Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Evacuation alert issued for two properties in Tatelkuz Lake area

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Ops Centre:

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for two properties in the Tatelkuz Lake area, which is about 131 km west of Quesnel.

See a map of the affected areas: https://bit.ly/2M4ZayF 

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare residents to evacuate their premises or property should it be required. Residents will be given as much notice as possible prior to evacuation but may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

The evacuation alert is due to the Chutanli Lake wildfire (G41607) which is estimated at 736 hectares in size. The Prince George Fire Centre is responding to this wildfire with 22 firefighters, 2 helicopters, 10 pieces of heavy equipment and 11 industry personnel. Crews may be conducting burnoff operations on the south flank of the fire, if weather conditions are favourable, and are building fuel free guards with heavy equipment. The wildfire is currently about 11 km northeast of Tatelkuz Lake, 9 km west of Chutanli Lake and 30 km southwest of Tatuk Lake.

The Cariboo Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre is working with the Prince George Fire Centre and the Cariboo Fire Centre to monitor the wildfire situation throughout the region. Currently there are no other wildfires threatening properties in the Cariboo Regional District. The EOC is prepared to respond should the situation change.

Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook page at facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca/emergency.  For more information, contact the CRD’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977 (8:00am – 8:00pm daily).

The Chutanli Lake wildfire is listed as a Wildfire of Note on bcwildfire.ca. The BC Wildfire Service will also provide wildfire updates at facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo and www.twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo.

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders:https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT 

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an evacuation order by:
  • Having a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
  • Keeping essential items readily available for a quick departure; including medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc).
  • Ensuring that any dependents are prepared for departure. 
  • Moving pets and livestock to a safe area. 
  • Ensuring that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available if required.
  • Monitoring reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook andcariboord.ca/emergency.  

Reid St Project - July 31st update

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:


Phase I sidewalks are almost all complete! Crews would like to thank the public for their patience and for not sticking their hands in the wet cement although it is tempting. Pavers are being installed throughout phase I. You can really start to see the layout and wider sidewalks.
In Phase II, crews have completed all of the water service connections and are currently completing the watermain connection at the Shepherd and Reid intersection.
Here is what Reid Street will look like once the project is complete:  http://bit.ly/2v227Kc
Take a look at our parking map to see free public parking options. http://bit.ly/2HZMQ06

Up 6 Mile/Down 9 Mile

See poster below for upcoming event at Bouchie Lake Hall -- August 7th:


Monday, July 30, 2018

Campfire Bans -- City of WL/Cariboo Fire Centre

Campfire Bans are slated to come into effect tomorrow (July 31st) at 12 noon for both the City of Wiliams Lake & Cariboo Fire Centre.  Details below:

1) City of Williams Lake

In coordination with Cariboo Fire Centre, effective at noon on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction and within The City of Williams Lake boundaries.

The campfire prohibition will remain in effect until Sept. 29, 2018, or until the public is otherwise notified. Anyone found to have a backyard fire will be subject to fines under the Williams Lake Fire Protection and Control Bylaw

2) Cariboo Fire Centre

Effective at noon on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The campfire prohibition will remain in effect until Sept. 29, 2018, or until the public is otherwise notified. A map showing the affected area is available online: http://ow.ly/GYOb30lafy9

The Cariboo Fire Centre is experiencing hot and dry weather. Although thundershowers are expected, temperatures are forecasted to remain warm. The fire danger rating in this region is generally “high”, with some pockets of “moderate” and “extreme.”

Specifically, prohibited activities will include:

an open fire of any size
stubble or grass burning of any size
the use of tiki torches and chimineas
the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
the use of sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description
the use of binary exploring targets (e.g., for target practice)
the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)

These prohibitions apply to all public and private land, unless specified otherwise (e.g., in a local government bylaw). Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

These prohibitions do not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres.

Prohibitions on Category 2 and Category 3 open burning remain in effect throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north, and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST (1 888 336-7378) or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

National Day of Recognition for Search & Rescue Teams in Canada

On June 21st of this year - Coquitlam City Councillor Teri Towner initiated a House of Commons e-Petition calling upon the Government of Canada to proclaim March 1st of each year as Search and Rescue Day to honour the living, past and present search and rescue volunteers to whom Canadians owe an immense debt of gratitude and show Canadians' collective appreciation in recognition the service provided by the search and rescue community

You can sign the e-Petition here until Friday, October 19th, 2018 and then will be presented to the House of Commons by Councillor Towner's local MP, Ron McKinnon (Lib - Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam)

My personal appreciation to Councillor Towner for her work on this great initiative and I truly hope it succeeds.

~SF

Saturday, July 28, 2018

BC Red Cross comes through for Independent Fire Depts in Cariboo-North

Earlier this week -- Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes expressed a concern about the lack of basic supplies required by independent fire departments in Cariboo-North (Horsefly, Likely, Big Lake, Tyee Lake and McLeese Lake) and their lack of revenue options.. Today, the BC Red Cross has agreed to step up and provide funding for basic supplies for the Horsefly, Likely, Big Lake, Tyee Lake and McLeese Lake independent fire departments... I should note this is, above and beyond, the usual opportunity that myself and Cariboo RD Electoral Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley have provided local grants for assistance for capital needs for these independent fire departments previously...

A BIG Thank You to Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes and her staff for their never ending efforts to get this funding from the BC Red Cross.  I am sure the communities of Horsefly, Likely, Tyee Lake, McLeese Lake and Big Lake appreciates their efforts to going to bat for their local Fire Departments...

~SF

Details:


“The Red Cross has come through with funding for rural volunteer fire departments in the Cariboo.
The organization has agreed to help with a bulk order of coveralls, helmets and gloves for the fire departments in need with $28,000 in funding, says Jackie Sarginson, administrative assistant to Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes.

“The Red Cross had a meeting with the fire commissioner and they have agreed to help,” she says.
The Red Cross will now contact the five unincorporated volunteer fire departments to get size information. Sarginson says the Red Cross must then follow channels to get three price quotes, and go from there.
“[This is a] good first step and gets us in the queue for other needs like hoses and water bladders,” MLA Oakes said via email.
“The larger equipment asks will be longer in arranging, but it is being worked on,” comments Sarginson”

Friday, July 27, 2018

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of July 30th - Aug 3rd

The District of Wells is the only local government or Board of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin to meet next week on Wednesday, August 1st at 6pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) for the purpose of a joint meeting with the Board Members of the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest Limited Company. View the meeting notice here

As for the other Local Governments or Boards of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

Quesnel Council is on summer recess until Tuesday, August 28th

Board of Education - School District #28 (Quesnel) is on summer recess until Wednesday, September 19th

Board of Education - School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) is on summer recess until Tuesday, September 25th

Williams Lake/100 Mile House Municipal Councils are both on summer recess until Tuesday, August 14th

Cariboo Regional District/Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Boards are on summer recess until Friday, August 24th

~SF

Quesnel District permitted-road deactivations

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Drivers are reminded that deactivation work of up to 500 kilometres of permit roads in BC Timber Sales operating areas throughout the Quesnel Natural Resource District begins Monday, July 30, 2018, weather permitting.

The deactivation work will be ongoing until Dec. 31, 2018, and will be carried out by crews working in the Big Valley, Charleson, Gerimi and Tibbles areas of the natural resource district.

This work includes:

removing all crossing structures and stream culverts
installing water bars and cross ditches to control erosion
seeding grass on ditches and road surfaces to control erosion
implementing access control measures

Under the Forestry Revitalization Act, the Province has a statutory responsibility to retire permit roads that are no longer in use and no longer being maintained. These roads do not impact access to designated recreation sites or main industry haul roads.

Learn More:

Quesnel Natural Resource District road safety information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information/quesnel-road-safety-information

2018 Nomination Packages available

Local Governments or Boards of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region will have either:

* already made their 2018 Nomination Packages available (Quesnel/100 Mile House)
* will make theirs available today (Cariboo Regional District/School District #28)
* will make theirs available on Monday, July 30th (City of Williams Lake)

Although nomination packages may be picked up in the days ahead, candidates are unable to file with the Chief Election Officer or their Deputy of the local government or Board of Education they are interested in running for until the time period of Tuesday, September 4th at 9am to Friday, September 14th at 4pm

The requirements to run for elected office on a local government or Board of Education is:

* Be at least 18 years of age on general voting day (October 20)
* Be a Canadian citizen
* Have been a resident of British Columbia for six months immediately prior to filing nomination documents; and
* Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law

If you work for either a local government/school district or provincial/federal governments or other employer  -- you will want to check in with your supervisor or HR person before submitting an elected office nomination for local government or School Districts #27/28  as there may be additional requirements including taking a leave from your work position and subsequently resigning from your job, if elected...

As I mentioned last week, a website to keep handy is the BC Local Gov't/School District Election Reporting System 2018 which is run by Civic Info BC.  In September, as individuals become official candidates for the Oct 20th local government/Board of Education Elections, you can monitor it there... click here

~SF

Chart of 2018 Local Gov't/Board of Education Nomination Packages Availability and Contact Info for Local Gov't/Board of Education Chief Election Officers:


Name of Local Gov’t or Board of Education 

Date when Nomination Package Available 
Name of Chief Election Officer (CEO)
CEO’s Phone Number
CEO’s Email address
Link to 2018 Local Election Website
District of Wells
Friday, July 27th
Andrew Young
250-994-3330
City of Quesnel
Tuesday July 24th
Gina Albers
250-992-2111
Board of Education -- School District #28 (Quesnel)
Friday, July 27th
Teri Stoneman
250-992-0405

Board of Education -- School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)
Unknown
Kevin Futcher
250-398-3833

City of Williams Lake
Monday, July 30th
Cindy Bouchard
250-392-2311

District of 100 Mile House
Friday, July 20th
Tammy Boulanger
250-395-2434
Cariboo Regional District 
Friday, July 27th
Alice Johnston
250-392-3351


Thursday, July 26, 2018

B.C. Air Access program grants for 2018-19

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note: for local Cariboo-Chilcotin Airports - Quesnel Regional Airport/runway lighting replacement; Anahim Lake Airport/fuel system reconfiguration and South Cariboo (108 Mile) Regional Airport/automated weather system replacement.  Both the South Cariboo Regional Airport and Anahim Lake Airports are operated as services of the Cariboo Regional District while the Quesnel Regional Airport is operated by the City of Quesnel

The British Columbia government is giving grants to 23 regional airports through the B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP) to make safety and capacity upgrades, and create a better experience for people travelling by air.

“Airports are a vital transportation link across the province and a lifeline for the many smaller communities they serve,” said the Hon. Claire Trevena, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These grants make sure airports have the support they need to make important upgrades that would otherwise be too costly.”

Past recipients, like Chetwynd Airport, have seen major improvements thanks to the support. The airport was awarded $1.3 million last year to repave its runway – a safety upgrade that was required to fix cracking pavement and halt the risk of closure.

“Funding from the B.C. Air Access Program made it possible for us to complete crucial safety upgrades at Chetwynd Airport,” said Carol Newsom, chief administrative officer with the District of Chetwynd. “There was a critical need to resurface this runway, so planes and emergency air craft could continue to land safely and our airport could remain open. We’re grateful for the long-term impact this will have on our facility and community.”

Projects can range from minor upgrades, like Bob Quinn Lake Airport’s runway vegetation management, to major advancements, like Qualicum Beach Airport’s terminal expansion. All B.C. aviation facilities can apply for funding each winter, to be awarded the following fiscal year.

“Our airports are critical for B.C. – they are the socio-economic drivers for the communities they serve, and the B.C. Air Access Program offers vital support to these heavily used facilities,” said Heather Bell, chair of the British Columbia Aviation Council. “We’re thrilled that, once again, the Province is providing this welcome funding relief that makes it possible for B.C. airports to upgrade their facilities with important improvements that will benefit the communities, staff and travellers who use them.”

Quick Facts:

BCAAP is a cost-share program that provides funding to assist communities with improvements to their aviation infrastructure. This year, the grants total over $5.3 million.

The program, now in its fourth year, has committed almost $30 million to 50 airports around the province since 2015.

BCAAP funding can cover up to 75% of the costs for airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, 50% of the costs for new infrastructure or 60% for blended projects (rehabilitation projects that include new infrastructure).

B.C. has more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes, which play a significant role in connecting communities and in supporting the B.C. economy.

While B.C. is home to 13% of Canada’s population, B.C.’s airports handle 20% of Canada’s airport traffic and nearly a quarter of all aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings).


Learn More:

For more information on the program and recipients, please visit:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

UBCM Executive Meeting Highlights - July 11-13/2018

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

Executive members met on July 11-13, 2018 in Richmond to hold their quarterly Committee and board meetings. In addition to a full complement of Committee meetings, the July Executive meeting agenda provides closure on a number of year-end matters but also establishes direction for the year ahead through the proposed annual work plan. Executive members also reviewed over 200 resolutions submitted for consideration at the 2018 Convention.

Highlights of the July 13th Executive meeting include:

received a report on the President’s activities since the last meeting.
approved a record high number of resolutions at 208 for consideration in September. See report from the Resolutions Committee.

received an update on the following policy files: Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations; Problem Vessels; New RCMP Labour Relations Regime; Legalization of Cannabis; Electronic Roadside Ticketing; Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Program; Auditor General for Local Government; The Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act; Care Home Sprinkler Safety; Farm Assessment – Medical Cannabis Grow Operations; Federal Additions to Reserve Policy; Federal Comprehensive Land Claims Policy; Emergency Program Act Review; BC Ferries; National Inquiry into Missing & Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls; Licensing of Commercial Dog & Cat Breeding; Auxiliary Program; 911 Call Answer Levy; Assessment Appeals: special use properties; Off Road Vehicle Management Framework; Natural Resource Roads Act.

received an update on housing and adopted a communications strategy to continue to articulate recommendations from UBCM’s Housing Strategy and promote evidence and research that informs a comprehensive approach to affordability.

received an update on the activities and work undertaken by the Working Group for Responsible Conduct including, and approved, the distribution of a model code of conduct and companion guide.
received a copy of UBCM’s submission to Province as part of its review of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act.

received a report from the 2018 Nominating Committee advising that the nominations process for Executive positions was underway and that the appointment of Chief and Deputy Chief Scrutineer had been completed.

received reports on the annual review of MOU and Agreements; Financial Statements for the month and year ending May 31, 2018; annual statutory compliance report; a year-end status report of the 2017-18 annual work program; and the proposed work plan for 2018-2019.
approved the Preliminary Budget for 2018-2019.

received a report on meetings with visiting Cambodian officials as part of UBCM’s International Program work through FCM.

received an update on the legalization of non-medical cannabis; including a summary of recently passed legislation and work undertaken by UBCM and the Joint Provincial-Local Government Committee on Cannabis Regulation.

received a report on the five year review of the Auditor General for Local Government.

received reports on the status of Local Government Program Services (funding programs) and a status report on the federal Gas Tax Program.

received a report on staff activities since the May meeting.

received a delegation from the Ministry of Attorney General staff on the proposal to amend the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing agreement.

approved tentative dates for 2018-2019 Executive meetings, subject to approval by the incoming Executive in September.

received a status report on UBCM’s legal assistance fund.

approved the annual allocation of $7,500 to the Board of Examiners in support of the Jeff McKelvey scholarship fund.

received a financial statement on the UBCM-FCM Small Communities Travel Fund.

received the financial report for the period ending May 31, 2018.

received a staff report on recent activities and updates for the Local Government Program Services and the Gas Tax Fund.

received a delegation from the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and discussed: Phase 2 infrastructure funding; cannabis legalization and taxation; new provincial climate action goals; the Fire Safety Act; and the report on Alternate Area Directors.
met with the First Nations Summit and renewed our Protocol on Cooperation and Communication.
Highlights of the July 12th Committee meetings:

Presidents Committee

Presidents Committee members approved recommendations for the winners of the 2018 Excellence Awards which will be presented at the 2018 Convention; received a status report on the implementation of a UBCM Convention Code of Conduct; discussed next steps with respect to the Commercial Vehicle Licencing Program; received interim report on 2018 member visits; discussed communications strategy related to housing; confirmed participation in FCM’s Towards Parity in Municipal Politics National working group; discussed the federal government’s Investing in Canada infrastructure program; and approved UBCM’s new Employee Policy and Reference Guide.

Committee members also received the financial statements; reports on staffing; UBCM investment policy; 2018 Annual Report; member services; and discussed a number of year end matters such as the preliminary budget for 2018-2019. Delegations were received from KPMG (UBCM auditors) who discussed the Audit Findings Report, and from the Municipal Pension Plan Trustees and Plan Partners.

Resolutions Committee

Mayor Sharon Gaetz, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, presented the Committee’s comments and recommendations on 208 resolutions to the Executive. She noted 205 resolutions came through the Area Associations and directly from members by the June 30 deadline. The three remaining resolutions include one Extraordinary Resolutions (ER1) and two Special Resolutions (SR1 and SR2) which are being put forward by the UBCM Executive.

The Extraordinary Resolution, ER1, addresses the handling of off-the-floor resolutions. SR1 will address cannabis tax revenue sharing; and SR2 will address the loss of Greyhound bus service across BC and throughout Western Canada.

The Executive approved comments and recommendations on the resolutions for consideration at the 2018 Convention. These resolutions will now be published in the 2018 Annual Report and Resolutions Book.

Due to the earlier UBCM Convention date, the Annual Report and Resolutions Book will be distributed first as a soft copy, via email to members; and posted to the UBCM website by the August 10 deadline. Hard copies will be distributed later in August to all elected officials and CAOs.

Mayor Gaetz also noted that Ian Izard, Q.C., the parliamentarian for the Annual Convention, provided training for the members of the Resolutions Committee. Mr. Izard reviewed the Convention Rules and Procedures for Handling Resolutions with the Committee members, and discussed techniques for supporting the flow of debate while remaining responsive to the assembly.

Convention Committee

The Committee received updates on the overall planning schedule for the upcoming Convention as well as reports on catering and sponsorship. The Committee provided comments and recommendations on the session proposals that were submitted and brought forward for Executive approval.

Environment Committee

The Environment Committee received two delegations from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. The first was on the Province’s work on the Species at Risk legislation and the Species and Ecosystems at Risk Charter. The second was on provincial initiatives on spill planning and preparedness.

The Committee also received and discussed a report on BC’s Environmental Assessment Revitalization Process, and recommended making a submission on the recently released discussion paper on the process. The Committee also received an update on provincial action on climate change, including new legislation and measures supporting the creation of a new climate change strategy. Committee action reported in the annual UBCM report was also reviewed.

Community Economic Development Committee

The Committee received reports on forestry noting that UBCM had made a submission to the BC Forest Inventory Review Panel; congratulated Vice-Chair, Councillor Brian Frenkel, on his appointment to the Private Forest Land Council; and received the Minister of Forests' response to referred resolution 2017-B66 on management and preservation of old growth forests.

The Committee also discussed the status of the BC Utilities Commission inquiry into electric vehicle charging infrastructure; reviewed the draft survey questions by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology on local economic development; agreed to provide a submission in response to the discussion paper released on the Environmental Assessment Revitalization Process; and received information on BC’s aquaculture policy and Greyhound service withdrawal.

A delegation was also received from the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, seeking local government input into BC’s Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur category in order to best promote settlement outside the major urban centres, encourage regional economic development, and ensure entrepreneurs are filling a void/need within a community, including determining that the right supports are in place within the community to assist the entrepreneur.

Healthy Communities Committee

The Committee received a delegation from the Honourable Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care and Christine Massey, ADM, Ministry of Children and Family Development. The group discussed the Universal Child Care program, including the need for flexible childcare, increased wages for early childhood educators, and the need to move child care to the Ministry of Education. The group also discussed funding streams, and the UBCM/Coalition of Child Care Advocates project on childcare in rural and remote communities.

The Committee also reviewed a request from the BC Alliance for Healthy Living to provide a financial contribution towards their advocacy. A decision was made that UBCM would provide $1500 for the 2018/2019 fiscal year.

Updates were received on the Regional Hospital District Convention session and the Emergency Medical Assistants Education Fund. Committee action reported in the annual UBCM report was also reviewed.

Community Safety Committee

Community Safety Committee members considered reports regarding changes to liquor policy; the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Agreement; the BC Flood and Wildfire Review; relevant policing activities and issues, including security requirements for the June 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit and the most recent Local Government Contract Management Committee meeting; and, the 2018 Annual Report. The Committee also discussed and considered an amended referred resolution seeking to expedite accident clearing.

Indigenous Relations Committee

The Committee discussed ongoing work towards renewing an MOU on communications and consultation on Indigenous policy and initiatives with the Province, as well as the renewal of a Protocol on Cooperation and Communication with the First Nations Summit. The Committee also received information on the Draft Principles on the Province of British Columbia’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Quesnel Council Highlights - July 24th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

City of Quesnel - Wayfinding Strategy
Andrew Thompstone, Senior Project Manager for The Cygnus Design Group, provided an overview of theCity’s Wayfinding Strategy that includes designs of signage, utilizing the City’s new brand, that would assist pedestrians and/or vehicle traffic to locate various destinations/sites in all four major zones (North Quesnel, South Quesnel, West Quesnel and Downtown Quesnel) of the City. The Wayfinding Strategy includes designs for main community gateways, minor community gateways, major and minor parks, neighbourhood entrances, trailheads and trails, that are scaled to be easily read by both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Council approved the Wayfinding Strategy capital project, and requested that this capital project be expedited to the 2018 budget process, as well as, included in the City’s Five Year Financial Plan.
Crime Prevention Alternatives
Three options for dealing with community crime have been identified and Council has approved funding for these three different community crime prevention options:
  • Community Crime Assessment – is a high level assessment that produces an action list to reduce community crime and disorder tensions in the community overall.
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Assessments – provides site specific assessments of the physical environment, providing recommendations to on modifying spaces to reduce criminal and unwanted behaviours.
  • Training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – is a best practice to:
    • Ensure sites are developed using good design principles to reduce crime
    • Identify changes to areas that are experiencing unwanted behaviours
    • Protect municipal assets from vandalism.
Next steps include:
  • City staff to commission a Community Crime Assessment 
  • City Departments (Planning, Bylaw Enforcement and Parks) to participate in Crime Prevention Through Environmental
  • Design training 
  • City Staff to host community training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
  • City staff to identify targeted areas of City facilities/sites that require Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that will result in modifying spaces to reduce criminal and unwanted behaviors
Bylaw of the Month Program - Fencing
The City’s Zoning Bylaw regulates some aspects of fencing (height, visual clearance, and restrictions on the use of barbed wire). A permit is not required to construct a fence that is in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw regulations, with the exception that a permit is required for a fence around a swimming pool. It is the responsibility of the property owner(s) to ensure the fencing is fully within their property lines. To find out more about fencing regulations, please contact the City’s Development Services department.
Next Meetings
  • 7 pm, August 28 – Regular Council Meeting 
  • 5:30 pm, September 4 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

WL Council Highlights - July 24th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the July 10th mtg of WL City Council received/adopted

Delegation:

Stefanie Hendrickson - Executive Director and Vanessa Moberg - Marketing Coordinator from the Downtown Williams Lake BIA appeared before Council to discuss their Wayfinding Signage Proposal

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Hendrickson/Ms. Moberg for their time/information

Resolved - Council approved the requests of the Downtown Williams Lake BIA (DWLBIA), as submitted, subject to BC Ministry of Transportation approvals, with the cost of purchase of the proposed updated wayfinding signage to be covered by the DWLBIA with in-kind contribution from the City of installation of all signage and supply of “P” parking signs, and Staff were directed to collaborate with the DWLBIA on this initiative; and finally, Council approved half of the available parking on Borland Street between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue be reverted to RV Parking, with the full section to be reverted subject to deactivation of the paid parking lot behind the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated July 6, 12 and 13, 2018

2) Council received a rezoning application from 3Gen Cabinetry Corp to add the definition "Secondary Suites" Use for property at 375 Mandarino Place; gave 1st/2nd Readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2285 and required submission of a report by a qualified professional showing that water, sewer and storm drainage meet the capacity requirements prior to scheduling a Public Hearing.

3) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2271, 2018

4) Council awarded the Contract for the supply and installation of an Emergency Fire Pump for the airport water system to RL7 Mechanical Ltd. at the bid price of $89,700, including applicable taxes; and an increase in the budget for this project of $9,700, to be expended from the Water System account, be authorized

5) Council referred the Gardner Park / Borland (Glen Arbor) Watermain Replacement contract award recommendation to the Public Works Committee for further review.  Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

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

6) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Airport Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 2286, 2018 and directed Staff to proceed with notifying the public and affected stakeholders of the proposed fee increases, requesting comments and feedback, and that comments and feedback be brought back to Council prior to consideration of adoption.

7) Council awarded the contract to replace roof sections 1-4 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex to Mainline Roofing for the bid price of $275,083

8) Council endorsed 2 Recommendations from its' July 17th Committee of the Whole Meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #25-2018, the presentation by Graham Smith, Cariboo Heritage Park Society regarding an update on the Society's charitable status, business plan, current archeological works, and vision for the site in the future be received, and Council endorse the project and continue to work collaboratively with the Society in the future.

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2018, the letter from MLA Barnett dated July 3, 2018 together with the letter from the Williams Lake Indian Band dated June 20, 2018 be received, and Council approve their request to have signage on display at the Williams Lake Regional Airport Terminal to make travelers aware that the City of Williams Lake Airport is on Secwepemc Traditional Territory, including the Secwepemc prayer and a plaque and write-up on Chief William

9) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of July 24th, as follows:

* July 13, 2018 - CRD Board Highlights

Members of Council & the Administrator reported on their recent activities

Media Question Period -- RV Parking/Rear Parking at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

Council adjourned at 6:41pm and after a short recess, Council held an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1e/k - land and negotiations) of the Community Charter

Williams Lake Will Not Host “One Horse Town” Country Music Concert

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

With online voting closing on July 15th, the City of Williams Lake has now been notified by Coors Banquet One Horse Town that, unfortunately, Williams Lake did not win the contest.

The winning community is Taber, Alberta. We congratulate them on their success, and will be extending an invitation to the Mayor of Taber to attend our 93rd Annual Williams Lake Stampede next July. We really believe that our "one horse town" is one that everyone should come and visit.

The City was selected as one of six finalists in this online voting competition for communities with fewer than 50,000 people to host an outdoor country music concert. Working with the Stampede Association, the City of Williams Lake entered the competition that saw submissions from across the country vying for the opportunity to host.

While we are disappointed that we did not win, we thank the community for demonstrating so much hometown pride by voting daily and sharing the contest with their friends and family.

Reid Street Project - July 24th update

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Crews are busy prepping sidewalk areas in Phase I. On Wednesday, crews will begin pouring sidewalks on Barlow Ave. The sidewalks on Barlow Ave will be closed to pedestrians. During this time alternate routes will be necessary for pedestrian traffic. Please contact the business you’re accessing for an alternate route. Once the pouring is complete, crews will be installing temporary ramps.There will be flaggers/security and crew available to assist in helping pedestrians through the construction site.

Take a look at our parking map to see free public parking options. http://bit.ly/2HZMQ06

Fritz Wyssen seeks Quesnel Councillor seat in October

This past Sunday - Quesnel resident Fritz Wyssen announced on Facebook that he was putting his name forward for one of the 6 Quesnel City Councillor seats in this October's City of Quesnel Local General Election.  For his reasons for running, he stated:


As our 2018 City Council Election quickly approaches, I find now the best time to step forward and offer my services to our City. Quesnel has been our home for many years now and to come into the future.

For those who have not seen my face or name you only need to ask a friend or inquire at the many volunteer organizations and service industries that our city offers. While it was the BC Ambulance service that was my primary professional occupation when first I came to Quesnel my involvement has only grown into the Forest sector, Family services, and Community groups. My online presence serves to help each member of the community.

I invite you to stay tuned to this year's Elections and ask that every member of the public participate in the election process so we can have a strong hand in bringing Quesnel into the future while holding onto the strengths of our past that our ancestors have worked so hard to build this land.

To access Mr Wyssen's Facebook election page - click here

In addition to Mr. Wyssen, current Quesnel City Councillor Ron Paull has publicly committed to seek re-election to Quesnel City Council along with current Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson while Quesnel City Councillors Ed Coleman and John Brisco will not seek re-election in October.  Quesnel City Councillors Scott Elliott, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and Sushil Thapar have yet to publicly indicate if they will seek re-election in October

If you are thinking about running for Quesnel City Council (Mayor or City Councillor) in October - click here for what you need to know...

Local Governments in BC will elect new Mayors, Councillors', Electoral Area Directors' (Regional Districts) and School Trustees (Boards of Education) for a 4 year term commencing November 1st, 2018 on Saturday, October 20th

~SF

Monday, July 23, 2018

Consultation on Recycle BC’s Program Plan

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

Recycle BC is conducting a second phase of consultation on an updated product stewardship program plan (click here) for packaging and printed paper. Stakeholder feedback may be provided to Recycle BC (click here) up to September 6th, 2018.

Substantive updates are being made to Recycle BC’s draft program plan that include:

* an increased general recovery target; material-specific targets for plastics, metal, glass and paper;

* a broadened scope of obligated material to include packaging-like products and single-use plastic products such as drinking straws, plastic cutlery.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

NStQ/B.C/Canada advance to final treaty negotiations

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have reached a major milestone in B.C. treaty negotiations with the signing of an Agreement-in-Principle.

The Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) is comprised of four First Nations communities in the Cariboo region.

Chief Patrick Harry, Stswecem’c-Xgat’tem First Nation; Chief Ann Louie, T’exelc First Nation; Chief Helen Henderson, Tsq’escen’ First Nation; Chief Andrea Gilbert, Xat’sūll First Nation; Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and Scott Fraser, British Columbia’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, signed the treaty Agreement-in-Principle in the Canim Lake community on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

The NStQ Agreement-in-Principle lays out the elements of treaty for the four communities, including ownership of land and resources, harvesting rights, processes for transition from the Indian Act to self-government, and social services.

The signing of the NStQ Agreement-in-Principle marks the start of the final stage of negotiations of a treaty with the NStQ First Nations. This stage of negotiations will be informed by Canada’s and British Columbia’s new commitments to reconciliation and the understanding that a treaty will establish ongoing and evolving relationships between Canada, British Columbia and the NStQ communities.

A treaty will ensure the NStQ First Nations have the lands, resources and authorities that support self-government, self-determination and strong government-to-government relationships.

Canada and British Columbia are working to build meaningful government-to-government partnerships through treaties that support the development and growth of local economies for the benefit of all communities and residents. Engagement with stakeholders and the ranching community over their respective interests will continue and evolve as negotiations progress, with a goal of seeing the NStQ First Nations and all local business interests prosper.

The federal and provincial governments are committed to relationships with NStQ First Nations, and all Indigenous peoples, based on respect and recognition, and guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and case law.

The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations stated --

“Making progress on the right to self-determination for Indigenous peoples is essential as we move forward on the journey of reconciliation. I am honoured to join British Columbia and the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw Treaty Group in signing this historic agreement and celebrating our commitment to reconciliation and a renewed relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.”

The Hon. Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation further commented --

“I’m proud to sign the Agreement-in-Principle and celebrate this major milestone on our path to achieving a treaty with the NStQ First Nations. We are committed to progress toward deep reconciliation and powerful government-to-government partnership with the NStQ First Nations, based on respect and recognition of rights.”

Finally -- Chief Patrick Harry, Stswecem’c-Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe/Dog Creek) and spokesperson for the NStQ said:

“It has been a very long time that the Northern Secwepemc have been at the treaty table, waiting for justice. What we celebrate today is our own perseverance. We are hearing the right things from the ministers here today. We hope those promises make their way to our final negotiations and that we can, in the near future, see Northern Secwepemc people thriving under their own government, making decisions for themselves that will make a better, brighter future for our children's children, long into the future.”

Quick Facts:

The NStQ First Nations have more than 2,600 members, and are located in the Cariboo region of British Columbia.

This Agreement-in-Principle includes provisions with respect to lands, finances, taxation harvesting rights, cultural resources, self-government and other matters. These provisions will be further developed through negotiations to conclude a treaty with the four NStQ First Nations.

The NStQ has been negotiating with British Columbia and Canada since 1996. The Agreement-in-Principle was reached in December 2014.

Members of the four communities of the NStQ voted in a referendum on the Agreement-in-Principle in February 2016, giving NStQ leadership a mandate to proceed on to final negotiations.

Learn More:

NStQ Agreement-in-Principle: ow.ly/j2Xk30kMUEk

NStQ Treaty Group: nstqtreaty.ca

Tsq’escen’ First Nation (Canim Lake): canimlakeband.com

Stswecem’c-Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe/Dog Creek): canoecreekband.ca

Xat’sūll First Nation (Soda Creek): xatsull.com

T’exelc First Nation (Williams Lake): williamslakeband.ca

Saturday, July 21, 2018

2018 Tyee Lake Community Association's AGM/Picnic

Earlier today - I attended my 3rd or the 2018 Tyee Lake Community Association's AGM/Picnic.  The picnic was sponsored by the Cariboo Regional District via a $1,000 Grant that was provided via the Area 'D' Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) Fund.

About 25-30 people were in attendance.  Annual reports were provided.  I too provided a report as to my activities since the 2017 Tyee Lake Community Association's AGM including a commitment to approve another $10,000 for the Tyee Lake VFD.  I also reported that I would be seeking re-election as the Cariboo RD's Area D Director.  My efforts for support the community and my re-election announcement was rewarded with a round of applause

Following the formal part of the meeting, it was great to interact with local Tyee Lake residents'

My personal thanks to all those at Tyee Lake that make this great event happen!

~SF

Friday, July 20, 2018

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

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

SD27/28 (Quesnel/Cariboo-Chilcotin) - off until September

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below, in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St) on Tuesday, July 24th

7pm Public Hearing - 772 Rita Road -  click here with the Regular Council Meeting to follow.  On the Council meeting agenda:

* Presentation - City of Quesnel Employee Retirement
* Committee Reports
* BC Rural Dividend Grant Applications - Quesnel Forestry Think Tank Report Implementation and Dragon Lake Strategic Plan
* Barkerville Brewing Co. - Outdoor Patio Liquor License
* Grace Inn Motel (530 Carson Avenue) - Rescind Bylaw Readings and Stand Down OCP/Zone Amendment Bylaws
* West Fraser Centre - Kangaroos Concession Agreement (Renewal)
* DP2018-12 - Keis Trucking Shop Addition (100 Keis Avenue)
* Two Mile Flat Water Trunk Main - Grant Application
* Crime Prevention Alternatives
* Bylaw of the Month - Fencing Regulations

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Meetings as noted below, in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St) on Tuesday, July 24th:


5pm Public Information Session - OCP Public Consultation Meeting - Bylaw No. 2282 - Wise Creek Developments - 1946 Broadway Avenue South

6pm Regular Council Meeting. On the Agenda:

* Delegation -- Stefanie Hendrickson - Executive Director and Vanessa Moberg - Marketing Coordinator, DWLBIA re Wayfinding Signage Proposal

* Zoning Amendment Application - Bylaw No. 2285 - 3Gen Cabinetry Corp. - Adds "Secondary Suites" Use - 375 Mandarino Place
* Airport Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 2286, 2018 - 3 Readings (Introduction of Per Passenger Airport Improvement Fee of $10 & modernize fees/charges for WL Regional Airport)

* Recreation Complex -- Arena Roof Contract Award
* 2 July 17th Committee of the Whole recommendations for endorsement

View the full Agenda here

Wells Council off until Special Meeting on August 1st, 100 Mile House Council off until August 14th, and Cariboo Regional District Board/Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board off until August 24th

~SF

90 Days to Local Government Elections 2018

Today marks exactly 90 days until the voters' in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and the Cariboo Regional District elect new Electoral Area Directors, School Trustees, Mayors and Councillors for the 2018-2022 Term on Saturday, October 20th, 2018

2018 Local Government or Board of Education Nomination packages will be available for pickup, starting on Friday, July 27thfrom the Chief Election Officers for the Districts of Wells/100 Mile House, Cities of Quesnel/Williams Lake, Boards of Education for School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) and the Cariboo Regional District with prospective local government elected official nominees NOT being able to file their nominations with the local government or Board of Education Chief Election Officer until September 4-14,2018

A website to keep handy is 2018 CivicInfo Local Elections Portal- click here.  It will list ALL of the candidates for all local government or Boards of Education elections throughout BC.  It is refreshed each time a new candidate files in September with the local government or Board of Education Chief Election Officer

As of this writing -- this is what we know, in terms of the 2018 Local Government/Board of Education General Election Races in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region:

District of Wells - No public announcements to date by the incumbent Mayor/Councillors

City of Quesnel - Mayor Bob Simpson (also CCRHD Board Chair) and Councillor Ron Paull to both seek re-election. Councillors Scott Elliott, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, and Sushil Thapar have made no public statements on their Oct 20th election plans while Ed Coleman announced on July 13th that he would not seek re-election in October and John Brisco announced on July 16th that he won't seek re-election this October

City of Williams Lake - Mayor Walt Cobb and Councillors Jason Ryll/Craig Smith to all seek re-election.  Councillors Laurie Walters and Sue Zacharias will not seek re-election.  Councillors Ivan Bonnell/Scott Nelson have made no public statements on their October 20th election plans.  Local Williams Lake Realtor Micheal Jones and current School District #27 Zone 5 Trustee Dr Sheila Boehm to seek election to WL City Council

District of 100 Mile House - Mayor Mitch Campsall to seek a 4th term.  Councillors Dave Mingo, Spence Henderson, Ralph Fossum and Bill Hadden have yet to make public statements on their Oct 20th election plans

Board of Education for School District #28 (Quesnel) - No public statements from Trustees George Natalizio, Tony Goulet, David Chapman (also SD28 Board Vice-Chair), Howie Schonke, Julie-Anne Runge, Wendy Clement or Gloria Jackson (also SD28 Board Chair) on their October 20th election plans

Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Zone 2 Trustee Tanya Guenther (also SD27 Board Chair) and Zone 5 Trustee Dr Sheila Boehm will not seek re-election while Zone 1 Trustee Linda Martens, Zone 3 Trustee Willow MacDonald, Zone 6 Trustee Brice O'Neill (also SD27 Board Vice-Chair) or Zone 7 Trustee Bruce Baptiste have made no public statements on their October 20th election plans.  Zone 4 remains vacant after the resignation of former Zone 4 Trustee Christine Dyment, late last year

Cariboo Regional District - Electoral Areas as noted below:

Area A - Incumbent Director Ted Armstrong will not seek re-election.  Area 'A' Alternate Director Mary Sjostrom seeks to succeed him

Area B - Incumbent Director Jerry Bruce will not seek re-election.  No candidates have announced their intention to seek to succeed him

Area C - Incumbent Director John Massier (CRD Board Vice-Chair) to seek re-election
Area D - Incumbent Director Steve Forseth to seek re-election
Area E - Incumbent Director Angie Delainey to seek re-election

Area F - Incumbent Director Joan Sorley will not seek re-election.  No candidates have announced their intention to seek to succeed her

Area G - Incumbent Director Al Richmond (CCRHD Board Vice-Chair) to seek re-election
Area H - Incumbent Director Margo Wagner (CRD Board Chair) to seek re-election
Area I - Incumbent Director Dylan Cash will not seek re-election.  No candidates have announced their intention to seek to succeed him

Area J - Incumbent Director Roger William has not decided his 2018 Election Plans

Area K - Incumbent Director Betty Anderson to seek re-election
Area L - Incumbent Director Brian Coakley to seek re-election

Upcoming Key Local Government General Election Dates:

Friday, July 27th - 1st available day to pickup 2018 Local Gov't Nomination Packages from Local Government/Boards of Education (SD27/SD28) Chief Election Officers

Tuesday, Sept 4th - Start of Nomination Period for 2018 Local Government General Election

Friday, Sept 14th - End of Nomination Period for 2018 Local Government General Election & Declaration of Candidates

Friday, Sept 21st - End of Period for 2018 Candidates to Withdraw and End of Election Period by 12 midnight

Saturday, Sept 22nd -  Official start of 2018 Campaign Period for 2018 Local Elections

Monday, Sept 24th - Declaration of Election by Voting or Elected by Acclamation by Local Government or Board of Education Chief Election Officers

Wed Oct 10th and Mon Oct 15th - Advanced Voting Opportunities

Sat Oct 20th -- General Voting Day/End of 2018 Campaign Period

Tues Oct 23rd - Official Declaration of 2018 Election Results

November 2018 -- Inaugural Meetings of Local Governments/Boards of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin for the 2018-22 Term

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local government or Board of Education Chief Election Officer.  Contact information below:

District of Wells - Andrew Young (Ph: 250-994-3330 or via email at administrator@wells.ca)

City of Quesnel - Gina Albers (Ph: 250-991-7471 or galbers@quesnel.ca)

City of Williams Lake - Cindy Bouchard (Ph: 250-392-2311 or cbouchard@williamslake.ca)

100 Mile House - Tammy Boulanger (Ph: 250-395-2434 or tboulanger@100milehouse.com)

Cariboo Regional District - Alice Johnston (Ph: 250-392-3351 or ajohnston@cariboord.ca)

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Teri Stoneman (Ph: 250-992-0405 or teristoneman@sd28.bc.ca)

School District #27 (Cariboo/Chilcotin) - Kevin Futcher (Ph: 250-398-3833 or connee.newberry@sd27.bc.ca)

~SF

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Legislative Changes Proposed for Alternate Electoral Area Directors'

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

Editor's Note - while there is some good legislative proposals here, I don't agree with all of them and I strenuously disagree with how this topic was initiated at the time by Cariboo Regional District Area 'G' Director Al Richmond and I strongly disagree with his stance on Alternate Electoral Area Directors .. however, that been said - it will be interesting to see how the Province responds to this legislative proposal for Alternate Electoral Area Directors' which, if proceeded with by the Province, will require changes to the Local Government Act

UBCM’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Alternate ‘Unelected” Electoral Area Directors has completed its deliberations and conveyed its recommendations for legislative changes to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Ad-Hoc Committee was established in April 2017 to discuss the issue of alternate “unelected” directors.

Committee members were specifically asked to identify possible courses of action for addressing the challenges faced by regional district boards when elected directors are unable to serve and alternates take on a more permanent role.

The Committee’s legislative recommendations are as follows:

Remove the “requirement” to appoint an alternate director.
Require that a by-election be held if a director does not attend meetings for six months.
Permit an appeal to the Minister should a 2/3 majority of the board feel more time should be given to the director, beyond six months.
Establish a quorum for regional board meetings that requires a 2/3 majority of elected officials thereby eliminating a situation where unelected alternate board members make up the majority and therefore able to make decisions.
Align regional districts with councils in regards to filling vacancies so that a by-election is not necessary if the vacancy occurs in the year of a general local election.
The Committee also recommended that, as a best practice, regional district bylaws stipulate that only an elected official can receive a director’s stipend.

The Ad-Hoc Committee issued a discussion paper, made presentations, and sought feedback at both the EA Forum and CEO-CAO Forum in early 2018. This feedback informed the recommendations developed by the Committee.

UBCM wishes to thank the members of the Ad-Hoc Committee for all of their work:

Al Richmond, Ad-Hoc Committee Chair, Cariboo RD
Wendy Booth, UBCM Executive, East Kootenay RD
Art Kaehn, UBCM Executive, Fraser-Fort George RD
Janis Bell, CAO, Cariboo RD (retired in December 2017)
John MacLean, CAO, Kootenay Boundary RD (2017) /Cariboo RD (2018)
Paul Gipps, CAO, Fraser Valley RD (joined Committee in January 2018)
Jim Martin, CAO, Fraser-Fort George RD

Finding wildfire information in the Cariboo

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

While the wildfire season is off to a positive start in the Cariboo compared to last year, it is still important to be prepared ahead of any disaster. One aspect of emergency preparedness is knowing where to find information during an emergency.
Where to find information
First, it is important to know who provides what information during a wildfire emergency:
  • The BC Wildfire Service provides public information around wildfire activity, fire danger rating, fire bans and other information related to wildfire operations.
  • Local governments, such as the Cariboo Regional District, municipality or First Nations government, provide public information around evacuation orders and alerts and Emergency Support Services. A local government Emergency Operations Centre activates when a wildfire is threatening public safety, evacuation alerts or orders need to be issued, or Emergency Support Services need to be activated on a large scale.
  • Local governments, and other agencies like health authorities or the Red Cross, also provide information about returning home and recovering after a disaster.
  • The Ministry of Transportation provides information on route information and road closures.
  • Emergency Info BC also provides information on active emergencies throughout the province.
Navigating the BC Wildfire Service website
When you are looking for wildfire information on the BC Wildfire Service website, here are a few tips.
1. Check the Wildfires of Note page for the latest information on wildfires that are particularly visible or pose a threat to public safety.
This page provides detailed information on wildfires that are considered of note. These fires are indicated with a flame icon on the Interactive Wildfire Map. If a fire on the interactive map does not appear on the Wildfires of Note page, it is not considered highly visible or a potential threat to public safety.
2. Use the Interactive Wildfire Map to see the location and details of wildfires in B.C. 
On the “Active Wildfires” tab, you will see current wildfires that are considered “out of control.” A red dot indicates the fire was discovered in the last 24 hours. An orange dot means the fire has been active for over 24 hours. Wildfires are removed from the map once their status is updated to “being held,” “under control” or “out.”
The “All Current Year Wildfires” tab shows all fires from the current fire season starting on April 1, including fires that are considered being held, under control or out.
When you click on a wildfire dot, click the arrow to see basic details about the fire. Only wildfires of note have detailed information provided with regular updates, such as the number of crews and firefighting tactics.
3. See a list of all current wildfires by region or throughout the province on the All Current Wildfires page.
This page lists all the wildfires in the Cariboo Fire Centre that are larger than 0.01 hectares and all wildfires of note. The page is updated once a day at midnight, so keep that in mind when you are comparing this information with the Interactive Wildfire Map, which shows fires discovered in the last 24 hours. If the incident is a wildfire of note, you can click on the fire number to see more details.
If you are looking at the list of all wildfires throughout the province, note that fire numbers in the Cariboo Fire Centre start with a “C.”
From the BC Wildfire Service home page, you can find this information by clicking on the “Current Wildfire Activity” section and scrolling down to the “All Current Wildfires” heading.
4. Check for current fire bans in the Cariboo Fire Centre on the Fire Bans and Restrictions page
To report a violation of current fire bans, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. You should also use this number to report an unattended campfire or a wildfire.
Resources for emergency information
The following is a list of some of the emergency resources available for Cariboo residents. This is not a comprehensive list, but it points to the most relevant sources of emergency information.
BC Wildfire Service
Cariboo Regional District

Local Municipalities
Air Quality & Smoke Forecasts

Drive BC – Ministry of Transportation
Resource Road Closures
Rec Sites and Trails Closures
(check under the Alerts and Closures tabs)
BC Parks Closures
BC Hydro