Swede Creek Fire Area - Evacuation ALERT (Cariboo RD - Area "I")

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

June 2, 2026

4:00pm

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area:

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts   

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to give you time to prepare to evacuate your premises or property should it be required. 

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT 

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an evacuation order:

·         Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.

·         Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.).

·         Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.

·         Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.

·         Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.

·         Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.

·         In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.

·      Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca. 

 
·      If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed or call the Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Quesnel Council Highlights - May 26, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Farmers Market Delegation

Wylie Bystedt presented to City Council on behalf of the Quesnel Farmers’ Market, highlighting its history, operations, and the broader economic impact farmers’ markets have in communities across the province. Operating for more than 30 years, the Quesnel Farmers’ Market provides low-barrier opportunities for entrepreneurs to participate in the local economy.
 

RCMP Detachment Project Delegation

Council received a presentation from Bassem Tawfik of KMBR outlining the design work completed for renovations to the RCMP detachment. The presentation highlighted key project features, as well as preliminary cost estimates to help inform future planning and decision-making.

BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement

Council approved entering into the 2026/27 Annual Operating Agreement for Quesnel Transit Service with BC Transit. The agreement outlines the system’s budget, service levels, and cost structure. The current agreement also reflects the transit fare increase approved by Council earlier this year, which will take effect on June 29, 2026.

Statement of Financial Information 2025

Council approved the 2025 Statement of Financial Information. Each year, the City puts together a Statement of Financial Information, as required by the Financial Information Act. The City also shares an annual report on Council pay and benefits under the Community Charter. The expenses listed cover all costs from the year, not just training and travel, so residents can see the full picture.

RCMP Detachment Project

Council has decided not to proceed with a referendum in 2026 for the proposed renovation and expansion to the RCMP detachment. Instead, staff have been directed to develop a communications plan to better inform both the incoming Council and the community about the City’s long-term capital needs, including major unfunded projects such as the detachment upgrades. This plan will also seek public input to help prioritize these projects, ensuring future decisions reflect community values and financial considerations.

625 Allard – Hazard Development Permit for placement of mobile home

Council has approved Development Permit DP2026-88 to allow for the placement of a mobile home on Lot 9, District Lot 704, subject to several geotechnical safety conditions. These include requirements for appropriate foundation design, site investigation of any existing fill, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the home’s cribbing, and the use of flexible service connections. To ensure long-term compliance with these conditions, a Section 219 restrictive covenant referencing the geotechnical report must be registered on title prior to issuance of a building permit.

• D25G-013 Assurance
• D25G-013 Geohazard V2
• Site Plan

Bylaws

Bylaw #1984 - City of Quesnel Election and Other Voting Procedures Bylaw No. 1984, 2026 - Final adoption

Elections BC sets 2026 Local Campaign Expense Limits

Earlier today -- Elections BC which looks after the campaign financing rules for local elections in BC announced the 2026 campaign expense limits for those running for Mayor, Councillor, Electoral Area Director or School Trustee (the limits are based on a population, per capita formula)

1) District of Wells

Mayor - $12,323.78
Councillor - $6,161.89

2) City of Quesnel

Mayor - $12,635.57
Councillor - $6,317.79

3) City of Williams Lake

Mayor - $14,125.52
Councillor - $7,062.76

4) District of 100 Mile House

Mayor - $12,323.78
Councillor - $6,161.89

5) Cariboo Regional District -

All Electoral Areas (A-L) - $6,161.89

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Trustee Electoral Zones 1 to 5 and 7 excluding the City of Williams Lake Trustee Zone) - $6,161.89

Trustee Zone 6 (City of Williams Lake) - $7,096.65

7) School District #28 (Quesnel)

All 7 seats (no Trustee Electoral Area defined in SD28) -- $12,415.72

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - May 2026

During the month of May 2026 -- I attended the following meetings or events: 

May 1 - Attended, in part, meetings of the CCRHD/Cariboo RD Boards as well as attended the Celebration of Life event for Ken Sheen at the McLeese Lake Community Hall (with Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor) 

May 2 - Tyee Lake VFD Wildfire Awareness Day at Tyee Lake Joint Community/Fire Hall Building

May 5 - McLeese Lake Recreation Commission Meeting at McLeese Lake Community Hall

May 8 - Art Unveiling event at WL Regional Airport, on behalf of the Cariboo RD Board Chair 

May 13 - Met with Cariboo RD CAO re: Area "D" issues 

May 26 - Chaired the AGM Session for the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission Society - McLeese Lake Community Hall 

May 27 - Attended meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

May 28 - Attended meeting of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

May 29 - Attended meetings of the CCRHD/Cariboo RD Boards

As well -- remained in regular contact with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director (A. Bennetts) to use her as a "sounding board" for items that I have been working on as the Cariboo RD Area "D" Director 

Finally: responded to regular monthly inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents' via phone/text, email or social media... 

Expenses submitted in May 2026:

* May 27 - $83 for meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee 

* May 28 - $83 for meeting of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus

* May 29 - $206 for meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - May 29, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner; Directors N. Audet, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, E. Coleman, R. Paull, SPS Rathor and M. Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:54am

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Delegation - 11:30am:

Jason Fisher, RFP, Executive Director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC appeared before the Board to provide an update on FESBC projects in the region

Following the presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Mr. Fisher for his time/information

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5573, 2026 and required adoption of Bylaw 5573, 2026 be subject to: 

* The applicant applying for and receiving a Highway 97 Corridor Development Permit for the proposed new building

Area A/1250 Chew Rd 

2) The Board approved a Development Variance Permit for property at 1387 Maple Drive in Electoral Area "A"

3) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of April 2026, in the amount of $2,785,356.06

4)  The Board received an update from the Invasive Plants Coordinator regarding advocacy for mitigating Invasive Plant spread in the Cariboo-Chilcotin and directed Staff prepare a 2027 NCLGA Resolution on the topic of stopping the sale/importation of invasive plants in BC 

Meeting recessed at 10:57am

Meeting resumed at 11:25am

Delegation — see above 

Meeting recessed for lunch at 11:48am

Meeting resumed at 12:30pm

5) The Board discussed Meeting Requests for Provincial Ministry or Agency Staff and Ministers via virtual means at the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities Convention and the Directors’ provided input to Staff for meeting requests at UBCM (Ministers or Ministry/Agency Staff) 

6) The Board received a request from the North Central Local Government Association regarding joint advocacy for a review of publicly funded mental health and agreed to support the request 

7) The Board received a request from the Regional District of Fraser Fort George regarding Co-Sponsorship of its' UBCM Resolutions on Food Security and Foreign Ownership of Farm Lands  and agreed to their request 

8) The Board received its' Information-Only items and following discussion -- 

i) The Board agreed to write a letter to the City of Abbotsford endorsing their UBCM Resolution regarding PST Expansion 

ii) The Board agreed to write a letter to the Province of BC to support the request of the District of Saanich to restore funding of the Local Government Climate Action Program 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors B. Anderson and E. DeVries (Areas K/L) 

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

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee -- May 11, 2026 meeting: 

* That the 2026 South Cariboo Recreation budget and capital plan be amended to allocate up to $15,000 towards replacement of the vehicle gate at the 100 Mile Soccer Park and that staff work with the 100 Mile House and District Soccer Association on a preferred design

* The following South Cariboo Joint Committee recommendation was referred back to South Cariboo Joint Committee for reconsideration — 

That the outdoor rink project be deferred until full project funding is secured and public engagement has taken place to confirm community support.

Closed Board Meeting:

At 1:03pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Meeting as per Section 90(f+g - law enforcement + potential/actual litigation) of the Community Charter

Resumption of Open Meeting:

At 2:30pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting 

Business, cont:

b) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- May 19, 2026 meeting: 

* That $2,000 from the 2026 North Cariboo Economic Development budget be provided to the Gold Rush Cycling Club, in support of the May 20-22, 2026 BC High School Mountain Bike Championships, as per the approved business plan goal to support conferences and events as important tourism opportunities

* That $1,500 be provided to the North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association from the 2026 North Cariboo Economic Development function budget

* That the proposed contribution agreement with the City of Quesnel for Cemetery Services be renewed for a three-year term in the amount of $50,000 annually for operating costs and a 50% cost share for capital costs. Further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement.

And then the Board adjourned at 2:40pm 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - May 29, 2026 mtg

Present: 

Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair J. Massier and Directors Audet, Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Paull, Pinkney and Smith 

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

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

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were adopted

Business:

1) The Board received Information Only items and after discussion, took no further action

Closed Board Session:

At 9:37am -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Session as per Sections 90(1e/j - land and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

Meeting resumed at 9:53am

The Chair reported on his recent activities and responded to questions of Directors'... 

Meeting recessed at 9:54am

Meeting resumed at 11:01 am 

Delegation:

Representatives from the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation were in attendance to speak to a funding request

Following their presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information 

And then the Board adjourned at 11:24am

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - May 28, 2026 mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 3:00pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted with late items - 2026 Canada Day event in Williams Lake and Williams Lake Stampede (Future Funding Support from Regional District) 

Minutes of the previous Caucus meeting were adopted

Business:

Caucus discussed the following items: 

* Williams Lake First Nation: Annual 2026 Pow Wow Sponsorship Letter

* Williams Lake/Central Cariboo Victim Services Annual Report for year ending December 31, 2025 

* Williams Lake Fringe Fire Protection 

* Williams Lake Stampede - Future Funding Support from Cariboo Regional District 

* 2026 Canada Day event in Williams Lake - invitation to Cariboo Regional District

Following discussions, Caucus made the the following recommendations to the Cariboo Regional District Board: 

That a $2,000 sponsorship be approved from the COVID-19 Safe Restart Fund/First Nation Reconciliation line for the Williams Lake First Nation Annual 2026 Traditional Pow Wow on June 19-21, 2026 

And then Caucus adjourned at 3:50pm

TRU and City of Williams Lake commit to a shared future for post-secondary education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region

Courtesy of Thompson Rivers' University:

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the City of Williams Lake have signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) that marks a significant step forward in their shared commitment to ensuring strong, sustainable access to post-secondary education and training across the Williams Lake region.

The agreement affirms a common public purpose: to work together to support student success, address workforce and community needs, and promote long-term regional vitality through accessible, high-quality education and training.

Rooted in a longstanding relationship between TRU and the Cariboo Chilcotin region, the LoU reflects a forward-looking approach — one that recognizes both the opportunities and challenges facing post-secondary education in British Columbia today, and the need for collaborative, innovative solutions.

“This agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with the City of Williams Lake and Mayor Rathor’s leadership,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Airini. “We are grateful for the City’s commitment to working alongside TRU with a shared focus on students, community, and opportunity. Together, we are taking important steps that further strengthen access by learners in the Williams Lake region to relevant, high-quality and sustainable post-secondary education — now and into the future.”

“Access to post-secondary education is important to the long-term strength and vitality of our region,” said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, City of Williams Lake. “The City values its long-standing relationship with TRU and is committed to working collaboratively to support students, strengthen regional opportunities and help ensure residents continue to have access to education and training close to home.”

As a first step under the LoU, TRU and the City are working together on the design of an inclusive regional engagement process to help reimagine post-secondary education in the Williams Lake region. This work will ensure that students, school districts, Indigenous Nations and communities, local governments, employers and regional partners have meaningful opportunities to shape future education and training pathways.

The LoU outlines a shared commitment to:

a) Maintain student-centred decision-making, ensuring continuity and clear pathways through any transition

b) Advance a collaborative planning process (2026–2028) to reimagine post-secondary education for learners in the Williams Lake region

c) Support ongoing access to post-secondary education and training, aligned with community and workforce needs

d) Explore opportunities for partnerships with other post-secondary institutions to strengthen regional access

e) Work in accordance with provincial requirements to ensure that lands and facilities associated with the Williams Lake campus continue to be used for educational purposes

f) Strengthen relationships with communities and Indigenous partners, recognizing their leadership and role in shaping future education and training opportunities for learners in the Williams Lake region.

TRU is recruiting for fall 2026 and winter 2027 programming at TRU Williams Lake. Skilled Trades Education programs and the unique Regenerative Agriculture program have strong support.  Places are available for the Practical Nursing diploma. TRU and the City of Williams Lake are collaborating actively to promote these opportunities and encourage Williams Lake learners to apply.

TRU has served the Williams Lake and Cariboo Chilcotin region for more than 50 years and will continue to do so into the future. While program delivery models may evolve over time, both TRU and the City are aligned in their objective: ensuring that post-secondary education and training continue to support learners, communities and local economies across the Williams Lake region.

Both organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership as planning progresses, and the vital role of education in building strong, resilient communities.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - May 27, 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); Councillors M. Moses and S. Nelson

Meeting Chair: Director M. Neufeld

Meeting Location: Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom

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 (with late item from Dir. Forseth - video recording of Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings) - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meetings was adopted

Delegations:

1) Lorina Sundt, Operations Manager from the Williams Lake Stampede Association, was in attendance to provide an update on the Association’s current activities and plans being made for the 100th Anniversary in 2 years.

2) Rob Gertzen from the Williams Lake Stampeders was in attendance to discuss arena advertising and distribution of revenues

Following each presentation -- A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegations for their time/information

Business:

The Committee discussed the following items: 

* CMRC Recipient of Polar Engineering Climate Action Award at 2026 Recreation Facilities Association of BC Conference (Information only) 

* CMRC Naming Rights Draft Policy

* CMRC Capital Budget Adjustment Request – Condenser to Compressor Report

* CMRC Operating Budget Options 2026 Report

* Esler Recreation Advisory Commission Spring Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

* Williams Lake Indoor Turf Facility Feasibility Study 

* Video Recording of Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings

* Action Page

Committee Actions:

The Committee made the following recommendations to the Regional District Board: 

*  That the CMRC Naming Rights Draft Policy be approved

* That the 2026 Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services Financial Plan be amended to reallocate $60,000 for the replacement of the condenser gasket seal, to overhauling of the compressors

* That, in respect of the 2025 Budget Deficit for Central Cariboo Recreation -- Options #1,3,4 (deferral of capital projects) as contained in the Staff report dated April 26, 2026, be approved and the remainder be covered by Budgetary Surplus 

* That staff report back on ways/means on communicating budget challenges in Central Cariboo Recreation outside of regularly scheduled Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings, if a meeting of the Joint Committee were to be cancelled

Councillor S. Nelson left the meeting at 7:21pm

* Esler Recreation Advisory Commission Spring Meeting Recommendations -- Recommendations #1,2,3 be approved (click here)

* That staff take no further action regarding video recording of Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings until the Cariboo Regional District Board makes determination of video recording of its' Board and Committee meetings 

* That the Action Page be updated, as follows -- Remove Items #3,7,8

Closed Committee Session:

At  7:25pm -- the Committee recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Session as per Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter 

Resumption of Open Session:

At 7:29pm -- the Committee resumed its' Open Meeting 

And then the Committee adjourned at 7:31pm

BC Air Access Program Awards for 2026-2027

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- In the Cariboo-Chilcotin: 

* Anahim Lake (Cariboo RD Area J) -- Nearly $1.6 million for an apron expansion at Anahim Lake Airport 

* Bella Coola – $30,400 for a facility master plan at Bella Coola Airport 

* Quesnel – $24,234 for a facility master plan at Quesnel Regional Airport 

Eighteen B.C. communities will benefit from upgrades to land and water airports through an investment of more than $8 million from B.C. Air Access Program.

“The B.C. Air Access Program strengthens local economies and supports good jobs, while improving safety for people living in and travelling through rural and regional communities,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This program recognizes that smaller airports help connect communities and are essential for the people throughout B.C.”

Investment in services, economic development

The investment will include upgrades to air facilities to support wildfire suppression, air ambulance and other emergency-response services. For example, the Anahim Lake apron expansion project will improve access for medevac and expand the wildfire operations base for a large, isolated area.

Upgraded airports support economic development and tourism potential by getting goods and people faster to destinations throughout the province. At the Ganges Outer Harbour on Salt Spring Island, expanded dock moorage facilities will allow floatplanes to land more often, supporting the local economy and tourism needs.

Beneficial community impacts

“This program has a significant positive impact for communities throughout the province,” said Cathy Press, chair, BC Aviation Council. “It provides funding for a variety of projects from lighting improvements to facility expansions, which will benefit communities and residents for years to come.”

The program is open to facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year. BCAAP opens intake for all eligible applicants from November until January each year.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is home to more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes that connect people and their communities, support the economy and help keep people safe.
• Since 2017, the B.C. Air Access Program has committed more than $80 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 83 air facilities.

Learn More:

For more information about aviation infrastructure funding, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BCAirAccessProgram