Volume Based Forest Licences Public Engagement
The Cariboo Regional District will be making a presentation during a Ministry of Forests and Natural Resource Operations public engagement process on converting some volume-based forest licences to new or expanded area-based tree farm licences. People are invited to participate in a public discussion on the expansion of area-based forest management until noon on May 30, 2014, at engage.gov.bc.ca/foresttenures. The site has reference material, questions and answers, a discussion paper and an interactive blog where a conversation will occur online.
The public engagement process will take place over the next two months and will be led by veteran professional forester Jim Snetsinger who will compile the feedback and provide a report to government by the end of June. The meetings will focus on the potential benefits that proponents seeking conversions may be able to provide, the criteria for evaluating applications, and the process for implementing conversions.
Special Projects Funds for Electoral Area 'H'
The Cariboo Regional District authorized up to $1,000 of Electoral Area H Special Projects funds for the purchase of an AED (defibrillator). The unit will be used for the Forest Grove Community Hall, the CRD Library and the Forest Grove Curling Rink.
Audited Financial Statements
Chartered Accountants, Jay Cheek and JoAnn Francis from PMT Chartered Accountants presented the Cariboo Regional Hospital District (CRHD), the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) and the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) 2013 audited financial statements. According to Mr. Cheek, the financial position of the corporations remains strong. For inquiries contact the CRD’s Chief Financial Officer at 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636.
Cariboo North MLA Update
MLA for Cariboo-North and the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Honourable Coralee Oakes, appeared before the Board to provide an update on current provincial issues in the region. Some of the topics included the Elk Management Strategy; placer mining within the Cariboo north riding; an update on the Royal BC Museum and the Gold Rush Trail; new legislation surrounding election financing and the length of terms for local governments. Further information about the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and current projects underway can be found online at www.gov.bc.ca/cscd/.
CRD Supports NDIT Grant Applications
The Cariboo Regional District will be supporting the Tatla Lake and Area Community Association’s Community Hall Grant Application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT). The Association is submitting an application the NDIT’s Regional Development Account for up to $30,000 to improve the Tatla Lake Community Hall.
The CRD Board also agreed to support the Toosey Indian Band’s Grant application to the NDIT for $30,000. If successful, the funding will be used to make improvements to the Riske Creek Elementary School.
Feasibility Funds Approved
The Cariboo Regional District authorized up to $5,000 of Rural Feasibility funding at the request of the CRD’s Deka Lake Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Director Bruce Rattray. The Deka Lake VFD was approached by the independent Sulphurous Lake VFD to undertake a study to determine the viability of their department becoming a second hall and thereby expand the Deka Lake VFD service area, or of becoming a standalone tax-based CRD VFD.
Next Meeting
CRD Board Meeting – May 16, 2014
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