FCM releases "Future of Rural Canada" report

Courtesy of Federation of Canadian Municipalities:

At a pivotal moment for Canada’s economy and communities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has released The Future of Rural Canada at its' 2025 Convention —a bold roadmap to unlock the full potential of rural communities as essential partners in national prosperity. As global uncertainty reshapes economic priorities, rural leaders are ready to drive solutions that diversify trade, strengthen local infrastructure, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy for all Canadians.

Key recommendations:

* Expanding broadband and cellular service to meet the needs of the 21st Century rural economy

* Strengthening partnerships with rural municipalities is key to ensuring federal infrastructure programs reflect rural realities—unlocking economic potential and improving access to markets across the country.

* Elevating rural policing and reforming the bail system through intergovernmental collaboration is essential to ensuring safer, more resilient communities across Canada.

* Grow rural housing supply by empowering municipalities through a renewed federal-municipal partnership that aligns tools and infrastructure to deliver results.

* Advance climate resilience by partnering with rural municipalities to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term sustainability.

* Recognizing all communities, including rural and urban areas, as essential partners in delivering national priorities, alongside provincial and territorial governments.

Full Report - click here

FCM 2025 - Day 3 of 4

Today is Day 3 of 4 at the 2025 FCM or Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in the City of Ottawa, Ontario in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin peoples who have lived here since the beginning of time 

On the Agenda:

* Workshops -- listing here

* Study Tours - listing here

* Political Keynote Addresses

* Rural Plenary - click here

* Resolutions Session

* Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Reception

FCM 2025 - Day 2 of 4

Today is Day 2 of 4 at the 2025 FCM or Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in the City of Ottawa, Ontario in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin peoples who have lived here since the beginning of time 

On the Agenda:

* Full program - click here

* Workshops -- listing here

* Study Tours - listing here

* Political Keynote Addresses 

* Rural, Northern and Remote and Climate Caucus Receptions

FCM 2025 - Day 1 of 4

Today is Day 1 of 4 at the 2025 FCM or Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in the City of Ottawa, Ontario in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin peoples who have lived here since the beginning of time

On the Agenda:

* Full background -- click here

* Workshops -- listing here

* Study Tours - listing here.  I will be attending the "Riverine Flood Preparedness and Response in a Changing Climate" Study Tour

* BC Caucus Meeting

* Ottawa Mayor's Welcome Reception

Williams Lake Council Highlights - May 27, 2025 mtg

Present in Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Delainey, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Present via Zoom: 

Councillors S. Boehm and J. Flaspohler 

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Moment of Silence:

Council held a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of former Councillors (Alderman) Tom Barr (1970's & 2005-2011) and Lyle Severns (1980-84 and 1987-88) as a mark of respect for their public service to the residents' of Williams Lake 

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

Meeting Agenda approved  - click here

Meeting Video - click here 

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were adopted

Delegations:

1) Silvia Dubray, Community Well-Being and Safety Plan Coordinator, City of Williams Lake appeared before Council to provide an update.  Presentation here

2) Taya Vanderkop-Girard, Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart Coordinator and Lorena Tillotson, Forsite appeared before Council to provide an update on the City of Williams Lake's Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP).  Presentation here

Following both presentations -- A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Rathor thanked the presenters for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the presentation from Silvia Dubray, City of Williams Lake Community Well-Being and Safety Plan Coordinator regarding an update on the Plan as well as the presentation from Taya Vanderkop-Girard, City of Williams Lake Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart Coordinator and Lorena Tillotson, Forsite regarding an update on the City's Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP).  

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated May 8 and 15, 2025 

2) Council gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2427, 2025 to amend City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002 to rezone the subject property addressed as 845 Eleventh Avenue North from from Civic, Assembly and Institutional (P-1) to Neighbourhood Mixed Use (MU-1).  Staff were directed to issue notice of the proposed amendment, a Public Hearing be scheduled for June 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, and notification of this application be sent to the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, School District No. 27 and the Cariboo Regional District for comments

3) Council permitted members of the public to address Council in regards to Councillor Nelson's recommendations regarding public safety in the downtown core of Williams Lake... 

Following public input as well as a letter from Xat'sull First Nation to Williams Lake City Council, which was read into the public record, Council then considered and decided upon the following motions, as follows:

a) "Council, in collaboration with the Mayor, requests staff to immediately look at options for calling for a State of Local Emergency in response to the increased threats to public safety and that individuals in the public experiencing intoxication or severe mental issues be transported to the hospital for review of involuntary treatment"

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors A. Delainey, J. Flaspohler and M. Moses

b) "Council direct Staff to investigate options to deal with the public safety issues in the downtown core in Williams Lake and report back to Council 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors A. Delainey, J. Flaspohler and M. Moses

4) Council waived the Purchasing Policy to approve a direct award for the purchase two STS Clortec 75 PPD Cells for the Scout Island Well from Centrix Control Solutions for the purchase price of $109,294.00, plus applicable taxes

5) Council awarded the contract for CCTV camera inspection and cleaning of approximately 20,830 meters of sanitary sewer mains to Enviro Jet Services Ltd. for the bid price of $153,100.50, including applicable taxes

6) Council endorsed the following recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting:

i) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #16-2025, the report of the Deputy Corporate Officer dated May 20, 2025 regarding a one-year review of the City's Community Grants Program Policy be received for information, and that a one-time additional $10,000 be added to the 2026 Community Grants Program to support non-profit organizations providing community safety and cleanliness services; and further, that this decision be forwarded to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for information

ii) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #17-2025, the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated April 4, 2025 be received and staff be directed to proceed with a status quo Fee for Service application process; and further, that Council establish that the annual gaming grants received by the City be identified as the bellwether funding level for the Community Grant, Fee for Service and Permissive Tax Exemption programs combined, and Council further establish a cap for the funding of these three programs at $750,000 annually. 

iii) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #18-2025, the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated April 4, 2025 be received and consideration of First Nation Cultural services be included in the new Permissive Tax Exemption bylaw; and further, that staff be directed to draft a policy with options for Council's consideration regarding the Community Grant, Fee for Service and Permissive Tax Exemption programs. 

iv) That pursuant to the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated May 22, 2025, together with Committee of Whole Council Reports #17-2025 and #18-2025, Council approve the proposed Social and Non-Profit Sector Support Policy. 

7) Council received a letter from the City of Port Alberni regarding the need for a police services funding model as well as an invitation to Mayor Rathor to participate in their working group and approved the request of Port Alberni for Mayor Rathor to join their working group

8) Council received for information the response letter from BC Health Minister Josie Osborne dated May 12, 2025, together with the letter from Mayor Rathor dated March 3, 2025, regarding involuntary care under the Mental Health Act

9) Council received the request of Thunder Mountain Speedway in their letter dated May 15, 2025 regarding use of funds for their 2025 Community Grant be received, and approved an amendment to their application to permit the $2,000 in approved 2025 funding to be utilized toward a new ticket booth in alternate to the original requested use for their concession roof repairs

10) Council approved proclamations, as follows:

i) Williams Lake Stampede Month -- June 2025 

ii) GoByBike Week --May 31 to June 6, 2025 

iii) Indigenous Survivors Day/National Blanket Ceremony Day -- June 30, 2025

iv) World Elder Abuse Awareness Week -- June 9 to 15, 2025 

11) Council received the Council Information Package as of May 27, 2025 

And then Council adjourned at 9:02pm

Open Letter from BC Union of Indian Chiefs re: Bills 14/15

Courtesy of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs:

Dear Premier Eby:

Re: Open Letter on Bills 14 + 15

We are writing to raise our serious concerns about communications and representations that were made about Bills 14 and 15 to the First Nations Leadership Council (“FNLC”) at the All Chiefs meeting with you on May 15, 2025. In this meeting you heard directly from dozens of First Nations regarding their opposition to the Bills, many of whom have also sent you related correspondence.

As you know, the honour of the Crown is at stake when the Crown engages with First Nations. As part of honourable dealing, it is essential – and should go without saying – that statements and explanations provided by provincial government representatives about proposed legislation need to be clear. Without clarity, First Nations are not able to assess the import or impacts of the proposed legislation.

We have found your statements about the requirement for consent and compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UN Declaration”) to be unclear, confusing, and arguably misleading.

At the May 15th meeting, you stated: “Consent is a requirement for private projects… not because we just think that it’s the right thing to do – although it is – but because the Constitution requires it, the Interpretation Act requires it, and we put that specific provision into each of those bills.” You also told us at the May 15th meeting that “DRIPA obligations mean that these provisions wouldn’t be used without the support of the Nation whose core territory it’s on. There’s a specific provision in both bills that say that nothing in these bills can be interpreted as being inconsistent with the protections of DRIPA,” and that “both Bills 14 and 15 include explicit provisions that say that these Bills cannot take away from the rights that are protected under the Declaration.”

We note that you repeated a similar refrain at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Yellowknife on May 22nd, stating that Bill 15 will require the support of Indigenous Nations whose core Territory a private project is on, and even going so far as to state that it is about “partnership” as government cannot fast track projects over Indigenous objections.

After closely reviewing Bills 14 and 15 again following our meeting with you, we are deeply concerned and confounded by these statements as these assurances are not contained in the Bills. Section 20 in Bill 15 and section 13(2) in Bill 14 are the only provisions that refer to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (“Declaration Act”).  Neither of those provisions state that the legislation cannot be interpreted in a manner inconsistent with the protections of the Declaration Act or UN Declaration. Rather, they merely adopt the definition of “Indigenous peoples” from the Declaration Act. If the intention behind these provisions was to set out a requirement that the legislation not be interpreted inconsistently with the Declaration Act or the UN Declaration, amendments to the wording are required. If that was not the intention, we do not understand how you could make the statements you did at the May 15th meeting.

Despite your statements suggesting that consent from First Nations would be a prerequisite to projects, it is clear on the face of the Bills that they do not contain a requirement for consent from First Nations before a project can proceed or be designated for streamlining. At the May 15th meeting, you clarified that future regulations would set out that a private project can only be designated for fast tracking if the First Nation in whose “core territory” the project is located consents to the designation. Having this requirement in a regulation is materially different than having it in the underlying legislation, and your comments about consent being part of the Bills is hard to understand if the intention is to put such a requirement in regulations. This is more than just semantics – if the consent requirement is not set out in the legislation, it will be much easier for future governments to change the regulatory requirement as opposed to amending a statutory requirement.

As was expressed at the meeting, we remain quite concerned by your statements that a project must be in a First Nation’s “core territory” before it can be designated for fast tracking. This concept echoes the “postage stamp” approach to Aboriginal title that was roundly rejected by the Supreme Court of Canada and has been rejected by First Nations from the outset. No explanation has been provided as to what “core territory” means nor who will determine whether a project is, or is not, in a First Nation’s “core territory”. This is not a matter for the Crown to decide, and this proposed approach seriously risks prejudicing First Nations because of new or persisting boundary disputes caused by colonial policies and processes. It is a paternalistic and dismissive approach to refer to core Territories in this context.                

You acknowledged at the May 15th meeting that it was a mistake for your government to fail to apply the Interim Approach to these Bills. We agree. That failure has left many First Nations with unanswered questions and serious concerns about the acceleration of resource development in their Territories without First Nation consent and without robust environmental assessment processes and regulatory oversight. As you know, First Nations are not opposed to responsible resource development. But these Bills appear to be designed to turn back the clock on all of the progress we have made together toward reconciliation in this Province, to a time when resource development projects were pushed through in the name of economic development, without environmental impacts to First Nations’ lands, waters and resources being considered, understood, or mitigated, and without recognition and respect of First Nations’ Aboriginal title and rights. We understood that the NDP was committed to walking forward together with First Nations on a path of reconciliation, not walking backwards with a top-down, “economy first” agenda.

We were dismayed with your summary response at the May 15th meeting that you will not withdraw Bills 14 and 15 to allow for meaningful consultation between your government and First Nations in BC over the summer on necessary amendments. We need you to understand that there are 204 First Nations in British Columbia and, while you may find support among a select few who we wish well, your refusal to withdraw the Bills will have serious impacts on the FNLC’s and many First Nations’ relationships with your government. These impacts could well be irreparable.

Sincerely,

FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

On behalf of the FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT

Nasuʔkin Cheryl Casimer
Robert Phillips
Hugh Braker   

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS  

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Chief Don Tom
Chief Marilyn Slett

On behalf of the BC ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS:

Regional Chief Terry Teegee

CC:     
Hon. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure
B.C. Government
First Nations leadership in B.C

Williams Lake City Councillor calls for bold action to deal with vandalism/public safety in Williams Lake (State of Local Emergency/Curfew)

Editor's Note -- this is my personal opinion and not that of the Cariboo Regional District and its' Board of Directors' 

At its' meeting on Tuesday, May 27th -- Williams Lake City Council will consider a motion from Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson as follows:

That, in collaboration with the Mayor [Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor], (Williams Lake City) staff be requested to immediately look at options for calling for a State of Local Emergency in response to the increased threats to public safety; 

And further, that staff investigate options for establishing a curfew from 11 pm to 6 am in collaboration with the RCMP and other local stakeholders, which would include arresting individuals engaged in unlawful activities, as well as escorting unhoused individuals to a shelter or other facility for appropriate support; 

And further, that individuals in the public experiencing intoxication or severe mental issues be transported to the hospital for review of involuntary treatment. 

The report from Councillor Nelson can be viewed here

The Province of BC previously had a "Curfew Act" in the 1990's which would allow the BC Cabinet/Executive Council [Premier + Ministers], upon a petition received from a rural/unincorporated area, to impose restrictions about being out in public during night time hours.  This Act has since been repealed... 

Meanwhile -- use of the "State of Local Emergency" by BC Local Governments' for purposes other than standard local emergencies such as flood/wildfires has previously been disallowed by the BC Ministry of Emergency Management - as was the case in late May of 2024 when former Harrison Hot Springs Mayor Ed Wood unilaterally used it to start a wildfire risk reduction program in Harrison Hot Springs after the 4 Harrison Hot Springs Councillors' of the day had budget and policy concerns and weren't prepared to go along with it, at the time.  More here.  The Province of BC has certain restrictions when it comes to the declaration of a "State of Local Emergency" by a BC Local Government (Municipal Council or Regional District Board).  More on those here

If Williams Lake City Council does agree to Councillor Nelson's motion -- I expect Williams Lake City Staff will obtain legal advice and it will likely indicate that use of a "State of Local Emergency" will not be permitted to deal with things like vandalism in a municipality but I would be interested in hearing what legal advice City of Williams Lake Staff receives about imposing a curfew in Williams Lake during night time hours, especially when Sections 7 + 12 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - namely "life, liberty and security of the person" and "cruel and unusual treatment of the person"... are factored in, when considering the establishment of a night time curfew 

The Williams Lake City Council meeting of Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 starts at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake) and also can be viewed live online via YouTube- click here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Boards' of Education Meeting | Week of May 26-30, 2025

During the week of May 26-30, 2025 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Boards' of Education will be holding meetings, as follows:

Quesnel: Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Reports

* Statement of Financial Information Report for year ending Dec 31st, 2024 

* Development Variance request to increase fence height to 2.75 m (9 ft.) at 358 Hill Street

* BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement

* Development Variance request to add two residential units in the commercial building at 2372 Larch Ave

* 2025 Agreements - City of Quesnel and Cariboo Regional District

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 26th, 2025 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Presentations -- Tsi Del Del Local Education Agreement and Foundry Williams Lake 

* Reports of the Superintendent and Acting Secretary-Treasurer

* Reports from Board Committees'

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations: Presentation and Update from Silvia Dubray, Community Well-Being and Safety Plan Coordinator and Presentation from Taya Vanderkop-Girard, Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart Coordinator and Lorena Tillotson, Forsite re City of Williams Lake Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) Update

* Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2427 - City of Williams Lake / Williams Lake First Nation at 845 Eleventh Avenue North (for consideration of 1st/2nd Readings)

* Memo of Councillor Nelson - Response to Threats to Public Safety (Imposition of Curfew and Possible Use of State of Local Emergency)

* Sole-Source Approval for Scout Island Well Sites 

* CCTV Camera Inspection & Cleaning of Sanitary Sewer Mains - Award of Tender

* 2 Recommendations from previous Committee of Whole Council meeting for endorsement

* Request from Port Alberni for Mayor Rathor to join Police Service Funding Model Working Group

* Annual Williams Lake Stampede Proclamation 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally: A number of Cariboo-Chilcotin elected officials (Mayors, Area Directors) including myself will be attending the 2025 FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Ottawa, ON from May 29 to June 1, 2025.  The program for the 2025 FCM Convention can be viewed here.  Watch for daily reporting here as well as my social media channels from the 2025 FCM Convention ....

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - May 23rd, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Chair M. Wagner/Vice Chair M. Neufeld and Directors Sjostrom, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Paull, Rathor, Pinkney 

Meeting called to order at 9:45am

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 Board meeting were adopted 

Business:

1) The Board adopted South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5496, 2024 (Area G/4842 Hamilton Rd)

2) The Board approved DVP #12-2025 for property at 6322 Green Lake North Rd in Electoral Area "L"

3) The Board approved Temporary Use Permit #5-2025 (renewal) for property at 5132 Perkins Road in Electoral Area "H"

4) The Board approved inclusion of the Big Lake Ranch Heritage Site on the Cariboo Regional District Heritage Registry

5) The Board approved a "Notice on Title" in Electoral Area "H"

6) The Board received the 2024 Invasive Plants Management Report for 2024

7) The Board dealt with Year Round Grant for Assistance applications, as follows:

* Interlakes Community Centre Society - $999 from Area "L"

* Tyee Lake Community Association - $1,000 from Area "D"

8) The Board supported a Statutory Right of Way request from TELUS and BC Hydro across land at the Esler Sports Complex along Wilkie Road

9) The Board received a report of the Manager of Libraries concerning incidents at the Cariboo Regional District Library: Williams Lake Branch

Meeting recessed at 11:28am

Meeting resumed at 11:34am

Delegation:

RCMP Staff Sergeant Jay Grierson appeared before the Board  to discuss how elected officials can provide input regarding RCMP planning processes and the provincial policing plan.

After the presentation -- A Question + Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Staff-Sgt Grierson for his time/information

Meeting recessed for lunch at 11:55am

Meeting resumed at 12:40pm

10) The Board discussed meeting requests at the 2025 UBCM Convention with Ministers or Ministry Staff and the Directors’ provided input, as to specific asks…. 

11) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of April 2025, in the amount of $2,081,239.79

12) The Board received "Information Items" and at the request of Director Forseth (Area "D"), the Board agreed to forward a letter to the Premier of British Columbia advising that the Cariboo Regional District opposes the adoption of Bill 15 entitled Infrastructure Projects Act and that a copy of this letter be shared with UBCM and all Municipalities and Regional Districts' in BC

Directors reported on their recent activities... 

At the request of Director Richmond -- Staff were directed to report back on the Don Lidstone proposal to modernize the Local Government Act

And then the Board adjourned at 1:47pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - May 23rd, 2025 mtg

Present:

Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair M. Sjostrom and Directors J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, M. LeBourdais, M. Wagner, J. Glassford, T. Pare, B. Anderson, E. De Vries, E. Coleman, R. Paull, SPS Rathor, M. Pinkney and J. Smith

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

Minutes of the previous Board Meeting were received/adopted, as corrected

Business:

1) The Board received Interior Health's Healthy Communities Newsletter - May 2025

The Chair reported on his recent meeting with Northern Health along with Director Paull (Quesnel) at the 2025 North Central Local Government Association’s AGM/Convention in Prince Rupert 

And then the Board adjourned at 9:33am

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - May 22nd, 2025 mtg

Present: Chair T. Pare; Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais and Anderson

Meeting called to order at 3:00pm

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 Caucus meeting were adopted

Business:

Caucus received 2 Delegations, as follows:

1) BC Ministry of Transportation - Sandra Griffiths, Cariboo District Manager

2) Cariboo Chilcotin Elder College - Larry Stranberg, Board Director

Following the presentations -- a Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked the delegations for their time/information

Late Item: 

Director LeBourdais raised a matter regarding Speed Readers in Horsefly

Discussion ensued thereon... 

No resolution resulted from the discussion

Closed Caucus Meeting:

At 4:03pm -- Caucus recessed its Open Meeting to a closed session, as per Sections 92 + 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

At 4:35pm -- Caucus resumed its Open Meeting

And then Caucus adjourned at 4:35pm 

First Nations Leadership Council & UBCM both call for withdrawal of Bill 15

Courtesy of the BC Union of Indian Chiefs:

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and its member organizations joined with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) today to call on the Province to withdraw Bill 15 – the Infrastructure Projects Act.

If passed into law, Bill 15 would give greater powers to Cabinet to expedite the approval of projects it deems to be “provincially significant”. First Nations and local governments have expressed concern with the lack of consultation prior to the legislation being drafted. First Nations leaders have also highlighted the Province’s failure to fulfill its constitutional, legislative, and environmental obligations and commitments, including those under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Interim Approach on the Alignment of Laws, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

First Nations Chiefs and leadership recently met with Premier Eby to express their collective opposition to Bill 15 which has the potential to greatly impact First Nations’ inherent and Aboriginal rights, title, and jurisdiction. Local governments also met with Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma and have expressed concern that Bill 15 would provide Cabinet with extraordinary powers to override local regulations, including local government Official Community Plans, zoning bylaw amendments and subdivision approval processes.

Bill 15 has passed second reading and moved to Committee last week, slated for completion of Committee and a third reading in the legislature next week before final vote

UBCM President Trish Mandewo stated:

“The provisions in Bill 15 constitute an unnecessary over reach by the Province into local decision making. Local governments welcome provincial efforts to expedite project development, but not through transferring power from communities to Victoria. If the goal is to reduce the regulatory burden on major projects, local governments are more than willing to work with the province to improve the system – let’s work together. It’s time for the Province to withdraw Bill 15 and find a new path forward”

While Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs said:

"It is time for the Eby government to action their commitments to reconciliation and uphold their own laws and processes. Despite repeated earnest efforts to reason with Premier Eby, Minister Ma, and others within the Province, the Province continues to stubbornly advance Bills 14 and 15 regardless of the political and relational costs. First Nations are not opposed to responsible development, and we understand the need to expedite the approval and construction of hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure. But Bills 14 and 15 go well beyond that, and the process that led to their development flouted First Nations’ basic human rights and the Province’s own law, policy, and processes. There’s only one way forward: the Province must withdraw the bills as currently drafted, and we must work on principled solutions to the myriad of crises we face together.”

Cariboo Regional District appoints new Fire Chiefs for 2025-2028 term

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board has officially appointed new Fire Chiefs for its volunteer fire departments (VFD), following a resolution made at its May 2 in-camera Board meeting and confirmed in open session.

A call for applications was put to each department’s members following the expiry of the three-year term for their respective Fire Chiefs. This appointment for a three-year term is a long-established practice for the CRD’s volunteer fire departments. The only fire department which has not yet had a Fire Chief confirmed is the Forest Grove Fire Department, and reviews of possible appointees are underway.

The new Fire Chiefs for the 2025-2028 term are:

108 Mile VFD - Chris Haddad

150 Mile VFD - Paul McCarthy

Barlow Creek VFD - David Sugden

Bouchie Lake VFD - Harald Bartel (new)

Deka Lake VFD - Glenn Hiltz (new)

Interlakes VFD - Poul Beer

Kersley VFD - Dennis Syvertsen (new)

Lac La Hache VFD - Eric Herl (new)

Lone Butte VFD - Jon Grieve

Miocene VFD - Quintin Duhamel

Ten Mile VFD - Quinn Miller (new)

West Fraser VFD - Lance Wilkins

Wildwood VFD - Brad Elliott

The CRD thanks all outgoing Fire Chiefs for their dedication and service and looks forward to working with the newly appointed leadership to continue strengthening fire protection in our communities.

REDIP/Cariboo-Chilcotin Successful Applicants

Yesterday (May 21, 2025) -- the BC Government announced the successful applicants to its REDIP/Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Program for the 2024-25 period.

For those in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region:

a) Cariboo Regional District | Rural Workforce Retention & Expansion | $271,200 | Forest Impact Transition

b) Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society | Workforce Readiness Enterprise | $99,756 | Economic Capacity

c) City of Quesnel | Tourism Sector Enhancement | $75,000 | Forest Impact Transition

d) City of Williams Lake | Williams Lake Regional Airport Café Construction Project | $112,000 | Forest Impact Transition

e) Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin | Regional Agriculture Investment Attraction Package | $500,000 | Forest Impact Transition

f) Esk'etemc First Nation (Alkali Lake) | Esk’etemc Powwow Arbor Facilities Project | $99,715 | Economic Diversification

g) Nazko First Nation | Stump Lake (Chuntezni'ai) Development | $996,571 | Economic Diversification

h) Sprout Kitchen Society (Quesnel) | Sprout Kitchen Business Development Project | $75,000 | Forest Impact Transition

i) Toosey First Nation | Toosey Old School Wood Products Facility Upgrade Project (TOSWPFUP) | $500,000

j) Tŝideldel First Nation | The Tŝideldel Indigenous Ecotourism Project | $994,378 | Economic Diversification

l) Williams Lake First Nation | Cultivating Prosperity: WLFN's Vision for Food Security and Economic Sustainability | $400,000

For full background -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025JEDI0018-000472

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - May 21st, 2025 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth and M. Neufeld 

Present from City of Williams Lake: Mayor SPS Rathor and Councillor S. Nelson (via teleconference)

Meeting 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 (as amended) - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting was adopted

Delegations or Presentations: None

Business:

1) Esler Recreation Advisory Commission May 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

Report from the Regional District Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon.... 

Resolved -- That it be recommended to the Regional Board: 

That pursuant to the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated May 13, 2025 and attached minutes from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 6, 2025, the following recommendations from the minutes be endorsed:

That the Field Maintenance Agreements between the Cariboo Regional District and the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball League to support the fields at the Esler Sports Complex be renewed for further three-year terms with allocations increased to $23,000 for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, $38,000 for the Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and $14,000 for the Williams Lake Minor Fastball League; and that the Cariboo Regional District and the Cariboo Disc Golf Club enter into a Field Maintenance Agreement for a three-year term with an annual allocation of $5,000; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the agreements;

That the proposed 2025 capital projects for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball League be approved, including:

• the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League will construct a new picnic shelter,

• the Williams Lake Soccer Associations will purchase an air compressor for irrigation system and new goal nets,

• the Williams Lake Minor Fastball League will apply topsoil,

And that $10,000 for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League , $10,000 for the Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and $5,000 for the Williams Lake Minor Fastball League for the capital projects be approved as allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services (CCRLS) budget and business plan for 2025;

That design plans and a cost estimate be investigated to support the potential installation of lighting at one of the slo-pitch fields; and

That the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission members for 2025 be appointed as follows: Linda Barbondy for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Brian Hansen for the Williams Lake Soccer Associations, Nick Surette for the Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association, Mark Savard for the Cariboo Disc Golf Club, and Bruce Newbery and Pierre Mayette for the Esler Community Association.

Resolved - That Staff be directed to investigate a UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund application for the 2nd Road Access to the Esler Sports Complex project and report back to the Committee at its' next meeting 

2) Scout Island Trails Fee for Service 2024 Annual Report

The Committee received this report for information only

3) Action Page

The Committee received this report for information only

And then the Committee adjourned at 6:00pm

TNG Enhances Emergency Response with Community Fire Trucks

Courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has distributed six Ford F550 fire trucks retrofitted with a water tank and pump to the Tŝilhqot’in communities. These new trucks, supported with funding from Indigenous Services Canada, mark a significant step forward in strengthening the Nation’s capacity for emergency response and fire protection.

This milestone reflects over a decade of advocacy by former Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse and is a direct outcome of the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement (CEMA) signed in 2018 between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada. The agreement was created to recognize and support the Nation’s inherent jurisdiction and traditional knowledge in emergency management.

These trucks directly address critical needs identified in The Fires Awakened Us report, which was developed in response to the devastating 2017 wildfires. The report calls for Indigenous-led emergency preparedness and response measures that are grounded in the land and community.

TNG acknowledges and appreciates the continued partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and remains committed to building resilient, Indigenous-led emergency management systems across all six Tŝilhqot’in communities.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government says:

These fire trucks are the result of our Nation standing strong and demanding change. They are a direct outcome of our leadership’s commitment to assert Tŝilhqot’in jurisdiction over emergency management and protect our communities on our own terms. We are seeing the devastation that wildfires can have on communities right now across the Provinces. Our hope is that these trucks can reduce the potential spread of fire within our communities.

Xat'sull First Nation calls on Bills 14/15 to be withdrawn

Courtesy of Xat'sull First Nation:

Post-Event Report: 2025 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association's AGM/Convention (May 12-15, 2025)

As is my standard practice -- following attendance at a Seminar, Conference or Convention... 

Please find my Post-Event report respecting my attendance at the 2025 NCLGA or North Central Local Government Association's AGM/Convention held in the City of Prince Rupert from May 12-15, 2025... at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q1IlnqRYKG20LFvkNKbjjOMV01Eajr85/view

Also -- a friendly reminder that we are in the "Open Range" season between May to October annually where you may encounter calf (or calves) running about our rural roads so please give them a wide berth as you drive our rural roads throughout BC ... Also: rural property owners are required to put up fencing to keep cattle off their property.  Some good tips to accomplish this while being supportive of our wildlife friends can be read at https://www.farmstewards.ca/ranch-fencing

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of May 20-23, 2025

As a result of the Victoria Day Long Weekend: Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' or Boards' of Education will have a shortened work week (May 20-23, 2025) as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 from 3:15pm - 4:30pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) and via Zoom.  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Quesnel -- Meetings as noted below:

1) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 9am in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Policies Review -- Neighbourhood Funding Policy – CF 7 and Local Services Policy -- CF 8

* Update to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Cariboo Regional District (Discussion Item)

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Review of Community Grants Program Policy, Fee for Service Policy and Program Review and Permissive Tax Exemptions Program Review -- City Staff are requesting direction from the Committee

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: (all meetings as noted below)

1) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 3:00pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- MOTI Cariboo District re: Update on Roads in North Cariboo, Sprout Kitchen Food Hub, Emcon Services re: Update on Roads in North Cariboo sub-region

Editor's Note -- I will be attending the Emcon Services' delegation at this meeting in my capacity as Cariboo RD Area "D" Director as Emcon Services provides road maintenance into half of my Electoral Area from Deep Creek up to the old Marguerite Ferry Landing adjacent to Highway 97 as well as into the communities of Tyee Lake, Soda Creek Valley, McLeese Lake/Duckworth Lake, Macalister and Marguerite

* Verbal updates on Community Committee Appointments in North Cariboo sub-region 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) North Cariboo Joint Committee -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Presentation to City of Quesnel Sports Hall of Fame recipients 

* North Cariboo Recreation and Parks 2024 Year End Budget Summary

* 2025 North Cariboo Sub Regional Recreation Quarter 1 Operating budget summary 

* Recreational Priorities Survey Results and North Cariboo Recreation & Parks Business Plan

* Priority Criteria for Consideration of New Services Policy for North Cariboo Recreation/Parks Service 

* Discussion Items from Area "A" Director Mary Sjostrom -- Seniors' request for reduced rate at facilities, Complimentary tickets/concerts and NCRP Goal regarding uniform signage at facilities

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Policy Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 10:00am in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Meeting Remuneration Rates

* Amendment to Policy D 5.1 – Reports on Conventions or Seminars/Meetings of Outside Organizations by Board Appointees Policy

* Amendment to Election Officials Remuneration Policy

* Rescind Policy 2019-7-27 "Untidy & Unsightly Premises Procedures" and replace with new Policy

* Community Works Fund Prioritization Policy and Matrix

* Discussion Items:  Board Room Videoconferencing - Livestream, retention period, committees, etc. & Board Travel Remuneration

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Emergency Preparedness Committee -- Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 1:00pm in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Information Items: Emergency Program Services Updates, February – May 2025, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Reporting, March – May 2025

View the full Meeting Agenda here

5) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 3:00pm in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- MOTI Cariboo District re: Update on Roads in Central Cariboo-Chilcotin; Cariboo-Chilcotin Elder College

View the full Meeting Agenda here

6) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Esler Recreation Advisory Commission May 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

* Information Item - Scout Island Trails Fee for Service 2024 Annual Report

View the full Meeting Agenda here

7) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District -- Regular Meeting on Friday, May 23rd at 9:30am in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Information Item: Interior Health Communities Newsletter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

8) Cariboo Regional District Regular Meeting on Friday, May 23rd at 9:45am or upon adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting in the CRD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* 11:30am Delegation -- RCMP re: Regional District input into Provincial Policing Priorities 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only)

* 2024 Invasive Plant Management Report

* 2025 Electoral Area Year Round Grant for Assistance applications

* Information Items - no action required

View the full Meeting Agenda here