Eliguk Lake Fire Area - Evacuation ALERT (Cariboo RD - Area "J")

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

August 31, 2025

4:30pm

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 24 parcels in the Eliguk Lake Fire Area within Electoral Area "J". This alert covers 20, 767 hectares.

Because of the potential danger to life and health due to wildfire, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area:

Eliguk Lake Area Alert

Evacuation Alert and Map
Interactive Map

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be required.

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT
Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order:

• Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
• Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.).
• Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.
• Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.
• Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.
• Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.
• Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca. 
• If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca/EOC. For more information contact the CRD's emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

Tsetzi Lake Fire Area - Evacuation ORDER (Cariboo RD - Area "I")

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

August 31, 2025

4:15pm

Pursuant to the BC Emergency and Disaster Management Act, an Evacuation Order has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 15 parcels in the Tsetzi Lake Fire Area within Electoral Area "I".  This order covers 6,190 hectares.

Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action. You must leave the area IMMEDIATELY. Persons who disregard this Evacuation Order and remain in the Evacuation Order area do so at their own risk. Responders may be unable to assist anyone who remains in the Evacuation Order area.

Evacuation route:  Proceed north to Highway 16, then proceed to Prince George.

Emergency Service Centre (ESS): ESS Reception Centre at 4249 18th Ave, Prince George or call 1-778-675-3735.

The Evacuation Order is in effect for the following area:

Tsetzi Lake Fire Area Order

Evacuation Order and Map
Interactive Map

 WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• You must leave the area immediately.
• Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Do not shut off your natural gas.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Do not use more vehicles to evacuate than you have to.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
• Register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) listed above or online through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed, or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and this evening to 6:00 p.m.)

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings|Week of August 31 - September 5, 2025

During the week of August 31 - September 5, 2025 (and following the Labour Day Long Weekend) -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings (Boards' of Education for School District #27/#28 - Cariboo/Chilcotin and Quesnel - will resume their meetings on September 8 for SD27 and September 17 for SD28) 

Quesnel - Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee/Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 9am in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Permissive Tax Exemptions – Places of Worship Report

* Permissive Tax Exemptions – Non-Profits Report

* Introduction to Budget – Report/Review of Budget Principles Policy

* Update from Quesnel Finance Department 

* Updates on Council Discretionary Fund + 2025 Capital Projects 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below: 

1) Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus - 3pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in the Cariboo RD's Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)... On the Agenda: 

* Information Item:  Williams Lake Police Based Victim Services Annual Report - 2024

* Closed Meeting: Sections 92 + 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Committee of the Whole -  9:30am on September 4, 2025 at the Alexis Creek Community Hall (2619 Stum Lake Rd, Area "K").  On the Agenda: 

* 2025 Cariboo Regional District Board Conference Expenses to date

* Conference Travel (Mileage vs Flying) Costs

* Future of "Board on the Road"

* 2026-2030 Board Orientation Suggestions

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Regular Board Meeting at 9:30am on Friday, September 5, 2025 in the Alexis Creek Community Hall (2619 Stum Lake Rd, Area "K").  On the Agenda: 

* Information Items: 

* Request from West Chilcotin Health Care Society for CCRHD Foundation Partnership funding – Replacement of AED devices located in Tatla Lake and surrounding areas.

View the full Meeting Agenda here

4) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting at 9:45am on Friday, September 5, 2025 or upon recess/adjournment of the CCRHD Board in the Alexis Creek Community Hall (2619 Stum Lake Rd, Area "K").  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' only) 

* Year Round Grant for Assistance applications - Central Cariboo Food Hub

* Kersley Recreation Complex – Proposed Facility Management and Operations Agreement

* Kersley VFD Fire Protection Area - Property Removal

* Approval of ballot questions for 150 Mile House Fire Protection Assent (Referendum) Votes

* Delegation of Speakers to CRD Resolutions at 2025 UBCM Convention

* Request for Letters of Support from the City of Quesnel – UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund Applications

* Information-Only Items (Consent Calendar)

* Recommendations from Indigenous Relations/Policy Committees 

* Requests from Director Forseth (Area "D") – Merging of both Wildwood Streetlighting Services into One Service; Director Massier (Area "C")  -WUI WRR (Wildfire Urban Interface/Wildfire Risk Reduction) Plan – Proposed Road Inclusion as well as authorize attendance at the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, BC in mid-January 2026 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Province of BC issues permit for expansion of Mount Polley Mine

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Imperial Metal’s permit to expand its Mount Polley mine in the Cariboo region, which will extend the mine’s life by eight years, support local jobs and continue environmental monitoring as part of ongoing regulatory requirements.

BC Ministers' of Environment & Parks and Mining & Critical Minerals consented to the Springer Pit expansion at Mount Polley mine under the project’s environmental assessment certificate. Following that decision, an amendment to Imperial Metal’s Mines Act permit has been approved, allowing the company to proceed with the expansion under permitting conditions.

The expansion will extend the mine’s operating life until 2033, allowing for pit development and expansion of rock-storage areas. The expansion will occur within the existing mine site footprint.

A joint review of the expansion followed careful assessment of technical reports, co-ordination with the regulatory agencies and consultations with both Williams Lake and Xat'sull First Nations. The review ensured the decision meets B.C.’s high standards for environmental protection and public safety.

The Province of British Columbia understands the importance of jobs, community well-being and environmental protection in the Cariboo region. Government staff will continue to work to balance these priorities by carefully overseeing the mine’s operations under the newly amended permit and ensuring compliance with all requirements

Tsetzi Lake Area Fire (EVACUATION ALERT)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:

August 28, 2025

4:30pm

"An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District's  Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 12 parcels, 1 structure in the Tsetzi Lake Area within Electoral Area "I". This alert covers 5,665 hectares and because of the potential danger to life and health due to wildfire, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area"

More on this at https://www.cariboord.ca/en/news/2025-08-28-tsetzi-lake-area-fire-alert.aspx

Quesnel Council Highlights - Aug 28th, 2025 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Three Rivers Community Forest (Delegation)

Nick Pickles, TRCF General Manager provided Council with a comprehensive overview of a community forest and the specifics of the Three Rivers Community Forest which was formed by Agreement signed October, 2024, bringing together Esdilagh, Lhtako Dene, Nazko and City of Quesnel as shareholders.

The Community Forest is governed by a Board of Directors whose mandate is stewardship, ecological resilience and community benefit.

The area encompasses 38,223 ha and the Annual Allowable Cut is 42,850m3 of Conifer and 10,500m3 of Deciduous trees.

Secure Care Psychiatric Services (Delegation)

As the Northern Health, Mental Health Medical Lead, Dr. Kane is responsible for establishing a quality agenda and framework in order to implement leading practices.

Through her work, Dr. Kane has seen the gaps in service since B.C. closed Riverview Hospital in 2012; now the only province in Canada without long-term secure care psychiatric services. The patients requiring long-term care and those with violent tendencies are either housed in a hospital which was not intended for this purpose or, they are released.

Northern Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority have identified a former youth retention centre in Prince George that has the amenities to support a secure care facility for the north.

Dr. Kane is looking for municipal support to lobby the provincial government to repurpose this facility, creating the first Secure Care Psychiatric facility in northern B.C.

Development Services

Council approved:

• DVP2025-81 - Development Variance Permit - 383 Reid Street - Granville's (vehicular roof sign)
• DP2023-57 and DVP2024-72 - Development Variance Permit - 405 Elliott Street (Additions to two existing structures)

Council was provided the following updates:

• Land use bylaw updates:  Consultants are currently reviewing the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, a second round of public consultations will be held in October, with the OCP and Zoning bylaws adopted in December.
• Cold weather plan update: $30,000.00 of grant funding was obtained from SparcBC to hire a consultant for the development of a plan for extreme cold events.  An advisory committee is being formed to provide input to the work.

Shiraoi

Mayor Paull and Councillors Vik and Runge visited Shiraoi Japan as part of a private cultural learning tour this summer. During the tour, informal impromptu meetings occurred with Shiraoi city officials prompting discussion to reaffirm the twinning relationship and look at proactive and alternate means to support international trade between us.

McLean Street residents petition Council - Road Repairs

As per standard practice, Council decided to reserve discussion on this matter for annual capital budget discussions in the fall, to allow staff an opportunity to assess all identified priority areas.

Announcements

• August 28, 2025, at noon - Category 1 (campfires) banned in the Cariboo Fire Centre.
• August 23, 2025 - A wood deck fire broke out on Two Mile Flat - Thank you to all of the Quesnel & area fire departments coming together to fight this fire and to the support organizations that helped during a very long day.
• August 22, 2025 - Summer's Last Slide, a back-to-school party hosted by Foundry Quesnel.
• September, 2025 – UBCM Convention - Council’s request to meet with the Ministry of Transportation to discuss the North-South Interconnector at ths year's Union of BC Municipalities convention was denied. Quesnel's resolution was relegated to the Referred Resolutions section (not admitted for debate), as it was improperly categorized as a regional, not provincial, issue. Council adopted a resolution to challenge the classification.

Canada Community-Building Fund allocations for British Columbia

Courtesy of the Government of Canada:

The Government of Canada is delivering over $326 million to British Columbia this year to build stronger and more connected communities.

Our communities can only grow to support more housing when there are investments in foundational infrastructure projects – like public transit, water systems, and local roads and bridges. With today’s announcement, that is exactly what the Government of Canada is delivering on.

With the funding announced today, communities can build both the essential and recreational infrastructure that allows families in Canada to thrive.

For example, in Surrey, CCBF/Canada Community Building Fund funding is supporting the construction of a new sports field, enhanced lighting, and safety improvements at Tamanawis Park, creating a safer and more accessible space that promotes active lifestyles and strengthens community connections.

The Canada Community-Building Fund provides communities with the flexibility to strategically address present and future infrastructure needs and is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Quick Facts: 

The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) will deliver $26.7 billion between 2024-2034 in federal funding to catalyse core infrastructure investments. In 2025-26, the CCBF will provide $2.5 billion to 3,700 communities across Canada to support local infrastructure priorities. 

In 2025-26, British Columbia will receive $326,092,245 to make strategic infrastructure investments across 19 project categories. Since 2015, the federal government has invested $29.1 billion across Canada through CCBF, including more than $3.1 billion in British Columbia communities.

In British Columbia, CCBF is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and is delivered through three program streams:

Strategic Priorities Fund: For application-based regionally beneficial projects that align with set priorities.

Metro Vancouver Regional Fund: For regional transportation investments.

Community Works Fund: Distributed to local governments based on population and growth. 

The CCBF is a permanent, indexed source of funding provided to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to local governments and other entities to support local infrastructure priorities.

The CCBF ties access to funding to actions by provinces, territories, and municipalities to support infrastructure projects that help increase housing supply and build connected communities.

Today’s announcement is for the Community Works Fund stream. 

Canada Community-Building Fund allocations by individual Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government:

District of Wells - $73,338

City of Quesnel - $513,696

City of Williams Lake - $561,871

District of 100 Mile House - $151,201

Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Areas only) - $1,882,444

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Aug 26th, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses 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 approved  - click here

Minutes of previous meetings of Council were received/adopted

Meeting Video - click here

Presentations - 6:00pm

1) Mayor Rathor presented a Certificate of Appreciation to retiring Williams Lake Tribune editor Monica Lamb-Yorski for her many years of service to the community of Williams Lake as well as to the art of journalism

2) Mayor Rathor presented the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to Ms. Crystal Sheridan, on behalf of the Governor-General of Canada 

Business:

1) Council received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated August 13 and 20, 2025

*  the report of the Manager of Planning and Development dated July 30, 2025 regarding a summary of the recent Government of Canada announcement related to federal funding being provided to Metro Vancouver to offset costs for developers, pursuant to the request of Council dated July 15, 2025 by Resolution No. 279/25

* "Council Information Package" as of August 26, 2025 and, at the request of Councillor Nelson, Council agreed to provide a letter of support in favour of City of Campbell River's UBCM Resolution entitled Inclusion of Rural and Resource Communities in Provincial Economic Decision-Making

2) Council repealed Public Consultation for Official Community Plan Amendments Policy No. 197

3) Council approved the proposed 2026 budget and five-year financial plan preparation timeline and directed that the 2026 Budget Development be brought forward to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration of the Committee 

4) Council gave approval for the late 2025 Community Grant applications from the Salvation Army and the Wild West Riders - as follows: 

* $2,000 to Salvation Army

* $500.00 to Wild West Riders

AND THAT both the Salvation Army/Wild West Riders be encouraged to write to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for consideration of joint grant funding with Cariboo Regional District Areas D,E,F 

5) Council approved compensation, registration and travel expenses for interested Council members to attend the UBCM Annual Convention being held in Victoria, BC from September 22 to 26, 2025

6) Council approved the submission of an application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund 2025 – Capital Infrastructure Stream, requesting up to $6 million in funding, with 100% of project costs to be covered by the program, for the construction of a new water reservoir in the Tower Crescent area

7) Council approved the submission of an application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund 2025 – Capital Building Stream, requesting $120,000 in funding, with 100% of project costs to be covered by the program, for a Williams Lake Reservoir Feasibility Study

8) Council endorsed a recommendation from a previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows: 

That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #01-2025, the City of Williams Lake provide a letter of support for a Central Cariboo application to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund for the Esler Sports Complex Access Road Project.

9) Council proclaimed the following: 

* the lights of City Hall be changed to purple and blue on October 16, 2025 in recognition of "Light It Up! for NDEAM" (National Disability Employment Awareness Month)

* the month of October 2025 be proclaimed as "Community Inclusion Month", in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy

* Council authorized the lights of City Hall be changed to orange for a two week period in September 2025 the raising of the "Every Child Matters" flag on the City's flagpole during the month of September for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation; and further, that these observances be approved annually going forward, subject to additional requests for the month being considered by Council in accordance with City policy

The Chief Administrative Officer provided a verbal report to Council and responded to questions from Council 

Delegation - 7:00pm: 

1) CitySpaces appeared before Zoom/in-person and Williams Lake's Manager of Economic Development in-person to present the New Williams Lake OCP/Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Drafts for Public Input - presentation here

Following the presentation - a Question/Answer period ensued

The Mayor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Meeting recessed at 8:16pm - due to fire alarm inside City Hall during the presentation on the Draft Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw 

At 8:30pm -- the meeting then resumed and Council agreed to adjourn 

ParentsVoice BC + BC 2026 School Trustee Elections in October 2026

ParentsVoice BC - an local elector organization described as a "centre-right" movement and the only one across Canada dedicated to only getting BC School Trustees elected, from across Canada (click here), as registered with Elections BC (click here), and based in Langley, BC seeks to have a majority of School District Trustees elected in a majority of the 60 Public School Districts in BC as well as the Conseil Scolaire Francophone School District (32 in all) in the October 2026 BC School Trustee Elections and then in the following October 2030 BC School Trustee Elections -- to have a majority of school trustees elected on ALL 60 Public School Districts in BC as well as the Conseil Scolaire Francophone School District 

The goals and intent of ParentsVoice BC is to have: 

* children to be enabled to flourish according to their own aptitudes, opportunities, and needs

* critical, out-of-the-box thinkers; strong communicators; savvy risk-assessors

* More Education, Less Indoctrination 

They currently have 3 elected School Trustees as part of their electoral organization -- 2 in the Nechako Lakes School District and 1 in the Chilliwack School District 

This certainly will be new territory for School Trustee elections in British Columbia (especially for both the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Quesnel School Districts') and ParentsVoice BC will definitely have its' work cut out for them.... both for the 2026 + 2030 BC School Trustee Elections

In the meantime, those reflecting on running for BC School Trustee elections in October 2026 can access a document entitled Roles of Boards of Education and Trustees at the BC School Trustee Association website here 

Quesnel/Williams Lake City Councils' meet next Tuesday (August 26, 2025)

Both Quesnel/Williams Lake City Councils' will be meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 as follows: 

1) Quesnel 

Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations/Presentations -- Three Rivers Community Forest - Nick Pickles, Manager and Secure (Psychiatric) Care -Dr. Barbara Kane, Regional Lead for Mental Health, Northern Health

* Consideration to adjust Land Acknowledgement at Quesnel Council Meetings

* Development Variance Permit - 383 Reid Street

* Development Variance Permit - 405 Elliott Street

* Report on recent Shiraoi, Japan trip 

* Land use bylaw and Cold Weather updates

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Williams Lake 

Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations/Presentations -- 6:00PM Presentation of Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to Crystal Sheridan and 7:00 PM (or following all other business) = Presentation of New OCP and Zoning Bylaw Drafts for Public Input

* Repeal of Council Policy No. 197 - Public Consultation for OCP Amendments

* 2026 Financial Plan Timeline and Direction

* Community Grant Applications (Late Intake) - Salvation Army & Wild West Riders

* Council Attendance at 2025 UBCM Annual Convention 

* Metro Vancouver Funding of DCC's (Development Cost Charges) and applicability to Williams Lake 

* UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund 2025 -- Tower Crescent Reservoir/Reservoir Feasibility Study

* Letter of Support for Cariboo RD's UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund Application for Esler Sports Complex Access Road Project (3rd Phase) 

* Closed Council Meeting to follow Open Council Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(1e,g,j,k - land, potential/actual litigation, information prohibited from public disclosure and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Conservative Local Political Party established!

The Vancouver Sun reports that a municipal Conservative Civic Party (not affiliated with the BC Conservative Party) has been registered to run candidates in local elections in Fall 2026 - more here

According to the Vancouver Sun, candidates could run in locations such as: 

Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, Prince George, Richmond, Saanich, Surrey, Vancouver, Vanderhoof, and West Vancouver 

While political parties in the Metro Vancouver Region (West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, etc.) has occurred in recent history -- it is certainly new territory for Prince George and Kamloops .... 

In Prince George (and to the best of my knowledge) -- if attempted in Fall 2026, this would be the first time in that City's history that a slate/civic party would occur

While in Kamloops (again, to the best of my knowledge) -- if attempted in Fall 2026, this would be the first time in that City's history that a slate/civic party would occur although "civic alliances" have been attempted -- namely "Action 88" during the 1988 local election as well as "Vision Kamloops" during the 2014 local election -- click here.  Former Kamloops Mayor Mel Rothenburger looks into the history of civic political parties in Kamloops - click here

While it is still too soon to know how this development will impact on 2026 Local Elections -- in locations like Kamloops, it is fair to say, given recent developments on Kamloops Council, that the 2026 Local Election in Kamloops will likely be lively, both in terms of those running for the 9 seats on Kamloops Council (1 Mayor + 8 Councillors) as well as the "community conversation" to occur in mid to Fall 2026 in the leadup to the October 17th, 2026 local vote while I expect that there will be no impact in 2026 local elections in the Cariboo-Chilcotin as political parties are generally rejected for those running for Mayor or Councillor (we never see this occur for those running for Regional District Area Director or School District Trustee) 

Tŝilhqot’in Nation Warns Salmon are Still at Risk From 2024 Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River) Landslide

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

One year after the Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River) landslide, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is warning that the most serious impacts on salmon and the river system may still be ahead.

On July 30, 2024, a landslide fully blocked the Tŝilhqox during the key migration period for sockeye and Chinook salmon. The landslide created an 11-kilometre lake upstream of the dam and triggered an extreme breakout flood event that severely altered the critical migratory pathway to all critical salmon spawning grounds in the Tŝilhqox watershed.

Salmon returning in the 2024 season were heavily impacted. Many fish arrived physically damaged or were unable to reach spawning grounds due to high turbidity and riverbed disruption. This included the iconic Chilko sockeye run, which suffered an estimated record-high 50% mortality loss from the ocean return to spawning grounds.

The landslide event resulted in lasting changes to the Tŝilhqox – reshaping the course of the river, depositing sediment into the system, and destabilizing slopes. These conditions create a high risk of further landslides over coming years and ongoing high turbidity levels that continue to affect salmon migration during this 2025 season (verified through TNG’s ongoing monitoring).

Most notable is a high-risk tension crack that appeared on the slope above Nagwentled (Farwell Canyon) following the breakout flood. There is a high risk that the tension crack will fail in the short term, resulting in a rockslide into the river that will likely impact fish passage and has the potential to cause blockage to salmon migration past Farwell Canyon – comparable to the effects of the 2019 Big Bar landslide on the Fraser River.

Facing these ongoing impacts and risks, TNG continues to lead a celebrated model for First Nations-led collaboration and emergency response – the Emergency Salmon Task Force, a tripartite group comprised of TNG, BC and DFO technical representatives, and Indigenous technical partner the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance. The Emergency Salmon Task Force has continued to meet regularly since the 2024 landslide to assess and address in-season risks to salmon returning in 2025, and at the same time proactively develop options to reduce or remove future risks of landslides and rockfall. Recognizing the ongoing risks from the landslide, the Pacific Salmon Commission has integrated the Task Force’s ongoing in-season Chilcotin landslide monitoring data into its in-season analyses that drives Fraser sockeye management at the highest level.

The Tŝilhqox Watershed is a recognized salmon stronghold of global importance. A year after the landslide, the effects of the slide are not over, and the time to act is now. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation recognizes and appreciates the excellent support and collaboration we have received from governments and NGOs immediately following the slide. We call on Canada, the US, and the Pacific Salmon Commission to work with us to continue to prioritize and proactively address threats from the landslide that could result in catastrophic impacts on these salmon stocks of regional and international significance if timely actions are not taken.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Francis Laceese, Vice Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated: 

The rockfall risk at Nagwentled is a threat to our Salmon, our safety, and our way of life. This is a traditional fishing site in the Tl’esqox caretaker area and it has sustained our people for generations – it’s vital to our food security, food sovereignty, and culture. Protecting this fishery is a matter of our human rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The danger is real, and we cannot wait to see what happens-we must act now before it’s too late.”

District of Wells Council meets Tuesday!

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025 -- District of Wells Council will be holding meetings (via Zoom and in Wells Council Chambers - 4243 Sanders Avenue), as follows:

1) Closed Council Meetings, as per Sections 92 + 90(1a, lL -- appointment + strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  Meetings to occur on August 19, 2025 from 2-3pm and from 4:45pm to 5:30pm.  Closed Meetings Notice here

2) Open Council Meeting from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Letter of Support Request Completed—Wells Historical Society—Motion of Ratification

* Unfinished Business - Strategic Priority Projects

* Updates from Mayor Coleman / District of Wells CAO

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Meanwhile -- Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House Municipal Councils' as well as the Cariboo Regional District are not holding meetings this week (August 18-22, 2025).  In addition -- the Boards' of Education for School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and #28 (Quesnel) are still on summer recess until mid-September... 

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - August 15, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Chair M. Wagner/Vice Chair M. Neufeld and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman (via phone), Paull, Rathor and Pinkney (via phone)

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 - click here 

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were adopted 

Business:

1)  The Board agreed to adopt South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5505, 2025 (Area L/7551 Edall Bay Rd)

2) The Board approved a Development Variance Permit for property at 2750 Bradley Creek Road in Electoral Area "H"

3) The Board deferred for up to 30 days consideration of a Development Variance Permit for property at 5230 Lakeshore Rd in Electoral Area "B" 

4) At the request of Director E. DeVries (Area "L"), the Board adopted the following Motion: 

That the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors concur with the TELUS proposal to construct a telecommunications tower BC109200, located at 6303 Pioneer Road, Watch Lake. Further, that staff be instructed to advise TELUS that:

* The Cariboo Regional District is satisfied with TELUS’s consultation process, as outlined in ISED’s Default Public Consultation Process;

* That the proposed tower is a permitted use;

* The proposed design and location is acceptable;

* That the Cariboo Regional District has been consulted and concurs with the tower location.

5) The Board approved Notices on Title for certain properties in Electoral Areas "G" and "L"

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

* Alexis Creek Community Club - $1,000 from Area "K"

* Eagle View Riding Club - $1,000 from Area "E"

* Horsefly Quilt Club Comfort Quilts - $1,000 from Area "F"

* Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association - $700 divided equally from Areas “D” and “E” 

* Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce (Help to defray rental costs of Gibraltar Room for Business Excellence Awards) -- $1,000 from Area "D"

* Chimney & Felker Lakes Landholders Association - $550 from Area "E"

* ‘March with Arch’ Walk - $1,000 divided equally from Areas A,B,D,F,G,L 

7) The Board agreed to support a NDIT Grant Application for The Friends of Barkerville Cariboo Goldfields Historical Society - Visitor Kiosk Revitalization

8) The Board agreed to support a request up to $53,000 from the Horsefly Community Club for a roofing and insulation project at the Horsefly Community Hall from the 2025 Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund

9) The Board agreed to authorize a Community Works Funding contribution agreement with the Tatla Lake and Area Community Association be amended to provide an additional $9,000 to support their community hall solar panels project

10) The Board authorized:

* an application be made by the Cariboo Regional District to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund grant program for phase three of the Esler Sports Complex Access Road project in the amount of $1.35 million

11) The Board directed up to $1,087,500 from the Community Works Fund be approved for the construction of a new booster station for the 108 Mile Water System.

12) The Board directed an application be made by the Cariboo Regional District to the UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund grant program for phase two of the 108 Mile Water System low pressure zone project in the amount of $1.2 million.

13) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of July 2025, in the amount of $2,163,204.57

14) The Board authorized a referendum and related actions for replacement of a fire engine apparatus for the 150 Mile VFD as well as borrowing to replace the firehall for the 150 Mile House VFD

Meeting recessed at 10:52am

Meeting resumed at 10:57am 

Director Forseth "rose" on a Point of Personal Privilege regarding the Carey Price Log Carving installation in the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 

The Chair stated she would take the matter under advisement 

The Chair then declared a recess at 11:10am to consider the Point of Personal Privilege from Director Forseth and would come back with a ruling 

Meeting then resumed at 11:25am 

The Chair ruled that Director Forseth's Point of Personal Privilege was valid and the following Motion was brought forward and agreed to: 

That a letter be sent to the City of Williams Lake requesting going forward, it will follow the CMRC (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex) Public Art Policy that was agreed upon by the CCJC (Central Cariboo Joint Committee) members. If there is no meeting scheduled at the time, an email will be sent to CCJC members for voting

15) The Board received a number of Information Items and at the request of Director Forseth (Area "D"), the Board agreed to provide a letter of support to the District of 100 Mile House regarding the possible closure of the CN Rail Line between 100 Mile House and Squamish, BC as well as at the request of Director Bachmeier (Area "B") -- the Board agreed to send a letter of opposition to BC's Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch in regards to selling of cannabis at public events such as Farmers' Markets, etc. 

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

a) North Cariboo Joint Committee: 

That the City of Quesnel, as the Manager of the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service, enter into the attached 5- year license of occupation agreement with the Quesnel River Archers and the Quesnel Dragon Boat Club for the use of Pioneer Park.

b) South Cariboo Joint Committee:

i) That the 100 Mile House Wranglers Junior Hockey Club Society be approved to proceed with construction of a media booth at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre in accordance with the concept design prepared by Blue Green Architecture updated to June 2025

ii) That the 100 Mile Outdoor Rink Society be requested to bring forward construction-ready design drawings and cost estimate, as well as updated support letters from impacted user groups, for the proposed project to the next Committee meeting.

17) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to the following Corporate Bylaws:

* Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

* 150 Mile House Fire Protection Service Amendment Bylaw No. 5513, 2025

* 150 Mile House Fire Protection Firehall Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5514, 2025

Meeting recessed at 11:55am

Meeting resumed at 12:30pm

18) The Board gave 3 Readings/Adoption to the following Corporate Bylaws:

* Cariboo Regional District Directors’ Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw No. 5515, 2025

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

* South Cariboo Regional Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5516

* South Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5517, 2025

* 108 Greenbelt Commission Bylaw No. 5518, 2025

* Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025

* Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Bylaw No. 5520, 2025

19) The Board authorized a request of Director M. Neufeld (Area E) concerning her attendance at the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, BC in January 2026 with source of funds being the Area "E" Director Initiative Fund

Directors' then reported on their recent activities in the Electoral Areas or Municipalities 

Directors' Appointments:

At the request of Director Sjostrom - the Board authorized that the appointment of the late Ted Armstrong to the Electoral Area “A” Advisory Planning Commission be rescinded 

At the request of Director Richmond - the Board authorized an appointment to the 108 Greenbelt Commission 

At the request of Director Bachmeier - the Board authorized an appointment to the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission 

And then the Board adjourned at 1:35pm 

Cariboo-Chilcotin RHD Board Highlights - August 15, 2025 mtg

Present: 

Chair A. Richmond/Vice-Chair M. Sjostrom; Directors Bachmeier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor and 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 - click here

Minutes of the previous Board Meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board adopted the following Capital Expenditures Bylaws:

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Northern Health – Breaker Upgrade at GR Baker Memorial Hospital) Bylaw No. 237, 2025

* Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Northern Health – Replacement of Nurse Call System at Dunrovin Park Lodge) Bylaw No. 238, 2025

2) The Board received a number of "Information Items" and directed that Item 4.7 -- CCRHD contribution to SD27 Daycare via Interior Health -- be referred back to Staff for addition clarification and report back to the Board 

The Chair provided a verbal report on his recent activities and responded to questions from Directors’ 

And then the Board agreed to adjourn at 9:44am

BC funds Tŝilhqot’in-led healing and wellness model

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

First Nations people living with substance-use challenges will soon benefit from a new Tŝilhqot’in-led healing and wellness model as the Province provides $8.3 million for recovery supports.

This new project is a partnership between the Tŝilhqot’in National Government and Red Road Recovery.

“Indigenous communities in B.C. have been deeply impacted by the toxic-drug crisis, with Indigenous Peoples facing a disproportionately higher risk of drug-related overdose,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC'sz Minister of Health. “The Red Road River Tŝilhqox model represents an important step forward, offering culturally grounded, First-Nations-led treatment and recovery supports that ensure people can access care in a space that honours their identity, experiences and healing journey.”

The new Red Road River Tŝilhqox model is founded on the strength of Tŝilhqot’in culture and will offer both traditional treatment and land-based healing. The project is anticipated to include three key provincially funded components to support long-term wellness and healing from substance use:

• 10 beds dedicated to supportive recovery (pre-treatment);
• 15 beds dedicated to treatment and recovery through the Tŝilhqot’in Healing and Wellness Centre; and
• 10 beds dedicated to after-care, reintegration and long-term healing (post-treatment) transitional housing.

“The government has proven its commitment to the well-being of its citizens through this investment in a Tsilhqot’in-led recovery program,” said Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Lennon Solomon, Yuneŝit’in Government. “Our long-standing partnership with the Province has delivered genuine results, and with this funding, we are confident we can build a space for all Nations to heal. We look forward to continuing this good work with everyone.”

The provincially funded services provided through the Red Road River Tŝilhqox model will be delivered at two Tŝilhqot’in-owned properties near Hanceville, approximately 100 kilometres west of Williams Lake. This will ensure that people from the six Tŝilhqot’in Nation communities, along with other Indigenous Peoples, can receive these services closer to home.

“The toxic-drug crisis continues to devastate communities across this province,” said Scott Tremblett, CEO of Red Road Recovery. “We believe true healing begins when people are connected to culture, land and community. The Red Road River Tŝilhqox project is a powerful response developed in partnership with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. We’re grateful to the Province and Ministry of Health for recognizing the urgent need and supporting this vision. Together, we’re building a program rooted in tradition, identity and lifelong recovery.”

Construction is expected to begin in September 2025 and the anticipated opening of the Red Road River Tŝilhqox project is late fall 2025. While construction and program recruitment is underway, and to address the immediate need for recovery supports in the region, the Province has provided interim funding for two private treatment and recovery beds at the Red Road Ranch in Lumby, for use by Tŝilhqot’in community members.

In April 2024, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government declared a state of local emergency in response to the devastating effects of the toxic-drug crisis on their Nation. In September 2024, a letter of understanding between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and the Province was signed that expressed their commitment to initiate specific priority actions to improve wellness across all Tŝilhqot’in communities. In addressing this crisis, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation proposed a comprehensive, First-Nation-led healing and wellness model rooted in Indigenous knowledge and designed to provide culturally driven services across a continuum of care.

The Red Road River Tŝilhqox project reflects the Province’s commitment to strengthening the full continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for everyone in British Columbia. 

Quick Facts:

• The Tŝilhqot’in National Government represents six main Tŝilhqot’in communities: Tl’etinqox (Anaham), Tŝideldel (Redstone), Yuneŝit’in (Stone), Xeni Gwet’in (Nemiah), ʔEsdilagh (Alexandria) and Tl’esqox (Toosey).
• Untreated psychological effects due to the impacts of colonialism have been passed on from generation to generation, resulting in an ongoing cycle of trauma and addiction.
• In B.C., First Nations people are nearly six times more likely to die than non-First Nations people from toxic-drug poisoning, in part due to the ongoing and intergenerational trauma associated with colonialism and racism.

Learn More:

For more information about Red Road Recovery, visit: https://redroadrecovery.com/

To learn more about how the Tŝilhqot’in National Government is addressing the toxic-drug crisis, visit: https://tsilhqotin.ca/toxic-drug-crisis/

To learn how B.C. is building better mental-health and addictions care, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BetterCare