Cariboo RD Policy Committee Highlights - May 31st mtg

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

Meeting called to order -- 10:04am

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Policy Committee meeting held on February 24th, 2022 were received and adopted

Business:

The Committee reviewed the following matters:

* Cell Tower Siting Policy

* Request to rescind Special Occasion Liquor License Advertising Policy

* DRAFT Board Correspondence Management Policy

* DRAFT Email Records Policy

Following Committee discussions', the Committee made the following recommendation to the Regional Board for its' consideration:

1) That the agenda item summary from Alice Johnston, Manager of Corporate Services/Deputy CAO, dated May 9, 2022, regarding Policy #13-03B-30 Public Special Occasion Liquor Licenses Advertisements Policy, be received. Further, that the aforementioned policy be rescinded.

The Committee adjourned at 11:54am

Cariboo RD Board on the Road in Barkerville, BC on June 9/10, 2022

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors is thrilled to be hosting the first ‘Board on the Road’ meeting since the pandemic began. The meeting will take place from June 9 to 10, 2022 on the traditional, unceded territory of the Dakelh and Secwépemc Peoples in Barkerville Historic Town and Park.

At ‘Board on the Road,’ Directors of the CRD and residents meet to listen to the CRD Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings “on the road,” as opposed to our regular meeting place in Williams Lake.  

 “As Director of Electoral C and Vice-Chair of the CRD Board of Directors, I felt it was important to host our first ‘Board on the Road’ since the pandemic at one of our key cultural tourism attractions which has taken a big economic hit during COVID. We are excited to be at Barkerville Historic Town and Park to conduct our June meeting, to mingle with community members during our meetings and then kick-off the summer with a BBQ”, exclaimed Vice-Chair, John Massier. 

All meetings will take place at the Barkerville Visitor’s Centre just inside the entrance gates. On Thursday, June 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. there is the Committee of the Whole and then in the evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. there is a free community BBQ at the Forest Rose Campground, Group Site 147. Come listen, learn, reconnect, share a meal, and meet the CRD Board of Directors and some staff in person. The CRD will be contributing to the Barkerville Heritage Trust for providing the BBQ. 

The Board Meeting will take place at the Barkerville Visitor’s Centre on Friday, June 10th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  and the CRD Board of Directors invite local community members to attend.

When you arrive onsite let the Barkerville staff know you are here for the meetings and/or BBQ and they will point you in the right direction. The CRD Board of Directors are excited to get out and see everyone in person again and thanks the staff and board of Barkerville Historic Town and Park in assisting with all the preparations! 

Williams Lake Stampede Song Reissued to Commemorate 50th Anniversary

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Not every small town can claim to have its very own song, but Williams Lake now has an updated version of its 50-plus-year-old tune in honour of the World Famous Williams Lake Stampede.

Originally recorded in 1970, the Williams Lake Stampede song was a perennial hit that came out annually during the month of June leading up to the beloved community event.

In recent years, though, the song has fallen out of circulation and radio airplay because technology advanced to the point that there was no format available to play the original any longer.

When it came to City Council’s attention that the song had faded from the airwaves, the decision was made to invest in a revival and the City commissioned a new recording from original artist Alan Moberg, a well-known B.C. singer and songwriter.

The plan was to have it produced in time for the 2020 Williams Lake Stampede to celebrate the song’s 50th anniversary. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, halted its production and re-release.

As a kickoff to the Stampede month, and in partnership with the Williams Lake Stampede Association, the big reveal of the new recording happened on Saturday night at the Stampede Association’s annual dinner, dance and auction.

Moberg played a surprise set at the dinner after being introduced by members of Council, then joined the entertainment lineup at the dance in the Stampede Park grandstand led by headliners Karen-Lee Batten and Aaron Pritchett to an enthusiastic crowd.

The new digital recording of the music was produced by Nathan Tinkham, a musician and producer at Woodshop Recording Studio in Duncan, B.C. With the newly-produced version and accompanying music score, the hope is the song will come back into regular play and be picked up and played by groups like the Williams Lake Community Band.

“This is a novelty song, but it is our song, and we are happy to have it come back for hopefully another 50 years of play in our community,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “It was kind of a shock that we had members of Council who had never even heard it before, but if you ask anyone who grew up here over the age of 45, they can pretty much sing the whole thing.”

The City, meanwhile, has partnered with Moberg and the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin to make both the original score and audio of the song available to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

A special limited edition commemorative sheet music jacket has been designed and printed, and will be available for $10 at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin and at City Hall, with all proceeds from the sales going to the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Included on the jacket is some of the history behind the Williams Lake Stampede song as told by Moberg, along with a physical copy of the sheet music tucked inside.

The 50th anniversary re-issue of the Williams Lake Stampede song and sheet music are both available for download from the City’s website at www.williamslake.ca/469/Williams-Lake-Stampede.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of May 30th - June 3rd, 2022

The following local governments' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting the week of May 30th to June 3rd, 2022... 

Quesnel - Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at 4:15pm in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Revisit 2022-26 City of Quesnel Five Year Capital Plan (Re-prioritize Capital Plan listing to accommodate Johnston Bridge Project)

* Discussion Item: City of Quesnel Bonding Policy

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Policy Committee -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 at 10am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Cell Tower Siting Process/possible CRD Policy

* Request to consider rescinding CRD Board Policy #13-03B-30 (Special Occasion Liquor License Ad Policy)

* DRAFT Cariboo RD Correspondence Management Policy

* DRAFT Email Records Policy

View the full Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - May 25th mtg

Present: 

From Cariboo Regional District -- Co-Chair S. Forseth; Directors Delainey/LeBourdais

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

Meeting Chair -- Councillor J. Ryll

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held March 23rd, 2022 were received/adopted

Delegations - None

Business:

1) 2021 Scout Island Fee for Service Trail System Report

The annual report from the Scout Island Nature Centre was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received

2) Esler Recreation Advisory Commission - 2022 Spring Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

A report from the Regional District Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

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

a) That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated May 16, 2022, and attached minutes from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 12, 2022, be received. Further, that the following recommendation from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 12, 2022 be endorsed:

That the proposed 2022 capital projects for Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball be approved, including: the Slo-Pitch League will complete parking lot improvements and danger tree removal along outfield fence lines, the Williams Lake Soccer Associations will install fencing and purchase line painting equipment, and the Williams Lake Minor Fastball will purchase topsoil for field dressing. And further, that $5,000 to each group for the capital projects be approved as allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services (CCRLS) budget and business plan for 2022

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Co-Chair Ryll 

b) That the following recommendation from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 12, 2022 be endorsed:

That an application to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund grant program for up to $5,000,000 in funding to support construction of the access road into the Esler Sports Complex and improved onsite parking be submitted. Further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the necessary contribution agreement should the grant application be successful

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Co-Chair Ryll 

c)  That the following recommendation from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 12, 2022 be endorsed:

That a five-year Use and Occupancy Agreement be entered into with the Cariboo Disc Golf Club to develop and maintain a public course at the north end of the Esler Sports Complex. Further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the agreement and that the Slo-Pitch Use and Occupancy Agreement be amended to remove the overlapping area so it can be made available for the disc golf club

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Co-Chair Ryll 

d) That the following recommendation from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 12, 2022 be endorsed:

That the advisory commission members for 2022 be appointed as follows: Linda Barbondy for the WL Slo-Pitch League, Brian Hansen for the WL Soccer Associations, Nick Surette for WL Minor Fastball, and Bruce Newbery and Pierre Mayette for the Esler Community Association. And further, that the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission establishment bylaw be amended to include an appointed representative from the Cariboo Disc Golf Club.

Resolved - That Staff bring forward the Central Cariboo Recreation Service Establishment Bylaw to faciliate a broad discussion about recreation facilities within the boundaries of the Central Cariboo Recreation service area at the June meeting

2) Discussion Item -- Designation of Safe Air Spaces

Following the discussion, no resolution resulted 

3) Action Page

The Action Page was received and Item #2 was removed

The Committee adjourned at 6:37pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - May 25th mtg

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

Meeting called to order -- 3:02pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (late item from Dir. Forseth - integrated land use planning within WL Fringe OCP area)

Minutes of Caucus meeting held on March 23rd, 2022 were received and adopted

Delegation:

Vickie Boudrias, Central Cariboo Quality Manager from Dawson Road Maintenance appeared before Caucus to provide an update on road maintenance in the Central Cariboo.

A Question/Answer period ensued.. 

The Chair thanked Ms. Boudrias for her time/information

Business:

1) Caucus held a discussion on the following items:

a) Integrated Land Use Planning within the Williams Lake Fringe OCP area (Dir. Forseth)

b) 2022 Williams Lake Stampede Parade (All Directors')

No resolutions resulted from the discussions' 

2) Action Page 

Manager of Community Services provided an update on expansion of convention transit to Comer Hill within Area "D" and consequently the following resolution resulted:

"That a letter be forwarded to Lynn Paterson, President and Dick Schut, Director of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul advising that no further action can be taken in respect to expanding conventional transit to Comer Hill in Area "D" of the Regional District as the City of Williams Lake is unable to commit to further expansion of its' transit service at this time"

Resolved -- That the Action Page be received and Item #1 be deleted

Caucus adjourned at 3:54pm

AAP Process for Bouchie Lake VFD for new Fire Truck

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The CRD’s Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department requires a new fire truck in 2022 to meet certification requirements. The Cariboo Regional District is holding an alternative approval process (AAP) to approve using 10-year financing term for the purchase.

“In order to maintain the incredible service that the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department provides to the community critical equipment and resources need to be maintained and meet Canadian certification requirements on a regular basis,” explains Barb Bachmeier, Electoral Area B Director with the Cariboo Regional District. “If they are not replaced, property owners will not qualify for fire insurance discounts within those fire protection areas.”

To lower the impact on taxes, the Regional District is using ten-year fixed rate financing, rather than five-year financing. Doing this, spreads out the purchasing cost, creates the least impact on cash flows and helps the fire department build up savings for future maintenance and truck replacements.

“Using a ten-year finance model is a responsible way of keeping tax rates manageable for large purchases,” Bachmeier states.

If qualified electors in the Bouchie Lake fire protection areas are good with the CRD using 10-year term financing to purchase the fire truck, then they do not have to do anything. If they are opposed, they need to submit the official Elector Response by Tuesday, July 5, 2022.

Local governments need residents’ permission to enter into financing arrangements longer than five years. To gather that permission, the Regional District has chosen to use an AAP to purchase the new fire engine for Bouchie Lake.

An AAP is a ‘reverse’ form of public assent where the proposed bylaw will go ahead unless at least 10 per cent of the eligible voters submit a signed Elector Response Form saying they are against the proposal. This means the CRD will purchase the truck through ten-year financing unless 10 per cent of the residents in the Bouchie Lake fire protection area object.
Signed Elector Response Forms must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2022

Visit cariboord.ca/firedepartments for the Elector Response Forms and a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding the AAP. The FAQs outline the impact on taxation for the fire protection area and provides more details on the alternative approval process.

Background Facts:

• The engine/pumper truck will cost $545,000. The CRD is seeking approval to borrow up to $350,000 with the remainder coming from reserves.
• To preserve cash flow for the fire service and take advantage of low financing costs the CRD is financing over a 10-year term after a five-year renewal.

To accommodate the purchase of the new apparatus, taxes were increased 25.8% in 2022.

The Bouchie Lake Fire Protection Area budget will see an overall tax increase of 5% (approx.$9,600) each year over the next 4 years of the financial plan (2023-2026).

The increase in requisition is not due solely to the purchase of the new apparatus. The 5% budgeted increases as planned are to counter inflationary costs pressures on normal operations and will be adjusted accordingly should inflation cool down.

• For an AAP, elector responses must be submitted on the official Elector Response Form. This form, or an accurate copy of it, is the only form that will be accepted. Forms are available from the CRD offices during business hours or can be downloaded at cariboord.ca/firedepartments.
• The CRD’s Protective Services department provides a variety of services throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin, including 9-1-1, Emergency Planning, Search and Rescue, Highway Rescue, Structural Fire Protection and Wildland/Urban Interface Fuel Management.
• The Cariboo Regional District has 14 volunteer fire departments. For more information about the CRD’s VFD’s or information about joining these groups of dedicated volunteers, visit cariboord.ca/firedepartments.

Bob Simpson: Join our housing discussion – Monday, May 30, 2022!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson and he can reached via email here

Quesnel, like most communities these days, is facing a significant housing challenge. This challenge is across all domains: affordable, seniors, supportive, rental, single-family residential, and high-end market housing (both for purchase and rental). Council has been working to try to address this challenge for some time, but, of course, the City does not directly build housing units, all we can do is establish a framework to make our community attractive to developers (including BC Housing) in an effort to get shovels in the ground and new housing units built as soon as possible. Council’s partnership with BC Housing has attracted multiple developments to date, including the new supportive and affordable multi-unit housing project currently under construction on Front Street. We’re now working with BC Housing on an additional affordable and supportive housing project for the City that we hope will also involve a relocation and upgrade of the existing shelter facility. The City, at Council’s direction, has established a significant housing incentive package for developers who are willing to meet the City’s desire to see modern, energy-efficient, affordable and accessible housing built in the City. More information about these incentives can be found here: www.quesnel.ca/building-development/housing-initiatives. We’re also making City properties available to developers. Two recent ‘Requests for Proposals’ for housing developments on city-owned properties on Kinchant Street and Neighbour Road are now in the vetting and due diligence phase and we hope to make announcements soon about the successful proponents of these multi-unit projects. However, the City of Quesnel does not have a lot of development-ready property (either public or private) at the scale we will need for the housing demands we’re facing both now and in the near future, when an estimated thousand new jobs will be created through a number of projects we’ve been coordinating with over the past few years. That’s why it’s vital that we support more “Accessory Dwelling Units” (ADUs) being built as soon as possible. ADUs are simply additional housing units (secondary suites, carriage houses, and secondary dwellings) that are added to existing single-family residential properties. This is one of the fastest, most efficient and effective ways to add more housing capacity in the City, as it takes advantage of our existing infrastructure on land that is already used for housing. The ability to quickly increase our housing options in the City is significant if we can assist and incent homeowners to add an ADU to their property. In order to facilitate the building of ADUs, the City successfully applied for a Northern Development Trust grant to create designs for ADUs in order to eliminate the design costs for homeowners who are interested in building one of these units on their property. The grant funded project will see the City create two carriage house designs (a secondary dwelling built using an existing structure such as a garage), two secondary dwelling designs (a free-standing, detached unit), and a secondary dwelling that will get as close as possible to a passive house design. The grant will also fund stakeholder engagement on this design process and upgrades to the City’s website to enable interested homeowners to more easily access information about ADUs. These plans are also available to Cariboo Regional District residents in the North Cariboo Regional District building inspection area. Please join us for a virtual community meeting at 6 pm on Monday, May 30 to review the draft ADU design plans that the technical consultants have created based on both initial City and community feedback. This is your opportunity to develop these “shovel-ready” designs for your property so you can assist us to meet our housing challenge by creating new, modern and innovative housing on your property. Register for this event here: www.letsconnectquesnel.ca/adus

Gook Road LED Streetlight Project Open House - June 1st from 7-9pm

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

An open house will be held at Lakeview Elementary School in Quesnel (1525 Beryl Road) June 1, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. to discuss the proposed Gook Road Street lighting project.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) through their rural road improvement program has approved a grant for $9650.00 towards the installation of 19 LED lights on existing poles in the Gook Road neighbourhood. Any additional costs for installation have been identified in the 2022 CRD budget pending grant approval and resident support.

“We are thrilled to have another grant approved through ICBC working with B.C. Hydro to possibly install an additional 19 LED lights in the Gook Road area (off Highway 97 and ending at Dragon Estates Trailer Park). Residents continue to communicate that safety enhancements like this are extremely important, so I am happy that there is another opportunity for this, and I encourage everyone to come out on June 1 to the open house", stated Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "A" Director Mary Sjostrom.

There are 373 homes in the Gook Road area in which BC Hydro has identified 19 poles for the newer LED streetlights. This is a continuation of safety enhancements in Area A of the Cariboo Regional District like the Maple Avenue corridor streetlight installation in 2021.

All Gook Road residents are encouraged to attend the open house to get a great overview of the proposed project, review the proposed area, hear about proposed timelines, and more details on estimated annual household costs. Director Sjostrom and Cariboo Regional District staff will be on hand to present information, answer questions and get Gook Road resident feedback.

Online details for those that can not attend will also be available at Street Lighting - Cariboo Regional District (cariboord.ca).

WL Council Highlights - May 24th, 2022 mtg

Meeting video here

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

Meeting called to order at 6:02pm, following the Public Hearing on Bylaw #2357, 2022 (104 Paxton Road)

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

Meeting Agenda approved with Late Items (In-Camera Reports and Report from Indigenous and Relations & Reconciliation Committee - Collaboration with Williams Lake First Nation (Councillor M. Brenner, Committee Chair)

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting held on May 10th, 2022 were received and adopted

Items from Public Hearing:

1) Following a Public Hearing -- Council gave 3rd Reading and Adoption to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2357, 2022 (104 Paxton Road)

Delegation:

1) Darren Dodge, Staff Sergeant/Detachment Commander - Williams Lake RCMP appeared before Council to present the Police Commission Report for January 1-April 30th, 2022

Following Staff-Sgt Dodge's presentation -- A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Staff-Sgt Dodge for his time/information

Resolved -- That the Police Commission Report for January 1 - April 30, 2022 from Darren Dodge, Staff Sergeant / Detachment Commander, Williams Lake RCMP be received for information and further that all police commission reports be forwarded to the BC Solicitor General and Attorney General

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated May 12, 13 and 18, 2022

2) Council received a report of the Executive Assistant regarding the submission to the Hon. David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing and the Hon. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, providing an overview of Council’s ongoing efforts to address the prolific offender issue and requesting the information be included in the Province-led investigation

3) Council appointed Ross Coupé as Chief Election Officer and Rena Schill as the Deputy Corporate Officer for the City of Williams Lake 2022 General Local Election

4) Following a Public Input Period -- Council approved Development Variance Permit No. 05-2021 from the property owners of 250 Mackenzie Ave S, legally described as Lot 3 Block 17 District Lot 71 Cariboo District Plan 1553. The property owner is requesting to vary section 306.3 being “Minimum Building Setbacks” of the Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002, to allow the replacement of a front façade and that Staff engage the property owner around parking concerns at 250 Mackenzie Avenue and report back to Council 

5) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 and direct staff to provide notice electronically and in the local newspaper of the Council’s intention to consider adoption of this bylaw at the June 21st, 2022 Council Meeting

6) Council received for information a report of Mayor Cobb regarding the annual 2022 BC Council of Forest Industries Convention held on April 27-29, 2022 in Vancouver, BC

7) Council approved the repair of a section of Zone 1 Water Main on Hodgson Road, with a budget not to exceed $ 200,600.00; that Council gave first, second and third readings to City of Williams Lake Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2367, 2022 to authorize the funding for this repair and finally Council approved waiving the City’s purchasing policy to direct award this project to Morben Contracting and TRUE Consulting to complete approved repair work

8) Council approved the application for the 2022 Canadian Red Cross Funding stream for projects that improved access to mental health and psychosocial services and supports (MHPSS), under the Community Well-being & Safety Plan Coordinator position for the amount of $350,500.00

9) Council approved entering into the Central and South Cariboo Landing and Retention Contract for Services Agreement with the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District 

10) Council adopted City of Williams Lake Fee Amendment Bylaw 2366, 2022

11) Council endorsed Committee of the Whole recommendations (2) as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #11-2022 and the report of the Economic Development Officer dated May 13, 2022, Council receive the additional information from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Marketing Association, (CCCTMA) and approve their request for a letter of support for their renewal of the 3% Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) accommodation tax in the City 

Resolved -- That CCCTA take into consideration local events in Williams Lake and use of the 3% accommodation tax revenue to support the marketing of those local events

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #12-2022 and the report of the Corporate Officer dated May 13, 2022, Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings' to the General Local Government Election Bylaw No. 2364, 2022.

12) Council agree to allocate up to $500 from the Special Events and Reconciliation budget for the City to participate in the National Indigenous Peoples Day parade and events on June 21, 2022

13) Council agree to endorse the annual 2022 Williams Lake Stampede Proclamation -- to view the full Proclamation, click here

14) Council proclaimed June 2022 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" in the City of Williams Lake and that Williams Lake City Hall Lights be changed to blue for this month.

15) Council proclaimed June 2022 as "ALS Awareness Month" in the City of Williams Lake

16) Reports from previous Special Closed (In-Camera) Council meetings was brought forward for public information, as follows:

a) That staff be directed to provide a report on the process to rezone the Poplar Glade Site to allow for residential development, and further that this direction be brought forward to a public meeting to be included in the public record (May 10th Special Closed Council Meeting)

b) That City Staff be directed to bring forward a review of the shelter operating at the Hamilton Inn property within 30 days, and further that BC Housing and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) be invited to provide input for this report (May 24th Special Closed Council Meeting)

17) Late Item: On a recommendation from the Indigenous and Relations & Reconciliation Committee -- That a letter be forwarded to Williams Lake First Nation requesting a "Council to Council" meeting to discuss collaboration opportunities for the betterment of the Greater Williams Lake Community 

Members of Council provided verbal updates on their recent activities

Media Question Period -- Next steps for Water System Repairs on Hodgson Road

Council adjourned at 7:28pm

2021/22 Capital Project Grants awarded in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- approved capital project grants for 2021-22 Fiscal Year in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region were:

1) Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association who is receiving $47,520 to fix/modernize their elevator that is at the end of its lifespan and causing issues 

2) Likely and District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Society who is receiving $52,532 to add a 35'x30'x16 steel addition to their existing building. Their current building is filled and does not have space for training, debriefing, meetings, public education opportunities, or bathrooms

People throughout northern B.C. will benefit from upgrades to not-for-profit services and programs with additional funding from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

Nine new capital project grants were awarded throughout northern B.C. for a total of $429,369.

“These investments in northern B.C. will improve services from emergency response to arts and culture spaces to child care,” said the Hon. Nathan Cullen, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Stikine. “Not-for-profit organizations are at the heart of fostering healthy, connected and safe communities in all corners of the province."

With this final round of 2021-22 funding, the Community Gaming Grants capital projects program will provide $3.8 million to 51 not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. for upgrades to community infrastructure, updated technology and new equipment. This is in addition to $5 million in capital funding for 45 not-for-profit groups announced in January 2022.

New projects funded in this round of grants in northern B.C. include:

• a new truck for Houston Search and Rescue that will help provide access to remote search areas and improve response times to keep community members safer;
• a renovated gallery space at the Terrace Art Association so that people will have more room to physically distance, attend meetings and workshops, and enjoy art;
• a new water tank, air-conditioning unit, flooring and new furnaces for Prince George Alano Society’s building that serves as a support space for people in recovery; and
• a modernized elevator for improved accessibility so that more people can access the services at the Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association.

Organizations that have been navigating increased service pressures during the pandemic have been prioritized in this round of funding. Many not-for-profit organizations are using these funds to make adjustments that support physical distancing and other measures to ensure services and activities meet public health and safety guidelines.

“Houston Search and Rescue is a team of 30 volunteers. We respond to search-and-rescue emergencies in the Houston area and throughout the northwest area of British Columbia,” said Andy Muma, president, Houston Search and Rescue. “This rescue truck will provide much-needed capacity to carry emergency equipment and volunteers to these events.”

All Community Gaming Grants funding in 2021-22 must comply with provincial health orders, and the program allows organizations to delay service and project delivery until this can be done safely.

Quick Facts:

• Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in British Columbia with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• To support vulnerable British Columbians during the COVID-19 crisis, the Province provided a $3-million emergency grant from the Community Gaming Grants program to Food Banks British Columbia in March 2020.

Learn More:

The full list of capital projects grant recipients for this round of funding is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Community_gaming_grants_round_2_21-22.pdf

For more information on Community Gaming Grants, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/community-gaming-grants

To read the March 2020 news release on emergency COVID-19 Community Gaming Grants, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0049-000583

"Renovate the Public Hearing" - Progress Report

Earlier this year -- The Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative through Simon Fraser University commenced a project entitled "Renovate the Public Hearing" which is an opportunity to collaborative initiative to explore potential improvements to BC's provincial local government land-use public hearing requirements as a means to enhance social justice, community building, and strengthen democratic culture. 

And then on April 7+8, 2022 via Zoom or in person at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver -- input was sought on the value of Public Hearings in making land use decisions within BC Local Governments (Municipal Council or Regional District Boards') Now - a report has been published on what was heard. You can read the report at https://www.democracydialogue.ca/_files/ugd/f79cdf_406f3ca6ad2749f5875449f32d4f07fd.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1AngK1__vLUCQuXeD6FPG4JtTqDiNKkI_7ZdkqTI9X9lMZ190gWWOOA8Q

 Next steps include an on-going Provincial survey and then the full results will be shared with the Province of BC and other interested parties... In the meantime -- progress on this initiative can be tracked at https://www.democracydialogue.ca/publichearings

Williams Lake “Community Better Challenge”

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and City of Williams Lake are encouraging residents to get active this June as we compete in the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge.

The Community Better Challenge is an annual national physical activity initiative taking place from June 1-30, 2022 that encourages Canadians to get active in a contest to determine Canada’s Most Active Community.

In Williams Lake, the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex has a free activity planned each day for interested residents to take part in throughout the month, all in a safe manner while aiming to socially connect people to the community.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to support this challenge in our community,” said Maria McKee, Adult Recreation Coordinator. “All organizations and individuals can participate, regardless of fitness level. Ultimately, one community will be named ‘Canada’s Most Active Community’ and be awarded a $100,000 grand prize to support local physical activity initiatives. In addition to the top prize, several weekly and monthly prizes will be awarded to participants, such as Amazon and SportChek gift cards available through the ParticipACTION app. We hope everyone will have fun with this challenge and maybe learn a new activity or be energized by doing something active every day.”

Individuals, families and local organizations can track their physical activity on the ParticipACTION website or app. All minutes tracked by residents will then be added to Williams Lake’s average community score. Residents with personal fitness tracking apps can also sync those with the ParticipACTION app for more accurate results as they track their own ParticipACTION each day.

At the end of June, the leading community from each province and territory will be invited to submit an application explaining why they deserve to be ‘Canada’s Most Active Community’ and win the $100,000 grand prize.

Visit the Complex’s Facebook page at www.williamslake.ca/CMRC for Williams Lake’s complete June Community Better Challenge Schedule, or pick one up at the Complex front desk, which showcases a new activity each day. Included are fun, family-friendly activities such as free fitness classes at the Complex, free scheduled classes and events offered by community organizations and others you can do on your own time like hula hooping, kayaking or paddleboarding, hiking, frisbee and even flying a kite.

The free ParticipACTION app can be downloaded prior to June 1 on the Google Play and Apple App Store. You can also sign up and register at www.participaction.com/challenge. 

All “move minutes” from the app, which includes both active minutes and other light activity, count toward the community’s total score.  

“Let’s show the country why we love living in a community that provides so many opportunities to take part in recreation and physical fitness activities,” McKee said.

Local Goverment Meetings - Week of May 24-27

Because of the Victoria Day Long Weekend -- there is a shortened work week for Local Governments/Boards of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region for the week of May 24-27, 2022 -- as follows:

Wells - Special In-Camera Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 24th at 1pm, via Zoom. as per Section 90(1a,c,j,k,l.m -- appointment, labour, information prohibited from public disclosure, preparation of an annual report and a matter, under an another enactment [law] whereupon the public may be excluded from a meeting of the Council) of the Community Charter. View the closed meeting notice here

Quesnel - Meeting of Quesnel City Council's Executive Committee on Wednesday, May 25th at 9am in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Quesnel Airport Hanger CIA Final Report

* LeBourdais Park Shade Structures

* Discussion Items -- Upcoming Community Engagement, City of Quesnel Handwashing Stations, Agriculture & Food Security Initiatives, Alive After Five/Spirit Center Parking Lot Reservations and West Quesnel Land Stability Public Meeting

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Meetings as noted below (all, except Special Closed Council Meeting, in WL Council Chambers, 450 Mart Street)

1) Special Closed (In-Camera) Meeting in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - WL City Hall) -- 12pm on May 24th as per Section 90(1j and k -- information prohibited from public disclosure and negotiations) of the Community Charter.  View the closed meeting notice here

2) Public Hearing on May 24th at 6pm.  Bylaws for consideration of this Public Hearing:

* Bylaw #2357 (104 Paxton Road)

View the full Agenda here

3) City Council on May 24th, following termination of the Public Hearing.  Meeting to be livestreamed via YouTube - click here

On the Agenda:

* Delegation: WL RCMP re: Police Commission Report

* Appointment of Chief/Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2022 Local General Election

* Development Variance Permit No. 05/2022 - 250 Mackenzie Avenue South

* New Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings)

* Report of Mayor Cobb re: BC Council of Forest Industries Convention Update

* Canadian Red Cross Grant Application - Improved Access to Mental Health

* Health Care Recruiting Proposal between City of WL and Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District

* 2 Recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole meeting for endorsement

* Annual Proclamation - "Williams Lake Stampede 2022"

* Report from In-Camera (May 10th) -- Process for Rezoning Poplar Glade Site on 11th Avenue

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Central Cariboo Sub-Regional Committee Meetings on Wednesday, May 25th in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake) -- as follows:

1) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus at 3pm, May 25th.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Dawson Road Maintenance

* Support for Stampede Parade

View the full Agenda here

2) Central Cariboo Joint Committee at 5:30pm, May 25th.  On the Agenda:

* 2021 Scout Island Fee for Service Year End Report

* Recommendations from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission

* Discussion Item: Designation of Safe Air Spaces

View the full Agenda here

New Student Intern for the Cariboo Regional District

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

During Local Government Awareness Week from May 15-21, 2022 -- the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is thrilled to welcome Tait Gamble (she/her) as their new intern to the organization. The CRD was one of eight B.C. local government organizations successful in their grant application for the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s (NDIT) Local Government Internship Program. Tait will be working across all departments, with the Board of Directors and integrated into all training, committees, and work of the CRD.

“I am looking forward to learning about all the departments at the CRD over the next year, meeting new people and exploring the beautiful and unique Cariboo region along the way”, said Tait.

Tait was originally from Ontario but is a recent graduate from the university of British Columbia in First Nations and Indigenous Studies as well as Political Science. She is an older sister, crafter and is interested in local government because of the close relationship that they have with the people they serve. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and textile arts.

The NDIT program provides practical learning in local government and First Nations government settings. It develops competencies essential to local government administration and makes it a career of choice by financially supporting opportunities for post-secondary graduates.

Incorporated in 1968, the CRD has 12 electoral areas and 4 incorporated municipalities. Municipalities include Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, and Wells. The region's boundaries sit on the traditional territories of the Dakelh, Secwépemc, and Tŝilhqot'in.

The Regional District delivers local government services Including fire protection, emergency planning, garbage and recycling, land-use planning and invasive plant management. It also provides access for residents to libraries and recreation facilities.

The CRD administers three different types of services: region-wide, sub-regional and local. Region-wide services (library services) are where CRD taxpayers contribute to the cost; and have equal access to the service. Sub-regional services (recreational facilities) are where municipal and rural residents supply the services in partnership. Local services (street lighting and fire protection) are where residents receive specific services in their area and only those taxpayers benefiting from the service pay for the cost.

Regional districts arose in B.C. in 1965 through the amendment of the then-Municipal Act due to a need for greater regional cooperation with equitable cost-sharing between municipal and rural areas and to provide flexible service arrangements in which residents only pay for the services they receive.

If you would like to learn more about what the CRD does check out our website at: About Us - Cariboo Regional District (cariboord.ca).

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - May 19th mtg

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

Meeting audio livestreamed and called to order at 9:45am

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

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the Regional Board meeting held on April 29th, 2022 were received and adopted

Delegations Memorandum of Business was received and adopted

Business:

1) At the request of Director Richmond -- the Board gave 1st and 2nd Readings to Green Lake and Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5374, 2022 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5375, 2022 and that it proceed to Public Hearing (Area G/7976 Begbie Road)

2) At the request of Director Forseth -- 

a) Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5379, 2022 was rejected (Area D/88 Soda Creek Road)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION -- Director Glassford

b) Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5380, 2022 was rejected (Area D/88 Soda Creek Road)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION -- Director Glassford

c) The full application fee of $1,900.00 was refunded to the applicant for File No. 3360-20/20220001, due to extenuating circumstances in accordance with CRD Application Fees Policy PL4.2 (Policy #11-06A-13) -- (Area D/88 Soda Creek Road)

3) At the request of Director Macdonald -- South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5381, 2022 was read a first and second time (Area "L"/6145 Lone Butte-Horse Lake Road)

4) At the request of Director Richmond -- Lac La Hache Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5382, 2022 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5383, 2022 were both read a first and second time (Area "G"/3973 Highway 97)

5) At the request of Director Richmond -- That South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5387, 2022 be read a first and second time and that Registered Covenant CA2057498 be discharged from the title of Lot 79, District Lot 550, Lillooet District, Plan 19806, at the cost of the applicant (Area "G"/5064 Block Drive)

6) At the request of Director Forseth and following a statutory Public Hearing held April 20th, 2022 -- The Board declined to give 3rd Reading to Central Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5357, 2021 (Area "D"/1561 Kitsul Road)

7) At the request of Director Macdonald -- both Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5317, 2021 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5318, 2021 were adopted (Area "L"/8410 Wilson Lake Road)

8) At the request of Director Delainey -- the Board authorized submitting the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for subdivision, pertaining to Lot 32, Sections 1 and 12, Township 44 and of Section 6, Township 42, Lillooet District, Plan 32447, be received and authorized for submission to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area "E"/2620 Chimney Lake Road)

9) The Board received the "Provincial Agriculture Land Commission's Decision Report for the period up to May 10th, 2022"

10) At the request of Director Richmond -- the Board passed a "Concurrence Resolution" for a new Telus Cell Tower at 3819 Dodge Road, Lac La Hache in Area "G"

11) The Board concurred with 2 NDIT Applications to their Recreation Infrastructure Program as follows:

a) Hallis Lake in Area "A" - $30,416.40.  Purpose: upgrade facilities to meet the standards to host cross country ski and biathlon events for the 2024 BC Winter Games

b) Lightning Creek Ski Club in Area "C" - $100,000.  Purpose: upgrade their facility including replacing safety netting, upgrading and increasing storage space, and improving communication and timing systems

12) The Board authorized appointment of Fire Chiefs for the 14 Volunteer Fire Departments in Areas A,B,C,D,F,G,H,I and L of the Cariboo Regional District for a new 3 year term.  The full list can be viewed here

13) The Board authorized a 2022 budget amendment to allocate $15,000.00 from the unallocated Community Works Funds to the Solid Waste Management Service to cover the costs of the purchase of 120 new totes and 30 replacement wheels for existing totes at 108 Mile Ranch in Area "G"

14) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Cheque Register for the month of April 2022 in the amount of $1,898,997.43

15) The Board passed 4 Resolutions for the Alternate Approval Process for elector (voter) sign off, in respect of Cariboo Regional District Bouchie Lake Fire Protection Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5353, 2021 (Area "B") 

16) The Board received a report from the Deputy CAO concerning the upcoming deadline for 2022 UBCM Resolutions by June 30th, 2022

17) The Board received the "Consent Calendar" for May 19th, 2022 and referred the email from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada dated May 16th, 2022, regarding Cell Tower Siting Process to the CRD Policy Committee for review 

18) The Board received minutes of its' Committees' or Commissions', as follows:

* Connectivity Committee - meeting held on April 22nd, 2022

* South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission - meeting held on April 28th, 2022

* South Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - meeting held on May 12th, 2022

19) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees' or Commissions', as follows:

a) South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission - April 28th meeting

* Election of Chair/Membership Appointments to the Commission

* UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund Application - Runway Overlay Project

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

* De Los Santos Hanger

* Fees and Charges Schedule Revision

At 10:56am-- the Board convened its' Closed (In-Camera) Session in accordance with Section 92 (Resolution to close meeting to the public in an Open Meeting) and 90(1g/i - litigation and legal advice) of the Community Charter

At 12:38pm-- the Board then resumed its' Open Meeting and recessed to CCRHD Board Meeting

At 12:40pm-- the Board then resumed and recessed for lunch

At 1pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

Business, cont:

Delegation:

Erin Robinson appeared before the Board to present on behalf of Three Rivers Community Forest Technical Working Group on the Quesnel Community Forest Snapshot; a status update and next steps.

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Committee/Commission Recommendations, cont:

b) South Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - May 12th meeting:

* South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Grant for Assistance application - waive policy and approve grant request of $1,125 divided equally among Areas G,H,L

20) At the request of Director J. Glassford (Area "I") -- the Board agreed to allocate $ 2,500 from the Area "I" COVID-19 Smart Restart Funds divided equally between the Nazko Community Association, Buckridge Community Association, and the Baker Creek Community Club.  

21) At the request of Director A. Richmond (Area "G") -- the Board agreed to waive policy and permit Director Richmond to access up to $ 500.00 of Area G Director Initiative funds be allocated to cover the extra costs of the Lac La Hache Speed signs installation

The Board received the report of the Chair concerning her recent activities for the period up to and including May 17th, 2022

At the request of Director Bachmeier (Area B) -- the Board rescinded an appointment to the Area "B" Advisory Planning Commission

At the request of Director Kirby (Area J) -- the Board rescinded an appointment to the Heritage Steering Committee 

The Board adjourned at 1:39pm