Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 28th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Reid Street Revitalization Project – Concept Design The City’s Reid Street Revitalization Project is being completed because of an aged-out water main line along 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Reid Street and 100 block of Barlow Avenue. Council discussed the project’s overall design features of the project’s design concept and total costs of the project, estimated at $6.1 million, but could be scaled back depending on the level of finishes, final negotiations of the design concept and the final scope of the project. Next steps include: finalize the Design Concept that includes public consultation; pre-qualification of contractors, tender the project in mid-February 2018; and construct the project in the summer of 2018. Visit the City’s website, to view the full details of the Urban Systems Concept Design that includes the project’s design concept, design finishes, timeline, site layout, materials palettes, capital costs and tendering.

New Public Works Facility – Referendum Timing On October 25, 2016 Council passed a resolution that a referendum be held during the 2018 Local Government General Election for the proposed new Public Works Facility project. Council re-affirmed the timing of this referendum. By holding a referendum at the 2018 Local Government General Election results in the best voter turnout. City staff will bring updated costs for this project to a future Council meeting.

City’s 2017 Third Quarter Report The City’s third quarter report for 2017 includes each department’s key activities and statistics and lists an update for activities included in the Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan. Unique to this quarter, is the City’s activities around the 2017 Wildfires that affected some City department’s statistics more than others. To view the full details of this report, please visit the City’s website.

Council Indemnities The September adjustment of the Consumer Price Index for British Columbia is used to calculate any adjustment for next year’s Council indemnity rates. For September 2017, the Consumer Price Index saw an increase of 2.0%. 2018 Council indemnities annual rates will be $44,302.32 for Mayor, and $15,200.04 for Councillors.

Bylaw of the Month – Sidewalk Snow/Ice Removal The Bylaw Enforcement Department will be focusing on increasing awareness around the importance of removing snow and ice from sidewalks in the downtown area, as defined on the map attached to the Street, Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1773. All property owners, or occupiers, in the downtown area are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, adjacent to their properties, before 10 am each day; otherwise a minimum fine and/or fee per instance of $100.00 could apply.

Next Meetings 7 pm, December 5, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting 5:30 pm, December 5, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

City of Quesnel/Cariboo RD Invest in the Arts

Joint Release of the City of Quesnel/Cariboo Regional District:

The City of Quesnel and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) have committed $37,000 in the 2018 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks budget to support the work of the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council. This annual funding allocation will enable the Arts Council to expand on their efforts to promote, educate, communicate, and advocate for arts, heritage, and culture in the Quesnel area. The funding is part of a reallocation of resources in the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks budget to better support grassroots development of arts and culture in the community.

“The Arts Council has done excellent work in the community but the absence of consistent, reliable funding has limited their ability to have as much impact as they would like,” said Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson, Co-Chair of the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee. “This funding will empower them to develop the arts in Quesnel at a grassroots level and can be used to leverage additional funding opportunities that aren’t available to the City and CRD.”

The City and CRD set aside funds in 2017 to update the feasibility study for a new performing arts theatre. The request for proposals for the project closed on November 22. City and CRD staff, along with a representative of the Arts Council, are in the process of reviewing the proposals. It is expected that a contract will be awarded before year-end and public and stakeholder consultation will begin early in 2018.

“The previous feasibility study contains useful information but it is outdated and needs to be updated to reflect current realities, community needs, and partnership opportunities,” explained Jerry Bruce, CRD Director for Electoral Area B and North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Co-Chair. “I think it is important that we take the time to revisit the assumptions in this study and make certain that we move forward with a project that is well informed and reflects the needs of the community today.”

Colleen Brines, President of the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council, said, “The funding provided by the City and CRD will strengthen the Arts Council and our member organizations and help us achieve our goal of promoting, educating, and advocating the arts. This funding, combined with the commitment to advance the Performing Arts Theatre concept, is very positive.”

Brines added that the Arts Council is looking forward to working with the consultant hired to update the Performing Arts Centre Feasibility Plan.

A Sense of Momentum

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note - this week's Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

Over the past few weeks I’ve had a number of people tell me they are excited about the sense of momentum they feel in the community because of all the investments we’re making. Many also feel that the celebratory weekend when we opened the new arena was a turning point for them after this summer’s horrible wildfire season.

Comments like these are heartening, as politicians mostly hear from people who are not happy with what they are doing or who disagree with the decisions they’ve made. Unfortunately, few people go out of their way to talk to us about what they feel is going right, that’s why positive comments like those noted above are so meaningful.

It’s heartening to hear that people feel there is some momentum in the community, as Council has worked hard over the past three years to restructure the City’s finances in order to make strategic investments. Many of the investments we’ve made have been long asked for; for example, the new off leash dog park, investments in our playgrounds, and a downtown accessible washroom. Some are refinements to areas that always appeared unfinished or needed improvement; for example, the repaving of the area around the Legion and the addition of a crosswalk on Kinchant Street.

The two new housing projects currently under construction in North Quesnel certainly add to the sense of momentum people feel. For a number of years, energy and effort had been put into getting new affordable and accessible housing units built in Quesnel without success. The current Council was able to capitalize on this previous work and help bring both the new projects to fruition by creating targeted incentives through a new housing bylaw and by fostering more deliberate partnerships with BC Housing and the project proponents.

Council’s proactive relationship with the Northern Rural Directors of the Cariboo Regional District has also helped to create a climate of cooperation and collaboration that not only led to the successful completion of the new arena, but has also seen us submit two “shovel ready” projects for 100% funding to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Strategic Priorities Fund. One of these projects, a new gymnastics facility, is very timely given the School District’s recent announcement that they will be renovating Maple Drive School, which is the current location for the gymnastics club. Many people are excitedly waiting to hear whether these projects get approved for funding in the New Year.

The good news is that the momentum and progress will continue next year. The big project for next year will be the replacement of the aged water main under Reid Street and the complete rebuilding and revitalization of the road and sidewalks along our three main retail blocks in the downtown core. Next year will also see an exciting new addition built onto the skateboard park and a facelift to the existing park (another long asked for investment). The playground at Patchett Street (where the big red slide is) will be replaced with another fun, modern, and unique play area (the fifth new playground in the City in three years) and the old Lewis Rink will be revitalized into a multi-purpose sports amenity. We have also commenced the initial work on another “shovel ready” project for a new cultural and performing arts facility, and we’re working with the Provincial and Federal governments to get funding made available for these kinds of venues.

All of these investments are strategic and deliberate, and part of our desire to make Quesnel a preferred place to live, visit, and invest in.

2018: Marathon of Local Elections

2018 is beginning to look like the marathon of local elections, both for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities

Firstly, for Local Indigenous (First Nations) Communities:

Jan 9th, 2018 - Tŝideldel (Alexis Creek First Nations) - Chief/Councillors (Tsilhqot'in National Government)

Jan 22nd, 2018 - Xat'sull (Soda Creek First Nations) - Chief By-Election (Northern Shuswap)

February 2018 - Xeni Gwet'in First Nations (Nemiah Valley First Nations) - Chief (Tsilhqot'in National Government)

March 10th, 2018  - Esk'etemc First Nations (Alkali Lake) - Chief/3 Councillors

March 22nd, 2018 - Lhtako Dene First Nations (Red Bluff Indian Band) - Chief/3 Councillors

March 30th 2018 - Canim Lake Indian Band (Northern Shuswap) - Chief

June 2018 - Xeni Gwet'in First Nations (Nemiah Valley First Nations) - 2 Councillors (Tsilhqot'in National Government)

June 30th, 2018 - Canim Lake Indian Band (Northern Shuswap) - 2 Councillors

July 8th, 2018 - Toosey First Nations (Tsilhqot'in National Government) - Chief/3 Councillors

July 21st, 2018 - Yunesit'in Government (Stone - Tsilhqot'in National Government) - 2 Councillors

July 30th, 2018 - ?Esdilagh First Nation (Alexandria - Tsilhqot'in National Government) - 2 Councillors

August 25th, 2018 - T'exelc (Williams Lake Indian Band - Northern Shuswap) - Chief/2 Councillors

Dec 13th, 2018 - Nazko First Nations - Chief/2 Councillors

Secondly, for Non-Indigenious Communities:

October 20th, 2018 - Elections for 12 Electoral Area Directors' (Cariboo Regional District), 1 Mayor/4 Councillors (District of Wells), 1 Mayor/6 Councillors (City of Quesnel), 1 Mayor/6 Councillors (City of Williams Lake), 1 Mayor/4 Councillors (District of 100 Mile House) and 7 Trustees each - Board of Education for School Districts #28 (Quesnel) and #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

As you can see above - it will be very busy for the respective Chief Election Officers' in 2018...

~SF

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Courtesy of the Governments of Canada and BC:

From the Rt Hon Justin Trudeau - Prime Minister of Canada:

Violence against women is a violation of human rights – and an issue that affects all of us. We are all harmed when people in our communities and society experience violence – and all of us share a responsibility to make sure women and girls have the respect, protection, and freedom that is their right.

“Men must hold themselves and each other accountable and be part of the solution. From speaking up about the rights of women and girls, to promoting women’s leadership in every aspect of our society, to standing against violence whenever it occurs, men have a vital role to play in eliminating gender-based violence.

“Ending gender-based violence means transforming a culture that devalues women and dismisses their voices. Together, we must challenge the prejudices and inequalities that allow this violence to persist. We know gender-based violence differently and disproportionately affects those most vulnerable – including trans women, Indigenous women, women of colour, low-income women, refugees and displaced women, and others. To change this reality, we must actively seek out and listen to the voices and needs of women, especially those cast furthest to the margins.

“That is why the Government of Canada has adopted It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence based on prevention, support for survivors and their families, and the promotion of responsive legal and justice systems. It is also why the Government remains determined to seek justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and to prevent these tragedies from continuing to occur.

“Together with people across Canada and around the world, the Government is working tirelessly to eliminate violence against women and girls – but so much remains to be done.

“Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I encourage all Canadians to join the #MYActionsMatter campaign and find your way to combat violence against women.We are interdependent and interconnected, and we are stronger when everyone’s rights are protected. Working together – as communities, businesses, governments, and individuals – I know we can build a world free from violence for women and girls everywhere.”


From the Hon. John Horgan - Premier of British Columbia:

“Violence against women hurts us all. Domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of violence have long-lasting effects on women, families and our communities.

“Recent events have brought gender-based violence to the forefront of public debate. From the #metoo movement to public allegations of sexual misconduct by men in positions of power, women are speaking out about the profound impact that sexual assault, harassment and violence has had in their lives, and in the lives of loved ones.

“For every woman who has courageously stepped forward, there are thousands more who suffer in silence. Domestic violence and sexual assault affects tens of thousands of women and children in B.C. each year. And we remember those we have lost through violence, including hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

“To every survivor: We support you, we believe you, we stand with you. Our government will enhance supports for women and children escaping violence, and invest in education and prevention programs to stop gender-based violence.”

Today, from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., the B.C. Parliament Buildings’ ceremonial entrance and fountain will be illuminated orange in honour of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which begins on Saturday, Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 10.

City of Quesnel 2018 Budget Survey

From the City of Quesnel:

The City has started its consultation process on the 2018 budget!

Budgets are a balancing act. The City must provide quality services and maintain aging infrastructure with limited tax dollars. Each year, the City develops a detailed budget to determine how tax dollars are to be spent and looks for input from its citizens on developing priorities.

Learn about the City's budget process here.

Take our budget survey today! Tell us your budget ideas for 2018.

Click here

Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of Nov 27 to Dec 1

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

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 28th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* EFT Registry Report for October 4 , 2017 to November 22, 2017
* 2018 Meeting Schedule
* Report from the Fire Chief
* District of Wells Water Supply System and Water Reservoir
* Resolutions to support Age Friendly Grant Application
* Garbage Collection and Disposal Contract
* 2017 Budget Actuals Report
* Wells Official Community Plan Designation Bylaw No. 106, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 154, 2017 (Consideration of 3rd Reading)
* Consent Calendar
* In-Camera Session - Section 90(1a/c - appointment/labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 28th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports
* Métis Recognition, Reconciliation and Partnership Efforts
* Council Travel Budget Request from Mayor Simpson
* Calendar of Special Meetings and Strategic Initiatives
* Reid Street Project - Design Concept
* Third Quarter Report
* New Public Works Facility - Timing of Build - Referendum Question
* Council Indemnities for 2018
* Bylaw of the Month - Sidewalk Snow/Ice Clearing

View the full Agenda here

Then on Wednesday, Nov 29th at 1:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers, the Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee meets.  On the Agenda:

* Quesnel's Anniversary Celebration Budget Request - Councillor Paull
* Fire Funds Discussion
* RCMP Compound
* Letter from PRIME Corp
* Resident request for public shelter at West Fraser Timber Park
* In-Camera Meeting - Section 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 28th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  Cataline School Bus Loop Proposal will not be considered at this meeting!

On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Silvia Seibert-Dubray, Ensuring Mental Wellness: Trauma Informed Classrooms
* Consent Agenda
* Trustee Reports/Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer Reports
* Statement of Financial Information Report for the 2016-17 School Year
* Election of Officers for 2017-18 School Year (Chair/Vice-Chair and Association Reps -- BCSTA/BCPSEA)

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, Nov 28th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander & Dave Dickson, Manager of Community Safety re Police Commission Report & Chris Fudge, Senior Regional Transit Manager and Tina Pilaszkiewicz, Manager Lakers' Go Bus Society - Williams Lake Transit System Update

* New 2018 Fee for Service Application (WL Business Improvement Area Association)
* Implement and use Citizen Budget Interactive Tool
* Insurance Broker of Record
* 2018 Budget and 2018-2022 Financial Plan - Water, Sewer and Transit

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as listed below:

Monday, Nov 27th - Facebook Live/Wildfire Community Consultation Meeting at 6:30pm - click here

Tuesday, Nov 28th - Wildfire Community Consultation Meeting at 6:30pm - Kersley Community Hall - click here

Cariboo ranchers get B.C. government backing

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The B.C. government has increased financial assurances for the Cariboo Bred Heifer Cooperative following requests for further support from ranchers in the region to help them grow their herds and businesses.

The Ministry of Agriculture operates loan guarantee programs that provide assurances to financial institutions that it will guarantee 15% to 20% of the loan amounts taken by 12 B.C. cattle breeding and feeding associations. The guarantees help ranchers secure financing to purchase livestock, increase their herd size, and increase investment in B.C. ranching.

“These are the kinds of steps the B.C. government is taking to help B.C. ranchers grow their herds and businesses, and increase our province’s food security and food supply,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “By expanding the loan guarantee amounts, we’re helping those ranchers who want to produce more B.C. beef invest in our agriculture sector and our communities.”

The ministry is increasing the amount of the Cariboo Bred Heifer Cooperative loan guarantee by a total of $600,000 to support association members in expanding their ranching operations and help ranchers in areas impacted by the 2017 wildfire season to build their herds. The Cariboo Bred Heifer Cooperative currently has 270 members and in a typical year raises 6,000 calves. The organization requested the increase to meet the demand of its members to grow their herds.

“Cariboo Bred Heifer Cooperative has seen tremendous growth over the last 18 months and anticipates this growth to continue,” said Lindy Gilson, of the Cariboo Bred Heifer Cooperative. “We applaud the government loan guarantee program for this opportunity that continues supporting the beef industry in British Columbia.”

The B.C. government began the loan guarantee programs in the 1990s to help B.C. ranchers purchase livestock and to support the opportunity to grow the ranching sector in B.C. The programs currently have a cap of $15 million in loan guarantees, of which about $13 million has been allocated, and $2 million remains available for increases to the limits of existing associations or to form new ones.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 21st mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

West Fraser Mills Ltd. – Delegation

Mr. Chris Finch, General Manager for the Quesnel Sawmill, highlighted for Council what the proposed West Fraser Quesnel Sawmill Air Permit Amendment will mean for Quesnel’s Airshed. Mr. Finch’s presentation was made as part of the public consultation process under the Environment Act. Mr. Finch advised that under normal operations of the Quesnel sawmill, 24 hrs/day from Monday to Friday, the total particulate emissions from the Quesnel sawmill into the Quesnel Airshed will remain well below the Ministry’s Permit maximum total particulate. The proposed Quesnel Sawmill Air Permit Amendment is for:

Change Operations from 5 days to 7 days to ensure shutdown and start-up operations and occasional overtime shift is included. Note: West Fraser currently has no plans to run 7 days a week.

Two high efficiency cyclones have replaced three old technology cyclones that handle wet sawdust, sawdust and chips from mill equipment that were added in 2012 for dust mitigation and employee health and safety.

Kiln #7 converted from Batch Kiln to a new Continuous Dry Kiln that was completed in 2017 as the company moved from dead/dry pine to green logs. Company also added a new Continuous Dry Kiln #8 where an evaporator will be installed to evaporate kiln condensate.

Wildfire Season 2017 – Statistics and Follow Up

The City Manager provided a summary of basic statistics and lessons learned of the City’s Local Agencies and the City’s management of the emergency response efforts for area’s 2017 Wildfires. The City’s key areas that supported the wildfire response are:

Fire Suppression - City’s Volunteer Fire Department

Communications – City provided accurate timely information

Emergency Social Services – volunteers who assisted evacuees at the Emergency Reception Centre

Quesnel Search and Rescue – assisted RCMP with serving Evacuation Notices

Pet Safe Coalition – provided care for animal evacuees and behind evacuation lines

Airport Fire Base – provided site and utilities for Ministry’s Base Command Fire Camp

Emergency Planning Committee – Management of City’s emergency response

Next steps include the City to investigate funding sources to develop a Wildfire Response Plan that takes into account the key lessons learned from each of the above denoted local agencies.

City’s Plastic Recycling Stream - Contamination Challenges

An ongoing challenge in Quesnel is the contamination of the community’s plastic waste recycling stream due to non-recyclable plastic-bags, and other non-recyclable material, entering the recyclables stream. In addition, Council learned of the health and environmental effects caused by single-use plastic bags, and other single use plastic items. The problem of recycling contamination is both a plastics problem, but is also a social issue. This issue also ties into the lead-up to the City’s overall 2020 Zero-Waste initiative. Council decided that the next steps should include public engagement with the City’s three Business Improvement Associations and the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce, for further discussion to understand the public opinion of the business community, and if there is a willingness to engage in single-use plastics reduction initiatives.

Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Amend “Supportive Housing” Definition

Council re-read first reading, as amended, changing the Supportive Housing definition, found in the proposed Zone Amendment Bylaw 1830, has been changed by removing the word “clinical” services and replaced with “on-site” services to provide clarity to the intended supportive services proposed to be offered at the proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing site. Next steps include the 5:00 p.m. Open House by the Proponent, BC Housing, and the 7:00 p.m. City of Quesnel Public Hearing all of which is takes place on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Quesnel & District Seniors’ Centre located at 461 Carson Avenue.

SPCA Contract

Council approved a five-year contract with the SPCA to act as the City’s Poundkeeper. The summary of minor amendments for this new five year contract are:

SPCA to act as the City’s Poundkeeper.

Continuing to increase the contract each year by the Consumer Price Index.

Changing the wording so that the SPCA will now accept all animals, rather than just dogs. Also, that animal strays from within the City boundaries, that are delivered to the SPCA from the RCMP, will also be included in this contract.

Dog Park - Upgrades

With the Dog Park capital project coming in under budget, Council approved the following upgrades:

$10,500 - Drinking Water Fountain

$14,500 - Play Structures and Equipment

To view the full report, and attachments, that provide full details of the Dog Park equipment upgrades, please visit the City’s website.

Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Grant Application

Council approved City Staff to apply for the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Social Services grant to purchase a trailer, cots and related equipment for group lodging intended to enhance the resiliency of Local Governments, and residents, in responding to emergencies.

Bylaws

Bylaw 1830 – Zone Amendment (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – Rescind First Reading and Re-Read First Reading, as Amended – Amended “Supportive Housing” Definition

Bylaw 1834 – Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment – Final Adoption

Bylaw 1840 – Dakelh Housing Agreement (McLean Street Housing Development) – First Reading

Next Meetings

7 pm, November 28, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

7 pm, December 5, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Nov 22nd mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 4:04pm

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

Meeting agenda approved
Minutes of the CCRDC Meeting held October 25th, 2017 received/adopted

Delegation:

Doina Varzaru from Interior Roads Ltd. appeared before the Committee to provide an update on IRL's activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Business:

1) Deferred Item - Grant for Assistance Application - Mt. Timothy Ski Society

Discussion ensued thereon with the Committee considering a letter from the Ski Society

Resolved - That a Grant for Assistance be provided to the Mt Timothy Ski Society, as follows:

Area D - $2,000
Area E - $3,000
Area F - $3,000
Area K - $0

2) Schedule for 2018 Central Cariboo Multi-Agency Forum

A report from the CRD Manager of Communications was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

3) Discussion Items

a) Membership in Williams Lake Chamber/Williams Lake BIA

The Chair reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

No resolution resulted

b) Letter to MOTI re: Crossing Highway 97 from Clear Road North to Westcoast Road to Catch School District 27 Bus

The Chair reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to School District #27 requesting school children living on Clear Road North be picked up directly there, in addition to the other bus stop on Wildwood Rd

c) Search and Rescue Services in Electoral Area K

Director Anderson reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

No resolution resulted

d) Upcoming Public Hearing on Secondary Suites Text Amendments

The Chair reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

No resolution resulted

e) 2018 Rural Caucus Meeting Schedule

The Deputy Corporate Officer reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved  - That the 2018 Rural Caucus Meeting Schedule be the same as the 2018 Central Cariboo Joint Committee schedule with Caucus Meetings starting at 3pm

4) Action Page

Resolved - Remove all items from the Action Page

Meeting adjourned at 5:25pm

2017 Provincial Grants in Lieu of Property Taxes

Courtesy of the BC Government:

This month, the B.C. government distributed over $16 million to 54 communities around the province in lieu of municipal property taxes.

“These grants-in-lieu cover land and property owned by the provincial government, such as office buildings, warehouses and courthouses. Local governments provide vital public services that benefit all members of their community,” said Minister of Citizens’ Services Jinny Sims. "They know their communities best and these grants help fund those priority projects.”

Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed every November and reimburse local B.C. municipalities for the services they provide to the public and their support of public infrastructure, such as parks, municipally run sewers, roads and fire protection.

“These grants provide valuable funding that allows local governments to invest in services British Columbians count on,” Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson said. “Our government is committed to supporting local governments as they build and sustain vibrant, healthy communities.”

Schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes and are not part of the grants-in-lieu calculation. Also excluded from compensation under the Municipal Aid Act are provincial assets including highways, forests, and parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation.

The Ministry of Citizens' Services distributes the funds electronically on behalf of the provincial government.

Payments to Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments:

Wells - $1,043.80

Quesnel - $56,754.21

Williams Lake - $65,095.19

100 Mile House - $20,977.25

Mitigating next year’s fire risks

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note: This week's Quesnel Council Column is written by Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here

A few weeks ago I gave the keynote speech at a symposium the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition (CCBAC) organized to explore post-wildfire land and resource recovery issues. The essence of my talk was that this summer’s wildfire season may have been unprecedented, but it was not unpredictable. In fact, one of the panel speakers at the symposium, fire ecologist Robert W. Gray, has been predicting that BC’s forests were vulnerable to a catastrophic fire event for over a decade.

In 2005, I used a number of Mr. Gray’s reports in the BC Legislature when I was the Opposition Forest Critic. I was raising a red flag about the post-harvest accumulation of waste piles throughout BC’s forests, not just in the Mountain Pine Beetle salvage stands. I was also raising concerns about the failure of the government to act on the Filmon Report after the 2003 “Firestorm” season. As I noted at the recent CCBAC symposium: drought-pest-fire has become a predictable pattern in many forests throughout the world and BC could have and should have done more to mitigate the third step in this natural progression in order to prevent the catastrophic fires we experienced this summer.

As industry and various MLAs push to see an expedited salvage of any recoverable stands in the burnt over areas in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, let’s not lose sight of the fact that the unburned forests in our region still have a significant amount of slash and dead standing timber in them. Left untreated, these forests are highly susceptible to the kind of fire events we saw this summer. We need as much attention put toward mitigating next summer’s potential forest fires as we do toward recovering any commercial value from this summer’s fire damaged forests.

To this end, the City of Quesnel is in the process of renewing its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This plan will give us an accurate assessment of the risk areas around the community that need immediate and short-term fuel treatments, and it is Council’s intent to get these treatments completed as soon as possible in the New Year. The last CWPP created for the area surrounding the City of Quesnel was developed in 2007, but that plan timed out after 10 years with only 25 hectares of the ‘wildland urban interface’ (WUI) treated to reduce forest fuels. According to a recent report from the BC Wildfire Branch, Quesnel’s WUI needs at least 15,000 hectares of critical fuel reduction treatments to address our most imminent risks.

The City of Quesnel has also asked the provincial government for a community forest license over the forests immediately surrounding the City and its adjacent neighbourhoods in the Regional District. Part of the reason very few fuel treatments were conducted in the WUI between 2007 and 2017 is that the crown forest in this area requires more ecologically and socially sensitive harvesting; an expensive undertaking that needs more public engagement and buy-in. Council believes that a community forest license is the right tool to enable us to fully engage the public in managing the forest surrounding our community while taking the necessary steps to mitigate the forest fire risks that exist in the WUI.

Along with the key message that this summer’s fire season was ‘unprecedented but not unpredictable’ I also noted at the CCBAC Symposium that the unprecedented nature of this summer’s forest fires begs an unprecedented response. While steps are being taken to help us address some of the more immediate consequences of this summer’s wildfires on our community, it remains to be seen if the new provincial government has the courage and vision to mount a truly unprecedented response.

McLeese Lake Wildfire Community Consultation Meeting

17 people attended the Cariboo Regional District
Wildfire Consultation Meeting at the McLeese Lake Hall

From 6:30pm - 8pm, the Cariboo Regional District hosted a meeting at the McLeese Lake Community Hall in regards to a wildfire community consultation meeting. 17 people were able to make it, given the poor road conditions this evening

15 other such meetings have already been held.  Future ones include Kersley, Wells and Lac La Hache with a final report being delivered to the CRD Board in early 2018

After a presentation from CRD Staff, small roundtables were held where McLeese Lake and area residents' were able provide feedback to myself/CRD Staff on how the Regional District responded to this past summer's wildfires and how we can improve our response


My personal thanks for everyone showing in poor weather this evening to discuss a serious topic and a sincere/personal thank you to those who offered to house me overnight until road conditions could improve.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated and more than words could express!  I've always known McLeese Lake/Area residents' have big hearts and this example just demonstrates that, once again!

~SF

Supporting student school safety in Quesnel

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Quesnel’s grade 8 and 9 students will soon be learning in a safer, more secure environment by moving to Maple Drive Junior school.

The Government of British Columbia is providing $1.7 million to the Quesnel School District to renovate Maple Drive Middle school, which is currently closed.

More than 400 students are expected to transition from Quesnel Junior school to Maple Drive once the renovations are complete in March 2018. All students who bus to Quesnel Junior school will be bussed to Maple Drive.

Quesnel Junior school was built in 1950 and is in need of significant repair.

Provincial funding covers the cost of renovations of Maple Drive, two portables, and moving school supplies and equipment.

This temporary solution allows the Province and the district to investigate longer-term options for grade 8 and 9 students in Quesnel, and gives parents the comfort of knowing their children will be learning in a safer environment.

The Ministry of Education will support the school district in exploring long-term options for junior school students in Quesnel with safety as a top priority.

Government is committed to funding capital projects that benefit student safety at schools throughout British Columbia.

The Hon. Rob Fleming - BC's Education Minister said:

“The safety of students, teachers and support staff throughout B.C. is my top priority. Providing this funding helps ensure Quesnel Junior school students are learning in a safer environment as soon as possible. Ministry staff continue to work closely with the school district on a long-term solution.”

While Gloria Jackson, Chair, Board of Education for School District #28 (Quesnel) stated:

“The board is pleased that the ministry is supporting this important school project. The board takes very seriously its role in ensuring the safety of students, staff and others who occupy our buildings. We look forward to working with the ministry on a long-term solution for junior school students in Quesnel.”

Quick Facts:

* Quesnel Junior Secondary was built in 1950 and has a need for significant capital investments to address building condition issues.
* Maple Drive Junior Secondary was built in 1979 and has been closed for 13 years.

South Cariboo Rec Centre expansion concept gains momentum

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The proposed concept design for the South Cariboo Recreation Centre expansion has received a green light from Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House elected officials. The next step is to endorse the financing plan, followed by a public consultation process in the new year to inform the public about the project and gather feedback.

The concept design includes a turf field, elevated walking track and a hard-court gymnasium. Additionally, the expansion would integrate with the current recreation centre facility and curling club. The estimated cost for the project is $14.6 million.

“I speak for the working group when I say we believe this is the right project at the right time for the right price,” comments working group Co-Chair Margo Wagner. “Recently we met with specific user groups of the facility, like the Outriders and the Dog Agility Club among others, to discuss the project and we received a lot of positive feedback. We also have received several letters of support from different community groups.”

“We recognize that many people have questions and want to learn more about the project, so we encourage them to participate in the public consultation activities in the new year. It will include things like presentations to community groups, surveys, public meetings and things like that, but we will have more details over the next few months,” states Co-Chair Ralph Fossum. “We look forward to hearing what the rest of community thinks about the project as we move to public consultation.”

The working group presented a financing plan at the South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting on Nov. 20, which will move to the CRD Board for final endorsement. The plan is to borrow $10 million and the remaining $4.6 million will be acquired from grants and corporate sponsorships.

Based on this plan, residents would see a residential tax rate increase of about $65 per $100,000 on the assessed value of land and improvements. So if a resident’s home and property were valued at $200,000, they would see a tax increase of $130.

The project working group consists of representatives from School District No. 27, Community Recreation, South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, Age-Friendly Society and elected officials from the Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House. Over the past seven months, they have been working with HCMA Architecture + Design from Vancouver, B.C., to develop a concept design for an expansion of the recreation centre.

Located in 100 Mile House, the South Cariboo Recreation Centre is owned by the Cariboo Regional District and funded through the South Cariboo Recreation service, which covers portions of Electoral Areas G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House. The CRD has a contract with Canlan Ice Sports to manage the property and day-to-day operations.

For more information, visit the project page on the Cariboo Regional District website at cariboord.ca under South Cariboo Recreation. A Facebook page for the project has been launched and will be used to share project updates and information. Follow the page and stay up-to-date at facebook.com/SCRCExpansion.

Residents can also contact the CRD’s Manager of Community Services at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636.

Improved Recycle Opportunities as a result of Recycle BC/Newspaper Industry/BC Government deal

Editor's Note -- this is wonderful news.  Looking forward to additional recycling opportunities, particularly in the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas including my own, in the not too distant future

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The Government of British Columbia has taken steps to further support recycling in communities throughout the province by approving a stewardship plan for the newspaper sector.

The stewardship plan and related agreements will support Recycle BC (formerly Multi-Material BC) in its efforts to offer its services to more than 30 waitlisted communities that otherwise would be further delayed in receiving funding and recycling services. The plan and agreements also help bring the newspaper sector into compliance with provincial recycling regulations.

The agreements commit Recycle BC to continue adding waitlisted communities as the provincial government completes its compliance work with producers of packaging and paper. Five-year agreements also commit the newspaper sector to contributing to the costs of recycling their product by making a combination of annual cash and rebate payments on provincial public-sector newspaper and digital-media advertising costs. The government will then use those funds to help offset Recycle BC’s costs to collect newspapers and expand services to waitlisted communities.

Taking into account the unique challenges faced by the newspaper industry provincially and nationally, the B.C. government is supporting this plan over its five-year duration with temporary support previously approved in 2016 and 2017.

Although the costs will not be finalized until audited statements are submitted, the total provincial costs involved over the five years are capped at $14 million. The government’s net cost, after receiving $6 million in advertising rebates, estimated at up to approximately $8 million.

Newspaper stewardship plan timeline:

2014: Negotiations between the provincial government, Multi-Material BC (now Recycle BC) and the newspaper industry commence.
March 2016: Provincial government approves $5 million in one-year bridge funding to Multi-Material BC (now Recycle BC) to facilitate start of expanded service while agreements with Recycle BC and newspapers are finalized.
March 2017: Provincial government approves up to an additional $9 million to Recycle BC in support of a five-year agreement, to be partially offset by $6 million in contributions from the newspaper sector. Total contributions to Recycle BC are capped at $14 million, and total net provincial costs are estimated at up to $8 million after newspaper contributions.
November 2017: Final newspaper stewardship plan approved.
January 2018: All waitlisted communities targeted will receive recycling service or funding offers from Recycle BC.

At the end of the five-year agreements, the newspaper sector is to be fully compliant with its own plan and without the need for provincial assistance.

Learn More:

For further information on product stewardship re: printed and packaged paper: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=6DB499991F4B4E81872461D5F3DF993A

2nd Round - Red Cross Support for Non-Profits/Small Business/First Nations Culture

Starting today - anyone who runs a non-profit, small business or a First Nations Culture organization can apply to the Red Cross for funding, as a result of the impact of this past summer's wildfires on these organizations

The application can be viewed here

There is no cap, unlike the 1st Round, on applications from non-profits, small businesses or First Nations Culture organizations and I would strongly encourage you to apply

The application deadline is Friday April 6th, 2018 at 11:59pm

~SF

McLeese Lake Library re-opens

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The new McLeese Lake Branch of the Cariboo Regional District Library is officially open to the public. Business hours remain the same as before – Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The library is on the same site as the old library.

“It is wonderful to see the new library open and available to the public. We plan to have a grand opening in the next few weeks and I encourage the community to come out and see this beautiful new community space,” stated Electoral Area D Director, Steve Forseth.

A new library is also being constructed in Electoral Area L in the Interlakes area. This library replaces the community library previously located in the Bridge Lake elementary school.

The foundation and building have been installed at the Interlakes location. Once utilities are connected, the interior work will be completed and staff will begin to move in the library resources.

The Interlakes Branch library is expected to open before the end of the year.

Both 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.

Pictures of both libraries are posted at facebook.com/CaribooRegion.

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.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of November 20-24

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

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:

Policy/Bylaw Review Committee - Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 21st at 1:15pm in the Fraser Room - 4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St.  On the Agenda:

* Petitions
* Social Enterprise
* 2018 Annual Meeting Schedule
* Policy and Bylaw Committee - Terms of Reference - Clause 6 Approve Meeting Minutes

View the full Agenda here

Regular Council - Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 21st, at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: West Fraser Mills Ltd. - Environmental Management Act Permit Amendment - Quesnel Sawmill - Proposed Facility Process Equipment Changes - Chris Finch, General Manager

* Committee Reports
* Meeting Norms Amendment (Mayor Simpson)
* Council Appointments - Northern Development Initiative Trust Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Advisory Committee
* Legalization of Cannabis - Taxation Revenues (Councillor Paull)
* City of Quesnel Emergency Response Plan Update
* Plastic Bag Reduction Initiative
* Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development - Amend "Supportive Housing" Definition for Zone Amendment Bylaw 1830
* SPCA Contract
* 424 McLean Street Housing Development - Dakelh Housing Agreement
* Sugarloaf Dog Park - Possible Enhancements
* Council Procedure Bylaw - Section 6 Notice of Meetings
* UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Social Services

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 21st at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Anne Burrill, Community Bridge to Housing First (Fraser Basin Council) re Community Update on Housing First Initiative in Williams Lake

* Poll of Council - Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Application for ESS Support
* Poll of Council - Request for Raising of National Metis Flag for Louis Riel Day
* Rogers Hometown Hockey Requests
* 7 Recommendations from the Nov 14th WL Council-in-Committee Meeting, for endorsement

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 21st at 7pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

South Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Meeting on Monday, Nov 20th at 12 noon in 100 Mile Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Schedule for 2018 South Cariboo Multi-Agency Forum
* 2018 Proposed Meeting Schedule

View the full Agenda here

South Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Monday, Nov 20th at 12:30pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Elcy Lepage, Interior Roads Ltd
* District of 100 Mile House - Off Leash Dog Park Request
* District of 100 Mile House - Schematic Design Review Martin Exeter Hall
* 100 Mile and District Outriders Club - Outriders Facility Upgrades
* South Cariboo Recreation Centre Expansion Working Group Meeting Notes of October 23 and Proposed Project Financing Plan
* South Cariboo Recreation Services 2018 Business and Financial Plans and Capital Projects Plan

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 22nd at 4pm in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Doina Varzaru, Interior Roads Ltd
* Deferred Item - Grant for Assistance Application - Mt. Timothy Ski Society
* Discussion Items - Membership in Williams Lake Chamber/Williams Lake BIA; Letter to MOTI re: Crossing Highway 97 from Clear Road North to Westcoast
Road to Catch School District 27 Bus and Search and Rescue Services in Electoral Area K

View the full Agenda here

Also - there will be a post wildfire community meeting at the McLeese Lake Community Hall on Forglen Rd on Tuesday, Nov 21st at 7pm.  CRD Staff will be with me to present information and then an opportunity for the public to provide feedback

~SF

CRD Board Highlights - Nov 17th mtg

Present: Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, M. Wagner, D. Cash, R. William, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall (via phone) and Alternate Area E Director M. Neufeld

The Corporate Officer called the meeting to order and called 3 times for nomination of the position of Chair of the Cariboo Regional District for the year 2018

Director Forseth nominated Director Wagner

As only one Director was nominated, Director Wagner was declared elected by acclamation Chair of the CRD Board for 2018

The Corporate Officer then called 3 times for nomination of the position of Vice-Chair of the Cariboo Regional District for the year 2018

Director Sorley nominated Director Massier.  As only one Director was nominated, Director Massier was declared elected by acclamation Vice-Chair of the CRD Board for 2018

Director M. Wagner then assumed the Chair

The Board gave Director Richmond a standing ovation for his years of service as CRD Chair from 2008-2017

Meeting Agenda approved

Minutes of the Oct 17th CRD Board adopted/Delegations MOB Received

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board gave the following Planning Bylaw 1st/2nd Readings:

a) BL 5097 and 5098 - Area B (Carl and Robert Kolody)

Deferred BL 5121 - Area A (Orica Canada Inc. (Dan Williams)) for 90 days to allow the referral process between Orica Canada/Xatśūll First Nations to be completed

And rejected BL 5120 - Area A (Dougherty)

2) The Board gave 3rd Reading to BL 5092 - Area L (Astley - Agent: Michael Kidston)
3) The Board gave adoption to BL's 5089 and 5090 - Area L (Black - Agent: Michael Kidston)

4) The Board removed a condition of 1st/2nd Reading from Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5082, 2017 - Area F (Baerg - Agent: Veronica Meister)

5) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Bylaws 4988 to 4993 - Secondary Suite and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations by the following Stakeholder Vote (Planning)

Affirmative - Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, Cash, William, Anderson, Coakley and Alternate Director Neufeld

Negative - Director Forseth (Area D)

6) The Board received the Municipalities’ and Cariboo Regional District Building Statistics Reports for the months of August/September 2017

Community Services:

1) The Board authorized its' signatories to enter into 108 Greenbelt BC Hydro Statutory Right-of-Way and enabling agreement and execute the statutory right-of-way documents

Communications:

1) The Board approved holding a June 2018 "Board on the Road" event in Electoral Area J.  Board divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Richmond, Wagner, Cash, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Alternate Director Neufeld

Negative - Director Sorley (Area F)

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and MasterCard Summary Report for the month of October 2017, in the amount of $3,644,948.75

2) The Board, at the request of Director Forseth, approved a Grant to the Wildwood Community Association in the amount of $1,000 to help defray costs for plaques of appreciation recently presented to the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department

3) The Board, at the request of Director Richmond, approved a Grant for Assistance to the Hun City Mountain Bike Club in the amount of $2,500

4) The Board approved a request to waive CRD Board Policy #2015-3B-40 (Procurement) and that Hub Fire Trucks be given a direct award for the purchase of a brush truck for the 108 Mile Volunteer Fire Department.  Board divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Richmond, Wagner, Cash, William, Anderson, Coakley, Sharpe, Simpson, Cobb and Alternate Director Neufeld

Negative - Director Sorley (Area F)

Administration:

1) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer, in relation to the recently updated Cariboo Regional District voting strength table, as a result of the 2016 Census, effective November 1st, 2017

2) The Board agreed to release 2 previous In-Camera Resolutions, as follows:

a) That the Architectural Service contract be awarded to MQN Architects at a value of $67,150 and that the necessary signatories be authorized to execute the contract. Further, that the South Cariboo Recreation Budget be amended to include this cost

b) That the CRD release the ratified BCGEU Union Agreement to the public

3) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of Nov 17th

4) The Board received 2 Items from NCLGA pertaining to 2018 Resolutions Deadline and the recently held NCLGA Board Meeting

Delegation 

Jeff Mycock, Chief Forester, BC Operations of West Fraser Mills Ltd., and Tom Hoffman, Manager, Tolko Industries Ltd., appeared before the Board to speak about the estimated timber losses from the summer's wildfires and resulting impact.

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair M. Wagner, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business, cont:

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received the minutes of the following Committees/Commissions:

a) Anahim Lake Airport Commission - Oct 3rd
b) South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission Minutes - Oct 5th
c) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - October 10, 2017
d) CRD Board's Finance/Audit Committee Minutes - October 13, 2017

Delegation:

Representatives from Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development appeared before the Board to provide an update on the fire recovery progress

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair M. Wagner, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business, cont:

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations, cont:

e) South Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - October 13, 2017
f) Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - October 25, 2017
g) Central Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - October 25, 2017

And endorsed recommendations from the above mentioned meetings, except the Oct 3rd Anahim Lake Airport Commission meeting which did not bring forward a recommendation for Board ratification

Corporate Bylaws:

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Noise Regulation and Prohibition Amendment Bylaw No. 5103, 2017 (Area F)

b) The Board adopted South Cariboo Cemeteries Contribution Establishment Bylaw No. 5071, 2017 and Lac La Hache Water Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5119, 2017

Directors' Requests:

1) At the request of Director Anderson, the Board approved the following:

a) $255 from the Electoral Area K Director Initiative Fund to provide lunch and refreshments for the two Fire Consultation meetings in Area K

b) Waive Policy and $200 from the Electoral Area L Director Initiative Fund for small appreciation gifts and/or cards for local fire fighters in the Riske Creek area

Directors' provided oral reports from their respective Electoral Area/Municipality

CCRHD Board Highlights - Nov 17th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall (via phone), Director S. Watson and Area E Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Meeting agenda adopted/Mins of the Oct 17th CCRHD Board received and adopted

Business:

1) The Board received the Delegations Memo of Business list, as of Nov 17th, 2017

2) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar as of Nov 17th, 2017

3) The Board received the Oct 2017 Northern Health Board Meeting Highlights

4) The Board received the IHA Capital Projects and Planning Status Reports for September 2017

5) The Board received a News Release from Interior Health, dated October 27, 2017, announcing the launch of construction on Cariboo Place, a new residential care home being built in Williams Lake

6) The Board received a thank you letter from Northern Health in regards to a meeting held at UBCM

7) The Board received a Joint News Release from Interior Health and the First Nations Health Authority, dated November 8, 2017, announcing a shared investment to support enhanced care to Interior First Nations Elders

Delegation:

Mary McCullough, Regional Manager-Interior, and Community Engagement Coordinators; Londea Riffel (Secwepemc), Connie Jasper (Tsilhqot'in), and Jamie Tanis (Dakelh Dene), from the First Nations Health Authority appeared
before the Board to provide an overview of the health authority and discuss potential access to funding for regional facilities in the Cariboo Chilcotin area.

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

CRD Finance/Budget Committee Mtg (2018 Budget Mtg #2) - Nov 16th

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, W. Cobb and Area 'E' Alternate Director M. Neufeld

Meeting called to order at 1:00pm

Meeting agenda adopted

The Committee resumed its' review of the 2018 Draft Business Plans and gave direction to Staff

At 2:39pm - the Committee went into an In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

At 3:00pm - the Committee resumed its' public meeting

Meeting recessed at 3:00pm
Meeting resumed at 3:11pm

The Committee resumed its' review of the 2018 Draft Business Plans and gave direction to Staff

Reports:

1) 2018 - 2022 Provisional Five Year Financial Plan Discussion and Review

The report of the CFO was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

2) 2018 – 2022 Five Year Financial Plan Summary Reports

The report of the CFO was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

3) 2018 – 2022 Five Year Financial Plan Detailed Reports

The report of the CFO was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

4) Purchase Card Limit Increase

The report of the CFO was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received/and the Cariboo Regional District Procurement Policy No. 2015-3B-40 be revised to increase the purchase card transaction limit to $3,000

Meeting adjourned at 4:34pm

Joint Central/South Rural Caucus Meeting - Nov 16th

Present: Directors S. Forseth, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, M. Wagner, B. Coakley and Alternate Area 'E' Director M. Neufeld

Meeting called to order by Director S. Forseth at 11:04am

Meeting agenda approved

The 2018 Grant for Assistance application from the Mt Timothy Ski Society was reviewed

No resolution resulted

Meeting adjourned at 11:44am

Celebrating our Wildfire Volunteers

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- this week's Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson and he can be reached via email here

This past Friday we had the opportunity to formally thank a group of volunteers who enabled the City of Quesnel to play its supporting role in this summer’s wildfire crisis. Specifically, we recognized the efforts of the Emergency Social Services and Pet Safe Coalition volunteers who provided our human and animal evacuation services and the Search and Rescue volunteers who assisted the Cariboo Regional District with its emergency notification system during this summer’s many evacuation orders and alerts.

The City of Quesnel has a group of trained volunteers on standby who can provide Emergency Social Services (ESS) in accordance with the Province’s emergency response procedures. These individuals train and meet throughout the year to prepare to assist people impacted by fire, flood, or any other emergency that causes them to be evacuated from their homes. This system is really only designed to respond to single event, short duration emergencies and, as such, our ESS volunteers were tested and stretched by this summer’s multi-fire, long term evacuations.

Over 64 days this summer, Quesnel’s ESS volunteers supported 2,661 evacuees and issued $1,482,421 in provincial vouchers for food, clothing, and other necessary supplies. Quesnel was not a designated evacuation center for individuals who needed accommodation or did not need to be in Quesnel, as Prince George and Kamloops were the major designed centers for the bulk of evacuees from all over the Cariboo-Chilcotin. However, on a per capita basis, Quesnel carried its fair share of the evacuee load and our fifty-one ESS volunteers provided such professional and caring service that Quesnel gained a very positive reputation as a host community.

The Pet Safe Coalition volunteers operated their evacuated animal hosting service at Alex Fraser Park for 78 days and assisted in the sheltering of 1,001 animals. A large number of these animals were sheltered at Alex Fraser Park and provided with food, bedding, and veterinary supports with the assistance of over 180 volunteers who logged more than 11,000 hours. Animal evacuation support is currently not covered under the provincial emergency response system, so all of the costs associated with hosting these animals had to be covered by donations from individuals and organizations like Rotary.

Quesnel’s search and rescue volunteers assisted the CRD to provide door-to-door notices of evacuation orders as well as first responder and other emergency services as needed. Our volunteer firefighters also provided structural fire protection in the 108 Mile area, 100 Mile House, Miocene, Williams Lake, and Clinton. Twenty-one volunteer members from the Quesnel VFD rotated through this deployment, manning a fire truck and tender provided by the City. This week I will be thanking these volunteer firefighters directly, as well as debriefing them on the lessons they learned from their experiences protecting structures in these other communities.

As this summer’s unprecedented wildfire season evolved, in addition to our formal volunteer-based emergency system response, Quesnel residents and businesses really stepped up and provided incremental organized and ad hoc responses to the emerging needs of evacuees and impacted communities. We have much to be proud of as a community on an ongoing basis, but this summer Quesnel really stepped up and showed our entire region how truly caring and supportive we can be when the need arises.

Rememberance Day 2017

From BC Premier John Horgan:

“On Remembrance Day, people around British Columbia honour veterans, armed forces members, merchant marines and families who have sacrificed in service of our country.
“For many of us, it’s impossible to imagine the courage it takes to put on a uniform and go into harm’s way. Yet for generations, Canadians have bravely risked their lives to protect ours.
“Today, in moments of silence all around the province, we pay tribute to loved ones lost, and to those who have returned with injuries, both visible and invisible.
“We cannot forget the tragedies of war, and we must all work together to build a more peaceful world.
“Lest we forget.”

From Canadian Prime Justin Trudeau:

“Today, we pause to remember and honour the Canadian women and men who have served our country and stood on guard for us and the values we hold dear.
“Every generation of Canadians has answered the call to serve. From Ypres to Dieppe to Korea to Afghanistan, our servicemen and women have shown courage as a matter of course, and stood resilient in the face of great adversity.
“This year, in marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we have paused and reflected on some of our most important military milestones. In keeping alive the memory of battles like Passchendaele, Hill 70, Vimy, and Dieppe, we remind this generation, and future generations, where their freedom comes from.
“We owe an immeasurable debt to our veterans, to the fallen, and to the families who love them. Just as our servicemen and women have taken care of us, we must also take care of them. It is our sacred duty as a country to be there for our heroes when they need us most.
“At 11:00 am, I encourage all Canadians – no matter where you are – to observe the two minutes of silence. We remember those who stepped forward to serve, who endured horror and hell, and made extraordinary sacrifices for our freedom.
“We stand together, a grateful country, with poppies close to our hearts.
“Lest we forget.”

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of November 13-17

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

Quesnel - Meeting as noted below:

Public Safety/Policing Standing Committee on Tuesday, Nov 14th at 2:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Biohazard Sharpe Containers - Needle Pick and Disposal at City Facilities, Parks, Trails
* 2018 Operating Budgets - RCMP/Fire/Bylaw Enforcement
* Planning of Public Meetings - Harm Reduction Symposium/Protection of Personal Property Symposium

View the full Agenda here

Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee on Wednesday, Nov 15th at 1:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* 2018 Draft Operating Budget
* 2018 Five Year Capital Plan
* In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1c - labour/employee relations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 15th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Monthly Report from the SD28 Superintendent
* Committee Reports
* Change Date/Time for December Board of Education Meeting
* Ministry of Education French Inclusion Tool Kit

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, November 14th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Cemetery Adornment
* 2018 Preliminary Capital Budget
* NDIT Applications - Grant Writer Support and Local Government Internship
* 2018 Grants-in-Aid Awards
* 2018 Fee for Service Agreements

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 15th at 7pm in the 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Request for Qualifications – Parks & Campground Attendant
* Tender Award – Line Painting
* NDIT Community Halls Funding – Support Nordics Application
* Bylaws for Consideration: OCP Amendment By-Law 1317-2017 (3rd Reading); Zoning Amendment ByLaw 1318-2017 (3rd Reading); Water Frontage By-Law 1319-2017 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings); Sewer Frontage By-Law 1320-2017 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings) and Parks & Community Facilities By-Law 1313-2017 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings)

* Paid Vouchers Report

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: Meetings noted below

North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 14th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Schedule for 2018 North Cariboo Multi-Agency Forum
* Discussion Items -- Contribution to Quesnel Community Foundation; Function of North Cariboo Directors Meetings; Update from Director D. Cash - North Cariboo Recovery Team and Community Consultation Meetings

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 14th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes
* North Cariboo Arena Project Update
* 2018 North Cariboo Recreation & Parks Business and Financial Plan
* Quesnel Healthier Communities' Committee November 9, 2017 Recommendation (Walking Track at Soccer Facility, Winter time period)

View the full Agenda here

Joint Central/South Rural Caucus - Meeting on Thursday, Nov 16th at 11am at the CRD Williams Lake office (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  Discussion on Mt Timothy's 2018 Grant for Assistance application/future direction.  View the full Agenda here

CRD Finance/Budget Committee - Meeting on Thursday, Nov 16th at 1pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  Continue discussions around the 2018 Budget.  View the full Agenda here

CCRHD Board - Meeting on Friday, Nov 17th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: First Nations Health Authority
* Consent Calendar
* Interior Health Capital Report

View the full Agenda here

CRD Board - Meeting on Friday, Nov 17th at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair/Vice-Chair of the CRD Board for 2018.  Conducted by CRD CAO J. MacLean or his delegate.  When elections are complete, the newly elected chair of the CRD Board assumes the Chair

* Delegation #1: West Fraser/Tolko re: impacts of wildfires on their organizations and plans moving forward to rebuild
* Delegation #2: FLNRORD re: Wildfire Recovery Update

* Various Land Use Matters
* 108 Greenbelt BC Hydro Statutory Right-of-Way and Enabling Agreement
* 2018 Board on the Road Schedule
* Grant for Assistance applications - – Wildwood Community/Recreation Association and Hun City Mountain Bike Club
* Request to Waive Procurement Policy and Issue Direct Award for Brush Truck for 108 Mile VFD
* Consent Calendar
* Committee/Commission Recommendations
* Requests from Area K Director Betty Anderson to access her Director Initiative Fund to host two Fire Recovery Meetings/small
appreciation gifts and/or cards for local fire fighters in the Riske Creek area

View the full Agenda here

Finally - tomorrow is Remembrance Day ceremonies in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.  View where your local ceremony will be held here

4th Intake of Rural Dividend announced

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Applications for funding in the fourth intake of the BC Rural Dividend program will be accepted Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, 2017, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson announced today.

“I encourage local governments, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations to get their applications submitted,” said Donaldson. “We’re committed to action that will strengthen rural economies and provide jobs in rural communities.”

Single applicants can apply for up to $100,000 for community-driven projects and must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost. Partnerships, involving more than one eligible applicant, can apply for up to $500,000 and must contribute 40% of the total project cost.

A project-development funding stream will provide up to $10,000 to help communities with limited capacity build the business cases and feasibility assessments needed to develop strong projects and support the development of future project applications.

Under the BC Rural Dividend program’s special circumstances allowance, which is used to help rural communities facing economic hardship, funding will also support those communities hard hit by wildfires in 2017.

Projects will be assessed and approved based on the following criteria:

Rural communities most in need
Improved community resiliency and economic strength
Partnership building and enhanced shared prosperity
Project feasibility and sustainability
Economic impact on rural communities
Attracting and retaining youth
Innovation in economic development

The fourth intake program guide and detailed instructions on how to apply are available on the BC Rural Dividend website: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend

Fourth intake results will be announced before March 31, 2018.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 7th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Forest Practices Board - Delegation Mr. Tim Ryan, Chair of the Forest Practices Board, highlighted for Council what it is that the Forest Practices Board (“Board”) does. The mandate of the Board is to promote overall stewardship of the forests in the province, to serve the Public’s interests, by promoting improved performance from licensees, managers, practitioners and users of the forests, rangelands and resources. This is achieved through the Board completing audits and investigating complaints related to activities occurring on crown lands. The Board has prepared reports, that can be found on the Board’s website, on topics that will interest Local Governments, such as, Managing Forest Fuels in Wildland Urban Interface Areas, Forest Stewardship Plans and Community Watershed. For more information please visit www.bcfpb.ca.

Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Second Round of Public Consultation Following a City Staff Report, Council was able to have further clarity to their questions, regarding the proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development, as the Proponent, Malachy Tohill Regional Manager for BC Housing, and the Operator, Melany McDonald Executive Director for the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society, provided answers directly to Council. Information was given around the development’s Operations Model; Good Neighbour Agreement; Housing Agreement; as well as the responses to the public’s 25 questions that were raised during the first Public Hearing held on September 18, 2017. The Supportive Housing development is proposed to have 28 Independent Supportive Housing units, 4 Supportive Recovery units, 8 Emergency Shelter beds, and 10 Extreme Weather beds during winter months. Substance use was discussed at length and what policy around this issue will be developed. It was made clear that residents of the proposed 28 Independent Supportive Housing units, have the same rights regarding substance use as any other individual in their own home. However, individuals occupying the shelter units, or common areas of the proposed facility, are prohibited from substance use in those specific areas. The first priority of the proposed 28 Independent Supportive Housing units, is to get the residents stabilized and to set up supports that residents will need to address their barriers to housing. The goal is to have residents live independently, in market housing, out in the community, but the reality is that some residents may never leave the proposed Supportive Housing development, depending on their needs. It was confirmed for Council, that through the Housing Agreement and BC Housing’s Operating Agreement, that drop-in support services will not be provided to the general public at the proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing facility. A Transition Plan for these services, to be offered elsewhere in the community, is being completed by a consultant contracted in partnership with Northern Health, the City of Quesnel and BC Housing. Further, that neighbourhood complaints will be addressed through public meetings held in accordance with the Good Neighbourhood Agreement. Next steps include round two of public consultation and public input that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Quesnel and District Seniors’ Centre, located at 461 Carson Avenue, as follows: Open House – BC Housing to host a second open house that includes a 5 pm informational presentation, followed by a question and answer period. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; and Public Hearing – Quesnel City Council to hold its second Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. for public to provide formal comment on the proposed development.

Pinecrest Water Main Project Due to a $900,000 surplus for the Pinecrest Water Reservoir project, City staff was able to present options to Council to consider expanding the scope of work around this project. Council approved to replace the old undersized water trunk main, in the Two Mile Flat area, from the Pinecrest Reservoir south along Highway 97 to Rome Avenue, subject to regulatory approval. This funding is provided by the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund that is funded through 50% Federal, 33% Provincial and 17% Municipal contributions.

Skateboard Park Addition Project Council approved $300,000 for an addition to the City’s existing Skateboard Park. This 2018 capital project will be funded by a $30,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Grant; $50,000 from the City’s General Capital; and $220,000 from a Gas Tax Grant.

Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw – Annual Update Council approved the first three readings of the Comprehensive Fees Bylaw 1834 that reflects the City’s annual review of its Comprehensive Fees and Charges. Highlights are: 5% increase to water rates, except bulk water to increase the funds available for capital replacement 0% increase to sewer fees  2% increase to both cemetery and airport fees  Please visit the City’s website to view the full City Staff Report and attachments.

Adopt a Park Policy Council approved the Adopt-a-Park Policy in answer to an expressed interest in the community to adopt the South Hills Park by the Quesnel Boy Scouts. This type of policy is popular in other communities where local clubs, groups, organizations, private citizen groups and businesses focus on overall park stewardship. For a full viewing of this policy, please visit the City’s website.

Bylaws Bylaw 1829 – Official Community Plan Amendment (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – Second Public Hearing – 7 pm, December 13, 2017 at Quesnel & District Seniors’ Centre at 461 Carson Avenue Bylaw 1830 – Zone Amendment (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – Second Public Hearing – 7 pm, December 13, 2017 at Quesnel & District Seniors’ Centre at 461 Carson Avenue Bylaw 1832 – Financial Plan Amendment – Final Adoption Bylaw 1834 – Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment – First, Second, Third Readings Bylaw 1841 – Housing Agreement (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – First Reading

Meetings 5:30 pm, November 14, 2017 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee 7 pm, November 21, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting