Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Gov'ts on Summer Recess

Almost all local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are now on summer recess until mid August

Quesnel City Council meets on Tuesday, July 30th and does not meet again until late August...

Meanwhile -- the Boards of Education for School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and 28 (Quesnel) will not resume until mid to late September...

SF

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - July 19th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair J. Massier and Directors M. Sjostrom, B. Bachmeier, S.Forseth, A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, C. Mernett, W. Macdonald, G. Fourchalk, M. Campsall and W. Cobb

Meeting called to order at 9:45am

The Chair acknowledged that today's Cariboo RD Board Meeting was being held on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda adopted
Minutes of the June 27th, 2019 Cariboo RD Board Meeting were received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received/adopted

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Central Cariboo Rural Land Use Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5215, 2019 (Area E/Richards - 2511 Chimney Lk Rd)

2) Due to a vote mishap at the June 27th Board Meeting, Chair Wagner required the Planning Service Stakeholders (Rural Directors only) to revote on the following 2 Planning Bylaws in relation to Cannabis for their 1st and 2nd Readings:

a) Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5217, 2019
b) Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5219, 2019

Board Divided - Motions for 1st/2nd Readings agreed to by the following Stakeholder - Planning Service (Rural Directors) Vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett and Macdonald

Negative - Director S. Forseth (Area D)

3) Following a Public Hearing - the Board gave 3rd Reading to Central Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5197, 2019 (Area F/Hooker - 3395 Big Lake Road)

4) Following a Public Hearing - the Board gave 3rd Reading to South Cariboo Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5207, 2019 (Area L/Buchanan - 6205 & 6209 Garrett Road)

5) The Board received the Building Permit Statistics Report, Municipalities Building Permit Statistics Report and the Inspection Activity Report for June 2019

Environmental Services:

1) At the request of the Manager of Environmental Services, the Board authorized $88,500 be withdrawn from the Community Works Fund for the required infrastructure upgrades to the Red Bluff Sewer System

Community Services:

1) The Board authorized that the restrictive covenant on the property title for the McLeese Lake Community Hall lands in favour of the Cariboo Regional District be amended from “public recreation use” to “community use” to allow for construction and operation of a fire hall; and further, that the intent to amend this covenant be advertised as necessary.

2) The Board authorized up to $20,000 from the 2019 Community Hall Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund for energy efficiency upgrades at Alexandria Community Hall in Electoral Area 'A' and funding be leveraged with a NDIT Application to the NDIT Community Hall Funding Program with a resolution of support from the Board

3) The Board authorized that the Esler Sports Complex Field Maintenance Agreements be renewed for an additional 3 years...

4) The Board authorized a letter of support for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC for a letter of support for its lake access improvement project.

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of June 2019, in the amount of $2,246,913.58

2) At the request of the Tyee Lake Community Association, the Board authorized a $1,000 Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) 2019 Tyee Lake Community Association AGM/BBQ event with funding to be provided by the Area D Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) Fund

3) The Board received a Year Round Intake Grant for Assistance application from the Central Interior 4H Council and took no further action

Administration:

1) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of July 19th

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received minutes from the following CRD Committees or Commissions:

a) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - June 20th meeting
b) South Cariboo Joint Committee - June 20th meeting
c) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - June 19th meeting
d) Policy Committee - June 26th meeting

2) The Board endorsed recommendations from the following CRD Committees or Commissions:

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee (June 20th meeting) -- Rename South Cariboo Recreation Service to South Cariboo Culture and Recreation Service

b) Central Cariboo Joint Committee (June 19th meeting) -- Appointments to City/CRD Indoor Turf Facility Technical Committee

c) Policy Committee (June 26th meeting) -- Changes to Administration Charges Policy (allocation of admin costs for new Emergency Operations Centre & Admin Allocation Policy Review in Jan 2020); CAO Evaluation Policy Amendment and Unsightly Premises Policy

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to the following Bylaws:

a) Interlakes Area Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5232, 2019
b) Electoral Area E Economic Development Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5235, 2019

2) The Board adopted the following Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Regional District Security Issuing (Kersley Fire) Bylaw No. 5227, 2019
b) Cariboo Regional District Security Issuing (Lone Butte Fire) Bylaw No. 5228, 2019
c) Cariboo Regional District Security Issuing (Forest Grove Fire) Bylaw No. 5229, 2019
d) South Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 5231, 2019
e) West Fraser Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5226, 2019

Director's Items:

1) The Board received a discussion item from Director A. Delainey (Area E) in regards to rail ties and that a letter be forwarded to BC Hydro thanking them for the permit and requesting that the Clean Energy Act remain in place.

Discussion suspended until after Delegations

Delegation:

At 11:11am - Chief Russell Myers Ross (Yunesit'in Government, TNG Co-Chair), Councillor David Setah (Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government) and Dalton Baptiste (Band Manager, Xeni Gwet'in First Nations) appeared before the Board to provide an update on TNG activities, including the Dasiqox Tribal Park Initiative.

A Question and Answer Period ensued...

The Chair, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business, cont:

Director's Items, cont:

The Board resumed consideration of a discussion item and letter brought forward by Director A. Delainey (Area E)

Resolved - That the item be referred to Staff for a report back to the Board at its' August meeting

Meeting recessed at 11:56am for lunch
Board resumed at 12:42pm

2) At the request of Director S. Forseth (Area D) -- the Board agreed to forward a letter of support for the Community Energy Association's Rural Dividend Fund application of $500,000 for their Charge North project

Chair's Report:

The Board received a report from Chair Wagner's Activity Report for the period ending July 17th, 2019

Closed Board Meeting:

At  12:43pm -- the Board held an In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 90(1a/k - appointment and negotiations) of the Community Charter

Resume Open Board Meeting:

At 12:49pm -- the Board resumed its' public meeting

Directors' reported on their recent activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality

The Board agreed to adjourn at 1:22pm...

CCRHD Board Highlights - July 19th mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond and Directors M. Sjostrom, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, M. Wagner, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, C. Mernett, W. Macdonald, G. Fourchalk, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and TNRD Area E Director S. Watson

Meeting called to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the June 27th, 2019 CCRHD Board meeting received and adopted

Delegations - none
Delegations MOB was received

Business:

1) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar, as of July 19th, 2019

2) The Board authorized its' signatories to sign the Northern Health/Northern Regional Hospital District Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District in October 2019

3) The Chair provided updates on the GR Baker & CMH Hospital Projects.  These updates will be a "Standing Agenda" item at future CCRHD Board Meetings

The Board adjourned at 9:41am

New Quesnel Junior school will benefit students for decades

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A new Quesnel Junior school (QJS) will give students the 21st-century learning environment they deserve in a safe and modern facility.

“Quesnel families deserve to send their children to safe schools, and our government is making sure they can,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Education. “We acted fast to renovate Maple Drive Junior school as a short-term safety solution for students, and now students and the community can look forward to a brand-new school that will benefit families with a modern learning environment for decades to come.”

The Government of B.C. is providing up to $52.2 million to replace QJS with a new facility at the site of the current Maple Drive Junior Secondary school. The Quesnel School District is contributing $150,000 toward the project, which also includes the addition of a new neighbourhood learning centre that will provide child care and other local community programming.

“By partnering with school districts to create new licensed child care spaces, we can strengthen communities across the province and bring more services that parents need right to their doorstep,” said the Hon. Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “Families already have a lot on their plates and anything that eases their stress is a bonus. Adding much-needed child care spaces to Quesnel Junior school will provide one convenient location for parents to drop-off their kids and give younger kids the chance to adjust to the school environment.”

The new school will have room for 550 students in grades 8 and 9 and will be built on the existing Maple Drive Junior school property. Work is expected to begin on the new school in summer 2020, and for the school to be ready for students in September 2022.

This investment is the first major school capital project in Quesnel since 1997, and will give students the safe school they have been waiting for.

”The Quesnel Board of Education is pleased to have a new school and neighbourhood learning centre coming to our community” said Gloria Jackson, chair, Quesnel Board of Education. “Quesnel Junior school students have deserved a new school for years. We have been advocating for replacement for 15 years and are thankful this government acted on this need. We look forward to providing students and families with a safe, modern and innovative learning environment.”

After structural issues were found at QJS in 2017, the Province provided $1.7 million to renovate the then-closed Maple Drive Junior school as a short-term solution to ensure QJS students would have a safe learning environment. With a long-term solution now approved, every grade 8 and 9 student in Quesnel will soon be learning in a modern facility that allows students and staff to take full advantage of B.C.’s new curriculum.

With this project approved, the Province has announced $1.5 billion in school capital projects for new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and land purchases for future schools since September 2017.

Budget 2019 includes a record $2.7 billion for school capital funding over the next three years to continue this momentum.

Quick Facts:

• The new QJS will be a two-storey facility built to the current B.C. Building Code and in alignment with LEED Gold standards, providing additional energy savings throughout the life of the school.
• It will include new parking stalls and a pickup/drop-off area for buses.
• The new neighbourhood learning centre will have space to offer infant-toddler and before- and after-school child care.  
• The future use of the former QJS site will be determined by the Province in the months ahead to ensure the community receives the most benefit from the site.
• The current Maple Drive school will be demolished once the new school is open to students.

Learn More:

For more information about major school capital projects in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/major-capital-projects
 

Latest Cariboo RD numbers show 47 properties impacted by flooding

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Based on information from initial damage assessments, the Cariboo Regional District estimates about 47 properties were impacted by the flooding in the Big Creek area. Among those properties, the majority of the impacts are to hayfields, irrigation channels, land, driveways, and fencing and damage to residential homes is minimal.
 All residents impacted by flooding are encouraged to attend the CRD’s public meeting at the Big Creek Community Hall this Saturday, July 20, from 2-5 p.m. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to gather information and ask questions of the agencies attending and provide feedback about the emergency response and what supports they need in recovery.
 
Representatives from the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Agriculture, Emergency Management BC’s Disaster Financial Assistance Program, Red Cross and the Cariboo Regional District will be attending the meeting.
 
The CRD’s Emergency Operations Centre will be closing next week; but, the recovery section will remain active. The CRD’s role in recovery is connecting residents with services and programs that are provided by other ministries or agencies. For recovery information, residents can contact the CRD at 1-866-759-4977or visit cariboord.ca/recovery.
 
Disaster financial assistance available
The Province has made Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) available related to the recent flooding events, for any areas within the Cariboo Regional District. DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local governments that were unable to obtain insurance to cover their disaster-related losses.
 
Applications need to be submitted to Emergency Management BC by Oct. 15, 2019. Find more information and applications at www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance.

More information
Find more information on flood preparedness, current river conditions and emergency updates at:

• CRD Website: cariboord.ca/EOC
• CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page: facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations
• Disaster Financial Assistance: www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance
• Road Conditions:
  • drivebc.ca
  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information/cariboo-chilcotin-road-safety-information
• Prepared BC – Disaster Readiness Information: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc
• BC River Forecast Centre: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin

Residents should register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders or other emergency updates: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup

Financial assistance available for Chilcotin flooding victims

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for eligible British Columbians in the Chilcotin region who may have been impacted by overland flooding from heavy rains that began on July 6, 2019.

DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local governments that were unable to obtain insurance to cover their disaster-related losses.

Applications for this DFA event in the Cariboo Regional District and the Tsilhqot’in National Government (including all electoral areas, municipalities and First Nations communities within their boundaries) must be submitted to Emergency Management BC (EMBC) by Oct. 15, 2019.

British Columbians can access the DFA application online: http://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

Facts about Disaster Financial Assistance:

DFA is available to qualified homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farm owners and charitable organizations. Applicants should be aware of the following:

• Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000.
• Claims may be made in more than one category (e.g., homeowner and farm owner).
• Homeowners or residential tenants must show that the home is their principal residence.
• Seasonal or recreational properties, hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping, luxury items (such as jewelry, fur coats and collectibles) and recreational items (such as bicycles) are not eligible for assistance.
• Small business owners and farm owners must demonstrate that their farms and businesses are their primary source of income.
• Charitable organizations must provide a benefit or service to the community at large.

Assistance is also available to local governments for:

• emergency response measures authorized by EMBC according to response task number. These include incremental costs associated with their Emergency Operations Centre. Financial assistance is provided for each accepted response claim at 100%. Completed response claim summaries and supporting documentation must be sent to the respective EMBC regional office.
• recovery measures to replace essential materials and rebuild or replace essential public infrastructure to the condition it was in before the disaster. Assistance is provided for each accepted recovery claim at 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000.

Quesnel Council Highlights - July 16th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

BC Energy Step Code – Building Construction Energy Regulations Joe Hart, Co-Owner of ICON Homes (Quesnel), President of the Canadian Housing Builders’ Association of Northern British Columbia and Vice-Chair of Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia, provided an overview of the Province’s BC Energy Step Code. The Province is regulating incremental steps to increase energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code so that all new construction will be net-zero energy ready by 2032. Net-zero energy ready means a home is capable of producing as much energy as it consumes. The BC Energy Step Code requirements are different for each climate zone in the province and includes the building envelopes, mechanical systems, and airtightness targets. Part 9 Residential Buildings of the BC Energy Step Code states that new homes constructed according to energy enhancement requirements found in the five different steps (categories) included in the BC Energy Step Code will have the following general energy improvements compared to a home constructed under current regulations of the BC Building Code: Step 1 – improve performance (airtightness) Step 2 – 10% better Step 3 – 20% better Step 4 – 30% better Step 5 – Net Zero Ready The BC Energy Step Code came in to effect April 2017 on a voluntary basis. Local governments may set bylaw requirements for builders to meet one or more Step Codes as of December 15, 2017. Mr. Hart further provided an overview of what various local governments in the province are implementing in regards to BC Energy Steps Codes 1 – 5. For example, some local governments are offering financial incentives, rebates, educational knowledge and expertise to assist local builders, etc. Mr. Hart cautioned on moving too quickly to require building to certain steps and instead recommended the City to look at incentives.

Proposed Cannabis Retail Store – 213 St. Laurent Avenue Council approved a Retail Cannabis application for 213 St. Laurent Avenue, and did recommend to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch a license should be issued to Hive Cannabis Inc. However, Council has asked City staff to bring a report forward to review bylaw and/or policy options for future Cannabis Retail Store applications.

Proposed Bare Land Strata Development – 1702 Dyke Road Council approved first and second bylaw readings for an Official Community Plan (“OCP”) and Zoning bylaws amendments that would permit the construction of duplexes for the Riverfront Walks Bare Land Strata at 1702 Dyke Road. This proposed redevelopment requires an OCP and Zone amendments that would allow for duplex construction that would be constructed with a shared interior lot line.

Bylaws 1871 – Smoking Regulations Amendment Bylaw (Prohibits Smoking/Vaping in Specific Downtown Areas) – Final Adoption 1872 – Official Community Plan Amendment (Bare Land Strata Development at 1702 Dyke Road) – First and Second Bylaw Readings AND Set Public Hearing to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at City Hall Council Chambers 1873 – Master Zoning Amendment (Bare Land Strata Development at 1702 Dyke Road) – First and Second Bylaw Readings AND Set Public Hearing to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at City Hall Council Chambers

Next Meeting 6:00 pm – July 30, 2019 - Regular Council Meeting – City Hall/Council Chambers

Cariboo RD adopts internal policy to reduce single-use plastics

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District Board has adopted a new internal policy regarding single-use plastics. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics and other disposable items in the day-to-day operations of the Regional District.
 
“I am proud that we are taking this step forward as an organization to reduce our environmental footprint,” says CRD Board Chair, Margo Wagner. “We want to be an example to our communities as we encourage residents to avoid single-use or disposable items as well.”
 
“The CRD doesn’t have jurisdiction to ban single-use plastics across the Regional District; but, we wanted to take action. First, we’re starting with our own internal operations and we also will be supporting our member municipalities that are looking at their policies and regulations.”
 
The new policy means single-use plastics or disposable items will be avoided at CRD staff and Board functions as well as special events hosted by the Regional District, with exceptions for special events with large numbers or emergency situations. While the policy doesn’t apply to users of CRD-owned community halls or fire departments, the CRD will be placing posters at those facilities to encourage single-use plastic reduction.
 
As the policy explains, single-use plastics include plastic utensils, plastic straws, plastic bags, styrofoam cups, plates or bowls, and plastic stir sticks. The CRD also aims to reduce the use of other disposable items as well, such as paper cups, plates and bowls, wooden utensils and paper bags.
 
“Regardless of whether there is a single-use plastic ban in your community or not, I encourage everyone to consider what they can do to reduce their use of single-use plastics or disposable items,” Wagner adds. “Remember your reusable bag when you go shopping, bring reusable plates and cups to your next summer BBQ, try to buy items with less packaging and recycle the plastic packaging you do receive.”
 
Plastic bags and overwrap can be recycled at all Cariboo Regional District recycling depots. Since June 2018, other flexible plastic packaging can also be recycled at CRD depots, including bubble wrap; nylon weaved rice and dog food bags; cereal bags; zipper lock bags (including Ziplocs!); stand up pouches; potato chip bags; cellophane; and many others. Download a recycling guide for CRD recycling depots at cariboord.ca/recycling; more information is available at recyclebc.ca.
 
“The first step we should all be taking is reducing our use of plastics and disposable items and reusing items as much as possible. Secondly, we should make sure we are recycling everything we can.”
 
Read the CRD’s single-use plastic reduction policy here

RC Cotton Waterfront Bridge

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake has approved the commencement of construction for the pedestrian bridge connecting Scout Island to the recently purchased RC Cotton Waterfront Lands. The project was awarded via tender to Quality Excavating working with Beamac Installations Ltd.

“The addition of the RC Cotton waterfront bridge and recreation trails will add nearly a kilometer to the City’s trail system along the shoreline, which is considered as a vital link in the River Valley recreation trail system,” expressed Councillor Ivan Bonnell, Chair of Council's Community Services Committee. “This connection strengthens Williams Lake’s presence on the waterfront and will form a recreation path from the Stampede Grounds to Scout Island, providing viewing over the marsh and conserving the natural riparian habitat.”

This project has been initiated as a priority in the City’s Parks Trail and Outdoor Master Plan to promote walking and outdoor recreation within the City. Work is scheduled to begin the week of July 22nd, 2019 and is estimated to be completed by the end of November 2019.

During construction, every effort will be made to cause as little inconvenience to users of both Scout Island and the newly formed RC Cotton trails as possible. However, please be aware that heavy equipment will be operating in the vicinity and interruptions and pathway detours may occur. We ask that you pay attention to signage, and use caution near work areas.

With the expansion of our outdoor recreational spaces, future opportunities may include the extension of the trailhead on RC Cotton and a further trail continuation along South Lakeside Drive.

Damage assessments continue for Chilcotin flooding and focus shifts to recovery

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

With flood waters receding in the Chilcotin, the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains focused on damage assessments and shifting towards recovery.

The Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and road contractors continue with road repairs and are making good progress. Currently, all of our CRD residents now have access in and out of their properties. It is expected that most road remaining road repairs will be completed within the week.  The EOC is continuing to support those residents affected as needed.

Over the last couple days, EOC staff have been flying through the flood-impacted areas in the Chilcotin and visiting properties to conduct initial damage assessments of residential structures. Damage assessments provide the basis for the CRD’s and the provincial government’s recovery planning.  Currently, it appears that damage to residential homes is minimal, however there is significant impacts to outbuildings, hayfields, irrigation channels, land and fencing. At this time, it is still too early to tell the scope or magnitude of the damages as much of the land within the affected properties affected is still too wet or access is limited.  Further assessments will be done as water continues to recede.

Communicating with our residents
The CRD will be hosting a public meeting on Saturday, July 20^th at 2pm at the Big Creek Community Hall, as steps are taken towards a plan for recovery.  This meeting will give impacted residents an opportunity to meet with CRD representatives, along with other partner agencies and to receive informational updates and resources.

Our public phone line remains active during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 1-866-759-4977.

All residents, ranchers, business owners and tourism operators with needs or concerns or impact that have not yet connected with the EOC, are encouraged to call 1-866-759-4977.  Press 1 to be connected with our Water Stewardship Liaison, press 2 to be connected with our Agriculture Liaison and press 3 for all other inquiries.

Reminder: Ranchers are reminded to report agricultural impacts

Impacted residents need to call the EOC at 1-866-759-4977 (press 2) to talk to the Agriculture Liaison and report their agriculture impacts. Ranchers and producers do not need to have a full assessment of damages; they just need to call to start the process for assessment.

Travel in Flood Impacted Areas

Non-residents should avoid travelling in the flood-impacted areas in the Chilcotin. Please check the Drive BC website and the Forest District webpage (forest service roads) for the latest updates on road access and restrictions.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development also advises not all Forest Service Roads or other Forest Roads managed by Timber Tenure Holders have been assessed following the recent rain event. Other hazards may exist and may not be visible to road users. Attempting to cross damaged roads, bridges or sections affected by mudslides or landslides is not recommended.

Resource road users should plan before travelling the back roads. Please ensure you either have a means of communication like a satellite phone or have shared your route and return time with another person and have a plan for what to do if you are overdue.

More information

Find more information on flood preparedness, current river conditions and emergency updates at:

• CRD Website: cariboord.ca/EOC
• CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page: facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations
• Road Conditions:
  • drivebc.ca
  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information/cariboo-chilcotin-road-safety-information
• Prepared BC – Disaster Readiness Information: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc
• BC River Forecast Centre: 

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin

• Sandbagging – General Information

www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/flooding/sandbagging.pdf

Residents should register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders or other emergency updates: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup

UBCM to review Annual Convention Financing

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM):

Editor's Note -- while I take no issue with the review, the optics of the selection of the individuals on the Review Panel are horrible, given they have all served as a UBCM President or have been/are currently elected to a BC Local Government.  The best selection for a Review Panel would have been those with conference organizing experience, OTHER than local government conference organizing experience... I don't think UBCM's troubles are nearly over yet... a dearly missed opportunity to set the credibility of UBCM back on the right foot... SF

The Union of BC Municipalities/UBCM has appointed a panel to undertake a review of the financing of its' Annual Convention

The purpose of the review is to evaluate the various sources of revenue, including sponsorship revenue, currently in use for funding UBCM's Annual Convention.  

The Review Panel will solicit input from BC's Local Governments' and draw upon best practices from local government associations' in other jurisdictions

The members of the Review Panel are:

* Frank Leonard - Consultation, former Mayor of Saanich and a former UBCM President

* Wendy Booth - formerly Area F Director of the Regional District of East Kootenay and a former UBCM President

* Chair Sav Dhaliwal - Currently, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and a former UBCM President

* Chair Rhona Martin - Currently, Chair of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board of Director and a former UBCM President 

* Greg Moore - former Mayor of Port Coquitlam/Chair of Metro Vancouver Board of Directors'

As a matter of long standing practice, a sponsorship program is employed by UBCM to offset the cost of hosting its' Annual Convention.  This program helps keep registration fees to a minimum and makes the event as accessible as possible for delegates.  The Review Panel will make recommendations on finance policies/practices that uphold sound governance, transparency, affordability and accountability for the Annual Convention

In addition to ordering the review at its' meeting today, UBCM's Executive also re-affirmed the scheduled event hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Vancouver will remain one of the sponsored events at its' 2019 Convention

"Over the past few weeks, there has been a number of comments from local elected officials with regard to the Chinese consular reception.  What we have heard is a range of opinion about the event - some support it and others would like to see it cancelled, said Arjun Singh - President of the UBCM.   The consensus of the UBCM  Executive is that the event (Chinese Reception) should be retained for this year

We see the current debate as an opportunity to review practices for financing the Convention that has been in place for a generation, added Singh.  As a policy-based organization, we want to hear input from our full membership on the Convention financing model.  The review panel will guide that process and make recommendations to the UBCM Executive in time to implement changes for the UBCM 2020 Convention... 

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of July 15-19

With the Boards of Education for School Districts #27/28 (Cariboo-Chilcotin &Quesnel) still off on summer recess until September - the following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 16th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation - BC Energy Step Code (Joe Hart) - link to presentation here

* Proposed Retail Cannabis Store (213 St. Laurent Avenue)
* Display Units for Council Lobby and Main Lobby
* Bare Land Strata Development (1702 Dyke Road)

Full Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 16th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Patti Gehardi re: Presentations to Outgoing Williams Lake Stampede Royalty

* Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 2316 - Adds Central Cariboo Arts Centre
* Recommendations from Finance Committee - 2020 Budget & Financial Plan Timeline and Direction; City of Williams Lake Banking Policy Review

* Various Land Use Items
* Indoor Turf Facility Technical Committee Appointments (City/CRD)
* Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference (recommendation from Committee of the Whole - July 9th)

View the full Agenda here

Also - at 7pm (also in WL Council Chambers), a Public Hearing will be held to consider Bylaw #2311, 2019 (27, 7th Avenue South - old Slumber Lodge property)

View the Public Hearing Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: Meetings as noted below, all in the Cariboo RD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District: Regular Board Meeting at 9:30am on Friday, July 19th. On the Agenda:

* Hospital Consent Calendar
* Request to authorize signature for Northern Health/Northern Regional Hospital District Memorandum of Understanding

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: Regular Board Meeting at 9:45am or upon adjournment of the CCRHD Board.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: TNG re: Update

* Planning Bylaws for 1st/2nd Reading or 3rd Reading (Areas E,F,L)
* Red Bluff Sewer System Community Works Fund Request
* McLeese Lake Community Recreation Property – Covenant Amendment and Change in Land Use
* Alexandria Community Hall Community Works Funding (CWF) Electrical Upgrades Project and Enabling Agreement
* Electoral Area Grant for Assistance applications -- Tyee Lake Community Association (Area D) and Central Interior Regional 4H Council
* Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations
* Interlakes Area Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5232, 2019 (for 1st/2nd/3rd Readings)
* Electoral Area E Economic Development Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5235, 2019 (for 1st/2nd/3rd Readings)
* Security Issuing Bylaws for Kersley, Forest Grove and Lone Butte Fire Departments (3 Readings and Adoption)
* Request from Area 'E' Director Angie Delainey to Revisit Burning of Rail Ties at Atlantic Power facility in Williams Lake
* In-Camera Session -- Sec 90(1a/k - appointment and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Damage assessments begin for Chilcotin Flooding

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

With flood waters receding in the Chilcotin, the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is focusing on damage assessments and recovery. The EOC also continues to support residents without road access.
 
The Ministry of Transportation and its road contractors continue with road repairs. Currently, less than a dozen residents remain without road access. The EOC is supporting those residents with food and water as needed. If residents have needs and have not connected with the EOC, they should call 1-866-759-4977.
 
Over the next three days, EOC staff are flying through the flood-impacted areas in the Chilcotin and visiting properties to conduct damage assessments of residential structures. Damage assessments provide the basis for the CRD’s and the provincial government’s recovery planning.
 
Residents need to report agricultural impacts
Impacted residents need to call the EOC at 1-866-759-4977 to talk to the Agriculture Liaison and report their agriculture impacts. This phone call will start the process for receiving assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture. Ranchers and producers do not need to have a full assessment of damages; they just need to call to start the process.
 
Travel in area discouraged
Non-residents should avoid travelling in the flood-impacted areas in the Chilcotin. Please check the Drive BC website and the Forest District webpage (forest service roads) for the latest updates on road access.
 
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development also advises not all Forest Service Roads or other Forest Roads managed by Timber Tenure Holders have been assessed following the recent rain event. Other hazards may exist and may not be visible to road users. Attempting to cross damaged roads, bridges or sections affected by mudslides or landslides is not recommended.
 
Resource road users should make a plan before travelling the back roads. Please ensure you either have a means of communication like a satellite phone or have shared your route and return time with another person and have a plan for what to do if you are overdue.

More information
Find more information on flood preparedness, current freshet conditions and emergency updates at:

• CRD Website: cariboord.ca/EOC
• CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page: facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations
• Road Conditions:
  • drivebc.ca
  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information/cariboo-chilcotin-road-safety-information
• Prepared BC – Disaster Readiness Information: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc 
• BC River Forecast Centre: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin
• Sandbagging – General Information: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/flooding/sandbagging.pdf

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders or other emergency updates:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup.

Fire Mitigation Project - City of WL

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note -- this program is also available to people living in the Cariboo Regional District's Electoral Areas which are 1 hour outside of Williams Lake.  Those communities would include 150 Mile House, McLeese/Tyee Lake, Soda Creek Valley, Chimney Lake/Springhouse.  Full details noted below including contact details:

The City of Williams Lake alongside the Williams Lake Fire Department would like to remind our residents about a Fire Smarting program that is currently available through United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo. 

What is the Fire Mitigation Project

Following the guidelines set out by FireSmart Canada and BC Wildfire Service, a crew of 4, led by a trained supervisor, will conduct fire mitigation assessments and activities on residential properties. This project is directed specifically towards seniors and community members facing mobility and/or mental health barriers who have difficulty or are unable to complete the activities themselves. In addition, crews will distribute basic FireSmart information within the greater community to improve community preparedness in the event of a wildfire. 

The project is a Job Creation Program, and the service is free of charge.

Fire Mitigation activities include clearing debris, moving woodpiles and other combustibles, removing flammable vegetation such as tree needles and leaves (with the exception of tree removal), and pruning and thinning vegetation. The crew will also provide additional FireSmart recommendations.

The goal is to provide Fire Mitigation services to 80 private residents who are less abled by August 2019. The service is free of charge.

For more information contact:

Spring Wiebe
Email: Spring@unitedwaytnc.ca
Phone: 250-302-1611