Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of April 7-10, 2026

Following the Easter Long Weekend -- Quesnel City Council; Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' will be holding meetings - as follows: 

Quesnel: Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations -- i) Sprout Kitchen, ii) Prince George to North Vancouver Railway

* Committee Reports

 

* Renew Lease with Vista Radio

* Mutual Aid Agreement between Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House Fire Departments' 

* Sprout Kitchen Operating Agreement

* Moonshine Coffee (Shiraoi House) Lease Agreement 

* Quesnel Pride Society - Request for full road closure for 2026 Parade 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- all meetings, noted below, to be held in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

1) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, April 10th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Dr. Nathan Lachowsky, Dean, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, UNBC; and Jenn Scott, Dean for the School of Health Sciences and Human Services, CNC 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting on Friday, April 10th at 9:45am.  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Zoning, OCP, ALR Applications)

* NDIT Application – 108 Mile Ranch Community Association – Outdoor Washroom Facility

* 100 Mile Nordics Ski Society Community Works Funding (CWF) - Solar Panel Project and Enabling Agreement

* Esler Sports Complex Access Road Project – Celtic Engineering Project Management and Coordinating Professional of Record Award of Contract

* Year Round Grant applications - 2 from Area K and 1 from Area E

* Forest Grove Fire Protection – Firehall Renovation Referendum (Assent Vote)

* NCLGA Resolution – Improved Access to Publicly Funded Mental Health Services – Consideration of Co-Sponsorship

* Committee Recommendations for endorsement 

* Several Corporate By-laws for 3 Readings or 3 Readings and Adoption

* Report from Director Anderson (Area K) re: 2026 Guide Outfitters of BC AGM

* Requests from Director Forseth (Area D) re: Letter to BC Minister of Agriculture for sustainable funding of Agriculture Land Commission and Letter to TRU Board of Governors re: suspend discussion of closure of TRU Williams Lake Campus until community consultation is complete

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally -- a number of Cariboo-Chilcotin local elected officials are attending the 2026 Council of Forest Industry (COFI) Convention in Vancouver, BC from April 8-10, 2026 including Cariboo RD Area E Director/Vice Chair Melynda Neufeld and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.  

COFI Convention 2026 Agenda: https://cofi.zohobackstage.ca/COFI2026Convention#/Program?day=1&lang=en

Changes to BC Local Government Legislation (Provincial Code of Conduct/26 Weeks of Parental Leave)

The Hon. Christine Boyle (BC Minister of Municipal Affairs) earlier today introduced amendments to the Community Charter, Local Government Act, etc. regarding:

i) Provincial Code of Conduct which is mandatory for all local elected officials in BC (Mayors, Councillors, EA Directors) and related matters

ii) 26 Weeks of Parental Leave for local elected officials

Summary of the above can be viewed at:

a) Provincial Code of Conduct -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0033-000349

b) 26 Weeks of Parental Leave for local elected officials -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0036-000366

The actual legislation can be viewed at:

Provincial Code of Conduct -- https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/2nd-session/bills/1st_read/gov17-1.htm

26 Weeks of Parental Leave -- https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/2nd-session/bills/1st_read/gov18-1.htm

Thanks to the many years of advocacy by the Union of BC Municipalities on these topics ... but time will have to tell if the provincial mandatory Code of Conduct for local elected officials will "change the dial" on a respectful workplace at BC Local Governments (Municipal Councils/Regional Boards)

Joint Collaboration Agreement between FNLGA/Climate Caucus

Joint Release between First Nations Leadership/Governance Association and Climate Caucus:

The First Nations Leadership and Governance Association (FNLGA) and Climate Caucus have partnered on a bold set of initiatives designed to expand public dialogue and increase equality in municipal representation.  

Currently, just 7 out of 1100 municipal leaders in B.C. are First Nations, despite representing close to 5 percent of the province’s population.  Through this partnership, First Nations candidates running in municipal elections will receive free access to Climate Caucus’ campaign school: a highly-tailored program designed by experienced campaign managers to be strategic, useful and game-changing. 

Participants will have access to a suite of tools, trainings and an active peer network, alongside successful campaign experts who have won across the country and who will offer advice, office hours and key insights.  

First Nations candidates will also have access to a network of mentors, including current and former elected leaders, as well as Indigenous, non-elected leaders, so as to provide an integrated support network across perspectives, cultures and experiences. 

"We are so excited about this opportunity for FNLGA to work with Climate Caucus. Our two organizations share many goals and walk the same paths, and now we can do so together while supporting each other. First Nations peoples have been vocal about climate change and adaptation for as long as we have observed environmental change and seasonal shifts, especially when these impacts affect the water, plants, and animals we have relied on for survival.  Climate Caucus has been doing this work on the ground and with a governance perspective. We would be proud to share these views and to work with Climate Caucus, ensuring that First Nations' perspectives are heard in this arena. There is so much work to be done, and we are 1 prepared to build this relationship and do the work together,” said Michael Moses, Founder and Executive Director of FNLGA. 

“To ensure safe, healthy and prosperous communities, we need policies that respond to—and mitigate—climate impacts. And we need stronger local democracies, rooted in building connections, finding shared solutions and respecting differences, especially during times of growing polarization and disinformation. We’re honoured to be in partnership with Michael and his team at FNLGA, not only to support voices that deserve a seat at the table, but to bolster the resilience of our local democracies during a time of division fuelled by vested interests,” said Zoe Grams, Executive Director of Climate Caucus.  

FNLGA and Climate Caucus will continue to build this partnership, including through a working group with local elected leaders working to identify new and resilient pathways for collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities when racism is on the rise. 

Quesnel Council Highlights - March 31, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

BC Transit Presentation Fare Presentation

BC Transit Business Development Advisor Midhat Malik and Government Relations Manager Iris Brown provided Council with a comprehensive fare review for the Quesnel Transit System to address increasing operational costs, simplify the fare structure, support equity, and encourage greater use of the Umo electronic fare system.

 

Transit Rates

Council approved the transit rate fare structure recommended by BC Transit. This is the first fare adjustment recommended since 2013 for HandyDART and since 2010/2013 for conventional transit fares. Quesnel’s current fares are among the lowest in B.C.

The proposed fare structure will introduce a universal base fare for all riders and gradually increase fares over three years (2026–2029), with the rate for a single ride increasing from $1.75 to $3.00 by 2028/29. New fares proposed will take effect July 2026.

 

CRD Contribution Agreements

Council has approved the contribution agreements with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) for Airport, Transit, HandyDART, Tourism Services, and Emergency Support Services (ESS). Some of these agreements were previously combined into one comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding but has now been adjusted to individual service agreements.

BIA Levies 2026

Council approved the following grants to the Business Improvement Areas for 2026 to be collected by local service property tax levies provided all other conditions of the bylaws are met by the business associations prior to payment of the grants.

• Quesnel Downtown Association $75,416
• South Quesnel Business Association $80,000
• West Quesnel Business Association $42,448

Purchase of a New Automated Side-Load Refuse Truck

Council has approved the purchase of a new automated side‑load garbage truck to support the City’s residential waste collection service. This new truck will replace an older unit that’s scheduled for retirement under the City’s Fleet Replacement Policy. Once the new truck is in service, the old one will be auctioned, and the proceeds will go back into the City’s equipment reserve.

Surplus and Reserves

Council has updated Policy CF‑2, which guides how the City manages its reserves and yearly surplus. The changes make the process clearer and will help strengthen the reserve funds. Council also talked about the growing need to boost capital reserves, since the Master Infrastructure Plan shows rising costs ahead and several future potential projects that don’t yet have dedicated funding.

Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Contract

Council has approved awarding the Johnston Bridge Upgrade project to Ruskin Construction Ltd. for $15.3 million (plus GST). The project will be funded through a combination of the Capital Reinvestment Reserve, Community Works Fund, utility reserves, and grant funding.

Council also approved $750,000 to the project budget from the Capital Reinvestment Reserve to provide a contingency for any unexpected costs during construction.

2026 City of Quesnel Operational Plan

Council reviewed the 2026 Operations Plan in its new format. The plan outlines the key projects staff will focus on this year to support Council’s 2025–2026 Strategic Plan. It highlights work that goes beyond day‑to‑day operations and doesn’t include budget details, as all items are already covered within existing budgets. Any new costs that arise will be brought to Council for approval.

RBC Barrier Buster Grant Application

Council supported Staff applying to the RBC Barrier Buster program on behalf of the Quesnel Rodeo Club. The grant would help fund the replacement of the public washrooms at Alex Fraser Park. The new washrooms will include 12 stalls, with two that are wheelchair accessible. The Quesnel Rodeo Club will manage the project, which is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

Bylaws

Bylaw #1976 - City of Quesnel Public Notice Bylaw No. 1976, 2025 - Final Adoptio

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - March 2026

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

* March 13 - McLeese Lake Farmers Market Society AGM at Alexandria Community Hall 

* March 18 - Monthly meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission 

* March 19 - Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD Board) in Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

* March 20 - Meetings of the Cariboo RD + Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

* March 25 - McLeese Lake Community Meeting with Cariboo North-PG MLA Sheldon Clare at McLeese Lake Community Hall 

* March 26 - Monthly meeting of Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce 

* March 31 - Conduct Public Hearing on behalf of Cariboo RD Board for property on Fox Mountain 

In addition -- remained in constant contact with Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director and use her as a "sounding board" for items or issues within the Electoral Area.  As well: responded to inquiries from Area "D" residents via social media, phone/text or email 

Expenses submitted in the month of March 2026:

* March 19 - $129 for Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD Board) in Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom 

* March 20 - $129 for Meetings of the Cariboo RD + Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board

SD28 Bus Incident (Barlow Creek - Cariboo RD Area C)

Courtesy of School District #28 (Quesnel):

At approximately 2:40 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026 -- the Barlow Creek Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service responded to a school bus incident.  Bus #45 was transporting students from Barlow Creek Elementary to their homes at the end of the school day when the bus was involved in a single vehicle incident resulting in the bus being tipped on its side on the edge of the Barkerville Hwy.  No injuries were initially reported to the RCMP at the scene. As the situation unfolded, and out of an abundance of caution, a few students and the bus driver were taken to hospital with minor injuries.  A second bus was dispatched to transport students; these students have all returned safely to their families. 

Thankfully, bus incidents like this are rare, and they can understandably be a scary event for students, families and staff.  Extra counselling support will be available at Barlow Creek school on Tuesday morning, and the district will be responsive to student and family needs as much as possible.

Municipal Finance Authority of BC retains its' Moody Triple A Credit Status

Courtesy of the Municipal Finance Authority of BC:

We are very pleased to share that MFA’s (Municipal Finance Authority of BC) AAA Rating has once again been re-affirmed by Moody’s Ratings. 

The Moody’s team stated: 

“The affirmation of MFABC's aaa BCA and Aaa ratings reflects its very limited exposure to provincial credit stress. MFABC is a pool program and as such transmission channels between the province and MFABC arise indirectly through borrowing members who are jointly and severally liable for MFABC's liabilities – and include municipalities, regions and hospital districts. The regional districts have mostly stable revenue sources including property taxes and user fees that are not affected by provincial policy or fiscal decisions. The hospital districts receive consistent revenues from the province, and further benefit from provincial spending commitments to improve healthcare. We assess MFABC's governance as very strong, with exceptional fiscal, investment and liquidity management.”

For the full Moody ratings article please visit our website: 

https://mfa.bc.ca/investors/credit-reports

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of March 30-April 3, 2026

During the week of March 30-April 3, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings: 

Wells -- Meetings, as noted below, to be held in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells) or via Zoom

1) Closed Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 from 2-3pm and 4:45pm to 5:30pm as per Sections 90(1a + 1L - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

2) Open Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Update from Barkerville Heritage Trust (Al Richmond, Chair) 

* Updates on Strategic Priority Projects

* Reports from Mayor Coleman and Wells CAO

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel -- Meetings as noted below: 

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: BC Transit re: Quesnel Transit Fare Review

* Committee Reports 

* Quesnel Transit Rates

* Cariboo RD Contribution Agreements

* BIA Levies 2026

* Request for Approval to Purchase a New Automated Side-Load Refuse Truck

* Surplus and Reserves 2026

* Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Contract

* 2026 City of Quesnel Operational Plan

* RBC Barrier Buster Grant Application

* Prospectors Car Club - Request for a letter of support for a Northern Development Initiatives Trust grant application

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting - on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 9:30am in the Fraser Room Meeting Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* 2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan

* Proposed 2026 Municipal Tax Rates

* EV Charger at Museum – Possible Fees/Discussion Item

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Special Open Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm in the Forest Innovation Centre (2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Development of a Memorandum of Understanding with ?Esdilagh First Nation - Discussion

* Supportive Housing and Shelter Space - Discussion

* Quesnel Junior School Land Transfer and Development - Discussion

* Business Development - 435 Elliott Street property and Abattoir - Discussion

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake: 

Committee of the Whole Session (no decisions made - only recommendations) on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake)

On the Agenda: 

* Water Treatment Plant Budget Update and Options 

* Town of View Royal re Provincial Housing Legislation Judicial Review Coalition Update (referred to Committee from March 24, 2026 Williams Lake Council meeting)

* Provincial Budget 2027 Consultation

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation #1 - R.I.S.E. Society re: proposed initiative in Electoral Area E

* Delegation #2 - Williams Lake Stampeders re: CMRC arena advertising and distribution of revenues

* Curbside Adjacency Agreement between the Regional District (Electoral Area "E") and the City of Williams Lake

* 2025 Operational Budget Information for Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex/Central Cariboo Recreation (2025 Budget Overrun/Request to Cover) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus Update

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is aware that the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Board of Governors agreed to a fulsome community engagement process for reimagining the future education offerings at the Williams Lake Campus, including consultation with the University Senate, and that they deferred consideration of closing the campus until June 2026

As the City was not able to have a representative present at this meeting, we are thankful to Chancellor DeDe Derose for providing her leadership and the amendment to delay the vote on the facility disposal in Williams Lake. She spoke to the importance of the bricks and mortar facility to the region, and as a member of E’sketemc she spoke from personal experience on how important this is.  The City would also like to thank other community leaders and members of the public for speaking up on this important topic.

Following this meeting, the City has many questions regarding the details of the financial budget presented by TRU regarding the upcoming financial plan.  The City will continue to seek answers on the specific budget items as they relate to the motion on the table for the closure of the campus. We encourage the community and wider region to provide their comments and concerns on the potential closure of this key institution to the City of Williams Lake at corporateservices@williamslake.ca. 

The City will then relay any comments it receives to the TRU Board so that they will have a full understanding of the impacts of their decisions on our community.

Upcoming Discussion on the Future of TRU in Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is aware of concerns circulating in the community of Williams Lake around the possibility of a future closure of the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Williams Lake Campus. Williams Lake Council has officially taken the position that it strongly opposes any potential closure of this vital community asset and that it expects any significant changes to the services offered at the campus should be first subject to public consultation and input.

Mayor and Council are working to seek clarification on the matter and wish to assure residents that every effort is being made to communicate these concerns to TRU and the Provincial Government, and to ensure a viable and sustainable future for local and regional access to post-secondary education services.  We will continue to update the community as information becomes available.

Spring Fuel Treatments Planned at Multiple Locations Throughout Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, will be conducting a series of spring fuel treatments over the coming weeks to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety.

These prescribed burns will take place in several areas throughout the city, including:

The water tower hill on Gibbon Street

The park and hillside near Lake City Secondary School’s Williams Lake Campus

The Dairy Fields (forested areas are not included in the burn unit)

The Williams Lake Stampede Grounds

Patrick Reid Park

The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and ground conditions over the coming weeks. Ignitions will only proceed under suitable conditions that allow smoke to dissipate quickly.

These prescribed burns will help remove flammable materials such as dry grass and debris, reducing fire hazards and promoting healthier ecosystems. The fuel treatments are part of the City’s ongoing FireSmart initiatives to increase wildfire resiliency in the community.

As FireSmart activities continue throughout Williams Lake, the City will keep residents updated through its social media channels and website.

In addition to these spring fuel treatments, residents and businesses are encouraged to take FireSmart actions on their properties. When a wildfire is nearby, all of Williams Lake could be threatened by embers. To protect your home or business, create a fuel break around the building by removing anything that can burn within the first 1.5 metres or five feet. For more ways to reduce fire risks, visit firesmartbc.ca.

For questions regarding the prescribed fires, contact firesmart@williamslake.ca or call 250-392-4321.

Prescribed burn planned for Fox Mountain area

From BC Wildfire Service: 

When and where

Burning will begin as early as Tuesday, March 31, continuing periodically until April 24.

The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 40 hectares of land west of Eider Drive on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.

Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible to residents on Fox Mountain, from the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.

Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring low intensity wildland fire.

While burning is underway portions of the Bearacouga Mountain Bike Trail will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed.

While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk to the City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.

Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem and maintain treatments from previous years.

Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge outside of emergency response situations.

Minimizing health impacts from smoke

Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.

Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.

Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Prescribed burn planned along Highway 20/Hanceville Area...

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

When and where

• Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 27, 2026 and may continue periodically until June 1, 2026 

• The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks, adjacent to Highway 20.

• Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.

What to expect

• Smoke and flames will be visible from Riske Creek, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas.

• Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire.

• While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

• Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

• Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the burns are fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading.

• Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

• Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor.

• Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure.

• Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.

• Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation.

 

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, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

 

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.

Williams Lake Council Highlights - March 24, 2026 mtg

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

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor welcomed former Williams Lake City Councillors' Paul French and Jason Ryll as well as current Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerksen, via Zoom, all to the meeting

 

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 be adopted: 

Amendment (remove Notice of Motion item from Councillor Nelson from tonight's Meeting Agenda).  Council divided on remove Notice of Motion from Councillor Nelson -- approved by following vote: 

Affirmative -- Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses (4)

Opposed -- Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors Boehm and Nelson (3)

On Adoption of Agenda, as amended -- 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

Minutes of the previous City Council meeting was adopted 

Delegations:

None 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated March 12 and 19, 2026

* report of the Director of Protective Services dated March 17, 2026 regarding an update on status of the Remedial Action Requirement for 55 Sixth Avenue South

* letter from Dr. Rafiullah Sahibzada dated March 7, 2026 requesting Council to adopt Standard Time permanently in Williams Lake

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held February 25, 2026 

* letters from MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin Lorne Doerkson dated March 13, 2026 to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General regarding concerns around crime and mental health challenges in the community of Williams Lake

* letter from Wendy McLean dated March 16, 2026 requesting clarification from the City on reports of transported homeless individuals to Williams Lake, together with the responses of the Chief Administrative Officer

* list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235:

i) Lighting Request - Blue, Pink & White for "Transgender Day of Visibility"

ii) Lighting Request - Purple for "National Dental Hygienists Week"

2) Council directed staff to send a response to the LCRB (Liquor Control Regulation Branch) regarding the cannabis retail licence application at #401-1185 Prosperity Way with the comments as contained in the Staff report dated March 19, 2026 from the City Planner 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillors M. Moses and J. Lyons

3) Council approved the sale of the City-owned parcel situated at 180 Third Avenue North, legally described as That Part of The Closed Lane, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, As Shown On Plan 22652 to the Cariboo Regional District for the proposed value of $1.00, plus all applicable taxes, fees and costs of registration to be borne by the purchaser (Cariboo Regional District)

4) Council approved compensation, registration, and travel expenses for interested Council members to attend the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) AGM & Convention being held in Prince George, BC from May 20 to 22, 2026

5) Council approved meals, travel, compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor to attend the United Steelworkers Local 1-2017 Annual General Meeting in Prince George, BC on April 11 and 12, 2026

6) Council scheduled the date for the Parcel Tax Roll Reviews to be held in Council Chambers as follows:

a) Water and Sewer - April 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM; and

b) Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area - April 24, 2026 at 9:30 AM

7) Council approved the use of City staff time and equipment for the hauling of material for the 2026 Spring Classic Indoor Rodeo

8) Council received an update on the Williams Lake Pickleball Club Society partnership proposal for a permanent pickleball facility in the community and directed that Option #2 be approved 

(Delay the project until a Parks and Trails Master Plan is in place for future park, trail and recreation infrastructure to ensure this facility is aligned moving into next decade plans. This would include reviewing this project with the Central Cariboo Joint Committee for future partnership opportunities. This delay could be up to two years, pending the development of the new plan, and the priorities that come out of the plan.  This option would best situate pickleball with broader recreation planning and would avoid some duplication of public consultation)

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Mayor SPS Rathor, Councillors S. Nelson and M. Moses

9) Council received the "Council Information Package" of March 24, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities... 

Motion, at request of Councillor S. Nelson: 

That Staff organize a meeting between Council/Interior Health regarding a community status update for health wrap-around services for Williams Lake and area.... 

And then Council adjourned at 7:27pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of March 23-27, 2026

During the week of March 23-27, 2026 -- both Williams Lake and 100 Mile House Municipal Councils' will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on March 24, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Cannabis License Referral - 401-1185 Prosperity Way - One Plant (Retail) Corp

* Land Disposition - 180 Third Avenue North - Sale to Cariboo Regional District (Williams Lake Library)

* North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) 2026 AGM & Convention -- Authorization to Attend 

* Authorization for Mayor Rathor to Travel to Attend United Steelworkers 2026 AGM in Prince George

* Parcel Tax Roll Review for 2026 Tax Year 

* Update - Remedial Action Requirement (RAR) - 55 Sixth Avenue South (behind Hamilton Hotel) 

* Interior Rodeo Event Association Request to Utilize City Equipment for the Annual Indoor Rodeo

* Williams Lake Pickleball Club Society - Partnership Proposal Update and determination of next steps

* Request to Adopt Standard Time Permanently in Williams Lake

* Letter from Williams Lake Resident re Request for Clarification on Reports of Homeless Transported to Williams Lake

* Consideration of Motion of Councillor Nelson re:  Public Safety Supports, Advocacy and Enforcement (per Notice of Motion made March 10, 2026)

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

100 Mile House -- all meetings, noted below, to be held in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House) on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

1) Committee of the Whole - 3:00pm.  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 Operating Budget - District of 100 Mile House

* Terms of Reference – Economic Development Task Force 

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

2) Regular Council Meeting - 5:30pm.  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Jake McLean re:  alternative transmission line route for the Yellowhead Copper project through Cariboo RD Area "H" vs Cariboo RD Area "L"

* Grant for Assistance application from 100 Mile House Pride Society 

* 2026 Hot July Nights Street Closure 

* 4 Bylaws for consideration at various legislative stages 

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1g - potential or actual litigation) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District Board Highlights - March 20, 2026 mtg

Present:

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

Meeting called to order at 10:12am

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

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Board meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5552, 2026 and Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5553, 2026 (Area D/1830 Fox Mountain Rd)

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5549, 2025 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5550, 2025 (Area L/8649 Boultbee Rd)

3) The Board agreed to submit a Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for removal of soil pertaining to Lot 1, District Lots 2953 and 2954, Lillooet District, Plan 29793, Except Plans 32585, 37271, KAP79216 and KAP84073 to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area H/4836 Jewell Rd)

4) The Board agreed to submit a Provincial Agricultural Land Commission application for placement of fill pertaining to District Lot 6733, Cariboo District  to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission with a recommendation for approval (Area A/2255 Kersley-Dale Landing Rd)

5) The Board agreed to submit a NDIT application for the Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society grant application to Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Community Places stream for $29,621 to replace and modernize the existing park sign

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

i) McLeese Lake Meals with Hearts Society - $1,000 from Area "D"

ii) Eagle View 4D Barrel Races - $1,000 from Area "E"

7) The Board directed that the Emergency Notification System Use Policy endorsed on October 18, 2024, be repealed and replaced with an internal administrative policy

8) The Board directed that no further action be taken regarding planning for the Bouchie Lake Sewer System project, based on the results of the community engagement process 

9) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of February 2026, in the amount of $2,768,561.83

10) The Board directed that Alice Johnston, Corporate Officer/Deputy CAO, be appointed Chief Election Officer for conducting the 2026 general local election with power to appoint other election officials as required, and that Lore Schick, Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant, be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer, in accordance with Section 58(1) of the Local Government Act

11) The Board received a letter from the City of Quesnel inviting the Cariboo Regional District to co-host with the City of Quesnel the 2028 NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association's AGM/Convention in Quesnel, BC... and directed that Cariboo Regional District/City of Quesnel co-host the 2028 NCLGA Convention in Quesnel, BC… 

12) The Board received a number of Information Only items and following discussion - took no further action

13) The Board endorsed 3 Recommendations from its' Committees or Commissions as follows: 

a) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - February 25, 2026 meeting: 

That staff move forward with developing a draft naming rights policy for consideration at a future Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting.

b) Indigenous Relations Committee - March 6, 2026 meeting: 

That the amended draft Memorandum of Understanding between Nazko First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District to strengthen emergency management coordination be endorsed as presented

c) Committee of the Whole - March 19, 2026 meeting: 

That the Cariboo Regional District's next steps in addressing the issue of unacceptable road conditions be as follows:

a) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure during the CAO/Chair Convention in Victoria - April 2026;

b) Send a letter to NCLGA members, requesting support for the Cariboo Regional District's resolution at NCLGA on the need for improved road conditions, and ask if they wish to include Indigenous communities in the effort to secure infrastructure funding and prioritization;

c) Request a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure at the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention with Cariboo Regional District's member municipalities.

14) Corporate Bylaws: 

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5565, 2026

b) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District 2026 – 2030 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 5555, 2026

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

c) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Water Rates Bylaw No. 5563, 2026

d) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Sewer Rates Bylaw No. 5564, 2026

e) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw No. 5567, 2026

f) The Board adopted Horse Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5511, 2025

15) The Board appointed Area "L" Eric Director de Vries as the Cariboo Regional District’s representative to the North Central Local Government Association Board for the 2026-27 term.  Area "B" Director Barb Bachmeier was appointed as the Cariboo Regional District’s alternate representative to the North Central Local Government Association Board for the 2026-27 term

Directors’ provided verbal reports on their recent activities… 

And then the Board adjourned at 11:55am