Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of November 9-13, 2026

During the week of November 9-13, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be  holding meetings (minus November 11, 2026 where Canadians pause on Remembrance Day to remember the veterans from World Wars 1+2 and all other conflicts where Canadian Armed Forces personnel made the ultimate sacrifice), as follows: 

100 Mile House - Scheduled Inaugural Meeting of the 2026-2030 District of 100 Mile House Municipal Council on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:30pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  When available - the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Committee of the Whole session on Monday, November 9th 2026 at 4:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Education - Int. Field Trip - Sr. Tour Band to travel to Austria and Switzerland – Dist. Principal Kelvin Parent / Principal, Yvonne Davis

* Education – Tatla Lake Trip to Victoria (TEAMS Presentation) 

* Education - FESL – Place-based Learning update  

* Education - Future School Calendars

* Education - 3-year Accessibility Plan 

* Board - 2026 Election Summary Report 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 6:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement, 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

Council Orientation 2026 - Governance Orientation for 2026-2030 Williams Lake Municipal Council

 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- 

1) Inaugural Meeting of the 2026-2030 Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors at 9am on Thursday, November 12, 2026 in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Swear-in Electoral Area + Municipal Directors for the 2026-2030 term by BC Provincial Court Judge Linda Thomas 

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board Meeting at 9:30am on Friday, November 13, 2026 in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom.  On the Agenda: 

* Election of Acting Chair (previously known as Vice-Chair) of the CCRHD for the remainder of 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board Meeting at 9:45am on Friday, November 13, 2026 in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom. On the Agenda: 

* Election of Chair/Vice-Chair for 2026-27

* Land Use Matters (Electoral Area Directors' only) 

* Monthly Expenditure Reports for September/October 2026

* Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5605, 2026 (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings + Adoption) 

* Requests from Directors Neufeld + Anderson (Areas E+K) to attend the 2027 BC Natural Resource Forum in Prince George from January 18-21, 2026

* Request from Director Merz (Area B) for Area "B Director Initiative Fund for a appreciation Christmas Dinner for Bouchie Lake Recreation Commissioners, Area "B" Alternate Director, Bouchie Lake Recreation Managers

*In-Camera Session: Sections 90(1i + 2b - legal advice and confidential negotiations between the Regional District, Provincial/Federal Governments and a 3rd Party)

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Inaugural Meeting of 2026-2030 Williams Lake Municipal Council - November 3rd, 2026

The Inauguration Ceremony began at 6:00pm

Mayor-Elect SPS Rathor and Councillors-elect P. French, R. Lloyd, M. Moses, S. Nelson, J. Ryll and N. Wiebe were escorted into Williams Lake Council Chambers, led by a piper/drum procession

Williams Lake First Nation provided a Drumming Ceremony (Honour Song)

Oaths of Office & Allegiance were then conducted and completed by BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson for Mayor-elect SPS Rathor and BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson presented the Williams Lake Mayoral Chain of Office to Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor

Oaths of Office & Allegiance were then conducted and completed for Councillors-elect P. French, R. Lloyd, M. Moses, S. Nelson, J. Ryll and N. Wiebe by BC Provincial Court Judge Thompson 

Mayor Rathor thanked the previous Williams Lake City Council for their work on behalf of the community of Williams Lake and wished them well in their future endeavours 

Council approved the November 3rd, 2026 Inaugural Meeting Agenda - as presented (click here)

Inaugural Meeting Video here

Inaugural Addresses:

Mayor Rathor and Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll and Wiebe then provided their Inaugural Addresses to commence their 2026-2030 term of office

Inaugural Business:

1) 2026 City of Williams Lake General Local Election results

Council received for information a report of the Chief Election Officer regarding the 2026 City of Williams Lake General Local Election results

2) Annual Council Meeting Schedule for 2027

Council adopted its' meeting schedule for 2027

3) Designation of Councillors as Acting Mayor - 2026/2027

Council designated Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll and Wiebe to serve as Acting Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor for the November and December 2026/2027 term 

4) Council Committee (Internal/External) Appointments for 2026/2027

Council endorsed the recommendations of Mayor Surinderpal Rathor for Council appointments to Committees, Ad Hoc/Select Committees and Community Committees for the 2026/2027 term - click here

5) Cariboo Regional District Appointments for 2026/2027 - City Director and Alternate Director

Council appointed Mayor Surinderpal Rathor to serve as Director representing the City of Williams Lake on the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term, with Councillor Jason Ryll to serve as Alternate Director 

6) NDIT Appointment - City of Williams Lake

Council appointed Councillor Michael Moses to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Board as the City’s Director for 2026/2027 and Councillor Ruth Lloyd to serve as the City’s Alternate Director

7) MIABC (Municipal Insurance Association of BC) Appointments for 2026/2027 - City Delegate & Alternates

Council appointed Councillor Scott Nelson as the City of Williams Lake delegate to the Municipal Insurance Association of BC for 2026-27 and Councillor Paul French and Councillor Nathan Wiebe to serve as first and second alternates, respectively.

8) Cariboo RD representative on NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Board of Directors 

Council received a letter from the Cariboo Regional District dated October 23, 2026 advising of the nomination period for appointments of Cariboo Regional District representatives (appointee/alternate) to the NCLGA Board of Directors' and Council agreed to endorse Mayor Rathor to be considered for this appointment by the Cariboo Regional District Board at its' November 13, 2026 meeting

9) 2027 Wrestling Day in the City of Williams Lake

Council proclaimed January 2, 2027 as “Wrestling Day” in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to Council Policy No. 115.

10) Congratulatory Messages

Council received for information messages of congratulations to Mayor and Council on election to office from Tolko Industries Ltd. and Thompson Rivers University,

11) Messages from the Public Gallery

Members of the Public Gallery addressed Council 

And then Council adjourned at 7:41pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of November 2-6, 2026

During the week of November 2-6, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Wells - 

1) Special Council Meeting via Zoom on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to meet with the Municipal Auditor - view full Meeting Agenda here

2) Inaugural Meeting of the District of Wells 2026-2030 Municipal Council on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 2-3pm in the District of Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells) and via Zoom.  On the Agenda: 

* Swearing in of Mayor Merrick and Councillors Andersen, Dumitra, Sasaki, Trotter-Wanner by the District of Wells Corporate Officer

* Mayor's Inaugural Address

* Approval of Meeting Schedule for 2026-27 term

* Acting Mayor schedule for 2026-27 term

* Appointment of District of Wells Director to Cariboo Regional District Board

* Messages from the Public Gallery

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel - Inaugural Meeting of the City of Quesnel Municipal Council for the 2026-2030 term to commence at 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026  in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St., Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Lhtako Dene FN Elder Blessing

* Swearing in of Mayor Oakes and Councillors Goulet, Roodenburg, Vik, Elliott, Adams, Drew

* Inaugural Addresses from Mayor Oakes and Councillors Goulet, Roodenburg, Vik, Elliott, Adams, Drew

* Annual Committee Appointments (Internal/External) 

* Messages from the Public Gallery 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Inaugural Meeting of the City of Williams Lake Municipal Council for the 2026-2030 term to commence at 6:00pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026  in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Swearing in of Mayor Rathor and Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll, Wiebe

* Inaugural Addresses from Mayor Rathor and Councillors French, Lloyd, Moses, Nelson, Ryll, Wiebe

* Annual Committee Appointments (Internal/External) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) --  Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) in the School District #27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake) on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 6pm  

On the Agenda: 

* Swear in new Trustees from Zones 1-7 (Ella Brown, William Shephard, Michael Henshall, Melissa Coates, Mary Forbes, Micheal Franklin, Jenny Philbrick)

* Elect New Board Chair for 2026-27 term

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 27, 2026 mtg

Editor's Note -- this is the final meeting of the 2022-2026 Williams Lake Municipal Council

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

The Mayor welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth and incoming Williams Lake City Councillors-elect Paul French, Jason Ryll and Nathan Wiebe to tonight's Council meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (Late Item) - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the cheque listings/Electronic Funds Transfer for the period of October 8-22, 2026

2) Regarding the 2026 Annual "Memory Tree" Celebration -- Council authorized the following: 

a) approve the placement of the 'In Memory' book, signage and ornaments in the Williams Lake City Hall lobby from mid-November 2026 leading up to the event, as well as a donation/draw box to be located at the reception counter during these dates;

b) approve the use of the Williams Lake City Hall lobby and a tree for displaying of the name ornaments from mid-November through December;

c) approve the use of Williams Lake Council Chambers on December 6th for a small ceremony for the reading of the 'In Memory' book names to be recorded and posted for public viewing online;

d) approve the barricading of the Williams Lake City Hall parking lot during the Memory Tree event taking place outside City Hall on Sunday, December 7, 2025 for the lighting of the Hospice Tree, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

e) and that the event be coordinated with City of Williams Lake Staff and the Williams Lake Fire Department

3) Council received for information a letter from the BC Deputy Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General dated October 21, 2026, following up on the City of Williams Lake's delegation with the Minister of Public Safety/Solicitor-General  at the annual UBCM convention in September 2026 regarding RCMP funding and prolific and repeat offending concerns

4) Council received for information a list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235 regarding proclamations, flag raising or lighting requests

5) Late Item - Mayor Rathor presented a discussion item around recognition of Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA/Premier-designate Lorne Doerksen as being the 1st Premier of British Columbia from Williams Lake.  Following discussion, the following Resolution was agreed to: 

THAT Council Policy be waived and that a Certificate of Merit be presented to MLA Lorne Doerksen as the 1st Premier of British Columbia from Williams Lake

5) Council received for information the Council Information Package as of October 27, 2026

Members of Council reported on their recent activities as well as "Council Farewell Statements" from the outgoing 2022-2026 Williams Lake City Council

6) Closed Council Meeting

At 6:39 pm -- Council approved the following resolution: 

That Council now resolve into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Meeting -- according to Section 92 of the Community Charter (Charter) for discussion of items identified under Section 90 of the Charter:

 (1a - personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality) 

And then Council adjourned at 6:40pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education Meetings | Week of October 26-30, 2026

During the week of October 26-30, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education will be meeting (these will be the final Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education meetings for the 2022-2026 term)

1) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, October 26th, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake).  When available, the full Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

2) Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers.  On the Agenda: 

* 2026 Annual "Memory Tree" Celebration

* Letter from BC's Deputy Solicitor General re UBCM Convention Meeting Follow-Up with City of Williams Lake Council 

* Listing of Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings

* Council Information Package

* Farewell Statements

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Finally: 

New Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education (Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Cariboo RD, School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin), School District #28 (Quesnel)) will be holding their Inaugural meetings to commence their 2026-2030 term and to swear in elected officials (newly elected or returning) and conduct business, as follows: 

Wells: November 10th, 2026

Quesnel: November 3rd, 2026

Williams Lake: November 3rd, 2026

100 Mile House: November 10, 2026

Cariboo RD: November 12 + 13, 2026

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin): November 23, 2026

School District #28 (Quesnel): November 18, 2025 

2026 Official Results: Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Local Elections

After the 2026 Local Election Campaign Period, Mail In Voting, Advanced Voting and General Voting Day -- the electors (voters) have now officially elected the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' and Boards of Education for the 2026-2030 term 

1) District of Wells 

Mayor -- Jillian Merrick

Councillors' -- Josh Trotter-Wanner, Miriam Dumitra, Elyssia Sasaki,  Eric S Andersen

2) City of Quesnel 

Mayor -- Coralee Oakes

Councillors -- Tony Goulet, Scott Elliot, Mitch Vik, Jeremy Drew, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Ryan Adams

3) City of Williams Lake 

Mayor -- Surinderpal Rathor

Councillors -- Scott Nelson, Paul French, Jason Ryll, Ruth Lloyd, Micheal Moses, Nathan Wiebe

4) District of 100 Mile House 

Mayor -- David Jurek

Councillors -- Dave Mingo, Donna Barnett, Ralf Holzapfel, Erin Filtness

5) Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors) 

Elected by acclamation (unopposed) on September 21st, 2026

Area A - Nicole Audet

Area D - Steve Forseth

Area F - Maureen LeBourdais

Area I - Jim Glassford

Area J - Tolin Pare 

Elected by voting

Area B - Robert Merz

Area C - Clint Cave

Area E - Melynda Neufeld

Area G - Al Richmond

Area H - Margo Wagner

Area K - Betty Anderson

Area L - Dan Parker

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Elected by acclamation (unopposed) on September 21st, 2026

Zone 2 (Cariboo RD Area "G") - William Shepherd

Zone 6 (City of Williams Lake) - Micheal Franklin

Zone 7 (Cariboo RD Areas J+K) - Jenny Philbrick

Elected by voting

Zone 1 (Cariboo RD Areas H+L & TNRD Area "E" within School District #27) - Ella Brown

Zone 3 (District of 100 Mile House) -- Michael Henshall

Zone 4 (Cariboo RD Areas D+F) -- Melissa Coates

Zone 5 (Cariboo RD Areas D+E) -- Mary Forbes

7) School District #28 (Quesnel) 

a) Lisa Boudreau 

b) Tony Goulet

c) Lisa Scott

d) Tarin Lefebvre

e) Mike Page

f) Julie-Anne Runge

g) Tracy Telford

2026 Unofficial Results: Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government/Board of Education Local Elections

After the 2026 Local Election Campaign Period, Mail In Voting, Advanced Voting and General Voting Day -- the electors (voters) have elected the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' and Boards of Education for the 2026-2030 term (results are unofficial until official election declarations of the local Chief Election Officer - expected by 4pm on Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

1) District of Wells 

Mayor -- Jillian Merrick

Councillors' -- Josh Trotter-Wanner, Miriam Dumitra, Elyssia Sasaki,  Eric S Andersen

2) City of Quesnel 

Mayor -- Coralee Oakes

Councillors -- Tony Goulet, Scott Elliot, Mitch Vik, Jeremy Drew, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Ryan Adams

3) City of Williams Lake 

Mayor -- Surinderpal Rathor

Councillors -- Scott Nelson, Paul French, Jason Ryll, Ruth Lloyd, Micheal Moses, Nathan Wiebe

4) District of 100 Mile House 

Mayor -- David Jurek

Councillors -- Dave Mingo, Donna Barnett, Ralf Holzapfel, Erin Filtness

5) Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Area Directors) 

Elected by acclamation (unopposed) on September 21st, 2026

Area A - Nicole Audet

Area D - Steve Forseth

Area F - Maureen LeBourdais

Area I - Jim Glassford

Area J - Tolin Pare 

Elected by voting

Area B - Robert Merz

Area C - Clint Cave

Area E - Melynda Neufeld

Area G - Al Richmond

Area H - Margo Wagner

Area K - Betty Anderson

Area L - Dan Parker

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Elected by acclamation (unopposed) on September 21st, 2026

Zone 2 (Cariboo RD Area "G") - William Shepherd

Zone 6 (City of Williams Lake) - Micheal Franklin

Zone 7 (Cariboo RD Areas J+K) - Jenny Philbrick

Elected by voting

Zone 1 (Cariboo RD Areas H+L & TNRD Area "E" within School District #27) - Ella Brown

Zone 3 (District of 100 Mile House) -- Michael Henshall

Zone 4 (Cariboo RD Areas D+F) -- Melissa Coates

Zone 5 (Cariboo RD Areas D+E) -- Mary Forbes

7) School District #28 (Quesnel) 

a) Lisa Boudreau 

b) Tony Goulet

c) Lisa Scott

d) Tarin Lefebvre

e) Mike Page

f) Julie-Anne Runge

g) Tracy Telford

2026 General Voting Day/Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections (Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors and School Trustees)

For the last number of weeks - the candidates for the various Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education elected positions - Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors, School Trustees - have been lobbying, you - the voter - for your vote in a variety of ways (online, at the door and at all candidate forums, etc) as they seek election (or re-election) to the positions of Mayors, Councillors, Cariboo RD Electoral Area Directors and School Trustees in School Districts #27 and #28

Cariboo RD Directors for Areas A,D,F,I,J; School District #27 Trustees in Zones 2,6,7 were acclaimed into their positions for the 2026-2030 term back on September 21, 2026

Elections BC also reminds candidates about the rules on advertising on General Voting Day -- you can find that advisory to candidates here

Now - it is over to you - the voter - to determine their fate today:

Voting Locations and what you need to know to cast your vote from 8am - 8pm today (Oct 17, 2026) at various locations which can be found in the links below:

For the District of Wells/School District #28 (Quesnel):

Cast votes for 1 Mayor and up to 4 Councillors and School District #28 Trustees (up to 7).  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here (District of Wells) and here (SD28) 

For the City of Quesnel/School District #28 (Quesnel):

Cast votes for 1 Mayor, up to 6 Councillors and School District #28 Trustees (up to 7)

Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For City of Williams Lake

Cast votes for up to 6 Councillors and 1 Mayor.   Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For the District of 100 Mile House:

Cast votes for up to 4 Councillors and 1 Mayor.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For Cariboo RD/School District #28 (Quesnel):

Cast votes for School District #28 Trustees (up to 7) if you reside outside the City of Quesnel/District of Wells in Electoral Areas A,B,C,I

Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin):

Cast votes to elect 1 School Trustee in Trustee Electoral Areas 1,3,4,5.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For Cariboo Regional District - Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L:

Cast a ballot to elect 1 Director in Areas B,C,E,G,H,K and L.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

Transit Opportunities on Local Election Day 2026:

BC Transit is offering free service today to help get people with transportation challenges to the polls today in Quesnel/Williams Lake

Quesnel (including HandyDART) -- https://www.bctransit.com/quesnel/home

Williams Lake (including HandyDART) -- https://www.bctransit.com/williams-lake/home

This service is NOT available today in 100 Mile House 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unofficial Results should be available roughly up to 2 hours after the polls close at 8pm for local elections - Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors, School Trustees

You can follow the unofficial results online here

I will post the unofficial results here, as soon as they are publicly known 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Local Elections process, either as a candidate or those helping a candidate win their desired elected position and I'm very much looking forward to hearing the unofficial results, as they are publicly known late Saturday night....

~SF

2026 Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections Advanced Voting - Day 2 of 2 (City of Williams Lake)

If you are in Williams Lake -- you have a 2nd opportunity today from 8am - 8pm at Williams Lake City Hall (450 Mart Street) to cast a ballot for Mayor of Williams Lake or up to 6 Williams Lake City Councillors' for a 4 year term, commencing November 2026

Full details on what you need to know is here

After 8pm -- the FINAL opportunity to vote in Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Elections is this Saturday from 8am - 8pm

~SF

EDITORIAL: Should there be a "residency rule" to run in BC Local Government?

October 13, 2026
7:30pm

Over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend (October 10-12, 2026) -- Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson posted on Facebook -- being critical of those not residing within the City of Williams Lake (Ruth Lloyd. etc.) and running for Williams Lake City Council and their potential tax policies being implemented during the 2026-2030 term, should they be elected to Williams Lake City Council on Saturday, October 17, 2026

Watch his video here

The list of candidates running for Williams Lake City Council (and where they reside) in the Oct 2026 election can be viewed in full here

The Province of BC's requirements to run in local elections (school trustee, electoral area director, mayor or councillor) can be viewed here.  It is currently NOT a requirement to reside in a municipality, regional district electoral area or school trustee electoral area to run for a position of Mayor, Councillor, Electoral Area Director or School Trustee 

Meanwhile -- Ruth Lloyd (who is 1 of 14 candidates running for City of Williams Lake Council) also took to Facebook to clarify that while she does live just outside the City of Williams Lake boundaries, she does own property inside the City of Williams Lake and consequently pays City property taxes - view her response video here.  This also applies to Jason Ryll (owns property in the City of Williams Lake but resides primarily in Cariboo Regional District Area "E"/Mountview) but he was successfully re-elected twice (2014, 2018)

The topic of Cariboo RD rural residents' NOT being able to vote in City of Williams Lake mayor/councillor elections but being able to run for Williams Lake municipal council has come up over the years including hearing about it in recent Cariboo Regional District Area Director elections ... and something I wrote to the provincial government about back in December of 2008 ... response from the provincial government below in February of 2009 (see below picture):

No BC Local Government has advocated for residency requirements to run for local elected office since 2009, according to UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities records which also date back to 2009.... 

There are many examples of local government candidates not living in a Cariboo-Chilcotin municipality but adjacent to it in a rural area but becoming successful elected officials including: 

Quesnel: 

L-A Roodenburg -- lives in Red Bluff (Cariboo RD Area "A") - successfully elected five times since November of 2008

Williams Lake:

Jason Ryll -- lives in Mountview (Cariboo RD Area "E") and successfully elected twice (2014-2022) 

Rick Gibson -- lived in Lexington (Cariboo RD Area "F") and elected as Mayor from 2002-2005

Sue Zacharias -- lived in Wildwood (Cariboo RD Area "D") and successfully elected 3 consecutive times from 2008-2018 

100 Mile House: 

Dave Mingo -- lives in Lone Butte (Cariboo RD Area "L") and elected 5 times since 2007 in a by-election and consequently elected multiple times since) 

CONCLUSION:

The provincial government leaves it to candidates to run in whatever local government position you wish to run for (provided you qualify) and leave the ultimate decision to voters ... 

Meanwhile -- the criticism of Scott Nelson is not likely to impact his electoral chances of success as he has only lost 2 elections in 36 years -- first in 1999 running for re-election as a Williams Lake City Councillor and then in 2011, when he was competing against Walt Cobb and Kerry Cook to become Williams Lake Mayor (Kerry Cook won that election in 2011)... 

Whatever your feelings about those running for Williams Lake Mayor or City Councillor -- I strongly urge voters of Williams Lake to cast their ballots, whether this Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (Advanced Vote) or Saturday, October 17, 2026 on General Voting Day (that is when I will be personally voting)...

~SF

This editorial is my own and that does reflect that of my elected position as Cariboo RD Area "D" Director or of the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors... 

Williams Lake Community Forest Now Accepting Grant Applications

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2026 Granting Program is accepting applications for 2027 projects until 4 pm on Thursday, November 19th, 2026.

Grant applicants must be living and/or working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas D, E and F. This area extends west to the east side of the Fraser River, North to Marguerite and south to Dog Creek. Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, then east to Bosk and Crooked Lakes and north encompassing Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake. A map is provided on the WLCF website under the “About/Location” section. 

Applications can come from a variety of local non-profit and/or community organizations such as Parent Advisory Councils, clubs including 4-H clubs, registered charities and community associations. Public, Private and Indigenous schools and educators are also invited to apply if they are within the “local area” described above. 

Funds are targeted toward:

• Capital improvements to facilities available for public use.
• Creation/enhancement/expansion of recreation structures including trails, signs, kiosks. 
• Outdoor opportunities relating to sustainable forestry. 
• Education/outreach projects. 
• Environmental stewardship. 
• Other special projects such as community-based culture or arts projects related to forest resource values or nature.

There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, along with a budget template. Five per cent of annual WLCF profits are set aside to be distributed to the community through this granting program. 

Paper application forms are available at the Williams Lake Community Forest Office at 177 Yorston Street, or locate digital forms online at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/. 

Advanced Vote #1 | Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments/Boards of Education for 2026-2030 Term

October 7, 2026
9:20am

Today between 8am to 8pm -- voters in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and the surrounding rural communities can cast an advanced vote to elect the following for a new 4 year term from 2026-2030:

Mayors in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House

Councillors in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House

7 Trustees in School District #28 (Quesnel)

Trustees in Trustee Electoral Areas 1,3,4,5 in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

A Director for Electoral Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L within the Cariboo Regional District

Links:

1) Wells -- https://www.wells.ca/application/files/1317/9002/4211/Voting_Information_notice_2026-09-21_1.pdf

2) Quesnel --

https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections

3) Williams Lake --

https://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2026

4) 100 Mile House --

https://www.100milehouse.com/city-hall/2026-elections

5) Cariboo RD (Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L) --

https://www.cariboord.ca/regional-government/elections-and-voting/election-information/

6) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Trustees in Trustee Zones 1,3,4,5 --

https://www.sd27.bc.ca/documents/fe47fb84-ca55-4e54-b309-e493178586db/SD27-Notice-of-Election-by-Voting.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260922194423

7) School District #28 (Quesnel) Elect 7 Trustees --

https://www.sd28.bc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2026-09/Notice%20of%20Election%20by%20Voting%20Final%20for%20Posting.pdf

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 6, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

The Mayor welcomed Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth to tonight's Council meeting

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area appeared before Council to provide a Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy Update - presentation here

2)  Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best from the Williams Lake Skatepark Association appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project - presentation here

Following each presentation - a Question/Answer period ensued...

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegations for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

1) Council received for information the presentation of Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area regarding an update on the Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy and successes in the work of poverty reduction in Williams Lake, the request of the Social Planning Council for a continued Council liaison was endorsed and their request for further financial support was referred to the 2027 budget process for consideration 

2) Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best, Williams Lake Skatepark Association, regarding an update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project in Boitanio Park; agreed to endorse the project and City Staff were directed to continue working with the Association on the skatepark redevelopment project, including grant research and that the feasibility report be referred to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee when the Society presents to the Committee

Business:

1) Council received or received for information: 

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfer listings dated September 24 and October 1, 2026

* Quarter 3 2026 Budget Status Report 

* Minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting held September 23, 2026 

* Council Information Package, as of October 6, 2026

2) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council directed Staff to send a response to the LCRB (Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch) regarding the relocation of an existing cannabis retail licence application at #420-1185 Prosperity Way that states: 

(a) The City of Williams Lake has considered the location of the proposed store and the views of the residents; and 

(b) The City of Williams Lake recommends the application be issued, as minimal concerns have been identified by the various City departments on the general impact to the community, and the proposal aligns with Council Policy No. 213 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 [insert any additional Council reasons] and include a record of the community consultation with the response to the LCRB regarding the licence application

3) Council directed Staff to purchase bike racks for the remaining three locations using LGCAP money in accordance with the City of Williams Lake Purchasing Policy and work with the Cariboo Regional District to install bike racks outside the Gibraltar Room Entrance, as previously requested

4) Council approved free transit service (i.e. conventional and HandyDART) on general voting day for the Provincial Election, taking place on Saturday, October 24, 2026

5) Council approved meals, travel, compensation and other associated expenses for interested Council members to attend the 162nd Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day in Quesnel, BC on October 26, 2026

6) Council approved 2 Recommendations from a previous Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #08-2026 and the agenda item summary of Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated September 15, 2026, the Contract Services Agreement and the Arts Centre Management and Operations Agreement with the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society be renewed for five-year terms with annual payments of $81,000 and $35,000, respectively, plus applicable taxes; and further, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to execute the agreements. (Editor's note -- this recommendation was also endorsed by the Cariboo Regional Board as its' October 2, 2026 meeting)

b)  That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #09-2026 and the report of the Director of Community Services dated September 8, 2026, the Minutes of the Indoor Sport Facility Working Group meetings held August 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026, together with the results of the Request for Proposals process for an Indoor Sport Feasibility Study, be received for information and Council endorse award of the Indoor Sport Facility Feasibility Study RFP to HCMA Architecture and Design for the bid price of $64,500, plus applicable taxes

7) Council authorized the following, in relation to the annual 2026 Remember Day events in Williams Lake: 

* approve the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 24 to November 11, 2026; 

* approve the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11, 2026 at 11:00am, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested

* approve the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony

* authorize the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole for the week of November 7 through 11, 2026

8) Council agreed to support the request of the Station House Studio & Gallery Society in their letter dated September 30, 2026 their application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust 'Community Places' Program for up to $30,000 toward their restoration, safety, accessibility and security upgrades project to the historic Station House building

9) Council approved an amendment to the Williams Lake & District Seniors Centre's 

2025 Better at Home Program fee for service agreement to permit use of remaining unused funds from their 2025/2026 seniors snow removal service, due both to the mild recent winters and challenges retaining snow removal contractors, toward their seniors lawn maintenance program

And then Council adjourned at 7:18pm

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of October 5-9, 2026

During the week of October 5-9, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Wells -- Tuesday, October 6, 2026

a) Open Session from 1-3:30pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Ave, Wells) and via Zoom.  When available, the Open Meeting Agenda can be accessed here 

b) Closed Session from 3:30pm - 4:30pm as per Sections 90(1a + l - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

Quesnel -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* Committee Reports

* Snow Contractor Liability Insurance

* Food Hub Replacement – Award of Contract

* NDIT Business Façade Improvement Grant

* UBCM Community to Community Grant Application

* Hillside Hazard Development Permit for 1142 Purmal Avenue

* Adopt City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1986 of 2026

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

Delegations -- 

a) Angelika Sellick, Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area re Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy Update

b) Jane Wellburn and Ryan Best, Williams Lake Skatepark Association re Update on the Williams Lake Skatepark Project

Business -- 

* Cannabis Licence Referral - 420-1185 Prosperity Way - Marlee's Den

* Bike Rack Installation Update (back entrance to Gibraltar Room public entrance)

* Free Transit Service for Provincial General Election Day - Saturday, October 24, 2026

* Council Attendance at 162nd Lhatŝ’aŝʔin Memorial Day Event on October 26, 2026 in Quesnel, BC 

* Recommendations from Central Cariboo Joint Committee and City of Willaims Lake Accessibility Committee 

* Authorization for annual Remembrance Day event

* Station House Gallery - Support Resolution Request for NDIT Application

* Better at Home Williams Lake (Seniors Centre) - Request to Amend Use for Remaining 2025 Fee-for-Service Funds

View the full Meeting Agenda here

20 Days to 2026 Local General Voting Day!

20 days from today (September 28, 2026) -- voters in Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and the rural areas of the Regional District will proceed to vote for new Mayors', Councillors', Electoral Area Directors' in CRD Areas B,C,E,G,H,K and L plus School Trustees in SD#28 (Quesnel) plus School Trustees for Zones 1,3,4,5 in School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) on Saturday, October 17, 2026

The list of candidates can be accessed, as follows: 

a) District of Wells --

https://www.wells.ca/application/files/9717/8978/5300/Declaration_of_Election_Wells_BC_2026.pdf

b) City of Quesnel -- 

https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/elections/2026-local-government-elections

c) City of Williams Lake -- 

https://www.williamslake.ca/651/2026-Nomination-Documents-Filed

d) District of 100 Mile House -- 

https://www.100milehouse.com/city-hall/2026-elections

e) Cariboo Regional District (Elections in Areas B,C,E,G,H,K,L) -- 

https://www.cariboord.ca/regional-government/elections-and-voting/2026-local-election-information/

f) School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) (Elections in Zones 1,3,4,5) --

 https://www.sd27.bc.ca/school-trustee-elections

g) School District #28 (Quesnel) -- 

https://www.sd28.bc.ca/2026-general-election

There will be All Candidates Forums in Quesnel/100 Mile House this week.  Quesnel's will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 6-9pm for Quesnel Mayor/Councillor candidates only at the CNC/UNBC's Quesnel Campus on Campus Way while the one in 100 Mile House will be this Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 6-10pm at the 100 Mile Community Hall at 265 Birch Avenue for 100 Mile Mayor/Councillor candidates as well as those running for CRD Director for Areas G,H,L

There are, currently, no all candidates forums scheduled for School District #27 or #28 School Trustee candidates while there is an All Candidates Forum scheduled for Williams Lake Mayor/Councillor candidates on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:00pm in the Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex (525 Proctor St, Williams Lake)

Candidates have been hitting the doorsteps to get the support of voters' until the 1st Advanced Vote on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 and there may be local governments' that offer a 2nd Advanced Vote prior to General Voting Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026 -- you are advised to check your local government or local Board of Education for full details 

Please stay tuned to your local election, wherever you live, so you can cast an informed vote for the person that will best represent you - whether as Mayor, Councillor, School Trustee or Electoral Area Director!

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Sept 22, 2026 mtg

Present in WL Council Chambers:

Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Delainey, Flaspohler, Lyons and Nelson

Present via Zoom:

Councillor M. Moses

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Meeting Video - click here

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Jane Wellburn & Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council appeared before Council to provide an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group 

Presentation here

Following their presentation - a Question/Answer period ensued...

Mayor Rathor thanked the delegation for their time/information

Response to Delegations:

Council received for information the presentation of Jane Wellburn and Sonja Dodig, Fraser Basin Council regarding an update on the Williams Lake Active Transportation Working Group and request for continued support of research and funding opportunities for implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan and that the Plan be endorsed and budget resources be committed in support of the Williams Lake Active Transportation Network Plan over multiple years 

Business:

1) Council received or received for information

* the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Funds Transfers listings dated September 10 and 17, 2026

* Proclamations, Lighting Requests & Flag Raisings - as of September 22, 2026

* Council Information Package, as of September 22, 2026

2) Council approved a 2026 application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund ‘Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training’ Program for funding of up to $30,000 to enhance the capacity of the local Emergency Support Services (ESS) team

3) Council directed the Corporate Officer to file a Notice on Title (Section 57, Community Charter (BC)) for property at 3018 Edwards Drive for not being in compliance with the City of Williams Lake's Building Bylaw/BC Building Code

4) Council awarded the Works Yard Zone 2 Loop Upgrade contract, a phase of the Mackenzie Fireflow Rezoning project, to Morben Construction Ltd. for the construction tender amount of $154,707.94, excluding GST, for a total project value of $184,707.94

5) Late Items: 

* Council received a verbal report of the Mayor regarding the 2026 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention from Sept 14-18, 2026

* At request of Councillor Nelson -- 

That a letter be forwarded to the Provincial Government requesting information on the status of the San Jose Watershed (water entering Williams Lake and flowing into Williams Creek) and the plan of the Provincial Government 

And then Council adjourned at 7:09pm