2026 Cariboo RD Area "D" Virtual Town Hall Meeting - Feb 18, 2026 at 7pm

Courtesy of Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth:

Next Wednesday, February 18, 2026 -- I will be hosting my annual Virtual Budget Town Hall meeting to discuss the Cariboo Regional District's 2026 Draft Budget/5 Year Financial Plan on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7pm.  Full details on the virtual meeting at https://www.facebook.com/events/1968401180375345

** Please note that this is NOT the official Cariboo Regional District formal budget consultation exercise ** 

The Cariboo Regional District offers the following for review, prior to my Virtual Budget Town Hall meeting... 

1) Area "D" Budget 2026 Flyer (this will be mailed out to all Area "D" property owners or renters) -- https://www.cariboord.ca/media/tm1lah5u/area-d-final-budget-mailout.pdf

2) Full 2026 Cariboo Regional District Budget Documents -- https://www.cariboord.ca/regional-government/budget-and-finances/budget-2026/

3) 2026 Budget Survey (please fill this out and tell the Cariboo Regional District how you feel about the proposed budget) -- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTK696D

Cariboo RD Area "A By-Election/1st Day of Advanced Voting

Today (Feb 11, 2026) from 8am - 8pm at the Quesnel and District Recreation Centre on North Star Road in Quesnel (just down from McDonald's in Quesnel) is the first day of advanced voting for Cariboo Regional District Area "A" voters in Alexandria, Kersley, Red Bluff and those living on Maple Drive within Area "A" as well as those living on Quesnel-Hydraulic Road within Area "A" to elect 1 individual to represent Area "A" on the Cariboo Regional District Board for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term 

Full details on the Cariboo Regional District website here

Also (as I know it is being asked online) -- candidates can be reached directly online as to their platforms.  

While Chris Helmink does not have an online presence (Facebook,etc.)  -- Nicole Audet does via a Facebook page here

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Feb 10th, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons (via Zoom), 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 and Mayor Rathor expressed his personal condolences and that of Williams Lake City Council in regards to the shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge, BC (click here)

Meeting Agenda approved  - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegation:

Venta Rutkauskas and Cheryl Chapman from the Orange Shirt Society appeared before Council to discuss the April 2026 Graduation Event at BC Place in Vancouver 

Following their presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information 

Response to Delegations:

Council received the presentation from the Orange Shirty Society, directed Staff to distribute information on the April 2026 Orange Shirt Day Graduation Event at BC Place to all BC Local Governments' and that the Mayor or alternate be approved to attend the April 2026 graduation event at BC Place

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT/Electronic Funds Transfer listings dated January 29 and February 5, 2026

2) Council authorized entering into a License of Occupation Agreement with the Toronto-Dominion Bank for an existing overhead awning sign located along Borland Street at 101 Second Avenue North

3) Following public input -- Council approved Development Permit No. 04-2025 for G.L. Smith Planning & Designs Inc., on behalf of The TDL (Tim Horton's) Group Corp., to permit exterior renovations and site improvements to the existing Tim Horton’s located at 1059 Highway 97 South

4) Council received a report from the Chief Financial Officer regarding an early debt repayment option from the Municipal Finance Authority and directed Staff to proceed 

5) Council received for information a report of the Senior Bylaw Officer regarding an update on the status of the City's pre-approved temporary overnight shelter locations following nine months of implementation

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

6) Council received for information a report from the Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief regarding an overview of the downtown street concerns raised by Consus Management Ltd., summarizing the actions taken to date by staff, and outlining ongoing work related to downtown safety, sanitization and multi-agency coordination

And at the request of Councillor Nelson -- 

That Council direct that there be immediately a higher RCMP presence in the downtown Williams Lake area, re-iterate to the Provincial Government that prolific offenders be required to wear GPS devices while out on bail and that a dialogue be pursued between the RCMP, Interior Health, Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Williams Lake BIA/Business Improvement Area and the City of Williams Lake to establish short term solutions in regards to the rash of break-ins in the downtown core of Williams Lake 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor M. Moses 

7) Council agreed to advocate to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the Premier, the Minister of Forests, and local MLA(s) regarding the significant impacts of the recent changes to the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program, requesting the restoration of stable, multi-year wildfire risk reduction funding, the reinstatement of fuel management eligibility, and continued predictable support for FireSmart positions and Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) implementation

8) Council authorized RFP/Request for Proposals, as follows: 

a)  purchase of four half ton four door quad cab 4x4 pick-up truck vehicles to Dueck Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC Ltd. for the purchase price of $300,821.37, including all applicable taxes, and authorize staff to use the remaining budgeted funds to purchase a dump box insert at an estimated cost of $10,000.00

b) purchase of one 2026 four-cylinder SUV/ MPV/ Crossover vehicle to Dueck Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC Ltd. for the purchase price of $42,144.29

9) Council authorized a Remedial Action Resolution for property at 55 6th Avenue South (behind Hamilton Hotel) - click here

10) Council endorsed recommendations from a previous meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows: 

* That City of Williams Lake and CRD staff bring forward to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, a proposal for the makeup of a Working Group for the development of an Indoor Multi-Use Facility

* approval be granted to place the described artwork created by Montana Russell in her presentation, on a wall in the West Fraser Aquatic Centre lobby

* That City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District staff report back to the February Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting regarding the Joint Use Facilities Agreement.

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

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #03-2026, the presentation from Darren VanEs and Greg Jeannotte, R.I.S.E. Society, be received and a letter of support be provided to the RISE Society; and further, that the City request local First Nations, the Cariboo Regional District (via the Central Cariboo Joint Committee) and the Interior Health Authority to also provide letters of support to the Society

*That Committee of Whole Council Report #04-2026 and the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated January 14, 2026 be received and Council maintain its direction to not consider late permissive tax applications

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

* That pursuant to Committee Report #05-2026 and the report of the Deputy Corporate Officer dated January 15, 2026, Council approve new City of Williams Lake Recognition Program Policy No. 235, and repeal Council Policies No. 32 and 215; and further, that Policy No. 235 be brought back to Committee of Whole Council for review in February 2027, following its first year of implementation.

12) Council received the January 28, 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting minutes 

13) Council received for information a letter from the Cariboo Regional District dated February 2, 2026 advising of the nomination period for appointment of the Cariboo Regional District representative to the NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association's Board for the 2026-27 term

14) Council agreed to provide a letter of thank you to the Minister of Health to encourage continued support of their Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program in our community

15) Council proclaimed the following: 

* March 26, 2026 be proclaimed as "Purple Day" in the City of Williams Lake

* the lights of Williams Lake City Hall be changed to red on March 24, 2026 for "World Tuberculosis Day"

16) Council received its' "Council Information Package" as of February 10, 2026 

Members of Council reported on their recent activities 

Motion to Close the Meeting:

At 7:40pm -- Council resolved to proceed into a Closed (In-Camera) Council Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting - as per Sections 92 + 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

And then Council adjourned at 7:41pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education Meetings | Week of February 9-13, 2026

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

Wells -- 

1) Closed Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 2-3pm and 4:45 to 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 Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 3:15pm to 4:30pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) and via Zoom.  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Quesnel -- 

1) Policy/Bylaw Review Committee on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 3:15pm in the Fraser River Meeting Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Review Public Notice Bylaw 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Committee of the Whole session on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Anorak and Regalia Project – Lakecity Secondary School presentation

* FESL: Attendance Data

* Super Attendance Recognition Program

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

* Delegation: Venta Rutkauskas, Orange Shirt Society re Support of April 2026 Graduation Event

* Development Permit Application - DP #04-2026 - G.L. Smith Planning & Designs Inc. - Exterior Renovations & Site Improvements - 1059 Highway 97 South (Tim Horton's) - Approval

* Debt Early Redemption Opportunity (Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation)

* Changes to FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program 

Editor's Note -- at the February 6, 2026 meeting of the Cariboo Regional District Board, it was agreed that a Joint Cariboo RD-Municipalities (Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House) letter be authorized on this same subject

* Remedial Action Resolution - 55 Sixth Avenue South (behind Hamilton Hotel)

* Recommendations from previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee and Committee of Whole Council meetings

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 5:30pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce

* 108 ATV Club 

* Mount Timothy Master Plan Referral - Direction of Council requested

* NCLGA 2026 Resolution – Nurse Practitioner Support 

* Closed Council Meeting -- Sections 90(1c + 1g - labour + litigation) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- 

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee -- Regular Meeting on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: CRD Staff re: "Cariboo It's True" program

* Lumberman's Ballpark Bleachers

* RBC - Barrier Buster Grant Application - Front Row for All

* 100 Mile House Soccer Fields Entry Gate

* Discussion Items: South Cariboo Recreation Centre (Media Booth/Outdoor Rink) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel sub-office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

* Delegation: FARMED

* Appointment of Co-Chair of North Cariboo Joint Committee for 2026 

* Quesnel Community Council - Invitation - 12th Annual Gallery Awards

* Grants for Assistance - Billy Barker Days - 50th Aniversary

* Contribution Agreement Renewals with City of Quesnel for Transit, HandyDart, Airport and Visitor Information / Tourism Marketing Services

* North Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2026 

* 2026 North Cariboo Rural Caucus Meeting Schedule

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Virtual streaming and recording options for North Cariboo Joint Committee meetings

* Capital Budget Amendment – Soccer Facility

* QYSA Licence of Occupation and Management Agreement

* World Cup Community Event

* Pickleball request for expansion at QYSA

* Review North Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference (participating in Closed Committee Meetings via electronic means) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - February 6, 2026 mtg

Present: Vice Chair J. Massier and Directors Oakes, Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor, Smith and Alternate Director D. Funk (District of Wells) 

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

The Vice-Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Alternate Director Funk from the District of Wells to today’s meeting of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board … 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were adopted

Business:

1) The Board received its' upcoming Delegations List

Meeting recessed at 9:35am

Meeting resumed at 10:30am

Delegation:

Samantha Mtatiro, Healthcare Recruitment Coordinator with the City of Quesnel, appeared before the Board remotely via MS Teams to provide an update on recruitment and retention activities

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

The Vice-Chair thanked Ms. Mtatiro for her time information

Meeting recessed at 10:53am

Meeting resumed at 2:36pm 

Closed (In-Camera) Board Session:

At 2:36pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Board Meeting as per Sections 92 + 90(1e + 1j - land and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

Resumption of Open Board Session:

At 2:55pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Board Meeting

And then the Board adjourned at 2:56pm 

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - February 6, 2026 mtg

Present:

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

Meeting called to order at 9:45am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Alternate Director Funk from the District of Wells to today’s meeting of the Cariboo Regional District Board 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Delegation (11:00am):

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerksen appeared before the Board to provide a general update

Following his presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked MLA Doerksen for his time/information 

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st and 2nd Readings to the following Land Use Bylaws: 

a) Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5545, 2025 & South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5546, 2025 -- Area "L"/7083 Thomas Rd

b) Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5547, 2025 and Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5548, 2025 -- Area "D"/1875 Fox Mountain Rd

c) Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5543, 2025 -- Area "K"/5531 Chilcotin Hwy 20

2) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5544, 2025 -- Area "E"/1123 Denny Rd

3) The Board adopted South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5441, 2023 -- Area "H"/2750 Bradley Creek Rd

4) Travis Flanagan, Cariboo RD FireSmart Educator, provided a brief verbal update on recent FireSmart funding announcements and responded to questions of Directors' 

At request of Director Forseth (Area "D") -- 

That a Joint Cariboo Regional District-Member Municipalities letter be sent to the Premier of BC and Minister of Forests requesting that the Provincial Government provide for sustainable FireSmart funding in its’ 2026 budget and a copy of this letter be forwarded to all Regional Districts, NCLGA, UBCM and the Hon. Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities as well as the Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance

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

i) Horsefly River Roundtable -- $1,000 divided equally between Areas “D” & "F"

ii) South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce -- $1,000 divided equally between Areas "H" and "L"

6) The Board authorized NDIT or Northern Development Initiative Trust applications, as follows: 

* Gold Rush Cycling Club – Dragon Mountain Mountain Bike Trail Development

* Likely & District Chamber of Commerce – Bullion Pit Lookout Penstock Enhancement

* Williams Lake Cycling Club – 2026 Ride Your Ride Women’s Mountain Bike Festival

7) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Cheque Register for the month of January 2026 in the amount of $2,708,623.87

Meeting recessed at 10:25am to CCRHD Board

Meeting resumed at 10:53am 

Delegation — 11:00am (MLA Lorne Doerksen) — see top 

Meeting recessed at 12:02pm for lunch

Meeting resumed at 12:50pm 

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

* Staff were directed, at request of Director Oakes (Area A) to prepare a 2026 NCLGA Resolution regarding post-secondary education closer to home options within the Cariboo-Chilcotin 

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

a) Heritage Steering Committee - Meeting of January 13, 2026 

That a letter of support be sent to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recommending a commemorative plaque be placed in Likely or Lac La Hache in recognition of Tomah LoLo and Long Baptiste for their legacy and contribution to the beginning of mining history in the Cariboo.

b) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting of January 28, 2026: 

* That City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District staff  bring forward to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, a proposal for the makeup of a Working Group for the development of an Indoor Multi-Use Facility (for Williams Lake) 

* That approval be granted to place the described artwork created by Montana Russell in her presentation, on a wall in the West Fraser Aquatic Centre lobby

* That staff report back to the February Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting regarding the Joint Use Facilities Agreement

10) Corporate Bylaws: 

a) Bouchie Lake Fire Protection Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5554, 2026 was given 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings 

b) Cariboo Regional District North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 5551, 2026 was given 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption 

c) Cariboo Regional District Deka Lake Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5542, 2026 was adopted 

11) Directors' Requests

a) At the request of Directors' Bachmeier, Anderson and DeVries (Areas B,K,L) -- the Board approved access to their Director Initiative Funds, as follows: 

* Area B -- up to $5,000 to attend the 2026 FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, AB

* Area K -- up to $1,900 to attend the BC Guide and Outfitters Conference on March 26-28, 2026 in Kelowna, BC 

* Area L -- up to $5,000 to attend the 2026 FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, AB

Directors’ reported on their recent activities… 

Closed (In-Camera) Board Meeting:

At  2:23pm -- the Board recessed its Open Meeting to hold a Closed Board Meeting as per Sections 92 + 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

Resumption of Open Board Meeting:

At 2:34pm-- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

And then the Board adjourned at 2:36pm

Committee of the Whole (Williams Lake Council) Highlights - Feb 3, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor SPS Rathor (Chair) and Councillors S. Boehm, A. Delainey, J. Flaspohler, M. Moses and S. Nelson 

Absent: Councillor J. Lyons 

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

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 Committee of the Whole meeting were adopted

Delegations:

1) Darren VanEs: R.I.S.E. Society

2) Steve Forseth: Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director re: Pine Valley Sewer System Verbal Update (increase to user fee in 2026 and impact on City of Williams Lake Airport budget)

After each delegation -- A Question/Answer period ensued...

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

Business:

The Committee discussed the following: 

1) Permissive Tax Exemption - Late Request from Central Cariboo Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

2)New Recognition Program Policy No. 235 

Following discussions -- the Committee made the following recommendations to Williams Lake City Council: 

1) Council maintain its direction to not consider late permissive tax applications (Late Request from Central Cariboo Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors M. Moses and S. Nelson

2) Council approve the new City of Williams Lake Recognition Program Policy No. 235 and that Council Policies No. 32 and 215 be repealed and finally, Policy No. 235 be brought back to Committee of Whole Council for review in February 2027, following its first year of implementation

And then the Committee adjourned at 6:45pm

Williams Lake Fire Department Recruiting New Paid On-Call Firefighters

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) is recruiting new paid on-call firefighters and invites interested residents to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more about the role, training process and how to apply.

WLFD is seeking motivated, physically fit individuals over the age of 19 who are interested in serving their community while developing valuable emergency response and teamwork skills.

“Paid on-call firefighting offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, learn new skills and be part of a close-knit team that plays a critical role in keeping our community safe,” said Deputy Fire Chief Brendan Foote. “We encourage anyone who wants to learn more about firefighting to come out to an information session, ask questions, and see if this is the right fit for them.”

Two information sessions will be held at the Williams Lake Fire Hall, located at 230 Hodgson Road, on Tuesday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The sessions will provide an overview of what is required to become a paid on-call firefighter and offer an opportunity to speak directly with department members. Recruitment booklets and information packages will be available at the sessions and at the fire hall.

Additional recruitment resources, including a firefighter recruitment video and application forms, are available on the City of Williams Lake website or in person at the fire hall.

Applications are open until Friday, March 13, 2026. Applicants must reside within the Williams Lake Fire Protection District.

For more information, contact the Williams Lake Fire Department at 250-392-4321 or visit www.williamslake.ca/238/protective-services.

Cariboo RD Area "A" By-Election 2026/All Candidates Forum at Kersley Community Hall - Feb 2, 2026

Earlier this evening from 7-8pm at the Kersley Community Hall -- I joined my Cariboo RD Area "C" colleague (and CCRHD Vice-Chair) John Massier in observing the Cariboo RD Area "A" All Candidates Forum hosted by the Kersley Community Association.  The candidates, Nicole Audet and Chris Helmink answered a number of questions which included: 

1. Tell us about yourself

2. Appointment of Kersley Recreation Commission Executive by Area “A” Director - will you maintain this practice, if elected?

3. Durrell Rd/Kersley VFD 

4. If elected - what changes will you implement 

5. Experience in advocating to other levels of government (provincial/federal) and pursuing of grants and advocacy in general for Area “A”

6. Support for Kersley VFD 

7. Support for volunteers in rural unincorporated communities such as Kersley 

8. What are your priorities as Area A Director until October 2026? 

9. If you were Area A Director at the time — how would you have dealt with continuing operation of Kersley Elementary and ensuring no gravel pits in Sisters Creek

10. How will serve the diverse needs of Area A from semi-urban to true rural ….

11. How will balance needs of Area A (specifically Kersley) vs personal priorities 

12. What kind of leadership style do you bring to the position of Area “A” Director 

13. How will work on Kersley specific issues like High Speed Internet, lack of HandyDART and rural road maintenance? 

In my opinion -- the candidates handled themselves well and there were no missteps by the candidates at the Forum ... Cariboo Regional District Area "A" voters will have a tough choice in selecting their Area Director to serve a period between March to October of 2026.... 

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar -- January 2026

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

* January 8, 2026 -- facilitated the January 2026 meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission, at their request 

* January 13, 2026 -- Coffee with Sarah Jackman (who is also a Cariboo RD Area "D" resident) of the Williams Lake Salvation Army and a tour to follow to gain an insight of their activities for both Williams Lake (inside City boundaries) and the greater Central Cariboo region 

* January 14, 2026 -- Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting 

* January 15, 2026 -- Cariboo RD Finance/Budget Committee meeting 

* January 16, 2026 -- Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District & Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* January 21, 2026 -- Annual "Thank You Lunch" by myself at the Point Restaurant in Williams Lake (along with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director) for Cariboo RD Area "D" Advisory Planning Commission (APC) members to express my personal appreciation for their service to myself/Cariboo RD Board on their recommendations on Land Use applications within Electoral Area "D" of the Cariboo Regional District 

Then they (APC) held a brief meeting to review a Land Use Planning application on Fox Mountain and provide a recommendation on the application to the Regional Board for their consideration 

* January 26, 2026 -- Virtually attended (via MS Teams) the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) meeting virtually - given their discussions around their Procedural Bylaw amendments 

* January 28, 2026 -- Meeting with Dawson Road Maintenance/Xat'sull First Nation staff regarding maintenance of Mountain House Road (gravel portion) and then attend the Monthly Meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee 

* January 29, 2026 -- Attend monthly meeting of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce 

* January 30, 2026 -- Met with Xat'sull First Nation's Director of Education as well as BC Conservative Party Leadership candidates (Peter Milobar and representative for Yuri Fulmer) and encouraged them to remember us in Rural BC and our needs for the rural unincorporated communities.  The representative for Yuri Fulmer committed to passing my contact details to Mr. Fulmer so he/I could have a follow-up conversation ... 

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 January 2026:

* January 14, 2026 -- $83 for attendance at Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting 

* January 15, 2026 -- $129 for attendance at Cariboo RD Finance/Budget Committee meeting 

* January 16, 2026 -- $206 for attendance at meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District & Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* January 28, 2026 -- $83 for attendance at Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards' of Education Meetings | Week of February 2-6, 2026

During the week of February 2-6, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards' of Education Meetings will occur: 

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

* Committee Reports

* Reports from Attendees: 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 20-22, 2026 

* Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Grant Application

* Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Grant Application

* 2026 DRAFT City of Quesnel Capital Budget 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Then from 7-8pm -- Quesnel Council will hold a Special Closed Meeting as per Sections 92 + 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter to discuss CAO Performance Appraisal.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Committee of the Whole session in the SD28 Administration Office (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel) on Thursday, February 5th, 2026.  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

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

* Delegations -- i) Darren VanEs, Greg Jeannotte & Ben Shoults, R.I.S.E. Society and ii) Steve Forseth, Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director re: Pine Valley Sewer System Verbal Update

* Permissive Tax Exemption - Late Request (Central Cariboo Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses)

* New Recognition Program City of Williams Lake Policy No. 235

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- all meetings to be in held in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  

1) Emergency Preparedness Committee on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00am.  On the Agenda: 

* EDMA/Emergency Disaster Management Act Updates – Financial Assistance for Emergency Response and Recovery Costs Guidelines

* British Columbia Disaster and Climate Risk Resilience Assessment

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Indigenous Relations Committee on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 1:00pm.  On the Agenda:

* Delegations: Ministry of Indigenous Relations (General Update) and Gordon Keener from Xat'sull First Nation re: NStQ Treaty Process

* Verbal Update from CRD Manager of Intergovernmental Relations

* Discussion Item:  Indigenous Relations Framework Implementation 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District(CCRHD)/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* Information-only items

* Delegation: City of Quesnel regarding update on recruitment/retention activities in Quesnel 

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

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, February 6th, 2026,  upon recess of the CCRHD Board Meeting.  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only) 

* Delegation: Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerksen re: General Update

* 2 Year Round Grant for Assistance applications (Horsefly River Roundtable, South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce)

* Committee Recommendations for endorsement

* Requests from Director DeVries (Area L), Bachmeier (Area B) and Anderson (Area K) for access to Areas B,K,L Director Initiative Funds re: FCM Convention 2026 in Edmonton, AB (Areas B and L) and BC Trappers Association Conference (Area K)

* Closed/In-Camera Board Meeting: Sections 92 + 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

District of 100 Mile House October 2026 Local General Election Heads-Up

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

Are you interested in running for Mayor or Council in the October 17 general local election?

Those considering candidacy must meet eligibility requirements to be nominated. Provincial legislation also outlines how candidates run and finance their election campaigns, as well as the rules around election advertising.

Anyone interested in running in the upcoming Local Government Election is encouraged to visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/general-local-elections for detailed candidate information and resources.

For more information, contact the Chief Election Officer Sheena Elias at 250-395-2434 or selias@100milehouse.com

Quesnel Council Highlights - January 27, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Industrial Land Inventory

Council directed staff to apply for a CanExport Community Investment grant and committed up to $34,000 from the Council Initiatives fund to prepare an industrial land inventory and marketing package.

The CanExport Community Investments program provides financial support to Canadian communities to help them attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. This creates jobs for Canadians, fostering innovation and increasing exports.

Given the current global economy, this will improve Quesnel's ability to respond to investment inquiries and attract new industrial investment to the area.

2025 Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department Annual Call-out Report

The Quesnel Fire Department currently has 4 career and 34 volunteer firefighters to serve the Quesnel/Red Bluff Fire Protection area and provides fire suppression, first responder medical aid, high angle/confined space rescue, motor vehicle road rescue, Haz-mat operations and wildfire structural sprinkler protection.

Fire Chief Richert reviewed the 2025 911 incident calls. The Quesnel Fire Department was dispatched to 856 calls in 2025, compared to 825 calls in 2024.

Increased call types included various burning complaints, serious motor vehicle accidents and BC Ambulance Service and RCMP assists, while decreased calls included medical aid, residential fire and false alarms, vehicle and small wild fires.

Public Safety & Development

In accordance with Council's strategic plan, City Manager McKay provided a report to Council regarding public safety and development, outlining budget considerations for 2026.

The goal was to identify first responder trends in the community and corresponding options for deployment of critical services to mitigate the effects of the ongoing illicit drug epidemic, growing resident concerns and an under-resourced justice system. 

To align with Council’s direction to maintain fiscal prudence amid uncertain economic conditions in a City highly dependent on industrial taxation, staff recommended consideration of the following:

• Work with the RCMP and Province of B.C. on recruitment/retention efforts to increase the member count at the Quesnel detachment to 22 by 2027 and 24 by 2028;
• Work with the RCMP to explore options to optimize the deployment of members to transition to a 6-person watch rotation by 2029/2030;
• Work with the RCMP to transition the detachment to a watch clerk system;
• Advocate for a third ambulance unit in Quesnel; and
• Advocate to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to ensure the Province is adequately funding and supporting the Quesnel RCMP detachment in view of current public safety concerns.

Given potential staffing ramifications, following the Regular meeting Council moved into a special closed meeting to discuss the options further.

Announcements

• Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 7:15 pm - Quesnel Kangaroos puck drop – West Fraser Centre
• Friday, February 6, 2026 – 5:00 – 8:00 pm - Boots & Toques Winter Carnival – West Fraser Centre & LeBourdais Park

Next meeting:

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:30 pm at Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - January 28, 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

Delegations: 

5:30pm -- Brian Hansen, from the Indoor Turf Facility Working Group, appeared before the Committee to discuss information on current activities

5:50pm -- Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, from the City of Williams Lake and Montana Russell appeared before the Committee to present information on a request to place artwork in the lobby of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake 

Following each presentation -- A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegations for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

1) That City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District Staff bring forward to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting a proposal for the makeup of a Working Group for the development of an Indoor Multi-Use Facility

2) That the Central Cariboo Joint Committee approve placing the described artwork created by Montana Russell in her presentation on a wall in the West Fraser Aquatic Centre lobby

Business:

1) The Committee received Information-Only items, as follows:

* CCACS FALL 2025 Grant Award Update

* 2025 Performances in the Park Report - Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society

* CMRC (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex) Grant Application for Building Accessibility Upgrade Projects

2) Discussion Item: 

a) Clarification on CCJC Intention for SD27 Invitation on Joint Use Facilities Agreement

Discussion ensued... 

Resolved: 

That Staff report back to the February 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting regarding renewing, in 2026, the Joint Use Agreement between TRU (Thompson Rivers' University), Cariboo RD, School District #27, City of Williams Lake and District of 100 Mile House

3) Action Page

Following discussion -- The Committee received the Action Page 

And then the Committee adjourned at 6:29pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - January 27, 2026 mtg

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

Absent: Councillor A. Delainey

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 current Cariboo RD Areas "D" and "K" Directors Steve Forseth/Betty Anderson as well as past Cariboo RD Area "K" Director Darlene Brecknock to the January 27, 2026 Williams Lake City Council meeting 

Meeting Agenda approved  - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegations/Presentations: 

Percy Guichon, CEO Central Cariboo Rehabilitation Ltd. & Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent appeared before Council to provide an update regarding their Palmer Project Update as well as having a Letters of Support request

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

Mayor Rathor thanked Mssrs. Guichon/Persson for their time/information

Response to Delegations: 

Council received the presentation by Percy Guichon, CEO Central Cariboo Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) and Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent regarding an update on the CCR Palmer Project and that Council agreed to provide letters of support to the BC Ministry of Forests and Federal Department of Natural Resources Canada sharing how CCR's work benefits the Cariboo Chilcotin and requesting both levels of government continue funding CCR projects like the Palmer Project as they are critical for wildfire risk mitigation and fibre utilization.

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated January 15 and 22, 2026

2) Council agreed to provide a Resolution to the Provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch (LCRB) on the application submitted by the Williams Lake Curling Club located at 800 Mackenzie Avenue South

3) Council directed staff to initiate the public notification and agency referrals process for a proposed retail cannabis store to be located at #401-1185 Prosperity Way and that agency and public comments be brought back to Council for final consideration after the completion of the public notification process conducted in a format as approved by the Chief Administrative Officer

4) Council endorsed the 2026 renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake to provide Emergency Support Services (ESS) to residents within the Region (rural residents') 

5) Council appointed Ross Coupé as Chief Election Officer and Rena Schill as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the October 17, 2026 City of Williams Lake Local Government Election

6) At the request of Councillor Nelson, Council authorized: 

a) City of Williams Lake Council send a letter to the City of Richmond supporting its Public Safety Camera System Program and that correspondence be sent to the senior levels of government, urging them to reconsider the outdated and unnecessarily restrictive approach to collecting data for public safety and downloading the responsibility and repercussions to local governments and that this correspondence be copied to NCLGA and UBCM

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor J. Flaspohler

b) City of Williams Lake Council be on record in support of the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, and encourage the Province to appoint mediator Vince Ready to assist in reaching a fair contract between BC’s paramedics and the Province of British Columbia.

7) Council waived City of Williams Lake Purchasing Policy No. 138 and approve a direct award for the install of replacement surface safety rubber at Kiwanis Park to Marathon Surfaces Inc. for the contracted price of $160,329.08, excluding applicable taxes

8) Council endorsed 2 Committee of the Whole recommendations, as follows: 

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #01-2026, the presentation from Margaret-Anne Enders & Robert Fahoum regarding proposed City actions for Gaza be received and Council go on record for encouraging positive change and peace between Palestine and Israel

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #02-2026 and the report of the Corporate Officer dated January 14, 2026, Council approve the proposed new Artificial Intelligence Policy No. 236 and the policy be reviewed after 1 year

9) Council agreed to provide a letter to the CBIA in support of their initiative to have a permanent office/facility established in Williams Lake to help improve the lives of survivors and caregivers in the Cariboo

10) Council received for information a letter from Consus Management Ltd. dated January 16, 2026 regarding concerns around, and impacts to their adjacent property that have arisen since the opening of, the Roots on First shelter facility and Staff were requested to report back to Council on the action plan in addressing the issue of street disorder, as identified in the letter from Consus Management Ltd. 

During discussion of Item #10 -- Mayor Rathor permitted representatives from the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce to address Council on the letter from Consus Management Ltd. and the issue of unhoused individuals 

11) Council proclaimed the following: 

* February 9-13, 2026 as "Chamber of Commerce Week" in the City of Williams Lake

* February 16 to 22, 2026 as "Heritage Week" in the City of Williams Lake

* the lights of Williams Lake City Hall be changed to blue on April 11, 2026 for "World Parkinson's Day"

12) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of January 27, 2026

At the request of Councillor S. Boehm -- Council agreed to invite representatives of the Orange Shirt Society to a future meeting of Williams Lake Council to provide an update on the Society's activities 

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Motion to Proceed Into a Closed Council Meeting:

At 8:50pm -- Council agreed to proceed 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 Section 90 of the Community Charter, as follows:

(1k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interest of the municipality if they were held in public

And then Council adjourned at 8:51pm