Cariboo RD Board Highlights - July 10, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice Chair M. Neufeld; Directors N. Audet, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, 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 9:45am

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (add Discussion of Suspension of Director Roundtable for 90 day period before General Voting Day - Dir. Forseth) - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Delegations - starting at 11:00am:

1) Curtis Berthelot, P.Eng., President - PSI Group of Companies appeared before the Board on PSI's high level business expansion plans in the region..

2) Percy Guichon, CEO - Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd, and Daniel Persson, RPF, appeared before the Board to provide an update on the wildfire risk mitigation efforts of the Palmer Project. CCR is a joint venture of Tsideldel First Nation, Tl'etinqox Government, and Yunesit'in Government

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

The Chair thanked each delegation for their time/information...

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5571, 2025 as well as Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5572, 2025 and setting of conditions prior to adoption of Bylaws #5571 and 5572, 2025 - as follows: 

* The applicant must provide a wildfire assessment report prepared by a Registered Professional Forester licensed in BC or equivalent qualified professional for the proposed development, implement the recommendations of the wildfire hazard assessment report, and offer to enter into and enter into a covenant that advises the property owner of the ongoing responsibility to manage their land and building in accordance with the recommendations of the wildfire hazard assessment report.

 

* The applicant offering to enter into and entering into an agriculture covenant to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Cariboo Regional District Agricultural Policy with respect to fencing and buffering of the northern and eastern property line of proposed lot 4.

 

for property at top of Mile 168 Rd in Electoral Area "D"

2) Following a Public Hearing -- the Board granted 3rd Reading to Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5549, 2026 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5550, 2026 for property at 8649 Boultbee Rd in Electoral Area "L"

3) Following a Public Hearing -- the Board gave 3rd Reading/Adoption to Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5570, 2026 for property at 811 Anahim Lk Airport Rd in Electoral Area "J"

4) The Board dealt with Development Variance Permits, as follows: 

a) Approved DVP #28-2026 for property at 7658 Womack Rd in Electoral Area "L"

b) Deferred for 60 days consideration of DVP #30-2026 for property at 5840 Timothy Lake Rd in Electoral Area "G"

5) The Board passed a Resolution of Concurrence for a Liquor License Application for property at 5398 Timothy Lake Rd in Electoral Area "G" - more here

6) The Board received/approved a $1,000 Year Round Grant for Assistance application from Community Futures Cariboo-Chilcotin for a “Our Future in Agriculture” event in Williams Lake and the Board agreed to divide the grant award between Areas D,E,F,J,K,L Grant for Assistance Funds ($166.66 per Electoral Area)

7) The Board reviewed Information-Only items and following discussion -- the Board agreed to write to BC's Minister of Transportation advising that it concurs with the concerns of the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary regarding communications between Regional Districts/Ministry of Transportation as well as a letter to the Provincial Government supporting the position of the City of Prince George regarding the reduction of $200 of the BC Homeowners Grant, to commence in 2027 

8) The Board endorsed recommendations from previous Committee or Commission meetings, as follows: 

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee - June 15, 2026 meeting: 

* "That the South Cariboo Recreation Capital Plan be amended to include $20,000 for accessibility improvements at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre with this cost to be covered by savings from the arena puckboard replacement project."

* "That $1.35 million of Cariboo Regional District Community Works Funds be allocated to the outdoor rink multipurpose facility project at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre based on a 45% contribution of the $3 million estimated project cost, which is consistent with the Community Works Fund Prioritization Policy No. 2025-07-31."

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

b) Committee of the Whole - June 18, 2026 meeting: 

That, in order to enhance transparency and accessibility, the Board extend the pilot project for livestreaming Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Board meetings by six months until end of 2026, and further, that during that time staff be directed to investigate options to host recorded meetings online for a defined period of time, in addition to the livestream

c) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - June 24, 2026 meeting: 

“That the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated June 17, 2026 regarding an update on the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group and June 1, 2026 ISFWG Minutes be received and the Terms of Reference for the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group be endorsed.”

d) North Cariboo Joint Committee - July 7, 2026 meeting: 

"That the 2026 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital plan be amended to delete the roof repair project at the Arts and Recreation Centre ($150,000) and replace it with a project to repair and upgrade the brine header line at the West Fraser Centre ($92,000)."

Meeting recessed at 10:53am

Meeting resumed at 11:00am 

Delegations starting at 11:00am— see above: 

Business, cont. at 12:00pm:

9) Corporate Bylaws: 

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Security Issuing (Horse Lake Water) Bylaw No. 5577, 2026

b) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Water Services Management Bylaw No. 5580, 2026

c) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to South Cariboo Regional Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5581, 2026

10) Directors' Requests: 

a) The Board approved a request of Director E. DeVries (Area "L") for up to $2,000 from the Area "L" Director Initiative Fund to host a public meeting in Electoral Area "L" at Interlakes Community Centre on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm to discuss Bylaw Enforcement and Zoning issues in the Deka Lake area…. 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Forseth and Wagner (Areas “D” and “H”) 

b) The Board received a report of Chair Wagner outlining her recent activities on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District for the period ending July 10, 2026

c) On a proposal of Director S. Forseth (Area "D"): the Board rejected, by a tie vote, to suspend Directors' Roundtable until the conclusion of the 2026 Cariboo Regional District Local General Elections in October 2026 

Affirmative (8) - Directors Audet, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Pare, DeVries, Paull and Rathor (Areas A,C,D,F,J,L, Quesnel and Williams Lake)

Negative (8) - Directors Bachmeier, Neufeld, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Anderson, Coleman, Pinkney (Areas B,E,G,H,I,K; Wells and 100 Mile House 

Meeting recessed at 12:18pm for lunch

Meeting resumed at 1:00pm

Closed Board Session:

At 1:00pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed (In-Camera) Session, as per Sections 92 + 90(g, i + k - litigation, legal advice and negotiations) of the Community Charter 

Resumption of Open Board Session:

At 1:43pm -- the Board resumed its Open Meeting 

Directors provided verbal reports on activities within Electoral Areas or Municipalities 

And then the Board adjourned at 2:03pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - July 10, 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, Rathor, 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 Board Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

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

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

And then the Board adjourned at 9:43am

Cariboo RD clarifies on "South Cariboo Regional Municipality Proposal"

From the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is providing clarification following the District of 100 Mile House's recent news release regarding the concept of a regional municipality - more at https://100milehouse.com/our-community/news-public-notices/regional-municipality-2026

The CRD and the District of 100 Mile House have a long history of working together to deliver services that benefit residents throughout the South Cariboo. That collaboration continues today through shared services: recreation, emergency management, economic development, libraries, and many other regional initiatives.

The concept of restructuring local government through the creation of a regional municipality is an idea solely advanced by the District of 100 Mile House.

The CRD has not endorsed the idea, nor has it participated in developing a regional municipality proposal with the District of 100 Mile House.

Earlier this year, the CRD advised the Province that, while it remains committed to working collaboratively with the District of 100 Mile House on matters that benefit the region, it cannot support the governance proposal as presented because it does not identify notable benefits for our (CRD Areas G,H,L) residents.

Any changes to local government structure in British Columbia would require a comprehensive provincial review process that includes detailed analysis, consultation with affected local governments and First Nations, and opportunities for public input before any decisions could be considered.

The CRD remains committed to working constructively with the District of 100 Mile House, neighbouring First Nations, the Province, and other regional partners to strengthen services and pursue opportunities that benefit residents throughout the Cariboo.

District of 100 Mile House advocates for "South Cariboo Regional Municipality"

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee Highlights - July 7, 2026 mtg

Present in Quesnel Council Chambers - Chair J. Glassford, Directors B. Bachmeier and J. Glassford; Mayor R. Paull and Councillors L. Roodenburg (Committee Co-Chair), M. Vik, D. McKelvie

Present via MS Teams - Director N. Audet (Area A) and Councillor M. Runge

Meeting video here

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair read out the "Indigenous Acknowledgement" statement, as placed on the Committee's Agenda Master Page

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of previous Committee meeting adopted

Business:

1) Capital Budget Amendment – West Fraser Centre Brine Header Repairs

Report of the City of Quesnel Director of Community Services presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved: 

That the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee approve an amendment to the 2026 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital plan to delete the roof repair project at the Arts and Recreation Centre ($150,000) and replace it with a project to repair and upgrade the brine header line at the West Fraser Centre ($92,000)

And then the Committee adjourned at 5:45pm

Funding BC Local Governments to speed up delivery of homes

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- City of Williams Lake to receive $22,000 and District of Wells to receive $170.000 from this announcement 

Fifty-six local governments will receive funding to fast-track development approvals and accelerate the delivery of homes.

“Our focus from the start has been on helping people across B.C. find housing that fits their needs and budgets. That can look very different in different communities,” said the Hon. Christine Boyle, BC's Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “With the Local Government Development Approvals Program, local governments can improve their internal processes and development approvals, so that we can speed up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.”

The Local Government Develop Approvals Program, administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), helps local governments develop innovative ways to improve development-approval processes to help non-profit housing organizations, developers and other stakeholders deliver homes quicker and increase housing supply.

“The Province is building the housing people in B.C. need, with more than 99,000 homes built or underway,” said the Hon. Brittny Anderson, BC's Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “We’re going to continue our strong partnerships to build so British Columbians are able to afford to rent, to own and stay in the communities they work in, where their families are and where they call home.”

Cori Ramsay, president, UBCM, said: “Getting the homes British Columbians need approved, built and available requires all orders of government and industry to work together to improve development approvals processes. Across B.C., local governments are investing in practical solutions to streamline approvals, including digitizing permitting systems, adopting standardized housing designs, and modernizing processes. UBCM is pleased to partner with the Province to deliver the Local Government Develop Approvals Program, helping communities strengthen their capacity to support the timely delivery of much-needed housing.”

Innovative solutions to fast-track housing

The $9-million grant programs will support streamlining local government development approvals processes for a variety of projects, such as prefabricated, modular or standardized housing designs. 

• The City of Fernie will make enhancements to improve record retrieval speed, ensure compatibility with the BC Building Permit Hub and build alignment with future provincial systems.
• The District of Lake Country will identify opportunities to support the adoption of modern methods of construction, review the zoning bylaw and make recommendations to improve development approval processes.
• The City of Burnaby will implement targeted development approvals process improvements to support housing delivery, with a focus on small-scale multi-unit housing, standardized housing designs and modern construction methods

Quick Facts:

• More than 70 applications were received for the 2026 intake of the Local Government Development Approvals Program, which closed March 13, 2026.
• Additional approvals are anticipated soon.
• The $9-million funding is the third intake of the program.

Learn More:

• For more information about Local Government Development Approvals Program, visit: 
  https://www.ubcm.ca/lgps/local-government-development-approvals
• To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/more-homes-for-people

Update on 100 Mile House Sustainable ER Service Initiative

Courtesy of Interior Health:

Interior Health (IH) is committed to ongoing work with local partners as part of a dedicated task force to improve service stability and reliability at the 100 Mile District General Hospital emergency department, especially as we head into the busy summer months.

As stabilization of Emergency Department services progress, we are committed to providing residents with access to safe, high-quality emergency care, and are working hard to maintain 24/7 emergency department services. Today, we are updating the community on the task force’s most recent efforts, which have considered input from 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney, the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, Indigenous communities and the local Division of Family Practice.

Progress includes the following:

1) Welcoming new primary care providers

Two new primary care providers have recently arrived in 100 Mile and are accepting new patients who have registered on the BC Health Connect Registry. Three more providers are expected to arrive in 2027 as part of the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program and are anticipated to be able to support emergency coverage. We will continue to keep the public updated on this progress.

2) Expanding nurse practitioner roles

We are exploring opportunities to integrate nurse practitioners (NPs) more fully within emergency departments. This approach would see IH-employed NPs working in collaboration with physicians, while supporting the thoughtful, phased expansion of NP scope of practice to improve access and continuity of care.
Accommodations for health-care workers: IH and the Division of Family Practice have established housing programs for traveling staff and medical staff with secured leases in the community and access to hotel accommodations for shorter stays.

Discussions are also ongoing about a potential virtual care model in the ED to safely support local care needs, reduce service interruptions and help support physician workload.

While progress continues, staffing remains a challenge, particularly during the summer months due to vacations and broader workforce shortages, with greatest pressures occurring on weekends. IH is actively reviewing and coordinating schedules to identify gaps and is doing everything we can to fill them wherever possible through locum and staffing coverage options.

How you can help with these efforts

Utilize primary care clinics for non-urgent needs:

Same-day primary care appointments are available in 100 Mile House through your local physician clinics and offices. Connecting with your physician or NP for non-urgent matters helps alleviate pressure on the emergency department and wait times. If you have a doctor or NP, please call ahead to confirm availability of same day appointments.

Book a Pharmacy Appointment:

Pharmacists are an important part of health care delivery and offer a wide variety of services. People can book an appointment or walk-in to an available pharmacy to discuss minor ailments, prescriptions and other health needs.

Be your own best health advocate:

If you see your physician for care and a follow-up appointment is required, consider booking your next appointment immediately following advice from your provider to help avoid longer wait times.

Register for a primary care provider on the BC Health Connect Registry:

Information from this registry helps determine the number of physicians in communities including 100 Mile House.

Complete the community health survey: The Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice is seeking input from 100 Mile House and area residents to better understand how people access primary health care. The information collected will support future health-care planning. The survey is active until July 25, 2026 and participants may remain anonymous and can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6BLSVJ2

Cariboo Regional District meetings on July 9/10, 2026

The Cariboo Regional District will be holding Committee/Board meetings on July 9/10, 2026 -- as follows: 

Cariboo Regional District -- 

1) Emergency Preparedness Committee -- Regular Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Reporting March 2026 - June 2026

* EDMA Update - Financial Assistance Standards for Emergency Response and Short-Term Recovery

* Management of Areas Under Evacuation Order

* Temporary Access Permitting System

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District -- Regular Board Meeting on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Information Items -- Cariboo Living Healthcare Landing Program - Q1 2026 Quarterly Report and Northern Health Community News - June 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District -- Regular Board Meeting on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 9:45am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- i) PSI Group of Companies, Omineca Mining & Metals and ii) Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd

* Land Use Matters (Electoral Areas only)

* Request from Community Futures Cariboo-Chilcotin

* Information-Only Matters 

* Committee Recommendations

* Corporate Bylaws -- Security Issuing (Horse Lake Water) Bylaw No. 5577, 2026; Cariboo Regional District Water Services Management Bylaw No. 5580, 2026 and South Cariboo Regional Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5581, 2026

* Request from Director E. DeVries (Area L) -- $2,000 from Area "L" Director Initiative Fund for a public meeting within Electoral Area "L"

* Closed (In-Camera) Board Meetings - Sections 92 + 90(g/k - litigation and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Future Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Boards of Education Meetings:

Wells Council - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Quesnel Council - Special Meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  View the Special Meeting notice here

Williams Lake Council - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

100 Mile House Council - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Boards of Education for School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) -- Meetings resume in September 2026 (unless Special Board Meetings are called in July or August 2026)

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - June 2026

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

June 3, 2026 - Monthly Meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission 

June 5, 2026 - MS Teams Meeting with Xat'sull First Nation and BC Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship staff regarding former Wildwood Elementary School site

June 9, 2026 - Public Hearing for property on Fox Mountain, on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District Board 

June 10, 2026 - joined Thompson Nicola RD Area "I" Director Tricia Thorpe at Fraser Basin Council's community dinner in Williams Lake 

June 18, 2026 - Committee of the Whole meeting (Cariboo RD Board) 

June 19, 2026 - Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

June 22, 2026 -- Joint Candidate Information Session between City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District and facilitated by former Golden, BC Mayor Christina Benty 

June 23, 2026 -- Provincial Webinar on Healthcare Professionals -- Recruitment/Retention

June 24, 2026 -- 

i) Cariboo RD Mgr. of Community Services/I met with newly elected McLeese Lake Recreation Commission President and Treasurer at McLeese Lake Community Hall 

ii) Monthly meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee at Williams Lake City Hall/Rick Hansen Boardroom

iii) Meeting of the Cariboo RD Area "D" Advisory Planning Commission in the Committee Room, Cariboo RD Williams Lake Office

June 29, 2026 -- MS Teams Meeting with Xat'sull First Nation and BC Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship staff regarding former Wildwood Elementary School site and next steps

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 June 2026:

June 18 - $129 for Cariboo RD Board-in-Committee

June 19 - $206 for Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

June 24 - $83 for Monthly Meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee

Canada Day 2026

Statement from BC Premier David Eby on Canada Day 2026:

“Canada is the greatest nation on Earth. I am proud to celebrate our country alongside the tens of millions of people who call this beautiful, welcoming and ambitious land home.

“Canada is facing tremendous challenges from both within and abroad, in a world where old friendships are being tested and new conflicts are emerging. As our national anthem reminds us, it is more critical than ever that we stand on guard for Canada against those who would divide us.

“British Columbia is a loyal member of Team Canada. That is why we are working with the Government of Canada to deliver on nation-building projects that will create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, bringing even more prosperity to people across this great country. 

“Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years is foundational to realizing Canada’s full potential.

“Let us celebrate this Canada Day steadfast in our determination to build on the efforts of the generations before us.

“Our country is the greatest nation in the world because of the great people that call it home – so thank you, proud Canadians, and happy Canada Day.”

Statement from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Canada Day 2026:

“Today, we celebrate each other. We are a nation of kind, compassionate, hardworking people, as remarkable and diverse as the places we call home all across Canada. Ours is a country that spans three oceans, six time zones, and ten million square kilometres of breathtaking landscape, built and bound by a great conviction: that we are strongest when we are united.

That conviction was declared at our Confederation in 1867 – a founding bet that together we could build something greater than the sum of our parts. It was laid down in steel in 1885, when a national railway linked east to west. And it crossed a continent again in 1962, when the Trans-Canada Highway opened, connecting communities from St. John’s to Victoria.

Canadians have never just imagined a stronger, more united country. We’ve picked up our tools and built one.

At this decisive moment, we are choosing to build big once again – with Canadian workers, Canadian materials, and Canadian values. Choosing Canadian produce. Rediscovering our own country, from the Cabot Trail to the Columbia Icefield, from the Bay of Fundy to the northern lights. Small acts of solidarity, repeated millions of times, proving that together we can give ourselves far more than anyone could ever take away.

There will always be forces that want to divide us. They forget this country’s founding insight: that unity is not uniformity, that our differences are strengths to nurture rather than risks to manage, and that our values serve as an unshakeable foundation.

When we show kindness, kindness grows. When we seek unity, unity grows. When we are Canadian, Canada grows. Happy Canada Day.”

BC's Business Council looks into Municipal Spending in 2026

On June 29, 2026 -- the BC Business Council released a report entitled: The Runaway Train is Accelerating:  Shaping B.C.’s Future Together A Closer Look at the Exceptional Growth in B.C. Municipal Spending 

Executive Summary: 

A prominent contributor to declining affordability in B.C. over the past decade or more has been exceptionally high property tax inflation. This is a direct consequence of runaway growth in municipal operating expenses, which are principally funded by property taxes. 

From 2010 to 2026, B.C. property taxes on owner-occupied housing rose by 110% – almost double the national rate (62%) and nearly two-and-a-half times B.C.'s overall CPI inflation rate of 46%. Property taxes have accelerated over the past two electoral cycles and far outpaced every other province. 

Over 2010–24, “excess spending” (i.e., the amount municipalities spent beyond what would be expected if spending kept pace with municipal population growth and inflation) totalled approximately $6.5 billion (in real 2024 dollars), or $1,280 per capita.  

Excess spending is rising with each municipal electoral cycle, indicating the problem is getting worse not better. Average annual excess spending increased from $128 million ($31 per capita) in the 2011-14 cycle to $800 million ($163 per capita) in the current cycle to date (2022-24), more than six times the earlier period. 

Health, social services and housing – areas of provincial responsibility – recorded the fastest growth in real per capita spending (74% over 2010–24). This raises questions about whether there has been an implicit downloading of responsibilities by the province, a decision by municipal leaders to broaden their mandate, or an inefficient duplication of activities between provincial and local governments. 

For Cariboo-Chilcotin Municipalities (excluding Wells - population too low to compare):

1) Quesnel: 

1.8%  Real Spending Growth from 2010-2024

0.1 % Population Growth from 2010-2024

2) Williams Lake 

-0.1% Real Spending Growth from 2010-2024

0.2 % Population Growth from 2010-2024

3) 100 Mile House

0.4% Real Spending Growth from 2010-2024

0.4% Population Growth from 2010-2024

The full report of the BC Business Council can be read at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65b003ec4edede0a855a88d4/t/6a42ac8b91cd074c14d74e36/1782754443921/Municipal+Spending+Follow-06-29-26.pdf

Wells Mayor Ed Coleman won't seek re-election in October 2026

Courtesy of My Cariboo Now:

Ed Coleman is retiring from politics and will not be running for Mayor of Wells in October of 2026

“Just ready for it. I’ve enjoyed being in local politics, but 7 years with Quesnel and 5 with Wells, it’s time to switch back to, I have a company that I used to work in so I’m just going to shift back to that, but I’ll see everything through my term.”

Coleman says he feels the Council has accomplished quite a bit during his time.

“The bigger ones is our waste water system, we’ve got it stabilized, and we know what the longer term investment is going to look like with the province. It’s 5 million dollars work done there and another 32 to complete it in the future. The Lowhee Berm to prevent flooding, that’s a 10 million dollar project, so we’re 90% through that project again with government support, our water plant got a million dollar upgrade so water is properly treated now and everything is safe there. We’ve got a really good start on refurbishing our community building, which the school is in, the 1942 school building, and we’ve had excellent support on that project. We got the outdoor rink completed, and then we’ve been working hard on negotiations with Osisko Development on the implementation of the mine. It’s a very complicated project that is right smack in the middle of a small community, so that process has been a lot of work.”

Coleman says they have also worked with West Fraser Timber on the wildfire interface and doing lots of work with them.

He says another highlight was just reorganizing the organization as a whole so that they were staffed properly, and they now have the right to-do lists and they’ve got a financially stable organization.

Coleman says he is also proud of the 150-year charter that the District signed with the Lhtako Dene Nation that guarantees that the two governments will work together for several generations to come.

In terms of challenges, he says it was all about building up trust levels.

“When you get a community that is struggling with all of its deferred infrastructure and the security of basic services, you know proper snow removal, all those kind of things, and just the autonomy with COVID and things like that, it’s mainly just trying to pull up the trust levels. One you get your trust levels up then things move along, they start moving, and the province, they were just 100% supportive. They sent up a liaison to help me out in the beginning when I was organizing stuff.”

Coleman feels he is leaving the District in good shape and there seems to be good interest in Wells for people wanting to come to the Council table.

He was first elected Mayor of Wells in February of 2022 during a by-election, and he was then re-elected in October of that year.

No Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Meetings - Week of June 29-July 3, 2026

Due to the Canada Day statutory holiday during the week of June 29 to July 3, 2026 -- there will be NO meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Boards of Education

Projected Future Meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments':

District of Wells Council - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

City of Quesnel Council - Tuesday, July 28, 2026 

City of Williams Lake Council (in Committee of the Whole) - Tuesday, July 7, 2026

District of 100 Mile House Council - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Cariboo Regional District -- 

1) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Tuesday, July 7, 2026

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards' - Friday, July 10, 2026

The Boards' of Education for School Districts' #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) are currently on summer recess, and subject to a special Board of Education meeting being called in July/August 2026 -- they will resume meetings in September 2026...

~SF

Review of 100 Mile House TSA/Timber Supply Area

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The public is invited to give feedback on the upcoming timber supply review for the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area (TSA).

People can share their thoughts on the recently released 100 Mile House TSA discussion paper by submitting comments before Aug. 25, 2026.

The public discussion paper provides the results of a timber supply analysis and describes the legal requirements, geography, natural resources and forest management practices. This information will be used by B.C.’s chief forester to determine how much timber can be harvested in the TSA annually. This amount is known as the AAC.

Before setting the new AAC, the chief forester will consider input from First Nations, industry and community members. Public feedback is a part of every AAC decision and is an opportunity for communities to provide input, which will be considered during the AAC determination.

The 100 Mile House TSA includes the territories of more than 30 First Nations. The Tsq’escen First Nation (Canim Lake Band), Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, High Bar First Nation and Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band were part of a timber supply review working group and contributed to the development of the public discussion paper. All 30 Nations have been invited to provide input on this timber supply review.

Administered by the 100 Mile House Natural Resource District, the 100 Mile House TSA covers approximately 1.24 million hectares in the Cariboo region. The current AAC is 967,805 cubic metres per year.

When B.C.’s chief forester makes an AAC determination, it is an independent, professional judgment based on information from:

• technical forestry reports
• First Nations consultations
• input from the public 
• government’s social and economic objectives

Under the Forest Act, AACs must be reviewed at least once every 10 years for all 37 timber supply areas and 34 tree farm licences in the province.

Learn More:

To read the discussion paper, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/timber-supply-review-and-allowable-annual-cut/allowable-annual-cut-timber-supply-areas/100-mile-house-tsa

For more information or to send comments, people can contact 100 Mile House Natural Resource District via post or email.

Postal address:

Kane Copley
Strategic Land Manager
Ministry of Forests
100 Mile House Natural Resource District
PO Box 129
100 Mile House, B.C. V0K 2E0

E-mail: 100MileHouseTSR@gov.bc.ca

Further information regarding the technical details of the timber supply analysis is available on request by contacting: Forests.ForestAnalysisBranchOffice@gov.bc.ca

Quesnel City Council Highlights - June 23, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Temporary Winter Shelter – BC Housing David Sheach, BC Housing’s Non-Profit Portfolio Manager for the North, joined Council to provide the report required in January during approval of the Temporary Winter Shelter (TWS) at BC Housing owned 395 Elliott Street. The shelter operated from January through the end of April 2026, sharing the site with Northern Health who operated mental heath and addiction services from the location. An incident occurred that caused reconsideration of the co-location of the services and Northern Health relocated the services to other facilities. Security patrols of the site that were contracted by Northern Health have been expanded and continued by BC Housing. BC Housing is requesting approval to continue the Temporary Use permit for 395 Elliott Street for the next two winter seasons. Due to community concerns Council requested an additional meeting to review the request, wanting greater notice to and input from the neighbourhood. The meeting is expected to take place in July or August 2026.

PSI Group of Companies Dr. Curtis Berthelot, P.Eng., President of PSI Group of Companies, joined Council to talk about a potential new home for the company’s mine engineering materials laboratory, engineering design centre, training facility, and mine ground support materials distribution centre. PSI is looking at bringing state-of-the-art, mechanized, and lower-carbon technologies into the mining sector, with Quesnel proposed as its provincial headquarters. If the project moves ahead, it could bring meaningful economic growth to the community, including long-term jobs, technical training opportunities, and potential new revenue.

Long Term Shelter Plan  A draft plan for developing a longer-term shelter strategy was endorsed by Council. The plan lays out a process to be unrolled over the next two years to identify a new location(s) for shelter services following the closure of the current facility on Carson. The current location has been identified as inadequate based on location, capacity, and design. Council will be engaged in the process to provide input on the process and community engagement.

Cold Weather Planning Council received the final Cold Weather Plan prepared by LevelUp Consulting. Council requested staff ensure there are options for emergency warming/cooling centres to be available for all community members in need. Discussions on utilizing 395 Elliott as an emergency centre will be directed to future meetings on re-activating a Temporary Winter Shelter at this location as discussed below.

Cemetery Contribution Agreement with Cariboo Regional District Council approved the Cemetery Contribution Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District. This agreement is one of several individual service agreements that will replace the long-standing Memorandum of Understanding that previously covered multiple shared services. More agreements for other services will come forward separately.

Animal Control Services Council talked about the BC SPCA’s upcoming withdrawal of animal shelter services for the City of Quesnel and what that could mean for the City and residents. Council noted that the lack of shelter services is concerning, and there is still some uncertainty around how stray animals can be brought to the BC SPCA, and by whom. Council approved suspending dangerous animal seizures until a suitable facility can be identified to house dangerous animals, staff noted that there have been no instances where this was required the last two decades. Council also approved suspending pound services and the seizure of at-large animals once the BC SPCA ends extensions to the current contract. The current extension with the SPCA ends Aug 31, 2026. Staff will keep exploring options for animal shelter services, including issuing a request for proposals for someone to operate a facility in the community.

2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Report Council received an update on the 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Report, confirming all routine testing requirements were met. A total of 371 samples were tested for E. coli, with no exceedances, and follow-up testing addressed any total coliform results. The City continues regular maintenance work, including leak detection, reservoir inspections, and water main flushing. A manganese water quality advisory remains in place, and work is ongoing with Northern Health and specialists to reduce levels and support lifting the advisory. The water permit requires the City to have water treatment in place by June 2030. The full report is available at City Hall and on the City of Quesnel website.

2025 Annual Report Council approved the 2025 Annual Report for the period ending December 31, 2025.

Announcements/Events  Billy Barker Days 2026 – 50th Anniversary: July 16th-19th.