City of Williams Lake 2025 Annual Report available!

 Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

City of Williams Lake Council will consider the 2025 Annual Report at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Williams Lake Council Chambers, Williams Lake City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake . 

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and may present submissions or ask questions with respect to the report. 

Members of the public are encouraged to submit in writing any questions or comments they may have with respect to the report. 

Written submissions are requested to be submitted in advance of the meeting to the Corporate Services Department via email to corporateservices@williamslake.ca, or by hand/mail to the above address. 

Copies of the draft Annual Report will be available for inspection at City Hall, 450 Mart Street starting June 9, 2026, or can be downloaded from the City’s website in PDF format. Copies of the report will also be provided upon request.

For further information, please call Ross Coupé, Corporate Officer at (250) 392-1773 or email rcoupe@williamslake.ca.

Williams Lake Council Highlights - June 9, 2026

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillors A. Delainey and J. Flaspohler

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 and welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's meeting of Williams Lake City Council 

Meeting Video - click here

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Karen Gertzen, Williams Lake Stampede Parade Society regarding 2026 Williams Lake Stampede Parade 

2) Court Smith of the Williams Lake Stampede Association regarding the 98th (2026) Annual Williams Lake Stampede 

3) Amber Stratton from Rotary Club of Williams Lake regarding Peace Pole Project

Following each presentation - a Question and Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked each delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

1)  Council approved the proposed installation of the Rotary Peace Pole in the grassed area in front of Williams Lake City Hall and authorized the use of City staff time and equipment for the installation

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated May 28 and June 4, 2026

2) Council endorsed the proposed RCMP 2027-2032 multi-year financial plan, approve the 2027/28 budget cap in principle, and directed staff to send the requested Budget Approval in Principle (AIP) Letter to the RCMP

3) Council received a report of the Director of Protective Services regarding information on the viability of temporarily closing the municipal jail cells located within the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment and endorsed Option #3 (direct staff to prepare a letter to senior levels of government outlining Council’s concerns regarding repeat offending and the pressures placed on municipalities)

4) Council waived City of Williams Lake Outstanding Account Policy No. 20 and authorized staff to add any amounts owing to the City for remediation/demolition works at 55 Sixth Avenue South (backside of Hamilton Hotel) undertaken related to the City’s Remedial Action Resolution (RES #54/26), including any unpaid demolition bill, to the property taxes as soon as possible if such amounts are not paid within 30 days of invoicing

5) Council provided direction to staff regarding potential meeting requests with the Premier and Cabinet Ministers as well as of any virtual meeting requests with Provincial ministry, agency, commission, and corporation staff (MACCs) for the 2026 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) Convention to be held in Vancouver from September 14 to 18, 2026

6) Council received a verbal report of the Mayor summarizing Council's achievements for this term of office (2022-2026)

7) Council received a report from Councillor Scott Nelson regarding parking along Foster Way and directed Staff to - in response to neighbourhood concerns, install "no parking" signs for approximately the first 100m along Foster Way in Westridge Estates

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor A. Delainey

8) Council adopted "City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2439, 2026"

9) Council received for information a letter from the Hon. Jessie Sunner (BC Post Secondary Education Minister) regarding concerns from the City of Williams Lake written to BC Premier David Eby around the potential closure of the Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus

10) Council received a list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235

11) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of June 9, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

And then Council adjourned at 7:49pm

Evacuation ALERT RESCINDED for Swede Creek Fire Area

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

June 8, 2026

3:30pm 

The Evacuation Alert issued June 2, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. for the Swede Creek Fire Area has been lifted by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Evacuation Alert Lift

An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed.

To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.

For areas that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property by a qualified arborist.

Air quality may remain poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children, and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area. The BC Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities have further information on their websites about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding any new Evacuation Alerts and Orders impacting them. You must register to receive notifications from this system, as these are non-intrusive broadcast alerts.

Evacuation Notification Exercise Planned for Bouchie Lake Area

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD), in partnership with Quesnel Cariboo Search and Rescue and the RCMP, will conduct a mock evacuation notification exercise in the Bouchie Lake area on Saturday, June 13, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

The exercise will take place on Heaton Road and Blacklock Road and is designed to test emergency notification procedures, strengthen coordination between response agencies, and help ensure preparedness in the event of a real emergency.

Residents in the area may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel during the exercise. There is no danger to the public, and no action is required by residents unless they choose to participate in the training exercise.

As part of the exercise, a limited number of residences may receive a mock evacuation notification and information package. Personnel participating in the exercise will be clearly identified and will not be requesting or collecting any personal information.

The CRD appreciates the cooperation and understanding of area residents as emergency responders and partner agencies work together to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities throughout the region.

For more information, please contact CRD Emergency Program Services at 250-855-8924

FCM Convention 2026 concludes

Courtesy of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities:

Editor's Note -- Cariboo Regional District Area B Director Barb Bachmeier and Area L Director Eric DeVries attended the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, AB

Thousands of local elected officials from across the country gathered in Edmonton, Alta., this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)’s 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, celebrating 125 years of municipal leadership and unity.

More than 3,000 attendees, including mayors, councillors and representatives heard from keynote speakers, federal cabinet ministers Dominic LeBlanc, Gregor Robertson and Eleanor Olszewski, joined study tours and workshops, and shared ideas to help local governments deliver for Canadians. Other keynote speakers included Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, NDP Leader Avi Lewis, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.

Under the theme “Building the future together,” the conference highlighted how municipalities deliver housing, infrastructure and resilient communities, and how strong partnerships help turn local action into results.

“Canada is at a turning point. I’m honoured to represent municipalities from coast to coast to coast as we roll up our sleeves to deliver results,” said incoming FCM President Tim Tierney. “Together, we will tackle infrastructure gaps, build more housing, address homelessness and strengthen Canada’s future.”

During the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade, which took place between June 4 to 7 in Edmonton, Alta., Ottawa City Councillor Tim Tierney was acclaimed as president of the organization.
Credit: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Delegates took part in study tours and workshops that gave them solutions that will help municipal governments meet the needs of Canadians. They also learned more about the Green Municipal Fund, which provided the tools and insights to deliver results in their communities. Finally, the conference also featured a Kinship Gathering Space that offered participants moments of reflection and dialogue with Indigenous peoples.

By taking part in these sessions and activities and by connecting with their peers, municipal elected officials will return to their respective communities better equipped with best practices that will improve the quality of life of their residents.

“I’d like to thank the City of Edmonton for hosting our conference and helping to empower our local leaders,” Tierney added.

FCM’s elected leadership

On Sunday, delegates confirmed Tierney, a long-time serving councillor in the City of Ottawa, as FCM’s new president, succeeding Vancouver Councillor Rebecca Bligh. Bligh now becomes FCM’s past president.

Delegates also elected new members to FCM’s Board of Directors and its three vice-presidents:

• First Vice-President: Kathy Valentino (President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Man.)
• Second Vice-President: Marc Doret (Mayor, City of Dorval, Que.)
• Third Vice-President: Amy Coady (President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, NL)
• Past President: Rebecca Bligh (Councillor, Vancouver, B.C.)

The full list of FCM’s Board of Directors.

London Mayor Josh Morgan remains chair of FCM’s Big City Mayors’ Caucus, while Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham will serve as Vice Chairs, for one and two years, respectively.

Members vote on key resolutions

At Saturday’s Resolutions Plenary, there was a record-setting number of resolutions, demonstrating strong engagement. Some of the resolutions debated included:

• Blinded by the Light: Improving Public Safety by Looking at Headlight Glare: Calls on the federal government to address overly bright headlights and update national safety standards.
• Strengthening Canada’s Defence Capabilities with Local Governments: Urges the federal government to work in full partnership with municipalities on a national defence plan that supports infrastructure, housing, economic development, community well-being, and climate resilience, and recognizing all local infrastructure for multi-use funding.
• Pan-Canadian Strategy on Mental Health, Addictions and Chronic Homelessness: Urges the federal government to work with all orders of government to develop and fund a coordinated strategy.
• Reversal of Federal Agricultural Research Centre Closures: Calls on the federal government to stop the closure of seven agricultural research centres and protect critical long-term data.

“As we look ahead, FCM will keep bringing municipalities together to deliver on local priorities, including housing, infrastructure, public safety, homelessness,” added Tierney. “By working together, we truly are building a brighter future for all Canadians.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with over 2,000 members representing more than 90 percent of the Canadian population.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Meetings: Week of June 8-12, 2026

During the week of June 8-12, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education will be meeting: 

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Committee of the Whole session on Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Draft Meeting Calendar for 2026-2027 term 

* Draft Election By-law for SD27

* 3 Year Budget Forecast -- 2026/27 to 2028/29

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

Delegations -- 

1) Karen Gertzen, Williams Lake Stampede Parade Society re 2026 Parade Event Information; 

2) Court Smith, Williams Lake Stampede Association re 98th Annual WL Stampede Event 

3) Amber Stratton, Rotary Club of Williams Lake re Peace Pole Project

* RCMP Multi-Year Financial Plan 2027-2032

* Viability of Temporarily Closing Williams Lake Jail

* Funds Recover for Remediation/Demolition Works at 55 Sixth Avenue South (back of Hamilton Hotel) 

* Meeting Requests - 2026 UBCM Convention

* Verbal Report of Mayor Rathor re: 2022-2026 Term in Review 

* Parking Concerns on Foster Way - report from Councillor Scott Nelson

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting at 5:30pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) -- On the Agenda: 

* Delegations: 

1) Jennifer Houghton – Campaign Director for the New Forest Act 

2) Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes re: PowerPoint on the struggles of small municipalities and the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI).

* Letter regarding 100 Mile Youth Initiative (Skatepark) 

* Burghley Crescent Closure Petition 

* Bylaw Officer's Report for May 2026

* FireSmart Reporting - May 2026

* 2026 Capital Plan Amendments 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District  -- 

1) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Quesnel River Rush (Hockey Team) 

* Capital Budget Amendment – Alex Fraser Park Heaters 

* North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Signage (at North Cariboo Recreational Facilities)

* Capital Budget Amendment – Bouchie Lake Ball Field

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake Councillor Joan Flaspohler won't seek re-election this October

Earlier today (June 5, 2026) -- Williams Lake City Councillor Joan Flaspohler announced on her Facebook page that she has decided to not seek re-election this October -- more here

Williams Lake City Councillors Sheila Boehm, Angie Delainey, Jazmyn Lyons, Micheal Moses, Scott Nelson as well as Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor have not made any public announcements regarding their re-elections plans but are expected to do so in the next couple of months... 

Meanwhile -- local Williams Lake resident Billie Sheridan has announced her plans to run for a seat on Williams Lake City Council in the October 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Elections... more here

Local elections to elect new Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors, School Trustees for a new 4 year term of November 2026 to November 2030 will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026

 

Mackenzie Avenue North paving in Williams Lake set to begin Thursday, June 4

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake advises residents that paving work on Mackenzie Avenue North will begin on Thursday, June 4.

Construction will take place between Rose Street and Pine Street. During this period, motorists and pedestrians can expect delays, detours, parking restrictions and other traffic impacts.

The public is asked to use caution when travelling through the area and to follow all posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel.

The City appreciates the public's co-operation and patience during this work, which is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.

For more information:

Jeff Bernardy, Manager of Engineering

City of Williams Lake

250-392-1767

Forseth seeks 4th Term as Area "D" Director on the Cariboo Regional District Board

For the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" communities of: 

* Soda Creek Road (beyond the City of Williams Lake municipal boundary) 

* Commodore Heights

* Pine Valley 

* Fox Mountain 

* Wildwood 

* Deep Creek 

* Xat'sull First Nation (Deep Creek/Soda Creek Reserves) 

* Soda Creek/Soda Creek Valley 

* McLeese Lake/Duckworth Lake 

* Macalister 

* Marguerite 

A personal message -- 

I am announcing that I will be seeking re-election as the Cariboo Regional District Area “D” Director this fall… 

Many of the Area 'D' residents' I've talked with in the last few months have requested that I continue for a 4th term and should it be their collective will on Saturday, October 17th, 2026  - I will be honoured to serve them as their Area Director for the forthcoming 2026-2030 term.  

I have a number of Area D projects including seeing a new Fire Hall at McLeese Lake as well as a new Community Centre in Wildwood that I would like see to completion as well as those road concerns that Area "D" residents have brought to my attention during the 2022-2026 term that I would like to continue advocating for.  While I acknowledge that neither I or the Cariboo Regional District are perfect in any way, we do try to do better where we fall down in our representation of those we serve .... 

It truly has been an honour/pleasure to serve the residents' of Electoral Area 'D' as their Area Director for the 2022-2026 term as well as in the last 12 years (2014-2026) and I hope that I will be in a position to continue serving them as I consider many Area D residents' to be close and dear friends as well....

~Steve 

FCM Convention 2026 - June 4 to 7, 2026

The 2026 FCM or Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Convention is being held from June 4-7, 2026 in Edmonton, Alberta where locally elected officials (Mayors/Reeves, Councillors, Area Directors) from across Canada from coast to coast to coast get together to discuss local government issues and how the Federal Government can assist... 

View more on the FCM Convention 2026 here 

Cariboo RD Area Directors' Barb Bachmeier from Area B and Eric DeVries from Area L will be attending the 2026 FCM Convention and look forward to hearing about their experiences at the FCM Convention, upon their return...

~SF

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

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

June 2, 2026

4:00pm

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

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

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

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

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

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quesnel Council Highlights - May 26, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Farmers Market Delegation

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

RCMP Detachment Project Delegation

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

BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement

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

Statement of Financial Information 2025

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

RCMP Detachment Project

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

625 Allard – Hazard Development Permit for placement of mobile home

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

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

Bylaws

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

Elections BC sets 2026 Local Campaign Expense Limits

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

1) District of Wells

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

2) City of Quesnel

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

3) City of Williams Lake

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

4) District of 100 Mile House

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

5) Cariboo Regional District -

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

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

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

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

7) School District #28 (Quesnel)

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

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - May 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expenses submitted in May 2026:

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

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

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

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - May 29, 2026 mtg

Present:

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

Meeting called to order at 9:54am

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Delegation - 11:30am:

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

Following the presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Mr. Fisher for his time/information

Business:

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

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

Area A/1250 Chew Rd 

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

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

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

Meeting recessed at 10:57am

Meeting resumed at 11:25am

Delegation — see above 

Meeting recessed for lunch at 11:48am

Meeting resumed at 12:30pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Board Meeting:

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

Resumption of Open Meeting:

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

Business, cont:

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

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

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

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

And then the Board adjourned at 2:40pm