means replacing vehicles at the point where the combined cost of maintenance, depreciation, and lost resale value outweighs the cost of acquiring a new vehicle. This approach minimizes total costs over time and ensures reliability.

The cost of vehicles has had significant inflation, but staff remain vigilant in finding solutions to manage these rising costs.  Example: A grader purchased in 2019 for $425,833 (M106) is anticipated to cost $774,900 when we need to replace it in 2031.

Next Meeting:

January 18, 2026 - Special Closed meeting - the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests
January 27, 2026 - Regular Council meeting

Cariboo RD Finance/Budget Committee Highlights - January 15th, 2026 mtg

Present: Chair J. Glassford; Directors Oakes, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Rathor, Pinkney and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting commenced at 1:00pm 

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel) and Director Oakes' (Area "A") to the Committee's meeting today 

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (allocation of Community Works Funds for backup power generator for Wildwood Fire Hall, at request of Director Forseth) - click here

Minutes of the previous Committee meeting was adopted

Business:

1) The Committee received the following Business Plans: 

* South Cariboo Recreation (2026) - Revised

* 108 Greenbelt (2026)

* Central Cariboo Recreation (2026) 

* North Cariboo Recreation and Parks (2026)

* 2025 Operational Updates from South Cariboo Search and Rescue, South Cariboo Highway Rescue, Quesnel Search and Rescue, North Cariboo Highway Rescue, and West Chilcotin Search and Rescue

* Quesnel Search and Rescue Contribution Service (2026) - Revised

* Streetlighting (2026) - Revised

* Red Bluff Sewer (2026) - Revised

2) At the request of Director Forseth (Area "D") -- the Committee agreed unanimously to allocate up to $20,000 from the Cariboo Regional District's Community Works Fund for a backup power generator to be installed at the Wildwood Fire Hall 

3) The Committee authorized Staff to initiate public consultation on the Cariboo Regional District's 2026 Budget and 2026-30 Five Year Financial Plan   

And then the Committee adjourned at 2:09pm 

Tŝilhqot’in Nation Takes Action to Save Chilko Salmon from Catastrophic Risk

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

January 15, 2026

9:30am

Today, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) announced its commitment to protect Chilko salmon runs by advancing – and funding – urgent mitigation measures to prevent imminent rockfall at Nagwentled (Farwell Canyon) on the Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River), a critical corridor for Fraser River salmon migration.

TNG leads the Emergency Salmon Task Force, established in response to the Tŝilhqox Landslide in 2024. TNG raised the alarm when a geotechnical report commissioned by BC after the landslide found an “imminent risk” of rockfall into the Tŝilhqox at Nagwentled, the gateway for several critical salmon species to return to their spawning grounds. The Task Force has warned that further rockslides during the salmon migration period could be catastrophic and long-lasting, creating migration delays similar to the 2019 Big Bar landslide, with devastating impacts on already threatened salmon populations.

Nagwentled is a critical migration corridor for salmon stocks of local, regional, and international importance. This includes the iconic Chilko sockeye run, which regularly accounts for more than half of the total Fraser River sockeye return and plays a vital role for all First Nations along the Fraser River and marine approach fisheries including Vancouver Island, Canadian commercial fisheries, and southern US commercial and subsistence fisheries, making the consequences of disrupted passage at Nagwentled far-reaching and international in scale.

Facing this imminent risk, the Task Force has developed a proactive slope stabilization plan that includes manual scaling and targeted trim blasting – a well established and common approach for stabilizing slopes for infrastructure projects. This plan was collaboratively designed, assessed and supported for urgent action by all Task Force partners, which include technical representatives of TNG, BC and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance.

However, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation was alarmed by recent indications from both Canada and BC that funding will not be made available to support this proactive mitigation plan before the 2026 migration, putting these critical salmon populations at dire risk.

In response, TNG is announcing its commitment to fund this mitigation work itself, if government will not step up to prevent this potential catastrophe, rather than risk devastating impacts for salmon runs that the Tŝilhqot’in have protected and stewarded for generations. Costs are estimated at $2.5M – $3M (in contrast to more than $200M spent by DFO in response to the Big Bar Slide).

TNG has proactively engaged provincial and federal authorities to initiate permitting and is fully committed to consulting all impacted First Nations along the Fraser River who depend on these salmon for their sustenance and way of life.

“Salmon are the heart of our culture and who we are as Tŝilhqot’in, ‘People of the River’. Our way of life is at stake. Not just our way of life – these salmon feed Indigenous communities all along the Fraser River. It is unthinkable to us that Canada and BC would have full knowledge of this risk to salmon, have a mitigation plan that was developed together and ready to go, and still not take the steps needed to prevent catastrophe. We have so many dire needs for funding in our Communities, but we cannot idly stand by. Today we are putting our people and culture first and honouring our sacred duties to the salmon that feed us, to our ancestors and to our children and grandchildren. We ask government and all affected First Nations to stand with us and put the salmon first when they need us the most.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government, Tŝideldel First Nation

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights (Cariboo RD) - Jan 14, 2026 mtg

Present: Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Pare and Anderson

The Deputy Corporate Officer (L. Schick) called the meeting to order at 3:00pm and conducted the annual election of Caucus Chair 

Director Pare was duly nominated 

After calling 3 times -- the Deputy Corporate Officer declared Director T. Pare elected by acclamation as Chair of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus for 2026

Director Pare took the Chair at 3:05pm

Meeting agenda adopted, as amended (Discussion Item: Rural Road Maintenance, at request of Director S. Forseth)

Business:

1)  Central Cariboo Appointments for 2026

A report of the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That appointments to Central Cariboo Community Committees, without remuneration, be determined as follows

Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce - Director Anderson 

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Director LeBourdais

UNBC South-Central Advisory Committee - Director Anderson 

2)  Appointment of 2026 Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee

A report of the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved: That Director Neufeld be appointed as CRD Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee for 2026

3) Williams Lake Cycling Club Grants for Assistance Application 2026 (Annual Mountain Biking event on Fox Mountain)

Caucus discussed the referred item from the December 1, 2025 Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting and following discussion, directed Staff to provide a grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Central Cariboo Economic Development Service (annual events budget) to the Williams Lake Cycling Club for their annual event on Fox Mountain in Electoral Area "D"

4) Late Item - Discussion Item: Rural Road Maintenance (Dir. Forseth) 

Caucus held a general discussion regarding Rural Road Maintenance in Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Electoral Areas... 

Following discussion - no resolution resulted from the discussion

4) Action Page

Following discussion -- Caucus directed that Item #2 be removed and Item #1 be amended to clarify that it is in reference to the Fire Protection Contract between portions of Areas D,E,F of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake... 

And then Caucus adjourned at 3:26pm 

WL Council Highlights - January 13, 2026 mtg

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

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  - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegations/Presentations: None

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) listings dated December 18 and 23, 2025 and January 8, 2026

2) Council received for information the report of the Public Hearing for Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2429 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430 held December 16, 2025 

3) Council approved a letter of support for the City's application for the SPARC BC’s Local Community Accessibility Grants application for up to $25,000 towards making facility entrances better accessible at City Hall and the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and that the Central Cariboo Joint Committee be made aware of this resolution ... 

4) Council agreed to provide an updated NDIT/Northern Development Resolution regarding the Local Government Internship Program grant application 

5) Following received approval of the BC Ministry of Transportation/Transit -- Council adopted Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 

6) Council received for information a letter from the BC Ministry of Attorney General dated December 24, 2025 regarding the meeting at the Union of BC Municipalities 2025 Convention and discussions of concerns raised on repeat and violent offenders in BC communities

7) Council proclaimed the following: 

* the lights of City Hall be changed to teal on March 15, 2026 in recognition of Long COVID Awareness Day

* the lights of City Hall be changed to purple on May 12, 2026 for "Light Up for Fibromyalgia"

*January 25 to February 1, 2026 be proclaimed "Family Literacy Week" in the City of Williams Lake

* May 12, 2026 be proclaimed as "Environmental Sensitivities / Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (ES/MCS) Awareness Day" in the City of Williams Lake

* the lights of City Hall be changed to purple on May 24, 2026 for "National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day".

8) Council received the Council Information Package as of January 13, 2026 and following discussion, no further action was taken on the Council Information Package 

Members of Council reported on their recent activities 

Resolution to Close the Meeting:

At 6:25pm -- Council agreed to proceed to a Closed Council Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting - according to Sections 92 + 90 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified, as follows: 

(1f) - law enforcement, if the Council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment and; 

(2d) a matter that, under another enactment (law), is such that the public must be excluded from the meeting

And then Council adjourned at 6:26pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Boards of Education Meetings - Week of January 12-16, 2026

The following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Boards of Education Meetings during the week of January 12-16, 2026 will take place, as follows:

Quesnel -- 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Reports

* Wildfire Risk Reduction work on Dragon Mountain 

* Fleet Policy

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Governance and Strategy Committee/Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at in the Fraser Room Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Q4-2025 Operational Plan

* Discussion Items -- Advocacy emphasis for 2026, Relationship with the Cariboo Regional District and 2026-2030 Council Orientation 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Committees of the Whole on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 4pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Strong Start & Changing Results for Young Children Presentation 

* Cataline Elementary - Vancouver Field Trip

* Collective Responsibility Framework 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda: 

* Accessible Grant Application Approval - CMRC (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex) Entrances

* NDIT Grant Application - Local Government Internship Program - Updated Resolution

* Letter from Ministry of Attorney General re UBCM 2025 Convention Follow-up

* Closed Council Meeting - Sections 92 + 90(1f - law enforcement and 2d - matter that, under another law, is such that the public must be excluded from the meeting) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Targeted Sheep Grazing

* Skate Park location environmental considerations 

* Appointments for 2026 100 Mile House General Local Elections

* Bylaw Officer's report November and December 2025 

* Martin Exeter Hall - Air Conditioning Project 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings as noted below: 

1) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus/Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11am in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda: 

* Election of Chair

* Appointment of Co-Chair, South Cariboo Joint Committee

* Appointment of South Cariboo Community Committee Appointments 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 12:00pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda: 

* Discussion Items: District of 100 Mile Strategies in Response to West Fraser Mill Closure, South Cariboo Recreation Centre - Outdoor Rink and Media Booth Project

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus/Committee -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 3pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Election of Chair for 2026 

* Appointment of Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair

* Committee Appointments for 2026 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Finance/Budget Committee/Regular Meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Continue review of the draft 2026 Cariboo RD Budget/2026-30 Five Year Financial Plan 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

5) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District(CCRHD)/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Election of Chair/Vice-Chair for 2026

* Information Only Items (9)

* Interior Health/Regional Hospital Districts Memorandum of Understanding Renewal

* South Cariboo Health Foundation request for Foundation Partnership funding – Tilt Chairs and Ultrasound Machine

* In-Camera/Closed Board Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

6) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026 following either recess or adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Land Use Matters (Electoral Area Directors only)

* 1pm Delegation - Review of 2025 Cariboo RD Invasive Plants Program 

* Preliminary Feasibility Study re: South Cariboo Regional Water System

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance Application from the 100 Mile House Lions Club

* Northern Development Application – 2026 Labour Market Research Plans

* Regional Recruitment and Retention Project Update – Make the Move Program 

* Anahim Lake Airport Apron Expansion – BC Air Access Program Grant Application 

* Call for NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) 2026 Resolutions

* 2026 Annual Intake Grants for Assistance – Electoral Area B

* Cariboo Regional District Deka Lake Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5542, 2026 (Electoral Area "L") -- for consideration of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Cariboo RD Area "D" Community Survey for 2026

January 7, 2026
3:00pm

For those who reside in the Cariboo RD Area "D" unincorporated communities:

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

* Commodore Heights
* Fox Mountain
* Pine Valley
* Wildwood
* Deep Creek
* Xat'sull First Nation (Deep Creek/Soda Creek Reserves)
* Tyee Lake
* Soda Creek Valley
* McLeese Lake/Duckworth Lake
* Macalister
* Marguerite

Please find my annual Community Survey to seek your feedback on items that I and/or the Cariboo Regional District should be working on in 2026 ...

The survey can be accessed at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiw6E15oipd52Tam-1bBmxaxzqHNC8NLXU0Ef-yojORBZrDQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110011670273627915553

The deadline to complete the survey is January 31st, 2026 ...

Thank you in advance for completing the survey and I alone see the results for follow-up work....

Steve Forseth
Director - Electoral Area ‘D’ (Commodore Heights-McLeese Lake-Marguerite)

Cariboo Regional District