Discussion of the issues that affect you on a local, provincial and federal level
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Quesnel City Council meets today/Dec 30th, 2025
Monday, December 29, 2025
Kamloops Council does NOT require or need a change in its CAO/Chief Administrative Officer
Cariboo RD Area "D" Director's 2025 Annual Report
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Cariboo RD Board Appoints Coralee Oakes as Director for Electoral Area A
At a special Cariboo Regional District Board meeting on December 19, 2025, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board voted to appoint Coralee Oakes as Director for CRD Electoral Area A. This appointment was necessary under BC's Local Government Act under Section 201. Previous CRD Area "A" Alternate Director Charlotte Kurta is unable to continue in this role that she has held since the fall, following the passing of long-time CRD Area "A" Director Mary Sjostrom.
Coralee Oakes who is a lifelong resident of the Cariboo will hold this position until the upcoming By-election is held in February 21st, 2026. Her family moved to the Cariboo in 1933 with other family members moving to Area "A" in the 1940’s. She served on Quesnel City Council for 6 years and later served as the MLA for Cariboo North for 11 years (4 of those years as a Cabinet Minister).
She had the privilege of working closely with Area A elected representatives Ted Armstrong and later Mary Sjostrom on numerous projects over the years. “Mary was a dear friend and mentor. She taught me how to be a strong constituent-based leader. I feel a strong sense of sorrow stepping briefly into this position but want to honour Mary by supporting the many projects she was working on for the residents she represented,” said CRD Area "A" Director Coralee Oakes.
General Voting for the By-Election will take place on February 21st, 2026. The nomination period opens Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and closes on January 16, 2026.
Visit https://www.cariboord.ca/regional-government/elections-and-voting/area-a-by-election/ if individuals are interested in running for office. They can review the Nomination Package, which includes eligibility requirements, key dates, and instructions for submitting nomination papers.
The Cariboo Regional District remains committed to strong leadership and continued service to the community of Electoral Area "A" during this period of transition.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education on 2025 Christmas Break!
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Williams Lake City Council adopts new Official Community Plan
The City of Williams Lake is excited to announce that it has formally adopted the 2025-2050 Official Community Plan (OCP), marking a significant milestone in shaping the community’s long-term growth, development and livability.
The OCP’s completion follows months of technical work, policy development and extensive public engagement. Together, the OCP and Zoning Bylaws establish a comprehensive planning framework that will guide land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, economic development and community well-being over the next 25 years.
“The Official Community Plan is a community-driven document that reflects the values, priorities and vision of Williams Lake residents,” said Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor. “(Williams Lake) Council is proud to adopt a plan that balances growth with sustainability, supports housing diversity and provides clarity for residents, developers and staff as our community continues to evolve.”
The updated OCP replaces the previous plan and reflects current provincial legislation, best practices in community planning and local priorities identified through engagement with residents, stakeholders, First Nations and partner organizations. Key themes include housing choice and affordability, complete and connected neighbourhoods, active transportation, climate resilience, reconciliation and economic opportunity.
Once the new Zoning Bylaw is adopted following Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval, it will align the City’s zoning regulations with the vision and policies set out in the OCP. The bylaw modernizes zoning regulations, improves clarity and consistency and supports a broader range of housing and land uses, while maintaining neighbourhood character.
“This is an important step toward implementing the community’s long-term vision,” said City of Williams Lake Manager of Economic Development Beth Veenkamp. “With the updated OCP, the City has a strong foundation to guide decision-making and respond to future opportunities and challenges.”
The City thanks community members who participated throughout the planning process by attending open houses, completing surveys, providing written submissions and speaking at the public hearing.
The 2025–2050 Official Community Plan is now in effect and are available to view on the City of Williams Lake website at https://www.williamslake.ca/310/Official-Community-Plan-2025-2050. The updated Zoning Bylaw has received three readings and will be considered for adoption early in the new year, following receipt of the required Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
TNRD informed BC Assessment Proposed Valuation Changes for Pipelines Will Not Proceed
Cariboo RD Board to hold Special Meeting on Friday, December 19th, 2025
Meeting Agenda: https://pub-crd.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=5f1356fc-4ab7-4b8c-9757-ff54eab12f96&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
Intersection of First Street and Birch Avenue Safety Improvements
100 Mile House Mayor and Council are aware of recent concerns expressed by residents regarding the improvements at the First Street and Birch Avenue intersection.
The purpose of this update is to provide clear information on why the work was completed and what outcomes it is expected to achieve.
The intersection was modified as multiple incidents had occurred at this location, including a devastating fatality in 2019. The following improvements were completed based on recommendations provided by a Traffic Engineer:
- Reducing the number of turning lanes
- Modifying crosswalks and addition of markers
- Improving sightlines for drivers and pedestrians
The current improvements slow traffic and force vehicles to use the center of the intersection to accommodate turning vs. cutting corners. This provides a safer environment for pedestrians; reduces the amount of time they are vulnerable and allows pedestrians and drivers to have improved sightlines to one another. With the reduction in turning lanes additional parking was added to the downtown area.
The project was fully funded by a grant offered by Vision Zero BC, a program prioritizing road safety. As additional funding becomes available the District will continue to upgrade improvements.
The District of 100 Mile is committed to improving pedestrian safety within the community. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, be cautious of pedestrians and other vehicles when approaching the intersection, take note of the new lane configurations (see attachment) and markings to navigate the intersection safely.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Maureen Pinkney, Mayor
On behalf of District of 100 Mile House Council
For further information, contact:
Tammy Boulanger
Chief Administrative Officer 250-395-2434
tboulanger@100milehouse.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
WL Council Highlights - December 16, 2025 mtg
Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association - $5,000
Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society - $2,000
Cariboo Piecemakers Quilting Club - $2,000
Cariboo Potters Guild - $325
Downtown Williams Lake BIA - $10,000
Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin (Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Association) - $750
KidSport Williams Lake - $1,825
Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society - $2,500
Station House Studio & Gallery Society - $2,000
The Salvation Army Williams Lake Corps - $2,850
Williams Lake Blue Fins Swim Club - $5,000
Williams Lake Dirt Riders Association - $2,000
Williams Lake Kitty Spay - $500
Williams Lake Royal Purple - $250
Williams Lake Speed Skating Association - $2,000
Williams Lake Stampeders Senior Men’s Hockey Club - $3,750
LATE - Cariboo Classic Society - $250
LATE - Williams Lake Trail Riders - $2,000
b) 2026 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule
January 28, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 25, 2026
April 22, 2026
May 27, 2026
June 24, 2026
September 23, 2026
November 25, 2026
With meetings at 5:30pm either in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (Jan - May) or Rick Hansen Boardroom at Williams Lake City Hall (June, September - November)
12) Council received for information a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer regarding a year-end summary of the City's 2025 Community Grants Program
13) Council ratified an email poll of Council conducted on December 5, 2025 authorizing a letter be sent from the Mayor’s office, on behalf of Council, requesting the Province to reconsider moving forward with Bill M-216 and the new Professional Reliance Act until such time as they have engaged in meaningful consultation with local governments and professional organizations to fully understand and assess the potential impacts to local governments and their residents as well as ratifying an email poll conducted on December 9, 2025, authorizing Council to amend the grant application to the Green Municipal Fund under the Safe and Active School Routes stream for traffic calming along Western Avenue to apply for $125,000 with the City providing $25,000
14) Council received for discussion a report of the Director of Community Services regarding further information on the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club's proposal for a musical playground equipment installation in Kiwanis Park and directed that Option #3 be endorsed as well as Staff engaging Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club informed them of Council's decision (Continue with the project as presented, with all 18 pieces to be installed in the central green space area between the spray park and fitness equipment)
CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor J. Flaspohler
15) Council endorsed 1 recommendation from its' previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:
That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #36-2025, the report of the Director of Community Services dated December 1, 2025 be received and Council support the concept in principle on the opportunity to rename Kiwanis Park, in partnership with the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club, to "Kiwanis-Rotary Park", and Council Policy No. 157 be waived; and further, that Council confirm with both the Kiwanis and Rotary organizations, locally and regionally, in writing that they support this initiative
16) Council received the November 26 and December 1, 2025 minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings'
17) Council agreed to support Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club's application to the NDIT Recreation Infrastructure program for funding toward their Forward Tees Development Project
18) Council reported on 2 approved In- Camera Resolutions from its' previous In-Camera Sessions, as follows:
a) “That pursuant to the November 12, 2025 report of the Director of Human Resources, a .30 FTE Disclosure Clerk position be included in the Disclosure Unit established at the Williams Lake RCMP for a one year term that would be dedicated to all civil disclosure as well as assisting with all disclosure to Crown related to the Body Worn Cameras (‘BWC’) which have now been legislated for each uniformed member to wear.”
b) “That pursuant to the November 12, 2025 report of the Director of Human Resources, a full-time clerk position be established for a one year term at the Williams Lake RCMP that is dedicated to dealing with all disclosure to Crown related to the Body Worn Cameras (‘BWC’) which have now been legislated for each uniformed member to wear.”
19) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of December 16, 2025
Members of Council reported on their recent activities
And then Council adjourned at 8:15pm
Thompson Nicola RD Board Requests BC Assessment Proposed Valuation Changes for Pipelines to be Postponed
Monday, December 15, 2025
School District #27 Board of Education Highlights - December 15, 2025 mtg
School District #27 Board to consider restrictions on public attending their meetings in-person
Friday, December 12, 2025
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education Meetings' | Week of December 15-19, 2025
Thursday, December 11, 2025
SD27 Board to consider changes to their Procedure Bylaw
The proposal will be given formal consideration of approval at their (SD27 Board) January 26, 2026 meeting
Read the memo from SD27 Board Chair Angie Delainey here
Monday, December 8, 2025
Wildfire Risk Reduction project planned for Pinnel Road
What to expect
Piles no larger than two metres by three metres will be created in the first phase of the project.
The piles will be burned starting as early as January, 2026.
Crews will ignite piles using hand torches under favourable conditions and will closely monitor all fire activity.
Burning may occur over multiple days, as weather and site conditions allow.
Personnel will remain on-site each day to ensure fires are controlled and will only leave once the fires have safely burned down and no longer pose a risk of spreading.
Fires will continue to be monitored and extinguished once burning is complete.
Smoke and flames will be visible to surrounding communities as well as motorists on Highway 97.
Objectives of this Wildfire Risk Reduction project
Reduce the wildfire risk in an area near Xat'sull First Nation and surrounding residents.
Strategically remove fuels, reducing the ability of wildfire to spread from ground to canopy and reducing overall intensity of a potential wildfire.
The Ministry of Forests has completed several wildfire risk reduction projects throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District.
Learn more
Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns and wildfire risk reduction projects, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
As we get further into the cooler weather, you may see smoke in your area from open burningactivities. Open burning can be expected to be seen from the fall through to the spring as the wildfire risk is lower. Overnight recoveries and relative humidities are higher and therefore, not conducive to fires burning or at high risk of spreading throughout this time of year.
Contact
Shelly Harnden, RFT
Land and Resource Coordinator
Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District
Phone: 250-706 6276
Email: Shelly.Harnden@gov.bc.ca
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Board of Education Meetings | Week of December 8-12, 2025
* 2026 Policy & Procedure Manual
