Recovery Managers in Cariboo-Chilcotin established!

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the municipalities of 100 Mile, Williams Lake, Quesnel and Wells have hired Recovery Managers to support the region through the final community recovery phase of this summer’s emergency response.

Individually and collaboratively, the Recovery Managers will work to collect and coordinate information on recovery resources, connect residents to those resources and learn more about the economic and social impacts facing the region and its residents going forward.

• The CRD has hired Stephanie Masun on contract to the end of March 2018. Stephanie Masun began Friday, Oct. 27. Recovery information will be posted on the CRD website at cariboord.ca and on the CRD’s Facebook page facebook.com/CaribooRegion. 
• The City of Quesnel announced the establishment of their Wildfire Economic Recovery Team last week. 
• The District of 100 Mile House has hired MJ Cousins as the Recovery Manager for 100 Mile House and surrounding areas in the South Cariboo. She started on Monday, Oct. 30.
• The City of Williams Lake has engaged a contractor, Trevor Kier, to assess the City’s needs with respect to recovery efforts. Plans to hire a longer-term Recovery Manager are still underway for the City, pending the initial assessment.
• The District of Wells is happy to announce that Wylie Bystedt has taken on the Recovery Manager role, effective Oct. 1, 2017 to the end of March 2018.

The CRD Recovery Manager, as well as some of the other Recovery Managers, will be attending many of the CRD’s Wildfire Community Consultations to gain a sense of the current situation and to begin the necessary actions of assessing resources and opportunities and addressing gaps and challenges. These consultations began Sunday, Oct. 29 in Forest Grove and are scheduled for 18 locations in the Cariboo.

Residents needing assistance are urged to call or email the Recovery Manager in their area for information on available resources, supports and services.

Contact information for each Recovery Manager is listed below:
  

Cariboo Regional District Stephanie Masun recovery@cariboord.ca 1-866-759-4977	City of Quesnel Erin Robinson wildfirerecovery@quesnel.ca
City of Williams Lake Trevor Kier tkier@williamslake.ca 250-392-2311 or 604-219-9646	District of 100 Mile House MJ Cousins recovery@100milehouse.com 250-395-2434
District of Wells Wylie Bystedt recovery@wells.ca 250-994-3330

 

Corporate/Union Donations banned for 2018 Local Elections

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Campaign finance reforms announced today by the British Columbia government will limit the influence of big money on local elections, putting people at the centre of community politics and decisions.

“With this legislation, people can be confident that their local and provincial governments will be working for all voters, not just those able to write the largest cheques,” said the Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government has already taken action to get big money out of politics at the provincial level. These amendments will make sure that democracy at the local level works for everyone, not just a select few."

The legislation would ban corporate and union donations, put limits on individual contributions and ban out-of-province donations at the local level.

Contributions for the election campaign of a candidate or elector organization will be limited to $1,200 per donor per year. One donor’s total contributions to the election campaign for an elector organization and all of its endorsed candidates cannot exceed this amount. These changes follow the approach of the proposed provincial Election Amendment Act.

“B.C. local governments have been asking for a ban on corporate and union donations and a cap on contributions to local election campaigns since 2015,” said Wendy Booth, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) president. “We reaffirmed this request just last month, and appreciate the commitment demonstrated by Minister Robinson to address this issue. The proposed changes will support fairness during campaigns and make running for office more accessible by strengthening the rules for local elections.”

The proposed amendments to the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act follow consultations with key stakeholders such as Elections BC and UBCM, which represents B.C.’s 189 local governments and the Islands Trust.

“Elected officials have the privilege and responsibility of representing their citizens, and this legislation helps ensure that campaigning for public office is conducted fairly,” said Nils Jensen, mayor of Oak Bay. “The District of Oak Bay has strongly advocated for local elections campaign financing reform. We appreciate Minister Robinson bringing this forward in such a timely fashion. It’s clearly in the best interest of candidates and the public—and it’s the right thing to do.”

The amendments will apply to all local elections starting with the 2018 general local elections and any byelections thereafter, including campaigns for councillors, mayors, electoral area directors and school trustees.

Once passed, the changes will be retroactive to Oct. 31, 2017, the day after the first reading of the legislation. To allow candidates to transition to the new campaign financing framework, contributions allowed under the former rules and received before Oct. 31, 2017, may be used for the 2018 general local elections.

More details on the legislation can be viewed here

2 New Directors join NPTGS Board

Courtesy of the New Pathways to Gold

Two talented First Nations leaders have joined the New Pathways to Gold Society (NPTGS) Board of Directors. Mike Retasket (left) and James Hobart attended their first meeting as directors in Ashcroft on Oct. 19. Retasket is the new Director representing Tourism Associations while Hobart is the First Nations Director representing the Canyon region of the Hope to Barkerville corridor.

Both directors have held the position of Chief Councillor of their First Nation. Retasket served for 10 years as Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band. Hobart was Chief of the Spuzzum First Nation for four years.

“It’s great to have two such outstanding new directors with such vast experience join the New Pathways to Gold Society board,” said NPTGS First Nations Co-chair Cheryl Chapman. “They’re already working hard to help make a difference in the communities along the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails.”

Retasket is a champion for traditional knowledge and cultural-heritage values. He’s a storyteller, traditional pipe carrier, dancer, drummer and singer. He’s also an experienced negotiator who has developed MOU’s, protocols agreements and land and resource management plans. A founding member of B.C. First Nations Leadership Council, he’s served on several boards including the Fraser Basin Council, First Nations Emergency Service and First Nations Forestry Council.

Hobart served two terms as the Chief Councillor for the Spuzzum First Nation and was also their CEO, managing budgets of over $1 million. He co-built the Nation’s first tax board, Negotiations Committee and land use management plan. He was appointed by his peers to the Chair of the Aboriginal Children and Family Chief’s Coalition and by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs as the Political Liaison to Comprehensive Claims Canada. He’s also an inventor who has successfully built prototypes and submitted three inventions into the ISC nationwide data base.

Retasket and Hobart are no strangers to NPTGS. Both have worked with the Society on various projects in other capacities over the years.

“Having worked with James on the Alexandra Bridge Project and Mike with all the work he’s done with Klahowya Village and elsewhere, it feels like a very good, familiar fit,” said NPTGS Co-chair Terry Raymond.

The NPTGS board is balanced, with half of the Directors being First Nations representatives. There is also one designated Multicultural Director and two co-chairs, one of whom is First Nations. A non-profit organization, NPTGS is committed to developing local economies in the Hope to Barkerville corridor through heritage tourism development, First Nations reconciliation and Multiculturalism. The Society acknowledges the financial support of the B.C. government.

About New Pathways To Gold Society (NPTGS)

NPTGS is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation working with communities along the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails corridor from Hope to Barkerville. The Society is dedicated to heritage tourism, First Nations reconciliation and economic development. NPTGS acknowledges the financial support of the B.C. government.

CFIB Muncipal Spending Report 2017

This past Wednesday,  the Canadian Federation of Independent Business or CFIB published its' annual report of spending by municipal councils' in BC and almost always, they are highly critical of the rapid growth of spending by the vast majority of municipal city/district/village councils' in BC

From CFIB:

The fact is, BC municipal operating spending has outpaced population growth nearly four fold between 2005 and 2015. This means that local governments are spending faster than cities are growing. To support these spending habits, BC residents are having to foot the bill.

Spending trends are a top issue for CFIB’s 10,000 members in British Columbia, as 73 per cent of small business believe in keeping inflation adjusted municipal spending increases at or under population growth[i]. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and they are also the ones taking a harder financial hit from municipal spending increases. The reality is that current spending trends are not sustainable, and small businesses are feeling the impact.

CFIB’s 10th Annual Spending Report dives deeper into some of the issues that drive municipal spending. One of the most noteworthy findings addresses BC’s broken bargaining system. When unions (such as CUPE, Police, and Firefighters) and municipalities are unable to agree on year-over-year wage increases, negotiations go to arbitration for an independent third party to settle the contract. However, arbitrators have been known to replicate recent settlements from bigger cities, resulting in significantly large annual wage increases for unions in smaller municipalities. Aribitrators often fail to reasonably consider a municipality’s economic conditions, or even their ability to pay when settling wage contracts.

While public sector wages account for roughly 60 per cent of municipal operating spending, it is important to note that it is not the only major driver of spending. The other 40 per cent of operating spending is also growing. If local governments are serious about cutting costs, they need to develop a plan for sustainable spending.

The full CFIB report can be viewed here

For the 4 Municipal Councils' in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

Municipality	CFIB Ranking in 2016	CFIB Ranking in 2017	Population Growth from 2005-15	2005-2015 Real Operations Spending per Capita Growth	2005-2015 Real Operating Spending Growth
100 Mile House	49	62	2%	13%	15%
Quesnel	63	86	-4%	20%	15%
Williams Lake	111	93	1%	33%	34%
Wells	127	120	-2%	2%	1%

Cariboo RD's Wildfire Community Consultation Mtgs starts Sunday

Cariboo Regional District - Wildfire Community Consultation Meetings.  Meeting locations, dates/times listed below: (week of Oct 30th - Nov 3rd):

Location	Date	Time
Forest Grove Community Hall	Sunday, Oct 29th	1:30pm – 3:30pm
Watch Lake Community Hall	Sunday, Oct 29th	6:30pm – 8:30pm
Interlakes Community Hall	Monday, Oct 30th	6:30pm – 8:30pm
Gibraltar Room, CMRC – Williams Lake	Wednesday, Nov 1st	6:30pm – 8:30pm
Wildwood Fire Hall	Thursday, Nov 2nd	6:30pm – 8:30pm
Nazko School	Friday, Nov 3rd	6:30pm – 8:30pm

Full details on the meetings, as listed above, can be viewed here

~SF

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 24th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Tolko Industries Ltd. - Delegation

Tolko representatives provided Council with an update of Tolko’s fiber salvage of the fire-affected timber Cariboo supply area, post the worst wildfire season British Columbia has seen to date, as well as provided an update regarding the local Quest Wood sawmill’s operations. Tolko representative who provided this update are Mr. Tom Hoffman, Manager, External and Stakeholder Relations, Mr. Jerry Mooney, Woodlands Manager, Harvesting Cariboo, and Mr. Jason Clancy, Plant Manager of Quest Wood Sawmill in Quesnel.

Tolko - Quest Wood Sawmill

Sawmill’s operations have been curtailed to 50% and is currently running with one shift and it is projected to be 4 to 6 weeks before the sawmill will be at 100% capacity/two shifts. Presently, there are significant challenges with weather, contract workforce and accessible permits to enable log deliveries that support a two-shift mill operations. Current sawmill operations is from green, burnt and dead beetle-killed pine.

Salvage of Fire-Affected Timber – Cariboo Region

This past summer has been an unprecedented wildfire season in the Cariboo. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development “Ministry” estimates that about 45 million m3 of timber on about 1 million hectares has been affected in the Cariboo. There are additional costs and operational expenses for forest companies around the harvesting of trees in areas that now have increased hazards caused by the wildfires. Also, the chips from burnt logs contain charcoal that cannot be used, nor purchased, by the pulp mills, and consequently these chips will be sold at reduced prices. In addition, there is additional reforestation costs in areas where no salvage revenues will occur due to the wildfires. Tolko is requesting Quesnel City Council to lobby the Provincial Government for key items in order to harvest in a way that makes sense for the company and makes sense for the environment. The lobbying requests are:

Expedite a rapid plan for access to a robust salvage plan in order to quickly harvest the mature trees that were burnt and process these mature burnt trees quickly into lumber. Time is of the essence because the longer the burnt trees remain the less viable they are for lumber.
Time is of the essence to reforest the land base burned by the wildfires as the barren lands make for efficient reforestation efforts.
Stumpage rates must reflect the commercial viability that considers the additional costs of harvesting, and processing burnt logs and the selling of reduced-valued chips that may contain charcoal.
Finally, on behalf of Tolko Industries Ltd., Mr. Hoffman wanted to thank everyone who worked on, and/or volunteered their time in, the Wildfire Emergency Response over this past summer.

Recreational Cannabis – Provincial Consultation Input

Local Governments have been given until November 1, 2017 to forward their consultation recommendations to the Solicitor General around limited and specific regulations for recreational cannabis. Recreational Cannabis is set to be legalized by the Provincial Government in July 2018. Please view the City Staff Report for full details of this issue via the City’s website. Council made recommendations to the Province on the following limited scope of proposed regulations:

Minimum Age Possession – 19 years of age, and under the age of 19 cannabis would be confiscated.

Public Consumption – once Federal and Provincial regulations are known, Council will consider amending its Smoking Bylaw to include recreational and medical cannabis restrictions/regulations.

Drug Impaired Driving – Penalty of Cannabis Fine Revenues to be returned to the City’s Policing Function.

Personal Cultivation – That the Province set standards to be the same, without variation, for all local governments to allow for consistency and understanding by the public.

Retail Model – Government Distribution System with Public Retailer model, with a move to potential Private Retailer(s) model in the future.

Revenue Taxation - Revenue taxations to be apportioned to cover the newly realized incremental costs that Local Governments will now be burdened with due to the legalization of cannabis AND any taxation revenue profits realized should be shared equally and separately among Federal, Provincial and Local Governments.

Illegal Distributors and Illegal Retailers – Federal and Provincial Governments to equip Local Governments with stronger tools to extinguish the illegal Distribution and Retail systems that are illegally distributing and illegally selling cannabis currently, and in the future.

Bylaw of the Month

The Bylaw of the Month for November is “Avoid Overnight Street Parking in Winter Months”. The City's Bylaw Enforcement staff will be out educating the public to avoid parking on the City’s roadways overnight during the winter months as this may prohibit safe and efficient municipal snow clearing and/or road maintenance services. For more information, please contact the City's Bylaw Enforcement Department at 250-992-5743.

Bylaws

Bylaw 1832 – Financial Plan Amendment – First, Second, Third Readings

Bylaw 1833 – Permissive Exemption Bylaw Amendment – Final Adoption

Next Meetings

7 pm, November 7, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

5:30 pm, November 14, 2017 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Oct 25th mtg

Present from CRD - Co-Chair (Director) J. Sorley and Director S. Forseth/Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Present from City of WL - Co-Chair (Mayor) W. Cobb and Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson, J. Ryll, and S. Zacharias

Meeting chaired by Mayor W. Cobb

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

Meeting Agenda approved/CCJC Minutes of June 21st adopted

Business:

1) 2017 Performances in the Park Year-End Report

Report presented from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society

Resolved - Report received

2) 2017 Arts & Culture Society Second and Third Quarter Reports

Report presented from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society

Resolved - Report received

3) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture 2018 Business & Financial Plans

Report presented from the CRD Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture 2018 Business & Financial Plans be received/endorsed

4) Central Cariboo Recreation & Leisure Services 2018 Business, Financial & Capital Plans

Report presented from the CRD Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Central Cariboo Recreation & Leisure Services 2018 Business, Financial & Capital Plans be received/endorsed

5) CMRC Rear Parking Lot - Options and Recommendations

Report presented from the City of Williams Lake Director of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received/Option 2 (discontinue all rental parking in the rear CMRC parking lot) be endorsed and Staff report back on costs/implementation schedule

6) Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project - Monthly Status Reports for June, July and August 2017

Report presented from the CRD Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

7) Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project Grand Opening

Report presented from the CRD Manager of Communications
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received/Staff be directed to move ahead with the proposed grand opening event, which would include a ribbon cutting ceremony and family fun event.

8) 2018 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

Report presented from the CRD Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received/2018 Joint Committee Meeting schedule be endorsed

9) Action Page

Resolved - Receive and delete Items 2 and 4

10) Late Item - Regional Museum Proposal

Verbal report from Councillor S. Nelson

Resolved - That the topic of a Regional Museum be brought forward at a future Joint Committee meeting

Meeting adjourned at 6:53pm

Central Cariboo Rural Caucus Highlights - Oct 25th mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors J. Sorley/B. Anderson and Alternate Director M. Neufeld (Area E)

Meeting called to order at 2:48pm

The Chair acknowledged the meeting was taking place on Northern Shuswap territory and welcomed Alternate Director Melynda Neufeld (Electoral Area 'E') to the meeting

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of June 21st CCRC Meeting adopted

Business:

1) In-Camera Session

The Committee agreed, by resolution, to close the meeting to the public, as per Sections 92/90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

Meeting closed to the public at 2:51pm
Meeting open to the public at 3:25pm

2) 2018 Grant for Assistance Applications (Main Intake)

The Committee reviewed all received Grant for Assistance applications for 2018 and agreed to make Grant for Assistance allocation, by Electoral Area, recommendations to the CRD Board

3) Referred Items from October 20th CRD Board Meeting:

a) 150 Mile Community Group - Grant for Assistance application (Year Round Intake)
b) Stampede Whirlaways Square Dance Club - Grant for Assistance application (Year Round Intake)
c) Williams Lake Stampeders Sr. Men’s Hockey Team - Grant for Assistance application (Year Round Intake)

Above items were received

4) Late Item - Email from City of WL in regards to Jan 2018 Hometown Hockey Event

General discussion ensued.  Resolved - Email received/CRD Deputy Corporate Officer to advise City of WL Staff that CRD Central Cariboo Directors not available to participate in a working Committee

5) Central Cariboo Victim Services

The Committee held a general discussion.  No resolution resulted

6) Central Cariboo Multi-Agency Forum

The Committee held a general discussion.  No resolution resulted

Delegation:

At 4pm, Inspector Jeff Pelley of the Williams Lake RCMP appeared before the Committee to provide a general update

A Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Inspector Pelley for his time/information 

Meeting adjourned at 5:15pm

Vulnerable Populations in Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

As we continue our community dialogue about the possible relocation of the BC Housing funded shelter and transition facility (Seasons House), the argument is often made that clients of the current facility are our community’s “most vulnerable” citizens. I agree that the individuals who use Seasons House are indeed vulnerable, but I dispute that they are our community’s “most” vulnerable population.

This is an important distinction, as we have many vulnerable populations in our community and they all need appropriate attention and support, to allow one group to be labeled the “most” vulnerable population is to concede that this segment of our community should have priority access to resources over other groups that need help too.

For example, Quesnel has one of the highest rates of early childhood vulnerability in BC. Thirty-nine percent of kindergarten children in Quesnel are deemed to be vulnerable in one or more core areas that are known to be predictors of adult health, educational success, and social needs. This compares to a provincial average of 33%. Putting resources into these children could yield significant individual and social benefits and avoided costs to society. City Council and the Northern Directors from the Cariboo Regional District are working proactively with the School Board to devise strategies to address this vulnerability.

Quesnel also has a larger than average share of low income individuals living in our community; with one in five households (and 44% of renters) spending more than 30% of their total income on housing. We may have one of the most affordable housing markets in BC but too many people in our community still find it difficult to find affordable, quality housing for themselves and their families. That’s why Council has taken a lead role on a housing initiative for our community and we’re thrilled to see two much-needed housing projects commence construction in North Quesnel as an early outcome of this effort.

Our community also has a rapidly ageing population. The number of residents over the age of 65 is projected to increase by 83% over the next two decades; by 2036, seniors will make up more than one-quarter of our regional population. This segment of our community can become more vulnerable if we do not invest in the appropriate health, housing, and social programs. In partnership with Northern Health and our seniors associations, Council has initiated a process to become an “age-friendly” community and develop a strategy that has great potential to proactively address this vulnerability.

Finally, with respect to drug addiction and susceptibility to dying from an overdose or fentanyl poisoning, the “most” vulnerable individuals in our community are not those who use the supports provided at Seasons House or one of the many other service providers in our community. The truly susceptible individuals are those who inject alone, in the privacy of their own homes or hotel rooms: 90% of all overdoses occur indoors, with 55% occurring in private residences. As B.C.’s provincial health officer recently pointed out: those dying at home are not stereotypical drug users, they are professionals and parents who are afraid to make their addictions known and seek help.

As we continue to work with Northern Health and BC Housing to build a robust mental health and addictions support network in our community we need to make every effort to address the stigma associated with illicit drug use and ensure the programs and services we develop meet the needs of the full spectrum of drug users in our community, not simply those who access Seasons House or other street-oriented support services.

Editor's Note -- Bob Simpson is the Mayor of Quesnel.  You can reach him via email here

North Cariboo Joint Committee meets tonight!

The North Cariboo Joint Committee, which consists of the Cariboo RD Directors for Areas A, B, C, I and Quesnel City Council, will be meeting this evening at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

Open Session:

1) Discussion on Draft Terms of Reference for the Committee

Closed Session:  (Section 90(1L - discussion with Staff re: annual municipal report) of the Community Charter [Strategic Planning]:

1)Adopt Special Closed Committee Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2017
2)Facilities
3)Strategic Priorities
4)North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Business and Financial Plan

View the full Agenda here

Wildfire community consultations begin Oct. 29

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District: 

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is starting a detailed community consultation process next week with a series of meetings in communities throughout the Cariboo. The meetings will be one of several methods the Regional District will be using to improve future emergency response communications and planning.

Several agencies who were part of the emergency will also be in attendance, in addition to various staff from the CRD.

Meeting locations have been scheduled in 17 of the most impacted fire and evacuation areas with all residents welcome. The meetings are a way to reach out to residents and gain feedback on the emergency efforts as well as understand community and resident needs through recovery.

The meetings will be structured to ensure all residents have an opportunity to have their feedback heard. A trade show full of information about the response and recovery resources will start each meeting followed by a brief overview of the response. The remainder of the meeting will be dedicated to small group discussion about the response and recovery challenges.

There will not be an open microphone portion at any of the meetings in order to gain insight on as many topics and from as many residents as possible. Meetings will run between 1 to 2 hours.

Further consultation will happen including visits to schools, senior facilities, community support groups and community events. In addition, watch for other opportunities later in November including a Facebook Live video event and a survey.

The consultations are being completed on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District by Tim Conrad, APR, and Lloyd Piehl of Butterfly Effect Communications, both of whom were part of the information team during emergency operations this summer.

For additional event information, visit cariboord.ca or facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations or call 1-800-665-1636.

Al Richmond, CRD Chair/Area 'G' Director stated:

“Residents are encouraged to attend the consultation meeting closest to them, whether in their community or another. We have scheduled to be in many areas more than once to give residents some flexibility to match their schedule"

While Tim Conrad, facilitator of community consultation meetings went on to say:

“Consultations are notoriously difficult, and we are hoping these family-friendly meetings will allow all residents who experienced the many challenges of the wildfire season to have a voice.”

Wildfire Economic Recovery Team announced

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is pleased to announce that the Wildfire Economic Recovery Team is in place and ready to work. The team met today to review roles and begin planning their work in the months ahead. Their mandate is to determine the economic impacts of the wildfires on the North Cariboo, and to develop and begin early implementation of a plan for recovery.

The North Cariboo team will be based in Quesnel but will be tackling the impacts of the North Cariboo sub-region and will be travelling to outlying communities. Recovery funding has been provided by the Province of British Columbia to each sub-region and to the Cariboo Regional District, with each local government determining how to best utilize their funds. Recovery Managers in each sub-region will connect regularly to share their learning and approaches to recovery.

An office will be set up in the new Spirit Centre at 246 St. Laurent Street in the coming weeks, providing a base for the team, and a location for people to access information about recovery efforts.

Comprising the team are: Erin Robinson, Recovery Manager, Tracy Bond, Urban Recovery Coordinator, Garry Horley, Rural Recovery Coordinator, and Charlene Lawrence, Recovery Team Support.

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

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

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Ave).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation - John Massier, Chair of the Wells Barkerville Community Forest Board (WBCFB) to present a draft year end report and financial statements for the Wells Barkerville Community Forest Limited.

* Remembrance Day Wreath Laying
* Wells-Barkerville Community Forest Limited: Year end report of the Directors and year end financial statements
* Community Grantwriter Report on recent successful grant applications
* UBCM 2017 Convention - Meetings Activity Report
* Furnace Replacement Report - to be presented at the meeting
* District of Wells Water Supply System update - to be presented at the meeting
* Proposed Municipal Office Closure (Dec. 16, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018)
* Proposed 2018 Permissive Tax Exemptions - Bylaw 155, 2017

View the full Agenda here. There also is a scheduled Public Hearing on a Temporary Use Policy, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 24th.  View the full Public Hearing Agenda here

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:

Policy/Bylaw Review Committee - Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th at 1:15pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Sign Bylaw
* Adopt-a-Park-Policy
* Accessible Stalls - Status of Unauthorized Parking
* Election Bylaws & Draft Pre-Candidate Information Session
* Dog License Requirements for City's Dog Park

View the full Agenda here

Regular Council - Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th at 7pm.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Tolko Industries Ltd. - Quarterly Update - Tom Hoffman, Manager, External and Stakeholder Relations
* Committee Reports - Executive, Public Safety and Financial Sustainability/Audit
* UBCM Reports from Council Members
* Cost Sharing of Consultant - Mental Health and Addictions Services for Community
* Volunteer Recognition - Wildfires Response
* 2018 Budget Introduction
* Development Permit - Renovation to Existing Provincial Building/Courthouse - 350 Barlow Avenue
* 2017 Financial Plan Amendment
* Northern Development Initiative Trust Annual Grant Submissions
* Bylaw of the Month - Avoid Overnight Street Parking in Winter Months

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Society
* Storage Place for old Fire Truck
* 2018 Budget and 2018-22 Financial Plan - Operating Fund Preliminary Projections

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District: Meetings as noted below

Central Cariboo Rural Caucus - 2:45pm on Wednesday, Oct 25th in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* 2018 Grants for Assistance Applications (Main Intake)
* Discussion on Central Cariboo Victim Services/Multi-Agency Forum
* 4pm - Inspector Jeff Pelley - Williams Lake RCMP, General Update
* In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter.

View the full Agenda here 

Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee - 5:30pm on Wednesday, Oct 25th in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* 2017 Performances in the Park Year-End Report
* 2017 Arts & Culture Society Second and Third Quarter Reports
* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture 2018 Business & Financial Plans
* Central Cariboo Recreation & Leisure Services 2018 Business, Financial & Capital Plans
* CMRC Rear Parking Lot - Options and Recommendations
* Pool Upgrade Project - Monthly Status Reports for June, July and August 2017
* Sam Ketcham Pool Grand Opening
* Proposed 2018 Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

View the full Agenda here

~SF

CRD Board Highlights - Oct 20th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond; Directors J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, M. Wagner, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall, Area 'A' Alternate Director M. Sjostrom and Area 'E' Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Meeting Agenda adopted/Mins of the Sept 15th CRD Board Meeting adopted

Delegations MOB Received

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board took the following actions in relation to Planning Bylaws:

a) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5111, 2017 (Area H) - 1st/2nd Readings
b) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5114, 2017 (Area L) - 1st/2nd Readings
c) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5115, 2017 (Area L) - 1st/2nd Readings
d) South Cariboo Area Zoning/OCP Amendment Bylaws No 5116/5117 (Area G) - 1st/2nd Readings
e) South Cariboo Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5079, 2017 (Area H) - Adoption
f) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5080, 2017 (Area H) - Adoption

2) The Board approved 2 ALR Application for submission to the Agriculture Land Commission (ALR1722 - Area B and ALR1724 - Area L) and rejected 1 other (ALR1727 - Area B)

3) The Board approved Temporary Permit #8/2017 (Area D)

4) The Board received the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission Decisions Report as of September 26, 2017

Environmental Services:

1) The Board received the Rural Refuse Site Inspection Report of June 20th to October 3rd, 2017

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of September 2017, in the amount of $5,099,121.18

2) The Board took the following actions in relation to received Grant for Assistance applications (Year Round Intake):

a) 150 Mile House Community Group - refer to Central Cariboo Rural Caucus (Director Forseth opposed)
b) Hillside Community Church of 100 Mile
c) Stampede Whirlaways Square Dance Club - refer to Central Cariboo Rural Caucus
d) Williams Lake Stampeders Sr. Men’s Hockey Team - refer to Central Cariboo Rural Caucus
e) Women’s Contact Society - fund from Areas D,E,F,G,H,L Grant for Assistance Budgets

Resolved - That the Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) process be referred to a future Committee of the Whole meeting

Meeting recessed at 11:04am to CCRHD Board
Meeting resumed at 1:00pm

At 1:00pm -- The Board recess its' public meeting to convene an In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 90(1e/g/k - land/litigation/negotiations) of the Community Charter

At 1: 29pm -- The Board resumed its public meeting

Communications:

1) The Board received a letter from the Board of Education of School District No. 27 expressing concerns about wildfire communications and a letter of response be provided to School District #27

2) The Board received a report from the Manager of Communications in regards to the CRD's 50th Anniversary in 2018 and directed a Committee be formed and the Committee be directed to bring forward recommendations

Administration:

1) The Board received a request from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for input on the legalization and regulation of cannabis in British Columbia

2) The Board received a request from the Regional District of Nanaimo to oppose the proposed federal budget amendment that would eliminate the 1/3 Director remuneration qualifying as a non-taxable amount, commencing in 2019

3) The Board approved the 2018 Board Meeting Schedule, as amended

4) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of October 20th

5) The Board received a reply to its' letter to the Passenger Transportation Board requesting it reject the application of Greyhound Canada to reduce services in the BC North Region

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received Minutes of Meetings of the following meetings

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Sept 11th
b) North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Sept 12th
c) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Sept 12th
d) North Cariboo Rural Caucus - October 10th

And endorsed the following recommendation from the above mentioned meetings, as follows:

a) North Cariboo Ag Development Advisory Committee Work Plan/Budget - North Cariboo Rural Caucus (September 12th)

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Lac La Hache Water Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5119, 2017

2) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Directors’ Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw No. 5112, 2017

3) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to CRD Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 5118, 2017.  On 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading - Central Cariboo Recreation Stakeholders (City of WL/CRD Areas D, E, F) divided, as follows:

Affirmative - Directors Forseth/Sorley and Alternate Director Neufeld
Negative - Director Cobb (City of Williams Lake)

4) The Board adopted Noise Control (Electoral Area ‘F’) Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5102, 2017

Directors' Requests:

1) At the request of Director Forseth, the following was approved:

a) Draft 2018 NCLGA Resolution - Provincial Financial Support for First Responders during Emergency Events

b) Invite Canadian Red Cross representatives to a future Board Meeting to discuss their funding programs, in relation to this summer's wildfires & Community Partnership Program

2) At the request of Director Simpson, the Board agreed to request the CCBAC Board to repurpose their money for recovery initiatives

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

CCRHD Board Highlights - Oct 20th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall, Area 'A' Alternate Director M. Sjostrom and Area 'E' Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the Sept 15th CCRHD Board Meeting approved

Business:

1) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of Oct 20th, 2017

2) The Board received a copy of a letter from Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett - Health Minister Adrian Dix re Update on Cariboo Memorial Hospital Business Plan Development Timeline

3) The Board received the Interior Health Capital Projects and Planning Status Reports for August 2017

4) The Board received the Northern Health Second Quarter Capital Status Reports

5) The Board approved the revised Northern Health Authority Memorandum of Understanding and authorized the Chair/Corporate Officer to sign it, on behalf of the CCRHD Board

The Chair provided an oral report on the Semi Annual Meetings with RHD's & Interior/Northern Health Authorities

Meeting recessed at 10:16am
Meeting resumed at 11:11am

Delegation:

Peter Du Toit and James Kinakin appeared before the Board to provide an update for Interior Health and to introduce Lori Boothby, the new Health Services Director for Acute Health Services.

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Wagner, on behalf of the Board, thanked the Interior Health delegation for their time/information

The Board agreed to adjourn at 12:07pm

CRD Finance/Budget Committee Highlights (2018 Budget Mtg #1) - Oct 19th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall, Area 'A' Alternate Director M. Sjostrom and Area 'E' Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Meeting called to order at 5:36pm

Meeting Agenda Approved

The Committee commenced its' review of the Draft Cariboo Regional District 2018 Business Plans for the following:

* General
* Contributions/Economic Development
* Airports
* Recreation
* Library
* Development Services
* Protective Services
* Environmental Services
* Streetlighting
* Water
* Sewer

The Committee agreed to adjourn at 7:00pm 

Rural Dividend Grants Award in Cariboo Region

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The British Columbia government is providing about $1.4 million to support 16 community projects in the Cariboo region, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

The projects embrace a wide range of activities from the addition of new tourist attractions and improved marketing to the development of a community forest plan. The funding is part of more than $10.1 million being awarded to 90 eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations under the BC Rural Dividend program.

Projects in the Cariboo include:

$100,000 to ?Esdilagh First Nation so it can build a cultural arbour as part of a reconciliation, healing and tourism destination centre in the community.

$100,000 to the Big Lake Community Association to develop a community forest agreement application and forest management plan.

$72,305 to the Fraser Basin Council to implement Project Comeback in Quesnel to attract and retain young adults.

The Deka Lake and District Ratepayers Association and Tl’etinqox Government were each awarded $100,000 under the special circumstances provision because of the impacts of the summer’s wildfires.

The Rural Dividend program provides grants of up to $100,000 each for single applicants, and up to $500,000 for partnerships to help rural communities stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment.

The program is under review and it is being determined how best to distribute the remaining Rural Dividend funds, taking into account the community impacts of this year's wildfire season and other exceptional circumstances.

Rural development activities support government’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that creates well-paying jobs for all British Columbians.

The Hon. Doug Donaldson - BC's Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development said:

“This new funding will help rural communities grow their economies and create jobs – now and for the next generation.”

A detailed list of grants awarded can be viewed here

Working with New BC Government

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

When Council attended the Union of BC Municipalities convention this year we enjoyed unprecedented access to ministers of the new provincial government. Our access included eleven formally booked sessions with ministers and their senior staff plus a number of ad hoc meetings with other ministers and staff and a meeting with the Premier (with the Chair of the Cariboo Regional District and other mayors from the Cariboo region). This past week, two other provincial government ministers visited Quesnel, with one, the Minister of Agriculture, spending the entire day here meeting with a robust cross-section of the agriculture sector.

This direct and continuous access to the current decision-makers in the provincial government stands in stark contrast to the very limited access and exposure we had to the previous government. Despite the fact that Premier Clark and many ministers visited Quesnel on numerous occasions, neither Council nor I were given the opportunity to have the kind of access and influence we now have over the provincial agenda. It’s refreshing, and very hopeful, that we now have such direct, continuous access and influence over the priority setting for our region and community.

The key agenda we are pushing with the provincial government is to see critical public sector investments made in our community over the next few years, projects that will create real jobs and local economic benefits while enabling us to increase our ability to attract and retain residents, visitors, and investment. For example: we’re asking the Minister of Health to fast track the decision to build a new intensive care unit and emergency facility at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital and also consider building additional seniors’ care beds here to alleviate the current demand on our hospital beds; we’re asking the Ministry of Education to commit to building the long asked for new junior secondary school; and, we’ve asked the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to approve an addition to the Quesnel campus trades facility to expand the power engineering program that’s offered here. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is also back on track, and we’re looking forward to working with ministry staff as they engage the public in a consultation process on options to see significant capital improvements made to the Highway 97 corridor through Quesnel.

Another key message we are promoting with the provincial government is that we were already undergoing a significant economic and social transition before this year’s fire event and that the wildfire impact on our forest ecosystems and timber supply has merely accelerated the need for us to innovate and re-invent our traditional forest sector while ensuring all our other job creating sectors (agriculture, mining, tourism, small business, education, etc.) are firing on all cylinders. This message is resonating with the provincial government and we’ve been provided with additional financial resources from the Province of British Columbia to develop a comprehensive transition and recovery strategy that we will present to the provincial cabinet in the New Year.

Our provincially funded transition and recovery team will be announced in the coming weeks and we look forward to engaging the public, not for profit organizations, and businesses across all sectors in the development of an innovative and exciting strategy to ensure our region remains resilient during this challenging transition period.

Bob Simpson is the Mayor of Quesnel.  He can be reached via email here

WL Council Highlights - Oct 17th mtg

Present -- Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell (via phone), J. Ryll, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting Agenda Adopted and Mins of  the Oct 3rd WL Council Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Scott Bone, CEO & Cory Klein, Vice-Chair - Northern Regional Construction Association appeared before Council to provide an Introduction, Trends and Advocacy Work with Local Governments

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

2) Tom Hoffman, Randy Chadney & Kevin Sytsma from Tolko Industries appeared before Council to discuss 2017 Wildfires, Operating Stance, Wood Supply and General Updates on Lakeview/Soda Creek Locations

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Resolved -- Council agreed to provide Tolko with a letter of support encouraging the Provincial government to adopt policies, including stumpage rates which would make the harvesting and extraction of fire damaged timber economically viable

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable cheque listing for the periods of October 5 and 12, 2017

2) Council authorized submission of a grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) Façade Improvement Program and, if approved, directed Staff to implement the program based on the attached program guidelines and application from the report of the Director of Development Services

3) Council endorsed a Committee of the Whole recommendation, as follows:

Staff continue to report back to Council as per the proposed budget timeline presented, including options for both a zero percent tax rate increase and an inflationary cost of living rate increase.

4) Council approved the Winter Lights Christmas Magic Light-Up Event and Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 2, 2017

5) Council agreed to provide a letter of support to Gibraltar Mines for their application to permanently increase its annual authorized discharge rate to the Fraser River watershed from 0.19 m3/s to 0.285 m3/s between the period of April 10 and November 10

6) Council agreed to proclaim:

a) "Foster Family Month" - October 2017
b) "BC Aware Days" - January 29 to February 9, 2018

7) Late Item #1  - Council agreed to defer the pavement rehabilitation of Westridge Drive and Woodland Drive to start of the 2018 paving season.

8) Late Item #2 -  - Council agreed to support an application to the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalitition and, if the grant application is approved, add the Atlantic Power Heat Feasibility study to the City's 2018 budget as a strategic priority.

9) Late Item #3 - Council reconsidered/adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2249 (101 Mason Road)

10) Late Item #4 - Council approved the urgent capital work to re-roof the City's Works Yard Complex and further authorized waving Purchasing Policy No. 138 in favour of direct contract award to the local roofing company to facilitate the urgency of the work.

11) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of Oct 17th, as follows:

October 5, 2017 - Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's Support Grant Applications Intake;
October 5, 2017 - Community Energy Association re Invitation to Council to Upcoming Climate Leadership Institute Workshop;
October 11, 2017 - Letter from MLA Barnett re Thank You for Hard Work During Wildfires
October 16, 2017 - Red Cross re BC Fires 3 Month Donor Report.

Members of Council provided oral reports on their recent activities

The CAO (M. Macdonald) provided an oral report on his recent activities

Media Question Period -- Provincial Cabinet Ministers visiting Williams Lake

Council agreed to adjourn at 7:16pm

2 New Cariboo RD Libraries in works!

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is building new community libraries in McLeese Lake and Bridge Lake/Interlakes. While the summer wildfires delayed the projects significantly, the libraries are expected to open before the end of the year.

The new library building in McLeese Lake is in place and library staff are working to ready it for opening. Located directly behind the old library, the new building is a significant improvement with more space, air conditioning and room to accommodate two computer stations. The old building will be removed and repurposed.

“I am very excited to see a new library constructed in McLeese Lake. This project has been a long time coming and it is great to see library services expand in the community. The new building already looks amazing and the library isn’t even fully moved in yet,” said Steve Forseth, CRD Electoral Area D Director.

In Electoral Area L, the Cariboo Regional District recently purchased a piece of property in the Interlakes area for the new library. The community library was previously located in the Bridge Lake elementary school. Construction of the foundation for the building will begin mid-October and the installation of the new building will follow.

“I am pleased to see the library services improved in Electoral Area L. Libraries are important parts of communities and I look forward to see how the new building will benefit the residents in the area,” stated Electoral Area L Director, Brian Coakley.

The new libraries are modular buildings manufactured by Horizon North out of Kamloops. They were purchased with a view to shorten construction time and increase the ease of installation. Going forward, these buildings will be a standard design for all stand-alone rural libraries within the CRD. The design offers the space and functionality required to meet the needs of library users, with computer stations as well as reading and study areas.

The Cariboo Regional District Library is an integrated public library system that currently provides library services to residents of the regional district through fifteen branch libraries.

For further information about the Cariboo Regional District Library network or library events near you, visit the website at cln.ca or call 250-392-3351.

Review of 1st Debate - BCLib18

Yesterday - 6 of the 7 candidates to succeed Christy Clark as Leader of the BC Liberal Party attended their first debate in Surrey.  Those candidates were Todd Stone, Mike De Jong, Sam Sullivan, Andrew Wilkinson, Michael Lee and Dianne Watts.  The seventh candidate, Lucy Sager, was not able to attend

View the video below of the entire debate:



While you can read the wrap of the 1st debate from the Vancouver Sun here.  The next debate in Prince George will be on Saturday, November 4th and it will be livestreamed as yesterday's debate in Surrey was.

While the debate itself was tame and no major sparks flew in the 2 hour debate, two candidates from my perspective rose to the top -- Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone and Abbotsford West MLA Mike De Jong.  Props to Todd Stone for his mention of the NDP Government "Missing in Action" for the immediate needs of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, following this summer's unprecedented wildfires.  Questions asked at the debate yesterday (3) related to needs of urban voters but again, Todd Stone was the only candidate who made any mention of Rural BC

Finally - current BC Liberal Party MLA's in Todd Stone's support camp include Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar, Revelstoke-Columbia River MLA Doug Clovechok, Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes and finally North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite

Looking forward to Debate #2 occurring in Prince George on November 4th with Rural Questions being asked at this debate forum!

~SF

BC Above and Beyond Award

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The B.C. government has created the Above and Beyond Awards program to recognize people who made a big difference in their communities during 2017’s devastating floods and wildfires, BC Premier John Horgan announced today.

“People deserve to be recognized for going above and beyond to help each other in the midst of this year's devastating wildfires and floods,” said Premier Horgan.

“Those who opened their homes to people and pets, cooked meals for evacuees, and offered up comfort in a difficult time showed a true community spirit that needs to be celebrated.”

When this year’s floods and wildfires were at their most challenging, thousands of British Columbians stepped up and showed their commitment to their communities and those in need throughout the province. Their strength of character made everyone whose lives they touched grateful for their kindness, generosity and tireless efforts.

“Through the adversity of the floods and wildfires in the Interior over this past spring and summer, the strength and resilience of British Columbians shone through,” said Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson. “We need to recognize and celebrate the incredible work that people from all walks of life offered to help neighbours and strangers in need.”

The Above and Beyond Awards program allows anyone in the province to nominate firefighters, first responders or anyone else in B.C. to acknowledge the exemplary service that they provided in response to difficult situations, as they assisted friends, neighbours and complete strangers.

“I’ve had the privilege to meet many extraordinary people this past summer who have gone above and beyond to assist their families, friends and neighbours. I know there are countless other instances of these everyday heroes and this award program is an opportunity to let them know about the lasting impact they have had on our communities,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness.

A website has been set up so people can learn more about this awards program and submit their nominations online: engage.gov.bc.ca/aboveandbeyondawards

Everyone who is nominated will receive a certificate of distinction, signed by Premier Horgan.

Nominations for the Above and Beyond Awards close on Jan. 15, 2018.

Quick Facts:

During freshet, close to 20 communities and thousands of homeowners were impacted by flood waters, and emergency social service supports were provided to more than 2,500 residents. The Province deployed 7.5 km of gabions, 6.7 km of Tiger Dams, and more than 4 million sandbags to support local authorities in their flood response.

Over the course of the wildfire season, approximately 65,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Over 1.2 million hectares were burnt and direct wildfire fighting costs reached over $552 million.

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

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

Quesnel - Meetings noted below in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St)

Executive Committee - Tuesday, Oct 17th at 9am.  On the Agenda:

* Community Engagement Calendar
* Items from Bylaw Review/Policy Committee -- Meeting Norms, Code of Conduct, Renumeration Policy, Oath of Office, Social Media Policy, Council Disclosure Statement Process

View the full Agenda here

Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Wednesday, Oct 18th at 1:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Comprehensive Fees Bylaw Update
* Discussion Items -- Purchasing Policy/local purchasing; Recovery/City options; Financial Amendment Bylaw

View the full Agenda here

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

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 17th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 17th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* 2 Delegations -- Scott Bone, CEO/Cory Klein, Vice-Chair - Northern Regional Construction Association re Introduction, Trends and Advocacy Work with Local Governments and Tom Hoffman, Randy Chadney & Kevin Sytsma, Tolko Industries re Wildfires, Operating Stance, Wood Supply and General Updates on Lakeview and Soda Creek Locations

* 2018 NDIT Façade Program Grant Application
* COW Recommendation for Endorsement -- 2018 Budget and 2018-2022 Financial Plan - Additional Information
* Letters for consideration -- Santa Parade and Winter Lights Event - Saturday, December 2, 2017 & Gibraltar Mines re PE-00416 Permit Amendment Application - Increase to Maximum Fraser River Discharge Flow Rate

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings noted below in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake):

Finance/Budget Committee -- Thursday, Oct 19th at 5:30pm.  Review of the 2018 Business Plans.  View the full Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board -- Friday, Oct 20th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Consent Calendar
* MLA Donna Barnett - Letter to Minister of Health re Cariboo Memorial Hospital
* Interior Health Capital Projects and Planning Status Reports for August 2017
* Northern Health - Second Quarter Capital Status Reports
* Revised Northern Health Authority Memorandum of Understanding
* Delegation at 11am -- Interior Health Update

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District Board -- Friday, Oct 20th at 9:45am On the Agenda:

* Various Land Use Planning Items (Electoral Area Directors' only vote)
* Various Grant for Assistance applications from Areas G, F
* Letter from SD27 Board re: 2017 Wildfire Concerns
* Consent Calendar
* Various Committee Minutes/Recommendations for receipt/endorsement
* Requests from Director S. Forseth for Red Cross Presentation/Cariboo Strong Program/NCLGA Resolution for Provincial Financial Support for SAR's/VFD's in Provincial State of Emergency Events

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

View the full Agenda here

2017 International Day of the Girl

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the United Nations declaring October 11th as the International Day of the Girl

First declared on October 11th, 2012 -- it is to raise awareness of issues facing girls internationally including education, nutrition, child marriage, legal and medical rights. More on this from Wikipedia here

Here in Canada, here are some facts about today (Courtesy of Status of Woman Canada):

* Sexual offences are eight times more likely to be committed against girls aged 12-17 than male youth.

* For girls, depression typically stems from “low self-esteem, negative body image, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and stress.”

* Young women from 15 to 24 experience nearly 6 times the rate of dating violence as young men.

* Girls with higher mathematical ability are less likely to pursue STEM fields at university than boys with lower mathematical ability.

* In 2012/2013, only 2.5% of girls aged 12 to 17 met the current physical activity guideline of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily

Why is today important? According to Status of Woman Canada:

Equal opportunity for girls is good for all of us.

Girls throughout the world face higher rates of violence, poverty, discrimination. In Canada, girls have higher rates of depression, sexual harassment and dating violence.

There is a growing recognition around the world that support for girls and their basic human rights is key for healthy communities.

Improving girls' lives has a ripple effect. What is good for them is good for all of us.

This international day promotes equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse.

It is important to build up strong girls including standing up for what is right, no matter how hard it is, so that, one day, they become strong woman and that is important for future generations of Canadian society

~SF

SD27 Public Consultation Session - Cataline Elementary Bus Loop

Cataline Elementary School

From 6:30pm to 8:30pm this evening -- School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) hosted a Public Information Open House in the Cataline Elementary School Gym, in regards to SD27's Bus Loop Proposal for the Cataline Elementary School Site

The entire Board of Education for School District #27 along with SD27 Superintendent Mark Wintjes & SD27 Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Futcher were all in attendance along with roughly a dozen people of the general public



Background documents:

1) Traffic Flow Information - click here
2) Bus Loop Backgrounder - click here
3) ICBC Report - click here

From what I observed from 6:30-7:30pm tonight, I was pleased to see people engaged with SD27 Board Members and SD27 Staff.  The next meeting is on Tuesday, Nov 7th at 6:30pm - Cataline Elementary - Formal Public Input on the draft Cataline Elementary Bus Loop Plan

~SF