The City of Williams Lake (City) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Level 1 in response to the Felker Lake wildfire and to support the ongoing emergency response efforts led by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and provincial agencies.
A Level 1 EOC activation allows the City to monitor the situation more closely, coordinate internal resources as needed and support regional emergency management partners. At this time, the activation is precautionary and is intended to ensure the City is prepared to respond should circumstances change.
The City is working closely with the CRD, BC Wildfire Service, emergency services and other partner agencies to share information and support response efforts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official sources and to be prepared in the event emergency information or alerts are issued.
The City will provide updates and information as it becomes available through its EOC.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official information sources, including:
The City reminds residents to ensure they are registered for VoyentAlert!, the free emergency notification service used to deliver emergency alerts, evacuation information and other important updates. Residents can sign up to receive notifications by mobile app, text message, email or phone call.
Registration is available through the City’s website at:
http://www.williamslake.ca/999/Emergency-Notification-System
July 21, 2026, Special Open Council Meeting |
Temporary Use Permit at 395 Elliott Street Council considered a Temporary Use Permit to allow a temporary winter shelter to operate at 395 Elliott Street. Following discussion, the motion to approve the permit was defeated. Council heard presentations from BC Housing and the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society regarding the shelter's operation from January to April 2026. During that time, the shelter provided overnight accommodation, meals, health and wellness supports, and case planning services. As part of the process, additional public notification was provided through newspaper advertisements, the City's website, and direct mail to nearby property owners. Community feedback included seven letters expressing concerns and twenty three letters expressing support. The City will continue working with community partners and stakeholders toward the development of a long-term shelter strategy for Quesnel. |
With extreme weather and climate-related events becoming more common, the Province is funding 110 projects throughout B.C. to help local governments and First Nations better respond to emergencies and protect people.
“Emergency operations centres are the backbone of a co-ordinated response when an emergency happens,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This funding will help local governments and First Nations with the equipment, training and exercises they need to run their emergency operations centres effectively, so communities throughout B.C. get the support they need as quickly as possible.”
Co-ordinating response when emergencies happen
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, the Province is providing approximately $3.5 million to support local emergency operations centres in 138 communities.
An emergency operations centre (EOC) is where local government and First Nation staff and volunteers direct resources, co-ordinate with other partners and support first responders during an emergency. These centres help ensure that people have access to timely information, emergency support services and other assistance when they need it. This funding will help communities upgrade and strengthen the capacity of local EOCs, improving co-ordination and response during emergencies.
“Continued funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is critical to helping local governments and First Nations maintain strong emergency preparedness and response capacity,” said Cori Ramsay, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. “These investments contribute to safer, more resilient communities throughout B.C.”
Projects funded in 2026 include:
About the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding programs that helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.
In addition to emergency operations centres equipment and training, it also funds emergency support services equipment and training, public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations of disaster risk reduction. This fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
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For information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit: https://www.ubcm.ca/cepf
For more information about the Emergency operation centre operational guidelines, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/eoc_operational_guidelines.pdf
From the Cariboo Regional District:
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is providing clarification following the District of 100 Mile House's recent news release regarding the concept of a regional municipality - more at https://100milehouse.com/our-community/news-public-notices/regional-municipality-2026
The CRD and the District of 100 Mile House have a long history of working together to deliver services that benefit residents throughout the South Cariboo. That collaboration continues today through shared services: recreation, emergency management, economic development, libraries, and many other regional initiatives.
The concept of restructuring local government through the creation of a regional municipality is an idea solely advanced by the District of 100 Mile House.
The CRD has not endorsed the idea, nor has it participated in developing a regional municipality proposal with the District of 100 Mile House.
Earlier this year, the CRD advised the Province that, while it remains committed to working collaboratively with the District of 100 Mile House on matters that benefit the region, it cannot support the governance proposal as presented because it does not identify notable benefits for our (CRD Areas G,H,L) residents.
Any changes to local government structure in British Columbia would require a comprehensive provincial review process that includes detailed analysis, consultation with affected local governments and First Nations, and opportunities for public input before any decisions could be considered.
The CRD remains committed to working constructively with the District of 100 Mile House, neighbouring First Nations, the Province, and other regional partners to strengthen services and pursue opportunities that benefit residents throughout the Cariboo.
Fifty-six local governments will receive funding to fast-track development approvals and accelerate the delivery of homes.
“Our focus from the start has been on helping people across B.C. find housing that fits their needs and budgets. That can look very different in different communities,” said the Hon. Christine Boyle, BC's Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “With the Local Government Development Approvals Program, local governments can improve their internal processes and development approvals, so that we can speed up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.”
The Local Government Develop Approvals Program, administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), helps local governments develop innovative ways to improve development-approval processes to help non-profit housing organizations, developers and other stakeholders deliver homes quicker and increase housing supply.
“The Province is building the housing people in B.C. need, with more than 99,000 homes built or underway,” said the Hon. Brittny Anderson, BC's Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “We’re going to continue our strong partnerships to build so British Columbians are able to afford to rent, to own and stay in the communities they work in, where their families are and where they call home.”
Cori Ramsay, president, UBCM, said: “Getting the homes British Columbians need approved, built and available requires all orders of government and industry to work together to improve development approvals processes. Across B.C., local governments are investing in practical solutions to streamline approvals, including digitizing permitting systems, adopting standardized housing designs, and modernizing processes. UBCM is pleased to partner with the Province to deliver the Local Government Develop Approvals Program, helping communities strengthen their capacity to support the timely delivery of much-needed housing.”
Innovative solutions to fast-track housing
The $9-million grant programs will support streamlining local government development approvals processes for a variety of projects, such as prefabricated, modular or standardized housing designs.
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