Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics: May 2021

Monday, May 31, 2021

May 31st, 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 on three periods. From May 28 to May 29, we had 258 new cases. From May 29 to May 30, we had 238 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had a further 212 new cases.

“This results in a total of 708 new cases, for a total of 144,289 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 2,953 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and a further 139,562 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 249 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 78 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 140 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 394 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 18 in the Island Health region, 113 in the Interior Health region, 42 in the Northern Health region and one new case of a person who resides outside of Canada.

“There have been 11 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,703 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“We have one new health-care facility outbreak at Richmond Lions Manor-Bridgeport (Vancouver Coastal Health). The outbreak at Chartwell Carlton Care is now over.

“3,250,161 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 179,954 of which are second doses. This means 69.7% of all adults and 66.1% of those 12 and older have received their first dose.

“While we are making significant headway in our immunization efforts, this is a time of caution for all of us. New strains continue to circulate and outbreaks are still occurring in all regions of the province.

“Immunizations are an extremely effective tool. But it takes time for them to fully protect us, which is why it is important we all stay vigilant to prevent further virus transmission in our communities.

“Registering with the Get Vaccinated immunization system is the fastest way to get your first and second doses. Anyone who received their vaccine prior to April 15 is asked to please register today, if you have not already done so. If you are unsure, complete the two-minute registration process and the system will immediately confirm your registration.

“This past weekend, almost 300,000 people in B.C. were booked for their second booster dose – another encouraging and necessary step for all of us to maximize our protection for the maximum amount of time.

“While there is much that is positive and encouraging on the horizon with the COVID-19 vaccination progress, we pause and mourn the 215 children whose remains were found at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“We stand with the families of children buried at Indian Residential Schools and honour the strength and resilience of those who survived.

“Let’s take this time of sadness to connect with our children, our grandchildren and families to honour those we have lost.”

Learn More:

BC's Restart plan:

To see the May 25, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCRestartPlan.pdf

The latest vaccine information:

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

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

To see the May 20, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20210520_PHO-Presentation.pdf

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

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.

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

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, visit:
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

NDIT May 2021 Newsletter

NDIT's May Newsletter is live!

In this issue:

- Small Business Recovery Consulting Rebate leads to big results for agri-tourism business (Woodhouse Cottages and Ranch)

- Community Campsite benefits community well-being and economy ( District of Mackenzie Love Mackenzie)

- 2021 Internship orientation paves way to professional careers - Meet the Trust's new photo ambassadors!

- Strategic Initiatives Fund - Program Engagement Sessions

View at https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/newsletter/may-2021/?fbclid=IwAR20vY7dSddy3BOxbNB-CyeUBzQ57kC3lfWX2y0i1v09N9fZh-C3fp9lLqY

Freshet response underway in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A co-ordinated effort to ensure people have safe, reliable roads in the region is underway as work to repair flooding and damage continues at over 100 road sites in the Cariboo.

Approximately 200 people from the ministry and its contractors are working on the spring freshet response. In addition, 90 pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed throughout the Cariboo to repair damaged sites.

“People in the Cariboo are understandably concerned with flooding in the region and the damage it is having on the roads,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are working hard to quickly fix roadways that are damaged and to prevent damage in the future, so families can be safe on the roads in the Cariboo and throughout B.C. Thank you to the crews that have been working long hours to repair the damaged roads and create safer driving conditions for people in this region.”

A District Operations Centre (DOC) was established in Williams Lake on May 10, 2021, to support this emergency and facilitate a co-ordinated response. The DOC is staffed with local and other area subject-matter experts to support the crews working to fix damaged roadways. These work crews are also ensuring the repairs consider how future damage might be prevented.

During the spring freshet, people can go to DriveBC.ca – click the “B.C. flooding information” link in the sidebar and see a list of Cariboo side roads closed or impacted. The site includes photos of work underway to repair roads.

People with questions about a particular Cariboo road, or a side road they do not see listed, can call the DOC’s toll-free line – 1 844 933-0333 – for the most up-to-date information. This phone line is strictly for road information in the Cariboo during the spring freshet.

To date, over 40 sites have been repaired. These include:

Dog Creek Road – completed a culvert installation and ditch work at the Roberts Drive intersection;
Northern Ranches Road – repaired soft road surface areas by placing rock in the road base and capping with crushed gravel; and
Quesnel – Hixon Road (near Landry Road) – placed protective riprap on the bank of the river and hauled gravel to repair soft spots on the road.

To report a road-related emergency or maintenance concern in the 100 Mile or Williams Lake area, call Dawson Road Maintenance, toll-free, at 1 800 842-4122. In the North Cariboo, call Emcon Services, toll-free, at 1 866 353-3136.

Quick Facts:

In 2020, the ministry invested $30 million in freshet repairs and upgrades throughout the Cariboo and is on track to make a similar or higher level of investment this year.
With help from StrongerBC, $5.6 million has been proactively invested over the past six months to increase supply of riprap, culverts and other response materials, along with strengthening side roads and ditches for flood mitigation.
Through Budget 2021, the ministry is investing $819 million into highway corridor rehabilitation throughout the province.

Learn More:

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, visit: www.DriveBC.ca
Or @DriveBC on Twitter.

For a direct link to B.C. flooding information and a listing of side road closures, visit: https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/

To learn more about spring freshets, visit:
https://www.tranbc.ca/2011/05/11/what-is-freshet-hint-its-not-an-air-freshener/

To view photos of repair sites, go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/albums/72157719044969991

Innovative building technologies to be proven in North-Central BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

British Columbian homes and workplaces will benefit from more made-in-B.C. solutions aimed at reducing building energy costs and pollution.

The CleanBC Building Innovation (CBBI) Fund is supporting 21 state-of-the-art projects that demonstrate innovative low-carbon, energy-efficient building practices and technologies.

The CBBI Fund provides financial support for building projects and programs that accelerate the availability and affordability of low-carbon building solutions. This includes advanced building designs like Passive Houses, new construction methods like the use of low-embodied-carbon mass timber and ultra-efficient building components like heat and energy recovery ventilators. The second intake of the CBBI Fund received $8 million from the Province’s StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan, launched in September 2020.

“These projects are great examples of how homegrown innovation and technology are putting us on the path to a cleaner, better future,” said the Hon. Bruce Ralston, BC's Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Through the Building Innovation Fund, we are investing in projects that showcase British Columbian expertise, reduce pollution, increase energy efficiency and stimulate local economies. By using clean energy more efficiently in our buildings, we’re helping people reduce energy costs, mitigate climate impacts and improve air quality.”

Three of the 21 building projects funded are being developed in the province’s more rural, north-central region.

Zirnhelt Timber Frames in 150 Mile House is receiving $350,000 to help expand a pre-fabrication facility with two new production lines to enable energy-efficient floor and roof panel manufacturing, as well as construction of low-embodied-carbon modular timber buildings.

The City of Fort St. John is receiving $100,000 to help build a new RCMP detachment building to net-zero energy ready performance levels, including a ground-source heat pump and locally sourced mass timber structural components.

FPInnovations, in partnership with a local First Nation, is receiving $450,000 to purchase a 3D printer to test and certify 3D printed houses made from low-embodied-carbon residual fibre.

Approved CBBI Fund projects fall into one of four streams:

The material, component and system manufacturing stream supports investment in manufacturing facilities to diversify and expand existing product lines or commercialize new product lines.
The digital technology solutions stream supports technology development for new or improved digital solutions.
The demonstration projects stream helps to offset the incremental capital or operational costs of projects that demonstrate novel technologies or applications relative to industry standards.
The open call for innovations stream supports other types of activities not covered by the other funding streams, such as product development, testing and certification.

Depending on the stream, projects could receive up to a maximum of $1 million.

CleanBC commits the Province to achieving ambitious greenhouse gas targets, while simultaneously supporting a vibrant economy for British Columbia. By supporting innovation in the B.C. building sector, the CBBI Fund helps strengthen B.C.-based industries and innovative ideas, build consumer confidence in high performance buildings and lower the costs of new technologies and building approaches over time.

Quick Facts:

The application intake for the second round of CBBI funding began on Nov. 12, 2020, and closed on Jan. 10 of this year.
The Province received 85 applications for a total funding ask of $36.2 million.
This second round of funding builds on the success of $1.65 million distributed to 13 projects throughout the province in 2019.

Learn More:

To view the complete list of CBBI Fund recipients, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CBBI_102694.pdf

CleanBC Building Innovation Fund:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/energy-efficiency-conservation/programs/cleanbc-building-innovation-fund

Learn how CleanBC puts B.C. on the path to a cleaner, better future: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

To learn about other StrongerBC projects, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Category 3 open fires prohibition expanded to Chilcotin on Monday

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Effective noon Monday, May 31, 2021, Category 3 open fires will be partially prohibited to the west side of the high-water mark of the Fraser River within the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District and the Tsilhoqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.

This expanded open burning prohibition, which is being implemented in co-operation with the Tsilhoqot’in National Government, is being done to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Specifically, prohibited activities that would constitute a Category 3 open fire include:

*any fires larger than two meters high by three meters wide;

*three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two meters high by three meters wide;

*burning of one or more windrows; and

*burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.

Anyone conducting a Category 3 open fire anywhere in the west side of the high-water mark of the Fraser River within the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District’s jurisdiction must extinguish any such fire by noon Monday, May 31, 2021. This prohibition will remain in place until Oct. 1, 2021, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Category 3 open fires have been prohibited throughout the 100 Mile Forest District since May 31, 2021 and this expansion into the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District and Tsilhoqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area will remain in place until Oct. 1, 2021, or until the public is otherwise notified.

This prohibition does not ban campfires that are half-metre high by a high-metre wide or smaller, and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

This prohibition also does not ban Category 2 fires, which include one or two concurrently burning piles up to two metres high by three metres wide, or the burning of stubble or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares.

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online:

http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5

The Category 3 open fire prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District prohibition area stretches from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park to the Fraser River running from just above McLeese Lake to just north of Lac La Hache. The 100 Mile Forest District stretches from the Fraser River in the west to Bridge Lake in the east. This area starts just below Clinton and runs north to just above Lac La Hache and Hendrix Lake. A map of the area affected by this Category 3 open burning prohibition is available online: http://ow.ly/KPaa30rJekc

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.

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

*Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size since they may have their own restrictions in place.

*Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Learn More:

People can follow the latest wildfire news:

*on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices

*on Twitter: twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

*on Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Friday, May 28, 2021

Local Government Meetings - Week of May 31st - June 4th

Only the Cities of Quesnel and Williams Lake are holding meetings next week as follows:

Quesnel -- Executive Committee meeting is currently scheduled for Wednesday, June 1st at 9am, via electronic means. If it proceeds - the meeting agenda can be accessed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, June 1st at 6pm in WL Council Chambers. While in person attendance is not yet permitted, the meeting will be livestreamed via the City's YouTube channel here. On the Agenda:

* Presentation of 2021 Stampede Queen Contestants

* Delegation -- Rosanna McGregor, Executive Director, Cariboo Friendship Society regarding Request for Extension to Stampede Park Lease Longhouse MOA for Temporary Shelter Expansion Due to COVID-19

* Reports:

a) Local Government Organization (UBCM, NCLGA, FCM) Conference Attendance (Report/Recommendation from General Governance Committee)

b) Renewal of Participation in BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot Project

View the full Agenda here

Finally - some local elected officials, including myself, in the Cariboo Chilcotin will be attending the 2021 Virtual FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention from May 31st - June 4th. Program for the 2021 Virtual FCM Convention can be viewed here. As is my personal practice -- I will publish a "Post Event" report following adjournment of the 2021 Virtual FCM Convention...

May 28th, 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 317 new cases, for a total of 143,581 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 3,441 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and a further 138,360 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 292 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 79 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 73 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 163 new cases in the Fraser Health region, five in the Island Health region, 60 in the Interior Health region, 16 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,692 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“There is one new outbreak at Brookside Lodge (Fraser Health).

“3,106,269 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 160,885 of which are second doses. This means 67.2% of all adults and 62.7% of those aged 12 and older have now received their first dose.

“This has been a milestone week in B.C.’s COVID-19 pandemic response. Our restart plan began, our surgical renewal strategy resumed and we have started the accelerated delivery of second doses to people throughout the province.

“We have a roadmap and now we must stick to the path: doing what we can to further slow the spread of COVID-19 and break the chains of transmission in our communities.

“The virus is still spreading with new cases and clusters, which is why using our layers of protection and getting vaccinated – especially in this time of transition – is so important.

“We are moving to a different and better place for all of us, so let’s continue to do our part to get there as soon as we can. Together, we will restart B.C. and put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us.”

Learn More:

Surgical renewal:

For the PowerPoint for the surgical renewal update, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Covid19_surgical_renewal_update_May_27.pdf

To view Progress Report 10, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-Feb-March-2021.pdf

To view Progress Report 11, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-March-2021.pdf

BC's Restart plan:

To see the May 25, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCRestartPlan.pdf

The latest vaccine information:

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

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

To see the May 20, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20210520_PHO-Presentation.pdf

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

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.

Mental health support:

Non-health related information:

#CaribooRD Board Highlights - May 28th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Kirby, Macdonald, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Meeting called to order at 9:51am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional territories of the Indigenous Peoples of the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Meeting Agenda adopted

Procedural Motion - Close Meeting to Public/Media Physical Attendance

Resolved:

That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the May 28, 2021 meeting of the Cariboo Regional District 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, Board 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.

Minutes of the May 7th, 2021 Board Meeting was received/adopted, as corrected

Delegations Memorandum of Business was received

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board granted 1st Readings to:

* Quesnel Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5324, 2021 (1st/2nd Readings)

* Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5325, 2021 be read a first time only, this 28th day of May, 2021

for property at 1265 Sam Toy Avenue (Area "A") and ON CONDITION that a thorough site identification investigation is required in accordance with the provincial Contaminated Sites Regulation, consideration of 2nd Reading can then proceed

2) The Board gave the following Planning Bylaws 3rd Reading or 3rd Reading/Adoption:

a) Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5310, 2021 (1894 and 1896 Beach Crescent/Area "A" - 3rd Reading only)

b) Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5304, 2021 (2030 Mile 168 Road/Area "D"/3rd Reading and Adoption)

3) The Board granted Adoption to the following Planning Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Regional District Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5208, 2019 & Cariboo Regional District South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5209, 2019 (Grossett Rd/Area "L")

4) The Board received the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission Decisions Report as of May 18, 2021

Community Services:

1) The Board authorized a proposed aircraft hangar construction and occupancy license agreement between the Regional District and Bella Coola Heli Sports, to enable development of a private hangar on the Anahim Lake Airport property with an initial term of ten years and including three renewals, at an annual fee of $3,903 plus applicable taxes and the respective Cariboo RD signatories be authorized to sign the agreement

2) The Board authorized a contract for grading the runway strip at the Anahim Lake Airport and that Regional District purchasing policy 2017-11-13 be waived and the contract be awarded to Waddington Charter and Contracting Ltd based on the received equipment rental rates proposal at an estimated total cost of $174,259 plus applicable taxes and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the necessary agreement

3) The Board agreed to support a NDIT Grant application from the Miocene Community Hall Society for their application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Community Places stream for $30,000 to replace the floors in the Miocene Community Hall

4) The Board approved amending the 2021 108 Greenbelt Business/Financial Plans for the purposes of including a project for removing a water control structure and upgrading a section of the 108 Lake Trail, subject to confirmation of the final design and cost details

Finance:

1) The Board authorized a Grant from the Area "J" Grant for Assistance fund of $1,000 to the Tatlayoko Field Station Society to support a pilot project to conduct owl banding at the Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory. Board divided - Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Macdonald, Simpson and Campsall - 11

Opposed - Directors S. Forseth/W. Cobb (Area D & Williams Lake) -- 2

2) The Board received from the CFO the 1st Quarter 2021 Financial Reports for all Cariboo Regional District Services

Administration:

1) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of May 28th, 2021

Director Appointments:

* Area G: Appointment rescind and appointment to 108 Greenbelt Commission

* Area B: Appointment to Parkland Recreation Commission

The Board received the report of the Chair for her activities up to May 27th, 2021. The Chair further advised of her meetings with RDBN, RDFFG and TNRD next week and that a summary of the multi-RD meeting will be presented at the June Board meeting

Closed Board Meeting:

At 10:35am -- the Board recessed to a Closed Session under the provisions of Sections 92 and 90(1g - potential or actual litigation) of the Community Charter

Resume Open Board Meeting:

At 11:06am -- the Board resumed its' Public Session

Delegations:

1) Ellen Petticrew from Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia and Quesnel River Research Centre, appeared before the Board, via teleconference, to talk about the "Impacts of the Mount Polley Mine Spill on Quesnel Lake: An Update from UNBC's Quesnel River Research Centre" - Presentation here

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

2) Jeff Mycock, Chief Forester, West Fraser, appeared before the Board via teleconference, to talk about alternate forest practices as part of their intensive forest management. Presentation here

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

The Board adjourned at 12:17pm

#CCRHD Board Highlights - May 28th mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Cobb, Campsall and TNRD Area "E" Director S. Watson

Meeting called to order at 9:33am

Meeting Agenda adopted

Procedural Motion - Close Meeting to Public/Media Physical Attendance:

Resolved:

That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the May 28, 2021 meeting of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District 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, Board 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 Minutes of the April 16th, 2021 CCRHD Board were received/adopted

CCRHD Board Delegations Memorandum of Business was received

Business:

1) The Board received its' Consent Calendar as of May 28th, 2021

2) The Board received the IHA Capital Projects and Planning Status Report (Fiscal Year End Summary 2020-2021) as well as for April 2021

3) The Board approved Northern Health’s funding request of $900,000 for the creation of a Business Plan for new and replacement Long-Term Care and Dementia Care beds in Quesnel and directed the CFO to bring forward the necessary Capital Expenditure Bylaw at the June 18th, 2021 CCRHD Board Meeting for consideration of 3 Readings/Adoption

The Chair/CAO reported on the current CCRHD support to Recruit Medical Professionals Request for Proposals for Central/South Cariboo and the Chair/CAO responded to questions of Directors'

The Board adjourned at 9:51am

Thursday, May 27, 2021

May 27th, 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 378 new cases, for a total of 143,264 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 3,543 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and a further 137,929 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 286 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 88 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 98 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 189 new cases in the Fraser Health region, nine in the Island Health region, 68 in the Interior Health region, 14 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been seven new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,690 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“3,032,811 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 155,730 of which are second doses. This means 65.8% of all adults and 62% of those 12 and older have now received their first dose.

“As part of BC’s Restart plan, today an updated provincial health officer's order variance for religious services will be posted, allowing for up to 50 people at indoor religious services, with detailed COVID-19 safety plans in place.

“Currently, all of the approved vaccines in use in B.C. require a second booster dose to maximize protection for the maximum amount of time. Age continues to be the biggest risk factor and we will be continuing with our age-based approach.

“With the large number of Dose 1 immunizations in our province, we are advancing second-dose booster vaccines. We are moving up the booking of second doses for our age-based and clinically extremely vulnerable programs to eight weeks.

“If you are not yet registered, we strongly encourage you to do so today, in which case, you will be notified by email or text for your second dose as soon as your age group comes up.

“For those people with medical conditions that make you clinically extremely vulnerable, you will receive an invitation to book your Dose 2 appointment in the next few days.

“For the people who received an AstraZeneca vaccine, we are currently working through the operational and logistical details for second doses, and are waiting for the full results of the U.K. study. We will have more information to share on AstraZeneca second doses later next week, and assure you that there will be enough AstraZeneca vaccine for everyone who wants it.

“Since the surgical renewal commitment made last year, we have delivered surgeries to 97% of the 15,154 patients whose surgeries were postponed during the first wave of COVID-19 and still wanted to pursue a surgical treatment. Due to pressure on our hospitals and health-care teams earlier this year, nine Lower Mainland hospitals postponed all non-urgent scheduled surgeries on April 26, 2021. As of May 23, surgeries were postponed for 2,153 patients.

“Today, we presented the plan for resuming non-urgent scheduled surgeries in those nine hospitals. Burnaby Hospital was back to full operations on May 25. By Monday, June 7, all nine hospitals — Burnaby, Royal Columbian, Abbotsford Regional and Surrey Memorial in Fraser Health, and St. Paul’s, Lions Gate, Richmond, UBC and Vancouver General hospitals in Vancouver Coastal Health — will be fully online delivering the postponed surgeries.

“In April of this year, we made a commitment to patients whose surgeries were postponed that they were not forgotten. Today, we can say to these patients that we will soon be calling you again — this time to re-book your surgery.

“COVID-19 immunizations are the foundation of our restart plan. Vaccines provide protection to you and everyone around you. We have the momentum, so let’s keep going. Together, we will restart B.C. and put COVID-19 behind us.”

Learn More:

BC’s Restart plan – to see the May 25, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCRestartPlan.pdf

Surgical renewal:

For the PowerPoint for the Surgical Renewal update, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Covid19_surgical_renewal_update_May_27.pdf

To view Progress Report 10, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-Feb-March-2021.pdf

To view Progress Report 11, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/surgical-renewal-progress-report-March-2021.pdf

The latest vaccine information:

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

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

To see the May 20, 2021, presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20210520_PHO-Presentation.pdf

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

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.

Mental health support:

Non-health related information: