Quesnel Council Highlights - May 5, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Retirement Presentation - Donna Kopetski

Council recognized the retirement of 28-year employee Donna Kopetski. We wish Donna all the best in her retirement.

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2025 Audit of City Financial Records

KPMG Enterprise Partner, Corey Naphtali advised Council that the City received a clean audit report in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards and Council approved the 2025 Financial Statements.

Tourism and Event Inventory and Tourism Package Development

Andréa Khan from AK Consulting presented the findings of the Tourism and Event Inventory Package Development to Council. The project wrapped up six months of research and community engagement, carried out over four phases. The work resulted in a clear inventory of local tourism assets, a 15‑year pipeline for potential event bids, an economic development model, and the success of the North Cariboo Tourism Forum. It also kicked off the development of four experience packages and produced a practical toolkit to help keep the work moving forward.

In a report brought forward following the presentation, Council endorsed the Tourism & Events Inventory and Package Development Report and directed staff to move ahead with implementing the initiatives outlined in the report. Council also supported seeking out funding opportunities to help move these initiatives forward as they become available.

Three Rivers Community Forest Lease Agreement

Council approved the five-year lease agreement with the Three Rivers Community Forest for the use of office space in the Forestry Initiatives centre of City Hall.

2026 Local Government Election

Council approved the first three readings of the City of Quesnel Election and Other Voting Procedures Bylaw No. 1984, 2026, and appointed Laura Long as the Chief Election Officer, and Joel McKay and Kari Bolton as Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2026 general local election.

2026 voting opportunities anticipated to be scheduled are as follows:

• Advanced Voting – 8 am to 8 pm – October 7 and 10 – City Hall
• General Voting Day – 8 am to 8 pm, October 17 – City Hall, Correlieu School and Dragon Lake School

Please watch the City of Quesnel Website at: https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections for more information on the upcoming election.

Vaughan Sewers Replacement - Contract

Council awarded the Vaughan Street Sanitary and Storm Replacement project to Knappett Industries for $676,068 plus GST, with funding coming from the capital reinvestment reserve and sewer reserves. The project will replace and upsize about 100 metres of the existing storm sewer main, along with replacing the sanitary sewer main on Vaughan Street and in the lane north of the West Fraser Centre.

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1981 - City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1981, 2026 - Final Adoption
• Bylaw #1982 - City of Quesnel 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1982, 2026 - Final Adoption

Announcements

• May is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Canada.
• May 5, 2026 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - Red Dress Day.

Preview into NCLGA 2026 Convention

From May 20-22, 2026 -- the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) will be holding its' Annual Convention in the City of Prince George which is a tri-partite effort between the City of Prince George, Regional District of Fraser Fort George and Lheidli T'enneh First Nation

During the Convention, there will be: 

* Annual Northern Health Forum

* Tours including at the Prince George Public Safety Operations Building and Ancient Forest Interpretive Centre, east of Prince George 

* 2026 Resolutions Session - 40 Resolutions up for debate including 

i) 2 from 100 Mile House (Nurse Practitioners/Health Care Professionals), 

ii) 3 from Cariboo Regional District, either jointly or individually (Highway 97 Upgrades, Public Mental Health funding support and Post Secondary Education) and 

iii) 2 from Williams Lake (Health Care Provider Crisis and Indigenous led Fibre Recovery for Wildfire Recovery)

Finally - City of Fort St John Councillor Tony Zabinsky, who is currently 2025-26 NCLGA 1st Vice President, is expected to become the 2026-27 NCLGA President at the 2026 NCLGA Convention and typically a NCLGA 1st Vice President rises to become NCLGA President at the annual NCLGA Convention, by way of acclamation

The DRAFT AGM Agenda can viewed here while the 2026 Resolutions can be viewed here

The 2026 NCLGA Convention is the last of the 5 Area Associations within British Columbia to hold their Annual Conventions prior to the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, BC from September 14-18, 2026

BC Cattlemen Association to apply for Intervenor Status re: DRIPA Legal Case from Pender Harbour

Courtesy of BC Cattlemen Association:

The BC Cattlemen’s Association intends to apply to intervene in the Pender Harbour and Area Resident’s Association (PHARA) court challenge of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). 

PHARA filed the case in the BC Supreme Court on February 9, 2026, seeking a constitutional challenge of DRIPA and for the court to declare the legislation of no force and effect. 

The BC Cattlemen’s Association intends to apply for intervenor status in the case to seek leave from the Court to speak to the ranching industry interests in the matter. 

PHARA is seeking declarations from the Court that DRIPA is unconstitutional because it is: 

• Inconsistent with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, as it does not balance Indigenous and non-Indigenous interests, allow for justified infringements of Aboriginal rights by the Crown, or follow court-established processes for determining those rights; 

• Beyond provincial jurisdiction, as it intrudes into matters under Canada’s exclusive authority and creates the potential for Aboriginal rights to be recognized differently across the country; and 

• Alternatively, a violation of democratic rights protected by section 3 of the Charter, on the basis that DRIPA allows for agreements that transfer governance authority to bodies that are not accountable to the electorate. 

DRIPA is concerning for ranchers in British Columbia because it could jeopardize security of private land and Crown tenures that support our ranch operations. 

Yesterday, the Province of BC proclaimed BC Beef Day and hosted a delegation of ranching industry representatives from around the province. During a meeting with Premier Eby, the Association again urged the province to clarify its reconciliation plans and to ensure protections for landowners and tenure holders. 

“These are the very tenures that allow us to produce food for the public and steward the resources under our care,” explains Werner Stump, BCCA President. BCCA members are deeply concerned that co-governance between the provincial government and First Nations could impact vital water and land use tenures. Stump continues to say, “We are concerned that co-governance models erode the stability that tenures are meant to guarantee.” 

This application to intervene is not a challenge of Indigenous rights or reconciliation. Rather, it is about exploring whether the province has made a mistake in delegating decision-making responsibility not balancing non-Indigenous interests. BC Cattlemen’s Association supports fair and transparent reconciliation processes that strengthen relationships over the long term. 

Esk’et FN Hosts Gathering to Celebrate Children, Families, and Cultural Connection

Courtesy of Esk'etemc First Nation:

The community of Esk’et welcomed children and their families for a two-day gathering centered on celebrating children, strengthening families, and bringing together all Esk’etemc members to learn about their culture, their land, and their community.  

“Everything we do is for our children so they grow up strong and connected to their families, their land, and their future,” shared Esk’etemc Kukpi7 Fred Robbins.  

Stsmémelt re Esk’et is a program that reflects a shared commitment to ensure children grow up grounded in who they are, supported by their families, their community, and their culture and represents more than a single gathering. 

It is part of a broader journey within Esk’etemc to bring children home, back to family, community, and culture while creating space for healing and building strength across generations. Over the weekend, more than 300 people, including children, youth, adults, and elders, participated in a range of cultural and community-based experiences. 

The event started with a pipe ceremony and prayers followed with a Grand Entry, gifting ceremony, and two full days of land-based learning, traditional games, drumming, and songs. The gathering created meaningful opportunities for children and their caregivers who live both in community and in urban centres to meet each other and engage with Esk’etemc ceremony and traditions. 

“Ceremony is what keeps our people strong,” said Spiritual Headwoman and elected Esk’etemc Councillor Irene Johnson. “It brings us together, it grounds us, and it reminds our families and our children of who they are.” 

The experiences created through Stsmémelt re Esk’et reflect the importance of cultural continuity and the role of community in supporting families. By centering the focus on children, the program reinforces a path forward built on connection, identity, and ongoing support and care, highlighting the broader work underway within Esk’etemc to strengthen child and family well-being through community-led approaches rooted in culture, language, and land. 

“Stsmémelt re Esk’et is about how we take care of our children as a community,” noted Doreen M. Johnson, Stsmémelt re Esk’et Planner. “This event was just a small reflection of the work we’re doing to bring families back together and build something stronger for the future for all Esk’etemc.” For many families, the gathering created meaningful opportunities for coming back together again, and for some, for the first time. 

It reflected Esk’etemc’s vision of children growing up supported, families connected, and community moving forward together. 

To see a video of the two-day event, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGG5PLjbug 

Day to Day Democracy Podcast interviews Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner

In Episode 7 of "Day to Day Democracy": a podcast which looks at serving in BC Local Government and co-hosted by former Kamloops Councillor Arjun Singh and current Vanderhoof Councillor Brian Frenkel -- they interview Cariboo Regional District Board Chair (and Cariboo RD Area "H" Director) Margo Wagner

They cover:

* What is a Regional District?

* Role of a Regional District Board Chair?

* Role of an Electoral Area Director

* Regional District Advocacy

* Understanding needs in an unincorporated community and how to respond?

* Communications during Emergencies/Non-Emergencies

* Cooperation with Indigenous Nations especially during emergencies

* FireSmarting in a rural, unincorporated community context

The episode can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRX4TwlkI98

Webster Creek Fire Area - Evacuation ALERT RESCIND (Cariboo RD - Area "K")

Courtesy of Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

May 4, 2026

12:00pm

The Evacuation Alert issued April 30, 2026, at 3:15 p.m. for the Webster Creek Fire Area has been lifted by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Evacuation Alert Lift

An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed.

To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.

For areas that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property by a qualified arborist.

Air quality may remain poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children, and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area. The BC Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities have further information on their websites about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding any new Evacuation Alerts and Orders impacting them. You must register to receive notifications from this system, as these are non-intrusive broadcast alerts.

Quesnel Council meets on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

During the week of May 4-8, 2026 -- only Quesnel City Council will be meeting.  Details below: 

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

* Delegation: City of Quesnel Auditor re: 2025 Audited Financial Statement for approval 

* Committee Reports

* Three Rivers Community Forest Lease Agreement 

* 2026 City of Quesnel Local General Election - First three readings of Bylaw and appointment of Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officers 

* North Cariboo Tourism & Events Development

* Adopt City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1981, 2026 & City of Quesnel 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1982, 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - April 2026

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

* April 8, 2026 -- AGM for the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce (at invitation of Manager, Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce) 

* April 10, 2026 -- Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* April 21, 2026 -- Spring 2026 Meeting of Gibraltar Mines' Technical Advisory Committee held at the McLeese Lake Community Hall 

* April 23, 2026 -- Photo Op for new artwork installed in the public viewing area of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre with Cariboo RD Area "E" Director Melynda Neufeld and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor 

* April 25, 2026 - "Seedy Saturday" event at McLeese Lake Library 

* April 28, 2026 -- Zoom meeting for BC Electoral Area Directors - hosted by Director Jerrilyn Kirk (RD Fraser Fort George), UBCM Electoral Area Director Representative for 2025-26 term... 

* April 29, 2026 -- Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest Landscape Planning Open House at the Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake ... 

As well -- remained in regular contact with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director (A. Bennetts) to use her as a "sounding board" for items that I have been working on as the Cariboo RD Area "D" Director 

Finally: responded to regular monthly inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents' via phone/text, email or social media... 

Expenses submitted in April 2026:

* April 10, 2026 -- $129 for Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

Evacuation ALERT issued for the Webster Creek Fire Area (Cariboo RD - Area "K") - April 30, 2026

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

April 30, 2026

3:30pm 

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 8 parcels in the Webster Creek Fire Area.  This alert covers 696.57 hectares.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area:

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to give you time to prepare to evacuate your premises or property should it be required. 

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an evacuation order:

·        Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.

·        Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.).

·        Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.

·        Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.

·        Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.

·        Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.

·        In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.

·        Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca. 

·        If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed or call the Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Williams Lake Council Highlights - April 28, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm (via Zoom), Delainey, Flaspohler and Nelson (via Zoom)

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 

Meeting Video - click here 

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Interior Health re: Quarterly Update - presentation here

2) Kane Fraser, MNP Chartered Professional Accountants regarding City of Williams Lake Audited 2025 Financial Statements and Auditor's Report

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

Mayor Rathor thanked each delegation for their time/information 

Response to Delegations:

1) Council approved the 2025 City of Williams Lake annual financial statements as presented, receive, and accept the auditor’s report and authorized the Mayor and the Chief Financial Officer to sign the management letter and the financial statements on behalf of the City.  Council also authorized the Chief Financial Officer to make the submission of the audited financial statements and any other relevant financial information to the Inspector of Municipalities, as required

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated April 16 and 23, 2026

2) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to "City of Williams Lake Officers Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2435, 2026" (appointment of Approving Officer and Deputy Approving Officers)

3) Council approved the 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit

4) Council approved compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor to attend the BC Modular Housing Summit in Penticton, BC from May 5 to 6, 2026

5) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to “City of Williams Lake General Local Election Bylaw No. 2436, 2026” and the “City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2437, 2026”

6) Council authorized the payment of $83,402.09 to the Cariboo Regional District to rectify the inconsistency in billings to the CRD in 2024 and 2025 for the Cariboo Memorial Recreational Complex

7) Council approved the retroactive pay of $70,690.34 to Environmental 360 Solutions Ltd. for solid waste and recycling collection underpayment that occurred in 2024 and 2025

8) Council approved the extension of the Waste and Recyclables Collection Contract for an additional three-year term, as negotiated with Environmental 360 Services Ltd. (E360), in accordance with Section 3(c)(2) of the current Contract

9) Council approved the curbside adjacency agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District for a three-year period

10) Council approved the Scout Island Watermain Replacement West Distribution tender to Morben Construction Ltd. for the tendered price of $517,129.07, including applicable taxes, for a total cost including contingency and engineering of $597,129.07, with any amounts exceeding the approved budget to be covered by the Water Reserve Fund

11) Council received for information the list of additional streets being reviewed by staff to be incorporated into the Asphalt Resurfacing 2026 contract, to fully utilize available budget

12) Council awarded the contract for the supply of unleaded gasoline and diesel to Gary Young Agencies for proposed price linked to the daily rack price, which as of April 6, 2026 was $1.7514 per litre of Unleaded Gasoline and $2.0769 per litre of Diesel, including all applicable taxes

13) Council received a report of the Director of Municipal Services dated April 23, 2026 regarding a request from the Williams Lake Stampede Association for the City to extend dust control services to the Williams Lake Stampede Park campground and Staff were directed to provide dust control services in the campground area to the Stampede Association for an approximate cost of $2,600.00/year

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor A. Delainey

14) Council supported an application to the 2026 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program for $200,000 towards Williams Lake Community Wildfire Risk Reduction initiatives.... 

15) Council adopted "City of Williams Lake Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2433, 2026"

16) Council rescinded 2nd and 3rd Readings of “City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026” as given on April 14, 2026, agreed to amend the bylaw with revised wording included in Schedule ‘A’ in the Staff report dated April 20, 2026 and “City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026” was given second and third readings, as amended

17) Council received for information: 

* List of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235 - Proclamation or Lighting Requests 

* Council Information Package as of April 28, 2026

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

And then Council adjourned at 8:00pm 

Cariboo RD Area "J"/Konni Lake Fire Area - Evacuation Alert RESCIND April 28 2026

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

The Evacuation Alert issued April 23, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. for the Konni Lake Fire Area has been lifted by Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government and the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Evacuation Alert LIFT and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts   

An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed.

To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.

For areas that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property by a qualified arborist.

Air quality may remain poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children, and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area. The BC Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities have further information on their websites about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding any new Evacuation Alerts and Orders impacting them. You must register to receive notifications from this system, as these are non-intrusive broadcast alerts.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed, or call the Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm) or the TNG at 250-392-0735.