Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics: February 2021

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Joe Alphonse: Us-vs-Them is holding back the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region

Back on February 18th -- Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, long an advocate for responsible resource development (and he also sits on the ResourceWorks Advisory Council - a organization that advocates for responsible resource development across Canada), wrote an Op-Ed (Opinion-Editorial) in the Vancouver Province about how red tape is holding back the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, the Province of BC and Canada respecting Responsible Resource Development, mentioning the hotly-debated Prosperity Mine, about 125 kms southwest of Williams Lake, located within Tsilhqot'in National Government territory and within Cariboo Regional District's Electoral Area "J" - the Area Director is Gerald Kirby. You can read Mayor Cobb's op-ed here

The topic of Prosperity Mine is currently subject to confidential and BC Government-facilitated conversations between Tsilhqot'in National Government and Taseko Mines

Yesterday -- recently re-elected Chief of Tl'etinqox (Anaham) & Tsilhqot'in National Government Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse wrote a rebuttal op-ed in the Vancouver Province. In his op-ed, he (Alphonse) said the following:

If Williams Lake wants to attract residents and investment to the area, then we need to have policies and practices that foster innovative actions. These must be inclusive and respect the values of everyone in the region, rather than doubling down on the “us vs. them” politics that are holding this region (Cariboo-Chilcotin) back.

Read Chief Alphonse's op-ed here

As we reflect on the above from Chief Alphonse -- there is truth in what he says as many Indigenous/Non-Indigenous communities across BC and Canada see much more value in cooperation and having inclusive relationships that benefits all sides than that to the contrary..... certainly something I try to practice in my Electoral Area in my relationship with my Indigenous Community neighbours at both Xat'sull (Soda Creek Indian Band) and ?Esdilagh (Alexandria), also a Tsilhqot'in community

Friday, February 26, 2021

Local Gov't Mtgs: Wk of March 1st - 5th, 2021

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting during the week of March 1st - 5th, 2021, as follows:

Quesnel: Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6pm via Zoom (meeting to be taped and uploaded to YouTube the following day). On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports

* Draft 2021 Operating Budget - for approval

* Forestry Initiatives Program Application to Community Resiliency Investment Program FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund

* Union of BC Municipalities Poverty Reduction Grant Application

* Appointment of City of Quesnel Fire Chief

*Northern Development Initiative Trust Bike Park Grant Application

* Zoning Amendment - Quesnel Tillicum Society/Friendship Centre Property

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6pm. Meeting to be held in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). Due to current BC Public Health Orders, Public Attendance is prohibited but meeting to be livestreamed on the City's YouTube Channel. On the Agenda:

* Delegation #1 -- Update from Sydney Redpath re Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism

* Delegation #2 -- Laurie Walters, PASS Program Coordinator and Larry Stranberg, Program Manager of Community Futures re Introduction of Planning A Successful Succession (PASS) Presentation

* COVID 19 Safe Restart Funding - Further Allocations

* Extension of Rent Relief at Williams Lake Regional Airport

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below. Due to current BC Public Health Orders, Public Attendance is prohibited but meeting to be audio livestreamed (look for View Livestream) at https://www.cariboord.ca/en/regional-government/agendas-and-minutes.aspx

Committee of the Whole - Meeting on Thursday, March 4th at 10am. On the Agenda:

Delegation #1 at 10am -- Dave Zirnhelt, Chair of the Cariboo Agricultural Research Alliance (CARA) and Serena Black, CARA Coordinator to discuss CARA's initiatives, its long-term vision to support an economically thriving agriculture sector and the opportunity to collaborate

Delegation #2 at 1pm -- Jane Nichol, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) (Water Stewardship Division);

George Roman and David Campbell, River Forecast Centre;

Heather McRae and Debbie Alexander, Emergency Management BC (EMBC); and

Sandi Griffiths, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) - to speak about water management, river forecasting, emergency management and MOTI preparation for the freshet.

* Discussion Paper -- Agriculture Planning within the Cariboo Regional District

View the full Agenda here

Solid Waste Committee - Meeting on Thursday, March 4th at 11:30am (this Committee meeting will NOT be livestreamed). On the Agenda:

* Status of the Solid Waste Management Plan

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Meeting on Friday, March 5th at 9:30am. On the Agenda:

* Consent Calendar

* Announcement of more surgical services at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meeting on Friday, March 5th either at 9:45am or upon meeting recess or adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting, whichever occurs first. On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Tera Grady re: Review Solid Waste activities in 2020 and look ahead into 2021 & Geoscience BC re: update on the Central Interior Copper-Gold Research series and other projects

* Approval for Community Works Fund projects in Areas C/J as well as for 100 Mile Snowmobile Club

* South Cariboo Track and Trail Dirt Bike Association to Northern Development Initiative Trust

* Grant for Assistance Application from the Cariboo Pioneer Centre BC OAPO 176, requesting $1,000 to pay for insurance

* Grant Funding Application to the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for Detailed Flood Hazard Mapping – Bridge Creek (Area H/District of 100 Mile House)

* Committee Minutes and Recommendations, for formal endorsement

* 103 Mile Water System Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5313, 2021 (for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings only)

* Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer Management Amendment Bylaw No. 5314, 2021 (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption)

* Directors' Requests -- Dir. Bachmeier, Area B (participating on the British Columbia Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee) and Dir. Delainey, Area E (access up to $600 from the Electoral Area E Director Initiative Fund to take a self-paced anti-racism training called Theory of Enchantment)

* In-Camera Session as per Section 92/90(2b - confidential negotiations between provincial/federal governments' and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter

February 26th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

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

Note: today’s case information is provisional due to delayed updates in the lab reporting system. Full case information will be posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) dashboard once verified.

“Today, we are reporting 589 new cases, for a total of 79,262 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 4,665 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 8,040 people under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 73,188 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 232 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 63 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 157 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 317 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 31 in the Island Health region, 39 in the Interior Health region, 45 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“To date, 252,373 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., 73,808 of which are second doses. Immunization data is available on the COVID-19 dashboard at: www.bccdc.ca

“There have been seven new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,355 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks.

“Today, the Government of Canada announced the approval of two versions of a new COVID-19 vaccine – the viral vector vaccine produced by Oxford-AstraZeneca and the Verity-Serum Institute of India vaccine. This is very encouraging news for everyone in British Columbia.

“Unlike the vaccines that have been available to date, this new, two-dose viral vector vaccine has the benefit of being ‘fridge stable,’ making it much easier to transport and distribute around the province.

“This new vaccine will be integrated into our provincial immunization program as delivery and supply is confirmed in the coming weeks. The additional supply will allow us to look at accelerating immunization of priority populations and essential workers.

“This is another exciting and encouraging step forward for all of us. It means we have one more layer of protection available to us and are one step closer to getting through this pandemic.

“Let’s celebrate this milestone and also continue to do our part to keep our communities and our loved ones safe.”

Learn More:

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Mental health support:

Mental health and anxiety support: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
Or: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-supports-covid-19

Provincial health officer orders and guidance:

Orders: 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

Guidance on new restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Vaccine and outbreak info:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Non-health related information:

Financial, child care and education support, travel, transportation and essential service information: 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.

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

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 Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

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

Thursday, February 25, 2021

February 25th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

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

“Today, we are reporting 395 new cases, including 12 epi-linked cases, for a total of 78,673 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 4,489 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 7,931 people under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 72,781 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 228 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 62 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 86 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 207 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 37 in the Island Health region, 24 in the Interior Health region, 41 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 16 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 116 cases. Of the total cases, nine cases are active and the remaining people have recovered.

“To date, 239,883 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., 68,157 of which are second doses. Immunization data is available on the COVID-19 dashboard at: www.bccdc.ca

“There have been 10 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,348 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19.

“There has been one new health-care facility outbreak at the Revera Sunwood Retirement Community. The outbreak at the Burnaby Hospital (Fraser Health) is now over.

“The vaccines we have available today are doing their job. Their effectiveness has been proven by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) research released last week. Throughout Canada, we are working to use every available vial to safely get vaccine into arms as quickly as possible.

“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and ask for patience with us to ensure we are getting it right.

“Throughout the province, we are paying special attention to the variants of concern to better understand transmission patterns. The evidence has shown we need to continue doing what we have been doing and the precautions we are already taking are equally as effective with these variants.

“We are all looking ahead to the point where we can safely spend time with our family and friends, when we can travel and resume the things that have been put on hold.

“Yesterday was Pink Shirt day. We spoke about the need for kindness and compassion. We all need to keep this top of mind in the weeks ahead, because with fatigue can come frustration.

“We are confident our collective efforts will slow the spread of COVID-19. However, it is our kindness and compassion that will see us through this pandemic and into brighter days ahead.”

Learn More:

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Mental health support:

Provincial health officer orders and guidance:

Orders: 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

Guidance on new restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Vaccine and outbreak info:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

Tourism industry bolstered through destination development

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Money approved in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region:

* Troll Resort (#CaribooRD - Area "C") -- Safe Space Project ($104,590)
* City of #Quesnel -- Quesnel RV Park and Campground ($515,500
* Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Gov't (#CaribooRD Area "J") -- Elkin Creek Ranch/Nemiah Airport improvements ($974,000)
* Harvest-Cariboo Agricultural Producers Association -- Replace highway signage and Quesnel Farmers Market picnic tables ($6,130)
* BC Fishing Tourism Association (#CaribooRD Area "L" -- Revitalize fishing infrastructure along the famed Fishing Highway 24 ($292,500)

Fifty-four new tourism projects throughout B.C. are receiving funding under the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) destination development stream.

The destination development funding invests in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure and amenities projects that support the recovery and resilience of tourism. It creates jobs and develops infrastructure that will attract visitors to B.C. communities when travel resumes. Approved projects include campground and recreational-vehicle site development, alpine and mountain bike trails, boat launch upgrades, construction and/or renovations of visitor amenities and Indigenous interpretive centres.

“Our laser focus right now is on helping people and businesses during the pandemic, while making sure we’re ready to welcome visitors and explore B.C. when it is safe to do so,” said the Hon. Melanie Mark, BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Investing in community-based tourism infrastructure not only creates good-paying jobs, it also helps to rebuild this hard-hit industry and ensures B.C.’s reputation as a world-class travel destination remains strong.”

Funding for the destination development stream of the CERIP totals $20 million. Funding from the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development also includes projects that support the tourism sector. An additional $34.5 million has been allocated for 95 tourism-related projects from these other CERIP funding streams, totalling almost $55 million toward tourism resiliency and development throughout B.C.

Successful projects were chosen for their demonstrated tourism benefits to communities and British Columbians, along with new jobs, many of which will provide employment for apprentices, youth, new Canadians, women and First Nations. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations.

“We are thrilled to receive funding in order to establish a destination heritage trail along the scenic banks of the Harrison River, providing a unique ecological and cultural experience near to Vancouver,” said Sah-ahkw, Chief Ralph Leon Jr., Sts’ailes Nation. “With ever-present views of the river, the trail links numerous ancestral Sts’ailes villages, crosses salmon-bearing channels and passes through centuries-old orchards. We envision the trail as a critical link between the past and the present, Elders and youth, traditional teachings and education, and importantly our community and others who wish to learn more about us, our rich history and homeland.

“Our Elders have told us we need to share our history and traditions, because it is through dialogue and immersion that we will find collective values, reconciliation, ensure respect for sensitive ecological and cultural places, and a better path towards our shared future in the Harrison River Valley. We also view the heritage trail as an important route to creating positive career opportunities for our people and stimulating the local economy.”

CERIP is providing $100 million in one-time infrastructure grants for shovel-worthy projects throughout B.C. These projects will improve community economic resilience, develop tourism infrastructure, support unique heritage infrastructure and support economic recovery for rural communities.

CERIP’s funding is distributed across five different streams managed by separate partner ministries: Municipal Affairs; Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operators and Rural Development; and Children and Family Development.

Learn More:

For a backgrounder listing approved projects and costs, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2-25-21_CERIP.pdf

For information on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs' CERIP announcement, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MUNI0015-000317

For information on the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/cerip

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Feb 24th mtg

Present:

City of WL -- Co-Chair J. Ryll and Councillors Bonnell/Boehm

Cariboo RD: -- Co-Chair A. Delainey and Directors Forseth/LeBourdais

Guest: WL City Councillor M. Brenner

Meeting chaired by Director A. Delainey and it was called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was being held on traditional Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) territory

Procedural Motion - Close Meeting to Public Attendance:

Resolved - That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the February 24, 2021 meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Ministerial Order from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General the Regional District cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, Committee members, and members of the public in such circumstances. Despite this, for the purposes of Division 3 of Part 4 of the Community Charter, the meeting is not to be considered closed to the public.

Openness, transparency, accessibility, and accountability, in respect of this meeting, will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes.

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held on January 27th, 2021 were received/adopted

Business:

1) Greater Metro Hockey League -- Follow-up report

Report from the City's Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved: That Staff report back on next steps based on Committee discussions'

2) CMRC - Revised 2021 Operating Financial Plan/COVID-19 impacts

Report from the City's Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved: That Staff arrange for a special Joint Committee meeting on March 10th and they report back on budget options, based on Committee discussions'

3) Discussion Item -- SD27 Disposal of Properties Process

The Chair reported on this item

Discussion ensued thereon...

No resolution resulted from the Committee discussion...

4) Action Page

Action Page was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon....

Resolved: That Items 5,6,9 be removed from the Action Page

The Committee agreed to adjourn at 7:38pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Feb 24th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 3pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place upon Indigenous Territories in the Central Cariboo-Chilcotin. (Northern Shuswap - Areas D,E,F/Tsilhqot'in - Area J)

Procedural Motion - Close Meeting to Public Attendance:

Resolved - That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the February 24, 2021 meeting of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Ministerial Order from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General the Regional District cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, Committee members, and members of the public in such circumstances. Despite this, for the purposes of Division 3 of Part 4 of the Community Charter, the meeting is not to be considered closed to the public.

Openness, transparency, accessibility, and accountability, in respect of this meeting, will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes.

Meeting Agenda adopted with 2 Discussions Items at the request of Dir. Forseth (recent BC Hydro power outages on Feb 22/23rd and Williams Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan)

Minutes of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting of January 27th, 2021

Delegation:

Anne Burrill: Executive Director, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area, appeared before Caucus to present an update on the Council's activities.

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Burrill for her time/information

Business:

1) Request from City of Williams Lake to financially participate in City Parks/Trails...

Caucus resumed their discussions from their previous meeting

That Caucus recommend to the Regional Board:

That a letter be forwarded to the City of Williams Lake advising that Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus respectfully declines to provide financial resources in respect of City of Williams Lake Parks/Trails' and that this resolution be verbally reported at the February 24th, 2021 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

2) Discussion Items - Director Forseth brought forward the following matters:

a) Recent power outages within Area "D" of the Regional District on Feb 22/23rd (Marguerite, Macalister, McLeese Lake, Duckworth Lake, Soda Creek Valley and Soda Creek Reserve)

b) Williams Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan

No resolutions resulted from the discussions'

3) Action Page

After review by Caucus -- the Action Page was received and that Item #1 be removed

Caucus agreed to adjourn at 4:18pm

CaribooRD Business façade improvement grants available

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Funding is available again in the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) for business and property owners to improve their commercial building frontages. The 2020 Business Façade Improvement Program is open to all commercial businesses located within the rural areas of the Regional District.

Eligible businesses can receive a 50 percent reimbursement to a maximum of $5,000 for exterior renovations and improvements such as façades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting, and awnings. Funding will be committed on a first-come, first-serve basis (subject to project eligibility and availability of funds).

The 2021 Business Façade Improvement Program is made possible through a $20,000 grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust.

In 2020, the CRD provided grants for businesses in Kersley, Canim Lake, Sheridan Lake, Sulphurous Lake, and Nimpo Lake. Program applicants completed five projects representing an investment of $19,139 in business façade improvements.

Program guidelines and application forms are available at cariboord.ca/BFI. A new online application system for 2021 offers a streamlined portal for businesses to apply for the grant.

The CRD program excludes businesses within municipal boundaries as they can apply with their local municipality. The City of Quesnel, City of Williams Lake, District of 100 Mile House, and District of Wells are offering the program in 2021.

For more information about Northern Development Initiative Trust’s funding programs and success stories, visit northerndevelopment.bc.ca.

February 24th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

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

“Today, we are reporting 456 new cases, including two epi-linked cases, for a total of 78,278 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 4,668 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 7,924 people under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 72,219 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 237 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 64 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 108 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 259 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 35 in the Island Health region, 30 in the Interior Health region, 20 in the Northern Health region and four new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“To date, 230,875 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., 62,608 of which are second doses. Immunization data is available on the COVID-19 dashboard: www.bccdc.ca

“There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,338 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. The outbreak at Creekside Landing (Interior Health) is now over.

“Throughout our province and our country, we are all working hard to address the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our lives. Today is Pink Shirt Day. Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves about the importance of compassion and kindness in the face of these challenges.

“Kindness is staying away from friends and family, it is offering thanks to the store clerk who reminds us to follow their safety plan, it is offering a smile – even behind our masks and assuming the best of everyone around us.

“Just as our health-care system has risen to the challenge of protecting and caring for people who have become ill with this virus, so too are countless others working hard to get people immunized as quickly and safely as possible.

“Vaccinating our entire population is a monumental task that must account for the diversity of our geography and our population. We must consider how to safely deliver vaccine to rural and remote communities, how to connect with seniors and Elders everywhere, and how to ensure the process to get immunized is as simple as possible. We are pushing hard right now, and we must continue to balance speed with the need for careful thought and planning.

“Let’s remember to look after one another, to offer a helping hand – even at a distance, and give each other the benefit of the doubt through kindness, care and compassion.”

Learn More:

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Mental health support:

Provincial health officer orders and guidance:

Orders: 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

Guidance on new restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Vaccine and outbreak info:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

New infrastructure, jobs coming to communities hit hard by COVID-19

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- the following communities of the Cariboo-Chilcotin received grants:

* Williams Lake -- Williams Creek and River Valley Shared Multi-User Boardwalk ($550,000) and Williams Lake Trail Riders Association/Stable and Riding Arena Re-roofing ($109,883)

* Wells -- Wells Outdoor Skating Rink Improvement Project ($441,600)

Building on other recovery funding, the Province is boosting local economies by investing $30 million in small-scale infrastructure projects throughout B.C. to create jobs and support recovery for people and communities affected by COVID-19.

“Communities, large and small, have been dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, and we are here to help them recover stronger than ever,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This new funding will assist local governments, First Nations and non-profits to invest in the infrastructure their communities need, while creating and restoring jobs for people who live within B.C.’s hardest hit regions. We’re making sure that no one is left behind as we advance job and economic development across the province while building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations were eligible to apply in October 2020, and 63 infrastructure projects have been approved.

These projects will address short-term community needs, such as revitalizing local parks, washrooms and downtown cores, creating additional space for physical distancing and upgrading public buildings like recreation centres, e.g.:

The City of Richmond received approximately $1 million for upgrades to Alexandra Neighbourhood Park, such as retaining existing trees and the construction of new recreational features, including a playground and dog park.
The Mission Community Skills Centre Society received $999,450 to retrofit and upgrade an existing building in downtown Abbotsford into a full-scale Fraser Valley artisans’ food centre.
The Gitga’at Development Corporation received $456,000 to upgrade a two-storey building in downtown Prince Rupert to improve energy efficiency and accessibility, as well as remove and replace the front awning to address public safety concerns.

Successful applicants can hire the company of their choice to work on projects with the goal of stimulating local economies by creating new construction jobs and restoring jobs in other areas impacted by COVID-19, such as retail and hospitality services.

The $30 million comes from the Community Economic Resilience stream of the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP).

CERIP is providing $100 million in one-time infrastructure grants for projects that are ready to go throughout the province. These projects will improve community economic resilience, develop tourism infrastructure, support unique heritage infrastructure and support economic recovery for rural communities.

CERIP funding is distributed across five different streams managed by separate partner ministries: Municipal Affairs; Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; and Children and Family Development.

All CERIP projects must begin construction in 2021 and be completed by March 31, 2023.

CERIP is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, which sets out the Province’s latest steps to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. B.C.’s total provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds $8 billion.

Quick Facts:

The CERIP funding is in addition to the $540 million in shared provincial and federal funding to local governments under the Safe Restart Agreement to help communities manage the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which includes:
- $100 million for Strengthening Communities to address the increase in unsheltered homelessness in many communities, as well as challenges related to community health and safety;
- $425 million in direct grants for local government operations to address facility reopening and operating costs, emergency response costs, lost revenues and other COVID-19 related impacts; and
- $15 million for the Local Government Development Approvals Program to increase the efficiency of local development approval processes.
The Province is providing nearly $136 million, cost shared with the federal government, in infrastructure grants through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, part of Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program.
- This new fund will support projects that focus on retrofits, rehabilitation and upgrades to existing local government and Indigenous community buildings, COVID-19 response infrastructure, active transportation and disaster mitigation.

Learn More:

For a backgrounder with information on community economic recovery projects, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2.24.2021_CERIP_CER_projects.pdf

Learn more about B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0052-001780

Learn more about the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/cerip

Learn more about the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MUNI0062-001977

Learn more about CERIP’s Unique Heritage Infrastructure stream:
https://heritagebc.ca/uhi-cerip-funding-announcement-february-22-2021/

Learn more about CERIP’s Rural Economic Recovery stream:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021FLNRO0010-000310

WL Stampede Parade Funding & the Cariboo Regional District

As this matter of Williams Lake Stampede Parade funding from the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and discussion by Williams Lake City Council is being reported by the local media (https://www.mycariboonow.com/69570/williams-lake-stampede-parade-denied-funding-association-seeks-correspondence-from-health-minister/) -- I would like to provide the CRD perspective which goes along with the old Latin saying (which I try to employ in every conversation I have with people) "Audi alteram partem" which translates into English as "Hear the Other Side"

You watch the Williams Lake City Council discussion yesterday for yourself at https://youtu.be/VvmR7Zpj0JI?t=1564

Historically speaking -- the Regional District has NEVER provided funding to either Billy Barker Days in Quesnel nor Williams Lake Stampede/Stampede Parade in Williams Lake...

At the June 24th, 2020 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting -- Ken O'Brien from Daybreak Rotary requested funding for the 2021 WL Stampede Parade and the matter was referred to CRD/City Staff for a report to be considered at the September 2020 Joint Committee Meeting

At the September 16th, 2020 Joint Committee meeting -- the matter was further discussed for funding via the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Function and the stakeholders for this Function (CRD Areas D,E,F & City of WL) respectfully disagreed with the request for funds from this Function but at my request -- it was referred to the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for consideration of funding in 2021 via the Areas D,E,F Main Intake Grants for Assistance Fund

At the November 25th, 2020 Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus -- funding for the 2021 WL Stampede Parade was discussed and after some discussion by the Areas D,E,F Directors' including disagreement among the Areas D,E,F Directors' of funding this request and the fact that granting less than the full $10,000 request of Daybreak Rotary would very likely result in the 2021 WL Stampede Parade not being put on -- it was agreed, by consensus, to not provide funding in 2021

As an aside -- CRD Main Intake Grants for Assistance is reviewed annually, on application by September 30th in each year, and as per the CRD Grants for Assistance Policy (Capital Grant, Seed Money, Event Grant) for disbursement in the following year (upon CRD Board approval of the annual Regional District Budget in late March of each year). This was reported at the November 25th, 2020 Joint Committee meeting and at the request of WL City Councillor Ivan Bonnell, a formal letter confirming the decision of Central Cariboo Rural Caucus respecting CRD funding for the 2021 WL Stampede Parade was prepared and signed off by CRD Area "F" Director Maureen LeBourdais who is the 2021 Chair of the CRD Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus (CRD Areas D,E,F,J,K) which ultimately led to last night's discussion by Williams Lake City Council

Also there was some criticism of the CRD Budget by some WL City Councillors' which lacked context. While it is true that the CRD is collecting 4.1% more in tax requisition in 2021 than in 2020 -- this is to fund ALL of the 128 CRD Services we operate -- here is the rundown on the proposed 2021 CRD Budget and how you can provide your feedback until March 3rd -- https://www.cariboord.ca/en/regional-government/resources/Documents/Finance/Budget_Handout.pdf

For my own Electoral Area -- Grants for Assistance is used to support community groups or initiatives in my own Area first BEFORE I use it to support groups in Williams Lake benefitting Area "D" but it is the discretion of each CRD Area Director in Areas D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L to decide which Grants to provide, subject to the statutory limit ($0.10 cents per $1,000 of assessment in each Electoral Area) and I know many in my Electoral Area generally trust in my judgement as to the groups that I support annually via the CRD Grants for Assistance program (Main Intake or Year Round Intake Streams)

But I do agree with WL City Councillor Marnie Brenner that we must find ways to financially cooperate on community events and that firstly starts with discussion without impugning motives of CRD Directors' and that of the CRD Board of Directors'...

Finally -- WL City Councillors should know that CRD Rural Directors' (especially the CRD Areas D,E,F Directors) are always available to discuss ANY matter at any time and instead of making "statements" in WL Council Chambers -- they should take the time to call and understand our processes. Something I have personally told each of them I am willing to do at ANY time including the wonderful discussion I had with WL City Councillor Sheila Boehm late yesterday evening.

Although she and I did not agree on the funding of the WL Stampede Parade, I believe she understands our processes at the CRD as it relates to our budgeting and Grants Process.

They ((or any member of the greater Williams Lake community) can reach out to us via our website at https://www.cariboord.ca/Modules/contact/search.aspx?s=58cynQlfgqiAYQyTLmpurQeQuAleQuAl