Committee of the Whole Mtg (WL Council) - Apr 30th

Present - Acting Mayor SPS Rathor and Councillors Bonnell, Bourdon, Hughes, Walters and Zacharias

Absent - Mayor Cook (on City business in PG)

Staff - G. Goodall (Acting CAO), C. Bouchard (Manager of Legislative Services) and K. MacInnis (Commiunications Coordinator)

Meeting called to order at 6:02pm

Minutes of Apr 16th COW Meeting adopted
Agenda adopted

Delegation:

Kelly McPhie and Philippa Mahon from Signal Point Gaming appeared before the Committee to discuss changes to their Liquor Primary Licence

A Question/Answer Period ensued thereon

Acting Mayor Rathor, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. McPhie/Mahon for their presentation - read here

Committee Action - Delegation be received

Business:

1) Amendments to the False Alarm Bylaw

Staff presented this item to the Committee - report here
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

That “Williams Lake Security Alarm Systems  Amendment Bylaw No. 2171” be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading this 7th day of May, 2013

2) Amendment to the City's Graffiti Bylaw

Staff presented this item to the Committee - report here
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

That ”Williams Lake Graffiti Amendment Bylaw No. 2179" be read a 1st, 2nd and 3rd time this 7th day of May, 2013

3) Parking Issues on Borland Street

Staff presented this item to the Committee - report here
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

Council approve the installation of four (4) 'restricted parking' signs on Borland Street on the block between 1st and Mackenzie Avenues

4) Noise Amendment Bylaw #2180 and Nuisance Amendment Bylaw #2181

Staff presented this item to the Committee - report here
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

That Noise Amendment Bylaw 2180 and Nuisance Amendment Bylaw #2181 be read a first, second and third time this 7th day of May, 2013

5) Discussion on the City's Float

Staff report refers on this item here
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

That Council approve the borrowing of a trailer that can be pulled with a City of Williams Lake truck. Design the float on an annual basis. Use minimal supplies and reuse the current float’s cowboy hat as the main prop. Further, that an ad-hoc Committee be formed as to the Float's design for consideration in early 2014 and the matter be referred to the Community Services Committee for consideration

6) Discussion on City Communications'

Councillor Bourdon requested Council to schedule a workshop on the City's internal/external communications strategy later on this year, in light of how well the City's attempt on the Place Brand was received by the public

Discussion ensued thereon

Committee of the Whole recommends to Council:

That Council request that a questionnaire go out to all City Staff and Council as part of a Communications Process which leads to a scheduled workshop between Council/Senior Staff on the topic of City Internal/External Communications

Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm

Editor's Notes:

1) This is the first time that I've seen Councillor Laurie Walters become quite passionate at a meeting, especially on the subject of the City's Float and City Communications.  At one point, it appeared that she took the suggestion from Councillor Rathor in regard to the City Page ad in the Tribune/Advisor very personal, then tauting her 25 years of marketing experience.  From my viewpoint - Councillor Rathor wants to revisit the City Page ad program.  It doesn't appear he wants to ditch the program entirely - a fact confirmed earlier this evening in discussing the COW meeting tonight with him.  It appears that Councillor Rathor and Walters may wish to discuss this item privately prior to the scheduled Communications Workshop later  this year, if not for anything else but to clear the air between these Councillors'

2) I agree with Councillor Bourdon when he says instead of spending $20,000 for a float to be used once a year - a better investment of $10,000 for Internet Cameras in Council Chambers and a portable camera for City Corporate Communications to be used year-round is a far better use of taxpayers' money.  Council did, as part of its' 2013 budget discussions, reject the purchase of this item

Monday's BC Poli News - Apr 29th edition

With BC's 40th General Election crossing the half-way point - all parties were in damage control the last few days...

BC Liberals - Leader Christy Clark apologized for her 'red light' action with her son, Hamish, after a story in the Vancouver Sun.  Adrian Dix of the NDP, to his credit, refuses to call out Clark on this.  If my readers' recall, I criticized those who slammed Dix for misplacing a transit pass

BC Conservatives - Leader John Cummins let go his 4th candidate and ordered a re-vetting of all candidates.  Read more here

BC NDP - Adrian Dix was forced to 'clarify' a comment by Charlie Wyse (Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate) after he (Wyse) suggested that a two year moratorium on fracking at an All Candidates Forum at Bridge Lake last Friday was coming.  Read the article from the Globe and Mail here.  Meanwhile - the BC Liberals speaks to this item with the audio from Charlie Wyse himself at the forum here

With tonight's TV debate - I hope that Clark will make use of this 'misstep' by Dix and the NDP as another reason why the NDP should not be given an opportunity to govern BC again.  Meanwhile - I profess I am perplexed at how horrible the campaign has been for the BC Conservatives.  I thought they would do a lot better than this and I can't see how they can recover from 4 candidates dismissed over the first two weeks of a campaign...

-- SBF

Repeat of 2009 NDP Loss?

Yesterday - former Social Credit Environment Minister & radio talk show host Rafe Mair took aim at BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix over his positions on the proposed 'Prosperity Fund', the NDP's support for the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) industry, and being too 'softball' on the BC Liberals

Mr. Mair goes even further by making a comparison between the current election and the election in the 80's by then-BC NDP Leader Bob Skelly and reminds his readers that it was the baseball manager Lou Durocher who said:

“nice guys finish last”

Read the full article here

Seniors' Election Debate in Williams Lake

Earlier today before 30 people - BC Liberal Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin candidates Coralee Oakes & Donna Barnett, BC NDP Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate Charlie Wyse, Ind. Cariboo-North candidate Bob Simpson and Ind. Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate Gary Young answered questions pertaining mostly to seniors' issues

BC Greens Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate Dustin Price was unavailable as he was campaigning in Anahim Lk while BC NDP Cariboo-North candidate Duncan Barnett was unavailable for this afternoon session but would be attending the 7pm forum, co-hosted by the Council of Canadians/BC Northern Real Estate Board

Questions asked included:

a) Run of River projects
b) Addressing Disability Pay for seniors'
c) Support for New Prosperity mine
d) MLA Office in Williams Lake?
e) Addressing Provincial Debt
f) Independent Seniors' Advocate
g) Different Seniors' Housing Options
h) Free Healthcare for Seniors'

The forum also included opening and closing statements

Overall - a polite debate with no major fireworks launched and also no major mistakes made by any of the candidates.

Future forums planned include:

May 1st - WL Chamber of Commerce at Tourism Discovery Centre from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
May 3rd - Forum at Miocene Community Hall at 7pm

-- SBF

CKNW Leaders' Debate....

Earlier today - CKNW hosted a 1.5 hour radio debate between the four political leaders in BC.  BC Liberal Party Leader Christy Clark, BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix, BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins and BC Green Party Leader Jane Sterk

Watch the video from the debate below:



Also read a story on this event from CBC British Columbia here

Some of the topics discussed include:

a) Balanced Budget?
b) Kinder Morgan
c) New Prosperity Mine, west of Williams Lake
d) Disability Pay

For myself - (and yes, I'm just slightly biased here) - I felt, on balance, that Christy Clark gave the strongest performance, followed by Mr. Cummins, Ms. Sterk then Mr. Dix who looked really uncomfortable

Next debate is the TV Debate Monday -  I wonder if Adrian Dix will get past his "camera-shy" situation.  If not - the BC Liberals' may very well pull "a rabbit of the hat" trick and obtain a majority or even a minority, if it comes to it and a minority government for BC may very well be a good thing for BC..... at this time!

-- SBF

WL Committee of the Whole Mtg Tuesday

With all other local governments not meeting prior to the NCLGA (North Central Local Gov't Assocation) AGM, Williams Lake Council will meet Tuesday in Committee of the Whole.  Agenda link is here

Full Agenda:

Delegation - Kelly McPhie and Philippa Mahon from Signal Point Gaming to appear before the Committee to discuss changes to Liquor Primary Licence

Business:

1) Changes to the False Alarm, Noise, Graffiti and Nuisance Bylaws
2) Prohibit Parking on Borland St between 1st Ave/Mackenzie Avenue
3) Discuss Status of City's Stampede Parade Float
3) Discuss Communications (at request of Councillor Bourdon) - note, no background information available and Councillor Bourdon advises that he is still working on it. I find that unfortunate as background material should be available by now so his fellow Council members' can review his proposal prior to and not at the meeting. This always makes for better decision making

Candidate Selection Period closed!

As of 1pm today - the formal Candidate Selection Period has now closed by Elections BC.

As of 8:46am today (and I don't expect this list to change by 1pm today), the following candidates will be on the ballot in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

Cariboo-North Electoral District:

Bob Simpson - Ind.
Coralee Oakes - BC Liberal Party
Duncan Barnett - BC NDP

Cariboo-Chilcotin Electoral District:

Donna Barnett - BC Liberal Party
Charlie Wyse - BC NDP
Dustin Price - BC Green Party
Gary Young - Ind.

Outcome of Monday's WL Community Forest Mtg

WL Community Forest Package

At a meeting Monday which drew a crowd of 100 people at the 150 Mile Community/Fire Hall, a 2 hour discussion was had regarding the contentious Williams Lake Community Forest which was facilitated by Gail Wallin of the Fraser Basin Council

Two themes, in my opinion, which were unable to be resolved at this meeting including number/composition of the Board of Directors of the 'General Partnership (City of WL/WL Indian Band) (increase from the current 6 and why weren't applications advertised for appointments to the Board) and also benefits that flow to the communities (Big Lake, Miocene, Horsefly/WL Indian Band).

I do have to hand it to Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook and WL Indian Band Chief Ann Louie for making a true effort for being 'contrite' and demonstrating a genuine effort to work with the Big Lake, Horsefly and Miocene communities

However, in my opinion, Monday's meeting resolved nothing and the process used was not agreed to by all parties as I could tell that as a couple of people didn't hide their frustration at the process used (discussion by faciliation, rather than presentation then open discussion).  Had the latter than the former been used, a more fruitful outcome could have been seen

As an observer, I think that the Board of Directors' for the WL Community Forest must have two things:

a) No connection (work or otherwise) to current elected officials or their Staff - City of Williams Lake/WL Indian Band

b) Representation of all areas affected by the WL Community Forest

A good healthy number for the Board would be 11 (1 rep from Big Lake, Horsefly, Miocene, Esler plus the current 3 from WL and 3 from the WL Indian Band plus a neutral Chair agreed to by all parties who wouldn't vote expect to break a tie)

All parties now await a final report from Monday's meeting from the Fraser Basin Council.  I think that report will dictate what the next steps will entail...

--- SBF

Coralee Oakes speaks with 150 Mile residents'

BC Liberal Cariboo-North candidate Coralee Oakes

At Thyme for Tea before roughly 20 people on Wed. April 24th, Cariboo-North BC Liberal candidate Coralee Oakes spoke to 150 Mile residents about her vision for Cariboo-North which included resource development, and a constituency office at 150 Mile House

My general sense of the crowd is that her message of hope and optimism for Cariboo-North resonated with the people in attendance

-- SBF

St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemorative Project Update

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

At a news conference today, the Planning Committee for the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project announced a series of events and initiatives in the coming days and weeks to commemorate and create awareness and recognition of the residential school experience in the Cariboo. The project aims to encourage, support and engage in a shared First Nations and non-First Nations dialogue on how to achieve reconciliation in the Cariboo region, and to support efforts by all those affected by the legacy of this residential school as they continue on their personal healing journey. To achieve these objectives, the project aims to:

At a news conference today, the Planning Committee for the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project announced a series of events and initiatives in the coming days and weeks to commemorate and create awareness and recognition of the residential school experience in the Cariboo. The project aims to encourage, support and engage in a shared First Nations and non-First Nations dialogue on how to achieve reconciliation in the Cariboo region, and to support efforts by all those affected by the legacy of this residential school as they continue on their personal healing journey. To achieve these objectives, the project aims to:

Be Inclusive:  Events are being planned through a multi-party planning committee  who’s membership includes: First Nations and Tribal councils; local government  leaders; former residential school students; School District 27; First Nations schools, Civic organizations/Rotary Clubs, and the RCMP. We are also reaching out to the faith based community.

Be Collaborative:  Working with all the above partners and others as they are identified to ensure that the project events respond to the interests of all participants. The conference events will be done in collaboration with the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We worked with the current landowner and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to place a monument at the site of the former residential school. 

Be Supportive:  Paying special attention to how we engage, communicate and work with the former students involved in the SJM Reunion Facebook group. Working with Health Canada (BC Region), the Interior Health Authority and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society of BC to ensure appropriate mental health counselling and other supports are available.

Be Respectful: Structuring events to: commemorate the residential school experience and those who did not survive it; assist those affected by the legacy to engage in their personal healing journey; and to engage First Nations and non-First Nations in a dialogue about reconciliation in the Cariboo region.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada commends everyone involved in the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project. You’ve put together a program that’s comprehensive, meaningful and accessible. I look forward to being a part of it,” stated the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

“First Nations people who attended this school, like myself, have worked hard since the day it closed in 1981 to seek justice for the wrongs we suffered and to create a new legacy for our children and grandchildren. Doing this project is a good way for us to figure out how we can do this together,” stated Chief Fred Robbins of the Esketemc First Nation.

“I’d like to acknowledge Chief Robbins for his vision and leadership to create this one-of-a-kind project to create an opportunity for healing, reconciliation, and moving forward,” stated City of Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “This project is a great example of how First Nations and non-First Nations peoples can work together towards healing, understanding, and common goals.”

“The Cariboo Regional District is proud to have played a role in bringing all communities throughout our region together for this momentous event,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “By gaining a better understanding of each other’s cultures, heritage and the challenges we face, through this reconciliation process, we will be able to move forward together in collaboration to create a better Cariboo Chilcotin for all of its residents.”

The public is welcome at all of the events summarized below:        

·        April 26 - School District 27 Professional Development Day – The Commons, Williams Lake Secondary School (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

·        April 28 - Public showing of youth/student videos – The Commons, Williams Lake Secondary School      (1 p.m.)

·        May 13-19 - Private Truth and Reconciliation Commission individual statement gathering – Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus

·        May 16-17 - Commemoration Conference and Town Hall on Reconciliation with Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Gymnasium at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

·        May 16 - Monument unveiling ceremony – former St. Joseph’s Mission Site (11 a.m.– 12 p.m.)

·        May 17 -Monument unveiling ceremony – Boitanio Park (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

·        May 18 - Truth and Reconciliation public testimony gathering – Gymnasium at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus (8:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.)

·        May 18-19 - Former Residential School student reunion - Williams Lake First Nation Pow Wow Arbor (rain location – Sugarcane Gymnasium) (all day Saturday, Local bands Saturday evening, Sunday morning to mid-afternoon)

For more information, visit the commemoration project online at SJMcommemorationevents.com. For referrals to key individuals, please call 1-250-243-2261 (Cariboo) or 1-604-787-8638 (Vancouver) or email:  htarbell@uniserve.com. Events are being planned through a multi-party planning committee who’s membership includes: First Nations and Tribal councils; local government leaders; former residential school students; School District 27; First Nations schools, Civic organizations/Rotary Clubs, and the RCMP. We are also reaching out to the faith based community.

Be Collaborative: Working with all the above partners and others as they are identified to ensure that the project events respond to the interests of all participants. The conference events will be done in collaboration with the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We worked with the current landowner and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to place a monument at the site of the former residential school.

Be Supportive: Paying special attention to how we engage, communicate and work with the former students involved in the SJM Reunion Facebook group. Working with Health Canada (BC Region), the Interior Health Authority and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society of BC to ensure appropriate mental health counselling and other supports are available.

Be Respectful: Structuring events to: commemorate the residential school experience and those who did not survive it; assist those affected by the legacy to engage in their personal healing journey; and to engage First Nations and non-First Nations in a dialogue about reconciliation in the Cariboo region.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada commends everyone involved in the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project. You’ve put together a program that’s comprehensive, meaningful and accessible. I look forward to being a part of it,” stated the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

“First Nations people who attended this school, like myself, have worked hard since the day it closed in 1981 to seek justice for the wrongs we suffered and to create a new legacy for our children and grandchildren. Doing this project is a good way for us to figure out how we can do this together,” stated Chief Fred Robbins of the Esketemc First Nation.

“I’d like to acknowledge Chief Robbins for his vision and leadership to create this one-of-a-kind project to create an opportunity for healing, reconciliation, and moving forward,” stated City of Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “This project is a great example of how First Nations and non-First Nations peoples can work together towards healing, understanding, and common goals.”

“The Cariboo Regional District is proud to have played a role in bringing all communities throughout our region together for this momentous event,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “By gaining a better understanding of each other’s cultures, heritage and the challenges we face, through this reconciliation process, we will be able to move forward together in collaboration to create a better Cariboo Chilcotin for all of its residents.”

The public is welcome at all of the events summarized below:
• April 26 - School District 27 Professional Development Day – The Commons, Williams Lake Secondary School (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• April 28 - Public showing of youth/student videos – The Commons, Williams Lake Secondary School (1 p.m.)
• May 13-19 - Private Truth and Reconciliation Commission individual statement gathering – Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus
• May 16-17 - Commemoration Conference and Town Hall on Reconciliation with Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Gymnasium at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
• May 16 - Monument unveiling ceremony – former St. Joseph’s Mission Site (11 a.m.– 12 p.m.)
• May 17 -Monument unveiling ceremony – Boitanio Park (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• May 18 - Truth and Reconciliation public testimony gathering – Gymnasium at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus (8:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.)
• May 18-19 - Former Residential School student reunion - Williams Lake First Nation Pow Wow Arbor (rain location – Sugarcane Gymnasium) (all day Saturday, Local bands Saturday evening, Sunday morning to mid-afternoon)

For more information, visit the commemoration project online at SJMcommemorationevents.com. For referrals to key individuals, please call 1-250-243-2261 (Cariboo) or 1-604-787-8638 (Vancouver) or email: htarbell@uniserve.com.

Donna Barnett vs Charlie Wyse

This past week - CBC Daybreak Kamloops interviewed the two major candidates in this May's provincial election for the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding in the NDP's Charlie Wyse and BC Liberal Donna Barnett

Listen Charlie's interview here and Donna's interview here

One prominent issue that both candidates intend to campaign on is the 'New Prosperity' mine issue.  Barnett is strongly in favour of it and Wyse is opposed to it.  Barnett got a boost to her campaign today as WL Indian Band Chief Ann Louie publicly endorsed Donna Barnett for re-election in today's Cariboo Advisor

Meanwhile - Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook is putting a lot of effort into getting Donna re-elected.  I wonder if this is a smart strategy.  As Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard points out - the role of Mayor of a municipality is to work with and for everyone.  Additionally - Mayor Cook herself faces a mandatory election next year (and yes, I expect that she'll run for re-election as she seems to be enjoying her role) and if Donna loses the election in a few weeks, if her support for Donna will spill over into municipal politics, especially when she hears from those who supported Charlie Wyse in this provincial election

-- SBF

Billy Barker Casino gives $$$ to NC Multicentre

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The staff and management at the Billy Barker Casino Hotel have the multi-centre spirit! They came forward with a donation of $25,000 to show their support for the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project.
Brad Kotzer, General Manager of the Billy Barker Casino Hotel says “the future of the city depends on new recreational and arts facilities to enhance what we already have here in Quesnel. We need the multi-centre now.”

Bernice Heinzelman, Chair of the Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee welcomes the donation and comments “on behalf of the Fundraising Committee we thank the Billy Barker for their gracious donation of $25,000. We would also like to applaud the staff and management at the Billy Barker Casino Hotel for their visible support of the project.” The staff and management don the purple multi-centre t-shirts on the 1st and 15th day of each month in support of the fundraising efforts for the construction of a multi-centre.

The donation from the Billy Barker Casino Hotel will be put towards a section of seats in the new facility.
The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace the 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure. It will feature a 1,600 seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly area.

For more information about the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project or how you can participate in the fundraising efforts, visit www.ourmulticentre.com

Rathor challenges WL Council to 0% tax increase in 2014

At last night's WL Council meeting during consideration of the 2013 Budget/2013-17 5 Year Financial Plan - Williams Lake City Councillor Surinderpal Rathor challenged his colleagues, after telling them that he would vote in favour of this year's budget - the first time since Kerry Cook became Mayor of Williams Lake in late December 2008, to a 0% budget.

He admitted that it'll be tough to do for 2014 but he said it could be done if everyone (Council, Staff and the community) was up for the challenge.  However, Councillor Zacharias fired back saying that a 0% tax increase in 2014 was irresponsible and that people need to save their money.  Remember, she said the same thing just a short couple of years ago.

For myself - I think that Councillor Rathor is right that a 0% tax increase is going to be a monumental task in 2014 but I wonder if we are sacrificing tomorrow by addressing our needs today (ie: are we creating a bigger problem - infrastructure wise down the road, etc).  I think a good tax increase planning goal of 2% (roughly inflation) is a good goal to shoot for as it should allow taxes to stay steady at today's rates (but keeping in mind that property assessment by BC Assessment has a lot to do with how much you pay WL City Hall every year in property taxes)

Meanwhile - I think it is important to remember that elected officials serve the public & do their bidding and not pontificate to the public

SBF

Quesnel Council Highlights - Apr 22nd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The end of an era

Council said goodbye to two of their long-term employees, Andre Laporte and Dennis Baptiste. They joined Council last night to receive their formal send off into retirement.

Andre started with the City of Quesnel in July of 1975 as a Labourer. His assignments for the City included positions as a Truck Driver II and Equipment Operator 1 (for 20 years) then on to the position of Sub-Foreman/Equipment Operator in 2005. He is officially retiring from that position on April 30, 2013. Andre has been a valued employee for almost 4 decades and will be missed by staff and coworkers.

Dennis began with the City in March of 1974. He was brought in to help clean up the City and was assigned the job of sweeping sidewalks and picking up litter. His duties expanded over the years to include painting, shoveling snow and most importantly being an ambassador for the City of Quesnel. Dennis knows most of the people in the community and has been known for his outstanding memory. Dennis has been a valued employee with the City for almost 4 decades and will be missed not only by staff and coworkers but the entire community.

Council thanked both Andre and Dennis for their service to the City and wished them all the best in their retirement.

Financial bylaws move forward

The City gave first three readings to its five-year financial and tax rate bylaws. The average homeowner will see an increase of 3% to the City’s portion of the property tax bill, which equals $19.82. The bylaws will return to Council for final adoption on May 6. An overall summary of property taxes for the average homeowner will be presented at that time.

Support for SkyFest Society

Council approved supporting the SkyFest Society for the 2013 airshow as recommended by the Committee of the Whole. The Society will receive staff support for communication, planning and mapping, full use of airport property, airspace and access thereof in accordance with their license; the supply of all emergency personnel and overtime for staff, the provision of aviation fuel at cost for airshow performers and static display aircraft for the airshow (not including demo teams and general fly-in traffic), a $10,000 contribution ($3,000 already budgeted and $7,000 from the 2013 Council Projects budget), a fuel truck, and the mowing of the leased areas around the airport. Still in the works is their request for a new access gate. Council has asked staff for more information on this item.

New quarterly reports received

Quesnel City Council received their first quarterly report on Strategic Planning. These reports are a new initiative to enhance the goal of the strategic planning process which is to guide the City’s short- and long-term corporate management, decision making and implementation.

Approval on secondary suites

Secondary suites was on the agenda once again last night and Council passed and adopted Bylaw No. 1716 which amends Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw No. 1662 (2009) to rezone the subject property (136 Leonard Street in Johnston Subdivision) from RS-1 (Single Dwelling Residential) to RS-1s (Single Dwelling Residential with Secondary Suite).

Important dates

May 1 - 3 - North Central Local Government Association’s Annual General Meeting and Convention
May 23 - West Quesnel Land Stability Program - Public Meeting

Proclamations

May - Child Care Month

WL Council Highlights - Apr 23rd mtg

Present - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Bourdon, Hughes, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias (joined meeting via teleconference at 6:30pm and left the meeting at 6:50pm)

Staff:

Geoff Goodall - Acting CAO/GM of Planning and Operations
Cindy Bouchard - Manager of Legislative Services
Pat Higgins - Director of Financial Services
Ken MacInnis - Communications Coordinator
Tom Chung - IT Manager

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm
Minutes of Apr 9th WL Council meeting approved
Agenda (amended) was approved

Delegations:

1) RCMP Inspector Warren Brown and Safer Communities Coordinator Dave Dickson both appeared before Council to discuss recent RCMP and Community Policing activities

2) Beth Holden appeared before Council to discuss the "Art in Your Business Conference" next month

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings for the periods ending April 11 and 18, 2013

2) Williams Lake Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2177, 2013 was given 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading

3) Council received the 2013 First Quarter Economic Indicators Report for information

4) Council approved registration, travel and associated expenses for Mayor Cook's attendance and participation at the spring 2013 BC Mayors' Caucus from April 29 to 30, 2013 in Prince George, BC


5) Council approved registration, travel and associated expenses for Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Bourdon, Rathor and Walters to attend the 58th Annual North Central Local Government Association AGM and Convention from May 1 to 3, 2013 in Quesnel, BC.


6) Council approved registration, travel and associated expenses for Mayor Cook to attend the 76th Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference being held May 31 to June 3, 2013 in Vancouver, BC.


7) Council received a report concerning Mayor Cook's Bi-Weekly Activities


8) Council was advised that a planning application concerning James Avenue was withdrawn - Councillor Bonnell was opposed

9) Council referred the planning application for James Ave to the Planning and Operations Committee for a recommendation back to Council


10) Council gave 1st and 2nd reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2176, 2013 (M. H. King - 4023,4025,4029 Frizzi Rd)

11) Council awarded the contract for the provision of engineering drawings for the underground hydro project at the Scout Island well field to Integral Group LLC for the amount of $6,053.25, including GST

12) Council awarded the contract to provide janitorial services at the Williams Lake Regional Airport terminal building, for a two-year term effective May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2015, to PACT Enterprises at an annual cost of $32,985.
13) Council approved the 2013/14 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit and the Lakers Go Bus Society
14) Council approved the submission of a funding application to BC Healthy Communities for the Healthy Communities Capacity Building Grants initiative in the amount of $2,720
15) Council ratified two Committee of the Whole recommendations as follows:

a) the letter from Sheila Wyse, Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, dated March 10, 2013 regarding the City's 85th birthday celebration in 2014 be received and referred to the Community Services Committee for a recommendation back to Council
b) the report of the Planner dated March 11, 2013 regarding the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan be received and the CRD be advised of the City's comments contained therein, as well as recognizing the need for storm water management improvements and the importance of the CN and BC Rail lines for industrial and public use.

16) Council gave approval for two events as follows:
a) Annual Williams Lake Stampede Parade on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 10:00 AM
b) McDonald's / Kids Sport Fun Run on May 5th along Broadway Avenue South

17) Council received a letter from the Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable dated March 20, 2013 together with the September 2012 Report 'Air Quality in Williams Lake - A Summary of Recent Trends in Levels of Particulate Matter' and referred it to the Planning & Operations Committee for a report back to Council.

18) Council proclaimed four events as follows:

a) "Day of Mourning" - April 28th, 2013
b) "World Oceans Week" - June 1 to 8, 2013
c) "Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Month" - May 2013
d) "Hearing & Speech Month" - May 2013

19) Council received three In-Camera Resolutions as follows:

Advisory Committee Appointments

a) Accessibility Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference, 9 Members
1. Margaret Waring Service Provider
2. Barbara Doedel Service Provider
3. Dora Foote Service Provider
4. Dave Maitland Member with disability
5. Suzanne Butterfield Member with disability
6. Cindy Moore Member at large
7. Laura Klassen Member at Large
8. George Atamanenko Senior Representative
9. Arlene Gilmour Senior Representative

Heritage Advisory Committee - 2 year Appointment - 7 members
1. Mary Forbes
2. Lorie Wilson
3. Diane Toop
4. Beth Bedard
5. Glen Burrill
6. Val Biffert
7. Lynda Pinette

b) "That Staff be directed to bring forward a rural fire protection services agreement based on:

1) A flat rate of $534,494.06 for a 5 year term with a annual 2% non cumulative increase
beginning 2015.
2) Either party may terminate the agreement on 1 year written notice.
3) the original fire service area; and further,
the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and present the agreement to the
Cariboo Regional District for their April 23 Board Meeting.” - Councillor Bourdon was opposed

c) “That Council approve Ray Sanders as a director for the Williams Lake Community Forest
General Partnership Ltd.”

20) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as follows:

• March 22, 2013 - UBC re UBC Reports New Digital News Platform;
• April 2013 - NCLGA Connector No. 116;
• April 12, 2013 - CRD Board Highlights;
• April 12, 2013 - Williams Lake Tribune Article re Mine Revenue-Sharing Agreements to Benefit Two Cariboo First Nations;
• April 17, 2013 - Woodland Tinnitus & Hearing Clinic Open House Poster - May 22, 2013;
• April 18, 2013 - Join Save-On Foods in Supporting BC's Kids on Jeans Day - April 25, 2013.

Meeting adjourned at 7:52pm

Negative Campaign Tweets?

In a story that CFJC-TV did on Friday - campaign strategists from the BC Liberals, BC NDP and BC Conservatives discuss Twitter and the role it'll play in this provincial election

But for myself - I'd point out that it isn't "negative campaigning" if you're pointing out flaws in others' campaign platforms or in their policies and we haven't seen "negative tweets" in the Interior ridings (Kamloops North/South Thompson or Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin)

View the story here

BC has best Debt to GDP ratio

In this video - BC Liberal candidate for Chilliwack-Hope Laurie Throness talks about BC's Debt to GDP Ratio which sits at 18% which is better than Canada at 34% and the USA at 92%

Team Coralee

NCLGA comes to Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) will hold its 58th Annual General Meeting and Convention in Quesnel from May 1– 3, 2013. Over 250 delegates are expected to attend, representing local governments from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border and Valemount to Haida Gwaii. The theme of the conference this year is “Driving the Economy”.

“We are very pleased to be going north to Quesnel for our Convention this year, where we are being co-hosted by both the City of Quesnel and the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation” said NCLGA President Mitch Campsall, “It was 2002 when the City of Quesnel last hosted the conference so we are looking forward to the warm welcome the City is reputable for.”

Keynote speaker for the event is Deb Grey, a woman with a history-making political career. She served as the Reform Party’s first Member of Parliament for over fifteen years and was Canada’s first-ever female Leader of the Official Opposition, serving in that position through 2000. Deborah retired from elected office in June, 2004 after winning four straight elections.

Other speakers will cover a wide variety of subjects and include presentations from TransCanada Corporation, Central Interior Logging Association and Mining Association of BC, to name a few.

Quesnel Mayor and UBMC President Mary Sjostrom says “I am thrilled that Quesnel is hosting the conference this year and look forward to the speakers and the sessions. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for communities coming together like this and I truly hope you will enjoy your time in our City.”

NCLGA members will be debating 29 resolutions on issues affecting northern communities and rural areas. Resolutions endorsed at the meeting will be forwarded to the appropriate Ministries and the Union of BC Municipalities for consideration at their Annual Convention in September. Resolutions and the Convention Agenda may be viewed on the NCLGA website at: http://www.nclga.ca/conventions.asp

Registration is available online until April 24th at: http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/nclga2013.asp

City of WL/Cariboo RD reach 5 yr contract for Fire Protection

Joint Release of the City of WL/Cariboo RD:

Editor's Note - as the Alternate Director for Area 'D' of the Cariboo RD, I'm pleased to see this agreement reached.  Now we can focus on the joint relationship at the Central Cariboo Joint Committee table and making a decision on the future of the Sam Ketchum Pool

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the City of Williams Lake have reached an agreement for Williams Lake fringe fire protection which will commence January 1st, 2014.

The new agreement is based on a flat fee of $534,494.06 for a five-year term with an annual two percent non-cumulative increase beginning in 2015 and will encompass the existing service boundaries. This agreement is well within the parameters of the November 2012 Referendum.

Based on the agreement, the CRD’s annual contributions to the City of Williams Lake would be as follows:

Year	2% non-cumulative increase	Total contribution
2014		$534,494.06
2015	$10,689.88	$545,183.94
2016	$10,689.88	$555,873.82
2017	$10,689.88	$566,563.70
2018	$10,689.88	$577,253.58

“We are very happy to have reached this agreement with the City of Williams Lake,” stated CRD Central Cariboo Rural Caucus Chair, Joan Sorley. “Thank you to our Williams Lake fringe area residents for the tremendous input they provided to us throughout this process. We can now focus on our collaborative efforts with the City of Williams Lake Council, to continue to provide the best possible services for all central Cariboo residents.”

“This is great news for our community,” says Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “This agreement creates certainty for both rural fringe and City residents that will provide important financial stability for the City over the next five years. I would like to thank Council for their commitment to seeing the negotiations through to the end and reaching a successful agreement. We look forward to working with the Regional District to continue serving our residents together.”

Fire protection for 2013 will continue under the one-year agreement which was established on March 8, 2013 and was based on a flat fee of $579,221 covering the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013. 

Williams Lake fringe area residents are reminded of the next and final fire protection meeting taking place on Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Gibraltar Room.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Apr 22-26

A number of local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting this upcoming week as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:00pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue)

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Monday, April 22nd at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  View the Agenda here

Items to be considered include:

a) 1st Quarter report
b) 2013 and 2013 Information requests
c) 2013 Financial Plan Bylaw & 2013 Tax Rate Bylaw
d) Adoption of Bylaw to permit secondary suite on Leonard Avenue

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:00pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  View the Agenda here

Items to be considered include:

a) 2 Delegations (RCMP Update and Beth Holden on 'Art in Your Business' Conference in May)
b) 2013 Financial Plan Bylaw for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading
c) 1st Quarter Economic Indicators Report
d) Travel authorization for NCLGA, FCM and BC Mayors' Caucus
d) Mayor's Bi-weekly Activities update (no idea what this is about and no information on it, as of this writing)

e) 4 Proclamations
f) 2 Recommendations from Committee of the Whole regarding the Cariboo RD's WL Rural Fringe OCP and the City's 85th Birthday in 2014

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:00pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave).  View the Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Public Meeting on WL Rural Fringe Fire Protection at 5:30pm on Thursday, April 25th in the Gibraltar Room

Mayors & Political Endorsements

Last Thursday - Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard wrote on the subject of political endorsements for provincial/federal elections and why a Mayor should avoid any participation in a provincial or federal election

Last week at the grand opening of Donna Barnett's campaign office - Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook made an appearance at the opening of Barnett's campaign office opening so clearly Cook doesn't share the opinion of Mayor Leonard

Read Mayor Leonard's thought provoking op-ed here

More Arts/Culture $$$ comes to Williams Lake

3 organizations will be receiving funds from the BC Creative Communities Fund as follows:

CENTRAL INTERIOR REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL - $10,500
ESKETEMC FIRSTNATIONS - $18,750
COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCILOF WILLIAMS LAKE - $11,000

BC Greens candidate in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Rush;

A 4th candidate has been declared in the Cariboo-Chilcotin constituency for the impending election, to take place May 14th.

That would be 28 year old, long-time south Cariboo resident Dustin Price representing the Green Party of BC. Price says his party’s approach is simple. It’s a triple bottom line platform as he calls it, focusing on social, economic and of course environmental issues.

“First of all, the Green Party is for mining,” says Price.

“We’re not against mining and we’re not against foresty. We’re for all that. But when you look at how 74% of the mines in the Cariboo are not meeting the environmental standards, that’s a concern for me.”

Price says the BC Greens do not support New Prosperity, a very hot topic throughout the Cariboo in recent months and years.

He also says the next three and a half weeks will include him door-knocking and meeting people on a $0 budget. There will be putting signs up and making a trip to Anahim Lake to reach out to the people there.

In our interview, which was conducted outdoors on 100 Mile’s main drag, Price was asked where his campaign office is.

He says, “Right here.”

Bob Simpson on Education

Earlier today - Bob Simpson writes on his views on Education and if re-elected, what he would do.

Read his thoughtful commentary here

Update - more on last night's Education Forum in Quesnel here

City of WL Budget 2013 set

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note - I was profoundly disappointed that Council has decided to borrow $215,000 over 5 years (plus interest) from the Landfill Reserve to help set the nearly $2 million budget for the South Lakeside road project.  In my view - an inappropriate use of the Landfill Reserve funds.  Contrast that to a few years ago when a previous City Council borrowed funds from the Landfill Reserve for the purchase of the Garbage/Recycle Bins that residents' now use which is set to be paid back in full in 2014.  I will be writing to Council on this subject later today.  If you have a comment on this, Councillor Geoff Bourdon from Council's Finance Committee says you have until Monday, April 22nd 

Council will consider giving first three readings to the 2013 -2017 financial plan at its April 23 regular Council meeting.

As proposed following the April 17 budget meeting, the 2013 budget will see a 1.97% tax revenue increase, which is the lowest increase since 2005.

There are no changes to water and sewer fees.

Capital projects ($4.9 million total) include:

• Widening and repaving of South Lakeside Drive
• Phase 5 of the River Valley Storm Sewer Upgrade
• Public Wi-Fi at City Hall and Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
• City-wide parking lot improvements
• Pedestrian Underpass/Bridge connecting Mackenzie Avenue and River Valley Trail

More details on the 2013 budget and five-year financial plan will be communicated after the April 23rd Council meeting

PMT Chartered Accountants gives $5,000 to NC Multicentre

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The announcement of a $5,000 donation from PMT Chartered Accountants was welcomed today. Local businesses are stepping up to show their support of the North Cariboo Multi-Centre.

“As a new business to Quesnel, PMT Chartered Accountants is very pleased to become part of the City of Quesnel. We feel strongly about our community and believe in supporting the community. We feel that the Multi-Centre is very much needed and the community as a whole will benefit from having the Multi-Centre. We are proud to support the Multi-Centre with our donation.” expresses Debbie Wiens, CGA and Partner of PMT Chartered Accountants.

Bernice Heinzelman, Chair of the Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee says “thank you to PMT Chartered Accountants for their generous contribution of $5,000. Local businesses are supporting the project and the efforts of the Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee and we thank you for that as well. We need the multi-centre.”

PMT Chartered Accountants’ gift will be used to fill 20 seats in the new facility both in the theatre and the arena.

The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace the 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure. It will feature a 1,600 seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly area.

For more information about the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project or how you can participate in the fundraising efforts, visit www.ourmulticentre.com

Arts/Culture Day in Quesnel - Apr 27th

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel & District Leisure Services in partnership with the Quesnel District and Community Art Council will host the annual Arts and Culture Day event at the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre on Saturday April 27, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This free event has a water theme with art activities such as spray mural painting, bubble painting, water colour flowers, an interactive mime performance, puppet making, origami, fabric fish, face painting, tree seedling planting, environmental information and more.

“Arts and Culture Day is a popular family event here in Quesnel. Everyone has fun trying out the different art materials and with this year’s water theme, there will be a focus on water media projects” said Elizabeth Waldorf, the Arts Program Coordinator at the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre. “The face painting is popular with the kids and the whole afternoon is an opportunity to dive in and try your hand at a variety of things. This year’s mime session with Dianna David from Click ‘N’ Play will be a (silent) hoot!

The children’s performance troupe will be presenting a dance and sing along concert the night before on Friday April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Ecole Baker School gym. Tickets are on sale at the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre and Bo Peep

WL Community Forest mtg Monday

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note - Monday's meeting could get explosive, depending on if the City of Williams Lake/WL Indian Band (WL Community Forest partners) are contrite and open to hearing concerns previously expressed by people from Big Lake, Miocene, etc regardless if this meeting is facilitated or not...

WILLIAMS LAKE COMMUNITY FOREST OPEN HOUSE

April 22, 2013 at 150 Mile Fire Hall (3038 Pigeon Road) (6:45pm-9:15pm)

The Fraser Basin Council invites you to attend on April 22nd to gain information on proposals within the draft Williams Lake Community Forest and to recommend actions to improve the benefits and values for rural community residents.

GOAL: To increase mutual understanding of the proposed Community Forest and key community issues by the Community Forest partners and rural community members.

PURPOSE:

1) To provide information on the proposed Williams Lake Community Forest developed jointly by the Williams Lake Indian Band and the City of Williams Lake.
2) To recommend options or processes for building a stronger community forest to benefit rural residents
3) To prepare a summary of input, recommendations and options on key concerns/issues related to the proposed Community Forest.

OBJECTIVE: To compile a report reflecting recommendations to improve the proposed Williams Lake Community Forest to better reflect the interests of rural community members.

BACKGROUND:

The first steps in the development of the joint Williams Lake Indian Band and the City of Williams Lake Community Forest Agreement began in 1998. Originally working independently, the two proponents joined together to build a more effective application to meet the intent of a healthy and sustainable community forest and sustainable benefits to the community. A draft community forest application has been reviewed by the Ministry of Forests Lands Natural Resource Operations. Based on boundaries in the draft application, the Regional Executive Director directed major licensees to stop planning further harvesting in the proposed area. The next step is the completion and submission of the application and management plan that reflects community input. See Backgrounder for more details (projected available April 16th ).

HOSTED BY: The Fraser Basin Council, established in 1997, is a unique non-governmental, not for profit organisation, focused on assisting communities define and work towards achieving sustainability. Fraser Basin Council works as a catalyst and an impartial facilitator to build partnerships between public, other non-governmental organisations, industry, federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments.

CONTACT: Gail Wallin (facilitator) for information regarding the meeting
or Gail Lucier (meeting logistics) at 250 392-1400.

Nat'l Volunteer Wk events in Cariboo RD - Area 'B'

Courtesy of Cariboo RD Area 'B' Heloise Dixon-Warren:

Bouchie Lake - Parkland Volunteer Appreciation Events - 2013

Cariboo RD Highlights - April 12th mtg

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Ministerial Waiver – Land Use Bylaw

In March 2013, the CRD volunteered to be part of a 2 year pilot project where the CRD Board would have the authority to adopt specific land use bylaws without requiring ministerial approval. Up until April 1, 2013 the Board could only advance specific land use bylaws to third reading, and then seek the approval of the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development before bylaw adoption. Due to the CRD’s practises for First Nations engagement and responding to issues raised by government agencies in land use referrals, the CRD was approved to be part of this pilot, along with 11 (out of 27) other regional districts in BC. This means that the Board, as of April 1, 2013 can reduce the time required for many land use applications by not requiring ministerial approval- time savings can be a minimum of one month.

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture - 2013 Project Grant Recommendations and 2012 Program Results Report

The Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors received and endorsed the 2013 CCAC Project Grants Recommendations. The CRD has a five-year service agreement with the CCAC society to deliver the annual project grant program. Project Grants of between $300 and $2,000 are available for projects which are new or build creatively on previous work and are likely to increase participation in arts & culture within the Central Cariboo region (Williams Lake and/or CRD Areas D, E, and F) This year’s grant program will support a variety of diverse projects throughout the service area. More information can be found at centralcaribooarts.com

Fuel Management in the South Cariboo

The CRD will be submitting an application to the UBCM Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative to undertake fuel reduction in approximately 10 hectares in the 108 Greenbelt area. The funds would also be used to develop a prescription for fuel treatment along the Walker Valley.

Sugar Cane Church on CRD Heritage Register

Regional District Board of Directors approved the addition of the Sugar Cane Church on the CRD’s Heritage Register. Constructed in 1895, the Sugar Cane Church is valued as the last example of Cariboo-style Native village church architecture from this era. The heritage value of the Sugar Cane Church is derived from its continuous use as a church and community centre for the Williams Lake Indian Band since its construction. It is also valued for its location in the original village square and as a focal point for community cultural & spiritual gatherings. More information about the church can be found at sugarcanechurch.webs.com The CRD will notify the Minister responsible for Heritage Conservation, so that the property can be added to the provincial heritage registry.

Declarations

May 19-25, 2013 – Local Government Awareness Week
May 19-25, 2013 – National Public Awareness Week

Next CRD Board Meeting

Friday, May 10, 2013

Letter 'B' Newsletter - April 2013 edition

In the latest version of her Letter B newsletter - Cariboo RD Area 'B' Director Heloise Dixon-Warren reports on:

News from You to Me… across Electoral Area B

Area B supports 2013 Quesnel Skyfest

Bouchie Lake – Parkland LOVES volunteers – National Volunteer Week (April 21-27th) activities / events

Wildfire Information – wildfire mapping & policy

“Being Firesmart” Workshops – April 18th (Bouchie Lake Hall); April 25th (Parkland Community Centre)

Area B Grant Presented to Scouts at QCF Gala

Agriculture Advisory Committee Meeting – April 19th, 2 pm

FLEA MARKET – Swap Meet & Home Based Business Fair, May 3-5th, Parkland Community Centre

Call for Volunteers – Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission

View the newsletter below:

4-2013 Letter B - April

200,000 Pageview

Yesterday, I passed my 200,000th page view.... :)

I thank everyone who has visiting my blog and has joined the conversation here and look forward to hitting the 500,000th page view

-- SBF

BC Election News - Apr 15th edition

Lots of going-ons in the BC Poli world today....

1) Standing Nomination period over

At 4:30pm today, Elections BC closed the door on nominees filing directly with them.  Starting tomorrow until Apr 29th (Day 10 of 40th General Election), candidates can file with the local District Electoral Officer

For Cariboo-Chilcotin - Donna Barnett (BCL), Charlie Wyse (NDP) and Gary Young (Ind) have filed directly with Elections BC

For Cariboo-North - Only Coralee Oakes (BCL) has filed directly with Elections BC.

No word on a BC Greens candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin (no Green candidate in Cariboo-North in order to support Bob Simpson's chances at re-election).  As well, no word on BC Conservative candidates in Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin.

Finally - I'm a little surprised that Bob Simpson nor Duncan Barnett have yet to file their nomination papers.  One would think that you would get that small detail out of the way in order to focus 110% on meeting the voters for the entire 28 day campaign

View the full Standing Nomination Candidate List from Elections BC here

2) BC NDP release their Forestry Platform

Earlier today - the BC NDP released their $310 million Forestry plan.  View that plan here.  One part of the plan I have a problem with is the establishment of a Jobs Protection Commissioner.  This was tried in 1996 under the former NDP Government of Glen Clark and that government still lost 25,000 forestry jobs.  One aspect of this plan I agree with, in principle, is working with industry to lessen log exports.  Of course, reasoned minded people would say that we should use our own resources to export products to other countries and not raw product.  A local story on this item can be viewed here while Global BC has a story on this item here

3) BC Liberals release their fully-costed platform

Earlier today - the BC Liberals released their full platform which you can view here.  Elements of the plan include:

Holding the line and then cutting taxes to spur private sector job creation, starting with small business, reduce red tape, secure opportunities in Asia;

controlling spending by placing a cap on government expenditures against the rate of nominal GDP and launching a core review of all government ministries;

freeze the carbon tax and all personal income taxes;

dedicate at least 50 per cent of all future surplus revenues to debt reduction; and,

dedicate all revenues from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and proposed Kitimat Clean Refinery royalty revenues to debt reduction until provincial debt is eliminated, including paying down BC Ferries debt.

View a CBC story on this below:



4) Local campaign offices open

Charlie Wyse opens his 100 Mile office last Saturday - read here

Earlier this evening before a standing room only crowd - BC Liberal candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin Donna Barnett addressed her supporters by asking them to campaign cleanly and debate the issues and not personalities.  She also stated that she wants everyone to know that she supports New Prosperity and Charlie Wyse and the BC NDP do not and Mr. Wyse and his boss, Adrian Dix, will kill mines like New Prosperity, if given the opportunity

The 40th BC General Election will start tomorrow after Christy Clark pays a formal visit to Her Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor and request that the BC Legislature be dissolved and as per constituional practice, Her Honour will dissolve the Legislature and the 28 day election campaign will officially start

I ask everyone, regardless of which political party or candidate you personally support, get involved as it is healthy for our provincial democracy but also allows each of us to take a small part in shaping our provincial future

SBF

3rd Party Advertising Underway for 40th BC General Election

Well... let the battle of 3rd Party advertising begin.  We've seen ads from the "so-called" neutral BC Teachers Federation and now the "war of words" have begun between 'Moving BC Forward', a coalition of BC Unions who've tried since 2005 to ditch the BC Liberals & their message has been rejected for 3 straight elections (and I expect for a 4th) vs Concerned Citizens for BC who strongly advocate for people to consider their choices and ask Who is best suited to lead the charge for BC's economic future?

Moving BC Forward:

From their press release:

“Twelve years is too long for the BC Liberals!” proclaims a light-hearted television ad released today by Moving Forward for Real Change in 2013 , a coalition of private and public sector unions in British Columbia.

Spokesperson Cindy Oliver, who is also President of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, stressed that much has changed in the past 12 years.

“The last year alone has shown a provincial government that is out of ideas, out of touch with the needs of British Columbians; it’s time for change in Victoria,” said Oliver. “We wanted to have some fun with just how long it has been, and to engage citizens to vote with this light-hearted approach.”

Oliver explains that while the ads are humorous, British Columbians have many serious reasons to get to the polls and vote for change. “Whether its tuition fee hikes, cuts to health care services, MSP premium increases, skyrocketing log exports or burying BC Hydro in debt, the BC Liberal government has shown — for too many years — it won’t do what’s right for BC families.”

“In the last election, only 1 in 2 eligible voters actually cast a ballot,” added Oliver. “Our hope is that our ads play a role in increasing that turnout significantly.”

The ad will run province-wide between now and the start of the election campaign on April 16.

The ad will run province-wide between now and the start of the election campaign on April 16, and can also be viewed online at movingbcforward.ca, on Facebook and YouTube.

Moving Forward for Real Change in 2013 includes support from the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, the United Steelworkers, the Hospital Employees’ Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (Local 1518), CUPE BC and the BCIT Faculty and Staff Association.

In addition, watch their video below and view their website here



Concerned Citizens for British Columbians:

Recently, Jim Shepard, Founder of 'Concerned Citizens of BC' speaks as to why an Adrian Dix-led government would be disastrous for British Columbia.  View his video below:


A conversation with Jim Shepard from CC4BC on Vimeo.

Over to you, British Columbians, which group above makes the stronger argument.  For me, Jim Shepard and the Concerned Citizens for BC do?  

What do you think?

SBF

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

Quesnel and Williams Lake City Councils' will be having meetings this week as follows:

Quesnel - Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, Apr 15th at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  View the Agenda here

Agenda includes 3 delegations and 4 Staff reports to consider

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, Apr 16th at 6:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  View the Agenda here

Agenda includes items on Community Gardens, WL Fringe OCP (Cariboo RD project), and Prosperity Mine (First Nations Consultation)

2013 City of WL Budget Consultation on Wednesday, Apr 17th at 7:00pm in WL City Council Chambers.  Council/Staff will present the City's 2013 Budget and take questions on it.  You need to come out and tell Council if they got the Budget right and if not, what would you do in their shoes....

City of WL to consult public on Place Branding for Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note - having read the press release below - the City doesn't clarify, at this stage, if it will be public consultation on a Place Brand for Williams Lake, in general, or on the entire Place Branding scheme that members of the general public rejected in parts including the "Republic of Life" slogan. 

I hope that the City will consult solely on the general idea of a Place Brand while allowing the good parts of the Republic of Life branding to come forward and rejecting the other portions that the public find offensive

In response to community feedback over a proposed City place brand, Williams Lake City Council will undertake public consultation to allow more opportunity for residents to provide feedback.

Council recognizes and appreciates the full gallery of residents who attended the April 9 Council meeting, as well as a large volume of feedback from a diverse group of residents.

The brand is designed to be available not only to the City for marketing and communications initiatives, but also to local employers to use in their marketing efforts to attract workers, which assists in promoting the City. The proposed place brand concept and logo has been recommended by a project advisory committee (including individuals with business, education, government and other diverse backgrounds and local community networks) as an effective brand concept that reflects the positive position, promise and personality to project to people both inside and outside our community.

“The feedback about the brand has been heard,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “Never before have I received feedback from such a diverse group of people. The people of Williams Lake are passionate about our city, and that is good news. The City is always willing to listen, and I encourage everyone with an interest to participate in the upcoming public consultation. A brand must have community support to move forward, so please make sure your voice is heard.”

The schedule for public consultation will be finalized over the coming weeks, and residents will be informed when public session will be held. At the end of public consultation, a report will be prepared for Council’s consideration.

BC Bearing support NC Multicentre

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

A pledge of $5,000 from BC Bearing Engineers, a Division of Motion Canada was announced today, further enhancing community fundraising efforts towards North Cariboo Multi-Centre construction.

The undertaking by BC Bearing Engineers will give them sponsorship of an office in the new facility, as a “thank you” for the donation. This opportunity is open to both corporate and individual sponsors.
BC Bearing Engineers’ Quesnel Branch Manager Steve Isaak is excited at the prospect of being such a visible and integral part of the facility. He comments, “Our corporate motto is Our People Make the Difference and because we are not a retail type business, we don’t get a lot of drop-in customers. We want people to know our business is here and that we support our community. This company believes in the Multi-Centre.”

“We sincerely thank BC Bearing Engineers for their commitment to the North Cariboo residents and the community’s future,” says Multi-Centre Fundraising Coordinator Bernice Heinzelman. “This pledge brings us closer to building a home for the many residents dedicated to the dream of a new multi-centre.”

The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace the 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure. It will feature a 1,600 seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly area.

For more information about the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project or how you can participate in the fundraising efforts, visit www.ourmulticentre.com.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Apr 8th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Garbage collection going south

South Hill residents will see a new truck in their neighbourhood later this year. Council approved residential garbage collection to all taxpayers with residential dwellings in South Quesnel, with the exception of all Mobile Home Parks. Council directed staff to communicate with all Mobile Home Parks in Quesnel, the option available to be exempted from City residential garbage collection.

Late last fall, Council received a request from South Hills and Area Neighbourhood Association requesting that the City provide garbage collection to South Quesnel residents. This was the first official request to provide this type of service in South Quesnel. By offering this service, the City hopes to reduce trips to the landfill and in turn, reduce Quesnel’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Editor's Note - more on this story here

Tourism - Civic Pride in the works

Councillor Elliott is the Chair of the new Tourism and Civic Pride Committee which met for the first time on March 14. The Committee is made up of ten members - two elected officials representing both the City and the Cariboo Regional District, one staff person and seven community members offering a wide variety of expertise related to tourism and civic pride.

The Committee’s mandate is to attract visitors in partnership with local and regional organizations, enhance the quality of life of residents by promoting community involvement and make recommendations to Council regarding tourism and civic pride related issues or concerns. Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of every month.

Secondary suites in the City

The topic of secondary suites was on the agenda last night and amendments to the City of Quesnel’s Zoning Bylaw were brought forward for consideration by Council.

Council gave final reading on properties located at 160 and 320 Nickel Ridge Avenue in Carson Subdivision and third reading on the property located at 136 Leonard Street in Johnston Subdivision.

Editor's Note - more on this story here

New Fire Protection Agreement

Council approved a much-needed Fire Protection Agreement with Dunkley Mill at last night’s meeting. Fire Chief Sylvain Gauthier met with the Mill Manager last year to discuss the possibility of having the Quesnel Fire Department provide firefighting capabilities in the event of a major fire on site. With the number of recent fires to various mills over the past few years, Dunkley has been looking at various options to mitigate the loss of property in the event of a major fire emergency. In summary, if the Mill is in need of assistance to combat or deal with a fire emergency it believes is beyond its own capabilities, it may request assistance from the Quesnel Fire Department.

The City may or may not respond to the request from Dunkley if, in the opinion of the City’s Fire Chief (or other person in charge), the City resources are not available because they are being used at a fire or about to be dispatched to a fire. The Quesnel Fire Department shall only respond to structural fires beyond Dunkley’s capabilities with one engine and a maximum of six firefighters.

The only cost that the Quesnel Fire Department will incur will be for the fuel. Dunkley will pay the City an hourly rate for the services provided. The term of the Agreement is five years.

Downtown development

Construction for a new two-story, mixed-use building in the downtown core was approved last night by Council. The new Johnston Meier building will be located at the corner of St. Laurent Avenue and Reid Street. The ground floor will provide office space for Johnston Meier Insurance with a few smaller offices along Reid Street for rent or lease. The second floor with accommodate six apartment-size dwellings.

Important dates

May 2 - 3 - North Central Local Government Assoc. Conf.

Proclamations

May 19 - 25 - National Public Works Week in Quesnel

Future Meetings (all meetings occur in Quesnel Council Chambers - 2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant St)

Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday April 22, 7 p.m.
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday May 13, 7 p.m.
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday May 28, 5:30 p.m.