Spring Fuel Treatments Planned at Multiple Locations Throughout Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, will be conducting a series of spring fuel treatments over the coming weeks to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety.

These prescribed burns will take place in several areas throughout the city, including:

The water tower hill on Gibbon Street

The park and hillside near Lake City Secondary School’s Williams Lake Campus

The Dairy Fields (forested areas are not included in the burn unit)

The Williams Lake Stampede Grounds

Patrick Reid Park

The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and ground conditions over the coming weeks. Ignitions will only proceed under suitable conditions that allow smoke to dissipate quickly.

These prescribed burns will help remove flammable materials such as dry grass and debris, reducing fire hazards and promoting healthier ecosystems. The fuel treatments are part of the City’s ongoing FireSmart initiatives to increase wildfire resiliency in the community.

As FireSmart activities continue throughout Williams Lake, the City will keep residents updated through its social media channels and website.

In addition to these spring fuel treatments, residents and businesses are encouraged to take FireSmart actions on their properties. When a wildfire is nearby, all of Williams Lake could be threatened by embers. To protect your home or business, create a fuel break around the building by removing anything that can burn within the first 1.5 metres or five feet. For more ways to reduce fire risks, visit firesmartbc.ca.

For questions regarding the prescribed fires, contact firesmart@williamslake.ca or call 250-392-4321.

Prescribed burn planned for Fox Mountain area

From BC Wildfire Service: 

When and where

Burning will begin as early as Tuesday, March 31, continuing periodically until April 24.

The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 40 hectares of land west of Eider Drive on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.

Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible to residents on Fox Mountain, from the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.

Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring low intensity wildland fire.

While burning is underway portions of the Bearacouga Mountain Bike Trail will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed.

While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk to the City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.

Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem and maintain treatments from previous years.

Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge outside of emergency response situations.

Minimizing health impacts from smoke

Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.

Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.

Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Prescribed burn planned along Highway 20/Hanceville Area...

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

When and where

• Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 27, 2026 and may continue periodically until June 1, 2026 

• The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks, adjacent to Highway 20.

• Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.

What to expect

• Smoke and flames will be visible from Riske Creek, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas.

• Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire.

• While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

• Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

• Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the burns are fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

• Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

• Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor.

• Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure.

• Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.

• Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation.

 

Learn more

Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

 

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.

Williams Lake Council Highlights - March 24, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm (via Zoom), Delainey, Lyons, Moses and Nelson 

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor welcomed former Williams Lake City Councillors' Paul French and Jason Ryll as well as current Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerksen, via Zoom, all to the meeting

 

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 be adopted: 

Amendment (remove Notice of Motion item from Councillor Nelson from tonight's Meeting Agenda).  Council divided on remove Notice of Motion from Councillor Nelson -- approved by following vote: 

Affirmative -- Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses (4)

Opposed -- Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors Boehm and Nelson (3)

On Adoption of Agenda, as amended -- 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegations:

None 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated March 12 and 19, 2026

* report of the Director of Protective Services dated March 17, 2026 regarding an update on status of the Remedial Action Requirement for 55 Sixth Avenue South

* letter from Dr. Rafiullah Sahibzada dated March 7, 2026 requesting Council to adopt Standard Time permanently in Williams Lake

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held February 25, 2026 

* letters from MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin Lorne Doerkson dated March 13, 2026 to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General regarding concerns around crime and mental health challenges in the community of Williams Lake

* letter from Wendy McLean dated March 16, 2026 requesting clarification from the City on reports of transported homeless individuals to Williams Lake, together with the responses of the Chief Administrative Officer

* list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235:

i) Lighting Request - Blue, Pink & White for "Transgender Day of Visibility"

ii) Lighting Request - Purple for "National Dental Hygienists Week"

2) Council directed staff to send a response to the LCRB (Liquor Control Regulation Branch) regarding the cannabis retail licence application at #401-1185 Prosperity Way with the comments as contained in the Staff report dated March 19, 2026 from the City Planner 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors M. Moses and J. Lyons

3) Council approved the sale of the City-owned parcel situated at 180 Third Avenue North, legally described as That Part of The Closed Lane, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, As Shown On Plan 22652 to the Cariboo Regional District for the proposed value of $1.00, plus all applicable taxes, fees and costs of registration to be borne by the purchaser (Cariboo Regional District)

4) Council approved compensation, registration, and travel expenses for interested Council members to attend the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) AGM & Convention being held in Prince George, BC from May 20 to 22, 2026

5) Council approved meals, travel, compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor to attend the United Steelworkers Local 1-2017 Annual General Meeting in Prince George, BC on April 11 and 12, 2026

6) Council scheduled the date for the Parcel Tax Roll Reviews to be held in Council Chambers as follows:

a) Water and Sewer - April 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM; and

b) Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area - April 24, 2026 at 9:30 AM

7) Council approved the use of City staff time and equipment for the hauling of material for the 2026 Spring Classic Indoor Rodeo

8) Council received an update on the Williams Lake Pickleball Club Society partnership proposal for a permanent pickleball facility in the community and directed that Option #2 be approved 

(Delay the project until a Parks and Trails Master Plan is in place for future park, trail and recreation infrastructure to ensure this facility is aligned moving into next decade plans. This would include reviewing this project with the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for future partnership opportunities. This delay could be up to two years, pending the development of the new plan, and the priorities that come out of the plan.  This option would best situate pickleball with broader recreation planning and would avoid some duplication of public consultation)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Mayor SPS Rathor, Councillors S. Nelson and M. Moses

9) Council received the "Council Information Package" of March 24, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities... 

Motion at request of Councillor S. Nelson: 

That Staff organize a meeting between Council/Interior Health regarding a community status update for health wrap-around services for Williams Lake and area.... 

And then Council adjourned at 7:27pm

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