Beyond the Market
Jillian Merrick, Program Coordinator presented an overview of the Beyond the Market project. Some of the issues discussed include the challenges and opportunities of agriculture in the community, contributing factors which have driven change in agriculture such as the economy and crisis within the industry, and partnerships in the program. The Beyond the Market project is an economic development strategy to support the local food and agriculture sector in Northern BC. The project began in 2010 and has consisted of three different initiatives; new farm development, regional beef value chain, and beyond the market: growing the North. Further information about the project is available online at beyondthemarket.ca.
South Cariboo Hospital Foundation to Receive Grant
The Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) approved a request from the South Cariboo Health Foundation for funding assistance towards the cost of renovations required to upgrade the 100 Mile House Hospital chemotherapy consultation office. This project is budgeted at $15,473 of which the South Cariboo Health
Foundation is requesting funding in the amount of $6,189.20 from the CCRHD Foundation Partnership Grants program, representing 40 percent of the total cost.
CRD Support First Nations Museum Proposal
The CRD approved in principle proposal information to construct a First Nations museum at the 108 Greenbelt in the south Cariboo. The project is led by the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society, which is comprised of five local First Nations including Canim Lake, Canoe Creek, Williams Lake, Soda Creek and Esketemc. The Society has not secured the funding necessary for the project, which will be in excess of $2 million, but preparing the land use agreements will allow the group to submit major capital grant applications and undertake consistent fundraising. The initial vision for the museum is an approximately 3,000 square foot structure that reflects aspects of First Nations culture and heritage. An example of a similar approach is the gathering place at the Thompson Rivers University campus in Williams Lake.
Green Lake Official Community Plan
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) gave first and second reading to the Green Lake Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 4853. The OCP, which is a joint project with the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) will now enter the Public Hearing Phase of the legislative process before it comes back to both the CRD and TNRD Board of Directors for third reading and adoption.
Community to Community
The Cariboo Regional District received information from the Williams Lake Indian Band advising that they have received funding from the Regional Community to Community Forum Program. The Williams Lake Indian Band has extended an invitation to the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors and Williams Lake City Council to participate in a half-day facilitated workshop to identify methods for improved communications between the three parties. The session will be held in January, 2014.
Gateway Water System Moves to Public Assent Process
The CRD Board of Directors authorized staff to proceed with a public assent process through a letter of petition to affected residents for the proposed Gateway Water System. Under this process each property owner is advised by way of a letter as to the cost of developing the system, tax implications and annual user fees. The appropriate question is posed and each property owner returns the letter indicating if they are in favour, or opposed to the project. At least 50 percent of property owners representing at least 50 percent of property values must consent to establishment of the service for the petition to pass.
The CRD Board previously approved the expenditure of feasibility funds to determine if a water system could be developed to service 26 properties in the Gateway community. Engineering feasibility studies have been completed, an adequate water source located, and development costs established. Further information about the proposed system is available online at cariboord.bc.ca.
Recruitment of Health Care Professionals
MJ Cousins, Lynne Williams and Sally Errey from the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice appeared before the Board with an update on the recruitment of health care practitioners to the region. The presentation included an overview of the recruitment coordinators, the working group, community partners and external agencies involved in the program. A draft recruitment and retention strategic plan has been developed and will be released soon. Further information about the program is available online at www.divisionsbc.ca/cird.
Next Meeting
No comments:
Post a Comment