Getting training for transportation careers in Quesnel

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

More people in Quesnel will be able to train for careers in transportation and gain the skills needed to move into in-demand jobs as commercial drivers through an expanded workforce training program.

“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job, so we’re removing barriers to skills training,” said the Hon. Sheila Malcolmson, BC's Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “That’s why in partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re investing $343,248 in Quesnel to deliver hands-on training and work experience for people facing barriers to employment, including in transportation.”

Through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, the Province is providing the funding to the College of New Caledonia to expand its DRIVE Program, the college's commercial driver training program. Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the project will support as many as 16 participants through employability skills training, occupational skills training, industry certifications and licensing supports.

“Every Canadian deserves the fair chance to succeed, and that starts with the right support in the right places,” said the Hon. Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “Through our partnership with British Columbia, we are helping people in Quesnel access the training, skills and supports they need to pursue rewarding careers in the transportation sector. When people can build on their strengths and reach their full potential, our communities and our economy are stronger. Together, we are building a Canada where no one is left behind.”

The fully funded program helps remove barriers to training by providing local access to industry-recognized commercial driver training and certifications in Quesnel, giving participants an opportunity to prepare for careers in the transportation sector without leaving their community.

Building pathways to transportation careers

The expanded DRIVE Program will provide two intakes of participants with essential and employability skills training, occupational skills training, short-term certifications and ICBC testing. Participants will receive the training and supports needed to prepare for careers as transport truck drivers, bus drivers and other transit operators.

“The College of New Caledonia pleased to see such strong interest in the DRIVE Program,” said Pamela McInroy, director, community and continuing education, College of New Caledonia. “This fully funded, in-person program reflects the importance of making education and skills training accessible in the communities we serve. We are proud that participants in the recent Quesnel cohort successfully completed the program, gaining industry-recognized certifications, building confidence and preparing for employment in a field that supports regional workforce needs.”

Supporting workforce needs

Commercial drivers play a vital role in keeping people, goods and services moving throughout British Columbia. By helping participants gain industry-recognized skills, certifications and connections to employers, the program will help address workforce shortages in the transportation sector, while creating pathways to meaningful employment.

“The program was amazing,” said Lynn Ferguson, a DRIVE program participant. “I enjoyed every moment. I most-enjoyed my instructors. They had so much patience with me and didn't go without many giggles along the way. The benefit for me is a whole new job search, focusing on being a school bus driver. I know someone with a dump truck that I'm now learning to drive. I would definitely recommend this to someone who wants a career change.”

The program supports the Province’s Look West strategy by strengthening B.C.’s workforce and helping people connect to good jobs in sectors facing labour shortages, such as transportation.

Quick Facts:

Participants in the second intake began training on July 20, 2026.

The expanded program runs through November 2026.

Learn More:

To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy

For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda.html

Learn more about the College of New Caledonia online: https://cnc.bc.ca/

Encouraging food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province is leading a six-week engagement with B.C.’s agricultural and food-processing industry, local governments and First Nations on a proposal to expand food-processing opportunities in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) that will help strengthen food security, support farmers and attract new investment.

At a time of significant trade uncertainty with Canada’s neighbours to the south and with global conflicts that are disrupting traditional supply chains, it is more important than ever to strengthen food security in B.C.

Supporting food security, farming and the food economy

The proposal aims to encourage more food processing in the ALR on land that is not well suited for primary production, while protecting prime farmland in B.C. and protecting and strengthening the ALR’s primary purpose of agricultural production.

The proposed regulatory change would allow food processors to build food-processing plants on Class 5-7 soil (and Class 4 if the parcel is serviced by the date this rule is implemented) in the ALR, so long as 5% of the primary product used in the processing is grown or raised in the province.

The discussion paper with more information on the proposed changes is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Food_Processing_ALR_Discussion_Paper.pdf

The soil classification condition in this proposal would exclude about 90% of ALR farmland in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, with 500-1,000 hectares expected to be potentially available for food-processing development.

The proposal intends to connect food processing in the ALR with farming in the ALR, creating new markets for farmers and driving more investment back to B.C. growers.

Soil testing and local government support required

Those seeking to build new food-processing facilities would require an assessment from a registered professional agrologist to ensure the soil classification meets the criteria and need to meet building and any other permits from local governments and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the Ministry of Environment and Parks.

The current regulation allows processing on the ALR (without Agricultural Land Commission approval) if 50% of the ingredients are from the farm in question or from fellow member farms of an industry association and does not consider soil quality as a factor. The 50% rule would remain in place on all other land in the ALR.

Feedback is invited from interested parties until Sept. 3, 2026, by email to AF.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Update on 100 Mile House Sustainable ER Service Initiative

Courtesy of Interior Health:

Interior Health (IH) is committed to ongoing work with local partners as part of a dedicated task force to improve service stability and reliability at the 100 Mile District General Hospital emergency department, especially as we head into the busy summer months.

As stabilization of Emergency Department services progress, we are committed to providing residents with access to safe, high-quality emergency care, and are working hard to maintain 24/7 emergency department services. Today, we are updating the community on the task force’s most recent efforts, which have considered input from 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney, the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, Indigenous communities and the local Division of Family Practice.

Progress includes the following:

1) Welcoming new primary care providers

Two new primary care providers have recently arrived in 100 Mile and are accepting new patients who have registered on the BC Health Connect Registry. Three more providers are expected to arrive in 2027 as part of the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program and are anticipated to be able to support emergency coverage. We will continue to keep the public updated on this progress.

2) Expanding nurse practitioner roles

We are exploring opportunities to integrate nurse practitioners (NPs) more fully within emergency departments. This approach would see IH-employed NPs working in collaboration with physicians, while supporting the thoughtful, phased expansion of NP scope of practice to improve access and continuity of care.
Accommodations for health-care workers: IH and the Division of Family Practice have established housing programs for traveling staff and medical staff with secured leases in the community and access to hotel accommodations for shorter stays.

Discussions are also ongoing about a potential virtual care model in the ED to safely support local care needs, reduce service interruptions and help support physician workload.

While progress continues, staffing remains a challenge, particularly during the summer months due to vacations and broader workforce shortages, with greatest pressures occurring on weekends. IH is actively reviewing and coordinating schedules to identify gaps and is doing everything we can to fill them wherever possible through locum and staffing coverage options.

How you can help with these efforts

Utilize primary care clinics for non-urgent needs:

Same-day primary care appointments are available in 100 Mile House through your local physician clinics and offices. Connecting with your physician or NP for non-urgent matters helps alleviate pressure on the emergency department and wait times. If you have a doctor or NP, please call ahead to confirm availability of same day appointments.

Book a Pharmacy Appointment:

Pharmacists are an important part of health care delivery and offer a wide variety of services. People can book an appointment or walk-in to an available pharmacy to discuss minor ailments, prescriptions and other health needs.

Be your own best health advocate:

If you see your physician for care and a follow-up appointment is required, consider booking your next appointment immediately following advice from your provider to help avoid longer wait times.

Register for a primary care provider on the BC Health Connect Registry:

Information from this registry helps determine the number of physicians in communities including 100 Mile House.

Complete the community health survey: The Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice is seeking input from 100 Mile House and area residents to better understand how people access primary health care. The information collected will support future health-care planning. The survey is active until July 25, 2026 and participants may remain anonymous and can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6BLSVJ2

RCMP ask for appropriate use of ORV/Off Road Vehicles

Courtesy of BC RCMP - "E" Division:

Police are reminding residents and visitors that off-road vehicles (ORVs) are regulated in BC, and improper use can result in fines, vehicle impoundment or seizure, and serious or even fatal injuries. 

At the beginning of every riding season, the Williams Lake RCMP see an increase in ORV activity in the area and want to ensure that operators are lawful and safe. 

Where you can ride:

• On Crown land where use is permitted 
• On private property with the landowner’s permission 
• On designated trails, recreation sites, or areas where motorized use is allowed 

Where you can’t ride:

• On public roads, streets, or highways, which includes trails and sidewalks, except in very limited circumstances such as: 
  • Crossing a road at a 90‑degree angle where it is safe and permitted 
  • Short incidental access on roads only where authorized by signage or local bylaws 
• Municipal bylaws and land‑use rules may further restrict where off‑road vehicles can be used. 

Registration

All ORVs used on Crown land or prescribed private land must be registered with ICBC and display a valid number plate or sticker. Operators must carry proof of registration while riding. 

Helmets

Helmets are mandatory for all drivers and passengers, regardless of age while riding or driving on: 

• ATVs 
• Dirt bikes / off‑road motorcycles 
• Snowmobiles 
  • Helmets must also be approved safety helmets and properly fastened

Seatbelts

Seatbelts must be worn at all times in side‑by‑sides and other ORVs equipped with seatbelts

• Operators must ensure all passengers are properly seated and restrained

Children under 16

Children under 16 must be under direct adult supervision unless they meet the legal requirements to operate independently.

• Fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds may be permitted to operate certain off-road vehicles without direct supervision if:
  • They have completed an approved training course for the vehicle class; and
  • They have written permission from a parent or guardian for unsupervised riding
• Children under 16 are not permitted to carry passengers

Operating an ATV, dirt bike or side‑by‑side in prohibited areas, without registration, or without required safety equipment may result in fines, vehicle impoundment or seizure, or charges under the Off‑Road Vehicle Act or other applicable legislation.

“Public streets are no place for off-road vehicles,” said Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon of the Williams Lake RCMP. “We encourage operators to know and abide by the rules to keep everyone safe this summer season.”

Associated links

• Off-Road Vehicles - Province of British Columbia

Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Responds to 100 Mile House ER Interruptions

Courtesy of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District:

The Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) is aware of the recent temporary service interruptions at 100 Mile District General Hospital and recognizes the concern this creates for residents across the South Cariboo.

Reliable access to emergency and hospital services is critical in rural communities. These recent closures highlight ongoing challenges with healthcare staffing and the need for more flexible, community-focused solutions.

The CCRHD continues to work with Interior Health, local governments, and healthcare partners to support recruitment and retention efforts in the region.

In a recent letter from the CCRHD to Interior Health and the Ministry of Health several actions were identified for consideration to help address ongoing service interruptions at 100 Mile House, including:

Enrolling 100 Mile District General Hospital in the LINK-ED pilot project (a provincial program that connects rural emergency departments with virtual physician support to help maintain service coverage) to help maintain emergency department coverage

Prioritizing the development of compensation agreements and expanded scope-of-practice guidelines for Nurse Practitioners working in emergency departments

Supporting innovative and sustainable staffing models tailored to rural healthcare settings

These items were put forward to support ongoing efforts around improving staffing stability and emergency department coverage.

The CCRHD continues to support healthcare services across the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region through ongoing investments in facility improvements, capital projects, and initiatives that contribute to recruitment and retention, including staff housing.

The CCRHD recognizes the frustration these interruptions cause and remains committed to working with Interior Health and supporting efforts that strengthen rural healthcare services across the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region.

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.

Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day 2026

Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day is an opportunity to honour the dedication, service and sacrifice of search and rescue volunteers throughout British Columbia...

We have a number of Search and Rescue teams throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin including:

Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR
West Chilcotin Search and Rescue
South Cariboo Search & Rescue
North Cariboo Highway and Rescue

Each of the above-mentioned groups receive funding from the Cariboo Regional District and operate under a Society-led model except for Central Cariboo Search and Rescue which is directly administered by the Cariboo Regional District ...

I appreciate all of our rural Search and Rescue teams and what they do year round to keep us safe -- both with regular practices and "answering the call" when it comes for assistance...

The Hon. Kelly Greene - BC's Minister of Emergency Management speaks more on this day at:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026EMCR0004-000198

Drax Ceasing Operations at its Williams Lake Plant

Courtesy of Drax:

After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its pellet plant in Williams Lake, B.C. The curtailment and closures of neighbouring sawmills and the loss of a bid for key local supply have led to a significant reduction in fibre availability, thus making continuing operations at the plant no longer commercially viable. As a result, we expect to cease operations after an orderly wind-down when fibre availability runs out at the site, which we anticipate will take place by the end of 2025.

Drax leadership recognizes the impact that this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 30 employees affected. This includes a severance package, as well as wellbeing support. Colleagues are encouraged to apply to open positions at other Drax sites.

“The decision to cease operations weighs heavily on us, as we recognize the uncertainty it creates for our dedicated employees and their families,” says Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax. “We are profoundly grateful for their commitment and resilience, and for the unwavering support of our community. Together, we will navigate this challenging time with compassion and transparency.”

“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,” says White. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”

About Drax

Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.

Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com/ca

Workplace Fatality at Gibraltar Mines'

Statement from Taseko Mines -- 

Taseko Mines Limited has confirmed that an accident occurred at its Gibraltar copper mine northeast of Williams Lake, BC on Friday November 21, 2025 resulting in the death of one contract worker. No further injuries have been reported.

The incident occurred in an active mining area and was discovered at approximately 5 pm. The accident site has been secured and mining activity halted while an investigation is underway. RCMP personnel and the BC Coroners Service are currently on-site. The BC Ministry of Mining & Critical Minerals has also been notified.

Gibraltar personnel are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Taseko Vice President of Corporate Affairs Sean Magee stated: 

“We are saddened to report the loss of a valued colleague at Gibraltar, and offer our deepest condolences to affected family, co-workers and friends.

“Our primary concern is the health, safety and well-being of our employees. Accordingly, we have halted all activity at Gibraltar until the accident can been fully investigated, and will make counselling and support services available to Gibraltar employees affected by this tragic event.”

McLeese Lake Meals with Hearts Society

From Cariboo RD Area "D" Director S. Forseth:

I am working with the newly established "McLeese Lake Meals with Heart Society" (website: https://mcleeselakemealswithheartsociety.com/ to provide freshly cooked frozen meals for seniors' in the McLeese Lake area as there is not a provider for meals for rural seniors residing north of Wildwood without transportation options into Williams Lake

I am hoping to, subject to Cariboo RD Board approval, provide the Society with a $1,000 start up grant, to get this program off the ground and is similar to financial support provided by Cariboo RD Area "F" Director Maureen LeBourdais for a similar program in Horsefly ... 

My personal thanks to the Society for responding to a community need for our seniors at McLeese Lake and area.... 

Tyee Lake Community Association's 2025 AGM/BBQ

Courtesy of Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth:

Yesterday (July 19, 2025) -- I attended my 9th Annual Tyee Lake Community Association's AGM/BBQ.  Annual reports from the Association's President/Treasurer/ as well as the Tyee Lake FD Fire Chief were all presented to those in attendance from Tyee Lake... 

In addition, as the local Cariboo RD Area "D" Director, I presented a verbal report as to what I have been up to and my report was received with thanks/gratitude ... As well, I was able to have wonderful conversations with those at Tyee Lake in attendance.... 

Many thanks to the volunteers of the Tyee Lake Community Association for putting on a wonderful event and always happy to provide an annual $1,000 grant for the Association to put on this event for Tyee Lake property owners (but I personally regret I had to duck out early but I wanted to be in attendance at former Williams Lake City Councillor Tom Barr's celebration of life which was equally well done! at the Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex)

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.

“If you’re looking for people to help cut through the noise and get a job done, my bet will always be on the people who call rural B.C. home,” said BC Premier David Eby. “That’s why I’m proud to have so many rural British Columbians on our government team. Together, working with community members, this vision for rural B.C. will connect people to the opportunities and services that will help them build a good life in the communities they love.”

The vision focuses on concrete actions to make life better for rural British Columbians – including delivering high-speed internet to every community, helping goods and people move, and bringing more rural expertise and perspectives to government.

“Our vision is deeply rooted in respect for place. The challenges faced by rural places are different than those in urban centres, but all B.C. communities deserve the opportunity to thrive. Unique challenges, coupled with unique local solutions, require flexible support from the province,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “These investments are a key part of our larger strategy to building strong and diverse rural economies, because we know that when rural communities thrive, it puts us all on the path to a brighter future.”

Another key focus of the new vision is enhancing people’s access to quality health care when they need it. An initial investment of $20 million to enhance medical-travel supports provided by the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air will support more people in rural and remote areas who need to travel for cancer care. Through this investment, more people will be able to travel and get cancer treatment in one of the six BC Cancer Centres or at one of the 41 Community Oncology Network sites throughout B.C.

“The size and landscape of the province can make it challenging to deliver health care in rural communities,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “Some medical procedures are best delivered by specialists at dedicated medical centres that provide specialized care far from many communities. That’s why we’re going to help cover travel-related costs – including transportation, accommodation and meals – during a patient’s cancer treatment.”

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a thread that runs throughout the new vision. Many of the actions and investments support the Declaration Act Action Plan, a cross-government action plan that guides the Province’s work to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

Learn More: 

StrongerBC for everyone – Investing in a bright future for rural communities

https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Good-Lives-Strong-Communities-2023.pdf

High-speed internet services expanded for more Cariboo-Chilcotin communities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

More than 1,300 households in six more communities in the Cariboo now have access to high-speed internet services with the installation of new connectivity infrastructure.

“Rural communities are an essential part of the Province’s economic engine. With the completion of this project, people in these six communities in the Cariboo can now enjoy high-speed internet services allowing access to a wide range of local and global opportunities,” said the Hon. Lisa Beare, BC's Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Our commitment to connect every rural, remote and Indigenous community in B.C. by 2027 ensures the benefits of high-speed internet are shared by everyone in B.C.”

Installation of new fibre to the home infrastructure in Likely, Hydraulic, 150 Mile House, Miocene, Bridge Lake and Dugan Lake provides access to high-speed broadband internet speeds of more than 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads, and 10 Mbps for uploads.

The Province invested as much as $1.68 million, alongside a federal government contribution of as much as $1.69 million and up to a $2.5-million investment by Telus Communications Inc. toward the approximate $5.9 million total cost of the project.

“Establishing better connectivity for our rural and remote communities supports the work of communities and the Province of B.C. to build an innovative, sustainable and inclusive economy for all,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “Access to high-speed internet services will open up more opportunities for people and businesses in these communities to grow, connect, learn and live up to their enormous potential.”

“The upgraded internet services that are now available in 150 Mile House, Dugan Lake, Miocene, Likely, and Hydraulic are greatly appreciated, and essential to ensuring that residents of these communities have equal access to the digital world,” said Maureen LeBourdais, Electoral Area F Director for Horsefly - Likely - 150 Mile House, Cariboo Regional District. “Access to high-speed internet is a key driver of economic sustainability and opportunities, supports our public safety and emergency management efforts, and is essential to the future of our rural communities.”

The work to expand infrastructure enabling high-speed internet access for remote and rural communities in the Cariboo has been ongoing, with multiple projects completed recently and more to come. December 2022 saw the completion of a project connecting more than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities. Earlier in June 2022, the installation of new fibre to home connected more than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, in the Cariboo region.

The Province will also invest as much as $1.3 million toward a new $2.1-million project to expand high-speed internet to more than 300 households in the community of Sheridan Lake. Internet service provider Telus Communications Inc. will contribute approximately $828,000 toward the project.

“Connecting the Cariboo region to the world with high-speed internet continues to be a priority for the regional district, and I am pleased to see these critical upgrades completed,” said Margo Wagner, chair, Cariboo Regional District, and chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “There remains significant work to be completed throughout our region, and we will continue working with the Province and our broadband service providers to strategically expand high-speed internet upgrades in our region.”

In March 2022, the Province partnered with the federal government to provide as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services to connect all remaining rural and First Nations households in the Province.

The plan to connect every household in B.C. to high-speed internet services by 2027 will level the playing field for British Columbians and ensure every community has better access to jobs, education, training and health care

Learn More:

Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc

Northern Development Initiative Trust:
https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/connecting-british-columbia/

StrongerBC: BC's Economic Plan: https://strongerbc.ca/plan

BC Agriculture Day 2022

Statement of the Hon. Lana Popham - BC's Agriculture Minister:

“This year’s B.C. Ag Day is a time to reflect on the challenges faced by B.C.’s agriculture sector over the past year and acknowledge the resilience and strength of the hard-working farmers and ranchers in communities around the province who have overcome extreme weather and pandemic challenges to keep our local food security, economies and communities strong.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the devastating flooding that accounted for the largest agriculture disaster in B.C.’s history, it is both heartening and inspiring to see so many farmers back on their feet providing food for British Columbians. The Canada-BC Flood Recovery Program for Food Security has provided recovery funding for nearly 400 farms to date, with more to come, and ministry staff continue to work closely with farmers and ranchers to support their recovery to build back stronger.

“B.C. farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land and are acutely aware of the intricacies between climate change and agriculture, often employing regenerative and environmentally sustainable practices. Our government will continue to support them to mitigate the impacts of climate change and look at new tools and programs, like our Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program, that help fund climate adaptation and mitigation projects, such as flood-resilient feed storage, farm building retrofits, improved barn cooling systems, and extreme heat protection for crops and livestock.

“B.C.’s agriculture sector has shown time and time again it can overcome challenges, whether it be weather events, the pandemic or supply-chain issues, with resiliency and hope. Our government will continue to be there to support and provide new opportunities for the sector through Grow BC, Feed BC, and Buy BC so we can expand local food production, increase access to local food in our public institutions and ensure economic stability.

“On Ag Day 2022, I urge British Columbians to continue to buy local and look for the Buy BC logo when shopping. This is a great way to both thank and show support for our food producers, while strengthening food security and our British Columbia economy.”

2 New Bridges installed in Cariboo RD Area "F"

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Residents, emergency services and commercial vehicles have more reliable crossings now that the Cave Road and Knife Creek Road bridges are complete.

“The Cariboo has been particularly hard hit by changing weather patterns in recent years,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Improved infrastructure like this gives people confidence that essential goods and emergency services won’t be cut off during extreme climate events. Ensuring communities remain connected during and following natural disasters is critical to our commitment to building back better.”

The new Cave Road bridge is designed to be more resilient to future flooding. It is built on an elevated steel foundation with no supports in the waterway, minimizing environmental impacts of the construction and providing more room for waterflow compared to the previous culvert design. The single-lane, clear-span structure crosses Wiggins Creek 65 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake.

The new Knife Creek Road bridge, which crosses Coldspring Creek 12 kilometres east of Highway 97 at 141 Mile House, is also a single-lane, clear-span structure built to withstand increased flooding. Both bridges were completed in May.

Tsilhqot’in Eten Nadiltil Limited Partnership was awarded a $3.04-million contract to deliver the project.

Both bridges replace temporary emergency structures installed when the spring 2020 freshet washed out the culverts at both creeks.

World Water Day 2022

 

Today is World Water Day. The theme for this year is "Groundwater - Making the Invisible Visible"

The picture is a upward look at the Fraser River at the Rudy Johnson Bridge which is partially in #CaribooRD Area D and part in #CaribooRD Area K

More on this day at https://lnkd.in/d54BTCC2.  In addition, the BC Government speaks on this day as well here

Many water well users in rural areas in BC and indeed in our local Regional District, outside municipalities, rely on groundwater to ensure the viability of a property owner's water well. Unfortunately, since the 2017 Wildfires, I have fielded a number of concerns in Wildwood about water wells running dry and continue to field concerns on Fox Mountain residents' about the state of the aquifer there to sustain property owners already residing there.

This concern has been around since 2012 and will work with Fox Mountain residents' to ensure that their local water supply can be maintained on a sustainable basis - both short, medium and long term....

Chilko-Newton road closure as of September 1st, 2021

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Access to the Chilko River will be closed to protect the public and wildlife during salmon-spawning season when there is increased grizzly bear activity in the area.

Starting Sept. 1, 2021, until Oct. 31, 2021, the Chilko-Newton Road is closed south of Henry’s Crossing. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Xeni Gwet’in First Nation and the Province of B.C. are jointly closing public access to the Upper Chilko Corridor and the Tŝilhqot’in Title Area on the Chilko-Newton Road, south of Henry’s Crossing.

The closure of the road will be monitored and enforced under the B.C. Wildlife Act. Penalties and fines for violators will be issued.

Learn More:

Visit drivebc.ca for updates.

Call 250 398-4574 for more information.

Quesnel Seniors' Protest today...

Later today - Quesnel seniors' will protest the lack of seniors' services in Rural BC and specfically in Quesnel.  Former Quesnel City Councillor Ron Paull is interviewed by CKPG on this subject

View the video here