Province responded to almost all Abbott-Chapman recommendations

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The B.C. government has addressed almost 92% of the recommendations in the Abbott-Chapman report that looked into the devastating 2017 wildfire and flood seasons in British Columbia.

“We were all aware of the risk of catastrophic wildfires leading up to 2017, but at that time, not enough work was done to prepare people and communities,” said the Hon. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “We have acted on 99 of the 108 recommendations in this report because we have made it a priority to keep British Columbians safe.”

George Abbott and Chief Maureen Chapman wrote the report, Addressing the New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in B.C., after extensive consultations with First Nations, local governments, residents, industry and other stakeholders affected by wildfires and flooding that year.

On Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, the Province released the second progress update on its Government’s Action Plan: Responding to wildfire and flood risks, which was released on Oct. 31, 2018. The update details the work that’s been done on each of the report’s 108 recommendations over the past year:

• Responses to 99 of the recommendations (or about 92% of the total) are now considered to be “complete” (49 recommendations) or “underway” (19), or “substantial improvement” has been achieved (31).
• Of the remaining nine recommendations, four require further analysis and discussion, while alternative approaches are being used to address the other five recommendations.

The B.C. government’s emergency management efforts have also considered other recent reports, such as the auditor general report, Managing Climate Change Risks, and the federal House of Commons June 2018 report, From the Ashes: Reimagining Fire Safety and Emergency Management in Indigenous Communities.

“We continue to make solid progress on the report’s recommendations, such as incorporating the United Nations’ Sendai Framework and collaborating with First Nations on emergency management improvements,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We’re going to continue to move forward with these changes and entrench them in our modernization of the Emergency Program Act to ensure this critical piece of legislation is responsive to the needs of all British Columbians.”

The Abbott-Chapman report made it clear that governments needed to improve how to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires and floods.

“Chief Maureen Chapman and I spent months travelling around the province last year in the wake of the 2017 wildfire and freshet seasons. We listened very closely to the concerns of many individuals and communities who were directly affected by those catastrophic events,” Abbott said. “It’s encouraging to see the B.C. government’s prompt and thorough response to our report, and heartening to see how much work has been done to address our report’s recommendations.”

The Oct. 31 progress update also describes how the Province is using the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to structure improvements to its emergency management efforts. The Sendai Framework advocates for action within and across sectors at all levels of government, in four priority areas:

• understanding disaster risk
• strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk
• investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
• enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

“It was crucial for us to hear first-hand how British Columbians were impacted by the 2017 wildfires and floods,” Chief Chapman said. “The changes made as a result of our report have enhanced the Province’s response capabilities, strengthened relationships between communities and provided First Nations a more direct role in how such emergencies will be dealt with in future.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2017, 1.2 million hectares burned, displacing more than 65,000 residents during the longest state of emergency in B.C.'s history. The total cost of wildfire and flood response in 2017 was close to $650 million.
• On Dec. 4, 2017, the B.C. government launched an independent review of the response to the 2017 wildfire and flooding seasons.
• The review was led by George Abbott and by Maureen Chapman, Hereditary Chief of Skawahlook First Nation. Their report, Addressing the New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in B.C., was released in May 2018. The Abbott-Chapman report includes 108 recommendations related to disaster management.

Learn More:

The Abbott-Chapman report, the government’s Action Plan and both progress updates are available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc

For information on wildfire prevention, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/FireSmart

Learn how to prepare for an emergency: www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC

Extreme weather spaces/temporary shelters opening throughout BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- for the Cariboo-Chilcotin -- Extreme Weather Spaces or Temporary Shelters will be established in the following locations

100 Mile House -- 555B South Cedar Avenue (10 spaces - temporary emergency shelter)

Quesnel - 146 Carson Avenue (10 spaces - extreme weather shelter space)

People in need of a warm, safe place to go during the months ahead will have access to additional emergency shelter spaces through the Province’s temporary and extreme weather response shelter programs.

“During the colder months, it’s important that people experiencing homelessness in our province know that there is a place they can go to get warm and find supports and services that can help them stabilize their lives,” said the Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As we continue the work of building permanent housing, we’re proud to work in partnership with communities and non-profit housing providers to provide these shelter spaces.”

This season, the Province will open almost 1,355 temporary shelter spaces and over 820 extreme weather response shelter spaces. These emergency shelters supplement the more than 2,000 permanent, year-round emergency shelter spaces. The Province will continue to work with municipalities and communities to increase temporary and extreme weather spaces this winter.

Temporary shelters will be open every night for the season. Many will be open 24/7 and offer meals. Some temporary shelters have already opened, with more to come later this season.

Extreme weather response shelters will be available from Nov. 1, 2019 until March 31, 2020. Individual communities establish a plan of the weather conditions that warrant an extreme weather alert and determine the number of spaces to activate on a given night, depending on the capacity of existing shelters and the estimated need.

These emergency shelter programs work with communities and non-profits throughout B.C. to provide temporary but immediate places to stay for anyone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

A current list of temporary and extreme weather response shelters by community is included in the backgrounder below.

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, has opened more than 2,000 units of supportive housing, with an additional 800 underway. These developments are part of the government's Homes for BC housing plan to build a total of 4,700 units of supportive housing over 10 years.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province’s emergency shelter program, visit: www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/emergency-shelter-program

To see a map of permanent and temporary shelters in B.C., visit: www.bchousing.org/Options/Emergency_Housing/Map 

Grab a helmet and get on the ice!

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Since the opening of the Ice rinks at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, family and public skates have been in full swing with great attendance, with several more themed skates and free skates planned throughout the winter.

Priding itself on keeping safety and wellness top of mind, the Complex is implementing a new helmet policy to be introduced on November 30th, 2019. This new policy states that all children, 12 years of age and under, must wear bike or hockey helmets for all Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex events and programs taking place on the ice.

In the past, the Complex required helmets for skating programs, but the new policy increases the mandatory age from 7 to 12 years and includes public, family and themed skates. We want to be proactive against head injuries and are implementing a new standard in reflection of regular policy changes regarding helmet use in sports such as ice skating and curling and in public and private recreational rinks. “We encourage all people to wear helmets on the ice,” says Suzanne Cochrane, Recreational Programmer. “Not only do we hope to see more children wearing helmets, but we also hope to see more adults wearing helmets as role models for kids.”

It’s going to be a great year on the ice at the Complex due to the generosity of local businesses and organizations. Burgess Plumbing and Heating, Johnston Meir Insurance, Tim Hortons, Lions Club, Winter Lights Committee and Dana Favel of RE/MAX have all sponsored free skates this season.  Pick up a copy of the Active Living Guide for a list of special events on the ice and the skating schedule.

“Like” the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex’s Facebook page to stay up to date current schedules and upcoming events. On-site skate rentals are available through Caribou Ski. Grab your helmet and skates and join us on the ice!

For more information, please contact Suzanne Cochrane at scochrane@williamslake.ca or 250.398.7665

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 29th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Capital Planning, Utility Rates and Water Treatment Project Review Rick Collins, P.Eng, and Robert Moore, E.I.T., from Urban Systems presented to Council a PowerPoint on the City’s Capital Planning, Utility Rates and Water Treatment Project Update (“Update”) that focuses on the City’s roads, water, wastewater and storm capital investments. 10-Year Capital Planning The City’s solely-owned fixed assets totals approximately $280 million. Having a sound capital plan is an expectation for the City. A solid capital plan gives the City an advantage in being grant-ready and able to apply for Capital Grant applications when these grant programs become available, that are often with short notice and require design-ready projects. When financing Capital projects, Council and City staff must consider where the funding is coming from, costs, and cost recovery. Council and City staff must also consider balancing concerns with those of future generations when addressing the infrastructure deficit. Utility Rate Update Utility rates pay for operations, maintenance and capital investments of the City’s water and sanitary utilities. The City investments for these utilities must sustain existing service, support growth and meet current regulations. The City’s sanitary utility fund is considered sustainably funded, although rates still need to be adjusted for inflation. The City’s water utility fund is likely approaching sustainable funding. It is estimated a 3%/year increase for the next 6-9 years, plus inflationary costs. Water Rates and Sanitary Rates South Quesnel, approximately 20 years ago, incurred a debt for various capital water service expansions. This debt will be retired over the next couple of years. Currently, South Quesnel customers are paying a parcel tax for these capital water debt expansions, but do not pay a water utility parcel tax based on a property frontage tax funding model similar to most of the City’s water and sanitary utility customers. The principles considered when applying utility rates are: Cover full cost of service Revenue stability Equity between different classes of customers Affordability Conservation Ensure rate structure is easy to understand and administer Council has referred the issue of resetting utility rates for City customers to the Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee to consider the above principles and various funding models. Water Treatment System Currently evaluating treatment technologies, site layout and hydraulics for the proposed treatment sites. Preparing for pilot testing in November 2019 to provide information for optimizing manganese filtration. Primary goal is to determine the best technology and confirm suitability and sizing. Project cost estimates and plans prepared for grant application to be completed by February 2020.

Landfill / Recycling With the current landfill space expected to be at capacity by 2040, Council has given the following direction to ensure the City continues towards its strategic goal of environmental stewardship of the landfill and recycling programs, the City is to: Hire Solid Waste Manager, and add one additional Landfill Operator Engage in social media campaign to educate citizens about the zero waste City to withdraw from Commercial garbage pick up services Review landfill and residential garbage rates, with new rates being in effect January 1, 2020 The City’s Solid Waste Manager, and the Cariboo Regional District staff, will work on a long-term plan for options to expand the recycling options currently available

Bylaws 1874 – Zone Amendment – Cannabis Retail Stores – Maximum of Five Stores – Final Adoption 1876 – Permissive Tax Exemptions – Non Profits 2020-2023 – Final Adoption 1878 – Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment – Religious Schools Services 2016-2025 – Final Adoption

Next Meetings 6 pm – November 5, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting 6 pm – November 19, 2019 – Regular Meeting - Cancelled 6 pm – November 26, 2019 – Regular Meeting

Quesnel commercial garbage services ending June 30, 2020

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel intends to exit the Commercial garbage collection business as of June 30, 2020.  This will include all facilities serviced by trade waste containers, both commercial buildings and apartment buildings, and all commercial buildings serviced with residential sized carts.

Exiting the commercial garbage business will enable the City to turn its focus to look for more ways to promote waste diversion to extend the life of the landfill.  The City’s landfill capital costs are increasing as the current footprint is expected to be full in 2040 and options are being reviewed to expand the landfill area.

The City has never provided commercial garbage collection in South Quesnel and there are several waste management companies already operating in that area that the City expects will move into this market.  The City’s collection costs for commercial garbage only covered the cost of collection, it did not cover the cost of landfilling the waste received.  Private operators that move into this business will have to cover both costs so the costs for commercial garbage pickup will likely increase. 

The City’s collection service will continue until June 30, 2020.  All affected businesses and apartment buildings will be billed for 6 months service on their annual utility billing from the City in February.  It is important that each business arrange with a private operator for commercial garbage pickup after June 30, 2020.

The City will provide more details as they become available on how the transition will occur.

Proactively protecting our community

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

I have no doubt that, like me, most people cringe when they hear the news coming out of California these days: a state of emergency has been declared due to unprecedented, out of control wildfires that have caused over 200,000 people to be evacuated and almost 2.5 million people to be cut off from power in an effort to stop the fires spreading further.

The situation unfolding in California strikes too close to home for Quesnel and area after our experiences in 2017 and 2018. Yes, thankfully, we had a quiet fire season this past summer; but conditions are still ripe here for more catastrophic fire seasons ahead, as there’s a lot of dead standing timber and massive slash piles throughout the North Cariboo that can provide ample fuel for future fires if we do not take proactive steps to reduce this fuel loading.

Despite the lack of notable wildfires this summer, the continued high-risk potential for future wildfires is still top of mind for Council, and one of our key strategic initiatives is to fully implement our Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This is a major focus of our Future of Forestry Think Tank project and the City’s Forestry Initiatives Manager.

Over the past year, our Forestry Initiatives Manager has been successful in securing almost $2.5 million in grant funding for planning, prescriptions, and fuel treatments within the CWPP area (which encompasses all of the City and the surrounding developed fringe areas). Treatments are now being conducted on the City’s airport lands, 10 Mile Lake Provincial Park and around the Dragon Mountain communication towers, and planning is underway to conduct fuel management treatments in Pinnacles Park, South Hills range land, Sugar Loaf Park, Dragon Mountain Road, West Fraser Road, Garner Road, and in the Claymine Trails area.

In addition to the City’s direct initiatives under our grant funding, staff have collaborated with the Ministry of Forests to conduct fuel treatments around the Milburn Mountain communications towers and in the Marsh Road subdivision, and plans are underway, through the BC Wildfire Branch, to create major fuel breaks in the forested lands surrounding the City’s CWPP area.

As a result of our Forestry Think Tank collaboration, we’re also attracting partnerships with agencies interested in conducting research into best practices for fuel treatments. One such research project is being conducted by FP Innovations, UBC and the BC Wildfire Service at the City’s airport. We’ve also had significant interest from companies and agencies in Finland who are interested in helping us develop local skills using lighter footprint harvesting equipment – this is a direct outcome of our last Future of Forestry Think Tank session which a high profile Finish delegation participated in.

The harvesting practices and equipment used to do these fuel treatments (and to do commercial thinning) can be very different than what our local contractors are used to undertaking or seeing on the land base. That’s why another partnership involves the College of New Caledonia and the BC Wildfire Service to create specific training programs to bring our local contractors up to speed on these new approaches to forest management and the new equipment that will be needed to undertake these treatments.

As part of the work being completed by the Economic Development Transition Table in Quesnel, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is hosting a contractor information session at City Hall on November 5. This session will detail current bid opportunities, and available supports. An afternoon session will follow for the broader business community to learn more about government procurement and support programs. More info: http://bit.ly/34bydSN

We’re using every available tool to proactively protect our community from future wildfires, while at the same time, with significant assistance from the Province, provide meaningful work for our local contracting community during this protracted slow down in the forest sector.

Bob Simpson is the Mayor of Quesnel.  He can be reached via email here

Quesnel Launches “Sprout Kitchen” Regional Food Hub and Business Incubator

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is moving forward with the recently announced regional food hub. The Ministry of Agriculture is contributing up to $500,000 towards the development of the Regional Food Hub, which is one of several Food Hubs recently funded by the Ministry in support of the creation of a BC Food Hub Network.

Amy Quarry and Diandra Oliver of Small Town Love Media Inc. have been hired as project managers to get the Food Hub up and running. The project has been named Sprout Kitchen Regional Food Hub and Business Incubator.

“This is an exciting new initiative that supports our economic diversification strategy,” said Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. “The City appreciates the leadership the Minister of Agriculture and her staff have shown in initiating fast-tracking this project.”

“From the first regional food innovation hub that opened in Vancouver, to the hubs that will open in Quesnel, Port Alberni and Surrey, our government is creating new economic opportunities for communities,” said the Hon. Lana Popham, BC's Minister of Agriculture. “We are helping small business owners grow by connecting people to resources and infrastructure that will help them succeed. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far and I’m excited to watch this network expand and continue to support B.C.’s food processors throughout the province.”

Quarry is known as the founder of the Quesnel-based local food systems initiative, Long Table Grocery, which won “Best Community Impact” at the 2019 Small Business BC Awards.

“Long Table Grocery has really shown me the demand for locally made food products from both consumers and producers,” says Quarry. “I’m so excited to be a part of Sprout Kitchen because I see so much potential and opportunity for entrepreneurs in a stronger local food system.”

Oliver is best known for her work with the Home Sweet Home Economic Project which ran a provincial Field School in 2016, bringing agricultural extension services and food business workshops to rural communities in rural British Columbia. Oliver says, “Economic initiatives like Sprout Kitchen really give our communities an opportunity to support new and existing food processing businesses while also creating economic benefit for local agricultural producers and suppliers.”

By Fall 2020, Sprout Kitchen will operate a centralized shared-use food and beverage processing facility in Quesnel that will provide new and established business owners with easy and affordable access to production facilities and equipment. The facility will also include food testing and business support services.

Sprout Kitchen will work with new processors from across the region and support them to get their businesses started while ensuring existing food processors are able to expand their product lines and develop new markets. Sprout Kitchen will also bring more opportunities for farmers, ranchers and wild harvesters to increase revenue by adding value to their products.

To learn more about Sprout Kitchen please email: info@sproutkitchen.ca

BC seeks input on modernizing Emergency Program Act

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The B.C. government is calling upon emergency management practitioners, community and First Nations leaders, businesses, non-profit organizations and other interested British Columbians to provide their input and expertise as the Province prepares to modernize its emergency management legislation.

“There’s a lot of emergency management expertise and experience in this province that can help us ensure that modernized legislation is responsive to B.C.’s needs in the future,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Whether it’s a wildfire or a flood, the legislative framework provides the backbone of what we do. We want to draw upon the knowledge that exists so our legislation reflects what communities need to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.”

To gather input on proposed legislative changes, the Province is releasing a discussion paper for comment, outlining the proposed direction for modernized emergency management legislation. Individuals or organizations can provide their feedback until Jan. 31, 2020, on proposed legislative changes that would:

• encompass all stages of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery;
• reflect a shift from disaster response to managing and reducing disaster risk;
• include an all-of-society approach where emergency management is a shared responsibility of individuals, governments, communities and private and non-profit sectors;
• further reconciliation efforts by recognizing First Nations as partners in emergency management;
• put safety first, with the protection of life, health and safety being paramount;
• make sure decisions made under the act and its regulations are transparent;
• include a funding mechanism that is responsive, flexible and disciplined; and
• ensure the act is inclusive and considers the needs of vulnerable citizens.

“When something like a flood devastates your community like it did in Grand Forks and the Boundary, you quickly learn what’s missing in the toolkit of disaster recovery,” said Roly Russell, chair of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. “We learned a great deal and our team is pleased to be able to use that experience to help inform legislative reform that will make our province’s communities more resilient to future disasters and enable our communities to genuinely build back better.”

Since the Emergency Program Act was introduced in 1993, changes in the size and scope of emergencies, along with how they are managed, have occurred and need to be reflected in legislation. These include climate change concerns and the adoption of the United Nations’ Sendai Framework, which is an internationally acknowledged approach to emergency management disaster risk reduction.

“Over the past few years, I’ve visited communities all over the province and met with people dealing with devastating events or preparing for that possibility,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “It’s important that we continue to work together to learn from prior emergency events and incorporate those lessons to make all British Columbians more resilient in the face of disaster.”

Following the unprecedented flood and wildfire seasons of 2017 and 2018, updates to the legislation will reflect recommendations from the Abbott-Chapman Report, the report by the Tsilhqot’in National Government on the 2017 wildfires and numerous after-action reports. Updated legislation is expected to be introduced in the fall 2020 legislative session.

“When Chief Maureen Chapman and I reviewed the unprecedented wildfire season of 2017, we found that there’s work to do to improve how the Province manages emergencies in communities,” said George Abbott, co-author of the Abbott-Chapman Report. “If B.C. is going to better support communities and First Nations from mitigation right through to recovery, there needs to be strong and inclusive legislation backing it, and that’s what these changes have the opportunity to do. I urge community leaders, Indigenous communities and emergency experts to take the opportunity to provide their input.”

Chief Don Tom, vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said, “First Nations have been severely affected by floods, wildfires and other emergency events, and it’s absolutely critical that Indigenous rights and community-based needs are reflected in the legislation that guides the response and recovery from those events. We have high expectations that the needs of First Nations will be properly reflected in the emergency management legislation, to ensure the safety of our communities.”

The Emergency Program Act is B.C.’s primary piece of legislation for supporting disaster risk management. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and the provincial government when preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies. The act establishes the conditions under which governments may declare a state of emergency and deploy emergency powers to protect livelihoods and damage to property.

Learn More:

A copy of the discussion paper, along with instructions on how to provide feedback can be found at: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/emergency-program-act-modernization

Feedback on the discussion paper can be provided at: EmergencyProgramAct@gov.bc.ca

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Oct 28th - Nov 1st

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

Quesnel - Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 29th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Utility Review and Capital Reinvestment Plan Review - Rick Collins, P.Eng, Urban Systems

* Report from In-Camera Meeting -- Special Closed Meeting of Council Resolutions - Landfill / Recycling / Solid Waste / Commercial Garbage Services (click here)

* Webcasting Proposal for Quesnel Council - Councillor Paull
* QJS School Demolition - Concrete Removal

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Council-in-Committee (2020 Budget Planning) Session on Tuesday, October 29th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* 2020 Budget and 2020-2024 Financial Plan - Summary
* 2020 Budget and 2020-2024 Financial Plan - General Fund/Transit Fund
* 2020-2029 Capital Plan

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, October 29th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer and Committee Reports
* Thank You Letters

View the full Agenda here

CRD First Nations Relationship Committee Highlights - Oct 25th mtg

Present: Chair A. Delainey and Directors M. Sjostrom, S. Forseth, J. Glassford

Guest: Director W. Macdonald

Meeting called to order

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Business:

The Committee discussed the following 2 items:

a) 2020 PowWow event in Williams Lake
b) Elder Parking Spot at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake

Meeting adjourned 

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - October 25th mtg

Present: Chair M.Wagner/Vice-Chair J. Massier and Directors M. Sjostrom, B. Bachmeier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, A. Richmond, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, C. Mernett, W. MacDonald, G. Fourchalk, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, and M. Campsall

The Chair called the meeting to order and acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting agenda adopted
Minutes of the October 3rd Special Board and October 4th Regular Board Meetings were received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received and at the request of Director Forseth - the Board agreed to invite representatives from Geo-science BC to provide an information update to the Board

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board received the Cariboo Regional District Building Inspection Statistics Report, Municipalities Building Inspection Statistics Report and the Inspection Activity Report for September 2019

2) The Board received a report from the Manager of Development Services regarding unsightly issues for provincial forfeiture properties

3) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and adoption to the following Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Regional District Bylaw Offence Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5247, 2019
b) Cariboo Regional District 108 Greenbelt Community Use Property Control Bylaw No. 5248, 2019

Environmental Services:

1) The Board received the Refuse Site Inspection Report for July 8, 2019 to September 30, 2019

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed to support an NDIT Grant application from Mica Mountain Snowmobile Club to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for $30,000 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities Program in order to purchase a grader to maintain access

Communications:

1) The Board received a report from the Manager of Communications regarding Electoral Area signs and at the request of Director Forseth (Finance Committee Chair) - it was referred to the Nov 13th Finance/Budget Committee meeting for consideration of inclusion in the 2020 Communications Budget

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and MasterCard Summary Report for the month of September 2019, in the amount of $2,331,678.55

2) The Board received a Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) application from the Chimney and Felker Lakes Landholder Association and at the request of Director Delainey - waived Grant for Assistance policy and agreed to provide a Grant in the amount of $1,000 from the Area 'E' Grant for Assistance fund

Administration:

1) The Board endorsed the presented 2020 Board Meeting Calendar

2) The Board received a letter from the BC Cattlemen’s Association for the CRD to become a service provider for high-speed internet access in rural areas

3) The Board received the Petition Results for the Emerald/Crown Royal Island Parking Service

4) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of October 25th, 2019

5) The Board received responses to Board initiated letters as follows:

a) Response from Federal Minister of Natural Resources to City of PG - Collective Letter from Forestry Dependent Communities
b) Response from BC's Transportation Minister re: West Fraser Road Flood Recovery Project

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received the following meeting minutes from its' Committees, Rural Caucuses or Commissions

a) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee - September 10th, 2019 meeting
b) Solid Waste Management Committee - October 3rd, 2019 meeting

Meeting recessed at 10:50am
Meeting resumed at 11:01am

Delegation:

Tami Kendall and Sean Mitchell, from the Caribou Recovery Team for the Ministry of Forests,Lands,Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, provided a planning session,via teleconference on the Tweedsmuir-Entiako,Itcha-Ilgachuz,Rainbows and Charlotte Alplands Caribou Herds to the Board

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

Meeting recessed to CCRHD Board at 11:25am
Meeting resumed at 12:41pm

Business, cont:
Committee/Commission Minutes and Recommendations, cont:

c) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - October 8, 2019 meeting
d) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee - October 8, 2019 meeting
e) Executive Committee - October 16, 2019 meeting

2) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees, Rural Caucuses or Commissions as follows:

a) North Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting of September 10th -- That new Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits and their families receive free admission to the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre for one year.

Directors' Requests:

1) At the request of Director S. Forseth (Area D) -- the Board authorized access up to $1,600 from the Area 'D' Director Initiative Fund to attend the 2020 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, BC from January 28-30, 2020

2) At the request of Director S. Forseth (Area D) -- the Board discussed a request to withdraw CRD funding of $85,000 provided to the City of Williams Lake for a Central Cariboo Housing Study and that the matter be referred to the November 27th Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting for further discussion

The Board received the Chair's activities report as of October 23rd, 2019

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

The Board recessed its' open meeting to an Closed Board Meeting as per Sections 90(1a,i,k - appointment, legal advice and negotiations) of the Community Charter at 1:56pm & resumed its' open meeting at 2:10pm

There being no further business, the Board adjourned its' meeting

CCRHD Board Highlights - Oct 25th mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond and Directors M. Sjostrom, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, M. Wagner, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, W. MacDonald, G. Fourchalk, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and S. Watson

The Chair called the meeting to order & recognized the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the October 4th, 2019 CCRHD Board Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st,2nd,3rd Readings & Adoption to Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (CMH Redevelopment Project) Bylaw No. 161, 2019 ($87 million 40% CCRHD contribution to Cariboo Memorial Hospital Renovations)

2) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar as of October 25th, 2019

3) The Board received the IHA Capital Projects and Planning Status Report as of September 2019

The Chair provided a verbal update on the GR Hospital and Cariboo Memorial Hospital Capital Projects and his recent meetings with Northern Health/Interior Health as part of the bi-annual RHD Chairs and Health Authority meetings

Meeting recessed at 9:48am
Meeting resumed at 11:25am

Delegation:

Christine Dillabaugh, Manager, and Tim Tribe, Vice President, University Advancement, University of Northern British Columbia, appeared before the Board to provide information related to the Northern Medical Programs Trust

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

There being no further business, the Board adjourned its' meeting

City of Quesnel Gold Pan moving to downtown location

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

In the spring of 2020, the City of Quesnel’s gold pan, located at the corner of Hwy 97 and Hwy 26, will be refurbished and relocated to the Quesnel Train Station.

The City is creating new gateway and wayfinding signs to welcome and direct visitors to the community. In 2018, the City of Quesnel completed a place-making and wayfinding strategy. The process included workshops with arts, culture and heritage groups and the business community, as well as an open house and survey for the public.

The final report included a recommendation to move the gold pan to a more central location. The Quesnel Train Station was selected because it can be easily accessed from Hwy 97 which will allow visitors to access restaurants and shops. The new location is also close to the Visitor Information Centre that has a lending program for gold panning and has RV parking. In addition the gold pan will be in close proximity to the Quesnel Museum and Archives which features Quesnel’s rich history. At the gold pan, there will be interpretive signage telling visitors more about the importance of Quesnel during the gold rush.

New signage will be installed at the corner of Hwy 97 and Hwy 26 welcoming travellers entering Quesnel from the north. The new gateway sign is part of the complete wayfinding program being implemented in 2019 and 2020.

The place-making and wayfinding project falls under the Destination Development pillar of the City of Quesnel’s Economic Development Transition Strategy.

For more information about the City’s place-making and wayfinding strategy, visit: www.quesnel.ca/wayfinding.

For more information about the City’s Economic Development Transition Strategy, visit: www.quesnel.ca/transition.

WL Council Highlights - Oct 23rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Enbridge delegation

The Enbridge Community and Indigenous engagement advisor presented an update to Council regarding the expansion of the T-South project.

Dollarama sign variance

Council approved the recommendation from the Development Services Technician to provide a Sign Bylaw No. 2153 variance to Dollarama for their new location in Boitanio Mall.

Evacuation route planning

Council approved awarding the Evacuation Route Planning contract to ISL Engineering and Land Services LTD. This is a critical component of our emergency management strategy and will further strengthen our ability to manage large-scale emergency events.

Renewal of airport leases

Council approved the airport lease renewal of both: Canadian Helicopters LTD, for a two-year term and Hytest Timber LTD. for a ten-year term. Each of the leases allows for an annual review according to the BC Consumer Price Index.

Age-Friendly communities

Council approved for an application to be put forward to UBCM's Age-Friendly Communities & Programs grant. These funds would enable the City to obtain provisions of recreation and healthy living activities to support Seniors/Elders with recreation and healthy living within the City.

Development procedures bylaw

Council approved the adoption of the new City of Williams Lake Development Approval Procedures Bylaw No. 2317

Memory tree celebration

Per the letter received from the Williams Lake Hospice Society. Council approved the hosting of the Memory Tree Celebration on Sunday, December 1 2019 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at City Hall. The community is also encouraged to attend.

Winter Lights Parade

Per the letter received from the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association. Council approved the Winter Lights Parade to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Along the route of Oliver St, 1st Ave N, Borland St & 7th Ave S. The community is also encouraged to attend.

Remembrance Day ceremonies

Per the letter received from the Royal Canadian Legion. Council approved the November 11, 2019 Remembrance Day parade along the route of 4th Ave N, Mart St. Oliver St. 3rd Ave N & Borland St. That the sale of Poppys commence October 25th until November 11th. That City Hall receives the accumulation and organization of Wreaths and Crosses before and after the Remembrance Day service and that the Legion Flag be displayed through the week of November 4th to 11th. The community is encouraged to attend all Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Oct 23rd mtg

Present from City of WL -- Co-Chair W. Cobb and Councillors I. Bonnell, M. Brenner, J. Ryll and S. Nelson

Present from CRD -- Co-Chair S. Forseth and Directors A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, and G. Kirby

Meeting Chair was Co-Chair Cobb and he called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda adopted and the Minutes of the June 19th Joint Committee were received/adopted

Business:

1) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Arts & Culture 2nd and 3rd Quarter Reports'

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Third Quarter Report' and '2019 Second Quarter Report' be received for information.

2) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Performances in the Park Report'

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Performances in the Park Report' be received for information.

3) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's Fee for Service Management Committee - 2020-2022 Recommendations Report'

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the report of the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Fee for Service Management Committee be received and the Joint Committee approve entering into Arts and Culture Fee for Service agreements for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, with annual payments as follows:

* Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin - $38,000
* Station House Studio and Gallery Society - $20,000
* Community Arts Council of Williams Lake - $7,000
* Horsefly Historical Society (Horsefly Pioneer Museum) - $4,000
* Likely Chamber of Commerce (Cedar City Museum) - $4,000
* 150 Mile Greenbelt, Trail & Heritage Society (150 Mile Schoolhouse) - $2,500
* Scout Island Nature Centre (Art in Nature / Nature in Art) - $2,500
* Women's Contact Society (Williams Lake Children's Festival) - $2,000
* Arts on the Fly Festival Society (Arts on the Fly Festival) - $3,000
* Cariboo Festival Society (Cariboo Festival) - $1,500

Total = $84,500

4) Letter from Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club re Annual Williams Stampede Parade

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Letter received and Staff report back about City Staff coordinating the 2020 Stampede Parade to cover insurance requirements and that Joint Committee, approve in principle, an amount of up to $10,000 for the 2020 Stampede Parade with the specific budget being identified when the matter returns to Joint Committee

5) Discussion Item - Possibility of GMHL West Team Coming to Williams Lake

The Committee had a verbal report from the City of WL's Director of Community Services regarding the possibility of the Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League (GMHL West) bringing a team to Williams Lake

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Verbal report received and that Joint Committee authorize a letter of support for this initiative

6) Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2020 Business, Financial and Capital Plans

The Committee had before it a report of the CRD's Manager of Community Services'
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 4, 2019, the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2020 Business, Financial and Capital Plans be received and endorsed as amended, as follows:

* 0% increase in requisition (taxation) for 2020
* Staff coordinate a discussion with mountain bike groups about increased funding in 2020 and a presentation from them to follow

7) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2020 Business and Financial Plans

The Committee had before it a report of the CRD's Manager of Community Services'
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 4, 2019, the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2020 Business and Financial Plans be received and endorsed as presented

8) Discussion Item -- Joint Committee Terms' of Reference

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Matter be deferred to November's Joint Committee meeting

9) Action Page

Discussion enused

Resolved - Action Page received

Joint Committee agreed to adjourn at 7pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Oct 23rd mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth and Directors A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, and G. Kirby

The Chair called the meeting to order - 3:00pm

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

Meeting agenda adopted & Minutes of the Sept 18th, 2019 CC Rural Caucus Meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Representatives of the Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Caucus to discuss tourism funding.

A Question/Answer period ensued

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

The Chair directed that the matter be further discussed at the November Caucus meeting

2) Inspector Jeff Pelley, Williams Lake RCMP Detachment, appeared before the Caucus to provide a general update, and Dave Dickson, Manager of Community Safety for the City of Williams Lake, appeared before Caucus to discuss Victim Services provided by the City of Williams Lake to rural residents'

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of Caucus, thanked Mssrs. Pelley/Dickson for their time/information

Business:

1) Sponsorship Support for Minerals North 2020

The Chair reviewed a letter requesting financial support from the City of Quesnel for Minerals North 2020
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Matter be deferred to November's Rural Caucus meeting

2) Discussion Items

Caucus discussed the following two items:

a) MOU between CRD/City of WL
b) 2019 Remembrance Day Ceremony in Williams Lake -- Director A. Delainey to be CRD rep

3) Action Page

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Action Page received and Items #2,4,5,6 and 7 be removed from the Action Page

4) In-Camera Session

At 4:50pm -- Caucus recessed its' open meeting and resolved into an closed session as per Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter
At 4:58pm -- Caucus resumed its' public meeting and adjourned

Waste not...want not

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note - weekly column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

The old adage “waste not want not” used to describe the way of life for most people for most of human history. The phrase has a couple of related meanings: ‘don’t throw things away as you may need them later;’ or, ‘if you’re careful with what you have, you’ll save money.’

Prior to our current throw away culture, people valued their purchasing power more and most often took great pains to research the quality of the products they were buying, as they only intended to purchase them once. Things were repairable too, and repairability was a factor in people’s decisions to buy particular products.

For a long time, “waste not want not” was inherently built into the production cycle as it was clearly an ethic built into the consumer psyche. 

Post World War II, the Western World entered an era of unprecedented growth, urban and suburban sprawl, and rampant consumerism. Over time, the “lowest price” became “the law” as an ever greater percentage of the population wanted access to the full spectrum of consumer goods -- despite their limited means of income.

But, getting products to the market at low consumer prices meant driving quality out of the production system (and labour too) ultimately resulting in the off-shoring of work, the manufacture and importing of cheap knock-off products, the loss of repairability, and shorter and shorter lifespans (from manufacturing to landfilling) for consumer goods.

Simultaneous with this trend toward cheaper consumer goods was the evolution of the marketing industry: a new “industry” focused on convincing us we “needed” stuff through targeted ad campaigns and over the top packaging to make products “pop” on the shelves of our ever larger retail outlets.

In the 1970s, as the waste products of this more wasteful way of living started to accumulate, the idea of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) was invented (along with Earth Day). However, the default emphasis of this consumer forgiveness ethic (i.e. we could still “buy, buy, buy” as long as we remembered the 3Rs) actual became recycling. The original message of the 3Rs morphed into the mindset that we can keep over-consuming as long as we recycle.

Well … as anyone paying attention to the news must know by now … the recycling industry is in chaos and we’re quickly running out of room to landfill our ever increasing waste. More critically for the consumer, those cheap consumer goods are starting to create significant waste management costs that aren’t built into the original sticker price but are becoming an increasing part of your property taxes and utility fees.

Like the rest of the world, this whole unsustainable consumer cycle has come home to roost in Quesnel, as our City’s landfill is fast filling up and the costs associated with expanding the landfill and meeting ever more stringent regulations for water protection and methane control (the most significant greenhouse gas created from landfilling organic materials) are set to escalate significantly.

Council has begun the arduous process of making sense out of a variety of scenarios that an expert consulting firm has provided to the City outlining options for the future of waste management in our area. All the options are expensive and all have significant implications for your property taxes, and garbage pick-up and tipping fees.

We’ll be informing and engaging the public in this process as part of our 2020 budget deliberations. But, in the meantime, we all need to reflect on that old “waste not want not” ethic, as there is only one sure way to avoid escalating waste management costs: stop producing unnecessary waste by making more informed consumer choices.

Cariboo RD launches Community Liaison Program

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is launching a recovery- and resilience-building Community Liaison Program starting this fall. It is a regional emergency preparedness communication program to bring local knowledge into the CRD’s emergency operations and to bring emergency preparedness into communities.

The aim is to reduce risks by creating communications linkages between rural CRD communities and the local government. CRD residents indicated these areas needed improvement in the CRD’s 2017 Wildfire Community Consultations and the program builds on the learnings from those meetings and the subsequent report.

The CRD has hired Stephanie Masun to coordinate the Community Liaison Program over the next two years and transition it to a long-term CRD function. As the program coordinator, she will start working in the areas of the region with the fewest communication channels and progressively work across the Cariboo over the pilot period to engage and build capacity.

The main outcomes will be to build a network to support emergency communications at a local level.  And in turn, work with the network to promote emergency preparedness, to facilitate timely incident reporting and to build capacity for community-informed recovery planning.

As first steps to connect with area residents, Stephanie will be hosting an information table at the CRD’s upcoming information fair in Williams Lake on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Cariboo Memorial Complex from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Come by the table to make sure you’re signed up for the region’s Emergency Notification System and to find out more about what you can do to organize and prepare your household for emergencies.

The Community Liaison program is funded by the Canadian Red Cross through their Community Partnership Program, BC Fires 2017.

To read a FAQ document and for more information about the community liaison program, visit the CRD website at cariboord.ca/emergency

Tŝilhqot’in Nation Celebrate Grand Opening of its Solar Farm

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation celebrated the Grand Opening of its Solar Farm last Friday, October 18, 2019. The Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm is located 80 km west of Williams Lake on what is known as the Riverwest Sawmill. The 1.25-MW solar farm is the largest of its kind in British Columbia and is a hundred percent developed, built, owned and operated by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

Five years ago, the opportunity to initiate the Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm presented itself. There were many challenges along the Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm project’s lifecycle including financing, authorization, training and harsh weather conditions. However, despite all the challenges, the Nation has been dedicated to the project and the result is that this opportunity has now become a reality. The Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm consists of 3,456 solar modules that will convert the sun’s rays into electricity which will then be sent into the BC Hydro grid and generate economic profit for the Nation. The Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm stands on 2 hectares of the Riverwest Sawmill brownfield awaiting the final connection to the power line that runs along Highway 20. Full operation will begin shortly with the solar farm generating about 1,500 megawatt hours of electricity per year during its 25-year expected lifetime.

Chief Joe Alphonse - Tribal Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government said:

“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation continues to break new ground with our Solar Farm, which is the largest in British Columbia. This is an important accomplishment for the Nation and I’m proud that our people have been involved in all aspects of the project from the planning and development to the, now operation of the Solar Farm. Energy and electricity has been lacking out in the territory for a long time, despite one of the longest stretches of hydro in Canada, so we welcome the opportunity for business and to improve the well-being of our people. The Solar Farm is a huge economic win for our Nation and I believe our Nation is continuing to lead the way for indigenous people throughout Canada and around the world. I especially thank Chief Ross for providing leadership on the project and his commitment to see it through.”

43rd Canadian Election Unofficial Results

With all polling stations reporting in

In Cariboo-Prince George -- congratulations to Conservative candidate Todd Doherty for his re-election win. He secured 28,564 of the 54,126 votes cast or 52.8% of all votes cast

Meanwhile down in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo -- congratulations to Conservative candidate Cathy McLeod on her re-election win. She secured 30,558 of the 68,376 votes cast or 44.7% of all votes cast

Results are unofficial for the next 7 days while the election count process is completed. For the two ridings above -- it appears that this will be the final result

I extend a hearty thank you and best wishes to everyone who participated as a candidate in the federal election. Even though you might not have been successful as a candidate for MP - you are still successful in advancing your political party's views and I hope that you will continue to be engaged in the usual ways in our democratic process -- either locally, provincial or federally

Unofficially - the national count is:

Liberals - 156
Conservative - 122
BQ - 32
NDP - 24
Greens - 3
Independent - 1 (Jody Wilson-Raybould)

The above national numbers are subject to confirmation or judicial re-count.  The 43rd Parliament of Canada is currently scheduled to commence on Monday, November 18th where the official acts of the House of Commons on this day is to swear in the new 338 MP's and select a new House of Commons Speaker.  Watch for Halifax West MP Geoff Regan to be re-elected as House Speaker...

Finally -- it was disappointing to read some vitriolic language from some Canadians that their particular candidate or federal political party was not successful.. I would hope that we will trust in the process and let the voters collectively decide and accept their collective judgment and move on.  We don't see that on the local government or provincial government scene and hope we would be adult enough to do the same on the federal government scene… Thankful that this is over and hopefully we won't be back at the polls for another couple of years (typical life of a minority government - whether provincial or federal - is two years, in the absence of a signed agreement between political parties)

SF

General Voting Day/43rd Canadian General Election

Today - the electors of Canada will voting in their 338 Electoral Districts to select a candidate to serve in the 43rd Parliament of Canada/House of Commons

For those in Cariboo-Prince George (District of Wells/City of Quesnel/City of Williams Lake/Cariboo RD Areas A,B,C,D,E,F,I,J,K) -- to find out what you need to know in order to vote today and who the candidates for this electorate district are, click here

For those in the City of Quesnel *ONLY* - Free Transit is available to get you to your local polling station to vote for a Member of Parliament for the federal electoral district of Cariboo-Prince George

For those in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo (Cariboo RD Areas G,H,L and the District of 100 Mile House) -- to find out what you need to know in order to vote today and who the candidates are for this electoral district, click here

Polls will be open from 7am - 7pm.  Elections Canada will post results as they are able -- to follow along online after 7pm today -- click here

My best wishes to everyone who is running as a candidate in either Cariboo-Prince George or Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo -- you are all winners simply for offering yourself up as a candidate for the voters to choose from

SF

1 Year After the 2018 Local Elections...

1 Year Ago today -- electors in the Cities of Quesnel/Williams Lake, Districts of 100 Mile House/Wells, the Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors) and the Boards' of Education for School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) voted in new Mayors', Councillors, Electoral Area Directors & School Trustees for the 2018-2022 term

A cursory look at minutes and media reports indicates that all local governments/Boards of Education have, generally speaking, enjoyed a good working relationship between elected officials thus far.  Of course, there will be disagreements on specific policy topics (budget priorities, etc) but this is to be expected as every each elected official is independent and will bring their own viewpoint forward and sometimes, their views carry the day and sometimes they don't... but different viewpoints at the local governance table is always a great thing... As Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson once said himself -- We need to hear those contrarian viewpoints

I have enjoy my 1st year of my 2nd term as Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director and love it each time I engage -- either online or in person -- with my electorate, I find it very refreshing and many of them I treat as if they were my personal friends and "2nd family" and look forward to interacting with my "2nd Family" in the remaining 3 years of this term.  While I regret not being able to serve on the UBCM Executive, I am enjoying my time since January of this year on the North Central Local Government Association's Board of Directors' as a Director at Large and now as Chair of the NCLGA Resolutions Committee which means I will chair the Resolutions Session at the 2020 NCLGA Convention/AGM in Prince George.  Also - it was great news to have BC Assessment grant a 100% property tax exemption for the Tyee Lake Fire Building.  I'm hopeful that I will be able to do the same for the McLeese Lake Fire Hall in the Fall of 2020...  I'd like to thank my Board Chair (and CRD Area H Director) Margo Wagner and many others in the Regional District world (both local and provincial) for their support and suggestions this past year... it's wonderful that us Electoral Area Directors' have a wonderful support system to rely on when running into frustrated situations that we can talk it out and discuss solutions... 

If I had one regret to express -- there is still this "disconnect" between Williams Lake City Council and the Central Cariboo/Chilcotin CRD Rural Directors and it doesn't need to be this way -- I plan to discuss this with my Central Cariboo CRD colleagues by proposing changes to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District for more proactive communications between the two local government bodies on our various initiatives -- many of them, I would argue, are complementary to both bodies....  I hope that we can find a way to make this happen.. in the meantime, I don't like to withdraw CRD project funding away from the City of WL but I must when they fail to communicate with us on projects and funding sought after the fact -- as a means to send the message "CRD will not fund projects that there was not prior engagement with CRD Area Directors" 

Meanwhile -- I will continue to advocate for my Electoral Area (and help my CRD colleagues do the same for their Electoral Areas) at the Cariboo Regional District Board table & regional/provincial/federal local government tables!

SF