Barlow Creek VFD To Host Firefighter Games

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Today, the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) announced it will be hosting a 2018 British Columbia Firefighter Games event.  This annual event raises funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The Firefighter Games is a two-day competition where volunteer and career firefighters from B.C. will compete in a series of events to raise money for muscular dystrophy. These events focus on endurance, strength and teamwork. Teams earn points as they work through the challenges and the two highest scoring teams will compete in a final event to be crowned B.C. Firefighter Games Champions.

“The Barlow Creek VFD is very enthusiastic to have been chosen to host a 2018 Firefighter Games event. This event not only raises money for a great cause, but it builds teamwork within each fire department and encourages camaraderie between volunteer and career firefighters throughout B.C.,” states Fire Chief Cody Dillabough.

Electoral Area C Director John Massier comments, “Congratulations to Chief Dillabough and his fire department. This event will be a great way to raise funds and awareness for muscular dystrophy. I look forward to showing off our beautiful region to firefighters from all over B.C.”

The Barlow Creek VFD will hold the Firefighter Games in Quesnel on July 6-8, 2018. The Firefighter Games are hosted in partnership with International Firefighter Games, Inc. and all revenues generated at the event will be given to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Since its incorporation, more than 800 Fire Departments and Associations have supported Muscular Dystrophy Canada across Canada raising over $3 million annually. Firefighters are Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s largest network of supporters.

For more information about the CRD’s volunteer fire departments or information about joining these groups of dedicated volunteers, visit cariboord.ca.

Williams Lake Tips for Dealing with Urban Deer

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake has created a brochure that provides information to help discourage deer from becoming a nuisance in local neighbourhoods.

Although many enjoy seeing deer where they live, once deer establish in a neighborhood it is particularly difficult to remove them. Deer can decimate shrubs, gardens and landscaping; increase chances of vehicle collisions; transport ticks; harm pets (particularly dogs); and attract large predators.

Tips include fencing off fruit trees and gardens, not feeding deer, removing excessive cover from yards, chasing deer away, and taking safety measures to prevent deer from accessing property. The brochure can be viewed on the City’s website at www.williamslake.ca.

For more information, contact the City’s Municipal Services Department at (250) 392-1784 or the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

2017 UBCM Electoral Area Director Forum - Day 1

Later today - many of the 160 provincial Electoral Area Directors' will be attending a two day Forum in Richmond, BC at the Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel to discuss issues relevant to Electoral Areas.  View the full Agenda here

On Day 1:

* Introduction/Welcome by UBCM EA Rep (and Fraser-Fort George RD Chair) Art Kaehn
* Welcome from Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Hon. Peter Fassbender
* Water Sustainability Act Update
* UBCM Forestry Report Update
* Food Security Panel
* Reception

~SF

Management of Bouchie Lk Hall

This past Saturday - a small group of Bouchie Lake residents' authored a letter to the Cariboo Regional District in regards to concerns they have about how local volunteer groups have access to the Bouchie Lake Hall - read the letter here.  They have also started a Facebook group page which you can view here

Unlike in Central/South Cariboo where the CRD provides direct financial contribution to local groups managing community halls within these sub-regions and defer decisions as to how community halls operate to the groups - Bouchie Lake, Parkland and Barlow Creek Community Halls are the only 3 that must go have their budgets (capital/operations) approved by a local Joint Committee of CRD Area Directors/Municipal Council, in the case of Bouchie, Parkland and Barlow Creek - this is the North Cariboo Joint Committee whose membership consists of CRD Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Cash and all of Quesnel City Council

If this letter shows up on a Board Agenda - I expect the Board to receive the letter and take no further action, in order to show deference to the North Cariboo where this issue needs to be resolved.  CRD Area 'B' Director Jerry Bruce has held two meetings so far at Bouchie Lake on this subject and it seems to me that a delegation to the North Cariboo Joint Committee is the more appropriate course of action...

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Jan 30 - Feb 3

Both Quesnel and Williams Lake City Councils are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 31st at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Cody Dillabough, Chief of Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department re: 2018 BC Volunteer Fire Fighters Games and Marlene Morris, Co-Director - Community Development Institute re: Quesnel Housing and Community Profile

* Committee Reports
* Public Safety and Police Committee
* Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Coalition Funding Resolutions
* Council Meetings and Strategic Initiative Meetings
* Council Candidates for Higher Elected Office
* Northern Development Initiative Trust Marketing Initiatives – Professional and Family Recruitment Campaign
* Statutory Approving Officer Appointment
* BC / Canada 150 Grant Application
* Cariboo Strong Update

View the full Agenda here

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

* Review 2017 Fee for Service Agreements
* Review 2017 Grant-in-Aide Applications

View the full Agenda here

Various local elected officials, including myself, will be either at the BC Premier's Natural Resources Forum in Prince George or in Richmond (where I will be) for the annual UBCM Electoral Area Directors' Forum/Local Government Leadership Academy's Annual Leadership Forum.  Links to either are below

1) Natural Resource Forum - click here

2) UBCM Electoral Area Directors' Forum - click here & LGLA Annual Leadership Forum - click here

Community Events this weekend/next week: (Courtesy of CaribooRadio.com)

Quesnel - click here

Williams Lake - click here

100 Mile House:

The 100 Mile Nordics will be hosting a Cross Country Ski Waxing Clinic or February 2nd at the Day Lodge at 7:00pm. The cost is $20 and for more information and to register -- email Gary Carlson at carlsong@xplornet.com or call 250-395-2063.

The Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association will be hosting a Tractor Safety workshop on February 18th from 1:00pm – 3:30pm at the Lone Butte Community Hall. Admission is free and coffee and snacks will be provided by the CattleBelles. For information call Reg Steward at 250-395-6427. All ages and experience levels welcome!

A very important survey for the South Cariboo is available for your participation now. The 55+ South Cariboo Housing Needs survey is available on the District of 100 Mile House Website www.100milehouse.com and the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Website at www.southcariboochamber.org. You can fill in the survey on line or down load a paper copy you can fill out and drop off at the District of 100 Mile House office, the CRD office or the SCRC.

On February 25th The 100 Mile House Festival of the Arts is hosting another amazing workshop for singers, pianists, instrumentalists and performers. Tracy Fehr, an acclaimed Singer and Clinician will instruct and teach musician stage deportment and etiquette skills & provide instruction in performance. All ages and levels are welcome. Please contact Lynda at 250-706-9997 or Ginny at 250-395-3555 to register by February 17th. Registration is $20.00.

The 100 Mile House White Cane Club will be hosting an open house on February 9th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at he 100 Mile House United Church. Information sessions of special interest for those who are blind or partially sighted along with caregivers, family and friends…. All are invited. For more information call Marilyn at 250-396-4070.

The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence and Citizen of the Year Awards nominations are open until February 21st. Go to the chamber website to see how you can nominate your favorite businesses. Businesses in the South Cariboo are the driving economic force for the area so let them know their importance by nominating them now!

YUKYUKS Comedian John Beuhler is coming to town! He will be performing at the Business Excellence Awards on March 4th at the 100 Mile House Community Hall. Tickets are now on sale for the 23rd Annual Business Excellence & Citizen of the Year Awards. Please contact the Chamber office to reserve your tickets at manager@southcariboochamber.org or call 250-395-6124. Seating is limited and inner will be provided by the Iron Horse Pub and Grill.

Sam Ketcham Pool Construction Transitions to Phase Two

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Starting Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, the Sam Ketcham Pool will be closed as the project transitions towards Phase Two of construction. The entire aquatic facility, including the original lap pool, pool change rooms and temporary fitness centre, will be closed for nine to 12 weeks. The rest of the Cariboo Memorial Complex will remain open with the ice arenas and Gibraltar Room operating as usual.

During the transition between Phase One and Two, the entire aquatic centre will be closed to facilitate the major mechanical and electrical changes required. Throughout Phase One of the Sam Ketcham Pool upgrade, the original lap pool has remained open while the new lap pool has been constructed. During Phase Two of construction, the new lap pool will open along with the improved change rooms, fitness centre, hot tub, sauna and steam room, while the original lap pool is demolished and converted to a leisure pool including a water slide and lazy river. 

The goal remains to have the new lap pool, fitness centre, improved change rooms, hot tub, sauna and steam room open in the spring of 2017. After Feb. 6, 2017, the original lap pool will be closed until the upgrade project is fully completed. Construction on the Sam Ketcham Pool remains on target for full completion in the fall of 2017.

The Sam Ketcham Pool upgrade project is a joint initiative of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake. For more information and regular updates, follow the project’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SamKetchamPool or Twitter feed at @SKPProject. Find further information on the Cariboo Regional District website atcariboord.ca and on the City of Williams Lake site at williamslake.ca. 

CC Joint Committee - Jan 25th mtg

Present from City of WL: Co-Chair (Mayor) W. Cobb (via teleconference); Councillors J. Ryll, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

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

Meeting called to order at 5:08pm - Co-Chair Sorley

The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the CCJC Meeting held on October 26th, 2016 be adopted

Delegations:

1) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Chair Margo Wagner appeared before the Committee to discuss the 'Travelling Road Show' (Northern Medical Programs Trust)

A Question/Answer period ensued
The Chair thanked CCRHD Chair Wagner for her time/information

2) Brian Hansen and Curt Levens of the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association (WLYSA) and John Birkic of MasterClass 369 Consulting, appeared before the Committee to discuss the proposed indoor soccer facility

A Question/Answer period ensued
The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business:

a) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Report - Fourth Quarter of 2016

Leah Selk and Jane Perry from the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society were in attendance to answer questions from Committee members
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Report on the Fourth Quarter of 2016, as submitted by Jane Perry, CCACS President - be received

b) CRD/City of Williams Lake Partnering to Host the 2018 North Central Local Government Association’s Convention and AGM

The Committee had before it a report of the CRD Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That a Working Group consisting of CRD Director J. Sorley/CRD Manager of Communications and WL City Councillor L. Walters and City of WL Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant be formed to work on the 2018 NCLGA AGM/Convention and that the Working Group provide regular reports to Joint Committee, as appropriate

c) Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade and Renovation Project - Reports #18 and #19 from Tango Management

Representatives from Tango Management Ltd were in attendance to answer questions of the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade and Renovation Project Monthly Status Reports #18 and #19 from Tango Management, be received

d) CMRC Arena Elevator Assessment

The Committee had before it a report of the City's Director of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the report of the City Director of Community Services be received and the elevator project be referred to the 2020 Central Cariboo Recreation Capital Budget

Meeting adjourned at 6:11pm

CC Rural Caucus - Jan 25th mtg

Present: Directors S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley

Meeting called to order at 3pm by the Deputy Corporate Officer (L. Schick)

The Deputy Corporate Officer called for nominations of Chair of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for 2017

Director Sorley nominated Director Forseth.  Director Forseth accepted his nomination.

No further nominations received.  Director Forseth acclaimed as Chair of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for 2017

Director Forseth assumed the Chair at 3:01pm

Meeting Agenda approved.  Minutes of the Nov 23rd, 2016 Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting adopted

Delegation:

a) Carla Bullinger, from Communities That Care, appeared before the Caucus to discuss the activities of the organization

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Business:

1) Appointment of Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee

The Caucus had before it a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That Director J. Sorley be re-appointed as Co-Chair of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for 2017

2) Central Cariboo Appointments for 2017

The Caucus had before it a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the following Directors' be appointed to the following bodies:

Director Forseth - Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce
Director Sorley - Liaison, Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society & UNBC Central-South Advisory Committee
Director Kemp - Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable

3) Report of Director Forseth re: McLeese Lake Boat Launch

The Caucus had before it a report of Director Forseth
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the report of Director Forseth be received. Further that a letter be forwarded to Todd Hubner strongly urging that the Ministry of Transportation/Infrastructure to direct Emcon Services to collect garbage from the existing garbage receptacles at the McLeese Lake Boat Launch, given it is an provincial asset and not a community one and that the costs involved are very minimal.

4) Multi-Agency Forum

General discussion - Consensus to discuss further at the June 2017 Rural Caucus Meeting to finalize a date/location for a Central Cariboo Multi-Agency Forum within Electoral Area 'F'

5) Action Page

The Caucus had before it the Action Page
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Action Page be received and Items #1,2,4,and 7 be removed

Meeting adjourned at 4:12pm

WL Council Highlights - Jan 24th mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson, J. Ryll, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the Jan 10th, 2017 Council Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Anne Burrill appeared before Council to provide an overview of the Housing First Project
A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Burrill for her time/information

2) Rob Sandrock appeared before Council to discuss bringing Junior 'B' Hockey to Williams Lake

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Mr. Sandrock for his time/information

Resolved - That Council support efforts to bring a Junior 'B' Hockey Team to Williams Lake

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated January 12 and 19, 2017

2) Council authorized renumeration/travel for Councillor J. Ryll to attend the Fan the Flame Awards Banquet and Gala in Prince George, BC on Thursday, February 9, 2017

3) Council authorized early budget approval for the purchase of required SCBA safety equipment for the Williams Lake Fire Department for the amount of approximately $44,742.60, including taxes

4) Council endorsed the nomination of Councillor Laurie Walters for the position of Second Vice-President of the North Central Local Government Association Executive Board for the 2017/2018 term

5) Council directed City Staff to initiate notice of proposed purchase of 11,484 sq. ft. road boulevard by Oliver Street Investments Ltd. (Sitings), to be consolidated with the adjacent 715 Oliver Street at an appraised value of $ 49,000, with the purchase subject to approval of the proposed rezoning, development permit, property consolidation, and with all development costs including survey and land title registration to be borne by the purchaser.

6) Council gave first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2258, 2017 (715 Oliver St - old Lake City Ford building) and directed Staff to refer the application to the Ministry of Transportation/Infrastructure for initial consultation

7) Council endorsed two recommendations from the Jan 17th Committee of the Whole Session as follows:

a) Staff report back to Council with a policy to support those players that represent Williams Lake on a National or International level

b) Council approve the placement of a ½ page ad in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) travel guide at a cost of up to $3,000; and further, Council approve the cost of participation in the Gold Rush Trail project, subject to development of a community collaboration between key stakeholders, at a cost of up to $3,500

8) Council received the Council Information Package as follows:

• January 12, 2017 - Weir-Jones Engineering Consultants Ltd. re ShakeAlarm System;
• January 13, 2017 - Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights

Meeting recessed at 6:53pm
Meeting resumed at 7:02pm

9) After hearing from the public along with the City's Approving Officer (L. Hartley) -- Council approved a Statutory Right-of-Way or Fee Simple agreement to be registered on parts of Lot A and Lot 1, District Lots 8841 and 8842, Cariboo District, located at 351 and 375 Mandarino Place, with all costs associated with this execution and registration on title being the responsibility of Westridge Ventures Ltd

Meeting recessed at 8:06pm to conduct the Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2251
Meeting resumed at 8:07pm

10) Following the Public Hearing, Council gave 3rd Reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2251 (#27 - 7th Avenue South, former Travelodge site) and referred it to the Ministry of Transportation/Infrastructure for approval as per Section 52 of the Transportation Act

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Meeting adjourned at 8:22pm and after a short recess, Council resumed its' recessed In-Camera meeting as per Section 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

Special City of WL Committee of the Whole Meeting (Budget 2017) - Jan 24th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 5:00pm

Meeting Agenda approved

Business:

1) Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce - Request Increase to Fee for Service Contract

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the request be received/referred to the Budget Committee with the following parameters:

* Contract Value - $150,000
* Increases of 4% per year commencing in 2018
* 3 Year Contract
* Starts Jan 1st, 2017

Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb; Councillors Nelson, Ryll and Zacharias
Negative - Councillors Bonnell, Smith and Walters

2) Potato House - (NEW) Request for Fee for Service

Discussion ensued

Resolved - That the request be received and a full review of the City's Fee for Service program occur

Meeting adjourned at 5:35pm and Council convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

Scott Elliott seeks Cariboo-North BC NDP Nomination

UPDATE - BC NDP Leader John Horgan sings the praises of Councillor Elliott as the BC NDP Candidate for Cariboo-North.  Read more here

As I predicted back on January 3rd of this year -- current 2nd Term Quesnel City Councillor Scott Elliott announced yesterday that he will seek the BC NDP Nomination for Cariboo-North.  View more here

Councillor Elliott was first elected in the 2011 City of Quesnel Local Government General Election

According to the Facebook page for the BC NDP's Cariboo-North Constituency Association - the formal nomination meeting to confirm the candidate for Cariboo-North for the BC NDP in this May's provincial election will take place on Sunday, February 12th 2-4PM at the "Lounge" - Quesnel and District Recreation Centre.  View more here

In my view -  Councillor Elliott will be the only person to seek the BC NDP's nomination and consequently he will be confirmed as the official BC NDP Candidate for Cariboo-North on February 12th

Finally - should Councillor Elliott be confirmed as the BC NDP candidate in Cariboo-North, he will go up against incumbent Cariboo-North MLA/BC's Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch Coralee Oakes who announced last fall that she will seek a 2nd term in this May's provincial election.

As of this writing, no other provincial political party or independent has announced a candidate for Cariboo-North for this May's provincial election

~SF

John Horgan in Williams Lake today

Disclosure Note - Director Watson/I sit together on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

Later this evening, BC NDP Leader John Horgan will be in Williams Lake for a meet and greet along with recently acclaimed BC NDP Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA candidate (and Thompson Nicola RD Area E Director) Sally Watson.  This meet/greet is co-hosted by the BC NDP's Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin Constituency Associations

In being interviewed by the MyCaribooNow.com site (Vista Radio) for this event -- Director Watson stated:

“Christy Clark isn’t working for you. Our costs are going up, while our schools and healthcare are being cut. Everyday people are paying more and getting less,”

The meet/greet will take place at 6:30pm this evening at the Laughing Loon Pub - 1730A Broadway Avenue South in Williams Lake

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Jan 23-27

The following local governments in the Cariboo-Chillcotin are meeting next, as follows:

Quesnel - Policy/Bylaw Review Standing Committee on Monday, Jan 23rd at 1:15pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Dog Parks
* Shipping Containers
* Travel Policy
* New Policy for Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Devices
* Naming Policy

View the full Agenda here

Then on Wednesday, Jan 25th at 1:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers, the Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee meets.  On the Agenda:

* Parks Overview
* Capital 2016 Summary
* Reserves and Deferred Revenue Estimates
* Gas Tax Spending Summary

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24th  at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Special Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24th at 5pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St) to discuss Fee for Service contracts for the Williams Lake Visitor Information Centre and Potato House. View the full Agenda here

Then at 6pm, Williams Lake Council meets in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St) for their Tuesday, January 24th Regular Council Meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Anne Burill re: Overview of Housing First Project
* Authorization for Travel - Fan the Flames Awards Banquet & Gala - Councillor J. Ryll
* SCBA Safety Equipment - Early Budget Approval
* Endorse Nomination of Councillor L. Walters as NCLGA 2nd Vice-President
* Land Disposition - Parts of Oliver Street to be Consolidated to 715 Oliver Street
* Rezoning Application - Former Lake City Ford Site on Oliver St
* Entrance Road, 351 & 375 Mandarino Place (Public Input to commence at 7pm)
* 2 Committee of the Whole Recommendations for Endorsement

View the full Agenda here

Then at 7pm, a Public Hearing will be held on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2251 for property at #27 7th Avenue South. View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Amy Thacker from the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association to request support for their Municipal Regional District Tax (Hotel Tax) application

* By-law Officers' Report
* 2017 Schedule of Regular Council Meetings – Amended (For approval)
* Water Project – RFP Contract Award for Supply/Install of Exeter Reservoir
* C-1 Zoning Clarification Request - For Council Review/Direction
* Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1306, 2016 - For 3rd Reading

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Jan 25th at 3pm in the CRD Williams Lake Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair for 2017
* Delegation: Carla Bullinger, Communities that Care
* Appointment of Co-Chair, Central Cariboo Joint Committee for 2017
* Central Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2017
* Request from Area 'D' Director S. Forseth re: McLeese Lake Boat Launch
* 2017 Multi-Agency Forum

View the full Agenda here

Then at 5pm, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee will meet in the CRD Boardroom (180 D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- CCRHD Chair M. Wagner re: 2017 Travelling Roadshow (Northern Medical Programs Trust) and Brian Hansen and Curt Levens of the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association (WLYSA) and John Birkic of MasterClass 369 Consulting re: proposed indoor soccer facility

* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Report - Fourth Quarter of 2016
* CRD/City of WL Joint Bid for 2018 NCLGA Convention
* Reports from Tango Management re: Sam Ketchum Pool Project
* CMRC Arena Elevator Assessment

View the full Agenda here

SD 27 Zone 7 By-Election - General Voting Day is tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 21st).  More details here

Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson - "It's in our Nature"

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Weekly Column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson:

What’s in a name, or a logo and tagline? Ask any marketing expert and they will tell you: everything! Names, logos, and taglines must be current, cogent, and capture the imagination of the audience you are targeting your product or service to.

Based on multiple points of feedback, particularly from our business community, the City of Quesnel’s Goldpan City logo and tagline were dated and desperately needed refreshing and modernizing.With great trepidation and some hesitation, Council agreed to tackle this issue by undertaking a community-based rebranding process and, after a year of consultations and much deliberation, we formally adopted a new brand for the City this week.

This includes a fresh and bold stylized “Quesnel” logo, with the new tagline, “It’s in our nature.” Council’s initial hesitation came from the fact that branding exercises can be costly and divisive. However, we were able to fund this process through grants from the Northern Development Trust, Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, and the CRD and City’s economic development budgets. And, I’m happy to report, the new brand and logo for the City has been well received by the businesses community and the many stakeholders who were engaged in the process. In fact, it has achieved unanimous and enthusiastic endorsement by everyone who worked on it and the groups and individuals who reviewed it prior to Council’s formal approval.

Personally, I am thrilled with the final product and believe it captures all of the positive attributes and potential of our beautiful City and the diverse and welcoming community it is home to.All of the documentation detailing the City’s new brand and the comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that underpins it can be found at: quesnel.ca/brand.html.The main intent of our new branding initiative is to position Quesnel as a sustainable, accessible, trailblazing and fun community, a place where visitors and residents alike can enjoy an affordable, balanced life in a welcoming and inclusive community. Our challenge now is to ensure we can deliver on this brand promise.

Internally, we’ve met with the City employees to review the new brand and asked them to help us ensure that every program and service we offer to the community is sustainable and accessible, and, where possible, fun and trailblazing (that is, leading edge or even courageously innovative). We have also asked our senior managers to make brand implementation one of their strategic priorities this year.The City will also fully incorporate all the new brand’s elements into the public washroom and community promotions space we will be creating adjacent to Spirit Square. This fully accessible and fun community place will have our new brand colours, fonts, and graphic elements incorporated into its design, so will the City’s new website, which we are currently developing and hope to launch in April of this year.

Externally, we will be working cooperatively with our business associations, tourism operators, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and other service providers to incorporate the City’s new brand into all of our marketing initiatives and seek their help to ensure we deliver on the brand promise of being a sustainable, accessible, trailblazing, and fun place to visit, live, work, and invest in. Please review the new brand’s documentation and help us to deliver on the positive promises it makes about this thriving community we call home.

Quesnel Council endorses City’s new brand

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Following nearly one year of community engagement and discussion, Quesnel City Council voted unanimously to endorse the City’s new brand at its meeting this past Tuesday

The new brand includes a new logo and tagline, a complete visual identity, tone of voice and messaging matrix, and a communications plan, all based on a Brand Strategy developed with considerable community input.

Quesnel’s Council recognized the need for a new brand following discussions with Quesnel’s business community who noted that Quesnel needs to do a better job of marketing itself to the world. Business owners also shared that the “Gold Pan City” logo and tagline wasn’t effective as a means to attract people to live, work, and invest in our community.  A review of Quesnel’s disjointed marketing efforts and recent media coverage sealed the deal.  Quesnel needed to tell a better story.

The new brand is more than just a new logo and tagline, it is backed by a strategy which outlines the reputation Quesnel wants to have.  This is a foundational piece, not just for the brand project, but for Council decision-making going forward.

Look for the new logo to start appearing around the City after February 1^st.  For a full look at the Brand Strategy, Visual Identity, Brand Guidelines, Messaging Matrix and Communications Plan, please see the City’s website:  www.quesnel.ca/brand.html .

Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson stated:

“The new brand reflects not just what we are as a community, but what we want to become.  We have laid the groundwork to attract more positive attention to Quesnel, and in turn, attract and retain more residents, visitors, and businesses.  With Council’s endorsement, we can now move forward in implementing actions to fulfill our brand promise, ‘to enable opportunities for a thriving community.’”

While Quesnel Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Daniels noted:

“As the voice of business in Quesnel, the Chamber of Commerce was pleased that the City of Quesnel has coordinated and improved its marketing initiatives.  The new brand will serve our community well in attracting new visitors, residents, and business to Quesnel.”

Finally - South Quesnel Business Association President Chris Paxson commented:

“The South Quesnel Business Association feels this is a positive step forward for Quesnel.  The look and feel of the new brand reminds us of our heritage and the nature around us, while balancing the boldness of a city that always has something going on.  We look forward to seeing it put into action!”

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan 17th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2017 Quesnel Skyfest – Quesnel’s International Airshow

Jerry and Barb van Halderen, Quesnel Skyfest Co-Coordinators, made a presentation to Council to explain the preparations and planning that have begun for the 2017 Quesnel Skyfest event.  The 2017 event will include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Demo Team, with the Skyhawks Parachute Team hopefully confirming attendance before the end of February 2017.  A highlight of this year’s event will be a memorable twilight show celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.   For more information please visit www.quesnelskyfest.ca. 

Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan

Council approved the Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan.  Please visit www.quesnel.ca/Reports2017.html to view the entire report.

2017 Capital Budget

Council approved the 2017 Capital budget before the Operating Budget and a month earlier than normal to allow for bids to be submitted earlier resulting in more time to prepare for the building season.  A few highlights of the 2017 Capital Budget:

•             Total Capital Budget for 2017 is $14,708,096, with $674,546 for general capital projects.  The rest of the capital budget is financed by a variety of grants and reserves.

•             There are two major water projects that have grant submissions into the Clean Water and Waste Water Fund.  These two projects are $8.3 million of the total capital budget and are for the Pinecrest reservoir and pump station as well as the Two- Mile water main.

•             Projects from the previous year that were not completed are financed by funds brought forward from the previous year.  These carryforwards are still being calculated with year-end activities ongoing, but are estimated at approximately $1.6 million, and will be built into the five year plan.  This  

                includes the final work on West Quesnel Land Stability Phase II.

•             Other projects include two new playgrounds, upgrades to the parking around the arena, downtown public washrooms, restoration of the Hudson Bay building, roadwork including the planning work for the rebuild of Reid Street in 2018 and more.  For more details, see www.quesnel.ca.

City’s New Brand

Council approved the City of Quesnel’s new brand and logo.  To view the full Brand project report/attachments that outline the brand strategy development, visual identity, tone of voice, brand guidelines, messaging matrix and brand communications plan, please visit www.Quesnel.ca/brand.html. 

Transit 2016/17 - Annual Operating Agreement

The Annual Operating Agreement for Transit services, from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017, was approved with a 1.8% inflationary increase for operations, 1.6% for labour costs, variable fuel costs of $1.28/L and fees for conventional transit services remained the same.  Total costs for conventional transit and HandyDART services are estimated at $974,744 with the municipal share at $421,926.

Sign Bylaw Amendment

The City’s proposed Sign Amendment Bylaw #1816 received first three readings with the following proposed amendments:

•             Permanent window signs are now counted in the total inventory of signs permitted per site.

•             Greater definition and policy around temporary signs to allow their use for businesses (may be displayed for up to 30 days, remove four days following the end of the pertaining event, display no more than 120 days a calendar year temporary signs).

•             Exempting real estate offices, movie theatres and window murals.

Bylaws

•             Bylaw 1815 – Zone Amendment – Cariboo Pulp and Paper Landfill Expansion – Third Reading

•             Bylaw 1816 – Sign Amendment – First, Second and Third Readings

Next Meetings

•             January 31st at 7 pm - Regular Council

Special CC Rural Caucus - Jan 18th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 10:02am

The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap Territory

By Consensus - Agenda approved

Business:

1) Report of the Chair - WL River Valley Transportation

The Chair provided an overview of his report
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the report of the Chair, along with the letters from Michael Pedersen, Regional Executive Director for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, addressed to the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District, dated December 2, 2016, and from Todd Hubner, Cariboo District Manager, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, dated December 20,2016, regarding the River Valley Transportation Plan, be received and that a letter be forwarded to the City of Williams Lake requesting that a joint letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation/Infrastructure advising that this issue is theirs to solve

At 10:18am - The Caucus then convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 92 (resolution in open meeting to go into an In-Camera Session) and 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

At 12:00 noon (pm) - The Caucus re-convened its' public meeting and By Consensus - agreed to adjourn the meeting

Proliferation of Resignations from Local Elected Office

Yesterday - CBC Daybreak North host Carolina de Ryk interviewed local government consultant and former Nanaimo City Manager Jerry Berry on the topic of multitude of resignations from local elected office in such places like McBride, Lantzville, Burns Lake, Pouce Coupe and now Port Clements.  He says that prior to the change to a 4 year elected term, resignation from local office was a rare act however since 4 year local elected terms began for the 2014-18 Term, the number of resignations occurring thus far in a large number of locations is a "disturbing trend"

Mr. Berry says, in his view, there are 3 challenges for those in elected local office:

1) Time to Serve
2) Stipend paid to Mayor, Councillors and Regional District Electoral Area Directors'
3) Increasing Complexity in Local Government

View detailed review of this item here

With the exception of places like Warfield and Midway where employment changes forced the Mayors' in those communities to unfortunately leave office, there are a number of communities where personality conflict, if you dig deep enough, was either the partial or direct cause for local elected officials to resign.

Such communities include McBride, Pouce Coupe, Ashcroft and Lantzville

Although one should try and see what the role (Electoral Area Director, School Trustee, Mayor or Councillor) entails and the pay involved PRIOR to running, if people can't get along and "dig in their heels" - then no amount of training will help WITHOUT external intervention via a conflict resolution practitioner.

Personally - I think resignation from office, once elected, should be the absolute last resort option if ALL else fails.  One has an moral obligation, once elected, to do what you can to 'make it work'.  Particularly this is true of those in Regional Districts.  If you are an Electoral Area Director, you don't get to pick your 'partner', whether from Electoral Areas or Muncipalities and you have to do what you can to make it work... and use 'conflict resolution' tools at your disposal to resolve interpersonal issues.... and this is also true in a lesser sense, due to lower membership numbers, of School Boards and Municipal Councils'

Finally - as I said to former Prince George Mayor Shari Green and current Fort St John Mayor Lori Ackermann on Twitter yesterday evening - it's important to keep perspective.  Often it's easy to get 'down' with the job due to stress, either from your own colleagues or from sometimes demanding constituents, however there will be days when the life of elected office will bring you satisfaction because you were able to resolve a problem brought to you from your constituents or because you were able to successfully deliver on a campaign goal...

Listen to the interview of Mr. Berry here

Sally Watson is BC NDP Candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin

Disclosure Note - Both Thompson Nicola RD Area 'E' Director Sally Watson and I sit on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

TNRD Area 'E' Director/BC NDP Candidate for
Cariboo-Chilcotin Sally Watson (Left) and guest speaker,
BC NDP MLA for Vancouver-Mt Pleasant
Melanie Mark (Right)

Yesterday afternoon, current Thompson Nicola Regional District Area 'E' (Bonaparte Plateau) Director Sally Watson was formally nominated as the BC NDP's candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin.  Director Watson was first elected in the 2002 Local Government General Election for TNRD - Electoral Area 'E' and was re-elected in subsequent local elections in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014

At the same nomination meeting - current BC NDP MLA for Vancouver - Mt Pleasant Melanie Mark was a guest speaker for those in attendance who included Chief Russell Myers Ross of the Yunesit'in (Stone) Government, which is part of the Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin) National Government structure.

Director Watson now goes up against 100 Mile resident Rita Giesbrecht who is running for the BC Green Party and current MLA/Minister of Rural Economic Development Donna Barnett who is running for the BC Liberal Party. MLA Barnett is seeking her 3rd consecutive term since her 1st election in 2009

As of this writing - I am not aware of others running in the Cariboo-Chilcotin provincial electoral district in this May's provincial election

British Columbians go to the polls on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 to vote in the 41st BC General Election with the election period formally commencing in mid-April 2017

Finally - BC NDP Leader John Horgan is coming to Williams Lake on Saturday, January 21st.  No details of the purpose of his visit are available at this time

~SF

Upcoming Water Licensing Workshops

Information courtesy of Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes:

A number of water licensing workshops are being planned throughout the province, with a series confirmed for January.

This workshop is designed for cattle producers who want assistance with filling out their groundwater licence application. This is a new legislated requirement for groundwater (wells) that will come into effect on February 29, 2016.

During the workshop, staff will be available to answer questions and assist you with completing your groundwater licence application

100 MILE HOUSE

Family Enrichment Centre
TUES. JANUARY 17
Session #1:
12:00pm – 2:30pm
Session #2:
2:30pm – 5:00pm
Ruth Robinson
South Cariboo Regional Cattlemen’s Association,
Ph: 250-593-4792
Email:slr@xplornet.ca
Computers Provided

WILLIAMS LAKE

TRU Campus
Room #1291 WED. JANUARY 18
1:30pm – 4:00 pm
Molly MacKinnon
Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association,
Email: cariboocattlemens@gmail.com
Computers Provided

QUESNEL

Riverview Elementary
345 Hartley St, Quesnel, B.C. SAT. JANUARY 21
Session #1:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Session#2: (if needed)
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Dawn Bailey
Quesnel Cattlemen’s Association,
Ph: 250-255-5886
Email: CarlsonBailey@gmail.com
Computers Provided

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Jan 16-20

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 17th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: 2017 Quesnel Skyfest-Quesnel's International Airshow - Jerry and Barb van Halderen, Co-Coordinators

* Council Committee Reports
* Motion to endorse Councillor Roodenburg for President of NCLGA (North Central Local Gov't Association) for 2nd term
* 2017 Strategic Plan
* 2017 Capital Budget Overview
* City of Quesnel Brand Presentation - for endorsement
* 2016 Business Façade Improvement Program/Completed Projects
* Transit 2016/17 Annual Operating Agreement
* Amendment to Sign Bylaw
* Copy of letter to the Honourable Coralee Oakes - Extension of 3-Phase Power to Wells-Barkerville and Reconstruction of Purden Lake Connector

View the full Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday, Jan 18th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd).  When available, the Agenda for this meeting can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, Jan 17th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Insp. J.L. Pelley, WL RCMP/Dave Dickson, City Mgr of Community Safety re: Police Commission Report
* Letter from Lake City Secondary School - Carson Campus - Girls Soccer Team - Request for Financial Assistance for European Football School -April 12 -23, 2017
* Tourism Marketing - Advertising with Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Special Meeting of Central Cariboo Rural Caucus on Wednesday, Jan 18th at 10am in the CRD Committee Room in Williams Lake (180D North 3rd Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Report of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Chair plus letter of response from FLNRO/MOTI to Joint City of WL/CRD Letter, both in regards to WL River Valley

* In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

CRD Board Highlights - Jan 13th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley, M. Wagner, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, M. Campsall and Alternate Director I. Bonnell (Williams Lake)

Meeting called to order at 10:20am
Meeting Agenda adopted/Dec 16th, 2016 CRD Board Meeting Minutes adopted

Resolved -- Board received Delegations MOB as of Jan 13th, 2017

Business:

Development Services

a) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5018 (Area 'J')

b) The Board approved DVP Application #61/2016 (Area H)
c) The Board approved DVP Application #67/2016 (Area G)
d) The Board rejected Temporary Permit Application #55/2016 (Area L)

Meeting recessed at 10:58am
Meeting resumed at 11:10am

e) The Board received Municipalities’ and Cariboo Regional District Building Statistics Reports as of November 2016

Environmental Services

a) The Board approved an Amendment to Policy EN1.4 Disposal of Contaminated Soils at Landfills No. 98-1-11(3) which reads:

"That contaminated soils only be accepted for disposal at rural landfill sites if it meets the commercial standards provided in the Contaminated Sites Regulation"

Community Services

a) The Board endorsed an NDIT Application in respect of the Forest Grove Community Hall Roof Replacement project

Communications

a) The Board received a report from the Manager of Communications in respect of CRD Highway Signage and endorsed Option 3 (Replace the bottom part of the sign and update the current municipal logos)

Finance

a) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and MasterCard Summary Report for the month of December 2016, in the amount of $3,484,479.06

Administration

a) The Board agreed to rescind Records Retention and Disposition Scheduling Policy No. 2015-7-56(9) and further agreed to endorse the new Records Retention Policy as presented by the Corporate Officer

b) The Board received a letter from Guy Caron, Member of Parliament and NDP Finance Critic, for support of Bill C-274 which seeks to end unfair taxation on family business transfers and agreed to forward a letter of support to MP Caron with respect to Bill C-274

c) The Board received a report from the Corporate Officer in respect of the 2017 NCLGA Resolutions deadline of March 1st, 2017

d) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of January 13th, 2017

e) The Board received 3 Letters of response as follows:

i) Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services - Update on Internet Connectivity and Payphones in Rural Areas
ii) School District 27 - Bridge Lake School Site
iii) Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Williams Lake River Valley Access

f) The Board received/endorsed the Prioritization of Board Resolutions report from the CAO

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

a) The Board received the First Nations Relations Committee Minutes of Dec 15th, 2016 and endorsed 2 Recommendations from the Committee as follows:

i) That arrangements be made for a speaker to attend a future Cariboo Regional District staff meeting to provide information on First Nations awareness.

ii) That First Nations speakers be invited to attend as delegations to upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings and that that First
Nations Awareness information, including the following link to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada information: http://fnp-ppn.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/SearchFN.aspx?lang=eng
be included in orientation materials for new Directors

b) The Board received the Dec 15th Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes and endorsed the following Recommendation from that meeting:

i) That proof of servicing will not be a requirement under the General Provision section in respect of Secondary Suites/detached accessory dwelling unit regulations, but the bylaw will state that the applicant must adhere to the applicable requirements/regulations regarding sewage. Still further, that carriage houses be allowed on any size lot and that staff be directed to prepare bylaws subject to the changes noted for referral, along with the planning report, to all Advisory Planning Commissions and other relevant agencies.

Approved by the following Electoral Area Directors' vote:

Affirmative - Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, William, Anderson and Coakley -- 10

Negative - Director S. Forseth (Area 'D') -- 1

Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to South Cariboo Cemeteries Contribution Establishment Bylaw No. 5071

b) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to 103 Mile Water System Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 5075

Directors' Requests

a) At the request of Directors S. Forseth, J. Sorley and B. Anderson - the Board authorized up to $5,000 each from the Area D, F and K Director Initiative Funds to permit them to attend the 2017 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Ottawa, ON from June 1-4, 2017

b) The Board appointed the following Directors' to external agencies as follows and Directors' so appointed provide updates to the Board as appropriate:

Municipal Finance Authority - Director Richmond/Director Coakley (Alternate)
Fraser Basin Council - Director Massier/Director Forseth (Alternate)
CCBAC - Director Wagner/Director Sorley (Alternate)
NDIT Regional Advisory Committee -- Directors Wagner & Anderson/Directors Coakley & Cash (Alternates)

Meeting recessed at 11:51am for lunch
Meeting resumed at 12:25pm

Directors' reported out on their recent activities

At 12:58pm - the Board convened an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

At 1:19pm - the Board resumed its' public meeting

Meeting adjourned at 1:20pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - Jan 13th mtg

Present: Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, M. Wagner, R. William, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, B. Simpson, M. Campsall. and Alternate Director I. Bonnell (Williams Lake)

Meeting called to order at 9:31am by CAO J. Bell

The CAO called 3 times for nomination of CCRHD Chair for 2017

Director Simpson nominated Director Wagner.  Director Wagner accepted her nomination
No further nominations received.  Director Wagner declared CCRHD Chair for 2017, by acclamation

The CAO called 3 times for nomination of CCRHD Vice-Chair for 2017

Director Forseth nominated Director Sorley.  Director Sorley accepted her nomination
Director Coakley nominated Director Simpson.  Director Simpson accepted his nomination

Directors Simpson/Sorley addressed the Board and after a vote of the CCRHD Directors', it was declared a tie vote occurred (7-7) and a re-vote occurred.  After a 2nd round of voting, it was declared that a 2nd tie vote occurred (7-7).  At the request of Director Forseth - the CCRHD Board agreed to defer a vote for CCRHD Vice-Chair until the Feb 9th CCRHD Board meeting.

Director M. Wagner assumed the Chair at 9:51am

Meeting agenda adopted/Minutes of the Dec 16th, 2016 CCRHD Board meeting adopted

Business:

1) The Board received the Jan 13th, 2017 Delegations Memorandum of Business

2) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar as of Jan 13th, 2017

3) The Board received the Capital Projects and Planning Status Report from the Interior Health Authority, for November 2016

4) The Board received a letter from Cathy Ulrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Health, dated December 13, 2016, regarding a follow-up from the meeting at the 2016 UBCM Convention in Victoria, BC

5) The Board endorsed in principle for public consultation the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District 2017-2021 Provisional Five Year Financial Plan

6) Late Item - The Board received a report from the CAO concerning a capital funding request from Interior Health which relates to the residential care addition to Fischer Place in 100 Mile House and endorsed Option 3 (the Regional District’s definition of capital as a benchmark which would require that individual items have a unit cost of $5000 or greater – total eligible projects would then be $384,500; CCRHD 40% portion - $166,000)

7) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to the following Capital Expenditure Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure Nursing Station Renovation/Privacy Upgrade (100 Mile District General Hospital) Bylaw No. 128
b) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure - Information Management Information Technology Regional Projects Bylaw No.129
c) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure Physiological Monitoring System (100 Mile District General Hospital) Bylaw No. 130
d) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure IMIT Telehealth Expansion (Various Facilities) Bylaw No. 131
e) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure - Information Management Information Technology Regional Projects Bylaw No. 132

Meeting adjourned at 10:20am

1st Shot in 2017 BC Election

Yesterday, John Horgan, Leader of the Official Opposition/Leader, BC NDP was asked a question of How do British Columbians feel about the pipeline (Trans Mountain)?

Mr. Horgan responded with:

“I believe that those in the Interior don’t have the same perspective that those of us on the coast. That’s a challenge for not just me as a leader of the New Democratic Party, not just for anyone involved in the political process. This is not a partisan question. It’s a BC challenge.”

Now - Peter Milobar, the BC Liberal MLA candidate for Kamloops-North Thompson and also the Mayor of Kamloops issued the following statement earlier today:

NDP leader John Horgan should apologize to Interior residents for suggesting they lack “perspective” compared to those living on the coast, Kamloops-North Thompson BC Liberal candidate Peter Milobar said Thursday.

“Interior workers and families have a perspective for sure: they know we need to create jobs and opportunities if we’re going to look after the people we love,” Milobar said. “John Horgan just made it clear that he doesn’t get it – and insulted Interior communities while he was at it.”

Horgan’s comments came as he doubled down on his opposition to the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, threatening that an NDP government would do everything in its power to shut down the project – which is expected to create 75,000 person-years of employment and generate $19.1 billion in economic activity for BC.

“The BC Liberals have been focused on putting BC first and ensuring we see the greatest possible benefits from this project,” Milobar said. “Our region is perfectly placed to take advantage of the opportunities we’ve secured by standing our ground. Meanwhile, an NDP government would do everything possible to shut this project down.”

During the 2013 election, Horgan backed then-NDP leader Adrian Dix’s opposition to the project to the hilt. Former Fraser-Nicola NDP MLA Harry Lali said the decision “was basically a message to the middle class and the blue collar worker that the NDP is against development.”

“I think Interior residents deserve an apology from Mr. Horgan, but I’m not holding my breath for it,” Milobar added. “These condescending comments show the NDP haven’t learned any lessons from the last election.”

“Our BC Liberal team is focused on delivering a growing economy, job creation, and a clean environment for every part of the province,” said Milobar. “John Horgan is sending a message that he would only govern for the people who share his so-called perspective – and put British Columbians out of work as a result.”

If the intent by the BC NDP was do better than the 2013 Election Campaign, the comment from Mr. Horgan is not a good start by a party that desperately wants out of Opposition and has been there since 2001 and shows that the BC NDP have not learned the electoral lessons delivered by smart BC voters in BC Elections held in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013...

In order to invest in communities and people, we need a strong economy that supports BOTH urban and rural BC... A point evidently lost on John Horgan and the BC NDP...

~SF

WL Council Highlights - Jan 10th mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson, J. Ryll, C. Smith, and S. Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

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

Meeting agenda approved/Mins of the Dec 20th meeting of WL City Council adopted

Delegation:

Lil Mack from Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy appeared before Council in relation to "Family Literacy Week" Proclamation

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Mack for her time/information

Resolved -- That pursuant to the request of the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy in their letter dated December 7, 2016, the week of January 23 to 28, 2017 be proclaimed as "Family Literacy Week" in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy.

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated December 23, 2016 and January 5, 2017

2) Council requested City Staff to review the taxation structure with respect to Total Ice Training Centre Ltd., located at 4535 Cattle Drive, Williams Lake, BC, and bring forward recommendations for Council’s consideration with respect to remediating this issue.

3) Council ratified an email poll authorizing a letter of support for Thompson Rivers University (TRU) - Williams Lake Campus' application to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant in the amount of $60,532 towards the TRU Applied Sustainable Ranching Program, from the Pine Beetle Recovery Account under the Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program

4) Council gave approval for the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District to jointly submit a bid to host the 2018 North Central Local Government Association AGM and Convention before the March 1, 2017 submission deadline.

5) Council approved the sale of a portion of City-owned land located at 770 Johnson Street, legally described as Lot 13, Block E, District Lot 588, Cariboo District, Plan 10743, to the adjacent property owners of 752 Johnson Street, at a value of $7,600 less costs of subdivision, survey, and Land Title Office registration

6) Council adopted the following two Bylaws:

a) Traffic Control Amendment Bylaw No. 2255
b) Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2256

7) Council agreed to support the Williams Lake and District 4-H application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant of up to $30,000 for the replacement and construction of a new 4-H washhouse located at the Williams Lake Stockyards from the Cariboo Chilcotin/Lillooet Combined account

8) Council proclaimed the week of February 20 to 24, 2017 as "Chamber of Commerce Week" in the City of Williams Lake

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

• December 16, 2016 - CRD Board Highlights

Members of Council reported out on their recent activities
CAO M. MacDonald reported out on his recent activities

Media Question Period - no questions

Meeting adjourned at 6:31pm and after a brief recess, Council then convened an In-Camera Meeting under the provisions of Section 90(1g - potential/actual litigation) of the Community Charter

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Jan 9-13

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will meet next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee on Wednesday, Jan 11th at 1:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* 2017 Draft Operating Budget
* Brand Implementation Report
* Quesnel Airport Options Report
* In-Camera Session as per Sections 90(1g/k - potential/actual litigation/negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Lil Mack, Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy - "Family Literacy Week" Proclamation
* Total Ice Training Centre Ltd. - Property Taxes
* Poll of Council - Letter of Support for TRU Grant Application to NDIT
* NCLGA 2018 Convention - Request for Bids
* Land Disposition - Part of 770 Johnson Street to be Consolidated to 752 Johnson Street - For Approval
* Williams Lake and District 4-H - Letter of Support Request for NDIT Application

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

North Cariboo Rural Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (102 - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair for 2017
* Deferred Item - Passenger Transportation Board Municipal Notice - Taxi Application (Deb's Taxi)
* Appointment of 2017 Co-Chair for North Cariboo Joint Committee
* 2017 North Cariboo Committee Appointments
* Residential Taxation Rates for a Proposed Contribution from Electoral Areas A,B,C and I to the Quesnel Regional Airport
* Discussion Items: North Cariboo Grants for Assistance; Community Works Funding Allocations to North Cariboo Recreation

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* North Cariboo Arena Construction Update
* Men's Provincial Curling Championships
* Deferred Item: Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission - Request for Reimbursement of Expenses
* North Cariboo Aboriginal Family Program Society - Request for Funding
* Northern Strike Paintball Association - Request for Use of Old Arena Site Before Demolition
* Quesnel Kangaroos - Request for Advertising Rights in New Arena
* In-Camera Session: Section 90(1L - Strategic Planning) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

CC Regional Hospital District - Regular Meeting on Friday, Jan 13th at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair/Vice-Chair for 2017
* Consent Calendar
* IHA Capital Status Update
* 2017 5 Yr Financial Plan - for endorsement/refer to public consultation
* Northern Health - update from meeting at the 2016 UBCM Convention
* Number of Capital Expenditure Bylaws for Adoption

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Regular Meeting on Friday, Jan 13th at 9:45am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Development Services items - 1 Bylaw for 1st/2nd Reading (Area J), 2 Development Variance Permit applications (Areas G/H) and 1 Temporary Permit Application (Area L)

* Amendment to Policy EN1.4 Disposal of Contaminated Soils at Landfills
* Forest Grove Hall NDIT Application
* Updates & Maintenance on Cariboo Regional District Highway Signs
* New Records Retention Policy
* 2017 NCLGA Resolutions
* Consent Calendar
* Committee Recommendations - First Nations Relations Committee/Committee of the Whole
* South Cariboo Cemeteries Contribution Establishment Bylaw - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings
* 103 Mile Water System Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 5075 - For 3 Readings/Adoption
* Request from Directors S. Forseth, J. Sorley and B. Anderson - Attend 2017 FCM Convention in Ottawa - June 1st - 4th, 2017

View the full Agenda here

Don't forget about the Family Skiing Day event at Bull Mountain, about 10 minutes north of Williams Lake this Sunday.  More details here

2017 Property Assessments Out

Courtesy of the BC Assessment Authority:

Editor's Note -- A cursory scan of properties within the City of Williams Lake show increases in 2017 vs 2016 while within CRD Electoral Area 'D', properties assessments are down in 2017 vs 2016 with the exception of properties in the Fox Mountain area which property assessment is up in 2017 vs 2016

In the next few days, owners of more than 246,000 properties throughout the Northern BC region can expect to receive their 2017 assessment notices which reflect market value as of July 1, 2016. 

As B.C.'s trusted provider of property assessment information, BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year.          

"The majority of residential home owners within the region can expect a slight increase, compared to last year's assessment," says Deputy Assessor David Keough. "Most home owners in the Northern BC region will see changes in the 0% to +10% range." 

Some home owners will see increases or decreases outside of this range:

• Granisle in the area of -20%
• Northern Rockies Region (Fort Nelson) in the area of -50%
• Fort St. John in the area of -5%
• Taylor in the area of -5%
• Port Edward in the area of +15%
• Kitmat in the area of -5% 
• values have continued to decrease beyond the valuation date of July 1, 2016

Commercial property owners in the region will see a similar increase in the range of 0 – 10%. Some commercial property owners will see increases or decreases outside of this range:

• Kitimat in the area of -10%
• Masset in the area of +16%
• Northern Rockies Region (Fort Nelson) in the area of -25%
• Port Clements in the area of -11%
• Queen Charlotte in the area of +19%
• Stewart in the area of +15%
• Valemount vacant commercial land over +50%

Overall,  the Northern BC Region's total assessments increased from $59.2 billion in 2016 to $60.3 billion this year which equates to a 1.9 per cent increase in the assessment roll. A total of almost $800 million of the region's updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and rezoning of properties.  

The Northern BC region encompasses approximately 70 per cent of the province stretching east to the Alberta border, north to the Yukon border, west to Bella Coola including Haidi Gwaii and to the south just before Clinton.  

The  following summary provides the average 2016 and 2017 assessed values of single family residential homes throughout the region: 

Average Single-Family Dwelling Assessed Value ​ ​ ​
Communities	2016	2017	% Change In Value
100 Mile House	$199,000	$215,000	7.44%
Burns Lake	$133,000	$139,000	4.32%
Chetwynd	$248,000	$258,000	3.88%
Dawson Creek	$260,000	$261,000	0.38%
Fort St James	$164,000	$172,000	4.65%
Fort St John	$404,000	$387,000	-4.39%
Fraser Lake	$125,000	$124,000	-0.81%
Granisle	$50,000	$42,000	-19.05%
Hazelton	$106,000	$108,000	1.85%
Houston	$143,000	$160,000	10.63%
Hudson's Hope	$198,000	$199,000	0.50%
Kitimat	$290,000	$277,000	-4.69%
Mackenzie	$153,000	$163,000	6.13%
Masset	$124,000	$124,000	0.00%
McBride	$137,000	$140,000	2.14%
New Hazelton	$128,000	$137,000	6.57%
Northern Rockies RM	$265,000	$179,000	-48.04%
Port Clements	$83,000	$85,000	2.35%
Port Edward	$189,000	$222,000	14.86%
Pouce Coupe	$205,000	$213,000	3.76%
Prince George	$268,000	$286,000	6.29%
Prince Rupert	$244,000	$260,000	6.15%
Queen Charlotte	$166,000	$175,000	5.14%
Quesnel	$186,000	$194,000	4.12%
Smithers	$282,000	$287,000	1.74%
Stewart	$101,000	$105,000	3.81%
Taylor	$356,000	$337,000	-5.64%
Telkwa	$223,000	$227,000	1.76%
Terrace	$309,000	$309,000	0.00%
Tumbler Ridge	$138,000	$146,000	5.48%
Valemount	$174,000	$192,000	9.38%
Vanderhoof	$222,000	$224,000	0.89%
Wells	$75,000	$75,000	0.00%
Williams Lake	$223,000	$235,000	5.11%

*2016 – Average Single Family Dwelling Revised Roll

 *2017 – Average Single Family Dwelling Complleted Roll *

BC Assessment's website at bcassessment.ca includes more details about 2017 assessments, property information and trends such as lists of 2017's top valued residential properties across the province. The website also provides self-service access to the free online e-valueBC service that allows anyone to search, check and compare 2017 property assessments anywhere in the province. 

"Property owners can find a lot of information on our website including answers to many assessment-related questions, but those who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2016 or see incorrect information on their notice, should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January," says Keough.

"If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by January 31st, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel," adds Keough.

The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and typically meet between February 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

 The Northern BC Region Assessment offices are located at: 

Prince George Office -  #200 – 1488 4th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 4Y2

Dawson Creek Office - #1112 – 103rd Ave,  Dawson Creek   V1G 4R7

Terrace Office - #100 – 4545 Lazelle Ave, Terrace, BC V8G 4E1

Williams Lake Office - #202 – 350 Barnard St., Williams Lake, BC V2G 4T9

During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or online at bcasssessment.ca

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