Forest Grove to vote on loan options for fire tender truck

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Voters in the Forest Grove fire protection service area are being given a choice over how long funding will be borrowed to purchase a new fire tender for their fire department. The Regional District will be borrowing up to $600,000 to make this purchase, and is asking voters in the service area for approval to extend the borrowing over a ten-year period. An interactive map is available on the regional district’s website with fire protection area boundaries.

Resident and Non-Resident Property Electors will have an opportunity to make their opinion count by casting their vote at one of three voting opportunities or by a mail ballot. Residents can vote in-person :

• July 31, 2024 at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
• August 6, 2024 at the Forest Grove Community Hall, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and
• August 10, 2024 at the Forest Grove Community Hall, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A public information meeting will also be held on July 12, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Forest Grove Community Hall. Cariboo Regional District Board Chair and Electoral Area H Director Margo Wagner will be hosting the meeting, which will provide residents of the area with an opportunity to learn more about the referendum, connect with Forest Grove VFD Fire Chief Michelle Meeker and MLA Lorne Doerkson, and learn more about the Cariboo Regional District’s services.  A fundraising barbecue will also be held for the Forest Grove VFD Ladies’ Auxiliary, and door prizes will be available for those in attendance.

If the borrowing is approved by voters, residents can expect property taxes to increase by up to $32.38 per $100,000 of the net taxable value of improvements in the fire protection area, representing a 27.5% increase. The total increase depends on whether future assessment values in the service area increase or decrease; however, the portion of taxes levied to repay the loan will be the same. The current 2024 residential tax rate for the Forest Grove Fire Protection Area is $117.66 per $100,000.

However, if a majority of the votes are against the ten-year borrowing option, the Volunteer Fire Department is still required to purchase a new fire tender. In that case, the same amount of funds would need to be borrowed over a much shorter five-year period, which does not require voter approval. Residential property taxes would need to increase by $57.00 per $100,000 assessed value in this case, a 48.4% increase in annual taxation.

Mail ballots can be requested from the Chief Election Officer beginning on July 8, 2024, and can be requested up until August 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Mail ballots must be packaged according to the instructions contained in each ballot package to ensure that your vote remains secret, otherwise the ballot will be rejected. Completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer by 4:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024 at either the 100 Mile House or Williams Lake office, or deposited with the Chief Election Officer at the Forest Grove Community Hall by 8:00 p.m. on General Voting Day. More information about voter eligibility and the proposal can be found on the CRD’s website at www.cariboord.ca/ForestGrove-fire-truck.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of July 2-5, 2024

As a result of the Canada Day Long Weekend -- only the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' meet next week (Friday, July 5th starting at 9:30am in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom - 180D 3rd Ave North, Williams Lake). 

On their Agendas:

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) - 9:30am on July 5th, 2024:

Closed/In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 92 + 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter.  View the Open Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - upon adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting on July 5th, 2024:

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only)

* Esler Recreation Advisory Commission April 30, 2024 Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

* Verbal Report/Update of the Regional Fire Chief

* 2024-2034 Canada Community-Building Fund Agreement

* Committee or Commission Recommendations

* Closed/In-Camera Board Session -- Sections 92 + 90(1c,k - labour and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Board Agenda here

Future Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Board of Education Meetings:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on July 16th

Quesnel - Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee Meeting on July 10th

Williams Lake - Special Council Meeting and Committee of Whole Session on July 9th

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on July 9th

SD27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and SD28 (Quesnel) Boards' of Education - on summer recess until September  

Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada and B.C. celebrate 10-year title anniversary with renewal of agreement

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

This week marks 10 years since the historic Supreme Court of Canada judgment, known as the Tŝilhqot’in Decision, which resulted in the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, recognizing the Tŝilhqot’in Nation as the owners of a portion of their traditional territory in the interior of British Columbia.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the celebration on title lands to witness the recognition of Elders and other Tŝilhqot’in witnesses who courageously testified at trial during the title-and-rights case. Also attending the celebration were: Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services; Arif Virani, federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; George Heyman, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy; and many other dignitaries, Indigenous leaders and allies. 

As a commitment to continued progress, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia signed a five-year renewal of the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (GNPA).

The GNPA was initially signed in August 2019 between Canada, B.C., and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. The first-of-its-kind agreement commits the parties to bring “transformative change” to the lives of the Tŝilhqot’in people and communities and to their relationship with government. Through the GNPA, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation has taken significant strides in Nation building, continually working to improve all aspects of life for Tŝilhqot’in communities, including governance initiatives, such as the Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Women’s Council), Indigenous-led emergency management, new homes and renovations in all communities, world-class fisheries and ranger programs, community and family support programs, and steps to reclaim jurisdiction for Tŝilhqot’in children and families.

Along with new funding that is being provided by Canada and British Columbia to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the GNPA confirms the parties’ commitment to advancing reconciliation and building a prosperous future founded on mutual respect, recognition of rights and true partnership. Together, we continue to forge a path towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all people living in Canada.

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 25th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Disc Golf on Fuel Management Trails

Council approved the development of a disc golf course on the Fuel Management Trail property and directed staff to prepare a Licence of Occupation for the Quesnel Disc Golf Club’s use of the property.

2023 Annual Report

Council approved the 2023 Annual Report for period ending December 31, 2023.

Development Services

Council approved the Keis Trucking Ltd. Development permit application 2023-61 for a new shop at 100 Keis Avenue, subject to all outdoor storage areas being screened from the public right-of-way.

Quesnel Bike Park

Council supported an application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Excellence Awards - Excellence in Service Delivery, to showcase the Quesnel Adventure Skills Bike Park and mountain bike rentals program, promoting active lifestyles and tourism. Through strong partnerships with local organizations, including Lhtako Dene Nation and the Gold Rush Cycling Club, Quesnel is on the map as a mountain biking destination.

Council Committees

Council does a lot of behind the scenes work on Council Committees.  Summaries of these meetings can be found on the Council agenda under Item I. Committee Reports. Two of our newest Select Committees are the Accessibility Committee and the Housing Solutions Table.  

Bylaws

• Bylaw 1962 - City of Quesnel Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Amendment Bylaw - Second & Third readings and Final Adoption
• Bylaw 1966 - City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1966 of 2024 - First three readings

Due to error recording contents - Council Meeting Video not available

The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is July 30, 2024

(Williams Lake) Community Invited to Celebrate Canada's 157th Birthday in Boitanio Park

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake’s Annual Canada Day celebration is moving back to Boitanio Park in 2024.

The entire community is invited to attend the free celebration in the park, happening on Monday, July 1, 2024 with activities from 2 to 5 pm as we recognize Canada’s 157th birthday.

“We are excited to be moving the event back to Boitanio Park after several years of using Kiwanis Park and the spray park there, but a larger space in Boitanio Park allows for more opportunities to feature a wider range of activities, entertainers, food vendors and a vendor marketplace,” said Emma Davidson, Child and Youth Recreation Program Coordinator. “Canada Day is always a popular event and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone out and coming together to celebrate all that makes our nation special on its birthday.”

Opening remarks from local dignitaries, including a welcome to traditional Secwepemc territory, will kick off the festivities at 2 pm sharp.

Quintet Plus will open the lineup of musical entertainers at 2:15 pm on the Gwen Ringwood Stage, with performances to follow every 45 minutes from Troe Weston and David Bell, and Cariboo Accordion Circle. The Williams Lake Community Band will be closing out the show with the final performance at 4:30 pm. DJ and MC services will be provided by In a Chord Music.

Other activities will include Red Pony Bull Riding, bouncy castles, a slip ‘n’ slide, disc golf, mega games, multicultural arts and crafts celebrating Canada’s diversity, food vendors, market vendors, giveaways and much more.

“Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our country and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in beautiful Boitanio Park,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “On behalf of City of Williams Lake Council and staff, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Canada Day!”

The City thanks the Government of Canada for its support through the Celebrate Canada program to help host the event.

Marty Norgren elected in 100 Mile House Council by-election

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

The District of 100 Mile House would like to thank all of the voters that came out to vote in our By-Election and also, a thank you to all of the candidates that participated in the election. 

Marty Norgren has received the most votes for the position of Councillor. 

https://www.100milehouse.com/city-hall/2024-election

By-election results should be certified by the end of day on Tuesday, June 25th

BCGEU rejects Cariboo Regional District’s latest contract offer despite agreement on wages

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Talks broke down today with the BC General Employees’ Union, which has now set its members up for a seventh week of strike action. Although both parties were ready to agree on wages, BCGEU walked away from the table over specific terms they demanded from the settlement agreement.  

“I cannot express enough how truly hopeful I was for a resolution and how exceptionally disappointed I am that talks yet again broke down or that once again the Union approached negotiations with perceivably little interest in meeting us in the middle,” said Murray Daly, Chief Administrative Officer of the Cariboo Regional District, “Despite significant improvements to our offer for wage increases, the Union has moved its offers in the opposite direction, demanding more than it had asked for at the start of the strike.”

The rejected settlement agreement would have seen unionized employees’ wages increased by 12.5% over three years. As a result, the Union has strongly indicated that strike action will continue for a seventh week.

The Cariboo Regional District remains committed to achieving a fair agreement for both its employees and citizens, and remains committed to negotiating such an agreement at the bargaining table.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of June 24-28, 2024

During the week of June 24-28, 2024 -- the following local governments or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be holding meetings, as follows:

Quesnel -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 25th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Reports

*  Disc Golf on Fuel Management Trail property

* 2023 Annual Report

* UBCM Community Excellence Awards – Quesnel Bike Park and Rentals

* Development Permit 2023-61: 100 Keis Ave (Addition to shop)

* City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1966 of 2024 (include new position: Manager of Finance)

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Final Board of Education meeting for 2023-24 term.  Meeting to occur on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Broadband internet upgrade funding announcement celebrated by Cariboo RD Board

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is celebrating commitments made by the Province of B.C. and Government of Canada for internet upgrades in rural areas of the Cariboo. The June 13 announcement confirmed a significant commitment to connect over 2,000 rural households in the regional district through a $37 million investment. This funding will support the expansion of Telus’ wireless and fibre optic networks in the region.

“This announcement represents a tremendous amount of work and advocacy on the part of our Connectivity Committee to raise awareness about the internet coverage gaps in our region and pursue opportunities to close them. BC Connective Communities Initiative staff have been extremely helpful and supportive of our needs and understanding how critical equitable access to internet services is for our rural communities. Broadband services are desperately needed to connect our residents with the information they need for healthcare, economic opportunities, education, and public safety,” said Maureen LeBourdais, Director of Electoral Area F and Chair of the Connectivity Committee, “TELUS Community Liaison staff have also made themselves accessible to our questions and willing to engage with us on how these connectivity projects could look to make sure that the projects reflect the needs on the ground.”

A vast majority of the 2,000 households which will be connected to high-speed internet through fibre-optic and fixed-wireless internet by these projects are in the Cariboo Regional District, outside of municipal boundaries. The communities to be served include McLeese Lake, Wildwood (Electoral Area D), Alkali Lake (Esk'etemc) (Electoral Area E), 150 Mile House, Big Lake Ranch, Horsefly (Electoral Area F), 108 Mile Ranch, Lac la Hache (Electoral Area G), Mahood Falls (Electoral Area H), Nazko (Electoral Area I), and Bridge Lake (Electoral Area L).

“I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to Director LeBourdais for her extensive advocacy work on connected to the rest of the world realized through this funding announcement,” said Margo Wagner, Chair of the Regional District, “She has worked with the Connectivity Committee to stay connected with TELUS and the Province to build awareness of the gaps in our rural areas and address them in high priority areas.”

The Cariboo Regional District’s Connectivity Committee was established in 2022 to support the implementation of the Regional Broadband Strategy, which was adopted in 2021. The Strategy guides the regional district’s advocacy with other partners, including TELUS and the Ministry of Citizens Services. 

The Connectivity Committee continues to engage to improve access to broadband internet and cellular networks across the regional district to improve access for all citizens.

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - June 20th mtg

Present: Chair Wagner and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier (via MS Teams) Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Roodenburg, Rathor and Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:48am 

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Regional District Board Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st Reading to Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5475, 2024 (Area J - Bluff Lake Road, southwest of Tatla Lake)

2nd Reading of Bylaw 5475 will be subject to:

* A public information meeting held at the applicant’s expense; 

* The applicant providing proof to the Cariboo Regional District, through an Authorized Person (AP), a report on the proposed sewerage system(s). The report from the AP must demonstrate there is adequate space and site conditions to support an authorized disposal system(s) for the density proposed and identify a reserve area for when the original system(s) fails and; 

* The applicant submitting an Archaeological Overview Assessment for the proposed C 2-5 zone area , completed by a qualified professional, with a determination as to whether further investigation is warranted;

While adoption of Bylaw 5475 will be subject to:

* The applicant offering to enter into and entering into a covenant restricting the resort accommodation use to a maximum of 70 sleeping or housekeeping units and 25 staff accommodation units or combination thereof, and that the cost of preparation and registration of the covenant be borne by the applicant; 

* The applicant offering to enter into and entering into a covenant to ensure compliance with the CRD Shoreland Management Policy with respect to a sewage disposal system and riparian protection, including wetlands, and that the cost of registration of the covenant be borne by the applicant and; 

* The subject properties being consolidated into a single property

2) The Board considered the Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Provincial Policy Manual & Site Standards prior to consideration of South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5480, 2024, Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5481, 2024, and Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5482, 2024 and gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and Adoption to these Land Use Amendment Bylaws

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Richmond (Area "G") 

3) The Board allocated $34,000 from the Community Works fund to complete the following repairs:

Replacement of the Beach lift station electrical kiosk on Mckinley Road, Lac La Hache ($15,000);

Replacement of internal mechanical works in the McKinley Road main lift station, Lac La Hache ($11,000); and

Repair of the reservoir drain and overflow area at the Forest Grove reservoir ($8,000).

4) The Board agreed to allocate up to $12,500 for the installation of two energy efficient furnaces at the Forest Grove Community Hall from the 2024 Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund

5) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of May 2024, in the amount of $2,628,212.52

6) The Board authorized, for public inspection, the Cariboo Regional District’s 2023 Statement of Financial Information Report

7) The Board agreed to proceed to referendum to obtain elector assent for the Forest Grove Fire Protection Service fire tender replacement and that Alice Johnston be appointed Chief Election Officer, and Lore Schick be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2024 Forest Grove Fire Protection Service fire tender replacement referendum.

And that the question on the ballot be as follows:

“Are you in favour of the Cariboo Regional District borrowing up to $600,000 over 10 years for the replacement of a fire tender for the Forest Grove Fire Protection Service?

(The current ad valorem residential tax rate for the Forest Grove Fire Protection Service is $117.66/$100,000. Based on 2024 assessed values, the estimated annual cost including the borrowing translates to a residential tax rate of $150.04/$100,000 of the net taxable assessed value of improvements.)”

8) The Board received the "Consent Calendar" as of June 20th, 2024 

9) The Board endorsed recommendations from previous Committee or Commission meetings, as follows:

* That the Quesnel Kangaroos be provided with exclusive use of the West Fraser Centre main facility storage room, in the Northeast corner of the facility, adjacent to the dressing rooms.

* That  $26,000 be allocated in the 2024 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital budget to purchase a trailer to store the West Fraser Centre stage off-site;

Further, that $10,000 be allocated in the 2024 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital budget for construction and flooring for conversion of the storage room to dressing room.

* That $100,000 to be allocated in the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks budget toward the total project cost for renovations to West Fraser Centre’s concession.

* That the Cariboo Regional District North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Fees and Charges Bylaw be amended to incorporate the proposed Fees and Charges presented at the May 7, 2024 meeting of the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee, Administration Report #16/24.

* That an annual Central Cariboo Grants for Assistance program be established jointly as proposed between the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District electoral areas D, E, F, J and K.  Further that the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference be amended to include an annual meeting with participation of full city council and central Cariboo electoral area directors to review all grant applications received and determine funding to be provided

* That the City of Quesnel, as the Manager of the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service, enter into the attached 5- year agreement with the Quesnel Kangaroos Sr. Hockey Club for use of the West Fraser Centre.

* That staff proceed with an expansion and upgrade of the West Fraser Centre concession into the concourse as indicated in Option 2 in the drawings presented to the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee on June 11, 2024 and further, that the 2024 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital plan be amended to reallocate up to $248,390 for the concession expansion from the planned transfer to capital reserves.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director Bachmeier (Area "B") 

* That a letter be sent to MP Todd Doherty, encouraging appropriate recognition of regional districts in federal funding announcements

10) The Board was notified of the upcoming UBCM Resource Breakfast Series during the week of September 16-20, 2024 and agreed to send a letter advising that the Cariboo Regional District is looking forward to an invitation to the Chair and Board in 2025.

Delegation (11:00am):

Phyllis Webstad from the Orange Shirt Society appeared before the Board to present an update on the Society's activities 

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

The Chair thanked Ms. Webstad for her time/information... 

Business, cont:

The Chair provided a written report involving her recent activities 

Directors' provided verbal reports on their recent activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality 

Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:26pm

Meeting resumed at 1:03pm

Closed Board Session:

At 1:03pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Session to convene a Closed (In-Camera) Board Session as per Sections 92 + 90(1c,e - labour and land) of the Community Charter

At 1:30pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Session and adjourned 

CCRHD Board Highlights - June 20th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair M. Sjostrom and Directors Bachmeier(via MS Teams), Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Roodenburg, Rathor and Pinkney

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 

Meeting agenda adopted 

Minutes of the previous CCRHD Board Meeting were received/adopted 

Business:

1) The Board received "Information Only" items, as follows:

* Interior Health -- New Primary Care Clinic in WL

* Northern Health -- Community News

The Chair and Vice-Chair provided an update from the recent Interior Health/Northern Health-RHD Boards' Session and then the Chair/Vice-Chair responded to questions of Directors' 

The Board adjourned at 9:45am

Cariboo RD Committee of Whole Session - June 19th mtg

Present: 

Chair Wagner and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier (via MS Teams), Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Roodenburg (entered meeting at 10:20am) and Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

 

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

Meeting Agenda adopted with late items (REDIP/Municipal Support for RD Projects)

Minutes of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1)  Inspector Lake and Staff-Sergeant Brad McKinnon of the Williams Lake RCMP appeared before the Committee to have a discussion regarding dangerous dogs

Following a presentation -- Inspector Lake and Staff-Sergeant McKinnon responded to questions of the Committee

Director Roodenburg entered the meeting at 10:20am

The Chair thanked Inspector Lake and Staff-Sergeant McKinnon for their time/information

Closed Committee Session:

At 10:33am -- the Committee recessed its' Open Session to go into a Closed Committee Session, as per Sections 92 + 90(1f,g,i - law enforcement, litigation and legal advice) of the Community Charter

At 11:24am -- the Committee rose from its' Closed Committee Session and agreed to continue its' Open Session

Business:

The Committee discussed the following matters:

i) Municipal Support for RD Projects

ii) REDIP (Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Program)

iii) Wildfire Mitigation in the Cariboo Regional District

Following discussion -- the Committee agreed to make the following recommendation to the Regional Board:

That a letter be sent to Cariboo-PG MP Todd Doherty encouraging appropriate recognition of regional districts at  federal funding announcements

Meeting recessed at 12:23pm

Meeting resumed at 1:00pm

Delegations (cont.):

2) At 1:01pm -- the following individuals appeared before the Committee to present Agriculture Information:

Nicole Pressey, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture and Food; 

Chris Armes, Senior Rangeland Policy Specialist, Ministry of Forests 

David Zirnhelt/Alec Kulchar, BC Cattlemen's Association

Following their presentations -- the presenters responded to questions of the Committee

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information 

The Committee adjourned at 3:09pm

Gibraltar Mine strike over!

Courtesy of UNIFOR:

Significant wage increases and equity measures are key features of a three-year collective agreement ratified this evening by Unifor Local 3018.

“Unifor members in Williams Lake have successfully negotiated a collective agreement that reflects their important contribution to the success of Taseko,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The bargaining committee showed great leadership in demanding new equity practices. The members’ solid support for their committee during this 18-day strike was critical to being successful.”

The contract increases wages 13% over three years. It introduces a Women’s Advocate in the workplace to champion equity and recognizes the federal labour code’s leave for Indigenous practices. Local 3018 was also successful at adding clarity and fairness to the drug testing incident procedure as well as additional transparency during the discipline process.

“Gibraltar mine is an economic powerhouse in the region, and the community will realize benefits from this collective agreement for years to come,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.

Taseko owns and operates the Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine. It is the second largest open-pit copper mine in Canada and the largest employer in the Cariboo region. 

Local 3018 represents 550 workers at the copper mine north of Williams Lake in British Columbia.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

Working Group Formed to Discuss Challenges Facing Atlantic Power’s Williams Lake Plant

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

On June 17th, 2024 -- multiple stakeholders and representatives from various levels of government, including Premier David Eby and staff from three provincial ministries, attended a Special Williams Lake City Council Meeting held in Williams Lake Council Chambers. At the meeting, a cross-government working group of senior officials committed to working with the City, Atlantic Power and Utilities and other partners to explore short- and long-term solutions to challenges facing Atlantic Power’s Williams Lake plant.

In January of 2024, Atlantic Power gave notice to cease operations in Williams Lake in January of 2025 due to an inability to be profitable under its current contract conditions with BC Hydro. Atlantic Power opened its Williams Lake plant in 1993 and is an independent power producer utilizing wood waste generated from sawmills and logging debris.

“It was exceptional to hear the commitment from Premier Eby to ensure this complex issue within the province will be given the attention and coordination it deserves,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “We heard from the community about the far-reaching impacts to the business community. The company provides not only direct jobs, but supports many contractors and suppliers in the community. The economic impacts of this and importance of working together to find a solution are significant.”

The tri-ministry working group will consist of staff from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation and the Ministry of Forests. Premier Eby indicated that the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation will be leading the coordinated effort.

At the Special Meeting, Council heard presentations from Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce President Paul French, representatives from United Steel Workers Local 1-2017 Jessica Garreau and Andrew Deley, Tsi Del Del Biomass Ltd. Manager Joe Webster and board member and Tsi Del Del Coun. Percy Guichon, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson, and Atlantic Power and Utilities Vice President of Operations Sean Gillespie.

“We are asking the Province to treat this matter with the urgency that is required,” Rathor said. “The deadline for a final decision is October 15, 2024, which is before the Provincial election, and it is imperative we find a solution prior to the summer break for the legislature and the election being called in early September.”

In addition, Council opened the floor to speakers from the gallery to inform Council of how a closure of Atlantic Power’s Williams Lake plant would impact the community. Throughout the meeting, community support for working to find a viable solution for Atlantic Power to continue operations in Williams Lake was unified.

“Members of the community have expressed profound dismay at the thought of a viable, operating plant and good corporate citizen being shuttered during a time when the Province is looking to increase electrification across British Columbia,” said Beth Veenkamp, Manager of Economic Development.

“While there are new forms of electricity generation being developed, we are years away from any of those initiatives actually being built and producing power. Atlantic Power already provides this, and we will continue to urge the Province to see the benefits of supporting this local independent power producer.”

The deadline to rescind the notice that Atlantic Power served to BC Hydro is October 15, 2024, before the upcoming Provincial election. Having a new agreement in place before the election will ensure the company can continue to make fibre purchase agreements for its winter 2025 operations.

At the meeting, Council committed to providing community updates on the progress of discussions during its regular meetings.

The meeting can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/CityWL.

WL Council Highlights - June 18th mtg

Present: 

Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses (attendance via Zoom) and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm 

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

Meeting Agenda, with late items (2), adopted

Minutes of previous City Council meetings was adopted (Regular Meeting of June 11 and Special Meeting of June 12)

Delegations:

1) Melissa LaPointe, Healthcare Landing Coordinator appeared before Council to discuss Year Two Healthcare Landing Program Summary

Following the presentation -- A Question and Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked Ms. Lapointe for her time/information

2) Bev Atkins and Joan Erb appeared before Council to provide a Cariboo Chilcotin Elder College Overview

Following the presentation -- A Question and Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

3) Court Smith, Kayla Jasper and Melissa Normandin from the Williams Lake Stampede Association appeared before Council regarding the 96th Annual Williams Lake Stampede

Following the presentation -- A Question and Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council resolved that the presentations from the three delegations earlier in the meeting be received for information 

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated June 13, 2024

2) Following Public Input -- Council received and approved the 2023 Annual Report in accordance with Section 98 of the Community Charter

3) Council endorsed a recommendation from the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows:

That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #05-2024, an annual Central Cariboo Grants for Assistance program be established jointly as proposed between the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas D, E, F, J and K; and further, that the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference be amended to include an annual meeting with participation of full City of Williams Lake Council and CRD Central Cariboo Electoral Area Directors to review all grant applications received and determine funding to be provided

4) Council received for information a report of the Manager of Economic Development and Planner dated June 4, 2024 regarding an update for Council (per their request made by Resolution No. 153/24 dated April 16, 2024) on potential housing density for the Jubilee Place property located at 845 Carson Drive and that it be forwarded to the attention of BC Housing

5) Council awarded the General Engineering and Project Management Services contract to TRUE Consulting Group, to supplement in-house engineering capacity on an “as and when” basis, for a three-year term

6) Council denied the request from Pam Lussier, of Margetts Meat Market at 841B Mackenzie Avenue South, to have their utility bill normalized due to a leak on the property

7) Council received for information reports from the Director of Community Services, as follows:

* current and future status of aquatic staffing at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre 

* update on the Boitanio Park summer licensed childcare program

Resolved: That a staff report be provided in relation to vacancies at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, why they occurred and upcoming strategies to attract and retain qualified individuals for positions at the Recreation Complex in order to prevent reduction of services at the Recreation Complex 

8) Council received the minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting held May 23rd, 2024

9) Late Item #1 -- Council agreed to authorize changes to the lights of City Hall to red, gold and violet on July 9, 2024 for "50 Days to the Paralympic Games" as part of their IGNITE the Lights across Canada Campaign for the Canadian Paralympic Team.

10) Late Item #2 -- Council direct a letter be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs in support of the concerns and actions requested by the Prince George City Council regarding the Province of BC's proposed changes to the municipal property tax sale process.

11) Council received the Council Information Package as of June 18th, 2024 

Resolved: That a letter of support be sent to Kamloops City Council in relation to their "downloading of provincial services" report and advise how provincial downloading has impacted the City of Williams Lake and staff be requested to place the City of Kamloops "Provincial Download" report on a future Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for consideration

12) Council received an update as to the situation involving the Atlantic Power Co-Gen Power Plant

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

Council adjourned at 8:49pm

Special WL Council Highlights - June 17th mtg

Present: 

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

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm 

Meeting video here

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

Meeting Agenda adopted

Delegation:

The Honourable David Eby - Premier of British Columbia appeared before Council, via Zoom, to discuss the current situation with the potential closure of the Atlantic Power Co-Gen Plant in Williams Lake

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

The Mayor thanked the Premier for his time/information and for being graciously willing to appear at the Special Council meeting...   

Presentations to Council:

Council received presentations from:

* Paul French, President - Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce

* Representatives from United Steel Workers (USW) Local 1-2017

* Representatives from Tsi Del Del Biomass Ltd.

* Lorne Doerkson, MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin

* Sean Gillespie, Atlantic Power & Utilities (Williams Lake) Ltd

* Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" Director Steve Forseth

* 2 Members of the Public

Business:

Council considered In-Camera Report #01-2024 (click here) from the Special In-Camera Meeting of Williams Lake City Council of June 12th, 2024 and then approved the following Resolution:

That In-Camera Report #01-2024 regarding Council's concerns around the lack of progress from the Provincial Government on the Atlantic Power & Utilities (Williams Lake) Ltd. proposal to ensure the financial viability of the company's operations in Williams Lake, together with the report of the Manager of Economic Development dated June 14, 2024 regarding an update on Atlantic Power's contract negotiations, be received for further discussion and community and stakeholder dialogue

Council adjourned at 7:32pm

Local governments receive grants to speed up delivery of homes

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note --  the Cariboo Regional District is receiving $80,380 from this funding announcement to assist them with efficient development approval processes

Thirty-eight local governments will soon receive a grant to create more efficient development approvals processes. 

“We’re leaving no stone unturned in our work to deliver more homes for people, faster,” said the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC's Minister of Housing. “The Local Government Development Approvals Program was created so that local governments can improve the internal processes and development approvals, so that we can speed up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.” 

The Local Government Development Approvals Program, administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), was created to help local governments implement best practices and develop innovative ways to support non-profit housing organizations, developers and other stakeholders to speed up the delivery of homes.

“Our province continues to grow with more people than ever before choosing to call B.C. home,” said the Hon. Anne Kang, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We’re continuing to support local governments’ ability to move forward with housing, and this grant funding will help new homes get built faster and more efficiently throughout the province for many years to come.”

The following projects are examples of how the program will help local governments meet housing needs in their communities:

• The City of Burnaby will continue streamlining approval processes for simple and complex buildings. This includes developing business-process documentation and approvals guidance for staff and applicants, undertaking change-management activities and building staff capacity.
• The District of Peachland will initiate a development-approval streamlining project to clarify and improve the development-application process. The project will involve co-ordinating with neighbouring communities to increase consistency across jurisdictions and facilitating collaboration across departments to reduce application delays.
• The Regional District of Mount Waddington is developing a pre-application process so applicants are aware of varying requirements needed for their applications so there is less delay when asking for information.
• The Village of McBride is exploring ways to improve and expedite the development-approval processes and bylaws to get more homes and businesses built within the community quicker.

The Province has provided approximately $4.4 million toward the 2024 intake. The program was open to all municipalities, regional districts and the Islands Trust.  

“Local governments throughout B.C. have been implementing changes to streamline development-approvals processes to address community-building goals,” said Trish Mandewo, President of UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities. “This funding will help catalyze that work and support local governments as they implement best practices related to permit approvals, inspections and more.”

Quick Facts:

• Applications for the 2024 Local Government Development Approvals Program closed March 8, 2024.
• To date, the Province has provided local governments with approximately $19 million to improve development programs through the Local Government Development Approvals Program.  

Learn More:

For more information about the Development Approvals Process Review consultation, visit: https://www.ubcm.ca/lgps/local-government-development-approvals

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit:
https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Board of Education Meetings: Week of June 17-21, 2024

During the week of June 17-21, 2024 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Boards of Education will be holding meetings, as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 18th at 4pm in Wells Council Chambers/via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here 

School District #28 (Quesnel) -- Final Meeting of the Board of Education for SD28 for the 2023-24 School Year on Wednesday, June 19th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here 

Williams Lake -- Meetings as noted below - all in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake)

1) Special Council Meeting - Monday, June 17th at 6pm to discuss the Atlantic Power plant closure situation and determine next steps.  Agenda can be viewed here

2) Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, June 18th at 6pm.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation #1 -- Melissa LaPointe, Healthcare Landing Coordinator re Year Two Healthcare Landing Program Summary

* Delegation #2 -- Bev Atkins and Joan Erb re Cariboo Chilcotin Elder College Overview

* Delegation #3 -- Court Smith, Kayla Jasper and Melissa Normandin, WLSA re 96th Annual Williams Lake Stampede

* 2023 Annual Municipal Report - For Adoption after a Public Input Period

* Jubilee Place Update re Potential Housing Density at Jubilee Place

* General Engineering Services Contract Award

* Community Services' Updates -- Boitanio Park Daycamp and Aquatic Staff challenges

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings as noted below:

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Meeting on Monday, June 17th at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Central Chilcotin Rural Rehabilitation re: information regarding the Pressy Lake Pilot Project

* Action Items --  Funding Request from 100 Mile Community Band and  2024 Capital and Equipment Plan Allocations

* Discussion Items: 100 Mile House Outdoor Rink

View the full Agenda here

2) Committee of the Whole (Board) - Meeting on Wednesday, June 19th at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation at 9:30am: Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon, Williams Lake RCMP re: Dangerous Dogs in Rural Areas

* Delegation at 1pm : Agriculture Info from BC Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Forests and BC Cattlemen Association

* Wildfire Mitigation in the Cariboo Regional District

* Closed Committee Session -- Sections 90(1f,g,i - law enforcement, litigation and legal advice) of the Community Charter

 

View the full Agenda here

3) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 19th at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Esler Recreation Advisory Commission April 30, 2024 Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

* Boitanio Licensed Day Camp Program Update

* CMRC Aquatic Staff Update

View the full Agenda here

4) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, June 20th at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom where the Board will receive 2 pieces of "Information Only Items". View the the full Agenda here

5) Cariboo Regional District  - Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, June 20th at 9:45am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Phyllis Webstad re: Orange Shirt Society update

* Land Use Matters

* Community Works Fund Requests -- Lac La Hache/Forest Grove

*  Forest Grove Community Hall Community Works Funding (CWF) Furnace Upgrade Project And Enabling Agreement.

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance – 100 Mile & District Community Policing Committee

* 2023 Statement of Financial Information Report

* Appointment of Chief and Deputy Chief Election Officers – Forest Grove Fire Tender Replacement Assent Vote

* Committee Recommendations for endorsement

* Closed Board Meeting: Sections 90(1c,e - labour and land) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here 

South Cariboo Regional Airport upgrades completed

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is celebrating the completion of critical upgrades that have been completed at the South Cariboo Regional Airport. Members of the South Cariboo Airport Commission, including Electoral Area Directors Al Richmond (Area G), Margo Wagner (Area H), Eric de Vries (Area L), District of 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney, and Member-at-Large Larry Davis  were on hand to celebrate their completion.

The South Cariboo Regional Airport rehabilitation work included reconstructing the subbase and asphalt surfaces of the runway, taxiway, and airside apron, as well as converting to LED lighting for runway edge lights, apron lights, and navigation aids. This marks the first overhaul of the asphalt surfaces in 20 years, and allows the airport to provide critical connections to the sky for recreational pilots, BC Wildfire, RCMP, and BC Emergency Health Services’ Air Ambulances, which completed over 40 med-evacs each year.

“We are pleased to see the runway resurfacing and lighting upgrades completed. The runway surface had reached the point that Air Ambulance jets were no longer going to able to use the airport for medical evacuations,” said Cariboo Regional District Area "G" Director Al Richmond, also Chair of the South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission, “These aircraft will now be able to continue to offer vital services to the residents through the South Cariboo Regional Airport.”

These upgrades were made possible through extensive provincial and federal grant funding – $1.45 million from the BC Growing Communities Fund, $1 million from the federal Community Works Funding, and $2 million from the BC Air Access Program. The remaining costs were financed through short-term borrowing which will be paid back through taxation over the next five years.

The South Cariboo Regional Airport has been operated by the Regional District since 1981, and serves the BC Wildfire Service, BC Emergency Health Services, RCMP, and private aircraft operators. On average there are 1,000 flights per year served by the airport, increasing to over 2,500 flights during years with significant wildfire activity. The airport is partially funded by residents and property owners in Electoral Areas G, H, and L as well as the District of 100 Mile, along with revenue from airside hangar agreements, landing fees, and fuel sales.