Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Dissolution of Unified Command

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

As of November 25, 2020, the decision has been made to dissolve the Unified Command Structure that has been in operation to collaboratively address damages in the Williams Lake River Valley.

The City of Williams Lake’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated to address high flood waters in the Spring of 2020 that resulted in a discharge of partially treated sewage from the City of Williams Lake’s Wastewater Treatment Facility to the Williams Lake River.

The City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) and B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (MOE) have worked together tirelessly over the last seven months to make decisions regarding restorative works in the Williams Lake River Valley.

Each party has provided valuable feedback in the decision-making process, and the work done in the River Valley has been overwhelmingly positive.

Due to the change in seasons, operational works in the River Valley are now ending. The City of Williams Lake, WLFN and MOE would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Emergency Management BC for their contribution and ongoing support of our community over the past year.

The situation in the River Valley will continue to be monitored throughout the winter months, and updates will be provided by the City of Williams Lake when necessary.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Nov 30 - Dec 4

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will meet next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Meetings as follows:

City Council - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Dec 1st at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports

* Multi-Unit Housing Incentives Bylaw for consideration of 1st Reading only

* Commercial General Liability Insurance for Snow Removal Contractors

* Quesnel Regional Airport Strategic Initiatives

View the full Agenda here

Policy/Bylaw Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, Dec 3rd at 3:15pm in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall. When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, Dec 1st at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:

* Ratify Email Poll of Council -- COVID Supplies for Local Businesses

* Annual Appointments

* Amended Stampede Park Lease Longhouse MOA - Temporary Shelter Expansion Due to COVID-19

* 8 Recommendations from Committee of the Whole meetings, last Monday/Tuesday, for consideration of endorsement

* Council Information Package for receipt

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: All Meetings noted below to be held via Microsoft Teams and will be live-streamed on the Regional District website here (click on View Livestream)

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board of Directors' Meeting at 9:30am on Friday, December 4th. On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Babylon by TELUS Health re: General Update

* Contracting Services Agreement between the CCRHD and Quesnel Community Economic Development Corporation

* Northern Health funding request for Phase 1 of its InCare Project

* Interior Health Capital Projects and Planning Status Report, for October 2020

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board of Directors' Meeting upon recess of the CCRHD Board Meeting on Friday, December 4th, On the Agenda:

* Delegation: TELUS re: General Update

* Land Use Matters

* 3rd Quarter Financial Report

* Committee or Commission Reports

* 2020 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw for 3 Readings/Adoption

* Bylaws for Adoption -- Lac La Hache Fire Protection Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5272, 2020; Maple Drive Streetlighting Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5280, 2020 and Deka Lake Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5283, 2020

* Request from Area 'H' Director M. Wagner for up to $200 from the Electoral Area H Director Initiative Fund to purchase plaques for two retiring commission members

* Chair's Recommendations for appointments to External Organizations -- Municipal Finance Authority, Fraser Basin Council and NDIT

View the full Agenda here

November 27th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 911 new cases of COVID-19, including four epi-linked cases in the last 24 hours, for a total of 30,844 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 301 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 69 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 10,430 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 21,304 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since yesterday, we have had 153 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 649 in the Fraser Health region, 27 in the Island Health region, 47 in the Interior Health region, 35 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 11 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 395 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had three new health-care facility outbreaks at German Canadian Benevolent Society Home, Villa Cathay and Morgan Place Care. The Kiwanis Care Centre outbreak is over. There have been no new community outbreaks.

“We are in the eye of the COVID-19 storm and are now facing a storm surge with increasing community transmission across our province. No community or location is immune.

“We have had to step back to protect our communities from this surge, which means locations, activities and gatherings that were safe a few weeks ago are less safe today.

“It is important to note that in many cases, including at temples, churches and gurdwaras, the places themselves are not the cause for concern as they are not doing anything wrong. It is our level of risk that has gone up, which means our ability to have any safe gathering right now has gone down.

“That is why we all need to do our part so we can bring community transmission down and safely resume those activities that are meaningful to our daily lives.

“Let’s remind ourselves about the severity of this illness and that small, simple actions make a very big difference.

“If you are thinking about your holiday shopping, especially on Black Friday, please remember to bring your mask, keep your distance and wash your hands often. As much as possible, limit your travel and shop locally. Support the businesses in your community.

“Every storm ends, and with it, the risks diminish. Let’s protect each other and make this weekend safe for all of us.”

Learn More:

For information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in B.C. experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

For more details on the provincial health officer’s (PHO) Nov. 19 orders, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Nov. 12, 2020, modeling update:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For the PHO's orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BC Centre for Disease Control (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Thursday, November 26, 2020

November 26th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 887 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, including three epi-linked cases, for a total of 29,973 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,899 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 294 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 64 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 10,307 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 19,998 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since yesterday, we have had 168 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 612 in the Fraser Health region, 18 in the Island Health region, 65 in the Interior Health region, 24 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 13 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 384 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had two new health-care facility outbreaks at Royal Ascot Care Centre and Amica White Rock. The outbreaks at Hamlets at Westsyde, Peace Portal Seniors Village and Village by the Station are over. There have been no new community outbreaks.

“Slow and steady is what we need with COVID-19 and it is how we will get through this second wave. The efforts we make each day make a difference.

“Let’s support our public health teams, which are tirelessly working to track the virus, break the chain of transmission and keep all of us safe. The best way to do that is for each of us to keep to as few faces as possible right now.

“Exposures and transmission can happen anywhere. By paying attention to the places we go and the people we see, we can help contact tracers contain the further spread if that does occur.

“Even though we may be staying small right now, that doesn’t stop us from staying connected and staying active. You can go outside, try a local restaurant you haven’t been to before with your family or connect with friends virtually.

“Let’s focus on our health and well-being by taking care of each other and ourselves, and doing all we can to protect our communities and each other.”

Learn More:

For information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in B.C. experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

For more details on the provincial health officer’s (PHO) Nov. 19 orders, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Nov. 12, 2020, modeling update:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For the PHO's orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

New BC Government focuses on keeping people safe/fighting COVID-19

Courtesy of the Government of British Columbia:

Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet that will focus on keeping people healthy and safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has turned the lives of British Columbians upside down,” Premier Horgan said. “We have come a long way together, but we have much further to go. This skilled, diverse team is ready to continue our fight against COVID-19 and build an economic recovery that includes everyone.”

The new cabinet members are tasked with continuing government’s cross-ministry response to the pandemic, providing better health care for people and families, delivering affordability and security in B.C.’s communities, and investing in good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future.

“I know this is a hard time for British Columbians. COVID-19 has brought challenges unlike any we’ve faced before,” Premier Horgan said. “By putting people first, investing in hospitals and diagnostics, supporting front-line workers and by everyone doing their part to fight this virus, we will make it through, together.”

The new cabinet includes 20 ministers and four ministers of state. Gender representation remains balanced. The cabinet will be supported in its work by 13 parliamentary secretaries, with portfolios including Rural Development, Anti-Racism, and Technology and Innovation.

The cabinet and parliamentary secretaries are as follows:

Premier: John Horgan

Attorney General (and Minister Responsible For Housing): David Eby

Parliamentary Secretary - Anti-Racism Initiatives: Rachna Singh

Advanced Education and Skills Training: Anne Kang

Parliamentary Secretary - Skills Training: Andrew Mercier

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries: Lana Popham

Parliamentary Secretary - Fisheries and Aquaculture: Fin Donnelly

Citizens’ Services: Lisa Beare

Children and Family Development: Mitzi Dean

Minister of State for Child Care: Katrina Chen

Education: Jennifer Whiteside

Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (and Minister Responsible for the Consular Corps of British Columbia): Bruce Ralston

Environment and Climate Change Strategy (and Minister Responsible for Translink): George Heyman

Parliamentary Secretary - Environment: Kelly Greene

Finance: Selina Robinson

Parliamentary Secretary - Gender Equity: Grace Lore

Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development: Katrine Conroy

Minister of State for Lands, Natural Resource Operations: Nathan Cullen
Parliamentary Secretary - Rural Development: Roly Russell

Health (and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs): Adrian Dix

Parliamentary Secretary - Seniors Services and Long Term Care: Mable Elmore

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: Murray Rankin

Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation: Ravi Kahlon

Minister of State for Trade: George Chow
Parliamentary Secretary - Technology and Innovation: Brenda Bailey

Labour: Harry Bains

Parliamentary Secretary - New Economy: Adam Walker

Mental Health and Addictions: Sheila Malcolmson

Municipal Affairs: Josie Osborne

Public Safety and Solicitor General: Mike Farnworth

Parliamentary Secretary - Emergency Preparedness: Jennifer Rice

Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Nicholas Simons

Parliamentary Secretary - Community Development and Non-Profits: Niki Sharma
Parliamentary Secretary - Accessibility: Dan Coulter

Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport: Melanie Mark

Parliamentary Secretary - Arts and Film: Bob D'Eith

Transportation and Infrastructure: Rob Fleming

Minister of State for Infrastructure: Bowinn Ma

#CaribooRD launches broadband connectivity survey

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is conducting a survey of residents, businesses, organizations and institutions regarding broadband service in the region. The purpose of the survey is to obtain information and feedback about existing internet and cellular services in the CRD, to assist with future planning and strategy development intended to improve high speed internet service in rural areas.

The survey can be filled out online at:

Resident Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cariboord-res

Business Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cariboord-bus

Testing current Internet speed

To test your current download/upload speeds (part of the survey) please visit: CRD Internet Performance Test

Printed versions of survey available

Beginning Dec. 2, printed versions of the survey are also available for those who are unable to access the online version. Printed surveys can be obtained from the CRD offices in Williams Lake, Quesnel and 100 Mile House during regular office hours. CRD libraries that are currently open will also have printed copies of the survey available for pick-up. Completed copies of the printed version can be returned to the CRD offices mentioned above, or open CRD libraries via the book deposit slot. You can also download printed versions of the survey from the CRD website at:

https://www.cariboord.ca/broadband-connectivity-survey

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Nov 25th mtg

Present: Chair J. Ryll, Councillors S.Boehm/I. Bonnell (City of Williams Lake) and Regional District Directors S. Forseth; M. LeBourdais and A. Delainey via teleconference (Cariboo RD Areas D,E,F)

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

Procedural Motion:

Resolved --

That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the September 16, 2020 meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Ministerial Order No. M192 from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, dated June 17, 2020, the Regional District cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, Committee members, and members of the public in such circumstances. Despite this, for the purposes of Division 3 of Part 4 of the Community Charter, the meeting is not to be considered closed to the public. Openness, transparency, accessibility, and accountability, in respect of this meeting, will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held October 28th, 2020

Delegation:

1) Andrew Hutchinson from the Williams Lake Cycling Club appeared before the Committee to provide a Year-End Club Update

A Question/Answer period ensued thereon...

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Hutchinson for his time/information

Business:

1) NDIT Application - Williams Lake Cycling Club Trail Improvement 2021 (Fox Mountain)

A report from the CRD Community/Economic Development Officer was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the agenda item summary from Beth Holden, Regional Economic & Community Development Officer, dated November 4, 2020, regarding Williams Lake Cycling Club’s application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure Program for $30,000 to construct a progressive flow trail on Fox Mountain, be received. Further, that the grant application be supported

2) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Service Delivery and Arts Centre Management Agreement Renewals

A report from the CRD Manager of Community Services

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to Regional Board/City Council

That the report of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated November 13, 2020 regarding renewal agreements with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society for service delivery as well as management and operations of the Central Cariboo Arts Centre, be received; and further, that the agreements be renewed for a five-year term with an annual payment increasing from $102,000 in 2021 to $116,000 in 2025 ,and the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements

3) The Committee held a discussion on the following items

a) Unlicensed and Licensed Child Care - Recreation and Summer Programs and Camps

b) Grant Applications Falling Under Sub-Regional Recreation Budgets (referred from CRD Board)

c) Greater Metro Hockey League (GMHL) Proposal to Bring a Junior 'A' Hockey Team to Williams Lake

Resolved --

a) NDIT Grant Applications that are partially funded via the Central Cariboo Recreation Service be vetted by Joint Committee first before proceeding to the Regional Board...

b) That representatives working to bring a GMHL Jr 'A' Hockey to Williams Lake be invited to a meeting of WL City Council/CRD Areas D,E,F Directors in January 2021

4) Action Page

The Action Page was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - Action Page received

At 6:25 pm -- The Committee recessed its' open meeting to convene a Closed (In-Camera) Session of the Committee as per Sections 92 (Resolution to close meeting in an open meeting) and 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter

At 6:55pm -- The Committee rose from its' Closed Session, resumed its' Open Meeting and adjourned

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Nov 25th mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors M. LeBourdais and A. Delainey/G. Kirby, via teleconference:

Meeting called to order - 3:03pm

Procedural Motion:

Resolved --

That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the November 25, 2020 meeting of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Ministerial Order No. M192 from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, dated June 17, 2020, the Regional District cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, Caucus members, and members of the public in such circumstances. Despite this, for the purposes of Division 3 of Part 4 of the Community Charter, the meeting is not to be considered closed to the public. Openness, transparency, accessibility, and accountability, in respect of this meeting, will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes.

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Caucus meeting held on October 28th, 2020 were received/adopted

Business:

1) 2021 Meeting Schedule -- Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Board:

That the agenda item summary from Lore Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant, dated November 18, 2020, regarding the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus meeting schedule for 2021, be received. Further, that the following meeting schedule for the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus be endorsed, with meeting start times to be 3:00 p.m.:

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

2) Grant for Assistance Applications for 2021

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board that Grant for Assistance applications within Central Cariboo/Chilcotin for 2021 be approved as follows:

Anahim Lake Community Association -- further consideration deferred until the January 27th, 2021 Rural Caucus meeting

Cariboo Kennel Club - $2,000 divided equally from Areas D,E,F

Communities that Care - $5,000 divided equally from Areas D,E,F

McLeese Lake Recreation Commission (Crime Watch/Security Cameras) - $5,000 from Area 'D'

New Horizon's Society for Autism and Special Needs - $5,000 divided equally from Areas D,E,F

WL Field Naturalists - $5,280 -- $817 from Area D with balance divided equally from Areas E/F

WL Trail Riders' Association - $5,000 divided equally from Areas D,E,F

3) 2021 Rotary Club Stampede Parade Funding

A report of the Manager of Community Services was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Report received. Caucus Chair to verbally report back at the Nov 25th, 2020 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting that Areas D,E,F Directors unable to support financially the 2021 WL Stampede Parade via Grant for Assistance budgets....

The Chair declared a brief recess at 4:22pm

Meeting resumed at 4:31pm

4) City of Williams Lake - Potential for Cost Sharing Maintenance Costs of City Parks Facilities (item referred from October 28th Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting)

The Chair led a review of this item with Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon....

Resolved - That this matter be further considered at the January 27th, 2021 Central Cariboo Rural Caucus meeting and that staff representatives from the City of Williams Lake be requested to attend this meeting to answer questions of the Areas D,E,F Directors'...

5) Discussion Item - Long Term Success of Community Events in the Greater Williams Lake community

No resolution resulted -- further discussion to occur at the January 2021 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

6) Action Page

The Action Page was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - Caucus agreed to receive the Action Page and remove Item 1

Caucus agreed to adjourn at 5:15pm

November 25th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

Editor's Note -- Backgrounders on Contact Tracing hires, Surgeries and Support for Senior Services in British Columbia can be viewed here

“Today, we are reporting 738 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, for a total of 29,086 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,816 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 294 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 61 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 10,270 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 19,814 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Since yesterday, we have had 169 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 443 in the Fraser Health region, 21 in the Island Health region, 70 in the Interior Health region, 35 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“We are also reporting a data correction in the daily case numbers in the Fraser Health region. Due to an error in the transfer of data from a lab to the health authority, there were errors in the new cases reported from Nov. 17-24. The data has been reviewed and authenticated.

“There have been 13 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 371 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had no new health-care facility outbreaks and the outbreaks at Royal Columbian Hospital and Agassiz Seniors Community are over. There have been no new community outbreaks and the outbreak at MSJ Distribution at Valhalla is over.

“Today, we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ross Brown, vice-president pandemic from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, to oversee our COVID-19 vaccine operations in British Columbia. Brown’s biography can be found here: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/leadership/senior-executive-team/dr-ross-brown

“As part of our provincewide COVID-19 response, the minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has put a new order in place to enable enforcement of the mandatory use of masks in all indoor public spaces.

“A comprehensive list of the locations where the order applies, as well as the individuals who are exempt from this order is available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960

“It is important to remember that while masks are now required in many locations, not everyone is able to wear a mask. If you see someone without a mask, understand that while we are all in the same storm, each of our circumstances is unique.

“This virus is putting a strain on all of us, which is why compassion and care for others is so important right now.

“COVID-19 has meant that we all have to work a little bit harder to connect in a safe way and ensure our family, friends and neighbours know they are not alone and have the support they may need.

“Let’s work together to slow the spread of this virus and ease the strain we are all feeling by doing our part today.”

Learn More:

To learn more about the data correction, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Data_correction_for_daily_reported_COVID-19_cases_Nov_25_2020.pdf

For more information on overdoses, visit: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1 800 563-0808 or emailing: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

For more details on the provincial health officer’s (PHO) Nov. 19 orders, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Nov. 12, 2020, modeling update:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For the PHO's orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

#Quesnel City Council Highlights - Nov 24th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

South Quesnel Business Association

The South Quesnel Business Improvement Associations Bylaw is up for renewal in 2021. This Bylaw provides the South Quesnel Business Association (“SQBIA”) with its annual funding. Kayla Gibbs, Vice Chair, and Kayla Kinloch, Executive Director, both of the SQBIA, requested a seven-year unchanged annual levy, and do not request any boundary changes. Council has tabled the request of the seven-year levy and has requested that the SQBIA meet with City officials to revisit the SQBIA’s budget, strategic plan and look at a two-year levy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Annual Paving Update

This year the City completed the following overlay paving projects:

St. Laurent Avenue from Kinchant Street to Vaughan Street
200 Block of Kinchant Street
100 Block of Kinchant Street to Moffatt Bridge Approach and 100 Block of McLean
Brownmiller Road north of CN crossing to Highway 97
A section of Lewis Drive from Anderson Drive North

Airport Hangar Lease

Council approved entering into a five-year Lease with Kismet Management Ltd. for the lease of approximately 1.56 hectares of land at the Quesnel Regional Airport, and granted consent for the transfer of ownership of the hangar located on these lands from Westside Logging Ltd. to Kismet Management Ltd. Kismet Management Ltd., working in partnership with Firewolf Contracting Ltd., plan to use this hangar for a light manufacturing operation and distribution of prefabricated housing units using structural insulated panels.

City of Quesnel – COVID-19 Update

The City of Quesnel continues to follow evolving COVID-19 safety measures as directed by the Provincial Health Ministry, and adhere to advice from Public Health Officials, when trying to lower the rates of infection and/or transmission in the community. The Province-wide restrictions resulted in the City making the following COVID-19 safety measures, effective November 20, 2020 and November 24, 2020 around face masks and group fitness.

Next Council Meeting

6:00 pm – December 1, 2020

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

2020 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Courtesy of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

Editor's Note: background on this day can be viewed here

“Today, on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we remain committed to ending gender-based violence and to building a future in which everyone has a real and fair chance at success. We thank the survivors, women’s rights advocates, and community organizations for their exceptional courage. We would also like to thank frontline workers who, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, have ensured that victims and survivors of violence continue to receive the support and services that they need.

“Although violence has an impact on all Canadians, some people are at a greater risk of experiencing gender-based violence, including women and girls, two-spirit and LGBTQ people, Indigenous women and girls, racialized women, and women with disabilities.

“In recent months, the COVID-19 global pandemic has further revealed the inequalities and injustices that the most vulnerable face. This year, the government granted $100 million in emergency funding to organizations that provide support and services to people experiencing and escaping gender-based violence across Canada. This investment has allowed nearly 1,000 organizations across the country to receive much-needed funding to keep their doors open to those facing hardship. This funding also provides assistance for emergency shelters on reserve and in the Yukon, to support First Nations women and children.

“The safety of women and girls must be the foundation on which all progress is built. The Government of Canada developed the Gender-Based Violence Strategy in 2017 and the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking in 2019. The government also committed to moving forward with a National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence. This is in addition to addressing the Calls for Justice in the report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and implementing the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The government is working with Indigenous partners and the provinces and territories to develop a national action plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit and LGBTQ people.

“The Government of Canada will continue to address violence against women, both at home and abroad. We are also working to increase the meaningful participation of women in peace operations and conflict prevention. It is at the core of our Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, and our second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Among other things, the government’s support is helping educate women and girls around the world about their rights to improve their access to justice and providing psychological support to victims of violence. Canada is also taking measures to end early and forced child marriages to help girls make their own life choices.

“Today, as we mark the first day of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, I invite all Canadians to use the hashtag #16Days on social media to encourage everyone to think about concrete steps that we can take to denounce gender-based violence and protect human rights.”