Advanced Turnout Low in 2018 City of Quesnel Election

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Out of 7,484 eligible voters, only 243 voters have cast their ballots in the first two advance voting days on October 10 and 13 for the City of Quesnel Local Government Election and Public Works Facility Referendum.  This number is much lower compared to the 2014 elections which saw 651 voters in the first advance polls.

“Although we have done more advertising, and offered more voting opportunities this election, so far the voter turn out is substantially lower than in 2014,” says Chief Election Officer Gina Albers.  “Quesnel voters have two voting opportunities left to cast their ballots for who could be elected as City of Quesnel Councillors and Quesnel School District Trustees, and whether or not the proposed Public Works Facility project will proceed.  These are important decisions that will affect the future of our community, so I really hope to see an increase in voter turnout at the October 17 and 20 voting stations.”

“The City Councillors, Cariboo Regional District Directors, and Quesnel School District Trustees you select on October 20 will face significant leadership challenges over the next four years,” says Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. “Who you select as your representatives will determine whether or not we rise to those challenges and face them courageously and collaboratively, or we merely take the path of least resistance and simply hope everything will turn out OK.”

Voting Event	2014 Voters	2018 Voters
Advance Poll 1	392	116
Advance Poll 2	259	127
Total	651	243

Voters can cast their ballot at the following voting opportunities:

Advance Poll #3
Wednesday, October 17  |  11 am - 4 pm​
CNC/UNBC Campus, 100 Campus Way

General Voting Day
Saturday, October 20  |  8 am - 8 pm​

• Quesnel City Hall
  410 Kinchant Street
   
• Correlieu Secondary School
  850 Anderson Drive
   
• Dragon Lake Elementary School
  2655 Quesnel-Hydraulic Road

More information about voting options, requirements and more is available on the City of Quesnel Elections page. 

Cariboo RD Advanced Voting Day #2 (Areas A,B,E,F,J,K,L)

Today across the Region, the Cariboo Regional District is holding its' 2nd and Final Advanced Voting Day

You can cast advanced votes for a Director for Electoral Areas A, B, E, F, J, K and L & School District #28 Trustees (up to 7 - applicable to voters in Electoral Areas A, B, C, I) plus a Referendum to approve the North Cariboo Airport Contribution Service (applicable to voters in Electoral Areas A, B, C and I ONLY - full details on the North Cariboo Airport Contribution Service Referendum here).

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

After 8pm today - your FINAL chance to vote for a CRD Director for Electoral Areas A, B, E, F, J, K and L & School District #28 Trustees (up to 7 - applicable to voters in Electoral Areas A, B, C, I) plus the Referendum to approve the North Cariboo Airport Contribution Service (applicable for voters in CRD Electoral Areas A, B, C, I) will be on Saturday, October 20th from 8am - 8pm

~SF

Simpson: We need collaborative elected officials

Yesterday - re-elected Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson wrote in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer (Black Press newspaper) appealing to City of Quesnel voters and those in Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Electoral Areas A/B and requesting that they consider electing Quesnel City Councillors and CRD Directors for Electoral Areas A and B that will work collaboratively for the betterment of the Region

This is a message that could be repeated throughout the Region...

To wit:

We particularly need (Quesnel) council members and (Cariboo) regional district representatives who will continue to work collaboratively to tackle our common challenges and take full advantage of opportunities as they arise. We cannot afford to go back to the days of division and acrimony that characterized the relationship between the Cariboo Regional District and the City under previous administrations.

This is a message I generally can agree with but I've not always seen practiced in this past term and agree with Mayor Simpson that we need to get behind this ideal...

CRD Area C Director John Massier, Area D Director Steve Forseth, Area G Director Al Richmond, Area H Director Margo Wagner and Area I Director Jim Glassford were also acclaimed into their respective positions back on September 24th as were School District #27 Zone 1 Trustee Linda Martens and Zone 3 Trustee Willow Macdonald

There are advanced votes on Monday, Oct 15th (CRD Areas A, B, E, F, J, K, L); Oct 17th (City of WL/Quesnel and SD27 Zones 2 and 5) and then general voting day from Oct 20th from 8am - 8pm through the Region

Mayor Simpson's article can be viewed here

~SF

City of Quesnel - Advanced Voting Day #2

Today from 8am - 8pm at Quesnel City Hall (410 Kinchant St) -- City of Quesnel voters can cast advanced votes for up to 6 City Councillors, up to 7 School District #28 (Quesnel) Trustees and on the Public Works Referendum Question:

“Are you in favour of the City of Quesnel adopting City of Quesnel New Public Works Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1854 of 2018 which will authorize Council to borrow a sum not exceeding eight and half millions dollars ($8,500,000), repayable over a period of no more than thirty (30) years, for the development and construction of a new Public Works Facility?”

For full details on the Referendum - click here
For full details on Advanced Voting and if you qualify to cast a ballot today - click here

The Final Advanced Voting Opportunity for the 2018 City of Quesnel Local General Election will be Wednesday, Oct 17 from 11am - 4pm at the CNC Quesnel Campus (100 Campus Way)

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Oct 15-20

The following local governments or Boards of Education are meeting next week as follows:

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, October 17th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Road, Quesnel).  When available, the Agenda can be accessed here

Cariboo Regional District - South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting - on Monday, October 15th at 12:30pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House

On the Agenda:

* 100 Mile and District Minor Hockey Assoc. - Request for Advertising Space at Recreation Centre
* South Cariboo Recreation Services 2019 Business and Financial Plans and Capital Projects Plan

View the full Agenda here

Upcoming Local Government or Boards of Education - Local Election Dates:

Sat Oct 13 - City of Quesnel/Advanced Voting Day #2

Mon Oct 15 - Cariboo RD/Advanced Voting Day #2

Wed Oct 17th - City of Williams Lake and SD27 Zone 6 Trustee/Advanced Voting Day #2 & SD27/Advanced Voting Day #2 for Zone 2 (Lac La Hache/108 Mile) and Zone 5 (WL Fringe - Outside City of Williams Lake Boundaries) and City of Quesnel - Advanced Voting Day #3

Sat Oct 20th - All Local Governments/Boards of Education - General Voting Day

~SF

City of Williams Lake Advanced Voting Day #1 Results

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake saw 387 voters cast their ballots in the first advance voting opportunity for the municipal election, which is in line with average voter turn out for previous elections. 

"We encourage all eligible voters to come out and vote," says Cindy Bouchard, Chief Election Officer. "The next advance voting opportunity is Wednesday, October 17 from 8 am to 8 pm at City Hall, 450 Mart Street, and general voting day is Saturday, October 20 from 8 am to 8 pm at the Marie Sharpe Gym, 260 Cameron Street." 

For Notice of Election by Voting information, please visit https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2309/Notice-of-Election-by-Votingpdf. 

For general City of Williams Lake 2018 Election Information: https://www.williamslake.ca/562/Election-2018. 

External Financial Audit for Barlow Creek VFD

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

At today’s (October 12th, 2018) Cariboo Regional District Board meeting, the Board of Directors decided to hire an external auditor to review the Barlow Creek Fire Protection service budgets for the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. The decision was made in-camera and then released from in-camera to advise the public.

The Barlow Creek Fire Protection service saw a tax increase in the 2018-2022 five-year financial plan, due to the service’s expenses being significantly higher than budgeted in both 2016 and 2017. Upon initial investigation, the additional spending was mainly on training, equipment and maintenance for the fire department.

“We have conducted an initial review of the service’s expenses, but there are some questions that remain unanswered. We are conducting a more thorough financial audit so that we can provide our residents with a transparent and detailed accounting for the expenses,” explains Chief Administrative Officer John MacLean.

“This audit is not about pointing fingers or finding blame. We recognize that as an organization we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the public’s money and provide financial oversight. We are already taking measures to prevent this from happening again and we hope the audit will bring forward recommendations in that regard as well.”

CRD staff are currently reviewing and improving the financial management systems with all CRD fire departments to ensure that the budgets accurately reflect the true costs of operating a fire department and that expenses stay within revenues. The 2019-2023 five-year financial plan for all services, including the Barlow Creek Fire Protection service, is being prepared. The provisional five-year financial plan will be approved by the board and made available for public consultation at the Dec. 7 Board meeting.

Quick Facts:

• The Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service Ad Valorem Taxes increased by 30% ($82,276 to $106,959) in 2018 as compared to 2017. The ad valorem tax requisition is set to increase an additional 2% in each of the final four years of the 2018 Five Year Financial Plan, which was approved by the Board in March 2018.
• Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service residents also pay a parcel tax of $24.78 in each year of the 2018 Five Year Financial Plan, which is unchanged from the 2017 parcel tax rate.
• The ad valorem tax translates to a 2018 residential tax rate which is $77.75 per $100,000 of net taxable assessed value of improvements only for each property in the fire protection area. This compares to the 2017 rate of $59.81.
• For a house valued at $200,000 (improvements only, i.e. excluding the land value) the total of ad valorem and parcel taxes would be $180.28 in 2018 compared to $144.40 in 2017, which is an increase of $35.88 or approximately 25%.
• There are 836 properties within the Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service.

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Oct 12th mtg

Present: Chair M. Wagner; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier (Vice-Chair), Forseth, Delainey, Sorley, Richmond, Anderson, Coakley, Kuch, Campsall and Alternate Directors' L. Roodenburg (Quesnel) and I. Bonnell (Williams Lake)

The Chair acknowledged the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory and welcomed Alternate Directors' Roodenburg (Quesnel) and Bonnell (Williams Lake) to the meeting today

Meeting Agenda Adopted & Minutes of the Cariboo RD Board Meeting held September 21st, 2018 were received/adopted

Delegations MOB was received

Director Bruce recused himself on the next item due to being friends with the applicant and left the Boardroom at 9:50am

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board dealt with the following Planning Bylaws, as follows:

a) North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5178, 2018 (Area B/Dillabough) - 1st/2nd Readings

Director Bruce returned to the meeting at 9:51am

b) North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5150, 2018 (Area I/Parkins) - 3rd Reading
c) Lac La Hache Official Community Plan, Bylaw No. 5170, 2018 (Area G/Cariboo Regional District) - 3rd Reading/Adoption
d) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5140, 2018 (Area G/Goldschmidt)

2) The Board approved DVP #48/2018 (Area G/Springmann)
3) The Board received Cariboo Regional District Statistics Report, Municipalities Building Inspection Statistics Report, and the Inspection Activity Report for August 2018

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed to support an grant application from the Forest Grove & District Recreation Society (Area H) to the Northern Development Initiative Trust, for $30,000 in funding from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities Program to perform improvements at the Forest Grove Community Hall

Communications:

1) The Board received a report from the Manager of Communications pertaining to the evaluation of the Interlakes Fire Truck Referendum communications plan

Finance:

1) The Board received/ratified the Monthly Expenditures Board Summary Report and Mastercard Summary Report for the month of September 2018, in the amount of $2,810,110.05

Administration:

1) The Board received a report from the CAO concerning a request from the City of Quesnel for permission to supply water outside of City limit and agreed to consent to the City of Quesnel to provide municipal water to the proposed Quesnel Junior School located on Maple Drive in Electoral Area A, as per Section 13(1b) of the Community Charter.

2) The Board approved the 2019 Board Meeting Schedule

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received meeting minutes from the following CRD Committees or Commissions:

a) South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - September 17, 2018
b) South Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - September 17, 2018
c) Policy Committee Minutes - September 20, 2018
d) Committee of the Whole Minutes - September 20, 2018
e) Central Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes - September 26, 2018
f) North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - October 9th, 2018

2) The Board ratified recommendations from the following CRD Committees or Commissions:

a) South Cariboo Joint Committee - September 17th

* 108 Mile and District of 100 Mile House Garbage and Recycling Contracts
* South Cariboo Solid Waste Function Boundary - Merge South Cariboo Solid Waste/Rural Refuse into 1 CRD Function

b) Policy Committee - September 20th

* Proposed Firesmart Policy

c) Committee of the Whole Meeting - September 20th

* Inland Water – Speed Restrictions – Local Processes (Deny Request)

d) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - September 26th

* CMRC Special Needs Pass Pricing Request (Staff to bring forward amendment to Central Cariboo Recreation Fees/Charges Bylaw to accommodate request)

* West Fraser Aquatic Centre Operating Budget – Implications Resulting from Facility Upgrades (Increase base operating budget by $235,000)
* Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society Fee for Service Agreement with City of Williams Lake (bring forward Cariboo Strong Central Cariboo Allocation and projects attached and consider request of Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Society for $48,000 over two years).  Areas D, E, F/City of WL Stakeholders Divided - Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Director Forseth/Alternate Director Bonnell - 7
Negative -   Directors Delainey/Sorley - 4

e) North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - October 9th

* Conference Hosting Support Request from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association - North Cariboo Allocation of $300

Directors' Requests or Reports:

1) At the request of Director T. Armstrong (Area A) -- the Board agreed to waive Election Communications and Grant for Assistance Policies and provide a grant of $687 to the
Alexandria Community Hall Society for the purpose of to pay the fees associated with reestablishing their status as a registered non-profit society.  Board Divided/Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Chair Wagner; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Delainey, Sorley, Richmond,  Anderson, Coakley, Kuch, Campsall and Alternate Directors Bonnell (Williams Lake) and Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Negative - Director S. Forseth (Area D)

2) At the request of Director J. Sorley (Area F) - the Board agreed to provide a letter of support to the Big Lake Community Association and the Likely Xatsull Community Forest Ltd.’s application for a community forest licence

The Board received the report of the Chair to October 10th, 2018

Closed Board Meeting (In-Camera):

At 10:28am -- the Board recessed its Open Meeting to a Closed Meeting as per Sections 92 & 90 (1a/c - appointment/labour) of the Community Charter

Resume Open Board Meeting:

At 12:05pm -- the Board resumed its public meeting
At 12:09pm - the meeting recessed for lunch
At 12:50pm - the meeting resumed

Directors' reported on activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality

The Board adjourned at 1:20pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - Oct 12th mtg

Present: Vice-Chair A. Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Delainey, Sorley, Wagner, Anderson, Coakley, Kuch, Campsall (9:35am) and Alternate Directors' L. Roodenburg (Quesnel) and I. Bonnell (Williams Lake)

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Meeting Agenda approved & CCRHD Board Meeting Minutes of September 21st, 2018 were received/adopted

Delegations - None

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings/Adoption to the following two Corporate Bylaws:

a) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Directors’ Remuneration Bylaw No. 150, 2018 (as amended)
b) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Building Integrity Projects) Bylaw No. 151, 2018

2) The Board received a BC Government News Release, dated October 10, 2018, announcing the opening of the Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre later this month

The Board adjourned at 9:42am

Zacharias endorses her WL Council colleagues for another term

Yesterday - outgoing Williams Lake City Councillor Sue Zacharias posted the following on Facebook:

"Walt Cobb has earned and deserves to be voted in as Mayor for another term. He has helped move the City to a much better place in every area... with the help of a great team... and I hope for- Scott (Nelson), Ivan (Bonnell), Craig (Smith) and Jason (Ryll) - to be re-elected as they have also done a great job and have earned their way back to the table...Good luck to Marnie Bremner and Sheila Boehm, they are campaiging hard and will bring much needed, diverse voices to the table!!!!
Let' keep the momentum going for a great, safe, diversified, healthy and friendly community"

Comments posted in response agreed with her sentiments...

As I said before - incumbents, once elected, are generally hard to vote out, especially if the community is generally satisfied with their performance.

Next week - there are no All Candidate Forums scheduled, to the best of my knowledge, prior to the October 20th General Voting Day/City of Williams Lake Local Election and there is still the Wednesday, October 17th Advanced Voting Day #2 - City of Williams Lake Local Election from 8am -8pm in the foyer area of Williams Lake City Hall

With only 8 days left in the 2018 Civic Election Campaign -- it really is now up to the candidates and their supporters/campaign teams now to get out the vote... and I would strongly encourage everyone to get out and vote on Saturday, October 20th (or in the upcoming advanced voting opportunities in the days ahead), regardless of where you live in the Cariboo-Chilcotin and which ever candidate(s) you personally support!

I'm very much looking forward (and suspect many others) to the final unofficial results on October 20th after 8pm... A reminder that you can view those directly at https://bc.localelections.ca/candidates/index_m.html

~SF

2018 Cariboo RD Advanced Voting Day #1 Results

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Voter turnout after the first advance polls is higher than during the 2014 elections. Residents are encouraged to come out and vote on Oct. 15 or 20.

Two hundred and forty-one voters cast their ballots yesterday in the first advance voting opportunity for the Cariboo Regional District general election. Out of the 28,890 eligible voters in the regional district, voter turnout is higher compared to the 2014 elections which saw 160 voters in the first advance polls. Eligible voters are encouraged to come out and vote in the next advance voting opportunity on Monday, Oct. 15 or on general voting day, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find a polling station in your area at www.cariboord.ca/elections. Here are a few reminders about the election: Advance voting dates and locations may vary between the CRD, municipalities and school districts. Visit your local government or school district website for details. Don’t forget to bring two pieces of identification to vote.  For non-resident property electors where more than one person owns the property, the signatures of a majority of the owners are required. You must bring a completed non-resident property owner form with you to vote. Download the form here. Contact the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer prior to voting day for more details. Mail ballot voting is still available. Visit www.cariboord.ca/elections for details or call the CRD’s Chief Election Officer at 250-392-3351. Contact information for candidates is posted at www.bc.localelections.ca.  When the polls close on Oct. 20, unofficial election results will be posted at www.bc.localelections.ca/results.  For more election information, visit cariboord.ca/government/elections or call the CRD at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636.

2018 International Day of the Girl

Today is the "International Day of the Girl".  The "International Day of the Girl" first started back in 2012

This year's theme is With Her. A Skilled Girl Force

More details can be viewed here

Meanwhile - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following on the 2018 International Day of the Girl:

“On the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate girls around the world: their voices, their power, their future. We also take a hard look at the challenges they face, and keep working to make sure girls everywhere can thrive.

“In Canada and around the globe, girls are changing their communities and shaping their societies for the better. They show us that when girls have the support and opportunities to achieve their highest potential, they transform our world. Yet even in 2018, girls across the board face higher rates of violence, poverty, discrimination, and other systemic barriers that hold them back. It’s long past time for that to change. The activists on the frontlines of that fight are girls – demanding their rights be respected and that their voices be heard.

“This year’s United Nations theme for the day – With Her: A Skilled GirlForce – reminds us that everyone benefits when girls have the chance to excel. We need to increase learning opportunities for girls so they can succeed in the workforce of today and tackle the jobs, and challenges, of tomorrow.

“Every young person should have access to quality education and modern skills training. Canada is helping bring the international community together to make this a priority. At the G7 Summit earlier this year, Canada and partners announced a historic investment of nearly $3.8 billion – the largest of its kind – to support quality education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations. At the United Nations General Assembly last month, Canada built on this momentum, and welcomed an additional $527 million to help developing countries give every child access to the education and training they need to succeed.

“In Canada, women in the workforce have been one of the most powerful sources of growth in recent decades – but we need to do more to increase girls’ access to career guidance, mentorship, and networks they need to transition from school to work. The Government of Canada is expanding training and education programs for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, and helping girls enter careers in skilled trades through the new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. These measures will help reduce gender gaps and build a more prosperous future for all Canadians.

“International Day of the Girl falls in the middle of Women’s History Month – a reminder that girls grow up to change the world. It’s up to all of us to teach girls that they can be anything they want to be – and to recognize the girls making an impact right now in our communities. Together, we can make sure girls have the freedom and support they need to keep transforming our world and chasing down their dreams.”

Cariboo RD Area F Candidates visit Likely

CRD Area 'F' 2018 Director Candidates from L-R:
Shannon Rerie, Conrad Turcotte and Brice O'Neill

Last night - the 3 people in the running to succeed Joan Sorley as the new Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'F' Director - Shannon Rerie, Conrad Turcotte and Brice O'Neill - paid the community of Likely a visit.  Roughly between 15-20 Likely residents' showed up to ask their questions of the 3 candidates

After the moderator (Lisa Kraus) went over the rules of the All Candidates Forum and welcomed acclaimed (re-elected unopposed) Cariboo Regional District Area 'D' Director Steve Forseth to the Forum, the candidates were given an opportunity to provide opening remarks to the Likely community

Then the question period commenced with the questions ranging from access to the CRD Area 'F' Director to cell/internet connectivity, emergency planning to Mt Polley and finally - an opportunity was given to all 3 candidates to provide closing remarks and then the candidates were encouraged to talk 1-on-1 with the community members.  I had a chance to talk with all 3 candidates -- Mr. O'Neill prior to the forum starting and Ms. Rerie/Mr. Turcotte after the forum concluded, any one of the 3 could represent CRD Electoral Area F well but we'll all have to wait/see what the judgement of Area F voters will be on Saturday, October 20th after 8pm.

There are no other Area F All Candidate Forums scheduled, to the best of my knowledge, prior to the 2nd Advanced Voting Opportunity on Monday, October 15th  from 8am - 8pm at the CRD Boardroom in Williams Lake or General Voting Day on Saturday October 20th...

~SF

Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre to open on October 31st

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre will soon open to provide people a new option for same-day access to urgent primary care.

It wil be the first Urgent Primary Care Centre (UPCC) in the North under the government’s primary health-care strategy.

“We know that for many individuals in this community same-day access to the care they need has been an issue and, as a result, they have had to resort to using the emergency department for what are really primary care health-care concerns,” said The Hon. Adrian Dix, BC's Minister of Health. “This is about to change. The Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre will offer patients access to a team of health-care professionals to provide the immediate care they need, and also offer them ongoing care through referrals to a range of community services and supports.”

The urgent primary care centre will be staffed by a team of health professionals including doctors, a nurse practitioner and nurses. These health-care providers will be connected with a variety of services and programs, making it easier for patients to receive follow-up care and access to other services they may need. For example, the urgent primary care centre will make sure seniors are connected with appropriate community supports to help them safely stay at home longer.

The centre will be open on Oct. 31, 2018, and is located within G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital at the Community Health Services site at 543 Front St. The urgent primary care centre will provide appointments to patients including the frail elderly, people with mental-health and substance-use needs and patients unattached to a physician. The centre will be open from noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays. The Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre works in conjunction with Community Health Services, which is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

The new Quesnel Urgent Primary Care Centre was created through a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Northern Health, and the Northern Interior Division of Family Practice. An annualized budget of $1.1 million in funding has been allocated by the ministry to establish the centre.

Colleen Nyce -  Chair of the Northern Health Authority Board of Directors' stated:

“We’re pleased that the new Quesnel Urgent Primary Care centre is opening later this month to serve residents of Quesnel and the surrounding area. This new, co-located service will provide much-needed access to primary care for people in this region, including those, such as seniors, who may have specific care needs that require additional community supports.”

Dr. Dietrich Furstenburg, Northern Interior rural medical director went on to say:

“I’m looking forward to supporting the inter-professional team at the Urgent Primary Care Centre. Over the coming months, this service will support patients to access the care they require, close to home, and specific to their needs.”

Quick Facts:

The Quesnel UPCC is the third of 10 centres announced by government as part of the Province’s new
primary health-care strategy.

The two other urgent primary care centres include the Surrey Urgent Primary Care Centre, announced on June 7, 2018, and the Kamloops Urgent Primary Care Centre, announced on June 8, 2018.

A Family Practice Learning Centre co-located with the Kamloops Urgent Primary Care Centre opened in August 2018 and pairs people without a primary care provider with University of British Columbia family medicine residents to receive ongoing team-based care and treatment.

All centres will be open in the next 12 months and are a key part of the Province’s new primary health-care strategy, which is focused on improving services for patients through team-based care.

The strategy will see government fund and recruit 200 family doctors and 200 nurse practitioners, and hire 50 clinical pharmacists to help provide all British Columbians with faster and improved access to health care.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province’s Primary Health-Care Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010

To see a tour of the Kamloops Urgent Primary Care Centre, visit: https://youtu.be/M_3YRIuCwBg

To learn more about the Surrey Urgent Primary Care Centre, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0043-001138

To learn more about the Province’s strategy to increase the number of pharmacists in primary care, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018HLTH0055-001118

2018 Local Elections/Advanced Voting Day #1

Today is the first required advanced voting opportunity for the 2018 Local Elections, as per Section 107 of the Local Government Act.

For the District of Wells:

Cast advanced votes for 1 Mayor, up to 4 Councillors and School District #28 Trustees (up to 7).  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here.  Please note that there will be NO 2nd Advanced Voting Opportunity

For the City of Quesnel:

Cast advanced votes for up to 6 Councillors and School District #28 Trustees (up to 7) as well as the Public Works Referendum (consent to borrowing bylaw for up to $8.5 million for new Public Works Building - for details, click here)

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

For School District #27:

Cast advanced votes for Trustees for Zones 2, 4, 5, and 7.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For City of Williams Lake:

Cast advanced votes for 6 Councillors, 1 Mayor and School District #27 Zone 6 Trustee.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

For the District of 100 Mile House:

Cast advanced votes for 1 Mayor and up to 4 Councillors.  Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here.  Please note that there will be NO 2nd Advanced Voting Opportunity.

For the Cariboo Regional District:

Cast advanced votes for a Director for Electoral Areas A, B, E, F, J, K and L & School District #28 Trustees (up to 7 - applicable to voters in Electoral Areas A, B, C, I) plus a Referendum to approve the North Cariboo Airport Contribution Service (applicable to voters in Electoral Areas A, B, C and I ONLY).   Full details on what the electors (voters) need to know before voting are here

~SF

Johnston Bridge set to reopen to light weight vehicles

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Effective at 7:00 pm, October 9, 2018, the Johnston Bridge will open to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 kilograms or lower but will remain closed to all industrial traffic and heavy commercial traffic.

McCall Engineering has assessed the structure of the bridge and determined vehicles under 10,000 kilograms are able to safely use the bridge. All personal vehicle’s (cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans) GVWR will be under 10,000 kilograms. If in doubt, please refer to your vehicle’s insurance papers. The bridge will remain closed to all industrial traffic and most commercial traffic. The bridge will continue to be open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Industrial traffic and heavy commercial traffic must detour via Plywood Rd and Maple Dr. Industrial traffic will not be allowed to detour through Johnston Subdivision.

The engineering firm, hired by the City, is working to determine options that will return the bridge to full service.

From a recent bridge inspection, the City was made aware that areas of the bridge structure are compromised. As a safety precaution, the City made the decision to close the Johnston Bridge to all vehicle traffic on Wednesday, October 3.

The City would like to thank the public for their cooperation.

IUOE Local 882 endorses re-election of incumbent members of Williams Lake City Council

Yesterday afternoon - Walt Cobb's re-election campaign team published a letter on the "Re-Elect Walt Cobb for Mayor (of Williams Lake) Facebook page from Local 882 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) which covers City of Williams Lake Unionized Staff in which the IUOE Local officially endorses the re-election bids of incumbent Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb along with incumbent Williams Lake City Councillors Ivan Bonnell, Scott Nelson, Craig Smith and Jason Ryll

Read the letter below for yourself:

Endorsement letter of IUOE Local 882 for
re-election bids of Walt Cobb (Mayor) &
Ivan Bonnell, Scott Nelson, Jason Ryll
and Craig Smith (Councillors)

While endorsement by local Labour Councils' or by individual unions for progressive/labour friendly candidates for local, provincial and federal elections are common place, it is rare for those that are viewed as "business friendly" candidates like Walt Cobb, Scott Nelson, Jason Ryll and Craig Smith and this is the first time, that I can recall in my 40 years of living in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, that any local union or Cariboo Labour Council has agreed to endorse the re-election campaigns of ALL incumbents seeking re-election to a Municipal Council

In responding to the endorsement -- incumbent Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb stated:

Thank you for the endorsement. I will continue fighting for industry when re-elected as mayor on October 20th.

With Advanced Voting for the 2018 City of Williams Lake Local General Election starting on Wednesday, October 10th (and again on Wednesday, October 17th) and General Voting Day on Saturday Oct 20th -- this endorsement could be seen as an incremental boost for the re-election campaigns for Walt Cobb (Williams Lake Mayor) and Ivan Bonnell, Scott Nelson, Jason Ryll and Craig Smith (Williams Lake City Councillors)

With effectively 11 days left on the campaign trail (I'm expecting that Mayoral/Councillor Candidates for Williams Lake City Council will take the day off before resuming campaigning tomorrow)...

We will all know on Saturday, October 20th after 8pm if this endorsement helps all incumbent members of Williams Lake City Council (Cobb, Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Smith) get re-elected...

~SF

2018 Fire Prevention Week (Oct 7-13)

This coming week is Fire Prevention Week (October 7-13).  This year's theme is

“Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware – Fire can happen anywhere”

Click here for inside fire prevention tips while FireSmart tips can be viewed here

As I noted on Facebook --

Meanwhile, a good first step is to check and make sure that your smoke and CO2 alarms are both working by checking the batteries and pressing the test button on both alarms to ensure they work when required. Another friendly tip is to discuss your escape plan with your family from a burning home, if required

By using both of the above noted tips, you can ensure your family stay safe in case your home catches on fire.

Finally, if you want your local fire department to give you some friendly tips about how to keep your home fire proof, contact your local fire department. I’m sure they would be happy to walk with you and point out any improvements you can make to keep your home fire safe

~SF

By the Numbers - 2018 Race for Williams Lake Mayor

In the last few days - I have seen a fair bit of commentary online about the currently underway election race to become the 2018-2022 Mayor of Williams Lake between incumbent Walt Cobb and former Williams Lake City Councillor (1993-2014) Surinderpal Rathor with either side proclaiming that their preferred candidate will be successful on Saturday, October 20th

If we take a dispassionate look at the numbers in the 2014 City of Williams Mayoral Election, we can take a educated look ahead to how the October 20th election may play out.  Please bear in mind that incumbents, generally speaking, are difficult to vote out, especially if the electorate is generally happy with their performance during their current electoral mandate

In the 2014 City of Williams Lake Mayoral Election:

Walt Cobb received 1,344 of 3,534 total valid votes cast or 38% of all valid votes cast 

Surinderpal Rathor received 1,219 of 3,534 total valid votes cast or 34.5% of all votes cast 

Kerry Cook received 880 of 3,534 total valid votes cast or 24.9% of all votes cast

The late John Bjornstrom received 91 of 3,534 total valid votes cast or 2.57% of all valid votes cast

CivicInfo's 2018 BC Local Elections website (click here) reports that there are 7,839 electors (voters) in the City of Williams Lake, this is roughly down 54 voters from the 2014 Election and 45.2% of voters cast a ballot in the last (2014) City of Williams Lake Local General Election

Knowing this and considering the above noted 2014 Election Results, we could project the following:

For Walt Cobb to be re-elected:

He will need to retain effectively his vote count from 2014 and he should be successful at retaining his Mayor's seat for 4 more years (2018-2022)

For Surinderpal Rathor to be elected:

He will need to retain his vote count from 2014 and gain an additional 125 votes, at minimum, to defeat Walt Cobb on Saturday, October 20th

The real question is where will those 880 Kerry Cook supporters in 2014 park their ballot -- Vote for Walt Cobb (not likely), Vote for Surinderpal Rathor (some for sure will) or will they just stay home... 

The answer to this question will be clear on Saturday, October 20th.  As these two gentlemen and their supporters have said -- whomever you support for Mayor of Williams Lake on Saturday, October 20th -- the critical thing is to simply get out and vote!!

If you are interested in reaching out to these two gentlemen and learning about why they would like to be Mayor of Williams Lake:

Walt Cobb - click here

Surinderpal Rathor - click here 

For voting requirements or questions regarding the 2018 City of Williams Lake Local General Election - click here

~SF

BC Premier's 2018 Thanksgiving Day Message

Courtesy of the Hon. John Horgan - Premier of British Columbia:

“This weekend is a time for families, friends, and community to come together to give thanks and reflect on what we’re most grateful for. We are so lucky to live in this inclusive, diverse and beautiful province.

“As we gather to celebrate and share the abundance of the fall harvest, we also take the time think about people who are struggling to put food on their families' tables. For too many people in B.C., making ends meet is a daily challenge, and they don’t have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

“We believe in the potential of people in B.C. That’s why we are working to make sure everyone can build a better life for themselves and their families. Investing in people is part of building a better British Columbia – where people have the chance to get the skills they need to succeed and services they can count on.

“I'm thankful for the people of B.C., who work hard every day to make their communities stronger. Together, we’re going to keep working hard to make life better for every person, in every community.

“Happy Thanksgiving!”

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Oct 8-12, 2018

On Wednesday, October 10th from 8am - 8pm, will be your first Advanced Voting Opportunity in regards to the 2018 Local Elections.  I will post the information you need on Wednesday October 10th.

There are also two Cariboo RD Electoral Area 'F' All Candidates Forums next week, as follows:

Oct 9th at 7pm - Miocene Community Hall (3511 Horsefly Road)
Oct 10th at 6:30pm - Likely Community Hall (corner of Rosette Lake Rd/Keithley Creek Rd)

Meanwhile, the following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be meeting next week as follows:

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 9th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Laura Klassen, Williams Lake Association for Community Living re "Community Living Month" Proclamation and Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander & Dave Dickson, Manager of Community Safety re Police Commission Report for September 2018

* Ratify Email Poll of Council - CCCTA Tourism Industry Conference Support - Nov 2 to 4, 2018
* Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Application - D. Kane Fraser Inc. - 336 Mart Street
* Mayor Cobb/South Operational Issues Forum Approval - Oct 16th
* DCC Reserve Fund Expenditures Bylaw No. 2295 - Current Expenditures
* OCP & Zoning Amendment Applications - Bylaws No. 2292 & 2293 - Hamel Contracting Ltd. - 1946 Broadway Avenue South
* Development Variance Permit Application - DVP#05-2018 - ICE Development Ltd. - Request To Vary Minimum Setback from CMRC - 850 Oliver Street (Retail Cannabis Store)
* Committee of the Whole Recommendations pertaining to Farmer's Market Request for Shed (Kiwanis Park), RC Cotton Waterfront Trail

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 9th at 7pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 9th at 3:00pm in the CRD Quesnel sub-office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel)  This will be the final meeting of the North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus for the 2014-2018 term

On the Agenda:

* Referred Item - Conference Hosting Support Request from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association
* Discussion Items -- North Cariboo Economic Development Business Plan and North Cariboo Airport Contribution Assent Vote

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 9th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  This will be the final meeting of the North Cariboo Joint Committee for the 2014-2018 term

On the Agenda:

* Final MKT Project Status Report (North Cariboo Arena Project)
* Event Hosting Precinct Update
* Investing in Canada Infrastructure - Community, Culture and Recreation Grant Programs
* 2019 NCRP Budget and Business Plan
* Request to CCBAC for Think Tank Funding

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District -  Regular Meeting on Friday, October 12th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)  This will be the final meeting of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board for the 2014-2018 term

On the Agenda:

* Adoption of 2 Bylaws -- Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Directors’ Remuneration Bylaw No. 150, 2018 & Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure (Building Integrity Projects) Bylaw No. 151, 2018

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Regular Meeting on Friday, October 12th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)  This will be the final meeting of the Cariboo Regional District Board for the 2014-2018 term

On the Agenda:

* Number of Planning Bylaws for 1st/2nd Readings only, 3rd Reading only and Adoption
* NDIT Application – Forest Grove Community Hall Improvement
* Interlakes Referendum Communications Evaluation
* Request from Quesnel – Supply Water Outside City Limits
* 2019 Board Schedule, for Endorsement
* Committee Minutes/Recommendations for receipt/endorsement
* Grant for Assistance Request – Alexandria Community Club (Dir Armstrong)
* Request from Director Sorley for Community Forest Application Letter of Support
* In-Camera Session -- Section 90(1a/c - appointment/labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Last night's WL Council All Candidates Forum

Last night from 5-9pm in the Gibraltar Room -- Williams Lake City Councillor candidates Sheila Boehm, Ivan Bonnell, Marnie Brenner, Jodie Capling, Tom Hoffman, Dave Moore, Scott Nelson, Jason Ryll and Natasha Wiebe plus Williams Lake Mayoral Candidates Walt Cobb and Surinderpal Rathor were all part of an All Candidates Meet/Greet in an "Open House" format.  The event was hosted by the Williams Lake/District Chamber of Commerce.

The Williams Lake Tribune video interviewed all candidates present and asked them:

1) Why are you seeking a seat on City Council (Mayor/Councillor)?
2) Name one challenge and one opportunity facing the City of Williams Lake?

Watch the video from the Tribune below:



Wearing my "City of Williams Lake voter" hat -- the Meet/Greet session allowed me to certify whom I would be voting for on October 20th.  While not packed to the "rafters", there was certainly a steady stream of Williams Lake voters' talking with the candidates and allowing the candidates to lobby voters' for their vote.  There are no additional "All Candidates" Forums scheduled for those running for Williams Lake Mayor or Councillor, to the best of my knowledge next week or certainly before October 20th.  I was also able to discuss a matter with a City voter in relation to Bull Mountain, putting on my CRD Area D Director hat, during the Meet/Greet session.  I'm hopeful that we'll see improvements to Bull Mountain in 2019....

A reminder that Advanced Voting for Williams Lake City Council (Mayor/Councillor) takes place on Wednesday, October 10th/17th from 8am - 8pm with General Voting Day being Saturday, October 20th.  again 8am -8pm.  Advanced Voting will take place in the Williams Lake City Hall Foyer while General Voting takes place in the Marie Sharpe Elementary Gym.  Unofficial Election Results should be available 30-40 mins after the close of General Voting.  For questions about the voting process on October 10th/17th/20th, Special Voting Opportunities or Mail-In Ballot -- click here

Best of luck to all of the candidates!

~SF

2014-2018 Term End Report - CRD Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley

Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley has written, for the last time, her term end report for the 2014-2018 term. A good read! for those residing in Electoral Area 'F' (North Lakeside/Lexington, 150 Mile House, Horsefly, Big Lake, Likely)

Click here

Although I will miss her profoundly at the Board table - I know her decision to leave local politics is best for her and her family and I wish her, Vince and their family all the best... I have no doubt that Joan will always be there for the communities of Electoral Area 'F' in some fashion.... even though not with local government....

~SF

Quesnel City Councillor All Candidates Forum - Oct 11th, 2018

The Quesnel Chamber of Commerce, on their Facebook page, reports the following:

The Quesnel Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a City Councillor's Forum on Thursday, October 11th in the atrium at the College of New Caledonia (below McDonald's on North Star Road) from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Each of the 11 candidates will have opportunity to answer questions that have been compiled and vetted by a Board of Directors. *Questions will not be known to the Candidates ahead of time and will be randomly selected*

So come join us on October 11th and get to know your candidates!

~SF

Public asked for feedback on proposed Anahim Connector

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The public is invited to comment on a proposal to build a connector road between the communities of Vanderhoof and Anahim Lake.

The proposed road would allow traffic to travel more directly from Anahim Lake to Highway 16, providing a secondary fire-exit route for First Nations communities and rural residents.

The road would begin about 55 kilometres north of Anahim Lake at the end of the Dean River Road, pass near Eliguk Lake, and connect to the end of the Kluskus Forest Service Road. It would be built to current standards for forest service roads.

For a map of the proposed area, visit: http://ow.ly/r0X830m3ro7

The ministry is consulting with First Nations, stakeholders and the public, as well as undertaking environmental, heritage and recreation reviews before making a decision on whether to proceed with construction.

Please provide feedback by email to the project manager, Erika Driedger, by Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at: Erika.Driedger@gov.bc.ca

Advanced Voting Next Week!

Next Wednesday from 8am - 8pm, local voters throughout the Region will have an opportunity to cast advanced votes for new Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors' and School Trustees plus two referendum votes in North Cariboo (City of Quesnel voters only - borrow up to $8.5 million for new Public Works Building (click here) + CRD Areas A, B, C, I voters only - consent to new taxation to provide funding to Quesnel Regional Airport - (click here)

This past Monday - voters in Cariboo RD Area B heard from the 3 candidates running to succeed Jerry Bruce as the the Cariboo Regional District's Area B Director for the 2018-2022 term

Meanwhile - tonight at the Creekside Seniors' Centre in 100 Mile House -- voters in the District of 100 Mile House will hear from the 9 candidates for the 4 Councillor seats on the District of 100 Mile House Council plus the 3 candidates for the Mayor's seat on the District of 100 Mile House Council.  More details here

Tomorrow evening from 5-9pm - the Williams Lake/District Chamber of Commerce will be holding a "Meet/Greet" for the 9 of 10 candidates for Williams Lake City Councillor (1 is not available) and the 2 candidates for Williams Lake Mayor in the Gibraltar Room at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

Next week - there are all candidate forums as follows:

Tuesday, October 9th at 7pm - Cariboo RD Area F Director All Candidates Forum at the Miocene Community Hall

Wednesday, October 10th at 6:30pm - Cariboo RD Area F Director All Candidates Forum at the Likely Community Hall

As of this writing - I am not aware of any all candidate forums for School District 28 or 28 Trustees candidates or an all candidates forum for Cariboo RD Areas A, E, J, K, L or Quesnel City Council but happy to post the information if/when I learn of such meetings...

Finally - to learn about Advanced/General or Other Voting Opportunities for the various local governments or Boards of Education between October 10th to 20th, 2018:

District of Wells - click here
City of Quesnel - click here
School District #28 (Quesnel) - click here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - click here
City of Williams Lake - click here
District of 100 Mile House - click here
Cariboo Regional District - click here

Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 2nd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Community Crime Assessment Randy Churchill, of Randy Churchill Consulting for Municipalities, is in the City of Quesnel for three days, from October 1 to 3, 2018, listening and gathering information from community stakeholders before bringing a report back to Council with recommendations on how to address our community’s crime issues. Mr. Churchill worked in policing for 30 years, and for 10 years with the City of Nanaimo mainly to reduce this City’s crime issues.

Johnston Bridge – Closed to Vehicle Traffic As a safety precaution the Johnston Bridge will be closed, effective 9 am, Wednesday, October 3, 2018, to all vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrians and cyclists are permitted. A recent bridge inspection found that certain areas of the Johnston Bridge structure are compromised. Industrial traffic must detour through the Red Bluff area via Plywood Road and Maple Drive. Industrial traffic is not permitted through the Johnson Subdivision. The City has hired McCall Engineering to assess the structure of the Johnston Bridge and to determine what vehicle loads/weights, if any, will be permitted, and the scope of work necessary to repair the compromised sections of Johnston Bridge.

Economic Development Transition Strategy Council has approved the final draft of the Economic Development Transition Strategy (“Strategy”) that has been developed with input from community members, focus groups, City staff and Council. Strategy themes are: Attract and retain a diverse and growing population through local services, amenities, and a strong sense of place; Diversify economic base by creating a positive business climate through innovation; Develop Quesnel as a destination for visitors with improved infrastructure, hosting capacity, and marketing; Strengthen partnerships with First Nations through economic diversification and collaboration of strategic project development. Each of the above themes have the following strategies/actions planned over the next five years: Destination Development Waterfront, Tourism Tax, Trails, Hosting Community, Indigenous Tourism, Wayfinding Innovative Resource Industries Forestry, Agriculture, Regional Mining Resident and Investment Retention and Attraction Community Marketing, Business Retention/Expansion/Attraction, Community Livability, Resident Recruitment/Industrial Lands, Regional Skills Gap The next steps include a community mail out that will provide an overview of this Strategy, and highlight current and future actions of this Strategy including upcoming community engagement.

Cannabis Retail – Land Use Policy At the September 18, 2018 Council requested staff to bring forward policy that would allow for one retail store to be located in the downtown core that would be publicly-owned and regulated by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. Council, at the October 2, 2018 meeting, approved second reading of the draft zoning Bylaw 1845 that permits the use of a Government Cannabis Store in the Central Business District Commercial (C-3) zone subject to the following policy: Distances: 500m from another Cannabis store; 50m from a Secondary or Junior School; 100m from a playground or playfield; and 30m from a residentially zoned property. Cannabis Retail Store Application Review Process will be similar to the liquor license review process. Fees for applications reviews and business licenses for Cannabis Retail Stores will be updated in the City’s Master Fees Bylaw update(s). Also included in the draft Zoning Bylaw 1845 is the permitted use of Cannabis Production Facilities in the Light Industrial District (M-1) subject to the following policy: Facilities and activities of Cannabis production to be completely enclosed within a building. Federal legislation that provides significant regulations/policy around the design and security of production facilities. Next steps include: Adopt zoning policy;  Create a business license fee;  Develop procedures for reviewing application, obtaining resident feedback and providing comment to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Bylaws 1841 – Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal) – Housing Agreement – Final Adoption 1845 – Cannabis Regulations – Second Reading, As Amended, and Set Public Hearing Date for 6:00 pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at City Hall Council Chambers 1846 – Smoking Regulations Amendment (Vaporizing and Cannabis) – Final Adoption

Next Meetings 5:30 pm, October 9 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee 7 pm, October 23 – Regular Council Meeting 6 pm, November 6 – Inaugural/Swearing-In Ceremony – Newly Elected Council (Term 2018 – 2022)

Johnston Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic on October 3 until further notice

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

As of 9:00 am, Wednesday, October 3, 2018, the Johnson Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic until further notice.

From a recent bridge inspection, the City was made aware that areas of the bridge structure are compromised. As a safety precaution, the City has made the decision to close the Johnston Bridge to all vehicle traffic at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 3. The bridge will continue to be open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Industrial traffic must detour through Red Bluff via Plywood Rd and Maple Dr. Industrial traffic will not be allowed to detour through Johnston Subdivision. Signage will be posted directing traffic.

The City has hired McCall Engineering to assess the structure of the bridge and determine what vehicle loads are able to safely use the bridge. Baker Creek Bridge and Moffat Bridge were noted to be in good condition.

More information will be available next week and will be posted through the City’s regular news channels.

Website: https://www.quesnel.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofquesnel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cityofquesnel
Email subscription: https://www.quesnel.ca/subscribe

Cariboo RD Area 'B' All Candidates Forum - Oct 1st, 2018

L-R: Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson
and the 3 Candidates for
CRD Area 'B' Director

Last night at a full Bouchie Lake Hall - the 3 candidates to become the new Cariboo RD Area B Director for the 2018-2022 term presented themselves to their "bosses" (Elizabeth Montgomery, Robert Shkuratoff and Barb Bachmeier)

Elected officials in attendance included:

* Quesnel City Councillors Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and John Brisco
* Re-elected CRD Area D Director Steve Forseth

The session was moderated by recently re-elected Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson

Questions raised included:

* Recycling Opportunities for Area 'B'
* Internet/Cell Phone Connectivity for Area 'B'
* Recreation vis-a-vis use of the Bouchie Lake Hall for local purposes
* Backing local volunteerism..
* Vision for Area 'B' vis-a-vis the North Cariboo sub-region
* Personal Stance on the October 20th Referendum to approve the new North Cariboo Airport Contribution Service

Area 'B' Voters will select their new Area 'B' Director, beginning with Advanced Voting on October 10th/15th and General Voting Day being October 20th.  Best of luck to all of the candidates!

~SF

Post Event Report/2018 UBCM Convention

As is my practice -- find below my "Post Event Report" in regards to my attendance at the 2018 Union of BC Municipalities Convention held at Whistler, BC from September 10-14, 2018

Any questions or concerns? Please feel free to reach me at 250-267-6725 or via email at sforseth@cariboord.ca or look me up on Facebook and I will attempt to answer your questions, 

~SF

Report:

Post Event Report - 2018 UBCM Convention by Steve Forseth on Scribd

Wildfire & flood survey for Cariboo residents to close today

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Today is the final opportunity for residents and visitors directly or indirectly impacted by this year’s Cariboo wildfires and floods to complete a survey measuring overall response efforts.

The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRDwildfires2018 and can be completed at Cariboo Regional District libraries for those who do not have access to a computer. Residents and visitors who were impacted directly or indirectly will have access to the survey until the end of the day, on Monday, October 1.

Results will be published late this fall as part of a review report to be provided by Butterfly Effect Communications, who completed last year’s public consultation on behalf of the district.

Media Contact:

Tim Conrad, EOC Communications
Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations
(587) 343-6996

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - September 2018

In the month of September 2018 - I attended the following meetings or events:

* Sept 5th - Regular Meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Society

* Sept 6th - Attended, partly, the Grand Opening of the New Water Treatment Facility in 108 Mile House

* September 7th - Special CRD Board Meeting (Discussion on Dasiqox Tribal Park)

* September 10th to 14th - 2018 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Whistler, BC

* September 17th - Wildwood Community Association Meeting

* September 19th - Participated in Gibraltar Mines Technical Advisory Committee meeting and then met with CRD Staff re: 2019 Area 'D' Economic Development Budget

* September 20th - Meetings of CRD Policy Committee/CRD Board's Committee of the Whole along with attendance at a retirement dinner of Area 'A' Director Ted Armstrong

* September 21st - Meetings of the CCRHD and Cariboo RD Boards

* September 26th - Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting (a meeting which I acted as Acting Chair)

* September 27th - Took in Air Quality Workshop then over to the monthly meeting of the Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce

* September 28th - Afternoon meeting with CRD CAO J. MacLean to discuss Area 'D' matters....

As to expenses for the month of September 2018:

* Sept 7th - $185 for Special CRD Board Meeting (Discussion on Dasiqox Tribal Park)

* Sept 10th - 14th - $1,128.12 for mileage/daily attendance fees at the 2018 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Whistler, BC

* September 20th - $185 for both CRD Policy Committee & Committee of the Whole meetings

* September 21st - $185 for CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings

* September 26th - $75 for Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

~SF

19 Days to 2018 General Voting Day (Local Gov't/Board of Education Elections)

19 Days (just under 3 weeks) from today - voters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will elect new Mayors (except the City of Quesnel), Councillors, School District #28 Trustees, School District #27 Trustees for Zones 2,4,5,6,7 and Cariboo Regional District Directors for Electoral Areas A, B, E, F, J, K and L and just 9 days to the 1st Advanced Voting Opportunity for these same elected positions as well as a referendum for a new CRD North Cariboo Airport Financial Contribution Service (CRD Electoral Areas A, B, C and I) (click here for details) and a referendum to borrow up to $8.5 million for a new Public Works building in Quesnel (for details, click here)

A number of candidates (not all) have posted election signs and a fair number of them have an online presence, via Facebook.  There are a number of all candidate forums this upcoming week to hear directly from the candidates including:

Monday, October 1st at 7pm - Bouchie Lake Community Hall - Cariboo RD Area 'B' Director candidates.  Session moderated by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson

Wednesday, October 3rd at 6pm - Creekside Seniors' Centre, 100 Mile House.  Candidates for 100 Mile House Mayor/Councillor.  Session put on by the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, October 4th from 5-9pm, Gibraltar Room - Williams Lake.  All Candidates "Meet/Greet Open House" for those running for Williams Lake Mayor/Councillor.  Session put on by the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce

Full contact information for all candidates running can be found at the CivicInfo website here and if you have a question around if an candidate has a specific Facebook page for their election or re-electon campaign, please comment below and I'll let you know where you can locate it...

~SF