Discussion of the issues that affect you on a local, provincial and federal level
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Deadline extended to June 5th for Cariboo Regional District's Waste Management Survey
#CaribooRD/#CCRHD Budget Process and Rural Property Tax Bills
Annual Quesnel Bridge Washing Program
The City of Quesnel will be performing annual bridge washing on the Moffat and Johnston Bridges.
Moffat Bridge
Thursday, June 1 – Friday, June 2
4 am – 7:30 am
Traffic will be reduced to single-lane alternating traffic. Delays are expected.
Johnston Bridge
Thursday, June 1, Friday, June 2,
Monday, June 5 and Tuesday, June 6
8 am – 4:30 pm
Traffic will be reduced to single-lane traffic. Delays are expected.
Friday, May 26, 2023
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of May 29 - June 2, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
City of Williams Lake Issues First Permit for Construction of Accessory Dwelling Unit
The City of Williams Lake has issued its first permit for the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) since the adoption of a zoning bylaw amendment earlier this month.
An ADU is a self-contained, detached dwelling unit that is accessory to a principal dwelling and on the same parcel of land. An ADU must contain its own cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
The bylaw amendment was proposed as a way to lessen the impact of the critical housing shortage in the community, as well as to help increase the amount of affordable housing in the city, including the supply of rental housing. ADUs will help support the need for an identified 817 homes in Williams Lake, according to a 2021 Central Cariboo Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis.
The zoning bylaw amendment, proposed by City staff and adopted by Council at its Tuesday, May 2 Regular Meeting, eliminates the requirement for property owners to apply through a rezoning application and streamlines the process for constructing an ADU.
“Streamlining the process benefits homeowners by reducing barriers to approval processing and assisting in community-driven development,” said Jessica Ball, Planner 1. She noted ADUs also provide a sustainable way to create more housing without requiring more land and infrastructure.
“There are challenges to any development, especially housing, as there are many factors to consider regarding neighbourhood impact,” Ball said. “ADUs will help provide a wider range of housing options for residents and allow seniors to age in place, help make home ownership more attainable by providing a mortgage helper and allow for more housing development.”
By streamlining the ADU process, the City is hopeful this is a step in the right direction to providing easier community-driven housing to help increase the housing stock within existing neighbourhoods and to provide alternative housing options that benefit our residents and potential newcomers to the city.
“I think this is a positive step to increase density within our existing neighbourhoods and I am happy to be issuing the first building permit since the bylaw adoption to Mr. Kevin Friesen, whom the City has been working with since last fall to meet all of the zoning regulations and requirements,” Ball said.
The City has created a step-by-step ‘How-to Guide’ on ADUs to walk residents through the process of building an ADU. More information is also available on the City’s website at: www.williamslake.ca/991/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.
Quesnel Council Highlights - May 23rd mtg
Delegation - North South
Interconnector Rick Wittner, Director
Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce, ran through the presentation he
will be giving to the Provincial Budget Standing Committee, highlighting
Quesnel as the main transportation route to the north. The
presentation outlined the urgent need for the North South
Interconnector, to eliminate the bottleneck at the bottom of Dragon Lake hill
and most importantly re-route heavy trucks and dangerous goods from our city
centre. |
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2023-2027 Strategic Plan Council approved the Strategic Plan as presented.
This will be included in the 2022 Annual Report and appear on the June 6th
Agenda. |
Annual Parade Approvals Council approved the following list of annual
parades/events in perpetuity, unless there are significant changes
requiring the requests to return for Council consideration:
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Correspondence:
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Bylaws
NOTICE
OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CITY OF
QUESNEL COUNCIL PROCEDURE BYLAW 1920 of 2022 Notice
is hereby given, in accordance with Section 124(3) of the Community
Charter that Quesnel City Council intends on amending Council Procedure
Bylaw 1920, as follows: Section
5(2)(b): Change meeting start time to 5:30 p.m. The
proposed draft Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1948 is available on the City’s website. |
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - May 24th mtg
That the Agenda Item Summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated May 19, 2023, and attached minutes from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 17, 2023, be received; and further, that the following recommendations from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 17, 2023 be endorsed:
- That the proposed 2023 capital projects for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association be approved, including:
- the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League will install fending;
- the Williams Lake Soccer Associations will - depending on matching grant funding - purchase a mower; if grant funding is not approved, the associations will install fencing;
- the Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association will purchase topsoil and seed for field dressing.
- That the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission members for 2023 be appointed as follows: Linda Barbondy for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Brian Hansen for the Williams Lake Soccer Associations, Nick Surette for the Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association, Mark Savard for the Cariboo Disc Golf Club, and Bruce Newbery and Pierre Mayette for the Esler Community Association.
Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - May 24th mtg
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
“We know significant costs are associated with emergency planning, mitigation, response and recovery for communities – including at local emergency operations centres. Emergency operations centres are the hub of response and recovery during an emergency, staffed by our hard-working partners in local governments and First Nations,” said the Hon. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “These projects made possible through our Community Emergency Preparedness Fund will help better protect and keep people safe in the event of an emergency.”
Nearly $3 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will go to local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. and will assist in purchasing and installing equipment and supplies to maintain or improve emergency operations centres as well as training and exercises to increase capacity.
“For a small district, like Metchosin, that relies heavily on volunteers, community emergency preparedness funding is critical to the strength and fortitude of our emergency operations,” said Marie-Térèse Little, mayor, District of Metchosin. “The supplies purchased through CEPF will make significant improvements to our community resiliency, further support volunteer efforts and training, and promote a safer response for all involved.”
Emergency operations centres are an essential part of emergency response, where representatives come together to co-ordinate actions and resources, and support people responding on the ground.
“Funding for emergency preparedness is a wise investment that directly benefits our community. It enables us to develop robust emergency response plans, acquire essential resources, and enhance our readiness to handle a wide range of emergencies,” said Trent Bossence, fire chief and emergency program co-ordinator with the District of Kitimat. “With this funding, we can strengthen our community's capacity to protect lives, minimize damage and recover swiftly, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all.”
Funding will go to 78 projects benefiting more than 100 communities throughout B.C., such as:
- monitors, digital displays and other equipment to improve the quality of operations for the City of Kitimat emergency operations centre;
- comprehensive training program for Leq'á:mel First Nation emergency management team volunteers;
- upgrading computers, a new information officer and liaison officer kit, including a one-day tabletop training session at the Doig River First Nation;
- storage area (trailer or container) with shelving for emergency equipment and upgrades to technology, such as laptops, portable antennae, hand-held GPS and mapping capabilities for the District of Metchosin;
- developing an emergency operations centre geographic information system (GIS) for situational awareness, emergency operations and public information for the City of Nelson;
- new equipment, supplies and training for a new and permanent emergency operations centre in Armstrong; and
- emergency equipment and supplies, as well as equipment training to support emergency operations centre activities for the Samahquam Nation.
“The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund has enabled the City of Armstrong to enhance its emergency preparedness, response and ability to recover by enabling us to build capacity through the purchasing of equipment and by providing training opportunities,” said Joe Cramer, mayor, Armstrong. “The contribution of $30,000 will make a significant impact on our community for years to come.”
In February 2023, the Province committed a further $180 million to CEPF, bringing the total investment to $369 million since it was established in 2017. Approximately $116 million through CEPF has been approved for First Nations and local governments for almost 1,500 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.
Learn More:
For information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit the Union of BC Municipalities’ website: https://www.ubcm.ca/funding-programs/local-government-program-services/community-emergency-preparedness-fund
Aviation Grants provided to BC Airports
The Province is upgrading regional airports to help support economic development, improve aviation services and safety, and enhance access to B.C.’s rural and remote communities.
“The BC Air Access Program helps communities, especially smaller ones, with important improvements to their aviation facilities,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This investment will help move people and goods, improve safety and benefit front-line services, like air ambulance and wildfire fighting, as well as making for more secure access to remote and Indigenous communities.”
The Province is investing $19.8 million in the latest round of BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) projects, which will support 40 projects at 29 air facilities, improving safety, security and passenger facilities. Projects include runway extensions, improved runway lighting, pavement improvements, terminal enhancements and better fire protection.
“These investments are improving local airports across the province, making a difference for travellers, the aviation industry and the businesses that count on reliable air service to export their products to markets worldwide,” said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit.
Under BCAAP, airports, heliports and water aerodromes submit proposals to access grants to support infrastructure upgrades.
“The continued expansion of the BC Air Access Program is positive news for the province’s remote, rural and Indigenous communities, as well as for fire suppression, air ambulance, emergency response, tourism and economic development initiatives,” said Heather McCarley, chair of the BC Aviation Council. “We are so pleased to see such progressive, strategic thinking.”
B.C. has more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes, which play a significant role in connecting communities, supporting the economy and keeping people safe.
“Improving air services in rural and remote communities across B.C. helps serve everyone’s needs and improves our connections with the rest of the province and country,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “Aviation provides vital links to smaller communities, and this support will provide these airports and communities with better services, improved emergency-response capacity and more opportunities to grow their local economies.”
Since its launch in 2015, BCAAP has committed $66.8 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 71 air facilities. The program is open to applicants from facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year. Applicants are eligible for as much as $2 million in annual cost-sharing grants to help fund infrastructure needs. Air facility operators include local governments, non-profit operating societies and contracted operators applying on their behalf.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Special WL Council Highlights - May 23rd mtg
#CaribooRD gives ALL CLEAR for properties at the Tzenzaicut Lake Area in #CaribooRD Area "I"
#CaribooRD have given the ALL CLEAR for properties at the Tzenzaicut Lake Area in #CaribooRD Area "I". For details:
i) Evacuation ALERT rescind -- https://www.cariboord.ca/en/news/2023-05-23-tzenzaicut-lake-fire-evacuation-alert-lifted.aspx
ii) Evacuation ORDER rescind -- https://www.cariboord.ca/en/news/2023-05-23-tzenzaicut-lake-fire-evacuation-order-rescinded.aspx
Monday, May 22, 2023
Civil Forfeiture Grants advances public safety, connects victims with services
People throughout the province will benefit from projects that advance community safety and crime-prevention initiatives, assist people experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous people recovering from trauma.
The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to support community-safety-related projects throughout British Columbia. As part of the 2022-23 cycle, $9.7 million will support 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training, with $3.7 million collected from forfeited recoveries as well as $6 million from provincial funding.
“Our government is committed to building a safer B.C. by redirecting the profits of crime back into the local community,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Crime should never pay, and the seized funds collected through the sale of forfeited assets will help our local partners support victims and fight back against the cycle of repeat offending. By working together with community partners, we are creating stronger, more resilient communities.”
These projects are led by local governments, community-based not-for-profit organization, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
“Many of the community programs and initiatives being supported will help with prevention of gender-based violence, support survivors and provide specialized services, such as for youth and people who may be more at risk, which will make our communities stronger for everyone,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.
This year, 80 projects tackling gender-based violence and preventing domestic violence are sharing $3.4 million. These projects will work to develop and enhance culturally relevant, culturally safe and trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, including violence against women, in communities throughout the province.
“We are grateful for the province’s valuable support and contribution, and we are committed to using the funds to empower women on their journey toward healing and strength,” said Jatinder Bhatti, executive director of Tri-City (Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody) Transitions Society. “With this support, we can create an additional protective layer that will prevent further victimization and trauma for women and children who have experienced abuse. By having someone in contact with them when they leave our transition house, we can ensure that they will have ongoing support and guidance as they transition to a new phase in their lives.”
The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime-prevention initiatives. Several amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act have been introduced, including the creation of unexplained wealth orders, which assist government in removing the benefits of organized crime by addressing common money-laundering techniques, such as hiding assets with family members or associates.
Quick Facts:
- Since 2006, the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program has provided more than $76 million to support community organizations throughout B.C.
- The Province announced an open call for this year’s grant applications in October 2022.
- Grant funding is allocated through funding streams related to public safety. These streams include gender-based violence; crime prevention; Indigenous healing; restorative justice; domestic violence and intervention programming; and child and youth advocacy centres.
- May 14-20, 2023, is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which raises awareness about the issues facing victims of crime and the services and supports in place to assist victims, survivors and their families.
Learn More:
To see the full list of 2022-23 grant recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/grants
For information about victim services, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Cariboo RD Area "J" -- Pelican Lake Area Fire - Evacuation ALERT RESCIND
The Evacuation Alert issued May 18, 2023 at 9:15 A.M. for the Pelican Lake Area Fire has been lifted.
An Evacuation Alert may need to be reissued: however, if that is deemed necessary the process will re-commence.
Alert Lifted and Map | |
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Interactive Map |
Residents must be prepared in the event that the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Local governments may not have time to go door to door should a new evacuation order be issued.
To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.
For rural properties that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property.
Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding evacuation alerts and orders: member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup
For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit cariboord.ca or facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations or @CaribooRD or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (8:30 am – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday).