Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of March 23-27, 2026

During the week of March 23-27, 2026 -- both Williams Lake and 100 Mile House Municipal Councils' will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on March 24, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Cannabis License Referral - 401-1185 Prosperity Way - One Plant (Retail) Corp

* Land Disposition - 180 Third Avenue North - Sale to Cariboo Regional District (Williams Lake Library)

* North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) 2026 AGM & Convention -- Authorization to Attend 

* Authorization for Mayor Rathor to Travel to Attend United Steelworkers 2026 AGM in Prince George

* Parcel Tax Roll Review for 2026 Tax Year 

* Update - Remedial Action Requirement (RAR) - 55 Sixth Avenue South (behind Hamilton Hotel) 

* Interior Rodeo Event Association Request to Utilize City Equipment for the Annual Indoor Rodeo

* Williams Lake Pickleball Club Society - Partnership Proposal Update and determination of next steps

* Request to Adopt Standard Time Permanently in Williams Lake

* Letter from Williams Lake Resident re Request for Clarification on Reports of Homeless Transported to Williams Lake

* Consideration of Motion of Councillor Nelson re:  Public Safety Supports, Advocacy and Enforcement (per Notice of Motion made March 10, 2026)

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

100 Mile House -- all meetings, noted below, to be held in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

1) Committee of the Whole - 3:00pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 Operating Budget - District of 100 Mile House

* Terms of Reference – Economic Development Task Force 

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

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

* Delegation: Jake McLean re:  alternative transmission line route for the Yellowhead Copper project through Cariboo RD Area "H" vs Cariboo RD Area "L"

* Grant for Assistance application from 100 Mile House Pride Society 

* 2026 Hot July Nights Street Closure 

* 4 Bylaws for consideration at various legislative stages 

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1g - potential or actual litigation) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - March 20, 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, S. Rathor and M. Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 10:12am

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 gave 1st/2nd Readings to Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5552, 2026 and Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5553, 2026 (Area D/1830 Fox Mountain Rd)

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5549, 2025 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5550, 2025 (Area L/8649 Boultbee Rd)

3) The Board agreed to submit a Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for removal of soil pertaining to Lot 1, District Lots 2953 and 2954, Lillooet District, Plan 29793, Except Plans 32585, 37271, KAP79216 and KAP84073 to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area H/4836 Jewell Rd)

4) The Board agreed to submit a Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for placement of fill pertaining to District Lot 6733, Cariboo District  to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area A/2255 Kersley-Dale Landing Rd)

5) The Board agreed to submit a NDIT application for the Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society grant application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Community Places stream for $29,621 to replace and modernize the existing park sign

6) The Board allocated Year Round Grant for Assistance applications, as follows: 

i) McLeese Lake Meals with Hearts Society - $1,000 from Area "D"

ii) Eagle View 4D Barrel Races - $1,000 from Area "E"

7) The Board directed that the Emergency Notification System Use Policy endorsed on October 18, 2024, be repealed and replaced with an internal administrative policy

8) The Board directed that no further action be taken regarding planning for the Bouchie Lake Sewer System project, based on the results of the community engagement process 

9) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of February 2026, in the amount of $2,768,561.83

10) The Board directed that Alice Johnston, Corporate Officer/Deputy CAO, be appointed Chief Election Officer for conducting the 2026 general local election with power to appoint other election officials as required, and that Lore Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant, be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer, in accordance with Section 58(1) of the Local Government Act

11) The Board received a letter from the City of Quesnel inviting the Cariboo Regional District to co-host with the City of Quesnel the 2028 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association's AGM/Convention in Quesnel, BC... and directed that Cariboo Regional District/City of Quesnel co-host the 2028 NCLGA Convention in Quesnel, BC… 

12) The Board received a number of Information Only items and following discussion - took no further action

13) The Board endorsed 3 Recommendations from its' Committees or Commissions as follows: 

a) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - February 25, 2026 meeting: 

That staff move forward with developing a draft naming rights policy for consideration at a future Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting.

b) Indigenous Relations Committee - March 6, 2026 meeting: 

That the amended draft Memorandum of Understanding between Nazko First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District to strengthen emergency management coordination be endorsed as presented

c) Committee of the Whole - March 19, 2026 meeting: 

That the Cariboo Regional District's next steps in addressing the issue of unacceptable road conditions be as follows:

a) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure during the CAO/Chair Convention in Victoria - April 2026;

b) Send a letter to NCLGA members, requesting support for the Cariboo Regional District's resolution at NCLGA on the need for improved road conditions, and ask if they wish to include Indigenous communities in the effort to secure infrastructure funding and prioritization;

c) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure at the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention with Cariboo Regional District's member municipalities.

14) Corporate Bylaws: 

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5565, 2026

b) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District 2026 – 2030 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 5555, 2026

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

c) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Water Rates Bylaw No. 5563, 2026

d) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Sewer Rates Bylaw No. 5564, 2026

e) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw No. 5567, 2026

f) The Board adopted Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

15) The Board appointed Area "L" Eric Director de Vries as the Cariboo Regional District’s representative to the North Central Local Government Association Board for the 2026-27 term.  Area "B" Director Barb Bachmeier was appointed as the Cariboo Regional District’s alternate representative to the North Central Local Government Association Board for the 2026-27 term

Directors’ provided verbal reports on their recent activities… 

And then the Board adjourned at 11:55am 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - March 20, 2026 meeting

Present: Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair J. Massier and Directors Audet, Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Paull, Rathor 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 and welcomed Area "A" Director Nicole Audet to her first Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were adopted

Business:

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

2) The Board held a discussion regarding a number of Emergency Room Closures at 100 Mile House General Hospital in 2026 to date and following discussion -- the Board directed that a letter be sent to the Hon. Josie Osborne (BC Minister of Health) outlining the issues that are impacting on ER Closures in 100 Mile House and what solutions that the Province could help with to alleviate the situation… 

3) The Board approved the request from the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital for the purchase of replacement television sets by way of a Foundation Partnership Grant to a maximum of 40% ($9,760) of the total costs 

4) The Board approved a request from the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation to offset expenses they incurred for various equipment purchases over the period covering December 2024 through August 2025 in the amount of $149,565.64 and the Foundations grants budget line be increased to $300,000 for 2026

Meeting recessed at 10:12am

Meeting resumed at 12:40pm

Closed Board Session:

The Board recessed its' Open Session at 12:40pm to hold a closed Board Session as per Sections 90(1e + 1j - land + information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter 

Resumption of Open Board Session:

At 1:41pm-- the Board resumed its Open Session ...

And then the Board adjourned at 1:42pm

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex supported by $668,000 FortisBC Rebate

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

From Left to Right: 

Representatives of FortisBC, Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor
Cariboo RD Area "E" Director/Vice Chair Melynda Neufeld, 
Cariboo RD Area "F" Director Maureen LeBourdais and
Williams Lake City Councillor Micheal Moses 

The City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) have received a $668,239 rebate from FortisBC to support energy efficiency upgrades at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex (CMRC).

The rebate, presented Thursday March 19, 2026 in the Gibraltar Room, was provided through FortisBC’s Custom Efficiency Program and contributes to a larger $1.48-million project also being supported by the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the CRD.

The project, completed in November of 2025, improves the efficiency and reliability of core mechanical systems at the facility. The main upgrade is a heat-recovery system that captures waste heat from the arena’s ice plant and uses it to heat pools, potable water and ventilation systems. The project reduces the facility’s reliance on natural gas and makes better use of existing energy already being produced on site. Additional project work includes integrating a heat-recovery chiller with the pool boiler system, connecting arena hot water systems to recovered heat, upgrading ventilation units with hydronic heating coils and installing water-efficient fixtures in high use areas.

Brandy Links, Community Services Facility Manager with the City of Williams Lake said the project demonstrated the value of working with funding partners.

“Collaboration was essential in completing this work,” Links said. “The support from FortisBC, the federal government and the CRD made it possible to move forward with upgrades that will improve efficiency and strengthen the facility’s operations far into the future.”

The improvements are expected to reduce natural gas use by more than 7,300 gigajoules per year and lower greenhouse gas emissions by over 360 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Water-efficient fixtures are projected to save more than 3.5 million litres of water each year.

The new systems also increase heating capacity, improve redundancy and provide more consistent temperature control throughout the Complex, supporting year-round programming and reliable service for the community.

Cariboo RD Board's Committee of the Whole Session - March 19, 2026 mtg

Present: 

Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors Audet, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor and Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 1:00pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed newly elected Area "A" Director Nicole Audet to her first Cariboo Regional District meeting (Committee of the Whole)

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting were adopted

Business:

The Committee discussed the following: 

1) Cariboo Roads/Advocacy to Province of BC

2) Highway 97 Interconnector Project - Quesnel area

3) Regional District Board's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan

Following discussion -- the Committee recommended to the Regional Board: 

That the Cariboo Regional District's next steps in addressing the issue of unacceptable road conditions be as follows:

a) Amend the Cariboo Regional District's submitted 2026 NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Resolution (Highway 97);

b) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure during the CAO/Chair Convention in Victoria - April 2026;

c) Send a letter to NCLGA members, requesting support for the Cariboo Regional District's resolution at NCLGA on the need for improved road conditions, and ask if they wish to include Indigenous communities in the effort to secure infrastructure funding and prioritization;

d) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure at the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention with Cariboo Regional District's member municipalities.

Recess to Closed Committee of the Whole Meeting:

At 2:11pm -- the Committee recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Committee meeting, as per Sections 90(1c + 1i - labour and legal advice) of the Community Charter

Resumption of Open Committee of the Whole Meeting:

At 2:58pm-- the Committee resumed its' Open Meeting 

And then the Committee adjourned at 2:58pm

Should BC's Speculation/Vacancy Tax apply to the entirety of BC?

At their meeting of March 19, 2026 at 1:30pm -- the Board of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG - rural areas around Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount as well as Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount) will hear about a proposal from RDFFG Area "H" Director Danielle Alan to take to the 2026 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association's AGM/Convention in Prince George in May 2026 a resolution calling on the Province of BC to have their Speculation/Vacancy Tax apply to the remainder of BC where it doesn't apply (this tax currently applies in Metro Vancouver, Southern Vancouver Island, City of Kamloops and City of Kelowna and surrounding areas...

In justifying the request -- she states that having the Speculation/Vacancy Tax apply to RDFFG and other areas in BC could help with the housing challenges in rural areas throughout BC ...

1) Report of RDFFG Area "H" Director Danielle Alan -- https://pub-rdffg.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=23210

2) Proposed NCLGA Resolution of Director Alan -- https://pub-rdffg.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=23211

The RDFFG Board meeting can be viewed online at https://www.rdffg.ca/BoardMeetings

I'll be curious to see if Director Alan's proposal proceeds to the 2026 NCLGA Convention in Prince George ... and what ultimately the Province of BC decides to do with the ask of Director Alan...

Cariboo Regional District Committee/Board Meetings | Week of March 16-20, 2026

During the week of March 16-20, 2026 -- the Cariboo Regional District will be holding a number of Committee or Board Meetings, as follows: 

1) North Cariboo Joint Committee (aka North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee) - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- Cariboo RD's Regional Workforce Retention and Expansion Project (Beth Holden); North Cariboo Seniors' Council 2025 Report

* North Cariboo Recreation and Parks 2025 Year End Budget Summary

* Visitor Information Centre Statistics

* Committee to further discuss recording of their meetings after the Cariboo Regional District Board rejected a Committee recommendation to authorize recording and upload to YouTube of their meetings by a 13-1 vote at the Board's February 27, 2026 meeting 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Policy Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 10:00am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom ((180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Elect a new Vice-Chair for 2026

* 2026 Meeting Calendar

* Update to Remuneration of Election Officials Policy

* CRD Graphic Standards Manual Policy

* Community Engagement Sessions Policy

* CRD Privacy Management Program Policy - Amendment

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) Session - Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Discussion on Road Advocacy including Highway 97 Interconnector Project (Quesnel area) 

* Strategic Plan Update

* In-Camera Session -- Sections 90(1c and i -- labour and legal advice) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Discussion Item: 100 Mile House Emergency Room Closures

* GR Baker Auxiliary (Quesnel) - request for Foundation Partnership funding – TV Replacements

* Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation (Williams Lake) - request for Foundation Partnership funding – Various 2024/2025 purchases

* Closed Board Session -- Sections 90(1e/j - land and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Cariboo Regional District Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 9:45am or upon recess of the CCRHD Board (whichever occurs first) in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors only) 

* NDIT Application: Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society – Community Park Signage

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance Applications -- McLeese Lake Meals with Heart Society and Eagle View 4D Barrel Races

* Appointment of Chief/Deputy Chief Election Officer for October 2026 Cariboo RD 12 Area Director Local General Elections

* Invitation from the City of Quesnel to Co-Host the 2028 NCLGA AGM and Convention

* Committee Recommendations for Endorsement 

* Bylaws -- 

i) Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5565, 2026 (3 Readings);  

ii) Cariboo Regional District 2026 – 2030 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 5555, 2026 (3 Readings and Adoption); 

iii) Cariboo Regional District Water Rates Bylaw No. 5563, 2026 (3 Readings and Adoption); 

iv) Cariboo Regional District Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw No. 5567, 2026 (3 Readings and Adoption); 

v) Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025 (Adoption)

* Appointment of Cariboo RD's NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association Rep for 2026-27

View the full Meeting Agenda here

BC Transit services in Williams Lake moving to new operating partner

Courtesy of BC Transit:

Effective April 1, 2026, all transit service in the Wiliams Lake Transit System will be provided by Passenger Contracted Transportation Services. This includes fixed route, handyDART and Paratransit services.

Transit service in the Williams Lake Transit System will not be impacted by this change in operating companies, including all routes, schedules and fares.

BC Transit would like to thank Laker’s Go Bus Society for their 45 years of commitment to providing award winning and exceptional service in the region. They will continue to operate service until March 31, and all current Laker’s Go Bus Society employees will remain in their current roles with Passenger Contracted Transportation Services. 

Passenger Contracted Transportation Services is currently operating service for BC Transit in the Quesnel Transit System. They have signed a one-year agreement for Williams Lake, as this contract will be going to RFP or Request For Proposals later in 2026.  

Williams Lake Council Highlights - March 10, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Lyons, Moses and Nelson 

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda approved - click here

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegation:

Lt. (Navy) Zach Lipinski and Sailor 1st Class Nick Straub, originally from Williams Lake, on Return from Deployment Aboard HMCS Max Bernays appeared before Council regarding a presentation regarding their return from deployment aboard the HMCS Max Bernays to the Arctic and the Pacific and their experiences on deployment..

Following the presentation -- A Question/Answer period ensued...

Mayor Rathor thanked the presenters for their time/information 

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the presentation of Lt. (Navy) Zach Lipinski and Sailor 1st Class Nick Straub, originally from Williams Lake, on Sailor Straub's return from deployment aboard the HMCS Max Bernays to the Arctic and the Pacific and their experiences on deployment

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) listings dated February 26 and March 5, 2026

2) Following public input -- Council approved Development Permit No. 01-2026 for 0695314 BC Ltd. (Scott Tucker) to permit a residential multiplex development at 406 Pearkes Drive

3) Following public input -- Council approved Development Variance Permit No. 01-2026 for Peter Arnold Log Homes, on behalf of 607841 BC Ltd, to vary Section 4M.2 “Maximum Height” and “Storey” of City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 to increase the maximum allowable height from 6m to 15m and the storeys from 1.5 to 4 for Accessory Buildings and Structures for the proposed and future construction of storage sheds for heavy equipment, located at 4685 Cattle Drive

4) Council approved submission of the draft NCLGA 2026 Resolution on fibre recovery and wildfire protection for consideration at the 2026 North Central Local Government Association Convention in Prince George from May 20-22, 2026

5) Council approved the submission of an application to the Union of BC Municipalities’ ‘Local Government Development Approvals Program 2026’ requesting $25,000 to update the City’s development approval procedures bylaw and supporting documents and forms to increase efficiency and streamlining in the development approval process

6) Council approved an application to the BC Healthy Communities ‘2026 Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program’ in the amount of $15,000 for activities related to the “Soup Series”, coordinated by the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area

7) Council approved the use of reserves to cover the 2026-2030 financial plan shortfall, and directed staff to prepare the 2026-2030 Financial Plan and 2026 Tax Rate Bylaws for Council's consideration 

8) Council approved award of the Western Avenue Potable Water Reservoir Lining tender to Western Tank & Lining Ltd. for the tendered price of $174,798.00, plus applicable taxes

9) Council awarded the request for quote for the purchase of one 2026 electric lift truck to Wanshing Machinery Ltd. for the purchase price of $44,240.00, including all applicable taxes

10) Council received a letter from the BC Council of Forest Industries in their letter dated February 26, 2026 requesting official endorsement of their "Forestry is a Solution" initiative and Council agreed to the request from the BC Council of Forest Industries

11) Council received for information a letter from Canadian Blood Services (Bhavna Pooni and Nathan Daye) thanking Council for supporting their cause and helping to raise awareness of the importance of blood and plasma donation services in BC, together with the letter from Mayor Rathor dated February 26, 2026 in support of Canadian Blood Services and the need for establishment of a blood plasma donor centre in Northern British Columbia

12) Council received a letter from the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia requesting the City's support in advocating to the provincial government for modernization of the scope of practice for PABC members to include the ability to order diagnostic imaging be received and Council agreed to provide a letter of advocacy to the PABC in support of their initiative

13) Council received a letter from BC Housing regarding an update on the supportive housing project at 845 Carson Drive be received and staff were directed to coordinate a meeting with BC Housing representatives & Council to further discuss this matter

14) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of March 10, 2026 and at the request of Councillor Flaspohler, Council agreed to place the link to the City of Prince George public safety petition on the City of Williams Lake website and/or social media channels 

Late Item:

Council endorsed the following Resolution: 

WHEREAS Williams Lake is home to the best hockey teams in BC,

AND WHEREAS the Williams Lake Mustangs and Quesnel River Rush teams are currently competing against each other in the first round of the 2026 Teck Cup,

AND WHEREAS The City of Williams Lake Mayor and Council are confident of a Mustangs victory,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the City of Williams Lake formally issue a challenge to the City of Quesnel that, when the Williams Lake Mustangs inevitably win the series, His Worship Mayor Ron Paull of Quesnel will wear a Williams Lake Mustangs jersey for the entirety of the first Regular City of Quesnel Council meeting following the series completion,

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED in the unlikely (if not unfathomable) situation where the Quesnel team prevails and wins the series, His Worship Mayor Surinderpal Rathor of Williams Lake will agree to wear a Quesnel River Rush jersey for the entirety of the first Regular City of Williams Lake Council meeting following the series completion.

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

Councillor S. Nelson provided the following Notice of Motion for consideration at the next Council meeting of Tuesday, March 24, 2026: 

"BE IT RESOLVED: 

THAT Council endorse, support, advocate and enforce that public safety of Williams Lake be the top priority by enforcement of the following: 

* Homeless and/or prolific individuals that cause havoc in Williams Lake and/or individuals with mental health challenges and are known to both Interior Health and/or Williams Lake RCMP and reside on the streets of Williams Lake be required to wear a GPS device, be placed in jail, receive 24/7 wrap-round health supports or the individual(s) be requested to move to another BC Community that has such 24/7 wrap-round health supports available 

* Any homeless and/or prolific individuals that cause havoc in Williams Lake and/or individuals with mental health challenges and sleep on the streets of Williams Lake and has 3 or more criminal charges be offered, encouraged and/or persuaded to take a 1 way bus ticket (with $100 cash for meals) anywhere in BC, Alberta or the State of Alaska that has both appropriate housing space and the appropriate 24/7 wrap-round health supports in place 

AND THAT Staff be requested to implement the above-noted policies ASAP to protect the community of Williams Lake in the name of Public Safety and that Staff inform the appropriate authorities"  

Motion to Close the Meeting to the Public:

At 7:16pm -- Council passed the following motion: 

That Council now resolve into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Sections 90(1) of the Community Charter, as follows:

(1)(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality, and 

(1)(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose 

And then Council adjourned at 7:17pm 

March 2026 BC Snowpack Report

The BC River Forecast Centre has released its’ March 2026 Snowpack Report…

Quick Synopsis: 

Provincial Snowpack Status – 91% of normal for March 2026 (in March 2025: this was 73% of normal) 

Quesnel Snow Basin: 90% of normal (down 1% from February) [Areas A,B,C,D,E,F; part of Area I, Cities of Quesnel/Williams; District of Wells]

Chilcotin Snow Basin: 47% of normal (down 28% from February) [Areas J,K and part of Area I]

North Thompson Basin: 106% of normal (up 3% from February) [Areas G,H,L and District of 100 Mile House]

The full March 2026 Snowpack Report… can be viewed at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/river-forecast/2026_mar1.pdf

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Meetings | Week of March 9-13, 2026

During the week of March 9-13, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards' of Education will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Quesnel: Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 9am in the Fraser River Meeting Room/Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* 2025 Reserve Balances

* 4th Quarter 2025 Capital Program

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel): Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin): Regular Board of Education Meeting on Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Principal, Ben McIntosh - Naghtaneqed mountain bike project

* Report of the Superintendent

* 3rd/Final Reading of a Bylaw to impose a Statutory Right of Way in favour of TELUS near 70 Mile Elementary 

*  2026 Budget Engagement Process

View the full Meeting Agenda here

** Please note *** -- Questions for items on the Agenda must be submitted in writing via email to info@sd27.bc.ca by 2pm on Monday, March 9th, 2026 where the SD27 Board Chair may address them at this meeting of the SD27 Board of Education or a future SD27 Board of Education meeting... 

Williams Lake: Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Lieutneant (Navy) Zach Lipinski and Sailor 1st Class Nick Straub, Originally from Williams Lake, on Return from Deployment Aboard HMCS Max Bernays

* Development Permit Application - DP #01-2026 - 0695314 BC Ltd. (S. Tucker) - Residential Multiplex Development: 406 Pearkes Drive - For Approval

* Development Variance Permit Application - DVP #01-2026 - Peter Arnold Log Homes / 607841 BC Ltd. - Increase Maximum Height & Storeys for Proposed Storage Shed(s): 4685 Cattle Drive - For Approval

* 2026 NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Resolution Submission - Fibre Recovery and Wildfire Protection

* UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) Local Government Development Approvals Program 2026 - Council Resolution for Grant Application

* 2026 Age-Friendly Communities Grant Application

* 2026 Budget Development - Further Review, Update and Direction from Council requested

* Tender Awards -- Western Avenue Potable Water Reservoir Lining and 2026 Electric Lift Truck

* Letter from BC Council of Forest Industries re "Forestry is a Solution" Official Endorsement Request

* Letter from BC Housing re: Update regarding "Jubilee Place - 845 Carson Dr"

* Closed/In-Camera Council Meeting: Section 90(1i - legal advice) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House: Meetings, as noted below, on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 all to be held in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).

1) 100 Mile Development Corporation at 4:00pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 Budget 

* 2026 South Cariboo Recreation Center Update 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) 100 Mile House Municipal Council at 5:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations: "Hearts for 100 Mile" and Enbridge 

* South Cariboo Farmers Market – Signage Plan 

* Bylaw Officer's Report for February 2026

* 2026 Policy & Procedures Manual - for Adoption

* Bylaws: Parks, Public Spaces and Community Facilities Bylaw No. 1467, 2026 and Fees & Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1468, 2026 -- for consideration of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

* Closed/In-Camera Council Meeting -- Sections 90(1)(g), 90(2)(b)(i) and 90 (2)(b)(iii) of the Community Charter covering litigation and confidential negotiations between 100 Mile House Municipal Council, Provincial/Federal Governments, an Indigenous Entity and/or a 3rd Party  

Finally -- a number of Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional District Area Directors, Mayors or Councillors will be in Richmond, BC during the week of March 10-13, 2026 attending the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Annual EA Director Forum or the LGLA/Local Government Leadership Academy's Annual Leadership Forum

For the record, I (Director Forseth) will not be attending either of these events next week but links to the UBCM EA Director Forum or LGLA Annual Leadership Forum are provided below for your information: 

1) 2026 UBCM EA Director Forum -- https://www.ubcm.ca/sites/default/files/2026-03/EAD%20Forum%20Agenda%202026_Final2.pdf

2) 2026 LGLA Annual Leadership Forum -- https://lgla.ca/lgla-forum/#program

Cariboo RD's Indigenous Relations Committee Highlights - March 6, 2026 Special Meeting

Present via MS Teams: 

Chair T. Pare; Directors J. Massier, M. Neufeld and E. DeVries

Guest via MS Teams: 

CRD Board Chair M. Wagner

Meeting called to order at 2:05pm - held via MS Teams and transmitted via the Cariboo RD Boardroom in Williams Lake

The Chair recognized the various Indigenous territories where members of the Committee were participating from 

Meeting Agenda adopted with 1 Late Item (Dir. DeVries re: NCLGA Indigenous Relations Committee - Discussion Item) - click here

Minutes of the previous Committee meeting were adopted

Business:

The Committee discussed the following items:

* Amended Draft Memorandum of Understanding for Emergency Management Coordination with Nazko First Nation

* Indigenous Relations Framework Implementation

* NCLGA Indigenous Relations Committee

* Nazko First Nation AGM/Attendance by CRD Board Chair + Staff 

Following discussion, the Committee agreed to make 1 recommendation to the Regional Board for its' consideration: 

That the amended draft Memorandum of Understanding between Nazko First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District to strengthen emergency management coordination be endorsed, as presented

And then the Committee adjourned at 2:48pm

Cariboo RD's Indigenous Relations Committee holds Special Meeting - March 6, 2026

Later today (March 6, 2026) at 2pm -- the Cariboo Regional District's Indigenous Relations Committee which is chaired by Cariboo RD Area "J" Director Tolin Pare will be holding a Special Meeting to review a proposed Draft Memorandum of Understanding for Emergency Management Coordination with Nazko First Nation

The full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here with any decision(s) made by the Committee today being presented to the Cariboo RD Board at their March 20, 2026 meeting for consideration of endorsement

The meeting will NOT be recorded or livestreamed.... 

Quesnel Council Highlights - March 3, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Retirement Presentation - Richard Gauthier

Council recognized the retirement of 28-year employee Richard Gauthier, Recreation Manager. We wish Richard all the best in his retirement.

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Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program - 2026 New Candidate Presentation

Mayor Paull introduced the 2025 Ambassadors and the 2026 Candidates and Sponsors, while Councillor McKelvie led the pinning ceremony.

2025 Ambassadors:

• Grace Cassidy
• Ociah Woodruff

2026 Candidates & Sponsors:

• Jane Agboji - Bliss!
• Daniella Agboji - William Lacy Real Estate
• Kathy Rempel - James Rempel Law Corporation
• Sebastien Denis - 768 Jet Ranger Squadron
• Nora Aziz - Regency Chrysler
• Katie Singer - Brent Bursey & Company Inc.
• Sophie Denis - Rotary Club of Quesnel
• Sorcha McMillan - AC&D Insurance
• Abigail Russell - Reason 2 Run

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Forestry is a Solution request for support 

Council has endorsed a letter on the “Forestry is a Solution” initiative put forth by the Council of Forest Industries (COFI). The initiative highlights forestry’s role in supporting affordable housing, reducing wildfire risk through active forest management, sustaining family-supporting jobs, generating public revenues, and contributing to lower-carbon construction.

Council is also encouraging community members to visit www.forestryisasolution.com to sign the petition and send a letter to their MLA, the Minister of Forests, the Premier, and the Official Opposition Forests Critic to further support this initiative.

Bid to host NCLGA 2028

Council has approved a bid for Quesnel to host the 2028 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting and Convention. This opportunity aligns with a major milestone, as 2028 is the City of Quesnel’s 100th anniversary. Hosting the convention during our centennial year will be a great way to celebrate the community’s history and showcase Quesnel to regional leaders.

The NCLGA represents more than 265 local government officials from more than 42 communities across north central British Columbia. Their three‑day AGM and Convention, typically held in early May, brings together representatives from industry, government, First Nations, and other key decision makers. It’s a unique chance to welcome these guests to Quesnel and highlight the important work happening in our region.

Later in March, City staff will send a letter to invite the Cariboo Regional District to co-host the event.

Public Notice Bylaw

Council approved the first three readings of the City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw 1976, 2025, and adopted the Public Notice Policy CCR-31. The bylaw prescribes minimum public notices to include one newspaper ad and posting on the City’s website. The policy provides direction on administration considerations, including use of additional notices.

Council support for local initiatives

Council has approved the creation of a special commemorative book to celebrate the City of Quesnel’s 100th anniversary in 2028. This book will highlight how the municipality and community have grown and changed over the past century.

To help shape the content, the City will host a series of engagement sessions with community members, partners, and local organizations. The first of these meetings is expected to be held in the spring of 2026.

Quesnel Youth Soccer Association Management Agreement

Council approved the management and license of occupation agreement with the Quesnel Youth Soccer Association for their use of the indoor sports field complex for a five-year term.

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1975 - City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 - Final Adoption
• Bylaw #1976 - City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw 1976, 2025 - First three readings