Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act) to be withdrawn

Courtesy of Hon. Christine Boyle - BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs/Housing:

Editor's Note -- this is a positive development.  The vast majority of Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments (Quesnel, Williams Lake, Cariboo Regional District) all issued letters staunchly opposed to Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act)

Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has issued the following statement following the request of George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Member’s Bills to not continue consideration of Bill M216, Professional Reliance Act, in light of the Province’s commitment to undertake further work on the bill’s core principles:

“I would like to express my gratitude to MLA Anderson for his thoughtful work on Bill M216 for advancing a proposal to help speed up housing approvals in the province. His work framed important conversations on how regulated professionals like architects and engineers can play a greater role in the permitting and approval processes. Building more homes for people is a goal that MLA Anderson and I deeply share.

“In recognition of the local governments, organizations and individuals that took countless hours to provide written submissions to the committee, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will be engaging with stakeholders to see how we can continue to reduce permitting timelines for new housing projects. This work will explore how to build on the principles of safety, speed and professional responsibility while balancing the needs of local governments and regulated professionals. We anticipate this work to begin later this year.

“Our government has already taken important steps to streamline housing approvals through the Development Approval Process Review and the new Building Permit Hub, and we know there is more work to do. Bill M216 has made a meaningful contribution to that work, and I look forward to working with MLA Anderson in advancing this important conversation in the weeks and months to come.”

Call for Expressions of Interest - 100 Mile House Economic Development Task Force

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

Are you committed to 100 Mile House’s growth and prosperity? 

We are looking for business-minded individuals with strong networking capabilities to join forces with us to focus on business-to-business support for investment attraction. 

By actively seeking out skill gaps in our region and directly engaging with potential business operators, you can help us draw in the businesses, professionals, and trades we need to strengthen our economic health. 

The Council of the District of 100 Mile House intends to establish a NEW Economic Development Task Force to build bridges between local government and the private sector, with the goal of attracting new investment. We are seeking expressions of interest for voluntary Task Force membership.

A Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Task Force is attached which outlines general expectations and scope of work.

If you are interested in being considered for this advisory role, please submit an expression of interest by email to:

J. Doddridge, Director of Economic Development & Planning
jdoddridge@100milehouse.com

Your expression of interest should include:

• Your business background / experience

• Why you’re interested in joining the Task Force

• What skills can you offer the Task Force in meeting its goals

• Your contact details

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to shape the future of 100 Mile House. 

Deadline for expressions of interest is 2:00 pm, Monday May 4, 2026.

100 Mile House Economic Development Task Force Terms of Reference

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 7, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Sprout Kitchen Presentation

Kathleen Daly, Food Hub Manager, and Lynda Atkinson, Board Chair, shared an update with Council on the past, present, and future of Sprout Kitchen. Before the building fire in May 2025, Sprout Kitchen was experiencing steady growth, with eight regular members and two new members supported through its subscription‑based membership and additional services.

Since the fire, members have been displaced but continue to receive support from the Board of Directors and management through relocation efforts. The Sprout Kitchen Society also discussed a potential extension of its current operating agreement, matching the length of time operations have been suspended due to the fire. Looking ahead, plans for the rebuilt facility include growing membership, securing corporate sponsorships, expanding the delivery service, and offering rentable storage space.

 

Prince George to North Vancouver Railway Presentation

Peter Scholz of Cairnstone Planning Inc. provided Council with an update on the potential discontinuation and removal of a more than 200‑mile segment of the former BC Rail line, stretching from Squamish to 100 Mile House. He is currently engaging with local communities and senior levels of government to highlight the strategic and economic importance of the railway corridor.

Mayor Paull will attend the 2026 Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Convention, taking place April 8–10 in Vancouver, where he plans to discuss the issue with forestry leaders and government representatives. July 2026 was identified as a key decision point, as CN Rail is expected to determine its plans for the corridor at that time.

 

Vista Radio Lease Agreement

Council approved entering into a two‑year lease agreement with Vista Radio. Vista Radio has leased office space in City Hall since 2007 and currently occupies approximately 1,876 square feet on the fifth floor of the building. The new agreement includes a 1.5% increase to the base rent, which will remain fixed for both years of the lease term. The agreement meets the requirements of the City Facility and Property Lease Policy which requires commercial leases to be at fair market value.

Mutual Aid Agreement

Council approved a regional fire suppression mutual aid agreement with the City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 Mile House. The agreement strengthens emergency response by allowing communities to support one another when additional resources are needed to protect public safety and critical infrastructure. The Quesnel Fire Department may decline requests if assistance would impact its ability to serve the community.

Sprout Kitchen Food Hub Operating Agreement Extension

Council approved an extension of the Sprout Kitchen Food Hub Operating Agreement with the Sprout Kitchen Society. The extension will match the length of time the Food Hub was unable to operate due to the fire and rebuilding process, up to a maximum of 30 months, helping support Sprout Kitchen as it works toward reopening.

Moonshine Coffee Ltd. Lease Agreement

Council approved a five‑year lease agreement with Moonshine Coffee Ltd. Moonshine Coffee has operated a coffee roasting business and café on the upper floor and balcony of Shiraoi House in LeBourdais Park since 2021. The new agreement is based on a 2.95% increase to the fixed lease rate for the full term. The agreement meets the requirements of the City Facility and Property Lease Policy which requires commercial leases to be at fair market value.

Quesnel Pride Society Parade Route - Request for full road closure

Council approved the Quesnel Pride Society’s request for a full road closure for the Quesnel Pride Parade on June 6, 2026, replacing the rolling parade used in previous years. The parade will begin at City Hall parking lot, travel through downtown, and conclude at LeBourdais Park.

Announcements and Events

• Cariboo Country Bluegrass Jamboree - April 10-12, 2026 - Quesnel Senior’s Centre
• Congratulations to the Quesnel Kangaroos on their season, winning the CIHL banner
• Quesnel Rotary Club
  • The 2026 Quesnel Craft Beer Festival, held on March 28, 2026 was a success
  • Earth Day – April 18, 2026 – the Quesnel Rotary Club will be partnering with 100 Mile House and Williams Lake to clean portions of Highway 97.
• Annual Johnston / Carson Neighbourhood Garage / Yard Sale – May 2, 2026 – noting that the Johnston Bridge will likely be closed on this date.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of April 7-10, 2026

Following the Easter Long Weekend -- Quesnel City Council; Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' will be holding meetings - as follows: 

Quesnel: Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- i) Sprout Kitchen, ii) Prince George to North Vancouver Railway

* Committee Reports

 

* Renew Lease with Vista Radio

* Mutual Aid Agreement between Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House Fire Departments' 

* Sprout Kitchen Operating Agreement

* Moonshine Coffee (Shiraoi House) Lease Agreement 

* Quesnel Pride Society - Request for full road closure for 2026 Parade 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

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

1) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, April 10th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Dr. Nathan Lachowsky, Dean, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, UNBC; and Jenn Scott, Dean for the School of Health Sciences and Human Services, CNC 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, April 10th at 9:45am.  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Zoning, OCP, ALR Applications)

* NDIT Application – 108 Mile Ranch Community Association – Outdoor Washroom Facility

* 100 Mile Nordics Ski Society Community Works Funding (CWF) - Solar Panel Project and Enabling Agreement

* Esler Sports Complex Access Road Project – Celtic Engineering Project Management and Coordinating Professional of Record Award of Contract

* Year Round Grant applications - 2 from Area K and 1 from Area E

* Forest Grove Fire Protection – Firehall Renovation Referendum (Assent Vote)

* NCLGA Resolution – Improved Access to Publicly Funded Mental Health Services – Consideration of Co-Sponsorship

* Committee Recommendations for endorsement 

* Several Corporate By-laws for 3 Readings or 3 Readings and Adoption

* Report from Director Anderson (Area K) re: 2026 Guide Outfitters of BC AGM

* Requests from Director Forseth (Area D) re: Letter to BC Minister of Agriculture for sustainable funding of Agriculture Land Commission and Letter to TRU Board of Governors re: suspend discussion of closure of TRU Williams Lake Campus until community consultation is complete

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally -- a number of Cariboo-Chilcotin local elected officials are attending the 2026 Council of Forest Industry (COFI) Convention in Vancouver, BC from April 8-10, 2026 including Cariboo RD Area E Director/Vice Chair Melynda Neufeld and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.  

COFI Convention 2026 Agenda: https://cofi.zohobackstage.ca/COFI2026Convention#/Program?day=1&lang=en

Changes to BC Local Government Legislation (Provincial Code of Conduct/26 Weeks of Parental Leave)

The Hon. Christine Boyle (BC Minister of Municipal Affairs) earlier today introduced amendments to the Community Charter, Local Government Act, etc. regarding:

i) Provincial Code of Conduct which is mandatory for all local elected officials in BC (Mayors, Councillors, EA Directors) and related matters

ii) 26 Weeks of Parental Leave for local elected officials

Summary of the above can be viewed at:

a) Provincial Code of Conduct -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0033-000349

b) 26 Weeks of Parental Leave for local elected officials -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0036-000366

The actual legislation can be viewed at:

Provincial Code of Conduct -- https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/2nd-session/bills/1st_read/gov17-1.htm

26 Weeks of Parental Leave -- https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/2nd-session/bills/1st_read/gov18-1.htm

Thanks to the many years of advocacy by the Union of BC Municipalities on these topics ... but time will have to tell if the provincial mandatory Code of Conduct for local elected officials will "change the dial" on a respectful workplace at BC Local Governments (Municipal Councils/Regional Boards)

Joint Collaboration Agreement between FNLGA/Climate Caucus

Joint Release between First Nations Leadership/Governance Association and Climate Caucus:

The First Nations Leadership and Governance Association (FNLGA) and Climate Caucus have partnered on a bold set of initiatives designed to expand public dialogue and increase equality in municipal representation.  

Currently, just 7 out of 1100 municipal leaders in B.C. are First Nations, despite representing close to 5 percent of the province’s population.  Through this partnership, First Nations candidates running in municipal elections will receive free access to Climate Caucus’ campaign school: a highly-tailored program designed by experienced campaign managers to be strategic, useful and game-changing. 

Participants will have access to a suite of tools, trainings and an active peer network, alongside successful campaign experts who have won across the country and who will offer advice, office hours and key insights.  

First Nations candidates will also have access to a network of mentors, including current and former elected leaders, as well as Indigenous, non-elected leaders, so as to provide an integrated support network across perspectives, cultures and experiences. 

"We are so excited about this opportunity for FNLGA to work with Climate Caucus. Our two organizations share many goals and walk the same paths, and now we can do so together while supporting each other. First Nations peoples have been vocal about climate change and adaptation for as long as we have observed environmental change and seasonal shifts, especially when these impacts affect the water, plants, and animals we have relied on for survival.  Climate Caucus has been doing this work on the ground and with a governance perspective. We would be proud to share these views and to work with Climate Caucus, ensuring that First Nations' perspectives are heard in this arena. There is so much work to be done, and we are 1 prepared to build this relationship and do the work together,” said Michael Moses, Founder and Executive Director of FNLGA. 

“To ensure safe, healthy and prosperous communities, we need policies that respond to—and mitigate—climate impacts. And we need stronger local democracies, rooted in building connections, finding shared solutions and respecting differences, especially during times of growing polarization and disinformation. We’re honoured to be in partnership with Michael and his team at FNLGA, not only to support voices that deserve a seat at the table, but to bolster the resilience of our local democracies during a time of division fuelled by vested interests,” said Zoe Grams, Executive Director of Climate Caucus.  

FNLGA and Climate Caucus will continue to build this partnership, including through a working group with local elected leaders working to identify new and resilient pathways for collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities when racism is on the rise. 

Quesnel Council Highlights - March 31, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

BC Transit Presentation Fare Presentation

BC Transit Business Development Advisor Midhat Malik and Government Relations Manager Iris Brown provided Council with a comprehensive fare review for the Quesnel Transit System to address increasing operational costs, simplify the fare structure, support equity, and encourage greater use of the Umo electronic fare system.

 

Transit Rates

Council approved the transit rate fare structure recommended by BC Transit. This is the first fare adjustment recommended since 2013 for HandyDART and since 2010/2013 for conventional transit fares. Quesnel’s current fares are among the lowest in B.C.

The proposed fare structure will introduce a universal base fare for all riders and gradually increase fares over three years (2026–2029), with the rate for a single ride increasing from $1.75 to $3.00 by 2028/29. New fares proposed will take effect July 2026.

 

CRD Contribution Agreements

Council has approved the contribution agreements with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) for Airport, Transit, HandyDART, Tourism Services, and Emergency Support Services (ESS). Some of these agreements were previously combined into one comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding but has now been adjusted to individual service agreements.

BIA Levies 2026

Council approved the following grants to the Business Improvement Areas for 2026 to be collected by local service property tax levies provided all other conditions of the bylaws are met by the business associations prior to payment of the grants.

• Quesnel Downtown Association $75,416
• South Quesnel Business Association $80,000
• West Quesnel Business Association $42,448

Purchase of a New Automated Side-Load Refuse Truck

Council has approved the purchase of a new automated side‑load garbage truck to support the City’s residential waste collection service. This new truck will replace an older unit that’s scheduled for retirement under the City’s Fleet Replacement Policy. Once the new truck is in service, the old one will be auctioned, and the proceeds will go back into the City’s equipment reserve.

Surplus and Reserves

Council has updated Policy CF‑2, which guides how the City manages its reserves and yearly surplus. The changes make the process clearer and will help strengthen the reserve funds. Council also talked about the growing need to boost capital reserves, since the Master Infrastructure Plan shows rising costs ahead and several future potential projects that don’t yet have dedicated funding.

Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Contract

Council has approved awarding the Johnston Bridge Upgrade project to Ruskin Construction Ltd. for $15.3 million (plus GST). The project will be funded through a combination of the Capital Reinvestment Reserve, Community Works Fund, utility reserves, and grant funding.

Council also approved $750,000 to the project budget from the Capital Reinvestment Reserve to provide a contingency for any unexpected costs during construction.

2026 City of Quesnel Operational Plan

Council reviewed the 2026 Operations Plan in its new format. The plan outlines the key projects staff will focus on this year to support Council’s 2025–2026 Strategic Plan. It highlights work that goes beyond day‑to‑day operations and doesn’t include budget details, as all items are already covered within existing budgets. Any new costs that arise will be brought to Council for approval.

RBC Barrier Buster Grant Application

Council supported Staff applying to the RBC Barrier Buster program on behalf of the Quesnel Rodeo Club. The grant would help fund the replacement of the public washrooms at Alex Fraser Park. The new washrooms will include 12 stalls, with two that are wheelchair accessible. The Quesnel Rodeo Club will manage the project, which is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

Bylaws

Bylaw #1976 - City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw No. 1976, 2025 - Final Adoptio

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - March 2026

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

* March 13 - McLeese Lake Farmers Market Society AGM at Alexandria Community Hall 

* March 18 - Monthly meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission 

* March 19 - Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD Board) in Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

* March 20 - Meetings of the Cariboo RD + Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

* March 25 - McLeese Lake Community Meeting with Cariboo North-PG MLA Sheldon Clare at McLeese Lake Community Hall 

* March 26 - Monthly meeting of Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce 

* March 31 - Conduct Public Hearing on behalf of Cariboo RD Board for property on Fox Mountain 

In addition -- remained in constant contact with Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director and use her as a "sounding board" for items or issues within the Electoral Area.  As well: responded to inquiries from Area "D" residents via social media, phone/text or email 

Expenses submitted in the month of March 2026:

* March 19 - $129 for Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD Board) in Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

* March 20 - $129 for Meetings of the Cariboo RD + Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

SD28 Bus Incident (Barlow Creek - Cariboo RD Area C)

Courtesy of School District #28 (Quesnel):

At approximately 2:40 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026 -- the Barlow Creek Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service responded to a school bus incident.  Bus #45 was transporting students from Barlow Creek Elementary to their homes at the end of the school day when the bus was involved in a single vehicle incident resulting in the bus being tipped on its side on the edge of the Barkerville Hwy.  No injuries were initially reported to the RCMP at the scene. As the situation unfolded, and out of an abundance of caution, a few students and the bus driver were taken to hospital with minor injuries.  A second bus was dispatched to transport students; these students have all returned safely to their families. 

Thankfully, bus incidents like this are rare, and they can understandably be a scary event for students, families and staff.  Extra counselling support will be available at Barlow Creek school on Tuesday morning, and the district will be responsive to student and family needs as much as possible.

Municipal Finance Authority of BC retains its' Moody Triple A Credit Status

Courtesy of the Municipal Finance Authority of BC:

We are very pleased to share that MFA’s (Municipal Finance Authority of BC) AAA Rating has once again been re-affirmed by Moody’s Ratings. 

The Moody’s team stated: 

“The affirmation of MFABC's aaa BCA and Aaa ratings reflects its very limited exposure to provincial credit stress. MFABC is a pool program and as such transmission channels between the province and MFABC arise indirectly through borrowing members who are jointly and severally liable for MFABC's liabilities – and include municipalities, regions and hospital districts. The regional districts have mostly stable revenue sources including property taxes and user fees that are not affected by provincial policy or fiscal decisions. The hospital districts receive consistent revenues from the province, and further benefit from provincial spending commitments to improve healthcare. We assess MFABC's governance as very strong, with exceptional fiscal, investment and liquidity management.”

For the full Moody ratings article please visit our website: 

https://mfa.bc.ca/investors/credit-reports

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of March 30-April 3, 2026

During the week of March 30-April 3, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings: 

Wells -- Meetings, as noted below, to be held in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells) or via Zoom

1) Closed Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 from 2-3pm and 4:45pm to 5:30pm as per Sections 90(1a + 1L - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

2) Open Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Update from Barkerville Heritage Trust (Al Richmond, Chair) 

* Updates on Strategic Priority Projects

* Reports from Mayor Coleman and Wells CAO

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel -- Meetings as noted below: 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: BC Transit re: Quesnel Transit Fare Review

* Committee Reports 

* Quesnel Transit Rates

* Cariboo RD Contribution Agreements

* BIA Levies 2026

* Request for Approval to Purchase a New Automated Side-Load Refuse Truck

* Surplus and Reserves 2026

* Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Contract

* 2026 City of Quesnel Operational Plan

* RBC Barrier Buster Grant Application

* Prospectors Car Club - Request for a letter of support for a Northern Development Initiatives Trust grant application

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting - on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 9:30am in the Fraser Room Meeting Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* 2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan

* Proposed 2026 Municipal Tax Rates

* EV Charger at Museum – Possible Fees/Discussion Item

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Special Open Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm in the Forest Innovation Centre (2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Development of a Memorandum of Understanding with ?Esdilagh First Nation - Discussion

* Supportive Housing and Shelter Space - Discussion

* Quesnel Junior School Land Transfer and Development - Discussion

* Business Development - 435 Elliott Street property and Abattoir - Discussion

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake: 

Committee of the Whole Session (no decisions made - only recommendations) on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake)

On the Agenda: 

* Water Treatment Plant Budget Update and Options 

* Town of View Royal re Provincial Housing Legislation Judicial Review Coalition Update (referred to Committee from March 24, 2026 Williams Lake Council meeting)

* Provincial Budget 2027 Consultation

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation #1 - R.I.S.E. Society re: proposed initiative in Electoral Area E

* Delegation #2 - Williams Lake Stampeders re: CMRC arena advertising and distribution of revenues

* Curbside Adjacency Agreement between the Regional District (Electoral Area "E") and the City of Williams Lake

* 2025 Operational Budget Information for Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex/Central Cariboo Recreation (2025 Budget Overrun/Request to Cover) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus Update

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is aware that the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Board of Governors agreed to a fulsome community engagement process for reimagining the future education offerings at the Williams Lake Campus, including consultation with the University Senate, and that they deferred consideration of closing the campus until June 2026

As the City was not able to have a representative present at this meeting, we are thankful to Chancellor DeDe Derose for providing her leadership and the amendment to delay the vote on the facility disposal in Williams Lake. She spoke to the importance of the bricks and mortar facility to the region, and as a member of E’sketemc she spoke from personal experience on how important this is.  The City would also like to thank other community leaders and members of the public for speaking up on this important topic.

Following this meeting, the City has many questions regarding the details of the financial budget presented by TRU regarding the upcoming financial plan.  The City will continue to seek answers on the specific budget items as they relate to the motion on the table for the closure of the campus. We encourage the community and wider region to provide their comments and concerns on the potential closure of this key institution to the City of Williams Lake at corporateservices@williamslake.ca. 

The City will then relay any comments it receives to the TRU Board so that they will have a full understanding of the impacts of their decisions on our community.

Upcoming Discussion on the Future of TRU in Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is aware of concerns circulating in the community of Williams Lake around the possibility of a future closure of the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Williams Lake Campus. Williams Lake Council has officially taken the position that it strongly opposes any potential closure of this vital community asset and that it expects any significant changes to the services offered at the campus should be first subject to public consultation and input.

Mayor and Council are working to seek clarification on the matter and wish to assure residents that every effort is being made to communicate these concerns to TRU and the Provincial Government, and to ensure a viable and sustainable future for local and regional access to post-secondary education services.  We will continue to update the community as information becomes available.

Spring Fuel Treatments Planned at Multiple Locations Throughout Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, will be conducting a series of spring fuel treatments over the coming weeks to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety.

These prescribed burns will take place in several areas throughout the city, including:

The water tower hill on Gibbon Street

The park and hillside near Lake City Secondary School’s Williams Lake Campus

The Dairy Fields (forested areas are not included in the burn unit)

The Williams Lake Stampede Grounds

Patrick Reid Park

The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and ground conditions over the coming weeks. Ignitions will only proceed under suitable conditions that allow smoke to dissipate quickly.

These prescribed burns will help remove flammable materials such as dry grass and debris, reducing fire hazards and promoting healthier ecosystems. The fuel treatments are part of the City’s ongoing FireSmart initiatives to increase wildfire resiliency in the community.

As FireSmart activities continue throughout Williams Lake, the City will keep residents updated through its social media channels and website.

In addition to these spring fuel treatments, residents and businesses are encouraged to take FireSmart actions on their properties. When a wildfire is nearby, all of Williams Lake could be threatened by embers. To protect your home or business, create a fuel break around the building by removing anything that can burn within the first 1.5 metres or five feet. For more ways to reduce fire risks, visit firesmartbc.ca.

For questions regarding the prescribed fires, contact firesmart@williamslake.ca or call 250-392-4321.

Prescribed burn planned for Fox Mountain area

From BC Wildfire Service: 

When and where

Burning will begin as early as Tuesday, March 31, continuing periodically until April 24.

The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 40 hectares of land west of Eider Drive on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.

Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible to residents on Fox Mountain, from the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.

Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring low intensity wildland fire.

While burning is underway portions of the Bearacouga Mountain Bike Trail will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed.

While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk to the City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.

Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem and maintain treatments from previous years.

Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge outside of emergency response situations.

Minimizing health impacts from smoke

Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.

Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.

Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Prescribed burn planned along Highway 20/Hanceville Area...

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

When and where

• Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 27, 2026 and may continue periodically until June 1, 2026 

• The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks, adjacent to Highway 20.

• Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.

What to expect

• Smoke and flames will be visible from Riske Creek, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas.

• Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire.

• While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

• Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

• Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the burns are fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

• Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

• Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor.

• Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure.

• Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.

• Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation.

 

Learn more

Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

 

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.