Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day 2026

Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day is an opportunity to honour the dedication, service and sacrifice of search and rescue volunteers throughout British Columbia...

We have a number of Search and Rescue teams throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin including:

Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR
West Chilcotin Search and Rescue
South Cariboo Search & Rescue
North Cariboo Highway and Rescue

Each of the above-mentioned groups receive funding from the Cariboo Regional District and operate under a Society-led model except for Central Cariboo Search and Rescue which is directly administered by the Cariboo Regional District ...

I appreciate all of our rural Search and Rescue teams and what they do year round to keep us safe -- both with regular practices and "answering the call" when it comes for assistance...

The Hon. Kelly Greene - BC's Minister of Emergency Management speaks more on this day at:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026EMCR0004-000198

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - February 2026

In the month of February 2026 - I attended the following meetings or events: 

* February 3rd, 2026 -- Attended Virtual Provincial Town Hall Session on Forestry Supports for BC Rural Communities, co-hosted by the Hon. Brittny Anderson - BC Minister of State for Local Governments/Rural Communities and the Hon. Ravi Parmar, BC Minister of Forests then virtually met with the Deputy Minister of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship along with Kukpi7 (Chief) Rhonda Phillips from Xat'sull First Nation and her Xat'sull team re: former Wildwood School Property 

* February 6th, 2026 -- Attended meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' ... 

* February 11th, 2026 -- With Cariboo RD Area "K" Director Betty Anderson, attending the grand opening of "On the Fly Cafe" located at the Williams Lake Regional Airport, at the request of Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor 

* February 18th, 2026 -- virtually hosted annual (2026) Cariboo RD Area "D" Budget Town Hall meeting

* February 25th, 2026 -- attended meetings of Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus and Central Cariboo Joint Committee as well as observing a meeting of the Area "D" Advisory Planning Commission, via teleconference, for a land use application on Fox Mountain

* February 26th, 2026 -- attended meetings of the Cariboo RD's Finance/Budget Committee meeting as well as a Special Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board meeting

* February 27th, 2026 -- attended meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' ... 

* February 28th, 2026 -- attended annual Open House at McLeese Lake Library 

As well -- responded to regular and ongoing inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents via phone/text, email or social media.  In addition, remained in regular contact with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director and use her as a "sounding board" in ensuring I was on the right track for residents' of the Electoral Area... 

As to expenses submitted in the month of February 2026:

* February 6th, 2026 -- $206 for meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' ... 

* February 25th, 2026 -- $83 for meetings of Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus and Central Cariboo Joint Committee

* February 26th, 2026 -- $129 for meetings of Cariboo RD's Finance/Budget Committee meeting as well as a Special Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

* February 27th, 2026 -- $206 for meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' ... 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of March 2-6, 2026

During the week of March 2-6, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings: 

Wells - Meetings of District of Wells Council on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 via Zoom and in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells), as follows:

1) Closed Session from 2-3pm and 4:45-5:30pm as per Sections 92 + 90(1A/1L - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

2) Open Session from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Quesnel -- 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Retirement Presentation - Richard Gauthier

* Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program - New Candidate Presentation

* Reports from Committees' 

* Forestry is a Solution Request for support 

* Public Notice Bylaw

* 2028 NCLGA Conference Bid 

* City of Quesnel 100th Anniversary 

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

2) Governance and Strategy Committee/Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 9am in the Fraser River Meeting Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 City of Quesnel Operational Plan

* Housing Projects Update

* West Quesnel Land Stability - Project Update

*Heritage Conservation Act - Open Discussion

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Presentation and Update from Silvia Dubray, Community Well-Being and Safety Plan Coordinator

* Protective Services - 2025 Year in Review

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Cariboo Regional District: 

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee/Regular Meeting on Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at 12:00pm in District of 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda: 

* South Cariboo Recreation - 2025 Year in Review

* Discussion Items -- South Cariboo Recreation Centre Outdoor Rink/Media Booth, Dog Park and Action Page as a Standing Item on future South Cariboo Joint Committee Agendas

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally, during the week of March 2-6, 2026 | Cariboo RD Area "A" Director-elect Nicole Audet will be formally sworn into office.  Director-elect Audet will then formally take her seat at the March 19, 2026 Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) meeting and March 20, 2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Board Meetings... 

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Feb 27, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors C. Oakes (via MS Teams), B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. LeBourdais, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, R. Paull, S. Rathor, M. Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:48am

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

Delegation - 11:30am:

Peter Scholz with Cairnstone Planning attended remotely to provide information on the future operation and governance regarding the Prince George - North Vancouver rail corridor -- presentation here

Following the presentation -- A Question/Answer period 

The Chair thanked Mr. Scholz for his time/information 

Business - commencing at 9:45am:

1) The Board adopted Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5504, 2025 (Area J/4880 McGhee Rd)

Director Glassford declared a conflict of interest on the next item, due to a family conflict, and left the meeting at 9:53am

2) The Board approved a Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for inclusion pertaining to District Lot 13291, Cariboo District for submission to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area I) 

Director Glassford returned to the meeting at 9:54am

3) The Board directed Planning Staff to provide a submission to the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport outlining concerns related to the proposed Mount Timothy Recreation Resort Master Plan including zoning compliance, water and sewer servicing feasibility, road access capacity, emergency egress, fire protection, and wildfire risk assessment and mitigation.

4) The Board approved Year Round Grant for Assistance applications, as follows: 

a) Interlakes Community Centre Society - $500 from Area "L"

b) Tyee Lake Community Association - $1,000 from Area "D"

5) The Board directed up to $70,000 to support a request from the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission Society for a roofing project at the McLeese Lake Community Hall be approved from the 2026 Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund 

6) The Board approved NDIT Applications from Anahim Lake Community Association - Community Hall Upgrades and 87th Annual Anahim Lake Stampede

7) The Board deferred consideration of the draft Memorandum of Understanding between Nazko First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District to strengthen emergency management coordination to next available Indigenous Relations Committee meeting in March 2026 with the Committee being asked to provide a recommendation to the Cariboo RD Board's March 20, 2026 meeting 

8) The Board approved 2026 NCLGA Resolutions, as follows: 

* Rural Post-Secondary and Skilled Trades Training (Dir. Oakes, Area "A"), as amended 

* Highway 97 Road Safety (Dir. Bachmeier, Area "B"), as amended

9) The Board agreed to allocate up to $5,000 for the purchase, survey, title registration and lot amalgamation for a parcel of land currently owned by the City of Williams Lake at 180 N. Third Avenue (Williams Lake Library Parking Lot) 

10) The Board received Information Only items and following discussion, took no further action

11) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees/Commissions, as follows: 

a) Indigenous Relations Committee - Meeting of Feb 5, 2026

* That the Indigenous Relations Framework’s guiding Commitment Statement be endorsed.

b) North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Meeting of Feb 10, 2026

* That $5,000 from the North Cariboo Economic Development budget be provided to the Billy Barker Days Society for the 50th Anniversary celebration, as per the approved business plan goal to support partnerships for economic development projects and tourism events

* That the proposed contribution agreement with the City of Quesnel for fixed route transit services in the Red Bluff area be renewed in the amount of $14,000 annually for a three-year term

* That the proposed contribution agreement with the City of Quesnel for HandyDart service in rural fringe areas of the North Cariboo be renewed in the amount of $55,000 annually for a three-year term

*That the proposed contribution agreement with the City of Quesnel for regional airport services in the North Cariboo be renewed in the amount of $80,000 annually for a three-year term

*That the proposed contribution agreement with the City of Quesnel for Visitor Information and Tourism Marketing services in the north Cariboo be renewed in the amount of $20,000 annually for a three-year term.

* North Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2026: 

-- That the following representatives be appointed for 2026:

South-Central Regional Advisory Committee to UNBC/CNC – Director Bachmeier

North Cariboo Seniors Council - Director Bachmeier

Quesnel Housing Solutions Table - Director Bachmeier

City of Quesnel Accessibility Committee - Director Massier

Quesnel Airport Advisory Committee – Director Glassford

* That event sponsorship be provided to the Lhtako Dene Nation for its  pow wow planned for July 31 to August 2, 2026, in the amount of $1,000 from the COVID-19 Smart Restart Funds allocated to First Nations Reconciliation.

c) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting of Feb 10, 2026

*That the 2026 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital plan be amended to delete the changeroom renovation project ($35,000) at the soccer complex and replace it with a project to repair paving stones outside the building ($35,000) 

*That the City of Quesnel, as the Manager of the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service, enter into the attached 5-year license of occupation and management agreement with the Quesnel Youth Soccer Association for use of the soccer complex

*That the Quesnel Rodeo Club's grant application to Northern Development Initiative Trust for a new washroom facility near the grandstand in Alex Fraser Park be supported for submission.

The Board rejected, by a 13-1 vote, a North Cariboo Joint Committee recommendation, as follows: 

That the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee direct staff to implement recording and posting of Joint Advisory Committee meetings on the City of Quesnel website

12) Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Curbside Collection of Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5560, 2026

b) The Board adopted Bouchie Lake Fire Protection Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5554, 2026

Directors' provided verbal reports.... 

Resolution to Close the Open Board Meeting:

At 2:47pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Meeting as per Sections 92 + 90(2b)(iii) -- 

(between the Regional District and a First Nation or a prescribed Indigenous entity, or between a First Nation or a prescribed Indigenous entity and a third party) of the Community Charter 

At 3:13pm -- the Board resumed its Open Meeting 

And then the Board adjourned at 3:15pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - Feb 27, 2026 mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond and Directors Oakes (entered meeting via MS Teams at 9:46am), Bachmeier, Massier, 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 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to: 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital 2026 District Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 242, 2026

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

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House Hospital Generator Replacement) Bylaw No. 243, 2026

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House Hospital Laundry Room Renovation) Bylaw No. 244, 2026

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Cariboo Memorial Hospital Laundry Room Renovation) Bylaw No. 245, 2026

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

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – WL Cariboo Community Health Services Consolidation – Phase 2) Bylaw No. 246, 2026

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House Hospital Replacement of Domestic Hot Water Tanks) Bylaw No. 247, 2026

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH-Wide Digital Health) Bylaw No. 248, 2026

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Cariboo Memorial Hospital Meal Delivery System) Bylaw No. 249, 2026

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

Resolved: At request of Director Bachmeier (Area "B") — That Northern Health be invited to a future Board meeting … 

The Board recessed at 9:48am

The Board resumed at 1:00pm

Delegation:

Melissa LaPointe, Program Director for the Cariboo Chilcotin Healthcare Landing Program, was in attendance to provide an annual update on retention and recruitment for healthcare professionals in the Cariboo - presentation here

Following the presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

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

Resolution to proceed to Closed Board Session:

At 1:20pm-- the Board recessed to a Closed Session as per Sections 92 + 90(1e + j - land/information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

At 2:01pm--  the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

And then the Board adjourned at 2:03pm

Special Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - Feb 26, 2026 mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond and Directors Oakes (via MS Teams), Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor and Smith 

Meeting called to order at 11:00am

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 CCRHD Board Meeting were adopted

Delegation:

Representatives from Interior Health appeared before the Board to discuss their 2026-27 Capital Requests.  Presentation here

Following their presentation -- a Question/Answer period 

The Chair thanked representatives from Interior Health for their time/information

Business:

1) Interior Health Capital Funding Request for the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year

A report from the Chief Financial Officer was presented

Discussion ensued .... 

Resolved: 

That total funding in the amount of $3,120,420 be approved for inclusion in the CCRHD (Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District) 2026 Financial Plan.

Further, that the necessary capital expenditure bylaws be brought forward to the Board at its February 27, 2026 meeting for consideration of three readings and adoption.

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

And then the Board adjourned at 11:40am

Cariboo RD's Finance/Budget Committee Highlights - Feb 26, 2026 mtg

Present: 

Chair J. Glassford and Directors Oakes (via MS Teams), Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor and Pinkney 

Meeting commenced at 9:45am 

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Committee meeting was adopted

Business:

1) Review of 2026 Business Plan - Bylaw Enforcement (Information Only)

The Committee reviewed the revised 2026 Business Plan for Bylaw Enforcement

Discussion ensued.... 

No action taken by the Committee

2) The Committee reviewed a report of the Chief Financial Officer concerning the DRAFT 2026 Cariboo RD Budget and 2026-2030 Cariboo RD Five Year Financial Plan 

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Committee Direction:

That the Committee submit the Cariboo Regional District 2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan to the Cariboo Regional District Board to be considered at its March 20th, 2026 meeting for three readings and adoption

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

3) Review of Public Engagement Report/2026 Cariboo RD Budget (Information Only)

The Committee reviewed the 2026 Public Engagement Report for the 2026 Cariboo Regional District Budget 

Discussion ensued.... 

No action taken by the Committee

And then the Committee adjourned at 10:32am

Nicole Audet officially elected as Cariboo RD Area "A" Director for remainder of 2022-26 term

On February 24, 2026 -- the Cariboo Regional District's Chief Election Officer officially declared Ms. Nicole Audet elected as the Cariboo Regional District Area "A" Director for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term and will be sworn in during the month of March 2026 prior to the March 20, 2026 Cariboo Regional District Board meeting

Congratulations, Nicole!

Cariboo RD Full Statement: https://www.cariboord.ca/news/posts/declaration-of-official-results-by-election-area-a/

The 2026 Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area Directors' Local Elections will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, subject to any acclamations (unopposed candidates) that take place in Electoral Areas beforehand in September 2026 ... 

Cariboo RD Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - February 25, 2026 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld and M. LeBourdais

Present from City of Williams Lake: Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors M. Moses and S. Nelson

Meeting Chair: Director M. Neufeld

Meeting Location: Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional, unceded Williams Lake First Nation territory within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meetings was adopted

Business:

1) The Committee dealt with Information-Only or Discussion items, as follows:

* Report on Fortis Incentives Presentation

* Letter of Support for R.I.S.E. Society

* Williams Lake Stampede 100 Years Celebration & Long Term Sustainability

* City of Williams Lake provided Grant to WL Lions' Club for Clubs Day

* Renaming of Kiwanis Park to Kiwanis-Rotary Park in Williams Lake

Following discussion - the Committee agreed to invite representatives from R.I.S.E Society and Williams Lake Stampede Association to make future presentations to the Joint Committee 

2) The Committee discussed Action Items, as follows: 

* Report of Naming Rights Policy

Following discussion -- The Committee directed that City Staff move forward with developing a draft naming rights policy for consideration at a future Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

3) Action Page 

Discussion ensued... 

Following discussion -- The Committee received the Action Page 

And then the Committee adjourned at 6:03pm

Cariboo RD Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - February 25th, 2026 mtg.

Present: 

Chair T. Pare and Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais and Anderson 

Meeting called to order at 3:00pm - Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom

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, as amended (discussion on Advocacy of Rural Roads in 2026 and 100th Anniversary of Williams Lake Stampede) 

Minutes of the previous Caucus meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Dawson Road Maintenance regarding update on Dawson's activities in the Central Cariboo and Chilcotin

2) Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon, Acting Officer in Charge, from the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment regarding an update on activities in the Central Cariboo and Chilcotin

Following each delegation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked each delegation for their time/information

Business:

The Caucus discussed the following: 

1) 2025 Year-In-Review from Williams Lake Fire Department

2) Williams Lake and Area Community Wildfire Roundtable Participation

3) Water Aquifer Study and Aquatic Habitat DP Area as Part of Next Williams Lake Fringe OCP

4) Discussion on Advocacy of Rural Roads in 2026 

5) 100th Anniversary of Williams Lake Stampede in 2028/Funding from Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Economic Development

Following discussion -- no resolutions were brought forward

And then Caucus adjourned at 4:31pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - February 24, 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 as well as acknowledging: 

* Recent passing of Willie Dye and the positive impact he had on Williams Lake

* The developing situation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

* The recent hotel fire in Fraser Lake

* The recent mass murder in Tumbler Ridge

Meeting Agenda approved, as amended - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegation:

S/Sgt Brad McKinnon, Williams Lake RCMP Detachment Acting Officer in Charge appeared before Council to present the February 2026 Police Commission Update

Following his presentation -- a Question and Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked S/Sgt. McKinnon for his time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the verbal presentation from Staff-Sgt. Brad McKinnon, Acting Officer in Charge for the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment, regarding a police commission update for February 2026

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated February 12 and 19, 2026

2) Council received the request for transfer for the property located at 180 Third Avenue North, legally described as That Part of The Closed Lane, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, As Shown On Plan 22652; and City Staff were directed to advertise the required Notice of Disposition advising of the date and time when the disposition will be considered by Council

Editor's Note -- this same matter is on the Cariboo Regional District's February 27, 2026 Board Agenda for consideration

3) Council approved meals, travel, Council compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor or alternate to attend the 2026 Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) Forum in Richmond, BC from March 11 to 13, 2026 as well as the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) 2026 Annual Convention in Vancouver, BC from April 8 to 10, 2026 

4) Council gave consideration of approval for the late 2026 Community Grant application from Williams Lake Lions Club, in accordance with Council policy and agreed to provide a grant of $308 to the Lions Club

5) Council approved the direct award of the demolition and site remediation work for the fire damaged structure at 55 Sixth Avenue South to NAPP Enterprises Ltd. for the estimated amount of $202,000.00, plus applicable taxes, and waive Purchasing Policy No. 138 to allow direct sourcing.

6) Council awarded the Pavement Marking contract to Andesite Holdings DBA Yellowhead Pavement Marking Inc. for a three-year term for the tendered price of $213,457.48 per year, including GST, and direct the increase of the contracted line painting budget for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

7) Council approved the assignment of the Crematorium contract from Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Service Ltd. (Shane Gunn) to Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services Ltd. (Nolan Adam), effective February 27, 2026, for the purpose of maintaining the continued operation of the crematorium

8) Council was invited to attend the special presentation from FortisBC regarding the completion of the Custom Efficiency Project at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, being held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Gibraltar Room

Editor's Note -- this matter is also on the Cariboo Regional District's Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Agenda of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

9) Council received a report of the Director of Community Services regarding an update on the request of the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club to rename Kiwanis Park to Kiwanis-Rotary Park and endorsed the name change and Staff were directed to work with the 2 groups (Kiwanis/Rotary) for options to fund the signage for the newly named park and report back to Council

10) Council endorsed recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows: 

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Report #06-2026, the presentation of Peter Scholz, Cairnstone Planning on behalf of Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), regarding Prince George to North Vancouver Railway service be received and Council provide a letter of support advocating for the continuation of, and improved regional economic development through, improved railway service from Prince George to Vancouver; and further, that the local Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly be copied on this letter

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #07-2026, the presentation from Nathan Daye, Williams Lake Secondary School Capstone Student, regarding Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and raising awareness about the importance of donating blood, plasma and stem cells be received for information, and that Council, staff and the broader community be encouraged to contribute to this cause

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #08-2026 and the report of the Manager of RCMP Municipal Services dated January 22, 2026 regarding a general overview of regulations for non-standard vehicle use on municipal roadways be received and staff be directed to prepare a summary report on potential costs, RCMP perspective and other jurisdictions' experiences with permitting non-standard vehicles on City streets.

11) Council received a letter for information from the BC Minister of Forests dated February 10, 2026, in response to the letter from the City of Williams Lake dated December 2, 2025, regarding the Bridging to Retirement Program

12) Council received for information the following list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235:

        Lighting Request - Purple on May 10, 2026 for "World Lupus Day"

        Lighting Request - Purple on June 11, 2026 for "Lipedema Awareness Day"

13) Council received for public information a recently adopted In-Camera Resolution, as follows:

“That pursuant to Accessibility Advisory Committee In-Camera Report #01-2026, Council appoint Alisa Watts as a member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee; and further, that this item be brought forward as a matter of public record once the applicant has been notified of the appointment.” 

14) Late Items

a) Rotary Club Letter re: authorization for work in Kiwanis-Rotary Park -- following discussion, Council authorized the request of Rotary Club as well as amending the City's 2026 Capital Budget for $5,000

b) Verbal Report of Mayor Rathor re: Review of Community Safety at City of Williams Lake owned or operated facilities, in light of the incident in Tumbler Ridge and -- following discussion, Council authorized the review and Staff report back to Council

c) Verbal Report of Councillor Nelson re: BC Housing Jamboree Place Project -- following discussion, Council directed Staff to confirm that BC Housing's Jamboree Place Project is still proceeding, in light of the Feb 17, 2026 provincial budget (Community Housing Fund) 

15) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of February 24, 2026

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

And then Council adjourned at 7:32pm

BC Budget overspends & underdelivers

Last week -- the Mayors of Chilliwack/Victoria, BC (Ken Popove/Marianne Alto) wrote an op-ed (opinion editorial) in the Vancouver Sun regarding their local governments' perspective on BC Budget 2026 which you can read below:

==================================

Governments at all levels must make difficult choices to find fiscal balance. Now, one year into their mandate, BC Premier David Eby and BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey have presented a budget that claims that B.C. is open for businesses. But the real story comes from what is — and is not — in the details.

Half a decade of post-pandemic challenges have stacked up, including global supply chain issues, heightened demands on housing, and complex health-care needs. These challenges, combined with the rising cost of living, and unfair economic threats and sanctions from the administration of our southern neighbours, has put B.C. in a difficult financial position. These are challenges our residents know all too well — too much money going out, and not enough revenue coming in.

When higher levels of government reduce or freeze spending, the costs don’t go away. They shift to local governments, property taxpayers, and neighbourhood-level services. Local governments have been quietly absorbing extra responsibilities for years, from housing and health care to social services and public safety. A lack of early provincial investment forces municipalities into “crisis-response” mode, which is an expensive way of doing business. Last year, the B.C. Urban Mayors’ Caucus presented data to the public demonstrating that local governments are absorbing millions of dollars in costs related to policing, fire response, and housing provision. These costs are passed on to local taxpayers.

This year’s provincial budget focuses on leveraging B.C.’s economic opportunities, and we recognize that the government is ensuring that B.C. is a centre for investment and business. They are making key investments in the B.C. prosecution service, children and youth services, and health-care staffing. But we’re waiting for action on issues such as ballooning municipal policing costs, and adequate shelters and supportive housing.

Long-term care, child care, and transportation infrastructure are key examples of areas that have been paused or cut in the provincial budget, each of which will have a significant impact on urban residents.

This provincial budget also eliminates the Community Housing Fund, which supported communities to build affordable housing. This will hurt local governments’ ability to deliver on community needs, and get people into safe, affordable housing. This program was paused and reallocated, despite the fact that many communities are waiting to receive this crucial funding.

In 2023, the premier inherited a budget surplus, $1 billion of which was given to local governments to invest in community infrastructure needs. While welcome, this one-time funding was not enough to compensate for decades of downloading.

Now, the projected deficit continues to grow, with little plan to manage it.

The words “local government” or “municipality” did not appear once in the minister’s budget speech. British Columbians value the relationship and cooperation between their local government and the provincial government, and we were surprised that the province appears to be dismissing the importance of our shared work.

As outsiders, it is easy to criticize the budget when you aren’t responsible for the tough decisions. But as mayors of major cities, we’re making the same tough decisions that the province is making — and we’re doing it while balancing our budgets, as required by the law. So, how should the province respond to these challenges? The provincial government must be willing to do business differently, and work side-by-side with partners, and local governments, to find ways to generate revenue and work collaboratively on problems. Instead, we have a bigger deficit that still underdelivers on key issues such as community safety and addictions care.

Governments at all levels must make choices about balance, and we invite the provincial government to engage with local governments to talk about ways we can make it easier for local government to do business, without putting extra costs on the backs of taxpayers.

Ken Popove is mayor of Chilliwack, BC and Marianne Alto is mayor of Victoria, BC. They are co-chairs of the B.C. Urban Mayors’ Caucus, which represents mayors from 16 of the province’s (of British Columbia) largest communities. This op-ed is written on behalf of the group, and expresses their collective thoughts.

Cariboo RD Area "A" By-Election PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is releasing the preliminary results for the Electoral Area A By-Election held on February 21, 2026.

The preliminary vote count is as follows:

Audet, Nicole – 139 votes (elected)

Helmink, Chris – 30 votes

Total ballots cast: 169

These results are preliminary and remain unofficial until the Chief Election Officer completes the official determination of results in accordance with the Local Government Act.

The CRD thanks all candidates for their participation and extends appreciation to election workers and residents who took part in the voting process.

Updates will be available on cariboord.ca

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments'/Boards of Education Meeting | Week of February 23-27, 2026

During the week of February 23-27, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments'/Boards of Education will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Quesnel - Public Safety Committee/Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:30am in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Warming Centre Discussion

* Closed Committee Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90 (1c + j - labour and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Report of the Superintendent 

* Amendment to 2025/26 Budget Bylaw -- (3 Readings) 

* Board of Education of School District/SD 27 (Cariboo Chilcotin) approves the 70-Mile School TELUS Statutory Right of Way – Bylaw 2025-1 (for 3 Readings/Adoption) 

At this meeting, as per newly adopted SD27 Procedural Bylaw amendments, questions from the public can now only be submitted in writing by 2pm on Monday, February 23rd, 2026 for items on the Meeting Agenda to be addressed at this SD27 Board of Education meeting which the Board Chair (Angie Delainey) may or may NOT address at the SD27 Board Meeting of February 23, 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

* Delegation: Williams Lake RCMP 

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

* Authorization for Mayor Rathor to attend COFI (Council of Forest Industry) and LGLA (Local Government Leadership Academy) 2026 Conference 

* Community Grant Application (Late Intake) - Williams Lake Lions Club (Club Day event) 

* Sole-Sourcing 55 Sixth Avenue South Demolition & Site Remediation - Remedial Action Requirement - Public Safety

* Presentation of FortisBC Grant for improvements at Recreation Complex in Williams Lake 

* Kiwanis-Rotary Park Renaming Proposal --> Council Direction sought 

* 3 Recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole for endorsement 

* Report from previous In-Camera Meeting to appoint new member to Accessibility Advisory Committee 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House -- all meetings, as noted below, in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

1) Committee of the Whole at 4:30pm -- on the Agenda: 

* Discussion re: Asset Management Update / 2026 Capital Plan  

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

* Delegations -- Melissa LaPoint: Health Landing Coordinator and Peter Scholz: Rail Line Advocate 

* Approval for Events -- South Cariboo Farmers Market street closure and What’s Hoppening 

* Proposed NCLGA Resolution – Expansion of Support for Medical Professional Services

* Closed/In-Camera Council Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(1g - litigation) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- all meetings, as noted below, in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom

1) Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus/Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 3pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- Dawson Road Maintenance and Williams Lake RCMP

* Discussion Items -- Williams Lake Community Wildfire Roundtable; Williams Lake Fringe OCP (Water Aquifer Study + Aquatic Habitat DP Area)

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Central Cariboo Joint Committee/Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 5:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Information Items -- Report on Fortis Incentives Presentation and Request for Letter of Support - R.I.S.E. Society

* Deferred Item: Report of Naming Rights Policy

* Discussion Item: Williams Lake Stampede 100 Years Celebration & Long Term Sustainability

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Finance and Budget Committee/Regular Meeting on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* Review DRAFT 2026 Cariboo Regional District Budget 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Special Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) Board Meeting - Thursday, February 26th at 11:00am.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Interior Health re: Capital Funding Request for the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year

* Review Interior Health Capital Funding Request for the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year

View the full Meeting Agenda here

5) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Meeting -- Friday, February 27th, 2026 at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Melissa LaPointe, Program Director for the Cariboo Chilcotin Healthcare Landing Program re: an annual update on retention and recruitment for healthcare professionals in the Central and South Cariboo 

* 3 Readings/Adoption of 2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Budget

* Closed/In-Camera Board Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(1e/j - land and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

6) Cariboo Regional District Board -- following recess of the CCRHD Board meeting or 9:45am on Friday, February 27th, 2026, whichever occurs first.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation at 11:30am -- Peter Scholz with Cairnstone Planning will attend remotely to provide information on the future operation and governance regarding the Prince George - North Vancouver rail corridor.

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors only) 

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance Applications -- Tyee Lake Community Association (Area D) and Interlakes Community Centre Society (Area L)

* Request for Community Works Funds to replace roof at McLeese Lake Community Hall

* NDIT Application: Anahim Lake Community Association's Hall Upgrades 

* NCLGA 2026 Resolutions for approval: Post Secondary Options 

* Aquire property from City of Williams Lake for $1 for Williams Lake Library 

* Endorse recommendations from CRD Committees/Commissions

* Closed/In-Camera Board Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(2b(iii)) of the Community Charter [between a Regional District and a First Nation or a prescribed Indigenous entity, or between a First Nation or a prescribed Indigenous entity and a third party

View the full Meeting Agenda here