Tuesday, March 31, 2015

WL Council-in-Committee -- March 31st mtg

Present: Acting Mayor J. Ryll (Chair); Councillors I. Bonnell, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Staff:

D. Garceau - City Manager
M. Kowalski - Corp. Services Assistant Coordinator
M. Stewart - Director of Finance
G. Muraca - Director of Municipal Services
G. Paynton - Director of Community Services
D. Webster - Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Agenda approved/Mins of the Council Committee Meetings of Jan 20th, Feb 5th and Feb 12th were adopted

Business:

1) DVP #1/2015 -- MacPine Developments (18 Woodland Drive)

The Planner presented his report to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report of the Planner be received

2) 2015 Budget Discussion

Initial presentation by the Director of Finance
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report of the Director of Finance be received

Meeting adjourned at 7:11pm

Quesnel Council Highlights - March 30th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Five Year Financial Plan review
Council had the opportunity to review the City’s proposed Five Year Financial Plan before it is brought forward as a bylaw.
The Plan outlines policies regarding revenues, the distribution of property taxes, permissive exemptions and includes proposed revenues, expenditures and transfers between funds for the next five years. It is built with the capital previously approved by Council and the following assumptions: operating as follows: 2% inflation each year, 5% growth in utility fees, and an additional 5% tax increase in 2016 to be added to the Capital Reinvestment Reserve.
Debtreserves and an outstanding assessment appeal have also been included in the Plan to date.

Development service application
An application to amend the Zoning Designation and Official Community Plan Designation was brought forward to Council for information and direction. The property owner of Southgate Square has brought forward this application in order to permit a multi-building shopping centre at 960 Chew Road.
There are a number of pertinent sections of the Official Community Plan that directly relate to the proposed zone amendment. The full report is available online.
Council approved the recommendation that staff proceed with drafting the amending bylaws for Council consideration, subject to the following requirements:
Complete the Traffic Impact Study as required and to follow the recommendations of that study;
Draft the amending bylaws to allow more than one principle building per lot at this location;
Refine the requested zone to follow the guidelines of the OCP for a Regional Shopping Centre as a broad and general, vehicle- oriented use, and avoid the local commercial and downtown uses of offices, convenience retail and financial services, etc.
Work with the proponent on items of concern (traffic, servicing, site circulation, access) and meet the development requirements of the subdivision servicing bylaw.
A report will be returned to Council for review and confirmation of conditions and proposed bylaws.

Final adoption of bylaws
Council gave final adoption to the following four bylaws brought before Council on March 23.
Sidewalk Food Vendors’ Bylaw Amendment No. 1752,
Noise Control Bylaw Amendment No. 1753,
Interest on Advance Payment of Taxes Bylaw Amendment  No. 1754,
Soil Removal and Deposit Permit Bylaw Amendment No. 1755,
These bylaws will now be current with regulations and applicable legislation.

Other news
·         Council approved issuing an extension to May 15, 2015 to proponents whose property located on Oval Road has been identified as being in contravention of the City’s Building Regulations. A Notice of Title will be filed with the Land Titles Office if the extension period expires and the proponents have not brought the property into compliance. Council recommended that the proponents notify the City of any potential sale of the property.
·         Council approved the proposed changes to the Zone and Fee Schedule for HandyDART. Fees for many rural residents will increase from $4 to $6 per trip with these changes and some rural residents outside of the boundary may see their fees decrease or will have access to the service when they previously didn’t. Fees to City residents or Area A residents who contribute to conventional transit service (Zone 1) will not be impacted by the changes.
·         A written request has been made by Council to the Honourable Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo-North, for $30,000 towards the development of a crosswalk light installation on North Fraser Drive at the end of the footbridge on the west end. The request is subject to Council approval and partnered funding for this project.
·         Council received a report on the City’s 2014 Surplus showing unallocated general surplus at $454,744. As per the Reserves and Deferred Revenue Policy, these funds will be allocated to the Capital Reinvestment Fund.
·         Council had requested consideration for a Community Forest Agreement for the City from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations. A letter received from Minister Steve Thomson states “The concept of a Community Forest Agreement for the City does resonate with me and I remain hopeful that the ministry will be able to accommodate you at some level. I look forward to continuing to work with you and other local interests on this initiative in the months ahead.”

ADDITIONAL MEETING:
Tuesday, Apr. 7 @ 6:15 p.m.
Special Open Meeting of Council to discuss Strategic Planning, 
Vision-Mission-Values Statement, and the 2015-2018 Corporate Strategic Plan

NEXT MEETINGS:Monday Apr. 13 @ 7 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Apr. 14 @ 5:30 p.m.North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting

Monday Apr. 20 @ 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Session

Illegal dumping of grow-op material

At our CRD Board meeting of March 27th - CRD Area 'H' Director Margo Wagner raised a concern about the illegal dumping of grow-op material near waterways in her Electoral Area

The Board has tasked CRD Staff to come back with a report as to next steps the Region can take to deal with this matter

The Goat/Cariboo Country interview CRD Chair (and Area 'G' Director) Al Richmond on this which you can listen to that interview here

~SF

Monday, March 30, 2015

Residents' invited to look at 2015 City of WL Budget Stages

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The public is invited to explore the latest revisions to the 2015 budget and compare it to previous versions in a new report on the city’s OpenGov platform. The City of Williams Lake uses OpenGov to manage its financial data and share it with the public in a digital, user-friendly format. The tool may be accessed here

In the new report called Budget Milestones, residents can easily view and analyze the latest committee and council budget resolutions and compare it to the original and even the 2014 final budget. For example, changes to the general fund by expense type may easily be visualized in the latest version by clicking on the saved view function.

“We are striving to be the most transparent community in B.C. The newest report on OpenGov visualizing our budget process is the latest example of our commitment to an open, public budget in which we invite the community’s participation,” said Finance Committee Chair Councilor Scott Nelson.

City administrators encourage residents to provide feedback on the latest budget revisions directly in the platform via the “contact us” link or by calling the Director of Financial services at 250-392-2311. Data may also be shared instantly on social media, emailed, or downloaded directly from the OpenGov platform. The 2015 budget will be finalized on April 14, 2015.

The OpenGov platform displays the city's finances over a five-year period. The budget and expenses for all city departments and divisions are presented in a digital and interactive format that makes it easy to see how taxpayer money is collected and spent. Residents can view historical revenue and expenditure trends over time and explore multiple views of budget data, including by fund, department, expense or revenue type.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

CRD South Cariboo office moving..

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) will be moving their South Cariboo office this week and will be open for business at the new location on March 30, 2015.

The new location is:

Cariboo Regional District
Unit 3 – 170 Cedar Avenue
100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0

The mailing address will remain the same:

Cariboo Regional District
PO Box 2260
100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0

Residents are reminded that there may be some telephone and internet service interruptions during this transition. To speak with the CRD’s South Cariboo office staff, call 250-395-3838. The CRD South Cariboo office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed from 12-1 p.m. daily for lunch.

Quesnel collaborative working on strategy for physician recruitment

Courtesy of Northern Health:

A stakeholder meeting will be held in Quesnel on April 1 to pull together specific details of a locally driven strategic action plan with a goal of attracting doctors to the community.

“We recognize the challenge for rural communities like ours in recruiting and retaining physicians,” said Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North. “We are very proud of our city and our region, and we are going to do everything we can to showcase the fantastic opportunities we have to offer. Our government has shown a commitment to training and attracting physicians through progressive means and I will continue to work with Minister Lake, Northern Health, and (Quesnel) City Council to encourage physicians to set up a practice in Quesnel.”

The invitation event will be moderated by Dr. David Snadden from the UBC Northern Medical Program and will include MLA Oakes, representatives from the City of Quesnel, Northern Health, local physicians, and the Cariboo Regional District. The format follows successful meetings in other northern communities including Fort St. James and Fort St. John to assist with physician recruitment strategies. Each of those sessions ended with unique plans for the individual communities to take forward to recruit physicians.

“Physicians chose where they want to practice based on a number of factors, with a strong importance placed on the lifestyle they will be offered in the community,” said Michael McMillan, Northern Health’s chief operating officer for the northern interior. “We have seen with communities such as Fort St. James that physician recruitment is successful when the community is actively involved in the process. We are excited to work with the City of Quesnel and other local partners.”

“I came to Quesnel a decade ago to practice with my husband, who is also a physician, and we both really enjoy the opportunities the community and region have to offer,” said Dr. Helene Smith, a physician practicing in Quesnel. “It is a great place to raise a family, and we take advantage of all the great outdoor activities as much as we can.”

There are a number of initiatives underway to promote the opportunities in Quesnel. These include highlighting the work and lifestyle available to residents with videos of Dr. Johannes McDonald located on the Northern Health physician recruitment website. Our physician recruitment team will also be attending seven recruitment events nationally and internationally to showcase the opportunities to physicians seeking a change of location, keeping close contact with potential recruits, and working closely with Health Match B.C.

“Professionals in any industry will choose to live in a community that demonstrates active support and appreciation for them,” said Bob Simpson, City of Quesnel Mayor. “As a city we need to actively recruit health professionals by highlighting the benefits of living and working in Quesnel. I ask residents to help in our recruitment efforts by positively promoting Quesnel with friends, acquaintances, and on social media.”

The action plan will be released to the community after reviewing with the committee following the meeting. For more information on physician recruitment within the Northern Health region, visit physicians.northernhealth.ca

Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Society receives $$$

Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:

The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Society has received $129,000 in support thanks to a Community Gaming Grant from the provincial government.

“The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Society is grateful to receive funding to continue and develop programming for youth through the Youth Drop-in Centre,” says Lloyd Garner, the Family Services Manager of the Society. “This funding will assist CFEC in achieving our strategic goal of Strengthening the Quality of Personal, Family and Community life by providing important services to children and families of the South Cariboo.”

“The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Society is a fundamental organization that strengthens the quality of lives of so many individuals,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “This funding will continue to improve the lives and children and families in the 100 Mile House region and help build a healthier, safer and stronger community.”

The grant has been awarded under the Human and Social Services category of the Community Gaming Grant Program, which allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues. Gaming Grants are also awarded in the categories of Arts and Culture, Public Safety, and the Environment.

In the 2012/13 fiscal year, our government distributed a total of $135 million in gaming grants for eligible community programs and services.

Organizations interested in applying for Community Gaming Grants can find full application information at pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming

City of WL/CRD Announces Project Mgr for SKP Project

Joint Release of the City of WL/Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake have awarded a contract for project management for the Sam Ketcham Pool (SKP) Upgrade project. The successful firm is the Tango Management Group from Vancouver, B.C.

A total of seven responses to the project management Request for Proposals were received and the SKP project working group conducted on-site tours and interviews with three short-listed candidates. Tango Management Group and the lead project manager, John Bowser have extensive experience in the construction and renovation of aquatic centres – having been involved in more than 30 similar projects, including recent construction in Cochrane, Coquitlam, and Sechelt. The proposal from Tango was the lowest price of the seven responses received and is within the budget target established for project management services in the overall SKP project budget.

“We were extremely pleased with the quality of the applications we received for this project,” stated CRD Electoral Area F Director Joan Sorley. “The Sam Ketcham Pool Renovations Working Group was impressed with the experience of Tango on similar type projects and we are confident they were the best choice as Project Managers.”

“Being on schedule for the Sam Ketcham Pool renovations is a priority for the Working Group,” said City of Williams Lake Councillor Laurie Walters. “I am delighted that this process is on track, and we are looking forward to moving ahead with the next steps of this important community project.”

Tango will begin work on the project immediately and will help coordinate the Request for Proposals for the architectural design team, which is expected to be released in the next couple weeks.

The Sam Ketcham Pool, located in the West Fraser Aquatic Centre at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex will undergo an extensive renovation upgrade over the next two years. The next step in the project will focus on the procurement of the necessary consultants for development of detailed designs. The drafting of the procurement documents is in progress, as is the collection of all existing background reports and materials.

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 @SKPProject. Project updates will also be posted on the Cariboo Regional District website at cariboord.ca and on the City of Williams Lake site at williamslake.ca.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 30-April 3rd

A number of local governments are meeting next week as follows:

Quesnel - COW/Regular Council on Monday, March 30th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St)

On the Agenda:

Delegations -- Tolko Industries, Quarterly Update & Casey VanDongen re: Development at 960 Chew Rd

Business:

* Discussion on 2015-19 5 Year Financial Plan and Bylaw
* Status of 2014 Surplus
* HandyDART Zone and Fee Schedule

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Ave North, WL).  When available, you can view the Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, March 31st at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

Discussion Items:

*Development Variance Permit Application - DVP 01-2015 - MacPine Developments Ltd. - 18 Woodland Drive

* 2015 Budget

View the full Agenda here

There are two scheduled budget meetings for Wed April 1st/Thurs April 2nd at 6pm - WL City Hall in relation to the 2015 Budget

CRD Policy Committee - March 27th mtg

Present -- Chair J. Massier; Directors Bruce, Forseth and Sorley

Staff -- L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer

Meeting called to order at 3:55pm

Agenda approved/Mins of March 5th meeting approved

Business:

1) The following policies were referred back to Staff for clarification and report back to the Committee:

a) First Nation Correspondence
b) Public Consultation and/or Notification for Regulatory Bylaws

2) That the Alternate Director Policy (91-4-4h) be approved for deletion

Meeting adjourned at 4:18pm

CRD Board - March 27th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond, Vice-Chair T. Armstrong; Directors Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley,Wagner, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer
S. Burich - Mgr of Communications
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services

Meeting called to order at 9:48am

Meeting Agenda approved/March 6th CRD Board meeting minutes adopted

Delegation MOB received

Resolved - That Strategic Planning be moved to May 13th

Planning/Building Inspection/Bylaw Enforcement:

1) Bylaws #4791/4792 (Area G) were adopted
2) DVP #1/2015 (Area L) was approved

3) The Board approved the following in regards to Quesnel/WL Fringe OCP Bylaws, Internal amendments:

a) First, second and third readings given for Cariboo Regional District Official Community Plan (Quesnel Fringe Area) Amendment Bylaw No. 4437, 2008 be rescinded.

b) First, second and third readings given for Cariboo Regional District Official Community Plan (Quesnel Fringe Area) Amendment Bylaw No. 4783, 2012 be rescinded.

c) That the Board authorize new bylaws be brought forward amending the new Quesnel Fringe OCP BL 4844.

d) That the Board authorize the internal OCP amendment for the Williams Lake Fringe OCP be brought to the Board.

e) That the Board authorize that the fees associated with the three new bylaws be waived as per Policy PL4.2.

4) Building Stats for Feb 2015 were received

Environmental Services:

a) Water/Sewer Projects Report was received

b) The Board agreed to advise Northwest Hydraulic Consultants that the Cariboo Regional District has no interest in considering the proposed Cariboo Region Cooperative Maintenance and Enhancement of Agricultural Dams Project

c) The Board appointed Emily Sonntag, Laura Wakelam, and Mitch Minchau as the Cariboo Regional District Weed Control Officers as per Section 2(h) of the Invasive Plant Management Regulation Bylaw

d) The Board received the Refuse Site Inspection Report

e) That the Manager of Development Services and Environmental Services report back on options on dealing with illegal dumping on Crown lands

Community Services:

a) The Board agreed to provide a letter of support to the Interlakes Economic Association for their application to NDIT for their Business Façade Improvement Program by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, and Campsall - 14

Negative - Director M.Wagner - 1

b) The Board approved up to $11,000 to install energy efficient exterior doors at the Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association Clubhouse. Funding to come from the 2015 Community Halls Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund

c) The Board approved up to $6,000 for work to prevent basement flooding and install insulation at the Alice Singleton Heritage House. Funding to come from the 2015 Community Halls Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund

Communications:

a) The Board proclaimed May 17-23, 2015 as National Public Works Week throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin

Finance:

a) The Board ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report for the month of February 2015, in the amount of $568,482.52
b) The Board approved the Audit Engagement Letter for the annual 2014 Audit by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Kemp, Sorley, Wagner, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, and Campsall - 14

Negative - Director S. Forseth - 1

c) The Board authorized the Resolution in regards to the Procurement Card program with the Bank of Montreal

d) Late Item - The Board received a sponsorship request from the Little Britches Rodeo and authorized funds of $50 from each of Areas G, H, L Discretionary Fund for sponsorship of the Rodeo

Administration:

a) The Board authorized a Special Occasion Liquor License for the Watch Lake / Green Lake Community Association to hold a beer garden in conjunction with a Gymkhana, at Bonaparte Road on July 11, 2015 and August 8, 2015

b) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer regarding disqualified candidates for the 2018 Local Government Election

c) The Board received a letter from the Third Crossing Society regarding its promotion of a highway link between northern Vancouver Island and the Central Interior

d) Late Item - The Board received a report of the Executive Assistant concerning the 2015 FCM Conference, waived policy and authorized Directors' Sorley and Wagner to attend with costs to be charged to the Area F and H Director Initiative Fund

e) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of March 27th

f) The Board received 3 Items pertaining to UBCM:

i) Minutes of the 2014 UBCM Convention
ii) UBCM FNTC Report - Feedback requested by April 3rd
iii) Port Moody - Proposed Closure of Burrard Thermal Plant

g) The Board received the Level 1 and 2 Corporate Priorities Reports

Meeting recessed at 10:53am

At 11:02am - the Board convened an In-Camera meeting as per Section 90(1j) of the Community Charter

At 11:32am -- The Board resumed its' public meeting and recessed to CCRHD Board meeting
At 12:45pm - The Board resumed its' meeting

h) The Board received the Prioritization of Board Resolutions Report

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

a) The Board received the March 9th Parcel Tax Review Panel meeting minutes

b) The Board received the March 5th Policy Committee and approved two recommendations:

i) Investment Policy
ii) Procurement Policy

c) The Board received the March 6th Finance/Budget Committee and approved several recommendations as follows:

i) Change to Business Plan - NC HandyDART
ii) Grants for Assistance - Areas G and L
iii) Additional Utility Operator
iv) Emergency Planning Goals for 2015

d) The Board received the Feb 25th CC Rural Caucus meeting minutes

e) The Board received the Feb 25th CC Joint Committee meeting minutes.  Director Forseth declared a conflict of interest on Recommendation #1 from the CC Joint Committee meeting on Feb 25th and left the meeting at 12:58pm The recommendation from that meeting is as follows:

That correspondence from Mark Snowball, President of the Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club, dated February 6, 2015, regarding a grant request, be received. Further, that correspondence be forwarded to the Powder Kings, informing them that the deadline for 2015 Grants For Assistance has passed, and providing them with details regarding the deadline and procedures for submitting an application for the 2016 Grants For Assistance.

Director Forseth returned to the meeting at 1:00pm

The Board also approved Recommendation #2 from the Feb 25th CC Joint Committee as follows:

ii) That a subcommittee be struck to look into the reestablishment of a joint Grants for Assistance process between the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake. Further that the subcommittee be comprised of Councillor Laurie Walters and Director of Financial Services Margaret Stewart from the City of Williams Lake; and Director Steve Forseth and Chief Financial Officer Scott Reid from the Cariboo Regional District.

Late Item - the Board approved a recommendation from the March 25th CC Joint Committee meeting as follows:

That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated March 13, 2015, regarding the Sam Ketcham Pool Project Working Group meeting notes of February 26 and March 11, 2015, be received. Further, that the recommendation from the working group to award the contract for project management services to Tango Management at a value of $185,000 be endorsed and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the necessary agreement. Further, that upon ratification by the CRD, a joint news release regarding the awarding of the contract be prepared and circulated.


f) The Board received the March 9th South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus meeting minutes and approved 1 recommendation from that meeting as follows:

i) That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated February 27, 2015, regarding the letter report from BC Transit for potential transit service to Lone Butte and Forest Grove, be received. Further, that the transit extension not be pursued at this time due to the high cost for the limited service provided.

g) The Board received the March 9th South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting minutes and approved recommendations from that meeting as follows:

i) That the South Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw 4902 be amended such that the charge for a recreation pass for the 2016 season be increased to $200 per household and that the individual rate be discontinued

ii) That a letter be sent to the School District No. 27 Board of Trustees requesting a meeting to discuss the replacement of 100 Mile Elementary School, community access to schools, and shared recreation services. Further, that the Central Cariboo Joint Committee be advised of the meeting request

iii) That a potential framework and cost for a highway rescue service, which would include all of electoral areas G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House be brought forward to the next meeting of the South Cariboo Joint Committee and that options to conduct a feasibility study, at an estimated cost of up to $40,000 to be cost-shared equally between the District of 100 Mile House and the Cariboo Regional District, regarding the potential to enhance functionality of fire protection services in the South Cariboo while respecting the autonomy of individual departments, be brought forward to the next meeting of the South Cariboo Joint Committee

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board adopted the following Bylaws:

a) South Cariboo Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw, Repeal Bylaw No. 4948, 2015
b) Cariboo Regional District 2015 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4951, 2015
c) Rural Refuse Sites Commercial Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4952, 2015

Directors' Requests:

a) At the request of Director Sorley -- The Board agreed to authorize up to $160 from the Area 'F' Director Initiative Fund for the cost of a cake to help celebrate volunteer appreciation in conjunction with a 35th birthday event for the Miocene Community Hall

b) At the request of Director Kemp - The Board agreed to write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation urging them to install a turning lane and street lights at the junction of Highway 97 and Enterprise Road & mention that the 10 year plan should include a turning lane during the four-laning project (Cariboo Connector program - Phase 2)

c) At the request of Director Forseth - The Board agreed to write a letter asking MOTI to consider alternatives to currently used road line paint

d) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board agreed to support the following for the Orange Shirt Committee:

i) Support in principle for an allocation of $1500 as sponsorship for the 2015 activities in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake and Staff report back on funding this item from EA Administration budget

ii) Support-in-principle for a Reconciliation Workshop to be held in Williams Lake as one of the 100 committed to in partnership with UBCM and the Aboriginal Friendship Society of BC

e) The Board received Director Sorley's report from the recent NCLGA Board Meeting on March 13th/14th

f) Late Item - The Board received a report of Director Simpson in regards to the NDIT Beetle Fund

The Board convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1 i, j, k) and 2(b) of the Community Charter at 2:17pm

Directors' reported on their activities in their Electoral Area/Municipality

Resolved - That the following persons be appointed to the Parkland Recreation Commission for a term of one year, on an interim basis, while a strategic review of the North Cariboo Parks and Recreation function takes place:

Paul Mednis
Rhoda Miller
Tara Johima
Lian Wiggins

Resolved - That the following persons be appointed as members of the Kersley Community Association:

Cathy Berlinguette
Donna Campbell
Harold Gillin
Bert Koning
Larry Martens
Vi Martens
Barry McLennan
Kathie Prentice
Terry Sawatsky

The Board adjourned at 3:42pm

CCRHD Board - March 27th mtg

Present: Chair J. Massier and Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer
K.Moores - Mgr of Development Services
S. Reid - CFO
S. Burich - Mgr of Communications

Meeting called to order at 9:35am
Meeting Agenda approved and the Feb 18th meeting minutes of the CCRHD Board adopted

Business:

1) The Board adopted the Investment Policy as recommended by the CRD Policy/Procedures Committee

2) The Board adopted Bylaw 51(1) - Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Memorial Hospital – General Radiology Room Renovation) Amendment

3) The Board adopted Bylaw 103 - 2015 Budget for Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District

4) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar

5) The Board received a letter from Interior Health in regards to including a study on the feasibility of a rooftop helipad at the site, within the existing funding approved under Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Cariboo Memorial Hospital Inpatient Unit Addition – Concept Plan Development) Bylaw No. 86, 2013 and approved the request of Interior Health

6) The Board approved the Audit Engagement Letter for 2014 - CCRHD by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner,William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, and Campsall - 14

Negative - Director S. Forseth - 1

Meeting recessed at 9:48am
Meeting resumed at 11:33am

Delegation:

Susan Paulsen, Healthcare Recruitment Coordinator, from the Quesnel Community and Economic Corporation, appeared before the Board to provide an update on Recruitment and Retention activities in Quesnel.

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Meeting adjourned at 11:57am

CRHD Board - Mar 27th mtg

Present: Chair J. Massier and Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services

Meeting called to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda approved and Mins of the CRHD Board Meeting on Jan 23rd, 2015 were approved

Business:

1) The Board adopted the CRHD 2015 Budget Bylaw

2) The Board received a letter from the Ministry of Health in regards to the dissolution of the Cariboo Regional Hospital District

3) The Board approved the Audit Engagement Letter in regards to the annual 2014 Audit for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, and Campsall - 14

Negative - Director S. Forseth - 1

Meeting adjourned at 9:35am

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Al Richmond Vice-Chair of MFA Board of Trustees

At the Municipal Finance Authority's Annual General Meeting - Cariboo RD Chair Al Richmond was named Vice-Chair of MFA's Board of Trustees while Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie was named as Chair.  Other named to the Board as Directors include:

Ron Toyota - Mayor of Creston
Sharon Gaetz - Mayor of Chilliwack/Chair of the Fraser Valley RD Board
Greg Moore - Mayor of Port Coquitlam/Chair of Metro Vancouver Board
Derek Corrigan - Mayor of Burnaby
Richard Walton - Mayor - District of North Vancouver
Susan Brice - Councillor, District of Saanich
Rob Gay - East Kootenay Area 'C' Director/Chair of the East Kootenay RD Board
Rob Stanhope - Director, Area 'G', Nanaimo RD/Chair of the Nanaimo RD Board

It should be noted that in addition to his duties as Chair of the Cariboo Regional District Board and MFA Board of Trustees Vice-Chair, Al Richmond is slated later this year to become President of the Union of BC Municipalities which is a 1 year term position

~SF

Prelim. Electoral Boundaries Commission Report released

Today - the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission consisting of:

* Mr. Justice Thomas Melnick, Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (Chair);
* Beverley Busson, O.B.C., former Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
* Keith Archer, Ph.D., Chief Electoral Officer for the Province of British Columbia

released their preliminary report for the Province's Electoral Map.  The Commission proposes changes to 49 of the Province's 85 Electoral Districts.  In addition, they propose that 2 new Electoral Districts be added in Surrey and Richmond.  Read the full report here

Meanwhile - in Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin, no major changes although Sugarcane and 150 Mile House and all of Williams Lake will now be including in Cariboo-Chilcotin, rather than Cariboo-North.  The remainder of Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin will remain the same as it exists today

Public input can be received on this report at info@bc-ebc.ca or phone 1-800-661-8683.  Public hearings will be held in April/May with a deadline to provide input being midnight on May 26, 2015.  The final report will be released on September 25th, 2015

~SF

CRD Policy Committee meets Friday afternoon

After the Cariboo RD Board meeting adjourns Friday afternoon - the Policy Committee of the CRD will meet to consider the following policy items:

a) Letters to First Nations
b) Public Consultation and/or Notification for Regulatory Bylaws
c) Alternate Directors

CRD Directors John Massier (Chair), Jerry Bruce, Joan Sorley and myself comprise the Committee

Meeting Agenda may be viewed here

~SF

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

CC Joint Committee - March 25th mtg

Present from City of WL: Mayor W. Cobb (Co-Chair) and Councillors Bonnell, Ryll, and Smith

Present from Cariboo RD:  Directors J. Sorley (Co-Chair), S. Forseth, B. Kemp; B. Anderson

Meeting chaired by Director J. Sorley

Staff:

Darrell Garceau - City Manager, City of WL
Lori Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer, CRD
Darron Campbell - Mgr of Community Services, CRD
T. Grady - Supervisor of Solid Waste Management, CRD
M. Minchau - Mgr of Environmental Services, CRD

Meeting called to order at 5:10pm

The Chair noted the meeting was taking place on Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved and minutes of the Feb 25th CC Joint Committee meeting approved

Business:

1) 2015 CCACS Grant Program Recommendations

Dr. Graham Kelsey/Leah Selk on behalf of the CCACS reviewed this item with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the recommendations for the CCACS Grant Program be endorsed

2) Pool Upgrade Project, Working Group Mtg Notes of Feb 26th and March 11th

The Mgr of Community Services reviewed the Meeting Notes with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the recommendation from the working group to award the contract for project management services to Tango Management at a value of $185,000 be endorsed and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the necessary agreement and that a Joint Press Release (CRD/City of WL) be issued announcing the Project Manager for the Sam Ketchum Pool project

3) CC Transfer Station Fees/Charges Re-structure

The Supervisor of Solid Waste Management reviewed her report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That Bylaw No. 4950 (Central Cariboo Landfill Transfer Station Fees/Charges) be forwarded to the Cariboo Regional District Board for adoption.

The Committee then went into an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1j - Information prohibited for disclosure as per Section 21 of the FOIPPA Act) of the Community Charter at 6:25pm

The Committee then resumed its public meeting and adjourned at 7:00pm

CC Rural Caucus - March 25th mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors J. Sorley, B. Kemp and B. Anderson

Staff: L. Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer

Meeting called to order at 4pm

Meeting Agenda approved and minutes of the Feb 25th CC Rural Caucus adopted

Delegation:

a) Staff-Sgt Del Byron, from the Williams Lake RCMP, appeared before the Committee to discuss rural crime issues

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Forseth, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Staff-Sgt Byron for his time/information

Business:

1) The Committee received a letter from Alexis Creek First Nations Rodeo regarding sponsorship opportunities for their rodeo events on August 15th/16th

2) The Committee then discussed the following:

a) Update on SD #27 Community Use of Facilities Policy

3) The Committee received the Action Page as of March 25th

Meeting adjourned at 4:54pm

New Societies Act

Courtesy of the BC Government:

A modern and updated Societies Act will allow not-for-profit organizations to operate more effectively and efficiently, while at the same time protecting the public interest, Minister of Finance Michael de Jong announced today.

Bill 24, the Societies Act, was introduced in the legislature today. The statute provides rules for the creation and governance of not-for-profit organizations in B.C.

The new Societies Act distinguishes between publicly funded societies and member-funded societies. Publicly funded societies, such as charities or others that receive significant public funding, will be subject to several new accountability measures. These include requiring that the majority of board directors not be employees or contractors of the society and that directors’ compensation be publicly disclosed.

Member-funded societies, such as sports clubs and professional organizations, will be exempt from these requirements.

The new act adopts specific corporate governance procedures from the Business Corporations Act, but generally provides societies with the flexibility to create governance bylaws based on their unique characteristics and the needs of the communities they serve.

As well, societies will be able to file documents electronically with the corporate registry.

The introduction of the new act follows two rounds of consultations with stakeholders and members of the public, during which the Province received more than 200 unique submissions. The input gathered from the consultation process allowed the Province to reflect and accommodate the diverse nature of the not-for-profit sector in B.C.

Subject to the approval of the legislature, the government expects the new act will come into force approximately 18 months after royal assent.

BC's Finance Minister, the Hon. Mike de Jong said:

“The new Societies Act provides not-for-profit organizations with greater flexibility in their internal governance, while enhancing accountability and transparency among publicly funded and charitable societies. We received valuable input and feedback during the consultation process, which has been incorporated into the final bill.”

Quick Facts:

There are more than 27,000 societies in B.C., ranging from small community-based organizations to large charitable organizations.

The current Society Act, which this bill replaces, was enacted in 1977.

The Province has carried out two rounds of consultation with stakeholders and the public. Responses to a discussion paper circulated in 2011 informed the drafting of a white paper in 2014.

The proposed Societies Act can be viewed on the BC Legislative Assembly website here

Ecosystem Restoration Burn at Churn Creek

Courtesy of the BC Ministry of Environment:

The Ministry of Environment advises that a series of ecosystem restoration burns is planned for the Churn Creek Protected Area from March 25 to April 17, 2015, weather permitting.

About 250 hectares will be treated in the Coal Pit and Empire Valley areas of the Churn Creek Protected Area over the course of three different prescribed burns. These low-intensity fires will be managed by BC Parks and will be conducted with the assistance of Wildfire Management Branch crews from the Cariboo Fire Centre.

These projects are intended to enhance wildlife habitat and improve forage for mule deer and bighorn sheep. The proactive use of fire also will reduce the amount of sagebrush in the area and help prevent the encroachment of fir trees on open grasslands.

BC Parks is conducting this project as part of its ongoing grassland restoration efforts. The ecological integrity of the Churn Creek area has declined since European settlement, partly due to the suppression of naturally occurring wildfires. Using aerial photos from the early 1950s, BC Parks staff have drawn up a 50-year plan to reintroduce controlled burning in the Churn Creek Protected Area.

Fire is a natural process in many of British Columbia’s ecosystems and many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties. The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled to meet management objectives for fire-maintained ecosystems.

Each fire will be carefully monitored by trained Wildfire Management Branch personnel at all times. The fire crew supervisor (the “burn boss”) is responsible for ensuring that initial burning and wind conditions are favourable and that the fire is fully extinguished once the prescribed burning is completed.

All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation, helping to minimize the amount of smoke generated

Quesnel COW/Council Session - March 23rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Barkerville Brewing Company
Council supported an application from the Barkerville Brewing Company for a Brewery Lounge Endorsement as part of the Liquor Licence and Review process. Community input was sought and there were no objections received. If approved by the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch, this lounge application will allow the microbrewery to serve single serve portions (by the glass or bottle) in their existing retail and tasting room location. The hours of liquor service requested are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days per week.

Transit partnership renewed
Council approved entering into a Community Transit Partnership Agreement with Nazko First Nation for a term of one-year effective April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 with an option to renew for an additional year. 
This service is provided on a full cost recovery basis for the City.

Creek clean-up is on the way
Council approved providing assistance to the Baker Creek Enhancement Society with their clean-up initiatives for up to two trucks over two days to haul away materials extracted from creeks. The Society has been coordinating clean-up initiatives in the City’s waterways for over 20 years.

More bylaw and policy updates
Council gave the first three readings to amend four more bylaws and revision to one policy. The recommendation came from the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee (PABCOM) who meet twice a month to review and update the City’s policies and bylaws. Although the PABCOM is new this term, the process has been ongoing for years. The public is welcome to attend these meetings as well.
General amendments were made to the Noise Control Bylaw No. 1093, Soil Removal and Deposit Permit Bylaw No. 1260, Interest on Advance Payment of Taxes Bylaw No. 1269, and Sidewalk Food Vendors Bylaw No. 1299, and Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI) Bylaw No. 1320 to bring them current with regulations and the Community Charter.
The revision was made to the Half Masting of City Flags Policy CCR-14 to clarify when and why the City’s flag will be flown at half mast.

New location for Show and Shine
On the recommendation from the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee, Council allowed the Prospectors Car Club to use Lebourdais Park for their Annual Show and Shine on a one-year trial basis subject to several conditions. Staff was directed to work with the Prospectors Car Club on the logistics of the event.

City updates Emergency Plan
An updated version of the City’s Emergency Plan and Recovery Plan was presented to Council in the Committee of the Whole Session. The Director of Emergency Services reviewed the Plan with Council and further introduced an amended bylaw to reflect the changes made in the Plan. The previous Plan and Bylaw were adopted in 2005.

Adding accessibility to the OCP
Council approved a recommendation from the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee to add accessibility requirements into Commercial/Multi-Family Development Permit Areas during the next revision of the Official Community Plan to ensure best practices are utilized in new developments.
Other news
Andrea Lee was officially appointed to the Museum and Heritage Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2016. There is currently room on the Commission for two more members.
Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg will remain in her position as North Central Local Government Association’s First Vice-President for the 2015-2016 year to facilitate an easier transition. 

Important dates
May 8 - Mental Health Awareness Week (Spirit Square)
August 21-23 - Annual Show and Shine (Lebourdais Park)

ProclamationsAPRIL - Autism Awareness Month and APRIL 2 - Autism Awareness Day (walk on Apr. 2, 7:00 p.m. starting at Ceal Tingley Park)

NEXT MEETINGS:Monday Mar. 30 @ 7 p.m.
Regular Meeting/Committee of the Whole Session

ADDITIONAL MEETING:
Tuesday, Apr. 7 @ 6:15 p.m.
Special Open Meeting of Council to discuss Strategic Planning, 
Vision-Mission-Values Statement,
and the 2015-2018 Corporate Strategic Plan
Tuesday, Apr. 14 @ 5:30 p.m.North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting

Monday Apr. 20 @ 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Session

Find your Fit in Williams Lake

Tomorrow (Thurs March 26th) - the Work BC "Find your Fit" tour arrives in Williams Lake at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex from 3-7pm in the Gibraltar Room.  No charge to attend

You can find out more details about the Find Your Fit tour here

~SF

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

WL Council Highlights - Mar 24th mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Smith and Walters

Staff:

D. Garceau - City Manager
C. Bouchard - Mgr of Legislative Services
C. Hutton - Planner

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Cobb noted that the meeting was being held on traditional Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved and Mins of the March 10th mtg of Council adopted

Delegation:

1) Joan Sorley/Phyllis Webstad from the Orange Shirt Committee appeared before Council give an update on the Committee's activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked the delegation for their time/information

2) Joyce Norberg - Former President & Bonnie O'Neill, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #139 re Upcoming Communities for Veterans Foundation Fundraiser, Late Item #1 on Council Agenda

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Resolved - That the request of $1,500 to support the activities of Orange Shirt Committee be referred to the budget process.  Further, Support-in-principle be approved for a Reconciliation Workshop in Williams Lake in partnership with UBCM

Business:

1) Council received the accounts payable computer cheque listings for the periods ending March 12 and 19, 2015

Councillor J. Ryll declared a perceived conflict of interest at 6:37pm and left Council Chambers

2) Council agreed to enter into a Fee for Service Agreement with the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce for a 2-year term, effective January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, in the amount of $125,000 per year and a Tourism Discovery Centre Advisory Committee be formed, Councillor Ivan Bonnell be appointed as Council liaison, Councillor Sue Zacharias be appointed as alternate and the City Manager or alternate be appointed as Staff representative for the City, and a draft Terms of Reference be brought back to the Community Services Committee for review.

Amendment - Strike $110,000 for $125,000.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb and Councillors Nelson & Smith
Negative - Councillors L. Walters and I. Bonnell

Main Motion, as Amended - Carried Unanimously

Councillor J. Ryll returned to the meeting at 6:57pm

3) Council rescinded 2nd Reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2226 as given on February 24, 2015 by Council Resolution #65/15; and 2nd Reading was given to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2226 as amended, and a Public Hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers

4) Council awarded the two-year contract for janitorial services at City Hall, the Fire Hall and the Worksyard for the bid price of $78,381 and $25 per hour for the Tourist Discovery Centre, excluding applicable taxes, to Pact Commercial & Specialty Cleaning Ltd.

5) Council gave 1st and 2nd Reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2231 (Red Tomato Pies - 440 Proctor St); Staff were directed to issue notice of the application to surrounding property owners and tenants within a 100 metre radius of the subject property and a Public Hearing was set for April 28, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers

6) Council gave 2nd Reading to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2229 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 223 as amended (18 Woodland Dr); Public Hearing was set for April 14, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall

7) Council adopted Bylaws #2225 (664 Oliver St - Sandman Inn) and #2228 (222 Woodland Drive)

8) Council agreed to refer the RCMP "Final Confirmation Letter" to the 2015 Budget Process

9) Council gave approval for the 21st Annual Spring Round-Up Show and Shine (Lakers' Car Club) on Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Third Avenue between Oliver Street and Proctor Street and Borland Street between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue

10) Council agreed to endorse the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake's proposed mural project in Boitanio Park, on the stage of the Gwen Ringwood Theatre, for Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2015

11) Council agreed to endorse Councillor Laurie Walters' nomination to the NCLGA Executive Board for the 2015/2016 term.

12) Council received In-Camera Report #5-2015 re: Appointments to the Heritage Advisory Committee & Accessibility Advisory Committee

13) Late Item #1 - Council gave approval for the Communities for Veterans Foundation's 'Ride Across Canada' event taking place on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 12:30 PM

14) Late Item #2 - Council proclaimed the month of April 2015 - "National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month" in the City of WL

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

• March 6, 2015 - CRD Board Highlights;
• March 9, 2015 - City of Port Moody Resolution to LMLGA & UBCM re Proposed Closure of Burrard Thermal Plant;
• March 17, 2015 - Canada Post Letters to Residents re Locations of Community Mailboxes;
• March 19, 2015 - 'Leaving a Legacy' Free Seminar at Seniors Activity Centre.

Members of Council gave oral reports on their recent activities

Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to Xeni Gwet'in Chief Roger William congratulating him on his honorary degree from the University of Northern BC

Meeting adjourned at 7:41pm

Monday, March 23, 2015

Upcoming Mtg re: Bill C-51

The local Chapter of the Council of Canadians has provided me the following on an upcoming meeting in regards to Bill C-51 (proposed Anti-Terror Law)

                                                              Public meeting:

Federal government’s anti-terror legislation – a threat to the rights of all Canadians?

The Council of Canadians, Williams Lake Chapter, is hosting a public meeting to discuss the new anti-terror legislation as proposed by the federal government. Many feel this new “anti-terror” legislation could endanger the rights and security of all Canadians, and criminalize dissent.

To discuss this important issue, a public meeting is being organized March 31, at 7 pm at St. Peter's Anglican Church. Author and columnist Peter Ewart from Prince George, spokesman for the Stand Up for the North Committee, will be the main speaker.

The proposed legislation, Bill C-51, casts an extremely wide net and could potentially be used against workers on strike, environmental campaigns, First Nations protests, people involved in civil disobedience, or even activities such as BC’s recent anti-HST campaign. The legislation is so broad it could be directed against practically anyone or any group opposed to federal government policies, including opposition parties. It also includes measures that curtail freedom of speech and allow CSIS, with open-ended judicial warrants, to break Canadian law, violate the Charter of Rights & Freedoms, and invade  the privacy of citizens and organizations.

Many prominent Canadians have spoken out against this legislation, calling it dangerous, excessive and dictatorial, as well as alien to the legal norms of the country. Besides the NDP and Green parties in Parliament, critics include six former Supreme Court justices, as well as dozens of other legal experts, law professors, media pundits, and even four former Prime Ministers. Premier Christy Clark has questioned how the legislation will balance security and freedoms.

Considering that it has serious implications for the rights of all Canadians, it is important that people have the opportunity to fully discuss and deliberate on this controversial legislation. For this reason, the Council of Canadians and the Stand Up for the North Committee is organizing this public meeting and warmly invites everyone in the community to come out and participate in the discussion.

Time: 7pm, Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Place: St. Peter's Anglican Church Hall, 549 Carson Drive, Williams Lake
Main speaker: Peter Ewart, Stand Up for the North Committee
Organized by Stand Up For the North Committee
Sponsored by Williams Lake Chapter, Council of Canadians

Analysis of Bill C-51 can be viewed here while you can view proposed Bill C-51 here

AG for Local Gov't dismissed

Courtesy of the BC Government - Minister Coralee Oakes:

“Under the Auditor General for Local Government Act, I am required, as the Minister responsible, to seek the Audit Council’s recommendation regarding the removal of the auditor general for local government. Pursuant to its mandate under the Act, the Audit Council considered my request and subsequently issued a recommendation and resolution to remove the auditor general for local government.

“The Auditor General for Local Government’s obstruction of an intended review of her office has created an intolerable situation that compounds the unstable work environment and lack of performance from that office.

“I believe removing the Auditor General (for Local Government) is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the office.

“Accordingly, I have therefore recommended to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that the Auditor’s appointment be rescinded.

“The Audit Council will be recommending a qualified person to be appointed as acting auditor general for local government, pursuant to the act, for government’s consideration.”

Audio Statement from Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Hon. Coralee Oakes:



Stephen Garrett at WL Library

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District Library announced today, that author Stephen Garrett will be visiting the Williams Lake Branch Library on Thursday, March 26 from 3-5 p.m.

In his latest book, When Death Speaks, Garrett encourages you to take a new approach to death and helps you navigate the emotional details around the loss of a loved one. He combines a unique blend of spirituality, practicality, humour, and common sense in his method to serving individuals, families and groups as they walk the mysterious path of dying, death and loss.

Garrett holds a Masters Degree in Leadership and Training, as well as diplomas in mediation, conflict resolution, negotiation and communication. He has published a total of three books including, Men Read This, Monks Without A Church, and When Death Speaks.

The CRD’s Williams Lake Branch Library is located at Suite A, 180 N. Third Avenue. For further information about this author reading, or other library events visit the website at cln.ca or call 250-392-3630.

Temp Rd Closure - City of Quesnel

From the City of Quesnel Website:

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Please be advised that the City of Quesnel will be clearing trees and prepping the roadway along Evans and Hoy Streets on Monday, March 23, 2015. Their work will begin near Evans/Elliot and move toward Hoy/English. The access to Evans from Elliot Street will be blocked for the morning hours (approx. 8:00 am -12:00). Access to Hoy via English Ave will be blocked during the afternoon (approx.. 12:30-4:30). Baker Drive is the suggested alternate route.  Detour signs will be in place. 
If you have any questions, please call the Public Works department at (250) 992-6330.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Nominations for Accessibility Award of Merit Now Open

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee would like to encourage community members to nominate individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant contribution to improve accessibility within the City of Williams Lake for the prestigious Annual Accessibility Award of Merit.
The City of Williams Lake believes that public awareness about physical and attitudinal barriers will help improve the quality of life for all disabled persons, giving them the opportunity to participate in all aspects of community life. This has been written into the City’s Official Community Plan.
The Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee’s Mission is to remove physical and social barriers which impede the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
Eligibility Criteria and Nomination Criteria:
? The nominee has demonstrated a commitment to increase accessibility above and beyond what is required by law or regulation. 
? The nominee has improved accessibility for persons with one or more of the following types of disability: mobility, agility, hearing, seeing, speaking and mental. 
? The business or group being nominated must be located within the boundaries of the City of Williams Lake and provide a service for the people of William Lake and others. 
? Businesses or groups may be nominated by any citizen or group who should provide strong evidence in support of their nominee’s commitments and contribution to improving accessibility. 
? Any citizen or group wishing to re-submit or re-nominate an individual, group or business who was, or was not, selected for an Award in a previous year may do so by completing a new nomination form and providing up-to-date information in support of that nomination.
Access Awareness Award Criteria:
An award will be considered for achievements in the following areas;
1. Employing people with disabilities whenever possible.
2. Providing adequate Handicapped Parking spaces close to the main entrance to business.
3. Providing automatic door openers on heavy entrance doors and washrooms. Provide good lighting at any steps or entrance ways. Paint yellow or white strips marking the edge of any steps or lips in the flooring.
4. Provide appropriate ramps for wheelchair and stroller users for any indoor or outdoor areas. Wheelchair accessible doors must be a minimum of 36 inches wide. 
5. Provide a wheelchair accessible washroom with easily opened doors.
6. Provide Braille lettering at any signs for customers to read.
7. Provide sufficient handrails beside steps in the interior and exterior of building.
8. Provide wheelchair height counters at checkouts and reception desks. Provide extra width between aisles and at the ends of aisles to allow for easier turning.
9. Provide a rest area with two armchairs or a bench with arms at each end.
10. Provide snow and ice clearing in front of business.
Nomination forms are available at www.williamslake.ca or the attached nomination form can be completed and forwarded to the Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee: 
Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee
c/o Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
525 Proctor Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4J1
Email: smiranda@williamslake.ca
Fax: 250.398.7884
Examples that meet nomination criteria:
? Accessibility of built environment – parking, indoor and outdoor, lack of physical barriers, accessible playgrounds, walkways, paths, ramps, wheelchair accessible washrooms, sufficient hand rails, wheelchair height counters, snow removal, etc.
? Housing Initiatives – new low cost housing that accommodates people with disabilities or visitable housing
? Service, Staffing and Employment opportunities
? Transportation 
? Health and Wellness
? Inclusion of People with Disabilities 
? Innovative New Idea or Activity or Product
Evaluation Criteria:
? A subcommittee which consists of three members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and a CWL staff member who has not submitted one of the current nominations will be chosen at the first Accessibility Committee meeting in March each year.
? Once the Award of Merit nominations close one of the members of the sub-committee will schedule visits to the businesses, organizations or meet with individual nominees. 
? The subcommittee will visit the nominees together, discuss features and each member will complete a score sheet with numerical and anecdotal notes on each nominee.
? The four members will meet following the visits to discuss their score sheets and tally the numbers. The tally of all scores sheets will determine the Award of Merit winner. This data will be taken by the staff rep to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for final endorsement.

Recognition Process:
Application deadline is April 24, 2015. Awards will be announced during Access Awareness Day on Saturday June 6, 2015.
Additional Info...