Grand Opening of ABC Kidcare Daycare

This afternoon, the grand opening of the new ABC Kidcare Daycare Building took place.  The new facility is located beside Lake City Secondary - Western Campus (old Columneetza Secondary School)

Attending the grand opening were a number of dignitaries including Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, Williams Lake City Councillor Craig Smith, School District #27 Zone 4 Trustee Christine Dyment and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area Directors Joan Sorley/Steve Forseth (Areas F/D)


This project was a vision of the Women's Contact Society and their Board is to be congratulated for having the dedication to pursuing this vision to completion.  Daycare facilities like this are needed for working parents in the greater Williams Lake community.  The hours are 5am - midnight, 7 days a week and a waiting list is already in place.  The facility will start operating on Tuesday

Both Director Sorley and I were pleased to be able to contribute funds from our Electoral Areas towards this community project

~SF

Wildfire near Homathko River

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service crews are responding to a 14-hectare wildfire burning in the Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area, near the junction of the Homathko River and Mosley Creek, about 220 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service has 29 firefighters and two helicopters working on this fire. Airtankers have also been used to support the work of ground crews. The fire is in a remote area and no communities or structures are being threatened at this time.

In spite of recent precipitation in parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre, the fire danger rating where the fire is burning is currently “high”. Fire danger ratings have increased throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre over the last few days and will likely continue to do so in response to the hot and dry weather forecasted for the region.

It takes very little time for fine forest fuels such as grass and small twigs to dry out and become more flammable in these conditions. The public is urged to use caution while doing any Category 2 open burning and to fully extinguish campfires before leaving the area for any length of time.

Category 3 fires are still prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1 888 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

2017 Grants in Aide Applications - City of Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

On an annual basis, the City of Williams Lake (City) provides Grants-in-Aid to local non-profit organizations for projects, activities and events that strengthen and enhance the well being of the community, promote volunteerism and support the goals and priorities of the City of Williams Lake.

Applications are available at City Hall, 2nd Floor and on the City’s website (www.williamslake.ca), and can be submitted to the attention of Cindy Bouchard, Manager of Legislative Services, City of Williams Lake, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC, V2G 1N3. Questions, please call 250-392-1773 or E-mail cbouchard@williamslake.ca.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30TH
Late applications will not be considered.

In order to qualify for a Grant-in-Aid, the applicant must:
-- Be a registered non-profit organization in good standing with the Registrar of Companies;
-- Provide the most recent Annual General Meeting report, financial statements and approved budget for the current year;
-- Demonstrate financial need; and
-- Provide a service, project or event that supports the priorities and goals of the City.

Services, projects or events proposed by the applicant must not:
-- Offer direct financial assistance to individuals or families;
-- Duplicate or replace services that fall within the mandate of senior levels of government or local service agencies;
-- Support a Provincial or National fundraising campaign; OR
-- Be of a commercial nature.

Grants-in-Aid will be provided under the following categories:
1. Capital Expenditure – equipment purchase, construction, repair or upgrade of facilities; 
2. Event – seed funding for new, ongoing events with diminishing support over three years; 
3. Special Project – one-time special event, program or activity.

Additional Info...

Quesnel Council Highlights - July 27th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Development Permit – Larch Avenue

Council approved a Development Permit, on behalf of Fresno Construction Ltd., for the construction of a 2925 ft² forestry consultant office building, shop and outdoor storage compound for vehicles and equipment on a Larch Avenue vacant lot.

Grace Inn Motel – Convert to Housing

Council received an update regarding the proposed Grace Inn Motel development, located at 530 Carson Avenue, to convert 43 motel rooms into 10 studio and 25 one-bedroom housing units that would be available to rent at market value.  This development is currently being marketed towards seniors.  The Proponent held an Open House on July 18, 2016 with the main concerns being affordable rent and renters being 55 years of age and older.  Council set a Public Hearing for 7 pm on August 30, 2016 in City Hall Council Chambers. 

Water Corridor Development Permit – Gook Avenue

Council approved a Development Permit for the construction of a residential dwelling, located at 3537 Gook Avenue, that includes riparian zone considerations such as an approved vegetation plan and mitigation measures concerning water drainage due to the development being located within 30 meters of Dragon Lake.

City Investments – Interest Rates

Council approved opening an account at the local Integris Credit Union to give the City more options to consider when investing its excess funds from taxation until these funds are required.  The City is very limited in the types of investments it can use as per the Community Charter.  In the past most of these investments have been with the Municipal Finance Authority.

Political Campaign Signs Bylaw

Council approved first reading as well as targeted groups for public consultation regarding the proposed Political Campaign Sign bylaw.  The regulations in this bylaw will:

- Create equal opportunity for all candidates

- Maintain community aesthetics

- Promote environmental sustainability

- Reduce administrative burden and costs

-Reduce campaign workload and potential conflict

The proposed bylaw will allow for six political campaign signs per candidate and will require candidates to remove political campaign signs three days after General Voting Day.  Council recommended public consultation with: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, School District No. 28, affected riding parties, Elections BC, Elections Canada and the general public.  Next steps include referral letters being sent out and a public survey offered through the City’s website and social media channels. 

BC Air Access Grants Approved – City’s Airport

Funding has been approved from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure/BC Air Access Program to fund two infrastructure projects at the City’s airport.  BC Air Access Program will fund up to 75% of the estimated $157,200 and the City will contribute an estimated $39,300 towards the installation of two powered security gates and six perimeter emergency access gates as well as the installation of an Aerodrome Instrument Approach upgrade.  The later will allow aircraft equipped with Global Positioning System/Wide Area Augmentation System software to now land in low cloud ceiling type conditions of 300’-335’; previously the minimum low loud ceiling height was  712’-892’.

Bylaw of the Month – August – Animal Control

This month’s featured bylaw of the month is the City’s Animal, Bird, and Insect Control and Licensing Bylaw 1700 to raise dog awareness around leashing, licensing and “picking up” after your dog. Dog licenses are available at City Hall at a cost $10 (spayed/neutered) or $25 (unsprayed or unneutered) before March 30^th.  After March 30^tha $10 late license fee applies.  There is a $50 fine for not “picking up” after your pooch anywhere off the owner’s property.

Bylaws

-    Bylaw 1808 – Political Campaign Signs – First Reading

-    Bylaws 1806/1807 – OCP & Zone Amendments - Grace Inn Motel (Convert to Housing) – Second Reading and Public Hearing set for 7:00 pm August 30, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers

 

Next Meetings

-    7 pm - August 23, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

-    7 pm - August 30, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of July 25th to 29th

The following local governments are meeting next week:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 26th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports - CRD Board/Quesnel Air Quality Roundtable
* 2016 Calendar of Special Meetings and Strategic Initiatives
* 2016 Annual Report/Final Adoption
* Rezone Grace Inn Motel Convert to Housing (530 Carson Avenue) - Public Consultation Summary
* Development Permit 2016-93 - Forestry Consultant Office Building and Shop (Larch Avenue)
* Development Permit 2016-90 - Water Corridor Development (Gook Road)
* City Investments
* Political Campaign Sign Bylaw Report
* Mural Policy
* "Little People" Fire Hydrants Policy
* Bylaw of the Month - Animal Control
* Outgoing Letter for Review - Quesnel City Council's Response to the Timber Supply Review Discussion Paper

* Bylaws 1806 and 1807 - OCP Amendment and Zone Amendment (Grace Inn Motel Convert to Housing) - Second Reading and Set Public Hearing of 7:00 p.m. August 30, 2016 in Council Chambers

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 26th at 7pm.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meeting of the Infrastructure/Cell/Broadband Committee on Monday, July 25th at 10am in the CRD Committee Room in Williams Lake (180D North 3rd Avenue).  The Committee will be meeting with Telus to discuss the current broadband network in place, and the specifics to the various areas from 70 Mile House to Wells.

Don't forget about the McLeese Lake Farmers' Market on Sunday, July 24th from 9am - 1pm at the McLeese Lake Tourism Info Centre (between Oasis Pub/Cafe)

Enjoy your weekend!

~SF

CRD Board Highlights - July 22nd mtg

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

Agenda adopted/June 30th CRD Board meeting minutes adopted

Memorandum of Business - Delegations was received

Business:

Development Services

1) Bylaws #5047 (Area G), 5048/5049 (Area L) were given 1st/2nd Readings

2) Bylaw #4890 (Area G) had its' 2nd/3rd Readings rescinded as per Board Resolutions 2015-6-8 and 14-03B-06 and the Board gave the Bylaw 2nd Reading as amended and adoption be subject to the following conditions:

a) The applicant(s) applying for and receiving a Development Variance Permit for the location of the boathouse; or providing proof of removal of the structure.

b) The applicant(s) offering to enter into and entering into a covenant to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Cariboo Regional District Shoreland Management Policy regarding riparian area protection and on-site effluent disposal.

c) The applicant(s) providing proof of removal or decommission of any additional dwellings on the proposed lots.

d) The applicant be required to prepare an agricultural awareness/fencing covenant to the satisfaction of the Cariboo Regional District, advising that the residential property is located adjacent to land used for agricultural purposes, which may be used for feeding and grazing of cattle and other livestock, as well as the production of crops and that fencing will be required along the ALR boundary at the subdivision stage.

3) Bylaws 5022/5023 (Area D) were given 3rd Reading

4) Bylaws 5030/5031 (Area L) were sent back to Public Hearing

5) Development Permit #40-2016 (Area A) was approved

6) The Board agreed to refer ALR Application G36-2016 to the Land Commission with a recommendation to approve

7) The Board deferred consideration of ALR Application H13-2016 to the August 26th Board meeting in order that the agrologist report connected with this application can be completed

8) Bylaws 5039-5044 (All Electoral Areas - Ancillary Space Text Amendments) were given 1st/2nd Readings

9) That the matter of Zoning Violation – Storage of Industrial Equipment / Untidy and Unsightly Premises Location: 1302 Baker Creek Road – Block B, District Lot 1123, Cariboo District, Except Plans B4503, 6182, 7730, 23364, 32551, 34541 and PGP35195 was deferred for 60 days at the
request of Area B Director Jerry Bruce to investigate solutions with Staff

Director B. Simpson entered the meeting at 10:30am

Environmental Services:

1) The Proposed Water and Sewer Projects Report was received

2) The Refuse Site Inspection Report for April 20, 2016 to June 1, 2016 was received

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed that a coordinated danger tree assessment be undertaken for recreation properties with treed areas using the provincial standard as a guide and that the assessment cost be attributed to each property budget appropriately as an increase to existing approved operational costs and that a danger tree risk management and removal policy be brought back along with the assessment report to allow for an understanding of the costs associated with both ongoing assessments and tree removal.

2) The Board agreed to provide a letter of support for an application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Fabulous Festivals & Events program to support the annual Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run event in the amount of $2,500

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of June 2016, totalling $3,471,649.98

Administration:

1) The Board received a Call for Nominations from the Canadian Wood Council for the 2016 Community Recognition Awards

2) The Board agreed to assist the BC Utilities Commission in distributing information to CRD residents regarding a “Request for comments on Residential Inclining Block Electricity Rates, via the CRD Website/Social Media Channels and Board Highlights

2) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of July 22nd

i) Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to the Province about the “8400” Road between Barkerville/Likely and that representatives from FLNRO attend a meeting with Directors' about this subject

3) The Board received a letter from Selina Robinson, MLA for Coquitlam-Mailliardville in regards to meeting with her at the 2016 UBCM Convention

4) The Board received a copy of a letter from Metro Vancouver to BC Environment Minister Mary Polak requesting an amendment to the B.C Recycling Regulation to require the implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for mattresses and other bulky furniture by 2017 and at the request of Director Forseth - agreed to write a letter to Minister Polak advising the Cariboo Regional District supports the position of Metro Vancouver on this matter

5) The Board received a letter from the City of Prince George concerning its' proposed 2016 UBCM Resolutions

Meeting recessed at 11:54am
Meeting resumed at 12:30pm

At 12:30pm - The Board convened an In-Camera Meeting (closed to the public) as per Sections 90 (2b/c - information held in confidence between local government, provincial/federal governments and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter and active BC Ombudsperson complaint against local gov't)

At 12:42pm - The Board resumed its' public meeting

6) The Board received/endorsed the Prioritization of Board Resolutions report

Committee/Commission Minutes and Recommendations:

1) The Board received the July 11th minutes of the Finance/Audit Committee and endorsed recommendations concerning Remuneration Bylaw No. 5029 Schedules and review of Section 11(2) of the Procedure Bylaw concerning electronic participation by Directors' and a Value for Money audit for North Cariboo Recreation be deferred  and a framework for a value for money audit for the Building Inspection Function

2) The Board received the July 11th minutes of the South Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting and referred further consideration of a recommendation concerning Recreation Passes/South Cariboo Recreation back to the South Cariboo Joint Committee

Invitations:

1) The Board received an invitation from the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin to its' 25th Anniversary and Heritage Festival on August 7th in Williams Lake

Corporate Bylaws:

1) Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area K Economic Development Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5017, 2016 was adopted
2) Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer System (Gook Road Extension) Debt Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5002, 2016 was adopted
3) Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer System (Gook Road Extension) Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5003, 2016 was adopted

Directors' Requests:

1) The Board received the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition Narrative Report for June 2016, as provided by Director Sorley

2) At the request of Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier and Cash - the Board authorized $500 from the Electoral Area A, B, C and I Discretionary Funds for the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Excellence Awards'

3) At the request of Director Sorley - the Board authorized up to $300 in Electoral Area F Director Initiative Funds to host a lunch and purchase a gift for Uli Wittal, in appreciation of her service as an Area F Advisory Planning Commission member

4) At the request of Chair Richmond - the Board authorized $240 in Electoral Area G Discretionary Funds for the 108 Greenbelt Commission to mow the emergency exit at the 108

5) At the request of Director Anderson - the Board authorized $500 in Electoral Area K Discretionary Funds for the Big Creek Roundup event

6) The Board received an July 12th email from Director Sorley to Chair Richmond regarding concerns following the Mount Polley Post Event Environmental Impact Assessment Report presentation in Likely on July 7th and a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment concerning the following points, as provided by Director Sorley:

a) The presentation by Daniel Potts from Tetratech Engineering indicated that their studies and modelling concluded that the tailings and clay flour deposition on the Quesnel Lake bottom was stirred up and distributed throughout the lake once, during the initial lake turnover in December 2014, and thereafter would be undisturbed. He said that subsequent experience has verified this conclusion. However, long-time residents who live along the shores of Quesnel Lake have consistently reported throughout this past winter, and into the spring of 2016, that the lake is cloudy, that it is an unnatural green colour, and that their water filters are constantly plugging much more quickly than they were before the dam breach. They are adamant that normal freshet would not account for this, as it never happened before the breach. MPMC is aware of these concerns, and has been unable to verify them through testing. I request that MoE require MPMC to continue to investigate these observations, to determine the cause, and to correct the conclusions in this report.

b) Impacts detailed in the report include the loss of life in the sediment on the lake bottom with the prediction that it will take generations for normal sediment to naturally rebuild, and the death of the forest in the “halo area” due to tailings deposition. Mount Polley has been very forthcoming regarding plans and actions taken to remediate the area along Hazeltine Creek, but there is no information as to remediation plans for either of these two impacts, or a link to such information.

c) There is no information contained in this report regarding the impact of this event on the physical, psychological, social, and/or economic health of the community of Likely and the residents who live along Quesnel Lake.

Directors' reported out on their recent activities within their Electoral Area/Municipality

CCRHD Board Highlights - July 22nd mtg

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

Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the CCRHD Board meeting held June 30th adopted

Memorandum of Business - Delegations received

Business:

1) The Hospital Consent Calendar was received

2) The Board received Interior Health Authority's Capital Projects and Planning Status Report - June 2016

3) The Board received a press release from Interior Health re: 100 Mile House Hospital Celebrates 50 years of Patient Care

4) The Board received a letter from the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District, requesting the Ministry of Health to hold a provincial session of Regional Hospital District Chairs and CAOs in conjunction with the 2016 UBCM convention

5) The Board received a letter from the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District, requesting that the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board forward a letter to the Minister of Health requesting that the Hospital District Act be updated and Staff were directed to review the 2003 Ministry of Health review and report back to the August 26, 2016 Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board meeting.

Meeting recessed at 9:38am
Meeting resumed at 10:12am

Delegation:

Laurie Walters and Trevor Barnes from the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice appeared before the Board to provide an update

Director B. Simpson (Quesnel) entered the meeting at 10:30am

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Massier, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Meeting adjourned at 11:05am

Crime Severity Index for 2015 out - Cariboo-Chilcotin Region

Stats Canada tracks the Crime Severity Index, a method to determine how severe crime is occurring in communities within Canada.

For the latest year available (2015) - here is the break-down by community within the Cariboo-Chilcotin area:

Williams Lake (Municipal):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 224.55 (In 2014, it was 238.85)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 206.90 (In 2014, it was 319.65)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 230.50 (In 2014, it was 208.95)

Quesnel (Municipal):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 177.52 (In 2014, it was 176.33)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 198.41 (In 2014, it was 169.04)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 169.55 (In 2014, it was 178.61)

Williams Lake (Rural):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 50.26 (In 2014, it was 57.59)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 72.53 (In 2014, it was 58.20)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 42.05 (In 2014, it was 57.25)

Quesnel (Rural):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 59.86 (In 2014, it was 65.89)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 66.70 (In 2014, it was 94.44)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 57.25 (In 2014, it was 55.36)

100 Mile House (Rural):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 61.77 (In 2014, it was 53.05)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 49.91 (In 2014, it was 65.64)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 65.96 (In 2014, it was 48.36)

Wells (Rural):

Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 0.00 (In 2014, it was 0.00)
Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 0.00 (In 2014, it was 0.00)
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index for 2015 -- 0.00 (In 2014, it was 0.00)

You can do your research by community in British Columbia by clicking here

CC Joint Committee Highlights - July 20th mtg

Present from City of WL: Co-Chair W. Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Walters and Zacharias

Present from CRD: Co-Chair J. Sorley; Directors S. Forseth/B. Kemp

Meeting called to order at 5pm

Meeting chaired by Mayor W. Cobb

Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting held on April 27th adopted

Business:

1) 2015 CCACS Annual Report

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Report received

2) Mountain Biking Community Partnership Agreement

The Committee reviewed a report of the City's Director of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to CRD Board/WL City Council that the proposed Mountain Biking Community Partnership Agreement be endorsed

3) Trail Project Business Plan Goal Change - Central Cariboo Recreation

The Committee reviewed a report of the CRD's Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensured thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to CRD Board/WL City Council that up to $10,000, previously approved for a low mobility trail at the end of Williams Lake, be reallocated towards construction of a trail to deal with access issues in the Signal Point area.

4) Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project - Monthly Status Reports for April, May and June 2016

The Committee reviewed a report of the CRD's Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensured thereon

Resolved - Report received

5) Action Page

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Action Page received and remove Items 1 and 3

Meeting adjourned at 5:43pm

CC Rural Caucus Highlights - July 20th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 3pm

The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was being held on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of May 25th Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Doina Varzaru the new Quality Manager for Service Area 17 & Sam McCarthy, Operations Manager from Interior Roads appeared before the Caucus to give an update on their activities

A Question/Answer period ensued.

The Chair, on behalf of Caucus, thanked the delegation for their time/information

2) Ashlee Hyde from United Way (Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo region) appeared before the Caucus to give an update on the activities of the United Way

A Question/Answer period ensued.

The Chair, on behalf of Caucus, thanked Ms. Hyde for her time/information

Business:

1) Report of the Chair - SD #27 Trustee Electoral Zone Review

The Chair reviewed his report with the Caucus
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the report of the Chair be received and  a letter be forwarded to School District #27 advising that the Central CRD Directors are in support of Option 1 - Status Quo

2) Letter from Chimney and Felker Lakes Landholders Association re: Request to place 2015 Grant for Assistance money into trust ($10,000)

Report from the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Chimney and Felker Lakes Landholders Association be requested to return $10,000 of their 2015 Grant for Assistance to the Cariboo Regional District to be held in trust until confirmation that the association will be going ahead with its proposed firehall expansion is received, or an alternate use of the funds is requested and approved and that, should the funds remain in trust for more than 5 years, the Association be required to submit a request for extension or alternate use of the funds.

Meeting adjourned at 4:09pm

BC Government Proceeding with Certificate Amendment Process for Taseko’s New Prosperity Project

Courtesy of Taseko Mines Ltd:

Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO; NYSE MKT: TGB) (“Taseko” or the “Company”) today announced that the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office is proceeding with Taseko’s request to amend the environmental assessment certificate for its New Prosperity Gold/Copper Project in central British Columbia.

In addition to this undertaking, Taseko will be filing a Notice of Work (NOW) with the Ministry of Energy & Mines which will allow the Company to gather information to advance mine permitting under the British Columbia Mines Act. Taseko looks forward to working with the six local Tsilhqot’in First Nation bands as represented by the Tsilhqot’in National Government on the consultative and substantive aspects of the NOW as per the terms in the 2012 settlement agreement.

“Ownership and development of mineral resources are explicit areas of provincial jurisdiction and responsibility, granted under The 1982 Amendments to the Constitution Act 1867,” commented Russell Hallbauer, President and CEO of Taseko. “The New Prosperity environmental assessment process has been unduly influenced by the actions of the federal government. The fact that the Government of British Columbia is moving forward with the certificate amendment process indicates the importance it places on the development of the New Prosperity Mine.”

Mr. Hallbauer continued, “The Government of Canada’s position, regarding the federal authorizations required for New Prosperity, can be rectified if discussions around the salient issues raised by the Federal Panel in 2013 are objectively and scientifically reviewed. The information we will gather from the Notice of Work field program will aid those discussions.”

New Prosperity is the largest undeveloped gold/copper porphyry in North America and contains 11 million ounces gold and four billion pounds of copper and, when in production, will produce 250,000 ounces of gold and 110 million pounds of copper annually for 20 years.

Mineral Reserves @ c$5.50 NSR/t Cut-Off
	Size M Tonnes	Grade		Recoverable Metal		Contained Metal
		Au (g/t)	Cu (%)	Au (M oz)	Cu (B lbs)	Au (M oz)	Cu (B lbs)
Proven	481	0.46	0.26	5.0	2.4	7.1	2.8
Probable	350	0.35	0.18	2.7	1.2	3.9	1.4
Total	831	0.41	0.23	7.7	3.6	11.0	4.2

Note: Recoveries for Cu and Au are 87% and 69% respectively.

Remaining measured and indicated resources are grading 0.40 g/t gold and 0.30% copper containing 2.3 million ounces of gold and 1.2 billion lbs of copper (no recoveries applied).

The mineral resource and reserve estimations were completed by Taseko staff under the supervision of Scott Jones, P.Eng., Vice-President, Engineering and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Mr Jones has verified the methods used to determine grade and tonnage in the geological model, reviewed the long range mine plan, and directed the updated economic evaluation. The estimates for the reserves used long term metal prices of US$1.65/lb for copper and US$650/oz for gold and a foreign exchange of C$0.82 per US dollar. Mr Jones has reviewed this release. A technical report is filed on www.sedar.com.

WL Council Highlights - July 19th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson (via teleconference), Ryll, Smith, Walters and Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Mayor Cobb acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the June 28th WL City Council meeting adopted

Delegation:

Jay Morrison from Spectra Energy appeared before Council to give an General Area Update of Natural Gas Transmission System in the Williams Lake area

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, gave Mr. Morrison for his time/information

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated June 30, July 7 and July 14, 2016

2) After receiving no public input - Council approved DP #01-2016 - Tom Wittal - Front Façade Redevelopment - 28 Broadway Avenue North

At 6:21pm - Councillor Sue Zacharias declared a conflict of interest on the next two items and left Council Chambers

3) After receiving no public input - Council approved DP #02-2016 - United Concrete & Gravel Ltd. - Reconstruction of Industrial Use - 245 Hodgson Road

4) Council approved the sale of a portion of Lot 2, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, Plan BCP39163 (identified as 0.181 ha portion of Lot 2 to be consolidated with Lot 1, Plan PGP44973 on the attached Plan of Proposed Subdivision), located at 235 Hodgson Road, adjacent to their property at and to be consolidated into 245 Hodgson Road, to United Concrete & Gravel Ltd. for the amount of $18,500

At 6:23pm - Councillor Sue Zacharias returned to the meeting

5) Council received Executive Committee Report #5-2016 in regards to placement of the mountain bike trail development for the Signal Point area being placed on the project list for 2017, and authorizing Staff to apply for applicable grants for this project

6) Council agreed to provide a letter of support in regards to the Tsilhqot'in National Government's efforts to renovate Kwaleen School into a community centre to deliver recreational programming for Cariboo area residents.

7) Council gave approval to close the alley below Oliver Street which connects Third Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South for the 14th Annual Family Street Party of the Williams Lake Boys/Girls Club on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

8) Council received two In-Camera Reports as follows:

a) “That the report of the Bylaw Services Officer dated June 8, 2016 regarding the fire damaged building at 55 6th Avenue South be received and Council approve in principle the demolition of the fire damaged building and Staff be directed to begin the tendering process for the demolition work required and once finalized, thirty (30) day notice be provided to the owner of the property and the mortgage holder on title.”

b) “That pursuant to the report of the Airport Manager dated June 23, 2016, Council approve the 2016 Standing Offer for Aviation Fuel with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.”

9) Late Item - Council authorized Staff to hang a banner celebrating Kayla Moleschi's participation at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio

10) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of July 19th as follows:

• June 30, 2016 - CRD Board Highlights

Members of Council gave oral reports on their recent activities

Mayor Cobb introduced the Interim CAO for the City of Williams Lake, Mr. Wayne Thiessen.

The Interim CAO spoke on what he had been doing since starting on July 11th

Meeting adjourned at 6:46pm

SFU Study on barriers for females in Local Government

Last week - a study from Simon Fraser University was released looking at barriers for women getting into local government.  The study was done by Masters of Public Policy student Halena Seiferling who interviewed seven female councillors and mayors from Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Regina, and Saskatoon.

Ms. Seiferling was interviewed by News 1130 last Monday - read here while you can read the full study here

In doing the study - she says:

“Though many people may assume that municipal politics is more welcoming to women, this study shows that problems persist even at the municipal level. My research advocates for municipalities to have equal numbers of men and women on their advisory committees and boards in order to begin to combat this problem.”

Looking at local governments across the Region who have female elected officials:

Quesnel - 1 Female on a local government of 7 members
Wells - 3 Females on a local government of 5 members
Williams Lake - 2 Females on a local government of 7 members
100 Mile House - 0 Females on a local government of 5 members
Cariboo Regional District - 3 Females on a local government of 16 members
School District #28 (Quesnel) - 3 Females on a local government of 7 members
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - 5 Females on a local government of 7 members

The United Nations has suggested that local government should aim for 30% of its' entire membership be held by females to ensure public policy meets the needs of women.

On that basis - only the District of Wells and School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) meet the UN guideline

However - as a male elected official, I often appreciate the 3 Female Directors (Sorley, Wagner and Anderson) that serve their respective Electoral Areas (F, H and K) on our Cariboo Regional District Board and often consult them on matters before us.  In addition, my own Alternate Director is both female and of First Nation background, so those perspectives I often call upon when I'm not sure on how to proceed on an issue...

Last term - 6 of the 16 Directors of the Cariboo Regional District were female which met the UN guidelines for male/female ratio in local government (30% of entire membership be female)

Finally - the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities has support for female elected officials - you can see those here

~SF

2016 Tyee Lake AGM/BBQ

Earlier today - I had the honour to attend my 1st Tyee Lake AGM/BBQ as the Area D Director of the Cariboo Regional District which was held at the future site of the Tyee Lake Community/Fire Hall on Guide Road (up 10 kms on Lyne Creek Road from Highway 97)

Roughly 45 people were in attendance (by my count), although I was the only elected official in attendance as both Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes/Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty were in attendance at the 2016 Billy Barker Days event in Quesnel at the same time the AGM/BBQ was occurring.

The Tyee Lake Community Association had earlier this year met with Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes to have a discussion about Tyee Lake issues

At the AGM - the Executive of the Tyee Lake Community Association reported out on their past year activities, followed up with a Question/Answer period.

I then reported on activities that the Cariboo Regional District was working on including:

* New Driveway Sign Program - left the community with 50 press releases outlining the new program
* Efforts to remove portion of Electoral Area D, for all land north of Wildwood, from the Regional District's Building Inspection Service
* Nanqay Dene Accord/NStQ Stage 4 Vote and next Steps

I then fielded questions from the community.  Community members expressed thanks for the job I have been doing thus far on their behalf as the Electoral Area D Director.

Later on, I fielded one on one questions from individual community members which I plan to take back and discuss with CRD Staff as to next steps...

Overall - the Tyee Lake community, from those I talked with, were generally happy that I was able to attend and I'm looking forward to the 2017 Tyee Lake Community Association AGM/BBQ

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of July 18-22

The following local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week:

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 19th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Jay Morrison, Spectra Energy - General Area Update of Natural Gas Transmission System

* 2 Development Permits for Approval (Tom Wittal - 28 Broadway Avenue North / United Concrete - 245 Hodgson Rd)

* Signal Point Mountain Bike Trail Development in 2017 - Recommendation from Executive Committee (Mayor Cobb; Councillors Nelson/Ryll)

* Receipt of Two In-Camera Reports -- Fire-Damaged Building at 55 Sixth Avenue South and MOF Fuel Supply Agreement

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, July 20th at 3pm in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Elcy LePage from Interior Roads/Ashley Hyde from United Way

* Report of the Caucus Chair re: SD27 Trustee Electoral Zone Review
* Action Page

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, July 20th at 5pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* 2015 CCACS Annual Report
* Mountain Biking Community Partnership Agreement
* Trail Project Business Plan Goal Change - Central Cariboo Recreation
* Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project - Monthly Status Reports for April, May and June 2016
* Action Page

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, July 22nd at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Laurie Walters/Trevor Barnes from Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice to give an update
* Interior Health Authority Capital Projects and Planning Status Report - June 2016
* Interior Health Press Release - 100 Mile House Hospital Celebrates 50 years of Patient Care

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, July 22nd at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Various Land Use Matters
* Risk Management for Regional District Recreation Properties – Danger Trees
* Consent Calendar
* Committee Reports
* Requests from Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Sorley, Richmond, Cash and Anderson for access to their Area Discretionary Fund or Director Initiative Fund
* Report from Director Sorley re: previous CCBAC Meeting

There will be an In-Camera (closed to the public) session of the CRD Board as per Section 90(1c - labour) and 2b (consideration of information received related to negotiations between provincial/federal governments, municipal council/regional district board, and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this Weekend/Next Week:

Quesnel - 2016 Billy Barker Days.  Runs today until Sunday (starting yesterday).  More details here

McLeese Lake - Farmers Market on Sunday from 9am - 1pm at the local Tourism Info site (between the Oasis Pub/Cafe)

Williams Lake - Performances in the Park on Thursday, July 21st from 6-8pm in Boitanio Park.  More details here

~SF

Frizzi Rd - Switchback Rd Update

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Frizzi Road switchback to the River Valley failed during the severe rainstorm of July 12 and is currently not passable.

The switchback was identified as an area of high potential for land failure resulting from poor water drainage.

Visitors to the River Valley are welcome to park at the Comer Street entrance. When using the River Valley, please remain on the road or on posted trails in order to avoid trespassing on private property. ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted in the River Valley Recreation Sites.

When using the Comer Street access, please use extra caution. In addition to public works vehicles, the Comer access route is now used by the rural residents and resource license holders in the River Valley.

The City is working with provincial resource staff to identify a safer access route to the river valley. Further information is available by contacting Gary Muraca, Director of Municipal Services (email here or Leah Hartley, Director of Development Services, City of Williams Lake (email here) or via phone at 392-2311

WL Chamber of Commerce scores policy success in Kelowna

Courtesy of the WL and District Chamber of Commerce:

The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce represented our members and local businesses at the BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Conference, May 29 – 31 in Kelowna.

“We attended and participated in all areas to ensure our local businesses’ views are understood and to help shape the BC Chamber’s business advocacy agenda,” said Angela Sommer, President of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce.

Sommer noted that the BC Chamber is B.C.’s largest and most broadly-based business organization and allows our Chamber to punch above our weight in delivering advocacy wins for our community.

Members of the BC Chamber voted on 55 proposed resolutions and voted in 49. Together with existing policies, these new policies now form the foundation of the BC Chamber's advocacy agenda.

Our Williams Lake policy titled the Future of the Forest Industry and Importance to British Columbia’s Economy (2016) contained 5 major recommendations:

That the Provincial Government:

1. Secure access to an economically viable fibre supply;
2. Improve the integrity of the market-based timber pricing system;
3. Improve investment certainty;
4. Improve market access; and
5. Continue to develop emerging forest sector markets internationally

Scot Durward, Williams Lake Policy Chair in attendance with our Executive thanked all those who collaborated in the production and ultimately the acceptance of this policy.

The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly-based business organization in Williams Lake. Representing more than 300 members of every size and sector of the area, the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce is “The Voice of Business for Williams Lake and area.”

WL Field Naturalists/WL City Council discuss Management of Scout Island

Joint Release of the City of Williams Lake/WL Field Naturalists Society:

Following a presentation from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists at the June 28, 2016 City of Williams Lake Council meeting, the City, the Williams Lake Field Naturalists, and the Scout Island Management Committee will continue discussions with respect to the vision and management of Scout Island.

Sue Hemphill, Executive Director of Scout Island states: “The Williams Lake Field Naturalists are committed to sharing ideas and information with the City of Williams Lake as we continue to fulfill our mandate of conserving and enhancing the natural habitats at Scout Island. We hope the community continues to recognize the importance of the Scout Island Nature Centre as a place to explore and learn about nature. Scout Island draws both locals and visitors from around the world, and we are committed to preserving this natural area in the center of our city as a sanctuary for our flora and fauna, while providing a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors.”

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb states: “City Council and staff look forward to the opportunity for discussion with the Williams Lake Field Naturalists to focus on continuing to provide the public with opportunities to explore and enjoy Scout Island. We are fortunate to work with such dedicated volunteers, and are happy to be looking at better ways to communicate and work together.”

A presentation tentatively scheduled for the July 12, 2016 Committee of Whole Council meeting has been postponed to accommodate a meeting between the parties in August.

Clarity given on tree-planting in the Agricultural Land Reserve

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The B.C. government is providing clarity to businesses and individuals considering planting trees for things like carbon sequestration on land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) – they will need to apply for permission from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) first.

A change in regulation under the ALC Act requires land owners in the ALR to make an application to the commission to plant trees on properties larger than 20 hectares, if those trees are not for an accepted ALC farm use such as food production or agroforestry.

The change followed discussions with stakeholders including the Agricultural Land Commission, BC Cattlemen's Association and the BC Agriculture Council. The 20 hectare threshold was determined as a result of those discussions, recognizing 20 hectares is large enough for most agricultural purposes, and carbon sequestration projects would require a larger land area than that to be feasible.

The legislative clarity follows 2015 discussions between the Ministry of Agriculture and a private company that had been planting coniferous trees on land in the ALR under a program to sequester carbon and promote the company’s carbon neutrality. The company is reviewing their program to ensure that it is meeting its objectives, and is supported by local communities and stakeholders and has decided not to make any new offers to purchase land, or plant trees for the purpose of carbon sequestration on their existing land while they are conducting their review.

The Agricultural Land Commission is an independent administrative tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and encouraging farming in British Columbia. There are approximately 4.7 million hectares of land in the ALR. The land in the ALR has increased by 31,000 hectares since 2001.

The Hon. Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo-North said:

“This change brings clarity and certainty to farmers and ranchers and our communities about growing trees on land in the ALR. The change supports food production, timber harvesting, agroforestry and silviculture and makes clear that land in the ALR is better used for those purposes.”

MNM Ranch owner, Martin Rossman further stated:

“The 4.7 million hectares of land described as ALR is about 5% of B.C.’s total land area. It is crucial that we take steps to preserve this valuable resource for its intended purpose of production of food. I commend MLA Oakes and the provincial government for facilitating these changes.”

Learn More:

Link to the regulation:

http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/oic/oic_cur/295112230/1666415202/673598472/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl

Living in the ALR:

http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alc/content/alr-maps/living-in-the-alr

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of July 11-15

The following Cariboo-Chilcotin local governments' are meeting next week:

Quesnel - Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee Meeting - 9am on Tuesday, July 12th.  On the Agenda:

* Gas Tax Funds Policy
* Old Playground Equipment Report
* 2017 Master Fee Bylaw
* Initial Budget Direction

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 12th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - In-Camera Meeting (closed to the public) on Tuesday, July 12th at 5pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom under the provisions of the Community Charter - Section 90(1e - land).  Also - the regularly scheduled Committee of  the Whole Meeting for July 12th at 6pm has been cancelled

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 12th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District:

Finance/Audit Committee - Meeting on Monday, July 11th at 11am in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Directors' Discretionary Funds
* Value for Money Audits
* CRD Directors' Remuneration Bylaw No. 5029 Schedules for review

View the full Agenda here

South Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Monday, July 11th at 5pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  Items on the Agenda:

* Discussion with School District #27 -- changes to the South Cariboo Recreation Fees/Charges Bylaw

* Indoor Turf Facility

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Tuesday, July 12th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* MKT Project Status Report - June 2016
* New Arena Online Camera
* Barlow Creek Ball Field Project
* Facility Condition Assessment Update & Rural Recreation 2016 Capital & Operating Budgets
* Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre Update - Verbal Report by Director Norburn

* Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club Update - Verbal Report by Director Norbury

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this Weekend/Next Week:

* Williams Lake -- July 9th, Garden Tour.  More details here

* McLeese Lake Farmers Market -- Sunday July 10th from 9am - 1pm at the Tourism Info Centre (between Oasis Pub/Cafe)

* Williams Lake -- July 11-14, 40th Elders' Conference.  More details here

* Performances in the Park, Thursday, July 14th -- 6-8pm in Boitanio Park

Barlow Creek junior firefighter invited to Camp Ignite

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) is pleased to announce one of its junior firefighters will be attending Camp Ignite, a youth firefighter mentorship program, this summer. Meghan Lund is the first junior firefighter to attend this camp from the Cariboo Regional District (CRD).

Meghan joined the Barlow Creek VFD as a junior firefighter in May 2016. She originally participated in the Junior Firefighter Program offered through her high school and displayed a keen interest in the fire service. In order to attend Camp Ignite, Meghan had to send in an application and submit a short essay about who has been a mentor in her life.

Camp Ignite is a four-day camp that runs from Aug. 11 to 14, 2016, at locations throughout Vancouver, including the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services training facility, YMCA, Grouse Grind and other fitness facilities. The program aims to inspire young women with a passion for firefighting. Activities are designed to showcase the opportunities that are available in the fire service and educate the participants on fitness, nutrition, health and teamwork.

“We are honoured that Meghan will be representing the Barlow Creek VFD at Camp Ignite 2016. This program provides amazing mentorship opportunities and is a once in a lifetime experience,” says CRD Barlow Creek VFD Chief Cody Dillabough. “We would like to encourage more young members to join their local fire department’s junior firefighter program.”

“Congratulations to Meghan on her acceptance to Camp Ignite 2016. This is a testament to the success of our junior firefighter programs,” stated CRD Electoral Area C Director John Massier.

B.C. Ombudsperson coming to Prince George and Cariboo (July 11-14, 2016)

Courtesy of the Office of the BC Ombudsperson:

Has the provincial government, local government, or other B.C. public body treated you unfairly? Next week, B.C.’s independent voice for fairness is holding a complaint clinic in 100 Mile House to help.

Free and confidential appointments with B.C. Ombudsperson staff are being booked in 100 Mile House on July 15. Appointments can also be made in Prince George on July 11 and 12, in Quesnel on July 13, and in Williams Lake on July 14.

Call the Office of the Ombudsperson toll-free at 1-800-567-3247 for more information and to reserve a time.

“The Office of the Ombudsperson serves all of British Columbia,” says Ombudsperson Jay Chalke. “Our mobile complaint clinic is a great option for anyone in the Cariboo and Prince George who has not been successful resolving their concerns about a provincial or local public authority on their own. We can review your situation at the clinic. That initial review can lead to an investigation by our office.”

The Ombudsperson is independent of government and has jurisdiction over all provincial ministries and boards, Crown corporations, colleges and universities, schools and school boards, health authorities, local governments and self-governing professions.

“We receive around 7,500 inquiries and complaints annually,” says Chalke. “Our complaint clinics are one way for people to reach us. We are also available by phone, mail, fax, or web form.

“Your complaint can help others. We have seen many times that just one voice can lead to systemic improvements that assist many.”

100 Mile House Landfill Closure July 9-10, 2016

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District’s 100 Mile House landfill facility will be closed to the public on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10. The temporary closure of the site, which is located on the Gustafson Forest Service Road (also known as the 1100 Road), is due to road work at the Exeter Station Road railway crossing by CN Rail.

The site will re-open Monday July 11 at 8 a.m. and return to normal hours of operation.

2016 UBCM Convention Prelim Program out

Today - the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) released its' preliminary program for their 2016 (113th) Convention/AGM.

Delegates, Provincial/Federal Government Staff, Cabinet Ministers, MLA's, MP's, Senators, Students or Contributing Sponsor/Sponsor can register online starting today with the early bird discount ending on Friday, August 12th.  Final day to register is Friday, September 16th at 4:30pm.  Onsite registration will be at discretion of onsite UBCM Staff and only if space is available 

On Monday, September 26th, there will be pre-Convention Sessions on:

* Agricultural Study Tour: Innovations in Agrifood (Full Day)
* Understanding the Village (First Nations' Reconciliation Topic) (Full Day)
* Forest Policy Decision-Making: The Case for Greater Community Consultation; Tent Cities and Homelessness: Challenges and Approaches; Climate Action: Responsibilities Opportunities and Solutions (Half Day Sessions)

On Monday Evening - there are Meet and Greets for Young Elected Officials and Electoral Area Directors'

On Tuesday, September 27th - there will be the usual half day forums for Electoral Area Directors, Small, Mid-Sized, Large Urban Communities. Also, there are 1 hour early workshops for Delegates and others to take in

 In the evening, there is the Welcome Reception

On Wednesday, September 28th - the 113th UBCM Annual Convention will officially begin plus other presentations from the keynote speaker, Dr. Samantha Nutt, new Federation of Canadian President Clark Somerville and the BC Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development (Hon. Peter Fassbender). In the evening, there are receptions hosted by the BC Government, CUPE and the Chinese Consulate-General of Vancouver

On Thursday, September 29th - in addition to meetings with Provincial Staff or Cabinet Ministers or, in some cases, meeting with the Premier (Hon. Christy Clark), Resolutions debate will continue. Addresses by the Leader of the Green Party/Official Opposition will also occur.  In the afternoon, additional workshops will take place

 In the evening is the 113th Annual Banquet

On Friday, September 30th -- If not complete, Resolutions debate will conclude along with the installation of the new UBCM President and a 30 minute address by the Premier

If you are attending with your spouse, the UBCM Executive has really outdone itself with a program of activities for spouses attending with their elected official

The 2016 UBCM Resolutions Book will be out by September as well as the final program for the 2016 UBCM Convention. For more fulsome details, click here

I'm looking forward to re-connect with my elected official colleagues in late September and attending my 2nd UBCM...

~SF

Expansion Of Desous Trail Network Underway

Courtesy of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium's website:

CCBAC Chair Bob Simpson/CMBC Chair Tom Schoen

Development is rapidly expanding on the Desous Mountain Trail Network, much to mountain bikers’ delight.

Thomas Schoen, president of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, said the organization recently received $30,000 as part of a $400,000 project over three years to massively overhaul the network from the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition.

“The Cariboo region is quickly earning a reputation as a mountain biking travel destination,” Schoen said.

“This is due in large part to many years of grassroots, community-led trail development marketing initiatives and the strong support of key partners and stakeholders including local and provincial governments, First Nations, local businesses and funding agencies.”

He added the CCBAC has been a strong supporter of the CMBC from day one.

“With this latest grant, CCBAC recognizes out past successes and is providing us with the seed funding that can take biking in the region to the next level.”

Mark Savard, local trail advocate and CMBC vice-president, said he’d like to thank the CCBAC for helping initiate phase one of the Desous project, located west of Williams Lake overlooking the Fraser River.

“Now the real work can start,” he said. “Exciting times for the mountain bike community in the Cariboo.”

The Desous Mountain Trail Network will be marketed as a regional trail network.

Bob Simpson, chair of the CCBAC, said visiting mountain bikers want to experience a wide variety of trails and networks in the Cariboo and are encouraged to visit partner communities such as Wells, Quesnel and 100 Mile House.

The CMBC is a regional marketing organization promoting the recreational assets the Cariboo-Chilcotin has to offer.

The volunteer group assists local bike clubs in creating and enhancing their trail infrastructure, helping provide a first-class marketable product.

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - June 2016

In the month of June 2016  - I attended the following events:

* June 1st: Meeting with Xat'sull First Nations Band Administrator Eric Pelkey about road maintenance concerns

* June 9th: Committee of the Whole meeting in Bouchie Lake (west of Quesnel)
* June 10th: CRD Board Meeting in Bouchie Lake
* June 14th: Attended a meeting with CRD Chair Al Richmond with Xat'sull First Nations Chief/Council

* June 20th: Meeting with Wildwood Community Association
* June 21st: Aboriginal Day event in Boitanio Park
* June 23rd: WL Chamber of Commerce General Meeting
* June 25th: "Bids for Kids" Fundraising Event for Punky Lake Camp Society
* June 30th: CRD Board Meeting and Area 'D' Advisory Planning Commission meeting

For Expenses submitted in the month of June 2016:

* Round trip mileage to attend meetings in Bouchie Lake for CRD Board Meetings on June 9/10 -- $127.20

* June 10/30  -- CRD Board Meetings -- $370
* June 9 -- CRD Committee of the Whole Session - $120

~SF

Happy Canada Day 2016!

A message from your local Member of Parliament, Mr. Todd Doherty: