Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Sept 23rd, 2026 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld (Committee Co-Chair) and M. LeBourdais (Areas D,E,F) 

Present from City of Williams Lake: Mayor SPS Rathor (Committee Co-Chair) and Councillors M. Moses (via Zoom) and J. Flaspohler (via Zoom)

Meeting Chair: Mayor SPS Rathor

Meeting Location: Rick Hansen Boardroom, Williams Lake City Hall

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (meeting with SD27 Zones 4,5,6 Trustees, after October 2026 local elections to discuss status of Glendale and Marie Sharpe Elementary School projects: Dir. Forseth) - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meetings was adopted

Delegation:

1) Williams Lake Stampede Association Representatives Court Smith, Lorina Sundt, Liz Crosina and Kayla Jasper appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the Williams Lake Stampede 100th Year Event Planning Update

Following their presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business:

1) The Committee received the following items for information:

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Spring 2026 Grant Awards' Report

* 2026 Pool Operating Schedule Update

* 2026 CMRC Operational Update

* 2026 Williams Lake Mustangs & Williams Lake Stampeders Update

* CMRC Naming Rights Policy Brochure

* Verbal Update re CMRC Heat Recovery Project

* 2026 BC Consumer Protection Act Changes and CMRC Operations

2) The Committee discussed the following items: 

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2026-2028 Arts & Culture Fee for Service Agreement Contribution Recipients' Memo

* Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services (CCRLS) 2026 Business, Financial and Capital Plans (for feedback to inform 2027 CCRLS budget development)

* Letter from Billie Sheridan re CMRC Naming Rights Policy (referred by Council)

* Available Grants for Gibraltar Room Fee for October Rick Hansen Foundation Fundraising Gala

* Date Options for December Special CCJC/Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting re Central Cariboo Grant Applications

3) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Fee for Service Agreement Renewals - 2026-2028

A report from the Regional District Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: THAT the Committee recommend to the Regional Board: 

"That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 14, 2026, the recommendations of the Arts and Culture Fee for Service Committee be endorsed and that three-year contribution agreements, totalling $89,500, be entered into with the following groups at the noted annual amounts:

        Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society - $38,000;

        Station House Studio and Gallery Society - $23,500;

        Community Arts Council of Williams Lake - $7,000;

        Horsefly Historical Society and Museum - $4,500;

        Likely and District Chamber of Commerce Cedar City Museum - $4,500;

        150 Mile Greenbelt, Trails and Heritage Society Red School House Museum - $3,500;

        Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society - $3,500;

        Scout Island Nature Centre Art in Nature Program - $3,000;

        Women's Contact Society for the Annual Children's Festival - $2,000;

and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the contribution agreements as approved.

4) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Contracting Services Agreements Renewal

A report from the Regional District Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: THAT the Committee recommend to the Regional Board/City Council: 

That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 15, 2026, the Contract Services Agreement and the Arts Centre Management and Operations Agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed for five-year terms with annual payments of $81,000 and $35,000, respectively, plus applicable taxes; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements

5) Fees and Charges Bylaw 2024-2027 Recommended Updates

A report from the City of Williams Lake Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved: THAT the Committee recommend to the Regional Board: 

That pursuant to the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated August 25, 2026, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee receive and endorse the proposed updates to Fees and Charges Bylaw 5452 for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex for implementation January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029; and further, that the required amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw be brought forward to the Cariboo Regional District Board for consideration of approval.

6) Indoor Sport Facility Working Group Minutes & Feasibility Study RFP Award Recommendation

A report from the City of Williams Lake Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved: THAT the Committee recommend to City Council: 

That pursuant to the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated September 8, 2026, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee receive the Minutes of the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group meetings held August 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026, together with the results of the Request for Proposals process for an Indoor Sport Feasibility Study, for information; and further, that the Joint Committee endorse award of the Indoor Sport Facility Feasibility Study RFP to HCMA Architecture and Design for the bid price of $64,500, plus applicable taxes, and authorize staff to engage the company following final approval by Council

7) Late Item #1 - Joint Meeting between Joint Committee members/SD27 Zones 4,5,6 Trustees

Director Forseth reported on this item

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: That Staff arrange a meeting following the October 17, 2026 elections between members of Central Cariboo Joint Committee and School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Trustees for Zones 4,5,6 to discuss the current status of Glendale, Marie Sharpe school sites in the 1st half of 2027

8) Late Item #2 - The Committee discussed the Committee Meeting Agenda Format and following discussion, the Committee directed that similar items be grouped together on future Committee Meeting Agendas, at Staff's discretion 

9) Action Page

The Committee reviewed its Action Page and directed that Items 8,9 be removed from the Action Page

And then the Committee adjourned at 7:30pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Sept 22, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

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

Present via Zoom:

Councillor M. Moses

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 adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Jane Wellburn & Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group 

Presentation here

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

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council regarding an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group and request for continued support of research and funding opportunities for implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan and that the Plan be endorsed and budget resources be committed in support of the Williams Lake Active Transportation Network Plan over multiple years 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfers listings dated September 10 and 17, 2026

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings - as of September 22, 2026

* Council Information Package, as of September 22, 2026

2) Council approved a 2026 application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund ‘Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training’ Program for funding of up to $30,000 to enhance the capacity of the local Emergency Support Services (ESS) team

3) Council directed the Corporate Officer to file a Notice on Title (Section 57, Community Charter (BC)) for property at 3018 Edwards Drive for not being in compliance with the City of Williams Lake's Building Bylaw/BC Building Code

4) Council awarded the Works Yard Zone 2 Loop Upgrade contract, a phase of the Mackenzie Fireflow Rezoning project, to Morben Construction Ltd. for the construction tender amount of $154,707.94, excluding GST, for a total project value of $184,707.94

5) Late Items: 

* Council received a verbal report of the Mayor regarding the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention from Sept 14-18, 2026

* At request of Councillor Nelson -- 

That a letter be forwarded to the Provincial Government requesting information on the status of the San Jose Watershed (water entering Williams Lake and flowing into Williams Creek) and the plan of the Provincial Government 

And then Council adjourned at 7:09pm

44th General Election of BC called - Oct 24, 2026

BREAKING (September 22, 2026 at 12pm)

BC's Lt-Governor has dissolved the 43rd Parliament of British Columbia, at request of BC Premier/BC NDP Leader David Eby The 44th General Election of British Columbia will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 (1 week following BC Local Government Elections on Saturday, October 17, 2026)

As at dissolution of 93 total seats in the BC Legislature -- 

BC NDP had 47 

BC Conservatives had 29 

There were 13 Independents 

BC Greens had 2 seats 

And there were 2 Vacancies (Abbotsford-Mission and Vancouver-Strathcona)

Vandalism of Local Election Signs/We're better than that

Letter to the Editor:

It took barely a day.

Campaign signs started going up around Williams Lake and almost immediately some were vandalized or damaged. I will be sending a photo with this letter because sometimes an image says more than another paragraph ever could.

Election campaigns are supposed to be about choices. Different candidates. Different ideas. Different values. Sometimes very different visions of what our community should look like. That is democracy.

I call myself progressive, a supporter of diversity and I am proud to call myself woke. You don’t have to be and I will respect your choice. Call me whatever you like.

What I can’t support or respect is vandalism and the oppression of other people’s choices. If you dislike a candidate, don’t vote for them. If you disagree with their policies, challenge them. Write a letter. Ask them hard questions. Put up a sign for someone else. Knock on doors. Have a debate at the coffee shop. Democracy gives us plenty of ways to disagree.

Destroying somebody else’s campaign sign is not debate. It does not make an argument stronger. It simply says that someone decided their opinion mattered more than another resident’s right to express theirs. That should concern all of us, regardless of where we sit politically.

We are going to disagree during this election. Good. We should. A healthy community can handle disagreement. A healthy democracy depends on it. But disagreement has to come with some basic respect for each other, for candidates willing to put their names forward and for the neighbours who choose to support them.

Leave the signs alone.

Thomas A. Schoen

Williams Lake

2026 Declaration of Elected by Acclamation | Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education

Following the candidate challenge or withdraw period which expired on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 4pm

The Chief Election Officers for the Cariboo Regional District and School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) have now declared that the following candidates have been Elected by Acclamation, as follows: 

1) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Zone 2 - William Shepherd of 108 Mile House

Zone 6 - Micheal Franklin of Williams Lake

Zone 7 - Jenny Philbrick of Williams Lake 

2) Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors)

Electoral Area A – Red Bluff/South Quesnel: Ms. Nicole Audet

Electoral Area D – Fox Mountain/McLeese Lake: Mr. Steve Forseth

Electoral Area F – 150 Mile House/Horsefly: Ms. Maureen LeBourdais

Electoral Area I – West Fraser/Nazko: Mr. Jim Glassford

Electoral Area J – West Chilcotin: Mr. Tolin Pare

2026 Declaration of Election by Voting | Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education

Following the candidate challenge or withdraw period which expired on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 4pm

The Chief Election Officers for Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Cariboo Regional District and School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) have now declared that an Election by Voting is Required, as follows:

1) District of Wells

Following the close of the nomination and withdrawal period, the District’s Chief Election Officer has declared eleven candidates for office in the District of Wells.  Eligible voters will elect one Mayor and four Councillors.  

The term of office will be four years starting November 2026. 

Candidates for Mayor – One to be elected 

1) Jillian Merrick – Wells, BC 

2) Rocky Nenka – Wells, BC 

Candidates for Councillor – four to be elected 

1) Eric Andersen – Wells, BC 

2) Molly-Lynn Dehaan – Wells, BC 

3) Miriam Dumitra – Wells, BC 

4) Brodey Lamarche – Wells. BC 

5) Kathleen Landry – Wells, BC 

6) Joy Peters – Wells, BC 

7) Elyssia Sasaki – Wells, BC 

8) Mischele Stevens – Wells, BC 

9) Josh Trotter-Wanner – Wells, BC 

General Voting Day Saturday October 17, 2026, 8 am – 8 pm Wells District Office, 4243 Sanders Avenue Advance Voting Wednesday October 7, 2026, 8 am – 8 pm Wells District Office, 4243 Sanders Avenue 

2) City of Quesnel

MAYOR – One (1) to be elected (alphabetical)

OAKES, Coralee

PAULL, Ron

WATERS, Brian

COUNCILLORS – Six (6) to be elected (alphabetical)

ADAMS, Ryan

CAVE, Michael

DAVIS, Joni

DREW, Jeremy

ELLIOTT, Scott

FREEMAN, Ben

GOULET, Tony

JARDOSH, Jay

LECLERC, Robert

MACNEILL, Susan

MCKELVIE, Debra

NELSON, Linda

ROODENBURG, Laurey-Anne

RUNGE, Martin

SCHULTZ, Duane

STUMP, Chad

SUTTON, Richard

VIK, Mitch

Option to when/where to vote including Mail In Ballot option can be viewed here

3) School District #28 (Quesnel)

School Trustee – Seven (7) to be elected 

The candidates for School Trustee are: 

CAMPBELL, Vickie 

BOUDREAU, Lisa 

PAGE, Mike 

GOULET, Tony 

HUSKA, Melissa 

LEFEBVRE, Tarin 

FREEMAN, Ben 

SCHORCHT, Blanca 

RUNGE, Julie-Anne 

GRAHAM, Megan 

SCOTT, Lisa 

TELFORD, Tracy 

BEAUVILLIER, Kathy 

Information on where to vote can be viewed here

4) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Questions on when/where to vote can be emailed at Trusteeelections@sd27.bc.ca

5) City of Williams Lake

Questions on when/where to vote can be accessed here

6) District of 100 Mile House

Mayor (1 to be elected): 

i) David Jurek

ii) Maureen Pinkney (incumbent) 

Councillor (4 to be elected): 

i) Donna Barnett

ii) Erin Filtness

iii) Aaron Fulber

iv) Ryan Hindmarsh

v) Ralf Holzapfel

vi) Dave Mingo

vii) Norm Knutsen

viii) Marty Norgren

ix) Darren W Wilkinson

x) Dave Wishnowski

Information on when/where to vote can be viewed here

7) Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors)

Electoral Area B – Quesnel West/Bouchie Lake: Barb Bachmeier, Denice Bardua, Heloise Dixon-Warren and Robert Merz.

Electoral Area C – Bowron Lake/Barlow Creek/Barkerville: Clint Cave and John Massier.

Electoral Area E – South Lakeside/Dog Creek: Mary Forbes and Melynda Neufeld.

Electoral Area G – Lac La Hache/108 Mile House: Roz Griston, Al Richmond and Michele Spence.

Electoral Area H – Canim Lake/Forest Grove: John Kellett and Margo Wagner.

Electoral Area K – East Chilcotin: Betty Anderson and Bonnie-Jean Bathgate.

Electoral Area L – Lone Butte/Interlakes: Eric de Vries, Bo McKinney, Jake McLean and Dan Parker

Information on when/where to vote in Areas B,C,E,G,H,K and L (when known) can be accessed here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of September 21-25, 2026

During the week of September 21-25, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Staff Reports: Response to Deepening Crisis in British Columbia’s Forest Sector; City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1986 of 2026; Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit for 196 Tatchell Road; Temporary Use Permit or TUP - 395 Elliott Street (current status and next steps)

* Several Letters on the Temporary Winter Shelter at 395 Elliott Street

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group Update

* UBCM Grant Application - Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training Program

* Section 57 Notice on Title - 3018 Edwards Drive

* Works Yard Zone 2 Loop Upgrade (Phase of Mackenzie Fireflow Rezoning Project) - Award of Contract

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House -- Meetings, as referenced below, to take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue)

a) Committee of the Whole - 5pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Future amendment to Fees/Charges Bylaw

View the full Meeting Agenda here

b) Regular Council Meeting - 5:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 Capital Budget Update - as of September 22, 2026

* Bylaw Officer's Report for August 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

1) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - Regular Meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11am in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda:

* 108 Mile Heritage Site Contribution Agreement Renewal – South Cariboo Economic Development

* Fishing Highway 24 Contribution Agreement – South Cariboo Economic Development

* Lone Butte Historical Society Contribution Agreement Renewal – South Cariboo Economic Development

*  Contribution Agreement Renewal with the District of 100 Mile House for Sani-dump Operation

* Discussion Items: South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation and South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations: 

i) 100 Mile House Youth Initiative/Rotary Club re: collaboration on the skate park project, discuss next steps on funding, fundraising, and timelines

ii) Trekor re: update on Trekor’s Yellowhead Project, with a focus on the latest milestone the project has reached

* Information or Discussion Items: 

i) 108 Mile Heritage Site - A Regional Heritage and Tourism Asset 

ii) BC Transit - 100 Mile House Fare Review Report 2026

iii) South Cariboo Recreation 2026 Business Plan, Financial Plan, and Capital Plan (for direction and next steps) 

iv) South Cariboo Recreation Centre - Outdoor Rink

v) South Cariboo Recreation Centre - Media Booth 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement, 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

A) Delegation: Williams Lake Stampede Association Representatives Court Smith, Lorina Sundt, Liz Crosina and Kayla Jasper re Williams Lake Stampede 100th Year Event Planning Update

B) Business Items (where a Resolution of the Committee is REQUIRED): 

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Fee for Service Agreement Renewals - 2026-2028

* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Contracting Services Agreements Renewal

* Fees and Charges Bylaw 2024-2027 Recommended Updates

* Indoor Sport Facility Working Group Minutes & Feasibility Study RFP Award Recommendation

C) Information/Discussion Items (where a Resolution of the Committee is NOT REQUIRED): 

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Spring 2026 Grant Awards' Report

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2026-2028 Arts & Culture Fee for Service Agreement Contribution Recipients' Memo

* 2026 Pool Operating Schedule Update

* 2026 CMRC Operational Update

* Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2026 Business, Financial and Capital Plans (for feedback to inform 2027 CCRLS budget development)

* 2026 Williams Lake Mustangs & Williams Lake Stampeders Update

* CMRC Naming Rights Policy Brochure

* Letter from Billie Sheridan re CMRC Naming Rights Policy (referred by Williams Lake Council)

* Available Grants for Gibraltar Room Fee for October Rick Hansen Foundation Fundraising Gala

* Date Options for December Special CCJC Meeting re Central Cariboo Grant Applications

* Verbal Update re CMRC Heat Recovery Project (Stacey Miranda)

* 2026 BC Consumer Protection Act Changes and CMRC Operations

View the full Meeting Agenda here

 

 

 

UBCM Delegates call for seperation between Local and Provincial General Elections

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

Union of B.C. Municipalities President (and Prince George City Councillor) Cori Ramsay defended the concept of distinct election periods for local and provincial elections earlier today. 

“With rampant speculation that a snap provincial election is imminent, it is incumbent on provincial leaders to uphold the principle of separate periods for local and provincial elections,” said Ramsay. “The campaign period for local elections is about to begin in 188 communities across the province. With over 3,500 candidates competing and with a wide range of issues facing B.C.’s communities, residents cannot afford to be distracted from local campaigns by a snap provincial election call.”

The formal campaign period for the local government general election will get underway September 19, with a general vote to be held October 17. British Columbia has distinct statutory election dates to avoid simultaneous local and provincial election races. To prevent overlapping elections, the province has offset the four-year election cycles for the province and local governments. 

“Ramsay: At a time when B.C. is facing considerable economic and social uncertainty, overlapping elections would be a disservice to our citizens. One hopes that provincial parties would temper election rhetoric as local campaigns are set to begin, but the spiral of speculation continues. It is an opportune time to recall that distinct election periods are a foundational concept for elections in British Columbia that should not be discarded.”

Even if the election date for a snap provincial election is October 24, 2026 or later, advance voting dates and advertising would overlap with the local government election period. 

Prescribed burn planned near Doc English Road (Riske Creek)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Fire Centre (BC Wildfire Service):

The BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District will conduct an ecosystem restoration prescribed burn at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.

 

When and where

Burning is expected to begin as early as September 18, 2026, and may continue periodically until October 31.

The prescribed burn will cover approximately 29 hectares in size at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.

 

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences.

Crews will ignite forest fuels within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.

Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting, allowing smoke to clear quickly.

Personnel will remain on site until there is no risk of the fire spreading beyond the perimeter and return daily until the fire is out.

While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk to the Tl’esqox First Nation and residences of Cotton Road and surrounding area.

Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem, improving the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing.

Strengthen collaboration between the Tl’esqox First Nation, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District - Range Branch and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations.

 

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 prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.

 

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.

Contact

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service

778 799-2100

CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Next Gen 911 Service is here!

Courtesy of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George:

On September 9, 2026 Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1 successfully migrated regional Fire Dispatch services to the new Next Generation 9-1-1 Emergency Services IP network.

Next Generation 9-1-1 is a modernization initiative led by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission that moves emergency communications away from traditional analog systems as technology continues to evolve. 

Residents calling 9-1-1 are not expected to notice any difference with this transition. The move to Next Generation 9-1-1 has been underway for years and involved extensive research, testing and contingency planning to ensure emergency calls reach dispatchers without interruption. 

“This significant transformation required intense teamwork and an unwavering commitment to public safety," says Melanie Perrin, Senior Manager of Public Safety Services for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. "I am extremely proud of the Public Safety team, including our 9-1-1 Radio System professionals and the Prince George Fire Operations Communications Centre staff, for their expertise and tireless efforts on this project.”

The Emergency Services IP network is the secure, internet-based, digital network that enables the future work and enhancements associated with Next Generation 9-1-1. This initial transition to the new Next Generation 9-1-1 network is the first step to full Next Generation 9-1-1 implementation. In the future, Next Generation 9-1-1 will have improved location accuracy for more precise details when dispatching emergency responders, supporting a faster response and providing additional forms of emergency communications such as real time text and potentially, video calls. 

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George provides 9-1-1/Fire Dispatch services to:

Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 

Cariboo Regional District

Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako 

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (excluding Electoral Areas A, D and F)

Regional District of Central Kootenay

City of Nelson

For most locations in BC, when a 9-1-1 call is made, it is first answered by Emergency Communications for BC Inc. (E-Comm). E-Comm determines the nature of the emergency and transfers the call to police, fire or ambulance dispatch centres as required. Calls for police services are dispatched by the RCMP, or the local police jurisdiction, calls for fire/rescue services are dispatched by the Regional District’s Fire Operations Communications Centre in Prince George, and calls for ambulance services are dispatched by the BC Ambulance Service in Kamloops, Vancouver and Victoria. 

Rathor vs. Cobb for Williams Lake Mayor - Round 2

Surinderpal Rathor(L) and Walt Cobb (R)

In a repeat of the 2018 Williams Lake Mayoral Election -- it will be -- subject to a candidate withdrawing by Friday, September 18th, 2026 -- Surinderpal Rathor vs Walt Cobb for the top political job (Mayor) in Williams Lake during the October 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Election

In the 2018 Local General Election -- Walt Cobb beat Surinderpal Rathor by a vote count of 1,843 (Cobb) to 1,177 (Rathor) however in the subsequent Local General Election in 2022: Surinderpal Rathor came out on top with 1,091 votes with Cobb finishing in 3rd with 773 votes...

While this is Surinderpal Rathor's first term as Williams Lake Mayor -- Walt Cobb has previously served as Mayor of Williams Lake from 1990-1996 and 2014-2022 (14 years in total as Williams Lake Mayor vs 4 years for Rathor)

Walt Cobb talks with the Williams Lake Tribune about his reasons why he wants to become Mayor of Williams Lake again --

https://shrlnk.ca/s/105Wxy5C

While current Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor explains to "My Cariboo Now" why he is looking for a 2nd consecutive term as Mayor of Williams Lake --

https://shrlnk.ca/s/dzBld90z

Advanced Voting for 1 Williams Lake Mayor/6 Williams Lake City Councillors' will occur on October 7/14, 2026 with General Voting Day set for Saturday, October 17th, 2026

More details are available on the City of Williams Lake website at https://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2026

Meanwhile in other Mayor Races in the Cariboo-Chilcotin: 

Wells - Rocky Nenka vs Jillian Merrick 

Quesnel - Ron Paull (Incumbent) vs Coralee Oakes vs Brian Waters 

100 Mile House - Maureen Pinkney (incumbent) vs David Jurek 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Meetings | Week of September 14-18, 2026

During the week of September 14-18, 2026 -- only Quesnel Council's Governance and Strategy Committee as well as the Boards' of Education for School Districts' #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Quesnel: Governance/Strategy Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel)

On the Agenda: 

* City of Quesnel Operations Plan Q3 Update

* Traffic Congestion - Discussion Item 

* Highway 97 Interconnection - Discussion Item 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Committee of the Whole (Board of Education) session on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

1. FESL Snapshot Data Discussion

2. 2027-2028 Minor Capital Submission

3. Financial – Financial Statements, and Financial Statement

Disclosure & Analysis Report

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting (1st one for 2026-27 School Year) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  

When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Finally -- Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments (Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Cariboo RD Area Directors') will be in Vancouver attending the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention during the week of September 14-18, 2026.  The Convention Agenda and related materials can be viewed here.  During the Convention, they will be debating a number of Resolutions from BC Local Governments' (Regional District Boards + Municipal Councils') -- the full 2026 UBCM Resolution Book can be viewed here

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - School District #28 (Quesnel)

From School District #28 (Quesnel):

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

From School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 1 Candidates

Elizabeth (Ella) Brown – Canim Lake South, BC

Eric De Vries – Bridge Lake, BC

Sheri Elgersma – Bridge Lake, BC

Dolores Casellato – Bridge Lake, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 2 Candidate

William Shepherd – 108 Mile Ranch, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 3 Candidates

Camille (Willow) Macdonald – 70 Mile House, BC

Michael Henshall – 100 Mile House, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 4 Candidates

Melissa Coates – Williams Lake, BC

Laura Zimmerman – Williams Lake, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 5 Candidates

Nicole (Nikki) Berreth – Williams Lake, BC

Allan Saunders – Williams Lake, BC

Mary Forbes – Williams Lake, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 6 Candidate

Michael Franklin – Williams Lake, BC

 

Trustee Electoral Area (TEA) 7 Candidate

Jenny Philbrick – Williams Lake, BC

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The nomination period for the 2026 General Local Election has officially closed, with candidates putting their names forward to represent communities across the Cariboo Regional District (CRD).

While the nomination period has closed, the candidate list is not yet final. Candidates have a period following the close of nominations when they may withdraw their nomination. Once the withdrawal period has ended, the CRD will publish the official list of candidates.

Electoral Areas with only one candidate will see that candidate elected by acclamation. Where more than one candidate is running, voters will choose their Electoral Area Director in the 2026 General Local Election.

General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026, with advance voting opportunities also available on October 7 and 13. Residents can visit www.cariboord.ca/localelection for voting locations, candidate information and the latest election updates as they become available

List of Unofficial Candidates for the 2026 Cariboo Regional District Local General Elections:

Area "A" - Nicole Audet (incumbent) 

Area "B" - Barb Bachmeier (incumbent), Denise Bardua, Heloise Dixon-Warren, Robert Merz

Area "C" - John Massier (incumbent), Clint Cave

Area "D" - Steve Forseth (incumbent) 

Area "E" - Melynda Neufeld (incumbent), Mary Forbes

Area "F" - Maureen LeBourdais (incumbent)

Area "G" - Al Richmond (incumbent), Cory Gilmore, Roz Griston, Michele Spence

Area "H" - Margo Wagner (incumbent), John Kellet

Area "I" - Jim Glassford (incumbent)

Area "J" - Tolin Pare (incumbent) 

Area "K" - Betty Anderson (incumbent), Betty-Jean Bathgate

Area "L" - Eric DeVries (incumbent), Bo McKinney, Dan Parker, Jake McLean 

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - District of 100 Mile House

From the District of 100 Mile House:

The nomination period for Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee candidates has now ended and the list of candidates has been declared. 

The following are running as candidates for Mayor:

David Jurek, 100 Mile House

Maureen Pinkney, 100 Mile House 

The following are running as candidates for Councillor:

Donna Barnett, 100 Mile House

Erin Filtness, 70 Mile House

Aaron Fulber, Lone Butte

Ryan Hindmarsh, Lac La Hache

Ralf Holzapfel, 100 Mile House

Norm Knutsen, 108 Mile Ranch

Dave Mingo, Lone Butte

Marty Norgren, 100 Mile House

Darren Wayne Wilkinson, 100 Mile House

Dave Wishnowski, 100 Mile House 

The following are running as candidates for School District Trustee Zone 3:

Michael Henshall, 100 Mile House

Camille (Willow) McDonald, 70 Mile House 

The Local General Elections are being held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. There are many ways to vote:

On Election Day -- October 17th, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Council Chambers located at 385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House. 

On Advanced Voting Day -- October 7th, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Council Chambers located at 385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House. 

By Mail -- Request a mail ballot package at the District office during normal office hours and return it either in person or via mail no later than 8 p.m. on General Voting Day, October 17.

For more information call 250-395-2434.

https://www.100milehouse.com/city-hall/2026-elections

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - City of Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - City of Quesnel

From the City of Quesnel:

As of 4:01 pm on September 11, 2026, the following candidates have been nominated for the Office of Mayor and Council in the 2026 City of Quesnel Local Government Election:

Candidate for the Office of Mayor (alphabetical):

• OAKES, Coralee
• PAULL, Ron
• WATERS, Brian

Candidates for the Office of Councillor (alphabetical):

• ADAMS, Ryan
• CAVE, Michael
• DAVIS, Joni
• DREW, Jeremy
• ELLIOTT, Scott
• FREEMAN, Ben
• GOULET, Tony
• JARDOSH, Jay
• LECLERC, Robert
• MACNEILL, Susan
• MCKELVIE, Debra
• NELSON, Linda
• ROODENBURG, Laurey-Anne
• RUNGE, Martin
• SCHULTZ, Duane
• STUMP, Chad
• SUTTON, Richard
• VIK, Mitch

This list remains unofficial, pending nomination challenges and the close of the withdrawal period on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4:00 pm.

For detailed information on the candidates above, visit the CivicInfo BC website at www.localelections.ca.

To learn more about the 2026 Local Government Elections, visit the City of Quesnel website at https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections

2026 Unofficial Candidate List - District of Wells

From CivicInfo BC:

Office of Mayor: 

1) Jillian Merrick

2) Rocky Nenka 

Offices of Councillor: 

1) Eric Anderson

2) Molly-Lynn I Dehaan 

3) Miriam R Dumitra

4) Brodey W Lamarche 

5) Kathleen S Landry

6) Joy Peters

7) Elyssia A Sasaki

8) Mischele A Stevens

9) Josh J Trotter-Wanner 

This list remains unofficial, pending nomination challenges and the close of the withdrawal period on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4:00 pm.

For detailed information on the candidates above, visit the CivicInfo BC website at www.localelections.ca.

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - September 11th, 2026 mtg

Present: Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries (via MS Teams), Coleman, Paull, Rathor, and Area "A" Alternate Director M. Sales

Meeting called to order at 9:59am

The Vice-Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Area "A" Alternate Director M.Sales to today's Board Meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

The Board held a 2 minute moment of silence remembering the 25th Anniversary of 9-11 in the United States 

Business:

Development Services: 

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5575, 2026 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5576, 2026 with Final Adoption be subject to compliance with the Cariboo Regional District's Shoreland Management Policy at the sole expense of the applicant

Area L/8605 Boultbee Rd

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5586, 2026 

Area A/4773 Leflar Rd

3) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5584, 2025 with Final Adoption be subject to: 

* applicant offering to enter into and entering into a covenant to ensure compliance with the CRD Shoreland Management Policy with respect to a sewage disposal system

* applicant offering to enter into and entering into a section 219 covenant to prohibit commercial access from Sheridan Place

* applicant apply for a commercial access permit from Pigeon Road and a setback permit for the quonset shop with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit

* Compliance with the CRD Shoreland Management Policy 

Area F/3003 Pigeon Road and 25 Sheridan Place

4) Following a Public Hearing -- the Board gave 3rd Reading to Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5571, 2026 and Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5572, 2026

Area D/Mile 168 Rd

5) The Board approved a Development Variance Permit for property at 6049 Mahood Lake Road in Electoral Area “L”

Community Services: 

1) The Board approved the following regarding access to the Cariboo Regional District's Community Works Fund: 

* up to $45,000 to support a request from the Big Creek Community Association for a re-siding project at the Big Creek Community Hall from the 2026 Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund

* up to $55,000 to support a request from the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission Society for the installation of a solar panel array at the McLeese Lake Community Hall from the 2026 Community Hall and Recreation Facility Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund

Finance: 

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of August, 2026, in the amount of $4,324,134.43

Administration:

1) The Board delegated Director Anderson to speak to UBCM Resolution #EB16 – Invasive Plant Concerns during the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention 

2) The Board reviewed a request of the Horsefly River Roundtable regarding prohibition of use of biosolids on agriculture lands and directed that a letter be sent to the Horsefly River Roundtable advising that the Cariboo Regional District lacks authority to put a ban in place regarding use of biosolids on Agriculture Lands within the Cariboo Regional District but will continue to advocate on this subject

At request of Director Bachmeier (Electoral Area "B"): 

That a letter be forwarded to the Ministries of Environment/Agriculture to advise that the Cariboo Regional District opposes the use of biosolids on Agriculture Lands within the Cariboo Regional District 

3) Following discussion - the Board received its' "Information Only" items and at the request of Director Bachmeier: 

That a letter of support be forwarded to the City of New Westminister supporting their position that provincial legislation should be amended to require housing targets or density be tied to infrastructure funding 

Board recessed at 11:21am

Board resumed at 11:30am

Business, cont:

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to 103 Mile Water System Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5591, 2026

2) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings + Adoption to: 

* Cariboo Regional District Board Procedure Bylaw No. 5590, 2026

* Forest Grove Legion Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 5589, 2026

The Board received a report of Chair Wagner covering her recent activities 

Directors provided verbal reports on activities within their Electoral Areas or Municipalities 

Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:05pm

Meeting resumed at 12:55pm

Business, cont:

Closed/In-Camera Board Meeting:

At 12:55pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to conduct a Closed Session as per Sections 92 + 90(1)(j), and 90(2)(b) [information prohibited from public disclosure and confidential negotiations between the Regional District, Provincial/Federal Governments and a 3rd Party]

Resumption of Open Board Meeting:

At 1:54pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

And then the Board adjourned at 1:57pm