Quesnel Council Highlights - Aug 30th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Website and City Brand Project

The Request for Proposal, for the City’s Website upgrade project, will now be released as Council approved the requirements for this project.  The Request for Proposal will be released in early September and closing the end of September 2016.  The successful proponent will:

-    Provide intuitive website design, with logical menus, follow City brand guidelines and be compatible with all common browsers and mobile views.

-    Develop the website with a user-friendly Content Management System.

-    Provide guidance in developing and organizing the new content.

-    Include features including an advanced search function, a calendar for City events, a visual tracking of projects and investment in the community, a translator feature for new Canadians and foreign investors, font size adjustment and other features allowing for universal accessibility, allow for subscription to various distribution lists, integrate Q-City Map, Civicweb, iCity and online registration systems, integrate video and social media content, and allow for users to share content on social media.

-    Provide reliable hosting in Canada for all City of Quesnel websites and related documents.

This $80,000 phase of the project is funded through:

$30,000 City of Quesnel (2015/16 Budgets)

$9,644   Quesnel Community & Economic Development Corporation $17,500 Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition

$2,856   Northern Development Initiative Trust (Marketing Fund) $20,000 Northern Development Initiative Trust (Pine Beetle Fund)

The Branding Committee reviewed logo concept designs with the consultant on August 24^th.  The brand creative platform and implementation plan is expected in mid-September 2016, and the final brand book and guidelines are expected by early-October 2016.

Community Flag Pole Policy

Council approved the new Community Flag Pole Policy that outlines guidelines for local community groups to fly their flag during a locally-held community event.  The new community flagpole is located beside the Friendship Stage at LeBourdais Park.  For more information, or to book a time to fly a community group’s flag, please contact the City’s Recreation Booking Clerk at 250-992-7125 or visit the City’s website/Council/Council Policies.

Bylaw of the Month – Anti Idling

The focus for September’s Bylaw of the Month is to develop awareness regarding regulations on idling on city streets and parking lots.  Bylaw staff members have strategically chosen this bylaw topic to kick off the back-to-school season that increases traffic congestion.  The City’s Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1773 does not permit vehicles to idle for more than five minutes (with some exceptions).  The Government of Canada states that just less than 60 seconds is the break-even time to offset any potential incremental maintenance costs to your vehicle’s starter and/or battery.  This means that idling for more than 60 seconds is not cost efficient for drivers.  With September being back-to-school month, please remember to limit idling of vehicles when dropping off or picking up children/youth at school.

Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge

Council approved the use of two City transit buses and two City transit bus operators to shuttle participants from Dragon Lake Elementary School to the start line of the Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge race, located in close proximity to the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road/Dragon Lake public boat launch, scheduled for Sunday, October 2, 2016.  This shuttle service will help decrease traffic/pedestrian congestion for the affected areas for Quesnel-Hydraulic Road, and other roadways, in close proximity to the race’s start/finish line.  Proceeds from this event support the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital Mammography Unit located in Quesnel.

2016 Second Quarterly Report

Each quarter, Council is provided with an update of various City departments’ activities as well as progress made towards Council’s Annual Strategic Plan.  For a complete copy of this report, please visit the City’s website/Council/Agendas/2016/Regular/August 30 2016.

Next Meetings

-    7 pm – September 6, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

-    5:30 pm – September 13, 2016 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

WL Council Highlights - Aug 30th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Smith, Walters and Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the Aug 16th WL City Council meeting adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated August 18, 24 and 25, 2016

2) Council approved travel expenses for Mayor Cobb to attend the Northern Mayors & Regional District Chairs Roundtable on September 9, 2016 in Prince George, BC.

3) Council authorized registration, travel, accommodation and associated expenses for the Mayor, Council and Staff to attend the 2016 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Annual Convention from September 26 to 30, 2016 in Victoria, BC at an approximate cost per person of $3,198.00 excluding applicable taxes.

4) Council approved the North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption application from Inland Diesel Ltd. for their new truck and trailer dealership at 4600 Collier Place, and authorize entering into a North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement at "Class 1" with Inland Diesel Ltd.

5) Council approved the North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption application from Northern Vac Services Ltd. for their expanded business and manufacturing building at 4665 Collier Place, and authorize entering into a North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement at "Class 3" with Northern Vac Services Ltd

6) Council ratified an email poll authorizing the Williams Lake Rugby Football Club to hold a parade on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM, commencing at City Hall and proceeding down Borland Street and right onto Third Avenue North to Marie Sharpe Elementary School, in honour of Kayla Moleschi’s bronze medal win at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio

7) Council adopted several Committee of the Whole recommendations as follows:

a) The City of Williams Lake endorse the Tick Tock Find me a Doc program and work with the Central Interior Rural Division (CIRD) of Family Practice in promoting this campaign.

b) Letters be written to the Minister of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure acknowledging their correspondence dated June 30 and July 20, 2016 advising they will not be participating in a multi-agency River Valley Transportation Plan; and further, that Council inquire as to their plans in finding a long-term solution for access to this subdivision.

c) Council consider and direct Staff to undertake the following projects:

Review sewer related bylaws, for the purposes of updating those bylaws, and bring recommendations to Council for consideration;
Analyze current sources of sewer revenue and payer fairness across sewer system users; and
Detail the option of introducing a separate storm sewer fee if this will increase payer fairness.

d) The report of the Director of Development Services dated July 25, 2016 regarding information on the adding the Soda Creek Road to the Pavement Rehabilitation and Waterworks 2016 Contract be received and this project be referred to the 2017 budget process.

8) At the request of the Williams Lake Stampeders Hockey Club - Council approved Special Occasion Liquor Licenses on October 15, 22, 29, November 26, December 3 and 10, 2016 and January 29, 2017 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

9) Council authorized the Child Development Centre's Inaugural Princess Ball on October 1, 2016

10) Council proclaimed the following:

a) October 16 to 22, 2016 - National Teen Driver Safety Week
b) September 2016 - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
c) September 9th, 2016 - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

11) Council approved accommodation and associated expenses for Councillor Jason Ryll to attend the BC Ferry Working Group Meeting being held in Vancouver, BC on September 6, 2016.

12) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of August 30th as follows:

• August 15, 2016 - News Release re new NDIT CEO starting in October

Mayor Cobb reported to Council that he would forward a letter of welcome to the new NDIT CEO, Joel McKay

Members of Council gave oral reports as to their recent activities

Meeting adjourned at 6:32pm

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Aug 29 - Sept 2nd

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

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Aug 30th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Volunteer Citizen of the Year - 2015/2016 Meeting Minutes - Year in Review
* 2016 Calendar of Special Meetings and Strategic Initiatives (Fall 2016)
* Second Quarterly Report
* Website Project and Brand Update
* Community Flag Pole Policy
* Bylaw of the Month - Anti-Idling (Coordinated with Back-to-School)

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Aug 30th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Ruth Shaw, FASD Parent to Parent Support Worker & Shel Meyers, FASD Key Worker re "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day" Proclamation

* Mayor's Travel to Attend Northern Mayors & Regional District Chairs Roundtable - September 9, 2016
* Authorize Travel to the 2016 UBCM Convention
* North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Application - Inland Diesel - 4600 Collier Place
* North End Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Application - Northern Vac - 4665 Collier Place
* Poll of Council - Parade in Honour of Kayla Moleschi's Rio Olympic Medal
* 4 Recommendations from Aug 23rd Committee of the Whole Meeting for Adoption
* 2 Proclamations for Adoption -- "National Teen Driver Safety Week"/"Prostate Cancer Awareness Month"

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this weekend/next week:

* Saturday, Aug 27th -- Kayla Moleschi Parade/Community Celebration - more details here as well as racing at Thunder Speed Raceway, on Bond Lake Rd, west of the City - more details here

* Saturday/Sunday, Aug 27/28 - South Cariboo Garlic Festival in Lac La Hache.  View more details here

* Sunday, Aug 28th -- McLeese Lake Farmers' Market from 9am - 1pm at the McLeese Lake Tourism Info Centre (between the Oasis Pub/Cafe in downtown McLeese Lake)

* Friday, Aug 26-Sunday, Aug 28th - West Coast Amusements in Williams Lake.  More details here

CRD Board Highlights - August 26th mtg

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

Meeting agenda approved/July 22nd CRD Board Meeting Minutes adopted

Resolved - That the Memo. of Business - Delegations be received

Development Services:

1) Planning Bylaws #5051/5052 (Area L) and 5053/5054 (Area F) were given 1st/2nd Readings
2) Planning Bylaw #5034 (Area F) was given 3rd Reading/Adoption, following a Public Hearing held on August 9th

3) Planning Bylaws #4953 (Area H) and #4996 (Area A) were adopted

4) ALR Application #13/2016 (Area H - Worthington) was sent to the Ag Land Commission with a recommendation to approve

5) Temp. Permit application #TP #27-2016 (Area L) was approved for a 3 year period

6) The Board received a report of the Mgr of Development Services regarding an new initiative of the BC Ministry of Environment concerning Contaminated Sites and directed a letter be forwarded to the BC Minister of the Environment advising that the Cariboo Regional District has concerns about this proposal mentioning the fact that Building Inspection is not in all areas of the Cariboo Regional District

7) The Board received a report of the Mgr of Development Services regarding Geotechnical Map Inventory and Staff were directed to:

a) Maintain a database on Geotechnical Reports, gathering and sharing that information with other agencies and government bodies.

b) Undertake a cost evaluation to be included in the 5-year budget for Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) system to collect visual data with greater detail and accuracy.

c) The landslide area that would require global study be identified in the Quesnel Fringe Area. Requests from land owners wanting to invest in further evaluation in areas are to be brought to the Board for consideration before any funds are allocated to a specific area on a negotiated cost shared basis

Environmental Services:

1) The Board received the Proposed Water and Sewer Projects report as of August 26, 2016

2) The Board received a report of the Mgr of Environmental Services re: Funding Shortfall for Capital Improvements associated with the New Russet Bluff Groundwater Supply Well and directed that an additional $18,000 in Community Works Funds with the balance being funded through the Russet Bluff Water Service’s operating surplus and capital reserves

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed to provide up to $15,000 in Community Works Funding for the Horsefly Seniors Activity and Wellness Centre to install insulation and energy efficient windows

2) The Board agreed to provide up to $5,000 in Community Works Funding to install a reverse osmosis water system on three water taps at the Likely Community Hall and industrial kitchen

3) The Board rejected a request of the Mt Timothy Ski Society for Community Works Funding to perform energy efficiency and water improvement works at the Mt. Timothy Ski facility.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Wagner, Cash, William, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Negative - Directors Anderson/Kemp

Protective Services:

1) The Board agreed to write a letter to the appropriate provincial representative requesting that accounts be set up on a provincial basis for first responders from small communities (less than 4,000 people) to allow for the refilling of first responder oxygen bottles and that Staff request a meeting at UBCM with appropriate representatives from BC Emergency Health Services to discuss this topic

Meeting recessed at 11:12am
Meeting resumed at 11:24am

Director B. Simpson left the meeting

Communications:

1) The Board received a report of the Mgr of Communications in regards to sponsorship for the 2017 Telus Cup in Prince George

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of July 2016, in the amount of $2,722,622.54

2) The Board received a report of the Chief Financial Officer concerning accumulated operating surpluses for CRD Functions and referred it to a future Committee of the Whole meeting

Administration:

1) The Board received the results of Special Voting concerning Mount Timothy Grant for Assistance, Change in Use

2) The Board adopted a recommendation of the South Cariboo Joint Committee as follows:

That the South Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4965 be amended to create a non-resident rate for drop-in activities that is 50% higher than the corresponding resident rate.


3) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of August 26th, 2016

4) The Board received a letter from the City of Victoria to the Prime Minister concerning Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project and a letter from the Fraser Valley Regional District concerning Letter to BC Minister of the Environment - Mattress and Bulky Furniture Extended Producer Responsibility and response from the Agriculture Land Commission in regards to Celebration Events on ALR Lands

5) The Board received/endorsed the Prioritization of Board Resolutions Report as of July 22, 2016

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received the July 20th Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting Minutes and endorsed two recommendations from that meeting:

a) SD 27 Proposed Boundary Changes - Letter to School District #27
b) Chimney and Felker Lakes Landholders Association - Request for Amendment to Grant for Assistance

2) The Board received the July 20th Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Meeting Minutes and endorsed two recommendations from that meeting:

a) Mountain Biking Community Partnership Draft Agreement
b) Trail Project Business Plan Goal Change - Central Cariboo Recreation Function

3) The Board received the July 21st South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission Meeting Minutes and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting:

a) Reviews and Maintenance of SC Regional Airport's Instrument Procedures
b) Renewal of Access and Use Agreement with Wing and Rotor Aviation
c) Renewal of Contracting Services Agreement with Sealtec Industries Ltd.

4) The Board received the July 12th North Cariboo Joint Committee meeting minutes and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting:

a) Quesnel Youth Soccer Centre - Walking Program
b) Barlow Creek Ball Field Project
c) Bouchie Lake and Barlow Creek Recreation Upgrades and Repairs

5) The Board received the July 25th meeting minutes of the Infrastructure - Broadband-Cell Committee

Meeting recessed at 12:00pm for lunch
Meeting resumed at 12:39pm

Corporate Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Regional District Directors’ Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw No. 5055, 2016 was given 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and Adoption
b) Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer System (Gook Road Extension) Debt Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 5056 was given 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and Adoption
c) Quesnel-Hixon Subdivision Erosion Protection Works Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 5057 was given 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and Adoption
d) North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission Repeal Bylaw No. 5058 was given 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and Adoption
e) Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5004 was adopted

Directors' Requests:

a) At the request of Directors' Forseth/Sorley - $1,000 was given to the Xat'sull Save the Salmon Traditional Pow-Wow to be held on Sept 9, 10, 11 at the Xat'sull Heritage Village with costs to be charged against -- $500 from Area 'D' Discretionary Fund and $500 from Area F Discretionary Fund

b) At request of Director Forseth - the Board agreed to invite Emile Scheffel, BC Regional Lead of Community Affairs, CN Rail, to make a presentation to the Board in regards to safety on CN Rail Lines and that member municipalities be invited to the presentation, when scheduled.

c) The Board received a report of Director Sorley concerning the July 22/23 NCLGA Board Meeting

Directors' then gave oral reports as to their activities within their Electoral Area/Municipality:

Resolved - That the Board authorize Director Forseth to proceed to Public Hearing with regards to Ancillary Space Text Amendments - Bylaws  5041/5042.  Approved by the following Stakeholder - Electoral Area Directors' vote:

Affirmative - Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Richmond, Wagner, and William

Negative - Directors D. Cash, B. Anderson and B. Coakley

Resolved - That a letter of appreciation be forwarded to Jan Richmond in respect of allowing access of a cabin at Chimney Lake for the recent Martial Arts tour in the Region

Resolved  - That William Adams be appointed to the Heritage Steering Committee

Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to the Province requesting a Heritage Sign be posted at Soda Creek

Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - Aug 26th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 9:30am
Meeting agenda adopted/CCRHD Board Minutes of July 22nd meeting adopted

Business:

1) The Board received the Memo. of Business - Delegations as of August 26th

2) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading/Adoption to Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Memorial Hospital Ventilation System and Boiler Plant Upgrades) Bylaw No. 120, 2016

3) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar, as of August 26th

4) The Board received Interior Health's Capital Projects and Planning Status Report for July 2016

5) The Board received a press release from Northern Health entitled "Six New Doctors welcomed to Rural and Remote Communities"

6) The Board received a request from Director Forseth regarding sending a clarification letter to Interior Health for recent meal practice changes at 100 Mile General Hospital, Mill Site Lodge and Fischer Place and took no further action

7) The Board agreed to support of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District in regards to the need for updating of the Hospital District Act and a province wide session with all regional hospital districts and that correspondence be forwarded to the Minister of Health supporting the requests put forward by the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District.

Meeting adjourned at 9:37am

Public reminded to put out their campfires!

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Branch:

The BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to adhere to all open burning regulations and be more diligent with their campfire use.

Over the last two weeks, several abandoned campfires were discovered within the Cariboo Fire Centre's jurisdiction.

Anyone lighting or fuelling a campfire must fully extinguish it and ensure that the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the site for any length of time. Failure to do so could result in a hefty fine.

Temperatures in the Cariboo Fire Centre are expected to cool over the next few days, but little rain is expected and unpredictable, gusty winds are in the forecast. When a campfire causes a wildfire, it is often due to wind blowing sparks or embers into nearby forest fuels. Keeping a close eye on your campfire at all times is crucial to stop it sparking a wildfire.

In 2015, three wildfires in the Cariboo Fire Centre were caused by abandoned campfires. So far this year, one wildfire was started by a campfire. With hunting and fishing season upon us, the recent spike in abandoned campfires is concerning. One human-caused wildfire is one too many, since human-caused fires divert valuable firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires.

Campfires and Category 2 open fires are currently allowed in the Cariboo Fire Centre, but Category 3 open fires remain prohibited. A poster explaining the different categories of fires is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

The BC Wildfire Service continuously evaluates the need for open fire restrictions, based on weather conditions, dryness of forest fuels and the level of compliance with burning regulations - including the responsible use of campfires.

The Cariboo Fire Centre is asking for the public's assistance in reporting any abandoned or unattended campfires. To report an abandoned campfire, wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone. Whenever possible, the person submitting the report should include the location of the campfire and any information that could help identify the person responsible, such as a license plate number or a vehicle description.

Here are some important campfire safety tips:

* Have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire.

* Campfires can not be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

* Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.

* Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.

* Never leave a campfire unattended.

* Ensure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Natural resource officers and conservation officers conduct regular patrols throughout British Columbia, including looking out for campfire-related infractions. Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a 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.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1 888 3-FOREST (1 888 336-7378) or visit: bcwildfire.ca

Building Act Update for Local Governments

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

In June, the Office of Housing & Construction Standards released the document Changes for Local Governments Under Section 5 of the Building Act, which includes an explanation of restricted and unrestricted matters under the Act.

The following issues have been classified as unrestricted matters. This means that local governments have the authority to set their own building requirements in bylaws.

* Fire access route design
* Matters that fall under the local government’s land use and planning authority (parking spaces for people with disabilities and development permit areas)

* District energy systems and connections

In addition, the document includes a list of temporarily unrestricted matters. It appears that these matters are still under review by the Province, and will no longer be unrestricted once the matter is addressed by a provincial requirement. Temporarily unrestricted matters include:

* Transmission of sound into a building from external sources
* In-building radio repeaters
* Exterior design and finish of buildings in relation to wildfire hazard within a Development Permit Area

For more information, refer to the Building Act Guide or contact the Province by email.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Aug 23rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Lions Housing Society Development – Corner of Reid Street/McNaughton Avenue

The Quesnel Lions Housing Society, developer of a proposed 30 unit housing development for seniors, recently finalized an agreement to purchase the adjacent lot to the north of the proposed development allowing for a significantly revised site plan.  The revised site plan includes an increase in parking spaces to 17 from 11 and includes one handicapped parking stall.   The proposed parking area is situated north of the building with room for additional parking spaces should this be needed in the future.  This change also will allow for more greenspace, scooter parking and a garden area at the northeast end of the building. The proposed new front yard setback has been increased from 3 meters to 5 meters, with all other setbacks now meeting current regulations.  The Quesnel Lions Housing Society will be hosting an Open House from 3-7 p.m., September 13, 2016 at the Best Western Tower Inn Banquet Room to receive the public’s input regarding the proposed site plan.  A report outlining a summary of this public consultation will be brought back to Council before Bylaws 1781 and 1782 will receive further consideration.

Grace Inn Motel – Convert to Multi-Unit Housing – 530 Carson Avenue

The developer has recently brought forward changes for the proposed development to convert the Grace Inn Motel into multi-unit housing.  Currently, the City is working with the developer to identify the following:

-    Quality and type of units post conversion

-    Market for the units

-    Renovation timeline

-    Level of site management once the conversion is completed

The developer no longer wishes to limit the Grace Inn re-development for affordable seniors housing, but now wishes to open these units for market rent to various demographics.  Also outstanding is the total number of units being developed and project conversion timeline.  Further reporting regarding this development will be brought forward to Council for consideration.

Extension to Recycling Contract

Council has approved an extension to the City’s current contract for recycling services with Northern Recycling Inc (NRI) to June 2020 that will now coincide with the timing of the end of the Multi Materials British Columbia contract for processing the door-to-door recycling collected in the City.  The current City/NRI recycling services contract includes the three recycling satellite stations, recycling at the landfill and the reuse centre.  The Cariboo Regional District contributes 55% of the cost of recycling services, based on population, via a Memorandum of Understanding with the City that expires December 31, 2019.  This approved contract extension will allow the City time to plan for the future of the area’s landfill, recycling services and other zero-waste initiatives.  

Touch a Truck Fundraiser

Council approved Public Works to assist with a partial road closure for the Quesnel and District Child Development Centre “Touch a Truck” fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2016.  McLean Street will be partially closed from the 445 McLean Street to the north end of McLean Street and Shepherd Avenue from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.  Horns and sirens will be sounding from 12-1 pm.  There is a $6.00/person, or $20.00/family entrance fee.  Please contact Heidi at 250-992-2481 for more information.

Northern Health – New Family Physicians

Northern Health will welcome six new family physicians to the north:  three to Quesnel (August 2016), and one each to Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge and Dawson Creek (September 2016).  This will be the third group of physicians to arrive to the north through the Practice Ready Assessment process.  Through this process, physicians spend three months with a B.C. physician who evaluates their skills as they care for patients.  Physicians successfully completing this program, commit to practice for at least three years in a designated rural community; providing stability of care in that community.

Bylaws

-    Bylaw 1781/1782 – Seniors Housing Development (Reid St/McNaughton Ave) – Second as Amended

Next Meetings

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

-    7 pm – September 6, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

WL Council-in-Committee -- Aug 23rd mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6:02pm

Meeting Agenda adopted/Mins of the May 31st COW Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Jill Zirnhelt & Tanya Kielpinski - Central Interior Rural Division (CIRD) of Family Practice appeared before the Committee to provide an update to the CIRD's activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council support the 'Tic Toc/Find Us a Doc' program

2) Sue Hemphill from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists/Scout Island Nature Centre appeared before the Committee to discuss a proposed Natural Playground at the Scout Island Beach

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. Hemphill for her time/information

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council authorize Staff to work with Scout Island Nature Centre in regards to an Expression of Interest to the TD Friends of the Environment for a natural playground at the public beach

3) Linda Hillegeist - Moore Mountain Landowners & Residents - appeared before the Committee to discuss the access to Frizzi Rd issue/Agenda Item P2 (Report from Director of Development Services re: WL River Valley Transportation Planning)

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. Hillegeist for her time/information

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council send a letter to the Minister of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations in regards to the current status of road access to the Williams Lake River Valley and the next steps

Business:

1) Financial Plan - Sewer Costs

The Committee had before it a report of the Chief Financial Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council direct staff to undertake the following projects:

1. Review sewer related bylaws, for purposes of updating those bylaws, and bring recommendations
to Council for consideration;

2. Analyze current sources of sewer revenue and payer fairness across sewer system users; and

3. Detail the option of introducing a separate storm sewer fee if this will increase payer fairness.

2) Pavement Rehabilitation & Waterworks 2016 Contract Addition - Soda Creek Road

The Committee had before it a report of the Director of Development Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee receive this report for information and refer this item to the 2017 Budget Process

3) River Valley Transportation Planning

The Committee had before it a report of the Director of Development Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee receive this report and the letter from Linda Hillegeist for information

Meeting adjourned at 7:34pm

Elected Alternate Directors for RD Boards?

At their meeting on Thursday - the Peace River Regional District Board will consider an draft letter to the Province in regards to the system of Alternate Directors' for Regional District Boards'

At their meeting of August 11th - the Peace River RD Board resolved the following, at the request of Peace River RD Area 'C' Director Brad Sperling:

That a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development regarding the appointment of Alternate Directors to a Regional District Board to:

* Request information as to the number of alternate directors that may be appointed from municipalities and rural areas; and
* Suggest that the Local Government Act be amended to allow the appointment of more than one alternate director for a municipality or rural area.

Sections 200/201 of the Local Government Act speaks to the currently authorized system of appointing Alternate Directors, both for Electoral Area and Municipal Directors' serving on a Regional District Board which you can review here

In response, the Peace River RD CAO, Chris Cvik, has drafted a letter for the Peace River RD Board's endorsement, which you can read here

In part of the draft letter, it states:

"Can you please suggest next steps to lobby for changes to the legislation to have Alternate Rural Directors elected to their positions?"

While I am aware of some who think the antiquated Alternate Director system should go entirely, electing Alternate Directors would cause real problems within Electoral Areas given there is only 1 political representative for an Electoral Area however it could work for Municipal Councils' who don't want to get into 'Survivor Week' lobbying each other for the position(s) (Director/Alternate Director) on a Regional District Board yearly or at the beginning of their elected term

For Electoral Area Directors' - I feel the current system of appointing an Alternate Director works well.  If you can't make a meeting, your options include:

* Change your schedule to make meetings or send in your Alternate Director to represent you in your absence

* Allow for Tele/Video Conferencing to deal with "one off's" through your Board Procedure Bylaw 
* Arrange for your fellow Electoral Area Director colleagues on your Regional District Board to take up your Area issue(s) on your behalf at the meeting(s) you expect to be absent from

I will be watching this item closely.  Should the Peace River Regional District Board agree to send the draft letter as proposed by their CAO, then I will be approaching my own Board and requesting that a letter be forwarded to the Province advising that the Cariboo Regional District Board strongly opposes a system of electing Alternate Electoral Area Directors' and that the status quo of appointing an alternate Electoral Area Director for the duly-elected Electoral Area Director remain

~SF

Parade/Rugby Events to Honour Kayla Moleschi this Saturday

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Following the huge success of the Canada Women’s Rugby Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, the City of Williams Lake encourages the community to join the Williams Lake Rugby Football Club in celebrating our bronze medalist Kayla Moleschi’s return to Williams Lake.

A parade in Kayla’s honour will commence at 10 am on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at City Hall at 450 Mart Street, proceeding down Borland Street and right onto North Third Avenue to Marie Sharpe Elementary. City Councillor and local rugby representative Jason Ryll says, “We want to recognize the achievements made by Kayla, who has worked hard in so many ways. She's been a great ambassador for the game and for Williams Lake. It's the right thing to do.”

From 10:30 on, we will celebrate Kayla’s success at the Marie Sharpe field with speeches from Mayor Walt Cobb and local dignitaries, and the community will have an opportunity to take photos with our local Olympic hero.

The fun will continue at 11 am with an introduction to rugby workshop and Rookie Rugby Day events, followed by a touch rugby tournament from 12 pm – 2 pm. City of Williams Lake Council encourages the community to come out and show their support for our Olympic hero, Kayla Moleschi, and to enjoy the rugby events on Saturday.

Lac La Hache/South Cariboo OCP Consultation at South Cariboo Garlic Festival

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) encourages everyone to visit the Lac La Hache Area and South Cariboo Area Official Community Plans (OCPs) Update booth at the South Cariboo Garlic Festival on August 27 and 28 in Lac La Hache. CRD elected officials, staff and consultants will be available to provide information, answer questions and obtain feedback from residents.

“Engaging with residents, business owners, and vacationers is an important part of the OCP review process,” states CRD Chair and Electoral Area G Director Al Richmond. “We want to create updated OCPs that are useful tools for the Lac La Hache and South Cariboo communities now and into the future and that represent the interests and wishes of our residents as a whole.”

Earlier this year, the CRD launched the process to update the OCPs for the Lac La Hache Area and South Cariboo Area. Late winter and early spring saw a series of engagement activities encouraging community member participation. Open Houses were hosted in Lac La Hache and the South Cariboo area in late February and community surveys were available from February until mid-April. Over 160 people completed the surveys and provided feedback and local information. Work has been rapidly moving forward and the CRD anticipates completion of both OCP reviews by the end of the year.

Preliminary OCPs for Lac La Hache and the South Cariboo are being drafted and they will be reviewed by members of the respective Advisory Committees, CRD Staff and other stakeholders in the fall. The draft OCP policies will then be posted on the CRD website for community input, including a survey. The completed draft OCPs will be presented during Open House sessions anticipated in the late fall.

Public Consultation Summary Reports and Technical Background Reports for the Lac La Hache area and the South Cariboo have been posted on the CRD website cariboord.ca.

Regular project updates will be provided on the CRD’s website, on Facebook at facebook.com/CaribooRegion and on Twitter at @CaribooRD. For further information, call the CRD’s Development Services Department at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Aug 22-26

With the Boards' of Education for School Districts #27/28 (Cariboo-Chilcotin/Quesnel) still on summer recess - the following local governments' in the Cariboo-Chilcotin will meet next week:

Quesnel - Standing Committee on Financial Sustainability/Audit on Tuesday, August 23rd at 9am.  On the Agenda:

* Review of Action Summary sheet
* Finance Department Update
* Spending Overage
* Capital Review to June 2016
* Permissive Exemptions Review
* In-Camera Meeting -- Section 90(1L - Discussion with Municipal Officers for preparation of annual report - Strategic Planning)

View the full Agenda here

There is also a Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Quesnel Lions Housing Society Update - Seniors Housing Development (McNaughton Avenue/Reid Street)
* Extension of Recycling Contract
* Grace Inn Motel Update (Convert to Multi-Unit Housing)

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, August 23rd at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* 4 Delegations -- Lisa Mueller and Shauna Harper - Nation2Nation Forum - November 17 & 18, 2016, Williams Lake and Youth 4 Leaders (Y4L Summit), Tl'etinqox (Anaham); ill Zirnhelt & Tanya Kielpinski - Central Interior Rural Division (CIRD) of Family Practice - Update; Sue Hemphill - Williams Lake Field Naturalists/Scout Island Nature Centre - Natural Playground at the Scout Island Beach

* Financial Plan - Sewer Costs
* Pavement Rehabilitation & Waterworks 2016 Contract Addition - Soda Creek Road
* River Valley Transportation Planning

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

CC Regional Hospital District Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, August 26th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Capital Expenditure (GR Baker Memorial Hospital Ventilation System and Boiler Plant Upgrades) Bylaw
* Hospital Consent Calendar
* Interior Health Capital Projects and Planning Status Report - July 2016
* Request from Director Forseth – Letter to Interior Health Regarding Meal Practice Changes at 100 Mile General/Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge
* Request from Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District to Support Modernization of the Hospital District Act

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, August 26th at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Various Land Use/Planning Matters
* Funding Shortfall for Capital Improvements associated with the New Russet Bluff Groundwater Supply Well
* Community Works Funding Agreements for Likely Community Hall/Mt Timothy/Horsefly Seniors Activity and Wellness Centre
* BC Ambulance Service Policy Change Cuts Supply of Oxygen to First Responders
* Reallocation and Disposition of CRD Accumulated Operating Surpluses
* Consent Calendar
* Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations for receipt/endorsement
* 5 Corporate Bylaws for Adoption -- Directors' Remuneration Amendment, Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer System (Gook Road Extension) Debt Service Parcel Tax Bylaw, Quesnel-Hixon Subdivision Erosion Protection Works Service Parcel Tax Bylaw, North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission Repeal Bylaw, Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw

* Request from Directors' Sorley/Forseth to give $1,000 to the annual Xat'sull Save the Salmon event at the Xat'sull Heritage Village on Sept 9-11
* Request from Director Forseth for CN Rail to be Invited to Present Information on Rail Line Safety
* Report from Director Sorley re: recent NCLGA Board meeting

View the full Agenda here

Community Events:

* Martial Arts Event this evening in the Gibraltar Room at 7pm - more details here
* McLeese Lake Farmers' Market this Sunday from 9am - 1pm at the McLeese Lake Tourism Info Centre (between Oasis Pub/Cafe in downtown McLeese Lake)

* Mobility Adventure Day on Monday, August 22nd from 10:30am - 2pm in Boitanio Park.  More details here

* Last "Performances in the Park" for the 2016 Season on Thursday, August 25th from 6-8pm in Boitanio Park.  More details here

* Chimney Lake Community Mtg re: Local Transfer Station -- Thursday, August 25th at 6:30pm at the Chimney-Felker Lake Fire Hall (2262 Chimney Lk Road).  View more here

WL Indian Band Councillor Election 2016

Last night - the electors of the Williams Lake Indian Band voted in 3 people to serve another 4 year term as Band Councillor.  Those people were:

1) Willie Sellars - re-elected
2) Rick Gilbert - re-elected
3) Andrew Meshue - elected

A total of 8 people ran.  Congrats to re-elected WL Indian Band Councillors Sellars/Gilbert along with Councillor-elect Meshue.

A thank you as well to the other 5 unsuccessful candidates.  I know that they would have been loyal public servants.  Democracy is always served when choices are available to the voters

I look forward to continue working with WL Indian Band Councillor Willie Sellars/Rick Gilbert along with new Band Councillor Andrew Meshue

Finally - WL Indian Band Chief Ann Louie and Councillors Heather MacKenzie/Chris Wycotte, Sr continue to serve until August 2018

~SF

2016 UBCM Resolution Book Released

At next month's 2016 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Victoria, delegates will consider 177 submitted resolutions covering a large number of different matters that are of interest to local governments' in BC.  View the full Resolutions Book here

The 3 Resolution Sessions at the 2016 UBCM Convention will be chaired by East Kootenay RD Area F Director Wendy Booth and vice-chaired by Fraser Fort George Area E Director/Chair Art Kaehn and they will be assisted by Strathcona RD Vice-Chair Jim Abrams, Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft and Central Coast RD Chair Alison Sayers

It wouldn't surprise me if the Convention fails to get through all 177 Resolutions as there is always a late UBCM Resolution or two that is introduced on the floor during the Resolution debates and thus there is not enough time to get through all submitted Resolutions... but we'll see what happens at the Convention

As I did for the 2015 UBCM Convention -- I plan to post here and on my Steve Forseth - CRD Area 'D' Director Facebook page daily reports from the Convention including passed/defeated UBCM Resolutions so stay tuned here

~SF

New City of WL CAO

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and City Council are pleased to announce that Milo Macdonald has been hired as Chief Administrative Officer and will be starting on September 12, 2016. Milo has had a very successful career with the RCMP over the last 20 years, and was currently serving as Inspector for the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment.

“I am honored to have been selected as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Williams Lake. I am very excited about the direction we are headed in and am looking forward to working with Council and the Staff," says MacDonald.

Mayor Walt Cobb states: “We are fortunate to welcome Milo as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Williams Lake. Council and staff have had the privilege of working with Milo directly during his tenure at the RCMP, and have been impressed with his experience, knowledge and professionalism. The City of Williams Lake is very excited to move forward with such a strong and diligent leader.”

Councillor Scott Nelson, Finance Committee Chair states: “we are very pleased with the stability and qualities Milo possesses as well as his knowledge and already established network within the Region.”

CARIP Grants 2016

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Communities throughout British Columbia will share over $6.4 million in grants from the B.C. government’s Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP), Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender announced today.

CARIP is a conditional grant program that provides funding to B.C. local governments which signed the Climate Action Charter and commit to report publicly on their progress toward meeting their climate action goals. Local governments receive a CARIP grant equivalent to the full amount of direct carbon tax they pay in a year.

Since 2008, CARIP has granted over $39 million to B.C. local governments to help support communities in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work toward Climate Action Charter goals.

For the full community list of CARIP Grants - click here

For Cariboo-Chilcotin Communities:

Wells - $3,348

Quesnel - $48,454

Williams Lake - $27,597

100 Mile House - $5,521

Cariboo Regional District - $13,941

The Hon. Peter Fassbender, BC's Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development said:

“The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program continues to reward local governments for supporting British Columbia’s Climate Action Charter and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you to all the participants in this successful program, as well as all the local governments that made submissions to the Climate Leadership Plan.”

The Hon. Mary Polak, BC's Minister of the Environment further stated:

“Local governments can help achieve B.C.’s GHG emission reduction targets through their important role in land use planning, transportation, waste management and infrastructure development. Local governments have been key partners in the Province’s success in lowering greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to grow our economy. We will continue to work closely with communities throughout the province to build strong partnerships for climate collaboration.”

Quick Facts:

Over 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia are under the influence of local governments.

The Province and UBCM established the voluntary B.C. Climate Action Charter in 2007.

96% of local governments signed the charter, which commits them to be carbon neutral in their corporate operations, to measure their community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and to create complete, compact and energy efficient communities.

The B.C. government returns 100% of carbon tax dollars to reporting local governments that have signed the charter.

Learn More:

For more information about Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program -- http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/greencommunities/carip.htm

Check out the provincial government’s role in supporting communities, sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -- http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Concern about Rural Dividend Program vis-a-vis Electoral Areas

Back on July 28th on this year - I wrote to BC Premier Christy Clark, in my capacity as the Electoral Area 'D' Director of the Cariboo Regional District, respectfully requesting that changes be made to the Rural Dividend program whereby there should be separate and equal funding allocations for Electoral Areas and Muncipalities, given their issues are different & unique ($12.5 million for Electoral Areas and $12.5 million for qualifying Muncipalities = $25 million per year for next 3 years)

Non-Profits/First Nations would then apply to that distinct funding envelope, depending on their location

This past Monday - Mr. David Borth, Executive Director of the BC Rural Secretariat based in Kamloops wrote a response to my letter on behalf of BC Premier Christy Clark

My letter along the response from Mr. Borth can be viewed below:

Rural Dividend Ltrs

The Cariboo Regional District Board (Board) has already agreed to have a broad discussion on this program at the request of Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson at our September 22nd Committee of the Whole meeting in Wells and I will be asking the CRD Board at our August 26th meeting to consider inviting Mr. Tom Hoffman as a local resident who currently sits on the BC Rural Advisory Council to help us understand why the BC Rural Dividend program criteria was drafted the way it was.

The Board has already discussed concerns with the Rural Dividend program with Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett earlier this year so hopefully Mr. Hoffman, should the Board authorize his attendance at our September COW Meeting, can further clarify aspects of the Rural Dividend program criteria like why money leveraging is all but not allowed except for use of the Community Works Funding along with small community capital projects are all but not allowed except in very limited circumstances

Unless there are considerable changes to this program that makes applying to this program useful for some of my unincorporated communities like McLeese/Tyee Lake and Wildwood - as an Electoral Area Director, I can't encourage my local communities to apply to this program as the Rural Dividend seems to be only geared towards money for studying things, rather than funding of small community projects which is what my Electoral Area needs at this time, particularly for the unincorporated communities of McLeese Lake, Tyee Lake, and Wildwood

Editor's Note -- this blog post is my own opinion and is not reflective of the Cariboo Regional District, its' Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers 

~SF

WL Council Highlights - Aug 16th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Walters and Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6:01pm
Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the July 19th, 2016 WL Council meeting adopted

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

Delegations/Presentations - None

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated July 21, 28, 29, August 4, 10 and 11, 2016

Councillor Zacharias declared a conflict of interest on the next item and left Council Chambers at 6:02pm

2) Council agreed to support the Cariboo Community Church’s request for a permissive tax exemption for the property located at 35 Oliver Street, legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, Plan PGP42291, and Staff were directed to prepare an amendment to Williams Lake Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No 2238, 2015 to include this property’s land and improvements under Schedule D effective for 2017.

Councillor Zacharias returned to the meeting at 6:06pm

3) Council adopted an email poll approving a front canopy encroachment agreement with Thomas and Ulrike Wittal on Lot 7, District Lot 8816, Cariboo District, Plan 7290 at 28 Broadway Avenue North, with all costs associated with registration of this execution and registration being the responsibility of the property owner

4) Council ratified a Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee recommendation as follows:

a) That pursuant to Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Report #06-2016 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated July 13, 2016, the City and Cariboo Regional District enter into the Community Partnership Agreement with the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium and the Williams Lake Cycling Club and the appropriate signatories be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City.

5) Council accepted the street naming application from Don Buchanan and approved adding the name "Buchanan" to the list of approved names for consideration in future street naming processes.

6) Council received the July 20th meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee

7) Council approved 3 Proclamations as follows:

a) International Day of Older Persons - October 1st, 2016
b) World Cerebral Palsy Day - October 5th, 2016
c) World Mental Health Day - October 10th, 2016

8) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of August 16th, 2016 as follows:

• July 22, 2016 - CRD Board Highlights;
• August 2, 2016 - Joint News Release re local governments to host Chinese martial arts performances.

Members of Council gave oral reports on their recent activities

Meeting adjourned at 6:20pm

New Doctors Coming to BC Rural/Remote Communities

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The Practice Ready Assessment program assesses internationally trained physicians for practice in B.C. As part of the program, doctors undergo a rigorous assessment process, spending three months with a B.C. physician who evaluates their skills as they care for patients. Physicians successfully completing the program commit to practice for at least three years in a designated rural community in need.

The program is funded for a total of $7.6 million through March 2018 by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues – a collaborative committee of the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC.

Facts about the Practice Ready Assessment-BC (PRA-BC) program:

* The first group of 14 doctors assessed through PRA-BC started in their new communities in July 2015: McBride, Hazelton, Quesnel, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John (two), Terrace, Castlegar, Lillooet (two), Invermere, Port Hardy, Comox, and Powell River.

* In January 2016, 11 international medical graduates were assessed as practice ready and placed in communities of need: Chetwynd, Quesnel (two), Houston, Fort Nelson, Prince Rupert, Campbell River, Princeton, Logan Lake, and Ashcroft (two).

* In July 2016 the third cohort (Spring 2016) saw 13 international medical graduates successfully pass their assessments and move on to provisional licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. They will start their three-year return of service in August/September 2016 in the following communities: Quesnel (three), Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Enderby, Keremeos, Nakusp, Logan Lake, Trail, Ladysmith and Port Hardy.

* Another 15 international medical graduates will be assessed in the fall of 2016. Two additional cohorts of up to 15 internationally trained physicians each will be assessed in the spring and fall of 2017 – for a total of up to 30 practice-ready family physicians in 2017.

* Internationally trained physicians who successfully complete the assessment program can set up practice in one of the designated communities in need.

Facts about rural recruitment:

* In the 2015-16 Budget Year, Government spent over $100 million on incentives to recruit and retain physicians in B.C.’s rural communities.

* As part of this work, government in partnership with Doctors of BC has invested in rural programs such as the rural emergency enhancement fund, rural general practitioner locum program and the rural specialist locum program.

* Recruitment efforts in rural communities are significantly outpacing population growth. In 2014-15, there were 2,441 doctors practising in rural areas in B.C., compared to 2,260 in 2010-11 – an increase of about 8%. During the same period, population in rural British Columbia has grown by 2.1%.


By the Numbers:

* According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, as of February 2016, there were 6,042 family doctors registered to practice in B.C., an increase of 9% over the previous five years (5,448 general practitioners as of December 2009).

* According to the latest figures available from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, as of 2014 there were 125 family doctors per 100,000 people in B.C. – compared to the national average of 114.

* The provincial government has more than doubled the number of first-year undergraduate medical school spaces in B.C., from 128 to 288 between 2003 and 2011. The number of entry-level postgraduate residency positions increased from 134 in 2003 to 346 positions in 2016, almost half in family medicine. More than 500 additional family physicians have graduated from UBC as a result of the medical school expansion.

* Statistics from the Canadian Community Health Survey show that in 2014, 85.1% of British Columbians now have a regular physician, up slightly from 84.5% from 2013.

* In the latest agreement with the Doctors of BC, the Province committed $67 million in new funding toward ongoing support of the work of A GP for Me and other primary-care focused programs. More than 100,000 previously unattached patients with complex-care needs are now matched with a family doctor or belong to a primary-care clinic, thanks to this work. A further 60,000 were matched with a new doctor when their family doctor retired or moved.

* Nurse practitioners were introduced as an important part of health-care teams in B.C. in 2005, helping meet the growing need for primary and community health care. Since B.C.’s first group of nurse practitioners graduated in 2005, 397 nurse practitioners have been licensed to practise in the province.

Northern Development names new CEO

Courtesy of the Northern Development Initiative Trust:

Earlier this year, Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) announced that our current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) would be retiring this fall and that the Trust would commence the search for her replacement.

The Trust’s Board of Directors has selected a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed retiring CEO Janine North and ensure a smooth transition of leadership this fall. Joel McKay, the Trust’s Director of Communications, will succeed Ms. North as CEO beginning October 3rd, 2016.

McKay joined the Trust’s executive team in 2012, and since then has been responsible for leading the Trust’s communications and marketing, economic research and analysis, as well as the Fabulous Festivals and Events funding program. Prior to joining the Trust, McKay was an award-winning business journalist in Vancouver specializing in coverage of the province’s natural resources industries, notably forestry, mining, oil and gas and renewable energy.

The decision follows a rigorous three-month selection process that fielded potential succession candidates from across British Columbia.

Ms. North will remain CEO until the transition date, helping to ensure the Trust continues to deliver on its mandate to strengthen and diversify the economy in central and northern B.C. Ms. North’s decision to retire comes after more than a decade of service to the Trust, and is driven by her personal desire to spend more time with her family and other board and personal commitments.

Since 2005, the Trust has used its resources to approve more than $150 million in funding for more than 2,000 projects throughout central and northern B.C. In that time, the Trust has leveraged $1.2 billion in new investment to the region and helped diversify the economy. Today, the Trust is sustainably managed with a capital base in excess of $250 million and two dozen programs and services that foster collaboration, sustainability and diversification in the region’s communities.

Evan Saugstad, NDIT Board Chair said:

“On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Joel on being selected to lead this great organization and continue its service to the people, communities and businesses of central and northern BC. Joel’s demonstrated commitment to the Trust and his desire to help grow BC’s central and northern economies will serve the Trust well. Congratulations Joel and we, the Board, look forward to continuing the wonderful achievements the Trust has been able to accomplish under the exemplary leadership that Janine North so capably provided since the inception of the Trust.”

Joel McKay, incoming NDIT CEO further stated:

I feel honoured to have been selected to lead the Trust into its second decade. The north is my home, my family’s home, and I believe very passionately that the best economic decisions for the north should be made in the north. I look forward to continuing to serve our board of directors and collaborate with our regional advisors to ensure the Trust is responsibly responsive to the needs of communities throughout central and northern B.C.”

About NDIT:

Northern Development Initiative Trust combines funding with smart thinking to help Northern British Columbia thrive. The Trust was created for the north and is led by the north. In only a decade, Northern Development has found more than 2,000 ways to say “yes” to economic diversification in our region, attracting more than $1.2 billion in new investment to the region. The Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth in central and northern British Columbia. To date, the Trust has committed more than $146 million in funding to projects in communities throughout the region, and has forged more than 3,200 partnerships with over 900 organizations. Approximately 72% of our investments are in small communities with populations of less than 5,000.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Aug 15-19

With the Boards of Education for School District #27/28 (Cariboo-Chilcotin/Quesnel), the Districts of Wells/100 Mlle House not meeting this coming week and the Cariboo Regional District still on summer recess, Williams Lake City Council will be the only local government to meet next Tuesday, August 16th at 6pm - 450 Mart Street

On the Agenda:

* Tax Exemption Application - Cariboo Community Church
* Ratify Poll of Council - 28 Broadway Avenue North Encroachment Agreement (Thomas and Ulrike Wittal)
* Mountain Biking Community Partnership Agreement - Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee Recommendation
* Street Naming Application - "Buchanan"
* 3 Proclamations - "International Day of Older Persons"; "World Cerebral Palsy Day" and "World Mental Health Day"

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this weekend/next week:

McLeese Lake - 4th Annual Metis Jamboree from Friday, August 12th to Sunday, August 14th at the McLeese Lake Community Hall site (6178 Forglen Road).  More details here.  Also, the weekly Sunday McLeese Lake Farmers' Market - between the Oasis Pub/Cafe along Highway 97 North.  August 14th from 9am - 1pm

Alexis Creek - Redstone Rodeo on Saturday/Sunday August 13th/14th.  More details here

Williams Lake - Performances in the Park on Thursday, August 18th from 6-8pm in Boitanio Park.  More details here

100 Mile House - Martial Arts Performance at Martin Exeter Hall on Thursday, August 18th at 7pm.  More details here

~SF

83 Mile/83 Mile West FSR to close permanently

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The public is advised that 83 Mile (9237.01 Road) and 83 Mile West (9237.02 Road) Forest Service roads near 100 Mile House will be discontinued and permanently closed beginning Aug. 22, 2016, due to ongoing maintenance issues and environmental concerns.

83 Mile and 83 Mile West Forest Service roads are located off the 83 Mile public road in the vicinity of Green Lake, about 27 kilometres south of the town of 100 Mile House. These roads are part of B.C.’s 55,000-kilometre Forest Service road network that provides access to British Columbia’s backcountry.

Creation of Student Transportation Fund

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Students and families throughout B.C. will soon have access to expanded and more affordable transportation options thanks to $14.7 million, under the new Student Transportation Fund.

Education Minister Mike Bernier made the announcement with school district officials today at the Dawson Creek school board office.

School districts can apply for the funding to help parents with transportation costs and services, whether they use the usual yellow bus program or work with local transit operators.

The handful of districts that currently charge families a transportation fee for a student’s local or catchment area school must eliminate those fees to be eligible for the funding. All districts need to use the funding for transportation services to be eligible.

Funding can also be used in a variety of ways, including:

improving service by adding new or amended routes;
improving access to local transit services;
providing accessible services for students with disabilities;
reducing ride times;
boosting student safety by relocating bus stops and improving bus supervision; and,
funding existing transportation services and investing the savings in enhanced student services.

To be eligible for funding, districts must submit a plan to the Ministry of Education by Sept. 30, 2016, outlining how they will use the funding to boost transportation services for students and families. Districts will hear back shortly after they submit their applications on how much funding they will receive.

The amount of funding a district is eligible for is based on a formula tied to the Ministry of Education’s student location factor, which is used to determine the rural makeup of a school district. Districts will also be required to report back on the outcomes and the benefits they achieved as a result of the funding.

As a result of B.C.'s strong economic growth and fiscal discipline, government is able to make key investments like the Student Transportation Fund to improve the lives of British Columbians.

The Hon. Mike Bernier - BC's Minister of Education said:

“As a parent in a rural community, I know about the challenges of getting kids to school on time and then getting them home at the end of the day. This funding will help districts provide better bus and transportation services at lower costs to parents.

“This past June, government returned $25 million in administrative savings to districts – and many of them had found those savings in their transportation money. With close to $15 million more funding flowing to districts parents will see districts enhancing services and eliminating fees.”

Money available to School Districts #27/28 (Cariboo-Chilcotin/Quesnel)

27 Cariboo-Chilcotin – $739,024
28 Quesnel – $274,209

LGLA 2015-16 Annual Report available

Last week - the Local Government Leadership Academy or LGLA released their latest Annual Report

In the report, the following topics are covered:

* Review of Activities/Events since the last LGLA Annual General Meeting

* Review of Webinars presented

* Strategic Activities of LGLA

* Review of 2016-17 Goals including instituting a Level 3 Certificate in Local Government Leadership and building closer relationships with/support the activities of Founding Partners

Review the full LGLA 2015-16 Annual Report here

1st Round of BC Rural Dividend recipients announced

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The B.C. government is distributing over $464,000 in new grants to help small communities develop projects to diversify and strengthen their economies, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson and Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett announced today.

In the first intake of the three-year, $75-million BC Rural Dividend, 47 grants, totalling $464,294, will be awarded to 30 local governments, 15 First Nations and two not-for-profit organizations from around the province.

The project development grants, of up to $10,000 each, will be used to promote economic sustainability, while contributing to a community’s overall resilience and liveability.

Government made a commitment at the launch of the BC Rural Dividend, April 4, 2016, to give priority to project development applications and announce funding decisions in the summer. The early decisions will give successful applicants the funds needed to develop their project applications for future intakes of the program.

Final decisions on project applications for single applicants (up to $100,000) and partnerships (up to $500,000) will be announced in September 2016.

A total of 62 project development applications were received in the first intake.

Each application was independently reviewed by program staff and an executive review committee, comprised of senior government executives in the ministries of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Community, Sport and Cultural Development; and Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, that was established specifically to assess applications.

A second intake of the BC Rural Dividend will run from Oct. 3, to Oct. 31, 2016. Applicants are advised to check for the updated program guide online - www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend - in September, as eligibility requirements are being reviewed as part of a continuous improvement process. Any revisions will be made to the BC Rural Dividend program guide before the second intake.

The Hon. Steve Thomson - BC's Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Operations said:

“We’re really pleased with the calibre of applications in the first intake of the BC Rural Dividend. I want to thank all those who were involved in developing the program. The project development funding demonstrates government’s commitment to support rural British Columbians build communities where they can raise their families with pride and certainty.”

Donna Barnett - MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin and Parliamentary Secretary, Rural Development further said:

“I want to thank the members of B.C.’s Rural Advisory Council. Their contributions to the development of the BC Rural Dividend and ongoing support have been a key factor in the program’s success. These grants will generate economic opportunities and stimulate rural economies.”

Quick Facts:

The BC Rural Dividend is part of government’s multi-faceted response to assisting rural communities and complements existing initiatives supporting rural communities.

The criteria for the BC Rural Dividend was conceived with input from the 13-member Rural Advisory Council, which was formed in March 2015.

Learn More:

Rural Dividend: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend

Rural Advisory Council: http://ow.ly/NFhU301MfRv

A full list of the 1st Round of Rural Dividend recipients can be viewed here

For the Cariboo Region:

Cariboo Regional District -- $10,000
Village of Clinton -- $10,000
Village of McBride -- $10,000
Yunesit'in Government -- $8,500

Local Gov'ts receive Unconditional Grant/Traffic Fine Revenue

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender announced today that local governments throughout British Columbia are sharing almost $108 million in provincial funding to support policing and safety measures, as well as community services and projects.

Provided from Small Community Grant, Regional District Grant and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant programs, the funding allows local governments in B.C. to meet local needs in various ways, including more policing, restorative justice, increased community safety initiatives, infrastructure, administrative support and service delivery priorities.

For a complete list of approved grants, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_Jun2016%20GrantPayments-Combined.pdf

For the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

100 Mile House -- $354,787 in an unconditional grant however $0 for Traffic Fine Revenue

Williams Lake -- $390,167 in an unconditional grant and $207,144 in Traffic Fine Revenue

Quesnel -- $417,835 in an unconditional grant and $178,992 in Traffic Fine Revenue

Wells -- $369,682 in an unconditional grant however $0 for Traffic Fine Revenue

Cariboo Regional District -- $148,351 in an unconditional grant however $0 for Traffic Fine Revenue

Since 2009, funding from these three grant programs has provided over $922 million to help support services that benefit B.C. residents, businesses and communities.

The Hon. Peter Fassbender, BC's Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development said:

“Local governments can direct the funding from the Small Community and Regional District Grants according to their community needs and priorities. These grants help provide local services, programs and infrastructure in smaller and rural communities in every region of British Columbia.”

While the Hon. Mike Morris, BC's Solicitor-General/Minister of Public Safety further stated:

“I have said time and again that I would rather see net traffic fine revenues that are substantially smaller amounts, because it would mean nobody was behaving dangerously behind the wheel. We know there are still people who text and check their emails while driving, people who speed, and people who drink and drive. As long as people continue to accumulate traffic fines, we can continue to share these revenues to support community safety initiatives and local policing priorities to help make B.C. communities safer.”

Quick Facts:

For 2016, the Small Community Grant, Regional District Grant and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant funding is allocated as follows:

Communities will receive almost $53 million in Small Community Grant and Regional District Grant funding. These grants are specifically meant to help address infrastructure, administration and service delivery priorities. Since 2009, the Small Community Grant and Regional District Grant programs have provided over $437 million to small- and medium-sized communities, British Columbia’s regional districts and the Islands Trust.

Communities will receive about $55 million in Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant funding. Traffic fine revenue comes from ticket fines and court-imposed fines on violation tickets. The B.C. government delivers 100% of collected net traffic fine revenues and responsibility for paying for policing to communities with populations over 5,000 people. Since 2009, more than $485 million has been provided to fund policing and community safety.

Small Community Grants aid communities with populations of less than approximately 20,000.
Communities with populations of 5,000 or greater pay for policing services and are therefore qualified to receive a Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant.

Communities with populations between 5,000 and 20,000 qualify for both the Small Community Grant and the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant programs.

Examples of previous years’ unconditional grant funding include:

Supporting the addition of two RCMP officers in Chilliwack.
Providing talks on various topics including Internet and cellphone safety in West Kelowna.
Contributing towards sewage treatment and disposal capacity by the Sechelt Indian Government District.
Purchasing of four police cars in Lake Cowichan.
Planning and flood control in Houston.

Learn More:

For more information on Small Community, Regional District and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grants, go to: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/policy_research/local_government_grants.htm

Check out the provincial government’s role in supporting communities, sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/community-sport-and-cultural-development

Taseko Expands Land Package at Gibraltar

Courtesy of Taseko Mines Ltd:

Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO; NYSE MKT: TGB) (“Taseko” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has acquired new mineral claims which are adjacent to existing Gibraltar claims, although well outside current mining areas.

In total, these new claims represent nearly 6,000 acres of land located approximately two kilometres to the northwest of the Extension Zone which forms part of Gibraltar’s mineral reserves and resources.

The newly acquired ground was explored roughly 30 years ago with Induced Polarization identifying magnetic highs associated with porphyry deposits. Limited drilling has been undertaken since initial exploration activities. Projections of mineral occurrences, based on a desktop evaluation undertaken prior to purchasing this new exploration land package, indicate mineralization is trending to the north-northwest and beyond previous claim boundaries onto the newly acquired property.

A recently completed exploratory drill hole located northwest of the extension zone area supports the results of the desk top evaluation. The Company is in the late stages of compiling assay data from this hole along with other historical geological data.

For further information on Taseko and the Gibraltar project, please visit the Taseko website at www.tasekomines.com or contact:

Brian Bergot, Vice President, Investor Relations - 778-373-4533 or toll free 1-877-441-4533