Intersection of First Street and Birch Avenue Safety Improvements

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

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

City of Quesnel projects funded through the Canada Community-Building Fund in 2022

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

In 2022, the City of Quesnel used over $1.2 million from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to support seven new community infrastructure projects. The City receives annual allocations of close to $500,000 from the CCBF which are held in a reserve for use on future projects.

The Quesnel Downtown RV Park & Campground project received over $203K in CCBF funding. Construction on this project began in 2022 and will be complete in spring 2023. Located at the old Public Works site, the campground will have 14-serviced (power/water) RV sites; 3-unserviced RV sites and 3 tent sites.

Phase I of the landfill berm was installed on the north-west side on the Quesnel Landfill to increase the airspace at the landfill and extend its life by an estimated 5 years. The berm was built with 8,000 dump truck loads of concrete and soil! A lot of the concrete was sourced from the demolitions of Maple Drive and Quesnel Junior schools. This project received over $465K in CCBF funding. 

The Quesnel Bike Park project (phase I and II) received over $354K in CCBF funding. Phase I and II of the project includes a paved pump track, the reconstruction of machine-built trails, a rubberized strider zone for young children, progressive dirt jumps, progressive drop zone, multi-directional connector trail to the Bryce Trail , paved path and kiosk, signage, fencing and a balance park. It also included the purchase of rental bikes and a storage shed.

Lights have been installed around the Quesnel Pickleball and Tennis courts extending play times in the mornings and evenings. The Quesnel Pickleball Club contributed a grant and private funds towards this project as well. This project received over $71K in CCBF funding.

Trails throughout the City were paved and widened including the bottom of Sugarloaf Trail on North Fraser Drive and in West Fraser Timber Park from the concession through to the parking area, improving access to the fields. This project received over $73K in CCBF funding.

In our 2021 LeBourdais Park Improvements survey, the community wanted more shaded areas at the playground and spray park in LeBourdais Park. Three shade structures will be installed and ready for Spring 2023. Two shade structures will be positioned at the playground and one shade structure will be at the spray park. This project received over $84K in CCBF funding.

The Canada Community-Building Fund started in 2005-2006 and is a permanent and predictable source of long-term funding so communities have the flexibility to invest across 19 different project categories, including local roads and bridges, culture and tourism, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and sport and recreation.

Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull stated:

“On behalf of Quesnel Council and the Quesnel community at large, I extend our appreciation to the Canada Community-Building Fund for supporting more than a half dozen key projects that may not have otherwise been completed without that support."

For more information on the Canada Community-Building Fund visit: https://bit.ly/3YRKYyE

City of WL Conducting Annual Sanitary Main Cleaning

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is currently conducting its annual sanitary main cleaning and camera work, which will take place over the next several weeks.

Areas impacted will include all of South Lakeside Drive, North Lakeside Drive and Hodgson Road.

The main cleaning and camera work is expected to run through to mid August.

Residents are advised that pressure caused from cleaning the sanitary mains may cause basement toilets to bubble and/or mist water for a short period of time as the cleaning tool moves down the main. Closing the toilet lid will eliminate or lessen any backflow.

For more information contact Pat Mahood, Manager of Public Works, at pmahood@williamslake.ca or by phone at 250.392.1785.

The City thanks residents for their understanding.

BC/Ottawa announces funding for local infrastructure projects in BC

Courtesy of the Provincial/Federal Governments':

Editor's Note -- congratulations to the following local governments/First Nation governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, as follows:

Quesnel -- $200,072 (both BC/Ottawa) to perform upgrades to approximately 2.6 km of trail in the West Fraser Timber Park trail network, including realignments and installation of point of interest markers and signage. The City of Quesnel will contribute $72,766 to this project as well. 

Xeni Gwet'in FN -- $4,999,500 in joint funding to construct a community care centre in the Nemaiah Valley, including a gathering space, meeting rooms, kitchen, solar farm, and other amenities. Xeni Gwet'in FN will contribute $555,500 to this project as well. 

 Yunesit’in (Stone) FN -- $300,000 in federal funding to add a roof structure over the outdoor rink and build changerooms, washrooms, and bleachers in the rink area. Yunesit’in (Stone) FN will contribute $100,000 to this project as well. 

 100 Mile House -- $1,748,000 in joint funding (BC/Ottawa) to replace the timber Horse Lake Bridge with a two-lane steel and concrete bridge with a single sidewalk and bike path. No funding from the District of 100 Mile House is required for this project 

WL First Nation -- $191,477 in federal funding to rehabilitate the playground, replace gravel with a rubberized surface, and install ramp. WL First Nation will contributing $63,826 of their own funds towards this project

Investments in local infrastructure projects help build inclusive, resilient communities. They create good jobs and business opportunities, address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic, and support local climate-related initiatives.

Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $110.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 57 community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Among communities benefitting from the investments announced today, the City of Richmond will see the former Minoru Place Activity Centre repurposed into an inclusive community arts facility. The new facility will increase arts programming for residents of all ages with the construction of two dance studios, a pottery studio, a media arts studio, and multipurpose program rooms.

Funding will also support 13 Indigenous-led projects in British Columbia.                                      

Notably, the Doig River First Nations will construct a new cultural education building to accommodate in-person and virtual learning. The First Nations of the McLeod Lake Indian Band will build a community centre featuring a lobby with cultural displays, a gym, fitness room, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Other communities in the province will benefit from new or upgraded community halls, arts centres, arenas, pools, play structures, parks, community gardens, as well as improved water treatment systems. A few projects will also construct or enhance active transportation options, including the pedestrian and cycling overpass that will connect the Galloping Goose regional trail to the Island Highway in Colwood.  

The Government of Canada is investing more than $56.8 million in these 57 projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure, Rural and Northern Infrastructure, and Green Infrastructure streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $53.4 million, and contributions from project recipients total $27.1 million.

Quick facts

• Federal funding is conditional on meeting all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.
• Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Over the last six years, $4,974,011,395 in federal funding has been approved for 801 infrastructure projects in British Columbia, including the 57 featured today.  
• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

Related products

Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Backgrounder_BC-Canada_infrastructure_projects.pdf

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in British Columbia: www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program

Community, Culture and Recreational Infrastructure, Rural and Northern Infrastructure, and Green Infrastructure streams — three ICIP Components of IICP: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html

Water Main Installation Work to Start Early April at Hodgson Road

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake will commence water main upgrade work early next week on Hodgson Road in the vicinity of Terra Ridge and Wotzke Drive.

The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete.

“Periods of street closures, detours, delays and single-lane alternating traffic should be expected,” advises Jeff Bernardy, City of Williams Lake Engineering Technologist. “During this time water interruptions may also occur.”

The water main being replaced is a feeder line for the entire Westridge area of the city and has required multiple repairs due to breakage. The replacement pipe will prevent loss of service and reduce maintenance costs.

Further details will be provided to affected properties and residents as work progresses.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience, and ask residents to use caution in the construction areas and obey all traffic control personnel and signage.

Dog Creek Road Maintenance Works to be Undertaken on Wed, October 28th

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake will be undertaking maintenance works on Dog Creek Road as of 8 am Thursday morning. A contractor will be on site with an excavator, along with City crews and trucks.

Rob Warnock, Director of Municipal Services, said crews will be working to fix the hump in the road near Highway 20 at the start of Dog Creek Road.

“Our crews were there in the spring and fixed it then, but the hump has returned,” Warnock said. “We are repairing it again before winter due to safety concerns.”

Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca added, “The City continues to lobby senior levels of government to come up with a solution that meets our needs. That is still an ongoing process, but the City needs to ensure vehicular traffic safety while we undertake these measures. We cannot overlook residents’ immediate safety while we wait for a response.”

In August, the City contacted the Province to request funding for rehabilitation works due to slide activity on Dog Creek Road from Highway 20 to the municipal boundary. To date, the Province has not responded to the City’s request.

We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work toward a solution for this ongoing issue.

For more information, contact Rob Warnock, Director of Municipal Services, at rwarnock@williamslake.ca or 250.392.1783.

Quesnel's 2021 Annual hydrant and watermain flushing

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel Utilities Department will run its annual fire hydrant and water main flushing program starting on Monday, August 30, 2021 for approximately three weeks. This will occur from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Two and Three Mile Flat August 30 – September 1   Downtown and North Quesnel September 1 - 3   South Quesnel September 6 - 8   Johnston and Carson Subdivisions September 8 - 10   West Quesnel - east of Baker Creek September 13 - 15   West Quesnel - west of Baker Creek and Uplands September 16 - 20 Hydrant and water main flushing causes turbidity in the City’s water system. Residents should expect, and be prepared for, discoloured water. If you experience this, leave a cold water tap running until the water returns to normal. For more information contact the Utilities Department at 250-992-6330. Thank you for your cooperation during this important annual maintenance program.

BC/Ottawa contributes to 14 Water/Sewer Utility Projects...

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- District of 100 Mile House is receiving $750,760.00 of joint provincial-federal financial support for their Wastewater Upgrade Project with the District contributing $273,051.00 of their own money towards the project.  No other local government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin received funding support of the Provincial/Federal Governments' for their own water/sewer utility services.  

The governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities across the province, enhance peoples’ quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19. 

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for 14 water , wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects in the province. Supporting communities to build modern and reliable water infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments.

Among the projects approved today, the District of Ucluelet will upgrade its local water treatment system to increase storage capacity for drinking water and improve access to clean drinking water in the community. The upgrades include adding a water treatment plant at the Mercantile Creek water source, adding filtration of the well field that pulls from Lost Shoe Creek, and adding a third reservoir to the Ucluelet drinking water system.

Port Clements will improve how it treats wastewater by replacing the existing lagoon with a new aerated wastewater treatment lagoon system. This new system will increase overall retention time, provide separate cells for aeration, and limit the risk of a system failure. Its increased efficiency will help reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of this critical wastewater infrastructure.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District will increase the capacity of the Saltair Water System to treat drinking water. Two new treatment units will be installed to improve water quality at the existing treatment plant site, along with a micro-hydro turbine to generate green power and reduce the plant’s overall energy consumption.

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing $110.3 million in the 14 projects announced today through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure Stream. Canada is contributing more than $60.2 million, conditional on requirements related to consultations with Indigenous groups being met. British Columbia is contributing more than $50.1 million. Project recipients are investing over $40.1 million in total.

Federal Infrastructure Minister, the Hon. Catherine McKenna said:

"“Today’s announcement of more than $60.2 million in federal funding will help 14 communities in British Columbia upgrade their water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and provide reliable services to local residents. In partnership with the Province, we continue to invest in critical infrastructure, building greener, healthier, and more resilient communities, and supporting local economies at a time when it is needed most. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

While BC's Municipal Affairs Minister - the Hon. Josie Osborne said:

"Investing in infrastructure is investing in people, and these projects we’re announcing today with our federal partners will benefit people for generations to come – not only by supporting cleaner, healthier communities, but also by creating important infrastructure jobs that contribute to local economic growth. In the coming months and years, I hope to be able to tour in-person the many upgraded and new water and wastewater facilities being made possible across B.C. with this funding"

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Across B.C., the Government of Canada has invested more than $4.4 billion in over 580 infrastructure projects since 2015 under the Investing in Canada plan.
• The Province is investing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for British Columbia’s infrastructure initiatives.

List of projects receiving funding can be viewed here

Contract awarded for Highway 97 intersection safety improvements in South Quesnel

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Work will start soon on a safety improvement project to make travel easier and safer for people on a section of Highway 97 at the south end of Quesnel.

The contract for the project has been awarded to IDL Projects Inc. Work is slated to start in late August 2021. The project includes widening 1.1 kilometres of Highway 97 and improvements to two key intersections along the eastern approach to the city.

Traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Highway 97 and Racing Road/Dragon Hill Road to reduce collisions, which are historically high at this intersection. The addition of traffic signals will improve safety for people who regularly drive this route, including commercial truck drivers. It will also provide better access to the local road network and adjacent businesses.

At Highway 97 and Quesnel Hydraulic Road, improvements will make it safer for drivers to turn off and onto the highway. The southbound left-turn lane from Highway 97 onto Quesnel Hydraulic Road will allow more space for vehicles to slow down without impeding highway traffic. Left turns onto the highway southbound will be restricted.

A centre median will be installed along Highway 97 between the two intersections to separate opposing lanes of traffic and to better define the lanes when visibility and weather conditions are poor. New LED streetlights will be installed to provide better visibility. New drainage will remove surface water more efficiently.

Construction is expected to finish in fall 2022.

The B.C. government is contributing $11.3 million to this $19-million project. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $7.7 million through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects.

Learn More:

Information on Highway 97 Quesnel intersection improvements is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/highway97racingroad

For more information on federal infrastructure funding, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca

Canada/BC announce Infrastructure Grants in Northern BC

Courtesy of the Governments of BC/Canada:

Editor's Note -- Congratulations to Lhtako Dene Nation for receiving just under $1 million to construct a 1.2km pathway to connect the community's main amenities including public transit, local community hall/playground.  No other Indigenous community or local government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region received funding from the Provincial/Federal COVID-19 Resilience Fund

The governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to invest in infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities across the province, enhance quality of life, and help recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Today, Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood—Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for nine local infrastructure projects in Northern B.C. They were accompanied by the Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Member of Legislative Assembly for Stikine, Chief Annie Howard of the Gitsegukla Band, and Chief Councillor Calvin Morven of Gitlaxt'aamiks Village.

Among the projects announced today, the Gitsegukla First Nation will retrofit its community hall kitchen to help deliver food programs to the elementary school’s students and staff, facilitate the teaching of traditional cooking methods, and supply backup power during outages to keep freezers running and food safe. Once completed, the project will increase food security in the area and help preserve cultural practices.

The Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt'aamiks will build approximately 475 meters of concrete sidewalk along Skateen Drive, the main road in the village. The sidewalk will provide safe passage for pedestrians walking between the Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government building and the local school.

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $5.7 million in the nine projects announced today through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Canada is contributing over $5.1 million, and B.C. is contributing over $615,000.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities said:

"“Today’s announcement of $5.1 million from the federal government to upgrade key local infrastructure in municipalities and Indigenous communities across Northern B.C. will help support local economies at a time when it is needed most. These projects will upgrade important community infrastructure, such as administration buildings, arenas and a community kitchen, as well as improve active transportation options.”

While the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs said:

"By investing in welcoming, healthy and connected communities, we are working to make people’s lives better as we emerge from the pandemic. These infrastructure projects we’re launching with our local and federal partners will bring a multitude of benefits to communities and people in Northern B.C., creating jobs, improving community services and helping everyone move through restart toward a strong recovery from the pandemic.”

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Across B.C., the Government of Canada has invested more than $4.4 billion in over 580 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
• The Province is investing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for British Columbia’s infrastructure initiatives.
• To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories. 
• Under the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects is up to 80%, with the Province adding 20% to achieve 100% funding. The federal government is providing up to 100% funding in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.

Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia investments in local infrastructure help build community connections in Northern B.C.: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/8-3_infrastructure.pdf