Calls for Scott Nelson to run for Williams Lake Mayor again!

In May of this year (2025) on YouTube -- a local Williams Lake resident lamented about public safety in Williams Lake and then went on to praise the work of Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson 

View the YouTube video here

The Williams Lake resident then went on to call for Scott Nelson to consider running for Williams Lake Mayor in the October 17th, 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Election. Councillor Nelson has previously served as Mayor of Williams Lake in the 2005-2008 term and ran for the same position in the November 2011 City of Williams Lake Local General Election but was not successful...

Those running for either Mayor of Williams Lake or for the six Williams Lake City Councillor seats in the October 17th, 2026 City of Williams Lake Local General Election will likely be making their intentions known by Summer 2026 (July - August 2026) .... 

Civil Forfeiture Grants advances public safety, connects victims with services

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Civil Forfeiture Grants provided in the Cariboo-Chilcotin include $40,000 for "Become the Change" provided by the local Canadian Mental Health Association, Cariboo-Chilcotin Branch and $14,520 for Restorative Justice programming in the Williams Lake/Central Cariboo sub-region

People throughout the province will benefit from projects that advance community safety and crime-prevention initiatives, assist people experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous people recovering from trauma.  

The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to support community-safety-related projects throughout British Columbia. As part of the 2022-23 cycle, $9.7 million will support 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training, with $3.7 million collected from forfeited recoveries as well as $6 million from provincial funding.

“Our government is committed to building a safer B.C. by redirecting the profits of crime back into the local community,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Crime should never pay, and the seized funds collected through the sale of forfeited assets will help our local partners support victims and fight back against the cycle of repeat offending. By working together with community partners, we are creating stronger, more resilient communities.”

These projects are led by local governments, community-based not-for-profit organization, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.

“Many of the community programs and initiatives being supported will help with prevention of gender-based violence, support survivors and provide specialized services, such as for youth and people who may be more at risk, which will make our communities stronger for everyone,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.

This year, 80 projects tackling gender-based violence and preventing domestic violence are sharing $3.4 million. These projects will work to develop and enhance culturally relevant, culturally safe and trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, including violence against women, in communities throughout the province.

“We are grateful for the province’s valuable support and contribution, and we are committed to using the funds to empower women on their journey toward healing and strength,” said Jatinder Bhatti, executive director of Tri-City (Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody) Transitions Society. “With this support, we can create an additional protective layer that will prevent further victimization and trauma for women and children who have experienced abuse. By having someone in contact with them when they leave our transition house, we can ensure that they will have ongoing support and guidance as they transition to a new phase in their lives.”

The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime-prevention initiatives. Several amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act have been introduced, including the creation of unexplained wealth orders, which assist government in removing the benefits of organized crime by addressing common money-laundering techniques, such as hiding assets with family members or associates.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2006, the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program has provided more than $76 million to support community organizations throughout B.C.
• The Province announced an open call for this year’s grant applications in October 2022.
• Grant funding is allocated through funding streams related to public safety. These streams include gender-based violence; crime prevention; Indigenous healing; restorative justice; domestic violence and intervention programming; and child and youth advocacy centres.
• May 14-20, 2023, is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which raises awareness about the issues facing victims of crime and the services and supports in place to assist victims, survivors and their families.

Learn More:

To see the full list of 2022-23 grant recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/grants

For information about victim services, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services

Learn about unexplained wealth orders and other amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0022-000415 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Orgs. receive Public Safety/Environment Grants from BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Congratulations are offered to the following organizations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin for receiving Public Safety or Environment Grants, as part of BC's Community Gaming Grant program:

 Public Safety: 

Big Lake Community Association - $25,200 for local Fire Department 

Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department Society - $23,000 

Likely and District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Society - $12,000 

McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society - $34,600 

Environment: 

Baker Creek Enhancement Society (Quesnel) - $44,000

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society (Williams Lake) - $25,000 

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia Society (Williams Lake) - $150,000 

Potato House Sustainable Community Society (Williams Lake) - $7,000 

Williams Lake Field Naturalists - $16,000

More than 250 not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. are receiving Community Gaming Grants to support environmental conservation and public safety programs. 

“This funding helps not-for-profit organizations continue to provide vital programming and supports to people so they can thrive and feel safer and healthier in their communities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are supporting local organizations that are committed to a wide range of activities that enhance the environment and improve public safety, including search and rescue, restorative justice, conservation and wildlife preservation, and more.” 

The Province is providing approximately $4.9 million to 135 environmental-sector organizations this year. These programs help people to learn about, connect with and enhance and protect the environment.

Examples of programs funded include:

• ocean literacy, species protection and green boating education for the Georgia Strait Alliance in Nanaimo;  
• public education programs and restoration at Maplewood Flats Conservation area for the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia in North Vancouver; and
• education, advocacy and outreach, wellness, and the cat-sanctuary program through the Regional Animal Protection Society in Richmond.

“Funding and grants are essential to our ability to do the necessary work to deepen connections within coastal communities around environmental stewardship and increase interest and awareness around regional issues in the Canadian waters of the Salish Sea and inland waters, which ultimately intersect and help support the health of communities, their economies and the overall environment,” said Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director, Georgia Strait Alliance.

Organizations providing emergency and safety services are receiving approximately $5.5 million to deliver their community-led programs. These include restorative justice, volunteer firefighting, emergency preparedness, and search and rescue.

Examples of the programs funded include:

• delivering the Community Restorative Justice program through the Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society;
• training, equipment and gear for the Ground Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two all-terrain vehicles and two trailers for the Vernon Search and Rescue Group Society; and
• training, equipment and gear for the Marine Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two outboard boat engines for the Fraser Marine Rescue Society in Richmond.

“The Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society provides support for court diversion to nearby communities, as well as facilitator training and support for other similar programs,” said Doug McPhee, program co-ordinator. “Funding from sources like Community Gaming Grants and the valued contributions of volunteers provide restorative justice groups in our area the opportunity to operate at a modest level and provide a valued service in our communities.”

Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million from gaming revenues to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in B.C. communities.

Quick Facts:

• Every year, commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services in B.C. communities.
• In addition to public safety and environmental conservation, Community Gaming Grants fund arts, culture and sport, and human and social services, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for one of the six sectors of Community Gaming Grants, as well as a capital-project grant.

Learn More:

A full list of environment and public safety grant recipients is available online:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_YTD_Apr_Dec_21_PublicSafety_Env.pdf

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

Stronger BC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/   

For updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and government response, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19