Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - Dec 2017/Jan 2018

In the months of December 2017/January 2018, I attended the following meetings/events:

December 2017

* December 3rd - McLeese Lake Annual Christmas Dinner
* December 8th - Meeting with new Cariboo Regional District Chair (and Cariboo RD Area H Director) Margo Wagner
* December 14th - Grand Opening of new West Fraser Aquatic Centre along with Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner and Cariboo RD Area B Director Jerry Bruce
* December 15th - CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings
* December 16th - Grand Opening of new CRD McLeese Lake Library with Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner

January 2018

*  January 3rd - Observed meeting of McLeese Lake Recreation Commission
* January 12th - CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings
* January 20th - Public Hearing on Secondary Suite Text Amendment to Central Cariboo/Chilcotin Land Use Bylaws of the CRD
* January 23rd - Meeting with Wildwood Community Association
* January 24th - Meetings of Central Cariboo Rural Caucus/Joint Committee
* January 25th - Committee of the Whole Session - CRD Board
* January 30th/31st - UBCM EA Director Forum in Richmond, BC

As to expenses submitted in the months of December 2017/January 2018:

December 2017:

* December 15th - $185 for CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings

January 2018:

* January 12th - $185 for CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings
* January 20th - $75 for Public Hearing
* January 24th - $75 for Central Cariboo Rural Caucus/Joint Committee meetings
* January 25th - $185 for Committee of the Whole session
* January 29th - $399.60 for Travel from Williams Lake to Richmond BC for UBCM EA Director Forum on January 30th/31st, 2018

* January 30th - $75 for UBCM EA Director Forum - Day 1 of 2
* January 31st - $75 for UBCM EA Director Forum - Day 2 of 2

~SF

Complicated Issues

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

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

Last week I had the opportunity to sit in on two wildfire debrief sessions with former Liberal MLA and Cabinet Minister George Abbott, who has been tasked by the NDP government to review how the provincial government plans for and handles emergency situations. Mr. Abbott and Chief Maureen Chapman are conducting a formal review of last year’s flood and forest fire events and must present an interim report to the provincial government in mid-March and a final report by the end of April; a very tight timeline.

The initial debriefing sessions were held with the Cariboo Regional District Board and with the City of Quesnel’s emergency management team along with a representative from our Wildlife Recovery Team. Public sessions will be held in February and we will get the word out as soon as we have the dates.

It was clear from the initial sessions with Mr. Abbott that he has a good grasp of the complexities of the issues he and Chief Chapman need to explore, condense and give government advice on. The essence of the challenge the review needs to focus on is that our provincial emergency planning and response system is built to deal with single, short term, and geographically localized events not the long duration, multi-event, simultaneous, and widely dispersed floods and fi res we experienced this summer and that are supposed to be our “new normal.”

Dealing with any emergency situation is complicated by many factors, not the least of which are the multiple agencies and jurisdictional authorities that are generally involved in the planning and response. Emergencies that occur over longer time frames and larger geographic areas simply magnify the complexities and I don’t envy Mr. Abbott and Chief Chapman their task of cutting through this complexity in order to give the government practical advice to improve our current system.

It seems to me that the number and complexity of the issues we are confronting is increasing.
Somedays it really feels like they are increasing exponentially! Right now, Council is dealing with
multiple complex issues that we have limited financial and staff resources to address.

Increasing property crime, the opioid crisis, insufficient mental health and addictions resources, and limited resources to quickly address social housing needs are all interrelated issues that Council is forced, by default, to try and play a leadership role in despite the fact that they fall squarely within the domain of the provincial and federal governments.

The upcoming legalization of Cannabis will only add to local government’s resource challenges,
as the burden of making sense out of the federal and provincial legislation and enforcing them
will fall to local governments while, so far, it appears the revenue will accrue to the provincial
and federal governments.

An aging demographic, the need for more diverse housing options, increasing demands to create a more accessible community, and the need for more health care supports for seniors and people with more challenging health care needs are also predominantly within the provincial domain to address, but local governments find that they must pick up the responsibility to champion these issues as well, especially in rural communities.

Quesnel City Council is embracing these complicated issues and we have a number of initiatives underway to understand them better and attempt to address them. But, it would be very helpful when the provincial and federal governments download these complicated issues to local governments to champion they would also fl ow some additional financial resources our way so we could truly tackle them in a more timely and robust fashion.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan 30th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

College of New Caledonia – Annual Update Council received an annual update for the College of New Caledonia “CNC”, Quesnel Campus, from Henry Reiser, President, Alyson-Gourley Cramer, Executive Director Communication Services and Morgan Ross, Campus Principal. The annual update provided an overview of: Six different CNC campuses located in the communities of Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Quesnel, Prince George and Vanderhoof. CNC programs offered in the areas of: Health Sciences, Trades and Technology, Business & Management, Social Services, University Studies and Upgrading and Access. Students are reporting that 73% are in jobs directly related to CNC training, 83% are finding the CNC education they are taking useful in getting a job, and 83% say the skills and knowledge they are learning at CNC are useful in performing jobs. All of these percentages are slightly higher than the provincial average (BC Student Outcomes Dashboard 2016). CNC Quesnel currently has 19% Aboriginal declared heritage of students. The Aboriginal room, implemented in 2015, is being well-used increasing the Quesnel Campus Indigenousness learning environment. CNC allocates its budget to the campuses as follows: 83% Prince George, 7% Quesnel, 4% Burns Lake, 3% Mackenzie, 2% Vanderhoof and 1% Fort St. James. CNC Quesnel campus had 668 students enrolled in 2014/15 and in 2016/17 there were 956 student enrolled.

Emergency Operations Centres & Training Grant Council approved the City Staff to submit a grant to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Preparedness Fund for an Emergency Operations Centres & Training Grant that would update equipment and staff training for dealing with emergency situations. The City will submit a grant application for: City staff to receive Emergency Operations Centre training. Equipment for the Emergency Operations Centre such as telephones and laptop computers Emergency Operation Centre workers sleeping necessities such as cots, blankets and pillows Evacuation Planning Consultant to assist the City in developing an updated Evacuation Plan as part of the City’s Emergency Plan. The Evacuation Plan needs to be coordinated with Northern Health, School District #28, Cariboo Regional District, seniors groups and other community groups. The anticipated cost of this project is approximately $35,000 with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Emergency Operations Centres & Training Grant covering up to $25,000 of this project.

Quesnel Regional Airport - LED Lighting Upgrades Council approved City staff to submit a grant application to update the Quesnel Regional Airport LED runway lighting and Precision Approach Path Indicator. The estimated cost of this project is $160,000 with the grant funding covering up to 75% of this project.

Bylaw of the Month Program – Non Smoking Areas The purpose of the City of Quesnel Smoking Regulation Bylaw 1767 is to protect public health from the adverse effects of second-hand smoke in frequented public spaces, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to second-hand smoke. The public is reminded the non-smoking areas within the City are: Spirit Square Fraser River Foot Bridge (both entrances) West Fraser Timber Park and LeBourdais Park Quesnel Youth Soccer playing fields All playing fields and all playgrounds

Next Meeting 7:00 pm, February 6, 2018 – Regular Council Meeting 5:30 pm, February 13, 2018 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

2018 LGLA Leadership Forum - Day 1

Today through Friday at noon - the Local Government Leadership Academy or LGLA will host its' Annual Leadership Forum to provide educational opportunities for local elected officials/senior local government staff over a 3 day period.  Full Agenda details here

Day 1 of the LGLA 2018 Leadership Forum includes:

* Welcome by LGLA President Arjun Singh (also a Kamloops City Councillor, Thompson Nicola RD Municipal Director and UBCM 1st Vice President)

* Keynote Address - Shachi Kurl, Executive Director, Angus Reid Institute
* Tributes/Special Introductions
* Responsible Conduct: Codes of Conduct – From Principles to Action! LGMA/LGLA Joint Workshop
* Remarks from the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing
* Networking Opportunity for LGLA Delegates

~SF

2018 UBCM Electoral Area Directors' Forum - Day 2 of 2

The 2018 Union of BC Municipalities' Electoral Area Directors' Forum will continue this morning and end at 12 noon.

On Day 2 of the Forum:

* Welcome by UBCM President (and Regional District of East Kootenay Vice-Chair) Wendy Booth
* Electoral Area Director Alternates - Presentation by Cariboo RD Area G Director Al Richmond/Fraser Fort George RD Chair Art Kaehn.  View the Options Paper here
* Campaign Finance (2018 Local Elections) - Co-Presentation by Ministry of Municipal Affairs/Elections BC
* Rural Development Strategy - Presentation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
* Forum Wrap-Up/Adjourn

~SF

2018 UBCM Electoral Area Directors' Forum - Day 1 of 2

Today - the 2018 Union of BC Municipalities Electoral Area Directors' Forum starts at 12 noon at the Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC.  Electoral Area Directors' attendees will consider a number of topics over the two day session.

On Day 1 of the Forum:

* Introduction and Welcome - Fraser Fort George RD Chair Art Kaehn, UBCM Electoral Area Representative
* Remarks by the Hon. Selina Robinson - BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs/Housing
* Cannabis Regulation in BC - Lisa Anderson, Executive Director, Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat, Province of BC
* Provincial Disaster Response (2017 Floods/Wildfires) - George Abbott/Chief Maureen Chapman, Skawahlook First Nation
* Open Mic Forum

~SF

Quesnel Transportation Plan - 2nd Open House (Feb 7th)

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is inviting the public to provide feedback on short-, medium- and long-term options to improve the Highway 97 corridor through Quesnel.

Ministry staff will be at the open house to answer questions and collect input for the Quesnel Transportation Plan, which is nearing completion. The ministry will also provide information on plans to reconfigure the laning on part of Front Street to increase safety and improve traffic flow through the community.

The media and public are welcome to attend the open house.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location:

Quesnel and District Seniors’ Community Centre
461 Carson Ave.
Quesnel

If you are unable to attend, but still want to provide feedback, all open house materials will be posted on Feb. 7 at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-reports-and-reference/reports-studies/north/quesnel-transportation-study

Learn more:

For additional Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure engagement opportunities, visit: engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/quesnel-transportation-plan/

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Jan 29th - Feb 2nd

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

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below.  Both meetings, as noted below, take place in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant Street)

Executive Committee - 10:30am on Tuesday, Jan 30th.  On the Agenda:

* Review of new (Draft) Quesnel Council Remuneration/Expense Policy
* Public Works Facility - Next Steps

View the full Agenda here

Regular Council Meeting - 7pm on Tuesday, Jan 30th. On the Agenda:

* Delegation: College of New Caledonia - Annual Update - Quesnel Campus - Mr. Henry Reiser, President, Ms. Alyson-Gourley Cramer, Executive Director Communication Services and Morgan Ross, Campus Principal

* Update to Discussions with School District #28 Re: Relocation of Quesnel Junior School
* UBCM Emergency Operations Centres & Training Grant Application
* British Columbia Air Access Program Grant - LED Lighting Upgrade
* Response Letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Proposed Supportive Housing Project in Quesnel (Initiate Requests for Proposals to operate supportive housing project on Elliot St)

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session at 6pm on Tuesday, Jan 30th.  On the Agenda:

Delegation #1 -- Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander & Dave Dickson, Manager of Community Safety re Police Commission Report (6pm)

Delegation #2 -- Tolko Industries re 9-Axle Logging Trucks (6:30pm)

* Review of Engineering for the use of 9-Axle Logging Trucks (Report connected to Delegation #2)
* Proposed Amendment Bylaw re Cemetery Adornment
* 2018 Pavement Rehabilitation Program
* Williams Lake Transit Fare and Revenue Review

View the full Agenda here

Also - a number of the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area Directors', including myself, are in Richmond BC next week attending both the Union of BC Municipalities Electoral Area Directors' Annual Forum & the Local Government Leadership Academy's 2018 Leadership Forum.  I will have daily posts starting Tuesday morning and wrapping up Friday morning.  Stay tuned for those!

~SF

CRD Board-in-Committee Highlights - Jan 25th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb and M. Campsall

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda approved

Business:

1) Rural Grant Applications

Memorandum from the Corporate Officer presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Memorandum received/NCLGA Resolution be drafted to ask the Province to change provincial rural dividend grant program to one similar to the "Gas Tax Program" and simplified reporting requirement

Resolved - That Staff report back on a list of principles respecting grant applications for Board vetting

Meeting recessed at 10:26am
Meeting resumed at 3:18pm

The Committee deferred the following items to the Feb 9th COW Meeting:

a) Cariboo Strong Long Term Regional Development Plan and Current Grant Program
b) Grants for Assistance Policy
c) Communications regarding Planning Applications and Issues
d) Community Plans and Studies
e) Delegations Memorandum of Business
f) NSTQ Agreement in Principle Language
g) Wildwood water issue

Late Item - Application to UBCM Emergency Operations Centre and Training Program

The CAO reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the UBCM Emergency Operations Centre and Training application, as presented, be approved for submission

The Committee adjourned at 3:25pm

"Unelected" Alternate Electoral Area Directors' - An Options Paper

Next week - many of BC's 160 Electoral Area Directors' representing a very large part of Rural BC and many unincorporated communities will be attending both the Union of BC Municipalities' (UBCM) Electoral Area Directors' Forum followed by the annual Local Government Leadership Academy's 2018 Leadership Forum, both of which are being held in Richmond, BC from Jan 30th to Feb 2nd, 2018. 

View the UBCM EA Directors' Forum Final Agenda here while you can view the LGLA 2018 Leadership Forum Final Agenda here

One of the topics at the UBCM EA Directors' Forum that will generate a fair bit of discussion, I'd wager, is the topic of 'Unelected' Alternate Electoral Area Directors'.  This issue results of either Electoral Area Directors' being absent, due to illness or leave, for a significant period of time and the 'unelected' Alternate Electoral Area Director serving in the absence of the elected Electoral Area Director for many months if not years or even a entire 4 year local government term.  An Ad Hoc Committee was formed last April (2017) to look at the options and report back to Electoral Area Directors as to what next steps to take, if any

The Committee places 4 Options, including thought provoking questions to consider with each Option, before the Province's 160 Electoral Area Directors' for consideration.  Those are:

1) Remove the legislative requirement to appoint an alternate (for the Electoral Area Director, duly elected/sworn in)

2) If an alternate is appointed, the alternate must be an elected official. The alternate could be a councillor, mayor or other elected electoral area director

3) In the absence of an electoral area director or an ‘elected’ alternate, the board would be responsible for making decisions

4) Amend legislation to trigger a by-election within a reasonable period of time (possibly 6 months) in the case of illness or injury of the sitting electoral area director

I'm looking forward to seeing what my fellow Electoral Area Directors', including my fellow Electoral Area Directors' on the Cariboo RD Board, have to say on the subject next week

~SF

CC Joint Committee Highlights - Jan 24th/18 mtg

Present from City of WL: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson and S. Zacharias

Present from CRD: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld and J. Sorley

Meeting chaired by Director J. Sorley and called to order at 5:32pm

Meeting Agenda approved with late item (Verbal Pool Project update)
Minutes of the CC Joint Committee Meeting of October 25th, 2017 received/adopted

Delegation:

Vanessa Moberg, Coordinator, Sustainable Life Education, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, appeared before the Committee to provide a presentation on a Water Wise/Salmonid-themed semi-permanent art exhibit proposed to be installed at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Resolved - That the Joint Committee provide support in principle of the delegation's request and Staff be requested to report back on this item at the Feb 28th Joint Committee meeting

Business:

1) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Fourth Quarter of 2017 Report

Report from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

2) Central Cariboo Recreation Management Agreement (2013-2018) between the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

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

Resolved - That the report of the CRD Manager of Community Services be received and refer to Staff to bring forward recommendations at the March meeting of Joint Committee

3) CMRC Rear Parking Lot Options - Follow up Report

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received and that Joint Committee approve changing the back parking lot of the CMRC from a rental lot to free (first come, first served) parking, including some time limited areas for patron of the CMRC

4) Williams Lake Minor Hockey Request for Support - Midget Female Rep BC Hockey Championships

A letter from Kelly Call, Coordinator for the Midget Female Championships, Williams Lake Minor Hockey was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Letter received/Mr. Call be provided with a Cariboo Regional District Grant for Assistance Application (Year Round Intake) to apply for funding of the fee to use the Gibraltar Room

5) Williams Lake Hockey History Murals

A report from the City Economic Development Officer was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received/that approval be given for the hanging of the Williams Lake Hockey History Murals by Dwayne Davis at the CMRC in the best appropriate location as determined in consultation with the City's Director of Community Services

6) Discussion Items

The Committee discussed the following items:

a) Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference - Defer to future Joint Committee meeting
b) Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin
c) 2019 North Central Local Government Association Convention That an application be submitted to host the 2019 NCLGA Convention in Williams Lake 

7) Action Page

Item presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Action Page received

8) Late Item - Verbal Report - Sam Ketcham Pool Project

The City's Director of Community Services (G. Paynton) provided a verbal report on the recently completed West Fraser Aquatic Centre (Sam Ketcham Pool) project

The Committee adjourned at 6:58pm

CC Rural Caucus Highlights - Jan 24th/18 mtg

Present: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, J. Sorley and B. Anderson (Electoral Areas D, E, F and K)

Meeting called to order at 3:00pm by the Deputy Corporate Officer

The Deputy Corporate Officer called 3 times for nominations for the position of Central Cariboo Rural Caucus Chair for 2018

Director Forseth nominated Director Neufeld

There being only 1 nomination - Director Neufeld was acclaimed as Chair of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for 2018 and she assumed the Chair at 3:02pm

Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the November 22nd, 2017 CC Rural Caucus Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) 2018 Appointment of CRD Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee

The Caucus was presented with a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That Director J. Sorley be re-appointed as CRD Co-Chair of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for 2018

2) 2018 Appointments to External Committees

The Caucus was presented with a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That Central Cariboo Directors be appointed to external community committees, as follows:

Director Forseth - Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society
Director Sorley - Air Quality Roundtable
Director Anderson - UNBC South Central Advisory Committee/WL and District Chamber of Commerce

3) Letter to School District #27 - Adding Bus Stop on Clear Road (Referred back to Caucus from Regional Board)

Director Forseth reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Item received

4) 2016/17 Victim Services Report

Report presented to the Caucus
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

5) Report of Director Forseth - Public Meetings in Central Cariboo re: Final Report of CRD Wildfire Community Consultations

Director Forseth reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - At the request of Director Forseth, matter deferred to the next meeting of Caucus

6) Report of Director Forseth - Conventional Transit for portions of CRD Areas D/E (Rural Fringe Portions)

Director Forseth reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - At the request of Director Forseth, matter deferred to the next meeting of Caucus

7) Action Page

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Item #1 be removed

The Caucus adjourned at 3:27pm

SD27 Zone 4 Trustee position to remain vacant until Oct 20th/2018

At their meeting last night - the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) resolved to not hold a by-election for the vacant position of Zone 4 Trustee when former Trustee Christine Dyment resigned back on January 9th, 2018.  The vacancy in Zone 4 will now be filled at the time of the local general election on October 20th, 2018

School District #27 Chair Tanya Guenther explains to My Cariboo Now as to why the Board of Education made the decision they did.  Click here

~SF

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan 23rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Community Wildfire Protection Plan – Quesnel & Surrounding Area Mike Simpson, Senior Manager of the Fraser Basin Council, Bruce Morrow of Bruce Morrow Forest Consulting Ltd, and Erin Robinson, Regional Manager of the Fraser Basin Council, presented an overview of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the City of Quesnel and surrounding area. This Community Wildfire Protection Plan encompasses 88,572 hectares around the communities of the City of Quesnel, Lhatko Dene First Nation, Bouchie Lake, Ten Mile Lake, Kersley, Barlow Creek and West Fraser Road. The purpose of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is to: Identify the wildfire risks within and surrounding a community  Describe the potential consequences if a wildfire was to impact the community Define the threat to human life, property and critical infrastructure from wildfires Identify measures necessary to mitigate threats  Outline a plan of action to implement measures  The Community Wildfire Protection Plan, when implemented should result in: Reduced likelihood of a wildfire entering the community  Reduced impacts and losses to property and critical infrastructure  Reduced negative economic and social impacts to the community  Council endorsed the Community Wildfire Protection Plan including the eleven recommendations contained within the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Funding assistance for this Community Wildfire Protection Plan was received by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and was developed with significant stakeholder participation. Council also passed a resolution asking the Provincial government to pay 100% of the forestry fuel management prescription and treatments, as the Province is the landowner of these forests. Please visit the City’s website page that includes all of the reports, maps, and photographs regarding the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the City of Quesnel and surrounding areas.

2018 City of Quesnel Operations Budget Council approved the City’s 2018 Operating Budget. The total taxation required is $15,160,443 an increase of 3.4% over 2017. This results in an increase of approximately $52 to the average residence (valued at $185,387), or approximately $28 per $100,000 of assessment. The average residence in Quesnel went up 3.8% in assessment in 2018. The increase to commercial business will be approximately $88 per $100,000 of assessment. Major and light industry taxation are frozen at 2015 levels, with 2018 being the last year of this tax framework. This budget could change slightly as the final assessments are released in March 2018 from BC Assessment.

Budget Online Survey The results are in from the City’s online budget survey held December 2017 regarding the City’s 2018 Preliminary Budget. The survey received 120 responses that is the best budget consultation response to date. Highlights from this survey’s respondents are: 82% were satisfied with what the City was doing 49% are willing to pay a tax increase to cover additional costs of the same or more services Respondents liked the option of an online survey to give input to the City’s 2018 Preliminary Budget, but noted that they felt more information was required about what services the City of Quesnel provides

Bylaws 1835 Election Procedures – Final Adoption 1836 Electoral Registration – Final Adoption 1837 Automated Voting Machines – Final Adoption 1838 Mail Ballots – Final Adoption 1842 Elected Officials Oath of Office – Final Adoption

Next Meeting 7:00 pm, January 30, 2018 – Regular Council Meeting

Xat'sull Chief By-Election 2018

UPDATE at 2:02pm, Jan 23rd, 2018 - Elections results, as below, are now OFFICIAL

Original Blog Post:

Yesterday, the electors of Xat'sull First Nations (Soda Creek Indian Band) voted to elect a new Chief to serve out the reminder of the 2015-19 Xat'sull First Nations Chief term of office.  Result of the election is listed below:

Andrea Gilbert - 56
Sandy Sellars - 30

The above noted result is unofficial until certified official by the Electoral Officer, Bruce Mack

Given the spread between the two candidates, I expect the result between unofficial to official will not change

Congratulations to Chief-elect Andrea Gilbert and a genuine/sincere thank you to Ms. Sellars for running and giving the people of Xat'sull First Nations an opportunity to choose between two wonderful people to serve them as Chief of Xat'sull First Nations.

I look forward to working with Chief-elect Andrea Gilbert and her Council

~SF

Christine Dyment resigns!

Tomorrow night (January 23rd) at the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)'s meeting - SD27's Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Futcher will report the following:

In accordance with Section 51 of the School Act (Act), The Secretary Treasurer hereby
notifies the Board of Education of the resignation of Trustee Christine Dyment,
effective 09 January 2018.

Under Section 36(1) (of the Act), the Board must hold an election if a trustee resigns under
section 51 (of the Act). However, section 36(2) (of the Act) provides a provision to allow the Board, if the vacancy occurs after January 1 in the year of a general school election, to hold the vacancy open until the election as long as at least 3 trustees continue to hold office.

If the Board decides to hold an election, the Board must, by February 8, appoint a
Chief Election Officer and notify the Minister of Education. As Trustee Dyment was elected as Vice-Chair and BCPSEA Representative, the Board is advised to conduct an election for these positions. The Board Chair may also need to re-consider trustee appointments to committees.

Recommended Motion:
THAT the Board of Education, in accordance with the School Act holds a by-election
for the vacant position of trustee of Zone 4 and appoints Secretary Treasurer Kevin
Futcher as Chief Election Officer and Connee Newberry as Deputy Chief Election
Officer.


OR

THAT the Board of Education, in accordance with the School Act, section 36(2)
holds the position of trustee for Zone 4 vacant until the 2018 General School
Election, as long as at least 3 trustees continue to hold office.

I was saddened to read this but I do feel that Ms. Dyment has been a very good School Trustee for the people of SD27 Trustee Electoral Zone 4 which covers the entirety of Cariboo RD Electoral Area 'F' (150 Mile - Horsefly - Likely) and I wish her very well in her future endeavours

~SF

9 months to 2018 Local Elections

This past Saturday (January 20th) marked the 9 month point before electors in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and in Electoral Areas 'A' to 'L' of the Cariboo Regional District proceed to voting booths, on Saturday October 20th, 2018, to elect new Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors' and School Trustees in School Districts #28 (Quesnel) and #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) for the 2018-2022 term

Thus far -- only Cariboo Regional District Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley and Williams Lake City Councillor Sue Zacharias have announced they will not seek re-election while Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb has announced that he will seek re-election.  The rest of the local elected officials in the Region have made no announcements and are likely not to do so until closer to Summer 2018

Meanwhile - electors today in Xat'sull (Soda Creek Indian Band) will be voting for a new Chief to serve out the remainder of the 2015-19 term.  The candidates are Andrea Gilbert and Sandy Sellars.  The candidates platform can be viewed from the Xat'sull Facebook page here.  Results may be known later tonight or sometime Tuesday.  I am personally looking forward to hearing who the successful candidate is, as both CRD Area D/F are within the traditional territory of the Xat'sull First Nations and I have partnered with them regarding their Heritage Village and look forward to working with them on future joint projects...

~SF

Williams Lake Firefighters Wanted!

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake Fire Department is currently accepting applications for paid on-call fire fighters. If you are motivated, physically fit and over the age of 19, you may have a future in fire fighting! Applicants must live within the Williams Lake Fire Protection District.

An information session will be held at the Williams Lake Fire Hall, located at 230 Hodgson Road on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 7 pm, where selection criteria will be reviewed and application forms will be available.

For more information, contact the Fire Department at 250-392-4321 or visit the City of Williams Lake website at www.williamslake.ca / Departments / Protective Services / Fire Department / Recruiting Information to view or download the information booklet, which may answer some questions prior to attending the information session.

Applications close on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 4:30 pm.

For more information, contact:

Des Webster, Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
dwebster@williamslake.ca
250-392-4321

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

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

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below.  All meetings take place in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street):

Policy/Bylaw Review Committee - Tuesday, Jan 23rd at 1:15pm.  On the Agenda:

* Petitions and Public Hearings - Policies and Brochure
* Solid Fuel Burning Bylaw
* Video Surveillance Policy
* Business Licences - Nightclubs/Bars

View the full Agenda here

Regular Council  - Tuesday, Jan 23rd at 7:00pm.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Quesnel and Surrounding Area (Fraser Basin Council/Morrow Forest Consulting Ltd)
* Change to Regular Council Meeting Start Time from 7pm to 5:30pm?
* Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Quesnel and Surrounding Area - Endorsement
* 2018 City of Quesnel Budget Survey Summary
* 2018 City of Quesnel Operating Budget
* Development Permit (691 Johnson Avenue)
* 5 Bylaws for Adoption

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan 23rd at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 23rd at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Paul Lawson - Director, Ken Day - Manager (outgoing) & Stephanie Ewen - Manager (incoming) re Update on UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest and Announcement of Retirement/New Staff

* Ratify Email Poll of Council - Mayor Cobb's Travel to BC Natural Resource Forum / Northern Mayors & Chairs Roundtable (Jan 17-19, 2018)
* City of Williams Lake Permissive Property Tax Exemptions Amendment Bylaw No. 2269, 2018 - 1st,2nd and 3rd Readings
* UBCM Grant Application - City of WL Emergency Operations Centre
* Derelict Building Permit Extension - 1238 Broadway Avenue South (Shell)
* Receive application for Development Variance Permit No. 1-2018 (211 & 253 First Avenue North - Williams Lake Association for Community Living)
* Receive application for Development Variance Permit No. 2-2018 - Evangelical Free Church - 1100 Eleventh Avenue North
* Receive application for Development Permit #1 - Construction of 39 Unit Apartment Building - 211 and 253 First Avenue North - Williams Lake Association for Community Living

* Appointment of Chief/Deputy Chief Election Officer for Oct 20th, 2018 City of WL Local General Election
* Storm Drainage Phase 4 Project - Award of Contract
* Proclamation - "Chamber of Commerce Week" (Feb 19-23, 2018)

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 23rd at 6pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* In-Camera Session from 6-7pm, as per Sections 90(1c/e - labour/land) of the Community Charter
* By-Law Officer's Report for December 2017
* 2018 Grant in Aid Contributions
* Support for Cariboo Wagon Road Project Application
* Rural Dividend Application - Martin Exeter Hall
* Martin Exeter Hall Sidewalk Project
* 2 Bylaws for Adoption - OCP Amendment Bylaw #1317/17 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw #1318/17
* Parking and Traffic Amendment By-Law - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Wednesday, January 24th at 3pm in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Election of Rural Caucus Chair for 2018
* Appointment of CRD Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee in 2018
* Appointment to Central Cariboo Community Committees
* 2016-17 Annual Victim Services Report to CRD from City of Williams Lake
* Reports from Director Forseth re: Conventional Transit into portions of Electoral Areas D/E & Public Meetings re: CRD Wildfire Community Consultations Final Report
* Letter to SD27 re: Bus Stop on Clear Rd - Referral from Dec 2017 CRD Board Meeting
* Action Page

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Wednesday, January 24th at 5:30pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Vanessa Moberg, Coordinator, Sustainable Life Education, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society - Presentation on a Water Wise/Salmonid-themed semi-permanent art exhibit proposed to be installed at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre

* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - 4th Quarter of 2017 Report
* Central Cariboo Recreation Management Agreement (2013-2018) between the City of Williams Lake/CRD for CMRC - Consideration of 2 year extension
* CMRC Rear Parking Lot Final Options
* Williams Lake Minor Hockey Request for Support - Midget Female Rep BC Hockey Championships
* Williams Lake Hockey History Murals
* Discussion Items - Joint Committee Terms of Reference, Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin and 2019 NCLGA Convention

View the full Agenda here

Special Committee of Whole Board Meeting - Thursday, January 25th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Rural Grant Applications
* Cariboo Strong Long Term Regional Development Plan/Grant Program
* Grant for Assistance Policy (Year Round Intake)
* Communications regarding Planning Applications and related matters
* Community Plans/Studies
* Delegations Memorandum of Business
* NSTQ Agreement in Principle Language

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan 16th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Skateboard Park – 3D Conceptual Drawings The City has entered into a contract with New Line Skateparks for construction of the updated Skateboard Park by October 31, 2018. On January 11, 2018 another round of consultation was held with the Skateboard Park users to review the draft Skateboard Park 3D conceptual drawings. This $300,000 project has been included in the City’s 2018 Capital Plan.

BC Rural Dividend Fund – Grant Applications Council approved staff proceeding with the following three BC Rural Dividend Fund grant applications: Project Development – Quesnel Economic Transition Strategy This project will compile the ideas related to Quesnel’s economic transition into a cohesive Economic Transition Strategy. Single Applicant – Quesnel Waterfront Development Plan This project will create a vision and plan for the development of Quesnel’s waterfront properties at the confluence of the Fraser River, Quesnel River and Baker Creek with the aim of visitor and resident attraction/retention. Special Circumstances – Quesnel Community Marketing Program. This project will provide funding to market Quesnel as a destination for visitors, home buyers and investors over the next two years.

2017 Façade Improvement Grant Program – Completed Projects The City received $20,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help improve local businesses storefront façades. All five businesses completed their 2017 Façade Improvement Projectsand have now received rebates. The five businesses that took part in this grant program are: Spa Rivier, Quesnel Curling Club, Hello Promotions, Full Throttle Motorsports and Quesnel & District Child Development Centre.

Fraser River Foot Bridge Lighting In 2010, the Fraser River Foot Bridge was refurbished with the addition of safety lighting and programmable decorative lighting. Over time the fixtures and lighting connections have proven to be problematic. Council approved a $20,000 annual maintenance budget for the decorative and safety lighting on the Fraser River Foot Bridge. Further, City Staff will research options to update and upgrade the existing lighting to LED lighting to a future Capital budget.

2018 Local Government Election Council appointed the Chief Election Officer (Gina Albers) and the Deputy Chief Election Officer (Rhya Hartley) for the upcoming City of Quesnel October 2018 Local Government Election. Council approved the first three readings for revisions to various Elections bylaws that includes updated 2016 Local Government Act sections, and an extended application timeline for mail ballots. To review the entire Elections Report, please visit the City’s website.

Bylaw-of-the-Month Program – Business Licences New and existing business owners/operators are reminded to renew/apply for their 2018 Business Licence. Any business operating within the City of Quesnel is required to have a Business Licence, even if the business is based outside of City limits. Also, rental properties with two or more units (where the owner does not occupy) are required to obtain a Business Licence. To review the entire Bylaw of the Month Report, please visit the City’s Website.

Bylaws 1802 Zone Amendment (Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility on Valhalla/Racing Roads) – Rescinded 1835 Election Procedures - First Three Readings  1836 Electoral Registration - First Three Readings  1837 Automated Voting Machines - First Three Readings  1838 Mail Ballots - First Three Readings  1839 Council Procedure Bylaw - Section 6 - Final Adoption  1840 McLean Street Housing Development- Housing Agreement - Final Adoption  1842 Elected Officials Oath of Office - First Three Readings

Next Meeting 7:00 pm, January 23, 2018 – Regular Council Meeting

Byron Kemp passes away (1940-2018)

Byron Kemp - CRD Electoral Area E Director
1999-2005/2011-2018 (Photo Credit: Black Press)

This past Monday night - Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Electoral Area 'E' Director Byron Kemp passed away at the age of 78

Director Kemp previously served as an CRD Area E Alternate Director prior to his 1st election as CRD Area 'E' Director in the 1999 local government election and served until his defeat in the November 2005 local government election and returned to public office in the November 2011 local election and re-elected in the 2014 election.

He long advocated for Mountview water/sewer and the Esler Sports Complex in his 13 years of elected office.  He also was a firm believer in mining, including support for Prosperity/New Prosperity and Gibraltar Mines, located in Electoral Area 'D' and ranching

When I became the Area D Alternate Director in February of 2013 - he was most welcoming and helpful as I performed my role.  Then, upon my Area 'D' Director election in November 2014 - he/I sat beside each other at the CRD Board table and talked up the issues affecting our respective Electoral Areas.  I will miss him profoundly.  As of this writing, I am currently not aware of any funeral arrangements

Byron Kemp will, to the best of my knowledge, become the 1st Cariboo Regional District elected official to pass away, while in public office and just the 2nd elected official in the Cariboo-Chilcotin following former Williams Lake City Councillor Patrick Reid who himself passed away while in office in the 2002-2005 term

Pursuant to Section 201(5a) of the Local Government Act - Melynda Neufeld, the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Alternate Director will now take over the position of Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Director

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Kemp family on the loss of a great public servant.  He has left a mark on the people of the Cariboo-Chilcotin for many years to come

~SF

Full Statement of the Cariboo Regional District:

Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Director Byron Kemp passed away Monday night at the age of 78. He leaves behind his wife Diane, their two children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Byron Kemp was first elected as Electoral Area E Director in 1999 and has served four terms with the CRD. He served as an Alternate Director prior to 1999 as well.

Byron lived in Chimney Lake with his family; his property and his electoral area were his pride and joy. Even in his last days, Byron was talking about the Regional District and the topics discussed at the Board table.

Byron worked in many capacities in the education field throughout the Cariboo. He was vice principal at Anne Stevenson Junior Secondary School in the 1970s; he taught at the school in Big Creek; and he was principal at both the Chimney Creek and Glendale schools. Byron was instrumental in starting the year-round schooling program at Glendale and he founded the Williams Lake rugby club.

Byron also was a school counsellor at Thompson Rivers University in Williams Lake. He helped train many student teachers through the university as well.

“Byron’s dedication and commitment to his electoral area and the broader community is an inspiration,” says CRD Chair Margo Wagner. “He leaves behind a tremendous legacy and big shoes to fill.”

Melynda Neufeld, the Alternate Director for Area E, is stepping in as the Director for the area ahead of the local government elections this fall.

NDIT/Ottawa commits $480K for First Nations Government Internship program extension

Courtesy of the Northern Development Initiative Trust:

A pilot project that supports First Nations government internships in northern B.C. just received a significant boost thanks to a partnership between Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Government of Canada.

The Trust and the Department of Indigenous Services Canada have together committed $480,000 over the next three years to support First Nations Government Internships for First Nations and tribal councils located within the Trust’s service area.

The program is modeled after the Trust’s successful Local Government Internship Program, and will see four 12-month internships available each year in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The internships pay the equivalent of $40,000 per year, and offer recent university graduates an opportunity to pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers in band or First Nations government administration.

The pilot project was launched in 2017 between the Trust and Indigenous Services Canada and saw three interns successfully placed in host communities that included the Kitselas First Nation near Terrace, Skidegate Band Council on Haida Gwaii and the Tsilhqot’in National Government in Williams Lake.

The goal of the program is to boost capacity in First Nations communities, support administrative excellence and create rewarding career opportunities for indigenous youth.

The program meets one of the Trust’s strategic goals to support investments in indigenous communities, and represents a 50-50 partnership between the Trust and Indigenous Services Canada, with each organization committing $240,000 to the project over the next three years.

Applications for interested intern candidates and host First Nations communities are now available on the Trust’s website at https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/first-nations-government-internship/

Gerald Wesley, Vice Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust said:

I am pleased that Canada will work with Northern Development in support of building capacity and valuable experience for first nations within our area. This initiative will provide opportunity for talented graduates to experience and contribute to important community and area requirements both during their internship and beyond

While the Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada went on to say:

The Government of Canada is proud to support the First Nations Government Internships program that provides First Nations youth with the tools and experience they need to launch their careers. I am pleased to see this program extended for the next three years, and look forward to the continued success it brings for both First Nations youth, and the participating communities

Snow Removal in Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

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

I spent some time in Kelowna during the Christmas holidays, as my children are taking their post-secondary education at UBCO and OK College. There was a snow event during our time there and it was interesting to experience directly how the City of Kelowna responded to this event and residents’ reaction to this response.

My kids rent a place in Upper Mission, in one of the new subdivisions built in the area that was burnt over during the 2003 wildfires. When the snow came people went out and cleared their driveways and the area of road in front of their driveway (they don’t have a sidewalk in this relatively new community). No snow plows came, but people didn’t really expect them to, as Kelowna has a large number of feeder and collector roads that require immediate attention and continuous maintenance. As long as these main roads are plowed and maintained residents are generally happy.

Over time the side streets in my kids’ neighbourhood started to get compacted and quite slick, especially on one downhill corner that leads into the subdivision. For the most part, people simply adapted their driving patterns to the road conditions and either avoided that corner or took it really slowly and carefully.

When the plows eventually came to do the side streets they put the blades down hard and deposited pretty chunky and heavily compacted snow/ice in front of everyone’s driveway. Up and down the street people simply grabbed their shovels (snow blowers were not an option for that stuff) and cleared their driveways. Individuals coming home from work to blocked driveways simply parked their vehicle on the street and grabbed a shovel. No one had the expectation that the City would clear their driveways as it is not a service the City of Kelowna offers.

Based on my experience in Kelowna (and elsewhere) I have to say that Quesnel has very high standards for snow removal. Not just for our priority roads (the main feeder and collector roads) but also for clearing and sanding our side streets and sidewalks. We also have a policy that if there is a snowfall of four or more inches, public works will clear the driveways after the plows have finished clearing the road. In order to maintain these high standards, the current Council has consistently increased the annual snow removal budget and has created a snow removal reserve to buffer any incremental costs associated with a heavy snowfall year.

Council believes that maintaining high standards for snow removal is necessary because we have an ageing population and because we want to ensure the safety of our residents as they drive and walk in our community during the winter months.

However, these high standards have led to high expectations among our residents which often leads to complaints when those standards are not or cannot be met in a timely manner. Our “new normal” for winters seems to be continuous freeze/thaw, as the temperatures swing from above to below zero on a daily basis. We now often experience freezing rain, mixed snow and rain events, and our snow tends to come in big dumps. All of this makes for very difficult conditions to sometimes meet our standards and the expectations people have of our public works crews.

I have full confidence that our public works employees and management make every effort to adhere to our snow removal standards. However, it is always up to us to drive (and walk) to the conditions and to manage our expectations of what our City crews can do in certain weather conditions. Our crews always do their best, and I hope residents will continue to respect their efforts and work with them to make sure our City is a safe place to move about in the winter.

View the City's Snow Removal Guide here

Local Gov't Leadership Academy's 2017 Chief Elected Official Forum Summary

Courtesy of the Local Government Leadership Academy:

LGLA Update 2017 CEO Forum by Steve Forseth on Scribd

Materials from the 2017 Chief Elected Officials Forum can be viewed here

WL Council-in-Committee - Jan 16th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting agenda approved/Mins of the COW Meeting held on December 12th, 2017 received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Jordan Davis, Harm Reduction Coordinator - Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and RCMP Staff-Sgt Del Byron appeared before the Committee to present the topic "Understanding the Overdose Crisis"

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

2) John Dumbrell, RPP and Rick Collins, P.Eng from Urban Systems Limited appeared before the Committee to provide a Development Cost Charges Bylaw Update - Presentation here

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Business:

1) Development Cost Charge Bylaw Update

The Committee considered a report from the Director of Development Services - click here
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the Committee recommend:

"Council receive the report on the January 16, 2018 Development Cost Charge Bylaw Update and instruct staff to host an information meeting with members of the development community and report back to the Committee of the Whole

The Committee adjourned at 8:12pm

Fuel management in Walker Valley Greenbelt

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Walker Valley - 108 Mile Ranch

Fuel management work is scheduled for the Walker Valley Greenbelt in the 108 Mile Ranch area over the next month to reduce the risk of an interface fire and remove hazardous burnt trees. The 108 Greenbelt Commission is coordinating the project with support from the Cariboo Regional District and the 108 Mile Volunteer Fire Department.

Last summer’s wildfire burned about 50 hectares of forest on the far side of the Walker Valley Greenbelt near Tatton Station Road. Many of the burned trees are still standing and have become a danger. Not only are they weakened and at risk of falling, those that survived may attract bark beetles, which could spread to other healthy trees in the greenbelt or other forested areas in the community. This work will remove the hazard and help prevent the potential impact of bark beetles.

Further, the forested area on the west side of Walker Valley will be selectively thinned by an average of 40 per cent in order to restore the forest density to its historic norm. This is a continuation of the Fire Smart fuel management work undertaken in recent years in greenbelt areas throughout the 108 Mile Ranch area.

“This work is necessary and timely for our community following the 2017 wildfires. It is important we take steps to protect our community and the health of our forests,” comments Electoral Area G Director Al Richmond. “One of our 2018 business plan goals is to assess the fire-impacted areas of the greenbelt to determine if rehabilitation activities or further fire prevention measures are necessary. This is one of the steps forward in that regard.”

Work is expected to begin shortly and will take four to six weeks to complete. During that time, the public is asked to stay out of this area – including the old logging road. There will be active logging underway with trucks and equipment going back and forth from Tatton Station Road. Please stay safe by staying clear of the area.

The attached map outlines the approximate area where logging will occur.

Inevitably, there will be noise from the logging operations, especially for those living close to Walker Valley. Work will begin as early as 5 a.m.

“On behalf of the 108 Greenbelt Commission, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience. The contractor will complete his work as quickly as he can,” says Ron Soeder, 108 Greenbelt Commission Chair.

The 108 Greenbelt Service was established by the Cariboo Regional District in 1996 to provide for the management of the 108 Greenbelt lands, which cover approximately 575 hectares throughout the 108 Mile Ranch community, and provide opportunities for public recreation. The property is held under title by the CRD and managed by the 108 Greenbelt Commission whose members are appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the Electoral Area G Director.

New funding programs to drive innovation/economic priorities in BC North

Courtesy of the Northern Development Initiative Trust:

Northern Development Initiative Trust announced two new funding programs today that will support innovation projects in traditional northern B.C. industries and key community-based strategic economic priorities. The Northern Industries Innovation Fund and the Strategic Initiatives Fund will provide up to $1.65 million annually in grant funding for projects throughout central and northern B.C.

These funds are part of the Trust’s ongoing response to mitigate the economic impact of the mountain pine beetle epidemic, with priority given to projects within the regions and communities most impacted by the pine beetle and decreasing timber supply.

Northern Industries Innovation Fund

Following the success of the Forest Innovation Fund, Northern Development has restructured the program with a commitment of up to $750,000 annually to create the Northern Industries Innovation Fund and support innovation projects across a variety of northern industries.

The Northern Industries Innovation Fund will provide rebate funding up to $50,000 to a maximum of 50% of a project’s budget for small and medium enterprises deploying innovative technologies in industries such as mining, energy, agriculture, aquaculture and forestry.

By supporting applied research, the development of new or improved products /services and the testing of innovative equipment or technologies, the program will help the northern B.C. businesses improve their competitiveness, generate incremental revenue and create jobs.

Eligible companies must be privately owned, incorporated, have less than 500 employees, revenues less than $100 million and be operating within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the annual allocation for the fund is exhausted.

For more information visit www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/northern-industries-innovation-fund

Strategic Initiatives Fund

The Strategic Initiatives Fund is a new proposal-based program that allows municipalities and First Nations to apply for grant funding to support significant projects that focus on long-term economic transformation and sustainability.

The program is supported with a $900,000 commitment from Northern Development with grant funding only limited by the annual funds allocated to the program, up to 80% of a project’s value.

The program allows Northern Development to support strategic projects that may not otherwise fit into its suite of programs, but that are large in scale, regional in impact, enhance a community or multiple communities’ ability to overcome economic challenges and will result in incremental capacity or strategic economic infrastructure within a municipality or First Nation.

Applications for the Strategic Initiatives Fund will be accepted until March 15th with funding decisions determined in April.

For more information visit www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/strategic-initiatives-fund

Joel McKay - CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust stated:

The Trust is continuing to work with its partners and communities to find new ways to mitigate the impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. These two programs will help ensure that small and medium enterprise in our core industries will have the means to innovate, and that our communities have access to funds to support transformational economic development projects.

City of Williams Lake Launches Interactive Budget Consultation Tool

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is currently preparing its 2018 budget and 2018-2022 Financial Plan, and encourages residents to provide their feedback by using a new, interactive online budgeting simulator.

This year, in addition to seeking feedback at Council meetings, the City has expanded its public engagement platform by launching this interactive tool. Residents can see how their property tax dollars are planned to be spent and provide valuable input on how they would like to see funds allocated to services and programs in our community.

The interactive online budget simulator can be found on the City’s website at

http://williamslake.citizenbudget.com

Any questions related to the City’s budget can be directed to the Finance Department at 250-392-2311

BC Red Cross's Community Partnerships/Small Business Support Programs

Last week at the Cariboo Regional District's Board Meeting -- BC Red Cross representatives provided an update to the Regional Board on the subject of the ongoing work of the Red Cross, as a result of the 2017 Summer Wildfires

For more information on the two programs that are currently ongoing (Community Partnerships/Small Business Support) - click here

In the link referred above - there is details about the two programs referenced above and contact details for Red Cross personnel to follow up

~SF

2018 CRD Provisional Budget Available

The 2018 Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Provisional Business and Financial Plans are now available for public review at http://www.cariboord.ca/services/finance/business-plans

The 2018 Cariboo Regional District Provisional Business and Financial Plans are also available at the local CRD Libraries in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House

Public feedback on the Provisional Business and Financial Plans can be provided in the following ways:

1) Email to the entire CRD Board of Directors -- mailbox@cariboord.ca

2) An individual Electoral Area Director or Municipal Director -- check for contact information at http://www.cariboord.ca/government/board-of-directors

3) Write to the CRD Board of Directors'

Cariboo Regional District
180D North 3rd Avenue
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 2A4

The 2018 Cariboo Regional District Provisional Business and Financial Plans will be fully adopted at the March 23rd, 2018 as the official 2018 Cariboo Regional District Business/Financial Plans

~SF

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

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

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 16th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Reports from the CAO/Community Grant Writer
* 2018 Grants in Aid
* Wildfire Recovery
* District of Wells Zoning and Tree Protection Bylaw No. 26, 2000 - proposed amendments to the Wells Commercial District (CW) Zoning Schedule
* Temporary Use Policy Adjustment, Bylaw No. 154, 2017 a Bylaw to amend the District of "Wells Official Community Plan Designation Bylaw No. 106, 2010"
* In-Camera Meeting, as per Section 90(1a/k - appointment/negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 16th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports
* BC Rural Dividend Program Fourth Intake – Project Development, Single Applicant, and Special Circumstances Applications (City of Quesnel)
* Skateboard Park 3D Drawings
* 2017 Façade Improvement Program Follow Up - Completed Projects
* Fraser River Foot Bridge Lighting
* 2018 Local Government Election

View the full Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, January 17th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Road, Quesnel).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, January 16th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations:

a) Jordan Davis, Harm Reduction Coordinator - Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and Constable Sam Nakatsu re Understanding the Overdose Crisis
b) John Dumbrell, RPP and Rick Collins, PEng, Urban Systems Limited re Development Cost Charges Bylaw Update

* Development Cost Charge Bylaw Update

View the full Agenda here

~SF

CRD Board Highlights - Jan 12th/18 meeting

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

Meeting called to order at 9:47am

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the CRD Board Meeting held December 15th, 2017 adopted

Delegations MOB Received and a letter be forwarded to BC Hydro requesting an update on their requested appearance before the Board

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board approved 1st/2nd readings of Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5120, 2017 (Area A)

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Quesnel Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5123, 2017 & Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5124, 2017 (Area A)

3) Following a Public Hearing, the Board gave 3rd Reading to South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5111, 2017 (Area H)

Meeting recessed at 10:25am
Meeting resumed at 10:31am

Delegations:

a) Jeff Kelly, Safeguard Training, appeared before the Board to provide a presentation with regard to effective community wildfire preparedness, planning and response plans

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Wagner, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mr. Kelly for his time/information

b) Kim Nemrava, Vice-President, Red Cross (BC/Yukon Division), Elysia Dempsey, Director, BC Fire Operations, Disaster Management, and Jon Jackson, Operations Manager, Disaster Management, from the Canadian Red Cross, appeared before the Board to provide a presentation regarding the 2017 wildfires and partnership program.

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

c) Via teleconference - Albert Nussbaum, Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch, Min. of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and other FLNRO/RD officials appeared before the Board to provide a detailed update on fire recovery progress, AAC determinations and resulting impact from this summer's wildfires

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:09pm
Meeting resumed at 12:50pm

Business, cont:

Development Services, cont:

4) The Board received the Municipalities and Cariboo Regional District Building Statistics Reports for October/November 2017

Community Services:

1) The Board approved entering into a contribution agreement with the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission Society for Community Works Funding for up to $4,700 for energy efficiency projects in relation to improvements to the electric furnace and installation of two wireless thermostat units at the McLeese Lake Community Hall

2) The Board approved partnering with the District of 100 Mile House on its application to the BC Rural Dividend for $386,986 to support upgrades to the Martin Exeter Hall and that the Regional District provide a letter supporting the partnership

Protective Services:

1) The Board agreed to renew the five year service agreement for Fire Dispatch/911 Service from the Regional District of Fraser Fort George

2) The Board agreed to amend Board Policy #2016-06B-16 to reflect removal of the required training in the fire chief and officer contracts

Communications:

1) The Board endorsed the 2018 Heritage Committee Communications Plan.

2) The Board endorsed the following 6 items in relation to the CRD's 50th Anniversary in 2018:

a) Host ‘birthday parties’ at all 15 Cariboo Regional District libraries.
-The local Electoral Area Director(s) will host the event with staff support.
-Former Directors from that Electoral Area(s) will be invited to the events.

b) Create a 50th logo to be used as part of CRD branding throughout the year and on promotional items purchased for the 50th celebrations.

c) Create a timeline with the history of the CRD, including former Directors.
d) Host an online photo contest of pictures from the Cariboo
e) Purchase 50th anniversary promotional products for giveaways
f) Create a basic float that can be used by Directors in a variety of community events and parades throughout the year

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of December 2017, in the amount of $1,876,788.47

2) The Board approved a Grant for Assistance application from the Baker Creek Community Club in the amount of $ 1,000 to be funded from the Area I Grant for Assistance fund

3) The Board referred the Grant for Assistance application from the Quesnel & District Minor Hockey to the North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for consideration

Administration:

1) The Board received a report from the Corporate Officer in relation to feasibility and ramifications of video surveillance at CRD-owned properties throughout the Cariboo

2) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of January 12th, 2018

3) The Board received items in relation to NCLGA/UBCM/FCM as follows:

a) District of West Kelowna - Request for Local Governments to Share in Cannabis Tax Revenue
b) Town of Oliver - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels
c) City of Parksville - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels
d) City of Dawson Creek - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels
e) NCLGA Board of Directors' Report - December 12th, 2017 and a letter of appreciation be forwarded to Oliver Ray, outgoing NCLGA Executive Director and wishing him the best in his future endeavours
f) Letter from BC Minister of Agriculture - 2017 UBCM Meeting

4) The Board received a letter from the office of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions in regards to Notification of Minister's Visits to the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received meeting minutes from the following Committees/Commissions':

a) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - November 14, 2017, as corrected
b) South Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - December 7, 2017
c) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - December 12, 2017
d) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - December 12, 2017

2) The Board endorsed recommendations from the above mentioned meetings, as follows:

a) Quesnel Healthier Communities Committee - Senior and Accessible Walking Program - North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (Nov 14th, 2017 meeting)

b) Scematic Design Review Martin Exeter Hall - South Cariboo Joint Committee (Dec 7th, 2017)
b) 2018 Grant for Assistance Application Allocations (CRD Areas G,H,L and District of 100 Mile House) - South Cariboo Joint Committee (Dec 7th, 2017)
c) Lease Agreement with School District #28/Parkland Elementary School - North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (Dec 12th, 2017 meeting)
d) Barlow Creek Recreation Commission/Vandalism - North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (Dec 12th, 2017 meeting)

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings & Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Central Cariboo Landfill and Transfer Station Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5126, 2018

Directors' Requests:

1) The Board received a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant in regards to 2018 Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) appointments and agreed to re-appoint Director Al Richmond to the MFA with Director Brian Coakley as Alternate

2) Late Item - At the request of Director Massier, the Board approved up to $3,500 for him to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Halifax, NS from May 31st - June 2nd, 2018 with funding being allocated from the Area 'C' Director Initiative Fund

The Board received the activity report of Chair M. Wagner, as at January 10th, 2018

At  1:27pm -- the Board went into an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90 (1a,c,j - appointment, labour and information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

At 1:36pm -- the Board resumed its public meeting

Directors' reported on their activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality

The Board adjourned at 2:13pm