Supporting healing for those impacted by St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School

Courtesy of the Prime Minister of Canada:

The finding of unmarked graves near former residential schools across the country is a tragic reminder of the painful and lasting impacts of colonialism, and the important work that remains to be done to advance reconciliation in Canada. The Government of Canada is supporting Survivors, their families, and their communities to address historical wrongs, as well as the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual harms inflicted from residential schools.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and Chief Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation today announced $2.9 million in additional funding to continue supporting healing for First Nations communities in British Columbia whose children were taken from their families and sent to St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. This funding builds on the $1.4 million that Canada provided earlier this year to help uncover potential burial sites at the former residential school.

This new funding will help the community continue conducting research, including Survivor interviews, to further uncover the truth about what happened at the school and begin the process of healing.

Earlier this year, Williams Lake First Nation released preliminary findings believed to be unmarked graves at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. Today’s announcement will also support plans for a temporary commemorative structure in the area which will provide a safe place for people to gather and pay their respects. This community-led initiative will help impacted communities continue on their healing journey.

The Government of Canada supports all communities in their efforts to work together to develop an engagement strategy with the more than 50 surrounding First Nations affected by the former residential school. The community-based initiative will incorporate appropriate cultural protocols that reflect the diversity of communities impacted, including cultural healing work and ceremonies for Survivors, families, and communities.

Addressing the harms suffered by residential school Survivors, their families, and their communities is essential to renewing and building Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. We will continue to support this painful but necessary work across the country to locate unmarked graves, continue to tell the stories of what happened at residential schools, and ensure the appropriate supports are available for communities to heal and commemorate those who never made it home.

Quick Facts

• Williams Lake First Nation includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, British Columbia, and across the globe.
• On January 7, 2022, the Government of Canada announced funding of $1,437,460 for Williams Lake First Nation to undertake work related to burial sites associated with the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, including completing a preliminary investigation that includes interviews with former students and their families, an initial geophysical survey, and the compilation of archival and photographic records related to the disappearances and deaths of First Nations students at this institution.
• On January 25, 2022, the community of Williams Lake First Nation released preliminary geophysical findings of anomalies believed to be unmarked burial sites at the location of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. The results revealed 93 ground reflections that require further analysis. Fifty of those reflections are outside the known local cemetery.
• In August 2021, the Government of Canada announced approximately $321 million in additional support for Indigenous-led, Survivor-centric, and culturally informed initiatives and investments to help Indigenous communities respond and heal from the ongoing impacts of residential schools.
• In total, the Government of Canada has invested $354.8 million in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72 to 76 to support communities in finding unmarked burial sites at former residential schools and beginning the process of healing.
• So far, the Government of Canada has supported 70 communities, including 17 in British Columbia for a total of $22.4 million.
• The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides mental health, emotional, and cultural support services to Survivors of residential schools and their families.
• A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line is also available at 1-855-242-3310 or via the online chat function through their website.

City of Williams Lake Thoughts with First Nations during Prime Minister's Visit

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller visiting Williams Lake First Nation today to discuss the first phase of results from the St. Joseph’s Mission investigation, the City of Williams Lake’s thoughts continue to be with our Indigenous neighbours.

“We know this is a very difficult and sombre time for all First Nations communities, and we join the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of innocent lives, and look forward to positive steps being taken to achieve meaningful reconciliation,” said City of Williams Lake Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Trudeau last June, the City of Williams Lake stated its firm support for the call for the Federal government to provide funding for all residential school sites in Canada to be examined under the guidance of local First Nations and knowledge keepers.

The City of Williams Lake remains committed to reconciliation efforts, and will continue to work toward relationship building, increased understanding and action in collaboration with our First Nations neighbours.

Canada's Prime Minister to visit T'Exelc (Williams Lake) of Secwepemc Nation

Courtesy of the Williams Lake First Nation:

Chief and Council of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) today announced that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be visiting WLFN this week. 

The Prime Minister’s visit follows the WLFN’s January 25th announcement, which revealed that 93 reflections had been found during the first phase of investigations at the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. 

“We’re thankful that the Prime Minister is making the time to visit Williams Lake First Nation,” states WLFN Chief, Willie Sellars. “This trip has been a long time in the making, and we have much to discuss about the St. Joseph’s Mission investigation, the Government of Canada’s role in residential school investigations, and Canada’s commitment to the goals of Reconciliation"

We are honored to welcome the Prime Minister to Secwepemculecw and look forward to productive conversation. At the same time, we would like to remind the public to respect the 93 reflections that were reported on January 25th, and to respect the families and communities during this time”. 

WLFN would like to acknowledge that information regarding Indian Residential Schools could be triggering for some people. A crisis support line at the Indian Residential School Survivors Society can be reached at 1-866-925-4419 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Board meets Tuesday

Only the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) is meeting next week (March 28 - April 1st).  All other local governments (Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Cariboo RD, Board of Education for School District #28 - Quesnel, are not holding meetings next week)

On the Agenda - Board of Education/School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) on Tuesday, March 29th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake) or online (phone/MS Teams -- details here

* Reports from Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer

* Capital Expenditure Bylaw - for 1st and 2nd Readings

* Report/Recommendations' from Policy Committee - for endorsement of Board

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - March 23rd mtg

Present: 

From CRD -- Co-Chair S. Forseth; Directors Delainey (via MS Teams) and LeBourdais

From City of Williams Lake -- Co-Chair J. Ryll and Councillor Boehm, Mayor Cobb (for Councillor Bonnell) 

Meeting Chair -- Director S. Forseth

Meeting called to order at 5:45pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held February 23rd, 2022 were received/adopted, as corrected

Business: 

1) Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - BC - CleanBC Communities Fund

The Committee received a report from the City's Director of Community Services

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the City of Williams Lake Council Report, dated February 22, 2022, from Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, regarding the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - BC - CleanBC Communities Fund, be received. Further, that an application be submitted to the Province’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) British Columbia ‘Clean BC Communities Fund’, for the Energy Recovery Project at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Still further, that $160,000 from the Central Cariboo Recreation Budget (Capital Plan) be allocated to the project, should the grants be successful.

2) Action Page

The Committee reviewed the Action Page and agreed that Item #2 be removed

The Committee adjourned at 6:10pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - March 23rd mtg

Present:

Chair M. LeBourdais; Directors S. Forseth, A. Delainey, G. Kirby

Meeting called to order - 3:00pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Caucus meeting held on January 26th, 2022 were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Willie Dye appeared before Caucus to discuss the 2022 Stampede Parade and Street Party

Following his presentation - A Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair thanked Mr. Dye for his time/information

Business:

1)  Williams Lake RCMP Based Victim Services Annual Report - Year ending 2021

Caucus was presented with the Williams Lake RCMP Based Victim Services Annual Report for 2021 

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved - Report received

2) Request from St Vincent de Paul Society re: Central Cariboo Transit

Caucus was presented from the letter from the Society.  Director Forseth spoke to this item 

Discussion ensued thereon.... 

Resolved - Letter received and Staff reach out to the City of Williams Lake about expansion of transit into the rural fringe areas in the Regional District and report back to Caucus 

3) Discussion Topic -- Central Cariboo Food Hub Zoom Meeting

Director Forseth reported on this matter 

A Question/Answer period ensued

No resolution resulted from the discussion... 

4) Action Page

Discussion ensued...

Action Page received

Caucus adjourned at 3:47pm

WL Council Highlights - March 22nd mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors Boehm, Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson (via Zoom), Ryll, Smith

Meeting called to order - 6pm

Meeting Agenda Adopted

Minutes of the Williams Lake City Council meeting held on March 8th, 2022 were received/adopted

Meeting Video here 

Delegations/Presentations:

1) Wayne Potter from the Lakers Car Club appeared before Council to discuss their 2022 Spring Show & Shine Event in May 2022

Following the presentation - a Question//Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Mr. Potter for his time/information

Resolved -- 

That pursuant to the request of the Lakers Car Club in their letter dated March 17, 2022, Council authorize the use of the City-owned parking lot located at 157/169 Yorston Street adjacent to Lake City Glass by the Club for their annual Spring Round-Up Show & Shine event taking place on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

2) Maureen Straza, Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair appeared before Council to present the Accessibility Advisory Committee 2021 Year-End Report

Following the presentation - a Question//Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Straza for her time/information

Resolved -- 

That report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair and Legislative Services Assistant Coordinator dated March 1, 2022 regarding a summary of the AAC's goals and successes from 2021 be received for information.

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated March 8, 10, 17 and 18, 2022

2) Council scheduled the date for the Parcel Tax Roll Reviews to be held in Council Chambers as follows: 

 Water and Sewer - Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 9:00 AM; and 

 Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area - Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 9:30 AM

3) After receiving no public input -- Council approved DVP #02-2022 for property at 104 Fairview Dr (Williams Lake Golf and Country Club)

4) After receiving no public input -- Council approved DP #1-2022 for property at  1324 Broadway Avenue South (Macdonald's Canada) 

5) Council approved the resolutions titled “Rural MD Locum Funding” and “Mental Health Crisis” for submission to the North Central Local Government Association for consideration at the 2022 NCLGA AGM and Conference

Editor's Note -- the above matter was also approved at the Cariboo Regional District's Board Meeting held on March 18th, 2022

6) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022, City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2361, 2022 and City of Williams Lake Good Neighbour Amendment Bylaw No. 2362, 2022 and that Public Notification takes place of Council's intention to adopt these Bylaws on a future date... 

7) Council endorsed-in-principle the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Williams Lake and the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association (DWLBIA) establishing a Williams Lake Public Art Committee to be administered by the DWLBIA for a three-year term effective 2022 through 2024; and further, that Council establish a budget of $5,000 toward this program for the three-year term of the MOU with final approval of Council being required prior to any projects proceeding and that this matter return to a future Council meeting for formal approval, once the Downtown Williams Lake BIA Board has an opportunity to review the proposed MOU and provide its' recommendations/comments to Council on the draft MOU

8) Council deferred consideration of the Pavement Marking 2022 contract to Andesite Holdings DBA Yellowhead Pavement Marking Inc. until Staff return a report to Council to accomplish a pavement marking project within a budget of $100,000.  Council divided - Motion approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Smith

Opposed - Councillors S. Boehm and J. Ryll

9) Council approved the proposed Airport Lease Agreement with the Cariboo Kennel Club for the lands situated at the old housing area of the Williams Lake Regional Airport, as identified on the attached Sketch Plan and legally described as part of Block O, District Lots 8883, 8884, 8868 and 8869, Cariboo District, for a two-year term effective January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023, with one option to renew for an additional three years; and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City

10) Council endorsed a recommendation of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows:

That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #01-2022, the report of the Director of Community Services dated February 11, 2022 regarding the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex (CMRC) Statutory Holiday opening and closing schedule be received and 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 30th, the National day for Truth and Reconciliation.

11) Council endorsed two recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #05-2022 and the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated March 8, 2022, staff be directed to pay the Earned Retirement Benefit Payments that are currently in arrears, in equal and interest free payment amounts over the remaining term of the current MPUA agreement and further to include this commitment in future budgets.

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #06-2022, the letter from the Cariboo Adventist Academy Grade 6 and 7 class dated March 7, 2022 regarding a proposal from the students for a new City flag be received for information and kept on file for future discussions on City branding, and a letter be sent by the Mayor thanking the class for their submission and requesting to schedule a date to meet with their class; and further, a discussion be included on an upcoming Committee of Whole Council agenda regarding consideration of a new flag and branding initiatives

12)  Council agreed to send a letter of support for the New Pathways To Gold Society (NPTGS) work and investments in the region's Gold Rush/Spirit Trails heritage tourism corridor to Premier John Horgan, TACS Minister Melanie Mark and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin urging them to continue providing the NPTGS with the stable, ongoing core funding needed for them to continue providing this valuable service

13) Council received the Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held February 23, 2022

14) At the request of Interior Health -- Council directed staff to display purple lights on the exterior of City Hall the week of April 4 to 10, 2022 in support of "National Dental Hygienists Week" for 'Oral Health for Total Health' as part of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association’s national “Put Your Purple On!” campaign

15) Council reported out on an In-Camera Resolution from their March 8th In-Camera Meeting, as follows:

That Council receive Accessibility Advisory Committee Report #01-2022 regarding the AAC E-Mail poll conducted on February 1, 2022 recommending acceptance of the application from Troy Johnny to join the Accessibility Advisory Committee and endorse this Committee appointment; and further, this item be brought forward as a matter of public record. 

16) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of March 22nd, 2022

Mayor Cobb provided a verbal report concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and received no questions, following his report

Members of Council and the CAO reported out on their recent activities

Resolution to Proceed to Closed Council Meeting -- 

Resolved -- That Council now resolve into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Meeting of Council, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1) (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interest of the municipality if they were held in public.

Council adjourned its' Open Meeting at 7:30pm

Cariboo RD Utility Bills 2022

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

This is a reminder that the Cariboo Regional District offers a 10% discount to anyone who pays his or her utility account in full by May 31, 2022.  After this date, the full amount becomes due and payable by December 31, 2022.   The Cariboo Regional District does not charge penalties or interest.

Please be aware any accounts with amounts owing after December 31, 2022 will be transferred to the property's land tax account at which time interest and or penalties will be applied and become payable to the Minister of Finance. 

IF YOU RECEIVE A NOTICE FROM THE MINISTER OF FINANCE

Receiving a notice from the Minister of Finance or a Noticed of Account Change means your outstanding utility bill was transferred to your property tax account with the province. These amounts represent last year’s utility bill and do not affect the amount owing for this years utility bill.

Utility Bill Payments accepted through most Financial Institutions and Online Banking

Utility users can now make payments through most financial institutions and Credit Unions in BC.  This method of payment should be accessible through your online banking account, automated teller machines (ATMs), telephone banking or in person with a teller. 

To pay your utility bill using a bill payment service, you will need to add a payee for Utility Bill payments to your bank account. To add a new payee to your bank account, you need to know our payee name and your account number.  You should be able to find us listed with your bank under the payee name; Cariboo Regional District. However, some banks and financial institutions will use a variation of the payee name.

 If you can't find the Cariboo Regional District online, call your bank for assistance or try entering a shorter version such as “Cariboo Reg Dist”.  Your account number is listed on your Annual Utility bill. Your account number must be entered without spaces, decimals or dashes.

(e.g.  000 00000000 000 must be entered as 00000000000000).

More information on paying your utility bill or to go paperless, visit cariboord.ca/paying-your-utilities. 

World Water Day 2022

 

Today is World Water Day. The theme for this year is "Groundwater - Making the Invisible Visible"

The picture is a upward look at the Fraser River at the Rudy Johnson Bridge which is partially in #CaribooRD Area D and part in #CaribooRD Area K

More on this day at https://lnkd.in/d54BTCC2.  In addition, the BC Government speaks on this day as well here

Many water well users in rural areas in BC and indeed in our local Regional District, outside municipalities, rely on groundwater to ensure the viability of a property owner's water well. Unfortunately, since the 2017 Wildfires, I have fielded a number of concerns in Wildwood about water wells running dry and continue to field concerns on Fox Mountain residents' about the state of the aquifer there to sustain property owners already residing there.

This concern has been around since 2012 and will work with Fox Mountain residents' to ensure that their local water supply can be maintained on a sustainable basis - both short, medium and long term....

Prescribed burn to reduce wildfire risk along Highway 20

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tŝilhqot’in communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District and BC Hydro plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns along the Highway 20 right-of-way.  

Burning may begin as early as March 22, 2022, and will continue periodically until April 30, 2022.  The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation..

Over the next several weeks firefighters will burn in sections along the Highway 20 right-of-way from the Hanceville Lookout, westward to the western boundary of Tsiyi (Bull Canyon Park).

 Purpose of this prescribed burn:

*Remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire within the right-of-way

*Protect infrastructure along a section of Highway 20

*Partner with Tŝilhqot’in fire crews to work together outside of emergency response activities and strengthen inter-agency coordination

While burn operations are underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

BC Wildfire Service staff and Tŝilhqot’in fire crews will carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn will be highly visible from Yuneŝit’in, Tl’etinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas.

Learn More

Prescribed burning is an effective tool which decreases the amount of fuel (i.e. cured grass and

woody debris) available for wildfire consumption. A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.

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

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

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

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

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

 

South Cariboo Recreation Referendum postponed until 2023

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The South Cariboo Joint Committee (SCJC) and the Cariboo Regional District Board (CRD) have agreed to postpone the referendum for a proposed new South Cariboo Recreation & Culture service until 2023. Originally a referendum was proposed for June 2022.

“The decision was made based on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacts to communications and community face-to-face engagement plans that have not allowed full discussion and input of this proposed new service. By postponing this until 2023 it will allow the community and any newly elected officials to participate in dialogue for future recreation considerations,” said CRD Chair Margo Wagner.

A new recreation service is being considered for the South Cariboo which would include all Electoral Areas: G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House. The current boundaries are within the district of 100 Mile House, 108 Mile Ranch, Lone Butte, and parts of Forest Grove, but does not include places like Lac La Hache, Canim Lake or the lnterlakes area along Highway 24.

Based on feedback from the public during initial consultation, the South Cariboo Joint Committee felt the proposal needed to include the potential for a major new recreation facility, such as an aquatic centre. The proposed new service would pay for existing South Cariboo Recreation & Culture services such as the South Cariboo Recreation Centre, Martin Exeter Hall, and the soccer fields. It would also include a new taxation limit to accommodate construction and operation of a major new facility such as an aquatic centre. The taxation boundary would expand to encompass all the residents who typically access facilities centrally located in 100 Mile House.

The new service was proposed to more accurately reflect all the residents that benefit from the recreation facilities and activities that are important to the quality of life in the south Cariboo. Recreation and culture also play an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining people to the area, especially for locally underserved professions such as health care.  Extending the timeframe into 2022 and 2023 will allow more opportunity for discussions with residents and for more informed decision making.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of March 21st - 25th, 2022

The following local governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are holding meetings the week of March 21-25, 2022 - as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting via electronic means on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here 

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  Meeting to be livestreamed via the City of Williams Lake's YouTube channel or attend in person.  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Wayne Potter, Lakers Car Club re 2022 Spring Show & Shine Event and Maureen Straza, AAC Chair re Accessibility Advisory Committee 2021 Year-End Report

* DVP Application for property at 104 Fairview Drive

* Development Permit Application for property at 1324 Broadway Avenue South (McDonald's Restaurant)

* Submit Late 2022 NCLGA Resolutions concerning "Rural MD Locum Funding” and “Mental Health Crisis” (in concert with Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House)

* New City of WL Sign Bylaw - for consideration of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings'

* Memorandum of Understanding - Williams Lake Public Art Committee

* Pavement Marking 2022 - Award of Contract

* Report from In-Camera -- appointment of new member to the Accessibility Advisory Committee

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Central Cariboo sub-regional Committee meetings, as follows (aforementioned meetings, as below, to be held in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake):

1) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd at 3pm.  On the Agenda:

* Annual WL RCMP Victim Services Report - 2021 

* Request for Convention Transit Services in Central Cariboo -- Saint Vincent de Paul Society

* Verbal Report of Dir. Forseth (Area D) re: Central Cariboo Food Hub Zoom Meeting

View the full Agenda here

2) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd at 5:30pm.  On the Agenda:

*  Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - BC - CleanBC Communities Fund Application

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - March 18th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 9:45am

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 25th, 2022 was received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd readings to South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5369, 2022 for property at 5273 Evergreen Drive/Area "G"

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd readings to Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5371, 2021 and  South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5372, 2021 for property at 8117 Bridge Lake North Road in Area "L"

3) Following a Public Hearing -- the Board agreed to the following amendment, in respect of  South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5345, 2021 as follows:

II. AMENDMENT

Bylaw No. 3501, 1998 (South Cariboo Area Zoning Bylaw) of the Cariboo Regional District is amended by:

1. Including Section 5.20.3.7 into Schedule “A” as follows:

    

   5.20.3.7 Special Exception RR 3-7 Zone (3360-20/20210044)

    

   Notwithstanding any other provisions of this bylaw to the contrary, on lands zoned RR 3-7 where the property lot lines are adjacent to lands contained within the subdivision Plan KAP20594, or any subdivision thereof:

    

   1. REQUIRED YARDS (minimum): = 7.6 metres (24.9 feet)

       

All other provisions of the RR 3 zone shall apply.

1. Rezoning Lot 3, District Lot 3720, Lillooet District, Plan 27014 from Rural 1 (RR 1) zone to Special Exception RR 3-7 zone; and

    

2. Amending Schedule “C” accordingly.

And that Bylaw #5345, 2021 be read a 3rd time, as amended & that the full application fee of $1,900.00 be refunded to the applicant for File No. 3360-20/20210044, due to extenuating circumstances in accordance with CRD Application Fees Policy PL4.2 (Policy #11-06A-13)

(Area L/7515 Gauthier Road)

4) The Board approved the following, in respect of DVP #63-2021 for property at 8130 Lower Stack Road in Area "L":

i) That the request to increase the maximum combined gross floor area from 400 square metres (4,306 square feet) to 648.09 square metres (6,976 square feet) to legalize the existing ancillary structures be approved and; 

ii) That the request to vary section 5.18.2 (b) iii) of the South Cariboo Area Zoning Bylaw No. 3501, 1999 to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback from 7.6 metres (24.9 feet) to 4.57 metres (15 feet) be approved

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION (Item ii): Directors' Wagner, Massier, Sjostrom, Richmond (Areas A,C,G,H)

Director B. Bachmeier entered the meeting at 10:49am

5) The Board approved Temporary Use Permit #3-2022 for property at 5882 Hilltop Road in Area "H", subject to 3 conditions - click here

6) The Board rejected a request of the  Agricultural Development Advisory Committee for the ability to appoint alternate members

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Massier (Area "C") 

7) The Board agreed to place a Notice of Title in Area "C" on land legally described as Lot 2, Plan PGP41114, District Lot 8621, Cariboo Land District

8) The Board approved a request of Director Sjostrom (Area A) for up to $10,000 of Rural Feasibility Funds to  undertake some preliminary analysis towards a street light solution for the residents of Gook Road and surrounding area within Red Bluff

9) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of February 2022, in the amount of $1,749,412.71

10) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of March 18th, 2022

11) The Board received a letter from UBCM concerning the Province of BC's response to the Cariboo Regional District's 2021 UBCM resolution regarding access to broadband and cellular services

12) The Board received the following Minutes from its' Committees or Commission

a) February 23rd meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee - At request of Director Forseth, minutes referred back to Central Cariboo Joint Committee for review

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Bonnell (City of Williams Lake)

b) February 24th meeting of Policy Committee

c) February 24th meeting of Finance/Budget Committee 

d) March 8th meeting of North Cariboo Rural Caucus

e) March 9th meeting of Emergency Preparedness Committee

The Board also endorsed recommendations from the above noted Committees', as follows;

a) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - click here

b) Policy Committee - 5 Recommendations

i) Outdated Planning Policies - click here

ii) Fire Protection Service Boundary Policy - click here

iii) Steel Shipping Containers as Building Components Policy/Rescinding Policy -- click here

iv)  Private Sewerage System Requirements and Procedures for Construction Projects - click here

v) Connectivity Committee/Remuneration -- "That the CRD's new Connectivity Committee be remunerated as a Select Committee, which allows for travel expenses only"

c) North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Appointments to Community Committees in 2022 - click here

d) Emergency Preparedness Committee - 2 Recommendations:

i) That investigating the feasibility of a Regional Emergency Program be added to the Emergency Program priorities list.

ii) That the agenda item summary from Stephanie Masun, Emergency Program Manager, dated March 3, 2022, regarding the Emergency Program Strategic Review and Development of Priority Actions, be received. Further, that the action plan be referred to staff for development and establishment of priorities.

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

i)  Pine Valley Sewer Management Amendment Bylaw No. 5366, 2022

ii) Cariboo Regional District Water Services Management Amendment Bylaw No. 5373, 2022

iii) Cariboo Regional District 2022 Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 5378, 2022

14) At the request of Director Delainey (Area E) -- the Board approved her request of up to $500 from Electoral Area E Director Initiative Funds to pay the cost of her virtual participation in the 2022 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention

15) The Board re-appointed Director Delainey (Area E) as its' Regional Representative to the NCLGA Board for the 2022-23 term and that Director LeBourdais be appointed as the alternate rep to the NCLGA Board on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District Board 

16) The Board approved COVID-19 Safe Restart (2nd Round) funds for Electoral Areas, as follows:

Area "A":

* North Cariboo Seniors' Council -- $500

* Alexandria Community Association - $4,000

* Kersley Community Association - $5,000

* Quesnel Heritage Association - $1,500 

Area "B":

* North Cariboo Seniors' Council -- $500

* Pet Safe Coalition - $3,000

* Bouchie Lake Community Association - $2,000

* Bouchie Lake Volunteer Firefighters Association - $500

Area "C":

* North Cariboo Seniors' Council -- $500

Area "I":

* North Cariboo Seniors' Council -- $500

Area "K:

* Alexis Creek Community Club - $1,500

* Big Creek Community Club - $1,500

18) The Board approved submitting Late NCLGA Resolutions covering the following topics:

* Rural Medical Doctor Locum Funding

* Mental Health Crisis

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

The Board received a report of Chair Wagner concerning her recent activities on behalf of the Regional District... 

At 2:53pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Session and convened a Closed (In-Camera) Board Session, as per Sections 92 and 90(1a,c,e,i,j,k,l - appointment, labour, land, legal advice, information prohibited from public disclosure, negotiations and preparation of annual report) as well as Section 90(2b - confidential negotiations between provincial/federal government, local government and a 3rd Party) all of the Community Charter

At 3:13pm-- the Board resumed its' Open Session

The Board adjourned at 3:19pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - March 18th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of CCRHD Board Meeting held on Feb 25th, 2022 were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District 2022 Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 197, 2022

2) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar

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

At 9:40am -- the Board meeting recessed

At 10:53am-- the Board meeting resumed

The Board then recessed to a Closed (In-Camera) Board Session as per Sections 92 and 90(1e/k - land and negotiations) of the Community Charter

After some time In-Camera, the Board rose from their In-Camera Session and then adjourned

Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD Board) - March 17th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair J. Massier; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Forseth, Delainey, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald and Pinkney (at beginning of meeting)

Meeting called to order - 9:30am

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

Meeting Agenda adopted 

Minutes of the February 3rd, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting was received/adopted

Business:

The Committee reviewed/discussed the following matters:

1) Item from Dir. Forseth (Area D) re: Future Sustainability of Rural Community Halls

2) On-going discussions for a Dangerous Dog Bylaw in Areas A/D of the Regional District

3) Cariboo RD VFD Strategic Review/Next Steps - Update from Mgr of Protective Services

4) Public Hearings in Electoral Areas - current practice and next steps

5) Community Use of Local Fire Halls operated by the Regional District

At 12:00pm - the Committee recessed for lunch

At 12:40pm - the Committee resumed its' meeting

Director B. Simpson (City of Quesnel) entered the meeting at 1:13pm

Committee Recommendations to the Regional Board:

1) That the next UpFront newsletter include a blurb about responsible dog handling in rural areas as well as relevant Dog Regulatory Bylaws of the Cariboo Regional District be placed in the Directors' Portal

2) That in-person Public Hearings at public facilities where the land in question that is subject of a Public Hearing resume as well as a report of Dr. Jennifer Wolowic (SFU) regarding future of Public Hearings be presented at a future meeting

3) That Staff prepare a report, with options, regarding implementation of dual occupancy at the Deka Lake Fire Hall in Electoral Area "L"

The Committee adjourned at 2:33pm

Quesnel Council Highlights - March 15th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program - 2022 New Candidate Presentation

Mayor Simpson introduced the 2022 Candidates while the 2021 Ambassadors, led the pinning ceremony and placed the candidate crowns.

Coordinator - Rose Scott

2021 Ambassadors

• Jaeana Dumais
• Jessie Johal
• Naylene Runge

2022 Candidates & Sponsors

• Navaeh Kueber - Rocky Peak Outfitters Inc
• Jada Crossman - Wizards Garage
• Marley Conlin - West Central Pipe
• Olivia Trimble - M. Daniels Consulting
• Daria Brownmiller - Rotary Club of Quesnel

Finance Update

Surplus/Deficit 2021 - Council allocated the 2021 surplus to the Capital Reinvestment Fund and the Tax and Community Stabilization Reserve and, carried forward derelict property and capital planning operating funds to 2022.

2022 Operating Budget - With some carefully considered changes to the 2022 operating budget, including reducing transit taxation, snow reserve and Council travel, Council allocated over $200,000 to account for the rapidly increasing fuel costs and above-normal inflation.

Development Services Update

OCP and Zoning Amendments for 668 Doherty Drive to allow the conversion of a two-level commercial complex to a three-level apartment.  Council will require the proponent to hold public information sessions prior to the May 3rd Public Hearing, advertised to businesses, land owners and residents within 100m of the subject property.

Through a request from the Quesnel Downtown Association and, a recommendation from the Poliy and Bylaw Committee, Council gave the first three readings to the Comprehensive Street, Traffic and Parking Amendment Bylaw, which will add a requirement for downtown owners/occupiers to sweep and remove debris from their sidewalks.

150 Time Immemorial Grant

The Provincial government launched a new grant program through Heritage BC.  Council accepted $49,000 through the Cultural Heritage Awareness stream toward the Riverfront Trail Interpretive Signage project.

Bus Shelter Grant

Council approved an agreement with BC Transit, to install a new bus shelter at Lust Road and Bass Road, westbound.  

Correspondence:

Council approved the following letter of support:

New Pathways to Gold Society - request for a letter of support to the Provincial government, for on-going core funding.

Bylaws

• Bylaws 1912 and 1913 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1912 of 2021 and City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1913 of 2021 (668 Doherty Drive) - Second Reading and 

Set Public Hearing date for:

May 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street

• Bylaw 1920 - City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1920 of 2022 - Final Adoption
• Bylaw 1921 - City of Quesnel Housing Agreement Authorization Bylaw No. 1921 of 2022 - First, Second and Third Readings
• Bylaw 1923 - City of Quesnel Comprehensive Street, Traffic and Parking Amendment Bylaw No. 1923 of 2022 - First, Second and Third Readings

BC launches review of COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.

The goal is to learn about how government agencies worked together to address the effects of COVID-19 that affected everyone, changed rapidly and continues to cause a high level of uncertainty.

The review will include what aspects of preparedness, engagement, communications and implementation worked well, what changes were made to improve operational effectiveness as the pandemic evolved, and what improvements can be made to better prepare for pandemics and emergencies.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has appointed an independent project team to conduct a review of the B.C. public sector’s response to COVID-19 since March 2020. The project team includes three long-time, former senior leaders of the BC Public Service: Bob de Faye; Dan Perrin; and Chris Trumpy. Together, they will bring extensive expertise in large-scale public-sector governance and operations.

The project team will engage extensively with government agencies, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, partners and independent regulators that have been involved in responding to the pandemic on behalf of British Columbians.

Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business or organization, has been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.

A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.

By learning from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. government will be in a better position to build B.C. back stronger than ever and be ready for future emergencies.

Quick Facts:

• The review will focus on operational responses to the pandemic by the B.C. government from January 2020 into 2022.
• The scope of the review does not include an assessment of the public policy decisions made by government to deal with the consequences of the pandemic and decisions made by the provincial health officer. Decisions made about economic recovery, such as supports for small businesses and families will not be part of the review. This review will, however, look at how these decisions were made.
• In October 2021, the Office of the Seniors Advocate completed a review of COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care and assisted-living sites.

Learn More:

To view the terms of reference for the review, visit:
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/121/2022/03/COVID-19LessonsLearnedTOR-FINAL09MAR22.pdf

To participate in the public engagement until 4 p.m. (Pacific time) on April 20, 2022, visit:
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/covid-19-lessons-learned-review/

A backgrounder follows.

Backgrounders

Project team biographies

Biographies of the project team leading the operational review of the B.C. government’s response to COVID-19 follow.

Bob de Faye

Bob de Faye has enjoyed a 32-year career in the British Columbia public service, including nine years as a deputy minister for the following: the former Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; the former Ministry of Small Business and Revenue; the former Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services; and the Public Sector Employer’s Council. He was associate deputy minister and chief administrative officer at the Ministry of Health and served for two years as chair of the BC Medical Services Commission.

For the past 10 years, he has been a strategic adviser and executive consultant in public policy analysis and development. He has worked for First Nations, local governments, the resource industry and for the B.C. government on governance and operations reviews.

Daniel Perrin

Daniel (Dan) Perrin is a public policy professional, active in providing public policy advice in British Columbia since 1981 through a wide range of activities. As founding principal of Perrin, Thorau and Associates Ltd., established in 1994, he has undertaken hundreds of assignments for all manner of provincial public-sector entities, ranging from ministries to Crown corporations and authorities, to local governments and First Nations. These assignments relate to issues across the spectrum of provincial and local government responsibility and share a common thread of financial and economic considerations.

During this time, he has facilitated numerous independent, expert reviews charged with addressing, among other things, improvements to the budget process and financial administration for the Province of B.C., real estate regulatory reform, money laundering in real estate, tax competitiveness, replacing the revenues associated with eliminating MSP premiums, reforming disability assistance and the Expert Panel on Basic Income.

Prior to founding Perrin, Thorau and Associates, he held a series of increasingly senior positions in the B.C. public service, including in the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Premier and the former Ministry of Social Services.

Chris Trumpy

Chris Trumpy retired from the BC Public Service in 2009 after 30 years of service, including time as the deputy minister of the Ministry of Finance, the former Ministry of Environment, the former Ministry of Provincial Revenue and the former Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management. Since then, he has been involved in several projects, including industrial electricity policy, forest contractor sustainability, public school funding formula review, BC Transit governance and ICBC investment management. He has also served on not-for-profit and for-profit boards since retirement.