Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Dec 5, 2025 mtg

Present:

Chair M. Wagner/Vice-Chair M. Neufeld; Directors B. Bachmeier, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. LeBourdais (via MS Teams), A. Richmond, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, E. Coleman, R. Paull, S. Rathor and M. Pinkney

Meeting called to order at 9:50am

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 - click here

Delegations - starting at 11:00am:

1) Lauren Shinnimin, RPF: from Forsite, appeared virtually to provide an update on Cariboo Regional District Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans in Areas D,E,F,G,H,L

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

The Chair thanked Ms. Shinnimin for her time/information 

2) Harold Stolar: District Manager, Cariboo-Chilcotin NRD (Natural Resource District), and Lindsey Wood, Director of Strategic Initiatives, from the Ministry of Forests, appeared before the Board to provide information about a Landscape Planning exercise for Williams Lake 

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

The Chair thanked Mssrs. Stolar/Wood for their time/information 

Business:

1) The Board received a joint memorandum from the Managers of Planning and Building and Bylaw Services re: Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act) and following discussion, the Board directed that a letter of opposition re: Bill M216 be forwarded to the Provincial Government and that the letter will include the staff memorandum on Bill M216 

2) The Board directed that the Corporate Officer (Deputy CAO) to file Notice on Title in the Land title Office, in accordance with Section 57 of the Community Charter for Lot 8 District Lot 8872 Cariboo District Plan PGP32611; PID: 008-979-201 (2415 Bailey Rd, Cariboo RD Area "D") and upon confirmation from the Chief Building Official that the matter is compliant and an approved final inspection issued, the Notice may be discharged from the title upon receipt of the fee stipulated in the Building Bylaw

3) The Board directed up to $15,000 for the installation of a new energy-efficient furnace at the Big Lake Community Hall be approved from the 2025 Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Improvements envelope of the Community Works Fund

4) The Board approved Year Grant for Assistance applications, as follows:

a) Deka Lake & District Volunteer Firefighters Society - $250 from Area "L"

b) McLeese Lake Meals with Heart Society - $900 from Area "D" and $100 from Area “K”

c) Mountain Spruce Community Center Society - $300 from Area "L" 

d) Electoral Area "B" Groups: 

* Bouchie Lake Community Association - $1,500

* Bouchie Lake Volunteer Firefighters Association  - $5,000 

* Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society  - $5,200

* North Cariboo Senior’s Council  - item deferred to Board’s January 2026 meeting

5) The Board directed that staff be authorized to accept a donation of a 1-ton pickup truck and equipment from the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department Society for the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department

6) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of November 2025, in the amount of $2,524,463.14

7) The Board approved the Chair/Deputy CAO to enter into the construction contract for the renovations at the Forest Grove Firehall prior to approval of the 2026 Budget in March

8) The Board approved the Chair/Deputy CAO to enter into the construction contract for the new 150 Mile Firehall prior to approval of the 2026 Budget in March to allow for construction in the Spring of 2026

9) The Board directed that Alice Johnston be appointed Chief Election Officer and Lore Schick be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer for the February 21st, 2026 Electoral Area A By-Election 

10) The Board received a number of Information-Only items and following discussion, no further action was taken 

11) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees or Commissions, as follows: 

a) Executive Committee - November 13, 2025 meeting: 

* That the proposed CAO Performance Review document be implemented as presented, with the addition of digital links to the CAO job description. Further, that the CAO be requested to do a self evaluation in January of each year.

b) Anahim Lake Airport Commission - October 30. 2025 meeting: 

* That Breanna Charleyboy be appointed to the Anahim Lake Airport Commission.

c) South Cariboo Joint Committee - November 10, 2025 meeting: 

2026 Electoral Areas G,H,L Grants for Assistance (Main Intake) be approved, as follows:

100 Mile & District Arts Council - $250 from Electoral Area G, $250 from Electoral Area H, $250 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $750

100 Mile House Flying Club - $300 from Electoral Area G, $200 from Electoral Area H, $500 from 

Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,000

100 Mile House Hospice Society - $500 from Electoral Area G, $250 from Electoral Area H, $500 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,250

100 Mile House Hot July Nights Car & Bike Show Society - $600 from Electoral Area G, $600 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,200

100 Mile Pride Society - $250 from Electoral Area G, $100 from Electoral Area H, $200 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $550

100 Mile Rotary Club - $700 from Electoral Area L

100 Mile Snowmobile Club - $1,000 from Electoral Area G, $500 from Electoral Area H, $1,000 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $2,500

Bighorn Archery Club - $250 from Electoral Area G, $250 from Electoral Area H, $250 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $750

Deka Lake & District Ratepayers Association - $1,000 from Electoral Area L

Eclectica Community Choir - $250 from Electoral Area G, $250 from Electoral Area H, $250 from 

Electoral Area L for a total of $750

Forest Grove & District Rod and Gun Club - $3,000 from Electoral Area H

Gateways Services for Families with Special Needs Society - $250 from Electoral Area G, $125 from Electoral Area H, $500 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $875

Lac La Hache Community Club - $10,000 from Electoral Area G

Log Cabin Quilters - $250 from Electoral Area G, $1,500 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,750

Lone Butte Horse Lake Community Association - $3,000 from Electoral Area L

PSO Parent Dry Grad Committee - $500 from Electoral Area G, $250 from Electoral Area H, $800 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,550

What’s Hoppening Easter Event/District 100 Mile - $500 from Electoral Area G, $150 from Electoral Area H, $500 from Electoral Area L, for a total of $1,150

d) North Cariboo Joint Committee - November 18, 2025 mtg: 

i) That the amended Priority Criteria for North Cariboo Recreation and Parks New Services and Funding policy be endorsed as presented and that the amended policy be applied to the review of the new facility proposal from the Quesnel Pickleball Club

ii) That the definition of a family in the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Fees and Charges Bylaw be amended as follows:

‘Family - For the purposes of this rate, the definition for the Family rate applies to one (1) or two (2) adults and related children residing in the same household.  

For drop in admissions:

The family rate will only apply when at least one adult and one related child is admitted. A maximum of two adults and four children may be admitted, under the family rate for drop in admission. 

A maximum of two adults may be admitted under the family rate for the sale of passes and punch cards. There is no limit on the number of children who may be included under the family rate for passes and punch cards, provided they meet the definition of a related child below. 

A ‘related child’ shall include:

Children 18 years or younger residing in the household who are related to at least one adult who lives in the household

Children 18 years or younger residing in the same household as a result of a blended family

Adopted children 18 years or younger who live in the same household

Foster children (temporary/permanent) 18 years or younger who live in the same household

Children 18 years or younger living in the household with their legal guardian.

Adult children 19 years or older who are living with a parent or guardian during the life of this pass who have a disability or who are full-time student (three courses or more) at a recognized educational institution with proof of a student card or equivalent. 

Additional Family Member:     

Applies only to the sale of annual passes and defined as any relative living in the same residence as the family purchasing the family pass.  A 10% discount of the non-discount regular rate will be charged to add an additional family member to the annual pass.’

e) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - November 26 and December 1, 2025 meetings: 

* That the Cariboo Regional District Board allocate an additional $500,000 in Community Works Funds in 2026 and $500,000 in 2027 to enable completion of the Esler Sports Complex Access Road project.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director S. Forseth (Area "D") 

* 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Grants for Assistance: 

1. Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association - $4,000 from Electoral Area E, $1,000 from Electoral Area F, for a total of $5,000

2. Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society - $1,000 from Electoral Area F, $300 from Electoral Area K, for a total of $1,300

3. Cariboo Direct Farm Market Association - $3,044 from Electoral Area D

4. Cariboo Disc Golf - $3,000 from Electoral Area E

5. Cariboo Piecemakers Quilting Club - $1,000 from Electoral Area D, $500 from Electoral Area E, $500 from Electoral Area J, $500 from Electoral Area K, for a total of $2,500

6. Cariboo Potters Guild - $500 from Electoral Area J

7. Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin - $750 from Electoral Area D

8. Gavin Lake Forest Education Society - $1,000 from Electoral Area E, $2,000 from Electoral Area F, for a total of $3,000

9. Horsefly Community Club - $5,000 from Electoral Area F

10. KidSport Williams Lake - $405 from Electoral Area J

11. Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society - $250 from Electoral Area D, $1,000 from Electoral Area J, for a total of $1,250

12. Station House Studio & Gallery Society - $1,000 from Electoral Area E, $2,500 from Electoral Area F, $1,000 from Electoral Area J, for a total of $4,500

13. The Salvation Army Williams Lake - $500 from Electoral Area J, $500 from Electoral Area K, for a total of $1,000

14. Williams Lake and District Seniors Centre Society - $750 from Electoral Area E, $750 from Electoral Area F, for a total of $1,500

15. Williams Lake Community Policing Committee - $4028 from Electoral Area E, $4028 from Electoral Area F, for a total of $8,056.16

16. Williams Lake Dirt Riders Association - $2,000 from Electoral Area E

17. Williams Lake Royal Purple - $250 from Electoral Area E

18. Williams Lake Stampeders Senior Men's Hockey Club - $250 from Electoral Area D, $1,000 from Electoral Area K for a total of $1,250

That the CRD Grant for Assistance Policy be waived and the following 2026 Central Cariboo Grant for Assistance applications be approved; 

19. Cariboo Classic Society - $250 from Electoral Area K

20. Williams Lake Trail Riders - $1,250 from Electoral Area K

21. Williams Lake Dry Grad Committee - $1,500 from Electoral Area J

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld and M. LeBourdais (Areas D,E,F) 

* That a meeting be scheduled early in 2026 between all organizations included in the Joint Use Facilities Agreement (Cariboo Regional District-City of Williams Lake-School District No. 27-District of 100 Mile House-TRU WL) to initiate a discussion on making the agreement more equitable amongst all parties

12) The Board endorsed the recommendations of the Board Chair regarding appointment to External Organizations, as follows: 

Municipal Finance Authority:

- Director Richmond 

- Alternate: Director Bachmeier

Fraser Basin Council:

- Director LeBourdais

- Alternate: Director Pare

NDIT Regional Advisory Committee:

- Director Wagner

- Alternate: Director de Vries

- Director Massier

- Alternate: Director Anderson

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Director S. Forseth (Area "D") 

Board Roundtable Session -- 

Directors' reported on their recent activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality 

Resolved: 

That the Board waive Policy and authorize up to $700 from the Area "G" Director Initiative Fund for an appreciation dinner for the 108 Greenbelt Commission.

Closed Board Session:

At 2:22pm -- the Board closed its' meeting to the public, pursuant to Sections 92 + 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter 

Resumption of Open Board Session:

At 3:29pm -- the Board resumed its Open Session 

And then the Board adjourned at 3:30pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - December 5, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Chair A. Richmond/Vice-Chair J. Massier; Directors Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais (via MS Teams), Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Paull, Rathor, Pinkney, Smith (via MS Teams) 

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 - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were adopted

Business:

1) The Board received a number of Information Only items and following discussion, agreed to the following motion: 

"That a letter be sent to Interior Health requesting information on the parking plan for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital renovation project"

The Chair reported on his recent activities and responded to questions from Directors’ 

And then the Board adjourned at 9:50am

Quesnel Council (Special Meeting, Public Hearing, Regular Meeting) Highlights - December 2, 2025 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Special Open meetings - Provincial & Federal

Council has met with our provincial and federal representatives and plan for ongoing discussions to ensure the needs of our community are brought forward to upper levels of government.

On December 2, 2025 MP Cariboo - Prince George Todd Doherty met with Council to discuss matters of mutual interest, including forestry, public safety and the Highway 97 Interconnector project, which is essential to maintaining the trade corridor through the province.  Council approved a letter to MP Doherty outlining the need and benefits of the Interconnector project for submission to the Federal Minister.

In November, Council met with MLA Prince George – North Cariboo Sheldon Clare to discuss local industry, the Dragon Mountain Fuel Treatment project, crown land within the city and the importance of the Highway 97 Interconnector to the entire province.

 

Public Hearing

Proposed Bylaws:

City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1979, 2025 [A bylaw to adopt a new Official Community Plan for the City of Quesnel, replacing City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw No.1879, 2019]

City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1980, 2025 [A bylaw to adopt a new Zoning Bylaw for the City of Quesnel, replacing City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1880, 2019]

British Columbia Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 44) requires all municipalities to update their Official Community Plans by December 2025 to include:

• Updated housing targets;
• New housing policies to help achieve these targets; and
• Changes to support the development of three to four units on residential lots.

Regular Council Meeting​​​​​​​

 

Retirement Presentation

Thank you to Krystal Earle for 25 years of service with the City of Quesnel! Krystal started with the city as an RCMP Clerk and then moved into the position of full-time Public Works Receptionist in 2018. 

Congratulations on your retirement and all the best in your future adventures!

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Delegation - BC SPCA

Representatives of the BC SPCA attended to advise Council that the organization has made the decision not to renew their contract with the City of Quesnel.  They cited a lack of resources as the rationale for this decision and have reprioritized care of the most vulnerable animals as their main priority in their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. 

Effective December 31, 2025, the BC SPCA will no longer:

• Provide kennelling services, however, will continue month-to-month for up to six months to allow the City time to find an alternative.
• Sell animal licenses or collect impound fees.
• Pick up stray animals.
• Enforce animal control bylaws.
• Respond to nuisance or dangerous dog calls.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action - 10-Year Progress Report

In the last ten years, the City of Quesnel has made progress towards responding to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The report identifies eleven calls to action that relate to the City of Quesnel’s operations, the actions undertaken to advance Reconciliation, opportunities for continued improvement and, serves as a benchmark for progress. 

The report emphasizes that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires collaboration, respect, and inclusion of Indigenous leadership. The City has demonstrated its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Residential School Survivors, and has taken steps to strengthen partnerships with Lhtako Dene, Nazko, ʔEsdilagh and Lhoosk'uz Dene Nations. 

 

Quesnel Regional Airport 

Council direct Staff to submit a grant application to the British Columbia Air Access Program fund for a proposed project to create a master plan to maintain current infrastructure while also planning for future projects that could be covered under future grants provided by BCAAP. The estimated eligible project costs are $35,000, 70% of which would be covered by BCAAP, with $10,500 from the City.

Council Procedure Bylaw

City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 received the first three readings and Council approved alternate means of posting, to include one advertisement in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer as well as posting on the City's website, City's Facebook page and on the City's Public Posting boards located at City Hall.

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NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO

CITY OF QUESNEL COUNCIL PROCEDURE BYLAW 1948 of 2023

Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 124(3) of the Community Charter that Quesnel City Council intends on amending Council Procedure Bylaw 1948, as follows:

• Definitions:  Addition of ‘Public Notice’
• Electronic meetings: Amended to distinguish between electronic attendance to accommodate a member who is unable to attend in person versus an electronic meeting in the event of an emergent situation.
• Part 3 – Council Appointments & Acting Mayor:  Replaces ‘Designation of Member to Act in Place of Mayor’, expanding on language from IWC-17 - Council Committees and Appointments policy. 
• Order of Proceedings:
  • Removal of ‘Land Acknowledgement’ from agenda order, as an Indigenous Acknowledgement will be added to the agenda header.
  • Condensed agenda headings
  • Addition of ‘Council Reports’:  Outlining the process for a Councillor to bring forward information for council consideration.
• Delegations: Updated timeline for submission of delegation requests and clearly defined review process for requests.
• Conduct and Debate: Addition of reference to ‘Council Meeting Norms and Expectations’
• Housekeeping:
  • Removal of side column Community Charter references (Best practice to exclude section references due to legislative changes)
  • Formatting
  • Better aligning language with the Community Charter

The proposed draft City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1975, 2025 is available on the City's website.

Enquiries on the above can be directed to Rhya Hartley, Deputy Corporate Administrator, at 250-992-2111 during normal weekday business hours.

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Public Notice Bylaw

Due diligence at its best!  The Policy & Bylaw Committee dove into a draft of a proposed Public Notice Bylaw to ensure as broad an audience for public notices as possible.  The Committee met twice and discussed in detail the options for public notice and their reliability, suitability and accessibility to the public.  The proposed bylaw was brought forward for discussion at Council and was referred back to the Policy & Bylaw Committee for further consideration regarding the timeline for public notice. This process ensures that all considerations are taken in providing the most transparent and broad public notice possible.

 

Council Information Package

A letter from CIP was brought forward for discussion - November 26, 2025 – Letter from the City of Pitt Meadows to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs re: Concerns Regarding Bill M216 – 2025 Professional Reliance Act

Both Council and Staff expressed concern regarding the parameters of this legislation and its effect on municipalities.  Council directed Staff to prepare a letter to the Minister outlining our concerns.

 

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1979 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw 1979, 2025 - Third Reading
• Bylaw #1980 - City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw 1980, 2025 - Third Reading
• Bylaw #1975 - City of Quesnel Council Procedure Bylaw 1975, 2025 - First three readings and alternate means of posting
• Bylaw #1976 - City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw 1976, 2025 - Referred back to the Policy & Bylaw Committee for further discussion.

Announcements

Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Santa Extravaganza at Spirit Square, downtown Quesnel.

Enjoy holiday treats, warm drinks, reading and activities, and a meet & greet with Santa.

This free, family-friendly event is brought to you by the Quesnel Downtown Association — celebrating the season and supporting local spirit. Come make merry memories and celebrate. 

Williams Lake Special Council Highlights (2026 Budget/2026 Capital Plan) - Dec 3, 2025 mtg

Present: 

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

Meeting called to order at 12:00pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Council resumed discussion/line by line review on the City of Williams Lake 2026's Capital Plan as part of the City of Williams Lake's 2026 Budget/2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan 

The Chief Administrative Officer and City Staff responded to questions of Council 

And then Council adjourned at 1:20pm

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Dec 2, 2025 mtg

Present: 

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

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

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

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listing dated November 26, 2025 

2) Council gave first and second readings to "City of Williams Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2429" and "City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430"  and directed that a Public Hearing be scheduled for December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Williams Lake City Hall

3) Council approved its' meeting schedule for 2026 

4) Council designated Councillors to act as Acting Mayor for December 2025 + all of 2026 

5) Council endorsed Mayor Rathor's recommendations for Council appointments to Committees, Ad Hoc/Select Committees and Community Committees for the 2025/2026 term; directed that Councillor Moses be appointed to act as Council Liaison to Social Planning Council’s “Communities Ending Poverty Leadership Table” and Councillor Flaspohler be appointed to act as a Council liaison to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Community Action Team”

6) Council appointed Mayor Rathor to represent the City of Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board with Councillor Nelson be designated as the Alternate Director for Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board

Mayor Rathor welcomed Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Williams Lake City Council meeting 

7) Council appointed Councillor Sheila Boehm to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Board as the City’s Director for 2025/2026 and Councillor Michael Moses be appointed as the City’s Alternate Director

8) Council appointed Councillor Scott Nelson as the City of Williams Lake delegate to the Municipal Insurance Association of BC for 2026 with Councillor Joan Flaspohler and Councillor Sheila Boehm being appointed as first and second alternates, respectively.

9) Council proclaimed January 2, 2026 as "Wrestling Day" in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to Williams Lake Council Policy No. 115

10) Council approved the 3-year renewal Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District for Handy-Dart service for portions of Electoral Areas D,E,F within the Cariboo Regional District

11) Council endorsed recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #32-2025 and the report of the Director of Municipal Services dated November 19, 2025 regarding an outdoor winter skating area on Williams Lake be received for information, and this decision be ratified at the next Council meeting.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor J. Flaspohler

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #33-2025, the proposed list of climate projects from the Cariboo Climate Circle be referred to staff to follow-up with the group, and further that staff be directed to work with the Cariboo Climate Circle to bring back information and costs for installing bike lock stations in the community

c) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #34-2025 and the the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated November 18, 2025, Council target a 0% budget increase in principle and that a special meeting be held as soon as possible to review in capital projects in greater depth

d) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #35-2025, roundtable discussion be included on Regular Council agendas going forward with a time limit of 2 minutes and no motions permitted 

12) Council received for information: 

a) Letter from Hon. Christine Boyle (BC Minister of Municipal Affairs) re: Meeting at 2025 UBCM Convention 

b Letter from William and Kim McCaveney dated November 13, 2025, regarding concerns about parking during the Cariboo Memorial Hospital renovations and Staff follow up with Interior Health/Construction Contractor and deal with those who park contrary to the City's Traffic Control by-law near the Cariboo Memorial Hospital site ... 

13) Council considered and dealt with Late Items, as follows: 

i) Councillor Flaspohler -- 

Council held a discussion regarding the recent Facebook video of a Member of Council regarding their opinion of the recent coverage of the Williams Lake Tribune in regards to the upcoming closure of the Drax Pellet Plant 

Following discussion -- Council agreed to the following: 

That Council provide an formal apology to the Williams Lake Tribune and (to their) journalist Ruth Lloyd re-affirming our appreciation and respect towards the journalism they do for our community and further, that Council publicly state that comments by a single elected official does not reflect the position or opinion of Williams Lake Municipal Council and further, (Council) publicly state that Council, as a whole, expects a higher standard of conduct from its' (elected) officials and does not approve or support behavior that is slanderous, derogatory and disrespectful towards any member of the community (of Williams Lake) or business inside Williams Lake  

At the request of Councillor Moses: 

Resolved: 

WHEREAS the City Council reviews its' Council Code of Conduct Policy #228 annually before May 1 of each year to ensure it continues to meet the Council's needs and legislative requirements 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the annual review of Council Code of Conduct Policy #228 be scheduled for 2026 as well as request Staff to review/strengthen the social media and interactions with public and media portions of Policy #228 and report back to Council  

ii) Councillor Nelson -- 

Resolved: 

That Council recognizes that the Forestry Industry is in a critical and crisis state and requests that: 

1) The Provincial/Federal Governments to remove the red tape regarding forestry cutting permits within British Columbia immediately; 

2) Provincial/federal resources be authorized to get forestry cutting permits within BC in a time period of 60 days (2 months); 

3) Laid off workers in forest based communities receive additional benefits to current EI (employment insurance) salary to assist laid workers in transiting into other work settings; 

4) The BC and Federal Governments provide a clear, strategic emergency crisis plan for employees, companies and resource-based communities to backstop forest-based communities AND 

5) The Economic Development Team coordinate a Regional Economic Summit to advance our regional goals in a coordinated fashion 

14) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of December 2, 2025 

The Chief Administrative Officer and Mayor Rathor provided an update on the Water Treatment Plant Project and responded to questions from Council 

Resolved: 

That Council suspend Roundtable for this meeting 

Closed Council Meeting:

At 8:30pm -- Council passed the following Resolution: 

That Council proceed into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter, as follows:  

90(1) (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and 

90(1) (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

And then Council adjourned at 8:31pm

Esk’etemc Kukpi7 Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Courtesy of Esk'etemc First Nation:

The First Nation of Esk’etemc is proud to share that Kukpi7 Fred Robbins has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an award that recognizes his leadership, longstanding commitment to community, and continued efforts to strengthen relationships and advance Nation-building. 

Kukpi7 Robbins was nominated by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations. 

In a letter to Kukpi7 Robbins, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, wrote: "It is with great honour to inform you that you have been selected as the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we extend our warmest congratulations to you!" 

Recipients of the medal have made a significant contribution or achieved outstanding accomplishments within their communities. 

To be a recipient was a surprise and a great honour for Kukpi7 Robbins, who shared that it was great news, especially at a time which was very challenging for him as a leader. “It has been a heavy year for our community, having lost many Elders, or as I call them, our ‘history books’, so this honour was uplifting in a time of sadness and reflection,” shared Kukpi7. 

Over the decades, Kukpi7 Robbins has dedicated himself to learning from his Nation’s Elders. This has inspired him to focus on empowering future generations through his role in the development and promotion of Orange Shirt Day, as well as the co-creation of First Nations curriculum of Indian Residential School education for kids in grades 5 and 10. 

He hopes this recognition through the King Charles III Coronation Medal encourages future leaders to be active and vocal for their communities when it comes to improvements and healing. “I dedicate this honour to my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and to the leadership who blazed a trail of healing,” shared Kukpi7. 

“I would also like to recognize that my staff have stood beside me through difficult days, and my wife and daughters have given me unconditional love and trust as a leader, a dad, and a husband. Although this medal has my name on it, it is for my community, family, and our past, present, and future leaders.” 

Esk’etemc leadership, Elders, and community members extend their congratulations to Kukpi7 Robbins. This recognition reflects the strength, resilience, and continued work being carried forward on behalf of the community.