Quesnel Council meets Tuesday!

Only Quesnel City Council meets next week (Feb 28th - March 4th, 2022).  

First - a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 1st at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  The topic before the Public Hearing will be Proposed City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1917 of 2022 (Gook Road) - click here

Following adjournment of the Public Hearing -- Quesnel City Council will then convene its' meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Northern Health Mental Health and Addictions Services Update

* Report from Executive Committee

* NDIT Façade Improvement Program for 2021 (Completed Projects) 

* Step Code 

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Feb 25th mtg

Present - Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair J. Massier; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald, Simpson, Bonnell and Pinkney

Meeting called to order at 10:02am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Secwepemc territory

Meeting Agenda adopted 

Minutes of the Board meeting held on February 4th, 2022 was received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received

Business:

1) Development Services

a)  Central Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5357, 2021 was read a first and second time with adoption being subject to 4 conditions (Proof of Water/Sewer) and costs all being borne by the applicant (Area "D"/1561 Kitsul Rd)

b) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5358, 2021 was re-read a 2nd time, after an amendment to the Bylaw was approved by the Board (non-residential uses and open storage) (Area "G"/5501 Park Dr)

c) Central Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5343, 2021 was adopted (Area "F"/Likely Road)

d) The Board rejected a DVP application at 1653 Beach Crescent in Area "A", due to objections from neighbours

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION:  Director Glassford (Area "I")

e) The Board agreed to file a "Notice on Title" respecting property legally described as Lot 5, Plan KAP30042, District Lot 5009, Lillooet Land District, Except Plan 30043 in Area "H"

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Forseth (Area "D")

2) Community Services

a) The Board agreed to support a NDIT Application from FARMED to NDIT's Marketing Initiatives Program for $20,000 to market and connect local growers with consumers

3) Emergency Program Services

a) The Board received/referred the Emergency Program and Services Key Findings Final Report from Clear Sky Consulting to the Protective Services Committee for development of priority actions with staff

b) The Board agreed to support an application for the 2022 UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Operations Centres and Training

4) Administration

a) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of February 25th, 2022

b) The Board received an invitation to join the BC Social Procurement Initiative and took no further action

5) Minutes/Recommendations from Committees' or Commissions

a) The Board received minutes from CRD Committees' or Commissions, as follows:

* First Nations Relations Committee - Feb 9th, 2022 meeting

* South Cariboo Rural Caucus - Feb 14th, 2022 meeting

* South Cariboo Joint Committee - Feb 14th, 2022 meeting

* Committee of the Whole (Board) - Feb 3rd, 2022 meeting

b) The Board endorsed the following recommendation from the First Nations Relations Committee:

That cultural competency training be budgeted for and provided to all Board members after the next local government election cycle, and potentially on an ongoing basis in the future. Further, that after the next election cycle, local Indigenous leaders be invited to informal relationship building sessions with the CRD Chair, First Nations Relations Committee Chair, and local Electoral Area Directors. These initial sessions will be held sub-regionally and will not be in a meeting format but rather the sharing of a meal and a chance to get to know each other. And further, that staff look into our eligibility to apply for grant funding to help offset the cost of these relationship building and cultural competency opportunities

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Bonnell (Williams Lake)

6) Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board agreed to adopt the following Bylaws:

* Alexis Creek Water Services Merge Bylaw No. 5348, 2021 

* Gateway Water System Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5356, 2022

7) Directors' Items

a) At the request of Directors' Forseth, Wagner, Richmond and Kirby -- the Board agreed to allocate COVID-19 Safe Restart Funds (Community Organization Support) as follows:

Area "D" -- Tyee Lake Community Association ($3,000) and Wildwood Community Association ($2,000)

Area "G":

* Cariboo Pioneer Centre BC OAPO #176  - $3,624

* Lac La Hache Community Club - $2,500

* 100 Mile & District Heritage Society - $2,500

* 108 Mile Ranch Community Association - $2,500

Area "H" -- Mahood Falls Community Association - $3,000

Area "J":

* Anahim Lake Community Association - $1,500

* Nimpo Lake Community Association - $1,500

b) At the request of Directors Bachmeier/Massier (Areas B/C) -- the Board authorized access to their Director Initiative Fund to attend the 2022 FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention in Regina, SK, as follows:

Area "B" -- up to $3,500 (attend in-person)

Area "C" -- up to $480 (attend virtually)

The Board activity reports from the CAO/Board Chair 

Directors' reported out on their recent activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality

At the request of Director Delainey (Area "E") -- an appointment to the Area "E" Advisory Planning Commission was made

The Board agreed to adjourn at 11:31am

CCRHD Board Highlights - Feb 25th mtg

Present: Chair B. Simpson; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Wagner, Richmond (Vice-Chair), Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald, Bonnell, and Pinkney 

(Chair Simpson and Directors Delainey/Glassford attended via teleconference)

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Vice-Chair Richmond assumed the Chair at this time

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the CCRHD Board Meeting held Feb 4th, 2022 were received/adopted, as circulated

Business:

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

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Cariboo Memorial Hospital Pharmacy Upgrade) Bylaw No. 189, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House General Hospital Motor Control Centre Upgrade) Bylaw No. 190, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House General Hospital Bathroom Renovation for Wheelchair Accessibility) Bylaw No. 191, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – 100 Mile House General Hospital Pharmacy Upgrade) Bylaw No. 192, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Cariboo Memorial Hospital Rooftop Air Cooled Compressor) Bylaw No. 193, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Wide Digital Health) Bylaw No. 194, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Cariboo Memorial Hospital Additional Medstation) Bylaw No. 195, 2022 

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (IH – Laboratory Middleware) Bylaw No. 196, 2022

Meeting recessed at 9:47am

Meeting resumed at 9:49am

Chair Simpson re-assumed the Chair 

2) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of Feb 25th, 2022

3) The Board received the Interior Health Capital Projects Report for January 2022

4) Late Item - The Board received a letter from the City of Williams Lake asking it reconsider its' decision to not grant 40% CCRHD funding towards a bus for Deni House

Resolved - That the Chair write to Interior Health explaining the Board's decision to not provide CCRHD funding for the bus at Deni House and encouraging them to proceed with the bus for Deni House without CCRHD funding

The Board adjourned at 10:01am

Cariboo RD Policy Committee Highlights - Feb 24th mtg

Present: Chair M. Sjostrom; Directors Massier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond and Macdonald

(Directors Sjostrom, Richmond, Delainey attended via teleconference)

Guest: Board Chair M. Wagner (ex-officio)

Meeting called to order at 1:00pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Secwepemc(Shuswap) territory

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held on October 7th, 2021 were received/adopted

Business:

1) Planning Services Policy Review

A report from the Manager of Planning Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

That the Board rescind the 13 outdated Planning Policies as outlined in the report of the Manager of Planning Services

2) Fire Protection Service Boundary Expansion Boundary Policy

A report from the Deputy CAO was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

That the agenda item summary from Alice Johnston, Manager of Corporate Services/Deputy CAO, dated February 2, 2022, regarding a request to amend Policy #96-5-8(8)(b) Boundary Amendments Policy, be received. Further, that the policy be amended to delete the limitation of biannual consideration of boundary amendments to reflect current practice. Further, that the Board be advised that the accompanying internal procedure will be amended to delete the initial requirement that the electoral area director sign an approval at the beginning of the process, as it is a requirement that they consent in writing to the adoption of the boundary amendment bylaw.

3) Rescind Policy No. 2015-11-34(4) – B1.3 – Steel Shipping Containers as Building Components Policy

A report from the Chief Building Official was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

That the Board rescind Policy No.2015-11-34(4) 

4) Review of Policy No. IC.07-11A-4 – B1.5 – Private Sewerage System Requirements and Procedures for Construction Projects

A report from the Chief Building Official was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

That the agenda item summary from Virgil Hoefels, Chief Building Official, dated February 14, 2022, regarding a review and revision of Policy B1.5 - Private Sewerage System Requirements and Procedures for Construction Projects Policy, be received. Further, that the revised Policy B1.5 - Septic, Gas and Electrical System Requirements be endorsed as presented.

5) Referred Item from Regional Board - Policy on inclusion of Public Communications to Regional District on Board Agendas' 

A report from the Deputy CAO was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That Staff research a Correspondence Policy and report back to the Committee 

6) Discussion Item - Remuneration for newly formed Connectivity Committee

Verbal report from Director LeBourdais 

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

That non-elected officials of the Connectivity Committee receive mileage only

The Committee adjourned at 2:46pm

Cariboo RD Finance/Budget Committee Highlights - Feb 24th mtg

Present: Chair J. Glassford; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Mernett, Kirby, Macdonald, Simpson and Pinkney

(Chair Glassford and Directors' Sjostrom, Delainey, Mernett and Simpson attended via teleconference) 

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held on January 13th, 2022 was received/adopted

Business:

1) Final Review of the 2022 Budget & 2022-26 5 Year Financial Plan

A report of the Chief Financial Officer was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved - That the 2022 Solid Waste Management Service Business Plan be amended, as follows:

* Investigate feasibility of restoration of recycling services at McLeese Lake 

Resolved -  That the agenda item summary from Kevin Erickson, Chief Financial Officer, dated February 18, 2022, regarding the Cariboo Regional District Five Year Financial Plan for review, be received. Further, that the Committee submit the plan to the Board at its March 18th meeting for three readings and adoption

The Committee adjourned at 10:50am

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Feb 23rd mtg

Present from CRD: Co-Chair S. Forseth and Directors A. Delainey/M. LeBourdais

Present from City of Williams Lake: Co-Chair J. Ryll and Councillors Boehm/Bonnell

Meeting chaired by Director Forseth and he called the meeting to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded lands of the Williams Lake First Nation within the Secwepemc Nation and also noted that today is "Pink Shirt Day" whose theme for 2022 is Lift Each Other Up

Meeting Agenda adopted

The Committee reviewed a previously adopted resolution, as follows:

That the correspondence from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, dated November 24, 2021, regarding appointments to the Fee for Service Management Committee, be received.  Further that the appointments to the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Fee for Service Management Committee made by the City of Williams Lake - Councillor Brenner with Councilor Bonnell as alternate, be acknowledged.  Still further, that Director Steve Forseth be appointed as the Cariboo Regional District's representative to the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Fee for Service Management Committee.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to re-affirm the above-noted Resolution and recommend the same to the Regional Board for consideration of endorsement... 

The Committee adopted the minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting held on January 26th, 2022 

Business:

1) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex - Statutory Holiday Opening and Closing Schedule 

A report from the City's Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee - click here

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - 

• That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Stacey Miranda, dated February 11, 2022, regarding Cariboo Memorial Complex Statutory holiday opening and closing schedule, be received.

  Further, that the following plans for statutory holiday operations at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be approved:

  • New Years Day – Closed
  • Wrestling Day – Open
  • Family Day – Open
  • Good Friday – Closed
  • Easter Monday – Closed
  • Victoria Day – Open
  • Canada Day – Closed – (Activities in Boitanio Park/Stampede Weekend)
  • BC Day – Open
  • Labour Day – Closed – (during pool shutdown)
  • Thanksgiving - Open
  • Remembrance Day – Closed
  • Christmas Day – Closed
  • Boxing Day – Closed

  AND FURTHER, That the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be closed for the latest federal statutory holiday on September 30, National day for Truth and Reconciliation.

• 2) Cost Sharing of City Parks/Trails 
• 
  
• A report from the City's Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee - click here
• Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - 

• 
  

• That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, dated February 14, 2022, regarding cost sharing of City of Williams Lake Parks and Trails for the region's residents, be received.

• Further, that staff from the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake be directed to negotiate a fair value for service recreational agreement and sub-regional recreation budget amount for the Central Cariboo Joint Committee to consider for 2023 and beyond budget cycle.

The Committee divided - Defeated on a Tie Vote, as follows:

Affirmative - Councillors Ryll, Boehm, Bonnell (3)

Negative - Directors Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais (3)

Resolved -- That the City of Williams Lake Council Report from Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, dated February 14, 2022, regarding cost sharing of City of Williams Lake Parks and Trails for the region's residents, be received.

The Committee divided - Defeated on a Tie Vote, as follows:

Affirmative - Directors' Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais (3) 

Negative - Councillors Ryll, Boehm, Bonnell (3) 

3) Action Page - click here

The Committee reviewed the Action Page and agreed to delete Items 1, 3 and 4

The Committee adjourned at 6:04pm

A big shout out to our volunteers

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note --  this week's Quesnel City Council News column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via e-mail here

Over the past few months I’ve spoken with a significant number of people who’ve recently relocated to our fair City. All of them have commented on how friendly and welcoming people are here and many noted how much they’re enjoying all of the opportunities our region affords them to be out in nature … even in the winter.

The Wonderland Trail system is now used extensively for winter dog walking, snowshoeing and hiking. The Hallis Lake x-country ski and snowshoe venue is also heavily used, and their rental shop has been kept busy this season as more people discover and try out these great outdoor activities. Troll Ski Resort is enjoying another busy season as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. And, of course, our entire region is a playground for snowmobiling and other backcountry activities. 

Like most of our summer activities and events, the majority of these winter venues and the activities they enable are the result of the hard work of volunteers. Despite a decline in volunteerism over the past decade, most communities still rely heavily on volunteers to enhance the daily lives of residents. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these community-minded individuals even if we don’t use their services or participate in their activities, because their hard work and commitment makes our community a fun, interesting, and supportive place to live in and to attract new people and entrepreneurs to. 

Even Troll Ski Resort relies heavily on the volunteer community to enhance this family-owned and operated private business. This was evident at this past weekend’s 50th Anniversary celebration when the many volunteer organizations and individuals who make Troll such a great asset to our region were recognized by the Fossberg family. 

On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I want to thank and recognize the hard work of all of the volunteer organizations and the individual volunteers who work so hard to make our community such a fun and friendly place to live in. Your work does not go unnoticed and is never taken for granted. 

As a City, we are striving to continually recognize the importance of volunteerism to our community. Each month we ask the community on our Facebook page (@cityofquesnel) to nominate a volunteer group for that month’s theme. If we receive multiple nominations, we randomly draw the winner. We feature the volunteer organization on our social media pages and the City website. Learn more here: quesnel.ca/volunteers.

As noted above, while volunteers are critical to the vibrancy of our community, it’s essential that all of us continue to do our part to maintain the friendliness and welcoming spirit that has come to characterize our community, especially during these trying times when some people have lost all sense of self-control and are taking their frustrations out on front line workers across the entire spectrum of our economic and social systems.

To counter the negativity and irrational anger that some individuals are directing at people on the front line (cashiers, servers, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, recreation staff, nurses, doctors, small business owners – everyone whose job requires them to enforce the remaining public health orders) it would be great if we all took a moment to thank and appreciate these workers and counter the anger and vitriol they may be experiencing with some kindness and gratitude. 

We’re almost at the end of this trying time. Let’s continue to get through it together and continue to support one another while maintaining our friendly and welcoming spirit.  

New Improvements to Rink at Bouchie Lake Celebrated!

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Chair of the Cariboo Regional District, Margo Wagner as well as Director of Area B, Barb Bachmeier and past Chair of the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Stephanie Hanes along with a few members of the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Fighters were on hand Saturday, February 19th, 2022, at the Bouchie Lake rink to officially kick-off the renewed ice rink. The ribbon was cut, and the community celebrated this refreshed recreational asset.

Chair Margo Wagner said, “These improvements were realized with the help of dedicated community volunteers and the financial support of $30,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s ‘Community Places’ grant and $35,000 contributing funds from the North Cariboo Sub-Regional Recreation Capital Plan. Once the project is completed, this rural community will have a safe, accessible and easy-to-maintain facility with recreation opportunities for all ages”.

Director Bachmeier said, “I would also like to thank the current and past Commissioners of the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission that made this project a reality along with the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Fighters who are currently looking for new recruits. I encourage people to make a small donation and enjoy the hotdogs and hot chocolate from the ‘Helping Hands Food Program for Seniors’, the coffee donated from Granville Coffee and the cake which was anonymously donated.” The ‘Family Fun’ group was also on hand collecting bottles and donations for the Terry Fox Research program.

Past Chair Stephanie Hanes said, “This outdoor rink is a prized asset to our community and well-used. We are pleased on how it turned out and we hope that the community is also”.

The Bouchie Lake rink was created over two decades ago primarily with the help from the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Fighters. In 2021, based on year-round demand from a variety of user groups, the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission decided the rink needed some upgrades. People of all ages participate regularly in ice skating, hockey, basketball and pickleball. Some improvements like lighting had already been done but there was an immediate need to weatherproof, rebuild and construct new areas of the rink to improve access and year-round safety. Most of the work was completed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony with a bit of concrete work left to be done in the warmer months.

WL Council Highlights - Feb 25th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6pm

The Mayor recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Council meeting held February 8th, 2022 were received/adopted

Presentation:

Mayor Cobb and the Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Ms. Maureen Straza, presented the "Accessibility Award of Merit" to the Williams Lake Association for Community Living

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated February 3, 7 and 17, 2022

2) Council approved meals, travel, Council compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Cobb to attend the Council of Forest Industries 2022 Annual Convention in Vancouver, BC from April 27-29, 2022

3) Council agreed to support the Cariboo Regional District’s resolutions submitted to the NCLGA Membership for consideration at the 2022 AGM

4) Council authorized entering into a Licence of Occupation agreement with the Williams Lake Dry Grad Committee for the two 40ft storage containers on vacant industrial land behind the maintenance building at the Williams Lake Regional Airport for a five-year term commencing in March 2022

5) Council awarded the contract of a new aviation fuel tank at the Williams Lake Regional Airport to Doering Petroleum Ltd for the tendered price of $106,255.00 excluding all applicable taxes

6) Council approved the Second and First Renewal Term Agreements, respectively, to the Stampede Park User Group Leases for the lands situated at 850 Mackenzie Avenue South, legally described as Lot 1, District Lots 71 and 7045, Cariboo District, Plan BCP13147, for a five-year term effective January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2026

7)  Council endorsed in principle a lease agreement for two years, with an option to renew for an additional three years with the Cariboo Kennel Club for lands situated at the old housing area of the Williams Lake Airport, part of the lands legally described as Block O, District Lots 8883, 8884, 8868 and 8869, Cariboo District.

8) Council endorsed 2 recommendations from its' Community Services Committee, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Community Services Committee Report #01-2022 and the the Memorandum of Councillor Ivan Bonnell dated February 7, 2022, Council send a letter to the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District requesting they reconsider their decision to not support the long-term care bus funding request from Interior Health for its 2022/23 fiscal year.

b) That pursuant to Community Services Committee Report #02-2022 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated December 15, 2021, Council referred the request for outdoor recreational equipment to ensure winter opportunities are prevalent in Williams Lake to the 2022 budget process for consideration

9) Council agreed to provide a resolution of support for an application to the UBCM Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Stream 2, for project activities in the amount of $50,000.00

10) Council endorsed recommendations from the February 15th, 2022 Committee of the Whole session, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #04-2022 and the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated February 8, 2022, regarding insurance providers, Council authorize the City to renew its insurance coverage with HUB International at a cost of $190,125 for one year and put the opportunity out for bid for following years

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors Bonnell and Ryll 

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #04-2022 and the report of the Corporate Officer dated January 25, 2022, staff be directed to begin the process of drafting a Code of Conduct, by bringing back information on other jurisdictions' codes of conduct and other best practices for Council's consideration

11) Council directed staff to display teal and magenta lights on the exterior of City Hall on April 11, 2022 in support of Parkinson's disease awareness in BC - at the request of the Parkinson Society of BC in their letter dated February 10, 2022

12) Council approved the Lakers Car Club Request for Road Closures for the 2022 Annual Spring Roundup Show and Shine on Sunday May 29th from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm

13) Late Item - Council ratified an email poll authorizing a letter of support for their funding application to the “Continuing Their Journey Grant Program” through the NIB Trust Fund with funds being used towards partnering with the City in hosting a 2022 Orange Shirt Day event and that Council and the community be encouraged to attend this future event

14) Council received the Council Information Package for February 22, 2022

Mayor Cobb provided a verbal update regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Members of Council and the CAO provided verbal updates as to their recent activities

Media Question Period -- Cariboo Kennel Club move to WL Regional Airport 

Council adjourned at 6:49pm

RATI Funding for Cariboo-Chilcotin Airports

Editor's Note -- Funding from the RATI or Regional Air Transportation Initiative Fund is going to the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Airports

1) Williams Lake Regional Airport - $130,000

2) Quesnel Regional Airport -- $326,518

3) Anahim Lake Airport -- $54,720

Courtesy of the Government of Canada:

In a country as large as Canada, air connectivity is critical to the prosperity of all Canadians. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities and businesses across the country.

The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, is fostering access to air transportation and supporting regional ecosystems.

Regional air ecosystem to benefit from funding

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced RATI funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C.

Regional airports and carriers provide a vital service, providing commercial flight access, supporting critical supply chains and promoting economic growth. They connect patients to needed medical care and enable essential work travel. They provide important emergency services and cargo operations to supply businesses and frontline workers.

This funding will ensure airports and carriers can continue essential routine maintenance and facility operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will help maintain employment and restore growth in the region as we work to build back from the pandemic.

Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. This investment shows the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting economic development across the country and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for all.

“Air transportation is essential to community well-being and regional economic development. Today’s announcement will not only enhance airport safety and support our essential services but will also create jobs that British Columbians can rely on and bolster regional growth as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Federal Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Video: Cariboo RD Area D Zoom Town Hall Mtg (2022 Cariboo RD Budget/Area "D" Projects Update)

Last night - I hosted a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to discuss:

* Projects I'm working on in Area "D" of the Regional District

* Draft 2022 Cariboo RD Budget as it relates to Electoral Area "D"

The video from the meeting can be viewed here while a written version of my Area D update can be read here

The draft 2022 Cariboo Regional District Budget numbers of tax rates on the basis of x per $100,000 property assessment, which factors in all 2022 Property Assessments for all Property Classes in the Regional District, can be viewed here

Finally - the Regional District is accepting input on its' 2022 Budget.  You can send your input to mailbox@cariboord.ca or by calling the Cariboo RD's Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Erickson, by phone at 250-392-3351

The Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors' will adopt the 2022 Regional District Budget, by bylaw, at its' meeting of March 18th, 2022

~SF

#CaribooRD Area "D" Zoom Town Hall Meeting tonight at 7pm!

I will personally be hosting a Zoom Town Hall meeting this evening at 7pm to present the 2022 Draft Cariboo Regional District Budget numbers as it relates to Area "D" of the Cariboo Regional District.  This is separate from the Regional District's 2022 budget consultation that it will be doing and can be accessed at the Regional District's website here

In addition - I will be providing an update on activities that I have been working on, within Electoral Area "D" of the Regional District in 2021 and the look ahead in 2022 and an update from the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District

Cariboo Regional District Area "D" Communities include:

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

* Mile 168 Road

* Commodore Heights 

* Fox Mountain

* Pine Valley 

* Wildwood

* Deep Creek (not including the Xat'sull communities of Deep Creek and Soda Creek)

* Tyee Lake

* Soda Creek Valley

* McLeese Lake/Duckworth Lake 

* Macalister

* Marguerite

To connect to the meeting:

Via Zoom app: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81801424087?pwd=QjdyN3lYOTZXR3I2YUlNbmtlTWE5Zz09 

Meeting ID: 818 0142 4087 

Passcode: 445107 

Via phone: 778-907-2071 

When prompted: 

1) Meeting ID: 818 0142 4087 and then # (Pound) 

2) Participant ID – Press # (Pound) 

3) Passcode: 445107 and then press # (Pound)

Meeting Agenda will be:

1) Ongoing projects within Area “D” of the Regional District

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Update

3) Cariboo Regional District Budget Process Overview

4) Presentation of 2022 Cariboo RD Draft Budget as it relates to Area “D” (Welcome questions as numbers are presented) 

5) Question Period

Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of Feb 21-25, 2022

During the week of February 21st - 25th, 2022 -- the following local governments' or Boards' of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Wells - Inaugural Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7pm via Electronic Means.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Reports from Policy and Finance Committees

* Letters from City of Williams Lake/TNG re: former Poplar Glade/Glendale Elementary School Properties; Williams Lake Community Forest/Granting Program

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  Meeting to be livestreamed via YouTube (click here).  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: "Accessibility Award of Merit" Presentation to the Williams Lake Association for Community Living

* Request for Mayor Cobb to attend Council of Forest Industries 2022 Annual Convention

* Memorandum from Councillor Bonnell re: request to Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District to reconsider their decision to not support the Deni House Bus funding request from Interior Health for IH's 2022/23 fiscal year

* Dry Grad Storage

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings to take place in the Cariboo Regional District's Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  

1) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - February 23rd at 5:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Referred Resolution from Cariboo RD Board - Appointments to Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Fee for Service Management Committee 

* Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex - Statutory Holiday Opening and Closing Schedule 

* Cost Sharing of City of Williams Lake Parks and Trails for the Region's Residents 

View the full Agenda here

2) Finance/Budget Committee - February 24th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Final Review of the DRAFT 2022-26 5 Year Financial Plan

View the full Agenda here

3) Policy Committee - February 24th at 1pm.  On the Agenda:

* Planning Services or Land Use related Policies Review

* Public Communications on CRD/CCRHD Board Agendas (internal/external) Policy

* Remuneration for CRD Connectivity Committee

View the full Agenda here

4) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) - February 25th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* 8 Capital Expenditure Bylaws for 3 Readings/Adoption

* Hospital Consent Calendar

View the full Agenda here

5) Cariboo Regional District - February 25th, following adjournment of the CCRHD Board.  On the Agenda:

* Various Land Use Matters

* NDIT Grant Application - FARMED (North Cariboo)

* CRD Emergency Programs and Services Key Findings Final Report

* Consent Calendar

* Recommendations from Committees/Commissions

* Requests from Directors Bachmeier/Massier to attend 2022 FCM Convention

* Requests from Director Forseth, Wagner, Kirby, Richmond regarding allocation of COVID-19 Safe Restart Funds (Community Support Budget Envelope) 

* Report of the CAO concerning his recent activities

View the full Agenda here

February 18th, 2022 BC COVID-19 Pandemic Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, 90.5% (4,509,718) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 85.6% (4,266,168) have received their second dose.

In addition, 93.2% (4,318,206) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 90.6% (4,197,759) received their second dose and 53.9% (2,497,228) have received a third dose.

Also, 93.5% (4,044,520) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 91.0% (3,936,253) received their second dose and 56.2% (2,432,537) have received a third dose.

B.C. is preparing for rapid test distribution to the public, starting first with seniors and depending on availability. Details on this plan will be outlined during next week’s media briefing.

B.C. is reporting 692 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 343,631 cases in the province.

The new cases include:

• Fraser Health: 157
• Vancouver Coastal Health: 75
• Interior Health: 217
• Northern Health: 138
• Island Health: 105
• People who reside outside of Canada: zero

There are 733 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 113 are in intensive care.

In the past 24 hours, five new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,786.

The new deaths include:

• Fraser Health: three
• Vancouver Coastal Health: one
• Island Health: one

There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks at Langley Memorial Hospital and Menno Home (Fraser Health). The outbreak at Queen's Park Care Centre (Fraser Health) has been declared over, for a total of 33 facilities with ongoing outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre, Menno Home (Fraser Health)
  • Pinegrove Care Centre, Poplar Ridge, Noric House, Glenmore Lodge, Trinity Care Centre, Ponderosa, Castleview Care Centre, Overlander Residential Care, Mountainview Village, Three Links Manor (Interior Health)
  • Wexford Creek, Sidney Care Home, Eden Gardens, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, Sunset Lodge, Amica on the Gorge, Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, Berwick on The Lake, Chemainus Health Care Centre, Selkirk Seniors Village, Sunridge Place, Nanaimo Seniors Village, Sluggett House, Glacier View Lodge, Rest Haven Lodge, Sidney All Care and The Heights at Mt. View (Island Health)
• acute care:
  • Burnaby Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital (Fraser Health); and
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Island Health)
• assisted or independent living:
  • none

From Feb. 10-16, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 22.1% of cases.
From Feb. 3-16, they accounted for 32.0% of hospitalizations.

Past week cases (Feb. 10-16) - Total 5,277

• Not vaccinated: 974 (18.5%)
• Partially vaccinated: 189 (3.6%)
• Fully vaccinated: 4,114 (77.9%)

Past two weeks cases hospitalized (Feb. 3-16) - Total 851

• Not vaccinated: 238 (28.0%)
• Partially vaccinated: 34 (4.0%)
• Fully vaccinated: 579 (68.0%)

Past week, cases per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Feb. 10-16)

• Not vaccinated: 238.6
• Partially vaccinated: 85.0
• Fully vaccinated: 90.7

Past two weeks, cases hospitalized per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Feb. 3-16)

• Not vaccinated: 65.0
• Partially vaccinated: 30.3
• Fully vaccinated: 12.3

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 11,216,953 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the Feb. 15, 2022, presentation, Ensuring balance in easing restrictions, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Feb_15_2022_Easing_Restrictions.pdf

For information on when to get a COVID-19 test: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing/when-to-get-a-covid-19-test

For information on COVID-19 treatments, including Paxlovid: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/treatments

For information on booster doses, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/children

For information on a third dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#immunocompromised

To learn about how B.C. counts its daily COVID-19 cases in hospitals, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0058-001844

To learn about the BC Vaccine Card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Detailed data is posted daily on the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data or: www.bccdc.ca

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, 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

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

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

February 17th, 2022 BC COVID-19 pandemic update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

As of Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, 90.5% (4,508,740) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 85.5% (4,261,431) have received their second dose.

In addition, 93.1% (4,317,588) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 90.5% (4,196,797) received their second dose and 53.6% (2,482,432) have received a third dose.

Also, 93.5% (4,043,977) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 91.0% (3,935,434) received their second dose and 56.0% (2,421,361) have received a third dose.

B.C. is reporting 782 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 343,064 cases in the province.

Note: The numbers of new and total cases are provisional due to a delayed data refresh.

The new cases include:

• Fraser Health: 226
• Vancouver Coastal Health: 132
• Interior Health: 191
• Northern Health: 111
• Island Health: 122
• People who reside outside of Canada: zero

There are 744 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 120 are in intensive care.

In the past 24 hours, five new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,781.

Note: One reported death has been removed from the total due to a data correction.

The new deaths include:

• Vancouver Coastal Health: three
• Northern Health: two

There have been three new health-care facility outbreaks at Burnaby Hospital (Fraser Health), Mountainview Village and Three Links Manor (Interior Health). The outbreaks at Chartwell Langley Gardens (Fraser Health), Nicola Meadows, Dr. Andrew Pavillion, Village at Smith Creek, Mount Ida Mews (Interior Health), James Bay Care Centre and Dufferin Place (Island Health) have been declared over, for a total of 32 facilities with ongoing outbreaks, including:

• long-term care:
  • Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre (Fraser Health)
  • Pinegrove Care Centre, Poplar Ridge, Noric House, Glenmore Lodge, Trinity Care Centre, Ponderosa, Castleview Care Centre, Overlander Residential Care, Mountainview Village, Three Links Manor (Interior Health)
  • Wexford Creek, Sidney Care Home, Eden Gardens, Kiwanis Village Lodge, Salvation Army Sunset Lodge, Sunset Lodge, Amica on the Gorge, Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, Berwick on The Lake, Chemainus Health Care Centre, Selkirk Seniors Village, Sunridge Place, Nanaimo Seniors Village, Sluggett House, Glacier View Lodge, Rest Haven Lodge, Sidney All Care and The Heights at Mt. View (Island Health)
• acute care:
  • Queen's Park Care Centre, Burnaby Hospital (Fraser Health); and
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Island Health)
• assisted or independent living:
  • none

From Feb. 9-15, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 22.4% of cases.
From Feb. 2-15, they accounted for 31.4% of hospitalizations.

Past week cases (Feb. 9-15) - Total 5,943

• Not vaccinated: 1,113 (18.7%)
• Partially vaccinated: 220 (3.7%)
• Fully vaccinated: 4,610 (77.6%)

Past two weeks cases hospitalized (Feb. 2-15) - Total 915

• Not vaccinated: 250 (27.3%)
• Partially vaccinated: 37 (4.1%)
• Fully vaccinated: 628 (68.6%)

Past week, cases per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Feb. 9-15)

• Not vaccinated: 272.6
• Partially vaccinated: 88.9
• Fully vaccinated: 102.2

Past two weeks, cases hospitalized per 100,000 population after adjusting for age (Feb. 2-15)

• Not vaccinated: 67.3
• Partially vaccinated: 32.5
• Fully vaccinated: 13.4

Since December 2020, the Province has administered 11,196,470 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn More:

For the Feb. 15, 2022, presentation, Ensuring balance in easing restrictions, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Feb_15_2022_Easing_Restrictions.pdf

For information on when to get a COVID-19 test: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing/when-to-get-a-covid-19-test

For information on COVID-19 treatments, including Paxlovid: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/treatments

For information on booster doses, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/children

For information on a third dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#immunocompromised

To learn about how B.C. counts its daily COVID-19 cases in hospitals, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0058-001844

To learn about the BC Vaccine Card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Detailed data is posted daily on the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data or: www.bccdc.ca

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, 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

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

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