Present: Chair M. Wagner & Directors M. Sjostrom (via teleconference), B. Bachmeier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, W. Macdonald, B. Simpson, W. Cobb M. Campsall and Alternate Director R. Sharpe (Area 'C')
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:30pm and recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory and welcome Area 'C' Alternate Director R. Sharpe to today's Committee of the Whole session
Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole session held on September 20th, 2018 were received/adopted
Presentation:
Ms. Tera Grady, Solid Waste Supervisor, appeared before the Committee to present a overview of the Regional District's Solid Waste Management System
A Question/Answer period ensued
The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. Grady for her presentation
Meeting recessed at 3:58pm
Meeting resumed at 4:10pm
Business:
1) Grants for Assistance Policy
The Committee had before it a memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Memorandum received
The Committee adjourned at 5:30pm
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Committee of the Whole Session (CCRHD Board) - Feb 28th mtg
Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond and Directors B. Bachmeier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, J. Sorley, M. Wagner, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, W. Macdonald (entered meeting at 11:52am)W. Cobb, S. Watson and Alternate Director R. Sharpe (Area 'C')
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda adopted
9:30am Delegation:
James Kinakin (Director of Business Support) and David Matear (Executive Director - IH West), with Interior Health, appeared before the Committee to provide updates pertaining to the Williams Lake/100 Mile House health services administrative area
A Question/Answer period ensued
In-Camera Session:
At 9:47am - the Committee went In-Camera as per Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter
Resumption of Open Meeting:
At 10:42am - the Committee resumed its' open meeting
Presentation from IH continued and a Question/Answer period ensued
The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the delegation for their time/information
11:00am Delegation:
Cathy Ulrich (CEO), Michael Hoefer (Regional Director, Capital Planning & Support Services - via teleconference), and Daryl Petsul (Manager, Surgical & Critical Care, Emergency), all with Northern Health, appeared before the Committee to provide updates pertaining to the Quesnel health services administrative area
A Question/Period ensued...
The Committee resumed in public session at 1:06pm
Business:
The Committee had before it a report of the CFO regarding CCRHD Taxation
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received and in relation to Cariboo Memorial and GR Baker projects - these two projects be funded at the traditional 40% CCRHD/60% Province funding ratio
The Committee adjourned at 1:25pm
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda adopted
9:30am Delegation:
James Kinakin (Director of Business Support) and David Matear (Executive Director - IH West), with Interior Health, appeared before the Committee to provide updates pertaining to the Williams Lake/100 Mile House health services administrative area
A Question/Answer period ensued
In-Camera Session:
At 9:47am - the Committee went In-Camera as per Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter
Resumption of Open Meeting:
At 10:42am - the Committee resumed its' open meeting
Presentation from IH continued and a Question/Answer period ensued
The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the delegation for their time/information
Meeting recessed at 11:03am
Meeting resumed at 11:10am
11:00am Delegation:
Cathy Ulrich (CEO), Michael Hoefer (Regional Director, Capital Planning & Support Services - via teleconference), and Daryl Petsul (Manager, Surgical & Critical Care, Emergency), all with Northern Health, appeared before the Committee to provide updates pertaining to the Quesnel health services administrative area
A Question/Period ensued...
In-Camera Session:
At 11:49am - the Committee went In-Camera as per Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter
Resumption of Open Meeting:
At 12:08pm - the Committee resumed its' open meeting
The Committee went back In-Camera at 12:45pm
Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:08pm
Meeting resumed at 12:45pm
The Committee resumed in public session at 1:06pm
Business:
The Committee had before it a report of the CFO regarding CCRHD Taxation
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - Report received and in relation to Cariboo Memorial and GR Baker projects - these two projects be funded at the traditional 40% CCRHD/60% Province funding ratio
The Committee adjourned at 1:25pm
2019 Quesnel Budget Survey Results
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
2019 is the second year the City of Quesnel has used an online survey as their main source of community engagement regarding the City budget. This year, 544 people participated in the budget survey compared to only 116 participants in 2018. The survey was accessible online or by paper at City Hall from January 16 through January 30, 2019. Community input allows Staff and Council to align the budget with the community’s priorities.
In 2018, the City worked hard to bring better services and improvements to residents, while also finding ways to save money. Overall, respondents were satisfied with 2018 City projects which included Patchett Street Playground replacement (to be finished in 2019), Skate Board Park expansion, replacement of the Pinecrest Water Main along Hwy 97 N, and the Reid Street revitalization, which was $600,000 under budget.
Out of the many services the City provides, the survey respondents would like the City to prioritize policing, economic development and road and sidewalks services. The City has many actions, within these services, planned for 2019.
In February 2019, City Council formally requested two additional permanent RCMP officers for the Quesnel Detachment. The two additional officers would allow the Quesnel Detachment to focus more on specific issues impacting our community.
In 2019, the City will be implementing the Economic Development Transition Strategy which focuses on Destination Development, Innovative Resource Industries, and Resident and Investment Retention and Attraction. Residents will be able to participate in consultation of the Waterfront Development Plan, see an increase of marking materials through the Explore Quesnel platforms and watch for new wayfinding signage throughout the community.
In 2019, approximately $750,000 will be spent on road rehabilitation and paving and approximately $177,000 will be spent on replacing sidewalks. Locations will be determined closer to spring.
With policing being the top priority for respondents, the majority would be willing to fund additional RCMP officers. 84% of respondents would be will to fund 1 or more officers with the majority preferring a tax increase over a City service decrease in order to fund the additional officers.
In past years, the City has struggled to receive budget feedback from the public. Residents were invited to evening town halls to provide feedback on the City’s budget, but only a few residents attended. Since the City introduced the budget survey, the City has received more participation than the previous town halls. The City plans to keep using the survey process for budget feedback, but will always try to make improvements to it.
To comment on the budget throughout the year or to learn more about the City’s budget process, visit www.quesnel.ca/budget.
View a summary of the survey results here: http://bit.ly/2T5EZs7
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
CC Joint Committee Highlights - Feb 27th mtg
Present from CRD - Co-Chair A. Delainey and Directors S. Forseth/J. Sorley
Present from City - Co-Chair W. Cobb and Councillors S. Boehm, M. Brenner and J. Ryll
Meeting called to order at 5:30pm by Co-Chair A. Delainey
Meeting agenda approved
Minutes of the Jan 27th, 2019 Joint Committee meeting were received/adopted
Business:
1) City of Williams Lake Report - NCLGA Resolution/Ammonia Regulations
The Committee had before it a report from the City's Director of Community Services G. Paynton
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - That Joint Committee recommend to Regional Board:
That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Geoff Paynton, Director of Community Services, dated February 21, 2019, including a proposed resolution for NCLGA regarding the effects of the new ammonia regulations, be received. Further, that the draft resolution be forwarded as amended, to the Cariboo Regional District Board for submission to NCLGA.
2) City of Williams Lake Report - CMRC Fees and Charges Bylaw
Resolved - That Staff report back on a new CMRC Fees/Charges based upon the Committee's discussions at the April Joint Committee meeting
3) Discussion Item - City of WL Portion of Dog Creek Road
General discussion ensued
No resolution resulted
4) Action Page
Resolved - Action Page received and that Items #3 and #5 be removed
The Committee adjourned at 7pm
Present from City - Co-Chair W. Cobb and Councillors S. Boehm, M. Brenner and J. Ryll
Meeting called to order at 5:30pm by Co-Chair A. Delainey
Meeting agenda approved
Minutes of the Jan 27th, 2019 Joint Committee meeting were received/adopted
Business:
1) City of Williams Lake Report - NCLGA Resolution/Ammonia Regulations
The Committee had before it a report from the City's Director of Community Services G. Paynton
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - That Joint Committee recommend to Regional Board:
That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Geoff Paynton, Director of Community Services, dated February 21, 2019, including a proposed resolution for NCLGA regarding the effects of the new ammonia regulations, be received. Further, that the draft resolution be forwarded as amended, to the Cariboo Regional District Board for submission to NCLGA.
2) City of Williams Lake Report - CMRC Fees and Charges Bylaw
The Committee had before it a report from the City's Director of Community Services G. Paynton
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - That Staff report back on a new CMRC Fees/Charges based upon the Committee's discussions at the April Joint Committee meeting
3) Discussion Item - City of WL Portion of Dog Creek Road
General discussion ensued
No resolution resulted
4) Action Page
Resolved - Action Page received and that Items #3 and #5 be removed
The Committee adjourned at 7pm
CC Rural Caucus Highlights - Feb 27th mtg
Present: Chair S. Forseth; Directors A. Delainey, J. Sorley and G. Kirby
Meeting called to order at 3:10pm
The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was being held on Northern Shuswap territory
Meeting Agenda adopted
Rural Caucus Meeting Minutes of January 15th, 2019 were received/adopted
Delegation:
Williams Lake RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley appeared before Caucus to provide an update
A Question/Answer period ensued....
The Chair, on behalf of Caucus, thanked Inspector Pelley for his time/information
Business:
1) Board Referred Item - Social Planning Council of Williams Lake 2019 Grant for Assistance Application
The Chair reviewed the item with Caucus
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - That Caucus recommend to Board:
That a Grant for Assistance be provided to the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake, apportioned as follows:
Area E - $1,500
Area F - $1,500
Area K - $1,000
2) Scout Island Nature Centre - Invitation to Banquet
Caucus had before it a letter from the Scout Island Nature Centre inviting a Central Cariboo CRD Area Director to their April banquet for raise funds for the annual operations of the Scout Island Nature Centre
Resolved - That Caucus recommend to Board:
That the letter be received and that Director S. Forseth be authorized to attend on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District
3) Action Page
Resolved - item received and remove Item #2
Caucus adjourned at 4:20pm
Meeting called to order at 3:10pm
The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was being held on Northern Shuswap territory
Meeting Agenda adopted
Rural Caucus Meeting Minutes of January 15th, 2019 were received/adopted
Delegation:
Williams Lake RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley appeared before Caucus to provide an update
A Question/Answer period ensued....
The Chair, on behalf of Caucus, thanked Inspector Pelley for his time/information
Business:
1) Board Referred Item - Social Planning Council of Williams Lake 2019 Grant for Assistance Application
The Chair reviewed the item with Caucus
Discussion ensued thereon
Resolved - That Caucus recommend to Board:
That a Grant for Assistance be provided to the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake, apportioned as follows:
Area E - $1,500
Area F - $1,500
Area K - $1,000
2) Scout Island Nature Centre - Invitation to Banquet
Caucus had before it a letter from the Scout Island Nature Centre inviting a Central Cariboo CRD Area Director to their April banquet for raise funds for the annual operations of the Scout Island Nature Centre
Resolved - That Caucus recommend to Board:
That the letter be received and that Director S. Forseth be authorized to attend on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District
3) Action Page
Resolved - item received and remove Item #2
Caucus adjourned at 4:20pm
Marketing Quesnel as a “destination” community
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
At a recent Council meeting, staff presented the City’s new marketing materials and gave Council a comprehensive overview of all of the new marketing initiatives we currently have underway. The new materials look great and really present Quesnel well in all mediums, particularly online with our new videos. Some of these videos were shown during the broadcast of the BC Curling Championships and were very well received by residents and visitors alike.
During the staff presentation to Council, one Councillor asked why Barkerville and Bowron and other destination locations were not mentioned in the materials. The answer is simple: Quesnel is finally marketing itself as a destination people should consider coming to as visitors, residents, and investors, independent of all of the other great reasons to come to the region in general.
While Quesnel will continue to promote Barkerville, Bowron and other North Cariboo locations as part of our Tourism marketing, the City finally has colorful, modern, interesting, and fun marketing materials that promote what the City itself has to offer visitors and residents. These materials highlight our local trails (including an updated trail map), “doggy destinations” (both off leash and on leash), our many parks and playgrounds, our heritage assets, and our many indoor amenities.
All the new marketing materials are in our new brand colours (which are awesome) and follow our brand guidelines for communicating with the general public (conversational, upbeat, and fun). As we develop our mountain bike trail systems and our riverfronts, and as we add to our already broad suite of sports and cultural amenities, we will add these to our marketing materials to ensure people are made aware of all that Quesnel has to offer to all ages and all interests.
Like our rebranding initiative and the comprehensive updating of the City’s website and social media, the majority of the costs associated with the development of these new marketing materials was covered by grant money. In particular, we were successful in obtaining a Rural Dividend grant for a two-year community marketing initiative and we’ve taken full advantage of the marketing grants available through the Northern Trust.
The materials staff have developed will be distributed and broadcast widely as part of a comprehensive and targeted marketing strategy that was developed with the assistance of expert advice from one of BC’s leading marketing firms. So, don’t be surprised when you start to see our material popping up in various mediums over the coming months, including Global TV later this year.
While some in our community feel that Quesnel can never be a destination and that we’re wasting our time and taxpayer money promoting the community as such, this negative assessment of our community is simply not reflected in the feedback we continually receive from new residents and from visitors. For example, the feedback we got from hosting the BC Curling Championships was overwhelmingly positive and Curl BC is keen to host another one of their events here in the near future. But, this did not come as a surprise, as we have been getting similar feedback from other conferences and tournaments we’ve hosted over the past couple of years.
Quesnel is a great community located in a particularly beautiful part of our province. We have much to be proud of and much to promote. It’s great to have new marketing materials that finally capture the great things about our community and communicate them in a way that will entice others to come and enjoy what we sometimes take for granted.
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
At a recent Council meeting, staff presented the City’s new marketing materials and gave Council a comprehensive overview of all of the new marketing initiatives we currently have underway. The new materials look great and really present Quesnel well in all mediums, particularly online with our new videos. Some of these videos were shown during the broadcast of the BC Curling Championships and were very well received by residents and visitors alike.
During the staff presentation to Council, one Councillor asked why Barkerville and Bowron and other destination locations were not mentioned in the materials. The answer is simple: Quesnel is finally marketing itself as a destination people should consider coming to as visitors, residents, and investors, independent of all of the other great reasons to come to the region in general.
While Quesnel will continue to promote Barkerville, Bowron and other North Cariboo locations as part of our Tourism marketing, the City finally has colorful, modern, interesting, and fun marketing materials that promote what the City itself has to offer visitors and residents. These materials highlight our local trails (including an updated trail map), “doggy destinations” (both off leash and on leash), our many parks and playgrounds, our heritage assets, and our many indoor amenities.
All the new marketing materials are in our new brand colours (which are awesome) and follow our brand guidelines for communicating with the general public (conversational, upbeat, and fun). As we develop our mountain bike trail systems and our riverfronts, and as we add to our already broad suite of sports and cultural amenities, we will add these to our marketing materials to ensure people are made aware of all that Quesnel has to offer to all ages and all interests.
Like our rebranding initiative and the comprehensive updating of the City’s website and social media, the majority of the costs associated with the development of these new marketing materials was covered by grant money. In particular, we were successful in obtaining a Rural Dividend grant for a two-year community marketing initiative and we’ve taken full advantage of the marketing grants available through the Northern Trust.
The materials staff have developed will be distributed and broadcast widely as part of a comprehensive and targeted marketing strategy that was developed with the assistance of expert advice from one of BC’s leading marketing firms. So, don’t be surprised when you start to see our material popping up in various mediums over the coming months, including Global TV later this year.
While some in our community feel that Quesnel can never be a destination and that we’re wasting our time and taxpayer money promoting the community as such, this negative assessment of our community is simply not reflected in the feedback we continually receive from new residents and from visitors. For example, the feedback we got from hosting the BC Curling Championships was overwhelmingly positive and Curl BC is keen to host another one of their events here in the near future. But, this did not come as a surprise, as we have been getting similar feedback from other conferences and tournaments we’ve hosted over the past couple of years.
Quesnel is a great community located in a particularly beautiful part of our province. We have much to be proud of and much to promote. It’s great to have new marketing materials that finally capture the great things about our community and communicate them in a way that will entice others to come and enjoy what we sometimes take for granted.
Quesnel Council Highlights - Feb 26th mtg
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
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Quesnel
Ambassador Leadership Program
The Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program had its
banner/sponsorship presentation for the following nominees and sponsors:
The 2019 pageant will be
held 6 – 9 pm on July 4 (speech and talent portions) and 7-10 pm July 5, 2019
(pageant and awards portions) at the Chuck Mobley Theatre.
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Contravention
of Municipal Building Regulations
Council directed staff to file notices with the Land Title Office
stating the following properties are in contravention of the City’s Building
Bylaw 1500, 2003, Section 7:
1. 615 Oval Road – detached accessory building
2. 723 Allison Avenue – single family dwelling
3. 431 Patchett Street – single family dwelling
4. 251 English Avenue – in-ground foundations
Properties must be brought into compliance prior to applying
to the City to have this notice removed from the property’s land title.
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Veterans’
Way
Council approved dedicating the 200 block of Kinchant Street
to “Veterans’ Way” by adding signage to the
Kinchant Street name tabs. Next steps include further work around:
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Cannabis
Retail Licenses
Council recommended to the Liquor Cannabis Regulation Branch
to permit and issue a Non-Medial Cannabis Retail Store License for a private
store located at 308 McLean Street (Billy Barker Casino), and
approved the Liquor Distribution Branch opening a Government Store at 155 Malcom Drive (West Park Mall). Public
consultation in the form of direct mailing to tenants and property owners was
undertaken for both locations, with no comments or objections received. The
publically run government Non-Medical Cannabis Retail Store (308 McLean
Street) is scheduled to open within 30 weeks, and the privately-run
Non-Medical Cannabis Retail Store (155 Malcom Drive) will continue through
the process with the LCRB for final approval.
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Budget
Survey
The results of the January 2019 online budget survey are in
with respondents answering as follows:
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Community
Emergency Preparedness Fund
Since 2013, local
governments are responsible for identifying and regulating flood plain
hazards. The City has applied for, and has been short listed for, $241,000
from the National Disaster Mitigation Program to complete a Flood Hazard
Study which includes a flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood
mitigation planning. Final grant approval notices are anticipated sometime in
April, 2019. Further, Council approved City staff to apply for a $150,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for flood hazard planning.
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Next
Meetings
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2022 Local Elections Disqualification List Published
Following the October 20th, 2018 Local Government General Elections and the 90 days following said elections to file the campaign disclosure forms to Elections BC -- Elections BC has now published the full candidate disqualification list for the 2022 Local Government General Elections
View that list here
In terms of local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin -- Robyn Angus, who ran against Mary Forbes for Zone 2 Trustee (Lac La Hache-108 Mile House) in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin), is now legally prevented for running for ANY local government or Board of Education in October 2022 in British Columbia...
~SF
View that list here
In terms of local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin -- Robyn Angus, who ran against Mary Forbes for Zone 2 Trustee (Lac La Hache-108 Mile House) in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin), is now legally prevented for running for ANY local government or Board of Education in October 2022 in British Columbia...
~SF
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Xat'sull First Nations Chief Election - Tues March 26th, 2019
On Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 -- the electors of Xat'sull First Nations (Soda Creek Indian Band) - just 15 mins north of Williams Lake, will be voting for 1 of 3 eminently qualified individuals' as the new Xat'sull First Nations Chief to serve a new 4 year term (2019-2023).
The candidates, in no particular order, are:
1) Cheryl Chapman
2) Sheri Sellers
3) Tony Mack
I personally know of both Ms. Chapman and Ms. Sellers - either one would make an excellent Chief for Xat'sull First Nations...
Full details on the election process here
Best of luck to all of the candidates and thank you for putting your name forward for consideration of election and look forward to working with the successful candidate as I very much value the relationship that the Cariboo Regional District/Xat'sull First Nations has had for a number of years....
~SF
The candidates, in no particular order, are:
1) Cheryl Chapman
2) Sheri Sellers
3) Tony Mack
I personally know of both Ms. Chapman and Ms. Sellers - either one would make an excellent Chief for Xat'sull First Nations...
Full details on the election process here
Best of luck to all of the candidates and thank you for putting your name forward for consideration of election and look forward to working with the successful candidate as I very much value the relationship that the Cariboo Regional District/Xat'sull First Nations has had for a number of years....
~SF
Monday, February 25, 2019
South Cariboo Joint Committee discusses recreation priorities
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
The South Cariboo Joint Committee met on Feb. 6, 2019 to review the strategic priorities for recreation in the South Cariboo. Based on their discussions, the Joint Committee decided to explore changing the taxation boundary for all existing South Cariboo recreation services before considering new major construction projects.
“The Joint Committee has considered and consulted with the public on many recreation projects in the past several years, including an aquatic centre and an expanded recreation centre,” explains Mitch Campsall, Co-Chair of the South Cariboo Joint Committee and the Mayor of 100 Mile House. “Before we can move forward to consider constructing a new major facility, we first need to address the issue of our tax boundaries. We need to make sure the taxation of these recreation services is fairly distributed amongst those who benefit from them.”
The Joint Committee, which consists of Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas G, H and L Directors and District of 100 Mile House Council, is making the recommendation to the CRD Board to amend the South Cariboo Recreation business plan with reviewing the taxation boundary as the main business plan goal for 2019. The CRD Board will consider the recommendation at their March 1 meeting in Williams Lake.
Fellow Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and CRD Director of Electoral Area 'H', Margo Wagner, explains, “At this point, we’ve simply identified a tax boundary review as our next priority in the South Cariboo Recreation Service and we’ll be looking at all our different options this year. Before any changes are made, we’ll hold extensive public consultation and then there would be a referendum for the public to vote on our proposal.”
Currently, the South Cariboo recreation boundary covers portions of Electoral Areas G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House. The current boundaries include 68 per cent of the total population of the South Cariboo and 45 per cent of the taxable assessment values in the South Cariboo. See a map at cariboord.ca/southcariboorec.
If the South Cariboo Joint Committee decides to purse changes to the taxation boundary, the Cariboo Regional District will hold a public consultation process and a referendum. More information will be provided throughout the year as the Committee considers different options.
Learn more about the South Cariboo Recreation Service at cariboord.ca/southcariboorec. View the draft 2019 South Cariboo Recreation business plan at cariboord.ca/budget, which will be updated following the CRD Board’s approval of the 2019 Budget on Friday, March 22nd, 2019
~SF
“The Joint Committee has considered and consulted with the public on many recreation projects in the past several years, including an aquatic centre and an expanded recreation centre,” explains Mitch Campsall, Co-Chair of the South Cariboo Joint Committee and the Mayor of 100 Mile House. “Before we can move forward to consider constructing a new major facility, we first need to address the issue of our tax boundaries. We need to make sure the taxation of these recreation services is fairly distributed amongst those who benefit from them.”
The Joint Committee, which consists of Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas G, H and L Directors and District of 100 Mile House Council, is making the recommendation to the CRD Board to amend the South Cariboo Recreation business plan with reviewing the taxation boundary as the main business plan goal for 2019. The CRD Board will consider the recommendation at their March 1 meeting in Williams Lake.
Fellow Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and CRD Director of Electoral Area 'H', Margo Wagner, explains, “At this point, we’ve simply identified a tax boundary review as our next priority in the South Cariboo Recreation Service and we’ll be looking at all our different options this year. Before any changes are made, we’ll hold extensive public consultation and then there would be a referendum for the public to vote on our proposal.”
Currently, the South Cariboo recreation boundary covers portions of Electoral Areas G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House. The current boundaries include 68 per cent of the total population of the South Cariboo and 45 per cent of the taxable assessment values in the South Cariboo. See a map at cariboord.ca/southcariboorec.
If the South Cariboo Joint Committee decides to purse changes to the taxation boundary, the Cariboo Regional District will hold a public consultation process and a referendum. More information will be provided throughout the year as the Committee considers different options.
Learn more about the South Cariboo Recreation Service at cariboord.ca/southcariboorec. View the draft 2019 South Cariboo Recreation business plan at cariboord.ca/budget, which will be updated following the CRD Board’s approval of the 2019 Budget on Friday, March 22nd, 2019
~SF
Legislation to protect farmland now in force
Courtesy of the Government of British Columbia:
Regulations that strengthen B.C.’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) came into force under Bill 52 on Feb. 22, 2019, enhancing food security and encouraging farming in the ALR.
“I’m very happy to see this law come into full force and effect,” said the Hon Lana Popham, BC's Minister of Agriculture. “This new law will encourage farming and better protect farmland by banning mega-mansions, stopping the illegal dumping of waste on farmland and reinstating the one-zone system. It’s a great step in our effort to revitalize the Agricultural Land Reserve so that British Columbians can count on a safe, secure supply of locally grown food on their tables for years to come.”
The Agricultural Land Commission Amendment Act, 2018 provides three key changes, including:
Restricting the removal of soil and increased penalties for the dumping of construction debris and other harmful fill in the ALR.
Directly addressing mega-mansions and speculation in the ALR by limiting primary residence size on ALR lands and empowering the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to approve additional residences if they are for farm use.
Reunifying the ALR as a single zone, ensuring consistent rules with strong protections for all provincial ALR land.
“At the same time, we’re supporting larger farming families by ensuring that those who need extra living space to support their farming operations have a path forward at the ALC to build a larger home,” said Popham. “Multigenerational farming families are the backbone of agriculture throughout B.C.”
Bill 52 was introduced on Nov. 5, 2018, and received royal assent three weeks later. It required a regulation to bring the law into force. The legislative changes make it clear that British Columbia’s ALR is for farming and ranching, not for building mega-mansions and dumping construction waste.
Established in 1973, the ALR is administered by the ALC, an independent tribunal mandated to preserve agricultural land and encourage farming on agricultural land. The ALR includes over 4.7 million hectares of B.C. that are preserved for agricultural use — less than 5% of B.C.’s total land base.
Quick Facts:
Farming families who need the extra space to farm have a path forward at the ALC to build a larger home to support their farming operations.
To ensure fairness, people who have all their permits and authorizations in place on Feb. 22, 2019, when the regulations became law, will be grandfathered under the old system provided they begin substantial construction by Nov. 5, 2019.
Under Bill 52, dumping construction waste and other damaging substances on farmland is prohibited, with strong penalties and new tools for enforcement.
New offences for illegal fill and soil removal have been created under the new act, with maximum penalties of $1 million or six months imprisonment for a first offence.
Learn More:
For more information, visit the Agricultural Land Commission’s website: https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alc/content/contact-us
Regulations that strengthen B.C.’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) came into force under Bill 52 on Feb. 22, 2019, enhancing food security and encouraging farming in the ALR.
“I’m very happy to see this law come into full force and effect,” said the Hon Lana Popham, BC's Minister of Agriculture. “This new law will encourage farming and better protect farmland by banning mega-mansions, stopping the illegal dumping of waste on farmland and reinstating the one-zone system. It’s a great step in our effort to revitalize the Agricultural Land Reserve so that British Columbians can count on a safe, secure supply of locally grown food on their tables for years to come.”
The Agricultural Land Commission Amendment Act, 2018 provides three key changes, including:
Restricting the removal of soil and increased penalties for the dumping of construction debris and other harmful fill in the ALR.
Directly addressing mega-mansions and speculation in the ALR by limiting primary residence size on ALR lands and empowering the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to approve additional residences if they are for farm use.
Reunifying the ALR as a single zone, ensuring consistent rules with strong protections for all provincial ALR land.
“At the same time, we’re supporting larger farming families by ensuring that those who need extra living space to support their farming operations have a path forward at the ALC to build a larger home,” said Popham. “Multigenerational farming families are the backbone of agriculture throughout B.C.”
Bill 52 was introduced on Nov. 5, 2018, and received royal assent three weeks later. It required a regulation to bring the law into force. The legislative changes make it clear that British Columbia’s ALR is for farming and ranching, not for building mega-mansions and dumping construction waste.
Established in 1973, the ALR is administered by the ALC, an independent tribunal mandated to preserve agricultural land and encourage farming on agricultural land. The ALR includes over 4.7 million hectares of B.C. that are preserved for agricultural use — less than 5% of B.C.’s total land base.
Quick Facts:
Farming families who need the extra space to farm have a path forward at the ALC to build a larger home to support their farming operations.
To ensure fairness, people who have all their permits and authorizations in place on Feb. 22, 2019, when the regulations became law, will be grandfathered under the old system provided they begin substantial construction by Nov. 5, 2019.
Under Bill 52, dumping construction waste and other damaging substances on farmland is prohibited, with strong penalties and new tools for enforcement.
New offences for illegal fill and soil removal have been created under the new act, with maximum penalties of $1 million or six months imprisonment for a first offence.
Learn More:
For more information, visit the Agricultural Land Commission’s website: https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alc/content/contact-us
Friday, February 22, 2019
Local Gov't Meetings - Wk of Feb 25 - March 1st, 2019
The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* Presentation from the Community Paramedic, Eileen Darling
* Rescinding Resolution No. 19-21 from the Regular Council meeting of February 12, 2019 ("District of Wells Engineering Services for Wells Energy System")
* District of Wells proposed 2019 provisional Budget (Public Consultation)
* Developing a District of Wells Green Infrastructure Committee
* Letter to Mayor and Council from the Wells Snowmobile Club - February 19, 2019
* Email letter from Dianne Andreesen regarding Council's support for UBCM Resolution - February 19, 2019
* In-Camera Session as per Sec 90(1a/c - appointment/labour) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:
Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 3pm in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Fleet Review
* 2019 Draft Operating Budget Review
View the full Agenda here
Municipal Council -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Banner Presentation -- Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Society
* Rise/Report from In-Camera -- February 11 and 12, 2019 Quesnel City Council Strategic Planning Sessions - Cariboo Regional District Northern Directors - Use of Alternate Directors at North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meetings - click here
* Administration Report #1B/19 - Contravention of Municipal Building Regulations - Notices on Titles (5)
* Veterans' Way
* Cannabis Applications - License Review
* 2019 Budget Survey Results
View the full Agenda here
Executive Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 27th at 9am in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Airport Committee
* Council Travel Reporting Process - Verbal Report of the City Manager
* Community Policing Office - Verbal Report of the City Manager
View the full Agenda here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Presentations -- School District No. 27 Career Programs - Creating Vision, Developing Skills, and Building Pathways & The Learning Framework in Action
* 2019-2020 School Calendar
* 2019-2020 School Fees
* Reports from Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Zoning Amendment Application - Bylaw No. 2301 - Gerry & Ivy Stanley - Adds "Manufactured Home" Use - 911 Proctor Street (1st/2nd Readings)
* FCM Green Municipal Fund Application - Storm Water Phase 6 Project
* CMRC Arena Chiller Replacement - Tender Award
* 2019 Stampede Parade Approval
* Special Occasion Liquor License Request - Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association
For the full Agenda, click here. There is also a Public Hearing to be held at 7pm on the same night respecting property at 254 1st Avenue for a daycare. For the full Public Hearing Agenda - click here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:
North Cariboo Parcel Tax Review Panel -- Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 10:30am in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Elect Chair
* Benjamin Water System Parcel Tax Roll
Directors' appointed to this Parcel Tax Review Panel are City of Quesnel Director (and Mayor) Bob Simpson, Area A Director Mary Sjostrom and Area I Director Jim Glassford
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Parcel Tax Review Panel - Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 2pm in the CRD Williams Lake Committee Room. On the Agenda:
* Elect Chair
* Lexington Water System Parcel Tax Roll
Directors appointed to this Parcel Tax Roll Panel are Area E Director Angie Delainey, Area F Director Joan Sorley and Area J Director Gerald Kirby
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 3pm in the CRD Williams Lake Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Delegation - Williams Lake RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley
* Referred from Board -- 2019 Social Planning Council's Grant for Assistance application for reconsideration
* Scout Island Nature Centre - Invitation to annual Fundraising Banquet
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 5:30pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* City of Williams Lake Report - NCLGA Resolution - Ammonia Regulations
* City of Williams Lake Report - CMRC Fees and Charges Bylaw (Request for Direction)
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, Feb 28th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* 9:30am Delegation -- James Kinakin (Director of Business Support) and David Matear (Executive Director - IH West), with Interior Health, will appear before the Committee of the Whole to provide updates pertaining to the Williams Lake - 100 Mile House health services administrative area.
* 11:00am Delegation -- Cathy Ulrich (CEO), Michael Hoefer (Regional Director, Capital Planning & Support Services - via teleconference), and Daryl Petsul (Manager, Surgical & Critical Care, Emergency), all with Northern Health, will join the Committee of the Whole to provide updates pertaining to the Quesnel health services administrative area.
* CCRHD Taxation for Discussion
* In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District/Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, Feb 28th at 1pm in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* Presentation of CRD Solid Waste
* Grant for Assistance Policy Discussion
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District Board Meeting on Friday, March 1st at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* Delegation -- Matt Mason, Community & Indigenous Relations Manager, Siraz Dalmir, Municipalities Key Account Manager, and Marilyn Christensen, Energy Solutions Manager, all with Fortis BC will appear before the Board to discuss bio-gas/wood waste
* Advisory Planning Commission Appointments for Areas B, C, G, I and K
* 2019 Budget Consultation Feedback
* 2019 DRAFT NCLGA Resolutions for submission to 2019 NCLGA Convention in Williams Lake
* Loan Authorization Bylaw Resolutions for Kersley Fire Protection, Forest Grove Fire Protection and Lone Butte Fire Protection
* Committee Minutes/Recommendations for receipt/endorsement
* Report from CRD Vice-Chair John Massier re: Jan 25/26th NCLGA Board of Directors' Meeting
View the full Agenda here
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* Presentation from the Community Paramedic, Eileen Darling
* Rescinding Resolution No. 19-21 from the Regular Council meeting of February 12, 2019 ("District of Wells Engineering Services for Wells Energy System")
* District of Wells proposed 2019 provisional Budget (Public Consultation)
* Developing a District of Wells Green Infrastructure Committee
* Letter to Mayor and Council from the Wells Snowmobile Club - February 19, 2019
* Email letter from Dianne Andreesen regarding Council's support for UBCM Resolution - February 19, 2019
* In-Camera Session as per Sec 90(1a/c - appointment/labour) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:
Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 3pm in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Fleet Review
* 2019 Draft Operating Budget Review
View the full Agenda here
Municipal Council -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Banner Presentation -- Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Society
* Rise/Report from In-Camera -- February 11 and 12, 2019 Quesnel City Council Strategic Planning Sessions - Cariboo Regional District Northern Directors - Use of Alternate Directors at North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meetings - click here
* Administration Report #1B/19 - Contravention of Municipal Building Regulations - Notices on Titles (5)
* Veterans' Way
* Cannabis Applications - License Review
* 2019 Budget Survey Results
View the full Agenda here
Executive Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 27th at 9am in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Airport Committee
* Council Travel Reporting Process - Verbal Report of the City Manager
* Community Policing Office - Verbal Report of the City Manager
View the full Agenda here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Presentations -- School District No. 27 Career Programs - Creating Vision, Developing Skills, and Building Pathways & The Learning Framework in Action
* 2019-2020 School Calendar
* 2019-2020 School Fees
* Reports from Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Zoning Amendment Application - Bylaw No. 2301 - Gerry & Ivy Stanley - Adds "Manufactured Home" Use - 911 Proctor Street (1st/2nd Readings)
* FCM Green Municipal Fund Application - Storm Water Phase 6 Project
* CMRC Arena Chiller Replacement - Tender Award
* 2019 Stampede Parade Approval
* Special Occasion Liquor License Request - Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association
For the full Agenda, click here. There is also a Public Hearing to be held at 7pm on the same night respecting property at 254 1st Avenue for a daycare. For the full Public Hearing Agenda - click here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:
North Cariboo Parcel Tax Review Panel -- Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 26th at 10:30am in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Elect Chair
* Benjamin Water System Parcel Tax Roll
Directors' appointed to this Parcel Tax Review Panel are City of Quesnel Director (and Mayor) Bob Simpson, Area A Director Mary Sjostrom and Area I Director Jim Glassford
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Parcel Tax Review Panel - Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 2pm in the CRD Williams Lake Committee Room. On the Agenda:
* Elect Chair
* Lexington Water System Parcel Tax Roll
Directors appointed to this Parcel Tax Roll Panel are Area E Director Angie Delainey, Area F Director Joan Sorley and Area J Director Gerald Kirby
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 3pm in the CRD Williams Lake Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Delegation - Williams Lake RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley
* Referred from Board -- 2019 Social Planning Council's Grant for Assistance application for reconsideration
* Scout Island Nature Centre - Invitation to annual Fundraising Banquet
View the full Agenda here
Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 27th at 5:30pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* City of Williams Lake Report - NCLGA Resolution - Ammonia Regulations
* City of Williams Lake Report - CMRC Fees and Charges Bylaw (Request for Direction)
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, Feb 28th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* 9:30am Delegation -- James Kinakin (Director of Business Support) and David Matear (Executive Director - IH West), with Interior Health, will appear before the Committee of the Whole to provide updates pertaining to the Williams Lake - 100 Mile House health services administrative area.
* 11:00am Delegation -- Cathy Ulrich (CEO), Michael Hoefer (Regional Director, Capital Planning & Support Services - via teleconference), and Daryl Petsul (Manager, Surgical & Critical Care, Emergency), all with Northern Health, will join the Committee of the Whole to provide updates pertaining to the Quesnel health services administrative area.
* CCRHD Taxation for Discussion
* In-Camera Session as per Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District/Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, Feb 28th at 1pm in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* Presentation of CRD Solid Waste
* Grant for Assistance Policy Discussion
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District Board Meeting on Friday, March 1st at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom. On the Agenda:
* Delegation -- Matt Mason, Community & Indigenous Relations Manager, Siraz Dalmir, Municipalities Key Account Manager, and Marilyn Christensen, Energy Solutions Manager, all with Fortis BC will appear before the Board to discuss bio-gas/wood waste
* Advisory Planning Commission Appointments for Areas B, C, G, I and K
* 2019 Budget Consultation Feedback
* 2019 DRAFT NCLGA Resolutions for submission to 2019 NCLGA Convention in Williams Lake
* Loan Authorization Bylaw Resolutions for Kersley Fire Protection, Forest Grove Fire Protection and Lone Butte Fire Protection
* Committee Minutes/Recommendations for receipt/endorsement
* Report from CRD Vice-Chair John Massier re: Jan 25/26th NCLGA Board of Directors' Meeting
View the full Agenda here
Candidates announced for March 30th Cariboo RD Area F by-election
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
At 4 p.m. today, Chief Election Officer for the Cariboo Regional District, Alice Johnston, announced the candidates for the upcoming Area F by-election. The by-election is scheduled for March 30, 2019.
Maureen LeBourdais, Brice O’Neill and Shannon Rerie are running for Electoral Area F Director in the by-election. Candidate biographies are posted at cariboord.ca/elections. Candidate’s information is posted if provided by the candidate and is not vetted by the CRD.
Advance polling will be available at the CRD’s Williams Lake office on March 20 and March 25, 2019. General voting day will be Saturday, March 30, 2019. Polling station locations will be announced closer to the date.
The nomination period for candidates began at 9 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2019 and closed at 4 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2019.
Find Area F by-election information at cariboord.ca/elections.
At 4 p.m. today, Chief Election Officer for the Cariboo Regional District, Alice Johnston, announced the candidates for the upcoming Area F by-election. The by-election is scheduled for March 30, 2019.
Maureen LeBourdais, Brice O’Neill and Shannon Rerie are running for Electoral Area F Director in the by-election. Candidate biographies are posted at cariboord.ca/elections. Candidate’s information is posted if provided by the candidate and is not vetted by the CRD.
Advance polling will be available at the CRD’s Williams Lake office on March 20 and March 25, 2019. General voting day will be Saturday, March 30, 2019. Polling station locations will be announced closer to the date.
The nomination period for candidates began at 9 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2019 and closed at 4 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2019.
Find Area F by-election information at cariboord.ca/elections.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Douglas Fir Beetle work on Pablo Mountain
Courtesy of the Government of BC:
Helicopters will be used to minimize the spread of Douglas fir beetles on Pablo Mountain, starting as early as Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.
The project is an expansion of helicopter logging operations that have been underway in the Williams Lake area this winter. Pablo Mountain is about 10 kilometres south of Williams Lake.
Douglas fir beetle populations are higher than normal in some parts of the Cariboo, but helicopter logging (used to selectively remove infested trees and protect other trees nearby) and related containment treatments have helped slow the spread of the beetles around Williams Lake.
The forest pests normally attack small groups of trees and a significant infestation can weaken and eventually kill a tree over a period of about one year. This is the third straight year that heli-logging has been used in the area to decrease their numbers.
Over the past eight weeks, heli-logging activities have taken place in:
the Esler area (a few kilometres southwest of Williams Lake)
the South Lakeside area and a site further south off Anderson Road
sites in North Lakeside (in steep terrain on Fox Mountain)
sites on Slater Mountain area (west of Williams Lake)
This project is being conducted under the direction of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and is expected to be completed by mid-March. Residents can expect to see helicopters in the air, but no flights will occur over residential buildings.
The aircraft will only be flying during daylight hours.
Owners of livestock and pets are advised to take precautions to protect their animals from injuring themselves. Horses can be especially sensitive to helicopter noise and may run if startled.
For safety reasons, members of the public should stay away from areas where helicopters are flying. They are also reminded that unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) must not be operated anywhere near
harvesting areas, since doing so can endanger the safety of pilots and workers on the ground.
In addition to the direct harvesting of infested trees, the Williams Lake Beetle Management Unit 2018 Treatment Plan includes the following activities:
The anti-aggregative pheromone methyl cyclohexenone will be used to prevent or disrupt Douglas fir beetle attacks on small infestation sites. This naturally occurring pheromone can successfully repel the beetles from vulnerable areas and can also help protect small stands of trees near parks, protected areas, campgrounds, residential properties or old growth management areas. In some cases, the application of this pheromone has reduced Douglas fir beetle attacks by over 90%.
“Trap trees” will be established by cutting down large, healthy Douglas fir trees in accessible areas.
The trees will be left on the ground to attract adult beetles in the spring. Trap trees are more successful in attracting adult beetles than standing trees and therefore can greatly reduce the number of attacks on healthy Douglas fir trees nearby. Once adult beetles and larvae are established within a trap tree, it will be taken to a mill where the beetles and larvae will be destroyed in the milling process.
Where appropriate, and if no other practical options are available, some infested trees may be cut down and burned on site to destroy the beetles present in the bark.
Funnel traps will also be deployed within mill yards and log storage areas to capture adult beetles.
Quick Facts:
The Williams Lake Timber Supply Area contains 3.24 million hectares of forest, with 1.83 million hectares considered to be available for timber harvesting.
Douglas fir beetle infestations tend to be cyclical. The last major outbreak in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Regional District (prior to the current outbreak) peaked in 2008, covering about 68,550 hectares.
According to the ministry's latest mapping data (based on aerial surveys conducted in the summer of 2018), Douglas fir beetles affected 48,584 hectares within the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District in 2018. About 45,862 hectares were affected in the same region in 2017, with 53,311 hectares affected in 2016.
Learn More:
Read more about Douglas-fir beetle management or read a guide for managing the beetles on private property at:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/forest-pests/bark-beetles/douglas-fir-beetle/management
Helicopters will be used to minimize the spread of Douglas fir beetles on Pablo Mountain, starting as early as Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.
The project is an expansion of helicopter logging operations that have been underway in the Williams Lake area this winter. Pablo Mountain is about 10 kilometres south of Williams Lake.
Douglas fir beetle populations are higher than normal in some parts of the Cariboo, but helicopter logging (used to selectively remove infested trees and protect other trees nearby) and related containment treatments have helped slow the spread of the beetles around Williams Lake.
The forest pests normally attack small groups of trees and a significant infestation can weaken and eventually kill a tree over a period of about one year. This is the third straight year that heli-logging has been used in the area to decrease their numbers.
Over the past eight weeks, heli-logging activities have taken place in:
the Esler area (a few kilometres southwest of Williams Lake)
the South Lakeside area and a site further south off Anderson Road
sites in North Lakeside (in steep terrain on Fox Mountain)
sites on Slater Mountain area (west of Williams Lake)
This project is being conducted under the direction of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and is expected to be completed by mid-March. Residents can expect to see helicopters in the air, but no flights will occur over residential buildings.
The aircraft will only be flying during daylight hours.
Owners of livestock and pets are advised to take precautions to protect their animals from injuring themselves. Horses can be especially sensitive to helicopter noise and may run if startled.
For safety reasons, members of the public should stay away from areas where helicopters are flying. They are also reminded that unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) must not be operated anywhere near
harvesting areas, since doing so can endanger the safety of pilots and workers on the ground.
In addition to the direct harvesting of infested trees, the Williams Lake Beetle Management Unit 2018 Treatment Plan includes the following activities:
The anti-aggregative pheromone methyl cyclohexenone will be used to prevent or disrupt Douglas fir beetle attacks on small infestation sites. This naturally occurring pheromone can successfully repel the beetles from vulnerable areas and can also help protect small stands of trees near parks, protected areas, campgrounds, residential properties or old growth management areas. In some cases, the application of this pheromone has reduced Douglas fir beetle attacks by over 90%.
“Trap trees” will be established by cutting down large, healthy Douglas fir trees in accessible areas.
The trees will be left on the ground to attract adult beetles in the spring. Trap trees are more successful in attracting adult beetles than standing trees and therefore can greatly reduce the number of attacks on healthy Douglas fir trees nearby. Once adult beetles and larvae are established within a trap tree, it will be taken to a mill where the beetles and larvae will be destroyed in the milling process.
Where appropriate, and if no other practical options are available, some infested trees may be cut down and burned on site to destroy the beetles present in the bark.
Funnel traps will also be deployed within mill yards and log storage areas to capture adult beetles.
Quick Facts:
The Williams Lake Timber Supply Area contains 3.24 million hectares of forest, with 1.83 million hectares considered to be available for timber harvesting.
Douglas fir beetle infestations tend to be cyclical. The last major outbreak in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Regional District (prior to the current outbreak) peaked in 2008, covering about 68,550 hectares.
According to the ministry's latest mapping data (based on aerial surveys conducted in the summer of 2018), Douglas fir beetles affected 48,584 hectares within the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District in 2018. About 45,862 hectares were affected in the same region in 2017, with 53,311 hectares affected in 2016.
Learn More:
Read more about Douglas-fir beetle management or read a guide for managing the beetles on private property at:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/forest-pests/bark-beetles/douglas-fir-beetle/management
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
NStQ commends BC Gov't on sharing provincial gaming revenues with British Columbia First Nations.
Courtesy of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council:
Lhtako Dene and City of Quesnel move forward in reconciliation
Joint Release of City of Quesnel/Lhtake Dene First Nations:
Quesnel City Council has agreed to return
the land at Ceal Tingley Park to Lhtako Dene Nation for the proposed Lhtako
Dene Indigenous Cultural Centre project.
This site, at the confluence of the Fraser
and Quesnel rivers is significant to the Lhtako Dene as the site of a major
settlement. This site is also historically significant as the site of first
contact with European explorers when Alexander Mackenzie first travelled
through the area, and later, with Simon Fraser as he journeyed down the
Fraser River.
Lhtako Dene has submitted an application to
the Invest in Canada Infrastructure grant in the Rural and Northern
Communities stream. This grant will provide up to 100% funding for
indigenous, off-reserve projects like the Cultural Centre. The application included
letters of support from the City of Quesnel, Cariboo Regional District,
Southern Dakelh Nations Alliance, School District 28, University of Northern
British Columbia, College of New Caledonia, and West Fraser.
The transfer of land ownership will occur
once funding is in place for the project. Lhtako Dene and the City of Quesnel
are committed to seeing the project through, and will continue to seek
funding opportunities.
Quick Facts:
For more information about the proposed
Indigenous Cultural Centre, visit www.quesnel.ca/indigenous-cultural-centre
|
Toward true reconciliation
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel Council News column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
There’s a lot of talk about recognition and reconciliation with First Nations these days; not just here in Canada, but around the world.
This dialogue was spurred on by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007. Twelve years after its adoption as an international standard, BC has committed to becoming the first province to legislate the implementation of UNDRIP.
In last week’s Speech from the Throne in the BC Legislature, the provincial government committed to “true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples … by working with First Nations to make sure they are full participants in decision-making that affect their rights and lands.”
The Throne Speech states that the proposed UNDRIP implementation legislation, which was co-developed with First Nations leadership organizations, “will form the foundation for the Province’s work on reconciliation, mandating government to bring provincial laws and policies into harmony with the Declaration.”
By definition, reconciliation means “the restoration of friendly relations” or “the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.” Both senses of the word are needed to achieve reconciliation with First Nations here in BC. But, achieving true reconciliation will also involve resolving, legally and financially, long-standing issues related to land claims and the historical attempts by previous governments to extinguish First Nations’ language and culture.
Simply put, there cannot be true reconciliation with words alone.
We can’t simply “make nice” with First Nations’ communities in order to restore “friendly relations;” we must find real ways to address the real wrongs that were committed when this province and country was settled by Europeans.
In 2015, Quesnel City Council started down the path of recognition and reconciliation with our local First Nations communities. Due to the primacy of their claims over the land which forms the legal boundaries of the City of Quesnel our initial focus was to restore relations with the Lhtako Dene, upon whose unceded territory (meaning that Aboriginal Title has neither been surrendered nor acquired by the Crown) the City sits.
Over a period of two years, elected leaders and staff from Lhtako and the City met with each other, broke bread together, and began a dialogue about how we could work together to not simply redress old wrongs, but to create new partnerships that will benefit present and future generations who will call Quesnel home.
This dialogue led to the Lhtako Dene territory being recognized in all of the City’s public spaces and at the start of all Council meetings; the flying of the Lhtako flag at the Visitor Centre; and, the signing of a protocol agreement between the City of Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation. But, these are all simply words, if we do not follow them up with concerted action.
This week, Council was presented with an overview of the application the Lhtako Dene has submitted for federal and provincial funding which, if successful, would see the Lhtako build a beautiful cultural centre at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers, a location of incredible cultural and historic significance not just to the Lhtako Dene but to all Canadians.
In an effort to advance our dialogue with Lhtako toward true reconciliation, Council not only endorsed and supported their application, we also passed a motion to restore the ownership of the property upon which the cultural centre would be built to the Lhtako Dene if the application is successful. It’s a small step toward true reconciliation here in Quesnel.
Council will now begin dialogue with our other First Nations communities in the region and has committed to explore the implications of formally adopting UNDRIP as a local government.
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel Council News column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
 |
| Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson |
This dialogue was spurred on by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007. Twelve years after its adoption as an international standard, BC has committed to becoming the first province to legislate the implementation of UNDRIP.
In last week’s Speech from the Throne in the BC Legislature, the provincial government committed to “true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples … by working with First Nations to make sure they are full participants in decision-making that affect their rights and lands.”
The Throne Speech states that the proposed UNDRIP implementation legislation, which was co-developed with First Nations leadership organizations, “will form the foundation for the Province’s work on reconciliation, mandating government to bring provincial laws and policies into harmony with the Declaration.”
By definition, reconciliation means “the restoration of friendly relations” or “the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.” Both senses of the word are needed to achieve reconciliation with First Nations here in BC. But, achieving true reconciliation will also involve resolving, legally and financially, long-standing issues related to land claims and the historical attempts by previous governments to extinguish First Nations’ language and culture.
Simply put, there cannot be true reconciliation with words alone.
We can’t simply “make nice” with First Nations’ communities in order to restore “friendly relations;” we must find real ways to address the real wrongs that were committed when this province and country was settled by Europeans.
In 2015, Quesnel City Council started down the path of recognition and reconciliation with our local First Nations communities. Due to the primacy of their claims over the land which forms the legal boundaries of the City of Quesnel our initial focus was to restore relations with the Lhtako Dene, upon whose unceded territory (meaning that Aboriginal Title has neither been surrendered nor acquired by the Crown) the City sits.
Over a period of two years, elected leaders and staff from Lhtako and the City met with each other, broke bread together, and began a dialogue about how we could work together to not simply redress old wrongs, but to create new partnerships that will benefit present and future generations who will call Quesnel home.
This dialogue led to the Lhtako Dene territory being recognized in all of the City’s public spaces and at the start of all Council meetings; the flying of the Lhtako flag at the Visitor Centre; and, the signing of a protocol agreement between the City of Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation. But, these are all simply words, if we do not follow them up with concerted action.
This week, Council was presented with an overview of the application the Lhtako Dene has submitted for federal and provincial funding which, if successful, would see the Lhtako build a beautiful cultural centre at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers, a location of incredible cultural and historic significance not just to the Lhtako Dene but to all Canadians.
In an effort to advance our dialogue with Lhtako toward true reconciliation, Council not only endorsed and supported their application, we also passed a motion to restore the ownership of the property upon which the cultural centre would be built to the Lhtako Dene if the application is successful. It’s a small step toward true reconciliation here in Quesnel.
Council will now begin dialogue with our other First Nations communities in the region and has committed to explore the implications of formally adopting UNDRIP as a local government.
Quesnel Council Highlights - Feb 19th mtg
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Lhtako Dene Indigenous Cultural Centre
Alfred Waugh, owner and principal of Formline Architecture, presented an overview of the concept design for the Lhtako Dene Indigenous Cultural Centre. The Lhtako Dene Nation has submitted a grant application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, Rural and Northern Communities stream. If successful, the estimated $16 million Centre would be built where the Lhtako Dene traditional village site was historically located at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers with 100% of the cost covered by the grant. Council has approved gifting the land to the Lhtako Dene where the proposed Centre is to be built at 11 Johnston Loop, also known as Ceal Tingley Park once funding is in place. The Centre’s concept plan includes archival space for repatriated Lhtako Dene and Southern Dakelh artifacts, a 250 seat gathering space which may be used as a community theatre or lecture hall, art gallery for local and indigenous art, gift shop and café, all within the form of a traditional indigenous pit house village structure.
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Marketing Initiatives
Council was provided with an update of the City’s brand implementation and marketing initiatives. Updates include: 6 new resident recruitment videos are ready to launch, 6 new tourism videos are in production, street banners are to be placed throughout the community in the spring, online and print advertising tactics are underway, and social media channels continue to grow. Additional initiatives include: New City brochure and flat sheets, adventure cards, Travel Guide, community statistical profile and welcome packages for athletes and delegates at events.
Next steps include: attend the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show, Global TV promotion, trail map along with mountain bike tourism campaign, seasonal tourism emails to subscribers, Relocation Guide, interactive itinerary builder on tourism website, social media contests, a new event working with BC Ale Trail, and marketing materials to encourage housing development.
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Northern Development Initiative Trust – February 2019 Grant Intake
Council approved City staff submitting grant applications to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for the February 2019 intake for the following:
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Bylaw
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Next Meetings
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