CRD Chair reports out on 2012

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

“Members of the Board, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen…today, I have the distinct pleasure of reviewing the Cariboo Regional District’s key accomplishments and successes for 2012. Looking back over the past year, our region can be proud of its achievements. The CRD experienced many successes in 2012.

The year started with our annual Town Hall meetings in January and February throughout the 12 electoral areas and the four member municipalities. During these meetings we presented the proposed 2012 budget to our residents to seek feedback from them, before the budget was adopted at the end of March.

In May of 2012, the CRD and the District of 100 Mile House hosted representatives of the North Central Local Government Association who congregated in 100 Mile House for the association’s annual AGM and Convention. Under the theme of the “Log Home Capital”, delegates and their partners were hosted to some great workshops, business sessions and of course some spectacular entertainment and social events. I would also like to take this opportunity to again thank the many volunteers from South Cariboo who dedicated their time and efforts to make this event successful.

One of the highlights of the NCLGA Convention for our region was when CRD Director and 100 Mile House Mayor, Mitch Campsall was elected as the new NCLGA President. Overall, the NCLGA was an extremely successful event for the CRD and the District of 100 Mile House, and most importantly the region.

In June, the CRD Board of Directors and staff travelled to Barkerville. During the two-days of meetings, the CRD held the first joint meeting with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George and signed the Barkerville Accord – a document which commits both local governments to work in collaboration to address issues of mutual concern, and to promote the sustainability and economic vibrancy of the north central interior of BC. The traditional Board on the Road BBQ was put on in support of the Barkerville’s 2012, 150th Anniversary celebration.

Over the summer months the Cariboo Regional District lobbied for our region on two critical issues including a presentation in Prince George to the provincial committee regarding the Timber Supply on July 5. Many of the recommendations coming out of the final report published by the commission included CRD recommendations such as using a science based approach, promoting utilization of marginally economic forest lands, better fibre utilization and more. The second issue was focused on the proposed federal electoral boundaries redistribution. Again, the CRD lobbied with a strong voice at the public consultation meeting held in Prince George on September 17.

On September 13 and 14, we were on the road again with our second of two Board on the Road meetings for 2012 – this time Kersley was our destination. On Thursday, during the community BBQ, we also took the opportunity to celebrate Director Ted Armstrong’s 35th anniversary as the CRD representative for Electoral Area A and Kersley.

In September 2012, the CRD attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Conference in Vancouver. During the convention, nine of 10 CRD resolutions saw success on the resolution floor. The CRD, along with the District of 100 Mile House, the City of Quesnel, the District of Wells and the City of Williams Lake and our neighbours from the Regional District of Fraser Fort George and the City of Prince George, lobbied provincial ministries. One such meeting was with Premier Christy Clark and the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Minister Responsible for Labour, the Honourable Pat Bell. During this session, the CRD discussed its Strong Regions report and the need for increased alternative revenue streams for local governments. The province has committed to working with the CRD to potentially act upon some of the recommendations laid out in the report.

The CRD also met with the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the Honourable Steve Thomson to discuss the Cedar Dam on Nina Lake. Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) Chair, John Massier and staff also had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid to ensure the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Master Plan be given priority.

Our success was not limited to the resolutions or minister meetings either, as three members of the CRD Board of Directors were elected to the UBCM Executive Board including Quesnel Director, Mayor Mary Sjostrom as President; myself, Chair Al Richmond as Third Vice-President. 100 Mile House Director, Mayor Mitch Campsall was also appointed to the UBCM Executive as the NCLGA representative. We will continue to follow up with the issues discussed at UBCM, and will collaborate with our regions’ provincial MLAs and federal MPs to ensure the people of the CRD have a voice in Victoria and Ottawa.

In 2012, the CRD successfully applied to a number of different provincial and federal funding programs such as the Building Canada Fund, the Towns for Tomorrow program, Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Community Tourism Opportunities program and UBCM’s Fuel mitigation fund. For example, our fuel management projects and water and sewer systems received approximately $1.3 million through these programs which went back into our communities throughout the region. In addition to this amount, another $1.7 million was allocated to the CRD under the Community Works Fund which focuses on green initiatives and energy efficiency projects.

So often we forget how far we have come, and the challenges and issues we have overcome, or resolved along the way. Part of the reason for this report is to remind you of our accomplishments, and to compliment you on your successes.

Creating new partnerships, enhancing services, undertaking capital projects, informing the public and responding to residents’ needs is what building this region is all about. Our organization will continue to respond to community and residents’ needs thereby achieving our goal of Building Communities Together.

I would like to thank all the Board members and staff for your dedication and perseverance throughout 2012. Thank you.”