Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of November 14-18, 2022

During the week of November 14-18, 2022 -- the following local governments'/Boards of Education in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region will meet, as follows:

Wells - In-Camera Strategic Planning Session on Wednesday, November 16th from 9am - 4pm in Wells Council Chambers (and closed Zoom Session, as required for meeting participants) as per Section 90(1L) of the Community Charter.  View the closed meeting notice here 

School District #28 (Quesnel) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake  -- Meetings, as noted below, will be held in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St) and will be livestreamed via YouTube (click here)

1) Public Hearing at 6pm on Tuesday, November 15th -- Re-zoning application for property at 318 Broadway Avenue South.  View the full Agenda here

2) Regular Council (to convene following the Public Hearing, as above) - on the Agenda:

* Consider 3rd Reading of rezoning application for property at 318 Broadway Avenue South, following Public Hearing held earlier this day

* NDIT Grant Application - Business Façade Improvement Program

* Geotechnical Mapping RFP (Request for Proposals) Award

* Mayor Rathor's Travel Expense Approval - Canada Community Revitalization Fund Announcement on Thursday, November 17th in Prince George

* Surplus Bridge Donation Request to Cariboo Regional District (Central Cariboo Transfer Station on Frizzi Rd)

* Disc Golf Project Update

* Committee of the Whole Recommendations (2) -- Request for Raising of National Metis Flag for Louis Riel Day and City of Williams Lake Mandatory Vaccination Policy (Council intention to rescind when Staff report received on operational impacts and changes required)

* Letter from John Pickford (former WL City Councillor candidate) re New Disc Golf Course in Boitanio Park

* Winter Lights Parade - Saturday, December 3, 2022

* Letter from Cariboo Disc Golf Club re: Opening Boitanio Park Washrooms Year-Round

View the full Agenda here 

Cariboo Regional District -- Meetings, as noted below:

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, November 14th at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  On the Agenda:

* Approval of 2023 South Cariboo Recreation/Culture Budget/Business Plans

* Approve 2023 South Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

2) North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 14th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (102-410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Appointment of North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair (CRD) for 2022-23

* Appointments to Quesnel Airport Advisory Committee

* Discussion Item -- Grants for Assistance to Quesnel Community Foundation

View the full Agenda  here

3) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 14th at 5:30pm in the Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:

* 2023 – 2027 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Financial and Business Plans

* Quesnel Arts & Recreation Centre Pool Upgrade Referendum -- Next Steps

* 2022/2023 West Fraser Centre/Quesnel Kangaroos Agreement

* Report of Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull -- North Cariboo Recreation and Parks' West Fraser Centre Banner & Memorabilia Policy

View the full Agenda here

More Funding to improve BC Schools

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's note -- only School District #28 (Quesnel) is receiving 2021-22 funding in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, as follows:

Quesnel School District (SD 28) - Total $1,715,344 

School Enhancement Program (SEP) 

• Exterior wall systems at Dragon Lake Elementary 

Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP) 

• HVAC upgrades at Nazko Valley Elementary 

Bus Acquisition Program (BUS) 

• Three new buses 

Better ventilation, electric buses and increasing energy efficiency are some of the benefits for B.C. K-12 students and staff from $240.5 million in maintenance grants this year – a 10.5% increase over last year.

“With over 1,500 public schools throughout our province, maintaining and improving our facilities is a critical priority to ensure students are learning in healthy, efficient and positive environments, no matter where they live,” said the Hon. Jennifer Whiteside, BC's Minister of Education. “From ventilation and heating, to energy efficiency and lighting, increased maintenance funding allows districts to tackle immediate priorities and focus on providing the best learning experience possible for every B.C. student.”

$15 million of this year’s grants will go to purchase more than 100 new school buses, including electric school buses. The buses support the Province’s CleanBC targets for public sector organizations to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030 for vehicle fleets.

“We are creating a cleaner environment for students and putting future generations on the road to a clean energy future,” said the Hon. Bruce Ralston, BC's Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Not only are these electric school buses reducing air pollution, but they also cost less over time to operate.”

To further support CleanBC initiatives, the Carbon Neutral Capital Program was increased by $5.8 million to $23 million this year. This program funds projects that reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency. This can include HVAC systems, solar panels and electric-vehicle charging stations.

“Our children and grandchildren deserve every opportunity for a healthy, clean future and our investment in better learning environments through CleanBC is one of the best we can make to see that happen,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “That’s why we’re providing more funding than ever before to help reduce pollution through better schools, more electric school buses and expanded renewable energy.” 

Other school maintenance programs receiving increases are the Annual Facilities Grant, School Enhancement Program and Building Envelope Program, which offer districts access to funding to keep their facilities safe and efficient.

This includes improvements to HVAC systems at 84 schools, electrical systems at 66 schools and energy system upgrades at 26 schools throughout B.C.

“I’m pleased to see this increase in funding, as it helps support the important services provided by the 30,000 CUPE members who work in the public K-12 system,” said Paul Faoro, President of CUPE BC. “And initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of our schools benefits everyone.”

School maintenance funding is part of the Province’s commitment to ensuring students have the best learning experience possible in safe, positive and inspiring schools.

To support this commitment, Budget 2021 includes a record $3.5 billion for investments in school capital that also include new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools to support growing communities.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy for everyone.

SD28 Board of Education - 2014-2018 Term

1) Tony Goulet
2) Julie-Anne Runge
3) Gloria Jackson
4) George Natalizio
5) Wendy Clement
6) Howie Schonke
7) David Chapman

Wells/WL Councils' meet next week

As Christmas time approaches - only two of the five local governments are meeting next week as follows:

Wells - Regular Meeting on Tuesday at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue)
Quesnel - No meeting until January 3rd, 2012

Williams Lake:

Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  See the Agenda here
Public Hearing on Bylaw #2151 (555 Wotzke Dr) on Tuesday at 7pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  See the Agenda here

100 Mile House - No meeting until Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
Cariboo Regional District - No meeting until Friday, January 20th, 2012
School District #27 - No meeting until Tuesday, January 10th (Special Meeting)
School District #28 - No meeting until Wednesday, January 18th

WL News - Dec 6th edition

Before the news - don't forget about Williams Lake Council's Inaugural Meeting at 6pm tonight at WL City Hall

In the News... 

1) Salvation Army opens 'Great Room' for woman in need in Williams Lake - see here
2) Local family shares information about "Menkes" disease - see here
3) Deni House re-opens in a ceremony held yesterday - see here with a government press release here

Editor's Note - I personally glad to see the work of many seniors' including Audrey MacLise of the local Seniors' Advisory Council coming to fruition with regard to the re-opening of Deni House.  If not for the very public work of Ms. MacLise and her group - it is very likely that Deni House may have never re-opened

4) Doug Wilson says Williams Lake should be named "Capital of Western Heritage" - see here
5) Should candidates for School Trustees undergo Criminal Record checks, prior to a general local election? One former trustee in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District thinks so - see here
6) Bob Simpson (Ind. MLA for Cariboo-North) openly challenges all MLA's to open their expense claims to public scrutiny - see here

In Quesnel - debate still rages over approval for wage hike for Quesnel Council, as per City of Quesnel Policy.  See here

Over at Welcome to Williams Lake - they are running a "Facebook Fan" appreciation contest where you can win a $500 travel voucher.  See more details here

Finally - with last week's decision to halt work for 90 days by Taseko Mines with regard to their "New Prosperity" mine proposal by the BC Supreme Court, The Common Sense Canadian interviewed Xeni Gwet'in First Nation Chief Marilyn Baptiste and CRD Area 'J' Director-elect/Xeni Gwet'in Band Councillor Roger William, with regard to last week's court case.

View the video below:

Local Gov't Meetings - Week of Dec 5-9 (updated)

"Pomp and Ceremony" are the Order of the Day as local governments meet this upcoming week. Meetings will be "Inaugural Meetings" where newly elected or re-elected politicians will be sworn in for the new term (2011-2014)

Monday, Dec 5th - City of Quesnel:

Inaugural Meeting which starts at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers - 2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant
See the Agenda here

Monday, Dec 5th - City of Williams Lake

Dog Park Public Consultation Meeting at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St)

Monday, Dec 5th - School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

Inaugural Meeting which starts at 7pm in the SD #27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue - WL)
See the Agenda here

Tuesday, Dec 6th - District of Wells:

Inaugural Meeting which starts at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue)
No Agenda available

Tuesday, Dec 6th - City of Williams Lake:

Inaugural Meeting which starts at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St)
No Agenda available (Editor's Note - I apologize for this but City of WL's website does not show an Agenda available as of 4:30pm yesterday and usually there is one available for Williams Lake Council Meetings the Friday prior to the meetings [Tuesday])


Update (Mon Dec 5th at 5:40pm) - Agenda now available.  View here.  Interesting that that the CAO report on Council appointments to different Committees' from Mayor Cook is not yet available, though the Agenda indicates the report was written on Friday, December 2nd


Friday, Dec 9th - Cariboo Regional District:

Inaugural Meeting which starts at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Ave, WL)
See the Agenda here

Additional Notes:

1) Although I can't find Agendas for 100 Mile House/School District #28 (Quesnel)  - Local Government Act requires all local governments to hold their Inaugural meeting in the first 10 days in December.  My probable guess is the District of 100 Mile House will hold their Inaugural Meeting on Tuesday, December 6th at 7pm given their practice to meet on Tuesday at 7pm and School District #28 (Quesnel) will hold their Inaugural Meeting on Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm, given SD #28's practice to meet on a Wednesday

Election Results Review - Cariboo-Chilcotin

Well - it is over for another 3 years and we saw some surprising results throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin in local elections:

In Wells - real quiet election, given Mayor-elect Robin Sharpe was elected by acclamation and there was five candidates for four Councillor positions so again it was the numbers game as one would be left out

School District #28 - All quiet here as two new Trustees join 5 incumbents in Tony Goulet, Ron Caskey, Gloria Jackson, Caroline Mitchell, George Natalizio, Charlotte Kurta , and Howie Schonke

In Quesnel - Mary Sjostrom received a 2nd term as Mayor of Quesnel, defeating Councillor Ron Paull and former Quesnel City Councillor Ron Craigmyle by taking advantage of the dynamics of a 3 person race in vote splitting.  Ms. Sjostrom received 1,057 votes or 37% of the vote with Ron Paull getting 955 votes or 34% of the vote and Ron Craigmyle bringing up the rear with 831 votes or 29% of the vote.  If I were Ms. Sjostrom - I would take note of this while governing for the next 3 years, in the fact that her competitors combined received the majority of votes (1,786) or 63% of all votes cast.  Meanwhile - the Councillors is a healthy balance of old and new - in the "old" department: Councillors Mike Cave, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and Sushil Thapar (this result surprised me, given how negative he campaigned against Ms. Sjostrom.  Ms. Sjostrom has said that both Mr. Thapar and herself will have to have a "meeting of the minds" to move forward in the new term).  In the "new" department - it'll be Scott Elliot, John Briscoe and Ed Coleman.  Overall - a good Quesnel Municipal Council except "Will Sjostrom/Thapar be able to cooperate over financial and other matters in the 2011-2014 term?  Time will only tell" - listen to the CBC Daybreak North interview on Sjostrom/Thapar working together here

In Williams Lake - Some people that I've talked to expressed shock over the re-election of Kerry Cook for Mayor along with re-elected Councillors Laurie Walters, Geoff Bourdon, Sue Zacharias and Surinderpal Rathor.  New Councillors will be former WL City Councillor/Mayor Ivan Bonnell and first time Councillor Danica Hughes.  Personally - I wasn't surprised when I received the election results and this is backed by comments I've received on this blog last night who say that the "Scott Slate" in Scott Nelson with Mike Jacobsen, Mike Bouchard, Steve Forseth, and Paul Kandola was a major factor for them as they voted Saturday.  I personally likely had other things going against me that caused my defeat as well including being fairly harsh towards Councillor Walters after her election in 2008.  Looking at the Mayor's Race - Kerry Cook received 1,777 votes or 49% of all votes cast.  Scott Nelson received 1,077 votes or 30% of all votes cast with Walt Cobb received 747 votes or 21% of all votes cast.  Given this - Mayor Cook might want to keep in mind that just under half the City voted for her and the other half voted against her as she sits down and meets the incoming 6 City Councillors for what lays ahead for the upcoming 2011-2014 term.

Finally - the days of fluoride in City water is over as 71% agreed to end the practice of putting fluoride (an acid) in our City water system.  This decision will now see 7 out of 190 BC communities who still place fluoride in their water systems

In 100 Mile House - Fairly quiet race here, given the 4 Councillors (Henderson, Fossum, Mingo and Hadden) were acclaimed and the Mayor's race was tame.  Mitch Campsall returns for a 2nd term with a majority of votes for him.  He received 257 votes compared to his opponent , Maureen Pinkney, who received 200.  Mr. Campsall who got 56% of all votes cast clearly has a mandate to continue on the course he's set for the District of 100 Mile House since his election

In the Cariboo Regional District -

Area 'E' - Byron Kemp returns to the Board table after his defeat in 2005.  But it was a very close vote as Bill Carruthers came within 6 votes (Kemp 98 - Carruthers 92) of being the new Director for this Area

Area 'H' - In quite a surprise, Margo Wagner was elected over Ron Lister.  Ron had received the endorsement from the outgoing Area 'H' Director - Art Dumaresq

Area 'J' - In a first, Xeni Gwet'in Councillor Roger William will become the new Area 'J' Director after defeating Alex Bracewell in a 148-81 vote.  One issue that may have sparked Mr. Bracewell's defeat was a on-going debate about First Nations' consultation for the issuance of DVP's (Development Variance Permits') in the Chilko Lake area.  This will make the "New" Prosperity Mine debate a most interesting one to follow, when this topic returns to the CRD Board table (and I believe it will as the Board will want to make its' position known on it) and to see how Mr. William pleads his CRD Director colleagues not to give its' support to the New Prosperity Mine proposal, sometime in 2012

Area 'L' - In not a surprise - Bruce Rattray was re-elected in a landslide over his challenger, Tom Baraniak. I never doubted the end result.  At this point (with mail-in ballots to be counted), Bruce Rattray received 387 votes in comparison to Mr. Baraniak who received 208 votes, which translates to a vote percentage count of 65% for Rattray to 35% for Baraniak.  Mr. Rattray has done very well for CRD Area 'L' which obviously translates into his huge re-election support

The next CRD Board meeting is on December 9th where I expect that CRD Area 'G' Director Al Richmond will be given a 4th 1-year term to continue as the Chair of the Cariboo Regional District

In School District #27 - Last night's election saw two incumbents (Will Van Osch in Zone 1 and Patti Baker in Zone 3) return with 5 new Trustees in Tanya Guenther in Zone 2, Jackie Austin in Zone 4, Dr. Sheila Boehm in Zone 5, Dr. Doug Neufeld in Zone 6 and Joyce Cooper in Zone 7.  And they certainly will need to get to work right away as they have lots of challenges (financial and otherwise) facing them over the next 3 years.  One question of who will be Chair of the local Board of Education for the remainder of this school year will be answered at their Inaugural meeting on December 5th, 2011 at 7pm, but I believe it'll likely be either Will Van Osch or Patti Baker, given their previous experience on the Board and the need to have that in the Chair's role over the next little while given declining student enrollment.  I don't believe it would be a good time to put a rookie in Jackie Austin, Dr. Sheila Boehm, Dr. Doug Neufeld, Joyce Cooper or Tanya Guenther as SD #27 Chair, given these Trustees will be "learning the ropes" for the next few months

7 Days from today...

In exactly 7 days from today - the majority of voters in Wells (Councillors only), Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile (Mayor only), School District #28, School District #27 (Zones 4, 5, 6) and the Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Areas E, H, J and L) will vote in general local elections and candidates will find out by 9:00pm on Saturday, November 19th as to whom has been re-elected, elected or defeated

As a candidate - I encourage everyone to vote in the remaining advance vote - Quesnel/SD #28 (today), Cariboo Regional District (Areas E, H, J and L on Monday, Nov 14th), Williams Lake and SD #27 - Zone 5 (Wednesday, Nov 16th) or in the General Vote next Saturday

In Williams Lake - there is one more all candidates forum for the Councillor candidates at 7pm in the TRU Gym on Monday, November 14th.  After Monday, Nov 14th - there are no further all candidates forums scheduled, to the best of my knowledge

In Quesnel - there is an all candidates forum at the local Legion from 2-4pm today (Sat Nov 12th).  You can watch the forum online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/quesnel-mayoral-election-2011

Finally - watch the following YouTube video on the importance of voting:

Advance Vote #2 - City of Quesnel

Today, voters in the City of Quesnel can vote in today's Advance Poll from 8am - 8pm at Quesnel City Hall (410 Kinchant Street)

Voters can also vote early for the 7 School Trustees for School District #28 (Quesnel) in the Quesnel Public Library (#101-410 Kinchant Street)  

Advance Voting Opportunity #1 - All Local Governments

Good morning, residents of the Cariboo-Chilcotin...

For weeks now - you've heard from the candidates and their promises and now it is your time to decide who will represent you on your local School Board, Municipal Councils' and the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors for the new term of 2011-2014.  If you are unable to vote on November 19th, then you can head to the following locations today (November 9th) to vote for your candidates for your local School Board, Municipal Councils' and the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors, as follows:

Voting is 8am - 8pm in all jurisdictions:

District of Wells:

Wells/Barkerville Community School - 4386 Mildred Avenue

City of Quesnel: (See relevant election information to vote here)

Quesnel City Hall - 410 Kinchant Street

School District #28 (Quesnel): (See relevant election information to vote here)

Quesnel Public Library (#101-410 Kinchant Street)

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin): (See relevant election information to vote here)

For Zone 4 and Zone 5(outside the City of Williams Lake)
350 North 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake

City of Williams Lake:  (See relevant election information to vote here)

For 1 Mayor, 6 Councillors, Zone 5 School Trustee (those who reside in City boundaries) and Zone 6 School Trustee and the referendum on the future of the City's fluoride system

Vote at 450 Mart Street in the foyer of Williams Lake City Hall (entrance to WL Council Chambers)

District of 100 Mile House: (See relevant election information to vote here)

100 Mile Council Chambers (4th Street entrance - 385 Birch Avenue) for Mayor only

Cariboo Regional District: (See relevant election information to vote here)

For Electoral Areas 'E' and 'J' only:

Vote at Suite D - 180 North 3rd Avenue (across from Sam's Restaurant - Williams Lake)

For Electoral Areas 'H' and 'L' only:

Vote at 175 Airport Road, 100 Mile House

Local Gov't Meetings - Week of Nov 7-10

Only the City of Quesnel, District of 100 Mile House and the North Cariboo Joint Committee are meeting next week:

Monday, Nov 7th - City of Quesnel:

Regular Council Meeting at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel)
See the Agenda/Reports here

Tuesday, Nov 8th - Cariboo Regional District

North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting from 3-4:30pm

Tuesday, Nov 8th - North Cariboo Joint Committee

Regular Meeting at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel)
See the Agenda/Reports here

Tuesday, Nov 8th - District of 100 Mile House

Regular Meeting at 7pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House)

Notes:

1) City of Williams Lake Council meets next (and final time for 2008-2011 term) on Tuesday, November 29th
2) District of Wells does not meet again until December 6th when the new 2011-14 District of Wells Council is formally sworn in
3) Cariboo Regional District Board meets next on November 17th as the Finance/Budget Committee to further discuss the 2012 Budget
4) School District #27/28 meet next on November 22nd/30th respectively

Meet 'n Greet for SD #28 Trustee Candidates

I have received word that a "Meet 'n Greet" session will take place for School District #28 Trustee Candidates, as follows:

Date: Wednesday, November 9th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Royal Canadian Legion #94 (263 Kinchant Street, Quesnel)

One Week away...

Exactly seven (7) days from today - voters' in 100 Mile , Williams Lake, School District #27, School District #28, Wells, and the Cariboo Regional District will have their first opportunity to vote for their local officials (Mayor, Councillor, Electoral Area Director or School Trustee), but in the meantime, there are a number of All Candidate Forums that you can attend and become informed on what candidates stand for before you can vote on November 9th (1st Advance Voting Opportunity - All Local Governments or School Districts #27/28)

Wells - No word about an All Candidate Forum

Quesnel - Mayoral Forum on Thursday, November 3rd at 7pm - Dragon Gate Restaurant

Williams Lake - Councillor Forum tonight at 5:30pm at the Tourism Discovery Centre, Mayoral Forum Thursday, November 4th from 11:30am - 1:30pm at Beeotcheese's Restaurant, then from 7:00pm - 8:30pm for All Candidates at WL Seniors' Village and on Monday, November 7th at 7:00pm at Thompson Rivers' University for the Mayoral Candidates

100 Mile House - All Candidates Forum (100 Mile Mayor and CRD Directors for Areas H and L) at the Lodge (Valley Room) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm or 9:00pm on Monday, November 7th

SBF

Into the Home Stretch...

With October all but done... November will be a busy month for both currently elected local officials and their challengers in relation to the Nov 19th local election

We'll have the 3 All Candidates Forums on Nov 2nd, 3rd and 14th in Williams Lake.  We also have a All Candidate Forum in Quesnel on Nov 3rd.  Although nothing yet - I can reasonably imagine that there'll be an All Candidates Forum for the Mayors' race in 100 Mile and in Wells.  Any All Candidates meeting info that I receive will be posted here

As a point of information - there are exactly 17 campaign days left to Nov 19th, but 14 days left to campaign, if you leave out Sundays between today & November 19th and November 11th (Remembrance Day)

Please stay informed, folks, it'll be a "wild ride" for all of the candidates over the next couple of weeks and then go to your polling stations on November 9th/16th (Advance Voting - City of Williams Lake) and Nov 19th (General Voting Day - all local governments).  On Tuesday, November 8th - I'll post the Advance Voting locations for all local governments for the 1st Advance Voting Opportunity in your local community

SBF

2 Weeks from today...

Exactly two weeks from today - residents of the Cariboo Chilcotin will head into the 1st Advance Voting Opportunity to elect Mayors (Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile only), Councillors (Wells, Quesnel, and Williams Lake only), Electoral Area Directors (CRD Areas E, H, J and L), School District Trustees (in SD 27 - Zones 4 to 7) (in SD #28 - all 7 Trustees)

The 1st Advance Vote will be held on Wednesday, November 9th in the following communities/locations:

Wells - Wells/Barkerville School from 8am - 8pm
Quesnel - Quesnel City Hall (410 Kinchant Street) from 8am - 8pm
Williams Lake - WL City Hall Foyer (450 Mart Street) from 8am - 8pm
100 Mile House - 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave - 4th St entrance) from 8am - 8pm

Cariboo Regional District:

Areas 'E' and 'J' - 180D 3rd Avenue North, Williams Lake
Areas 'H' and 'L' - 175 Airport Road, 100 Mile House

School District #27:

Zones 4 and 7 - School District #27 Admin Office (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake) from 8am - 8pm

Zones 5 and 6 - If you reside in the City of Williams Lake, vote at 450 Mart Street (WL City Hall) otherwise you can vote at 350 2nd Avenue (usual rules of 2 pieces of ID applies - identity and residency)

For School District #28, please contact the Chief Election Officer to where you vote for Trustees:

SD #28 (All Zones) - Teri Stoneman at teristoneman@sd28.bc.ca or (250) - 992-0405

CareerLeap coming to Quesnel... Friday, Nov 3rd

I've been advised that CareerLeap will be coming to Quesnel on Friday, November 3rd from 9:00am to 5:30pm at the North Cariboo Community Campus (College of New Caledonia) by McDonald's except for the Keynote Address which is being held at the Northstar Fellowship Baptist Church (301 Northstar Rd, Quesnel BC)

For more details about this event - click here

Mail-in Ballot & Local Elections

Section 100 of the Local Government Act permits a local government to allow an elector to vote in an election, if he or she expects to be out of the local jurisdiction on the Advance Voting Days or on the General Voting Day.

The City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District will allow for you to register so you can vote by mail if the Advance/General Voting Days do not work for you

For more information - contact the following:

In Wells - email Sundance Topham (Wells Chief Election Officer) at townhall@district.wells.bc.ca

In Quesnel - email Sandy Brunt (Quesnel Deputy Chief Election Officer) at sbrunt@quesnel.ca

In Williams Lake - you can read information on this here and download the form here  Questions - email Cindy Bouchard (WL Chief Election Officer) at cbouchard@williamslake.ca.  You may apply for your mail-in ballot now

In 100 Mile House - email Donna Bellingham at dbellingham@dist100milehouse.bc.ca.
Applications will be accepted for the mail-in ballot as of November 2nd to November 17th

For the Cariboo Regional District for Elections in Electoral Areas 'E', 'H', 'J' and 'L' - email Alice Johnston (Chief Election Officer) at ajohnston@cariboord.bc.ca

For School District #28 - email Teri Stoneman (Chief Election Officer) at teristoneman@sd28.bc.ca
For School District #27 - email Bonnie Roller (Chief Election Officer) at bonnie.roller@sd27.bc.ca

Video In-Depth Review of Local Gov't Nomination Races

Video Review of Municipal Races in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House














  Video Review of 2011 Local Election Races in Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas 'A' to 'L














Video Review of School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and School District #28 (Quesnel) Election Races

Candidates for Local Government in Cariboo-Chilcotin - 2011 Election

This afternoon at 4pm - the nomination period closed to run for Mayor, Councillor, School Trustee and Electoral Area Director for the election on November 19th

The following individuals have been nominated.  There is a formal 7 day period for a candidate to withdraw with the formal candidate list being established on Monday, Oct 24th, but history shows candidates that file usually stick with it until voting day

District of Wells - No report

City of Quesnel:

Mayor (1 to be elected) - Mary Sjostrom (incumbent) vs Ron Craigmyle vs Ron Paull

Councillor (6 to be elected):

1) John Brisco (challenger)

2) Mike Cave (incumbent)

3) Ed Coleman (challenger)

4) Cory Delves (challenger)

5) Scott Elliott (challenger)

6) Trevor Guldbransen (challenger)

7) Paul Kainth (challenger)

8) Laurey-Anne Roodenburg (incumbent)

9) Sushil Thapar (incumbent)

10) Mitch Vik (challenger)

School District #28 (Quesnel):

7 to be elected:

1) Ron Caskey (incumbent)
2) Caroline Mitchell (incumbent)
3) Tony Goulet (incumbent)
4) George Natalizio (incumbent)
5) Gloria Jackson (incumbent)
6) Cody Dillabough (challenger)
7) Charlotte Kurta (challenger)
8) Howie Schonke (challenger)
9) Blanca Schorcht (challenger)
10) Betty Walters (challenger)

City of Williams Lake:

Mayor (1 to be elected) - Kerry Cook (incumbent) vs Walt Cobb vs Scott Nelson
Councillor (6 to be elected);

1) Geoff Bourdon (incumbent)
2) Surinderpal Rathor incumbent)
3) Laurie Walters (incumbent)
4) Sue Zacharias (incumbent)
5) Ivan Bonnell (challenger)
6) Mike Bouchard (challenger)
7) Peter Bowman (challenger)
8) Tanessa Fairburn (challenger)
9) Steve Forseth (challenger)
10) Danica Hughes (challenger)
11) Mike Jacobsen (challenger)
12) Paul Kandola (challenger)
13) Gordon Keener (challenger)
14) Richard Vollo (challenger)

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

Zone 1 - Will Van Osch (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Zone 2 - Tanya Guenther (elected by acclamation until Nov  1st, 2014)
Zone 3 - Patricia Baker (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Zone 4 - Heather McKenzie (incumbent) vs Jackie Austin (challenger)
Zone 5 - Sheila Boehm vs Oleh Lazarchuk vs Jim Ritchie (all challengers)
Zone 6 - Dr. Doug Neufeld vs Rob Zacharias (both challengers)
Zone 7 - Richard Elliot (incumbent) vs Joyce Cooper (challenger)

District of 100 Mile House:

Mayor (1 to be elected) - Mitch Campsall (incumbent) vs Maureen Pinkney (challenger)
Councillor:

1) Ralph Fossum (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
2) Bill Hadden (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
3) Spence Henderson (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
4) Dave Mingo (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)

Cariboo Regional District:

Area A - Ted Armstrong (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area B - Heloise Dixon-Warren (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area C - John Massier (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area D - Deb Bischoff (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area E - Bill Carruthers vs Brandy Dickey vs Byron Kemp vs Stacy Wong (all challengers)
Area F - Joan Sorley (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area G - Al Richmond (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area H - Ron Lister vs Margo Wagner (both challengers)
Area I - Jim Glassford (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area J - Alex Bracewell (incumbent) vs Roger William (challenger) vs Ted Hlokoff (challenger)
Area K  - Chad Mernett (elected by acclamation until Nov 1st, 2014)
Area L - Bruce Rattray (incumbent) vs Tom Baraniak (challenger)

Next Steps:

1) A voter, candidate or the local Chief Election Officer can until 4pm Tuesday file a challenge in BC Provincial Court challenging a nominee's election papers. In addition, candidates have until 4pm next Friday to withdraw, if they so choose. Otherwise, the lists of candidates, as per above, will be official as of Monday, October 24th

2) In Williams Lake only - a candidates (or their official representative) meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 25th at 10:00am in WL Council Chambers to go over how the election will be conducted and for candidates to ask questions of WL City Staff.  If you are one of the 14 WL City Councillor candidates or one of the 3 Mayoralty candidates - I urge you to attend

Status of Local Gov't Nominations...

As of 6:00pm Thursday - the following local governments report the following nominations:

Wells - No report

Quesnel - No report (note - Quesnel Councillor L-A Roodenburg says on her Facebook page that she has filed her nomination documents with the local Chief Election Officer

Williams Lake:

Councillor - Laurie Walters, Surinderpal Rathor, Steve Forseth, Ivan Bonnell, Richard Vollo, Geoff Bourdon, Sue Zacharias, Mike Jacobsen, Mike Bouchard, Paul Kondola and Danica Hughes

Mayor - Kerry Cook and Walt Cobb

100 Mile House:

Mayor - Mitch Campsall and Maureen Pinkney
Councillor - Ralph Fossum, Bill Hadden, Spence Henderson and Dave Mingo

Cariboo Regional District:

Area A - Ted Armstrong
Area B - Heloise Dixon-Warren
Area C - John Massier
Area D - Deb Bischoff
Area E - Brandy Dickey
Area F - Joan Sorley
Area G - Al Richmond
Area H - Margo Wagner vs Ron Lister
Area I - Jim Glassford
Area J - Ted Hlokoff
Area K - Chad Mernett
Area L - Bruce Rattray vs Tom Baraniak

School District #28 (Quesnel) - No report
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

Zone 1 - Will Van Osch
Zone 2 - Tanya Guenther
Zone 3 - Patricia Baker
Zone 4 - Jackie Austin
Zone 5 - Oleh Lazarchuk vs Sheila Boehm vs Jim Ritchie
Zone 6 - Rob Zacharias
Zone 7 - Richard Elliot

Please remember that you have until 4pm today to file for any of the above offices.  I'll be blogging on the unofficial list of local gov't races, as soon as possible after the formal nomination period expires

SBF