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approve the new City of Williams Lake Recognition Program Policy No. 235 and that Council Policies No. 32 and 215 be repealed and finally, Policy No. 235 be brought back to Committee of Whole Council for review in February 2027, following its first year of implementation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

School District #27 Board of Education Highlights - Jan 26, 2026 mtg

Present: Chair A. Delainey/Vice Chair M. Forbes and Trustees L. Martens, W. Macdonald, M. Coates, M. Franklin and A. Kohut

Meeting called to order at 6:30pm

The Chair recognized that the Board for Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Meeting was being held on the traditional and unceded territory of Secwepemcúl’ecw, specifically T’exelc, and that Cariboo-Chilcotin School District is proud to serve the students and families of the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in and Dakelh Nations

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Board of Education meeting held December 15, 2025 were received/adopted

1) Consent Items

The Board received the Summary Report of the December 15, 2025, In-Camera Meeting of the Board of Education 

2) Business

a) Superintendent's Report

i) The Board approved the appointment of Trustee Willow Macdonald as CCTA (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers' Association) Trustee Liaison and Trustee Mary Forbes as DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) Liaison for the 2025-26 School Year 

ii) The Board received a written report from the Superintendent

Following the Superintendent's presentation - a discussion ensued thereon 

No resolution resulted from the Superintendent's Report 

b) Acting Secretary-Treasurer's Report

i) Quarter 2 Finance Report for the 2025-26 Financial Year 

Report presented - Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved/Carried Unanimously: 

That the Board of Education receive the Quarter 2 Financial Report for the 2025/26 Financial Year be received

ii) Report/Recommendation from previous Committee of the Whole meeting

Report presented to the Board - Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved/Carried Unanimously:  

THAT the Board of Education provide approval of the Grade 6 year-end field trip to Vancouver, June 3- 5, 2026 in principle, with final approval pending confirmation of details prior to the trip. 

iii) Changes to SD27 Procedural Bylaw

Report of the Acting Secretary - Treasurer presented to the Board

Discussion ensued thereon: 

Resolved/Carried Unanimously: 

1) THAT School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Procedural Bylaw B2702-2 proceed through all legislative stages this evening (3 Readings/Adoption) - January 26 2026 (procedural motion) 

2) THAT the Board of Education of School District 27 (Cariboo Chilcotin) gives Procedural Bylaw B2702-2  first, second, third readings and final adoption this 26th day of January, 2026

For clarity: School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Procedural Bylaw B2702-2 now permits: 

* Public Information Meetings may be held by teleconferencing or videoconferencing, as determined by the Board of Education 

* If a member of the general public is unable to attend through teleconferencing or videoconferencing, then the SD27 Secretary-Treasurer’s office shall work with the member of the general public to facilitate access through the use of district technology

* Written Question(s) Only Period on Board of Education Agendas -- questions to be submitted by 2:00pm on the day of the Board of Education meeting 

3) THAT the Board of Education of School District 27 (Cariboo Chilcotin), gives Procedural Bylaw B2702-3 first and second readings' this 26th day of January, 2026 

At the request of Trustee Coates (Trustee Electoral Area 4 - 150 Mile House/Horsefly/Likely): 

School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Procedural Bylaw B2702-3 was referred to Committee of the Whole for further discussion

For clarity -- SD#27 Procedural Bylaw B2702-3 proposes, if given 3rd Reading and finally adopted: 

* Restriction to close public access to Open Board of Education Meetings, at the Board's discretion

* Board of Education may schedule a meeting where all participants, including the general public, attend through teleconferencing or videoconferencing

* Delegates presenting to the Board of Education through teleconferencing or videoconferencing when the Board has restricted physical access to Open Board of Education meetings, as provided for in clause 2.3.1 of SD#27 Procedural Bylaw B2702-3

c) New Business

* None presented

d) Written or Verbal Report(s) from Trustees' 

* None presented 

e) Question/Answer Period (10 mins maximum) 

6 members of the public addressed the Board 

And then the Board adjourned at 7:24pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education Meetings | Week of January 26-30, 2026

A number of Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education will be meeting during the week of January 26-30, 2026, as follows: 

Quesnel - Meetings, as noted below: 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Recommendations

* CanExport grant application for an Industrial Lands Inventory 

* Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department Call-out Annual Report

* Public Safety and Development - Next Steps

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 9:00am in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: '

* Continuing discussions on 2026 Operating/Capital Budgets

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Trustee Liaison Appointment Approval (verbal) 

* Report of the Superintendent

* Financial - Q2 Finance Report 

* Report from previous Committee of the Whole meeting

* Board Meeting Structure - Revised Procedural Bylaw (Interim Feedback Received)  

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart Street, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Percy Guichon, CEO Central Cariboo Rehabilitation Ltd. & Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent re Palmer Project Update and Letters of Support Request

* Williams Lake Curling Club - Application for Liquor License Change

* Memorandum of Understanding for Emergency Support Services with Cariboo Regional District - 2026 Renewal

* Appointment of Election Officials - 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Election (Mayor/6 Councillors and SD27 Zone 6 Trustee) 

* Requests from Councillor Nelson re: Support for City of Richmond's Public Safety Camera System and Support for Paramedics

* Endorse recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole meeting

* Letter from Consus Management Ltd. re Roots on First Facility Concerns

* Closed Council Meeting: Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House -- Meetings, as noted below, in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026: 

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

* South Cariboo VIC Year End Update 

* Economic Development Strategy

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

* Delegations -- i) Community Living BC – Inclusive Housing and ii) Community Futures Cariboo-Chilcotin – PASS Program

* Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 

* Closed Council Meeting -- Sections 90(1c) and 90(2b(i)) [labour and confidential negotiations between the municipality, provincial/federal governments and a 3rd Party] of the Community Charter 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

1) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- Brian Hansen, from the Indoor Turf Facility Working Group re: Update and Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, from the City of Williams Lake and Montana Russell in attendance to present information on a request to place artwork in the lobby of the Aquatic Centre of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

* Information Items --CCACS FALL 2025 Grant Award Update; 2025 Performances in the Park Report - Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and CMRC Grant Application for Building Accessibility Upgrade Projects

View the full Meeting Agenda here

BC Wildfire Service prescribed burn planned for Dipping Road

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation, will conduct a prescribed burn approximately 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake on the north side of Highway 20.

When and where

Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday, January 22, 2026, and continue periodically until Friday, February 13, 2026, as weather permits.
The prescribed burn will cover up to 20 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest.
Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dissipation.

What to expect

Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling on Highway 20.
Low-to moderate-intensity spot fires will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.
Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Continuing previous Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest. This project is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.

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 http://www.prescribedfire.ca

Reporting

To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.

Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.

Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.

Contact

Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

2026/23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum commences!

Today sees the start of the 2026 or 23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum in the City of Prince George on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh 

The Forum's full Program can be viewed here

A number of the Cariboo RD Area Directors as well as the Mayor of Williams Lake, Surinderpal Rathor, are attending the Forum in Prince George this week and look forward to hearing about their experiences at the Forum upon their return back to the Cariboo-Chilcotin 

The 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum runs from January 20-22, 2026

Cariboo RD Area "A" By-Election 2026 - Nomination Period Closes

Following the termination of the nomination period for the Cariboo Regional District's Area "A" by-election on January 16, 2026 at 4:00pm -- two individuals have been formally nominated for the position of Cariboo Regional District Area "A" Director to complete the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, as follows: 

* Nicole Audet

* Chris Helmink

Following a standard 7 day candidate withdrawal period (January 16 to 23, 2026) -- the Cariboo Regional District's Chief Election Officer (assuming no candidate withdraws) will then make a formal declaration in the afternoon of January 23, 2026 that a "Election by Voting" will be required... and that will take place on February 21, 2026

More details on the Cariboo Regional District website here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education Meetings | Week of January 19-23, 2026

During the week of January 19-23, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards' of Education will be meeting, as follows: 

Wells - Meetings of Wells Council in Wells Council Chambers or via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells, BC) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - as follows: 

i) Closed Session from 2-3pm and from 4:45pm to 5:30pm as per Sections 92 + 90(1a - appointment and 1L - Strategic Planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

ii) Open Session from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Updates on Strategic Priority Projects

* Report from Mayor Coleman

* Report from the Chief Administrative Officer

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel - Meetings, as noted below: 

1) Special Closed/In-Camera Quesnel Council meeting on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 from 4-5pm in the Forestry Innovation Centre as per Section 92 + 90(2b - confidential negotiations between City of Quesnel, Provincial/Federal Governments and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter to facilitate a meeting with the Hon. Ravi Parmar - BC's Minister of Forests.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here 

2) Policy/Bylaw Committee on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 in the Fraser River Meeting Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Development Applications Procedures bylaw - Discussion

* Multi-Unit Tax Exemption Limit

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the Open Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Margaret-Anne Enders & Robert Fahoum re Proposed City Actions for Gaza

* Discussion re: Parking near Cariboo Memorial Hospital 

* Update - UBCM Mental Health 9-1-1 Option

* Artificial Intelligence Policy No. 236

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally -- a number of Cariboo-Chilcotin Mayors/Councillors or Directors from the Cariboo Regional District will be attending the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 19-22, 2026.  Full details here.  I personally will not be attending the Natural Resources Forum this year but look forward to hearing details about the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum from my Cariboo Regional District colleagues upon their return from Prince George.... 

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - January 16, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors C. Oakes, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, E. Coleman, S. Rathor, M. Pinkney and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 9:52am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Director Oakes (Area "A") and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Quesnel) to today's Board Meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the Special Board meeting on December 19, 2025 was received/adopted

Delegations/Presentations - 1:00pm:

Kalyn May, Invasive Plant Management Coordinator, appeared before the Board to present the annual Invasive Plant Management Report for 2025 - presentation here

Following her presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued...

The Chair thanked Ms. May for her time/information:

Business:

1) Following a Public Hearing, the Board gave 3rd Reading to North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5510, 2025 (Area B/5289 Quesnel-Hixon Rd) 

2) The Board rejected 2 Development Variance Permits, as follows: 

* Area G/5606 103 Mile Lake Rd as there is space for the mobile home and shed to be located elsewhere on the property

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director B. Anderson (Area “K”) 

* Area L/7645 Beazely Rd as it is not in the public interest to approve the requested variances

3) The Board approved Notices on Title in Electoral Areas "C", "H" and "L"

4) The Board agreed to re-appoint George Atamanenko, Greg Atherton, Marilyn Buyar, Elizabeth Hunter, Rocky Nenka, and Brent Rutherford to the Heritage Steering Committee for a two-year term ending December 31, 2027

5) The Board approved up to $25,000 for a preliminary feasibility study for a potential regional water system serving the South Cariboo

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Pinkney, Forseth and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Electoral Area "D", District of 100 Mile House and City of Quesnel) 

Meeting recessed at 11:00am to CCRHD Board

Meeting resumed at 1:00pm 

1:00pm Presentation — see above re: 2025 CRD Invasive Plant Annual Report 

6) The Board approved a Year Round Grant For Assistance application for the 100 Mile Lions Club in the amount of $1,000 and funded from Areas G,H,L divided equally 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Oakes, Bachmeier, Anderson and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Areas A,B,K + City of Quesnel) 

7) The Board approved a grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for $49,500 in funding from the Labour Market Research Plans Program and that the appropriate Cariboo Regional District signatories be authorized to enter into necessary agreements, should the grant application be successful

8) In relation to the "Make the Move" Project -- the Board authorized the following: 

* That Procurement Policy No. 2023-9-32 be waived, permitting the direct award of a marketing services agreement for the Rural Workforce Retention and Expansion project to War Room Inc. for up to $70,000 plus applicable taxes, based on the firm's foundational work already completed for this project, which will maximize efficiency and value

*That the appropriate Cariboo Regional District signatories be authorized to execute the marketing services agreement for the Rural Workforce Retention and Expansion project with War Room Inc.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director B. Anderson (Area "K") 

9) The Board authorized applying to the BC Air Access Grant Program for the Anahim Lake Airport Apron Expansion Project in the amount of $1,650,000 and that up to $1,000,000 in Community Works Funding through the Community / Regional Impact Project stream be approved as matching support for the grant and that the Anahim Lake Airport five-year financial plan be amended, if the grant is successful, to allocate up to $200,000 in capital reserves 

10) The Regional Fire Chief provided a Training Update for the 14 Volunteer Fire Departments in the Cariboo Regional District 

11) The Board approved the proposed realignment of the Board on the Road program to the CRD Community Engagement Sessions model, consisting of four sessions annually rotated through Electoral Areas, and directed staff to update the existing Board on the Road Policy to reflect this change

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

12) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of December 2025, in the amount of $2,253,715.48

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

a) Annual Grants for Assistance - Electoral Area "B": 

At request of Director Bachmeier -- a Grant to the North Cariboo Seniors' Council was approved in the amount of $10,000 and to be charged against Electoral Area Grant Budgets as follows: 

Area A - $4,500

Area B - $3,500

Area I - $2,000

and that a letter be forwarded to North Cariboo Seniors’ Council advising to apply to Quesnel Community Foundation in future years.. 

b) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus meeting of January 12th, 2026: 

Area "H" Director Margo Wagner be appointed to the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce and Area "G" Director Al Richmond be appointed to the South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation for 2026

c) South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting of January 12th, 2026: 

Up to $30,000 from the South Cariboo Recreation budget be made available to the 100 Mile Outdoor Rink Society to procure detailed electrical and mechanical engineering designs for the outdoor rink project

d) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting of January 14th, 2026: 

i) That the following representatives to Central Cariboo Community Committees, without meeting remuneration, be appointed for 2026:

Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce - Director Anderson

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Director LeBourdais

UNBC South Central Advisory Committee - Director Anderson

ii) $3,000 from the Tourism Event Support allocation in the Central Cariboo Economic Development function for the Williams Lake Cycling Club's Grant for Assistance application be approved

e) Finance/Budget Committee meeting of January 15th, 2026: 

i)  the preliminary budget be amended to include an allocation of up to $20,000 for a backup power generator at the Wildwood Fire Hall in Electoral Area "D" from the Community Works Fund

ii) the 2026 - 2030 Provisional Five Year Financial Plan be forwarded to the CRD’s Communications Department to be circulated for public consultation

14) The Board authorized a Public Assent Process in relation to Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025, as follows: 

i) That participating area approval is to be obtained through the Alternative Approval Process for Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

ii) That the Cariboo Regional District Board authorizes the Elector Response Form as attached hereto for the Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025 Alternative Approval Process, which allows for a single elector response on each form, and which may be accepted by email or facsimile provided it is an accurate copy of the original form

iii) That the Cariboo Regional District board has determined that 242 represents a fair determination of the total number of eligible electors for the Alternative Approval Process with respect to Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

iv) That the Cariboo Regional District Board has established March 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. as the deadline for receiving elector responses for the Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025 Alternative Approval Process

15) The Board discussed submitting 2026 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association Resolutions and took no further action… 

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

Director E. Coleman (District of Wells) left the meeting at 3:48pm

17) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Cariboo Regional District Deka Lake Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5542, 2026

And then the Board adjourned at 4:02pm