Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics: August 2020

Monday, August 31, 2020

August 31st, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Health Minister/Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

“Today, we are providing case updates for three 24-hour reporting periods. In the first reporting period from August 28 to 29, we had 86 new cases, from August 29 to 30, we had 107 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we have had a further 101 new cases.

“This represents 294 new cases, including three epi-linked cases, since we reported on Friday, for a total of 5,790 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 1,107 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 2,723 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,466 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 28 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 10 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,900 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 3,042 in the Fraser Health region, 175 in the Island Health region, 440 in the Interior Health region, 154 in the Northern Health region and 79 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been four new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 208 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There has been one new health-care facility outbreak in the Fraser Health region at the Normanna Living long-term care facility in Burnaby. The outbreaks at Dania Home and Holy Family Hospital have been declared over. In total, eight long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks, although there continue to be community exposure events. The Northern Health region has issued a community alert for the Prespatou region. Anyone who has attended events, services or gatherings in August are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact health teams to get tested should any symptoms develop. The community exposure cluster in the Kelowna region has been declared over.

“Alerts are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website, as well as on health authorities' websites, providing details on where the potential exposure occurred and what actions to take – whether you need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

“As we look to the fall, we are entering a new phase of B.C.’s COVID-19 response, and to be successful, we need to step back to allow us to safely move forward.

“The increase in the number of new cases is a concern for all of us. We must to do our part and support public health teams to quickly manage new cases so we can contain the spread of the virus and ensure community spread remains low.

“After many months of restrictions, we all felt the need to reconnect with our family and friends this summer, but now we must slow down on our social interactions and prepare for the respiratory season ahead.

“We need everyone to pay attention and step back from the social interactions we have had this summer, so when the cooler weather and respiratory season arrives, we are ready for the challenge.

“As we go back to our offices, workplaces and schools, we need to get back to the basics with our layers of protection and personal COVID-19 safety measures. This will allow us to protect our most vulnerable during the colder months.

“This means all of us washing our hands regularly, keeping our groups small, giving others the space to stay safe in uncontrolled environments, especially when we are around people we don’t know, wearing masks when needed and always staying home when ill.

“It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, influenza and COVID-19. As a result, the first step for everyone in B.C. needs to be to stay home if we are not 100% healthy.

“The bar to stay home needs to be lower than we have ever had it before. Our superheroes are not the people who put aside illness and go to work, but the people who protect colleagues by staying away until they are healthy once again.

“We ask employers, caregivers and parents to think ahead and prepare for the days when an employee or child is feeling unwell. Employers also need to ensure they are giving employees the flexibility to stay home without recrimination or financial harm.

“We can prepare now for the challenges that may lie ahead with new thinking, new routines and proven safety precautions.

“Our goals for B.C. are clear: prevent cases through our renewed personal safety measures, pay attention to how we are feeling so we can detect new cases and support our public health teams throughout the province to respond quickly to contain the spread of the virus.

“Let’s start today to close the summer gaps. Let’s use our layers of protection as we keep our activities going and let’s stay strong as we protect our most vulnerable, our Elders, our communities and ourselves.”

Quick Facts:

Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors' rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
- Fraser Health:
  - Bear Creek Villa independent living facility
  - Czorny Alzheimer Centre long-term care facility
  - Derby Manor independent living facility
  - George Derby Centre long-term care facility
  - Maple Ridge Seniors Village assisted living facility
  - MSA Manor long-term care facility (second outbreak)
  - New Vista Care Home long-term care facility
  - Normanna Living long-term care facility

Learn More:

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

Find out more about the new enforcement of public health officer orders on events:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0046-001568

If you have plans this weekend, follow Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide: https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:
BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan and the first report on its progress from July 21, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0228-001337

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Walt Cobb plans to seek re-election in Fall 2022

Yesterday - the Williams Lake Tribune did a Facebook Live interview with Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb to give an update on affairs in the City of Williams Lake. Topics raised include:

* While reluctant at first, he (Cobb) says he does plan to seek re-election in the October 15th, 2022 City of Williams Lake Local General Election while acknowledging that things can change between now and Spring/Summer 2022 at which point -- local government or Boards' of Education re-election bids will be formally announced. It should be noted that Walt Cobb is already the longest serving Mayor of Williams Lake at 12 years by the end of 2020 and if re-elected on October 15th, 2022 and serves the entire 2022-26 four year term; it will further cement that record at 18 years (Two 3 year terms from 1990-96 and 3 - 4 year terms from 2014 to 2026). This does not include his years as an City Councillor (in the 1980's, Municipal Councillors' were called "Alderman")

Editor's Note -- As I have had people asking -- It is my personal intent to seek a 3rd consecutive term as the Cariboo Regional District Area 'D' Director in Fall 2022 although I appreciate the "vote of confidence" to run for Mayor of Williams Lake but I have work to do/complete in my Area that won't be done by the end of this term and wish to continue that work, should it be the pleasure of Area 'D' voters to allow me to carry on that work post 2022 including a new WL Fringe Official Community Plan and work on flood plain & land slippage land use planning in the Electoral Areas to ensure homes are being built safely to protect residents'....

* On-going public and other works in the Williams Lake River Valley in 2020 and into 2021

* Road works in the community through to October 2020

* Housing Needs include City participation in Regional Housing Needs Study and Botanio Mall housing project

* Crime Concerns include supporting rural communities outside the City boundaries going through community safety challenges at McLeese Lake as well as other unincorporated communities...

* August 29th Rotary Breakfast and Rib Dinner events

Questions that came up during the Facebook Live interview included:

* Crime in the City

* Roadworks in the City

* Housing Needs

Friday, August 28, 2020

Wells Municipal Council meets Tuesday!

Only the District of Wells Council meets next week. All other local governments or Boards' of Education will meet following the Labour Day long weekend and onwards....

On the Agenda for Wells Council's meeting - Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm via Zoom Video Conference:

* Letter to Mayor and Council from Barb and Gary Cirotto regarding the Request for Qualifications: Project Manager – Learning Forest Trail – Phase One

* 2020 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) Convention - Request Meetings

* District of Wells 2019 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) Report

* Year to Date Approved Budget report

View the full Agenda here

Boil Water Advisory for 100 Mile House's Exeter Industrial area is NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

August 28th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Health Minister/Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

“Today, we are announcing 124 new cases, including one epi-linked case since we reported on Thursday, for a total of 5,496 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 974 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 2,796 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,310 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 23 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,791 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 2,878 in the Fraser Health region, 174 in the Island Health region, 433 in the Interior Health region, 142 in the Northern Health region and 78 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 204 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, nine long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks, although there continue to be community exposure events. The community outbreak in Haida Gwaii has now been declared over, with no new cases identified for two incubation periods.

“Alerts are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website, as well as on health authorities’ websites, providing details on where the potential exposure occurred and what actions to take – whether you need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

“COVID-19 requires new ways of living our lives with new precautions and routines for ourselves and our families, whether at home, work, school or when spending time with others. This includes keeping our numbers of contacts low, especially at indoor parties and events, whether in a hall or in our own home. We have seen transmission from even small events, and the last thing we want to do is pass COVID-19 to those we are closest to.

“This weekend, let’s remember to use the layers of protection that keep ourselves and those around us safe. This is also a good time to think about the new routines that will be part of our activities into the fall.

“The efforts we make today make the difference for all of us tomorrow, so let’s renew our commitment to doing what we can to keep our province and ourselves safe.”

Quick Facts:

Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors’ rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
- Vancouver Coastal Health:
  - Holy Family Hospital long-term care facility
- Fraser Health:
  - Bear Creek Villa independent living facility
  - Czorny Alzheimer Centre long-term care facility
  - Dania Home long-term care facility
  - Derby Manor independent living facility
  - George Derby Centre long-term care facility
  - Maple Ridge Seniors Village assisted living facility
  - MSA Manor long-term care facility (second outbreak)
  - New Vista Care Home long-term care facility

Learn More:

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

Find out more about the new enforcement of public health officer orders on events:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0046-001568

If you have plans this weekend, follow Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide: https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan and the first report on its progress from July 21, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0228-001337

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

#CaribooRD volunteer fire department review highlights dedication and commitment to resident safety

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

A volunteer fire department review released to the Cariboo Regional District Board on Aug. 21 is highlighting the challenges fire departments across the country are facing – as changes enacted at the provincial and federal level impact their workload.

The report commended the skill and dedication of the CRD’s fire chiefs and volunteers, who provide district residents with exemplary service in oftentimes challenging situations. It also noted areas where improvement in processes could deliver efficiencies and potential cost-savings.

“The adoption of the Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook in 2015 gave provincial fire departments clear benchmarks for performance, but it also added significant administrative and training requirements on top of emergency response.” notes CRD Chair Margo Warner. “We are proud of the fact that our volunteer fire departments continue to deliver exceptional fire protection and other emergency response services even with an increased workload.”

“Our fire departments put residents’ safety first,” says Stuart Larson, Manager of Protective Services for the Cariboo Regional District. “The department review notes that the CRD’s firefighters are working well within their scope, delivering much-needed fire protection across a vast region to the very best of their abilities. I have total confidence in our departments and their commitment to the work.”

Response statistics for the region highlight a track record of success. Fighting fires and protecting lives is hard, dangerous work in any scenario, but for the CRD’s firefighters, distance, terrain, and a dry climate multiply the challenges. In 2019 regional district volunteers responded to 151 fire calls, 97 motor vehicle incidents, and 344 medical emergencies.

“We see this report as a road map for success,” says Wagner. “We asked for honest feedback and we got it. We will be reviewing its recommendations, working with our chiefs and volunteers, and looking for ways to continue our enviable track record for safe, successful emergency responses. We know that we rely upon the dedication of our firefighters to keep us safe. Making it easier for the departments to do that work will be our goal.”

Thursday, August 27, 2020

August 27th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Health Minister & Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

"Today, we are announcing 68 new cases, including four epi-linked case since we reported on Wednesday, for a total of 5,372 cases in British Columbia.

"There are 906 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 2,810 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,253 people who tested positive have recovered.

"Currently, 22 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,737 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 2,818 in the Fraser Health region, 173 in the Island Health region, 429 in the Interior Health region, 137 in the Northern Health region and 78 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

"There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 204 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, nine long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

"There is one new community outbreak with seven confirmed cases at the Teck Fording River water treatment plant construction site in the Interior Health region. Public health teams are supporting and undertaking contact tracing.

"Alerts are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website, as well as on health authorities’ websites, providing details on where the potential exposure occurred and what actions to take – whether you need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

“Today, we have provided the latest local health area map of COVID-19 cases. The map will be updated each month and available on the BCCDC website. What the map tells us is that virtually every part of our province has been touched by the virus – communities large and small.

“Despite the spread of COVID-19, we must continue to find the balance of restarting our activities once again, while protecting our most vulnerable by doing our best to keep ourselves and those we care about safe.

“We recognize that many parents are feeling anxious about the well-being of their children with the start of ‘new school’ in September. We understand the importance of keeping our children safe.

“As parents take the time to review the back-to-school plans for their schools and districts, they can take confidence in knowing the plans were built from widespread input from B.C.’s education experts, combined with the latest public health research from around in the world.

“Children in B.C. will join millions of others globally who are going back to in-class learning. We will be there to support our children as they learn and adapt to the new school experience in British Columbia.

“Equally important, as children get back into the classroom, public health teams will be right there with them in every school throughout our province to ensure classrooms are as safe as possible for everyone.

“B.C. is reporting its first cases of suspect Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Adolescents, or MIS-C. There have been eight such cases diagnosed by BC Children's Hospital specialist pediatricians between March and August.

“To date, eight suspected cases have been reported at BC Children’s Hospital, although importantly, all have tested negative for COVID-19 and have had no known contact with reported cases. Since none of the cases were confirmed to be linked to a COVID-19 infection, we expect they are likely due to another cause.

“Monitoring for MIS-C was set up a few months ago. The eight cases were reported recently because the case definition for MIS-C recently changed to include suspected cases. There have been no confirmed cases of MIS-C reported in B.C.

"The identification of these suspect cases is evidence that the system can capture this condition if it occurs in B.C. children.

“COVID-19 requires new ways of living our lives, as well as new precautions and routines for ourselves and our families, whether at home, at work, at school or when spending time with others.

“What remains the same is our commitment to continuing to learn and adapt our approach, in addition to doing all we can to protect our communities, our seniors and Elders, and those we care for most.”

Quick Facts:

Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors' rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:

Vancouver Coastal Health:
- Holy Family Hospital long-term care facility

Fraser Health
- Bear Creek Villa independent living facility
- Czorny Alzheimer Centre long-term care facility
- Dania Home long-term care facility
- Derby Manor long-term care facility
- George Derby Centre long-term care facility
- Maple Ridge Seniors Village assisted living facility
- MSA Manor long-term care facility (second outbreak)
- New Vista Care Home long-term care facility

Learn More:

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

Find out more about the new enforcement of public health officer orders on events:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0046-001568

If you have plans this weekend, follow Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide: https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan and the first report on its progress from July 21, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0228-001337

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Mining Exploration Activities a Concern for WLFN

Courtesy of Williams Lake First Nation:

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) announced today that it will be more aggressively monitoring mining exploration activity in its Stewardship Area to ensure that the companies performing those activities are not negatively affecting the environment or causing other damage.

In 2018, the Province of British Columbia and the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) communities executed the “Yecweminul’ecw Agreement”, a Government to Government Agreement which established new approaches to land and resource management and economic development in the NStQ territory. “Yecweminul’ecw” means “Take care of the land” in Secwepemctsín, the language of the Northern Shuswap people.

“For a period of time the amount of mining exploration in our territory had fallen off considerably,” states WLFN Chief Willie Sellars. “In the last year, we have seen a rise in commodity prices and an increase in the number of companies pursuing mining exploration. The scope of the exploration programs that these companies are completing has multiplied. We fully recognize that mining is an important part of the regional economy, but we’ve also seen more than enough evidence that mining – and exploration activities that can lead up to the establishment of a mine – can cause environmental damage which can dramatically impact our ability to exercise our aboriginal rights and discharge our responsibilities for environmental stewardship. NStQ had signed a Government to Government Agreement with the province which envisions robust consultation and accommodation for the Northern Secwepemc communities. It’s time we made efforts to properly implement that agreement. This is particularly important now that the Province of British Columbia has committed to living up to the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

“We certainly have no intention of disrupting legitimate business, but we need to keep these companies honest. As is always the case, there are good corporate citizens and not-so-good corporate citizens. And we intend to hold the companies who are not doing a good job accountable. By way of specific example, we point to companies like Engold, which has for years been doing exploration in the Lac La Hache Area. According to their website, this company is committed to the environment and engagement. WLFN sees no evidence that either of these things are true. The public should be extremely wary of investing or otherwise supporting companies such as Engold, at least until they demonstrate corporate responsibility and earn their social license. These companies exploit our traditional territory without dealing with First Nations on an honorable basis. Engold, and other companies like them, must step up or abandon their claims and move on.”

The failure of the Mount Polley Mine tailings storage facility in 2014 marked the largest mining disaster in Canadian history. Mount Polley mine is squarely in WLFN’s Stewardship Area and the Williams Lake First Nation continues with the legacy of that incident. WLFN can not allow another major catastrophe to happen.

NStq Leadership calls for Emergency Order to close Fraser River Fishery

Courtesy of the NStQ Leadership Group:

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

August 26th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Health Minister/Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

“Today, we are announcing 62 new cases, including two epi-linked case since we reported on Tuesday, for a total of 5,304 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 896 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 2,730 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 4,199 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 21 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,699 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 2,795 in the Fraser Health region, 170 in the Island Health region, 429 in the Interior Health region, 133 in the Northern Health region and 78 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 203 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, 10 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There are no new community outbreaks. However, there continues to be community exposure events at other locations and on flights into and out of the province.

“When health regions issue community exposure alerts, the alerts are specific to the location, date and time of potential exposure. If you or your family may have been exposed, follow the public health advisory. Otherwise, no action is required.

“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that many people have had increased anxiety and concern for the well-being of their families and themselves.

“For parents in particular, there is the added challenge of navigating a new approach to in-class learning that includes a number of additional public health protocols and precautions.

“Today, the Ministry of Education provided the latest updates on back-to-school plans. These plans are the outcome of many minds coming together in every school district to take the public health guidelines that have been developed and apply them to meet the specific needs of each school district.

“This has not been an easy task. We commend the many people who have put the time and effort into ensuring the best approach possible for our students, teachers and staff.

“School will be new for everyone this year – just as how we spend time with friends and how we operate our businesses has required a different way of doing things than we have ever done before.

“With COVID-19 in our communities for many months to come, new routines will be needed that can sustain families for the entire school year.

“As we look to the year ahead, we know that British Columbians will continue to demonstrate unparalleled resiliency and determination that will help see all of us through this pandemic.

“Working together, we will learn and adapt our approach as we go, as we focus our efforts on prevention, detection and rapid response. This is what will keep us strong and help protect all of us.”

Quick Facts:

Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors’ rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
- Vancouver Coastal Health:
  - Arbutus Care Centre long-term care facility
  - Holy Family Hospital long-term care facility
- Fraser Health:
  - Bear Creek Villa independent-living facility
  - Czorny Alzheimer Centre long-term care facility
  - Dania Home long-term care facility
  - Derby Manor long-term care facility
  - George Derby Centre long-term care facility
  - Maple Ridge Seniors Village assisted-living facility
  - MSA Manor long-term care facility (second outbreak)
  - New Vista Care Home long-term care facility

Learn More:

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

Find out more about the new enforcement of public health officer orders on events:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0046-001568

If you have plans this weekend, follow Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide: https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan and the first report on its progress from July 21, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0228-001337

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Williams Lake Development benefits from Housing Incentive Program

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

A local developer has received a reimbursement for building costs associated with a new multi-family development in Williams Lake.

The Housing Incentive Program, launched by Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) in 2019, was aimed at creating density in the northern region’s very tight housing market. The program provides a reimbursement to the developer once an occupancy permit has been issued, at $10,000 per door. The minmum project size is a four unit development, to a maximum of $200,000 in rebates available.

Williams Lake is the first community in the NDIT’s region to take advantage of this program. Local developer 3Gen Construction has just completed a new four unit townhouse at the Hamel Road complex. “This program helped us with the decision to take on the build, and the $10,000 a door incentive tipped the scales for us to go for it,” says Tyler Boucher, co-owner of 3Gen Construction. “It also allowed us to keep our crews employed all last winter and into the spring, and there are now four new homeowners in town, so the benefits to our community reach beyond our company and our bottom line.”

NDIT’s CEO Joel McKay says that he is pleased to see the uptake on the program for smaller communities like Williams Lake. “It is good to see that this program is working and making a difference in smaller communities where making the case for density is harder to do,” says McKay. “The housing crisis in the north has far-reaching impacts to our local economies, and the intent of this program is to help to increase the stock that is available, by incentifying developers to look at projects through the lens of density design.”

“Programs like this give us more tools in the kit when we are working with the development community,” says Beth Veenkamp, Economic Development Officer at the City of Williams Lake. “We are taking a very proactive approach to increasing our available housing in Williams Lake, and being able to provide information on a range of incentives available to developers helps to move ideas into reality.”

Mayor Walt Cobb is thrilled that Williams Lake is the first northern community to successfully utilize this program, and was pleased to present the rebate cheque to 3Gen Construction. “We are serious about getting housing development happening, and are putting a lot of effort into creating the conditions necessary for developers to join us in creating solutions,” states Cobb. “There is always going to be a good market for single family housing, but we are really focused on how to maximize the little land that we have available in the city to house as many people as possible. This progam from NDIT is a really good reason for developers to look at projects a little differently than they are used to, with density in mind.”

For more information on the range of incentives available to developers, please contact the City of Williams Lake’s Economic Development Office at 250-392-2311

Quesnel Council Highlights - Aug 25th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program

The City of Quesnel is a sponsor of the Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program that provides the opportunity for our community’s youth to learn communication skills and build confidence by taking part in many local events where the Ambassadors represent the City of Quesnel. Council recognized the efforts to this community by the outgoing Ambassadors and welcomed the incoming Ambassadors of the Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program as follows:

Outgoing Ambassadors for 2019

Hailey Murray, Sydney Williams and Nalyssa Runge

Incoming Ambassadors for 2020

Sarah Foottit, Beth Mattioli and Jadacia Barker

COVID-19 – Corporation’s Update

As Orders from the Provincial Health Officer continue to be issued as the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve in the Province, the following is a summary of COVID-19-related updates regarding City Services:

Council Meetings, Public Hearings, Other City of Quesnel Meetings – As per the Provincial Public Health Officer Order – Gatherings and Events, the City of Quesnel is required to obtain and track contact information for all public members that attend Council meetings, Public Hearings, or other meetings held the public attends meetings inside City Hall. The tracking information required is the first and last name, and either a contact telephone/cell number or a contact email address. The public must provide their contact tracking information to City employees at the front desk of City Hall before they can attend a meeting with City employees and/or Elected Officials at City Hall. The public must provide their contact tracking information on the sign-in sheets located in the Council Chambers lobby before entering Council Chambers for a Council meeting and/or a Public Hearing.
Airport – Airport terminal remains closed. The runway remains open for private flights. Central Mountain Air (“CMA”) has advised any relaunch of flights to/from Quesnel is still to be determined.
BC Transit – buses are operating at full hours in Quesnel. As per BC Transit Policy, passengers are required to wear a face mask when using BC Transit buses
Arts & Recreation Centre – the pool, gym and change rooms are open, but the sauna and hot tub are closed. There are some programs available, and the swim club is operating.
Arenas – September 14th Arena II will open for Youth programs; September 22nd the West Fraser Centre will open for Youth programs. October 5th the West Fraser Centre will open for Adults programs.

Development Permit - Aspen Heights Apartments

Council approved a Development Permit for the Aspen Heights Apartments, located at 951 and 1051 Abbott Drive, to install a fence around the entire property. Council further approved a variance to allow an increase to the fence height to be 6 feet/1.82 meters along the front property line.

Zero-Emission Vehicle – Grant Application

Council approved City staff to submit a grant application to the Zero-Emissions Vehicle Awareness program through Natural Resources Canada to purchase and promote an electric SUV to replace a gasoline vehicle in the Bylaw Services fleet. This grant funding will cover 50% of the cost of the zero-emissions vehicle, with the remaining 50% to come from the City’s Equipment Replacement Reserve.

Quesnel Waterfront Plan – Grant Application

Council approved City staff to submit a grant application to the Northern Development Initiatives Trust through the Strategic Initiative Fund to implement key aspects of the Quesnel Waterfront Plan in the Downtown precinct as follows:

Renovations to the entrances to the Fraser River Footbridges.
Trail lighting along the Riverfront Trail from the Fraser Footbridge to the Hospital.
Planning for Indigenous cultural interpretive elements, including the collection of interviews with Elders to record knowledge, preserve language and use for interpretive signage, augmented reality, and/or other displays along the River Front Trail.

Next Meeting

6:00 pm – September 15, 2020 - Council Meeting

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

WL Council Highlights - August 25th mtg

Present: Mayor W.Cobb; Councillors Boehm, Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Ryll and Smith

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the Council meeting held on August 11th, 2020

Presentation - Various Letters of Appreciation were presented to City Staff by Mayor Cobb in respect of their actions for going "above and beyond" regarding the "health emergency" in Herb Gardner Park on July 27th, 2020 - click here for background

Business:

1) Council received a Staff report concerning Youth for Christ Encroachment/Gifting of Retaining Wall Request at 245 Cameron Street and directed that YFC be requested to take down the retaining wall and a Notice on Title be placed on YFC's property at 245 Cameron Street

2) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated July 31, August 11, 13, 20 and 21, 2020

3) Council gave 1st/2nd Readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2332, 2020 (452 Borland Street) and a Public Hearing be scheduled for September 15, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall and staff were directed to issue notice of the application to property owners and tenants within a 100 metre radius of the subject property advised of the Public Hearing for Bylaw 2332, 2020

4) Council gave 1st Readings to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2328, 2020 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2329, 2020 (1513 Highway 97 South) and Staff were directed to issue notice of the OCP Public Consultation, to be conducted by request of written submissions, to property owners and tenants within a 100m radius of the subject property advising of the deadline of 4:30 PM on September 10, 2020 for these submissions

5) Council approved in principle the proposed leases along with a Dispute Resolution and administrative oversight clauses be added to the leases with the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin for a term of five years each, effective May 1, 2021 with an option for two additional five year renewals, and a lease rate of $1.00 including applicable taxes, and the required Notices of Disposition be published in accordance with Section 26 (3) of the Community Charter and further, subsequent consideration of approval of the lease agreements be referred to a future Council Meeting.

6) Council awarded the tender for the repair to the zone 1 water main under Highway 20 to Morben Contracting Ltd. for the tendered price of $132,841 plus relevant taxes, with an additional $3,880.00 to True Engineering for engineering services required for design drawing and tender preparation

7) Council adopted the following Bylaws:

a) Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2330, 2020

b) OCP Amendment Application - Bylaw No. 2333 - Grassland Equipment Ltd. (600 11th Ave North)

c) Zoning Amendment Application - Bylaw No. 2334 - Grassland Equipment Ltd (600 11th Ave North)

8) Council endorsed a Committee of the Whole Council recommendation, as follows:

That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #08-2020, the report of Chief Financial Officer dated July 24, 2020 be received and Council approve the proposed 2021 budget and five-year financial plan timeline; and further, staff be directed to prepare the 2021 budget for Council review, targeting:

* 0% increase in tax rates,

* 0% increase in water and sewer rates,

* Encouragement for building the community upwards and within the city boundaries,

* No change in existing city services,

* No additional staff positions, and

* No contracts entered into without prior Council approval

* Explore opportunities for additional revenue generation in 2021

9) Council agreed to provide a letter of support for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake's application to the Province' Community Gaming Grant stream for funding toward their In-School Mentoring Program

10) Council proclaimed October 19 to 25, 2020 as "Waste Reduction Week" in the City of Williams Lake

11) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of August 25th, 2020 - click here and directed a letter be written to the BC SPCA regarding their initiative regarding banning the use of rodenticides and use of personal information (email addresses)

Council provided Oral Reports on their recent activities...

Media Question Period - No questions

Council adjourned at 6:55pm