Williams Lake Council Highlights - May 12, 2026 mtg

Present:

In WL Council Chambers -- Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons and Moses

Via Zoom: Councillors A. Delainey and S. 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 Video - click here 

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

Brice O'Neill appeared before Council to provide recognition of Laker's Go Bus Society's 45 Years of Service to City of Williams Lake 

After his presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued 

Mayor Rathor thanked Mr. O'Neill for his time/information 

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated April 30 and May 7, 2026 

2)  Council approved Development Variance Permit No. 02-2026 for property at 4995 Cattle Drive

3) Council directed City Staff to provide public notice of a proposed Encroachment Agreement at #2 Lakeview Avenue (Stampeder Inn)

4) Council endorsed an application by the City of Williams Lake on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee to SPARC BC’s 2026 AccessAbility Grant program for $500 toward a public bowling event at Cariboo Bowl to be hosted by the AAC and held during National AccessAbility Week to increase awareness of accessibility in the community

5) Council adopted the following Bylaws: 

* City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026

* City of Williams Lake Officers Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2435, 2026

* City of Williams Lake General Local Government Election Bylaw No. 2436, 2026

* City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2437, 2026

6) Council endorsed a letter from the City of Prince George dated April 28, 2026 requesting support for co-sponsorship of their proposed 2026 resolution submission to UBCM on the NorthernRural Homeowners Grant

7) Council received for information -- 

* Response Letter from Minister Bailey regarding Significant Projects in Williams Lake 

* Response Letter from Minister Sharma regarding Prolific Offenders 

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings, as per Council Policy #235

* Council Information Package, as of May 12, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

And then Council adjourned at 6:50pm

TNG Public Advisory re: Chilcotin National Congress

Courtesy of Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is reminding the public that the self-styled “Chilcotin National Congress” (CNC) has no authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, communities or people.

TNG is issuing this public advisory in response to reports that the CNC is engaging government, industry, other First Nations and the public with various schemes and assertions that are implausible on their face and disconnected from reality.

These efforts appear to be driven by Zsuzsanna Hegedus, who is non-Indigenous, and not Tŝilhqot’in, but claims authority from the CNC as “Chilcotin Ambassador” and “Chief Justice of the Universal Supreme Court”, among other fictitious titles. Ms. Hegedus has been deemed a “vexatious litigant” by the BC Courts and goes by a number of aliases, including Susan Holland and Wyavanna Muslishas. She claims authority variously from the CNC, the
“Universal Supreme Court of the Tŝ’ilhqot’in”, and the “Federal Chilcotin State Government”, none of which hold any legitimate authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

We are aware of reports that the CNC and Ms. Hegedus have: distributed flyers claiming BC and Canada have consented to pay $13 trillion to the CNC; offered “shareholder agreements” to several First Nations claiming to be pre-approved for $35M in loans; purported to charge a $20 toll for all persons entering the Chilcotin
State; issued numerous orders, judgments and declarations of the so-called “Universal Supreme Court of the Tŝ’ilhqot’in”; and approached a mining company to negotiate a deal for mining on Tŝilhqot’in lands, among many other schemes.

TNG has issued this public advisory out of concern that the CNC and Ms. Hegedus are damaging the reputation of the Tŝilhqot’in people, confusing the public and engaging in various schemes and
representations without lawful authority.

TNG encourages all Tŝilhqot’in members to share their views and opinions; however, only the elected leaders of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation have the authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in people.

Please exercise caution if approached by the CNC and Ms. Hegedus. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: Communications@tsilhqotin.ca.

Nexwechanalhyagh (we thank you all)

Role of a BC Municipal Council - 2026 Edition

All this week during "Local Government Awareness Week 2026" - I will reviewing the 3 primary types of local government in BC (Municipal Council, Regional District Board of Directors' & Improvement District Board of Trustees) during 2026 Local Government Awareness Week.... starting with Municipal Councils' today...

Municipal Councils' are the governing body of an incorporated community.  This can range in population from 217 (District of Wells) up to 675,218 (City of Vancouver).  Incorporated communities can take various forms from small Villages, Districts', mid sized Towns/Cities right up to big Cities like Vancouver/Surrey.  According to CivicInfo BC -- there are 162 municipalities in British Columbia today.  It should be noted that a local government is not a true "order of government" as recognized in the Canadian Constitution but the "child of the Province or Territory" and thus a Municipal Council's powers are ones delegated by the Province or Territory to a municipality.  

Within the Cariboo-Chilcotin: there are 4 Municipal Councils (District of Wells, City of Quesnel, City of Williams Lake, District of 100 Mile House)

Primary provincial legislation for Municipal Councils' is the Community Charter.  Legislation for the Charter was passed in the BC Legislature back in 2004.  Before then, Regional Districts/Municipal Councils' shared both the former Municipal Act and current Local Government Act before the Charter was passed in 2004. However, there are certain aspect of the Local Government Act that apply to both a Municipal Council and Regional District Board, depending on the topic.  Aspects of Land Use Decision Making and Local Elections/By-Elections and Referenda -- apply to both a Municipal Council/RD Board via the Local Government Act.  Municipal Councils', through the Charter, have what is called "natural person powers" which allows them to respond much more quickly to the general needs of an incorporated community

The primary role of a Municipal Council is outlined here but generally speaking - a Municipal Council looks out for the needs of its' community and advocates for the same to the provincial/federal governments & others or provides for local services desirable for that incorporated community

Distinct roles on a Municipal Council:

a) Mayor -- CEO/Head of Municipality. Role defined at Section 116 of the Charter.  View here. 

Please note that there is a bill (legislation) before the BC Legislature to remove the power of the Mayor as Head/Chief Executive Officer of a Municipality, resulting from governance challenges in Kamloops.  The proposed legislation for a Provincial Code of Conduct for all local governments in BC as well as making technical amendments to the Community Charter, Vancouver Charter and Local Government Act is expected to be law by the end of May 2026

b) Councillor -- Member of a Municipal Council.  Number of Councillors can range from 4 to as many as 10, depending on size of a Municipal Council.  Role definition can be viewed here

c) Chief Administrative Officer (also known sometimes as City Manager or Administrator) -- Always granted, through an Officer's Bylaw, the primary responsibility to administer the operations of a Municipality, based on passed Council policies or Resolutions of a Council and serves as its' Chief Policy Advisor..  In the typical Council-CAO system of local government, Local Government Staff work for the CAO directly and the CAO works for Council as a whole as its' "sole employee"

Also, a Municipality is required by the Charter to have a Corporate Administrator and Financial Administrator (typically known as the Corporate Officer and Chief Financial Officer).  These statutory positions also apply to Regional Districts'.  More on this here

Some of the common challenges facing a Municipal Council in BC include:

a) Sustainable Infrastructure, Staffing, Finances
b) Healthy Local Economy/Jobs

c) Housing

d) Public Safety 

e) Emergency Preparedness (Fire, Floods, etc.) 

Many BC Municipal Councils' lobby for the above noted items via their local Area Association (NCLGA, SILGA, AKBLG, LMLGA or AVICC); UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities and FCM/Federation of Canadian Municipalities.  Almost every local municipal council in BC is a member of either an Area Association, UBCM or FCM... Some members of a municipal council may even serve on an Area Association, UBCM or FCM Board ... 

In addition to that - Municipal Councils, via the Mayor, maintain healthy/productive relationships with their rural neighbour(s) [Regional District Area Director(s)), local MLA or Member of Legislative Assembly & MP or Member of Parliament] to lobby for issues that are either provincial or federal in nature...

Also: Members of a Municipal Council (Mayor/Councillors') participate in annual training sessions at their local Area Associations, UBCM, FCM or LGLA/Local Government Leadership Academy to stay up to date on trends in local governments.  

Links to Training Materials:

a) UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) -- https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/convention/past-conventions.html
b) FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) -- https://fcm.ca/en/resources
c) LGLA (Local Government Leadership Academy) -- https://lgla.ca/resources/

This is not any different from professional development that local government staff undertake on an annual basis to stay current in their profession via courses/seminars offered through the BC Local Government Management Association or their professional associations' ... 

More on things that face a Municipal Council on a yearly basis can be viewed at:

1) UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Fact Sheets for Municipal Councils' - click here (Updated in Fall 2018)

2) Local Government in BC - click here.  Written by Robert Fish & Eric Clemens with the last update in 2008.  Mr. Clemens sadly passed away in 2008

Finally - it is said that local government is the closest to the people and the easiest to access (Mayor/Councillors) as they are members of the general community as well... and while they don't have the easiest job to make decisions that is bound to upset somebody -- it is fair to say that they try their level best, based on the information they have at hand and how they personally feel on an issue and vote accordingly.

And at the end of the day -- Mayors' and Councillors' have to face the electorate every 4 years in a "job performance review", if they seek re-election, to see if they are worthy to continue on... and the electorate is always correct when they vote in general local elections' (even if the elected officials don't agree personally with the decision at election time) and I'm sure people generally thank the 162 Municipal Councils' in BC and the job they do year round, even if people may disagree respectfully with their decisions, from time to time...

There are local general elections in BC this October (October 17, 2026) where one can run to become either Mayor or Councillor in a municipality.  Check in with your local municipality as to the full details... 

Tomorrow: I will review Regional Districts' and the role (sometimes misunderstood) they play in the unincorporated communities they represent, outside of Municipalities and their Municipal Councils'...

BC Local Government Awareness Week 2026 | May 10-16, 2026

May 10, 2026

7:00am

From May 10-16, 2026 is Local Government Awareness Week in the Province of British Columbia

The 2026 Theme for this week is Financial Resiliency which is recognition around ensuring the financial sustainability of Local Government Services/Infrastructure that respects local ratepayers ability to pay, despite the impact of decisions of both the Provincial/Federal Governments as well as external costs to local government (BC Hydro, supply chain issues, RCMP Salaries, etc) that BC Local Governments' have no direct control or say over

More on this at https://www.ubcm.ca/resources/local-government-awareness-week

Within British Columbia -- there are 3 forms of local government: 

* Municipal Council (Mayor + Councillors)

* Regional District Board of Directors' (Electoral Area Directors + Municipal Directors) 

* Improvement District Board of Trustees

There are 161 Municipal Councils', 27 Regional District Boards' and 189 Improvement Districts within the Province of British Columbia 

There are 5 Area Associations, the Union of BC Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to which they advocate for their local government members (Municipal Councils' or Regional District Boards') on a regional, provincial and federal basis.  I am a former President (2022-2023) of the North Central Local Government Association whose area covers from 100 Mile House to Fort Nelson and from Daajing Giids (previously Queen Charlotte Island) to Valemount or roughly 70% of the provincial land mass across Northern and Central British Columbia 

This coming week -- I will cover the role of a Municipal Council, Regional District Board and Improvement District.  Stay tuned for those posts on this blog... 

Later today (May 10, 2026) -- please watch my social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) where I will go into further detail on BC Local Government Awareness Week.... 

But thank you to BC Local Elected Officials + Local Government Staff who work hard together to ensure the needs of local communities are delivered on (water, sewer, parks, recreation, etc) throughout the year.... as well as the public who serve on Local Government Advisory Committees (Accessibility, Local Planning, etc.) and provide local elected officials with feedback to serve the public better... 

Finally: there are local elections in British Columbia including all 5 seats (Mayor + 4 Councillors) on the Districts of Wells and 100 Mile House Councils, all 7 seats (Mayor + 6 Councillors) on both Cities of Williams Lake/Quesnel Councils and the 12 Electoral Area Director seats on the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors'.  There will be opportunities in mid June in North Cariboo (Quesnel), Central Cariboo (Williams Lake) and South Cariboo (100 Mile House) to understand the local election process, what you, as a candidate, should know if you plan to run in October's local elections... stay tuned for the details in the next number of weeks.... 

Steve Forseth

Director, Electoral Area "D"

Cariboo Regional District

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education Meetings | Week of May 11-15, 2026

During the week of May 11-15, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' or Boards of Education will meet, as follows: 

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 3:15pm to 4:30pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells) or via Zoom.  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

SD #28 (Quesnel) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:00pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

SD #27 Cariboo-Chilcotin -- Committee of the Whole session on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Building Improvements

* "School of Choice" Update

* Daycare Update

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Brice O'Neill re: Recognition of Laker's Go Bus Society's 45 Years of Service to City

* Development Variance Permit Application - DVP #02-2026 - Matt Jaccard / Mueller Electric Ltd. - Variances to Create Panhandle Lot & Allow for Existing and Future Buildings - 4995 Cattle Drive - Approval

* Encroachment Agreement - 2 Lakeview Avenue - Stampeder Inn

* 4 Bylaws for Adoption

* Letter from BC Finance Minister regarding Significant Projects in Williams Lake/Financial Support from Province of BC 

* Letter from BC's Attorney-General regarding Prolific Offenders 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House - Meetings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House)

1) Special Closed Council Meeting at 4:30pm - as per Section 90(1L - Strategic Planning) of the Community Charter.  View more here

2) 100 Mile Development Corporation Board Meeting at 5:00pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2025 Audited Financial Statements

* Annual Report

* Annual Directors' Resolutions

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Regular Council Meeting at 5:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2025 Audited Financial Statements

* Creekside Seniors Centre NDIT Grant Application

* FireSmart Report - April 2026

* Bylaw Officer's Report - April 2026

* Server Replacement – Direct Award 

* 3 Bylaws for Adoption 

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- 

1) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus -- Regular Meeting on Monday, May 11. 2026 at 11am in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda: 

* Election of Vice-Chair

* Delegation: 100 Mile House RCMP

* Monthly Reporting from Liaisons to local community committees' in South Cariboo 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) South Cariboo Joint Committee -- Regular Meeting on Monday, May 11. 2026 at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda: 

* BC Transit Service Review - 100 Mile House 

* Construction of Soccer Field Gate 

* Discussion Item: South Cariboo Recreation Centre Projects' (Media Centre/Outdoor Rink) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Quesnel Council Highlights - May 5, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Retirement Presentation - Donna Kopetski

Council recognized the retirement of 28-year employee Donna Kopetski. We wish Donna all the best in her retirement.

Image

2025 Audit of City Financial Records

KPMG Enterprise Partner, Corey Naphtali advised Council that the City received a clean audit report in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards and Council approved the 2025 Financial Statements.

Tourism and Event Inventory and Tourism Package Development

Andréa Khan from AK Consulting presented the findings of the Tourism and Event Inventory Package Development to Council. The project wrapped up six months of research and community engagement, carried out over four phases. The work resulted in a clear inventory of local tourism assets, a 15‑year pipeline for potential event bids, an economic development model, and the success of the North Cariboo Tourism Forum. It also kicked off the development of four experience packages and produced a practical toolkit to help keep the work moving forward.

In a report brought forward following the presentation, Council endorsed the Tourism & Events Inventory and Package Development Report and directed staff to move ahead with implementing the initiatives outlined in the report. Council also supported seeking out funding opportunities to help move these initiatives forward as they become available.

Three Rivers Community Forest Lease Agreement

Council approved the five-year lease agreement with the Three Rivers Community Forest for the use of office space in the Forestry Initiatives centre of City Hall.

2026 Local Government Election

Council approved the first three readings of the City of Quesnel Election and Other Voting Procedures Bylaw No. 1984, 2026, and appointed Laura Long as the Chief Election Officer, and Joel McKay and Kari Bolton as Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2026 general local election.

2026 voting opportunities anticipated to be scheduled are as follows:

• Advanced Voting – 8 am to 8 pm – October 7 and 10 – City Hall
• General Voting Day – 8 am to 8 pm, October 17 – City Hall, Correlieu School and Dragon Lake School

Please watch the City of Quesnel Website at: https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections for more information on the upcoming election.

Vaughan Sewers Replacement - Contract

Council awarded the Vaughan Street Sanitary and Storm Replacement project to Knappett Industries for $676,068 plus GST, with funding coming from the capital reinvestment reserve and sewer reserves. The project will replace and upsize about 100 metres of the existing storm sewer main, along with replacing the sanitary sewer main on Vaughan Street and in the lane north of the West Fraser Centre.

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1981 - City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1981, 2026 - Final Adoption
• Bylaw #1982 - City of Quesnel 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1982, 2026 - Final Adoption

Announcements

• May is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Canada.
• May 5, 2026 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - Red Dress Day.

Preview into NCLGA 2026 Convention

From May 20-22, 2026 -- the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) will be holding its' Annual Convention in the City of Prince George which is a tri-partite effort between the City of Prince George, Regional District of Fraser Fort George and Lheidli T'enneh First Nation

During the Convention, there will be: 

* Annual Northern Health Forum

* Tours including at the Prince George Public Safety Operations Building and Ancient Forest Interpretive Centre, east of Prince George 

* 2026 Resolutions Session - 40 Resolutions up for debate including 

i) 2 from 100 Mile House (Nurse Practitioners/Health Care Professionals), 

ii) 3 from Cariboo Regional District, either jointly or individually (Highway 97 Upgrades, Public Mental Health funding support and Post Secondary Education) and 

iii) 2 from Williams Lake (Health Care Provider Crisis and Indigenous led Fibre Recovery for Wildfire Recovery)

Finally - City of Fort St John Councillor Tony Zabinsky, who is currently 2025-26 NCLGA 1st Vice President, is expected to become the 2026-27 NCLGA President at the 2026 NCLGA Convention and typically a NCLGA 1st Vice President rises to become NCLGA President at the annual NCLGA Convention, by way of acclamation

The DRAFT AGM Agenda can viewed here while the 2026 Resolutions can be viewed here

The 2026 NCLGA Convention is the last of the 5 Area Associations within British Columbia to hold their Annual Conventions prior to the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, BC from September 14-18, 2026

BC Cattlemen Association to apply for Intervenor Status re: DRIPA Legal Case from Pender Harbour

Courtesy of BC Cattlemen Association:

The BC Cattlemen’s Association intends to apply to intervene in the Pender Harbour and Area Resident’s Association (PHARA) court challenge of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). 

PHARA filed the case in the BC Supreme Court on February 9, 2026, seeking a constitutional challenge of DRIPA and for the court to declare the legislation of no force and effect. 

The BC Cattlemen’s Association intends to apply for intervenor status in the case to seek leave from the Court to speak to the ranching industry interests in the matter. 

PHARA is seeking declarations from the Court that DRIPA is unconstitutional because it is: 

• Inconsistent with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, as it does not balance Indigenous and non-Indigenous interests, allow for justified infringements of Aboriginal rights by the Crown, or follow court-established processes for determining those rights; 

• Beyond provincial jurisdiction, as it intrudes into matters under Canada’s exclusive authority and creates the potential for Aboriginal rights to be recognized differently across the country; and 

• Alternatively, a violation of democratic rights protected by section 3 of the Charter, on the basis that DRIPA allows for agreements that transfer governance authority to bodies that are not accountable to the electorate. 

DRIPA is concerning for ranchers in British Columbia because it could jeopardize security of private land and Crown tenures that support our ranch operations. 

Yesterday, the Province of BC proclaimed BC Beef Day and hosted a delegation of ranching industry representatives from around the province. During a meeting with Premier Eby, the Association again urged the province to clarify its reconciliation plans and to ensure protections for landowners and tenure holders. 

“These are the very tenures that allow us to produce food for the public and steward the resources under our care,” explains Werner Stump, BCCA President. BCCA members are deeply concerned that co-governance between the provincial government and First Nations could impact vital water and land use tenures. Stump continues to say, “We are concerned that co-governance models erode the stability that tenures are meant to guarantee.” 

This application to intervene is not a challenge of Indigenous rights or reconciliation. Rather, it is about exploring whether the province has made a mistake in delegating decision-making responsibility not balancing non-Indigenous interests. BC Cattlemen’s Association supports fair and transparent reconciliation processes that strengthen relationships over the long term. 

Esk’et FN Hosts Gathering to Celebrate Children, Families, and Cultural Connection

Courtesy of Esk'etemc First Nation:

The community of Esk’et welcomed children and their families for a two-day gathering centered on celebrating children, strengthening families, and bringing together all Esk’etemc members to learn about their culture, their land, and their community.  

“Everything we do is for our children so they grow up strong and connected to their families, their land, and their future,” shared Esk’etemc Kukpi7 Fred Robbins.  

Stsmémelt re Esk’et is a program that reflects a shared commitment to ensure children grow up grounded in who they are, supported by their families, their community, and their culture and represents more than a single gathering. 

It is part of a broader journey within Esk’etemc to bring children home, back to family, community, and culture while creating space for healing and building strength across generations. Over the weekend, more than 300 people, including children, youth, adults, and elders, participated in a range of cultural and community-based experiences. 

The event started with a pipe ceremony and prayers followed with a Grand Entry, gifting ceremony, and two full days of land-based learning, traditional games, drumming, and songs. The gathering created meaningful opportunities for children and their caregivers who live both in community and in urban centres to meet each other and engage with Esk’etemc ceremony and traditions. 

“Ceremony is what keeps our people strong,” said Spiritual Headwoman and elected Esk’etemc Councillor Irene Johnson. “It brings us together, it grounds us, and it reminds our families and our children of who they are.” 

The experiences created through Stsmémelt re Esk’et reflect the importance of cultural continuity and the role of community in supporting families. By centering the focus on children, the program reinforces a path forward built on connection, identity, and ongoing support and care, highlighting the broader work underway within Esk’etemc to strengthen child and family well-being through community-led approaches rooted in culture, language, and land. 

“Stsmémelt re Esk’et is about how we take care of our children as a community,” noted Doreen M. Johnson, Stsmémelt re Esk’et Planner. “This event was just a small reflection of the work we’re doing to bring families back together and build something stronger for the future for all Esk’etemc.” For many families, the gathering created meaningful opportunities for coming back together again, and for some, for the first time. 

It reflected Esk’etemc’s vision of children growing up supported, families connected, and community moving forward together. 

To see a video of the two-day event, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGG5PLjbug 

Day to Day Democracy Podcast interviews Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner

In Episode 7 of "Day to Day Democracy": a podcast which looks at serving in BC Local Government and co-hosted by former Kamloops Councillor Arjun Singh and current Vanderhoof Councillor Brian Frenkel -- they interview Cariboo Regional District Board Chair (and Cariboo RD Area "H" Director) Margo Wagner

They cover:

* What is a Regional District?

* Role of a Regional District Board Chair?

* Role of an Electoral Area Director

* Regional District Advocacy

* Understanding needs in an unincorporated community and how to respond?

* Communications during Emergencies/Non-Emergencies

* Cooperation with Indigenous Nations especially during emergencies

* FireSmarting in a rural, unincorporated community context

The episode can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRX4TwlkI98

Webster Creek Fire Area - Evacuation ALERT RESCIND (Cariboo RD - Area "K")

Courtesy of Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

May 4, 2026

12:00pm

The Evacuation Alert issued April 30, 2026, at 3:15 p.m. for the Webster Creek Fire Area has been lifted by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Evacuation Alert Lift

An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed.

To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.

For areas that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property by a qualified arborist.

Air quality may remain poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children, and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area. The BC Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities have further information on their websites about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding any new Evacuation Alerts and Orders impacting them. You must register to receive notifications from this system, as these are non-intrusive broadcast alerts.

Quesnel Council meets on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

During the week of May 4-8, 2026 -- only Quesnel City Council will be meeting.  Details below: 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: City of Quesnel Auditor re: 2025 Audited Financial Statement for approval 

* Committee Reports

* Three Rivers Community Forest Lease Agreement 

* 2026 City of Quesnel Local General Election - First three readings of Bylaw and appointment of Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officers 

* North Cariboo Tourism & Events Development

* Adopt City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1981, 2026 & City of Quesnel 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1982, 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - April 2026

During the month of April 2026 -- I attended the following meetings or events: 

* April 8, 2026 -- AGM for the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce (at invitation of Manager, Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce) 

* April 10, 2026 -- Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* April 21, 2026 -- Spring 2026 Meeting of Gibraltar Mines' Technical Advisory Committee held at the McLeese Lake Community Hall 

* April 23, 2026 -- Photo Op for new artwork installed in the public viewing area of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre with Cariboo RD Area "E" Director Melynda Neufeld and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor 

* April 25, 2026 - "Seedy Saturday" event at McLeese Lake Library 

* April 28, 2026 -- Zoom meeting for BC Electoral Area Directors - hosted by Director Jerrilyn Kirk (RD Fraser Fort George), UBCM Electoral Area Director Representative for 2025-26 term... 

* April 29, 2026 -- Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest Landscape Planning Open House at the Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake ... 

As well -- remained in regular contact with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director (A. Bennetts) to use her as a "sounding board" for items that I have been working on as the Cariboo RD Area "D" Director 

Finally: responded to regular monthly inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents' via phone/text, email or social media... 

Expenses submitted in April 2026:

* April 10, 2026 -- $129 for Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

Evacuation ALERT issued for the Webster Creek Fire Area (Cariboo RD - Area "K") - April 30, 2026

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

April 30, 2026

3:30pm 

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 8 parcels in the Webster Creek Fire Area.  This alert covers 696.57 hectares.

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

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts

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

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an 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.

·        In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.

·        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/ 

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 Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).