Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
Residents are encouraged to send their letters of support for the Mt. Polley Mine permitting process. Letters have been requested to be in by Monday, May 4th.
Addresses for the letters:
MtPolleyMinePermit@gov.bc.ca
inquiries@imperialmetals.com
Editor's Note:
Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, in addressing today's Williams Lake/District Chamber of Commerce meeting, said that of the roughly 100 letters of support for a Mt Polley partial re-start, half had come from "out of province or from environmental groups" so he strongly encouraged the business community and locals to submit their own letter of support prior to the deadline
Thursday, April 30, 2015
"Exploitation of the North"
Update - more on this story here
Today (April 30th) is the self-imposed deadline by Victoria to come to an agreement with the muncipalities of Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St John, Pouce Coupe and the Peace River Regional District over an agreement called "Fair Share" which essentially says in exchange for not imposing industrial property taxes on properties owned by the oil/gas sector, the Province will give a "Grant in Lieu of Taxes" to recognize the impact that the Oil/Gas sector has on the local governments in the Northeast part of BC, given that the oil/gas sector operates outside the muncipalities/Peace River RD but yet has impacts on these local governments
Today (April 30th) is the self-imposed deadline by Victoria to come to an agreement with the muncipalities of Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St John, Pouce Coupe and the Peace River Regional District over an agreement called "Fair Share" which essentially says in exchange for not imposing industrial property taxes on properties owned by the oil/gas sector, the Province will give a "Grant in Lieu of Taxes" to recognize the impact that the Oil/Gas sector has on the local governments in the Northeast part of BC, given that the oil/gas sector operates outside the muncipalities/Peace River RD but yet has impacts on these local governments
The Fair Share agreement has been in place since the mid-90's and the last agreement was signed in 2011 and was good until 2020. More details here. In fact, this unique arrangement has been so successful, both the City of Prince George & Cariboo RD/City of Williams Lake had been looking at a similar arrangement in these two areas in recent years
However, earlier this year, the Province served notice to Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St John, Pouce Coupe and the Peace River Regional District that it wished to re-open negotiations for a new Fair Share agreement to 2030 as the current agreement was one that the Province could no longer afford, given the current state of the oil/gas sector.
Unfortunately - this has caused the Northeast local governments' to split into two camps:
Camp 1 - Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Pouce Coupe and the Peace River Regional District
Camp 2 - Fort St John and Taylor
In fact, Fort St John Mayor Lori Ackerman has gone so far as to call the Province's actions "The exploitation of the North has begun" and "Fort St John/Taylor will be plunged into despair"
I, and suspect many local governments in the North, will be watching this story very closely
CBC Daybreak North looks at this matter. Audio story below:
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
SILGA Convention starts today
The Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) AGM/Convention starts in earnest today however registration commenced yesterday along with a golf tournament and a SILGA Executive Meeting. SILGA represents 9 cities, 10 Districts, 6 Regional Districts, 4 Towns, 7 Villages, along with the Sun Peaks Resort Municipality in its' representation area
On the next two days - SILGA Delegates will discuss Resolutions covering a variety of topics and hear from a variety of speakers. In addition, SILGA Delegates will participate in a variety of different forums. The SILGA Convention/AGM will end on Friday at noon
View the SILGA AGM/Convention website here while watch outgoing SILGA President (and Kamloops Councillor) Marg Spina talk about the upcoming SILGA Convention here
For those from 100 Mile House to the BC/Yukon border - the North Central Local Government Association AGM/Convention takes place next Wednesday to Friday in Prince George and I'm very much looking forward to attending my 1st NCLGA Convention and reporting back on my activities at the NCLGA Convention upon my return from Prince George next weekend...
~SF
On the next two days - SILGA Delegates will discuss Resolutions covering a variety of topics and hear from a variety of speakers. In addition, SILGA Delegates will participate in a variety of different forums. The SILGA Convention/AGM will end on Friday at noon
View the SILGA AGM/Convention website here while watch outgoing SILGA President (and Kamloops Councillor) Marg Spina talk about the upcoming SILGA Convention here
For those from 100 Mile House to the BC/Yukon border - the North Central Local Government Association AGM/Convention takes place next Wednesday to Friday in Prince George and I'm very much looking forward to attending my 1st NCLGA Convention and reporting back on my activities at the NCLGA Convention upon my return from Prince George next weekend...
~SF
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Wildwood Community Safety Mtg
Earlier this evening from 7-8pm, I hosted a meeting to discuss local community safety in Wildwood at the Wildwood Fire Hall. About 15 people came out to discuss their community safety concerns with myself as the Cariboo Regional District Area 'D' Director along with Dave Dickson (City of WL Safer Communities Coordinator), RCMP Staff-Sgt Del Byron (Acting Detachment Commander) and Bobby Sunner
After reviewing crime statistics for Wildwood - a general crime safety discussion ensued including a discussion about a neighbourhood watch program
In addition - Wildwood VFD Chief Randy Worsley gave a quick 3 minute talk on the new Emergency Notification System that is launching next Tuesday. Go to your local government website to register for the new notification system
I want to publicly thank Mssrs Sunner/Dickson and Staff-Sgt Del Byron for coming out and having a two-way conversation about making Wildwood a much safer community for the local residents'
~SF
After reviewing crime statistics for Wildwood - a general crime safety discussion ensued including a discussion about a neighbourhood watch program
In addition - Wildwood VFD Chief Randy Worsley gave a quick 3 minute talk on the new Emergency Notification System that is launching next Tuesday. Go to your local government website to register for the new notification system
I want to publicly thank Mssrs Sunner/Dickson and Staff-Sgt Del Byron for coming out and having a two-way conversation about making Wildwood a much safer community for the local residents'
~SF
BC Arts Council approves grants for Cariboo North
Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:
Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes congratulated a key local arts and culture organization that applied successfully for recent BC Arts Council funding.
The BC Arts Council grant approved for Cariboo North between Feb. 1 and Mar. 31, 2015 is $19,000 for the Island Mountain Arts Society.
“The Island Mountain Arts Society has promoted art appreciation in the community of Wells for over 35 years,” says MLA Coralee Oakes, who is also the cabinet minister responsible for arts and culture in the Province of British Columbia. “The Songs, Circus and Action project gives youth the opportunity to learn about three unique art forms, introducing them to new avenues for creativity.”
The Island Mountain Arts Society is a non-profit organization based in the community of Wells. The society serves to stimulate and enhance artistic, cultural, and economic development through the arts, by offering workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, and supporting the ArtsWells festival.
The grant will support the Songs, Circus, and Action project, which consists of the three workshops for youth focused on song writing, circus acts, and filmmaking.
The funding comes from a record-high $24 million BC Arts Council received from the Government of British Columbia to support artists, arts activities and culture in 2014-15.
As B.C.’s lead agency for arts funding and development, council enlists the expertise of British Columbia’s artists to evaluate grant applications through a peer review process independent of government.
Update on Deep Creek Slide event
The Ministry of Transportation has posted an update on the Deep Creek slide on West Fraser Rd near Quesnel.
View the update here
~SF
View the update here
~SF
Day of Mourning Event in Williams Lake
On April 28th, 1991 - the Federal Government officially proclaimed a Day of Mourning, a day to remember those who died on the job
You can view some facts on the Day of Mourning here
Earlier today - I had the honour to represent the Cariboo Regional District at the Day of Mourning event in Williams Lake. The Williams Lake Tribune covers the story here
~SF
You can view some facts on the Day of Mourning here
Earlier today - I had the honour to represent the Cariboo Regional District at the Day of Mourning event in Williams Lake. The Williams Lake Tribune covers the story here
~SF
Ottawa supports Aboriginal skills development
Courtesy of Cariboo-PG MP Dick Harris:
Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today announced more than $2.1 million to provide Aboriginal people with training and work experience, including in the skilled trades.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre Society (CCATEC) will distribute funding to organizations in the Cariboo–Chilcotin area to provide essential and job skills training to over 450 Aboriginal people in 15 Aboriginal communities, as well as in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. Working in partnership with other levels of government, the private sector, educational and training institutions, and community organizations, CCATEC will deliver programs that respond to the needs of Aboriginal people in these communities, such as training in the skilled trades and early childhood education.
This funding is being provided as part of a one-year extension of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Society (ASETS). Employment and Social Development Canada is currently exploring options to renew and improve Aboriginal labour market programming post-2016.
Quick Facts
· ASETS links training to labour market demand. It supports over 80 Aboriginal organizations throughout Canada in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the job market.
· Aboriginal youth are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, and require support to help them fully realize their potential and meaningfully participate in Canada’s economy.
Since 2010, ASETS has helped over 73,000 Aboriginal people find a job and over 35,000 return to school.
Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George said:
“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Through our partnership with Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre Society, we are helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to secure meaningful employment and build better futures for themselves and their families.”
Associated Links
Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today announced more than $2.1 million to provide Aboriginal people with training and work experience, including in the skilled trades.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre Society (CCATEC) will distribute funding to organizations in the Cariboo–Chilcotin area to provide essential and job skills training to over 450 Aboriginal people in 15 Aboriginal communities, as well as in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. Working in partnership with other levels of government, the private sector, educational and training institutions, and community organizations, CCATEC will deliver programs that respond to the needs of Aboriginal people in these communities, such as training in the skilled trades and early childhood education.
This funding is being provided as part of a one-year extension of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Society (ASETS). Employment and Social Development Canada is currently exploring options to renew and improve Aboriginal labour market programming post-2016.
Quick Facts
· ASETS links training to labour market demand. It supports over 80 Aboriginal organizations throughout Canada in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the job market.
· Aboriginal youth are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, and require support to help them fully realize their potential and meaningfully participate in Canada’s economy.
Since 2010, ASETS has helped over 73,000 Aboriginal people find a job and over 35,000 return to school.
Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George said:
“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Through our partnership with Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre Society, we are helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to secure meaningful employment and build better futures for themselves and their families.”
Associated Links
Bob Simpson: Disagreements welcomed!
Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson talked to CBC Daybreak North earlier today about a new Communications Policy Statement of Quesnel Council.
This policy statement was first presented at a special meeting of Quesnel Council on April 7th and no member of Quesnel Council opposed it at that meeting and was presented at yesterday's Quesnel Council meeting for formal endorsement. Read the statement here
Listen to the Daybreak North interview below:
This policy statement was first presented at a special meeting of Quesnel Council on April 7th and no member of Quesnel Council opposed it at that meeting and was presented at yesterday's Quesnel Council meeting for formal endorsement. Read the statement here
Listen to the Daybreak North interview below:
Don't Park in front of Fire Hydrants
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
Residents are reminded that both the Motor Vehicle Act and Williams Lake Traffic Bylaw prohibit parking within 5 metres of a fire hydrant, measured from a point in the curb or edge of the roadway that is closest to the fire hydrant.
Bylaw Services will tow vehicles parked within five (5) metres of a hydrant.
Bylaw Services will tow vehicles parked within five (5) metres of a hydrant.
Monday, April 27, 2015
First Nations' Community Mtg on Mt Polley Re-Start Application
Last Thursday at Sugarcane - Imperial Metals' presented their case to local First Nations' to allow a partial re-start of Mt Polley. Read more here
At this point - there are no more scheduled public meetings. Comments on Imperial Metals' application are due on Saturday, May 2nd. Emails can be sent to:
BC Government -- MtPolleyMinePermit@gov.bc.ca
Imperial Metals -- inquiries@imperialmetals.com
At this point - there are no more scheduled public meetings. Comments on Imperial Metals' application are due on Saturday, May 2nd. Emails can be sent to:
BC Government -- MtPolleyMinePermit@gov.bc.ca
Imperial Metals -- inquiries@imperialmetals.com
Friday, April 24, 2015
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Apr 27 - May 1st
Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile Municipal Councils' and the Board of Education for School District #27 will be meeting next week as follows:
Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Monday, April 27th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Committee Recommendations
* Communications Policy Statement
* Strategic Enforcement of Himalayan Balsam and Amendments to Nuisance Bylaw 1476
* Gymnastics Club, Formal Community Forest Proposal and Reaffirm 2016 Budget Direction
* Approve 2015 Strategic Plan and Receive 2015 1st Quarter Report
* Various Planning Matters
* 2015 Budget Bylaws
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Peter du Toit from Interior Health to give an overview of Regional and Local Health Services to Council
* Business - Good Neighbour Amendment Bylaw No. 2236 re Repeat Nuisance Service Calls; CRD Landfill Agreements; 6 Bylaws for Consideration for either 1st/2nd/3rd Reading, 3rd Reading only or 3rd Reading/Adoption or Adoption only
View the full Agenda here
There is also a Public Hearing on Bylaw 2231 - 440 Proctor St. View the full Agenda here
100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers. When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30pm in the SD 27 Boardroom (350 2nd Ave, WL). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Upcoming Events include:
April 28th - Day of Mourning ceremony at WL City Hall - 10:30am
April 28th - Citizens' on Patrol meeting at the Wildwood Fire Hall at 7pm. Dave Dickson/Staff-Sgt Del Byron to be in attendance
~SF
Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Monday, April 27th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Committee Recommendations
* Communications Policy Statement
* Strategic Enforcement of Himalayan Balsam and Amendments to Nuisance Bylaw 1476
* Gymnastics Club, Formal Community Forest Proposal and Reaffirm 2016 Budget Direction
* Approve 2015 Strategic Plan and Receive 2015 1st Quarter Report
* Various Planning Matters
* 2015 Budget Bylaws
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Peter du Toit from Interior Health to give an overview of Regional and Local Health Services to Council
* Business - Good Neighbour Amendment Bylaw No. 2236 re Repeat Nuisance Service Calls; CRD Landfill Agreements; 6 Bylaws for Consideration for either 1st/2nd/3rd Reading, 3rd Reading only or 3rd Reading/Adoption or Adoption only
View the full Agenda here
There is also a Public Hearing on Bylaw 2231 - 440 Proctor St. View the full Agenda here
100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers. When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30pm in the SD 27 Boardroom (350 2nd Ave, WL). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Upcoming Events include:
April 28th - Day of Mourning ceremony at WL City Hall - 10:30am
April 28th - Citizens' on Patrol meeting at the Wildwood Fire Hall at 7pm. Dave Dickson/Staff-Sgt Del Byron to be in attendance
~SF
CRD Board Mtg - Apr 24th
Present: Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, Campsall and Alternate Director S. Hart (Area H)
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 10:03am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CRD Board Meeting approved, as amended
Business:
Planning, Building Inspection and Bylaw Enforcement:
1) Bylaws #4955/4956 (Area A) were given 1st/2nd Reading
2) Bylaw #4957 (Area D) was given 1st/2nd Reading
3) Bylaw #4943 (Area F) was given 3rd Reading following a public hearing
4) Bylaws #4938/4939 (Area L) were adopted
5) DVP #3/2015 was approved by the Board
6) ALR Application #A20150004 was approved for submission to the Provincial Ag Land Commission
7) ALR Application #G20150006 was deferred to the next Board meeting
8) The Board agreed to defer the letter of concurrence for a Rogers Cell Tower application in the 108 Mile area to the next Board meeting
9) The Board agreed to remove a condition of rezoning (fencing requirement) as part of Bylaw #4861 (Area L) by the following vote
Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Cash, William, Anderson and Alternate Director Hart (Area H) -- 11
Negative - Director Coakley (Area L) -- 1
Environmental Services:
1) The Board received the Water/Sewer projects report
2) The Board agreed to renew the contract with Tervita for the hydrocarbon bioremediation cell operation at the 100 Mile House Landfill be renewed to March 31, 2019, and the necessary signatories be authorized to execute the contract.
Community Services:
1) The Board agreed to authorize an additional $10,000 in funding be approved for a project total of $33,000 from the 2015 Community Halls Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund to install a potable water system at the Likely Community Hall
2) The Board authorized letters of support for Likely & District Chamber of Commerce for various grant applications to aid in the community of Likely’s recovery from the Mount Polley event
Finance:
1) The Board received/ratified the Cheque Register for the month of March 2015 in the amount of $1,860,215.21
2) The Board agreed to authorize funds ($1500 for Central/South and up to $750 for North) from EA Administration for 2015 Activities of the Orange Shirt Day Committee by the following vote:
Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Sorley, Cash, William, Anderson, Coakley and Alternate Director Hart -- 11
Negative - Director Kemp -- 1
Administration:
1) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of April 24th
2) The Board received the Level 1 and 3 Corporate Priorities Report
a) Item 7.2 be removed from Level 1 Corporate Priorities Report (electronic distribution of In-Camera Agendas)
Meeting recessed at 10:58am
Meeting resumed at 11:05am
Delegations:
a) Shelley Thomson from FortisBC appeared before the Board to discuss their Fox Mountain project
A Question and Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond on behalf of the Board thanked Ms. Thomson for her time/information
b) PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP reps appeared before the Board to present the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional District
A Question/Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond on behalf of the Board thanked the delegation for their time/information
Resolved - That the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional District, prepared by PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP, be received and approved as presented
Meeting recessed at 12:08pm
Meeting resumed at 1:00pm
c) David Morel, ADM from the Ministry of Energy/Mines and Lori Halls, ADM, Ministry of Environment and BC Energy/Mines Minister Bill Bennett appeared before the Board, via teleconference, to give an update on the Mt Polley file
A Question/Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information
Business, cont:
3) The Board received the prioritization of Board Resolutions report
4) The Board received a letter from Richard Linzey, Director, Heritage Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, dated March 9, 2015, regarding the Request for Expressions of Interest, Tenure of Cottonwood Lands
5) Late Item - The Board received a letter and discussion paper from the Ministry of Justice, regarding a strategic vision for emergency communications service delivery in British Columbia and the Chair be authorized to attend the consultation session to be held June 1st
6) Late Item - The Board received a letter from BC Health Minister Terry Lake concerning UBCM Recommendations on Small Water System
Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:
1) The Board received the Minutes of the Heritage Steering Committee meeting held Jan 27th and CC Rural Caucus Meeting held March 25th
2) The Board received the Minutes of the CC Joint Committee meeting held March 25th and endorsed 1 recommendation from that meeting (CCACS Project Grant recommendations for 2015)
3) The Board received the minutes of the March 27th Policy Committee meeting and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting (rescind Alternate Director policy and refer two other policies to Staff for recommendations back to Policy Committee - Letters to First Nations and Public Consultation Process for Regulatory Bylaws)
4) The Board received the minutes of the April 14th NC Rural Caucus meeting and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting (North Cariboo Community Committee Appointments, MOU between CRD/City of Quesnel and All-West Crane & Rigging Ltd. - Grant Application Endorsement)
Invitations:
1) The Board received an email from Sasha Prynn, Office Coordinator, UMBCM and attached agenda for the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition Keeping it Rural 2015 Conference and authorized Director Forseth to attend the Conference using up to $1,350 from the Area D Director Initiative Fund
Corporate Bylaws:
The Board adopted Central Cariboo Landfill and Transfer Station Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4950, 2015
The Board adopted Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4959, 2015
Directors' Requests:
1) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized a letter to be written to the to the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission urging them not to move the 150 Mile House area from the Cariboo North Electoral Area into the Cariboo Chilcotin Electoral Area
2) At the request of Director Forseth - The Board authorized staff to bring back a report outlining the steps to create and implement an animal control bylaw for dogs at large in the Wildwood Fire Protection Area with an option to have coverage in the Wildwood, Pine Valley and Commodore Heights areas, and a request to the City of Williams Lake to consider providing the service under contract
3) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized letters of support be provided to the Big Lake Community Association, Cedar Point Park Board, Likely Chamber of Commerce, and Miocene Community Club for their applications to the BC Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) Program
4) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized up to $250 from the Electoral Area F Discretionary Fund to help host the Big Lake Community clean-up
5) At the request of Director Anderson - The Board agreed to invite Ministry of Transportation to discuss rural roads identified by Directors'
Meeting recessed at 2:58pm
At 3:07pm - The Board convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 90(1a + c) and 90(2b) of the Community Charter and reconvened/recessed its' public meeting at 4:37pm and resumed the meeting at 4:48pm
Directors' then gave oral reports from their Electoral Area/Municipality
The Board adjourned its' meeting at 5:25pm
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 10:03am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CRD Board Meeting approved, as amended
Business:
Planning, Building Inspection and Bylaw Enforcement:
1) Bylaws #4955/4956 (Area A) were given 1st/2nd Reading
2) Bylaw #4957 (Area D) was given 1st/2nd Reading
3) Bylaw #4943 (Area F) was given 3rd Reading following a public hearing
4) Bylaws #4938/4939 (Area L) were adopted
5) DVP #3/2015 was approved by the Board
6) ALR Application #A20150004 was approved for submission to the Provincial Ag Land Commission
7) ALR Application #G20150006 was deferred to the next Board meeting
8) The Board agreed to defer the letter of concurrence for a Rogers Cell Tower application in the 108 Mile area to the next Board meeting
9) The Board agreed to remove a condition of rezoning (fencing requirement) as part of Bylaw #4861 (Area L) by the following vote
Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Cash, William, Anderson and Alternate Director Hart (Area H) -- 11
Negative - Director Coakley (Area L) -- 1
Environmental Services:
1) The Board received the Water/Sewer projects report
2) The Board agreed to renew the contract with Tervita for the hydrocarbon bioremediation cell operation at the 100 Mile House Landfill be renewed to March 31, 2019, and the necessary signatories be authorized to execute the contract.
Community Services:
1) The Board agreed to authorize an additional $10,000 in funding be approved for a project total of $33,000 from the 2015 Community Halls Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund to install a potable water system at the Likely Community Hall
2) The Board authorized letters of support for Likely & District Chamber of Commerce for various grant applications to aid in the community of Likely’s recovery from the Mount Polley event
Finance:
1) The Board received/ratified the Cheque Register for the month of March 2015 in the amount of $1,860,215.21
2) The Board agreed to authorize funds ($1500 for Central/South and up to $750 for North) from EA Administration for 2015 Activities of the Orange Shirt Day Committee by the following vote:
Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Sorley, Cash, William, Anderson, Coakley and Alternate Director Hart -- 11
Negative - Director Kemp -- 1
Administration:
1) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of April 24th
2) The Board received the Level 1 and 3 Corporate Priorities Report
a) Item 7.2 be removed from Level 1 Corporate Priorities Report (electronic distribution of In-Camera Agendas)
Meeting recessed at 10:58am
Meeting resumed at 11:05am
Delegations:
a) Shelley Thomson from FortisBC appeared before the Board to discuss their Fox Mountain project
A Question and Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond on behalf of the Board thanked Ms. Thomson for her time/information
b) PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP reps appeared before the Board to present the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional District
A Question/Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond on behalf of the Board thanked the delegation for their time/information
Resolved - That the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional District, prepared by PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP, be received and approved as presented
Meeting recessed at 12:08pm
Meeting resumed at 1:00pm
c) David Morel, ADM from the Ministry of Energy/Mines and Lori Halls, ADM, Ministry of Environment and BC Energy/Mines Minister Bill Bennett appeared before the Board, via teleconference, to give an update on the Mt Polley file
A Question/Answer period ensued. Chair Richmond, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information
Business, cont:
3) The Board received the prioritization of Board Resolutions report
4) The Board received a letter from Richard Linzey, Director, Heritage Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, dated March 9, 2015, regarding the Request for Expressions of Interest, Tenure of Cottonwood Lands
5) Late Item - The Board received a letter and discussion paper from the Ministry of Justice, regarding a strategic vision for emergency communications service delivery in British Columbia and the Chair be authorized to attend the consultation session to be held June 1st
6) Late Item - The Board received a letter from BC Health Minister Terry Lake concerning UBCM Recommendations on Small Water System
Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:
1) The Board received the Minutes of the Heritage Steering Committee meeting held Jan 27th and CC Rural Caucus Meeting held March 25th
2) The Board received the Minutes of the CC Joint Committee meeting held March 25th and endorsed 1 recommendation from that meeting (CCACS Project Grant recommendations for 2015)
3) The Board received the minutes of the March 27th Policy Committee meeting and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting (rescind Alternate Director policy and refer two other policies to Staff for recommendations back to Policy Committee - Letters to First Nations and Public Consultation Process for Regulatory Bylaws)
4) The Board received the minutes of the April 14th NC Rural Caucus meeting and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting (North Cariboo Community Committee Appointments, MOU between CRD/City of Quesnel and All-West Crane & Rigging Ltd. - Grant Application Endorsement)
Invitations:
1) The Board received an email from Sasha Prynn, Office Coordinator, UMBCM and attached agenda for the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition Keeping it Rural 2015 Conference and authorized Director Forseth to attend the Conference using up to $1,350 from the Area D Director Initiative Fund
Corporate Bylaws:
The Board adopted Central Cariboo Landfill and Transfer Station Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4950, 2015
The Board adopted Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4959, 2015
Directors' Requests:
1) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized a letter to be written to the to the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission urging them not to move the 150 Mile House area from the Cariboo North Electoral Area into the Cariboo Chilcotin Electoral Area
2) At the request of Director Forseth - The Board authorized staff to bring back a report outlining the steps to create and implement an animal control bylaw for dogs at large in the Wildwood Fire Protection Area with an option to have coverage in the Wildwood, Pine Valley and Commodore Heights areas, and a request to the City of Williams Lake to consider providing the service under contract
3) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized letters of support be provided to the Big Lake Community Association, Cedar Point Park Board, Likely Chamber of Commerce, and Miocene Community Club for their applications to the BC Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) Program
4) At the request of Director Sorley - The Board authorized up to $250 from the Electoral Area F Discretionary Fund to help host the Big Lake Community clean-up
5) At the request of Director Anderson - The Board agreed to invite Ministry of Transportation to discuss rural roads identified by Directors'
Meeting recessed at 2:58pm
At 3:07pm - The Board convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 90(1a + c) and 90(2b) of the Community Charter and reconvened/recessed its' public meeting at 4:37pm and resumed the meeting at 4:48pm
Directors' then gave oral reports from their Electoral Area/Municipality
The Board adjourned its' meeting at 5:25pm
CCRHD Board Meeting - Apr 24th
Present: Chair J. Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, Campsall and Alternate Director S. Hart (Area H)
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 9:32am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CCRHD Board Meeting approved
Business:
1) The Board adopted CCRHD Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Hospital Anesthetic Unit 1) Bylaw No. 104, 2015
2) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of Apr 24th
3) The Board received an item from Northern Health regarding Quesnel Collaborative Working on Strategy for Physician Recruitment
4) The Board received an invitation from Interior Health celebrating the retirement of former IH Board Chair Norman Embree and a letter will be forwarded to Mr. Embree thanked him for service as the Board Chair of Interior Health
The Chair provided a verbal update on meetings that he recently attended
Meeting recessed at 10:03am
Meeting resumed at 12:11pm
Delegation:
PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP appeared before the Board to present the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District.
Resolved - That the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District be approved
Meeting adjourned at 12:14pm
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 9:32am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CCRHD Board Meeting approved
Business:
1) The Board adopted CCRHD Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Hospital Anesthetic Unit 1) Bylaw No. 104, 2015
2) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of Apr 24th
3) The Board received an item from Northern Health regarding Quesnel Collaborative Working on Strategy for Physician Recruitment
4) The Board received an invitation from Interior Health celebrating the retirement of former IH Board Chair Norman Embree and a letter will be forwarded to Mr. Embree thanked him for service as the Board Chair of Interior Health
The Chair provided a verbal update on meetings that he recently attended
Meeting recessed at 10:03am
Meeting resumed at 12:11pm
Delegation:
PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP appeared before the Board to present the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District.
Resolved - That the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District be approved
Meeting adjourned at 12:14pm
CRHD Board Mtg - Apr 24th
Present: Chair J. Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb, Campsall and Alternate Director S. Hart (Area H)
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CRHD Board Meeting approved
Business - None
Meeting recessed at 9:31am
Meeting resumed at 12:08pm
Delegation:
PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP appeared before the Board to present the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District.
Resolved - That the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District be approved
Meeting adjourned at 12:10pm
Staff:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
K. Moores - Mgr of Development Services
Meeting called to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 27th CRHD Board Meeting approved
Business - None
Meeting recessed at 9:31am
Meeting resumed at 12:08pm
Delegation:
PMT Chartered Accountants / Business Advisors LLP appeared before the Board to present the Audited 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District.
Resolved - That the 2014 Audited Financial Statements for the Cariboo Regional Hospital District be approved
Meeting adjourned at 12:10pm
Category 3 Open Burning Ban - Apr 27th/2015
Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Branch:
Effective at noon on April 27, 2015, Category 3 open burning will be prohibited by the Wildfire Management Branch throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.
Specifically, this order prohibits fires that burn:
* material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or
* material in one or more piles, each exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; or
* one or more windrows; or
* stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares (more than 2,000 square metres).
The prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2015, or until the public is otherwise notified.
This prohibition does not apply to campfires, cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or open fires that are two metres by three metres or smaller. People must ensure that such fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions and that adequate tools, water and people are on hand to contain the fire. They must also make sure that the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
This prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws in place and are serviced by fire departments. Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.
So far this season, the Wildfire Management Branch's Cariboo Fire Centre has responded to 16 wildfire incidents, all of which were human-caused and therefore preventable.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.
For a map of affected areas within the Cariboo Fire Centre, please visit: http://bit.ly/1Gfc3hg
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or non-compliant open burning, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3FOREST.
You can follow the latest wildfire news on:
Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Emily Epp
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
Effective at noon on April 27, 2015, Category 3 open burning will be prohibited by the Wildfire Management Branch throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.
Specifically, this order prohibits fires that burn:
* material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or
* material in one or more piles, each exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; or
* one or more windrows; or
* stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares (more than 2,000 square metres).
The prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2015, or until the public is otherwise notified.
This prohibition does not apply to campfires, cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or open fires that are two metres by three metres or smaller. People must ensure that such fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions and that adequate tools, water and people are on hand to contain the fire. They must also make sure that the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
This prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws in place and are serviced by fire departments. Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.
So far this season, the Wildfire Management Branch's Cariboo Fire Centre has responded to 16 wildfire incidents, all of which were human-caused and therefore preventable.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.
For a map of affected areas within the Cariboo Fire Centre, please visit: http://bit.ly/1Gfc3hg
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or non-compliant open burning, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3FOREST.
You can follow the latest wildfire news on:
Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Emily Epp
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Mt Polley Williams Lake Community Mtg
 |
| Photo Credit: Monica Lamb-Yorski, Williams Lake Tribune Gibraltar Room - Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex |
Elected Officials being present included all members of Williams Lake City Council except Councillor Sue Zacharias and CRD Directors Steve Forseth (Area D); Byron Kemp (Area E) and Joan Sorley (Area F)
After the formal presentation by Imperial Metals/Ministry of Environment/Energy and Mines, a question/answer period ensued with CRD Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley moderating
Questions coming forward included:
* First Nations never ceded land that Mt Polley sits on
* Accidents' happen, but we learn from them and move on and get better
* Insurance to cover damages to environment/businesses?
* General commentary to re-start the mine ASAP by many including WL City Councillor Scott Nelson
* When will CRD Directors Forseth, Kemp and Sorley indicate their support for the mine re-start? Director Sorley clarified that the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors', when it has all the information, will consider a letter of support in the near future
* Timing of dam inspections?
Tomorrow evening - Imperials Metals will make the same presentation to local First Nations at Sugarcane (WL Indian Band)
Comments on the proposed Mt Polley Mine Permit are due Saturday, May 2nd and may be provided by email at:
BC Government -- MtPolleyMinePermit@gov.bc.ca
Imperial Metals -- inquiries@imperialmetals.com
CC Joint Committee - April 22nd mtg
Present from City of WL: Co-Chair Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson, C. Smith, J. Ryll, and L. Walters
Present from CRD: Co-Chair Director J. Sorley; Directors S. Forseth and B. Kemp
Staff:
G. Paynton - Director of Community Services; City of WL
D. Campbell - Mgr of Community Services; CRD
L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer; CRD
J. Bell - CAO; CRD
D. Garceau - City Manager; City of WL
Meeting chaired by Director Sorley
Meeting called to order at 5pm. The Chair noted that the meeting was being held on Shuswap territory
Meeting agenda approved/Mins of March 25th CC Joint Committee meeting approved
Business:
1) CC Arts/Culture Society - 1st Quarter 2015 Report
Discussion ensued thereon. Leah Selk from the CC Arts/Culture Society was present to answer questions of the Committee
Resolved - Report received
2) Pool Upgrade Project - Working Group Meeting Notes – April 1, 2015
The Mgr of Community Services reviewed the item with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received
3) Review of Fees and Charges Bylaw
The Director of Community Services reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received
Meeting adjourned at 6:15pm
Present from CRD: Co-Chair Director J. Sorley; Directors S. Forseth and B. Kemp
Staff:
G. Paynton - Director of Community Services; City of WL
D. Campbell - Mgr of Community Services; CRD
L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer; CRD
J. Bell - CAO; CRD
D. Garceau - City Manager; City of WL
Meeting chaired by Director Sorley
Meeting called to order at 5pm. The Chair noted that the meeting was being held on Shuswap territory
Meeting agenda approved/Mins of March 25th CC Joint Committee meeting approved
Business:
1) CC Arts/Culture Society - 1st Quarter 2015 Report
Discussion ensued thereon. Leah Selk from the CC Arts/Culture Society was present to answer questions of the Committee
Resolved - Report received
2) Pool Upgrade Project - Working Group Meeting Notes – April 1, 2015
The Mgr of Community Services reviewed the item with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received
3) Review of Fees and Charges Bylaw
The Director of Community Services reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received
Meeting adjourned at 6:15pm
CC Rural Caucus - Apr 22nd mtg
Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors J. Sorley, B. Kemp, and B. Anderson (3:55pm)
Staff: L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer; J. Bell - CAO
Meeting called to order at 3:30pm
Meeting Agenda with 1 Late Item and Mins of March 25th CC Rural Caucus adopted
Business:
1) The Committee received a report of the CRD Mgr of Communications in regards to a sponsorship opportunity for Esk'et (Alkali Lake) Rodeo Club
2) The Committee then discussed the following:
a) Meeting with MLA's Oakes/Barnett
b) Aggressive Dogs in Central Cariboo
c) Mountain House Rd - Speed Sign
Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to the local Ministry of Transportation office requesting that speed signs be posted along Mountain House Rd from the turnoff to West Coast Rd to Likely Rd as well as along West Coast Rd past the Wildwood Transfer Station
d) 2015 NCLGA AGM/Convention
e) Late item - May 2015 CC Rural Caucus Mtg
Resolved - That Director Sorley be authorized to chair the May 27th CC Rural Caucus meeting in the absence of Director Forseth
3) The Committee received the Action Page as of April 22nd
The Committee adjourned at 4:15pm
Staff: L. Schick - Deputy Corporate Officer; J. Bell - CAO
Meeting called to order at 3:30pm
Meeting Agenda with 1 Late Item and Mins of March 25th CC Rural Caucus adopted
Business:
1) The Committee received a report of the CRD Mgr of Communications in regards to a sponsorship opportunity for Esk'et (Alkali Lake) Rodeo Club
2) The Committee then discussed the following:
a) Meeting with MLA's Oakes/Barnett
b) Aggressive Dogs in Central Cariboo
c) Mountain House Rd - Speed Sign
Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to the local Ministry of Transportation office requesting that speed signs be posted along Mountain House Rd from the turnoff to West Coast Rd to Likely Rd as well as along West Coast Rd past the Wildwood Transfer Station
d) 2015 NCLGA AGM/Convention
e) Late item - May 2015 CC Rural Caucus Mtg
Resolved - That Director Sorley be authorized to chair the May 27th CC Rural Caucus meeting in the absence of Director Forseth
3) The Committee received the Action Page as of April 22nd
The Committee adjourned at 4:15pm
Temporary Closure of Wildwood Elementary
 |
| Letter from SD27 to Wildwood Elementary parents |
Original Blog Post:
In a letter distributed to parents of Wildwood Elementary this past Monday - School District #27 informed parents that mold was discovered in the crawl space below the school gym last Thursday (April 16th) and thus necessitated the temporary shutdown of the school
Students at Wildwood Elementary have been given this week off while preparations at Marie Sharpe take place. Starting this Monday (April 27th) - they will attend a "school within a school" at Marie Sharpe Elementary for the remainder of this school year
This topic is being discussed on Wildwood Speak Up (Facebook Page) which you can find here while Wildwood Elementary Principal Kelly McLellan writes also on this topic here
In addition - School District #27 Staff held a meeting with local parents last night to brief them on the situation and to answer any questions they had. I understand that another meeting will be held next month to bring Wildwood Elementary parents up to date on this topic once again
I have been also informed that issues around water drainage must be resolved first prior to the mold issue being rectified
For myself as the Area D Director - I remain hopeful that a solution can be found prior to June 30th so Wildwood Elementary can once again re-open for the 2015/16 School Year...
~SF
Quesnel Gym Club benefits from Hosting BC grants
Courtesy of the BC Gov't Caucus:
The Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club is receiving $2,000 from the provincial government’s Hosting BC program to support the upcoming Goldpan Invitational and Zone 8 Qualifier to B.C. Gymnastics Championships.
“Sports has the power to transform a community and provides an opportunity to demonstrate the hard work and dedication committed through competitive events,” said Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “This funding will help support the continued development of the Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club and provide a fun and healthy environment for our talented gymnasts in British Columbia to showcase their skills.”
The Championships will be held on February 5, 2016 with the help of the Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club. Participants will be traveling from all across the Zone 8 region, which stretches along the eastern half of B.C. from William’s Lake up to the Yukon Border.
Across British Columbia, 38 events in 25 communities will share more than $125,000 in the latest round of Hosting BC grants, provided by the provincial government and administered by ViaSport.
Hosting BC funds competitive-level events that support long-term athlete development plans for B.C.'s Provincial Sport Organizations.
ViaSport is a not-for-profit organization created in 2011 as a legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Its mandate is to increase awareness, opportunity and participation in sport across the province--at every stage of life and in every community.
Information about Hosting BC and other grants offered through Viasport is can be found on their website: http://www.viasport.ca/grants
The Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club is receiving $2,000 from the provincial government’s Hosting BC program to support the upcoming Goldpan Invitational and Zone 8 Qualifier to B.C. Gymnastics Championships.
“Sports has the power to transform a community and provides an opportunity to demonstrate the hard work and dedication committed through competitive events,” said Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “This funding will help support the continued development of the Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club and provide a fun and healthy environment for our talented gymnasts in British Columbia to showcase their skills.”
The Championships will be held on February 5, 2016 with the help of the Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club. Participants will be traveling from all across the Zone 8 region, which stretches along the eastern half of B.C. from William’s Lake up to the Yukon Border.
Across British Columbia, 38 events in 25 communities will share more than $125,000 in the latest round of Hosting BC grants, provided by the provincial government and administered by ViaSport.
Hosting BC funds competitive-level events that support long-term athlete development plans for B.C.'s Provincial Sport Organizations.
ViaSport is a not-for-profit organization created in 2011 as a legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Its mandate is to increase awareness, opportunity and participation in sport across the province--at every stage of life and in every community.
Information about Hosting BC and other grants offered through Viasport is can be found on their website: http://www.viasport.ca/grants
Cariboo receives BC $$$ for climate change leadership
Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:
The B.C. Government has announced more than $35,000 in funding to Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) in recognition of their commitment to support a healthier, more sustainable community.
In March 2015, $6.4 million was provided through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program to B.C. communities. From this funding, the CRD received $14,821. Next month Williams Lake will be receiving $29,466 while Quesnel received $52,317, Wells $2,825 and 100 Mile House received $5,455
“As a clean energy leader, British Columbia continues to remain on target for being at the forefront of creating incentives for low carbon economic innovation,” says Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “This funding will help the both Williams Lake and the CRD move forward with projects that enhance environmental protection, create new jobs, provide more economic opportunities and support for cleaner technologies to take root in our province.”
“B.C.’s investments in carbon offsets support innovation, new jobs, economic opportunities and green technologies in communities in our province,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “I am proud that both the Cariboo Regional District and Williams Lake are sharing our province’s success by receiving this funding for climate change leadership and policy innovation.”
The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program provides conditional grants to communities that have signed the Climate Action Charter and supports their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Communities that report publicly on their progress toward meeting their climate action goals are eligible to receive a grant equivalent to 100 per cent of the carbon tax they pay directly.
Since 2008, the B.C. government has provided more than $25 million through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program. Currently, 96 per cent of communities in B.C. have signed the Climate Action Charter.
To learn about the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, please visit http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/greencommunities/carip.htm.
The B.C. Government has announced more than $35,000 in funding to Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) in recognition of their commitment to support a healthier, more sustainable community.
In March 2015, $6.4 million was provided through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program to B.C. communities. From this funding, the CRD received $14,821. Next month Williams Lake will be receiving $29,466 while Quesnel received $52,317, Wells $2,825 and 100 Mile House received $5,455
“As a clean energy leader, British Columbia continues to remain on target for being at the forefront of creating incentives for low carbon economic innovation,” says Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “This funding will help the both Williams Lake and the CRD move forward with projects that enhance environmental protection, create new jobs, provide more economic opportunities and support for cleaner technologies to take root in our province.”
“B.C.’s investments in carbon offsets support innovation, new jobs, economic opportunities and green technologies in communities in our province,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “I am proud that both the Cariboo Regional District and Williams Lake are sharing our province’s success by receiving this funding for climate change leadership and policy innovation.”
The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program provides conditional grants to communities that have signed the Climate Action Charter and supports their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Communities that report publicly on their progress toward meeting their climate action goals are eligible to receive a grant equivalent to 100 per cent of the carbon tax they pay directly.
Since 2008, the B.C. government has provided more than $25 million through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program. Currently, 96 per cent of communities in B.C. have signed the Climate Action Charter.
To learn about the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, please visit http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/greencommunities/carip.htm.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Local Elections/CAO's
Dermod Travis of IntergrityBC writes on Huffington Post BC about the subject of the 2014 Local Government Elections and Chief Administrative Officers' (most senior staff position)
Read his thought-provoking article here
~SF
Read his thought-provoking article here
~SF
Canada Day Performers and Vendors Wanted
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake
The Williams Lake Canada Day Committee is seeking local performers and vendors that are interested in helping to celebrate Canada Day 2015 (July 1).
The committee’s goal for Canada Day is to highlight Williams Lake’s diverse arts and multicultural performers. We are seeking a variety of styles of entertainment such as music, theater, and dance that celebrate Williams Lake and our cultural heritages. Your performance will be showcased in the Gwen Ringwood Theater in Boitanio Park between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Performances can be between 10 and 20 minutes long.
The sound system will be available for performances; however, music must be supplied by the performer. Performers may receive an honorarium for their time, pending available funding.
The committee is also looking for dynamic, local businesses and organizations with unique products and services to make this truly a special event. There are no fees for this event, but a number of submission guidelines must be met.
For more information and application forms, please visit www.williamslake.ca:
Performers - http://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1116
Vendors - http://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1117
Applications can be sent to:
Suzanne Cochrane
Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
525 Proctor Street
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 4J1
Email: scochrane@williamslake.ca
Fax: (250) 398-7884
Application deadline is May 29, 2015.
The Williams Lake Canada Day Committee is seeking local performers and vendors that are interested in helping to celebrate Canada Day 2015 (July 1).
The committee’s goal for Canada Day is to highlight Williams Lake’s diverse arts and multicultural performers. We are seeking a variety of styles of entertainment such as music, theater, and dance that celebrate Williams Lake and our cultural heritages. Your performance will be showcased in the Gwen Ringwood Theater in Boitanio Park between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Performances can be between 10 and 20 minutes long.
The sound system will be available for performances; however, music must be supplied by the performer. Performers may receive an honorarium for their time, pending available funding.
The committee is also looking for dynamic, local businesses and organizations with unique products and services to make this truly a special event. There are no fees for this event, but a number of submission guidelines must be met.
For more information and application forms, please visit www.williamslake.ca:
Performers - http://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1116
Vendors - http://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1117
Applications can be sent to:
Suzanne Cochrane
Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
525 Proctor Street
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 4J1
Email: scochrane@williamslake.ca
Fax: (250) 398-7884
Application deadline is May 29, 2015.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Top Places in BC for work
Last Thursday - the magazine VanCity Buzz, in partnership with CKNW, is looking at the topic of Putting BC to Work. View the article here
The data they use comes from BC Business magazine which ranked 36 communities in BC on the following topics and their weight in the survey:
Income Growth - 30%
Average Household Income - 20%
Population Growth - 10%
Unemployment - 15%
Labour Participation - 10%
People with degrees - 10%
People taking transit - 5%
Local Communities - Williams Lake and Quesnel - were ranked as follows:
Williams Lake - #35
Income Growth - 11.26%
Average Household Income - $74,874
Population Growth - -4.87%
Unemployment - 11.51%
Labour Participation - 67.08%
People with degrees - 12.44%
People taking transit - 3.69%
Quesnel - #32
Income Growth - 11.40%
Average Household Income - $77,366
Population Growth - 1.06%
Unemployment - 12.07%
Labour Participation - 63.66%
People with degrees - 8.65%
People taking transit - 0.89%
Prince George ranked #27 while Kamloops ranked #22
The top 5 communities for work in BC are:
1) Fort St John
2) North Vancouver
3) Coquitlam
4) Burnaby
5) Dawson Creek
Read the full article here while Fort St John Mayor Lori Ackerman speaks to her community's #1 ranking here
The data they use comes from BC Business magazine which ranked 36 communities in BC on the following topics and their weight in the survey:
Income Growth - 30%
Average Household Income - 20%
Population Growth - 10%
Unemployment - 15%
Labour Participation - 10%
People with degrees - 10%
People taking transit - 5%
Local Communities - Williams Lake and Quesnel - were ranked as follows:
Williams Lake - #35
Income Growth - 11.26%
Average Household Income - $74,874
Population Growth - -4.87%
Unemployment - 11.51%
Labour Participation - 67.08%
People with degrees - 12.44%
People taking transit - 3.69%
Quesnel - #32
Income Growth - 11.40%
Average Household Income - $77,366
Population Growth - 1.06%
Unemployment - 12.07%
Labour Participation - 63.66%
People with degrees - 8.65%
People taking transit - 0.89%
Prince George ranked #27 while Kamloops ranked #22
The top 5 communities for work in BC are:
1) Fort St John
2) North Vancouver
3) Coquitlam
4) Burnaby
5) Dawson Creek
Read the full article here while Fort St John Mayor Lori Ackerman speaks to her community's #1 ranking here
Invasive Plant $$$ for Cariboo-Chilcotin
Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:
The provincial government is providing $204,000 to the Cariboo Regional District and $10,000 to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee to help control the spread of invasive plants, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announced today.
These are two of 29 grants, totalling $1,702,000, that are being distributed province-wide to local governments, regional invasive species committees and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. to assist with their activities and support the objectives of the provincial Invasive Plant Program.
“We need to take a proactive approach to stopping the spread and damage from invasive plant species before they are out of control,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “This funding will benefit everyone from farmers and gardeners, to cattle herders and wildlife. This is our land, let’s make sure it stays that way.”
The funding will be invested in activities such as raising public awareness of invasive plants, surveying invasive plant populations and actively treating high-priority sites to control the spread of these plants.
Invasive plants are species that have been introduced into British Columbia from other areas. They displace native vegetation and can cause considerable economic and environmental damage. Some pose a health risk to people (e.g. skin irritation). Invasive plants can disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.
The Invasive Plant Program identifies sites where invasive plant species have been found and responds rapidly to contain and eradicate them before they become established and start spreading.
This funding is in addition to the $735,000 already allocated by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations for invasive plant control and management in 2015-16.
To learn more about Invasive Plant Program, visit: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/index.htm
The provincial government is providing $204,000 to the Cariboo Regional District and $10,000 to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee to help control the spread of invasive plants, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announced today.
These are two of 29 grants, totalling $1,702,000, that are being distributed province-wide to local governments, regional invasive species committees and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. to assist with their activities and support the objectives of the provincial Invasive Plant Program.
“We need to take a proactive approach to stopping the spread and damage from invasive plant species before they are out of control,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “This funding will benefit everyone from farmers and gardeners, to cattle herders and wildlife. This is our land, let’s make sure it stays that way.”
The funding will be invested in activities such as raising public awareness of invasive plants, surveying invasive plant populations and actively treating high-priority sites to control the spread of these plants.
Invasive plants are species that have been introduced into British Columbia from other areas. They displace native vegetation and can cause considerable economic and environmental damage. Some pose a health risk to people (e.g. skin irritation). Invasive plants can disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.
The Invasive Plant Program identifies sites where invasive plant species have been found and responds rapidly to contain and eradicate them before they become established and start spreading.
This funding is in addition to the $735,000 already allocated by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations for invasive plant control and management in 2015-16.
To learn more about Invasive Plant Program, visit: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/index.htm
Day of Action: STOP Mt Polley re-start
The Secwepemc Woman Warriors Society which has previously maintained a protest camp outside of the Mt Polley Mine Site access road in late August of 2014 has called for a Global Day of Action: STOP Mount Polley Re-Opening for Wednesday, April 29th which is when the 30 day public comment period to review Imperial Metals' permit application to allow Mt Polley to have a partial re-start is slated to come to a close.
View their Facebook page here while you can watch a YouTube video they have produced here
Two key dates to keep in mind this week:
Wednesday, April 22nd - Public Meeting in Williams Lake to review the permit application from Imperial Metals. 6:30-8:30pm in the Gibraltar Room
Thursday, April 23rd - Local First Nations meeting to review the permit application from Imperial Metals. Meeting to be held at Sugarcane (WL Indian Band territory)
After the 30 day review period is complete - I expect that the Cariboo Regional District Board will consider the topic of a letter of support for Imperial Metals' application sometime during the month of May or early June while Victoria is currently expected to render a decision on the requested permit from Imperial Metals' by the end of June.
I strongly encourage you to come to this Wednesday's public meeting, put on by Imperial Metals and state your own views on Imperial Metals being permitted to partially re-start the Mt Polley site.
I suspect many, if not, all elected officials from Williams Lake City Council and many Cariboo Regional District Directors including myself will be in attendance at Wednesday's meeting
~SF
View their Facebook page here while you can watch a YouTube video they have produced here
Two key dates to keep in mind this week:
Wednesday, April 22nd - Public Meeting in Williams Lake to review the permit application from Imperial Metals. 6:30-8:30pm in the Gibraltar Room
Thursday, April 23rd - Local First Nations meeting to review the permit application from Imperial Metals. Meeting to be held at Sugarcane (WL Indian Band territory)
After the 30 day review period is complete - I expect that the Cariboo Regional District Board will consider the topic of a letter of support for Imperial Metals' application sometime during the month of May or early June while Victoria is currently expected to render a decision on the requested permit from Imperial Metals' by the end of June.
I strongly encourage you to come to this Wednesday's public meeting, put on by Imperial Metals and state your own views on Imperial Metals being permitted to partially re-start the Mt Polley site.
I suspect many, if not, all elected officials from Williams Lake City Council and many Cariboo Regional District Directors including myself will be in attendance at Wednesday's meeting
~SF
Friday, April 17, 2015
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of April 20-24
A number of local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting this upcoming week as follows:
Quesnel - Committee of the Whole session on Monday, April 20th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
Delegations:
a) Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC ($10/day Childcare)
b) Quesnel Youth Soccer Association
Business:
a) Bylaw Enforcement Strategy (Strategic vs Complaint driven)
b) 2015 Tax Rates
View the full Agenda here
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21st at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). The meeting Agenda may be viewed here
Williams Lake - Council-in-Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 21st at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St - Basement). On the Agenda:
Delegations (2) - Active Transportation Committee & Reps from Interior Health
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as follows:
Wednesday, April 22nd -- CC Rural Caucus at 3:30pm in the CRD Committee Rm. On the Agenda:
Request from Esk'et Rodeo re: Sponsorship and Discussion Items on:
a) Mountain House Rd - Speed Limit Signs
b) Meeting with local MLA's
c) 2015 NCLGA AGM/Convention
d) Aggressive Dogs -- Central Cariboo Service?
View the full Agenda here
Wednesday, April 22nd - CC Joint Committee at 5:00pm in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
a) Report from CC Arts/Culture Society
b) Update from Sam Ketchum Pool Working Group
c) New Fees/Charges Bylaw
d) Meeting with School District #27 Board - June 2nd?
View the full Agenda here
Friday, April 24th - Meetings of CRHD/CCRHD Boards (Local Hospital District Boards) and CRD Board. Starting at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
CRHD - Receive Mins of March 27th meeting and endorse 2014 Audited Financial Statements
CCRHD - Receive Mins of March 27th meeting, endorse 2014 Audited Financial Statements, and adopt Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Hospital Anesthetic Unit) Bylaw
CRD Board - On the Agenda:
a) Delegations (2) - FortisBC (11:00am) re: Fox Mountain Project and 11:30am (PMT Accountants for 2014 Audited Financial Statements)
b) Various Planning Matters
c) Consider funding for Orange Shirt Day 2015 from EA Administration?
d) Corporate Priorities Reports - Level 1 and 3
e) Consent Calendar
f) Committee Minutes/Recommendations
g) Adopt CRD Central Cariboo Landfill and Transfer Station Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4950, 2015
h) Director Requests from:
i) Director Sorley -- Provincial Electoral District Map re-draw; Letters of Support for Free AED Installation; Money from Area F Discretionary Fund for Big Lake Community Clean-up
ii) Director Forseth - Move forward on process for new Animal Control Service; Area D Director Initiative Funds for SIBAC Event - Rural Ec Dev in Salmon Arm at the end of May
There will be an In-Camera Session of the CRD Board as per Sections 90(1a and c) of the Community Charter
View the CRHD Board Agenda here
View the CCRHD Board Agenda here
View the CRD Board Agenda here
Upcoming Community Events:
April 17-19 -- WL Indoor Rodeo at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. More details here
April 22nd from 6:30pm - 8:30pm -- Public Info meeting on Mt Polley's re-start application. Meeting being held in the Gibraltar Room
~SF
Quesnel - Committee of the Whole session on Monday, April 20th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
Delegations:
a) Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC ($10/day Childcare)
b) Quesnel Youth Soccer Association
Business:
a) Bylaw Enforcement Strategy (Strategic vs Complaint driven)
b) 2015 Tax Rates
View the full Agenda here
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21st at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). The meeting Agenda may be viewed here
Williams Lake - Council-in-Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 21st at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St - Basement). On the Agenda:
Delegations (2) - Active Transportation Committee & Reps from Interior Health
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as follows:
Wednesday, April 22nd -- CC Rural Caucus at 3:30pm in the CRD Committee Rm. On the Agenda:
Request from Esk'et Rodeo re: Sponsorship and Discussion Items on:
a) Mountain House Rd - Speed Limit Signs
b) Meeting with local MLA's
c) 2015 NCLGA AGM/Convention
d) Aggressive Dogs -- Central Cariboo Service?
View the full Agenda here
Wednesday, April 22nd - CC Joint Committee at 5:00pm in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
a) Report from CC Arts/Culture Society
b) Update from Sam Ketchum Pool Working Group
c) New Fees/Charges Bylaw
d) Meeting with School District #27 Board - June 2nd?
View the full Agenda here
Friday, April 24th - Meetings of CRHD/CCRHD Boards (Local Hospital District Boards) and CRD Board. Starting at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
CRHD - Receive Mins of March 27th meeting and endorse 2014 Audited Financial Statements
CCRHD - Receive Mins of March 27th meeting, endorse 2014 Audited Financial Statements, and adopt Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Hospital Anesthetic Unit) Bylaw
CRD Board - On the Agenda:
a) Delegations (2) - FortisBC (11:00am) re: Fox Mountain Project and 11:30am (PMT Accountants for 2014 Audited Financial Statements)
b) Various Planning Matters
c) Consider funding for Orange Shirt Day 2015 from EA Administration?
d) Corporate Priorities Reports - Level 1 and 3
e) Consent Calendar
f) Committee Minutes/Recommendations
g) Adopt CRD Central Cariboo Landfill and Transfer Station Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4950, 2015
h) Director Requests from:
i) Director Sorley -- Provincial Electoral District Map re-draw; Letters of Support for Free AED Installation; Money from Area F Discretionary Fund for Big Lake Community Clean-up
ii) Director Forseth - Move forward on process for new Animal Control Service; Area D Director Initiative Funds for SIBAC Event - Rural Ec Dev in Salmon Arm at the end of May
There will be an In-Camera Session of the CRD Board as per Sections 90(1a and c) of the Community Charter
View the CRHD Board Agenda here
View the CCRHD Board Agenda here
View the CRD Board Agenda here
Upcoming Community Events:
April 17-19 -- WL Indoor Rodeo at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. More details here
April 22nd from 6:30pm - 8:30pm -- Public Info meeting on Mt Polley's re-start application. Meeting being held in the Gibraltar Room
~SF
CRD fire backs at criticism from Mayor Cobb/Councillor Nelson over Mt Polley
After being criticized by Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson over taking a neutral position in regards to Mt Polley's partial re-start application, CRD Chair Al Richmond says the Cariboo Regional District will not be rushed into making a decision for writing a letter of support for Mt Polley's application
Read more here
~SF
Read more here
~SF
Cobb/Nelson takes CRD to task over Mt Polley partial re-start application
As the first example of tension between the Cariboo Regional District/City of Williams Lake in this new term of local government (2014 to 2018) - the topic of Mt Polley's partial re-start application came up at this past Tuesday's meeting of WL City Council and while Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb expressed a hope that everyone will make it to next Wednesday's public meeting hosted by Imperial Metals on their re-start application for Mt Polley - both he and Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson took the Cariboo Regional District to task over its' neutrality on the subject
While Mayor Cobb acknowledged most of the Board's discussions on this topic have taken place "in-camera" or behind closed doors - he noted "the Board as a whole felt it wanted to remain neutral and couldn’t support whether the mine opened or didn’t open.
“I guess it’s just a difference of opinion, it’s unfortunate in my mind,”
While WL City Councillor Scott Nelson noted "I'm completely disappointed in the CRD leadership not pushing for a restart."
Read more here
While Mayor Cobb acknowledged most of the Board's discussions on this topic have taken place "in-camera" or behind closed doors - he noted "the Board as a whole felt it wanted to remain neutral and couldn’t support whether the mine opened or didn’t open.
“I guess it’s just a difference of opinion, it’s unfortunate in my mind,”
While WL City Councillor Scott Nelson noted "I'm completely disappointed in the CRD leadership not pushing for a restart."
Read more here
Thursday, April 16, 2015
First Nations can now sue to protect property rights
Today - First Nations were handed a very significant ruling from the BC Court of Appeal that gives them equal rights to sue over property rights, something that was not permitted previously for First Nations...
This court ruling was a result of an initial lawsuit from Sept 2011 resulting from the Rio Tinto Alcan Kenney hydroelectric dam and reservoir, in operation since the 1950s, causes nuisance and breaches their rights to the natural waterway that runs through their land. Local First Nations are seeking damages for property-rights violations, alleging the electricity generator has harmed the Nechako River system and its fisheries.
Rio Tinto Alcan is reviewing the decision and could appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada
Justice David Tysoe wrote in the BC Court of Appeal ruling that setting a separate standard for aboriginal people, before they can sue other parties to enforce their rights, is arguably inconsistent with the charter right to equality.
Read more here
~SF
This court ruling was a result of an initial lawsuit from Sept 2011 resulting from the Rio Tinto Alcan Kenney hydroelectric dam and reservoir, in operation since the 1950s, causes nuisance and breaches their rights to the natural waterway that runs through their land. Local First Nations are seeking damages for property-rights violations, alleging the electricity generator has harmed the Nechako River system and its fisheries.
Rio Tinto Alcan is reviewing the decision and could appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada
Justice David Tysoe wrote in the BC Court of Appeal ruling that setting a separate standard for aboriginal people, before they can sue other parties to enforce their rights, is arguably inconsistent with the charter right to equality.
Read more here
~SF
Next Steps for the NC Arena Replacement Project
Joint Release of the City of Quesnel/Cariboo Regional District:
The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee unanimously agreed to move forward to the next phase of the North Cariboo Arena Replacement Project based on a revised design developed by CEI Architecture. The decision was made at the April 14, 2015 Joint Planning Committee meeting after a revised plan and project costing were presented to the Committee by CEI Architecture and project management firm MKT Development Group. The revised design has resulted in a reduction of $3.5 million in estimated project costs compared to the quantity survey estimate provided by a cost consultant in February. The estimated project cost is now $18.75 million, which includes a building construction cost of $13.7 million plus site development and design costs.
“CEI and MKT met our challenge to achieve all of the original program objectives, keep the building on the preferred site, and substantially reduce the project’s estimated cost.” says North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.
The $3.5 million in project savings were achieved by removing the connecting link between Arena Two and the new arena, leaving the existing ice plant in its current location, and reducing the overall size of the building. Removing the physical connection between the two arenas will allow traffic to enter the new parking lot from the north off Barlow Avenue which will result in significant savings as it is no longer necessary to upgrade parking and laneway access from the south behind Arena Two.
“The new design has resulted in a reduction of approximately 4,000 square feet from the building, but the original program requirements are still there,” says North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Cariboo Regional District Vice Chair Ted Armstrong. “It has a regulation sized ice surface, two multipurpose rooms, five full sized dressing rooms, three additional flex and referee dressing rooms, and a concourse that can be used as a walking track.”
The revised design will provide seating for 1,300 people with a spectator capacity, including standing room, of 1,483.
It is anticipated that the construction document phase will be completed by the end of the summer which will allow the project to be tendered in the fall and construction to start in the spring of 2016.
“Our priority is to continue to find cost savings during the next phase of the project,” says Armstrong. “We remain committed to making sure this project meets the needs of stakeholders and the community-at-large at a cost that is as close as it can be to the original estimate.”
To enable completion of the detailed project designs and prepare for construction in 2016, an increase in the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks 2015 budget was approved by the Cariboo Regional District Board at its March 27 meetings. The 2015 budget will result in an increase in the sub-regional recreation residential taxation rate of approximately $25 per $100,000 of assessed value. This taxation increase is consistent with the estimate provided during the referendum process for the project undertaken in June 2014.
The Joint Planning Committee also received a report regarding the status of the fundraising initiative at the meeting. Total confirmed fundraising to date, consisting of both cash donations and pledges, is just over $1.2 million.
“Now that we have clarity regarding the project scope and we’re moving forward based on the new design, it’s time to reactivate our fundraising efforts,” says Simpson.
The Joint Planning Committee passed a resolution at their April 14 meeting to use up to $18,000 previously committed to restart the fundraising effort. The Quesnel and Community Economic Development Corporation (QCEDC) will continue to oversee the fundraising effort activities under the direction of the interim QCEDC Board.
Revised Arena Drawings can be viewed online at cariboord.ca or quesnel.ca
The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee unanimously endorsed a resolution to proceed with the Arena Replacement Project on the site as proposed during the public consultation process, prior to the referendum in June 2014. The site which is located on the parking lot of the former Cariboo Regional District Library is adjacent to the existing Twin Arenas.
The resolutions will now be sent to the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors for final endorsement.
The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee unanimously agreed to move forward to the next phase of the North Cariboo Arena Replacement Project based on a revised design developed by CEI Architecture. The decision was made at the April 14, 2015 Joint Planning Committee meeting after a revised plan and project costing were presented to the Committee by CEI Architecture and project management firm MKT Development Group. The revised design has resulted in a reduction of $3.5 million in estimated project costs compared to the quantity survey estimate provided by a cost consultant in February. The estimated project cost is now $18.75 million, which includes a building construction cost of $13.7 million plus site development and design costs.
“CEI and MKT met our challenge to achieve all of the original program objectives, keep the building on the preferred site, and substantially reduce the project’s estimated cost.” says North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.
The $3.5 million in project savings were achieved by removing the connecting link between Arena Two and the new arena, leaving the existing ice plant in its current location, and reducing the overall size of the building. Removing the physical connection between the two arenas will allow traffic to enter the new parking lot from the north off Barlow Avenue which will result in significant savings as it is no longer necessary to upgrade parking and laneway access from the south behind Arena Two.
“The new design has resulted in a reduction of approximately 4,000 square feet from the building, but the original program requirements are still there,” says North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair and Cariboo Regional District Vice Chair Ted Armstrong. “It has a regulation sized ice surface, two multipurpose rooms, five full sized dressing rooms, three additional flex and referee dressing rooms, and a concourse that can be used as a walking track.”
The revised design will provide seating for 1,300 people with a spectator capacity, including standing room, of 1,483.
It is anticipated that the construction document phase will be completed by the end of the summer which will allow the project to be tendered in the fall and construction to start in the spring of 2016.
“Our priority is to continue to find cost savings during the next phase of the project,” says Armstrong. “We remain committed to making sure this project meets the needs of stakeholders and the community-at-large at a cost that is as close as it can be to the original estimate.”
To enable completion of the detailed project designs and prepare for construction in 2016, an increase in the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks 2015 budget was approved by the Cariboo Regional District Board at its March 27 meetings. The 2015 budget will result in an increase in the sub-regional recreation residential taxation rate of approximately $25 per $100,000 of assessed value. This taxation increase is consistent with the estimate provided during the referendum process for the project undertaken in June 2014.
The Joint Planning Committee also received a report regarding the status of the fundraising initiative at the meeting. Total confirmed fundraising to date, consisting of both cash donations and pledges, is just over $1.2 million.
“Now that we have clarity regarding the project scope and we’re moving forward based on the new design, it’s time to reactivate our fundraising efforts,” says Simpson.
The Joint Planning Committee passed a resolution at their April 14 meeting to use up to $18,000 previously committed to restart the fundraising effort. The Quesnel and Community Economic Development Corporation (QCEDC) will continue to oversee the fundraising effort activities under the direction of the interim QCEDC Board.
Revised Arena Drawings can be viewed online at cariboord.ca or quesnel.ca
The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee unanimously endorsed a resolution to proceed with the Arena Replacement Project on the site as proposed during the public consultation process, prior to the referendum in June 2014. The site which is located on the parking lot of the former Cariboo Regional District Library is adjacent to the existing Twin Arenas.
The resolutions will now be sent to the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors for final endorsement.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
WL Council approves in principle 2015 0% tax increase Budget
At their meeting last night - Williams Lake City Council unanimously gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading to the 2015 Budget Bylaw which calls for a 0% tax increase for 2015 for municipal taxes but exclusive of CRD, School and other property taxes for which the City of Williams Lake collects for other organizations. Property owners in Williams Lake and portions of CRD Areas D, E, F will see a tax hike of $40/$100,000 of assessed property value, as a result of the successful Sam Ketchum Pool referendum
Other highlights in the City of WL 2015 Budget:
* Use of Water/Sewer reserves to extend Water/Sewer services into areas that don't currently have these services
* $7.845 million in capital for 2015 including a public bathroom in Spirit Square (old Courthouse Square), webcasting of WL City Council meetings, gazebo in Kiwanis Park
* $1.1 million in road works for areas such as Cameron Street from Mackenzie Ave to 3rd Ave North & Borland St from Mackenzie Ave to 4th Ave North
* No new long term debt acquired for 2015 however 2016/2018 will see long term debt acquired for WL Fire Department trucks. 2015 Principal/Interest payments for long term debt for General, Water and Sewer Accounts will be $1,149,721. Short term borrowing for the Cameron St reconstruction done back in 2010 will be paid off this year
* Taxation growth is expected to be $110,000/year however no growth this year as 2014/2015 Taxation growth effectively cancelled each other out. 2014 saw a decrease while 2015 saw an increase, both $114,000 in each year. It is hoped that the newly formed Ec Dev Corporation can bring in new development and thus more taxes
Next steps include passing the Budget Bylaw at its' April 28th meeting and give 3 readings to the 2015 Property Tax Bylaw at the same meeting with the 2015 Budget Process concluding on May 13th while WL Council is expected to pass the 2015 Property Tax Bylaw at this meeting
Full 2015-19 Financial Plan Presentation below:
Other highlights in the City of WL 2015 Budget:
* Use of Water/Sewer reserves to extend Water/Sewer services into areas that don't currently have these services
* $7.845 million in capital for 2015 including a public bathroom in Spirit Square (old Courthouse Square), webcasting of WL City Council meetings, gazebo in Kiwanis Park
* $1.1 million in road works for areas such as Cameron Street from Mackenzie Ave to 3rd Ave North & Borland St from Mackenzie Ave to 4th Ave North
* No new long term debt acquired for 2015 however 2016/2018 will see long term debt acquired for WL Fire Department trucks. 2015 Principal/Interest payments for long term debt for General, Water and Sewer Accounts will be $1,149,721. Short term borrowing for the Cameron St reconstruction done back in 2010 will be paid off this year
* Taxation growth is expected to be $110,000/year however no growth this year as 2014/2015 Taxation growth effectively cancelled each other out. 2014 saw a decrease while 2015 saw an increase, both $114,000 in each year. It is hoped that the newly formed Ec Dev Corporation can bring in new development and thus more taxes
Next steps include passing the Budget Bylaw at its' April 28th meeting and give 3 readings to the 2015 Property Tax Bylaw at the same meeting with the 2015 Budget Process concluding on May 13th while WL Council is expected to pass the 2015 Property Tax Bylaw at this meeting
Full 2015-19 Financial Plan Presentation below:
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Quesnel Council Highlights - April 13th mtg
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Tuesday, Apr. 14 @ 5:30 p.m.North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting
Nominees for Quesnel’s 2014 Volunteer Citizen of the Year
Council had the opportunity to meet this years’ nominees for Quesnel Volunteer Citizen of the Year (VCoY). The VCoY Award recognizes outstanding area residents who volunteer their time to the betterment of our community and thanks them for their dedication and service. Florence White and Bob Sales are Quesnel’s nominees for 2014.
This years’ 35th annual Dinner and Awards event will be held in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall on Tuesday, April 21 to coincide with Canada’s National Volunteer Week. Tickets for the banquet are available for sale at Quesnel City Hall.
Proposed development on Rita Road
Council approved Development Permit No. 2015-78 for construction of an Andre’s Electronics retail store, Andre’s Carwash and vacant leasable space on Rita Road, adjacent the existing 7-11 and Walmart, and the requested variances with respect to the City’s Zoning and Sign Bylaws subject to meeting the following conditions:
· Supply engineered storm water drainage plans for approval by the Director of Public Works and Engineering reviewed for best practices. Oil interceptor installation will be required as a part of storm water management;
· Provide final landscaping plans for approval by Director of Development Services and security for landscaping at 125% of value;
· Meet any sewer discharge restrictions or requirements as determined by Cariboo Pulp and Paper;
· Meet any traffic study or improvement requirements as determined as necessary by Director of Public Works and Engineering in consultation with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure;
· Provide final servicing plans for Public Works and Engineering approval;
· Install provision for future installation of water meter (spool piece);
· Installation of stop signs at two Rita Road access points.
Auditor review
KPMG, the City’s auditors, presented their report to Council which included a review of the City’s 2014 financial statements. Full details of the audit report and the Consolidated Financial Statements are available on our website.
Next phase of ourQuesnel
Members of the ourQuesnel Sustainable Community Task Force met for the final time on March 25. Council thanked the Task Force members who have devoted more than three years to the project. The group felt their mandate was fulfilled with the finalization and adoption of the ourQuesnel Integrated Community Sustainability Plan with the understanding that the ourQuesnel document will be a foundation for moving the community forward and that Council will continue to move towards implementation of the plan.
A sincere thank you was extended to the members - Dora McMillan, Tom Weckworth, Teri Stoneman, Anna Rankin, Bernice Heinzelman, Kelly Pomeroy, Ron Dunn, and elected officials and staff from both the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Quesnel.
Other news
· Council gave the first three readings to Bylaw 1744 - Emergency Program, Bylaw 1756 - Animal, Bird and Insect Control and Licencing Bylaw Amendment, and Bylaw 1758 - Fire Protection, Prevention and Emergency Services.
· May 17 to 23 has been declared National Public Works Week. Marked the 55th annual Public Works Week, it is intended to draw attention to the importance of public works in community life. This year’s theme is “Community Begins Here”. Check our website in the coming weeks for public works events in Quesnel.
· Physician retention and recruitment are important to Quesnel City Council. The Mayor will meet with Northern Health on April 17 to discuss the plan and communications strategy based on the outcome of the meeting held April 1 with Northern Health, elected officials and Quesnel’s doctors. Stay tuned.
Proclamation
Hospice Palliative Care Week in Quesnel - May 4 - 9
NEXT MEETINGS:
Tuesday, Apr. 14 @ 5:30 p.m.North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting
Monday Apr. 20 @ 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Session
Committee of the Whole Session
Monday Apr. 27 @ 7 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting
Cariboo Chilcotin Local Gov'ts Launch Emergency Notification System
Joint Release of the Cariboo RD & Cities of Quesnel/Williams Lake & Districts of Wells/100 Mile House:
On May 5, 2015, the Everbridge Emergency Notification System will be available to residents throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin. Headed up by the Cariboo Regional District and in partnership with the District of 100 Mile House, the City of Quesnel, the District of Wells and the City of Williams Lake, the system will be available to all residents free of charge and will provide mass emergency notifications throughout the region.
“This new emergency notification system will provide the affected communities and its residents with the required information immediately in an emergency situation,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “Keeping our residents safe and informed during emergency events is a priority and responsibility that we take seriously and we feel this platform will help provide us a better way of serving our communities.”
Residents who register for the program will receive notifications about emergency and time-sensitive events happening near their home, work, school, or other locations that they have pre-selected during the registration process. Residents can register to receive these updates using up to six different ways to be contacted including:
• Home phone(s)
• Office phone(s) with extension(s)
• Cell phone(s)
· Text message(s)
• Mobile App (IPhone & Android)
• Email(s)
“This exciting new service will be huge step forward in the ability to notify our residents in an emergency situation,” says District of 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall. “It will save precious seconds during these events, when seconds can make the difference between life and death.
“We're pleased to partner with our neighbouring communities to implement this mass notification system,” said Bob Simpson, City of Quesnel Mayor. “This system will allow us to communicate quickly during emergencies and we'll be encouraging Quesnel and area residents to register for the program as soon it's up and running
The new Emergency Notification System will be a giant step forward in providing quick and effective emergency information to the citizens of our communities,” stated District of Wells Mayor Robin Sharpe. “Providing fast factual information will increase the safety of our citizens during an emergency.”
“I encourage all Williams Lake residents to register for the program, and receive real-time notifications about emergencies in the places that matter to them,” stated Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “In an emergency situation, prompt, accurate information is critical.”
To register, visit your local government’s website and select the “Sign Up For Emergency Notifications” icon on the home page to register. Every member of your family that has a cell phone, a personal email account, text messaging or Apps, needs to register so that no matter where your family are when an emergency strikes, they will know what is happening and what to do. If you require any assistance in registering please do not hesitate to contact your presiding local government office.
Cariboo Regional District – cariboord.ca or call 250-392-3351 – Toll free 1-800-665-1636
District of 100 Mile House – 100milehouse.com or call 250-395-2434
City of Quesnel – quesnel.ca or call 250-992-2111
District of Wells – wells.ca or call 250-994-3330
City of Williams Lake – williamslake.ca or call 250-392-2311
On May 5, 2015, the Everbridge Emergency Notification System will be available to residents throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin. Headed up by the Cariboo Regional District and in partnership with the District of 100 Mile House, the City of Quesnel, the District of Wells and the City of Williams Lake, the system will be available to all residents free of charge and will provide mass emergency notifications throughout the region.
“This new emergency notification system will provide the affected communities and its residents with the required information immediately in an emergency situation,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “Keeping our residents safe and informed during emergency events is a priority and responsibility that we take seriously and we feel this platform will help provide us a better way of serving our communities.”
Residents who register for the program will receive notifications about emergency and time-sensitive events happening near their home, work, school, or other locations that they have pre-selected during the registration process. Residents can register to receive these updates using up to six different ways to be contacted including:
• Home phone(s)
• Office phone(s) with extension(s)
• Cell phone(s)
· Text message(s)
• Mobile App (IPhone & Android)
• Email(s)
“This exciting new service will be huge step forward in the ability to notify our residents in an emergency situation,” says District of 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall. “It will save precious seconds during these events, when seconds can make the difference between life and death.
“We're pleased to partner with our neighbouring communities to implement this mass notification system,” said Bob Simpson, City of Quesnel Mayor. “This system will allow us to communicate quickly during emergencies and we'll be encouraging Quesnel and area residents to register for the program as soon it's up and running
The new Emergency Notification System will be a giant step forward in providing quick and effective emergency information to the citizens of our communities,” stated District of Wells Mayor Robin Sharpe. “Providing fast factual information will increase the safety of our citizens during an emergency.”
“I encourage all Williams Lake residents to register for the program, and receive real-time notifications about emergencies in the places that matter to them,” stated Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “In an emergency situation, prompt, accurate information is critical.”
To register, visit your local government’s website and select the “Sign Up For Emergency Notifications” icon on the home page to register. Every member of your family that has a cell phone, a personal email account, text messaging or Apps, needs to register so that no matter where your family are when an emergency strikes, they will know what is happening and what to do. If you require any assistance in registering please do not hesitate to contact your presiding local government office.
Cariboo Regional District – cariboord.ca or call 250-392-3351 – Toll free 1-800-665-1636
District of 100 Mile House – 100milehouse.com or call 250-395-2434
City of Quesnel – quesnel.ca or call 250-992-2111
District of Wells – wells.ca or call 250-994-3330
City of Williams Lake – williamslake.ca or call 250-392-2311
Monday, April 13, 2015
Prescribed Burn to restore C-C Grasslands
Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Management Branch:
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations advises that an ecosystem restoration burn is planned south of Riske Creek between April 8 and May 1, 2015, weather conditions permitting.
About 120 hectares south of Riske Creek, around Bald Mountain, will be treated to help restore native grassland ecosystems. This controlled burn is managed under the Ecosystem Restoration Program within the ministry’s Range Branch. It will be conducted with the assistance of staff from the Wildfire Management Branch’s Cariboo Fire Centre.
Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintained more open grasslands and forests with large trees.
The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain the traditional grassland plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce the amount of combustible material (fuel load), which helps decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
These fires are part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered by the provincial government through the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee, in consultation with First Nations, local ranchers, local forest licensees, outdoor organizations, the Fraser Basin Council, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations advises that an ecosystem restoration burn is planned south of Riske Creek between April 8 and May 1, 2015, weather conditions permitting.
About 120 hectares south of Riske Creek, around Bald Mountain, will be treated to help restore native grassland ecosystems. This controlled burn is managed under the Ecosystem Restoration Program within the ministry’s Range Branch. It will be conducted with the assistance of staff from the Wildfire Management Branch’s Cariboo Fire Centre.
Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintained more open grasslands and forests with large trees.
The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain the traditional grassland plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce the amount of combustible material (fuel load), which helps decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
These fires are part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered by the provincial government through the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee, in consultation with First Nations, local ranchers, local forest licensees, outdoor organizations, the Fraser Basin Council, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society.
FACTSHEET
Prescribed burning used as a fire management tool
- Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia’s ecosystems. Many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.
- Fire helps control insects and the spread of disease in forests. It also contributes to forest regeneration, as younger trees replace older trees. Having trees of various ages in a forest helps create biodiversity.
- Prescribed burning is one of the tools used by forest professionals to achieve land management objectives. For example, fire can be used to enhance habitat and improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose. A controlled burn also can reduce fuel loads (combustible material such as underbrush and dead wood) and reduce the risk of wildfire in interface areas (where urban development borders on rural areas).
- The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled to meet management objectives for fire-maintained ecosystems. Prescribed burns are only ignited when weather conditions are favourable and when the fire will not create excessive smoke. Important factors that are used to determine the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature, humidity and wind conditions.
- The venting index is a measure of how quickly smoke will disperse under specific conditions. Prescribed fires may only be ignited on days when the forecast for the venting index is “good”.
- All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.
- A prescribed burn is ignited and continuously monitored by trained firefighting crews to ensure that the fire does not get out of control. The fire crew supervisor (the “burn boss”) is responsible for ensuring that the initial burn conditions are favourable and that the fire is extinguished once the prescribed burn is completed.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Update to situation at Kwaleen Elementary
Earlier today - School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) provided an update to the Goat/Cariboo Country with regards to the purported seizure situation at the former Kwaleen Elementary school in Williams Lake
Read more here
~SF
Read more here
~SF
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Notice of Seizure issued for Kwaleen Elementary
In addition, the group has demanded School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) to stop the deposition of school properties at:
* former Glendale Elementary
* former McLeese Lake Elementary
* former Poplar Grove Elementary
* 100 Mile Jr Secondary
* Anahim Lake
* Glencoe School
as these above-mentioned properties lie in the territory of the T’silhquot’in Nation
Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) says this group has no affiliation with TNG while SD 27 Superintendent Mark Thiessen is not able to offer a lot of comment except that the current tenant at the former Kwaleen Elementary is vacating...
Read more here
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