Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 2-6

Next week, the following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week:

Quesnel - all below-noted meetings to take place on Tuesday, March 3rd in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St)

6pm - Public Hearing regarding 355 Vaughn Street (Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1886).  View the full Agenda here

Following adjournment of the Public Hearing, the Regular Quesnel City Council meeting will convene.  On the Agenda:

* Airport Lease - Highland Helicopters

* Correspondence: North Central Local Government Association - 2020/2021 Executive Nomination(s) and Quesnel and District Community Arts Council /Request for Resolution of Support

* Bylaw 1886 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment (355 Vaughn Street) - Third Reading

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander re Police Commission Report
* 2020 Budget and 2020-2024 Financial Plan
* Proposed NCLGA Resolution - ECE Labour Force Shortage
* RC Cotton Site Bridge Naming - WLIB Chosen Names

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - All below-noted meetings to take place in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

March 5:

10:30am - Finance/Budget Committee meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Operating Reserves (Self Funding) Policy and Procedure
* 2020 Budget Consultation and Public Feedback (2 comments and no phone calls)
* Final Review of the 2020 -2024 Provisional Five-Year Financial Plan

View the full Agenda here

1:00pm - Committee of the Whole Session.  On the Agenda:

* Update on Solid Waste Management - Verbal report from the Supervisor of Solid Waste Management
* Review of North, Central and South Rural Caucus and Joint Committee Terms of References
* General Discussion about forming a Regional District Regional Parks and Trails Service
* Request from Director Forseth - Policy or Practice re: UBCM Convention Meetings with Ministers and Ministry Staff
* 4pm Delegation -- Kris Holm, BGC Engineering -- Presentation on the flood work project being undertaken for the Fraser Basin Council

View the full Agenda here

4:30pm - Policy Committee meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Amendment to Public Budget Consultation Meeting Policy
* Revised Grants for Assistance Policy (change to Year Round Intake Procedure)
* Review of Administration Charges Policy
* Review of Remuneration Bylaw
* Proposed Amendment to CAO Evaluation and Compensation Policy

View the full Agenda here

March 6:

9:45am - Cariboo Regional District Board. On the Agenda:

* Various Land Use items
* 2019 Year End Report for the Invasive Plant Management Program
* UBCM 2020 CEPF Application – Emergency Operations Centers and Training
* 4 Year Round Grant for Assistance Applications
* Consent Calendar
* CRD Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations
* Request from Area 'B' Director B. Bachmeier re: 2020 NCLGA Resolutions (additional funding for Rural RCMP, funding for rural crime reductions groups and funding for rural community policing offices)

* Closed Board Meeting ((In-Camera) as per Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Soft opening of RC Cotton Waterfront to Scout Island Bridge

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake held a soft opening today for our new bridge connecting the RC Cotton trail, to Scout Island. This 200ft pedestrian bridge along with the 700m RC cotton trail gets our community one step closer to goals set out in the Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation Master plan.  This series of projects will eventually give us an uninterrupted trail system from Scout Island to the Fraser River.

According to Williams Lake Mayor, Walt Cobb, “This bridge is a landmark project for the City and along with the new RC Cotton trail greatly adds to the trail options which we know our residents have asked for here in Williams Lake.  The bridge, which I’m proud to say was built with local labour and local resources, is the first step in completing a 15km trail from the Fraser River to the shores of Williams Lake on Scout Island. The next step is the boardwalk project over Williams Creek for which the City has already obtained some grants and applied for others. ”

This bridge was made possible through grants obtained from the Rural Dividend program of BC and the Canada Recreation Program grant.  83% of the project funding came from government grants with the remainder from the City of Williams Lake.

This newly opened recreational corridor opens up more of the outdoor spaces that are important to residents of this community. The pedestrian bridge provides excellent viewing of the marsh and inlet and was designed to conserve the natural riparian habitat.

In the Spring, the City will be hosting a Grand Opening celebration for the bridge. City Council now has the exciting task of deciding on an official name for the bridge from the three names provided by our partners at the Williams Lake Indian Band. The naming ceremony is planned to include elected officials, elders and community representatives from both the City and the Williams Lake Indian Band.  

Later this year to complete the works the City will make improvements to the Butterfly Trail on Scout Island, install additional fencing and complete some landscaping on both sides of the bridge.

The City would like to thank the Williams Lake Field Naturalists and relevant Provincial Agencies for their support through ongoing dialogue and partnership as we worked to bring this new recreation facility to the residents and visitors of Williams Lake.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Feb 26th mtg

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

Present from City of WL: - Co-Chair W. Cobb; Councillors S. Boehm, I. Bonnell and C. Smith (via teleconference)

Meeting chaired by Co-Chair LeBourdais and she called the meeting to order at 6:07pm.  She recognized that the meeting was taking place on Northern Secwēpemc te Qelmūcw (Shuswap) Territory

Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held on October 23rd, 2019 were received/adopted

Business:

1) CCACS 4th Quarter 2019 Report

The Committee had before it a report from the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society regarding its' 4th Quarter 2019 activities
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

2) Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference

The Committee had a discussion on its' Terms of Reference

Resolved -- That the Committee's Terms of Reference be amended as discussed

3) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Performances in the Park Service Agreement Renewal

The Committee had before it a report from the CRD Manager of Community Services (D. Campbell)
Discussion ensued thereon...

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

That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated January 6, 2020, regarding the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Performances in the Park services agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and the City of Williams Lake, be received. Further, that the agreement for 2020 & 2021 at $15,000 per year be entered into with the Society

Director A. Delainey left the meeting at 6:45pm

4) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 2020 Financial Plan and Capital Adjustment

The Committee had before it a report of the City of WL's Director of Community Services (I. James)
Discussion ensued thereon..

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Ian James, Director, Community Services, dated January 19, 2020, regarding the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 2020 Financial Plan and Capital Adjustment, be received and further, the changes and adjustments made to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 2020 Financial and Capital Plan be endorsed minus the Gazebo being deferred until 2021 and Staff investigate grant opportunities for constructing the Gazebo

5) 2020 Community Recreation Interest Survey Results

The Committee had before it a report of the City of WL's Director of Community Services (I. James)
Discussion ensued thereon.

Resolved - Report received

6) 2020 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

The Committee had before it a report of the CRD's Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant (L. Schick)
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Joint Committee endorse the 2020 Meeting Schedule

7) Stampede Parade Proposal - Daybreak Rotary Club

The Committee had before it a letter from the Daybreak Rotary Club regarding the 2020 WL Stampede Parade
Discussion ensued thereon..

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the correspondence, dated November 26, 2020, from the Daybreak Rotary Club, regarding the club's proposal for producing the Williams Lake Stampede Parade be received and up to $10,000 funding for the 2020 Williams Lake Stampede Parade be authorized from Cariboo Strong funds


8) Discussion Items --

a) City / CRD / First Nations / Museum Meeting - Regional Museum Funding
b) January Meeting of the Indoor Turf Technical Committee

Director Forseth reported on this items
Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That the item of Regional Museum Funding be referred to Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for consideration...

9) Action Page

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - Action Page received and Items 3,5 and 9 be removed

The Committee adjourned at 7:27pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Feb 26th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 3:05pm

The Chair acknowledged that the meeting is taking place on Northern Secwēpemc te Qelmūcw (Shuswap) Territory and he noted that today is "Pink Shirt Day" with this year's theme Lift Each Other Up...

Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the Caucus meeting held on January 22nd, 2020 were received/approved

Delegation:

Members of the North Cariboo Agricultural Development Advisory Committee appeared before Caucus to discuss the possibility of forming a Central Cariboo Agricultural Development Advisory Committee

A Question/Answer period ensued thereon following a Power Point presentation

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business:

1) 2020 Info Fair & Directors Meetings (matter deferred from the January 22nd Caucus Meeting)

Caucus had before it a report of the Manager of Communications
Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved -- That Staff investigate options for a scavenger hunt style information fair in 2021 and that a joint Areas D-E-F Town Hall session occur in Fall 2020 in Williams Lake

2) City of Williams Lake - 2020 All Nations Pow Wow

Caucus had before it a letter from the City of Williams Lake regarding the 2020 Pow-Wow event & Council Resolution..

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved -- Letter received

3) Discussion Item - Central Cariboo Tourism Funding

General discussion ensued

No resolution resulting from the discussion

4) Action Page

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved -- Action Page received and Items #3,4 be removed

Caucus adjourned at 4:40pm

Students combat bullying at 13th-annual Pink Shirt Day

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- I will be wearing my Pink Shirt today at meetings of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus & Central Cariboo Joint Committee.  The 2020 Theme for Pink Shirt Day is "Lift Each Other Up" and I will be doing so at these meetings today ~ SF

Students throughout the province are gathering together to share stories of positivity and kindness, and to say no to bullying.

The theme of this year’s Pink Shirt Day is “Lift each other up.” Government has proclaimed Feb. 26, 2020, as Diversity and Acceptance Day, highlighting B.C.’s commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive province.

Attendees at the Pink Shirt Day event in Victoria were encouraged to spread kindness to speak out against bullying, using these hashtags: #LiftEachOtherUp, #PinkShirtDay and #ERASEBullying

“I feel proud to stand together with B.C.’s courageous young people today, as we all work together to celebrate diversity and acceptance and say no to bullying,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “Bullying in all forms is unacceptable, whether it’s online or face to face. We need strong communities within our schools where no student feels alone. By working together to protect and support each other with kindness, tolerance and acceptance, we’re building a safer B.C. for everyone.”

Premier Horgan and Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Education, and MLAs were joined at the Parliament Buildings by Tru Wilson, transgender advocate; Carol Todd, parent and founder of the Amanda Todd Legacy Society; Travis Price, co-founder of Pink Shirt Day; and local students.

“We all have a role to play in making sure students feel safe in the classroom, at home and online. If we work together, we can help students feel safe and encourage respectful behaviour toward others,” said Fleming. “The Erase program is continuing to provide our students with additional tools and resources to support their well-being and make a huge difference in our schools and communities.”

The Erase strategy continues to grow as a comprehensive resource to better represent the issues facing youth and their communities today. Priority areas include a focus on social media and online safety, mental health and wellness, substance use, gang prevention and supporting students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Many new resources are available for students, parents, educators and community partners in B.C. schools this year as part of an over $5.4-million investment in Erase, including:

• a $2-million province-wide investment in school-based student mental health to help ensure kids can access support when they need it, and so they feel safe and connected at school;
• $50,000 for social media and online safety education sessions for B.C. students and parents throughout the province. These sessions are an extension of the sessions offered over the last two years;
• a new video series, Raising Digitally Responsible Youth, was created in partnership with the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, to help parents and caregivers understand and teach kids how to safely navigate online and protect their digital reputation at the same time;
• a new Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol Guide to foster cross-sector partnerships to keep school communities safe and provide wraparound supports to students in need; and
• new trauma-informed practice resources for educators to develop compassion to help children, youth and adults, especially those who have experienced traumatic events and early hardships

Quick Facts:

• The Adolescent Health Survey, 2018, shows:
  • 14% of B.C students had been cyber-bullied (including 23% of non-binary youth) in 2018.
  • 54% of B.C.’s gay and lesbian high school students report experiencing discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
• Bullying/cyberbullying is the top issue reported via the Erase online reporting tool in 2019-20 – 30% of reports.
• This year's Pink Shirt Day Tour with Travis Price is partially supported by the TLC Fund for Kids and the WITS Programs Foundation, a non-profit that provides bullying prevention programs.
• New trauma-informed practice resources are available to help educators with a compassionate lens of understanding that is helpful to all children, youth and adults, especially those who have experienced traumatic events and early hardships.

Learn More:

News release, Nov. 20, 2019: Students supported with better access to more mental health programs:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0120-002231

Raising Digitally Responsible Youth:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/online-safety

Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol Guide:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/erase/documents/vtra_protocolguide.pdf

New Trauma-Informed Practice resources for educators:
https://mytrainingbc.ca/traumainformedpractice/

Fuel Treatment in the River Valley Trail

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is continuing its fuel management treatment and beetle tree removal activities throughout the City. FireSmarting crews will now enter designated areas of the River Valley Trail, which will be treated over a period of several weeks.

A map has been provided with the treatment area outlined in green for public knowledge. Supervision of the work will be provided by KDay Forestry Ltd, with funding for this project provided by the Province of British Columbia’s Community Resilience Initiative through the Union of BC Municipalities.

The treatment will reduce the amount of dead timber and forest fuels that have built up over many years, as well as selectively remove small live and dead conifer trees and trees killed by bark beetles.

Over the course of the treatment period, the fuel cut from the area will be transported to timber processing as available or chipped and distributed in place; however, if required due to inaccessible or hazardous conditions, some burning may need to take place. Appropriate weather conditions and venting will be determined before these actions are taken.

The area designated for treatment is popular for a variety of recreational activities, therefore the area may be closed to the public during the fuel management process to ensure both the safety of the public and the contractors.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Feb 24-28

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

Quesnel - Meetings as follows:

City Council - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 25th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Housing Initiatives Update and Secondary Suite Additions
* Municipal Financing Authority - Equipment Financing for 2020 Equipment
* Poverty Reduction Grant Application

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Reports from Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer
* Committee Reports
* All Nations Pow Wow- SD27 Commitments Letter

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: David Archie, Cultural Coordinator - Williams Lake Indian Band re RC Cotton Site Bridge Naming

* Policy No. 22 Amendment - Addition of Signing Authority (Dir. of Human Resources)
* City Contribution to 2020 Indoor Rodeo
* Unleaded Gasoline and Diesel Fuel - Award of Contract
* Asphalt Crack Sealer (Trailer Unit) - Award of Contract
* Lakers Car Club 26th Annual Spring Round-Up Show & Shine

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 3pm in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Reps from North Cariboo Ag Development Advisory Committee - discussion on establishing a Central Cariboo Agriculture Development Advisory Committee

* 2020 Info Fair & Directors Meetings
* Letter from City of Williams Lake - 2020 All Nations Pow Wow
* Discussion Item - Central Cariboo Tourism Funding (Chair Forseth)

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 5:30pm in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* CCACS 4th Quarter 2019 Report
* Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference
* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Performances in the Park Service Agreement Renewal
* Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 2020 Financial Plan and Capital Adjustment
* 2020 Community Recreation Interest Survey Results
* 2020 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule
* Stampede Parade Funding Proposal - Daybreak Rotary Club
* Discussion Item: City / CRD / First Nations / Museum Meeting - Regional Museum Funding (Dir. Forseth)

View the full Agenda here

Maple Drive Lighting Meeting - March 3rd at 7pm ( Lhtako Dené Community Hall (1943 Lust Rd, Quesnel)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) invites residents and interested stakeholders to a public meeting about street lighting along the Maple Drive corridor. At the meeting, the Cariboo Regional District will present their findings and proposal for installing street lights on Maple Drive, which runs off Highway 97 south of Quesnel to Plywood Hill Road in CRD Electoral Area A.

“Installing street lights on Maple Drive has been a high priority issue for the community over the last year and the CRD has been in discussions with all the involved partners to find a solution,” explains CRD Area A Director Mary Sjostrom. “Now we want to report back to the community about the options we’re considering and hear their feedback.”

“While the position of the CRD Board is that streetlights along this corridor are the responsibility of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, we have not been successful in those discussions to date,” explains John MacLean, CRD Chief Administrative Officer.

“As a result, we are looking into alternative options, which we will present at the upcoming meeting,” adds MacLean. “The most viable option seems to be establishing a new service for CRD residents along Maple Drive where taxes would cover the ongoing operating costs. To cover the initial capital costs to install the street lights, we hope to find funding through grants or stakeholder contributions.”

All interested parties are welcome to attend. Residents along the Maple Drive corridor are especially encouraged to attend as they will be directly impacted if the Regional District establishes a new taxation service. Before any new service is established a form of public assent is required, such as a referendum, petition or alternative approval process.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at the Lhtako Dené Community Hall (1943 Lust Rd.).

Quesnel Council HIghlights - Feb 18th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2020 Operating Budget and Tax Shifting

2020 OPERATING BUDGET

Council approved the 2020 Operating Budget that would result in an increase to the average residence (valued at $221,376) of $64.83 or approximately $29.28 per $100,000 of assessment before Council considered the tax shifting options (see below) to achieve strategic goals.

The $64.83 per average residence can be broken down into the following increases:

• $15 – increase for 2 additional RCMP Officers
• $9 – increase for additional bylaw officers
• $9 – increase for the proposed snow reserve
• $2 – increase for driveway entrance clearing
• $2 – increase for the creation of a carbon reserve
• $20 – increase for inflation
• $7.83 – other increases

Next Steps:

The final steps of the budget process will be receiving the final assessments from BC Assessment, reviewing options for 2019 Surplus, setting the 2020 Tax Rates and finalizing the Tax Rate Bylaw and the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw before the annual May 15th deadline.

TAX SHIFTING

Tax shifting is one way that Council can achieve strategic objectives by shifting the tax base between the various assessment classes.  Council approved a tax shift that would shift taxation away from light industry to all other classes, except Major Industry.  Council’s intent is to make the light industry tax rate the same as the commercial tax rate over three years.  This tax shift will add to the average residence $6.50 or $2.94 per $100,000.

Fire Training Sprinkler Protection Unit

Council approved the purchase of firefighting structural equipment for the Fire Training Sprinkler Protection Unit.  The costs for this equipment is to be shared between the City of Quesnel and the northern Cariboo Regional District volunteer fire departments.  The City’s portion of the approximate $16,000 Fire Training Sprinkler Protection Unit is up to $3,600.

355 Vaughan Street – Proposed Zoning Amendment

Council approved the first two readings, and set the public hearing, for a proposed zoning amendment bylaw that would permit two dwellings units and a personal service commercial use on the ground floor of the principal building located at 355 Vaughan Street.  The Public Hearing is scheduled for 6 pm, Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at City Hall Council Chambers.

Sugarloaf Mountain Multi-Use Pathway – Grant Application

Council approved the submission of a grant application, to the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program, for a Sugarloaf Mountain Multi-Use Pathway totaling approximately $580,000 with the City’s 30% funding portion totaling approximately $174,000.  This proposed project would see the upgrade of this section of the trail system to a higher standard than would be achievable without the assistance of this grant funding.

Bylaws

• 1884 – Temporary Borrowing Bylaw – Construction of New Public Works Facility – Final Adoption
• 1886 – Zoning Amendment – 355 Vaughan Street – First and Second Readings AND Public Hearing set for 6 pm, Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Next Meeting

• 6:00 pm – February 25, 2020 – Regular Meeting
• 6:00 pm – March 3, 2020 – Regular Meeting

Budget struggles 2020

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

It's budget time again, and Council’s Finance Committee has been working hard to put a budget framework together for the next four years and deliver a draft operating budget to Council for 2020. It’s not an easy task, given the public’s expectations for quality service delivery and improvements in key areas like public safety, waste management, and snow removal.

Just to maintain programs and services at 2019 levels, Council needs to cover inflation, and, as every household knows, things are definitely not getting cheaper. Fuel costs; equipment parts, replacement, and maintenance; wages and contract fees; and supplies and material costs are all going up. This inflationary pressure is compounded by the need to address mandatory changes in standards, such as changes in workplace safety regulations, and emerging issues, like the need to address cyber-security concerns.

A tax increase of about $20 for the average household over 2019 rates will be needed to just cover these inflationary and unavoidable cost increases. This represents about 30% of the total proposed tax increase for 2020.

The Finance Committee also took into consideration the feedback received from the public in both the 2019 and 2020 budget survey. The main concern of the public expressed in these two surveys was public safety, and respondents sent a clear message to Council that they wanted to see increased RCMP and Bylaw capacity to deal with this concern without compromising other programs and services.

A tax increase of about $24 for the average household is needed to cover the additional policing and bylaw staffing costs. This represents about 37% of the total proposed tax increase for 2020.

The biggest vulnerability in the City budget is the annual cost for snow removal. Quesnel has very high standards for our snow removal program and our road and sidewalk clearing program is superior to most communities. However, climate change is dramatically impacting our ability to deal with snow and ice in the winter months and costs are increasing year over year.

To address this budget vulnerability, the Finance Committee recommended to Council that the City establish a snow reserve through a specific targeted tax function to buffer the costs of snow removal year over year. In addition, the Committee recommended an enhancement to our current end of driveway clearing program with the addition of driveway clearing when City crews are maintaining winter roads between snow falls and they create ice piles at the end of driveways.

A tax increase of $11 for the average household is needed to cover these incremental snow removal costs, or about 17% of the total proposed tax increase.

Like most communities, we need to start addressing climate change on all fronts and we’re fortunate to have a grant funded climate change planner on staff assisting us with the necessary task of creating a climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy. In advance of this strategy being presented to Council and the public, the Finance Committee has, by Council resolution, recommended a tax increase of about $2 for the average household for the City’s carbon reserve, about 3% of the total proposed tax increase.

The remainder of the proposed $65 tax increase for the average household in 2020, or about $8, is needed to cover costs associated with improvements in our IT Department (Information Technology), implement webcasting of Council meetings, add GPS technology to our mobile equipment to improve fleet management, and continue with our community marketing and branding strategies.

As I’ve noted many times before, there’s no better value for your dollar than property taxes. Many residents pay more each year for their cell phones, or coffee and fast food, than they pay in property taxes, for which they get a broad range of services and programs that are essential to maintaining a resilient, sustainable community.

Beekeepers buzzing for next round of Bee BC funding

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Beekeepers around the province will be able to apply for the fifth round of Bee BC funding soon, enabling them to launch creative projects in their communities that support the health of bees in British Columbia.

“Bees have always been part of my life, and as I grew up my passion for them only grew stronger,” said the Hon. Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture. “Its amazing to see the unique and innovative ways communities are getting involved through Bee BC to help support the province’s bees and find solutions to keep them safe and healthy.”

The next application intake begins Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, for regional and community-based organizations, beekeeping associations and beekeepers in B.C. Each project is eligible to receive up to $5,000 to fund projects enhancing bee health.

Projects can range from providing education in communities and planting bee-specific forage, to using innovation and technology to help protect and ensure bee health in B.C. The last round of projects included:

• electronic monitoring of hives to assess hive conditions that studied brood quantification, brood-pattern assessment and examining early signs of disease in Rosedale;
• the construction of a “bee barn” to improve overwintering and colony survival in the Kootenays; and
• engaging with youth-led citizen science, monitoring native wildflower lawns and reporting results to the public in the South Coast.

Since launching in 2018, Bee BC has contributed almost $178,000 to fund 42 projects through four rounds of funding. The last round allotted close to $55,000 for 13 projects. Bee BC is a four-year, $400,000 provincial program that makes $100,000 of these funds available to projects investing in bee health each fiscal year.

The Bee BC program provides funding to smaller-scale, community-based projects that support the health of B.C.’s bees. The fund provides support to research, explore, field test and share information about best management practices associated with bee health. The Bee BC program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quick Facts:

• May 29, 2019, was proclaimed Day of the Honey Bee in B.C.
• B.C. beekeepers were represented at the 46th Apimondia International Apiculture Congress in Montreal in fall 2019, thanks in part to $20,000 in provincial support.
• Honeybees are an important part of B.C.’s agriculture sector as pollinators of crops, contributing an estimated $560 million to the provincial economy.
• The 2016 total annual economic contribution of honeybee pollination for major insect-pollinated crops (additional harvest value) was estimated at $2.57 billion. (Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• In 2018, B.C. beekeepers produced over 1,400 tonnes of honey, valued at $13.7 million in farm cash receipts. This represents an 11% increase over 2017 and 7.6% above the previous five-year average receipts.

Learn More:

Apply for Bee BC funding: https://iafbc.ca/bee-bc/

Check out the program guide: https://iafbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bee-BC-Program-Guidelines-2020-formatted.pdf

For information about the Ministry of Agriculture’s apiary program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-production/bees

Heli-logging operations help manage Douglas fir beetles

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A fourth year of helicopter logging in the Williams Lake area is expected to start next week to help minimize the spread of Douglas fir beetles on Crown land. 

These native 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. However, helicopter logging that selectively removes infested trees and protects other trees nearby, and related containment treatments, have helped to slow the spread of the beetles in the Williams Lake area over the past three years.

These logging activities are being conducted under the direction of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Monitoring of Douglas fir beetle infestations in previously treated areas has identified fewer trees currently under attack, so the helicopter-logging project has been expanded to new sites around Williams Lake.

Helicopter-logging flights are expected to begin as early as Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, in the Chimney Valley area southwest of Williams Lake. Once work at that site is completed, operations will move to the Anderson Road area and then to sites on Fox Mountain. Heli-logging activities should be completed by mid-March 2020.

Residents can expect to see helicopters in the air as selective logging operations get underway, but no flights will occur over residential buildings. The aircraft will be flying only during daylight hours.

Owners of livestock and pets are advised to take precautions to protect their animals from injuring themselves. Horses in particular can be sensitive to helicopter noise and may run if startled.

For safety reasons, members of the public should stay away from active harvesting areas. They are also reminded that unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) must not be operated anywhere near the 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 2020 Treatment Plan includes the following activities:

• The anti-aggregative pheromone methyl cyclo hexenone (MCH) 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 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 beetles that are in the bark.
• Funnel traps will also be deployed within mill yards and log storage areas to capture adult beetles.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is committed to addressing the spread of Douglas fir beetles in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Regional District and mitigating impacts on the mid-term timber supply, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and wildfire management.

Quick Facts:

• The Williams Lake Timber Supply Area (TSA) 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. The volume of timber killed by the Douglas fir beetle in the Williams Lake TSA that year was about 172,534 cubic metres.
• The shallow tunnels etched into the underside of the bark of an infested tree, called “galleries,” are created by the beetle adults and larvae as they feed on the wood.
• When Douglas fir beetles attack, the needles of affected trees change colour in stages. The rate of colour change is highly variable, but a pale green or yellow colour indicates that the tree has been attacked recently. Bright red needles generally indicate that the tree was attacked the previous year. Brown trees with sparse foliage generally indicate that the trees have been dead for two or three years. A grey tree has lost all its needles, and this colour usually indicates that the tree has been dead for more than two years.
• According to the ministry’s latest mapping data (based on aerial surveys conducted in the summer of 2019), Douglas fir beetles affected 52,791 hectares within the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District in 2019. About 50,254 hectares were affected in the same region in 2018, with 46,231 hectares affected in 2017.

Learn More:

Read more about Douglas fir beetle management or read a guide for managing the beetles on private property online:
 http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/forest-pests/bark-beetles/douglas-fir-beetle/management

Free Forestry Contractor Workshop in Williams Lake on February 27th

Joint Release - City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District:

Forestry contractors interested in opportunities to diversify their business are invited to a free half-day workshop on doing business with government co-hosted by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the City of Williams Lake, and the Cariboo Regional District. 

Participants will learn about the types of projects available through the provincial government, as well as the processes required to successfully bid and contract for those opportunities.

Other presentations will cover the current state of the forest industry, including an update on the Interior Forest Renewal Process, and support programs available for workers who are impacted by mill curtailments. A trade-show style information fair featuring government and community agencies will follow.

“We are pleased to be providing this opportunity to forestry contractors in our area,” states Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “We believe that it is important to support the independent workers that have been the backbone of the forest industry, by providing them with an opportunity to meet directly with the contacts and resources that will enable them to keep themselves and their equipment working.”

The event will take place in Williams Lake on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Gibraltar Room at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, 525 Proctor Street. Registration is not required, and members of the public are encouraged to attend.

“Having partnered on similar sessions in the South Cariboo, I would encourage contractors and their business managers to attend this session to get linked into opportunities,” says Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner.  “There are many opportunities available for our local forestry-based workforce, and I am pleased that this proactive approach is being taken to get the information out to those who will benefit from it.”

BC Family Day 2020

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Statement from BC Premier John Horgan re: BC Family Day 2020

"Family Day is an opportunity to spend some extra time with loved ones – whether that means family or friends – to do fun activities together, relax and recharge.
“Our government wants Family Day events to be accessible to everyone. We’re supporting dozens of free events at parks and recreation centres, museums, galleries and heritage organizations in communities throughout B.C. over the holiday weekend.
“This is all part of our work to make life better and more affordable for families in B.C.
“From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and safe Family Day!”

Learn More:

For more information about Family Day events in communities throughout B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/bc-family-day

TNRD CAO resigns!

Kamloops This Week is reporting that Thompson Nicola Regional District/TNRD CAO or Chief Administrative Officer Sukh Gill has resigned his position, effective February 14th and that the Acting CAO of the TNRD is Finance Director Douglas Rae

As expected, TNRD Chair Ken Gillis is not able to comment fully on the matter as it is being treated as a "personnel matter" which are handled at Closed Board or In-Camera Meetings of the TNRD Board

View the Kamloops this Week article here

I have had the opportunity to meet Mr Gill on a number of occasions and our conversations have been very pleasant.  I wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours!

SF

New equipment to improve seniors' lives and care

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Both "Cariboo Place" & "Williams Lake Seniors' Village", both in Williams Lake will be benefactors' of this funding. No seniors' homes in 100 Mile House/Quesnel received funding as a result of this program...SF

People living and working in long-term care homes throughout B.C. are benefiting from a $6.9-million grant to purchase new equipment that will help improve the safety and quality of life of residents.

“Dignity, comfort, and security are what people and their loved ones expect and deserve when they are in long-term care,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Government is investing in these long-term care homes by adding new and replacement items, like beds and mattresses, and ceiling lifts and sensory rooms, so people can feel comfortable in their surroundings and enjoy their home-like setting.”

The Seniors Safety and Quality Improvement Program (SSQIP) is a three-year program that is managed by the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA). BCCPA has provided funding to long-term care home operators for the purchase of new equipment.

A total of $10 million was provided over three years to 186 long-term care homes to buy over 8,000 new items: beds and mattresses, shower chairs and tubs, mobility equipment – such as floor and ceiling lifts – lighting and visual aids, sensory rooms, music therapy and ergonomic furniture. The furniture includes specialized chairs and tables.

An advisory group, which included representatives from the provincial government, BCCPA, Denominational Health Association and SafeCare BC, received applications and oversees funding allocation. Those approved received up to $500 per publicly funded bed to purchase equipment that enhances the safety and quality of life of seniors.

“Our government is committed to improving care for seniors,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors. “The new equipment has helped ensure that their care is provided safely — for the people who live in long-term care, the families who visit them and the staff who care for them.”

Daniel Fontaine, CEO of BCCPA, said, “We’re pleased to continue working with the Ministry of Health and other partners through this final round of SSQIP funding. The investments are aimed at creating more supportive environments for residents in long-term care and reducing injury rates among the workers who care for them.”

Long-term care provides 24-hour professional care and supervision in a protective, supportive environment for people with complex care needs, who can no longer be cared for in their own homes or in an assisted-living residence.

Government is investing more than $1 billion over three years to improve care for seniors, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care, assisted living and respite services.

The Province is also providing $240 million over three years to increase staffing levels in long-term care homes, with the goal of achieving the target 3.36 direct care hours per resident day – on average – across all health authorities by the end of 2020-21. In 2018-19, these added more than one million direct hours of care for seniors in long-term care homes throughout the province.

Learn More:

For more information on the Seniors Safety and Quality Improvement Program, visit: http://bccare.ca/programs/ssqip/

Long-term care homes receiving funding: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/backgrounder_long_term_care_homes_funding.pdf

Quesnel Council meets next week

Quesnel City Council will be the only local government of the Cariboo-Chilcotin to meet next week.  Details below:

Quesnel - Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 18th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports - Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee - February 11, 2020 Meeting; Business Improvement Associations Update

* 2020 Operating Budget
* Tax Shifting
* Fire Training Sprinkler Protection Unit
* Zoning Amendment (355 Vaughn Street)
* Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application
* Cariboo Ski-Touring Club - Request for Resolution of Support
* Quesnel Tillicum Society & Friendship Centre - Request for Resolution of Support
* Bylaws: Temporary Borrowing Bylaw - Construction of New Public Works Facility - Final Adoption; Zoning Amendment (355 Vaughn Street) - First and Second Bylaw Readings AND Set Public Hearing to 6:00 p.m. March 3, 2020 at City Hall Council Chambers

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Feb 13th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair J. Massier & 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, M. Campsall

Meeting called to order at 9:48am

Meeting Agenda adopted
Minutes of the Cariboo RD Board Meetings held January 16/17th, 2020 were received/adopted

The Board received the Delegations Memorandum of Business

Business:

1) Development Services

a) The following Planning Bylaws were given 1st and 2nd Readings:

Director Mernett declared a conflict of interest in respect of Bylaw #5251 as a result of him working for Dawson Road Maintenance and left the meeting at 9:49am

* Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5251, 2019 (Area J/Dawson Road Maintenance)

Director Mernett returned to the meeting at 9:50am

* South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5252, 2020 (Area G/1188577 BC Ltd. dba Mt. Timothy Recreation Resort (FLNRORD)

b) The following Planning Bylaw was adopted:

* Central Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5215, 2019 (Area E/Richards)

2) Environmental Services

a) The Board authorized a grant application to the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure, British Columbia, Green Infrastructure, Environmental Quality Program for a new well and pumphouse at the Lac La Hache water system

b) The Board approved the Water Conservation Plan for the Lac La Hache Water System and the Plan accompany the Grant Application for the new well and pumphouse at the Lac La Hache water system

3) Community Services

a) The Board endorsed 5 NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust) Applications as follows:

* Williams Lake Curling Club - $15,000 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities Program
* Buck Ridge Community Association - $26,233 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities Program, to build a Community Shelter
* Fishing Highway Tourism Association - $20,000 in funding from the Marketing Initiatives Program for their Land of Hidden Waters Initiative
* Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Marketing Association - $20,000 in funding from the Marketing Initiatives Program for their Responsible Tourism Campaign
* Miocene Community Club - $30,000 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities Program to build a Community Shelter

4) Protective Services

a) The Board received a report of the Protective Services Manager concerning a Fire Department Spending Authority Correction Plan, approved the Manager's recommendations to align CRD Fire Departments with current Regional District policy in regard to purchasing and accountability for public funds

5) Communications

a) The Board received a report from the Manager of Communications in regards to Electoral Area sign replacement and agreed to defer the project until 2023 when a re-branding exercise is complete in 2022

6) Finance

a) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of January 2020, in the amount of $3,396,282.83

7) Administration

a) The Board received a report from the Manager of Corporate Services/Deputy CAO regarding a request for $4,000 from Charge North and agreed to the request with funding allocation from Electoral Area Administration.  Board divided - Motion agreed to by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald, Fourchalk, Simpson and Campsall - 15

Negative - Director W. Cobb (Williams Lake) - 1

b) The Board received a report from the Manager of Corporate Services/Deputy CAO concerning an invitation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, to participate in a new Community Forest Agreement in the Quesnel Timber Supply Area and Staff were directed to write back indicating the Regional District's desire to participate in the Quesnel Community Forest Initiative

Meeting recessed at 10:51am
Meeting resumed at 11:03am

Delegation:

Steve Kozuki from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC appeared before the Board to provide an update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Meeting recessed at 11:32am
Meeting resumed at 12:36pm

Business, cont:
Administration, cont:

c) The Board endorsed 4 NCLGA Resolutions for consideration at the 2020 NCLGA Convention in Prince George, BC as follows:

* Maintenance of Forest Service Roads
* Legislative Clarification of Temporary Use Permits
* Vegetation Control along BC Hydro Power Lines
* Enumeration and Consideration of Seasonal Populations

d) The Board received a request from the City of Williams Lake concerning a letter of support for their Water Treatment Plant project grant application through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP and the Board directed Staff to provide same to the City of Williams Lake

e) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of February 13th

8) Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations

a) The Board received the following minutes from CRD Committee or Commission Meetings:

* Finance-Budget Committee - January 15, 2020
* South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 13, 2020
* South Cariboo Joint Committee - January 13, 2020
* North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 14, 2020
* Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 22, 2020

b) The Board endorsed recommendations from the aforementioned meetings above, as follows:

* Fire Department Charge Cards & Building Procurement and Maintenance (look into feasibility of building procurement/maintenance capital reserve fund) -- Finance/Budget Committee meeting of January 15th

* South Cariboo Appointments for 2020 - South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 13, 2020 meeting
* North Cariboo Appointments for 2020 - North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 14, 2020 meeting

* Letter of Support for City of Williams Lake (2020 Kraft Hockeyville Competition), Central Cariboo Appointments for 2020 and POW WOW Update ($8,000 from Community Works Funds for Recycling/Waste Management) -- Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - January 22, 2020 meeting

* Amendment to Area 'K' Grant for Assistance - Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting of January 22, 2020 meeting

9) Invitations

The Board received an invitation to attend a Facilitated Mountain Bike Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on February 24, 2020 at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre in Williams Lake

10) Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board gave 1st,2nd and 3rd Readings to Quesnel Fringe Area Fire Protection Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5255, 2020 (CRD Areas A/B)

11) Directors' Items

a) The Board received a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer concerning the Regional District's rep to the NCLGA Board for the 2020/21 term.  The Board will further consider this matter in March 2020

b) At the request of Director A. Richmond (Area G) -- The Board authorized up to $700 from the Electoral Area G Director Initiative Fund for an appreciation dinner for the 108 Greenbelt Commission

c) At the request of Director B. Bachmeier (Area B) -- The Board authorized access up to $3,500 from the Electoral Area B Director Initiative Fund to attend the 2020 FCM Conference, and revise the amount of funds previously authorized by Board Res. No. 2019-11-33, to designate “up to $1,500”, rather than “up to $2,500”, towards her attendance at the Broadband Conference in April 2020

d) At the request of Director M. Sjostrom (Area A) -- The Board authorized up to $250 from the Electoral Area A Director Initiative Fund to attend Minerals North in Quesnel on April 29 - May 1st, 2020

e) At the request of Director S. Forseth (Area D) -- The Board authorized referral of a Provincial Policy Paper entitled Residential Flexibility in the ALR to all Electoral Area APC's for review/feedback by March 2020 in order to permit the Board to provide an informed response to the BC Ministry of Agriculture by the April 17th, 2020 deadline

The Board received the report of Chair Wagner concerning her recent activities, as of February 9th, 2020 and the Board received the report of the CAO regarding his recent activities..

At 1:17pm -- The Board recessed its' public meeting & convened an Closed Board Meeting (In-Camera) as per Section 90(1g - litigation) of the Community Charter

At 1:34pm -- The Board resumed its public meeting

Directors reported on their recent activities in their Electoral Areas or Municipalities

The Board agreed to adjourn at 2pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - Feb 13th mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond & Directors M. Sjostrom, B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais, M. Wagner, J. Glassford, G. Kirby, C. Mernett, W. Macdonald, G. Fourchalk, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and TNRD Area 'E' Director S. Watson

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda adopted
Minutes of the CCRHD Board Meeting held January 17th, 2020 were received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received

Business:

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

a) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Northern Health - Phase 3, Community Health Record Project) Bylaw No. 162, 2020
b) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Northern Health – Personal Health Record/Portal Project) Bylaw No. 163, 2020
c) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Northern Health - EmergCare Project) Bylaw No. 164, 2020

2) The Board received a report of the Chief Financial Officer in respect of Interior Health's refusal to Back-end Fund the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Project and directed that the Chair have a conversation with the Interior Health Authority's Board of Directors' Chair regarding the request to back-end fund the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Project

3) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar as of February 13th, 2020

The Chair provided updates on Capital Projects at GR Baker and Cariboo Memorial Hospital projects

Meeting recessed at 9:48am
Meeting resumed at 11:32am

Delegation:

Jenn Goodwin, Interior Health VP Communications & Culture, appeared before the Board to talk about the IH Vision, Mission and Values statements.

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Goodwin for her time/information

The Board agreed to adjourn at 11:56am