All Candidates Forums - Mayor + Council (City of Williams Lake)

On Monday, November 3rd - an All-Candidates Forum for City Councillor candidates is being held at the Gibraltar Room (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex) from 6-9pm and is co-sponsored by the Northern Real Estate Board and the WL Chamber of Commerce and is being moderated by Brian Goodrich. I'd encourage all members of the public to come out and question the candidates on the issues.

On Wednesday, November 12th - an All-Candidates Forum (World Cafe Event) for City Councillor + Mayor candidates is being held at the Gibraltar Room (Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex). This event is being sponsored by the Social Planning Council . This event is an opportunity for all the candidates to sit at tables and mingle with community members and answer questions on social issues of concern.

The idea is to engage in meaningful dialogue that is informal and relaxed. There will be opportunity for individuals to move from table to table and meet all the candidates for Councillor and Mayor.

Candidate Meet 'N Greet - hosted by WL Chamber of Commerce

Last night, all candidates (WL Mayor + Council) along with the candidates for CRD Electoral Areas D-E-F were at the Tourism Discovery Center talking politics with themselves and with members of the local Chamber of Commerce and local community members

Many candidates, myself included, talked about local issues including arts and culture, crime, etc

I had a 10 minute conversation with Anna Barley (Executive Director - WL Community Arts Council) regarding Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function) and made mention to her that people in Area 'F' see this proposed Function as a tax and encouraged her to write a letter to the editor from the local Community Arts Council explaining the purpose for the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function and explain how it benefits residents' in Areas D + E + F of the Cariboo Regional District. I still believe the timing for this Function, given the local economic climate, is not good and would suggest postponing implementation of CRD Bylaw #4420 until 2010 would be "the right thing to do". Also, delaying implementation for 1 Year would allow for more public consultation with Area 'F' residents at Miocene, Big Lake, Horsefly/Likely, 140/150 Mile House and to get "buy-in" from rural residents on a Arts and Culture Function.

It was a good event and I'm looking forward to the All-Candidates Forum (City Councillors) on November 3rd from 6-9pm at the Gibraltar Room

City of Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Meeting on Oct 21/08

Delegations - None

Business:

1) 2009 Grants-in-Aid - referred to Finance Portfolio for discussion and recommendations from Finance Portfolio to be discussed on Monday, Oct 27/08 Special Committee of the Whole Meeting. Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee to discuss on Tuesday, Oct 28th at 5:00pm in the Cariboo Regional District Boardroom

2) Communications Policy - Staff requested to make amendments to Policy and bring revised Policy back to next Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, October 27/08

3) Downtown Parking Commission - Staff requested to research options for dissolution of the Downtown Parking Commission and to report back

4) Proposed 2009 Sculpture Project - Approval-in-Principle to proceed with the Project was granted

All Recommendations from Committee of the Whole to be ratified at WL Council's November 4th, 2008 meeting

CRD Board Highlights - Oct 10/08

Delegation:

1) Tatjana Bates from Interior Health made a presentation to the CCRHD Board (Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District) regarding local food procurement for hospitals/schools. Ms. Bates highlighted the Healthy Eating Guidelines for Schools and the new Policy for BC Public Buildings which includes recreation centres and local communities. Ms. Bates also discussed current projects underway for the local Food Action Network.

Business:

1) CRD Bylaw #4446, 2008 (Williams Lake Fringe OCP) was read a 1st and 2nd time. The Bylaw now goes out for formal public consultation including referral to different agencies and a public hearing at a future date

2) The CRD will be holding a Referendum on the proposed North Cariboo Multi-Centre in conjunction with the November 15, 2008, local government elections. As part of the process a substantial communications strategy along with support materials have been designed to help residents make an informed decision about the proposed North Cariboo Multi-Centre. Four of the major components of the plan include a newsletter that is being delivered to all residents within the North Cariboo Recreation Boundary, a telephone survey of the residents, two public information sessions, and a comprehensive informational advertising campaign

3) On Thursday, October 9, 2008, the Cariboo Regional District hosted the official launch of the new Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional DVD in the Gibraltar Room of the Cariboo Memorial Complex. Staff from local governments including the CRD, Williams Lake, Quesnel, the Districts of Wells and 100 Mile House, along with tourism associations from across the region have been working on this production for the past two years. The video highlights opportunities for tourism, economic development, investment and lifestyles within the Cariboo Chilcotin.

4) On behalf of the Regional Hospital Districts within the Interior Health jurisdiction, the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Health expressing concern about the recently implemented capital health planning process. While the Regional Hospital Districts respect the desire for a process which allocates funds on a provincial basis to all levels of government-funded programs, assurance that the process will be reasonable, cost effective, inclusive and timely is required

5) The CRD Board agreed to use $10,000 of its Community Works Funding for Bouchie Lake Community Hall. The request was received from the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission to assist in adding insulation and siding to the Bouchie Lake Community Hall. The recreation commission will contribute $5,000 towards this project to meet the 25 percent community group commitment required for the CWF Community Hall Energy Efficiency program

6) The Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake developed a proposal to provide fire protection services to rural fringe properties located on the south west portion of Fox Mountain, the Esler subdivision and a portion of the Dog Creek area. A total of 334 petitions were distributed, with only 148 being returned, which is under the required 50 percent return rate. Based on these results, the fire protection proposal for these areas cannot proceed at this time

7) The Cariboo Regional District Board discussed the increasing volume of issues with pre-engineered metal buildings, patio covers and sunrooms. These products are built from pre-engineered components, sometimes from provinces that have differing provincial building codes than British Columbia. The Cariboo Regional District reminds residents to check their local or provincial building codes prior to purchasing and installing a prefabricated structure

A Quesnel City Councillor Candidate withdraws his nomination

From Sunday's Quesnel Cariboo Observer, published Friday afternoon...

Curtis Harvie has now withdrawn his nomination for City Councillor. The revised ballot for Quesnel Council, pending the official list from Quesnel's Chief Election Officer is:

City of Quesnel Ballot

Office of Mayor (1 to be elected)

Nate Bello (Incumbent Mayor)
Mary Sjostrom (Incumbent Councillor)

Office of Councillor (6 to be elected)

1) Ron Paull (Incumbent)
2) Coralee Oakes (Incumbent)
3) Sushil Thapar (Incumbent)
4) Peter Couldwell (Incumbent)
5) Brent Oxenbury
6) Laurey-Anne Roodenburg
7) Paul Kainth
8) Michael Cave
9) Gino DeRose
10) Richard Forman

Voting Dates - Cariboo Regional District and Cities of WL/Quesnel + Districts of 100 Mile/Wells

Hello all:

Advance Polls for All Local Governments (City of WL/Quesnel + District of 100 Mile/Wells and Cariboo Regional District) are:

CRD - Wednesday, November 5th and Friday, November 7th

City of Williams Lake - Wednesday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 12th

City of Quesnel - Wednesday, November 5th and Saturday, November 8th

District of 100 Mile House - Wednesday, November 5th

District of Wells - Wednesday, November 5th

Advance Polls to be conducted at the following locations:

CRD - WL Office (180 North 3rd Avenue - across from Sam's Restaurant)

City of WL - 450 Mart Street

City of Quesnel - 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel, BC (old Gold's Gym Complex)

District of 100 Mile House - 385 South Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House, BC

District of Wells - Barkerville/Wells Community School

Advance Polls are open from 8am - 8pm

*** A reminder that General Voting Day for ALL Local Governments (CRD, Districts of 100 Mile/Wells and City of WL/Quesnel) is Saturday, November 15th from 8am - 8pm ***

Canada's 40th General Election

Sorry for the late post on this item. My congrats go out to Dick Harris, re-elected MP for Cariboo-Prince George. He had 2-to-1 vote count over his nearest competitor Bev Collins from the NDP. Final Vote Count is:

Dick Harris (C) - 22, 619
Bev Collins (NDP) - 10, 579
Drew Adamick (Lib) - 4,309
Amber van Drielen (Green) - 2,614
Doug Gook (I) - 729

One thing that really disappointed me was the typical "Natural Governing Party" aka Liberal Party Canada response to the election. Drew Adamick stated his view that Dick Harris keeps getting re-elected and Mr. Adamick stated on Prince George TV that it is "disturbing". Hey, Mr. Adamick, how about policies that people in Cariboo-Prince George can support and then perhaps you will have a fighting chance at getting elected here. Not policies like a national carbon tax. The provincial carbon tax here is hated dearly.

Final Seat Count in the House of Commons is:

Conservative - 143 seats
Liberal - 76 seats
Bloc Quebecois - 50 seats
NDP - 37 seats
Independents - 2 seats (1 from Quebec, 1 from Nova Scotia)

Total - 308 seats

The House of Commons is slated to be re-called for the Opening of the 40th Parliament sometime in early November

SD#27 Trustee Elections

School District #27 (Board of Education) - Trustee Elections:

Zone #1 - Will Van Osch (Incumbent) vs Caren Folster

Zone #2 - Pete Penner (Board Chair/Incumbent) vs Deb Ostrander

Zone #3 - Pattie Baker (Incumbent) vs Paul T. Scott

Zone #4 - Steve Relkov (Incumbent) vs Heather McKenzie

Zone #5 - Wayne H. Rodier (Incumbent) vs Peter Robert Smith

Zone #6 - Rob Zacharias (Board Vice-Chair/Incumbent) vs Bruce Mack

Zone #7 - Jacqueline Clement (Incumbent) vs Richard Elliot

The deadline for candidates to withdraw from School Board, Cariboo Regional District + Muncipal Elections is Friday, October 17th at 4:00pm. Chief Election Officers' from the CRD, Muncipalities (Quesnel/Wells/Williams Lake/100 Mile House) will publish the official list of candidates for election to offices on the week of Monday, October 20th with the election dates being as follows:

Week of November 3rd to November 7th (Advance Polls for all Local Governments - check with your local government for exact dates and times)

Saturday, November 15th - General Voting Day for all local government elections from 8am - 8pm. Results of City of Quesnel/Williams Lake will be within minutes of the polls closing as voting is done electronically. Polls for Districts of 100 Mile House/Wells and the CRD may take longer as voting is done and counted by hand. As is my practice, I will post as soon as reasonably possible, election results for all local governments as soon as I have the results

Cariboo Regional District - Local Government Elections

I have received the list of nominations for Areas A to L of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD):

There will be elections in Areas B, D, E, F, G, H and L of the CRD

CRD Ballot:

Director - Electoral Area 'B' (1 to be elected)

Ken Falloon (Incumbent)
Roberta Faust

Director - Electoral Area 'D' (1 to be elected)

Debbie Bischoff
Blair Engel

Director - Electoral Area 'E' (1 to be elected)

Brandy Dickey (Incumbent)
Steve Mazur

Director - Electoral Area 'F' (1 to be elected)

Duncan Barnett (Incumbent)
Steve Forseth
Charlene Hays

Director - Electoral Area 'G' (1 to be elected)

Al Richmond (Incumbent)
Herb Korenberg

Director - Electoral Area 'H' (1 to be elected)

Art Dumaresq (Incumbent)
Garry Love

Director - Electoral Area 'L' (1 to be elected)

Bruce Rattray
Ray Carlson


Directors for the following Areas have been elected by acclamation for a 3 year term:

Area A - Ted Armstrong
Area C - John Massier
Area I - Jim Glassford
Area J - Alex Bracewell
Area K - Rick Mumford

General Voting Day - Canada's 40th Parliament (House of Commons)

Today's the day where Canadians' coast-to-coast-to-coast can vote in Canada's 308 MP's (Member of Parliament). I encourage you to vote at your polling place. Your exact polling station will have been identified, when you received your voting card a number of weeks ago, like I did.

I would be very surprised if Canadians vote a Majority Government. I still believe it will be a Conservative Minority, how strong that Minority will be - we'll see....

No matter what your political stripe, please vote today - our democracy depends on it

Candidates for Cariboo Regional District - Electoral Areas A-L

On Friday afternoon (October 10th), I received a press release indicating the candidates for the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas A to L. However, it was recalled 10 mins later as it contained 2 errors. Accordingly, I'm not in a position to tell you who the candidates are for the CRD Electoral Areas.

I hope to be in a position to do so on Tuesday, October 14th. When I receive that list from the CRD Chief Election Officer. I commit to share that information with all of you

Candidates - City of Williams Lake/Quesnel + Districts of 100 Mile House/Wells

City of Williams Lake Ballot

Office of Mayor: (1 to be elected)

Paul French (Incumbent Councillor)
Kerry Cook (Served on WL Council - 1996 to 1999)

Office of Councillor: (6 to be elected)

Tom Barr (Incumbent)
Judy O'Neill (Incumbent)
Surinderpal S. Rathor (Incumbent)
Sue Zacharias (Current CRD Electoral Area Director - Area 'D')
Wayne Reeves (Ran in 2005 Election)
Geoff Bourdon
Don Fornwald
Natalie Lynn Montoya
Sheila Mortensen
Chuck Pearson
Laurie Walters

City of Quesnel Ballot

Office of Mayor: (1 to be elected)

Nate Bello (Incumbent Mayor)
Mary Sjostrom (Incumbent Councillor)

Office of Councillor: (6 to be elected)

Coralee Oakes (incumbent)
Peter Couldwell (incumbent)
Ron Paull (incumbent)
Sushil Thapar (incumbent)
Brent Oxenbury
Laurey-Anne Roodenburg
Paul Kainth
Michael Cave
Gino DeRose
Richard Forman
Curtis Harvie

District of 100 Mile House Ballot

Office of Mayor (1 to be elected)

Spence Henderson (Incumbent Councillor)
Mitch Campsall (Former District of 100 Mile Councillor)
Allan Roberts
Mike Kreschuk

Office of Councillor (4 to be elected)

Dave Mingo (Incumbent)
Pattie Baker
Jeanne Best
Michael Bleidstel
Walter Bramslaven
Julian Kenney
Vern Peever
Dan Schaff
Mel Torgerson

District of Wells Ballot

Office of Mayor (1 to be elected)

Jay Vermette
Neva Hohn

Office of Councillor (4 to be elected)

Richard Wright (Incumbent)
Virginia Wilkins (Incumbent)
Judy Campbell (Incumbent)
Sarai Danby
Dan Pinette
Barb Schmode
Aleta Wallace

Proposed Arts and Culture Function (CRD Bylaw #4420, 2008) - AAP Form

I believe my previous views on CRD Bylaw #4420, 2008 (Proposed Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function) are well known in my previous blog entries. The AAP (Alternate Approval Process) or Counter-Petition Form has now been released. The deadline to hand in the AAP/Counter-Petition Form is Monday, November 17th, 2008 at 4pm. Forms can be delivered to the Cariboo Regional District office in Williams Lake (180 North 3rd Avenue - Across from Sam's Restaurant).

If you want a copy of the form, please email me at apsecrty@telus.net and I will e-mail you one. I also intend to go door-to-door in Electoral Area 'F', while campaigning, and make people aware of the proposed Function and give them a AAP Form to fill out if they are opposed to this Function, like I am.

You must be a resident of the City of Williams Lake, or a resident of Electoral Area D, E, F for your AAP Form to count

Local Government Election News - Update

Hello all:

Councillor Surinderpal Rathor has publicly announced his intention to seek a 6th mandate from the voters' of Williams Lake. The story is here

Also, Geoff Bourdon and Sheila Mortensen have now filed their papers' at City Hall (City of Williams Lake) bringing the number of Councillor Candidates to 4 out of 8. Tom Barr and Laurie Walters have also filed their election papers

Local Government Election - Monday Oct 6/08

I'm going to try and provide an update on Monday and Friday, after the nomination period closes for those whom are seeking office.

As of 11:40am, Monday. The following individuals are confirmed as seeking office for Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District:

CRD

Electoral Area Director

Area A - Ted Armstrong (has filed papers) - no challenger
Area B - 1 person has filed papers, Incumbent Ken Falloon has not filed his papers yet
Area C - No nomination
Area D - No nomination
Area E - No nomination
Area F - Steve Forseth and Charlene Hays (100 Mile District Councillor) have both filed papers'
Area G - No nomination
Area H - Art Dumaresq (has filed papers, Incumbent) - no challenger
Area I - No nomination
Area J - No nomination
Area K - No nomination
Area L - Bruce Rattray has filed his papers - no other nominations

City of WL

Mayor

Paul French
Kerry Cook

Councillor

Laurie Walters
Tom Barr


I will post the full list of candidates as soon as practical on Friday afternoon of all candidates for both City of WL + CRD

WL Civic Election News

Hello all:

I thought I would update you all on those of us seeking local government office:

Cariboo Regional District: (As of Thursday, Oct 2nd)

Electoral Area Director:

Area D - Sue Zacharias (Incumbent). Rumoured to be running in Williams Lake City Councillor race. No papers filed for this Area

Area E - Brandy Dickey (Incumbent). No papers filed for this area

Area F - Duncan Barnett (Incumbent). Director Barnett has not filed his papers as of Thursday, Oct 2. Steve Forseth (Challenger) has filed his papers as of Tuesday, September 30th. District of 100 Mile House Councillor Charlene Hays is supposedly looking at running in this Area


City of WL: (As of Friday, Oct 3/08 at 5:30pm)

Mayor:

Councillor Paul French - papers are filed with City Hall
Kerry Cook - papers are filed with City Hall

Councillor:

Councillor Tom Barr
Laurie Walters

*** A Reminder that anyone seeking Local Government Office must have their papers filed with either SD #27, City Hall (City of Williams Lake) or the Cariboo Regional District by 4:00pm on Friday, October 10th, 2008 ***

Update to AAP Process - Arts and Culture Function for Central Cariboo

There is a recommendation going to the CRD Board on October 10th recommending the new date for completion of the AAP or Counter-Petition process be November 30th. I will keep you all informed if this recommendation is approved

WL Council Highlights - Sept 30

Delegations:

1) Leeyann Allan from the Canadian Cancer Society invited Council to attend an upcoming cancer
workshop taking place Oct 18th at TRU. The day-long forum will include Key Note Speaker,
Dr. Lynda Belneaves

2) Steve Griffiths of the Timberwolves organization introduced himself to Council and is eager to get started with the marketing of the team. A corporate season ticket drive is currently
underway. Corporate tickets are $380 and $320 for General tickets which includes 30 home
games

3) Council was shown the CRD's "Welcome to the Cariboo-Chilcotin" DVD. This project was jointly completed by the City of Quesnel, Williams Lake, Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, and the Soda Creek Indian Band. Council members were pleased with the DVD. This DVD was also shown at Canada House during the Beijing Olympics

Business:

1) A letter from the Community Policing Committe advised that they are seeking a new location for the Community Policing office as the existing location does not adequately serve the public.
The Committee requested Council consider the exiting Firehall upon relocation to a new Firehall. Councillor O’Neill suggested that the high cost of having moved several times is using a large portion of their budget and a permanent home needs to be located for them

2) Council authorized entering into an agreement with the Board of Education - School District No 27 which will allow Williams Lake Emergency Social Services to use School District buildings in the event of a large scale emergency

3) L&M Engineering was awarded the contract for the engineering design contract of Cameron
Street from the cul-de-sac east of 5th Avenue N. to 3rd Ave N. in the amount of $33,880

4) The No Parking zone located at 402 Pearkes Drive will be changed from the west side of the
street to the east side of the street. The block located at 402 Pearkes Drive is a short
and narrow section of road. This section of road serves as the entrance to Sun Ridge Gardens.
City staff have had problems in this area with respect to snow removal and maintenance of the
sidewalk. Staff was instructed to notify residences prior to implementing the changes

5) Council approved the deactivation of all water and mechanical systems in Cariboo Lodge at a
cost of $35,000. The system for Heritage House will remain operational

6) Development Permit application was received which will see the upgrade of the local Safeway
Store. Staff was directed to negotiate the incorporation of natural building materials
such as wood, rock, stone or brick into the exterior in order to suit the downtown façade
program. This is a $3 million project

7) The contract for this year’s winter road salt was awarded to McTar Divison of Lafarge Canada
for the tendered price of $162.64 per metric tonne. The City uses approximately 1,200 tons
per season

8) An agreement with First Choice Marketing (Margaret Lipke) Group will be entered into for
a term of five years for the maintenance and sale of advertising panels on the City bus
shelters

9) The following proclamations were made by
Council:

“Waste Reduction Week” - Oct 19th to 25th.
“Restorative Justice Week - Nov 16th to 23rd.
“Foster Family Month will be October of 2008.
“Small Business Week" - Oct 19th to 25th

10) At the invitation of Councillor Mary Sjostrom of Quesnel. A member of staff and one Councillor was approved to attend the Measuring Up the North Project Reception on Oct 2nd in Prince George

11) Councillors Ed Mead and Jon Wolbers informed Council that they would not be seeking reelection in November. Both expressed their sincerest thanks to the city staff and fellow
Council members. Mayor Nelson thanked them both for their hard work and wished them well
in their future endeavors

Next Council Meeting: October 14th, 2008 in Council Chambers (450 Mart Street)

CRD Board Highlights - Sept.19

Delegations - None

Business:

1) The CRD adopted several bylaws which will provide for fire protection in the Interlakes area and an expansion of the Forest Grove Fire Protection boundary to encompass Canim Lake residents. In addition, Horse Lake and Canim Lake water systems bylaws received final approval by the Board

2) Ruth Lake Road residents in the Forest Grove area of the South Cariboo could soon be included in the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) protection boundary. The CRD has received expressions of interest from Ruth Lake Road residents and will proceed to a formal petition proposal which, if approved, will allow the expansion of fire protection services in the area

3) The Board endorsed an updated version of the CRD’s Strong Regions Grow Strong Sustainable Communities report as a discussion paper for senior government during next week’s Union of BC Municipalities Convention. Minor revisions to the document will be incorporated into the final draft for presentation to a future Board meeting

4) The Board approved a recommendation from the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee to present a zero percent requisition increase budget for the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks budget

5) The CRD will be hosting a public meeting on September 30, 2008 to provide information about the upcoming North Cariboo Cemetery referendum. The referendum will be held on November 15 in conjunction with the civic elections and the North Cariboo Multi Centre Referendum

6) Changes to recycling programs in the south Cariboo are underway to make recycling more effective. The recycling bins currently located at Save-On Foods and Safeway will be removed and residents will soon be directed to the Gold Trail recycling facility on Exeter Road. Funds currently used to cover transportation costs will be used to expand recycling in the south Cariboo to include tin and glass on a trial basis. A public education program will be launched to ensure that residents are aware of the new recycling opportunities. Watch for further details in local newspapers and on the Regional District website in coming weeks

7) The CRD Board toured the new Quesnel Branch Library construction project on September 18, 2008. The new Library, being constructed in the John Ernst/City Hall building by Vachon Construction Limited of Quesnel, is approximately 80 percent complete. Completion of construction is estimated to occur at the end of October, with the existing Library relocating at that time. The project remains within the original budget allocated for this project

8) CRD Board members will be travelling to Penticton for the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention on September 22 to 26. Board members will be meeting with various Ministers to discuss issues of local concern including the impact of the carbon tax on northern regions, expansion of the Cariboo Connector, sewerage system regulations, and others

9) The next Finance/Budget Committee Meeting of the Cariboo Regional District is Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 6:00pm in the CRD Boardroom with the CRD Board meeting being held on Friday, October 10, 2008 in the CRD Board room in Williams Lake

Local Government Election News

Seeing as the nomination period for those who seek Local Government Offices has now commenced, I thought it appropriate to review those seeking office throughout the Cariboo:

City of Quesnel

Mayor - 1 to be elected

Nate Bello - incumbent, confirmed
Mary Sjostrom - challenger, confirmed

Councillor: (6 to be elected)

Sushil Thapar - incumbent, confirmed


City of WL:

Mayor: (1 to be elected)

Paul French - confirmed and has filed papers
Kerry Cook - confirmed and has filed papers

Councillor: (6 to be elected)

Surinderpal Rathor - confirmed
Tom Barr - confirmed and has filed his papers
Judy O'Neill - will announce shortly
Sheila Mortensen - confirmed
Chuck Pearson - confirmed
Geoff Bourdon - confirmed
Laurie Walters - confirmed and has filed her papers at City Hall
Sue Zacharias - rumoured to be running, presently CRD Area 'D' Director

District of Wells - Mayor/Council Candidates unknown at this time

District of 100 Mile House

Mayor - 1 to be elected

Mitch Campsall
Spence Henderson

Councillor - 4 to be elected

Unknown at this time

Cariboo Regional District - 12 Electoral Area Directors to be elected

Area A - Ted Armstrong - incumbent, confirmed/has filed papers
Area B - Unknown - challenger, confirmed/has filed papers
Area C - Seat is open as Incumbent Ronda Wilkins is retiring on December 1st

Area D - Incumbent Sue Zacharias is rumoured to be running in City of WL Election for Councillor so the seat may be open by next week

Area E - Brandy Dickey - incumbent/has not filed papers
Area F - Duncan Barnett - incumbent/has not filed papers although his challenger, Steve Forseth is confirmed/has filed papers, District of 100 Mile Councillor Charlene Hays rumoured to be running in this Electoral Area
Area G - Al Richmond - incumbent/has not filed papers
Area H - Art Dumaresq - incumbent/has filed papers
Area I - Seat is open as Incumbent Mary Glassford is retiring on December 1st
Area J - Alex Bracewell - Incumbent/has not filed papers
Area K - Rick Mumford - Incumbent/has not filed papers
Area L - Seat is open as Incumbent Maureen Pinkney is retiring on December 1st, Bruce Rattray has filed his papers for the Area L seat

SD #27 - No individuals have filed for any of the 7 Trustee seats

As always, I will keep you appraised of any news with respect to the above

WL Arts Council Public Consulting - CRD Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function)

A friendly reminder that the Central Cariboo Arts Council is hosting an "Open House" at Heritage House (across from Kiwanis Park) on CRD Bylaw #4420, 2008 tomorrow (Thurs. Sept 18) (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function - Financial Contribution). It starts at 4pm and runs until 7pm

If you didn't make the 1st Public Meeting on the above on Sept 10th at the Gibraltar Room and if you have any questions on CRD Bylaw #4420, then I encourage you to go this meeting and ask your questions on this Bylaw as the AAP (Alternative Approval Process - counter-petition) process is slated, at this point, to get underway in October. Again, I intend with my family to vote against this Function as I don't think it is responsible use of taxpayers' dollars and Arts & Culture funding is not a local taxpayer responsibility, but provincial/federal gov't one.

I'm going to be at a School Board (Board of Education - SD#27) meeting tomorrow evening at 7pm, asking the Board their view on the Marie Sharpe Elementary (replacement) Project

Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Meeting

This evening, members of the Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee met to consider a number of items including the future of solid waste in the Central Cariboo (ie: Recycling, diversion of waste, etc) (Note - Directors R. Mumford / A. Bracewell and Mayor Nelson, Councillor Wolbers not present)

Review of the Solid Waste Plan for the Central Cariboo - Recommendations:

i) Close Wildwood Transfer Station

ii) Have Recycling Depot at Central Cariboo Transfer Station - Area 'F' Director Duncan Barnett is opposed to this and prefers another location for these bins

iii) Have attendants at 150 Mile + Central Cariboo Transfer Station - Councillor Ed Mead wants to ensure that attendants are friendly towards the public and ensure the right material gets to the right bin

iv) Increase Tipping Fees

These recommendations, I'm sure, will be subject to the 2009 Town Hall Meetings. I suspect that the closure of the Wildwood Transfer Site will not sit too well with Area 'D' Residents. I still question Area 'F' Director Duncan Barnett's approach to working with the City of Williams Lake to having a strong "Central Cariboo" Recycling Program. Instead of confrontation, he needs to lower his voice and request Staff to look at different options to ensure Recycling is available to all Area D, E and F residents'. I don't particularly care for his confrontational nature towards Staff especially when he reads something in a newspaper and then waving it at a meeting in a confrontational nature and claim "Why wasn't I consulted". My approach is different - work with Staff behind the scenes when I have a difference with them or when something is in the paper and need clarification on it.

Also - we should see something on Marie Sharpe Elementary next year. A Policy Change from Victoria (Ministry of Education) means some more work on the Marie Sharpe Elementary school project. The 5-year, $750,000 Central Cariboo Joint Committee made to the Board of Education - SD#27 to go towards a community gym is still a go (at this point)

CRD BBQ + Board Meeting

A friendly reminder, as well, that the CRD Board Northern Directors' will be hosting a Community BBQ in LeBourdais Park in Quesnel from 5-7pm on Thursday, September 18th. The CRD Board of Directors' will be meeting at 9:30am on Friday, September 19th in Quesnel Council Chambers. I would encourage all of you to attend either or both events

Quesnel Council Meeting - Sept 15

A friendly reminder that Quesnel Council will be meeting at 7pm on September 15th in Quesnel Council Chambers

Local Government Elections

This is a friendly reminder, to those who read my Blog, that notwithstanding the current Federal Election, there are going to local government elections in the Fall for the following:

School Boards (SD 27 and 28) - 7 Trustees to be elected

City of Williams Lake - 1 Mayor and 6 Councillors to be elected

City of Quesnel - 1 Mayor and 6 Councillors to be elected

District of 100 Mile House/Wells - 1 Mayor and 4 Councillors to be elected

Cariboo Regional District - 12 Electoral Area Directors from Areas A-L to be elected

It only takes 2 voters from each School Trustee Zone, City of Williams Lake and Quesnel and Districts of 100 Mile House and Wells as well as CRD Electoral Areas A-L to nominate a individual to an office. Chief Election Officers' may take nominations on Tuesday, September 30th at 9:00am until Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 4pm. No further nominations will be accepted after 4pm on Friday, October 10th

Quesnel Local Elections:

We know that 2 Individuals (Mayor Bello and Councillor Mary Sjostrom) will be seeking the Mayors' Chair in Quesnel, 1 SD 28 Trustee (Louise Scott) is retiring and another SD 28 Trustee (Caroline Nielsen - current SD 28 Chair - Board of Education) will seek re-election. Councillor Sushil Thapar will be seeking re-election

Williams Lake Elections:

Councillor Paul French has announced that he wants to become the next Mayor of Williams Lake. It is rumoured that Kerry Cook intends to, at some future point, to announce that she will seek the Mayor's Chair for a unprecedented 4th time. Laurie Walters and Chuck Pearson have both announced that they want to be City Councillors. Incumbents Tom Barr, Surinderpal Rathor and Judy O'Neill have not yet announced that they will be seeking re-election but I expect this to occur in due course but prior to October 10. Also, no one has indicated their intentions with respect to SD#27 Board Trustee Elections. I hope that the current Zone 4 (CRD Area 'F') Trustee and Zone 6 SD#27 Trustee (City of Williams Lake) are both defeated as they have failed to serve their residents and do what their residents' have asked of them and stand up for their respective schools. Also CRD Directors (Incumbents) for Areas D, E and F have not publicly stated their intentions for this fall's elections however, everyone does know I am running to become the next Area 'F' Director. No word about Area D and E elections though

WL Council Highlights - Sept. 9th

Delegations (4):

i) Presentation to Numourous Business/Individuals re: Brahma Bull Statue (by A&W on Highway 97 South)

ii) Presentation to RCMP Cpl Dan Brennan after 20 yrs of service to Williams Lake.

iii) Irene Willsie requested Council for "Take Back the Night" walk and placing decals on City vehicles. Both requests were endorsed

iv) Laurie McKenzie presented to Council a 2500 person petition requesting Council to hire 2 new RCMP Officers'

Business:

1) Council agreed with the Mayor's recommendation to send a letter to IH informing them that they will be charged for RCMP costs unless a detox centre is provided or there are signs that significant reductions in drug/alcohol activity is evident that involves RCMP resources

2) Council gave 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading to a Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw. The tax exemption bylaw allows property owners in the downtown specified area to maintain their current level of City taxes for up to three years based on a minimum investment (improvement) to their property

3) Cariboo Friendship Society's "Supportive Housing" Proposal received 3rd Reading and Adoption, after no one to spoke against the proposal at the Public Hearing held earlier in the evening.

4) The City's 80th Birthday is in March of 2009. Staff were directed to make preparations to recognize this event

5) Aviator Hotel proposal, besides Laughing Loon Pub, received 2nd Reading following favourable comments from the APC. The Public Hearing will be held on this proposal on October 14th, 2008 at 7pm in Council Chambers. If you wish to comment formally on this proposal, that will be the date for you to make your submission to Council

6) Council will send a letter to the Provincial Government encouraging them to provide financial support to Heritage Sites like Barkerville, Hat Creek Ranch and Cottonwood House

Next Council Meeting: September 30th, 2008 at 7:30pm

Outcome of Meetings - Arts and Culture Function & Fire Protection from WL to Fringe Areas

Arts and Culture:

I wanted everyone know that I was in attendance at the Sept 10th meeting on CRD Bylaw 4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Bylaw). I thought the information that was presented was "amateurish" at best. WL Arts Council didn't make a strong case as to why a local Arts and Culture tax bylaw should be adopted. I still intend to both vote against this bylaw when it comes up for AAP in October and if I get the chance, I fully intend to withdraw the bylaw as it is not in the best interest of Area 'F' resident, in my humble judgement

Fire Protection - Fringe Areas of "Front" side of Fox Mountain (facing Highway 97 North), Esler Subdivision and portions of Dog Creek Rd.

This meeting with residents' took place Thurs evening at 7pm. Facts/figures as to individual property owners was presented. Numourous questions around costs for this service and general comments that it was about time for this service to come were made as well. General consensus was that this service, if ultimately adopted, would be in the best interests of Area D and E residents'. It was also commented that Phase 1 and Phase 2 Zone Fire Protection Contracts with the City of WL were in the process of eventually be merged into 1 Master Fire Protection Contract with the City of Williams Lake. Those who will be benefiting from Phase 2 Fire Protection (Fringe Areas) with the City of Williams Lake, I would urge you and your neighbours to get your formal petition documents in ASAP so this service can commence ASAP. Not only that, you will see a reduction in your house insurance.

BC Liberals Cariboo-Chilcotin Riding Association Golf Tournament on September 19th

Hello all:

Pls note that the September 19th Golf Tournament for the BC Liberals - Cariboo-Chilcotin Riding Association has been cancelled due to lack of registrations

Meetings - WL Arts Council and Fire Services

1) WL Arts Council

Today (September 10th), from 4-7pm, at the Gibraltar Room, the WL Arts Council will be conducting an Open House on CRD Bylaw #4420, 2008 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Establishment Bylaw). If you get time, pls come out and tell them what you think on this new Function for 2009.

2) Fire Services in Area D Fringe vis-a-vis City of Williams Lake

Tomorrow night (September 11th) at 7pm in Council Chambers, the CRD/City of WL will be discussing extending Fire Services to portions of Fox Mountain, Esler and Dog Creek Road with local residents. If you live in either area, pls attend and tell your elected officials whether or not you want this important service and are you willing to pay for it.

Another Steve Rant

1) Fall Sitting of BC Legislature

Today, Hon. Mike DeJong (Minister of Aboriginal Relations) announced that a Fall Sitting would not take place. The NDP Opposition immediately pounced on the government cancellation of the Fall Sitting. Personally, if there isn't work to do then really it is a judgment call on business to be considered and money used to have the House sit. Obviously the government felt that it wasn't appropriate use of taxpayers' money to have the House sit while the government has no business to propose to the House. 4 Government Bills remain on the Order Paper however the Government has decided that those Bills can wait until Feb of '09.

2) Increasing numbers of Directors sitting on the CRD Board

In today's Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Mayor Bello stated his intention to ask the CRD to increase Quesnel's representation on the CRD Board from 1 to 2. Allow me to pick apart why his logic is flawed. Right now, 16 Directors from Areas A-L (12 Directors) with 4 others from Quesnel, WL, 100 Mile House and Wells (4 Directors) comprise the CRD Board of Directors. The Board has 2 Voting system (Corporate/Stakeholder - Weighted/Unweighted). Unweighted means each Director gets 1 Vote. Weighted Votes are when financial matters are considered. Each Director is assigned a number of weighted votes. The actual formula for weighted votes are: "1 Vote = 2500 persons living in each Electoral Area/Municipality". Therefore, Williams Lake would get 5 Weighted Votes, Quesnel would receive 4 Weighted Votes and the 12 Electoral Areas would be assigned 1-3 weighted votes per Electoral Area, depending on actual population numbers in said Electoral Area. The problem with Mayor Bello's logic is that he complains he is outvoted 4-1 at the Board table, however if he were to work with the Northern Directors and not to act like "Holier than Thou" attitude towards the Directors', I believe that more would get done in the North Cariboo. The same would apply to the Central/South Cariboo regions. At the end of the day, municipal Directors need to work with the rural directors to get things done for their City/District, not increase number of directors at the CRD Board table. The Regional District system of local government works fairly well, although minor tweaking would be a good thing. Also, inviting First Nation Bands' to sit on the CRD Board I think would be a good thing, however that would have to be negotiated with the local First Nations' Bands as to weighted votes, participation in Functions, etc.

Quesnel Council Highlights - September 2nd

Delegations (1) - Council welcomed 2008 Miss Quesnel Royalty to their roles. The Miss Quesnel Royalty will spend the next year being Ambassadors for Quesnel, both inside Quesnel and at out-of-town events. The City of Quesnel provides a Fee-For-Service to help support the Miss Quesnel Self-Development program

Business:

1) Council approved a development permit that will see significant changes to the property at 678 Doherty Dr. (Kwik Kleen). The building will have a second floor added, with a significant change to the roofline and general look of the building. Council was pleased with the reinvestment made by a local business owner and noted how the changes will really enhance the area.

2) Council received a different kind of request for an event in LeBourdais Park. As Homeless Action Week runs Oct. 12 to 19, the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society is hosting a “Spend a Night in the Cold for our Community’s Homeless” in LeBourdais Park from 5 p.m. on Oct. 15 to 9 a.m. on Oct. 16. The event is designed to raise awareness of the extent of homelessness, and the causes and solutions to it.

The society is looking for at least 127 participants, the number of unique clients the new shelter facility has welcomed since it opened on May 12, 2008.
Executive Director Shannon Croy also offered an invitation to Council to attend the ribbon cutting and Open House for the new shelter facility, Seasons House, at 146 Carson Ave. The public is invited to the Open House starting at 11:30 a.m. on Monday Sept. 15.
Council approved the request for use of the park and wished the Society well in its efforts

3) Council reviewed the new Frequently Asked Questions document that has been prepared to help inform the public about the Nov. 15 referendum regarding the proposed Multi-Centre. The Cariboo Regional District and City of Quesnel are holding the referendum to determine the future of the Multi-Centre project. For more information, visit: www.city.quesnel.bc.ca/multi-centre

4) While Quesnel didn’t formally compete in the Communities in Bloom program this year, there’s still a lot of competitive spirit to be found. Once again Council competed in its annual “Council Over a Planter” event, with Councillors arranging a flower planter for display. This year’s winner was Councillor Ron Paull, with Coun. Mary Sjostrom in second and Coun. Peter Couldwell taking third. Council thanked staff for their efforts in maintaining the many annual and perennial beds that beautify the community each year.

5) This Saturday, Sept. 6, sees the first Super Saturday taking place. The event includes Try it Out Day (an opportunity to try your hand at various sports and activities at West Fraser Timber Park), Central Registration at the Arts and Recreation Centre, and a Volunteer Fair at West Park Mall. All the events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full schedule is available on the City’s website at www.city.quesnel.bc.ca.

Important Dates:

September 8 - Committee of the Whole Session at 7pm
September 15 - Regular Council Meeting at 7pm

Another Candidate for WL Council

In today's WL Tribune...

Laurie Walters, longtime City advocate of Arts announces her intention to seek a City Councillor seat

Read more here

Reminder of Upcoming Events

September 2 - Quesnel Council meets' at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers. As well, WL Council will be meeting in Committee of the Whole with 2 items for consideration (i) 80th Anniversary of City, ii) Permissive Tax Exemptions for 2009) following a Special Council Meeting, which starts at 6:30pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers, to deal with 1 item (Building Canada Fund - Grant Application)

September 8 - BC Liberals' - Cariboo-North Riding Association are having their AGM and Delegate Selection Meeting for the BC Liberals' Convention at Whistler in late October - early November. AGM Meeting starts at 7:00pm which is being held at Begbies' on Reid Street in Quesnel

September 9 - Public Hearing (City of Williams Lake) starting at 7pm in WL Council Chambers on a development proposal by Cariboo Friendship Society for Transitional Housing, then the Regular Meeting of WL City Council to start at 7:30pm, also being held in WL Council Chambers'

September 13 - BC Liberals' Cariboo-Chilcotin Riding Association are having their AGM and Delegate Selection Meeting for the BC Liberals' Convention in late October - early November. AGM Meeting starts at 1:30pm at Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road). Directions to be emailed out.

September 18 - CRD Board of Directors' are hosting a Community BBQ at Lebourdias Park from 5pm - 7pm. All North Cariboo residents' are invited to attend

September 19 - CRD Board of Directors' are holding their regular meeting in Quesnel Council Chambers', starting at 9:30am.

BC Liberals' are holding their Golf Tournament in 108 Mile Golf Course with the following Schedule:

8am - Registration
9am - Tee-Off
4:30pm - Wrap-up events and Dinner

September 30th at 9:00am - October 10th at 4:00pm - CRD, City of Williams Lake/Quesnel and Boards' of Education (School District #27 + 28) will accept nominations for City Councillors'(Williams Lake/Quesnel), Mayor (Williams Lake/Quesnel), Electoral Area Directors' (CRD) and Trustees (SD#27 + 28). Remember - only 2 electors are necessary to nominate a individual for office. No nominations will be accepted, by CRD, City of Williams Lake/Quesnel and local Boards' of Education (SD #27 and 28) after 4pm on October 10th

Bits 'n Pieces

1) Recycling Program - Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District:

At its' August 26th meeting, Williams Lake Council gave its' go-ahead to award a new 5 year contract to Central Cariboo Disposal for the City's Garbage/Recycling program. The City's New Recycling Program will be door-to-door, via City provided bins and residents will be allowed to place all recyclables' in one bin and the Contractor will sort out the different recyclables, which will now make the jointly funded City/CRD Recycle Bins for both Rural/City residents' redundant. According to the WL Tribune, Brian Carruthers (City's General Manager of Community Services) was quoted as saying:

"We have a funding arrangement with the CRD to operate the Transfer Station and they would assume responsibility.”

He notes that that is something the City still needs to talk to the CRD about, however, as it is only a suggestion at this point."

Area 'F' Director Duncan Barnett raised a concern (and frankly, he was rather excited) about the above quote, at the CRD Board on Friday, August 29th, and felt Staff/City were rushing ahead without consulting with Central Cariboo Directors and was not respecting CRD Board motions on recycling. Quite frankly, Mr. Barnett should get off his "high-horse" and recognize that the City of Williams Lake has said, with respect to the Recycling Bins, that negotiations will take place around financial responsibility for those bins. Quite rightly, with the City having a door-to-door recycling program, I would expect that the City wouldn't want to continue help paying for the bins, however there may be opportunities to partner with the City on getting cardboard, plastics and other recyclables (if appropriate) to Quesnel, via locally placed recycle bins at all Transfer Stations in Areas D, E and F. So, let's all work together to provide maximum recycling opportunities for all residents, not beat our chest just because of what we read in the local newspapers' and why Staff failed to respect motions, etc. Cooperation is always better than confrontation

2) Arts Council "Open-Houses" for CRD Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture)

I was recently informed that starting September 10th from 4-7 at the Gibraltar Room, the Central Cariboo Arts Council will host an "Open House" as to why the "Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function Bylaw - CRD Bylaw 4420" is necessary. More Open-Houses are planned at their temporary home - Heritage House. Ads for these Open-Houses are set to roll out this week. At this point, I have no information that suggests that the local Arts Council intends to have Open Houses at Miocene, Wildwood, 150 Mile, Horsefly/Likely. In my opinion, that is a big mistake, in terms of open, honest communication for the following three reasons.

1) 4-7pm - most people are still working so you won't get a huge capture of the voters' which may have questions on this new Function including why this is necessary, where other alternatives considered, etc

2) It is far easier for people to drive to their local community hall for various Regional District Initiatives than making them drive from Horsefly/Likely, Miocene, 150 Mile after work back to WL.

3) WL Arts Council Website (http://www.wlarts.ca) - this Website is in its' infancy, yet September 10th is coming up fast and you would think that the local Arts Council would have its' information up as to why the Arts and Culture Function needs to occur

Bottom Line - This Function should be withdrawn and all other options for supporting Arts and Culture should be looked at with a full, consultative process used to ensure residents' have maximum opportunities to state their views on whether or not taxpayers' should/shouldn't support Arts and Culture and other non-profit groups and under what conditions

CRD Board Meeting Highlights - Aug 29/08

Delegations (2) -

i) BC Hydro - Dave Conway gave an overview to the CRD Board on the Site C Dam project. Pros/Cons on the Site C Project. The Board was happy to see the information. Chair Wolbers, on behalf on the CRD Board, thanked Mr. Conway for coming

ii) Allison Ruault from Interior Health gave an presentation to the Regional Hospital District Board on IH Activities in 100 Mile/Williams Lake/Chilcotin including Staff, Capital and Operational initiatives. Chair Richmond, on behalf on the Regional Hospital District Board, thanked Ms. Ruault for her presentation on recent IH Initiatives to the Board

Business:

1) The Regional District agreed to support their application to Northern Trust’s Small Community Economic Development Capacity Building Program. To leverage the Northern Trust application, the CRD will access funds from the 2008 South Cariboo Economic Development function


2) The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation has given $10,000 to the Regional District for to 2008/2009 fiscal year. The funding will be used for Treaty Advisory Committee Chair, Ted Armstrong to participate in treaty negotiations with the Northern Secwempemc te Qeltnucw First Nation

3) The second of two Board-on-the-Road events for 2008 will be held in Quesnel on September 18 and 19. On the evening of Thursday, September 18, a community barbeque in celebration of the CRD’s 40^th Anniversary and will take place in Lebourdais Park from 5to 7 p.m. The regular Board meeting on September 19 will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Quesnel City Hall Council Chambers. Everyone is welcome to attend.

4) The Regional District Board announced appointments to the CRD’s new Heritage Committee. Joan Sorley and Jim Gibson were named as representatives for the central Cariboo, while George Atamanenko will sit on the committee as the representative for the Chilcotin.

5) The Williams Lake Fringe OCP took one step forward during the Board meeting as the Directors reviewed comments from the recent public meeting and comments from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). The ALC visited Williams Lake on June 24, and met with staff to discuss the OCP and conducted a field trip around the Fox Mountain area. The CRD will now contact rural property owners affected by the ALC requirements and determine support for an Agricultural designation. Information on the Williams Lake OCP is available online at www.cariboord.bc.ca

6) The Cariboo Regional District has agreed to a proposal from School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) to move the Cariboo Regional District Library to a portable located at the Likely Elementary School grounds. The two year agreement will be effective immediately with plans for the library to be relocated to this new facility this fall.

7) The CRD Board reviewed information regarding the new Accord between the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Province regarding the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA). In 2006, the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia signed an agreement to remove barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility between the two provinces. The agreement builds upon the prosperity in both provinces by giving businesses and workers seamless access to a larger range of opportunities in all areas, including energy, transportation, agriculture and investment.

WL Council Meeting - Aug 26/08

Delegations - None

Business:

1) New Fire Hall Borrowing Bylaw was adopted by Council, after 200 electors' filed the necessary form registering their opposition to Council adopting the Bylaw. 775 electors' needed file the necessary form in order to prevent Council from going ahead and adopting the Bylaw.

2) A development variance permit was approved for the Pioneer Family Land Partnership to allow for off-site storm water management for their proposed subdivision (South Lakeside Drive Wal-Mart site ). Council also approved the Advisory Planning Commission’s recommendation to include green space with walking trails and landscaping to encourage public use.

3) Council accepted a rezoning application from Aviator Hotel and Oakdale Mobile Home Park Ltd. and gave first reading for the proposed construction of a 136 Unit hotel which will be
located on the property adjacent to the Loon Hotel. The residence would be removed prior to
building. The proposed hotel would be five stories with underground parking. The application will be forwarded to the Advisory Planning Commission for their comments and recommendations.

4) Central Cariboo Disposal was awarded a 5-year contract for the City's Garbage/Recycling Contract. Rates include:

Garbage – Multi Family Units per year - $70.20
Garbage - Single Family Unit per year - $70.20
Recycling – Single Family Dwellings - $37.56
Recycling – Multi Family Units - $37.56
Civic Facilities $2004.00

Council also authorized a tender process for the purchase 6000 carts to be funded by self borrowing from the Landfill Closure Reserve and negotiate with the Cariboo Regional District
for assumption of the recycling bins at the Central Cariboo Transfer Station.

5) The Williams Lake Community Arts Council moved into the Heritage House Facility at
Cariboo Lodge in April after vacating Skyline School to accommodate realignment of
Hodgson Road. The agreement provides terms and conditions for their occupancy of Heritage
House for a term ending December 31, 2009. In addition, an in-camera report was made public
which outlined the issues associated with maintaining the Cariboo Lodge building.
Council authorized Staff to investigate feasibility and costs of deactivating the mechanical
systems in the older wings of Cariboo Lodge and establishing a stand-alone central heat and
domestic hot water system for Heritage House.

6) Council concurred with a Committee of the Whole recommendation to accept Staff's recommendations on the implementation of the Water Advisory Committee's Recommendations'

WL Arts Council + CRD Bylaw #4420 (A Bylaw to establish a Arts and Culture Function in the Central Cariboo)

In today's WL Tribune, there is a letter from Harry Jennings (President - WL Arts Council) advising residents' about consultation in September re: CRD Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Establishment Bylaw). This is the same group that requested the Central Cariboo Joint Committee to consider establishing this Function.

As I have stated before, Arts and Culture does have a place in our society and it was reported yesterday from a recent Conference Board of Canada report that Arts and Culture, nation wide, was responsible for $84.5 Billion in economic activity.

However, as the old saying goes "The ends can never justify the means"

I'm not saying that establishing a Function shouldn't be considered, but however there needs to be a process to ensuring residents' are consulted early and often to ensure that they (the taxpayers') are completely on-side before the tax comes into being. That means after a request, from voters/groups', comes to either a Area Director(s) or to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, then the Director(s) needs to raise the subject at the next available Town Hall before a Function establishment Bylaw is granted 3 readings by the Regional Board. This way, residents' can have their say as whether or not they wish to pay for this new Function and what their property taxes will look like overall. Residents' should not have to read about new Functions in the local media, but really, as a matter of leadership, should hear about new Functions from their elected representative directly. Because residents' priorities, may or may not, include supporting local arts and culture from their property taxes. Let's always ask residents', first, if they are willing to pay for a new Function before we proceed to the next step, which is 3 readings of a Function Establishment Bylaw so residents' don't get upset as to why they weren't asked first if they were willing to pay for a new Function, because at the end of the day, Area Director(s) should never impose their views/wishes on their local taxpayers'

Steve's Political Intentions

As I promised, this morning I had a meeting with the Williams Lake Tribune announcing that I would be filing papers on September 30th challenging Duncan Barnett for the Cariboo Regional District - Area 'F' Directorship

Issues that I would like to deal with are over the next 3 years are:

1) Transit - re-visit the bus route to ensure maximum usage by 150 Mile, Lexington and WL Indian Band residents' and create a Function to get stable funding into this service

2) Encourage Continued High-Speed Internet access into Borland Valley Estates, Pigeon Rd, Frontier Estates and other areas where High-Speed Internet Access is feasible

3) Commence work ASAP on starting the process for the creation of a Regional Growth Strategy from #4 of the CRD Board's Strategic Priorities to #1 or #2

4) Invite City of Williams Lake into CRD Planning Function in order to Williams Lake to have a say on any development(s) that may affect the City's long-term interests

5) Include "Public Consultation Meeting(s)" on OCP Amendment(s) in the CRD's Development Procedures

6) Withdraw CRD Bylaw #4420 (Arts and Culture Contribution Service Bylaw) and refer the Subject-Contents of the Bylaw to the 2009 Area 'F' Town Hall Meeting

7) Establish Full Recycling Opportunities at all Transfer Stations in Area 'F' by 2011

As well, I intend to be a Director that has a "open door" policy to discuss any issue at any time and anyplace. Now, I am being interviewed tomorrow morning at 10am by the News Department of The Rush/The Wolf (local radio station)

The CRD Board of Directors' meets on Friday and we'll wait and see what Duncan Barnett's response to my announcement will be and when I know, I'll post it here

BC Ombudsman to Review Seniors' Care in BC

Yesterday, Kim Carter (BC's Ombudsman) announced that she was initiating an investigation into all forms of seniors' care in BC. She didn't give a deadline as to when her investigation would be complete, but indicated that her investigation would take about 6 months to complete. It will be interesting to see her report on seniors' care in BC. Her counterpart in Ontario effectively slammed the Ontario government on its' handling of seniors' care there with similar problems surfacing there as have been reporting in the media here. No doubt that Ms. Carter's report, one way or the other, will be used during the 2009 Provincial General Election

Steve's Political Intentions vis-a-vis November's Muncipal Elections'

Due to publishing deadlines of the WL Tribune, I have decided to move up the date of announcing my political intentions for November's local government elections'. Instead of Thursday, August 28th, it will now be Monday, August 25th, following my 9:00am meeting with the Williams Lake Tribune.

WL City Councillor P.T. French announces he wants to be the next City of Williams Lake Mayor

WL City Councillor P.T French announced in today's Tribune that he wants to be the next Mayor of Williams Lake. He stated why he thinks he would be a good Mayor including pushing for development of Esler Ball Fields, development of the working relationship between the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake among others.

I would certainly request, that anyone that lives in the muncipal boundaries of Williams Lake and can vote in this November's election, to strongly consider Paul French for Mayor. Personally, I find Paul to be both approachable and one that listens' to all sides before making a decision. He is the kind of leader we need at the moment. Also, one of with political (City/CRD) experience that should make the choice for Mayor really easy

Anyhow, the full story is at:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/news/27119544.html

Quesnel Council Meeting Highlights - Aug.18/08

Delegations:

None

Business:

1) Quesnel Council agreed to extend hourly Transit along North Fraser Drive along with enhanced service to the Carson Subdivision and North Cariboo Community Campus. The City of Quesnel will also be offering a 2 for 1 student transit pass promotion in early September

2) Quesnel Council approved the awarding of the West Quesnel Sewer Force main replacement to Insituform technologies Ltd. for $626,397.34

3) Quesnel Council reviewed a draft environmental policy statement, with an eye towards developing a final version. The policy will formalize what the City is committed to regarding environmental protection and sustainability, with a goal of becoming a leader in municipal environmental performance.

4) The City of Quesnel will offer an extension of its recycling contract to Northern Recycling Inc. for eight years, with an annual contract cost increase tied to the B.C. Consumer Price Index

5) Quesnel Council authorized the purchase of 1 Dump Truck in the amount of $154,819.06 from IRL International Truck Centre Ltd. out of Kamloops

6) Council continues to address accessibility awareness in Quesnel. Council resolved to recognize and support the Quesnel Accessibility Advisory Committee in its efforts to reach the vision of making Quesnel the most disability-friendly and senior-friendly community in the North. The City will also revise its vision and mission statements to include statements on accessibility, inclusion, and developing an age-friendly and disability-friendly community.
In addition, the Official Community Plan will be amended to use the Committee’s strategic plan as a tool “for improving all means of transportation to people with a disability, seniors and the general public,” and “for improving and promoting accessibility and inclusion in the community.”

7) Council approved ordering materials that will be used to construct the underpass of Hwy. 97 at Racing Road. Council approved a purchase of $75,258.48 for the concrete box culvert that will be used in the construction of the extension of Quesnel’s outstanding trail network. The underpass will provide a safe link for pedestrians and cyclists under Hwy. 97. The project is valued at $1 million and will be built entirely thanks to grant funding from a variety of sources

WL Regional Airport resumes Operations

WL Tribune.com reports that the WL Regional Airport was to resume operations at around 8:45pm, according to Williams Lake Mayor Scott Nelson.

It is good to see that the airport security screening system along with Emergency Personnel came together to do its' job, which is to ensure a healthy and safe airline transportation system for the public. Since 9/11, it is always been better to shut down an airport over concerns about one's luggage than to allow said individual to board their flight, lest they be allowed to complete their evil intentions'

Story from Williams Lake Tribune's Website on Incident at WL Airport

WLTribune.com reports that this morning at 11:00am, WL Airport Staff called 911 after the X-ray scanner detected bomb-making particulate in 1 passenger bags. 1 individual has been detained. All individuals, both passengers and workers, have been moved into a hangar and the WL Airport has been shut down for at least 12 hours. Central Mountain Air (CMA) President, Doug McCrea, reports that 3 more flights from CMA are scheduled to arrive in Williams Lake today and that CMA is monitoring the situation and will respond as the situation warrants it.

Mayor Scott Nelson is at the WL Airport receiving briefings from the RCMP. A Bomb Squad from Vancouver was set to arrive at the WL Airport, around 3:00pm

The full story is at:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/news/27073094.html

150 Mile House Transit

The CRD announced on Friday that the start-up date for the WL Transit System Extension to the Fringe Areas outside the City of Williams Lake (150 Mile, Dog Creek, and Commodore Crescent) will be on Monday, August 18th

While we wait and see how the new transit system extensions will work out, I'm already concerned that the bus route to 150 Mile House will be a failure before it starts

As it stands now, the Bus system to 150 Mile House is as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Run from Williams Lake (Morning - 1 Run only)

i) Leave Boitanio Mall at 9:00am
ii) Leave WL Band Office at 9:13am
iii) Leave 150 Mile Store (Marshall's Store) at 9:19am
iv) Leave 150 Mile Mall at 9:23am

Run from 150 Mile House (Morning - 1 Run Only):

i) Leave 150 Mile Mall at 9:23am
ii) Leave WL Band Office at 9:32am
iii) Arrive at Boitanio Mall at 9:50am

Run from Williams Lake (Afternoon x 2):

i) Leave Boitanio Mall at 1:00pm and 4:00pm
ii) Leave WL Band Office at 1:13pm and 4:13pm
iii) Leave 150 Mile Store (Marshall's Store) at 1:19pm and 4:19pm
iv) Leave 150 Mile Mall at 1:23pm and 4:23pm

Run from 150 Mile House (Afternoon x 2)

i) Leave 150 Mile Mall at 1:23pm and 4:23pm
ii) Leave WL Band Office at 1:32pm and 4:32pm
iii) Arrive at Boitanio Mall at 1:50pm and 4:50pm

While I believe that Transit/Handi-DART will eventually be a good thing for Fringe Areas residents and I also believe that buy-in from area residents will need to happen as to route/costs. The present route from 150 Mile House into Williams Lake will be a failure as it is not designed to get maximum buy-in from area residents, in terms of usage

I guess we'll need to see the actual usage numbers to see whether or not my concerns are warranted

Congrats to CRD Area 'J' Director on Grand Opening of Tatlayoko Wilderness Trails

Last Saturday (August 9th), CRD Area 'J' Director Alex Bracewell along with Tatlayoko Community Association Members, members from Measuring Up the North and others were in attendance as the 2 kms of accessible wilderness trails were opened.

I know that Director Bracewell has been working at this for a period of time and I'm glad to see that the fruits of his labour are coming to fruition. I know, though, that this is a small example of his eventual goal of 210 kms of accessible, to all, wilderness trails by 2010

WL Council Highlights - August 12th

Delegations - None

Business:

1) OCP/Rezoning Bylaws for a Supportive Housing Complex from the Cariboo Friendship Society passed 2nd Reading following favourable comments from the City's APC (Advisory Planning Commission) on this application. This application will be scheduled for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 9th

2) Pioneer Family Land Partnership has applied to the City for a DVP (Development Variance Permit) to vary a section of the City's Development Procedures bylaw to allow for a off-site storm management was received/referred to the City's APC for recommendation(s)/comments and a future date will be set as to time/date when Council will formally consider this DVP

3) Council also received an application from Lakeview Point Development for a DVP to vary the Zoning Bylaw with respect to setback of lots lines (front and rear). This DVP was referred to the City's APC for recommendation/comments. A future time/date will be established as to when Council will formally consider this item

4) Council awarded winter sand contract to Lake Excavating for 2500 cubic metres of sand for a price of $30, 625

5) Mayor Nelson to issue a letter of support from UNBC's application to the Canada West
Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA)

6) Council endorsed the allocation of $40,000 from the City’s general surplus funds to help
fund RCMP overtime shifts until the end of the year. The focus will be on additional foot
patrols, drug enforcement and investigation and the Prolific Offender Program. Councillor
Ed Mead also indicated the possibility of an additional two officers for 2009

Reminder:

Candidate packages for Offices of Councillor + Mayor will be available on Friday, August 22nd

Next WL Council Meeting - Tuesday, August 26th

2 Dates to Consider

Hello all:

For those of you read my blog on a constant basis, here's 2 dates to keep in mind:

Thursday, August 28th, 2008 - This is the date I intend to reveal my political intentions for the November 15th, 2008 Local Government Elections (both here and I hope the Tribune will be in a position to publish my political intentions for November simultaneously)

Monday, September 8th, 2008 - The BC Liberal Cariboo North Riding Association will be holding their AGM and Delegate Selection Meeting at Begbies (500 Reid Street - Quesnel, BC)

CRD Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Establishment)

At its' meeting of July 18th - The Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors' gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading to Bylaw #4420 of 2008 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Establishment)

This bylaw will now be the subject of Public Consultation Meeting or Meetings in September to be lead by the Central Cariboo Arts Council. Depending upon the outcome of this Public Consultation Meetings, Bylaw #4420 could proceed to AAP (Alternative Approval Process) or counter-petition in October

As I recently stated in a letter to the Editor - I believe people will support Arts and Culture, where asked and people have an ability to do so, but at the same time, I don't think taxpayers' want to go down the road of supporting non-profit groups because they can't fundraise enough to support their programs. The only exception I make in this case would be for the local community halls, they are essentially to those who chose to live in rural areas. Otherwise, if you can't get the necessary revenue for your programs, then I guess you have some budgetary decisions to make. I guess the other thing is that it doesn't appear that other options were considered including:

1) Increasing the budget for Grants-in-Aides
2) Look at Fee-for-Service for the Local Arts Groups in the Central Cariboo
3) Increase Budget for individual Electoral Areas Opportunity Funds

Finally, I have a philosophical problem with a group that will be the beneficiaries of a new Function leading Public Consultation, this in my opinion is a blatant conflict of interest. Finally, as I already stated, farmers told CRD Directors' at their July 18th meeting that they can't afford any new taxes. For Director Duncan Barnett (Area 'F') to state publicly that he is sympathetic to their concerns and then agree to 3 readings of Bylaw #4420, given the local economic climate and especially given the fact that Director Barnett is a farmer himself, is at the absolute height of hypocrisy.

The only acceptable option for the Electors' of CRD Areas D, E, F and the City of Williams Lake is to request that this Bylaw be sent to Town Hall meetings in Areas D, E,F and the Joint Town Hall meeting in Williams Lake in January and February of 2009 so that people have a big picture of what their property taxes will look like come July 1st, 2009

WL Council Highlights - July 22nd

Delegations:

1) The Owners' of 3 Amigos Racing Kennels appeared before Council to thank them for their financial and moral support over the years. They are moving to Manitoba to further their dog racing career

2) Certificate of Merit - Mayor Nelson presented a Certificate of Merit to Jason Wright, who saved Riley Timmerman from drowning in Chimney Lake on June 28th of this year

Business:

1) Council agreed to give 3rd Reading to Bylaws #2060/2061 (Rezoning/OCP Amendment Bylaws). These bylaws would permit the use of a "indoor storage facility" on Pioneer Family Land Partnership held lands. Nearby neighbours at Terra Ridge were fiercely opposed to this application during the Public Hearing, held earlier in the evening. The City's APC (Advisory Planning Commission) had also recommending that this application be rejected. As a result of 3rd Reading of Bylaws #2060/2061 - Council requested Staff to, within 60 days, put a gate across Hutchison Road barring regular public traffic and still allowing City Staff to access the City's Water Tower on Hutchison Rd. Further, Council authorized Staff to begin the legal process of shutting down Hutchison Road (process takes about 1 year to complete)

2) Council adopted a Recommendation from Committee of the Whole which requests Staff, within 60 days, to prepare a report for Council's consideration to implement all recommendations of the Water Advisory Committee including formation of a new permanent Water Advisory Committee.

3) Council adopted a Recommendation from Committee of the Whole which request Staff to prepare a report for Council's consideration at a future Committee of the Whole meeting with regards to a new Industrial Tax Exemption Zone with Financial implications

CRD Board Highlights - July 18th

Delegations:

1) A group of farmers' from the North, Central and South Cattlemen Associations' presented several concerns they had to the Board, who were quite sympathetic to their plight and ensured the Delegation that the Board would do what it could at this fall's UBCM Convention to raise their concerns with the appropriate Cabinet Ministers

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading to Bylaw #4420 (Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Establishment). This bylaw is the final product of discussions from the Central Cariboo Joint Committee and the local Arts Council regarding lack of funding vis-a-vis local Arts programming. (Note: I will expand on this topic further in another post)

2) Aug 9 - Director Alex Bracewell (Area 'J') will be at the grand opening of new Wheelchair-Accessible Wilderness Trails at Tatlayoko Lakes (about a 3.5 hour drive west of Williams Lake). This project is part of Director Bracewell's ulitmate vision of 210 kms of wheelchair-accessible wilderness trails by 2010.

3) Recycling at 150 Mile House - Recycling Bins have now been added at the 150 Mile House Transfer Station and depending upon the outcome of this trial project, more recycling bins may be added to other transfer stations throughout the Regional District

WL Committee of the Whole Proceedings - July 15th

Delegations:

1) Dr. Elmer Thiessen (Chair, Water/Waste Water Advisory Committee) - Dr. Thiessen formally presented the Committee's report to Council and undertook to answer Councils' questions' and where he couldn't answer a question, members of the Water/Waste Water Advisory Committee helped answer Councils' questions. Staff to bring back a report to implement all recommendations from the Water/Waste Water Advisory Committee in 60 Days


2) Gian Sandhu / Rick Jones from Jackpine Forest Products came before the Committee to request that Council considered implementing a tax-exemption zone for properties owned by Jackpine for future expansion over a 5-year period. Council, generally speaking, was prepared to favourably consider the request. Staff requested to bring forward a report at the next Committee of the Whole with Financial Implications on implementing Mssrs. Jones and Sandhu's request.

Business:

1) Council agreed to deny request of Williams Lake Curling Club for waiving Water/Sewer Fees during the summer as it may set a dangerous precedent for other non-profit clubs. Council also agreed to send an application form to the WL Curling Club to apply for a Grant-in-Aide for 2009 Budget year.

2) Council adopted all Staff Recommendations concerning An Affordable Housing Policy in Williams Lake. Staff to work on Recommendations flowing from their report on this subject

3) Council agreed to waive its' Strata Policy, following a request from Pal Nijjar for his property at 1000 Maple Street

4) Letter from Tyler Bronowski (request to turn former Poplar Glade property into a bike park) to be referred to Central Cariboo Recreation Commission for consideration

Sub-Regional Services and Muncipalities/Regional Districts

For the last 2 years, a group called the Quesnel Technics Club (local gymnastics club) has sought the help of the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee or NCJPC for a new building. The NCJPC membership consists of the CRD (Cariboo Regional District) Directors' for Areas A, B, C and I as well as the entire Quesnel Council. The NCJPC passed a resolution, in October of 2006, to work jointly (CRD + City of Quesnel) to come up with $1,000,000 of capital funding for a new building for the Quesnel Technics Club. This particular issue has been an irritant between the CRD Northern Directors' and Quesnel City Council. The particular issue has been that the City of Quesnel has found its' $500,000 and wants the CRD to do the same without using money inside of the NCRP (North Cariboo Recreation and Parks) Function, which is funded on a 70-30 (City of Quesnel - CRD) split. Now, the CRD Northern Directors' wanted the City of Quesnel to have Quesnel Technics Club funding through NCRP. Quesnel Council considered the request at their Committee of the Whole meeting on June 23rd and made a motion to recommend to Quesnel Council that the request of the CRD Northern Directors on this subject be rejected. Quesnel Council met on July 14th to adopt their motion from their June 23rd Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor Bello then informed his Council of a conversation he had with Quesnel City Manager Charles Hamilton and CRD Directors Ted Armstrong (Area 'A') and Ronda Wilkins (Area 'C'). Both Directors Armstrong and Wilkins indicated to Mayor Bello and Mr. Hamilton their willingness to increase the CRD's contribution from $500,000 to $750,000 provided that the Quesnel Technics Club was funded through NCRP. Councillors' Thapar and Paull suggested that Council reject the new offer to which Quesnel Council agreed to turn down the request, on the basis that it wasn't in the best interest of Quesnel taxpayers'.

I think sometimes municipal politicians, when discussing funding of sub-regional services, like Recreation, tend to put the "me-first" attitude, rather than the "region first" attitude when it comes to Sub-Regional Services. Having the "region-first" attitude when it comes to Recreation Budgets truly serves both the taxpayers' interest, rather than rural/urban politicians fighting each other over who funds what. I would obviously encourage, strongly, the City of Quesnel Council members to keep this in mind when considered future Sub-Regional Recreation Budgets with the rural CRD Northern Directors. Playing petty politics on this issue really does a disservice to the taxpayers' in both the City of Quesnel and to those who reside in Electoral Areas A, B, C, and I.

CFIB Report - BC Municipal Government Spending

Hello all:

Earlier this week, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business released a report on "out-of-control" spending by BC local governments. In this report, they suggest that spending by municipal governments is double that of inflation and population growth. Now, I know my fellow "blogger" Langley Township Councillor Jordan Bateman reads my blog regularly and is likely to agree with me that municipal government spending isn't really out of control as opposed to municipal governments spending money on services/infrastructure that residents want. Here in Williams Lake, RCMP costs cover about 30% of the City of Williams Lake's budget and the rest goes towards other services that people expect including Recreation Services, improvements to infrastructure, and so on. While I appreciate the opinion of the CFIB, I don't think they appreciate the voters' appetite for basic services (fire, police, etc) in their local communities. I'm sure Councillor Bateman has been approached by Langley Township residents for many requests, but as the old saying goes, "There is one taxpayer and he/she has so much money to give to governments". The challenge here is how to wean municipal governments off of relying on property taxes for a substantive majority of their budgets. This is especially true in Metro Vancouver communities where demand for services including transit is high.

Another Steve Rant - Various Political Events

Last night, City Council met and with Councillors Jon Wolbers (CRD Chair), Surinder Rathor, Tom Barr at FCM (Federation of Canadian Muncipalities) in Quebec City and Councillor Judy O'Neill in the Dominican Republic representing the City of Williams Lake, the meeting adjourned just past 8pm due to a lack of quorum (Mayor Nelson and Councillors Paul French/Ed Mead in attendance). Several delegations were in attendance including Audrey MacLise (WL Seniors Advisory Council) asking Council to make Williams Lake a "Age Friendly Community" along with making June 7th Access Awareness Day. Members of WL Council in attendance expressing their support for this and will formally deal with this and other items on the May 27th Agenda at a future date. Council members present were also introduced to the WL Stampede Queen contestants (3).

Recently, Mayor Nelson floated an idea that would have seen the Carbon Tax portion of the City's fuel purchases would be placed into a seperate account to demonstrate to the Provincial Government the actual impact on local government budgets. After having a "frank" phone call with the Provincial Minister of Finance (Hon. Carole Taylor), Mayor Nelson nixed the idea as he said that Victoria would not be moved to give considerations to Northern Communities with respect to the Carbon Tax. On May 26th, Charlie Wyse (NDP MLA for Cariboo-South) issued a press release and was quoted on the radio with the following:

1) We (NDP MLA's Bob Simpson + Charlie Wyse) will continue to stand up for northern communities with respect to the Carbon Tax after the astonishing flip-flop by Mayor Scott Nelson

I must say that it is rich for the NDP to accuse a BC-Liberal friendly Mayor of Williams Lake of a flip-flop on this issue. In this case, Mayor Nelson had an idea, had the support of CRD Chair Jon Wolbers and Mayor Nate Bello, and had a discussion with the Minister of Finance (Hon. Carole Taylor) and decided that it was not in the public interest to continue with this idea. Let's compare to this to the NDP record which consisted of flip-flops and picking fights with others, like Ottawa, over Nanoose Bay, which ended up costing this province money for this land. Or how about telling local governments in 1996, after the 1996 Provincial General Election, that there was no way local governments were going to lose their grants and then in the 1997 Budget, those local government grants were completely chopped away, causing local governments to scramble to ensure their budgets remained balanced, which in turn, caused local governments to raise taxes. Besides which, Mayor Nelson has a strong record of standing up for his community, even at the expense of making Victoria not happy with some of his stances of local issues. I'll be writing a "letter-to-the-editor" on this topic for publication, I hope, by next week.

Now, onto matters in Quesnel which deserve comment from me. Recently, Quesnel Council confirmed/re-confirmed its' decision with respect to the local Gymnastics group giving $500,000 to them and calling/re-calling on the CRD Northern Directors' to do the same. Quesnel Council has suggested that a motion from the Fall of 2007 suggested that the Northern Joint Committee agreed to contribute $500,000 from both City of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District to the Quesnel Technics Group (local Gymnastics club). However, the actual wording is "jointly work together to raise $1,000,000". However in the meantime, Director Ted Armstrong has proposed that this item be funded through the local Sub-Regional Recreation Budget. The City of Quesnel has rejected this idea on the basis that it would cost City of Quesnel taxpayers' more than it would cost Quesnel Rural Taxpayers'. I believe this idea is worth of support on the basis that gymnastics falls, in my opinion, under the guise of recreation. Soccer should also be considered for funding underneath the Sub-Regional Recreation Function. In the meantime, the battle continues. I would urge Quesnel Council to consider the regional aspect when taking stands on this issues.

That's it for now - I promise to continually update this blog as often as I can

Steve

Lack of Posts since November of 2007

As was the case with the blog of the CAO (Administrator) for the City of Williams Lake, I apologize for the lack of posts since November of last year. I admit I've gotten a little lazy, but I'm back and I promise to do better with my posts.

My thanks to the City of Quesnel's Communication Supervisor - Matt Wood for reminding me to update my blog