Prescribed burns reduce wildfire risks at Tatla/Alkali Lake

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service crews will assist with two ecosystem restoration burns within the Cariboo Fire Centre over the next few weeks. Smoke from these fires may be visible from nearby communities and Highway 20. 

 

These prescribed burns will be managed by the ministry’s Ecosystem Restoration Program and could begin as early as Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 and continue until Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. The decision on when to proceed with burning will depend on weather and site conditions. Such burns are conducted only when conditions are suitable. Firefighters will closely monitor the fires at all times. 

 

Eniyud Community Forrest

 

*This ecosystem restoration burn will cover about 147 hectares in the Eniyud Community Forest, about 15 kilometres northwest of the community of Tatla Lake. 

 

*The goals of this prescribed burn project are to: mitigate wildfire risks by reducing accumulations of forest fuels; remove damaging lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe plants; prepare the site for restoration; and support the establishment of a new, healthy stand of young trees. 

 

*The lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) is a naturally occurring parasitic plant that lives in these trees. It impairs an infested tree’s growth and causes deformities, which limits its use in the manufacture of forest products. 

 

Fire is a normal, natural process in many British Columbia ecosystems. Historically, lodgepole pine forests are regenerated when fire eliminates existing stands of these trees. Apart from a fire eradicating lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe plants, the heat releases seeds from cones so a new forest can grow. 

 

Joes Lake 

 

*This ecosystem restoration burn will cover about 159 hectares, about four kilometres southeast of Alkali. 

 

*The overall objective is to reduce accumulations of fine fuels (i.e. smaller wood debris and vegetation). 

 

*If this site is not treated using prescribed fire, any wildfire that occurred there could produce a crown fire that would be more difficult to extinguish. 

 

*Removing the fine fuels will not only create as a fuel break for the nearby community, but also improve plant biodiversity and range habitat. 

 

*This burn will be done in partnership with Alkali Resource Management, the Community of Alkali, and the Es’ketemc people. 

 

A prescribed fire is an intentionally ignited fire that is planned and managed by a certified burn boss. The burn boss is responsible for ensuring that the initial burn conditions are favorable and that the fires are extinguished once the prescribed burns are completed. 

 

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

 

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and

air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

 

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

 

*Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

 

*Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

 

A Factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns in available online at: http://ow.ly/egWL30rbP8v

 

Orange Shirt Day 2020

 

Cariboo Regional District
Area 'D' Director Steve Forseth

Firstly, I write to you from the traditional unceded territory of the Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) peoples including that of the Williams Lake First Nation 

 Today is #OrangeShirtDay2020. A day where we remember all residential school survivors, those who are with us today and those that did not make it. 

Let us hope that we learn from history and never repeat the lessons that came from the creation of residential schools including respect for indigenous cultures, that #EveryChildMatters and for inclusion. 

My Area's Alternate Director, Phyllis Webstad and her story from residential schools inspired "Orange Shirt Day". To read about her story (and I do so every day), go to: http://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html 

 Although there will be *no* In-Person events today, there will be online events, one such event can be attended virtually 

Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/344943410247529?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D 

Finally - the "Orange Shirt Day" textbook which is for elementary school students' outlining the history on the subject of residential schools and co-authored by my Area Alternate Director, Phyllis Webstad and my former Cariboo RD Area F colleague, Joan Sorley, can be purchased online at Medicine Wheel Education - https://medicinewheel.education/collections/english-books/products/pre-order-orange-shirt-day or Chapters online at https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/orange-shirt-day/9781989122433-item.html?ikwid=orange+shirt+day&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=1#algoliaQueryId=48813e2a34543e38ec3e6039bfb50ee0 or finally at the Open Book in Williams Lake... 

 SF

BC State of Emergency extended to October 13th, 2020

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on Oct. 13, 2020, to allow staff to continue to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

A provincial declaration of a state of emergency allows the Province to implement provincial emergency measures and allows access to assets that may be necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency. This is a temporary measure authorized by the Emergency Program Act.

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.‘s health and emergency management officials. The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency.

On July 10, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

Quick Facts:

• Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
• The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of up to 14 days at a time.
• During the 2017 wildfire season, the province was in a provincial state of emergency for 10 weeks from July 7 to Sept. 15.

Learn More:

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers, businesses and schools, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Sept 29, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Deputy Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Stephen Brown):

"Today, we are announcing 105 new cases, including three epi-linked cases, for a total of 9,013 cases in British Columbia.

"There are 1,268 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 3,337 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 7,485 people who tested positive have recovered.

"Currently, 69 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 20 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3,286 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 4,594 in the Fraser Health region, 206 in the Island Health region, 531 in the Interior Health region, 309 in the Northern Health region and 87 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

"There has been one new COVID-19 related death in Fraser Health, for a total of 234 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 at Haro Park Centre long-term care facility in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. In total, 14 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and three acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

"There have been no new community outbreaks, although there continue to be community exposure events around the province.

"Public alerts and school notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website, and on all health authorities’ websites, providing details on where the potential exposure occurred and what actions to take – whether to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

“This year is unique for all of us, and COVID-19 has required that we connect and show we care in new and different ways.

“We have had to change our special celebrations and gatherings to keep the people we care about safe. This same approach is how we need to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Rather than travelling to see friends or hosting a large family dinner, make it small this year and plan to connect virtually instead.

“Although this may not be what we want to do, let’s not lose sight of the fact that by making these sometimes difficult choices now, we will be healthier and stronger tomorrow. By choosing to stay home and stay small, we are reducing the potential for transmission of COVID-19 and protecting the people in our family and community who are most at risk. 

“Keeping a safe physical distance, visiting from afar, using our layers of protection and always remembering our safety basics is how we show we care. Let’s do the right thing and support those around us to do the same.” 

Quick Facts:

• Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors’ rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health
    • Banfield Pavilion long-term care facility
    • Holy Family Hospital long-term care facility (second occurrence)
    • Point Grey Private Hospital long-term care facility
    • Yaletown House long-term care facility
    • Haro Park Centre long-term care facility
  • Fraser Health
    • Cherington Place long-term care facility
    • Evergreen Hamlets long-term care facility
    • Harrison West at Elim Village long-term care facility
    • Kin Village assisted-living facility
    • Milieu Children and Family Services Society community-living facility
    • New Vista Care Home long-term care facility
    • Rideau Retirement Centre independent-living facility
    • Thornebridge Gardens assisted-living facility
    • Peace Portal Seniors Village long-term care facility

Learn More:

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

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

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 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

Bullion Pit low-mobility trail expands recreation options in Likely

 Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

From L-R: Matt LeBourdais – Likely Xats’ull Community Forest Ltd, Lisa Kraus – Likely Community Coordinator, Maureen LeBourdais – Director, Area ‘F’ Cariboo Regional District, and Darron Campbell – Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District 

The Cariboo region’s newest low-mobility wilderness trail, at the Bullion Pit historic site near Likely, has officially opened. Funded in part by the BC government’s Rural Dividend fund, the low mobility trail project was a cooperative effort involving the Cariboo Regional District, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Likely Chamber of Commerce, and Likely Xats’ull Community Forest Ltd. The trail is suitable for use with mobility aids such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers. It can also accommodate walkers with mobility issues, child strollers, and able-bodied users such as hikers and runners.

Maureen LeBourdais, Cariboo Regional District Director for Area ‘F’ is pleased with this accessible addition to the recreation options in the area.

“More than ever, we need places for people to get outside and enjoy the benefits of being in nature,” she notes. “It’s equally important that these places be accessible. I’m delighted the Bullion Pit trail meets both criteria.”

Likely Community Coordinator, Lisa Kraus notes that the new trail is part of the community’s ongoing commitment to accessibility.

“The town of Likely is working hard to accommodate visitors with low mobility; including wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and walkers. Along with the existing Quesnelle Forks accessible trails, the Bullion Pit trail is a great reason to visit our community.”

The Bullion Pit low mobility trail is located at the Bullion Pit historic site, five kilometres west of the town of Likely, BC, and increases the Cariboo Regional District’s accessible trail network to 25 locations. The expansion of the low mobility trails network strengthens a niche tourism market in the regional district, catering to an under-served market (visitors with mobility challenges). Those efforts are paying off.

“Low mobility trails in the CRD are now seeing thousands of visitors every year,” said CRD Chair Margo Wagner. “Providing accessible trails expands the market for Cariboo-Chilcotin tourism, delivers greater inclusivity, and can be a driver in attracting and retaining new residents to the region.”

CRD Accessible Trail Network Statistics

Total number of accessible trails in the region: 25

Length of new trail: Bullion Pit historic site – 700 m

Trail type: The trails utilize materials designed to compact and harden with use. This delivers a smooth, stable surface providing low rolling resistance for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, along with solid footing for those with mobility challenges.

CRD accessible trails information: https://www.cariboord.ca/services/recreation-2/accessible-trails

The City of Quesnel Airport – a proactive approach

 Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is taking a proactive approach in light of the recently announced schedule for Central Mountain Air (CMA) flights. In early April, CMA cancelled all its flights because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They implemented a reduced schedule in July with service to a limited number of airports in the Province.  CMA is gradually expanding service but recently notified the City that flights are not expected to resume at the Quesnel Regional Airport until at least February 2021.

“The City of Quesnel is committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the viability of our airport throughout this pandemic and beyond,” said Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  “Staff were directed by Council in the spring to reduce operating costs wherever possible and more recently staff were directed to work closely with our Economic Development department to attract more air traffic and new business opportunities to the Airport.”

“While commercial flights are currently not scheduled at the airport, fuel sales remained strong in August, the forestry firebase has doubled in size this year, and we have seen a substantial increase in private and charter flights,” said Jon Pucek, Airport & Transit Supervisor with the City of Quesnel.  Pucek further noted that the City plans to scale back its winter operations due to the absence of scheduled flights but advises that the runway will remain open daily for private charters, recreational aircraft, and Air Ambulance services, which is an invaluable lifesaving service in the region.  

“We are reducing operating costs where we can but many of our expenses are fixed because of the requirement to comply with Transport Canada regulations,” Pucek said.

“The situation in Quesnel is not unique,” stated Mayor Simpson.  “The impact that COVID-19 has had on regional airports across the country is substantial.   The City has supported the Regional Community Airports of Canada (RCAC) organization who have been lobbying senior levels of government for financial assistance since the start of the pandemic. As many other regional airports are facing the same situation, we remain optimistic about the future of our airport and will continue to prove our resilience during these challenging times.”

#CaribooRD Area D 2021 Survey

Good morning: 

 For those in the rural unincorporated communities north of Williams Lake (ie: Wildwood, Pine Valley, Fox Mountain, Commodore Heights, Tyee Lake, McLeese Lake, Macalister, etc) -- 

I have created a brief survey in order to gauge if there are any issues that I am not aware of in the unincorporated communities in Area D of the Regional District (try my best to get to community events and talk with #CaribooRD Area D residents' as best as I can.... ). As the residents' of Area D only have 1 elected Area Director, I try to fairly represent ALL unincorporated communities in Electoral Area 'D' of the Regional District to the best of my ability... 

 The survey can be accessed at https://forms.gle/Kf5SRiFXDVaZcqoC6 

 I will be the ONLY one to see the survey results and will be used to further enhance my actions in being an effective Area Director for those in Electoral Area D of the Regional District. 

If you reside in: 

* Soda Creek Road (past the City of Williams Lake) 

* Mile 168 Road 

* Commodore Heights 

* Fox Mountain 

* Pine Valley 

* Wildwood 

* Deep Creek area (including the Deep Creek Reserve) 

* Tyee Lake 

* Soda Creek Valley 

* McLeese Lake, Duckworth Lake, Beaver Valley Road areas 

* Macalister 

* Marguerite 

Please consider filling out this survey. The survey will be closed on Friday, October 16th, 2020 

Thanks! 

Steve

September 28th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer & Deputy Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Stephen Brown):

“Today, we are announcing three 24-hour reporting periods. In the first reporting period from Sept. 25 to 26, we had 68 new cases, from Sept. 26 to 27, we had 125 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we have had a further 74 new cases.

“These represent a total of 267 new cases, including 10 epi-linked case, for a total of 8,908 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 1,302 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 3,372 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 7,346 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 69 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 22 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 3,226 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 4,555 in the Fraser Health region, 206 in the Island Health region, 531 in the Interior Health region, 303 in the Northern Health region and 87 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, one in Vancouver Coastal Health, one in Fraser Health and one in the Vancouver Island Health region, for a total of 233 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been three new health-care facility outbreaks: a second outbreak at Holy Family Hospital, a second outbreak at Harrison West at Elim Village and at Thornebridge Gardens. The outbreak at Burnaby Hospital has been declared over. In total, 13 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and three acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There has been a new community outbreak at Calvary Chapel Church in Kelowna in the Interior Health region, as well as other community exposure events around the province.

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

“Public health contact tracing has shown the primary source of COVID-19 transmission continues to be through socializing with others – whether in your home or less controlled settings. That is why we all need to take a step back from our social interactions, see fewer people and travel less right now.

“We have it in our control to push our curve back down. You can make a difference by making safe choices in how you spend time with others.

“All we have to do is look to the many, many restaurants, retail stores, salons and other businesses who have shown us that by using our layers of protection and safety basics, we can keep ourselves, our customers, colleagues and communities safe.

“Let’s take a moment to appreciate our shared successes and use that to fuel and energize each other in the months ahead.

“Social connection is important to all of us, but let’s ensure we are connecting safely. For some people, staying apart is perhaps a more difficult choice to make, so let’s encourage and support each other to do the right thing.

“This week, let’s also take a moment to reach out to our seniors and Elders, our friends and loved ones who may be at risk. Let them know they are not alone, and show them you care by staying connected to them virtually this fall.

“Let’s keep our communities healthy and strong, by staying home, staying small and staying safe.”

Quick Facts:

• Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors’ rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health
    • Banfield Pavilion long-term care facility
    • Holy Family Hospital long-term care facility (second occurrence)
    • Point Grey Private Hospital long-term care facility
    • Yaletown House long-term care facility
  • Fraser Health
    • Cherington Place long-term care facility
    • Evergreen Hamlets long-term care facility
    • Harrison West at Elim Village long-term care facility (second occurrence)
    • Kin Village assisted-living facility
    • Milieu Children and Family Services Society community-living facility
    • New Vista Care Home long-term care facility
    • Rideau Retirement Centre independent-living facility
    • Peace Portal Seniors Village long-term care facility
    • Thornebridge Gardens long-term care facility

Learn More:

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

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

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 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

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Update here

Category 2/3 Open Fires allowed in Cariboo Fire Centre as of Sept 30th at 12 noon!

 Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, Category 2 and 3 open fires will once again be allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to favourable weather conditions and a decreased wildfire risk in the region.

Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place, so people should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.

The following activities will be allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre's jurisdiction:

Category 2 open burning:

•the burning of stubble or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares
•one or two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide
•the use of sky lanterns
•the use of tiki torches and chimineas
•the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
•the use of burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description
•the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)
•the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)

Category 3 open burning:

•any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide
•three or more consecutively burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide
•one or more burning windrows
•burning stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717. More information about open burning is available online: http://ow.ly/TMqx30pBJ9F

Prior to conducting burning activities, the public is reminded to observe local site conditions and pay attention to current and predicted weather forecasts. Anyone who lights, fuels, or makes use of open fire must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Burning anything other than clean woody debris requires a permit or approval from the Ministry of Environment.

People are also required to check local venting conditions prior to lighting an open fire. Venting reports can be found online, along with an interactive map of venting index zones and the current venting index: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

Learn More:

Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-pollution/smoke-burning/regulations/openburningregulation

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5

Follow the latest wildfire news:
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Post Event Report -- 2020 UBCM Virtual Convention

As is my personal practice for my constituents in Cariboo RD, Area D (Commodore Heights/McLeese Lake) -- my link to my "Post Event" report attending the virtual 2020 UBCM or Union of BC Municipalities Convention from September 22-24, 2020 can be viewed here

I'd be remiss if I didn't congratulate 2020-21 UBCM President Brian Frenkel, 2020-21 UBCM 1st Vice President Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and 2020-21 UBCM Director at Large Gord Klassen for being elected to their respective roles and also to point out that they are all former NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Presidents' and I am sure that they will bring the northern perspective to the UBCM Executive while the UBCM Executive focused on the needs of local governments' (Municipal Councils/Regional District Boards') in British Columbia

SF

2020 Provincial Election Candidates for Cariboo-Chilcotin Region

As of yesterday at 4:30pm -- Elections BC has registered provincial election candidates for 14 of the 87 Provincial Electoral Districts with the deadline to register with Elections BC being Friday, October 2nd at 1pm sharp! View the full list from Elections BC here

No BC Political Party in Cariboo-Chilcotin or Cariboo-North has registered an election candidate for the October 24th, 2020 Provincial Election with Elections BC thus far but Lorne Doerksen has been appointed to run for the BC Liberals in Cariboo-Chilcotin while incumbent Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes has publicly stated that she will seek re-election under the BC Liberals banner

The BC NDP in Cariboo-Chilcotin has publicly stated to the Williams Lake Tribune that they will run a candidate while in Cariboo-North, no BC Political Party, other than the BC Liberals, has stated that they will run a candidate.

In the 2017 Provincial Election -- the candidates by riding were:

Cariboo-North   

a) Coralee Oakes - BC Liberals (incumbent)

b) Scott Elliott - BC NDP

c) Tony Goulet - BC Conservatives

d) Richard Jacques - BC Greens

Cariboo-Chilcotin      

a) Donna Barnett - BC Liberals (incumbent)

b) Rita Giesbrecht - BC Greens

c) Sally Watson - BC NDP

 

Coralee Oakes, in a 4 way race, won re-election in the 2017 Provincial General Election with 51% of the vote while in Cariboo-Chilcotin, Donna Barnett in a 3 way race, won re-election with almost 59% of the vote

The last time either Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin were NOT held by the BC Liberals was in 2005 when both ridings were held by the BC NDP until the 2009 provincial election for Cariboo-Chilcotin and 2013 for Cariboo-North

As noted earlier -- Donna Barnett is not seeking re-election in Cariboo-Chilcotin so we will have a new MLA .  Sally Watson will not be running for the BC NDP so we'll have to wait and see who runs under the BC NDP banner as well as for the BC Greens/BC Conservatives

Meanwhile in Cariboo-North -- Coralee Oakes hopes to go "3 for 3" on October 24th

 

I will be very shocked if Quesnel City Councillor Scott Elliott DOES NOT run for the BC NDP again (in fact, I am counting on him running on behalf of the BC NDP in Cariboo North again and there is NO political risk to him -- if he wins, he goes to Victoria, if he loses, he resumes his role on Quesnel City Council when local government elections are held in October 2022 and he can choose to run again, either for Quesnel Mayor or Quesnel City Councillor).  I am not expecting Tony Goulet to seek election in the provincial campaign as he is quite busy these days between Quesnel City Council and School District #28 (Quesnel) Trustee.  We'll have to wait and see if the BC Greens/BC Conservatives put up candidates in Cariboo-North

We will know the official candidates for Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin in the afternoon on Friday, October 2nd.  A reminder that TODAY (Saturday, September 26th) is the LAST day you can request a mail-in provincial election ballot from Elections BC (like I did already) - to do so, click here

Whether in Cariboo-North or Cariboo-Chilcotin -- I wish sincerely all the candidates the best of luck and to the voters in these two provincial electoral districts -- get to know your candidates and then exercise your franchise and vote.... democracy is always best served when people participate in the election process -- whether a candidate or a voter.... 

SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Sept 28 - Oct 2nd, 2020

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

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

* Committee/Council Liaison Reports

* Tourism Marketing Videos Update

* North Cariboo Gymnastics Facility Project/Grant Application

* Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch - Temporary Expanded Service Area Authorizations 

* Electronic Council Meetings

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, September 29th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Barkerville Gold Mines - click here

* Mural Approval Policy Discussion

* Motion to Resolve into a Closed Council Meeting -- Sections 90(1e,j,k - land, information prohibited from public disclosure and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings referenced below in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board of Directors' meeting at 9:30am on Friday, October 2nd.  On the Agenda: 

* Hospital Consent Calendar

* Delegation: Interior Health concerning upcoming service changes

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board of Directors' meeting to follow adjournment or recess of the CCRHD Board or 9:45am on Friday, October 2nd.  On the Agenda:

* Land Use Matters

* Gavin Lake Forest Education Society Community Works Funding (CWF) Solar Panels Project and Enabling Agreement

* Procedure for Disposal of Fire Apparatus Replaced Due to Age

* Maple Drive Street-lighting Service Establishment Bylaw No. 5280 (Alternate Approval Process/Counter-Petition for new Service)

* Ministry of Agriculture – Release of Intentions Paper for Rural Slaughter Modernization

* Committee or Commission Recommendations for Endorsement

* Lexington Water Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5287, 2020 (for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings)

For the full Agenda, click here

Sept 25th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Deputy Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Stephen Brown):

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Stephen Brown, deputy minister of health, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:

“Today, we are announcing 98 new cases, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 8,641 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 1,349 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 3,533 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 7,036 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 62 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 19 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3,127 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 4,412 in the Fraser Health region, 204 in the Island Health region, 522 in the Interior Health region, 289 in the Northern Health region and 87 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 230 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 at the Peace Portal Seniors Village and the outbreak at Surrey Memorial Hospital has been declared over. In total, 10 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and four acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks, although there continue to be community exposure events.

“Public alerts and school notifications 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 to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

“Our community wellness during COVID-19 is about keeping new cases low and manageable, as well maintaining our important connections with friends, family and neighbours in a way that doesn’t put ourselves or those around us at risk.

“With the arrival of the cooler weather, now is the time for all of us take a step back from connecting in person to staying connected in other, safer ways.

“Stepping back from our social interactions does not mean losing touch. Rather, you can continue to reach out to friends near and far with the many tools we have available to us to connect virtually.

“This weekend, do your part by making safe choices, using our COVID-19 safety basics and doing all we can to keep our friends, family and communities safe.”

Quick Facts:

• Assisted living, long-term care homes and seniors’ rental buildings with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health
    • Banfield Pavilion long-term care facility
    • Point Grey Private Hospital long-term care facility
    • Yaletown House long-term care facility
  • Fraser Health
    • Cherington Place long-term care facility
    • Evergreen Hamlets long-term care facility
    • Kin Village assisted-living facility
    • Milieu Children and Family Services Society community-living facility
    • New Vista Care Home long-term care facility
    • Rideau Retirement Centre independent-living facility
    • Peace Portal Seniors Village long-term care facility

Learn More:

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

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

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 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

Teleconference Mtg re: proposed Lac La Hache VFD fire truck financing

 Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is considering using ‘AAP’ (Alternative Approval Process) for a 10 year financing arrangement to replace a fire truck at the Lac La Hache volunteer fire department. We invite Lac La Hache residents and property owners to join a phone-in public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29th from 7pm to 8pm* to learn more about the process and why it is recommended.

Phone Number: 1-888-433-2192 or 778-945-1044

Access Code: 8761127

*phone-in will be extended past 8pm if there are speakers still waiting to address the meeting.