Thursday, October 15, 2026

Quesnel Council Highlights - October 6, 2026 mtg

Editor's Note -- October 6, 2026 was the final meeting of Quesnel City Council for their 2022-2026 term

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Snow Contractor Liability Insurance

Council approved adding one snow removal contractor to the City’s liability insurance program. This helps ensure the City can continue to provide reliable winter maintenance services, as liability insurance can be costly and difficult for smaller contractors to obtain.

Food Hub Replacement – Award of Contract

Council has awarded the contract to rebuild the Food Hub at 101 Marsh Drive to Fresno Construction Ltd. The project is valued at approximately $2.4 million and is being funded through insurance proceeds and grant funding.
Following the fire in May 2025, work has been underway to design a replacement building that includes required code upgrades and improvements that were planned before the fire.
The total project budget is $3 million, and insurance and grants are expected to cover all costs. No City funds have been allocated to the project at this time. 

NDIT Business Façade Improvement Grant 

Council approved an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Business Façade Improvement Program for 2027.
This annual program helps local businesses and organizations enhance the appearance and functionality of their storefronts and building exteriors. The program continues to see strong interest in Quesnel, supporting investment in the community and helping keep our downtown and commercial areas looking their best.

UBCM Community to Community Grant Application 

Council approved a grant application to the UBCM Regional Community to Community Program to support meetings with local First Nations regarding the future of the former Quesnel Junior School property.
If approved, the grant would provide up to $20,000 to support collaboration, relationship-building, and early discussions on land use planning. These conversations will help develop a shared vision for the site and explore partnership opportunities for its future development.

Hillside Hazard Development Permit for 1142 Purmal Avenue 

Council approved a Development Permit to allow the reconstruction of a home destroyed by fire in the Hillside Hazard Development Permit Area.  The approval is subject to registering a restrictive covenant on the property referencing the geotechnical report submitted stating the site is safe for redevelopment on the existing foundation and is within acceptable risk tolerances in the West Quesnel Land Stability Area.   Additional conditions include restoring rear lane access for utility servicing and maintenance. 

Bylaws

Announcements/Events

Mayor and Council provided closing remarks for the 2022-2026 Council term, reflecting on key accomplishments, key initiatives undertaken, and collaborative efforts over the past four years. Members expressed their appreciation to fellow Council members, City staff, community partners, and residents for their support and contributions throughout the term. The closing remarks can be viewed in the Council Meeting video recording beginning at 27:23.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections Advanced Voting - Day 2 of 2 (City of Williams Lake)

If you are in Williams Lake -- you have a 2nd opportunity today from 8am - 8pm at Williams Lake City Hall (450 Mart Street) to cast a ballot for Mayor of Williams Lake or up to 6 Williams Lake City Councillors' for a 4 year term, commencing November 2026

Full details on what you need to know is here

After 8pm -- the FINAL opportunity to vote in Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections is this Saturday from 8am - 8pm

~SF

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

EDITORIAL: Should there be a "residency rule" to run in BC Local Government?

October 13, 2026
7:30pm

Over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend (October 10-12, 2026) -- Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson posted on Facebook -- being critical of those not residing within the City of Williams Lake (Ruth Lloyd. etc.) and running for Williams Lake City Council and their potential tax policies being implemented during the 2026-2030 term, should they be elected to Williams Lake City Council on Saturday, October 17, 2026

Watch his video here

The list of candidates running for Williams Lake City Council (and where they reside) in the Oct 2026 election can be viewed in full here

The Province of BC's requirements to run in local elections (school trustee, electoral area director, mayor or councillor) can be viewed here.  It is currently NOT a requirement to reside in a municipality, regional district electoral area or school trustee electoral area to run for a position of Mayor, Councillor, Electoral Area Director or School Trustee 

Meanwhile -- Ruth Lloyd (who is 1 of 14 candidates running for City of Williams Lake Council) also took to Facebook to clarify that while she does live just outside the City of Williams Lake boundaries, she does own property inside the City of Williams Lake and consequently pays City property taxes - view her response video here.  This also applies to Jason Ryll (owns property in the City of Williams Lake but resides primarily in Cariboo Regional District Area "E"/Mountview) but he was successfully re-elected twice (2014, 2018)

The topic of Cariboo RD rural residents' NOT being able to vote in City of Williams Lake mayor/councillor elections but being able to run for Williams Lake municipal council has come up over the years including hearing about it in recent Cariboo Regional District Area Director elections ... and something I wrote to the provincial government about back in December of 2008 ... response from the provincial government below in February of 2009 (see below picture):



No BC Local Government has advocated for residency requirements to run for local elected office since 2009, according to UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities records which also date back to 2009.... 

There are many examples of local government candidates not living in a Cariboo-Chilcotin municipality but adjacent to it in a rural area but becoming successful elected officials including: 

Quesnel: 

L-A Roodenburg -- lives in Red Bluff (Cariboo RD Area "A") - successfully elected five times since November of 2008

Williams Lake:

Jason Ryll -- lives in Mountview (Cariboo RD Area "E") and successfully elected twice (2014-2022) 

Rick Gibson -- lived in Lexington (Cariboo RD Area "F") and elected as Mayor from 2002-2005

Sue Zacharias -- lived in Wildwood (Cariboo RD Area "D") and successfully elected 3 consecutive times from 2008-2018 

100 Mile House: 

Dave Mingo -- lives in Lone Butte (Cariboo RD Area "L") and elected 5 times since 2007 in a by-election and consequently elected multiple times since) 

CONCLUSION:

The provincial government leaves it to candidates to run in whatever local government position you wish to run for (provided you qualify) and leave the ultimate decision to voters ... 

Meanwhile -- the criticism of Scott Nelson is not likely to impact his electoral chances of success as he has only lost 2 elections in 36 years -- first in 1999 running for re-election as a Williams Lake City Councillor and then in 2011, when he was competing against Walt Cobb and Kerry Cook to become Williams Lake Mayor (Kerry Cook won that election in 2011)... 

Whatever your feelings about those running for Williams Lake Mayor or City Councillor -- I strongly urge voters of Williams Lake to cast their ballots, whether this Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (Advanced Vote) or Saturday, October 17, 2026 on General Voting Day (that is when I will be personally voting)...

~SF

This editorial is my own and that does reflect that of my elected position as Cariboo RD Area "D" Director or of the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors... 

Williams Lake Community Forest Now Accepting Grant Applications

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2026 Granting Program is accepting applications for 2027 projects until 4 pm on Thursday, November 19th, 2026.

Grant applicants must be living and/or working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas D, E and F. This area extends west to the east side of the Fraser River, North to Marguerite and south to Dog Creek. Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, then east to Bosk and Crooked Lakes and north encompassing Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake. A map is provided on the WLCF website under the “About/Location” section. 

Applications can come from a variety of local non-profit and/or community organizations such as Parent Advisory Councils, clubs including 4-H clubs, registered charities and community associations. Public, Private and Indigenous schools and educators are also invited to apply if they are within the “local area” described above. 

Funds are targeted toward:

  • Capital improvements to facilities available for public use.
  • Creation/enhancement/expansion of recreation structures including trails, signs, kiosks. 
  • Outdoor opportunities relating to sustainable forestry. 
  • Education/outreach projects. 
  • Environmental stewardship. 
  • Other special projects such as community-based culture or arts projects related to forest resource values or nature.

There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, along with a budget template. Five per cent of annual WLCF profits are set aside to be distributed to the community through this granting program. 

Paper application forms are available at the Williams Lake Community Forest Office at 177 Yorston Street, or locate digital forms online at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/. 

2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections Advanced Voting - Day 2 of 2 (SD28/Cariboo RD)

Today (October 13, 2026) is the last advanced voting opportunity for the 2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections, for both School District #28 (Quesnel) and the Cariboo Regional District in Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L prior to General Voting Day on Saturday

For the Cariboo Regional District:


Cast advanced votes for a Director for Electoral Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting in these areas are here


For School District #28 (Quesnel):


Cast ballots for up to School District #28 Trustees (up to 7) - more details here

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Meetings | Week of October 13-16, 2026

Following the Thanksgiving Long Weekend -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education will be holding meetings: 

100 Mile House - Scheduled 100 Mile House Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 5:30pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be accessed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin): Committee of the Whole meeting to review 2026-27 School Plans for approval on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  The full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Finally -- the last opportunity to cast an advanced vote to elect new Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors in Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L of the Cariboo Regional District, 7 Trustees for School District #28 (Quesnel) and Zone 5 (within City of Williams Lake Boundary only) in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) is on Saturday October 10/Tuesday or Wednesday October 13/14, 2026 -- you are advised to check the local government or Board of Education website for full details... 

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Advanced Vote #1 | Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education for 2026-2030 Term

October 7, 2026
9:20am

Today between 8am to 8pm -- voters in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and the surrounding rural communities can cast an advanced vote to elect the following for a new 4 year term from 2026-2030:

Mayors in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House

Councillors in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House

7 Trustees in School District #28 (Quesnel)

Trustees in Trustee Electoral Areas 1,3,4,5 in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

A Director for Electoral Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L within the Cariboo Regional District

Links:

1) Wells -- https://www.wells.ca/application/files/1317/9002/4211/Voting_Information_notice_2026-09-21_1.pdf

2) Quesnel --

https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections

3) Williams Lake --

https://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2026

4) 100 Mile House --

https://www.100milehouse.com/city-hall/2026-elections

5) Cariboo RD (Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L) --

https://www.cariboord.ca/regional-government/elections-and-voting/election-information/

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Trustees in Trustee Zones 1,3,4,5 --

https://www.sd27.bc.ca/documents/fe47fb84-ca55-4e54-b309-e493178586db/SD27-Notice-of-Election-by-Voting.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260922194423

7) School District #28 (Quesnel) Elect 7 Trustees --

https://www.sd28.bc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2026-09/Notice%20of%20Election%20by%20Voting%20Final%20for%20Posting.pdf

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 6, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

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

The Mayor welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Council meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here
Meeting Video - click here
Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area appeared before Council to provide a Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy Update - presentation here

2)  Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best from the Williams Lake Skatepark Association appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project - presentation here

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

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegations for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

1) Council received for information the presentation of Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area regarding an update on the Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy and successes in the work of poverty reduction in Williams Lake, the request of the Social Planning Council for a continued Council liaison was endorsed and their request for further financial support was referred to the 2027 budget process for consideration 

2) Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best, Williams Lake Skatepark Association, regarding an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project in Boitanio Park; agreed to endorse the project and City Staff were directed to continue working with the Association on the skatepark redevelopment project, including grant research and that the feasibility report be referred to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee when the Society presents to the Committee

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfer listings dated September 24 and October 1, 2026

* Quarter 3 2026 Budget Status Report 

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held September 23, 2026 

* Council Information Package, as of October 6, 2026

2) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council directed Staff to send a response to the LCRB (Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch) regarding the relocation of an existing cannabis retail licence application at #420-1185 Prosperity Way that states: 

(a) The City of Williams Lake has considered the location of the proposed store and the views of the residents; and 

(b) The City of Williams Lake recommends the application be issued, as minimal concerns have been identified by the various City departments on the general impact to the community, and the proposal aligns with Council Policy No. 213 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 [insert any additional Council reasons] and include a record of the community consultation with the response to the LCRB regarding the licence application

3) Council directed Staff to purchase bike racks for the remaining three locations using LGCAP money in accordance with the City of Williams Lake Purchasing Policy and work with the Cariboo Regional District to install bike racks outside the Gibraltar Room Entrance, as previously requested

4) Council approved free transit service (i.e. conventional and HandyDART) on general voting day for the Provincial Election, taking place on Saturday, October 24, 2026

5) Council approved meals, travel, compensation and other associated expenses for interested Council members to attend the 162nd Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day in Quesnel, BC on October 26, 2026

6) Council approved 2 Recommendations from a previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #08-2026 and the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 15, 2026, the Contract Services Agreement and the Arts Centre Management and Operations Agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed for five-year terms with annual payments of $81,000 and $35,000, respectively, plus applicable taxes; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements. (Editor's note -- this recommendation was also endorsed by the Cariboo Regional Board as its' October 2, 2026 meeting)

b)  That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #09-2026 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated September 8, 2026, the Minutes of the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group meetings held August 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026, together with the results of the Request for Proposals process for an Indoor Sport Feasibility Study, be received for information and Council endorse award of the Indoor Sport Facility Feasibility Study RFP to HCMA Architecture and Design for the bid price of $64,500, plus applicable taxes

7) Council authorized the following, in relation to the annual 2026 Remember Day events in Williams Lake: 

* approve the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 24 to November 11, 2026; 
* approve the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11, 2026 at 11:00am, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested

* approve the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony

* authorize the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole for the week of November 7 through 11, 2026

8) Council agreed to support the request of the Station House Studio & Gallery Society in their letter dated September 30, 2026 their application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust 'Community Places' Program for up to $30,000 toward their restoration, safety, accessibility and security upgrades project to the historic Station House building

9) Council approved an amendment to the Williams Lake & District Seniors Centre's 
2025 Better at Home Program fee for service agreement to permit use of remaining unused funds from their 2025/2026 seniors snow removal service, due both to the mild recent winters and challenges retaining snow removal contractors, toward their seniors lawn maintenance program

And then Council adjourned at 7:18pm


Monday, October 5, 2026

Williams Lake All Candidates Forum - Oct 5, 2026


Earlier this evening (October 5, 2026) in the Gibraltar Room at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex -- those running for Williams Lake Mayor or City Councillor attended the Meet and Greet put on the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce in a full Gibraltar Room....


Those in attendance:

Mayoral candidates — Surinderpal Rathor, Walt Cobb (2/2)

Councillor candidates — Sheila Boehm, Scott Nelson, Nathan Wiebe, Greg Jeanotte, Micheal Moses, Jason Ryll, Rafiullah Sahibzada, Charlene Hays, Billie Sheridan, Paul French, Ruth Lloyd (via recorded video), Kayla Zurak (via recorded video) (12/14)

Others: Steve Forseth, Cariboo RD Area "D" Director (recently re-elected by acclamation); Mary Forbes, Cariboo RD Area "E" Director candidate/School District #27 Zone 5 Trustee candidate

After 2 mins introductory speeches of Williams Lake Mayoral and City Councillor candidates -- the candidates sat at individual tables to have one-on-one discussions with Williams Lake voters

I was pleasantly surprised by how often Williams Lake Mayoral candidate Surinderpal Rathor was interrupted by applause during his 2 mins introductory speech (3 or 4 times as I recall) and also was the recipient of an endorsement from Williams Lake First Nation for his re-election bid

A big thank you to the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce Board/staff for putting on this event -- these all candidates forums (whether in Williams Lake, 100 Mile House or Quesnel) help voters in determining their local governments (Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, SD27, SD28, Cariboo RD Area Directors) for a new 4 year term...

As a side note -- I was surprised to run into one of my McLeese Lake residents' who had a local concern they wanted to address -- I have given them my business card and they will be emailing me the details so I can follow-up with Cariboo RD Staff in the next number of days....

~Steve



Sunday, October 4, 2026

Cariboo-Chilcotin Region MLA candidates set

As of 1pm yesterday (October 3, 2026) -- Elections BC reports the following individuals have been accepted as MLA (Member of the (BC) Legislative Assembly) candidates in the 44th General Election of British Columbia: 

Cariboo-Chilcotin:

Kathryn Askew BC NDP
Lorne Doerkson Conservative Party (incumbent/Interim Leader of BC Conservatives)
Douglas Gook         BC Green Party

Prince George-North Cariboo:

Denice Bardua BC NDP
Sheldon Clare         Conservative Party (incumbent)
Randy Thompson BC Green Party

Upcoming Dates: 

Advance voting October 16-21, 2026

Last day to request a vote-by-mail package online or by phone October 18, 2026

Final Voting Day October 24, 2026

Final count November 6-10, 2026 (planned)

Return Day November 18, 2026

More information about the 44th General Election (and where to vote, when available) can be viewed here

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of October 5-9, 2026

During the week of October 5-9, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Wells -- Tuesday, October 6, 2026

a) Open Session from 1-3:30pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Ave, Wells) and via Zoom.  When available, the Open Meeting Agenda can be accessed here 

b) Closed Session from 3:30pm - 4:30pm as per Sections 90(1a + l - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

Quesnel -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Reports

* Snow Contractor Liability Insurance
* Food Hub Replacement – Award of Contract
* NDIT Business Façade Improvement Grant
* UBCM Community to Community Grant Application
* Hillside Hazard Development Permit for 1142 Purmal Avenue

* Adopt City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1986 of 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

Delegations -- 

a) Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area re Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy Update

b) Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best, Williams Lake Skatepark Association re Update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project

Business -- 

* Cannabis Licence Referral - 420-1185 Prosperity Way - Marlee's Den

* Bike Rack Installation Update (back entrance to Gibraltar Room public entrance)

* Free Transit Service for Provincial General Election Day - Saturday, October 24, 2026

* Council Attendance at 162nd Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day Event on October 26, 2026 in Quesnel, BC 

* Recommendations from Central Cariboo Joint Committee and City of Willaims Lake Accessibility Committee 

* Authorization for annual Remembrance Day event

* Station House Gallery - Support Resolution Request for NDIT Application
* Better at Home Williams Lake (Seniors Centre) - Request to Amend Use for Remaining 2025 Fee-for-Service Funds

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Friday, October 2, 2026

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - October 2, 2026 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice Chair M. Neufeld; Directors N. Audet, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries (via MS Teams), E. Coleman, R. Paull, SPS Rathor and M. Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:45am

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

None 

Business:

1) Development Services

a) The Board approved an application for a Development Permit pertaining to Parcel A (W1971) of District Lot 3140 Cariboo District, Plan 19778 be approved based on Appendices B and D in the staff report dated July 10, 2026 for property at 1250 Chew Rd. in Electoral Area "A"

b) The Board adopted Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5573, 2026 (1250 Chew Rd/Area "A")

c) The Board rejected an application for a Development Variance Permit pertaining to Lot 4, District Lot 728, Lillooet District, Plan 12790 be rejected as the proposal is not in keeping with neighbourhood character for property at 5716 Green Lake North Rd within Electoral Area "L"

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Bachmeier and Anderson (Areas B + K)

d) The Board approved an application for a Development Variance Permit pertaining to Block H, District Lot 2338, Kamloops Division, Yale District with conditions and that the cost of preparation and registration of the covenant be borne by the applicant for property at 9011 Mahood Lake Rd South in Electoral Area "H"

e) The Board supported an Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for Removal of Soil (Extraction) within the ALR pertaining to Lot B, District Lot 4518 and 7262, Cariboo District, Plan 34267 be authorized for submission to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval for property on Johnson Rd in Electoral Area "A"

2) Community Services

a) The Board allocated up to $60,000 to enable the installation of additional solar panels to an existing array at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre from the 2026 Community Hall and Recreation Facility Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund

3) Protective Services

a) The Board deferred the recommendation from November 14, 2025 for provision of fire protection services for those on Durrell Rd in Electoral Area "A" from the Kersley VFD for up to 90 days until the new Board has a chance to review the original request

4) Emergency Program Services

a) The Board received updates on: 

* Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre's Response and Coordination During 2026 Wildfire Season

* Peavine Repeater Site – Central Cariboo Search and Rescue

5) Administration

a) The Board endorsed a recommendation from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting to dissolve the Board Chair's Policy Committee 

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

b) The Board adopted the 2027 Board meeting schedule, as proposed/amended 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Rathor (Williams Lake)

c) Late Item -- The Board approved the proposed update to the Cariboo Regional District's Tangible Capital Assets Policy

d) The Board reviewed its' Information-Only items and following discussion: agreed to send a letter of support to SD27/SD28 (School District #27 - Cariboo-Chilcotin and School District #28 - Quesnel) regarding the annual Youth Parliament

6) Recommendations from Committees' or Commissions

The Board endorsed recommendations from the following Cariboo RD Committees' or Commissions

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting of August 18, 2026

"That a working group be established to guide the multi-purpose facility / outdoor rink project and further that Mayor Pinkney and Director DeVries be appointed to the working group along with representatives from the 100 Mile Outdoor Rink Society and staff from the District of 100 Mile House and Cariboo Regional District."

b) Policy Committee - Meeting of September 10, 2026

"That staff work to draft a template for letters of support for private business, and bring it back for consideration"

b) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - Meeting of September 21, 2026

i) "That the contribution agreement with 100 Mile & District Historical Society be renewed for a three-year term starting in January 2027 with an annual payment of $15,000 to support operation and maintenance of the 108 Mile Heritage Site and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the renewal agreement."

ii) "That the Cariboo Regional District enter into a three-year contribution agreement with the Fishing Highway Tourism Association, providing an annual contribution of $5,000 to support tourism marketing efforts in the South Cariboo, and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement."

iii) "That the contribution agreement with Lone Butte Historical Society be renewed for a three-year term starting January 2027 with an annual payment of $5,000 to support operation and maintenance of the Lone Butte Water Tower heritage park and tourist rest site and the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreement."

iv) "That the contribution agreement with the District of 100 Mile House for operational support of the recreational vehicle sani-dump facility be renewed at the current amount of $2,500 per year for a term of five years and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the renewal agreement."

c) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting of September 23, 2026

i) "That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 14, 2026, the recommendations of the Arts and Culture Fee for Service Committee be endorsed and that three-year contribution agreements, totalling $89,500, be entered into with the following groups at the noted annual amounts:

Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society - $38,000;
Station House Studio and Gallery Society - $23,500;
Community Arts Council of Williams Lake - $7,000;
Horsefly Historical Society and Museum - $4,500;
Likely and District Chamber of Commerce Cedar City Museum - $4,500;
150 Mile Greenbelt, Trails and Heritage Society Red School House Museum - $3,500;
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society - $3,500;
Scout Island Nature Centre Art in Nature Program - $3,000;
Women’s Contact Society for the Annual Children’s Festival - $2,000;
and further that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the contribution agreements as approved."

ii) "That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 15, 2026, the Contract Services Agreement and the Arts Centre Management and Operations Agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed for five-year terms with annual payments of $81,000 and $35,000, respectively, plus applicable taxes; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements."

iii) "That pursuant to the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated August 25, 2026, updates to Fees and Charges Bylaw 5452 for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be endorsed for implementation January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029; and further, that the required amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw be brought forward to the Cariboo Regional District Board for consideration of approval."

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

7) Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board adopted 103 Mile Water System Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5591, 2026

8) Request from Area Directors' 

a) The Board approved requests from Directors Bachmeier, Wagner and Anderson for access to their local Director Initiative Funds to attend the 2027 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 19-21, 2027, as follows: 

Area "B" -- up to $2,500 (subject to Director Bachmeier being re-elected)

Area "H" -- up to $2,000 (subject to Director Wagner being re-elected)

Area  "K" -- up to $1,900 (subject to Director Anderson being re-elected)

Area "L" -- up to $2,500 (subject to Director DeVries being re-elected)

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

b) The Board approved a request from Directors Pare (Area "J") for access to the local Director Initiative Fund (up to $3,000) to attend the 2027 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 19-21, 2027

The Board received an activity report of Chair Wagner for the period ending October 2, 2026 and responded to questions of Directors’ 

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

9) Closed Board Session 

At 1:00pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Session to proceed into a Closed Session, as per Sections 92 + 90(1f - law enforcement) of the Community Charter

10) Resumption of Open Session 

At 1:35pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Session and confirmed a Resolution from the In-Camera Session held earlier this day… 

And then the Board adjourned 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - October 2, 2026 mtg

Present: 

Chair A. Richmond/Acting Chair J. Massier and Directors Audet, Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries (via MS Teams), Coleman, Paull, Rathor, Pinkney and Smith 

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

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

Meeting Agenda approved - click here
Minutes of the previous Board Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

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

2) The Board received a report from its' previous In-Camera Meeting with the following Resolution reported: 

“That regarding the agreement between CCRHD and Ms. Melissa LaPointe for recruitment and retention activities - the proposed contract amendment be approved and up to $20,000 be authorized.”

The Chair reported on his recent activities and responded to questions of Directors' 

And then the Board adjourned at 9:34am

Thursday, October 1, 2026

100 Mile House Council/Cariboo RD Areas G,H,L Directors All Candidates Forum - October 1, 2026


I observed tonight's All Candidates Forum for those running for 100 Mile House Mayor/Councillor as well as those running for Areas G,H,L Directors in the Cariboo Regional District

Running for 100 Mile House Mayor -- Maureen Pinkney (incumbent) vs David Jurek

Running for 100 Mile House Councillor -- 

i) Donna Barnett (incumbent)
ii) Erin Filtness
iii) Aaron Fulber
iv) Ryan Hindmarsh
v) Ralf Holzapfel
vi) Dave Mingo (incumbent)
vii) Norm Knutsen
viii) Marty Norgren (incumbent)
ix) Darren W Wilkinson
x) Dave Wishnowski

Running for Cariboo RD Area "G" Director: 

Al Richmond (incumbent) and Michele Spence, Roz Griston

Running for Cariboo RD Area "H" Director: 

Margo Wagner (incumbent) vs John Kellett

Running for Cariboo RD Area "L" Director:

Eric de Vries (incumbent - not present), Bo McKinney, Jake McLean and Dan Parker

In the nearly 4 hour session -- After introductory and concluding remarks: candidates for 100 Mile House Mayor/Councillor were asked: 

Mayor: 

* Sources of Community Water
* New Businesses to 100 Mile House including in downtown core, industrial sector 

* Status of Red Coach Inn 
* Why didn’t David Jurek run for 100 Mile House Councillor instead of 100 Mile House Mayor 

*  Experience in serving as 100 Mile House Mayor (Maureen Pinkney) 

* Collaborating with Canim Lake FN
* Affordable Housing in 100 Mile House 
* plan to reduce or eliminate  100 Mile House ER Closures 

* Collaboration with Cariboo Regional District (roads, local services, etc

Councillor:

* Dealing with wildfire risk / new residents

* For those seeking re-election: Personal responsibility for lack of progress in 100 Mile House 

* Encouraging people to come work at 100 Mile House Hospital 

* Housing policy decision making 
* What do you bring to the table?
* How will you disagree on Council yet be respectful 
* Actions on empty downtown storefronts?

While candidates for Areas G,H,L Directors in the Cariboo Regional District were asked: 

* Prioritizing Land Use Policies and needs of rural residents and collaborate 
* How to deal with unsightly properties? 
* With rural owners costs rising, which CRD services would you protect, expand, reconsider and/or possibly eliminate? 

* Sustainable South Cariboo VFD’s 
* How can you represent an Electoral Area, if one doesn’t live inside it 
* Dealing with homeless challenges in South Cariboo Electoral Areas
* How to seek additional funding for services in 100 Mile House (pool, etc.) 

Certainly -- voters in 100 Mile House have their work cut out for them to select 1 Mayor (from 2 candidates) and 4 Councillors (from among 10 candidates) while voters in Areas G,H,L of the Cariboo Regional District have their work cut out select a new Area "G" Director (from 3 candidates), a new Area "H" Director (of 2 candidates) and a new Area "L" Director (from among 4 candidates).... 

Xat'sull First Nation cancels agreements with Spanish Mountain Gold


Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - September 2026

During the month of September 2026 -- I attended the following meetings or events: 

September 2 - Monthly Meeting of McLeese Lake Recreation Commission at McLeese Lake Community Hall

September 8 - Virtual Joint Ministry of Transportation Staff meeting with Cariboo RD Areas A,B,D Directors Nicole Audet/Barb Bachmeier/Steve Forseth, Mayor of Williams Lake Surinderpal Rathor, Councillor L-A Roodenburg from City of Quesnel and Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner to discuss Cariboo-Chilcotin transportation network/individual road issues

September 10 - Committee of the Whole Meeting (Cariboo RD Board) 

September 11 - Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards'

September 23 - Meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee in Rick Hansen Boardroom, Williams Lake City Hall

September 24 - Meeting of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce meeting

In addition, remained in contact with the Cariboo RD Area D's Alternate Director and used her as a "sounding board" as I deal with issues with my Electoral Area.  As well as responded to inquiries from Area "D" residents' via phone/text, social media or email 

Expenses submitted in September 2026:

September 10 - $129 for Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) Meeting

September 11 - $206 for Meetings of Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

September 23 - $83 for meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee 



Wednesday, September 30, 2026

2026 National Day of Truth and Reconcilation (and Orange Shirt Day)



Courtesy from the “Ruth Lloyd for Williams Lake City Council campaign page” but I agree with what she has shared here:

“Orange Shirt Day has deep roots here in Williams Lake and its message asks something of all of us.

Phyllis Webstad, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, is from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and lives in Williams Lake. She was just six years old when the new orange shirt her grandmother had bought her was taken away at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. Her willingness to share that experience helped people understand something every child should know: that they matter.

Today, we honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and hold their families and communities in our thoughts.
For those of us who call Williams Lake home, this history is close to home too. We have a responsibility to learn about it, listen to those who carry it and let that understanding shape how we treat one another and the decisions we make in our community. I hope we can each make time today to listen and learn.

Every Child Matters. 🧡

Read Phyllis’s story in her own words:
https://orangeshirtday.org/about/phyllis-story/?