Province awards multiculturalism grants in 100 Mile/108 Mile

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett congratulates the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and Mile 108 Elementary Parent Advisory Council for their successful bids resulting in $2,480 each in multiculturalism grant funding  to promote B.C.’s rich multicultural heritage, and nurture empathy and inclusion.

With its grant, the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and Stemete7uw¿I Friendship Centre aim to develop a program welcoming the community and social service providers with a forum based on cultural competency. In order to enhance a cultural identity fearless of repercussion or inferiority, the groups have identified the need for eliminating harmful language and actions stationed in racism.

Meanwhile, Mile 108 is planning to organize a cultural awareness week at the school. The week will be dedicated to multicultural awareness and anti-racism.

“Community organizations are the heart of multicultural B.C.,” Barnett said. “They nurture B.C.’s diversity and make our society stronger. That’s why I am proud of these two organizations and the work they do to promote understanding, empathy and diversity in our community.”

More than 120 community organizations throughout the province, from 100 Mile House to Abbotsford, are receiving funding to support multicultural initiatives, projects and events. In total, the Ministry Responsible for Multiculturalism is contributing $300,000 in multicultural grant funding in 2015-16.

The Multiculturalism Grant Program celebrates B.C.’s cultural diversity by funding projects that raise awareness of our province’s rich multicultural identity. This can include festivals, community forums or cultural celebrations that support positive expressions of multiculturalism. The grants also support projects that challenge racism and hate, especially those that utilize a collaborative community approach.

Quesnel Job Fair happens today!

From the City of Quesnel website:

The General Contractor for this summer’s West Quesnel Land Stability Project roads and drainage work will be at the Quesnel Job Fair. This project will require pipe layers, road builders, concrete finishers, and general labourers. Stop in with your resume and look for Acres Enterprises at the Seniors’ Centre.

The General Contractor for the new arena/West Fraser Centre will be at the Quesnel Job Fair. Stop by with your resume and look for Vic Van Isle at the Seniors’ Centre.

The City of Quesnel will also be at the Quesnel Job Fair! See you there!

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 19th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Northern Health Authority – G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital Proposed Project

Michael McMillan, Chief Operating Officer for the Northern Interior, and Debbie Strang, Health Service Administrator for Quesnel Health Services, highlighted for Council the proposed Emergency Room/Intensive Care Unit project has been submitted by the Northern Health Authority to the Provincial Government for consideration.  This proposed project would see the existing ER space renovated and expanded to include the ICU Unit.  This proposed project addresses the immediate needs of the health service challenges existing at GR Baker’s Emergency Room and does not take away from the possibility of a future new hospital in Quesnel.

2015 Financial Audit

The City’s 2015 Financial Reporting Statements received a clean audit, with no audit points raised, by KPMG Enterprise.

South Quesnel Parkland & Greenspace Enhancement

The current proposal for the South Hills Neighbourhood is to end up with two parks instead of one.  Pending public consultation, a public hearing and Council approval, this proposal will see the subdivision of land, located on Quesnel-Hydraulic Road, to create a 1.44 acre park and with the remaining 3.29 acres to be zoned as Country Residential 1 for future Low-Density Single Family Dwelling Residential development.  The 3.29 acres parcel will be exchanged for a 6.56 acre Dragon Lake waterfront/wetlands parcel, located on Red Wing Road/Quesnel-Hydraulic Road.  This waterfront/wetlands parcel will receive minimal development as this land is located in an ecological environmental sensitivity area.  An accessible wheelchair boardwalk would allow access to the Dragon Lake waterfront and may be developed.  A public consultation/open house is scheduled for 7 pm, April 27, 2016 at Dragon Lake Elementary School.  A Public Hearing is scheduled for 7 pm, May 10, 2016 at City Hall for the proposed OCP/Zone Amendment bylaws.

2016 Road Rehabilitation and Overlay Paving Project

Council approved the following projects to be included in the 2016 Road Rehabilitation and Overlay Paving Program:

-          $91,255 for Moffat Avenue from Johnson Circle to the land immediately west of Gardner Avenue

-          $289,610 for Britton Road

-          $148,690 for Johnson Bridge Loop from Front Street Loop to new asphalt immediately east of the train bridge

Phase II of West Quesnel Land Stability Project – Contract Awarded

Council awarded Phase II of the West Quesnel Stability Project to Kamloops-based Acres Enterprises Ltd. in the amount of $4,236,745 and a 12% contingency fund of $508,410.  Phase II is estimated to cost $7,275,155 with the Federal and Provincial governments and the City of Quesnel each contributing one-third.  The Phase II project includes:

-          Sanitary Sewer mainline repairs

-          Drilling vertical pump wells

-          Drilling horizontal gravity wells

-          Drilling additional monitor wells

-          Connecting pump wells and horizontal drains to the stormwater systems

-          Environmental costs

-          Project design engineering and management

-          15% contingency due to the nature of this project

In addition to Phase II of the West Quesnel Land Stability Project, the City has budgeted $1,200,000 for additional road works, sidewalks and curbing to allow for complete rebuilding of streets and sidewalks impacted by the Phase II stormwater project.

Chinese Martial Arts Performance in Quesnel

Council, in partnership with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and various communities located in the CRD, approved $2500 and staff time to host elite martial arts practitioners to deliver a cultural performance in Quesnel scheduled for July 30, 2016.  

Bylaws

-          1789 & 1790 – OCP/Zone Amendments – Single Family Dwelling on Reid Street – Final Adoption

-          1794 – Five Year Financial Plan – Final Adoption

-          1795 – Licensee Retail Stores – Second/Third

-          1798 & 1790 – South Quesnel Parkland/Greenspace Enhancement – First/Public Consultation/Public Hearing

-          1800 – Tax Rates (2016) – First/Second/Third

Next Regular Council Meetings

-          7 pm - April 26 and May 3, 2016

West Fraser Aquatic Centre Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Tour

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District/City of Williams Lake


             West Fraser Aquatic Centre Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Tour


On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the City of Williams Lake, along with representatives from West Fraser, Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and senior levels of government will be hosting a site tour of the Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre. There will be interview and photo opportunities with all participants. All media are invited to attend this event.

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Time: 10 a.m. sharp
Location: Lobby of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.

On-Site Media Contacts: 

Darron Campbell, CRD
Beth Holden, City of Williams Lake

For further information about the Sam Ketcham Pool Upgrade Project visit us online at cariboord.ca or williamslake.ca. You can also Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/SKPproject or follow us on twitter at @SKPproject.

Major Investments in Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Weekly Column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson

2016 04 20 Major Investments

North Cariboo Joint Committee meets tonight!

The North Cariboo Joint Committee, whose membership consists of the CRD Electoral Area Directors for Areas A, B, C, I plus all of Quesnel City Council, meets this evening to consider two items then go In-Camera to hold its' Strategic Planning Session.  The two items to be considered in public are:

1) Governance Discussion [Rural Recreation Commission]
2) Quesnel Arena Project Oversight

View the full Agenda here

WL Council-in-Committee -- April 19th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb (Chair); Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Smith and Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting Agenda adopted/Mins of the April 5th COW Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Joe Hamel appeared before the Committee to discuss his concerns with use of mountain bike trails on his property by members of the public

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Hamel for his time/information

Resolved - That the delegation & letter from Joe Hamel be received, Staff report back on next steps and the matter be referred to In-Camera for further discussions with Mr. Hamel

2) Amy Thacker/Pat Corbett from Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association appeared before the Committee to give a Regional Update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Business:

1) Report of the Director of Financial Services re Security Camera System Update

The Director of Financial Services presented his report to the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to Council:

1) That consultations with the RCMP detachment continue until all high value camera locations have been identified within City boundaries; further, that the detachment be asked to recommend a number of locations needed for a complete system.

2) That the City offer what further assistance it can to WLCBIA to enable the 3 camera system’s operation by early May 2016, this may require advancing part of the second $15,000 grant to cover the camera reinstallation costs by an external contractor.

3) That the City offer to take-on the ownership/operation responsibilities for the security camera system from WLCBIA, subject to confirmation the City is eligible for licensing and can meet all other compliance requirements.

4) That based on RCMP camera recommendations and licencing/compliance review outcomes, staff are directed to finalize system completion cost estimates for Council’s consideration in 2016.

5) That the City explore with the RCMP adding 3 additional cameras in 2016 ($15,000 City, $5,000 WLCBIA) and the remaining cameras in 2017.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25pm & Council held an In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter

SILGA starts today!

From today to Friday is the annual meeting of the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) Convention being held in Kelowna from April 19-22

Today, delegates take in a pre-conference session on Tourism while tomorrow to Friday will see delegates take in learning sessions and hearing from many speakers' including UBCM President/Cariboo RD Chair Al Richmond and BC's Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender

See full details here

The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities or AVICC has already its' annual convention while future local government area association meetings include:

AKBLG - Association of Kootenay/Boundary Local Governments -- April 27th to 29th

NCLGA - North Central Local Government Association -- May 4th to 6th

LMLGA - Lower Mainland Local Government Association -- May 11th to 13th

~SF

Quesnel Finance/Audit Committee Meets Today

Quesnel Council's Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee will meet twice today as follows:

10am - Delegation from BC Assessment plus receive the Action Summary Page.  View more here

Then at 5:30pm - review the Draft 2015 Audited Financial Statements.  View more here

~SF

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris is marking Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, April 17-23, 2016, with the following statement:

On average, more than 32 abused women seek shelter in British Columbia each day – and there were an estimated 70,000 sexual assault incidents in the province in 2014, with women or girls the victims in most cases. Equally concerning, most incidents of violence against women go unreported.

“As a witness to domestic violence in my childhood and as a police officer for more than three decades, I understand how threats, economic and child custody concerns, and other significant challenges, can limit a victim’s opportunities to break free. Nobody should interpret the pervasiveness of violence, or limited reporting, as a sign that the problem is acceptable or unassailable.

“It is neither. And our government’s multi-year strategy continues to work toward a Violence Free BC in which all women are safe from all forms of violence. In March 2016, we provided $3.7 million in grant funding to support 111 community-led projects that align with key priorities in the Vision for a Violence Free BC strategy and address violence against women.

“Engaging everyone in changing attitudes and responses to violence is key. To these ends, we launched the #SaySomething public awareness campaign last year – with thought-provoking ads, spread via social media, featuring text conversations designed to raise awareness of domestic violence. It also promoted practical advice and tips to help British Columbians better understand what they can do to safely help those experiencing domestic violence.

“Recently, we expanded this campaign through the launch of new ads that challenge attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate sexual violence. A supporting website – saysomethingbc.ca – provides information for witnesses, family and friends, and victims of sexual violence themselves. I encourage all British Columbians to visit this site.

“I believe supports to victims of violence in B.C. – including more domestic violence units and enhanced outreach programs for vulnerable women – provide the vital resources and expertise needed to help victims become survivors. Confidential help is available in many languages, toll-free, through the 24/7 VictimLinkBC line: 1 800 563-0808.”

New CMBC Website

Courtesy of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium:

The Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium (CMBC) is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website on Wednesday, April 20th.

Our existing website has served the Interior well since 2011 and it is time to launch our new site with vibrant colours, easier navigation, updated maps and much, much more.

The biggest change is the addition of a “Winter Landing Page” featuring all our snow sport resources from local ski-hills to cross-country networks and more. Opening the website during winter months will automatically land the user on our winter activity page.

The site has been designed by Ben Johnstone from Moa Media. Ben is an avid mountain biker living in Cumberland and has been working for the CMBC since 2006.

The Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium is the second largest "Regional Tourism Marketing Initiative” and receives support from the Cariboo Regional District and the communities of Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Quesnel and Wells/Barkerville. The CMBC is a volunteer, non-profit organization with representatives from our four member communities.

We trust this new website will continue to serve all visitors to the area as well as our local mountain bike enthusiasts. 

We wish to acknowledge financial support from the CRD, CCBAC, NDIT and private and corporate sponsors.

You can view the new site from April 20th on at: ridethecariboo.ca

Post local/regional photos at Instagram #ridethecariboo 

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Apr 18-22

The following local governments are meeting next week as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 19th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

Presentation/Delegations (3) - Presentation to outgoing Transit Operator Five Five Transport - Sherry and Clifford Halls/Welcome to new Transit Operator Whistler Connection Tour & Travel Services - Scott Pass; Presentation of 2015 Audited Financial Statements - KPMG; G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital Replacement/Renovation - Michael McMillan, Chief Operating Officer-Northern Interior, and Debbie Strang, Health Service Administrator

Business:

* Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee - Time Sensitive Recommendation
* Tax Rates Bylaw for 2016
* South Quesnel Parkland/Greenspace Enhancement Proposal
* 2016 Road Overlay Paving Program
* Billy Barker Casino Hotel - Parking Lot Development
* West Quesnel Land Stability Phase 2 - Award of Roads and Drainage Contract
* Alternative Approval Process - Corporate Officer's Certificate for New Public Works Building
* DRAFT Terms of Reference for Heritage Advisory Committee

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 19th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, April 20th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Road).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Special Board of Education Meeting (Possible Closure of Bridge Lake Elementary) on Tuesday, April 19th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, April 19th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart Street - Basement).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) - Joe Hamel - Request for 1999 South Broadway Avenue to be Removed from Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation Master Plan & Amy Thacker, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association - Regional Update

* Security Camera System Update

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Committee of the Whole Meeting on Thursday, April 21st at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation - Spectra Energy

* Hazardous Slide Area Designation
* Quesnel Airport Financial Contribution from CRD
* Requests from Directors Massier (Dangerous Tree Bylaw), Forseth (Post names of Alternate Directors on CRD Website), Coakley (Fee per Lot in Area L for Lake Access)
* Prioritization of Major Projects - Applying for Grants
* Recruitment/Retention Bonus Policy of SAR Chief, VFD Chiefs/Deputy Chiefs and Training Officers
* Corporate Priority Reports - Strategic Goals, Routine Business Plan Goals, and Addition to Corporate Workplace

View the full Agenda here

CC Regional Hospital District on Friday, April 22nd at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Presentation of CCRHD 2015 Audited Financial Statements
* Adopt Capital Expenditure Bylaw (GR Baker Memorial Hospital - Patient Monitoring System Replacement)
* Consent Calendar (Press Releases from Interior Health)
* Northern Health - Award of IMAGINE Grants awarded in Northern Interior)
* Northern Medical Programs Trust AGM and Nomination of Directors

View the full Agenda here

CRD Board on Friday, April 22nd at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation - 2015 CRD Audited Financial Statements
* Various Land Use Matters
* Community Works Funding Application - Cariboo Ski Touring Club re: Ski Track Lighting System Upgrade Project
* Report on Special Vote re: Regional Ec Dev Initiative (use $80,000 of General Administration Surplus, if required)
* Request from Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development re: Sharing Economy
* Consent Calendar
* Various Committee/Commission Recommendations
* Requests from Directors Sorley, Forseth, Anderson for access to their Area Discretionary Funds
* Report from Director Sorley re: recent CCBAC meeting
* Report from Director Sharpe re: North Cariboo Healthier Communities Committee

There will be an In-Camera Meeting (closed to the public) as per Section 90(1a/k - appointment/negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this Weekend/Next Week:

* April 15-17 - WL Indoor Rodeo (more details here) / 79th Annual Bull Show/Sale
* April 15 - WL Field Naturalists Banquet (Note - I will be attending this Banquet on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District

* April 15-17 - Vaisakhi at Gurdwara Western Singh Sabha (Pine Street in Williams Lake). More details here

* April 16 - Barkerville Heritage Trust Open House at the Tourism Discovery Centre (more details here

April 16 - Dinner/Dance (Cariboo Gold) - WL Seniors Activity Centre (4th Avenue) - Admission by donation ($10 minimum suggested) Doors open at 6:30pm, music to start at 7:30pm sharp!

Guns and Gangs Strategy expanded

Courtesy of the BC Government:

More police teams and prosecutors dedicated to combating gang violence will be on the ground and new curbs on gang crime and illegal guns will soon be in place. These are among a dozen new and expanded initiatives that are part of a more than $23-million boost to B.C.’s Guns and Gangs Strategy.

The funding will bolster public safety in Surrey, Williams Lake and other communities that have seen recent spikes in violent, public gang activity, through a three-pillar approach focused on:

Supporting effective enforcement and prosecution.
Furthering community safety and public engagement.
Expanding laws and sanctions targeting illegal guns and gang violence, profits and property.

“The frequency and public nature of recent gang shootings is unacceptable and demands this additional, strategic deployment of resources. People deserve to feel safe no matter where they live in B.C.,” Premier Christy Clark said. “This investment will build on the gains made under our Guns and Gangs Strategy – through integrated police teams, made-in-B.C. anti-gang laws, civil forfeiture actions and police- and community-led programs that engage and educate at-risk youth.”

The first pillar will support the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of gangsters and organized criminals by:

Adding two 10-person teams to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) – B.C.’s integrated anti-gang organization – to support police in communities around the province, dealing head-on with violent criminals to suppress and disrupt their activities.
Enhanced funding for the Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priority (PTEP) – a comprehensive approach that has integrated municipal, provincial and federal intelligence systems to maximize police efforts to pinpoint and disrupt gang and criminal networks.
Putting dedicated Crown counsel on priority PTEP files in Surrey that involve offenders with lower-level ties to guns and gangs. This will enhance continuity as these cases proceed to trial and build prosecutors’ familiarity with, and expertise in handling, these files.
Expanding the capacity for electronic monitoring of high-risk offenders and ensuring the courts – which have sole discretion over assigning electronic monitoring as a condition of a recognizance or sentence – are fully aware of the options at their disposal.

The second pillar will further community safety and public engagement by:

Establishing a new Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach. This office will work with CFSEU-BC in support of its End Gang Life program, as well as local governments and agencies, to provide overarching co-ordination of provincial anti-gang outreach programs.
Creating an Illegal Firearms Task Force to study and strengthen provincial and federal programs related to illegal firearms.
In consultation with the Attorney General, providing people with a safe, secure way to permanently surrender unwanted and unauthorized firearms and ammunition without fear of legal repercussions, through a firearms amnesty program, B.C.’s first since 2013.
Investing $450,000 to support Crime Stoppers’ proven Cash for Tips on Illegal Firearms line, to ensure awards are paid to individuals when a tip results in a conviction and to promote awareness of the Gang Tip line.

The third pillar will focus on exploring a range of legislative solutions, informed by the Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach and the Firearms Task Force and through consultation with law enforcement, local government and agencies, to:

Support potential outreach programs to disrupt and prevent gang violence.
Explore potential changes to provincial and federal laws related to the purchase, movement and storage of firearms.
Examine ways to further restrict gangsters’ and drug traffickers’ access to vehicles and other tools of their trade.

As well, the Province will follow up with the federal government on its recent budget commitment to work with other levels of government to determine how it can best support communities and police in limiting access to weapons and reducing gun and gang violence. The Province will seek direct access to long-term, sustainable federal funding, plus flexibility to deploy it in support of provincial and municipal policing, prevention and outreach.

“Enhancing public safety in the face of recent shootings means pulling out all the stops. We are strengthening our strategies and our front-line capacity to get guns off the street, putting gangsters behind bars and increasing our efforts to ensure young people understand gang life is a dead end,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris said. “Our multi-faceted approach is designed to effectively and quickly counter both the gunplay and its roots.”

“We appreciate the additional funding and support being provided to the RCMP, CFSEU-BC and our law enforcement partners, who are all working together to target, investigate, prosecute and disrupt those individuals and groups that pose the highest risk to public safety in our province,” said Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, commanding officer of the RCMP in British Columbia. “As part of B.C.’s Guns and Gangs strategy, we will be heightening our enforcement activities, increasing the level of information and intelligence-sharing and enhancing our prevention and community engagement programs.”

Quick Facts:

B.C. is boosting funding for PTEP, a comprehensive policing model developed in 2012. Under current policing agreements, the federal government’s contribution will bring total investment in PTEP to nearly $3 million.

The Province already invests approximately $60 million a year in CFSEU-BC. The two new 10-person teams will increase this annual investment by $3.5 million this year and another $6 million over the next two years.

B.C.’s last gun amnesty in June 2013 netted 1,801 firearms and more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition for destruction.

Since 2010, B.C. has had laws prohibiting or restricting the use of armoured vehicles, after-market hidden compartments and body armour and requiring healthcare facilities to report gunshot and stab wounds to police.

Forfeitures to B.C.’s Civil Forfeiture Office total more than $63 million since 2006, of which $27 million has gone to crime prevention and community safety programs and to victims.

Government provides more than $70 million per year for prevention and intervention services and programs to help B.C. families impacted by violent and other crime.

Provincial-federal partnership helps local job seekers

Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:

Job seekers in the Cariboo and Chilcotin are among the more than 5,500 British Columbians receiving the training they need for employment in their communities, thanks to an investment of nearly $36 million from the federal and provincial governments under the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund. The Cariboo and Chilcotin’s share of the funding totals more than $130,000.

Contracts with 63 service providers to deliver targeted skills training programs across B.C. have been finalized. The programs offered in the Cariboo and Chilcotin include:

·         Bowman Employment Services: $92,722 for Get Youth Working in the Cariboo Region. The program provides entry-level job placements in bookkeeping, office support and reception, construction and tourism.

·         Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Inc.: $37,795 for Cariboo Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Program (ABEST): This is a two-week program offering entrepreneurial training to unemployed youth, Aboriginals and persons with disabilities in an in-demand sector.

“The ESS Program will ensure we meet our commitments under B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to give people the right skills in the right place at the right time,” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said. “Thank you to the service providers who are helping people in Cariboo and Chilcotin secure good, family-supporting jobs.”

Some of these programs are delivered in partnership with the Industry Training Authority and the Ministry of Advanced Education. The goal of the training is to help unemployed British Columbians who face barriers to workforce participation to find sustainable employment. The programs are now underway, and the majority will continue into September 2016.

Through the Canada Job Fund, the Government of Canada provides $500 million annually to the provinces and territories for investments in skills training. Under the Canada–British Columbia Job Fund Agreement, the province receives $65 million per year—its per capita share of the available funding.

The Canada-British Columbia Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The goal of the Employment Services and Supports stream is to increase the labour market participation of unemployed British Columbians who are not eligible for Employment Insurance programming and services.

Learn More:

•        Canada Job Fund: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/training_agreements/cjf/index.shtml    

•        Canada Job Grant: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/training_agreements/cjg/index.shtml

•        Canada-B.C. Job Grant: https://www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant  

WL Council Highlights - April 12th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Ryll, Smith, Walters and Nelson/Zacharias via teleconference

Meeting called to order at 6:05pm

Mayor Cobb acknowledged the meeting was being held on Northern Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda approved/Mins of the March 22nd WL City Council meeting adopted

Presentation/Delegations:

1) Mayor Cobb presented an Certificate of Merit to Mr. Ken Day

2) Mark Savard appeared before Council to give an update on cycling activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Mr. Savard for his time/information

3) Laura Klassen from the Accessibility Advisory Committee appeared before Council to discuss Item E3 (Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Regulations)

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Klassen for his time/information

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings for the periods ending March 17, 23 and 31, 2016

2) Council approved the Occupancy Agreement with the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area - 327 Oliver Street

3) Council awarded the contract for the provision of Information Technology and Management Services to O’Netrix Solutions for a three-year term, effective from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018, at an annual cost of $19,200 ($1,600/mo) plus a 5% increase in both 2017 and 2018, with the monthly fee to include 24 hours of technical support with any additional hours of support per month to be billed to the City at the rate of $55/hr.

Councillor Zacharias declared a perceived conflict of interest on the next item and left the meeting at 6:34pm

4) Council received an Development Variance Permit Application - Cariboo Community Church - Reduction in Off-Street Parking Requirements - 35 Oliver Street and directed it be referred to the May 10, 2016 Regular Council Meeting for consideration.

Councillor Zacharias returned to the meeting at 6:37pm

5) Council appointed Jeff Bernardy, Engineering Technologist as Deputy Approving Officer for the City of Williams Lake for an interim period pending appointment and commencement of a new Chief Administrative Officer.

6) Council approved in principle the recommendations of BC Transit in the Williams Lake Transit Service Review and requested City staff provide for implementation of short and mid-term improvements in the City’s 2017 budget and the next five year capital program (2017 to 2022); and staff were directed to work with transit partners on the preparation of an Implementation Agreement Memorandum of Understanding

7) Council directed staff to remove the shelter and bench at Boitanio Park due to safety issues, that the power be disconnected and staff place signage stating “No Parking – Buses Only” and investigate painting the curbs yellow at bus stops.

8) Council and the community were encouraged to attend the McDonald's Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Canadian Tire parking lot from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

9) Council awarded the contract for the supply and installation of a Motor Control Centre - Arena compressor plant - for the tendered price of $42,286, excluding applicable taxes

10) Council received two reports from Councillor Zacharias as follows:

a) Housing First Community Planning and Engagement Day Summary
b) WLCBIA Meeting Update

11) Council adopted recommendations from the March 23rd Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting as follows:

a) That pursuant to Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Report #03-2016, the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society's 2015 CCACS Grant Program Results report dated January 2016 be received.

b) That pursuant to Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Report #04-2016, the 2016 CCACS Grants program be received; and further, the grants as recommended within the report be endorsed - view the recommended grants here

c) That pursuant to Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Report #05-2016, and the report of Corporate Services/Records Management Coordinator dated March 7, 2016, the fee for service agreement for the Scout Island Trail System, in the amount of $12,500 per year as outlined in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services Business and Financial Plan, be renewed for a 3-year term, effective January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018.

12) Council supported an application on behalf of the Chinese Martial Arts Performances in the region funding application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust's Fabulous Festivals & Events program and the City allocate $2,500 toward this event.

13) Council adopted recommendations from the April 5th Committee of the Whole meeting as follows:

a) The proposed Mobile Youth Centre/Pop-up Park Proposal from the Boys & Girls Club Williams Lake be received and endorsed in principle as a pilot project for 2016 and further this item be referred to the budget process.

b) Council approve the Joint Use Agreement as presented and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign.

c) Council endorse and support an amendment to the Passenger Transportation Act through the Special Authorization Licensing section governed by the Passenger Transportation Board in British Columbia to include at minimum one wheelchair accessible vehicle in their fleet of vehicles when operating a taxi service company and further this resolution be sent to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)

Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Walters and Zacharias

Negative - Councillor C. Smith

d) Council support the requested amendments to the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, and "City of Williams Lake Fire Protection and Control Amendment Bylaw No. 2243" and "City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 2244" be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

14) Council gave approval for the 2016 Aboriginal Day Celebrations & Parade on Tuesday, June 21st and Mayor/Council and the community were encouraged to attend

15) Council gave approval for the All Nations Spring Classic Walk / Run Event to be held on Sunday, May 29, 2016 and Mayor/Council and the community were encouraged to participate

16) Council gave approval for the Lakers Car Club 22nd Annual Spring Round-Up Show & Shine to be held on Sunday, May 29, 2016 and Mayor/Council and the community were encouraged to attend

17) Council received the minutes of the March 23rd Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee meeting

18) Council proclaimed the month of May 2016 as "Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Month"

19) Late Item - Council accepted the request of the Potato House Sustainable Community Society to partner with them on a grant application to the Farm Credit Canada Agri-Spirit Fund for funds to complete the rehabilitation of the Potato House for community use, specifically as a municipal partner to hold and disburse the funds as required.

20) Council received an In-Camera report where Council appointed Leah Hartley as a Director of the Williams Lake Community Forest Limited Partnership at its' March 8th In-Camera Meeting

21) Council received the April 12th 'Council Information Package' as follows:

• March 24, 2016 - CRD Board Highlights

Members of Council gave oral reports as to their recent activities

Meeting adjourned at 7:16pm and after a 5 minute recess, Council reconvened its In-Camera Meeting being held under the provisions of Sections 90 (1c,e,g and i - labour/employee relations, land, potential or actual litigation and communications to or from a lawyer) of the Community Charter

Illegal Dumping strikes again in Area D

After dealing with mattresses being illegally dumped in Commodore Heights in my Electoral Area back in November of 2015 - I was made aware this past Saturday of more illegal dumping in my Electoral Area, this time on Soda Creek Road, just up the "Six Mile Hill".  See pictures below:

I have requested Cariboo Regional District Staff to look into having this removed ASAP

Just a friendly reminder to PLEASE!! take your solid waste and refrigerators and other items to your local CRD Transfer Stations or other places that take in electronics, fridges, etc.  There are places that takes in this material for free or at minimum cost.  You can view tips to getting rid of your solid waste or appliances/electronics, etc here (Central Cariboo) or here (South Cariboo)

It DOES NOT belong on the sides of hills or in our forests...

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of April 11-15

The following local governments are meeting next week:

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) - Certificate of Merit Presentation to Ken Day; Mark Savard - Williams Lake Cycling Update

* WLCBIA Occupancy Agreement Lease Renewal - Approval
* RFP Award - Information Technology and Management Services
* DVP #02-2016 - Cariboo Community Church - Reduction in Off-Street Parking Requirements - 35 Oliver Street
* Appointment of Deputy Approving Officer
* Transit Review
* Transit Service Review - Boitanio Park
* Ratify recommendations from Committee of the Whole/Joint Committee Meetings
* Reports from Councillor S. Zacharias re: Housing First Community Planning and Engagement Day Summary and WLCBIA Meeting Update

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 6pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  The Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District:

South Cariboo Rural Caucus - Regular Meeting on Monday, April 11th at 4pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Joint Use Agreement Renewal for Recreation Facilities
* South Cariboo Tourism Marketing Agreement Renewal

View the full Agenda here

South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, April 11th at 5pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) - Trevor Barnes from Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice and Josh Dickerson, Canlan Ice Sports Corporation

* Martin Exeter Hall Renovation Suggestions

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* City of Quesnel - Request for Financial Contribution - Visitor Information Centre
* Organizational Structure to Manage the Quesnel Arena Project
* Management Agreement for Bouchie Lake Hall and Grounds Between City of Quesnel and Cariboo Regional District
* Working Agreement with Community Development Institute of UNBC / Potential Economic Development Plan for North Cariboo
* Nenqay Deni Accord

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Presentations -- R.C.M.P. Introductions; Quesnel Special Olympics Team Recognition; 2015 Sports Hall of Fame Presentations (with 15 minute reception in 2nd Floor Lobby)

* Delegations (2) -- MKT Development Group Inc. - Peter Mitchell and Vic Van Isle - Bruce Walker and Matt Van Goor re: Quesnel Arena Project & B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets - Wylie Bested

* Asset Management - Facility Condition Summary
* 2016 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Funding Reallocation (Pool)
* Arena Replacement Project Fundraising Update (Introduction to Fundraising Coordinator Toni Gore)
* Northern Development Initiative Trust Application - Barlow Creek Ball Fields
* Letter from Alex Fraser Park Society

View the full Agenda here

Community Events Upcoming:

* Station House Gallery Fundraiser - April 8th at 7pm - more details here

* OAPO is holding a pancake breakfast at the Seniors’ Activity Centre on Saturday, April 9 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. - More details here

* Presentation involving endangered mountain caribou will take place at the Scout Island Nature Centre on Tuesday, April 12 starting at 7 p.m. - more details here

* 2nd Meeting to discuss Atlantic Power's Railway Ties Burn application - Thursday, April 14th at 7pm in the Gibraltar Room

~SF

The Rising Cost of Farmland

Earlier today - Frank Leonard, the Chair of the Provincial Agriculture Land Commission made me aware, via Facebook, of a study completed by VanCity (credit union based in Vancouver) in regards to the rising cost of Farmland in Metro Vancouver and what the end result could be on consumers

Although written with Metro Vancouver/Fraser Valley RD in mind - it could be a sign of things to come throughout the Province.

The study can be viewed here

~SF

Bylaw of the Month

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Weekly Column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson

Bylaw of the Month - Weekly Quesnel City Council Column

Gaming Grant Workshops - April 13-15

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Grant Writer:

 Good Morning,

For those interested, the Northern Interior Communities Association (NICA) will be delivering a series of B.C. Gaming Grant workshops in the Cariboo region next week. Workshops are being held between Wednesday, April 13^th and Friday, April 15^th  in  the communities of 100 Mile House (Wednesday, April 13^th), Williams Lake (Thursday, April 14^th), and Quesnel (Friday, April 15^th).

Each workshop will follow the same format, with a presentation on the B.C. Gaming Grant programs, including instructions on how  to write a successful funding application to these programs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Following this, 30-minute one-on-one consultation sessions with the coordinator will be available from 1:00 p.m. onwards.

These workshops are being offered free-of-charge for the benefit of community non-profit societies and charities, though participation is welcomed by any and all community members. Pre-registration is not required, and coffee and tea will be provided. 

Workshop Locations

100 Mile House:              District of 100 Mile House Office – Council Chambers, 385 Birch Avenue

Williams Lake:                 Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin Office, 266 Oliver Street

Quesnel:                           Community Futures North Cariboo Office, 335 Vaughan Street

For further information on these workshops, please contact Curtis Mayes, NICA Coordinator by phone: 250-562-2553 or by e-mail: coordinator@northernica.org

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 5th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association 

CCCTA Board Chair Pat Corbett and CEO Amy Thacker attended to provide Council with an overview of the CCCTA strategic direction and operations.  Chair Corbett expressed concern regarding a struggle for equitable representation between the rural and urban centres within Destination BC.  Council will meet with the CCCTA to discuss the changing role of the CCCTA and Destination BC, the status of the regional hotel tax initiative, the Destination BC Brand, CCCTA Brand, the City’s Repositioning Initiative and the CCCTA’s reputation recovery project.

Five Year Financial Plan

In accordance with Section 165 of the Community Charter, Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1794 of 2016.

 

Active Transportation Plan – BIKEBC

Council approved staff applying for a grant through BIKEBC for installation of bike lanes across Johnston Bridge.  This bridge is a concern for cyclists as the bridge deck is constructed of metal grates, creating an uneven surface that is slippery when wet.  Grant funding would allow the City to add perforated metal panels to the metal decking, ensuring safer travel for our cyclists.

 

Transit Partnership – District of Wells

Council approved the renewal of the Transit Agreement between the City of Quesnel & District of Wells for weekly transit services between the two municipalities.

 

Proposed NEW Commercial Recreational Development

Council directed staff to draft bylaw amendments for consideration of a proposed two storey (13,000 ft²) bowling alley and black light mini golf recreation facility at the corner of Valhalla Road and Racing Road.

Gook Road Sewer Extension

Council consented to the adoption of the Cariboo Regional District bylaws needed to proceed with the extension of the Red Bluff Sewer system to Gook Road and Wee Road.

 

Alternate Approval Process 

The Corporate Officer reported the results of Alternate Approval Process (“AAP”) which sought the permissive authority to proceed with construction of a new Public Works building and associated facilities.  The number of eligible elector responses received was 777 which exceeded the threshold of 10% (723 responses).  This proposed borrowing cannot proceed without seeking further public approval.  Staff will bring a report to a future Council meeting outlining Council options.

 

Bylaws

1794 – Five Year Financial Plan – First, Second & Third Readings

1797 – Repeal Bylaw 1408 of 1997 – Quesnel Mutual Aid Fire Protection Agreement – Final Adoption

Note:  Mutual Aid fire protection is now achieved with by way of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District.

Next Meetings

- 5:30 pm, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

- 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – Regular Council Meeting

Quesnel Arena Groundbreaking Ceremony

Yesterday - elected officials from the City of Quesnel/Cariboo Regional District and reps from NDIT/West Fraser held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of the West Fraser Center (Ice Arena) in Quesnel.

CKPG-TV reports below:

Open Fire Restriction in Cariboo Fire Centre

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Effective at noon on April 4, 2016, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Anyone conducting Category 2 or 3 fires anywhere in the Cariboo Fire Centre must extinguish any such fires by noon on April 4, 2016. The Cariboo Fire Centre is experiencing drier-than-normal conditions this spring and this prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2016, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Specifically, prohibited activities include:

The burning of any waste, slash or other materials.
Stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.
The use of burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description.
The use of sky lanterns.

This prohibition does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller, and it does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: http://bit.ly/1GlhE9l

The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east. A map of affected areas within the Cariboo Fire Centre is available online: http://bit.ly/22Wgvjz

This prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Learn More:

Read about the increased fire-related fines that came into effect on April 1, 2016: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016FLNR0047-000498

Accessibility Award of Merit Nominations Now Being Accepted

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake believes that public awareness about physical and attitudinal barriers will help improve the quality of life for all disabled persons, giving them the opportunity to participate in all aspects of community life. 

The mission of the City of Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee is to remove physical and social barriers which impede the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life. 

The Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee would like to invite your nominations of groups, individuals or businesses that have made a significant contribution to improve accessibility within the City of Williams Lake. 

Award Nomination Guidelines: 

• The nominee has demonstrated a commitment to increase accessibility above and beyond what is required by law or regulation.  
• The nominee has improved accessibility for persons with one or more of the following types of disability: mobility, agility, hearing, seeing, speaking and mental. 
• The business or group being nominated must be located within the boundaries of the City of Williams Lake and provide a service for the people of William Lake and others. 
• Businesses or groups may be nominated by any citizen or group who should provide strong evidence in support of their nominee’s commitments and contribution to improving accessibility. 
• Any citizen or group wishing to re-submit or re-nominate an individual, group or business who was, or was not, selected for an Award in a previous year may do so by completing a new nomination form and providing up-to-date information in support of that nomination.

Access Awareness Award Criteria:
An award will be considered for achievements in the following areas;
1. Employing people with disabilities whenever possible.
2. Providing adequate Handicapped Parking spaces close to the main entrance to business.
3. Providing automatic door openers on heavy entrance doors and washrooms. Provide good lighting at any steps or entrance ways. Paint yellow or white strips marking the edge of any steps or lips in the flooring.
4. Provide appropriate ramps for wheelchair and stroller users for any indoor or outdoor areas. Wheelchair accessible doors must be a minimum of 36 inches wide. 
5. Provide a wheelchair accessible washroom with easily opened doors.
6. Provide Braille lettering at any signs for customers to read.
7. Provide sufficient handrails beside steps in the interior and exterior of building.
8. Provide wheelchair height counters at checkouts and reception desks. Provide extra width between aisles and at the ends of aisles to allow for easier turning.
9. Provide a rest area with two armchairs or a bench with arms at each end.
10. Provide snow and ice clearing in front of business. 

Nomination forms can be found online at www.williamslake.ca or the attached nomination form can be completed and forwarded to the Selection Committee by:

 
• Email: smiranda@williamslake.ca
• Fax: 250-398-7884
• Mail: Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee
c/o Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
525 Proctor Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4J1

Application Deadline: Application deadline is May 15, 2016. 

Summer Hours at Cariboo RD Transfer Stations

Just a reminder that since this past Friday, April 1st - the following Cariboo Regional District Transfer Stations are now on Summer Hours:

- Lac La Hache
- Watch Lake
- Interlakes
- Lone Butte
- Frost Creek
- 150 Mile House
- Wildwood

To check the hours of operation for your local facility, visit the Cariboo Regional District website at www.cariboord.bc.ca/ser…/solid-waste-management/swm-overview.

Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to restart your composter if you’ve let it go over the winter.

Remember: all organic waste (food, wood, leaves, grass, paper products, cardboard, etc.) creates methane gas if it decomposes in a landfill. Methane gas is a greenhouse gas which is 21 times stronger than carbon dioxide when related to climate change – all the more reason to segregate your wood waste, compost your food and yard waste and recycle all your paper products.

A Community United

This afternoon - Boitanio Park was filled with community members after a number of concerning events in Williams Lake

Many thanks to the organizers for organizing a wonderful community event to bring First Nations/Non First Nations people together

People speaking to the crowd included John Paul Albinati, Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, Alexis Creek First Nations Chief (and CRD Area 'K' Alternate Director) Ervin Charleyboy, Xeni Gwet'in Chief (and CRD Area 'J' Director) Roger William, Es'ket Band Councillor Robert Johnson and Cariboo-Prince George Member of Parliament Todd Doherty

I think it is safe to say that the community was appreciative of those who volunteered their time to get this event put on and hopefully there is a path forward together in order to address the systemic issues that need addressing in order to have a healthy and safe community...

~SF

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - March 2016

In the month of March 2016 - I attended the following meetings:

March 15th - City of Williams Lake Birthday Tea along with Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and Williams Lake City Councillor (and former CRD Area D Director) Sue Zacharias

March 21st - Wildwood Community Association Meeting

March 22nd - Meetings with CRD Staff re: McLeese Lake Library/Area 'D' Economic Development Service Establishment Bylaw (change "Service Definition" to be same as Area J/K Ec Dev Service Establishment Bylaws)

March 23rd - Central Cariboo Rural Caucus/Joint Committee Meetings

March 24th - CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings

As for expenses submitted for the month of March 2016:

* March 23rd; CC Rural Caucus/Joint Committee Meetings - $75.00
* March 24th; CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings - $185.00

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of April 4-8

The following local governments are meeting next week:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 5th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association re: CCCTA's Future Activities/City of Quesnel Rebranding Initiative

* Various Committee/Council Reports
* Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw (2016 to 2020) - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings
* Active Transportation Plan - BIKEBC Grant Applications
* District of Wells - Community Transit Partnership Agreement
* Rezoning on Racing Road to Permit a Bowling Alley/Mini Golf Recreation Centre
* Sewer Extension - Gook Road/Wee Road
* Alternative Approval Process Results for proposed Quesnel Public Works Building
* Thank you letter from West Fraser re: WestPine incident
* Complaint letter re: new Quesnel Landfill Hours

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, April 5th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St - Basement).  On the Agenda:

Delegation: Matt Neufeld from WL Boys/Girls Club re: Mobile Youth Centre/Pop-up Park Proposal

Business

* Joint Use Recreation Facility Agreement Renewal
* 2016 UBCM Passenger Transportation Act Resolution (Min. Number of Accessible Taxis)
* Contaminated Site Regulation Review or Opt Out of Regulation
* Amendments to Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189 & Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196

View the full Agenda here

Community Events this Weekend or Next Week:

* April 2nd - TRU Fundraising Event (Sold Out) but I will attending at the request of attendee

* April 3rd - Nutrition Run at CMRC then "Take Back the Park" event at Boitanio Park in the afternoon

Subsidized Composters for Sale

The Cariboo Regional District, in partnership with the Cities of Quesnel/Williams Lake and District of 100 Mile House are offering subsidized composters for sale.  Details in the Links below:

North Cariboo/Quesnel - click here

Central Cariboo/Williams Lake - click here

South Cariboo/100 Mile House - click here

More information on the composter can be viewed here

Traffic Change on Western Avenue Starting April 5

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

On April 5, 2016, the City of Williams Lake’s Utility Division will be installing services to the new building located adjacent to Lake City Secondary Columneetza campus on Western Avenue. The work will take approximately one week to complete with crews working 8:00am – 4:30pm daily. For safety, the street shut down during the day with the possibility of opening a lane during the evening. 

Construction signage will direct traffic in the appropriate manner. Please use caution and if possible avoid this area completely. 

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Williams Lake, Water & Waste Division at 250 392-1785.

Canada Day Vendors and Performers Wanted

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and the Cariboo Direct Farmers Market are working together to make Canada Day 2016 a destination for local culture, entertainment and food. The celebrations, including performances, family activities, and vendors, will take place on July 1, from 11:00am to 2:00pm in Boitanio Park. Vendor and performer applications are available online at www.williamslake.com and at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. All sections of the application must be completed and submitted to Suzanne Cochrane at the Recreation Complex by Friday, May 28, 2016. If you are a member of the Farmer’s Market please book your space with the Market Manager. 

For more information, contact: 

Suzanne Cochrane
Recreation Programmer
City of Williams Lake
250-398-7665
scochrane@williamslake.ca