Saturday, June 30, 2018

Local Gov'ts receive funding for community services

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- the District of Wells will be receiving $425,350; the City of Quesnel will be receiving $601,646; the City of Williams Lake will be receiving $592,085; the District of 100 Mile House will be receiving $372,044 and the Cariboo Regional District will be receiving $140,000

The Province is supporting local governments throughout B.C. to meet their community’s needs, and provide basic services.

Included are varied infrastructure projects, such as water and sewer upgrades, police resources and staffing, and public safety programs.

“Local governments use these grants to help provide the services, programs and infrastructure that promote safety and benefit communities throughout the Province,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These types of services are a big part of what makes living in British Columbia so great, and our government is pleased to provide these resources to continue building an even better B.C.”

The annual funding is provided through the Small Community Grant, Regional District Grant and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant programs. Local governments will receive approximately $108 million in shared funding from the provincial government to support local services and projects.

“We are pleased to share traffic-fine revenues with local governments to support their policing costs and community safety initiatives to help keep B.C. a safe place to live,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Our government is committed to continued support of local initiatives that benefit people throughout the province.”

The Small Community and Regional District Grant programs provide unconditional grants, enabling local governments to spend the funding according to their needs.

Since 2009, people in British Columbia have benefited from over $1.1 billion in funding from these three grant programs.

For a complete list of approved grants for 2018, visit -  https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Appendix_A.pdf

Quick Facts:

For 2018, the Small Community Grant, Regional District Grant and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing
Grant funding is allocated as follows:

Small- and medium-sized communities, regional districts and the Islands Trust, will receive over $54 million in Small Community Grant and Regional District Grant funding.

Communities with populations of 5,000 or greater will receive about $51 million in Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant funding.

Rural communities, and municipalities with less than 5,000 people, will receive a reduction in the provincial police tax of approximately $2 million per year, to help with policing costs.

Since 2009, the Small Community Grant and Regional District Grant programs have provided over $545 million to help address infrastructure, administration and service-delivery priorities.
Small Community Grants aid communities with populations of fewer than approximately 20,000.

Since 2009, more than $567 million has been provided, through net traffic fine revenues, to fund policing and community safety for communities with populations over 5,000.

Communities with populations of 5,000 or greater pay for policing services. Therefore, they are qualified to receive a Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant.

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

Learn More:

For more information on Small Community, Regional District and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grants, go to:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/grants-transfers

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - June 2018

In the month of June 2018 - I attended the following meetings or events:

* June 5th -- Highway 16/97 Electric Vehicle Charging Network Study/Community Energy Association's Advisory Committee

* June 11th - Cariboo RD Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting

* June 12th - Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society's Board of Directors' Meeting (as CRD Liaison)

* June 13th - Met with local media announcing my re-election bid to seek a 2nd term as the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director

* June 14th - attended unveiling of new Secwepemc (Shuswap) Artwork to be installed at Main Entrance - Cariboo Memorial Hospital.  Attended with Williams Lake City Councillors Jason Ryll and Laurie Walters

* June 15th - Participated in a facilitator's phone call for possible changes to how the Public Liaison Committee (Mt Polley) operates

* June 20th - Meetings of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus/Joint Committee

* June 21st - Meetings of Service Efficiency/Effectiveness Review Committee and Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board) along with attendance at the WL/District Chamber of Commerce General Business Meeting

* June 22nd - Meetings of CCRHD/CRD Board

* June 23rd - Attended 30th Anniversary Dinner of Wildwood VFD Fire Chief Randy Worsley

* June 26th - Mt Polley Public Liaison Committee Meeting at Likely Community Hall

* June 27th - Rural Crime Watch Meeting at McLeese Lake Community Hall along with Williams Lake RCMP Detachment Commander/Insp. Jeff Pelley & City of WL Mgr of Community Safety Dave Dickson

* June 28th - Attended MP Todd Doherty's "Town Hall Update" event along with Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and Williams Lake City Councillors Jason Ryll/Craig Smith

As to expenses submitted for the month of June 2018:

* June 5th - $354.24 for mileage from WL/PG Round Trip to attend Highway 16/97 Electric Vehicle Charging Network Study/Community Energy Association's Advisory Committee

* June 20th - $75 for Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus/Joint Committee Meetings
* June 21st - $185 for Committee of the Whole (Cariboo RD Board)
* June 22nd - $185 for CCRHD/Cariboo RD Board Meetings

~SF

Friday, June 29, 2018

92nd Annual WL Stampede starts today!

Starting this morning at 7am and ending on Monday afternoon - the 92nd annual (and famous) Williams Lake Stampede will commence along with the associated events that run concurrent with the annual Williams Lake Stampede event.  The full schedule from today - Monday, July 2nd can be viewed here

Other events are also held during the Stampede including:

1) Canada Day celebration in Boitanio Park -- click here
2) Annual Stampede Parade - click here
3) Annual "Four Directions" Festival, after the Stampede Parade -- click here

Finally - all of the local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are off next week, due to the Canada Day long weekend.  Local government meetings will resume the week of July 9th...

Enjoy the Stampede and a safe Canada Day Long Weekend!

~SF

Thursday, June 28, 2018

MP Doherty holds Town Hall in Williams Lake

Todd Doherty,
Cariboo-Prince George Member of Parliament

Earlier today - Todd Doherty who is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George held a "Town Hall Update" meeting at the Williams Lake Thompson River University Campus

15 people were in attendance including local elected officials -- Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, Williams Lake City Councillors Craig Smith/Jason Ryll and Cariboo Regional District Area 'D' Director Steve Forseth

MP Doherty provided an oral update as to his activities from Jan 2018 - present and then a question/answer period ensued.  Lots of great discussions occurred!

MP Doherty held similar Town Hall sessions in Vanderhoof, Prince George and Quesnel

MP Doherty will be attending the 92nd Williams Lake Stampede which starts tomorrow morning and goes to Monday, July 2nd

~SF

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

McLeese Lake Crime Watch Mtg

Earlier this evening from 7-8pm at the McLeese Lake Community Hall, 21 people from the McLeese Lake community come together to discuss the recent crime wave at Cuisson and McLeese Lake areas and possible solutions with WL RCMP Inspector (and Detachment Commander) Jeff Pelley and the City of Williams Lake's Manager of Community Safety - Dave Dickson

As the Cariboo Regional District Area 'D' Director - I was most pleased with the discussion that took place between Inspector Pelley/Mr. Dickson and the community members present as feedback on policing was provided and a basic outline of a Rural Crime Watch program was formed and further discussion between McLeeese Lake residents/Dave Dickson will continue to get the Rural Crime Watch program for McLeese Lake started...

I also let the community members present know about an upcoming BC Hydro capital program (Peace to Kelly Lake Capacitor Program) that BC Hydro wanted input on and gave my commitment to provide further details Thursday...

Also - I took the opportunity to personally thank the community members present for the honour/privilege to serve as their Cariboo Regional District Area Director and I would indeed be seeking re-election and this was received by way of a round of applause...

My personal thanks to all of the McLeese Lake residents' for coming out and also to Inspector Pelley/Dave Dickson for making the drive to McLeese Lake to have the discussion.  All the efforts by everyone is greatly appreciated and I know it'll be worth it, in the end

~SF

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 26th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

BC Hydro – Peace to Kelly Lake Capacitors Project
BC Hydro representatives, Mark Alexander, Project Manager, and Sabrina Locicero, Stakeholder Engagement, explained that the Peace Region currently generates over 30% of the total electricity produced in the province, however, the lines in the area are at 95% capacity and will eventually not be able to maintain voltage. The Peace to Kelly Lake Capacitors project will address transmission capacity issues from the Peace Canyon Generating Station at Hudson Hope, BC to the Kelly Lake Substation near Clinton, BC. BC Hydro is exploring three project alternatives through public engagement with First Nations and stakeholders. The final option and project scope will be announced by early 2019 with anticipated completion between 2024 – 2026. For more information please visit the BC Hyrdo website.
City of Quesnel Economic Development Transition Strategy - Draft
Randy Sunderman of Peak Solutions Consulting, presented the draft City of Quesnel Economic Development Transition Strategy (“Strategy”). The Strategy identifies long term economic development direction and actions that reflect Quesnel’s visions for future prosperity, in accordance with boarder community development goals. The Strategy also builds on the City’s Economic Development initiatives aimed at economic diversification and community well-being. The Strategy focuses on five goals:
Attract and Retain a diverse and growing population through the provision of local services, amenities, and a strong sense of place;
  1. Diversify the economic base by creating a positive business climate and encouraging innovation;
  2. Develop Quesnel as a destination for visitors with improved infrastructure, hosting capacity, and marketing;
  3. Quesnel’s brand is based on nature and this should infuse and inspire all activities undertaken in the strategy;
  4. First Nations partnerships on economic diversification and collaboration on strategic project development.
Next steps include Council approving the Strategy at a future council meeting.
City of Quesnel Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan 2018
Council has approved the City’s Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan 2018. This framework was created through citizen engagement and is the first step in the Age Friendly Designation process. Age Friendly British Columbia identifies eight key accessible, inclusive and safe features for an age friendly community: outdoor spaces/public buildings, transportation, housing, social participation/recreation, respect/social inclusion, civic participation/information, communication/information, community support/health services. Next steps include prioritizing and implementing the recommendations and sharing the plan.
Seniors’ Day – September 8, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Seniors’ Centre – FREE Breakfast & Resource Fair.
Re-Zoning to Regional Shopping Centre at 772 Rita Road
Council scheduled a Public Hearing for Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Quesnel Wells Field Project Update
Council approved continued public and First Nations engagement in the next steps of the Environmental Assessment Exemption process, seeking approval from the Environmental Assessment office to extract groundwater from City water wells.
Barkerville Brewing – Proposed outdoor seating with liquor service
Council approved the Barkerville Brewing request for a 360 ft2 outdoor seating area at 185 Davie Street on a seasonal basis and recommended review of the Outdoor Seating Bylaw by the Policy and Bylaw Committee.
2017 Annual Report
Council approved the City’s 2017 Annual Report, posted on the City website for reference - 2017 Annual Report. A snapshot of the City of Quesnel, this report provides an organizational overview, including the Strategic Plan, Vision and Mission, 2017 Highlights, Financial Statements and 2017 Permissive Tax Exemptions, Councillors and Council Committees, and messages from the Mayor and City Manager.
Transit Service Hours
Council approved allocation of approximately 200 additional service hours to the Quesnel Transit schedule in a proactive approach to better serve the student population, following QJS relocation to Maple Drive. This change will enable students from QJS and Correlieu to use Quesnel Transit after school to reach jobs and extracurricular activities.
Pinecrest Water Trunk Main
The City was successful in obtaining the Clean Water and Wastewater grant funding for Pinecrest reservoir and booster upgrades. Significant work is already underway and, following a tender process, a contract for water trunk main installation has been awarded to Canadian Western Mechanical.
Funding for Forestry Initiatives
Following the 2017 wildfires, the City of Quesnel has been working on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan to find solutions to fuel management concerns in the areas surrounding Quesnel. To continue this valuable work, Council approved the use of up to $20,000 from the Wildfire Recovery Reserve to further forestry initiatives.
Bylaw of the Month – Water Sprinkling/Irrigation Restrictions
There is a $50 fine when watering properties outside of restriction days/times that is in effect annually from May 15 to September 30. Even numbered addresses must water on even numbered days and odd numbered addresses must water on odd numbered days between 6 – 10 am and 7 – 11 pm daily. Council may further restrict watering times/days should the need arise. Bylaw Enforcement Staff will be out during the month of July to strategically educate/enforce water restrictions throughout the community.
Bylaws
1856 – A Bylaw to amend the City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1662 [Regional shopping centre at 772 Rita Road] – First and Second Readings
Next Meetings
5:30 pm, July 10 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee
7 pm, July 24 – Regular Council Meeting

Crime and Punishment

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

This week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

My vehicle has been broken into three times since I moved to Quesnel in 1985. I’ve also had two vehicles stolen. 
The first time my vehicle was broken into was a smash and grab in Vancouver, right in front of a hotel’s valet desk. The second theft occurred at a Marina in Victoria when the thieves punched out the keyhole and stole a ton of electronics I had lazily left in my truck the evening before. The third occurred in Kelowna just prior to Christmas last year in a video-monitored parking lot within moments of my arrival in the City; my truck was one of many vehicles targeted by a smash and grab crew that went through Kelowna’s downtown core that morning.
In the late 1980s my Jeep was stolen off the lift at a local service station and was found burned and smashed down an embankment off the Nazko Highway. In the early 1990s, my Ford Focus wagon was stolen from my driveway and recovered a few blocks away with no damage and only a few items stolen. The theft of the Focus was part of a rash of vehicle robberies that occurred over a few weeks in the Southills area at that time.
My point is that property crime occurs everywhere and has been going on for a very long time – it is not a phenomenon unique to Quesnel nor to this particular moment. 
This is not to say we should simply accept the property crime currently going on in the City, nor to suggest we are not experiencing an increased incidence in this predominantly drug-related criminal activity. These criminals should be caught and prosecuted, no matter what the underlying issues are that led them to steal from other people to feed their addiction.
But, saying that we ought to “catch these people and throw them in jail” is a lot easier than actually catching them in the act, making an ironclad case against them that can be successfully prosecuted, getting the case in front of a judge in a timely manner, getting a conviction that is commensurate with the crime, and incarcerating these individuals in a manner that doesn’t simply enable them to learn to be better criminals when they are released (which is often sooner than later for minor property crimes).
We do not have sufficient RCMP resources to have a police presence in every neighbourhood, never mind every street corner as some people suggest, in order to prevent crime. And, we live in a land of laws designed to protect all citizens from the vagaries of the justice system, which requires the police to provide solid, evidence-based cases against anyone they charge, even repeat offenders and even against people caught “red-handed.” The requirement for prosecutable evidence is a hugely resource demanding process for the most minor of infractions and more so for major crimes and criminal activity, like busting known drug houses.
Quesnel City Council is very much aware of the current increase in property crime in the City, and we are just as angry and frustrated as the direct and indirect victims of this assault on the safety and security of our community. We are taking steps to address the issue, but we have very limited ability to direct influence the situation and make the changes needed to quickly remedy it. Those tools are in the domain of the Provincial and Federal governments, to which we have written a letter outlining our need. Read the letter here.
While we make every effort to get the resources we need to catch and prosecute the criminals in our community, please take every measure to protect your property by locking your homes and vehicles, not leaving any valuables in plain sight, and reporting any incidents to the RCMP as soon as they occur.


Tuesday, June 26, 2018

WL Council Highlights - June 26th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting Agenda, as amended, adopted.  Mins of the WL Council Meeting held June 12th, 2018

Presentation:

"Accessibility Award of Merit" Presentation to the United Church

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings dated May 24, June 14 and 18, 2018

2) Council ratified an email poll authorizing a letter of support for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139's New Horizon Government Grants funding application toward the replacement and updating of the Legion's kitchen equipment

3) After one person (John Pickford) spoke to the 2017 City of Williams Lake Annual Report  -- Council received/approved the 2017 City of Williams Lake Annual Report

4) Council gave second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2272, as amended, (Managing Legal Cannabis) and Staff were directed to issue public notice of the proposed Bylaw and a Public Hearing be scheduled for September 18, 2018 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall

5) Council approved the lease agreement with the Williams Lake Association for Community Living for the use of eleven (11) parking spaces in the City-owned parking lot located at 213 Proctor Street for a twenty (20) year term for a one-time payment of $15,820, based on an annual rental fee of $791, with all legal fees and costs associated with land title registration to be borne by the proponent (Williams Lake Association for Community Living)

6) Council endorsed 3 Recommendations from its' General Governance Committee, as follows:

a) That pursuant to General Governance Committee Report #01-2018, Ms. Smith be thanked for her input regarding the BC Transit bus shelter and bench locations in Williams Lake and advised that pending a decision on the new transit exchange location in 2020, as part of the next transit route review, all current bus shelter locations will be revisited and evaluated at that time

b) That pursuant to General Governance Committee Report #02-2018 and the report of the Local Government Intern dated June 4, 2018, Council request Staff to prepare administrative updates to the Development Procedures Manual and change the maximum time limit for completing requirements of Subdivision Preliminary Layout Approvals from one (1) to two (2) years; and further, that the Preliminary Subdivision Review Applications Time Frame Council Policy No. 153 be repealed.

c) That pursuant to General Governance Committee Report #03-2018 and the report of the Local Government Intern dated May 22, 2018, Staff be directed to prepare an amendment to the Development Procedures Manual outlining a formal procedure for closing or extending all inactive development applications, allowing for an initial one-year time frame to complete all works associated with an application, with two additional 6-month extensions subject to Council approval; and further, the report be brought back to Council for consideration

7) Council received Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw and Zoning Amendment Bylaw Applications - Bylaw No. 2282 and 2283 - Wise Creek Developments Ltd. - 1946 Broadway Avenue South and directed Staff to hold a Public Consultation on July 24, 2018 at 5:00 pm and to refer this application to the Cariboo Regional District, the Board of Education - School District No. 27, local First Nations Groups, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources, and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

8) Council agreed to support the request of the Cariboo Piecemakers Quilt Club to install a semi-permanent storage shed next to the Williams Lake Curling Club, provided the shed is well maintained and any damage or vandalism is quickly dealt with by the Quilt Club, and that the structure meets all associated requirements of the Building and Fire Inspectors

9) Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2277, 2018 - Harold & Anna Redekop (1411 Borland Rd) and Freedom of Information Bylaw No. 2235, 2018

10 Council endorsed recommendations from its' June 20th Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to the Committee of Whole Council Report #20-2018, Council endorse the RC (Remote Control) Race Track to be located in Boitanio Park and allocate up to 50% of the approximate $10,000 required for the installation of water and electrical services to the site from the 2018 budget, subject to the proponent contributing the other 50%, entering into an onging maintenance contract with the City, providing proof of liability insurance with the City listed as 'additional insured', and committing to carry out reclamation of the site should the track cease operation or the agreement lapse

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #21-2018 and the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated April 24, 2018, Council consider the Airport Improvement Fees proposal and direct Staff to prepare the following bylaws for Council’s consideration:

i) An amendment to “City of Williams Lake Regional Airport Fees Bylaw No. 2161” toimplement the equivalent of a $10 Airport Improvement Fee to be charged per passenger onregularly scheduled commercial air service and as proportional addition to the Terminal Feecharges for all scheduled charter flights (as a standalone fee or AIF addition to the fees already charged);

ii) A short-term capital borrowing bylaw to borrow funds for the Airport Road rehabilitation project in 2019, to be repaid from the proposed Airport Improvement Fees.

On Item 10b(ii) - Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

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

Councillor S. Zacharias declared a perceived conflict of interest on the next item and left Council Chambers at 6:58pm

c) That pursuant to the Committee of the Whole Council Report #22-2018, the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated May 2, 2018 be received and the revitalization area boundary for the proposed Central Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw include all industrial-zoned properties (M-1 and M-2 zones) on the West side of Williams Lake Creek, as identified on the Schedule "B" map

On Item 10(c) - Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Ryll, Smith, and Walters
Negative - Councillor S. Nelson

Councillor S. Zacharias returned to the meeting at 7:01pm

d) That pursuant to the Committee of Whole Council Report #23-2018 and the report of Councillor Ryll dated June 12, 2018, Council approve submission of the following resolution, as amended, for consideration at the 2018 Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention:

WHEREAS British Columbia has experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires throughout many communities on the province, with this trend expected to continue;

AND WHEREAS FireSmart initiatives help ensure the protection of homes, public safety, and forest;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the Provincial/Federal governments and the Insurance Bureau of Canada to provide incentive options for property owners and agricultural land owners to reduce the amount of forest fire fuel on privately-owned land through one or multiple options, including: reduced home insurance rates upon certification of adequate "fire smart" status; a tax rebate in correlation to the amount of fibre removed from the property to achieve "fire smart" status; and/or a reduction in property tax rates once certification of "fire smart" status is achieved.

e) That pursuant to the Committee of Whole Council Report #24-2018, the revenue from the Community Forest be placed in reserve with Staff to bring forward to Council how the revenue can be managed in future years.

11) Council approved the 7th Annual Soap Box Derby and related Road Closure on Thursday, July 12, 2018

12) Council approved the WL Boys/Girls Club's Annual Family Street Party 2018 on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

13) Late Item -- Council received the letter from Wise Creek Developments Ltd. and Macon Construction Ltd. dated June 25, 2018 requesting the proposed parkland boundary realignment and disposition for the subject property located adjacent to 1946 Broadway Avenue South, and directed Staff to initiate the parkland boundary realignment process and bring forward a parkland disposition bylaw for Council consideration

14) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of June 26th, 2018

* June 2018 - CCCTA's Gold Rush Trail App Poster (click here)

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Media Question Period -- No questions

Council adjourned at 7:30pm and after a brief recess, Council resumed its recessed In-Camera Meeting being held as per Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Wildwood pays tribute to its Fire Chief on his 30th Anniversary of Public Service



Last night, the community of Wildwood - an unincorporated community of roughly 100 residents about 10 mins north of Williams Lake in Electoral Area 'D' of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) held a thank you dinner and paid tribute/honour to Randy Worsley, currently the Fire Chief of the Wildwood VFD, 1 of 14 VFD's operated by the CRD.  This is Chief Worsley's 30th anniversary with the Wildwood VFD whose history goes back to 1985, some 33 years ago

After a well appointed dinner of steak, hot dogs (for the kids), salads and corn on the cob and desert.  Many speeches and gifts were presented in honour of Chief Worsley including:

* Wildwood VFD Deputy Chief Brad Elliot
* Wildwood VFD Assistant Chief Sabrina Dyok
* Reps from the Wildwood Community Association
* Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director Steve Forseth

For my part -- I presented on behalf of the Regional District, Chief Worsley his 30th Anniversary Axe and a plaque recognizing his long years of service (30).  I also paid tribute to his family for being so giving of their husband, father, brother and uncle to the community of Wildwood.

In his reply -- Chief Worsley thanked everyone/his family for coming out this evening and praised his department for being one of the best he's had the pleasure of serving on and then the entire Department lined up to shake their Fire Chief's hand and thank him individually

I'm sure I would speak for the entire community of Wildwood by simply saying Thank You for your selfless service, Randy Worsley, to the community of Wildwood.  It is greatly appreciated...

~SF


Saturday, June 23, 2018

New BC/TNG Agreements underlines "Spirit of Cooperation"

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Five new agreements between British Columbia and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will provide greater clarity and certainty on activities in the Tŝilhqot’in Declared Title area in the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory.

“The landmark Tŝilhqot’in Decision in 2014 raised a range of unique and complex questions that we are working with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government to address as we move forward together to implement the Supreme Court’s decision,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “These agreements highlight the continued collaboration between our two governments, to provide more certainty and clarity around governance of activities on the Tŝilhqot’in territory.”

The agreements recognize the importance of economic and recreational opportunities within the Title area, setting out how certain activities will be managed together between the two governments. This is being done while the Province and Tŝilhqot’in Nation continue to work together, to create longer-term certainty for the benefit of the Tŝilhqot’in people, and those who live and work in the region. The agreements represent a key step in balancing ongoing activities on the land, with increasing governing capacity by the Tŝilhqot’in National Government.

“These temporary authorizations allow specific activities to occur within our Title land that benefit local residents, visitors, and businesses. We have a long way to go still, and hope that a rejuvenated focus can be placed on meeting the basic needs of our community, our families, and our children,” said Chief Jimmy Lulua of Xeni Gwet’in.

“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is looking for ways to provide certainty in the short term while working out long-term solutions,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. “Unexpected delays and changes in government have been challenging but we expect once certainty is established for community members and others that we can fully address the needs of our future.”

The five new agreements are designed as an important step forward in the management of the Title area, over the next two years, for the following activities:

Access and authorization for commercial and residential recreation licences, leases and permits, previously issued to third parties by the provincial government;
Access for licensed angling guides, and authorization for angling activities;
Access for registered trappers, and authorization for trapping activities;
Management and continued public use, and commercial use under permit, for the provincial protected areas, Ts’ilʔos Park, Nunsti Park and the Cardiff Mountain Ecological Reserve; and
Continued operation and use of previously established recreation sites in areas within the Title area.
The B.C. government and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government are working in partnership on the implementation of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision under the Nenqay Deni Accord, signed in 2016. The accord outlines eight pillars of reconciliation including Tŝilhqot’in language and culture, children and families, healthy communities, justice, education and training, lands and resources and economic development.

Quick Facts:

The 2014 Tŝilhqot’in Decision made by the Supreme Court of Canada was the first declaration of Aboriginal title by the courts in Canada.
The Nenqay Deni Accord was signed Feb. 11, 2016, as a framework for government-to-government negotiations between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Province of B.C.
In October 2017, the Province and Tŝilhqot’in Nation signed a letter of commitment to ensure key components of the accord are turned into action. They reaffirmed the work under the terms of the accord, and that both parties will work together to make progress on the eight ‘pillars of reconciliation’ underpinning their work.

Learn More:

Nenqay Deni Accord: www.tsilhqotin.ca/Portals/0/PDFs/Nenqay_Deni_Accord.pdf

Tŝilhqot’in National Government: http://www.tsilhqotin.ca/

EMBC provides emergency and social services training for First Nations communities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- most pleased to see this for my Indigenous neighbour - Xat'sull First Nations (Soda Creek/Deep Creek Indian Band)

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and the Justice Institute of British Columbia are working with 11 First Nations communities to develop relevant and effective emergency management training, based on the unique needs of First Nations.

This pilot project is a result of a service agreement between EMBC and Indigenous Services Canada that enables EMBC to provide the Province’s emergency management support services to First Nations communities in B.C.

“2017 was the worst wildfire season in 100 years, and many First Nations communities were particularly hard-hit,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This training will help build skills that enhance the capacity of First Nations communities to respond to large scale emergencies in their area, and support community members with emergency social services.”

“The emergency management pilot workshop and information session was helpful in showing us our weakness, but most of all highlighted our strengths as a community, giving us a clearer direction on where we want to be as a community in terms of emergency management,” said Norman Alexis, Tl'azt'en Nation emergency program co-ordinator.

“Our government is committed to building emergency preparedness and response capacity within First Nations communities,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “Through this partnership, we will support the development of critical emergency management and social services training in First Nations communities throughout our province, to ensure they have the tools they need to take action in the event of an emergency.”

A portion of the funding has been provided through the Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund. This includes funding to support the participation of eight communities in the northeast that have indicated an interest and need for emergency social services training.

“In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, we all want our families to be safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “This service agreement provides an important framework for partners to work together, so that First Nations communities get the emergency management training they need to be proactive and save lives.”

This emergency management training project is one of many areas where the Province is advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The Province’s focus on building a true and lasting vision of reconciliation is anchored by a cross-government commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and case law.

The provincial government is making significant new investments in Indigenous priorities and reconciliation. More than $250 million is being allocated over the next three years in the areas of affordable housing, language revitalization, child care, mental health and addictions, reducing poverty, improving access to justice, skills training, emergency management and revitalizing the environmental assessment process.

Quick Facts:

Emergency Management BC is responsible for developing provincial-level exercises that test British Columbia’s disaster readiness.
During the 2017 freshet and wildfire events, EMBC established strong relationships with a number of First Nations communities through its regional offices, and through engagement sessions that involved in-field outreach. In addition, EMBC regional staff gained insight into the unique and specific needs of the communities in their regions. Their input influenced the selection of participants for the pilot project and emergency social services (ESS) training.
The Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund aligns with both the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliations Commission’s Calls to Action.

Learn More:

Emergency Management BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc

Justice Institute of British Columbia: http://www.jibc.ca/

BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

For flood-related information, evacuation alerts and orders, visit: http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

Or follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC

Indigenous Services Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada.html

Backgrounder:

During the 2017 B.C. freshet and wildfire events, EMBC established strong relationships with a number of First Nations communities, and gained insight to their unique and specific needs. This insight helped prioritizing participant selection for the pilot project and ESS training.

The pilot emergency management workshops will be targeted to seven communities:

Tl’azt’en Nation
Gitxaala Nation
Squamish First Nation
Shuswap Band
‘Namgis First Nation
Xat’sull First Nation (Soda and Deep Creek)
Secwepmc Nation

Eight communities will receive ESS training:

McLeod Lake Indian Band
Blueberry River First Nations
Fort Nelson First Nation
Tl’azt’en Nation
Gitxaala Nation
Lax Kw’alaams Band
Lake Babine Nation
Squamish First Nation

The model for the pilot project and the ESS training will be in-person facilitator led, and will be comprised of guided discussion, lecture, applied learning and participant-engagement exercises in each of the 11 selected First Nations communities.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of June 25-29

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

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 26th at 6pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Ceremonial Oath of Office - Mayor-Elect John (Jay) Vermette and Councillor-Elect Dianne Andreesen & Public Addresses from same

* Delegations -- Island Mountain Arts presentation and update to Council regarding the 2018 ArtsWells Festival & Presentation by Darren McGinnis to Council regarding the proposed new playground funding for Huckleberry Daycare

* Grant-In-Aid Recipients for 2018
* Tentative appointment of Deputy Mayor(s) for the months of June to October 2018
* Select Committees Terms of Reference - Staff report
* Economic Development & Tourism Committee – recommended Terms of Reference
* Appointments - Mayor Vermette (Cariboo RD Director - District of Wells)/ Councillor Andreesen - Education, Health & Housing Portfolio
* Various Staff reports for information
* Draft 2018 UBCM Minister Meetings

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 26th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- BC Hydro/Peace to Kelly Lake Capacitors Project; City of Quesnel Economic Development Strategy
* Various Committee Reports
* Draft Letter to the Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General - Policing Issues
* Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Meeting Requests for 2018 Annual Convention
* OCP Rezone (RZ2017-16 at 772 Rita Road)
* Emergency Fire Protection Services Agreement
* Quesnel Wells Field Project Update
* Barkerville Brewing Co. - Patio Request
* City of Quesnel 2017 Annual Report
* Transit Service Hours - School District Schedule and Relocation of Quesnel Junior School
* Pinecrest Water Trunk Main (Award Contract)
* Bylaw of the Month Program - Water Sprinkling/Irrigation Regulations
* Letter from District of Wells - ArtsWells - Request for Cell Guards

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 26th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Adoption of 2017 Annual Report
* Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2272 - Managing Legal Cannabis (2nd Reading/Set Public Hearing Date of Tues, Sept 18th at 7pm)
* 3 Recommendations from General Governance Committee
* Wise Creek Developments Ltd. - 1946 Broadway Avenue South - Receive/Refer to Public Consultation Date of Tues July 24th at 7pm
* Cariboo Piecemakers Quilt Club - Request to Install Storage Shed by Curling Club
* Bylaws for Adoption -- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2277 - Harold & Anna Redekop - CS-1 to R-1 Zone for Accessory Structure to Front of Principal Dwelling - 1411 Borland Road and Freedom of Information Bylaw No. 2235
* 5 Recommendations from previously held Committee of the Whole meeting for endorsement

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education on Tuesday, June 26th at 6:30pm at Alexis Creek.  When available, the full Agenda can be viewed here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 26th at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* 2017 District of 100 Mile House Annual Report
* Request for Qualification Award – 2018 1/2 Ton Extended Cab
* For Adoption: Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1330, 2018

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - June 22nd mtg

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

The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:54am

Meeting agenda approved/Minutes of the Cariboo RD Board meeting held May 25th were received/adopted

Delegations Memo of Business was received and at the request of Director Forseth, Janice Keyes from the Community Energy Association be invited to the July 13th Board Meeting to provide an update on their Highway 16/97 EV Electrical Charger Feasibility Study

Business:

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed to support a grant application from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association/Gold Rush Trail Committee to the Northern Development Initiative for $20,000 in funding from the Marketing Initiatives Program to support their Gold Rush Trail Post-Wildfire Marketing Initiative

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of May 2018, in the amount of $2,147,141.40

2) The Board approved Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) applications, as follows:

a) Miocene Community Club - $1,000 from Area 'F' (surveillance system and installation)
b) Likely/District Volunteer Fire Department - Waive Policy and $1,000 from Area 'F' (offset the costs of oxygen tanks)
c) Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society - Waive Policy and $500 from Area 'L' (assist in costs of running the annual fishing derby on August 4th, 2018)
d) Wildwood Recreation and Community Association - $1,000 from Area 'D' (Randy Worsley’s 30 years of service to the Wildwood Fire Department)
e) Tyee Lake Community Association - Waive Policy/$1,000 from Area 'D' (2018 AGM/BBQ costs)
f) Women’s Contact Society - Waive Policy/$1,000 from Areas D, E, F, G, H (costs of hosting the “Breaking in Silence” two day conference in October 2018)

Administration:

1) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer in regards to UBCM – Call for Nominations for 2018/2019 Executive and the Board agreed to support the application of Director Forseth in his bid for a Director at Large position on the 2018-19 UBCM Executive

2) The Board agreed to provide a "no concerns" letter of support to the Canim Lake Indian Band in regards to the addition to reserve (ATR) process and the Band obtaining lands described as All of Block A of District Lot 4204 as shown on Plan EPC1218

3) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer in regards to the official results of the South Cariboo Recreation Centre Expansion Assent Vote conducted on June 9, 2018

4) The Board received a request from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities regarding a voluntary financial contribution of $1,800 plus GST to its two-year Special Advocacy Fund and agreed to deny the request

Meeting recessed at 10:51am to CCRHD Board
Meeting resumed at 11:10am

5) The Board agreed to take the lead on the submission of a grant proposal to Emotive’s Community Outreach Incentive Program on behalf of the Community Energy Association's Advisory Committee to expand charging stations for electric vehicles across Northern BC

6) The Board received the Financial Consent Calendar containing the following two items:

a) NDIT - Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrades Project Grant Disbursement
b) NDIT - North Cariboo Arena Replacement Project Grant Disbursement

7) The Board received NCLGA/UBCM/FCM Member Items, as follows:

a) City of New Westminster - Changes to the Strata Property Act
b) NCLGA - Thank you for 2018 Resolutions

8) The Board received a response letter from BC Citizen Services Minister Jinny Sims in regards to Telus' Enhanced Broadband Connectivity Applications to Connect to Innovate Program and that a letter be forwarded to the federal Minister of Economic Development imploring the necessity of this program for rural broadband internet

9) The Board received a letter from Director Wendy Booth, President of the Union of BC Municipalities, dated June 1, 2018, regarding NCLGA endorsement of the CRD 2018 resolutions

10) The Board received a letter from S. Russell, Executive Correspondence Officer for the Office of the Prime Minister, dated May 28, 2018, regarding funding for City of Quesnel to establish a Chilcotin War Chiefs Historical Site

11) The Board received a letter from the Honourable Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, dated June 15, 2018, acknowledging receipt of the CRD's Special Circumstances submission for the construction of an Animal Hosting Facility in Quesnel

12) The Board received a letter from the Honourable Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, dated June 15, 2018, regarding the financial burden for agricultural dam owners due to costs associated with dam safety requirements and that the letter be forwarded to the Cariboo/BC Cattlemen Associations'

13) The Board received a letter from the Honourable Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, dated June 15, 2018, acknowledging receipt of the CRD's Special Circumstances submission for the Ski Trail Lighting Project at 100 Mile Nordics Ski Facility

Meeting recessed at 11:25am
Meeting resumed at 11:30am

Delegation:

Sabrina Locicero, Mark Alexander and Jeff Walker from BC Hydro appeared before the Board to discuss the Peace to Kelly Lake Capacitors Project

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Meeting recessed for lunch at 11:57am
Meeting resumed at 12:40pm

At 12:40pm -- the Board convened an In-Camera Meeting under the provisions of Sections 90(1c,e,i,k - labour, land, legal advice protected by solicitor-client privilege and negotiations) of the Community Charter

At 2:10pm -- the Board resumed its public meeting

Business, cont:

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received the Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) 2017 Wildfire Reports Recommendations

2) The Board received the Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Minutes of May 1st, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) 2017 Wildfire and 2014 Mnt Polley Reports Recommendations

3) The Board received the North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Minutes of May 22nd, 2018

4) The Board received the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) West Fraser Centre - Liquor Primary License Application
b) West Fraser Centre Banner and Memorabilia

5) The Board received the Policy Committee Meeting Minutes of May 24th, 2018

6) The Board received the Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) George Abbott 2017 Flood and Wildfire Report - Letter of Disappointment.  Refer back to Committee

b) 2017 Wildfire Reports Recommendations

7) The Board received the Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
b) 2017 Wildfire Reports Recommendations

8) The Board received the South Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Minutes of June 11th, 2018 and endorsed the following from that meeting:

a) Preliminary Results - South Cariboo Recreation Centre Expansion Assent Vote/Next Steps

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 5149, 2018
2) The Board adopted both Benjamin Water Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5127, 2018 and Benjamin Water Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5128, 2018

Directors' Items:

1) The Board received an "information only" memorandum from Director S. Forseth concerning his participation at the June 5th Community Energy Association Advisory Committee Meeting held in Prince George, BC

2) At the request of Director J. Sorley -- The Board waived policy and authorized funding from the Area 'F' Director Initiative Fund in regards to supply an official bulletin board in Horsefly, which will be mounted on the community hall

3) At the request of Director S. Forseth -- the Board waived policy/authorized funding from the Area 'D' Director Initiative Fund in regards to installation of three community bulletin boards in McLeese Lake in the amount of $1,000

4) The Board received a request of Director B. Coakley in regards to expanding operating hours at the 100 Mile House Library to include Mondays and the request be referred for Staff for a report back to the Board

5) The Board received a report of Director J. Sorley concerning her participation in a June 1st meeting with the BC Red Cross

6) The Board received a report of the Vice-Chair concerning his participation in the recently held Fraser Basin Council Board meeting held in the Fraser Valley...

The Board received written activity reports from the CAO and the Chair

Directors' Roundtable:

At the request of Director Forseth -- the Board appointed Kathy Rourke/Torey Lee of McLeese Lake to the Area 'D' Advisory Planning Commission

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

The Board adjourned at 3:09pm


CCRHD Board Highlights - June 22nd mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, M. Wagner, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, B. Kuch, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and S. Watson

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda approved/Minutes of the CCRHD Board held May 25th were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board received the Delegations Memorandum of Business

2) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar, as of June 22nd, 2018

3) The Board received a letter from Lil Milani, Capital Finance Coordinator for Northern Health, dated May 29, 2018, and attached Capital Status reports for the Final Quarter of 2017/2018

4) The Board received a report of the CFO concerning a request for the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District to provide funding to the West Chilcotin Health Care Society to cover the annual cost of maintenance for AEDs along the Highway 20 corridor, that the request be denied and that a letter be forwarded to the BC Heart/Stroke Foundation asking it fund the maintenance for AED's that it issues

5) The Board received a report of the CFO concerning a request for the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District to provide funding to the West Chilcotin Health Care Society to cover the cost of initial planning requirements for a proposed new West Chilcotin Health Centre in Tatla Lake and ask the Society to discuss its' proposal with Interior Health prior to consideration of CCRHD Capital Funding of 40%

6) The Board received a report of the CFO concerning a request for funding of 40% ($4,659.20) of the total cost ($11,648.00) for the West Chilcotin Health Care Society’s purchase of Point of Care Testing equipment and agreed to the request with funding to come from the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Foundation Partnership Grants program

7) The Board received Press Releases as follows:

a) Interior Health - Secwepemc Art Unveiling
b) Interior Health - Secwepemc Artwork Signifies Culturally Safe Welcome at Cariboo Sites
c) Northern Health - Board Highlights and IMAGINE Grant Details

8) The Board received the Interior Health Authority's Capital Projects and Planning Status Report for May 2018

The Chair advised of his attendance at the recently held Nazko Health Fair

Meeting recessed at 9:54am
Meeting resumed at 11:00am

Delegation:

Susan Paulsen, Healthcare Recruitment Coordinator, appeared before the Board to provide an update on recruitment and retention activities in Quesnel

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Paulsen for her time/information

The Board adjourned at 11:10am

Jillian Merrick will not seek re-election to PG City Council in Oct 2018

Yesterday evening, Jillian Merrick - a first term Prince George City Councillor announced that she will not seek re-election in October.  Read her detailed post on on her Jillian for Council website as to her reasons why here

With her announcement - Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall and Prince George City Councillors Brian Skakun, Garth Frizzell, Susan Scott and Terri McConachie have publicly committed to seeking re-election this October while their Prince George Council colleagues Frank Everitt, Albert Koehler and Murry Krause have not publicly outlined their re-election plans in October.  25 year old City of Prince George resident Kyle Sampson, on June 13th, announced his plans to seek a Prince George City Council seat in October's local elections - click here

It was a great pleasure to connect with Ms. Merrick at various local governments conferences/conventions yearly like LGLA (Local Gov't Leadership Academy), NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) and UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) and talk about all things local government.  However, I do understand/respect her reasons for not seeking re-election.  I sincerely wish her and her husband all the best in their future endeavours.  I have no doubt that Jillian will excel at whatever life puts before her, post politics...

Nomination Packages for Prince George City Council (and other local governments in BC) will be available for prospective candidates by the end of July, the formal nomination period for the 2018 Local Elections will be Tuesday, Sept 4th to Friday, September 14th, 2018 with General Voting Day on Saturday, October 20th, 2018

~SF

Thursday, June 21, 2018

CRD Board-in-Committee Highlights -- June 21st mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, B. Kuch, B. Simpson, and M. Campsall

The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00pm

Meeting Agenda adopted/Committee of the Whole Session of April 12th were received/adopted

Business:

1) In-Camera Session

At 1:02pm-- the Committee recessed its public meeting and proceeded to an In-Camera Session as per Sections 90(1)(i & k) and Section 90(2)(b) [advice protected by solicitor-client privilege/negotiations & information held in confidence between Provincial/Federal Governments and local government or information held in confidence between Provincial/Federal Governments and a 3rd Party] of the Community Charter

At 3:40pm -- the Committee resumed its public meeting

2) Grants for Assistance Policy - forwarded from the Feb 15th, 2018 CRD Board-in-Committee Meeting

The Committee had before it a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer along with Grant in Aide policies from Central Kootenay, Bulkley-Nechako and Alberni-Clayquot Regional Districts'

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the Electoral Area Directors'/Staff further discuss the matter during 2019 Budget Discussions

3) Request from Director J. Sorley (Electoral Area 'F') – Chilcotin War of 1864

Item carried forward from the May 2nd CRD Board Meeting
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That a letter be forwarded to the Provincial/Federal Governments, with a copy to the Tsilhqot'in National Government, supporting their efforts in the recent apology/exoneration of the Tsilhqot'in Chiefs in relation to the Chilcotin War of 1864

4) Elimination of Non-taxable Portion of Income for Elected Officials

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

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That a Committee be established of Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Sorley, and Cash along with appropriate Staff to work on this topic along with an appropriate communications strategy

The Committee adjourned at 4:30pm

CCACS Announces Support Grant Awards

Courtesy of the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society:

The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society (CCACS) is pleased to announce the recipients of the second intake of the Society’s pilot Support Grants program. Applications were received for new support grants for capital purchase, general programs, community-based and individual artists of up to $1000 each. The CCACS granted ten non-profit/community groups or individual artists with financial support for a total of $9950 to help further develop arts and culture in Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo (CRD Areas D, E, and F). The funding for these grants is made available from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society.

CCACS Support Grant Recipients, Pilot Intake #2, for grants to be completed by December 31, 2018:

Capital Purchase Support Grants:

· Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society ($950) – To purchase speakers, bodhran drums and sticks.

· Community Arts Council of Williams Lake and Area ($1000) – To purchase a laptop and printer.

· Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin ($1000) – To purchase collections management system computer hardware.

General Program Support Grants:

· Downtown Williams Lake ($1000) – To support ArtWalk Buskers.

· Lake City Secondary Columneetza Band Program ($1000) – To offer Freedom Arts programming with Angela Roy.

Community-Based Support Grants:

· Cariboo Gold Dance Band ($1000) – To offer a workshop and public performance.

· Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society ($1000) – To offer a public barn dance.

· Likely and District Chamber of Commerce ($1000) – To send Cedar City Museum staff to visit and learn from the Kamloops Musuem, and to obtain staff computer training.

Individual Artist Professional Development Support Grants:

· Christina Mary ($1000) – To attend a 5-day basket weaving workshop in Saskatchewan.

· Simone Buck ($1000) – To attend a 6-day painting workshop in Germany.

For further information on the CCACS’s funding programs, please visit www.centralcaribooarts.com/grants or contact CCACS Executive Director Leah Selk at 778-412-9044 or email info@centralcaribooarts.com

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Jason Ryll to seek a 2nd term on WL City Council

This afternoon -- Williams Lake City Councillor Jason Ryll announced on his Jason Ryll WL City Council Facebook page that he will seek a 2nd term as a Williams Lake City Councillor in this October's local government election - click here

With that announcement -- he joins his Williams Lake Council colleagues Mayor Walt Cobb and Councillor Craig Smith in seeking re-election while Councillors Laurie Walters/Sue Zacharias will not be seeking re-election this October.  Councillors Ivan Bonnell/Scott Nelson have yet to state their 2018 Election Plans.  SD 27 Zone 5 Trustee Dr Sheila Boehm and Williams Lake Realtor Micheal Jones have both announced that they will be seeking a Williams Lake City Council seat in the October 20th City of WL Local General Election

Nominations packages to be available for prospective candidates for Williams Lake City Council by the end of July 2018; Nomination Period from Sept 4-14, 2018 and General Voting Day for Williams Lake electors on Saturday, October 20th

~SF

CC Joint Committee Highlights - June 20th mtg

Present from CRD - Directors S. Forseth, A. Delainey, J. Sorley

Present from City of WL - Mayor W. Cobb; Councillor I. Bonnell, J. Ryll, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Meeting chaired by Mayor W. Cobb and he called the meeting to order at 5:30pm

Meeting agenda approved & Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held April 25th were received/adopted

Resolved - That a Joint CRD/City of WL letter of support be provided for Enbridge's upgrade project at 150 Mile House...

Business:

1) 2017 Arts & Culture Society Annual Report

The Committee was presented with the 2017 CC Arts/Culture Society Annual Report
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Item received

2) 2018 Arts & Culture Society 1st Quarter Report

The Committee was presented with the CC Arts/Culture Society's 2018 1st Quarter Report
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Item received

3) Central Cariboo Recreation - City/CRD Facility Management Agreement Renewal

The Committee was presented with the report from CRD Community Services Mgr D. Campbell
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to City Council/Regional Board:

"That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated June 12, 2018, regarding a proposed renewal of Central Cariboo Recreation Facility Management Agreement between the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake, be received. Further, that the agreement be renewed with the current terms and conditions for an additional five years including an annual increase in the taxation subsidy operating deficit target of 1.75% per year and the inclusion of the parking lot expansion area, and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the renewal agreement"

4) Esler Recreation Advisory Commission - 2018 Spring Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

The Committee was presented with the report from CRD Community Services Mgr D. Campbell
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

"That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated June 1, 2018, and attached minutes from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 10, 2018, be received. Further, that the following recommendations from the Commission be considered for endorsement:

i) that the proposed capital projects for Minor Fastball, Slo-Pitch and Soccer be approved including: the Minor Fastball league will install security shutters on clubhouse storage, Slo-pitch will erect backstop fencing and Soccer will construct bleachers for spectators. Further, that $5,000 for capital projects for each user group be approved as allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services (CCRLS) budget and business plan for 2018.
ii) that the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission members for 2017 be appointed as follows: Linda Barbondy for the WL Slo-Pitch League, Brian Hansen for the WL Soccer Associations, Nick Surette for the WL Minor Fastball Association and Judy Reilander and Bruce Newbery for the Esler Community Association"

5) Action Page

The Committee was presented with its' Action Page
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Action Page received

The Committee adjourned at 6:35pm

CC Rural Caucus Highlights - June 20th mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors A. Delainey, J. Sorley and B. Anderson

Meeting called to order at 3:03pm

Meeting Agenda approved with an addition to add a Discussion Item -- CC Rural Caucus Agenda Publication

Minutes of the CC Rural Caucus Meeting held April 25th were received/approved

Delegations:

1) Carla Bullinger - Communities that Care

Ms. Bullinger appeared before Caucus to provide an update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Bullinger for her time/information

2) Insp. Jeff Pelley - Williams Lake RCMP Detachment Commander

Inspector J. Pelley appeared before Caucus to provide an update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Inspector J. Pelley for his time/information

Business:

1) Email from Thomas Schoen to Director S. Forseth in regards to road dust on Beaver Lake Rd

The Chair/Director Sorley both reported on this item
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the email from Thomas Schoen dated May 14th, be received.  Further, that a letter be sent to Transportation Minister Claire Trevena requesting more funding for maintenance of rural roads and a long term capital goal be established to pave Beaver Lake Rd and that a meeting be requested with Directors Forseth/Sorley, Chair Wagner and the CAO be requested to discuss this topic

2) Discussion Items - Caucus discussed the following with no Resolution resulting

a) Mushroom Pickers in the Wildwood Area
b) WL/Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan
c) CC Rural Caucus Agenda Publication Deadline

Caucus adjourned at 4:30pm

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 20th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

North Cariboo Sub-Regional Wildfire Recovery Plan
Erin Robinson, Wildfire Recovery Manager, presented the draft North Cariboo Sub-Regional Wildfire Recovery Plan (“Plan”) for Quesnel and area. The Plan fits into the management through the 2017 Quesnel and Surrounding Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan which dove-tails with Quesnel’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. All of these will help the community better prepare for wildfire and floods. The Plan:
  • Assesses the impacts of the 2017 summer wildfires
  • Describes how to develop and then begin early and short-term implementation of recovery actions
  • Provides recommendations for short, medium and long-term recovery actions.
The Plan’s background summary explains that full recovery is known to take years; some of the mitigation projects could easily stretch into the next decade. Further, that recovery is:
  • Social: To ensure the right resources are available to support the overall physical, mental and social well-being of economically impacted communities, municipalities, First Nations, families and individual British Columbians.
  • Economy: To nurture an environment that supports the rehabilitation of and reinvestment in disrupted economies and businesses.
  • Environment: To protect and re-establish the environment to a healthy state and mitigate long-term environmental effects and risks.
  • Infrastructure: To enable the safe and orderly restoration of damaged infrastructure within impacted areas.
The Plan will need to be updated and developed over time to reveal emergent tasks to be completed and resourced.
Next steps include the draft Plan being finalized at the June 27th Wildfire Steering Committee meeting, and on June 30th the finalized Plan will be submitted to the Provincial government for consideration.
Proposed New Public Works Facility - Update
At the June 5, 2018 Council meeting, City staff presented a report outlining that the City’s current Public Works Facility has reached the point where complete replacement is required. There are two fundamental options: to borrow the funds and build in 2020, or save the funds over the next 10 years and build in 2028. At the June 19, 2018 Council meeting, Council gave the first three bylaws readings for the Loan Authorization Bylaw and set the referendum question as:
  • “Are you in favour of the City of Quesnel adopting City of Quesnel New Public Works Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1854 of 2018 which will authorize Council to borrow a sum not exceeding eight and half millions dollars ($8,500,000), repayable over a period of no more than thirty (30) years, for the development and construction of a new Public Works Facility?”
Also presented at the June 19th Council meeting, is the City’s public engagement plan for the Public Works Facility Referendum that highlights the public engagement activities that will be carried out to inform the public prior to the referendum.
Quesnel Industrial Roads/Bridges Network – Increased Tonnage
Council has approved the request from Quesnel’s Forest industries to allow for the use of nine-axle trucks with increased tonnage to a maximum 72.3 tonnes; previously the maximum tonnage was 63.5 tonnes. This approval is for the City’s industrial road network specifically for Quesnel Hixon Road (875 meters in from Hwy 97), Finning/Carradice/Brownmiller Roads, and McLean/Rome Avenues. Council’s approval is subject to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure final approval.
Bylaws
  • 1854 – Loan Authorization Bylaw (New Public Works Facility) – First, Second and Third Readings
  • 1855 – Animal, Bird and Insect Control and Licensing Amendment Bylaw (Dog Licenses for Dog Park/ Parks/Trails) – Final Adoption
Next Meetings
  • 7 pm, June 26 – Regular Council Meeting
  • 5:30 pm, July 10 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee