Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Deadline extended to June 5th for Cariboo Regional District's Waste Management Survey

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The deadline to let the Cariboo Regional District know what you think about eight waste reduction proposals has been extended. Residents of the Cariboo and Chilcotin will be able to complete surveys on waste reduction plans and curbside waste collection until midnight on Monday, June 5 to make their opinions heard.

Residents are able to complete two surveys:

  • A general survey available to all residents, seeking feedback on seven waste reduction initiatives proposed for inclusion in an updated Solid Waste Management Plan, available at www.cariboord.ca/swmp; and
  • A survey specific to one of nineteen neighbourhoods where curbside collection services are being proposed, available at www.cariboord.ca/curbside.

As of May 29, there have been 1,306 surveys completed in the region providing feedback on the proposed options for the CRD’s draft Solid Waste management Plan update. The areas with the highest number of participants include Electoral Areas A (Red Bluff – Alexandria), Area E (Dog Creek), Area L (Interlakes) and Area D (Commodore Heights – McLeese Lake). Participation by municipal residents has been relatively low – 15 City of Quesnel residents have completed the survey compared to 63 from the City of Williams Lake and 41 from the District of 100 Mile house.

Participation by residents of nineteen neighbourhoods where curbside collection is being proposed has also been very low. Of over 7,000 notices mailed directly to each property in these areas, only 689 responses have been received as of May 29. Average participation by residents is under ten percent of each neighbourhood’s estimated population.

Residents are being asked to complete the survey to ensure that the results of consultation on the regional district’s Solid Waste Management Planning is effective, informed, and reflective of the region’s vision for waste reduction. More information about each proposal, the impacts of each option, and survey links can be found at www.cariboord.ca/swmp.

SWMP survey responses by area
SWMP Survey responses by area

#CaribooRD/#CCRHD Budget Process and Rural Property Tax Bills

Clarification about #CaribooRD and #CCRHD Budget Process and property tax bills for 2023...  


* On Local Taxation in Rural Areas -- 

1) Cariboo RD Local Services (which varies depending on where you reside in the Electoral Areas); 2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District; 3) Provincial Taxes (School Tax, Rural Tax, Rural Police Tax) -- more details at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/rural-area

* Public Engagement on Annual Cariboo RD Budget -- placed in local libraries in Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House as well in CRD Offices in same locations as well as online. Individual EA Directors' may do their own engagement but is secondary to CRD Public Engagement Process. IE: I host annual Zoom Town Hall for CaribooRD Area "D" residents' on annual CRD Budget. 

The Cariboo Regional District Board will discuss later this year a "Public Engagement Plan" for the 2022-2026 term My CaribooRD colleagues and I are always willing to receive your respectful feedback (good or bad). 

Annual Quesnel Bridge Washing Program

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

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

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting during the week of May 29 - June 2, 2023 - as follows:

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, May 30th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation -- Restorative Justice Program Introduction and Update

* Business: i) Overview of Bylaw Enforcement Operations Policy; ii) Standards of Maintenance Bylaw; Fireworks Information and Options

View the full Committee Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: All meetings to occur in the Cariboo Regional District's Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

a) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District -- Regular Board Meeting on Friday, June 2nd at 9:30am 

* Delegation: City of Quesnel / Beverlee Barr Consulting re: Healthcare Recruitment/Retention in North Cariboo 

* Business: Hospital Consent Calendar; Northern Health/Regional Hospital Districts Memorandum of Understanding Renewal; Letter from City of Williams Lake for support to Establish an Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Williams Lake

View the full Meeting Agenda here

b) Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, June 2nd following recess of the CCRHD Board Meeting held June 2nd

* Delegation(s) -- Interior Health re: Development near Lakes and best practices

* Business:

i) Land Use Business (Electoral Area Directors' only)

ii) Resolutions to authorize borrowing for Fire Department Apparatus at 150 Mile VFD (Area F) and Lone Butte VFD (Area L)

iii) Grant for Assistance (Year Round Intake) applications

iv) 2023 UBCM Convention Meetings with Ministers or Crown Agencies

v) Committee Minutes/Recommendations

vi) In-Camera Session -- Section 90(1c,e,k - labour, land and negotiations) of the Community Charter 

View the full meeting agenda here

Thursday, May 25, 2023

City of Williams Lake Issues First Permit for Construction of Accessory Dwelling Unit

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

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

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

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.

 

 

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:

  • JUNE - Pride parade 
  • JULY - Gold Dust Mall 
  • JULY - Billy Barker Days’ parade 
  • SEPTEMBER - Touch a Truck 
  • SEPTEMBER - Take Back the Night 
  • NOVEMBER - Remembrance Day 

 

Correspondence:

  • May 4/23 Cariboo Ski Touring Club: Council referred the Cariboo Ski Touring Club request for financial assistance to the next Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee meeting for consideration.
  • May 15, 2023 Quesnel Downtown Association: Council were advised that the City of Quesnel are working with local stakeholders to find sustainable funding for the Clean Team, past July, 2022.

Bylaws

  • Bylaw 1948 - City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1948 of 2023 - First, Second & Third Readings

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

Present from City of WL -- Councillors J. Lyons/S. Boehm (alternate)

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

Meeting Chair - Director S. Forseth

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

Meeting Agenda adopted 

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting held on January 25th, 2023 was received/adopted

Delegations:

Melissa Normandin, Executive Director, Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society appeared before the Committee to discuss updates on CCACS, Arts Centre and Performances in the Park 

Following her Presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Normandin for her time/information

Resolved -- That the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Q1 2023 Report' be received for information


Business:

1) "Parks and Recreation Month" Proclamation and Participaction Grant

Report from the City Mgr of Recreation/Leisure Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That pursuant to the report of Kaitlyn Atkinson, Manager of Recreation and Leisure Services, City of Williams Lake dated May 5, 2023, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee support the month of June 2023 as “Parks and Recreation Month” in support of “PaRX - A Prescription for Nature” in the Central Cariboo, and encourage Central Cariboo residents to track their active minutes on the Participaction Fitness App for a chance to become “Canada’s Most Active Community” worth a grand prize of $100,000

2) Public Art Display Request for CMRC Main Lobby

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That pursuant to the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated April 27, 2023, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee review and approve the application for the display of the painting of FARWELL CANYON located on the Chilcotin River done by local artist Brandy Stecyk.

3) Natatorium - Deck Slips and Falls

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated February 17, 2023 regarding concerns from patrons around slips and falls on deck surfaces at the Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool be received for information

4) Fees and Charges Bylaw Update

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated May 9, 2023 regarding an update on review of the fees and charges for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex leading into Fall 2023 discussions on bylaw renewal prior to its expiration at the end of this year be received for information.

5) CMRC Budget 2022 Report

 

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated May 15, 2023 regarding the 2022 Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex budget be received; and further, that the Central Cariboo Joint Committee forward a request for the overage amount in 2022 to be paid to the City of Williams Lake.

6) CMRC 2023 Budget Forecast

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated May 12, 2023 regarding the 2023 Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex budget forecast be received

7) Esler Recreation Advisory Commission - May 17, 2023 Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

Report from CRD Manager of Community Services
Discussion ensued thereon 

Resolved:

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:

 

  1. 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:
    1. the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League will install fending;
    2. 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;
    3. the Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association will purchase topsoil and seed for field dressing.

 

  1. 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.

8) Boitanio Bike Park - Sub-Regional Recreation

Report from the City Director of Community Services was presented to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That pursuant to the report of Stacey Miranda, Director of Community Services, City of Williams Lake dated May 16, 2023, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee add the Boitanio Bike Park into the Sub-Regional Recreation budget.

9) Discussion Item -- Central Cariboo Recreation & Culture 10-Year Master Plan 

The Chair led a discussion on this item and no resolution resulted from the discussion

10) Display of Sam Ketcham Pool Carved Teak Doors

Item from the City of Williams Lake
Discussion ensued thereon 

Resolved -- That pursuant to the request of City Council by Resolution No. 179/23, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee receive the report of the City of Williams Lake Community Services Committee and additional background reports and information on the display of the carved teak doors at the Sam Ketcham Pool, including the original correspondence from Chris Hornby in this regard, be received for information.

11) Action Page

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



Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - May 24th mtg

Present in Cariboo Regional District WiIlliams Lake Boardroom: Chair M. Neufeld; Directors Forseth and LeBourdais

Present via MS Teams: Directors' Pare and Anderson 

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
Minutes of the Caucus meeting held on April 11th, 2023 were received/adopted

Delegation:

Cheri Wiebe, Manager, Municipal Services from the Williams Lake RCMP was in attendance to discuss Williams Lake Police Based Victim Services.

Following a Question/Answer Period -- the Chair thanked Ms. Wiebe for her time/information

Business:

1) Discussion Item

a) Williams Lake Contracted Fire Protection Service

2) Action Page

Following discussion - Action Page received and that Items #1,3 be removed from the Action Page


Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- The Cariboo Regional District will be getting $7,280 for emergency operation centre mobilization equipment and training.

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

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- South Cariboo Regional Airport at 108 Mile House (Cariboo RD Area "G") received $2 million to complete a runway rehabilitation project as well as the Williams Lake Regional Airport receiving $83,750 to complete an apron lighting upgrade project as well as installing 2 new automatic security gates

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

Present in WL Council Chambers - Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Nelson

Present via Zoom: Councillor A. Delainey

Meeting called to order at 12:00pm (Meeting video here)

Meeting Agenda Adopted

Business:

1) Grant in Aide Request from Potato House Society re: 2023 WL Stampede Street Party

Report of the CFO presented to Council 
Discussion ensued thereon 

Resolved -- That the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated May 18, 2023 be received, that $5,000 be approved for the Potato House Project Society to put on the 2023 Williams Lake Stampede Street Party and that the Grant in Aide Policy be waived

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors Delainey and Flaspohler

Council adjourned at 12:14pm

#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

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Civil Forfeiture Grants provided in the Cariboo-Chilcotin include $40,000 for "Become the Change" provided by the local Canadian Mental Health Association, Cariboo-Chilcotin Branch and $14,520 for Restorative Justice programming in the Williams Lake/Central Cariboo sub-region

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

Learn about unexplained wealth orders and other amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0022-000415 

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Cariboo RD Area "J" -- Pelican Lake Area Fire - Evacuation ALERT RESCIND

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

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.

Pelican Lake Area Fire

Alert Lifted and Map 
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).