Community Tourism Plan - District of 100 Mile House

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

The District of 100 Mile House is undertaking a Community Tourism Plan. Tourism benefits our community and the surrounding area as visitors spend their dollars during their visits. Tourism creates jobs and contributes to economic growth and diversity. One of the goals of the planning process is to help inform future decisions that will support increased visitation and visitor spending in the region, which in turn will help grow local businesses. 

The project will include extensive engagement with tourism industry stakeholders and residents to gain input into the current state of tourism in the area, a future vision for tourism development, opportunities to grow and enhance tourism, and barriers / challenges facing the tourism industry.   

Expedition Management Consulting is helping the District to engage stakeholders and develop the tourism plan.

Input from tourism stakeholders and residents is a very important part of building the plan.  Engagement opportunities include:

• Online survey – Oct. 30 – Nov. 24, 2023
• Group input digital workshops – Nov. 9 & Nov. 16, 2023
• One-on-one interviews – Oct. 30 – Nov. 4, 2023

If you have any questions about the project or would like to provide your input another way, please contact Joanne Doddridge, District of 100 Mile House, jdoddridge@100milehouse.com (250) 395-2434 or Cassandra Gilmore, Expedition Management Consulting, cassandra@expeditionconsulting.ca (403) 968-8350

To complete the survey Community Tourism Planning Survey 

To sign up for the digital workshop Digital Workshop

100 Mile House Council meets Monday in Committee of the Whole!

On Monday October 30th -- only the District of 100 Mile House Council meets next week in Committee of the Whole with all other Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' or Boards' of Education not meeting next week (October 30 - Nov 3)

On the Agenda - Meeting to occur at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue)

* Memo from Director of Planning/Ec Dev re: Secondary Suites

View the full Agenda here

More infrastructure support creates resilient tourism sector, communities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Troll Mountain in #CaribooRD Area "C" to receive a $1 million grant from the Province of BC to purchase and install a new lift, to access an additional east-facing peak and double the amount of lift accessed skiable terrain

Thirty-one new infrastructure tourism projects will help enhance visitor experiences and create vibrant communities throughout the province.

“British Columbia is a world-class destination and tourism is one of the province’s greatest economic drivers,” said the Hon. Lana Popham, BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The past three years have been incredibly challenging for people in the tourism industry, especially after years of economic uncertainty and extreme weather events like the recent wildfires. Investing in tourism infrastructure supports the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and is helping to create vibrant communities for all British Columbians and visitors.”

The Destination Development Fund supports tourism businesses by developing and rejuvenating tourism infrastructure. The 31 new recipients will receive nearly $15 million in 2023-24 with one-time grants.

Since 2021, more than $60 million has been provided through the Destination Development Fund helping rebuild tourism revenues to 2019 levels and strengthening a year-round visitor economy for people in B.C and for those who work in the tourism sector.

Projects were chosen for their contribution to communities, benefits to the tourism economy, and support for sustainability and accessibility. Project examples include new and expanded tourism attractions like the Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club’s interpretive signage and groomer equipment; the expansion of the E.J. Hughes and Quw’utsun Galleries and new Kinsol Trestle Interpretation Centre at the Shawnigan Lake Museum; and the Sointula Resource Centre Society’s revitalized free bike program to include e-bike rentals.

The Province is also supporting the sector with $3 million through the B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative. This will support education, assessments, expert coaching, action planning and adaptation to help tourism businesses and communities measure, track and improve sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in their operations.

Led by Destination BC, the initiative will develop climate preparedness and adaptation strategies and action plans to mitigate climate risks, as well as provide a foundation for a long-term sustainability and climate-adaptation approach for people in the B.C. tourism sector.

"The new B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative provides a tremendous opportunity to bolster our tourism sector's resilience, preserving natural spaces and making it well-equipped to face and adapt to climate change,” said Richard Porges, president and CEO, Destination BC. “Collectively, the tourism industry has a strong commitment to sustainability and aiding communities and visitors in their readiness for climate-related impacts. This new initiative will pave the way for climate preparedness and adaptation, positioning the tourism industry to proactively mitigate evolving climate risks.”

The B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative also supports the preservation of B.C.’s natural spaces, responsible travel and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Quick Facts:

The Province has invested $60 million in the Destination Development Fund since 2021.

In the first year of the Destination Development Fund, the Province supported 90 projects throughout the province.

The B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative supports the Province’s CleanBC Plan and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

The B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative also builds on the BC Tourism Sustainability Network, a free tourism sustainability program, led by the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, which has helped more than 160 tourism businesses incorporate sustainability into their operations.

Learn More:

For more information on Destination Development approved projects, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/DestinationGrants.pdf

3 way partnership for new Williams Lake Water Treatment Plant

Courtesy of the Government of Canada:

The construction of a water treatment plant will provide the community access to safe and healthier drinking water, thanks to an investment of more than $24.3 million from the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and Williams Lake. Announced by Federal Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, BC Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang, and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, this project will reduce manganese levels in the drinking water, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.

The project will install approximately 850 metres of new watermain, providing the community with an increased supply of fresh, clean drinking water. The new water treatment plant will include a chlorination and filtration system that will lower manganese levels in the drinking water which is important for public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing $9,726,750 in this project, while the Government of British Columbia is investing $8,104,814. Williams Lake is contributing $6,485,311.

The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.

Including today’s announcement, 127 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been funded in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $649 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $340 million.  

Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land. 

Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.

Temporary Access to Frizzi Rd restricted -- Oct 31/Nov 1, 2023

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is set to start repair work in conjunction with CN Rail on two railway crossings at Soda Creek Road and Frizzi Road on October 31 and November 1.

During this time access to Frizzi Road will be restricted to a temporary crossing at Mackenzie Avenue and Frizzi Road at the Green Acres Mobile Home Park. Signage will be posted at both closed crossings and at 

the temporary access route.

Repair work will consist of the replacement of the deteriorated wooden structures at the crossings.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Williams Lake December 7

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The popular Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is touching down in Williams Lake on Thursday, December 7.

The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road hot on the heels of the festival held every fall in Banff, Alberta. With stops planned in over 600 communities and more than 40 countries, the Banff Film Festival World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide.

From the over 400 entries submitted into the festival each year, award winners and audience favourites are among the films carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.

Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2023/24 World Tour promises to be an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.

Join the City of Williams Lake and staff at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex when the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to the Gibraltar Room in Williams Lake on December 7, 2023. Doors open at 5:45 pm with the show starting at 6:30 pm.

Many thanks to our local sponsors: Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed, Mt. Timothy Recreation Resort, Caribou Ski Source for Sports, the Williams Lake Tribune, the GOAT FM and Cariboo Country Radio, Cycle Logic, Fox Mountain Brewing Co. and Sport Chek, who have donated some phenomenal draw prizes to be awarded during the show’s intermission.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 25 at the CMRC front desk and are $22 each. It is recommended to purchase tickets well in advance of the show as they sell out quickly.

Karen’s Concession at the CMRC will be open prior to and during the screening offering food and snacks, while refreshments will be available from Fox Mountain Brewing Co. for adults in attendance. Both Gibraltar Room entrances will be open for attendees.

For information on the Williams Lake screening contact Kaitlyn Atkinson, Manager of Recreation and Leisure Services, at 250-392-1788 or email katkinson@williamslake.ca.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Oct 25th mtg

Present from CRD -- Co-Chair (Director) S. Forseth; Directors Neufeld/LeBourdais

Present from City of WL -- Co-Chair (Mayor) SPS Rathor; Councillor Lyons (entered meeting at 5:45pm) and Moses

In the Chair: Mayor SPS Rathor

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted 

Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held on September 27th, 2023 was received/adopted

Delegation:

Stacey Poirier, Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society (WLSTS) Treasurer appeared before the Committee to discuss the Need for a Permanent Arts & Recreation Centre in Community and Home for WLSTS

Following the presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued... 

The Chair thanked Ms. Poirier for her time/information

Resolved -- That the presentation by the Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society regarding the need for a permanent home for the WLSTS and arts and recreation centre in the community be received

Business:

1) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2024 Business and Financial Plans

A report from the Cariboo RD's Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon.... 

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board

That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 18, 2023 regarding the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2024 Business and Financial Plans be received, and the plans be endorsed as amended (move $15,000 for facility feasibility study to 2025)

2) Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2024 Business, Financial and Capital Plans

A report from the Cariboo RD's Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon.... 

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board

That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 19, 2023 regarding the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2024-2028 business and financial plans and the 2024-2028 capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be received, and the plans be endorsed as amended (remove $500,000 to capital reserves annually for Esler Sports Complex 2nd Road Access)  

3) Proposed 2024 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

A report from the Cariboo RD's Deputy Corporate Officer was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon....

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

That the agenda item summary from Lore Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer, Cariboo Regional District dated October 18, 2023 regarding the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting schedule for 2024 be received and the schedule be endorsed as follows, with meeting start times to be 5:30 PM:

        Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (CRD)

        Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (CRD)

        Wednesday, March 27, 2024 (CRD)

        Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (CRD)

        Wednesday, May 22, 2024 (CRD)

        Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (City)

        Wednesday, September 25, 2024 (City)

        Wednesday, October 23, 2024 (City)

        Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (City)

4) Discussion Item -- Joint Grant for Assistance Process

Following Committee discussion -- no Committee Resolution was proposed 

5) Action Page

Page received

The Committee adjourned at 7:15pm... 

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 24th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Delegation - Foundry B.C.

Council will provide a letter of support for the YMCA B.C. application to Foundry B.C. for a Foundry centre in Quesnel.  Amanda Alexander, Chief Health Equity Officer and Melissa Cailleaux, Director of Community Health; YMCA B.C. gave Council an overview of the program's mission to support young people 12 - 24 and their families with mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support and social supports.

Foundry B.C. currently operates 16 sites provincially and has funding for 12 new centres. 

If Quesnel is successful, the funding from the Province will include:

• $1.5 million capital support
• $200,000 development support
• Annual operating budget scaled to community – $600,000 - 1 million

The initial phase will see YMCA consulting with local stakeholders to ensure depth of community partnerships that address broad experience in all sectors of service delivery, cultural safety, information sharing and appropriate infrastructure to bring it all together.

The application closes November 7th, communities will be shortlisted in January, with the final decision on the 12 communities in March.

Grant Application Update

Council approved the following internal applications:

• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) 2023 Intake for 100% funding up to $175,000.  The Economic Transition Communication Project includes several strategies to maximize the economic benefit of the Cariboo Gold Project in the City of Quesnel, while also supporting small business and existing employers in the community.
• Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Volunteer & Composite Fire Department Training & Equipment, in the amount of $28,000 (no contribution required from the City).

Council approved the following external application:

• At the request of School District #28, Council will provide a letter of support for their application to ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund for a proposed new facility alongside the new elementary school being build in Carson flats, to accommodate 61 new child care spaces:  infant/toddler, 3-5 year olds and before/after school care.

Quesnel Visitor Guide

Council approved continuing with the new clean format of the Quesnel Visitor Guide, with the addition of a Wells/Barkerville page.  

Development Services Update

Council directed Staff to draft new bylaws to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws to permit an 18-unit apartment at 668 Doherty Drive, asking the developer to give consideration to additional bike/scooter parking.

Quesnel Regional Airport - Replacement Sweeper

Council approved entering into an Airports Capital Assistance Program Contribution agreement with His Majesty the King in Right of Canada for grant funding up to $491,500 for the replacement of the sweeper at the Quesnel Regional Airport.

Bylaws

• Bylaw 1951 - City of Quesnel 2024 - 2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1951 of 2023 - Final Adoption

WL Council Highlights - Oct 24th mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6:01pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the Council Meeting was being held on the traditional unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw

Meeting agenda adopted 

Minutes of the Council meeting held October 3rd, 2023 were received and adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated September 14, October 5, 6, 12 and 19, 2023 

2) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council approved Development Variance Permit No. 02-2023 for property at 4600 Collier Place

3) Council approved travel, Council compensation and other associated expenses for available Council members to attend the Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day event hosted by the Tŝilhqot’in National Government in Quesnel, BC on October 26, 2023

4) Council ratified an email poll authorizing a letter on behalf of Williams Lake City Council be sent to formally express concern about the recent emergency room closure at Cariboo Memorial Hospital and the lack of notice to the City, and to request a meeting with Interior Health (that includes the City, Cariboo Regional District, Local First Nations and the Local MLA) to discuss concerns about the levels of health services provided for residents of the City and wider region

Resolved -- That Council request the Chief Executive Officer of Interior Health, Ms. Susan Brown, to publicly release Interior Health's own internal investigation regarding the closure of the Emergency Room at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake on October 2nd, 2023 minus any identifiable details pointing to specific individuals and publicly provide the key recommendations from the internal investigation for the purposes of public transparency and community engagement/consultation

Delegation:

Jessica Boate appeared before Council, via Zoom, to discuss Reconsideration of Remedial Action Order for 84 Oliver Street as per Section 78 of the Community Charter

Following their presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information.. 

Resolved -- That the matter of the Remedial Action Resolution be deferred for 2 weeks, Staff coordinate a meeting with Ms. Boate and a Staff report be brought forward at that time .... 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor M. Moses

Business, cont:

5) Council approved Council compensation, registration, and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor or Alternate to attend the BC Natural Resources Forum held from January 16 to 18, 2024 in Prince George, BC

6) Council agreed to amend Resolution No. 367/22 dated September 20, 2022 by changing the originally applied for grant funding amount from $200,000 to the approved grant of $295,270, for the 2022 Community Resiliency Investment Program – 2023 Fire Smart Community Funding & Supports Program - Stream 1 through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

7)  Council awarded the contract for the drilling and development of a new production Well No. 6 to Drillwell Enterprises for the bid price of $330,513.75, including applicable taxes.

8) Council approved a BC Active Transportation Network Planning grant application in the amount

of $100,000 – of which $50,000 will be the City’s contribution drawn from the LGCAP funds held in reserve – to develop an Active Transportation Network Plan; and further, that Council confirm the

project is a municipal priority that is intended to be completed by March 31, 2025

9) Council endorsed a recommendation from a recently held Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

That pursuant to Committee of

Whole Council Report #35-2023, the presentation and update from

the City's Community Well-Being and Safety Coordinator be

received and shared with the Central Cariboo Joint Committee at an

upcoming meeting for information, and a letter be sent to the

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General highlighting the

success of this position and program and formally requesting

provincial funding toward continuation of the Community Well Being and Safety Program in the City of Williams Lake; and further, staff be requested to report back to Council regarding the Province'

decision to restrict Community Policing access to policing radios.

10) Council received the Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held September 27, 2023

11) Council authorized the following, in relation to 2023 Remembrance Day Ceremonies & Poppy Sales

a) approve the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 27, 2023 to

November 11, 2023;

b) approve the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the

small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November

11, 2023, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as

requested;

c) approve the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of

wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony; and

further,

d) authorize the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole

for the week of November 7 through 11, 2023

12) Council authorized the Winter Lights Parade to be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023

13) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of October 24th, 2023

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

Closed Council Session:

RESOLVED -- That Council resolve into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Meeting of Council, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items

identified under Section 90 (1) (a) of the Community Charter -- namely [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]

There being no further business -- Council adjourned at 7:41pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of Oct 23-27, 2023

During the week of October 23-27, 2023 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin local governments' or Boards' of Education will meet as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th, 2023 at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) or via Zoom. 

* In-Camera Session from 5pm to 6:30pm to discuss HR Matters and Strategic Planning (Sec 90.1a,c,l of the Community Charter)

* Letters to Council re: Cariboo Gold Mine

* Strategic Priority Projects

* Update from Mayor Coleman

* 2023-2025 Budget Supplementals

View the full Agenda here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 24th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports

* Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program grant application

* UBCM Volunteer & Composite Fire Department Training & Equipment Grant Application

* Quesnel Visitor Guide

* Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Amendment for 668 Doherty Drive

* School District #28 - Request for a letter of support for ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 24th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Reports from Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer

* Reports from Committees'

* Reports from Trustees

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 24th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Gail Boxeur and Jessica Boate - Request for Reconsideration of Remedial Action Order for 84 Oliver Street

* Development Variance Permit Application - DVP #02-2023 - Monster Industries / Inland Diesel Ltd. - Setback Reduction for Storage Shed - 4600 Collier Place - Approval

* Travel Expense Approval for Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day Event (Quesnel, near GR Baker Hospital)

* Email Poll of Council - Emergency Room Closure and Communication between City/IH

* Mayor Rathor's Attendance at BC Natural Resource Forum - January 16-18, 2024

* UBCM CRI Grant Application - Council Resolution Amendment - Fire Smart 2022/2023 Intake

* BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program Application 2023/2024

* Recommendation from Committee of the Whole -- Presentation and Update from the Community Well-Being and Safety Plan Coordinator

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

1) Central Cariboo Joint Committee -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 25th at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Stacey Poirier, Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society Treasurer re Need for Permanent Arts & Recreation Centre in Community and Home for WLSTS

* 2024 Business/Financial Plans for Central Cariboo Arts/Culture and Central Cariboo Recreation

* Proposed 2024 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

* Discussion Item - Returning to Joint Grants for Assistance Process between City of Williams Lake and CRD Areas D, E, F - $50,000 / Year Total 

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Oct 20th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner/Vice Chair J. Massier; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Rathor, Pinkney and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 10:43am

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and welcomed Alternate Director Roodenburg to today's meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Cariboo Regional District Board meeting held September 28th, 2023 were received and adopted

Delegations Memorandum of Business was received

Business:

1) Development Services

a) The Board adopted Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5431, 2023 & South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5432, 2023 (Area L/Renney Road)

b) The Board granted an application completion extension request for rezoning application 3360-20/20200053 for property at Spring Lake Road in Area "G" until December 16, 2024

c) The Board granted an application completion extension request for rezoning application 3360-20/20200044 for property at 5916 Hwy 24 in Area "L" until October 21, 2024

d) The Board directed Staff to discharge covenant KW169065 from the title of Lot 52, District Lot 4535, Lillooet District, Plan 14253 and that the cost of the discharge of the covenant be borne by the owners (Area L/6302 Moose Point Drive)

2) Community Services

a) The Board approved a proposal from the Likely & District Chamber of Commerce for the placement of vapour protection in the crawl space of the Likely Community Hall and that up to $5,000 for the project be approved from the 2023 Community Halls Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund

b) The Board approved renewing the Cemetery Contribution Renewal Agreement with the District of 100 Mile House for an another 3 year term and an annual contribution of $5,000 

3) Environmental Services

a) The Board authorized Staff to submit a tenure application for the crown parcel on which the Lac La Hache landfill is located

4) Finance

a) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of September 2023, in the amount of $1,573,641.03

b) The Board approved a Year-Round Grant for Assistance application from the South Cariboo Minor Softball Association requesting $1000 to help with replacement costs for damaged equipment due to the 2023 spring melt with funding to come from the Areas G,H,L Grant for Assistance Funds

c) The Board authorized Staff to proceed with the application for up to $30,000 for each Cariboo Regional District Volunteer Fire Department under the Community Emergency Preparedness - Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training Fund and Support Stream

5) Administration

a) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of October 20th, 2023 and Directors' brought forward various items from the Calendar for discussion purposes

b) The Board received meeting minutes of recently held Committee or Commission Meetings, as follows:

* Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - September 27, 2023

*  Anahim Lake Airport Commission Meeting Minutes - October 5, 2023

* Central Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - September 27, 2023

* Emergency Preparedness Committee Minutes - October 12, 2023

c) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees/Commissions' as follows:

* That new nominations for appointments to the Anahim Lake Airport Commission be received.  Further, that Henry Lampert and Kirk Rosk be appointed to the commission.  And further, that Wayne Murray and Eli Hatch be rescinded from the Anahim Lake Airport Commission.

* That the Anahim Lake Airport terminal building expansion concept design report from Zirnhelt Timber Frames be received. Further that Regional District Policy No. 2017-11-13, which requires a competitive bidding process for procurement of goods and services, be waived and that, as Zirnhelt Timber Frames was the builder of the original terminal building, the design build agreement for the terminal building expansion project be awarded to Zirnhelt Timber Frames for $549,170. Further that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the agreement.

* That the report of Kaitlyn Atkinson, Manager of Recreation and Leisure Services, City of Williams Lake dated September 11, 2023, be received, the CMRC fees and charges for 2024 to 2026 be endorsed as presented and staff prepare the required CRD Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw for consideration by the Board.

* That correspondence be forwarded to the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness; the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship; and the Minister of Forests, stating that the new Emergency Management Regulations are presenting Local Governments with an unreasonable challenge.  Further, that the Cariboo Regional District member municipalities be invited to jointly sign the letter, and that it be copied to Premier Eby.

6) Corporate Bylaws

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5447, 2023

b) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to Forest Grove Legion Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 5445, 2023 (2/3's majority vote required for Adoption of Bylaw 5445, 2023)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors Bachmeier, Forseth (Areas B,D) 

7) Directors' Items

a) The Board received an member update from the BC Municipal Finance Authority

b) The Board considered an item from the Executive Assistant/Deputy Corporate Officer regarding the 2024 BC Natural Resources Forum and authorized Area Directors' to attend the 2024 BC Natural Resources Forum with funding coming from the Area Directors' Initiative Fund from Areas B,C,E,K (Dirs. Bachmeier, Massier, Neufeld and Anderson).  Chair Wagner will also be attending this event however her expenses will be funded via the Regional District Administration budget

Directors' provided verbal reports as to their recent activities... 

At 12:09pm-- The Board recessed its' Open Meeting to conduct a Closed Board Session as per Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

At 12:29pm-- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

The Board adjourned at 12:29pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - October 20th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair M. Sjostrom and Directors Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Rathor, Pinkney, Smith and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 9:30am 

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and the Chair welcomed Alternate Director Roodenburg to today's meeting

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were received/adopted

The Board received the "Delegations Memorandum of Business, as of October 20th, 2023"

Business:

1) The Board received the Consent Calendar and at the request of Director Forseth (Area "D"), the letter from the City of Williams Lake regarding ER Closure at CMH/Communication was given separate consideration

2) The Board received a copy of a letter from the City of Williams Lake  regarding an ER Closure at CMH/IH-Local Government Communication 

At 9:57am -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to conduct a Closed Board Session as per Section 90(2b - confidential negotiations between CCRHD, Provincial/Federal Governments' and a 3rd Party) of the Community Charter 

At 10:35am -- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting

The Board adjourned at 10:35am

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 17th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Thank you from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94

President, Doug Carey, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mayor, Council and City staff for the reconstruction of Legion Beach Campground, which included a new accessible dock.

Cariboo Regional District presents Solid Waste Management Plan updates The Environmental Management Act requires that all regional districts prepare and submit a 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan to the provincial government. Public consultation was held and Tera Grady, Manager Solid Waste, CRD, presented Council with updates to the Plan, potential actions to divert the waste flow and costing. Council agreed to provide a letter of support, in principle, for the Plan (which can be viewed on the CRD website). Next steps: December - The Plan will go to the CRD Board for review and recommendation to approve Early 2024 - CRD will submit the approved Plan to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Disc Golf Following Council's allocation of $4000 from the Council Initiatives fund in March 2023, INDesign was contracted to prepare a feasibility study for a proposed disc golf course at the West Fraser Timber Park.  Stewart McIsack advised that the property is viable and spoke to project scope, budget and environmental considerations.

 

Council Appointments Mayor Paull reported on his council appointments for the remainder of 2023 and 2024.  A list of the council appointments will be posted on the City of Quesnel website.

Specialty Crosswalks The City now has two approved specialty crosswalk designs, the rainbow crosswalk at Spirit Square and, an Indigenous crosswalk in each of our three Business Improvement Areas.  Council approved the Specialty Crosswalk Policy CC-27 to manage future requests - this policy will be available on the City website.

Correspondence - 2024 Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games Council approved two requests from the Director of Transportation, Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games: Parking lot restricted access - February 22 - 25, 2024 - the lot between the arenas/curling club, the lot between the Legion/St. Andrew's Church, the lot north of the Legion and the alley beside Arena #2. Road closure - February 22; 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. - 300 block Vaughan Street and 400 block Barlow Avenue

 

Bylaws Bylaw 1951 - City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 1951, 2023 - Third Reading Bylaw 1905 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1905, 2021 (North Fraser Drive) - Extension Request

2023 Williams Lake Halloween Event (Bonfire/Fireworks)

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake will celebrate Halloween night with a bang on Tuesday, October 31 with its 44th Annual Halloween Fireworks at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds.

The community is invited to join the City’s Community Services Department, with the help of the Williams Lake Fire Department and Williams Lake Community Policing for the annual spectacle, which kicks off with a bonfire at 7:15 pm and fireworks to follow at 7:45 pm in the parking lot behind the Stampede grandstand. The Williams Lake Lions Club will once again be offering hot dogs and hot chocolate by donation.

Gates at both Mackenzie Avenue and 7th Avenue South open at 7 pm, the bonfire is scheduled to be lit by 7:15 pm and the fireworks show will follow at 7:45 pm.

“The City’s annual free Halloween fireworks are a beloved community tradition and we are so excited to be able to carry that on during this year’s Halloween night,” said Maria McKee, Adult Recreation Coordinator. “It’s always so fun to see community members of all ages gathered around the bonfire sipping hot chocolate in their Halloween costumes each year as they enjoy the festivities.”

Back by popular demand, there will also be a pie-eating contest prior to the fireworks show starting at 7:15 pm. Free registration for that event is available online at www.williamslake.ca/programregistration; anyone wishing to participate is asked to pre-register.

The City of Williams Lake would like to thank Tolko for donating wood for the bonfire, Williams Lake Community Policing, the Williams Lake Stampede Association for use of the grounds and the Williams Lake Lions Club for their generous contributions to the annual event.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of October 16-20, 2023

The following local governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be meeting the week of October 16-20, 2023 - as follows:

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

1) Open Council Meeting - 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 17th.  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94 - Legion Beach plaque presentation

* Delegations: Cariboo RD re: DRAFT Solid Waste Management Plan and Bringing Disc Golf to Quesnel - INDesign, Stewart McIsack (via ZOOM)

* Reports from Quesnel Mayor/Council re: attendance at 2023 UBCM Convention in Vancouver, BC

* Reports from Committees'

* Council Committee Appointments for 2024

* City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1905, 2021 - Quesnel Tillicum Society - North Fraser Drive - Extension request

* Specialty Cross Walk Policy -- for approval

* Council Correspondence Policy - approve amendments

* 2024 Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games - Requests (Parking Lot Closure; Johnston Bridge and Road Closure

* Bylaw 1951 - City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 1951, 2023 - Third Reading

View the full Agenda here

2) Closed Council Session - Following adjournment of Open Council Session on Tuesday, October 17th.  Meeting to be closed under Section 90(1e) and (2b) [land and confidential negotiations between local government, provincial/federal governments and a Third Party] of the Community Charter

View the Closed Meeting Notice here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, September 18th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Presentation and Update from the Community Well-Being and Safety Coordinator

* Solid Waste Management Plan Options for Discussion

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, October 16th at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* South Cariboo Recreation Centre Overnight Parking Policy

* DRAFT South Cariboo Recreation and Culture Business, Financial and Capital Project Plans for 2024

View the full Agenda here

2) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, October 20th at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).   On the Agenda:

* Hospital Consent Calendar

* In-Camera Session -- Section 90(2b - confidential negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, October 20th following adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).

On the Agenda:

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only)

* Likely Community Hall Community Works Funding (CWF) Moisture Barrier Project and Enabling Agreement

* Cemetery Contribution Renewal Agreement with the District of 100 Mile House

* Tenure Application for the Lac La Hache Transfer Station

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance Application – South Cariboo Minor Softball Association (Areas G,H,L)

* Request for Approval for Grant Submission to UBCM for Cariboo RD Fire Departments

* Consent Calendar

* Recommendations from Committees' or Commissions'

* Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5447, 2023 -- for 3 Readings

* Forest Grove Legion Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 5445, 2023 -- for 3 Readings/Adoption

* Item from Dir. Richmond -- MFA Report to Members on Activities for the Period of May 2023 to September 2023

* In-Camera Session: Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Emergency Preparedness Committee Highlights - Oct 12th, 2023 mtg

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

The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:30pm and recognized the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the Committee meeting held April 19th, 2023 were received/adopted

Business:

The Committee discussed the following items:

1) Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre Reporting from April to September 2023 

2) Emergency and Disaster Management Act 

3) Emergency Management Regulations Feedback/Next Steps

4) DRAFT 2024 Emergency Program Services Business Plan 

The Committee adjourned at 4:25pm

NDIT publishes Indigenous Engagement Plan

Courtesy of Northern Development:

The central objective of the Indigenous Engagement Plan is increased Indigenous representation on the Board of Directors and the Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). This is directly related to the Province of B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan under the fourth theme: Social, cultural and economic well-being.

Action 4.39 states: Work with the Province’s Economic Trusts and First Nation partners to develop a mechanism that ensures inclusion of First Nations at a regional decision-making level.

In order to better achieve this objective, NDIT has established an Indigenous Advisory Committee responsible for outlining options for a revised governance framework for the Trust, inclusive of actions and recommendations on how to improve relationships with Indigenous communities.

The Board and staff at Northern Development have outlined five themes to serve as the basis for its Indigenous Engagement Plan:

* Relationships

* Communications

* Governance

* Programming

* Education

Relationships

Communications

Governance

Programming

Education

City of Williams Lake Continuing to Monitor Situation at Terra Ridge

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake’s (City) Emergency Operations Centre has extended the State of Local Emergency (SOLE) originally declared on September 29, 2023 due to potential land movement at 500 Wotzke Drive, known as Terra Ridge.

The SOLE extension is required by legislation to be renewed weekly and is a precautionary measure for four units currently under an evacuation order and 76 units currently under an evacuation alert.

The City is now working with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness to complete both geological and structural engineering assessments and has made emergency supports available to residents while awaiting results.

The City is continuing to monitor the situation from its Emergency Operations Centre and will provide updates as they are available, and is working diligently to ensure Terra Ridge residents have all available services being offered to them. The residents and property under evacuation order and alert remain the City’s primary focus.

To reach the City of Williams Lake's Emergency Operations Centre please call 250-392-2311 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Provincial environmental assessment certificate granted for Cariboo Gold

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued to Osisko Development Corp. for the Cariboo Gold project in central British Columbia, following a joint decision by provincial ministers.

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, made their decision after carefully considering the environmental assessment by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

Cariboo Gold is a proposed underground gold mine in Wells. It was the first project entirely assessed under the new 2018 Environmental Assessment Act.

The project assessment involved extensive consultation with technical experts, First Nations, provincial agencies, local governments, a community advisory committee and the public. In making their decision, the ministers listened to and considered the concerns brought forward that the Cariboo Gold project could result in potential adverse effects on residents in Wells, First Nations access to land and the Barkerville woodland caribou herd.

As a result, the ministers included 22 legally binding conditions in the environmental assessment certificate, intended to prevent or reduce potential adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects from Cariboo Gold.

With these legally binding requirements, and Osisko Development Corp.’s project design features that will reduce Cariboo Gold’s impacts on the community of Wells and the environment, the ministers determined that significant adverse effects can be prevented or mitigated.

Key requirements include:

a plan to minimize impacts on the local community and tourism, through: a limit on the maximum allowable noise from the project; performing blasting only during the day; using vegetation to screen buildings and other facilities to minimize visual impacts for residents and visitors; limiting truck traffic near residential areas; strict policies around work camps, including to prevent gender-based violence and restrict use of tourist accommodations by workers; hiring 75% of workers from the region (if qualified); a strategy developed with the District of Wells to mitigate pressures on recreation and tourism; and supporting community events to promote arts and culture. Osisko also must hold regular community meetings and ensure timely response to concerns;

establishing a new, clean drinking water supply for the District of Wells;

mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce emissions and maintain air quality;

managing effects on the environment, in particular to mitigate impacts to wildlife, habitat and bodies of water, overseen by an independent environmental monitor;

working with the Province to support remediation in the District of Wells and along the shore of Jack of Clubs Lake, contaminated by a previous mine's tailings containing arsenic, cobalt, cadmium, lead and other contaminants; and

a specific plan to minimize impacts to the Barkerville woodland caribou herd, including monitoring, mitigation measures and offsets for habitat disturbance.

The ministers also noted in their decision that Cariboo Gold will provide benefits to the province, the local community and First Nations. Local and First Nations employment and procurement also has the potential to advance reconciliation through employment and economic benefits. The project will employ an average of 200 workers during construction, peaking at close to 300 workers, and will employ almost 500 during operations.

Under the 2018 Environmental Assessment Act, First Nations participating in the process have the opportunity to provide consent or lack of consent for the project. All three Nations in whose territory project activities will occur participated in the environmental assessment. Lhtako Dené Nation and Williams Lake First Nation provided notices of consent, and Xatśūll First Nation advised the ministers that they did not object to the project.

Every project that undergoes an environmental assessment is assessed thoroughly on the specific and individual aspects of that particular project, including its potential environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects, and impacts on First Nations and their rights.

Learn More:

Ministers' reasons for decision: 

https://projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/api/public/document/6525a9fb71a66200221fbfd8/download/FINAL%20Reasons%20for%20Decision_Cariboo%20Gold.pdf

Documentation ministers considered in making their decision: https://www.projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/api/public/document/652595359019250022e37ae0/download/Cariboo%20Gold%20Assessment%20Report_September%202023.pdf

For more information on the environmental assessment process, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments