Prescribed burns to help restore Cariboo grasslands

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service crews will assist with six ecosystem restoration burns in the Cariboo Fire Centre over the next few weeks.

These prescribed burns will be managed by the ministry’s Ecosystem Restoration Program and will help restore natural grassland ecosystems. The burns could begin as early as Monday, April 8, 2019, and end as late as May 3, 2019.

Firefighters from the Cariboo Fire Centre will monitor these fires at all times.

The following areas will be treated:

Doc English Lake (Becher Prairie):

• 150 hectares south of Highway 20 near Cotton Road, about 30 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake

Sonny’s Meadow:

• 184 hectares, about 7.5 kilometres northeast of Esket

Esk’etemc IR 5:

• 67 hectares, about five kilometres north of Esket

Esk’etemc IR 18:

• 10 hectares, about 12 kilometres northeast of Esket

Joe Bacon:

• 91 hectares, about three kilometres northeast of Esket

Joes Lake:

• 54 hectares, about four kilometres south of Esket

A prescribed burn is an intentionally ignited fire that is planned and managed by a certified “burn boss.” The burn boss is responsible for ensuring initial burn conditions are favourable and the fire is fully extinguished once the prescribed burn is completed.

These burns will proceed only if the site, weather and venting conditions are suitable.

All prescribed burns must comply with the Environment Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.

Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated the understory plants that grow under the forest canopy and helped maintain more open grasslands and forests with large trees. The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain traditional grassland plant communities native to these areas.

These types of prescribed fires also reduce accumulations of woody debris and other flammable material, which will help decrease the risk of significant wildfires in these areas in future.

These six controlled burns are part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered by the provincial government through the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee, in consultation with First Nations, local ranchers, forest licensees, outdoors organizations, the Fraser Basin Council, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society.

Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: http://ow.ly/7RXg304vw2Z

To learn more about the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee, visit: www.ccerc.net

Williams Lake Caribou Recovery Agreement Public Engagement tonight!

From 5:30pm - 9:30pm tonight! (Monday, April 8th) at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex at 525 Proctor Street in Williams Lake:

The Province of British Columbia is hosting a Public Consultation Meeting in respect of Draft Section 11 and Draft Partnership Agreements (Caribou Habitat Recovery/Use of Land in the Backcountry!)

Outline of Meeting (based on Chetwynd meeting):

* Welcome and Opening Comments
* Review of Caribou Recovery Agreements - Draft Section 11/Partnership
* Break
* Public Input Session
* Adjourn

For full details - click here

If you can't make this meeting and want to leave feedback by Friday, May 3rd at 4pm - click here

Finally - you can watch a live streamed meeting held in Chetwynd respecting the above mentioned Caribou Recovery Agreements here

I expect that many locals including local government representatives (including myself) will be in attendance at this meeting

There will be no further meetings on this topic in Williams Lake however there will be one in Quesnel on Thursday, April 11th from 5:30pm - 9:30pm at the Quesnel Seniors' Centre on Carson Avenue (Highway 97) on the same topic

After Quesnel's meeting - there will be no additional public meetings in the Region so it's important to provide your feedback on this very important land use question as it will impact the Region economically for many decades....

~SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of April 8-12

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Council Committee Meetings as follows:

Executive Committee on Monday, April 8th at 10:30am in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Community Policing Office (deferred from Feb 27th, 2019)
* Safer Quesnel' Update

* New Business:

a) Minerals North Planning Discussion - EDO Reid
b) Physician Recruitment and Retention - Housing Discussion
c) North Cariboo Joint Committee - Next Steps and Potential Dates
d) City of Quesnel Vision Statement Update - Suggested Language - Mayor Simpson
e) Quesnel Interconnector Status Update
f) BIA Footbridge Event Update - Councillor Roodenburg
g) Downtown Firehall Engineering Project - Wood First Bylaw No. 167

View the full Agenda here

Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee on Tuesday, April 9th at 3pm in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* 2018 Surplus
* 2019-2023 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw
* 2019 Tax Rates

View the full Agenda here

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

* Delegations -- Tim Rolph, President - Williams Lake Stampede Association re Spring Update & Planning for 93rd Annual Williams Lake Stampede Event and Monica Lamb-Yorski re First Annual City-Wide Garbage Pick-Up Day

* Double Gas Tax Funding and Deferred Project Reinstatement
* NDIT Housing Needs Assessment Grant Application
* North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) 2019 AGM & Convention -- Authorization for Mayor/Councillors' to attend
* Facility Condition Assessment Report

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 7pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* By-Law Officer report for March 1st to 31st
* 100 Mile House & District Soccer Association's Lease Renewal
* Husky Oil Property - Development Variance Permit
* Award – Mobile Street Sweeper
* 4 Bylaws for Adoption

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below:

South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, April 8th at 12 noon in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- Staff Sgnt Svend Nielsen, RCMP and Enbridge
* Canlan Ice Sports - SC Recreation Centre 2018 Operating Subsidy
* 100 Mile House Curling Club Use and Occupancy Agreement Renewals
* Use and Occupancy Agreement Renewal with the 100 Mile Agriplex Society
* People Power - Garden Project at Horse Lake Community Farm Co-operative
* 100 Mile House and District Soccer Assoc. Lease
* Closed Committee Meeting -- Sec 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 3pm at the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Letter from North Cariboo Healthier Communities Committee
* Discussion Items -- Alternate for Director Massier for Joint Planning Committee during Upcoming Absence; Kluskus Connector and Date for Special Joint Planning Committee Meeting

View the full Agenda here

Emergency Preparedness Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 11th at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Draft CRD Crisis Communication Plan (for review and recommendation to Regional Board)
* Discussion Items -- 2017 Flood and Wildfire Report Executive Summary and Provincial Government's Action Plan - Responding to Wildfire and Flood Risks

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, April 12th at 9:45am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation -- ABC Communications

* Various Land Use Items
* Report from CRD Mgr of Protective Services re: Community Resiliency Investment Program – FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Application - Revision
* 6 Grant for Assistance "Year Round Intake" applications for consideration
* Receive Official Results of Area F By-Election
* Request from Area D Director S. Forseth to Access Electoral Area D Director Initiative Funds - FireSmart Community Meeting at McLeese Lake

* Closed Board Meeting - Sec 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Finally - please make it to 1 of the 2 Caribou Recovery Engagement Sessions in the Region - this could have detrimental impacts on those who recreate in the backcountry including snowmobiling, ATV, Hiking and Resource Extraction Activities (Forestry/Mining):

* Williams Lake on Monday, April 8th from 5:30-9:30pm at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex on Proctor Street

* Quesnel on Thursday, April 11th from 5:30pm-9:30pm at the Quesnel and District Seniors' Centre, 461 Carson Avenue

Full details including leaving your comments online can be viewed here

BC Government launches initiative to renew B.C.’s Interior forestry industry

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The British Columbia government is launching a regionally driven renewal of the province’s Interior forest industry, aimed at developing a competitive, sustainable future for forest companies, workers and communities.

In announcing the renewal initiative during a speech to the Council of Forest Industries (COFI), Premier John Horgan said he already has written to the chief executives of Interior forest companies, inviting them to lead the process with government and to partner with labour leaders, First Nations and communities to chart a sustainable path forward. While focusing on the entire Interior forest industry, individual strategy discussions will be carried out in each timber supply area (TSA).

“This will be a local process, led by those who are committed to the future of forestry in their regions, and who are willing to do the tough work to create a shared vision of a prosperous, competitive industry,” Premier Horgan said. “We will expect the results to maximize the potential of the existing timber supply, maintain jobs, incorporate First Nations’ interests, and address the economic, cultural, recreational and other uses of B.C.’s land base.”

This renewal strategy comes just months after government launched a similar initiative for the coastal forest industry. But the Interior industry faces its own unique challenges – after years of enhanced cut levels when the pine beetle epidemic was at its peak, the industry is now facing significantly reduced timber supply and record wildfire seasons, as well as lower prices for Western spruce, fir and pine lumber. This initiative will focus specifically on ways to increase value-added production from a reduced wood fibre supply.

“Enhancing competitiveness for our forest industry means shifting some production from high volume to high value,” Premier Horgan said. “It’s a step forward that we all must take if we want a future defined by opportunity and sustainability.”

“This process will empower regions to maintain forest-industry competitiveness within a framework that is locally led and collaboratively driven, leading to a secure future for forest-dependent communities by building, creating and innovating using B.C. wood,” said the Hon. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

To help increase market demand for value-added production – and as part of the CleanBC plan to reduce climate pollution – government announced earlier this year that it was changing the building code to allow the construction of wood buildings up to 12 storeys, using fire-resistant engineered wood.

The Premier announced that government is taking the next major step by requiring engineered wood to be used wherever possible for the construction of two major projects: the new Royal BC Museum in Victoria and the new St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.

“This is the beginning of the change our forest industry needs,” Premier Horgan said. “We have committed $20 billion in public infrastructure over the next three years – schools, housing, hospitals and more. I have directed that all these projects consider the use of engineered wood as a primary building material, whenever and wherever possible.”

Where local coalitions and commitments emerge at the TSA level, government will enable a facilitated planning process, provide capacity support to First Nations, and deliver analytical resources to assist local coalitions in developing a vision for industry competitiveness and transition, and community economic stability.

“There’s no question this will be a period of unprecedented change, but British Columbians are ready to meet that challenge,” Premier Horgan said. “People in this industry are proud of where they live and what they do, and our government will work with them every step of the way to make sure they have a secure future in the communities they call home.”

Revitalizing the forest sector is a shared priority with the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Learn More:

Premier John Horgan’s letter to the B.C. Interior forest sector:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Letter__to_Forest_Sector.pdf

Cumulative percentage of merchantable forest volume killed since 1999:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Cumulative_Forest_Killed_by_Pine_Unit_with_Fires.pdf

Mountain pine beetle-affected timber supply areas:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/TSA_MPB_AFFECTED_MAP.pdf

Interior harvest in pine beetle affected timber supply areas, 1999-2018:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Interior_Harvest_in_MPB_Affected_TSAs.pdf

Financial review completed for Barlow Creek VFD budget

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

On behalf of the Cariboo Regional District, PMT Chartered Professional Accountants LLP completed a review of the Barlow Creek Fire Protection service budgets for the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. Their review is consistent with the findings of CRD staff and indicates the expenses in the 2016 and 2017 budgets were typical expenses for operating a fire department, but purchases were made in higher quantities and on a more accelerated timeline than the budget outlined.

“Both our internal review and the review by PMT Chartered Professional Accountants identify that the main issue was that fire department purchases were made that had not been budgeted for in 2016 and 2017,” explains CRD Chief Administrative Officer John MacLean. “The additional spending was mainly on training and development; equipment maintenance and repairs; fire hall maintenance; and the replacement of operating supplies.”

Due to the service’s expenses being significantly higher than budgeted in both 2016 and 2017, the Barlow Creek Fire Protection service saw a 30 per cent tax increase in 2018 and 2 per cent increases in 2019 through 2023. The CRD has worked with the Provincial Government to make the tax burden as manageable as possible by allowing the service to recover the deficit over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023. This mechanism for managing the tax burden is necessary, since regional district budgets are not allowed to include annual deficits in financial plans and budgets and since taxpayers within a given service area are required, by legislation, to pay all costs associated with that service.

“I can understand the frustrations of Barlow Creek residents regarding the tax increase and we apologize for our lack of oversight,” says MacLean. “We recognize that improved financial management policies and/or systems could have helped us detect these budget overrun issues earlier. While we did take steps to oversee and manage the Service’s budget – including the suspension of credit cards and the reiteration of purchasing policies with suppliers – ideally the increased spending would have been identified and managed sooner.”

“We take this kind of financial situation seriously and we do not want to see untimely or unbudgeted spending in our services. We are committed to ensuring that improved financial management policies and systems prevent the reoccurrence of such a budget overrun in the future.”

The Cariboo Regional District is working to improve administrative oversight of its volunteer fire departments by reviewing and improving its financial management systems with all fire departments to ensure better tracking of fire department spending. The CRD is also making sure its budgets accurately reflect the true costs of providing fire department services and that sufficient funds are collected through taxation, and any other available operating revenues, in order to operate the fire departments.

Further, the CRD hired a Regional Fire Services Supervisor within the Protective Services Department to more closely monitor and control volunteer fire department spending. This position was filled mid-March 2019. Letters have also been sent letters to fire department chiefs, vendors and suppliers clearly outlining and reinforcing CRD purchasing policies.

A letter has been sent to all residents within the Barlow Creek Fire Protection Area explaining the financial review of the budget. The CRD is also hosting a multi-agency information fair on Tuesday, May 14, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Barlow Creek Hall (3801 Trembley Road). Electoral Area C Director, John Massier, and CRD staff will be available, along with representatives from various government ministries and service agencies, to provide information and discuss topics relevant to the community.

Quick Facts:

• Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service taxes, which are based on the assessed value of improvements only, increased by 30% ($82,276 to $106,959 total tax requisition) in 2018 as compared to 2017. The tax requisition is set to increase an additional 2% in each year of the 2019-2023 Five Year Financial Plan, as approved by the Board on March 22, 2019.
• Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service residents also pay a parcel tax of $24.78 in each year of the 2019-2023 Five Year Financial Plan, which is unchanged from the 2017 and 2018 parcel tax rate.
• The 2018 residential tax rate for the service was $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 the residential and parcel taxes were $180.28 in 2018 compared to $144.40 in 2017, which is an increase of $35.88 or approximately 25%. This amount increased by 2% in the 2019 budget and is set to increase by 2% each year in the 2019-2023 five-year financial plan.
• There are 847 participating properties within the Barlow Creek Fire Protection Service.

Forest improvement projects receive almost $3.4 million

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- $352,335 was approved to Norbord Inc. to recover wood fibre from low-value stands for the manufacture of oriented strand board (100 Mile House)

The Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. is providing nearly $3.4 million to support a range of projects to improve unproductive forests or forests that have been damaged by wildfires or pests.

Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced the new funding at the BC Council of Forest Industries convention in Vancouver.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that our forests remain healthy and that British Columbians and their communities benefit from a strong and resilient forestry sector,” said Donaldson. “Projects funded by the society have generated over $230 million in economic activity and supported 1,400 jobs in B.C.”

The individual grants range from $150,000 to $1 million and cover eight different projects in British Columbia

They will bring damaged forests back into production to contribute to the mid-term timber supply and support future employment. The successful projects were selected from 20 applications received during the society’s fifth intake of proposals.

Damaged stands have generally been impacted by wildfire, forest pests or other factors such as wind, snow or ice. Low-value stands generally contain lower volumes of wood and lower-grade fibre. However, the growth and value of underperforming stands can be improved through activities such as spacing, pruning and fertilization.

Additional funding applications related to other aspects of forest enhancement are currently being evaluated by the society.

Projects funded by the society are helping minimize wildfire risks, enhance wildlife habitat, improve low-value and damaged forests, re-plant damaged forests and make fibre for green energy production. Most of these projects also result in carbon benefits and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Wayne Clogg, board chair, Forest Enhancement Society of B.C said:

“These eight projects were chosen because they all met criteria outlined in the society’s objectives and they aligned with the ministry’s land manager priorities for forestry projects. Wildlife habitat is being enhanced to benefit vulnerable species, and more strategic utilization of our forest fibre means we are helping British Columbia and Canada achieve positive climate benefits.”

Quick Facts:

The Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia, a Crown agency, was established in 2016 to advance the environmental and resource stewardship of the province’s forests by:

preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires;
improving damaged or low-value forests;
improving habitat for wildlife;
supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and
treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases.

As of April 2019, the B.C. government has invested $235 million in the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., with about $177 million allocated to date for wildfire risk reduction, reforestation, forest rehabilitation, wildlife habitat restoration and raising awareness of the FireSmart program.
The Forest Carbon Initiative is funded in part through the federal government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund. This initiative assists with B.C. government priorities, such as:
revitalizing the forest sector;
partnering with First Nations;
supporting the Province’s CleanBC commitment to transition to a low-carbon economy; and
providing economic benefits for rural communities.

Learn More:

More information about the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. is available online at http://www.fesbc.ca

Full backgrounder can be viewed here

Additional Local Gov't Infrastructure Dollars via Federal Gas Tax Fund

Earlier this year -- in the 2019 Federal Government Budget, Ottawa decided to advance a one-time additional local government infrastructure dollars, via the Gas Tax Program, directly to local governments across Canada. The "Bonus Payment" (as it is called) is currently scheduled to be paid sometime in July 2019.  For a more fuller explanation - click here

In the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, this means additional "Community Works Funds" in 2019 as follows:

* Wells - $65,591.00
* Quesnel - $497,293.00
* Williams Lake - $533,476.00
* 100 Mile House - $138,460.00
* Cariboo Regional District (Electoral Areas only) - $1,797,020.00

The full list of local governments and the "Bonus Payment" as referenced above can be viewed at:

https://www.ubcm.ca/assets/Funding~Programs/Renewed~Gas~Tax~Agreement/Community~Works~Fund/FGTF%202019-24%20CWF%20Allocations.pdf

Examples of projects that can be funded through Community Works Funding can be viewed here

Feedback sought on expansion of change rooms at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is considering expanding the arena changing rooms. A $10,000 grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust has been secured and Range Architecture has been hired to start the planning process.

“We have been seeing participant growth in many of our arena user groups, such as minor hockey, as well as new groups now using the facility, like speedskating. As a result, there is currently not enough dressing room space to adequately meet the demand,” explains Geoff Paynton, City of Williams Lake’s Director of Community Services.

“Before we really jump into the project, we want to hear from our stakeholders and user groups and see what they think of our proposed change room expansion. We want to make sure the plan works for them.”

The project proposes to add four additional changing rooms to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex arenas. Two of those would be convertible to a team office and team changing rooms should a Junior Hockey team choose to locate in Williams lake in the future.

The project is in the planning stage, which includes the creation of concept designs, cost budgeting, economic impact analysis of the project and more. These items will set the stage for the proposed expansion, which will move forward upon securing additional grants.

The public is invited to view the preliminary planning work to date and provide input on the project. An open house will be held on April 10, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex arena lobby. Information boards will be displayed, and the consultants and City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District staff will be available to answer questions.

The $10,000 grant from NDIT supplements the $20,000 allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation service’s 2019 budget for the design phase of the project.

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is owned by the Cariboo Regional District and funded through the Central Cariboo Recreation service, which covers portions of Electoral Areas D, E and F and the City of Williams Lake. The City of Williams Lake has a contract with the Cariboo Regional District to manage the facility and day-to-day operations and recreation programming.

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 2nd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Outdoor Cafés and Sidewalk Food Vendors

Council has approved the first three readings for the Outdoor Cafes Bylaw and the Sidewalk Food Vendor Bylaw that aims to streamline the process and decrease the steps involved for businesses to obtain an Outdoor Café and/or a Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit. Highlights of these two proposed bylaws are:

Outdoor Cafes

• Outdoor Cafes can be large or small. Small Outdoor Cafes will provide an option for businesses to place a small eating area on the sidewalk up to two tables. Large Outdoor Cafes can be located adjacent to the business on the sidewalk, boardwalk and/or in parking spots directly adjacent to the business, depending on width of the sidewalk.

• Application fees of $25 for small outdoor cafes and $100 for large outdoor cafes, plus building permit fees.
• No limit on the number of Outdoor Cafes within the designated Outdoor Cafe area.
• Ensure a minimum width of 1.5 meters is maintained for pedestrian movement on sidewalks.
• Allows for outdoor heaters and heat lamps, for Large Outdoor Cafes only, that meet safety requirements.
• Allows for music in accordance with the Noise Bylaw.

Sidewalk Food Vendors

There are three approved Sidewalk Food Vendor sites located at: St. Laurent Avenue/Reid Street, Reid Street/Barlow Avenue and the Fraser River Pedestrian Bridge/Front Street. Process changes for this Bylaw include:

• First come first serve basis when accepting Sidewalk Food Vendor applications, with preference given to existing vendors who are in good standing.
• The approval of the Sidewalk Food Vendor will now be done through a $250 Business License.
Next steps include:
• Council to consider final adoption of the Outdoor Cafes and Sidewalk Food Vendors bylaws at the April 16, 2019 Council meeting.
• Staff to bring forward a proposed Mobile Food Vendors Bylaw for Council consideration to the April 16, 2019 Council meeting.

Façade Improvements and Outdoor Café

Council reviewed, and approved, the Development Permit, for a façade improvement for three businesses (Quesnel Bakery, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Subway) located at 464, 468 and 468B Reid Street. The Outdoor Café is for the Quesnel Bakery business frontage.

Bylaws

• 1862 – West Quesnel Business Association – Local Service Area – Final Adoption
• 1866 – Outdoor Cafes – First, Second and Third Readings
• 1868 – Sidewalk Food Vendors – First, Second and Third Readings

Next Meetings:

• 6 pm – April 16, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting – City Hall/Council Chambers
• 6 pm – April 30, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting – City Hall/Council Chambers

NDIT rolls out 3 Housing Funding Programs

Earlier today -- the Northern Development Initiative Trust or NDIT announced the creation of 3 funding program in relation to Housing as follows:

a) Housing Needs Assessment Program
b) Community Planning for Housing Program
c) Northern Housing Incentive Program

Speaking on behalf of the NDIT Board of Directors' -- Acting Chair Tom Hoffman said:

Communities throughout Northern B.C. have identified a real need for new housing developments and through these programs, local governments can seize the opportunity to grow their population and their economy. The Board is very pleased to support this type of initiative which supports development and sustainability. 

Full details can be accessed here

~SF

Housing needs in the North Cariboo

Weekly Quesnel Council column by Quesnel Coun. Scott Elliott:

Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Councillor Scott Elliott who is Chair of Quesnel Council's Housing Committee.  He can be reached via email here

If you have been interested in finding a home to own or rent in the Quesnel area, you may have noticed that there are some challenges in finding exactly what you’re looking for. With the housing crisis in the lower mainland, we have experienced more people moving to the north where the prices of homes are considerably lower. Throw into the mix seniors or young professionals looking for smaller footprint homes, Albertan’s moving to the Cariboo, locals needing different housing options and many other variables, you have a market that is pinched in the North Cariboo like never before. 

In an attempt to address these concerns the City of Quesnel has partnered with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) to create a Housing Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis study for the North Cariboo.

Through the RFP process, Urbanics Consultants Ltd. has been chosen to implement this important study.

A steering committee made up of regional stakeholders has been created to help guide Urbanics as it moves forward. The stakeholders that have been invited to this initiative include the: City of Quesnel, CRD, Northern Health, First Nations, construction industry, real estate, social housing, BC Housing, and seniors housing. 

The work of the stakeholders is valuable not only for their specific industry or social insights but also in their ability to communicate the ongoing work with all their respective networks in the most timely and effective ways possible.

It’s imperative that the work of this study covers the full spectrum of housing needs or gaps in the North Cariboo. To that end, the scope of this project will look at everything from shelter and other social housing data to high-end market housing, and everything in between.   

Other objectives will be to understand:

• current and projected population;
• demographics and household size and income; and
• housing units – currently available or anticipated and information about different units. 

During this extensive project that will last until October, there will be opportunities for community stakeholders and the general public to engage in the process whether it be public forums or online questionnaires. 

Our goal at the end of the Housing Needs Assessment study is to have quantifiable data that will show exactly where the needs are in the North Cariboo and an action plan to help us fill the gaps.

When you combine this project with the work of the Bylaw and Policy Committee to create a maintenance bylaw to address some sub-standard housing in Quesnel, it’s easy to see that there is a lot of work being done to address some serious issues in the North Cariboo. 

Learn more: www.quesnel.ca/housing-needs

Cariboo RD Area F by-election results now official

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The results for the Electoral Area F By-Election held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, are now official. The Cariboo Regional District’s Chief Election Officer declared the following results this afternoon. The results from the by-election are: Maureen LeBourdais = 315 (Elected) Brice O’Neill = 27 Shannon Rerie = 50 The following is a breakdown by polling station:   POLLING STATION VOTES Advance Poll – March 20 14 Advance Poll – March 25 17 Cariboo Regional District (Williams Lake) 24 150 Mile School 146 Horsefly Community Hall 108 Big Lake Community Hall 53 Likely School 20 Mail Ballots 10 TOTAL 392 Maureen LeBourdais will be sworn in as the new Electoral Area F Director ahead of the CRD Board meeting on April 12.

Prescribed burning at Chimney Lake

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns south of Williams Lake between April 3 and April 30, 2019, to help reduce wildfire risks in the area.

The burns are planned for the following locations:

• Felker Lake Recreation Site, about four hectares
• Chimney Lake Recreation Site (central site), about six hectares

These prescribed burns will proceed only if site, weather and venting conditions are suitable. Important factors that determine whether a prescribed burn will go ahead include the venting index, temperature, humidity and forecasted wind activity. The venting index is an indication of the atmosphere’s ability to disperse airborne particles, such as smoke, from a prescribed fire.

All prescribed burns must comply with the Environment Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.

Firefighters will monitor these fires at all times.

A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit fire that is planned and managed by a certified “burn boss.” The burn boss is responsible for ensuring that the initial burning conditions are favourable and that the fire is fully extinguished once the prescribed burn is completed.

These planned fires will reduce accumulations of grass and shrubs around these recreation sites and reduce the risk of significant wildfires in the area, since less woody debris and other combustible material will be available to burn.

Prescribed fire is often used to help protect communities and infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface, where developed areas border on forests or grasslands. The removal of forest fuels helps slow the spread of wildfires and provides firefighters with a safer work environment during any future wildfire operations.

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

Follow the latest wildfire news:

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

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns in available online: http://ow.ly/RTiN303JR6T

Notice to City of Williams Lake residents/2019 Burning Restrictions

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Public Feedback Requested for Caribou Recovery Agreements - WL/Quesnel

The Provincial Government has announced public engagement opportunities in respect of the Cariboo Recovery Agreements

In Williams Lake:

Monday, April 8th from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex - 525 Proctor Street

In Quesnel:

Thursday, April 11th from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the Quesnel Seniors' Centre - 461 Carson Avenue

For full details - click here

~SF

Changes to forest and range legislation improves transparency

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act will support the health and sustainability of B.C.’s forests and range lands, while strengthening public confidence in how these vital resources are managed.

“We’re making overdue changes to how we do things in the woods to ensure resilient forests and on the range to support families and communities in this province,” said the Hon. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “These changes are part of our plan to revitalize the forest sector, to improve public trust, find paths to reconciliation with First Nations and improve transparency and public confidence in decision-making.”

Initial changes to the act will be followed over the next two years by more substantive changes, which will be informed by a public consultation later this spring.

Changes include:

creating more frequent and reliable opportunities for public input;
improving information sharing in forest planning;
strengthening the minister’s ability to manage forest activity;
expanding the definition of wildlife in the act to help protect at-risk species; and
improving and streamlining range-use planning.

These changes respond to feedback and analyses received over the last decade from First Nations, the Forest Practices Board, the forest industry, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and other resource groups.

The Forest and Range Practices Act and regulations first came into effect in 2004. The proposed new definition for wildlife comes into effect on first reading, with all other proposed changes to come into effect by regulation expected in spring 2020.

Brian Frenkel, second vice-president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities and councillor, District of Vanderhoof stated:

“Local governments have advocated for a number of years for increased consultation on forestry activities happening in their backyards. We’re pleased that the proposed amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act provide those opportunities.”

Quick Facts:

Of the 95 million hectares that make up British Columbia, approximately 55 million hectares are forested.

Of this forested land, approximately 22 million hectares are considered part of the public timber harvesting land base. Less than 1% is harvested each year.

British Columbia has 51.9 million hectares of land certified to one of three internationally recognized independent sustainable forest management standards. This is more than any other jurisdiction in the world, apart from Canada as a whole.

There are over 140 forest stewardship plans and about 1,475 range-use plans throughout the province.

Backgrounder here

Province approves construction of Kluskus connector

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province has approved a new road that will provide an emergency exit route to Highway 16 for residents of the Lhoosk’uz Dene (Kluskus) Nation settlement and people in the surrounding areas.
The road will begin at approximately 53 kilometres along the Coglistiko (4000) Forest Service Road in the Quesnel Natural Resource District, cross the Blackwater (West Road) River and connect to the end of the Blue 4000 Forest Service Road in the Stuart Nechako Natural Resource District.

“Building this road will provide safety to citizens in the area, as well as socioeconomic benefits to residents of the Kluskus Nation settlement,” said the Hon. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “The decision to do so aligns with recommendations from the Abbott/Chapman report and supports the Province’s commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

The road will allow for residents living west of the Blackwater River to evacuate to Quesnel or Vanderhoof in the event of an emergency. It will also provide access to Vanderhoof, which will improve options for health care and services. In addition, the road will enable Kluskus Nation to populate and service currently isolated reserves.

“The bridge crossing and access road to the north side of the Blackwater River provides an emergency escape route for community members when the 4000 Road is blocked by forest fires,” said Lhoosk’uz Dene Chief Liliane Squinas. “It will also connect our community members living in the isolated Kluskus reserves on the north side.”

The project consists of eight kilometres of new construction, including a 40-metre bridge across the Blackwater River and seven kilometres of upgrades to existing roads. Also included are road upgrades and replacement of inadequate, failing or unsafe structures on the current access road (4000 Road). The road will be restricted to non-industrial traffic. The estimated total cost of the project is $3.6 million.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2019 with completion in fall 2020.

For a map of the project area, visit: http://ow.ly/Q3Hy30mgZYo

The decision to proceed with construction was made after extensive consultation with First Nations, stakeholders and the public, as well as completion of environmental, heritage and recreation reviews.

Quick Facts:

The Kluskus Nation settlement (Kluskus IR#1) currently has only one exit route and has been evacuated five times in the last thirteen years due to fires. The Plateau Fire of 2017 burned to within 500 metres of the settlement. Of its 17 reserve lands, 10 have been impacted by fire.
Flooding compromised access in 2018 and again in 2019. Residents fear entrapment.
The settlement of Kluskus Nation is located approximately 135 kilometres west of Quesnel and 110 kilometres south of Vanderhoof.

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - March 2019

In the month of March 2019 -- I attended the following meetings or events:

* March 1st -- CCRHD/Cariboo RD Board Meetings
* March 5th - Interviewed by Facilitator for upcoming CRD Strategic Planning Session
* March 6th - McLeese Lake Recreation Society Meeting
* March 7th - Photo Op for new registration software at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex (Perfect Mind)

* March 12th - CC Arts/Culture Society Board Meeting
* March 13th - CC Arts/Culture Society "Fee for Service Management Committee"
* March 15th - 90th City of WL Birthday Tea
* March 21st - Talked with UBCM President (and Kamloops City Councillor/TNRD Director) Arjun Singh

* March 22nd - CCRHD/Cariboo RD Board Meetings
* March 26th - Gibraltar Mines Technical Advisory Committee Meeting (10am - 1pm) and Wildwood Community Association Meeting (7-8pm)
* March 28th - Attended Pinnacle Energy's Open House on their Air Permit amendment application on behalf of the Regional District (3-4pm) and participated in Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes' plaque presentation to the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department

* March 29th/30th - North Central Local Government Association Board of Directors' Meetings

In addition -- I responded to inquiries from Area 'D' residents' via phone, email or social media plus viewed some trouble flood sites to see how they are doing.... (Upper and Lower Hawkes Creek and 2 Culvert sites at McLeese Lake)

As for expenses submitted in the month of March 2019:

* March 1st/22nd -- CCRHD/Cariboo RD Board Meetings ($566)