Special Committee of the Whole (WL Council: 2023 Budget Discussions) -- Jan 31st mtg

Present: Mayor SPS Rathor (Chair); Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons and Moses 

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw

Meeting Agenda adopted 

Business:

Part A - 2023 Fee for Service Agreements

The Committee continued its' review of Fee for Service Agreements and made recommendations to Council

Part B - Continuing Review of City's Draft 2023 Budget/2023-27 Five Year Financial Plan

Mayor Rathor relinquished the Chair to Councillor Flaspohler to chair this part of the meeting

The Committee continued its' discussions on the draft City of Williams Lake 2023 Budget and 2023-27 Five Year Financial Plan and provided direction to Staff

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of January 30th to February 3rd, 2023

The following local governments' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be holding meetings next week, as follows:

Quesnel -- Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - 9am on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Finance Department Update

* Spending Issues (Overages)

* CAO/CFO Expense Reports

* 2023 Operating Budget Presentation

* 2023 Budget Survey results

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake -- Special Committee of Whole Council (2023 Budget Discussions) to be held on Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 at 5:30pm  in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St)

On the Agenda:

* Consideration of Fee for Service Applications for 2023 

* 2023 Budget and 2023-2027 Financial & 10-Year Capital Plans - Report #2 Continued Discussions

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings as noted below in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake):

1) Committee of the Whole Session - 11am on Thursday, Feb 2nd.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Enbridge

* Next Steps on future Connectivity Committee

* Discussion around current Cariboo Regional District Code of Conduct as per requirement of Part 4 - Division 8, Section 113.1 of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - 9:30am on Friday, Feb 3rd.  On the Agenda:

* 3 Capital Expenditure Bylaws for 3 Readings/Adoption

* Hospital Consent Calendar

* Quesnel Healthcare Recruitment - Quarter 4 for 2022

View the full Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District - 9:45am on Friday, Feb 3rd or upon adjournment/recess on the CCRHD Board.  On the Agenda:

* Land Use Matters

* Heritage Steering Committee appointments

* NDIT Applications - Anahim Lake Airport, Local Government Intern

* Solar Lighting Grant Application for WL Cross Country Ski Club (Bull Mountain)

* Cariboo-Chilcotin Metis Association - Request for sponsorship funds at McLeese Lake Annual Jamboree Event

* Call for 2023 NCLGA Resolutions

* Committee or Commission Recommendations

* Appointment of NCLGA Cariboo RD rep to NCLGA Board for 2023-24 term

* Request from Director Bachmeier to attend UBCM Housing Forum in April 

* In-Camera Session -- Section 90(1m - matter under another enactment (law) that the public may be excluded from the meeting) of the Community Charter

View the full meeting Agenda here 

City of Williams Lake Seeking Public Feedback to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is seeking public feedback for the creation of a zoning bylaw allowing the permission of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within City limits.

“We are inviting all residents within the City of Williams Lake to please share their housing perspectives and thoughts on this proposed bylaw by taking part in our newly-launched online survey,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “The community’s feedback is crucial in helping to shape future planning and development for residences within the City.”

The City is currently facing housing challenges similar to other communities in the province. ADUs are being proposed to help address the issue.

ADUs, including Carriage Houses and Garden Suites, are small, standalone homes located on an already existing lot with a main residence. An ADU can have one or two storeys and can be above a detached garage.

“Effective ADU planning considers accessibility, sustainability and neighbourhood character into its designs,” said Jessica Ball, City Planner with the City of Williams Lake. “ADUs will help to provide a wider range of housing options for residents and allow seniors to age in place, help make homeownership more attainable by providing a mortgage helper and allows for more housing development without needing more land.”

ADUs are currently not permissible without a rezoning application.

“To simplify the approval process, the City is looking to amend its zoning bylaw to permit ADUs in specific residential zones,” Ball added.

The survey is available online and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Its purpose is to help better understand the community’s housing needs and to explore the option of adding ADUs to the City’s residential zoning as an option to combat housing challenges.

The online survey can be taken at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VMXKLRG

The deadline for survey feedback is Monday, February 13, 2023.

For more information visit www.williamslake.ca/991/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan. 24th, 2023 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

6:00 p.m. Public Hearing - Proposed Bylaws 1933 & 1934 Proposed amendments to vary the minimum lot size for a mobile home park at 2288 Gassoff Road to enable a house to be subdivided from the mobile home park SUBJECT TO the applicant receiving a development variance permit. A submission from a resident of Meadowood Mobile Home Park asked Council to consider preserving the existing civic address for the park and, directing the owner to add unit # signage to assist in 911 emergencies.

Delegation - MLA Cariboo-North MLA Oakes attended to advise Council of changes to her Parliamentary calendar for 2023 and, offered to liaise with the City on areas where Council is pursuing financial contribution and/or assistance from the Provincial government, regarding local areas of concern.

 

Quesnel Fire Department Fire Chief Richert provided Council with an overview of the 2022 Incident statistics, which outlined a significant increase in dispatched calls, from 643 in 2021 to 742 in 2022, with the majority of calls, in order of volume, from medical calls, medical lift assists, burning complaints, commercial and residential false fire alarms, open air fires and residential structure fire calls.

2023 - 2027 Capital Budget At the recommendation of the Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee, Council approved the 2023 capital budget and directed staff to proceed with building the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw. In alignment with the Plan, Council directed staff to begin the process of creating a long-term borrowing bylaw and the reverse petition process for electoral approval for a loan for a Fire Engine.

 

Development Services Update: Council approved the request to vary the minimum lot size at Meadowood Mobile Home Park (2288 Gassoff Road) to 1.57 ha (3.89 acres).

Clean Team Program Council directed Staff to allocate $12,400 from the Council Initiatives budget, to top-up funding through July, 2023 for the Clean Team for drug paraphernalia clean-up in key areas of the City.  These areas were previously covered by the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society through grant funding, however, the Society has notified the City that this funding is ceasing and they will not be seeking new funding to continue this program.  In addition to covering the interim need, the City will meet with local stakeholders to discuss funding the program into the future.

 

Bylaws Bylaw 1930 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1930 of 2022 (RTC EZ Vape at 960 Chew Road) - Final Adoption Bylaw 1931 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1931 of 2022 (PRT Growing Services at 275 Lear Road) - Final Adoption Bylaw 1932 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1932 of 2022 (PRT Growing Services at 275 Lear Road) - Final Adoption Bylaw 1933 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw #1933 of 2023 (2288 Gassoff Rd.) – Third Reading Bylaw 1934 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw #1934 of 2023 (2288 Gassoff Rd.) – Third Reading

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Jan. 25th mtg

Present from City of WL -- Mayor SPS Rathor (Co-Chair); Councillors J. Lyons/M. Moses

Present from Cariboo RD -- Directors S. Forseth (Co-Chair) and M. Neufeld

Meeting Chair - Director S. Forseth

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional, unceded Williams Lake First Nation territory within Secwepemculecw and reminded Committee members to keep their mobile devices on vibrate mode to minimize distractions during the meeting and he advised of the unavoidable absence of Director M. LeBourdais from tonight's meeting and acknowledged today's announcement from WLFN regarding geophysical results from the second phase of the investigation at the St. Joseph's Mission Residential School and encouraged members of Joint Committee to attend the "Sacred Fire" event outside the Elizabeth Grouse Gym at Sugarcane between today to Saturday 

Meeting Agenda adopted with 1 Late Item (Central Cariboo Fees/Charge Bylaws for years 2023-2026 inclusive)

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting held on November 23rd, 2022 was received/adopted

Delegations - None

Business:

1) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Grant Award Update

Report from the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: Report from the Society was received

2) Joint Use Facilities Agreement Renewal 

Report from the Manager of Recreation/Leisure Services, City of WL was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board/City Council:

• That the Council Report from Kaitlyn Atkinson, Manager of Recreation and Leisure Services, dated January 16, 2023, regarding renewal of the Joint Use Facilities Agreement, be received and that the Joint Use Agreement be renewed until December 31st, 2026 and that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the agreement 

3) Discussion Items

* Extend Conventional Transit into the Williams Lake Fringe Areas (Cariboo RD Areas D,E,F)

* 2023-2026 Central Cariboo Fees/Charges Bylaw 

No resolution for these 2 Discussion Items

* Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference

Resolved: That the Terms of Reference be amended to permit delegations to address the Joint Committee for no more than 15 minutes

4) Action Page

The Committee review the Action Page and agreed to delete Item #3

The Chair (Dir. Forseth) advised the Committee of his unavoidable absence for February's Joint Committee meeting (should it proceed) due to the February quarterly UBCM Executive Meetings that he is required to attend on behalf of NCLGA and accordingly, Mayor Rathor would chair February's Joint Committee meeting in his absence 

The Committee adjourned at 6:25pm

Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Highlights - Jan. 25th meeting

Present: Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais (via electronic means), Pare and Anderson

The Deputy Corporate Officer (L. Schick) called the meeting to order at 3:00pm and conducted the annual election of Caucus Chair 

Director Neufeld was duly nominated

After calling 3 times -- the Deputy Corporate Officer declared Director Neufeld elected, by acclamation -Chair of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus for 2023

Director Neufeld took the Chair at 3:01pm

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the Caucus meeting held on November 23rd, 2022 were received/adopted

Business:

1)  Appointment of 2023 Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved: That Director Forseth be appointed as Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair for 2023

2) Central Cariboo Appointments for 2023

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the following appointments be made for 2023

Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable - Director LeBourdais

Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce - Director Forseth

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Director Forseth

UNBC South Central Advisory Committee - Director Anderson

3) Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus 2023 Meeting Schedule

A report from the Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That Caucus confirm its' 2023 Meeting Schedule as per practice and as recommended by the Deputy Corporate Officer

4) Action Page

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved: That the Action Page be received and Item #2 be removed

Caucus adjourned at 3:09pm

Cariboo RD Emergency Preparedness Committee Highlights - Jan 25th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner; Directors Sjostrom (via telephone), Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais (via MS Teams), Pare and De Vries (via MS Teams)

The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00pm and recognized the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw, acknowledged today's announcement from WLFN regarding geophysical results from the second phase of the investigation at the St. Joseph's Mission Residential School and encouraged Directors' to attend the "Sacred Fire" event outside the Elizabeth Grouse Gym at Sugarcane between today to Saturday 

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meeting held September 7th, 2022 were received/adopted

Business:

1) EOC Reporting September to December 2022

The Committee held before it a report of the Mgr. of Emergency Programs

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received

2) Emergency Program Key Findings Report Prioritization and Workplan Update January 2023

The Committee held before it a report of the Mgr. of Emergency Programs

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received

3) Cariboo Regional District Emergency Plan Key Functions & Process Review

The Committee held before it a report of the Mgr. of Emergency Programs

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received

4) Modernization of the Emergency Program Act

The Committee held before it a report of the Mgr. of Emergency Programs

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received

5)  BC Flood Strategy - Response from Peace River Regional District

The Committee held before it a report of the Mgr. of Emergency Programs

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- Report received and that a letter of concern, similar to one from the Peace River Regional District, be forwarded to the Province in respect of BC's Flood Strategy and its' potential impacts' upon the Cariboo Regional District 

The Committee adjourned at 2:42pm

WL Council Highlights - Jan 24th mtg

Present: Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm (Meeting Agenda here/Meeting Video here)

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Special City Council meeting held November 23rd, 2022 and Regular Council Meeting held January 10th, 2023 were both received and adopted

Delegations/Presentations/Items from Public Hearing(s): - None

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Fund Transfer listings dated January 12, 13 and 19, 2023

2) Council approved a 2023 application to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant of up to $50,000 to host an intern under the Local Government Internship Program; and further, that Council commit to providing a financial contribution of $10,000 and staffing resources to host an intern and to providing training and professional development opportunities for the intern, if the application is successful

3) Council accepted applications from Robert Zilcosky to amend the City's Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws for property at 575 Wotzke Drive; that Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2378 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2379 both be given 1st Reading concurrently; Staff conduct Official Community Plan Public Consultation; public notification of 100 metres of subject property proceed and finally - Staff were directed to initiate notice of the consultation period to the School District No. 27 Board, pursuant to Section 475 of the Local Government Act, as well as the Cariboo Regional District, Williams Lake First Nation and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

4) At the request of Councillor Nelson -- Council requested staff to coordinate a meeting between the City, RCMP, School District #27, Cariboo Regional District, First Nations Leaders, MLA Lorne Doerkson and MP Todd Doherty to create an action plan that will assist in helping ensure all of the community works together to decrease criminal activities and gang fighting/activity

5) Council considered Recommendations from the January 17th, 2023 Committee of the Whole session, as follows:

Rejected by Council:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Report #01-2023, the presentation from Jason Ryll, Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce regarding the requested increase to their Fee for Service to $165,000 be received and that the requested increase be approved for the 2023 budget.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Mayor Rathor and Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Moses

Resolved -- That the requested increase to the Fee for Service Agreement for the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce be referred to the Tuesday, January 31st Special Committee of the Whole meeting (2023 Budget Discussions) 

Endorsed by Council:

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #02-2023 and the report of the Planner dated October 13, 2022, Council endorse the proposed regulations outlined in the report to more broadly permit, and streamline the development of, Accessory Dwelling Units in the City, and that staff be directed to undertake public consultation and develop bylaws to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002 and other bylaws to allow Accessory Dwelling Units in specific residential zones.

6) Council received a letter from the Freezin For a Reason (Annual Polar Bear Swim fundraiser) organizing committee in their letter dated January 18, 2023 requesting a donation from the City of $375 toward the costs of the fundraising event be received, the donation be approved & Council and the community were encouraged to attend the event

7) Council proclaimed March 26, 2023 as "Purple Day" in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy

8) Council received the Council Information Package as of January 24th, 2023

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Motion to proceed to Closed (In-Camera) Council Meeting:

RESOLVED: That Council hold a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1) (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality, (c) labour relations or other employee relations and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

Council adjourned at 7:25pm

City of Williams Lake Seeking Feedback on Seniors Home-Sharing Planning Project

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, in partnership with Urban Matters and BC Healthy Communities, is embarking on a Seniors Home-Sharing Planning Project.

The project aims to better understand the senior population’s housing needs and preferences and explore a variety of non-traditional possibilities for meeting those housing needs within the community.

“We are inviting all senior citizens aged 65 plus within the City of Williams Lake to share their housing perspectives and needs by participating in a this newly-launched survey,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “We are looking for as much feedback as possible, and your input will help to shape the final recommendations of how we move forward with the home-sharing project.”

The City is currently facing housing challenges similar to other communities, and the home-sharing project seeks to identify and help address the widespread issue.

“Our aging and growing senior population is beginning to find it challenging to find suitable housing to be able to age in place,” Rathor said. “Through this project we hope to be able to help address that.”

The survey is available in both online and paper formats and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

All senior residents in the City are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be taken online until February 11, 2023. Physical copies are available at the Seniors Activity Centre, the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and at City Hall.

Moving forward, the City plans to host informal educational and focus group sessions to introduce a variety of age-friendly housing types and to gather more feedback from participants.

The online survey can be taken at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/WilliamsLakeSeniorHousingSurvey

This initiative is funded in part by the Age-friendly Communities Grant Program, which is funded by the Ministry of Health and delivered by BC Healthy Communities Society in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

TNG Demand Halt to Carlyle Commodities Exploration at Newton Gold Silver Project - Scum Lake

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is calling for Carlyle Commodities to halt its diamond drilling program at the Newton Gold Silver Project until a meeting is held between Tŝilhqot’in leadership and the Carlyle Board of Directors.

The Newton Gold Silver Project, located within the Tŝilhqot’in territory, is opposed by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and caretaker communities of Yuneŝit’in Government and Xeni Gwet’in. British Columbia approved a five-year drilling permit in June 2022 and Carlyle has started to mobilize its operations, all without Tŝilhqot’in consent and in direct contravention of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Remarkably, Carlyle made no effort to meet with the Tŝilhqot’in prior to submitting its application for the drilling program and Carlyle’s Board and executive has not met to date with Tŝilhqot’in leadership, despite requests.

The Newton Gold Silver Project, previously owned by Amarc Resources Ltd., is currently in Phase 1 of its exploration program. The project is located near the proven Tŝilhqot’in Title area at Newton Mountain, beside Tsintŝanŝ (Scum Lake), in the Chilcotin region of B.C.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia)

On behalf of the Tsilhqot'in National Government -- Tribal Chair and Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, LL.D (hon.), OBC stated:

“Once again, a mining company is coming into the Tŝilhqot’in territory and is disrespecting Tŝilhqot’in rights and title. Carlyle Commodities has stated that the Newton Gold Silver Project is in a `mining friendly region’ without building any relationship with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. Anyone invested in this project should be very cautious of the path that Carlyle is charting. It is unacceptable and in direct contravention of UNDRIP to proceed with the exploration program at the Newton Gold Silver Project.

We are calling for a halt to all exploration at this site until an accommodation that is deemed satisfactory to the Tŝilhqot’in has been reached between us and the Carlyle Board and Senior Executives.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of Jan 23-27

The following local governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be meeting during the week of January 23-27, 2023 - as follows:

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below, all in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).

1) Public Hearing - 6:00pm on Tuesday, January 24th in Quesnel Council Chambers in relation to OCP/Zoning Amendments for property at 2288 Gassoff Road.  View the Public Hearing Agenda here

2) Open Quesnel Council Meeting - to follow adjournment of the Public Hearing.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes

* Committee Reports

* Item from Mayor Paull - 2023 NCLGA Resolution (Palliative Care per diem)

* Quesnel VFD Annual Report for 2022

* 2023-27 Capital Budget

* DVP for 2288 Gassoff Rd

* Clean Team Program

View the full Agenda here

3) Special Closed (In-Camera) Meeting of Quesnel Council -- to follow adjournment of the Open Meeting of Quesnel Council on Jan. 24th -- as per Section 90(2b - confidential negotiations between the City of Quesnel; Provincial/Federal Governments and/or a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter. View the closed meeting notice here  

4) Policy/Bylaw Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, Jan 26th.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

SD27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting to be held in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake) on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Reports from the Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer

* Committee Reports

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24th at 6:00pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  Meeting to be livestreamed via YouTube (click here).  On the Agenda:

* NDIT Grant Application - Local Government Internship

* OCP/Zoning Amendment Application -- 575 Wotzke Drive

* Request for Inter-Government Meeting re Action Plan for Community Safety 

* Endorse recommendations (2) from previous Committee of the Whole Meeting

* Closed Council Meeting (In-Camera) to follow adjournment of the Open Council Meeting -- Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter.  View the closed meeting notice here

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below to be held in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  

1) Emergency Preparedness Committee - 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 25th.  On the Agenda:

* EOC Reporting - 4th Quarter 2022

* Emergency Programs Workplan 2023

* CRD Emergency Plan Key Functions/Process Review

* New Emergency Program Act/Impact on Cariboo RD

* BC Flood Strategy/Impact on Cariboo RD

View the full Agenda here

2) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - 3:00pm on Wednesday, January 25th.  On the Agenda:

* Election of Chair for 2023

* Appointment of CRD Co-Chair for Central Cariboo Joint Committee - 2023

* Appointment to Central Cariboo Community Committees - 2023

* Meeting Schedule for Caucus - 2023

* Action Page

View the full Agenda here

3) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - 5:30pm on Wednesday, January 25th.  On the Agenda:

* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Grant Award Update

* Joint Use Facilities Agreement Renewal

* Discussion Items -- Conventional Transit Expansion into Williams Lake Fringe Area; Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference

View the full Agenda here

High-speed internet services expanded for more Cariboo-Chilcotin communities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

More than 1,300 households in six more communities in the Cariboo now have access to high-speed internet services with the installation of new connectivity infrastructure.

“Rural communities are an essential part of the Province’s economic engine. With the completion of this project, people in these six communities in the Cariboo can now enjoy high-speed internet services allowing access to a wide range of local and global opportunities,” said the Hon. Lisa Beare, BC's Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Our commitment to connect every rural, remote and Indigenous community in B.C. by 2027 ensures the benefits of high-speed internet are shared by everyone in B.C.”

Installation of new fibre to the home infrastructure in Likely, Hydraulic, 150 Mile House, Miocene, Bridge Lake and Dugan Lake provides access to high-speed broadband internet speeds of more than 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads, and 10 Mbps for uploads.

The Province invested as much as $1.68 million, alongside a federal government contribution of as much as $1.69 million and up to a $2.5-million investment by Telus Communications Inc. toward the approximate $5.9 million total cost of the project.

“Establishing better connectivity for our rural and remote communities supports the work of communities and the Province of B.C. to build an innovative, sustainable and inclusive economy for all,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “Access to high-speed internet services will open up more opportunities for people and businesses in these communities to grow, connect, learn and live up to their enormous potential.”

“The upgraded internet services that are now available in 150 Mile House, Dugan Lake, Miocene, Likely, and Hydraulic are greatly appreciated, and essential to ensuring that residents of these communities have equal access to the digital world,” said Maureen LeBourdais, Electoral Area F Director for Horsefly - Likely - 150 Mile House, Cariboo Regional District. “Access to high-speed internet is a key driver of economic sustainability and opportunities, supports our public safety and emergency management efforts, and is essential to the future of our rural communities.”

The work to expand infrastructure enabling high-speed internet access for remote and rural communities in the Cariboo has been ongoing, with multiple projects completed recently and more to come. December 2022 saw the completion of a project connecting more than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities. Earlier in June 2022, the installation of new fibre to home connected more than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, in the Cariboo region.

The Province will also invest as much as $1.3 million toward a new $2.1-million project to expand high-speed internet to more than 300 households in the community of Sheridan Lake. Internet service provider Telus Communications Inc. will contribute approximately $828,000 toward the project.

“Connecting the Cariboo region to the world with high-speed internet continues to be a priority for the regional district, and I am pleased to see these critical upgrades completed,” said Margo Wagner, chair, Cariboo Regional District, and chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “There remains significant work to be completed throughout our region, and we will continue working with the Province and our broadband service providers to strategically expand high-speed internet upgrades in our region.”

In March 2022, the Province partnered with the federal government to provide as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services to connect all remaining rural and First Nations households in the Province.

The plan to connect every household in B.C. to high-speed internet services by 2027 will level the playing field for British Columbians and ensure every community has better access to jobs, education, training and health care

Learn More:

Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc

Northern Development Initiative Trust:
https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/connecting-british-columbia/

StrongerBC: BC's Economic Plan: https://strongerbc.ca/plan

Cariboo Regional District releases Budget 2023 for feedback

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has completed its draft financial plan for 2023-2027, and is seeking feedback from residents and stakeholders on the proposed budget. A summary of the budget is available online to promote awareness and help provide feedback on the budget.

Survey results and other feedback received about the budget will be collected until February 10, 2023 and will be reviewed by the Board at its February 23, 2023 Budget-Finance Committee meeting. Following this, any proposed revisions or adjustments to the budget may be considered prior to proceeding with a ratification process. By law, the CRD Board must adopt its budget by March 31, 2023 to authorize funding.

In 2023, the CRD’s financial plan is increasing from $57.75 million to $58.08 million, and is proposing to collect $1,119,744 more in total tax revenue than in 2022. Changes to taxation levels will vary between individual properties depending on which service areas each property is included in and changes to that property’s assessed values. The financial plan also must be balanced for each individual service, and cannot run a deficit.

Many of the CRD’s services are seeing no tax increase or a minimal tax increase to account for inflation, while others will be seeing a higher increase to support infrastructure and equipment investments. The financial plan will fund several new initiatives and projects across the region, including:

• installing solar panels on the terminal building at the Anahim Lake Airport;
• installing new playground equipment at the Kersley recreation centre; and
• equipment and facility investments for rural fire departments and Central Cariboo Search & Rescue. 

Further information on the 2023-2027 financial plan, including the 2023 business plans for each service, is located online at www.cariboord.ca/budget. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback to the CRD through an open-ended survey available through its website. Feedback can also be provided by emailing mailbox@cariboord.ca, engaging on the CRD’s social media channels, or contacting the Chief Financial Officer at 250-392-3351.

Residents and property owners who are unable to access digital materials can pick up paper copies of the survey at all CRD offices and library locations.

Williams Lake Fire Department looking for new recruits

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake Fire Department is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to become paid on call firefighters.  No experience necessary. Recruits will be trained to the National Fire Protection Association 1001 standard which is universally recognized as a professional firefighter designation. 

Are you:

• Wanting a new adventure?
• Wanting some more excitement?
• Wanting to acquire a varying array of new skills?
• Wanting to serve your community?
• Wanting to become part of a dynamic team?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then the Williams Lake Fire Department might be exactly what you are looking for. If you have interest in becoming firefighter and becoming a member of the Williams Lake Fire Department, please check out the links below. For more information, please call the WLFD at 250-392-4321 or stop by the Fire Hall at 230 Hodgson Road.

Applications will be accepted until February 24, 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!

Campaign Video:

Cariboo-Chilcotin First Nations receive funding to transition to Clean Energy Generation

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Cariboo-Chilcotin First Nations communities will receive provincial funding as part of a $7.1 million envelope to develop alternative-energy projects and advance energy efficiency through the Province’s Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program, a CleanBC initiative.

“Our CleanBC goal is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation in remote communities by 80% by 2030,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “By building partnerships and creating opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses, we can help people living in B.C.’s hardest-to-reach communities save money, become less dependent on fossil fuels and benefit from cleaner air and water.”

The energy projects range in size and scope, from $350,000 for the construction of a biomass combined heat-and-power system for the Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation (Quesnel area), to $2 million to develop and build a two-megawatt solar farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid that will include battery storage.

The $29-million, three-year CEDR program aims to reduce remote communities’ reliance on diesel fuel, and to support projects focused on energy efficiency and/or those that provide clean, reliable energy year round in areas not serviced by grid electricity. CEDR is part of the Province’s Remote Community Energy Strategy.

British Columbia has 44 remote communities, most of which are governed by First Nations. Many of these communities are served by BC Hydro in non-grid integrated areas. Some First Nations own and operate their own diesel generators. In 2019, the remote communities consumed at least 19.1 million litres of diesel, emitting the equivalent of 51,784 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The CEDR program provides funding for clean-energy initiatives to eligible remote communities that are off-grid residential regions that rely on diesel fuel for electricity generation. Remote communities can apply to three funding streams to support them as they progress through various stages of their planning and implementation of their decarbonization projects. This will help to ensure remote communities have financial supports throughout the life cycle of their energy projects, whether it be at the beginning, early, mid or late stages of planning, or implementation of their decarbonization projects.

To deliver the CEDR program, the Province has partnered with the New Relationship Trust to facilitate investments with remote communities for community energy planning, energy-efficiency projects, and renewable-energy infrastructure. In addition, Coast Funds is working with the trust to support applications from First Nations with communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii that rely on diesel to meet their electricity needs.

A second round of CEDR program funding will be announced shortly, and applicants are encouraged to connect with the New Relationship Trust and Coast Funds for more details and assistance. Coast Funds and the trust work with all eligible First Nations and remote communities to develop strong proposals that maximize access to CEDR program funding.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy.

Backgrounders

Facts about the Community Energy Diesel Reduction program

In 2022, with the first round of Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program funding, $7.1 million was awarded to 12 remote communities.

• The CEDR program is now seeking applicants for a second round of funding.

The New Relationship Trust is an independent organization established by the New Relationship Trust Act (2006).

• It is dedicated to delivering grant programs to First Nations throughout B.C., and working with governments and organizations to leverage funding sources that build First Nations’ capacity toward self-determination and improved environmental, governmental, social and economic outcomes.

Coast Funds is an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization supporting First Nations’ investments in community well-being and ecological integrity in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.

• Founded in 2007 with $118 million in contributions from foundations and Crown governments, Coast Funds has approved $107.7 million toward 434 stewardship, renewable energy and economic development projects.

2022 Community Energy Diesel Reduction projects

Dease River First Nation - $95,000
Funding to develop a Community Energy Plan, including identifying renewable energy generation opportunities and load forecast modelling.

Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement, demand-side management analysis and identifying renewable energy-generation opportunities.         

Old Massett Village Council - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement and demand-side management analysis.

Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on 300 homes in Bella Bella to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.  

Nuxalk Nation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.          

Xeni Gwet’in First Nation - $100,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits with a focus on heat pumps.           

Gitga'at First Nation - $2,000,000
Funding for pre-construction and construction activities for a run-of-lake 948-kilowatt hydroelectric generation facility.  This project aims to reduce 95% of diesel usage for electricity generation.          

Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation - $962,400
Funding for activities to upgrade, repair or replace infrastructure for the community’s electricity distribution grid.    

Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation - $350,000
Funding for the construction of a biomass combined heat and power system. The project is expected to displace up to 90% of the community's diesel consumption.       

Skidegate Band Council - $2,000,000
Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council and Council of the Haida Nation have partnered to form Tll Yahda Energy LP, which will develop and construct a two-megawatt Solar Farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid and will include battery storage. The project is expected to displace almost 9% of the north grid’s diesel consumption.

Uchucklesaht Tribe Government - $224,475
Funding for the installation of 25-kilowatt of Solar photovoltaic (PV) and storage for a new wellness centre. The project is designed to offset demand on the diesel generating system as buildings and infrastructure in the remote community grow.

Ulkatcho First Nation - $765,800
Funding for pre-construction activities for a proposed 4.4-megawatt solar PV plant and energy-storage facility that is expected to displace as much as 70% of community diesel consumption.

BC Natural Resources Forum 2023 starts today

Starting today until Thursday afternoon -- the annual BC Natural Resources Forum will take place in the City of Prince George in Traditional Lheidli T'enneh Territory. This is the 20th anniversary of the BC Natural Resources Forum. 

The Forum offers a positive, non-partisan arena to discuss and learn first-hand the latest news, trends and opportunities within the resource sector in BC and across Canada and the Forum annually hosts a large contingent of federal, provincial, and local government leaders, as well as continuing strong interest, support and attendance by Indigenous leaders, representatives from resource developers and service and supply sectors that are the foundation of our resource economy.

Today will be pre-Forum Workshops covering topics like Impact Benefit Agreements and Crisis Communications followed by a Pre-Forum Banquet Reception with special speaker BC Premier David Eby with the BC Natural Resources Forum getting underway formally on Wednesday morning... 

The BC Natural Resources Forum Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District CAO Job Posting

The Cariboo Regional District is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Administrative Officer

Full details on the job opportunity can be viewed here