90 Days to End of 2011-14 Term

Ninety (90) days from today - the 2011-2014 Local Government term will terminate.  The remaining items on the Agenda for most local governments are:

* Attend 2014 Union of BC Municipalities Convention
* 2015 Property Tax Exemptions (approved by bylaw)
* Commence 2015 Budget Discussions
* Williams Lake/CRD: Nov 15th Sam Ketchum Pool Referendum
* Quesnel/CRD: Progress towards 2015 Construction of new Arena #1 in downtown Quesnel

There may be the odd 'one-off' issue but the 5 primary issues, as listed above, will be the ones that all local governments will be focused on between now and Nov 30th in addition to the incumbents seeking to hang on their offices on Nov 15th while challenges make the argument to local voters why they deserve a shot at being a local elected official.

~SF

WL Council meets Tuesday

With 5 Regular Council meetings to go prior to the Nov 15th civic election - Williams Lake City Council will meet Tuesday.  All other local governments/School District 27/28 will meet next week

On Williams Lake City Council's Agenda for Tuesday:

* Report of City Manager re: Property Tax Distribution
* Request from 266 Woodland Drive to hook up to City of WL water system (Editor's Note - Mayor Cook will recuse (declare conflict of interest) herself from this discussion as she is a resident of Woodland Drive)

* Adopt "Good Neighbour Bylaw" and give 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading to related 'Good Neighbour' Bylaw Adjudication Bylaws

* Adopt 4 Recommendations from Aug 26th Committee of the Whole meeting including a recommendation to terminate the auditor contract between PMT Chartered Accountants and the City of WL

* Request from Orange Shirt Day Committee re: Request for Donation
* Request from Susan Graves re: better upkeep of City Gardens (Staff recommends report be prepared for financial considerations of Ms. Graves' request)

* Monthly Report of the City Manager (D. Garceau)

View the full Agenda here

Borland St Reconstruction Update #5

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

This week work was done installing gravel base for curb and gutter, storm sewer lines, water line tie-ins, and removing asphalt up to the 4th Avenue intersection.

Next week curb and gutters will be poured on the east half of the project. Water main installation on the west half of the project will also begin.

Engage with the City of WL online!

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

One of the features launched with the new williamslake.ca in May was the Community Voice module, which allows residents to suggest new initiatives and ideas, and comment on other users' ideas. 

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this tool to engage with the City and other residents to build up our community.

Click the link below to get started!

Community Voice page

Thapar: Quesnel City Staff paid too much $$$

In today's Quesnel Cariboo Observer - Quesnel Councillor Sushil Thapar complains that senior City Staff in Quesnel have been paid too much money since 2009 and since then, there has been a decrease in the tax base and infrastructure funding needs have not gone down

More on that here

HR issues are ones that can't be just hung on dollars and cents.  They are more complex then that, especially so for "Exempt" Staff who are folks like a Regional District or Municipal CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) and Department Heads (Managers/Directors)

Local government will always struggle between ability to pay vs wanting to hang on to highly qualified and talented Staff...

~SF

Social Planning Council seeks Mayoral questions

In their weekly posting - the local Social Planning Council is asking its' members to submit questions to pose to Williams Lake Mayoral Candidates - presently Kerry Cook and Surinderpal Rathor

View the quick 8 question survey here

~SF

Area-Based Forest Tenure Report released

Earlier today - BC's Forest Minister, the Hon. Steve Thomson, released the final version of the Area-Based Forest Tenure Report, completed by former BC Chief Forester Jim Snetsinger, along with its' 35 Recommendations (see below)

Mr. Snetsinger held a variety of meetings to complete this report in BC including stops in Quesnel/Williams Lake on April 30th/May 1st of this year

Minister Thomson said:

“I would like to thank Jim Snetsinger for his comprehensive and professional report on government’s proposal to enable conversions of some volume-based forest licences to new or expanded tree farm licences.

“His report contains 35 recommendations covering the full spectrum of economic, social, environmental, First Nations and administrative issues surrounding the proposed conversion of volume-based forest licences to area-based tree farm licences.

“His report stresses the need for strong First Nations and community support for any proposed expansion of area-based tenures in the province and says new proposals should incorporate measureable and verifiable public benefits.

“Jim’s recommendations provide a valuable roadmap on how to proceed. However, given the recent Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot'in decision and requests from forest companies and communities to focus on key immediate priorities, the ministry will not be proceeding with legislative changes that would enable forest licence conversions in fall 2014 or spring 2015.

“We will continue to consider the recommendations in the report as part of ongoing work in our ministry.”

The full report can be viewed here while the background documents may be viewed here

Report Recommendations:

1. To address the social licence issues associated with any conversion initiative, I would recommend a number of the social objectives proposed by government be made mandatory. These include:

a) Demonstrable and quantifiable public benefits.

b) Investments in enhanced silviculture activities to grow the allowable annual cut.

c) A commitment to an enhanced level of public engagement.

d) A clear demonstration of strong local support for any conversion proposal.

2. A detailed timber supply analysis should be completed at the proponent’s expense that demonstrates the area for the proposed tree farm licence will support an allowable annual cut that is commensurate with the allowable annual cut being surrendered of the forest licence(s) and commensurate with the general timber supply forecast, timber profile and logging “chance” compared to the timber supply area as a whole. The analysis must also demonstrate that the licensees in the remaining timber supply area are not unduly impacted.

3. The timber supply analysis should be completed to approved Ministry standards and procedures and using the information and assumptions for the most recent timber supply review.

4. The Ministry should clearly communicate requirements for timber supply analysis to be carried out by the proponent to support their conversion application.

5. It should be a contractual condition for any new or expanded tree farm licence that the licensee provide their forest inventory to the government in a compatible format so that it can be posted on the government web site.

6. The government should require the licensee to turn back five to 10 per cent of the allowable annual cut as a mandatory conversion condition. It is recommended that this volume could only be used to create new or expanded area-based tenures in the timber supply area from which the turn back originated.

7. The government should consider exempting the first 200,000 cubic metres of a proponent’s replaceable forest licence allowable annual cut from the mandatory turn back provision. This would be consistent with the approach used in the 2003 tenure take back under the Forestry Revitalization Act.

8. The existing contractor requirements, as contained in the Timber Harvesting Contract and Subcontract Regulation, tied to a proponent’s replaceable forest licence must be carried forward and tied to the new or expanded tree farm licence.

9. All the commitments made by proponents during the conversion process need to be measurable, verifiable and incorporated in their new licence document as contract provisions.

10. The Ministry should develop a penalty regime supported by legislation for non-compliance with licence commitments made as part of the conversion process.

11. The Ministry must ensure sufficient resources are available to monitor and report on licence performance relative to the commitments made during the conversion process.

12. Government has recently confirmed the primary goal for BC Timber Sales is to provide credible representative price and cost benchmark data for the market pricing systems through auctions of public timber. Any conversion process should consider the impact on BC Timber Sales and their achievement of their primary goal.

13. The enabling legislation and regulation(s) should be flexible enough to allow proponents’ creativity and innovation to surface. This should include the ability for other tenures, including BCTS to be added to a proposal and operate within a new or expanded tree farm licence. For example, a forest licence held by Licensee A could be included in a proposal for conversion submitted by Licensee B. If the application was successful, a tree farm licence would be issued to Licensee B and Licensee A would operate within the tree farm licence held by Licensee B. It should also be possible for two or more different forest licence holders to pool their licences and apply for one tree farm licence to be operated under a consortium model.

14. An efficient process to remove land from a tree farm licence for high priority government economic objectives should be included in the enabling legislation.

15. A proponent’s conversion application should demonstrate their commitment to enhanced utilization of the timber resource. This could include but is not limited to how they will provide access to users of low-quality fibre and the non-conventional portion of the timber profile.

16. Government should require the proponent to describe how they will manage the forest land for a full crop rotation that includes provision for forest health at the various stages of stand development, the management of biodiversity, fish, wildlife, water, soils and recreational resources. Strategies that address climate change considerations should also be included in their proposal.

17. Consistent with the Special Committee on Timber Supply recommendation, government should rigorously evaluate the proponent’s past performance, their commitment to sustainable forest management, their commitment to investments in forest management including but not limited to silviculture, inventories and forest infrastructure (i.e., roads and bridges).

18. The proponent’s proposal should demonstrate how they intend to use the most current science and technology in acquiring data and developing operational planning.

19. The Government should develop an approach to gauge public support and determine the public benefit for any conversion proposal.

20. The proponent’s proposal should demonstrate their proposed approach for a robust annual reporting on the achievement of their commitments.

21. The Minister should examine the potential for developing an efficient and effective approach for engaging with First Nations organizations at the provincial level on the intended direction for amendments to the Forest Act and any new regulations supporting the amendments.

22. A consultation strategy should be developed for each specific conversion process to ensure that the affected First Nations are engaged and consulted throughout any conversion process.

23. Commitment to ensure continued First Nations and public access to any new tree farm licence lands.

24. First Nations’ cultural and spiritual areas need to be recognized and accounted for in any conversion process.

25. The proponent’s application should demonstrate how they intend to increase First Nations’ participation in the forest sector.

26. Conversions in timber supply areas heavily affected by the mountain pine beetle should optimally occur after the Chief Forester has determined an allowable annual cut which considers the post-pine beetle reality.

27. Conversions need to be based on the most up-to-date inventory available. For those management units heavily impacted by the mountain pine beetle, conversions should optimally occur after a post-pine beetle inventory has been completed.

28. Identification of areas to meet existing commitments for First Nations woodland licences, other First Nations forest tenures, community forest agreements and woodlot licences should take place before or at least concurrently with any volume to area-based conversions.

29. Prior to the Minister inviting a proponent to apply for conversion it is recommended that the proponent provide demonstrated proof that there is strong local support (i.e. First Nations, local government/community, other licensees, other users of the land base etc.).

30. Prior to inviting a proponent to apply, the Minister should consider advertising his/her intention to initiate the process with the applicant and seek broad local public input on the proposed intent.

31. The government should be very clear about what social, economic and environmental objectives are mandatory and which ones are not. It is recommended that the mandatory list be included in either the enabling legislation or supporting regulation.

32. The applicant should conduct a 60-day public review and comment period which could include a public meeting.

33. To avoid the perception of “picking winners and losers” in any conversion process the Minister should consider establishing an ad hoc review/advisory panel for each conversion process. The panel would review all the pertinent information regarding the proponent’s application, including engagement with First Nations and public input, and then make a recommendation to the Minister regarding approval with or without conditions. The panel could consist of an elected official of local government, a First Nations’ representative and a representative of the local community. The Minister would retain the statutory decision-making authority but would take guidance from the panel.

34. To ensure any conversion process is carried out in an efficient and timely manner the Ministry should develop a detailed conversion policy including a business process flow chart along with expected timelines and defined responsibilities for each step of the conversion process. Key timelines for proponents and government should be defined in regulation.

35. Government should develop policy to ensure commitments made through a conversion opportunity are clear in terms of where they apply and how subdivisions, consolidations and other actions may affect those commitments.

New Central Cariboo Events Committee

August 27th saw the launch of the Cariboo’s first comprehensive Central Events Committee. 

The group, comprised of local volunteers, will work together with the community to provide a central event information services program. The committee’s roll will be to collaborate and network with existing community groups and organizations to track events on a year round basis. Sue Lachance who is the acting Chair and Vice-Chair Betty Turatus, are excited about the opportunity that this new program brings to the City. 

They state, “The Cariboo has an extensive list of events which take place all year long, but there is nowhere for all of these events to be consolidated in one place for residents and visitors to find this information. Our goal is to have a one stop information service for all groups and organizations to get their message out in an organized easy to find way.” 

The Committee is also looking forward to working with local area governments, First Nations and the BIA’s in the region. 

One of the first tasks for the Committee will be gathering a list of all current service groups and events in the area. This will then be used to implement an event calendar which will be available on line, year round. In addition, the Committee which will be registering as a non-profit organization, will actively fundraise to help existing community groups which need a helping hand and give financial support to some new events. Some of the new events that are being discussed could include the expansion of the existing “Music in the Park” program to include a Provincial “Battle of the Bands”, a city wide Winter Carnival including ice fishing derbies and snowmobile racing events, a summer fishing derby and several other exciting ideas which will be examined as time goes on. 


Lachance comments, “One of the things that the Cariboo and particularly Williams Lake is missing is a way to organize all of the wonderful activities that are taking place in our community. So often we hear folks comment that they simply don’t know when and where events are happening. Currently, each group or event has to advertise independently of each other. We hope that this new group of volunteers will be able to solve part of that issue. This will help our local area residents and bring in more travelers to the area. Our end goal is to grow our area into the “Event Capital of British Columbia.” The way to do that is to bring the information all into one place that people can access.”


If anyone is interested in volunteering they can phone Sue Lachance at 250-267-3284 for further information. The next meeting will take place Wednesday September 10th at 5:30 at 72 Oliver Street.

Support City of WL for Local Torch Relay (Cdn Winter Games 2015)

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The entire community is encouraged to vote online for Williams Lake to host a Community Torch Celebration in early 2015 as part of the lead-up to the Canada Winter Games in Prince George.

Three communities will be chosen to host Community Torch Celebrations, to be determined by online vote. Williams Lake will compete with Quesnel for the Central Interior zone’s celebration. Residents are encouraged to vote for Williams Lake at http://canadagames2015.ca/vote-now-bring-a-2015-games-regional-community-torch-celebration-to-your-community. Voting opened today, August 27th, and closes on September 12th. Winners will be announced on Sept. 24th.

The City of Williams Lake has submitted an Expression of Interest to host a celebration, which would celebrate all of the unique aspects of the area through song, dance and word and would recognize the importance that culture and sport play in the area. The event would feature local cultural groups, performers, and musicians, as well as a free family swim and skate before or after the celebration event. The City has committed $5,000 to the event.

Should Williams Lake be awarded a Community Torch Celebration, volunteers for a Community Organizing Committee would be sought to organize the event, which will take place in the first two weeks of January 2015. One or two City councillors would also serve on the Committee, and City staff would provide administrative support.

For two weeks in February of 2015, Prince George will host the 2015 Canada Winter Games; the largest multi-sport and cultural event to be held in northern BC. The 2015 Games will draw thousands of athletes and spectators to northern BC in anticipation of watching our future Olympians. Hosting the Canada Games brings nation-wide exposure through extensive media coverage and an opportunity to showcase the beauty and opportunities that northern BC presents.

The 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay will engage residents of the region, British Columbia and the rest of Canada with spirit and passion in the lead up to the Opening Ceremonies on February 13th, 2015. The 2015 Games are kicking off the Torch Relay with the 2015 Games Summer Torch Tour in the summer of 2014 across northern BC.

On October 15th, 2014 a national ceremony will be held to light the Canada Games Torch from the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The Canada Winter Games Flame will then travel across the country to kick-off the BC leg of the Relay in Victoria on October 17th, passing through two previous Canada Games Host communities on its way to Illuminate the North.

On November 4, 2014, 100 days will be left on the countdown clock to the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The northern BC route of the torch relay will start in Prince George at the newly renovated Canada Games Plaza and begin to travel throughout northern BC.

Community Torch Celebration Voting Page

Upcoming Open Houses -- Sam Ketchum Pool Renos/Upgrades

Joint Release of the City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District:

Williams Lake, B.C. – The Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake will be hosting a series of Open House sessions regarding the upcoming Sam Ketcham Pool Renovations and Upgrades Referendum. The sessions will take place as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 11 – Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex – Gibraltar Room 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13 – 150 Mile House Community Hall– 1-2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13 - Area E Town Hall Open House – Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Club 1-3 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 15 - Area D Town Hall Open House - Wildwood Volunteer Fire Hall 5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17 - City of Williams Lake Town Hall Open House - CRD Boardroom 5-7 p.m.

The referendum, which will be held on Nov. 15, 2014, will ask voters if they approve borrowing up to $10 million over 20 years. The remainder of the cost of the approximately $11.3 million project will need to be made up from grants, fundraising, and capital reserves. Proceeding with the project would result in a taxation increase for Central Cariboo Recreation services of approximately $40/$100,000 of residential assessment, including operating costs of the expanded facility.

The project includes three main components: increasing the shallow-water leisure pools from the existing 540 to 3,700 square feet, replacing the main lap pool tank, and adding multi-purpose fitness centre space to a second floor above the change rooms. Other notable improvements include a larger family change room and replacement of mechanical and electrical systems. A redesign and resurfacing of the parking lot will also be planned in conjunction with the proposed pool upgrades.

A Facebook page dedicated to helping provide information to residents and an opportunity for residents to ask questions can be found at facebook.com/SamKetchamPool. A Twitter feed can also be found at @SKPReferendum. Be sure to check these sites often as we will continue to provide regular updated information about the proposed renovations and the referendum process as it becomes available. For further information or to view the Cariboo Memorial Complex Pool Feasibility Study visit us online at cariboord.ca/services/recreation-2/central-cariboo or williamslake.ca.

Sam Ketcham Pool Referendum Facebook page

SD27 Schools closed until further notice

In a notice to School District #27 parents in Williams Lake & 100 Mile -- SD27 Superintedent Mark Thiessen advises due to uncertainly around BCTF & BC Gov teacher talks - SD27 Schools will remain CLOSED until further notice!

View the bulletin here

~SF

Wildwood Transfer Station Mtg - August 26th/2014

Before 20 local residents - CRD Staff and Director Bischoff updated those present as to the forthcoming changes to the Wildwood Transfer Station

Tera Grady - the Cariboo RD's Solid Waste Supervisor ran through a 30 min Powerpoint presentation

A Question/Answer period ensued.  Questions asked included:

* Will you deal with illegal dumping on Lund Rd? Answer - Yes.  Call the CRD and we will come and clean that up

* Composter program in the future?
* "Eco-Depots" in Rural Areas? Answer - Too expensive to do in all rural areas + Municipalities thus why it is being centralized in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House when that comes on-line in 2017

* Will controlled access help prevent Williams Lake residents' from using our Transfer Station and take their Solid Waste to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station in Williams Lake? Answer: Yes

Residents' were generally receptive of the forthcoming changes of the Wildwood Transfer Station and the survey results, due Sept 23rd (electronic version here), should give an direction of what hours residents' are prepared to accept

Finally - job well done by Ms. Grady and Mitch Minchau, the Regional District's Manager of Environmental Services for running an excellent meeting and answering every question....

~SF

Committee of the Whole Mtg (WL Council) - Aug 26th

Present - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Hughes, Rathor and Walters

Staff:

Darrell Garceau - City Manager
Cindy Bouchard - Corporate Officer/Mgr of Legislative Services
Alan Madrigga - Ec Dev Mgr
Tom Chung - IT Mgr
Chris Hutton - Planner

Delegation:

Janine North from Northern Development Initiative Trust appeared before the Committee to discuss the Trust's various grant programs

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. North for her time/information

Business:

1) City of Williams Lake Audit Services Tender

The Director of Finance reviewed her report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council terminate the contract signed on August 1, 2013 with PMT Chartered Accountants/Business Advisors LLP and tender out for Audit Services

Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Hughes, and Walters
Negative - Councillor SPS Rathor

2) Sidewalk Inspection Policy

Committee reviewed the report of the Director of Finance
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council accept the new Sidewalk Inspection & Maintenance Policy as presented and allow Staff to develop a sidewalk plan to reduce risk and ensure consistent repairs, to work within the constraints of manpower and budget

3) Verbal Report of Councillor Walters re: Teaching of new Theatre Course at CMRC

General discussion ensued - No motion made

Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item as she is a resident of Woodland Drive.  Councillor Hughes assumed the Chair as Acting Mayor

4) Potential for Water Services to Woodland Drive

The Planner reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

1) Council advise Staff to communicate that the City will no longer focus on seeking grant funding for full servicing of Woodland Drive until a residential land development strategy has been developed; and only if and when such a strategy indicates such servicing as a priority.

2) Council advise the residents of Woodland Drive that, if they wish to proceed with services, a petition may be submitted for a Local Service Area to be established for the construction of such infrastructure;

3) Council direct staff to proceed to the 2014 Business Plan Goal to complete a residential land development strategy framework to identify priority lands for future municipal infrastructure improvements to better identify where to direct such investment for growth

Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Hughes, and Walters
Negative - Councillor SPS Rathor

Unelection Campaign + Langley Township Council

In a repeat of the 2011 Election - a group of Langley Township residents desire to rid themselves of a majority of their local Municipal Council.  They are calling their effort the "Unelection Campaign".  The only Councillors' who they say ought to keep their jobs are Langley Township Councillors' Kim Richter, Bob Long, David Davis and Michelle Sparrow.  Langley Township Council is comprised of 1 Mayor and 8 Councillors'

Their website is very comprehensive including financial disclosure statements from every current member of Langley Township Council and background research so Langley Township voters can make a very informed judgement for the forthcoming November election.  View the website here with their Facebook page here

It'll be interesting to see if this group is more successful then former Langley Township Mayor Rick Green's effort to rid his "enemies" off of his Township Council (2008-2011)

Langley Times looks more at this item here

Haller vs RCMP/Williams Lake (City)

The City of Williams Lake is party to a new lawsuit from Jamie Haller against the BC RCMP for unspecified financial compensation for physical damages she received from 3 RCMP Officers on the night of September 10th, 2011.  Neither the City or BC RCMP are commenting on this case.  The lawsuit was filed in BC Supreme Court earlier today

The City is involved because it is responsible for any torts (civil acts) committed by RCMP Officers who serve as local police as per the RCMP Agreement between the City and the Province of BC

Huffington Post - BC has the full details here

I don't expect that this case will be heard for several months and in any event, I don't expect that this civil case will have any bearing on November' civic election however the outcome of the Don DeGagne civil trial will almost certainly have an impact depending on the BC Supreme Court's ruling...

~SF

Quesnel Council Highlights - Aug 25th

Present - Mayor Sjostrom and Councillors Brisco, Cave, Coleman, Elliot, Roodenburg and Thapar

Staff:

Byron Johnson - City Manager
Gina Albers - Deputy Corporate Administrator
Kari Bolton - Director of Corporate/Financial Services
Ken Combs - Director of Public Works/Engineering
Teann Ingram - Communications Clerk

Meeting called to order at 7pm
Meeting Agenda with late items approved

Mayor Sjostrom relinquished the Chair to Councillor Coleman to chair Committee of the Whole

In the Committee:

Delegations

a) Ed Kent - Steelworkers Union appeared before the Committee to discuss their "Stop the Killing - Enforce the Law" campaign

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee thanked Mr. Kent for his presentation

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to Council that the proposed Resolution, as presented by Mr. Kent, be considered for adoption (Draft Resolution here)

b) Dennis Girodat from the local WildSafeBC branch appeared before the Committee to discuss their local activities - report here

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Girodat for his time/information

Business

1) 2015 Permissive Tax Exemptions

The Director of Corporate/Financial Services presented her report to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to Council:

a) THAT Council approve a 100% permissive tax exemption for Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation at 410 Kinchant Street.

b) THAT Council provide a 50% permissive tax exemption for the Quesnel Tillicum Society for 375 North Fraser Road.

c) That Council provide a permissive tax exemption minus provincial funding for North Cariboo Aboriginal Program Society’s property at 324 Hoy Street and the adjacent lot

Councillor Coleman then relinquished the Chair back to Mayor Sjostrom to chair the remainder of the Council meeting

In Quesnel Council:

1) Council adopted a July 28th Committee of the Whole recommendation as follows:

The Committee recommends to Council that Council changes the
Election Period Communications Policy (COMM-3) by allowing all
Council communications until the close of Nomination Period, which is
4:00 p.m. on the 36th day prior to General Voting Day, prior to each
Local Government Election;

AND THAT this change is effective for the pre-election period for the
2014 November Local Government Election.

Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Sjostrom and Councillors Brisco, Cave, Coleman and Roodenburg
Negative - Councillors Scott Elliot and Sushil Thapar

2) Council adopted the July 28th CoW and Regular Council Meeting Minutes

3) Council received the "Miss Quesnel" Royalty - 2013 and 2014

4) Council received a report from Mayor Sjostrom concerning the Aug 22nd Cariboo RD Board meeting

5) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Bylaws 1741/1742 (Appointment of Officers Bylaw and Indemnification Bylaw)

6) Council appointed Ken Coombs as the Approving Officer for the City of Quesnel

7) Council approved the following in relation to the Canada Winter Games - local Torch Relay celebration:

THAT COUNCIL receives Administration Report #69/14, regarding the update to the 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay update, for information;

AND THAT if Quesnel is a successful applicant for a 2015 Canada Winter Games Regional Community Torch Celebration that COUNCIL approves allocating $6,500 from the 2015 budget toward facilitating this event;

AND THAT if Quesnel is a successful applicant for the 2015 Canada Winter Games Regional Community Torch Celebration that COUNCIL recommend to the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee and the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Commission that user fees for local facilities such as the Arena, Recreation Centre and Museum be waived during the event.

8) Council approved the proposed lease between QCEDC/City of Quesnel for 4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St

9) Council approved the proposed appointments to the Quesnel Accessibility Advisory Committee, as contained in the report from the City Manager

10) Council received the Accounts Payable Report

11) Council received Issue #35 - Council Information Package

12) Council referred a letter from BC Hydro on Electric Beautification Funding to Staff for possible projects to pursue including the new Arena 1 replacement project

13) Council agreed to a request of the Quesnel Curling Club for a letter of support to NDIT for their chiller replacement project

14) Council proclaimed the month of Sept 2014 as Big Brothers/Big Sisters' month in the City of Quesnel

15) Council gave 3rd Reading to Bylaw 1740 - Airport Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw.

Members of Council gave oral reports on their recent activities

Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm

100 Mile resident sets up FB Page to oppose new 100 Mile Pool initiative

A local 100 Mile resident (Larry Badke) has established a Facebook page, this past Saturday, encouraging his fellow residents' to oppose a local initiative to establish an aquatic pool in 100 Mile House - view that Facebook page here.  In fact, Pat Corbett from the Hills Health Ranch has posted this to the FB Page where he says:

Many Hundreds of people living in 100 Mile House area use the pool at The Hills Health Ranch on a membership and drop-in basis each year; all at NO COST to any tax payers.

This as the Cariboo Regional District conducts a phone survey in September to gauge public support for a new aquatic pool down the road.

It'll be interesting to see if this becomes an item in the 100 Mile civic election this fall as 100 Mile Mayor Mitch Campsall seeks to hang on to his seat vs former Cariboo RD Area 'L' Director Maureen Pinkney in a repeat battle of the 2011 Civic Election in 100 Mile House and if this will spur on people to consider running in Cariboo RD elections in Electoral Areas G, H, and L this November...

~SF

Wildwood Transfer Stn Survey

The Cariboo Regional District is conducting an online survey with regards to upcoming changes to the Wildwood Transfer Station this fall.  If you make use of this Transfer Station (residents' of Wildwood or close by residents'), please fill out this brief survey which you can find here

Survey responses are due on September 23rd, 2014

If you want to stay up to date on progress on this matter or other public meetings/surveys - send an email to talktrash@cariboord.ca with "Wildwood Transfer Station" in the Subject line

~SF

Quesnel Lake Water Use Advisory

Courtesy of Interior Health:

Although test results continue to show that water sourced from Quesnel Lake is safe to drink, reports indicate that water quality is changing as lake water and the sediment plume shifts. Residents who source their water from Quesnel Lake may notice increased turbidity, sediment, and/or a change in taste or odour. In these cases, residents may wish to consider using alternate sources for their water. Specifically individuals are reminded they should not be drinking cloudy water. Point of use filters that are NSF certified (ie. commonly used systems in households drawing water from lakes or wells) will safely remove the suspended sediment.

Interior Health is continuously reviewing data provided by Ministry of Environment.

A Do Not Use order for drinking water, personal, and recreational use remains in effect for the impact zone directly affected by the by the Mount Polley Mine tailings pond breach which includes Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, and on Quesnel Lake, but only the area within 100 metres of the visible sediment plume where Hazeltine Creek runs into Quesnel Lake. The public should also continue to refrain from using these waterways for recreational purposes. The Do Not Use order includes swimming and fishing. A map of the water restriction areas is available at http://bit.ly/1oI8rh6.

Please contact the IH Health Protection Office at 1-888-702-7771 for more information.

City of WL seeks new External Auditor

In a highly unusual move - the City of Williams Lake's Director of Finance  (M. Stewart) will recommend to Williams Lake Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, that they agree to terminate the 3 year contract with PMT Chartered Accountants signed back on August 1st, 2013 and ratified by Council at its' September 10th, 2013 meeting - read her report here

As a bit of background - Williams Lake Council directed their Staff at the June 25th, 2013 Committee of the Whole meeting to send out a RFP (Request for Proposals) for External Auditing Services.  Then at the September 10th, 2013 Regular Council Meeting, Williams Lake City Council agreed to the following Resolution:

That pursuant to the report of the Purchasing Agent dated August 29, 2013, Council award the City of Williams Lake's cost for External Audit Services to PMT Chartered Accountants for a three (3) year period, with an option to extend for two (2) additional years, at the bid price of $27,600 per year.

Read the report from the Purchasing Agent dated August 29th, 2013 here

I can honestly say that I can not personally recall when local government staff have recommended terminating a external auditor's contract just under one year after signing it.

~SF

Borland St Re-construction Update #4

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Water tie-in and patching work near 7th Avenue was completed this week. 

Next week additional water works and placement of road base in preparation for curbing will be done. 

Later in the week, asphalt removal will continue in the direction of 4th Avenue.

Paving Updates - Second/Pigeon Avenues

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Paving and centerline sealing on Second Avenue and Pigeon Avenue have been completed. Line painting is expected to begin the week of September 1st.

CRD Board Highlights - Aug 22nd mtg

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Mount Polley Update

Steve Robertson, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Don Parsons, COO for the Imperial Metals Corporation, appeared before the Board to provide an update on the Mount Polley tailings pond breach. Mount Polley updates can be viewed on their website at imperialmetals.com. Updates regarding the water and sediment samples are posted on the Ministry of Environment site at gov.bc.ca/env/ and Interior Health at www.interiorhealth.ca         

Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust Update

Carol Taphorn, Chair of the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust, presented information to the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) about the Trust and current fundraising projects underway. The Trust is requesting 40 per cent funding towards a digital mammography unit. More information about the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust is online at facebook.com/CaribooFoundationHospitalTrust.

Agricultural Policy

The CRD Board received a presentation by staff regarding a draft Agricultural Policy. The original draft was presented to the Board in 2011 and discussions that ensued with affected Provincial agencies and stakeholders, has resulted in the 2014 Agricultural Policy. The revisions were also prompted by new provincial guidelines and standards related to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), and the need to create a more comprehensive document that would complement the agricultural policies of three newly adopted CRD Official Community Plans. The CRD 2004 Implementation Plan and Schedule of the Agriculture/Forestry Review was examined to ensure that its concept and intent remain relevant and incorporated into the 2014 Agricultural policy. The final draft policy will be brought back to a future board meeting for adoption. Further information about this proposed policy is available on today’s agenda on the CRD website at cariboord.ca.

Quesnel Fringe Official Community Plan

The Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors gave first and second reading to the proposed Quesnel Fringe Official Community Plan (OCP) (Bylaw 4844). The proposed OCP will now proceed to the Public Hearing process which will be held on Sept. 4, 2014 at the Quesnel and District Seniors’ Center, 461 Carson Avenue at 7 p.m. The final draft of the Quesnel Fringe Area Official Community Plan is available for viewing on the CRD website at cariboord.ca.

NDIT Applications Endorsed

The Cariboo Regional District will be supporting three applications to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT).

The Anahim Lake Airport is applying for $37,800 in grant funding under the Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program. This project will involve removal of encroaching trees and brush to continue providing current runway service levels and anticipating improved service levels.

The Big Lake Community Association is undertaking improvements to the Big Lake Community Hall. The request is for $17,000 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program. The funding will be used to replace the twenty-seven year old, severely compromised roof; extend the present limited handicapped access; and replace the out-of-date toilets in the men’s and women’s washrooms.

The West Chilcotin Tourism Association (WCTA) wishes to undertake a study that will provide a detailed analysis of economic effects in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region resulting from reduced service offered by BC Ferries' new Discovery Coast Connector service. The funding request to NDIT is for $5,500 from the Capital Investment Analysis Account. The WCTA will deliver the results of the analysis to both the Government of British Columbia and BC Ferries in hopes of securing service adjustments, including appropriate capital investments and allocations of ferry assets, to help restore BC's transportation infrastructure, and promote growth of tourism and the general economy of the region.

Community Works Funding for Big Lake

Up to $6,500 of Community Works funding was approved by the CRD Board from the 2014 Community Hall Energy Improvements program. The funding will be used to upgrade roof insulation at the Big Lake Community Hall. This work is part of a larger roof replacement project, which has a cost of $39,247 and will also involve the application to the NDIT. The current roof is 27 years old and severely compromised; a new roof will halt existing water leaks and will reduce energy use.

Area 'F' and 'K' Special Projects Funds Authorized

The Cariboo Regional District Board authorized up to $1,000 which will be allocated and split evenly between the Electoral Areas F and K Special Project Funds. The funds will be used towards the 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Celebration, should the City of Williams Lake application be successful to host an event. Later in the meeting the Board also authorized $500 of Electoral Area F and $250 from Electoral Area D Special Projects Funds. These funds will be used to support the Save-the-Salmon Traditional Pow-Wow to be held in Horsefly on Sept. 6 and 7, 2014.

During the meeting the Board also approved $500 of Special Projects Funds to be shared equally between Electoral Areas A, B, C and I to sponsor the North Cariboo Harvest Festival. The Fair is taking place on September 20 at the College of New Caledonia, North Cariboo campus.

Upcoming Meetings

Sept, 12 – CCRHD & CRD Board Meetings

Quesnel/WL Councils' meet next week

Only Quesnel/WL Councils meet next week as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council/Committee of the Whole meeting starting at 7pm on Monday, August 25th in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  ON the Agenda:

In Committee of the Whole:

* Steelworkers seeks support for amendments to 'Westray Law'
* Presentation from WildSafe BC
* 2015 Permissive Tax Exemptions

In Council

* Appt of Officers/Indemnification Bylaw
* Appoint New Approving Officer
* Update on Canada Winter Games Torch Relay - Local Celebration
* QCEDC Lease in Quesnel City Hall

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole meeting starting at 6pm on Tuesday, August 26th in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St - Basement).  ON the Agenda:

* Presentation from Janine North (CEO - Northern Development Initiative Trust)
* Audit Services Tender
* Sidewalk Inspection Policy
* Potential for Water on Woodland Drive (Editor's Note - this item will be discussed in the absence of Mayor Kerry Cook who will declare a conflict of interest, given she is a resident of Woodland Drive.  In her absence, Acting Mayor (Councillor) Danica Hughes will Chair Committee of the Whole for this item)

View the full Agenda here

Reminder - The Cariboo Regional District is hosting a public meeting at the Wildwood Fire Hall on Tuesday, Aug 26th at 7pm to discuss the upcoming changes to the Wildwood Transfer Station.  If you make use of this Transfer Station, plan to attend... hear the presentation from CRD Staff/Director Bischoff and ask questions....

~SF

Civic Election Process Underway

Today - anyone who wishes to run for elected office for the Nov 15th civic election (Councillor, Mayor, Electoral Area Director, or School Trustee) may go to the closest local government/school board office to pick up nomination packages.  However, you may not file until Sept 30th through to Oct 10th at 4pm sharp!

I myself have picked up the nomination package for Director of Electoral Area 'D' of the Cariboo Regional District at lunch today.

Should you have any questions - you are encouraged to contact the local Chief Election Officer as follows:

Wells -Katrina Leckovic.  Ph: 250-994-3330 or administrator@wells.ca

Quesnel - Gina Albers.  Ph: 250-992-2111 or galbers@quesnel.ca

Williams Lake - Cindy Bouchard.  Ph: 250-392-2311 or cbouchard@williamslake.ca

100 Mile House - Tammy McDermid. Ph: 250-395-2434 or tmcdermid@dist100milehouse.bc.ca

Cariboo Regional District - Alice Johnston.  Ph: 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636 or ajohnston@cariboord.ca

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Teri Stoneman.  Ph: 250-992-0405 or teristoneman@sd28.bc.ca

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Kevin Futchner.  Ph: 250-398-3833 or connee.newberry@sd27.bc.ca

South Cariboo Pool Survey - Sept 8-15, 2014

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District and the District of 100 Mile House will be conducting a survey of residents in the South Cariboo Recreation service boundary from September 8-15, 2014 regarding the interest of proceeding with development of an aquatic facility for the South Cariboo. Discovery Research is the company that will be contacting residents by telephone to conduct the survey on behalf of the CRD and the District of 100 Mile House.

Residents who reside within the South Cariboo Recreation service boundary who are contacted by Discovery Research are encouraged to participate as a total of 400 surveys are to be completed. This is an opportunity for residents to have their say in the future recreation infrastructure in the South Cariboo.

Mt Polley Fish/Water Testing Results released

Courtesy of the BC Ministry of the Environment:

Testing continues on samples taken from Polley and Quesnel lakes.

Several fish have been tested and deep water-quality testing has occurred. The following
results are to be expected, given the location and pose no human health risk.

On Aug. 8, 2014, provincial staff collected four lake trout and two whitefish from Quesnel Lake
and two rainbow trout from Polley Lake. Upon visual inspection, none of the fish captured
showed any signs of distress.

The fish tissue analyzed shows an elevated level of selenium in the livers and gonads –
exceeding guidelines for human consumption. However, a person would need to consume
about one cup of lake trout and rainbow trout livers and gonads in one day in order to exceed
the high-consumption threshold. By comparison, consumption of one cup of lake trout or
rainbow trout flesh (not including livers and gonads) per day does not exceed the guideline.

After consultation with Interior Health, the public is advised that the flesh of the fish remains
safe to eat. However, those wishing to take extra precautionary measures may choose to
remove the liver or gonads prior to consumption. The sampled fish also show slightly higher
levels of arsenic, copper, manganese and zinc when compared to fish sampled from 54 other
lakes throughout the province, but are still within human consumption guidelines.

These results are to be expected for fish from Quesnel and Polley lakes. When these results
were compared to a 2013 report of fish flesh, gonad and liver data, similar levels of selenium in
excess of the guideline for human consumption were found.

The local geology where mines are located often have elevated levels of metals, meaning
naturally occurring metal concentrations in local water bodies could be much greater in this
region than elsewhere in the province. Additional fish have been collected from Quesnel Lake
and are currently being analysed at an independent lab.

To determine potential impacts on aquatic life, water quality samples were also taken from
Quesnel and Polley lakes at the following depths and locations:
• Quesnel Lake southeast corner of Mitchell Bay – 0.5m and 25m depths.
• Quesnel Lake Cariboo Island Shelf – 0.5m and 30m depths.
• Quesnel Lake upstream Island North Shore – 0.5m and 8m depths.
• Quesnel Lake near Hazeltine Creek Deep Station – 0.5m, 36m, 45m and 60m depths.
• Quesnel Lake at Hazeltine Creek – 0.5 and 10m depths.
• Discharge of Polley Lake water into Hazeltine Creek.

The review, which analyzed pH, conductivity, turbidity, total suspended and dissolved solids,
total organic carbon, hardness, alkalinity, nutrients, general ions, total and dissolved metals, as
well as E.coli, found that concentrations were below aquatic life guidelines in most of the
sampled sites.

Copper levels did exceed chronic aquatic life guidelines at the 30-metre depth in the Quesnel
Lake Cariboo Island Shelf site. Acute aquatic life guidelines were slightly exceeded at the
surface in the Quesnel Lake upstream Island North Shore site.

Samples taken below 30 metres in Quesnel Lake near Hazeltine Creek Deep Station show a
slight increase in the levels of phosphorus, chronic dissolved aluminum and total cobalt,
chromium, copper, silver, vanadium and zinc over the set guidelines. Acute copper and iron
guidelines were significantly exceeded at both the 45-metre and 60-metre levels.

The discharge of Polley Lake water into Hazeltine Creek shows a slight exceedance over the
guideline for pH and chronic guideline for copper.

High dissolved aluminum values and significant exceedances of acute copper and iron
guidelines may result in impacts to aquatic life at a 45-metre depth and below in Quesnel Lake
at Hazeltine Creek Deep Station. Higher aluminum values are expected as aluminum
concentrations are generally higher in water bodies in this area.

Interior Health continues to assess sample results provided by the Ministry of Environment for
any potential human health risks, including the most recent results related to deep water and
fish. At this time, the water “Do Not Use” order for the impact zone involving Polley Lake,
Hazeltine Creek and a small part of Quesnel Lake remains in place. In addition, the recent fish
testing reaffirms Interior Health’s position that fish consumption is safe, but long-term
monitoring will continue.

Samples that continue to exceed chronic guidelines do not automatically indicate impacts to
aquatic life. Potential impacts may be seen after long-term increased exposure.

More information regarding response to the Mount Polley mine incident can be viewed here:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/incidents/2014/mount-polley.htm

CRD Board Mtg (Morning Session) - Aug 22nd

Present - Chair A. Richmond and Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Massier, Bischoff, Kemp, Sorley, Wagner, Glassford, William, Mernett, Rattray, Sharpe, Sjostrom, Bonnell and Campsall

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
S. Burich - Mgr of Communication

Meeting called to order at 9:49am

Agenda approved
July 11th CRD Board Mins approved

Business:

1) Aug 11th Delegation Memo of Business received

2) CRD Bylaw #4921 (Area D) given 1st/2nd Reading

3) The Board rejected ALR Application F-20140023 due to conflict with the Ag Policies contained in Central Cariboo Rural Land Use Bylaw #3503,1999 by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Richmond and Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Massier, Sorley, Glassford, William, Mernett and Rattray (9)
Negative - Directors Deb Bischoff (Area D) , Byron Kemp (Area E ) and Margo Wagner (Area H) (3)

4) CRD Bylaw #4484 (Quesnel Fringe OCP) was given 1st/2nd Reading as presented/amended on Aug 22nd, 2014

5) CRD Bylaw #4929 (North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw) was given 1st/2nd Reading as presented on Aug 22nd, 2014

6) CRD Bylaw #4930 (Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw) was given 1st/2nd Reading

7) Ag Land Commission Decisions Report received

8) The Board received a report from its' Mgr of Development Services in regards to 'Best Practices for Regional District Bylaw Referrals'

9) The Board received the May/June 2014 Building Stats report

10) The Board deferred for 90 days a 'Unsightly Premises' Resolution (G. Mach - Area 'L') after a presentation from Mr. Mach

11) The Board received/endorsed-in-principle the draft Cariboo RD Agriculture Policy after receiving a Powerpoint Presentation from CRD Planning Tech F. Sanna.  The Policy will now be referred to stakeholders for input

Meeting recessed at 11:04am to resume the CCRHD Board Meeting
Meeting resumed at 11:32am

Delegation - Don Parsons/Steve Robertson from Imperial Metals appeared before the Board to gave a verbal update on the Mount Polley incident of Aug 4th

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Richmond, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mssrs Parsons/Robertson for their time/information

Meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:29pm

New Technology Creates Better Arena Ice, Cost Savings

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

New icemaking technology installed at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is expected to result in significant cost savings and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Complex staff is current using REALice devices to create ice on the Complex’s two arenas. The devices remove oxygen bubbles and minerals from water to create harder, denser ice. The ice can be created and resurfaced using ambient temperature water, rather than water heated to between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

“The Complex uses hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to create the ice and to resurface it with the Zamboni. Not having to first heat the water will significantly reduce natural gas costs,” says Facility Maintenance Coordinator Garry Breck. As a result of using cooler water (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit), less humidity will occur during ice resurfacing, which means the arenas’ dehumidifiers will be used up to 90% less, saving on both electricity costs and maintenance. The same effect will be seen with the Complex’s boiler. In addition, the denser ice means the ice sheet can be thinner, and the concrete slab underneath will not have to be kept as cool.

“Our Official Community Plan calls for both World Class Recreation and Cherished Local Ecosystems, and this technology will allow us to offer better ice for user groups while saving on greenhouse gas emissions,” says Director of Community Services Geoff Paynton. “We expect smoother, clearer ice with fewer gouges, and substantial savings on gas and electricity – savings we can re-invest into the Complex and its programs.”

The REALice technology is used in hundreds of arenas in Europe, and 14 in British Columbia, including at the Agrodome at the Vancouver PNE, Kelowna Memorial Arena, and the CN Centre in Prince George. The equipment was purchased using $32,000 in Community Works federal funding. The cost savings are expected to pay for the equipment in less than two and a half years.

Ice is now available in both arenas at the Complex. More information on the REALice technology is available at www.realice.ca.

CCRHD Board Mtg - Aug 22nd

Present - Chair J. Massier and Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Bischoff, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, William (entered meeting at 9:37am) Mernett, Rattray, Sharpe, Sjostrom, Bonnell and Campsall

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Agenda adopted
Minutes of CCRHD July 11th mtg approved

Business:

1) Hospital Consent Calendar received

2) The Board received a News Release entitled "Donation of New Chairs to the GR Baker Chemotherapy Department"

3) The Board received a News Release entitled "New Surveillance Nurse Program"

4) The Board received the Recruitment Services Agreement Quarterly Activity Report for January to March 2014 and 2013-2014 Annual Report of the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice

5) The Board agreed to the request of the Quesnel Ec Dev Corporation for CCRHD Funds for its proposal to enhance the recruitment of healthcare professionals in the North Cariboo

6) The Board received the News Release of Northern Health entitled "Green Thumbs Benefit G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital"

Meeting recessed at 9:48am
Meeting resumed at 11:04am

Carole-Ann Taphorn from the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust appeared before the Board to discuss their request for funds for a Digital Mammography Unit at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Massier, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Taphorn for her time/information

Resolved - That the request for CCRHD 40% share for a Digital Mammography Unit, as proposed by the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust, be referred to the next CCRHD Meeting

Meeting adjourned at 11:23am

2014 Election Survey Results

Earlier this week, I ran a 5 question survey in relation to the 2014 Civic Election.  Of the 4 day survey, I received 67 responses

The results are:

1) Will you be voting in the Nov 15th civic election?

Yes - 61
No - 6

2) Are you currently satisfied with your current Elected Official (Area Director, Councillor, Mayor or School Trustee)?

Yes - 7
No - 60

3) If an election were held in Quesnel tomorrow, who would you vote for Mayor?

Mary Sjostrom - 6
Bob Simpson - 4
None of the above - 1

4) If an election were held in Williams Lake tomorrow, who would you vote for Mayor?

Surinderpal Rathor - 32

None of the above - 19

Walt Cobb - 12

Kerry Cook (Incumbent) - 4

5) Which issue(s) will guide your vote in the election?

a) Management of Local Gov't Affairs - 28
b) State of Local Gov't Finances - 13
c) Economy - 12
d) Other - 9 (Corruption, Civic Pride, Business Development, Understanding Local Issues, Vision)

e) Crime - 5

A few things to note:

a) The responses represent a very small fraction of votes cast in either the Williams Lake/Quesnel Civic Elections last held in 2011

b) Survey, like Polls, are typically a 'snapshot' in time and rarely represent the final Election result

c) Candidates performance in an election can sway the final vote of the voter and we still have roughly 60 days to go on that count... Candidates for Mayor in Quesnel/Williams Lake have not made their campaign platforms known and the details of those platforms can sway voters as can how Mayoral Candidates perform in "All Candidates Forums".  Kerry Cook is not 'down and out' but her actual chances of winning depend on what she campaigns on and how her opponents campaign...

Today - potential candidates in Quesnel/Williams Lake may pick up their nomination papers, although they won't be able to legally file until Sept 30th to Oct 10th

Finally - as of this writing, the election races are:

Wells:

Mayor - Robin Sharpe (Incumbent).  No challengers to date

Councillor - No word if incumbents are running.  No challengers known

Quesnel:

Mayor - Mary Sjostrom (Incumbent) vs Bob Simpson.  No other challengers so far

Councillor - No word if incumbents are running.  No challengers known although I expect Councillors Cave, Coleman, Thapar, Roodenburg, Brisco, and Elliot to run unless they make an announcement to the contrary 

Williams Lake:

Mayor - Kerry Cook (incumbent) vs Surinderpal Rathor (challenger) with possible challenges from former Mayors Walt Cobb and Scott Nelson

Councillors - No official announcements although I expect that Councillors Bonnell, Walters and Zacharias will run for re-election.  As of challengers - my 'working' list of potential names stands at 8

100 Mile House: 

Mayor - Mitch Campsall (Incumbent) vs Maureen Pinkney (Challenger).  No other challengers known

Councillor - Len Doucette (challenger).  No word if incumbents are running.  No other challengers known

Cariboo Regional District:

No word on Directors for Areas A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J and K running for re-election or retiring. 

Area 'L' Director Bruce Rattray to retire.  No known names to take over.  Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff to retire.  Area 'D' Alternate Director Steve Forseth seeks to take over

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

No official word.  Zone 1 Trustee Will Van Osch already served notice that he would not seek re-election this fall.  No word from other Trustees.  Aside of Trustee Van Osch, I expect two other Trustees to retire.  No challengers to the 7 Zones on the SD27 Board of Education

School District #28 (Quesnel)

No official word.  Expect the 7 incumbents to run unless an announcement is made to the contrary

~SF

WL Indian Band Election Results

Earlier today - the Williams Lake Indian Band held their election for Band Chief and 3 Councillors.

The results are

Chief - Ann Louie (99) vs Earl Thomas (52)

Councillors - Heather McKenzie (89), Willie Sure (53) and Chris Wycotte (38 - win by tie-breaker)

My personal congrats to re-elected Chief Ann Louie and Councillors McKenzie, Sure and Wycotte of the WL Indian Band

~SF

Photos below show the actual election results declaration:

WL Library to host Xat'sull Chief (and Author) Bev Sellars

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Xat'sull Chief Bev Sellars

Xat’sull First Nation Chief Bev Sellars will be at the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Williams Lake Branch Library on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. to present and speak about her book, They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School.

This book is the first full-length memoir to be published out of St. Joseph’s Mission School at Williams Lake, BC, and tells of three generations of women who attended the school, interweaving the personal histories of her grandmother and her mother with her own. Sellars documents the emotional and physical trauma she experienced, and gives insight on her own journey toward healing.

In addition to spending 40 weeks on the B.C. Bestsellers list in 2013 and 2014, They Called Me Number One was shortlisted for the 2014 Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize (B.C. Book Prizes), and won the 2014 George Ryga Award for social awareness in literature.

Chief Sellars has a degree in history from the University of Victoria and a law degree from the University of British Columbia, and she has served as advisor for the B.C. Treaty Commission. She was first elected chief of Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nation in 1987 and has spoken out on behalf of her community on issues such as racism, residential schools, and environmental rights and protection.

The event is taking place in the CRD’s Williams Lake Library, located at Suite A, 180 N. Third Avenue. For further information, please email wlake@cariboord.bc.ca or call 250-392-3630.

Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation protest at Mt Polley Entrance

Yesterday, Caboodle.ca/Cariboo News/Events ran a story where the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation set a demonstration camp at the intersection of Likely Rd/entrance to Mount Polley Mine Road where they are demanding Victoria to get on with cleaning up the tailings pond breach spill

The Grand Chief of the BC Union of Indian Chiefs Stewart Phillip visited the protest camp on Monday

Kanahus Manuel, a spokesperson for the group, stated that "The Secwepemc people in the (Likely) area are calling on the government to appropriately address and clean up the spill,"

Read more here and read comments on this story at the Cariboo News/Events Facebook page which may be viewed here

Greeny Lk VFD Super Boat Raffle 2014

WildSafeBC Fruit Gleaning Program in Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel's WildsafeBC program is partnering with other local volunteer groups and businesses to carry out a Fruit Gleaning Program within the City to remove all surplus fruit or fruit that residents are unable to deal with due to age or infirmity. "Fruit gleaning" relates to the removal of all kinds of fruit to prevent the attraction of wildlife (bears, deer, etc.), prevent property damage, lessen human safety concerns and protect wildlife welfare.

Fruit that is of good enough quality for food use would be separated and distributed to local aid organizations. The remainder would be disposed of to local agricultural operations or safely disposed of at the local landfill.

City residents with surplus fruit can contact WildsafeBC at 250- 992-5743 or by email at Quesnel@wildsafebc.com to arrange for disposal of surplus fruit.

Wildwood Transfer Stn Mtg - Aug 26th at 7pm

As my readers' may have seen already today in the Williams Lake Tribune - The Cariboo Regional District is hosting a meeting on the Wildwood Transfer Station - next steps, as follows:

Date - August 26th
Time - 7:00pm
Location - Wildwood Fire Hall

Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff/CRD Staff will be in attendance to discuss the upcoming changes to the Wildwood Transfer Station.  If you reside in Wildwood or make use of the Wildwood Transfer Station - I strongly encourage you to attend this meeting...

I will be in attendance and I'm looking forward to hearing what the meeting attendees have to say...

~SF

WL Council Nomination Packages available Friday

Editor's Note - In 2011, we saw 17 people (14 for Councillor and 3 for Mayor) running for the 7 elected positions on Williams Lake Council, will we see that again for the 2014 Election? We'll soon see....

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Nomination packages for the 2014 Local Government Election on November 15th will be available beginning this Friday, August 22. Please come to the second floor of City Hall and ask for Chief Election Officer Cindy Bouchard between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The nomination period will run between September 30 and October 10.

For additional election information, please click here

City of WL to explore additional Lake Access

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Following the August 19 regular Council meeting, Williams Lake City Council has resolved to take a number of actions to improve access to Williams Lake, both at the Dutch Point Road access and at other sites.

These actions will be taken:

• Discuss with CN Rail and investigate costs to widen Dutch Point Road where possible to
• allow for some parking and provision of a turn-around;
• Work with Scout Island operators to extend gate hours;
• Bylaw Department to continue increased enforcement of City bylaws in the area, and
• work with RCMP to enforce parking, disorderly, drunkenness and noise violations;
• Develop improved signage;
• Develop a communication plan to the City residents regarding available lake accesses
• and boat launch areas;
• Investigate limiting Dutch Point Road access to pedestrians only. 

At the Aug. 19 meeting, City Council was presented with a petition with more than 300 signatures requesting that limited parking be made available on Dutch Point Road near the boat launch. This spring, the City restricted parking along the road to ensure adequate space in the event emergency vehicles need to access properties along the road.

City Council will make improving access to Williams Lake a priority. The City is currently compiling a lake access inventory, and staff will provide options and rough cost estimates for potential development of other boat launch and public access areas on Williams Lake, to be considered by Council at an upcoming meeting. Community consultation will take place further in the process.