November 5th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 425 new cases, including four epi-linked cases, for a total of 16,560 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 3,389 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 7,519 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 12,806 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 97 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 24 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“There have been 126 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 268 in the Fraser Health region, seven in the Island Health region, 18 in the Interior Health region, six in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 273 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks at Tabor Home and Pinegrove Place. The outbreak at Queen’s Park Care Centre has been declared over. In total, 28 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facility have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks. The outbreak at École de L’Anse-au-Sable in Kelowna has been declared over. There also continue to be exposure events around the province. Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.

“As we learn more about COVID-19, we have adapted and can continue our daily activities in a safe way, and we will continue to modify our approach as we move forward.

“As cases rise, our greatest impact will be made through the small actions we take each day. Now, fewer faces make for safer spaces. By staying small, we can protect our well-being.

“We need everyone to help slow the spread of the virus by staying local, only spending time with our household or at most, our safe six and by following the safety basics – at work, at school and at home.

“The foundational layers of protection and provincewide orders in place throughout B.C. are our steady guideposts to help chart our path forward.

“If you need some encouragement, look to the many children and teens who have quickly adapted to the protective measures in schools. They have learned how to safely play sports and were also able to dress up and have fun while still being careful last weekend.

“Let’s remember as the days get darker, there is lightness ahead. We will get through the challenges of COVID-19 by all of us doing our part, while staying apart.”

Learn More:

BCCDC’s national and international COVID-19 epidemiological data: https://bccdc.shinyapps.io/covid19_global_epi_app/

BCCDC’s safer celebrations guidance: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations

To learn more about the October 5 modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Going_Forward_Oct_2020.pdf

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Backgrounders on Surgery Numbers and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) updates, click here

COVID-19 Restart Funding Local Gov't Allocations Announced

 Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:

The province has fulfilled a commitment made in its Economic Recovery Plan by distributing $425 million under the federal Safe Restart Agreement to B.C.’s local governments. This federal/provincial funding will support facility reopening and operational costs along with local emergency response. The province has provided UBCM with complete information on the funding allocations that have been provided to each of British Columbia’s municipalities and regional districts.

UBCM, working in partnership with Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), voiced support for federal funding from Canada and an allocation delivery approach in April of this year. This followed upon UBCM’s outreach to the provincial government on the financial impacts on local governments due to COVID-19, and the decision by the province to provide liquidity to local government through a package of amendments to the property tax framework. UBCM engaged in continuing discussions with the Province over the summer with regard to revenue streams impacted by COVID-19 as well as new expenditures that local government face as a result the pandemic.

“I am very pleased to see the speed at which the federal and provincial governments have delivered this funding to local governments in B.C.”, said Councillor Brian Frenkel, UBCM President. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, local governments have taken steps to manage costs and rethink budgets, but communities are contending with significant revenue shortfalls. These funds will be available for immediate use and provide greater clarity as budgets are developed for the coming year. I want to personally thank FCM for the thoughtful advocacy is has provided on behalf of local governments at a federal level, and readiness of the province to match the significant funding provided by the Government of Canada.”

Funding details are still being developed for additional funding through the Safe Restart Agreement.  This includes additional funding for BC local governments, including $100 million to support local governments as they address the needs of vulnerable populations and $15 million to improve development approval processes. UBCM will be communicating details on these programs as they become available.

For Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments:

* District of Wells - $241,000

* City of Quesnel - $2,503,000

* City of Williams Lake - $2,618,000

* District of 100 Mile House - $752,000

* Cariboo Regional District - $837,000 (Electoral Areas only)

City of WL cancels Event Hosting Grant Intake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake: 

The City of Williams Lake has cancelled the semi-annual Event Hosting Grant application intake for November, following the Provincial Health Officer's continuing directive to restrict public events during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Event Hosting Grants provide stimulus and seed money to help local organizations host, develop, market, and administer new events in Williams Lake. 

However, current restrictions on public events throughout the province means there are limited opportunities to host events. 

We want to make sure we provide local organizations with the best support we can during this time of COVID-19,” said Ian James, Director of Community Services with the City of Williams Lake. “It wouldn’t be right to ask organizations to put in significant effort to complete the application, and then have to cancel the funding after the fact if the situation does not change across B.C.” 

The City will review whether the program can be restarted for the May 2021 semi-annual intake. For more information on the City’s Event Hosting Grant, please visit: https://www.williamslake.ca/154/Event-Hosting-Grants

Northern Development approves funding from its' Strategic Fund totalling $1.2569 million

Courtesy of Northern Development:

Northern Development today announced the approval of $855,559 for the City of Quesnel to advance its waterfront development project through the Trust’s Strategic Initiative Fund (SIF). 

This grant is the largest single investment Northern Development has made through the SIF program. The waterfront development project secures the enhancement of eight kilometers of riverfront, allowing for future economic opportunities such as boutique shopping, patio dining and river recreation. 

It will also feature the Lhtako Dene Cultural Centre and will improve on existing amenities such as the Riverfront Trail and Fraser River Footbridge. The project encompasses three key areas: Fraser River Footbridge landing renewal Plan for Indigenous interpretive elements along the riverfront trail Improved lighting along riverfront trail from the Fraser River Footbridge to the hospital 

The development of the waterfront ties into other City of Quesnel projects such as Alive After Five and the Hosting Precinct, both of which were supported through previous SIF grants. 

Additional Project Approvals: 

 $285,750 was approved for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality for Gotta Go-Alaska Highway Rest Stop Washroom Facilities. This grant will allow the municipality to develop and manage multiple rest stop facilities along remote areas of the Alaska Highway through Northeast B.C. These facilities will include accessible washroom amenities, picnic benches, tourism informational kiosk, safety and emergency management signage and increased communication technologies. 

 $100,000 was approved for the City of Prince Rupert to implement the Northwest Food Systems Initiative pilot project, which will build local food access, literacy and security for social and economic resiliency in Prince Rupert and Northwest B.C. The Northwest Food Systems Initiative aims to mitigate the economic impacts of a changing economy by enhancing the local food production/distribution network in the region and increasing employment opportunities in the food production sector. 

 $15,535 was approved for the Village of McBride to complete a Robson Valley Agricultural Market Opportunities Analysis. The village, in partnership with Community Futures Fraser Fort George, will prepare a detailed agricultural development strategy that will help identify the following: New regional markets for export of Robson Valley agriculture producers Gaps and barriers in accessing those markets Future activities including marketing, training and skill development for Robson Valley producers.

 Northern Development Chief Executive Officer, Joel McKay said: 

 “The Quesnel waterfront project is a multi-pronged initiative that will transform the city’s historic waterfront into a destination, creating new opportunities for growth, job creation and revenue.” 

ABOUT THE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FUND: 

The purpose of Strategic Initiatives Fund is to diversify and enhance the economies of central and northern B.C. communities, particularly those communities impacted by Mountain Pine Beetle. SIF is a flexible program that aims to capitalize on the unique opportunities and strengths that exist in these communities to invest in projects that strengthen innovation, partnerships, and diversification of economic activities. 

 SIF will be offered again in 2021 – submission deadline to be announced at a later date.

SD27 Board of Education Highlights - Oct 27th mtg

School District #27 has released the highlights from the Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

Click here

SF

Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 3rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Delegation - WildSafeBC Program Mareike Moore, WildSafeBC Cariboo Coordinator, Christopher Ford, Conservation Officer, and Tera Grady, Supervisor of Solid Waste Management for the Cariboo Regional District (“CRD”), summarized the WildSafeBC programs, WildSafeBC program results in the CRD, and the wildlife conflicts occurring within the City of Quesnel: Overall a 52% decrease of bear accessing garbage in neighbourhoods where strategic education was completed by the WildSafeBC Cariboo Coordinator who put stickers on garbage containers that were put out too early on garbage collection days. Local governments that funded and participated in the WildSafeBC Program are: Cariboo Regional District fringe areas around the City of Quesnel and 108 Mile, City of Williams Lake, and District of 100 Mile House. Conservation Officer, Christopher Ford, advised Council of the following statistics for the City of Quesnel: 35-40 ongoing bear conflicts this summer due to garbage This summer, Conservation Officer conducted several Attractant Audits in West Quesnel where the majority of bear conflicts were located, resulting in 39 Dangerous Wildlife Protection Orders issued to residential and commercial property owners to properly secure their garbage. Bears destroyed due to habituated garage behaviour: 34 in 2018, 12 in 2019, 28 to date in 2020

Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment – 420 Webster Avenue (Webster Park) Council approved first reading of proposed Official Community Plan and Zone Amendment Bylaws 1894 and 1895 (“Bylaws”) that would allow for a new Group Day Care facility (“Project”) to be built at 420 Webster Avenue. The $1,360,000 Project is 100% funded through the BC Childcare New Spaces Fund that would add 34 new spaces (in addition to the 23 spaces the Quesnel and District Day Care Society currently has). The proposed site is currently zoned and utilized as a park. There is playground infrastructure on the southwest end of the lot, which is anticipated to be utilized by the daycare and fenced off from public use. Next steps include public consultation with letters to be sent out introducing the Project and requesting input. Pending grant approval for this Project, a Public Hearing will be scheduled sometime this winter for the proposed Bylaws. Full details of this Project can be found on the City’s website under Development Applications - 420 Webster Avenue.

Development Permit – 490 Carson Avenue Council approved a development permit for 490 Carson Avenue that will convert the existing building to a dine-in/catering restaurant (Craig’s Table) on the main floor, and residential unit on the second floor. The on-site parking will have three parking spaces for restaurant staff and for the resident parking on the second floor. An additional designated seven parking spaces specifically for Craig’s Table are being negotiated at the rear of 184 Davie Street that would be accessed through the back laneway. Full details of this Project can be found on the City’s website, under Development Applications – 490 Carson Avenue.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94 (Quesnel) – Remembrance Day  The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94 (“Quesnel Legion”) has notified Council that there will be no public ceremony at the cenotaph this Remembrance Day, and there will be no Veterans dinner this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Quesnel Legion Members will lay wreaths at the cenotaph, and will hold a small closed service in the Legion Hall to honour our veterans. For more information, please contact the Legion at 250-992-6819.

Next Council Meeting 6:00 pm - November 17, 2020

Veterans Week 2020

Courtesy of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

“Today, as we mark the beginning of Veterans’ Week, we honour those who have served, and continue to serve, for our country. We thank the hundreds of thousands of Canadian veterans who have fought and risked everything to secure a better future for Canada and the world.

“This year, we marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Over six years, more than one million brave Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in uniform around the world – from Normandy, to Amsterdam, to Sicily, to Hong Kong. More than 45,000 gave their lives, and another 55,000 were wounded, to protect our Allies and defend the values and freedoms we cherish.

“In the decades that followed, Canadians continued to answer the call and prove their strength and resilience. They defended against enemy forces in Kapyong, protected civilians in Sarajevo, braved insurgent attacks in Kandahar, supported our Allies in Riga, and participated in peacekeeping missions in Port-au-Prince and Kigali.

“This week is an opportunity to hear their stories, and offer our gratitude for their extraordinary service to our great country.

“We will always be indebted to our veterans for all that they have sacrificed, and the Government of Canada will continue to be there for them. Since 2016, we have invested over $10 billion to improve the well-being of our veterans and their families, including improved benefits and services, more help with their transition to post-service life, and increased mental health supports.

“This year, as we take steps to protect ourselves and our communities from the global COVID-19 pandemic, we will mark Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day a bit differently. I encourage all Canadians to check out the online commemorations, to share their stories, photos, and videos on social media using #CanadaRemembers, and to wear a poppy – along with a mask – when you do go out. To those who have sacrificed so we may be at peace: we are forever thankful.

“Lest we forget.”

November 4th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 335 new cases, including seven epi-linked cases, for a total of 16,135 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 3,120 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 7,133 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases, and 12,659 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 92 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 25 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 5,097 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 9,439 in the Fraser Health region, 274 in the Island Health region, 803 in the Interior Health region, 432 in the Northern Health region and 90 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 273 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been three new health-care facility outbreaks at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community, White Rock Senior Village and Village at Mill Creek. The outbreak at Peace Portal Seniors Village has been declared over. In total, 29 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There has been one new community outbreak at La Casa resort in West Kelowna. The outbreak at Tim Horton’s in Merritt has been declared over. There also continue to be exposure events around the province. Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities' websites.

“While our experiences with COVID-19 may be unique, when it comes to how our province fares through this pandemic, we are all connected.

“Here in B.C., we have one COVID-19 curve because the risks are everywhere and no community or person is immune. The virus doesn’t recognize community boundaries or regional borders.

“As we have seen before, a small cluster in one region can quickly become an outbreak in another. That is why provincewide orders are in place throughout B.C. and why we all need to use our layers of protection – all the time.

“When transmission increases in one area, we focus our public health efforts to contain the further spread and ask everyone to step up their own efforts and preventive actions at the same time.

“Our layers of protection are how we protect each other and, importantly, work best when used together. Let’s remember to wash our hands frequently and wear a mask when inside close or public spaces, and let’s also keep our groups small inside and outside our homes.

“Doing these things together is what keeps our communities strong and keeps everyone safe. These actions are what ensures capacity within our health-care system, protects those who are most vulnerable and allows our well-being to continue.”

Learn More:

BCCDC’s safer celebrations guidance: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations

To learn more about the October 5 modelling presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Going_Forward_Oct_2020.pdf

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Masks Encouraged in City of Williams Lake Facilities

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

In an ongoing effort to keep our community and employees safe, the City of Williams Lake is encouraging face masks to be worn inside its facilities, effective immediately. This includes City Hall, the Williams Lake Regional Airport, Works Yard, and Firehall.

The Cariboo Memorial Complex continues to have a MANDATORY mask policy requiring masks throughout the entirety of the common areas of that building. Face masks are NOT provided at that location.

The City will be continuing to provide a hand sanitizer station at the main entrances to its buildings, along with signage encouraging the use of masks. Visitors are expected to provide their own masks whenever possible; however, a limited number of disposable masks will be available at City Hall, the Airport, Works Yard and the Firehall for visitors requiring one.

“As the pandemic continues, we all need to do our best to follow the guidelines,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “Wearing masks has become the new normal, and we look to the recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer for best practices. It is not always possible to maintain a consistently safe distance from others, and masks provide an extra layer of protection during these uncertain times.”

The requested use of face masks applies to those visiting City facilities as well as City staff when meeting with those outside their normal work “bubble.” The continued health and safety of staff and visitors to City facilities is a priority, and safety policies are reviewed on an ongoing basis to meet the requirements set out by the Provincial Health Officer and our provincial partners.

The City would like to thank everyone for their cooperation, and hopes that everyone stays safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 in a proactive and considerate way.

-30-

City of Quesnel Budget 2021/Talk with us!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council news column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

I’m sure some people enjoy budgeting, but for most of us this fiscal management exercise is a challenge, as it forces us to get real about our wants and our needs in the context of a genuine appraisal of our financial situation. Budgeting for a whole community is an even bigger challenge, as citizens have diverse wants and needs, differing opinions on what our financial priorities should be, and, generally, a long entrenched aversion to paying more taxes for any incremental services they want the City to deliver.

But, creating an annual budget and a five-year financial plan is a foundational responsibility of elected City Councils, and a lot of the year is spent preparing a budget and monitoring the City’s finances.

Most of the detailed work on the City of Quesnel’s budget and financial plan is undertaken by a Standing Committee of Council, the Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee (FSAC). This Committee ultimately makes recommendations to Council on all aspects of the budget, which are then discussed and debated in open Council meetings, ultimately leading to Council’s approval of a final budget and the setting of tax rates for the budget year. As with all our Standing Committees, FSAC meets according to a posted schedule, the meetings are open to the public, and Council members who are not appointed to the Committee can attend and engage in the Committee’s deliberations. (FSAC meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes can be found at www.bit.ly/3oCLsac).

In order to maximize our capital dollars (money that is collected and/or held in reserve to build new infrastructure or make major repairs to existing infrastructure), FSAC works on the City’s capital plan and budget first. Early approval of the capital budget by Council allows City staff to prepare major construction projects for either tendering or for our own crews to work on. Early tendering of major projects can result in considerable savings for the City (and its taxpayers) and early preparation of capital projects that will be undertaken by City workers means they can be started earlier in the year, effectively extending our construction season.

Once the capital plan is approved by Council, FSAC digs into the operating budget. Unlike the capital plan, which is derived from a comprehensive asset management strategy, Council has more discretion and latitude over the priorities for the upcoming operating year and, therefore, needs more input from citizens to this major portion of the overall budget.
Getting meaningful and widespread input into the City’s budget is not easy. Over the years, Council has tried using special Council meetings and town hall sessions to get feedback with limited success (few people show up for these events, and many people come for information only). Three years ago, the City switched to an online survey, and each year participation in this survey has grown and the data collected has helped Council set priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The 2021 Budget Survey for the City of Quesnel is now available until November 30. This year we’re asking budget questions about snow removal and tax shifting and we’re also trying to collect some data on housing and from people who have recently moved to Quesnel.

I hope you’ll take the time to give us your feedback through this year’s budget survey. You can do the survey online at www.quesnel.ca/budget or by dropping in to City Hall to fill in a hard copy.

WL Council Highlights - Nov 3rd mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors Boehm, Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Ryll, Smith (Video link - click here)

Meeting called to order - 6:00pm

Meeting Agenda adopted, as amended (2 Late Items)

Minutes of the WL City Council meeting held on Oct 20th, 2020 were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Daphne Johnson, Executive Director - Williams Lake Hospice Society appeared before Council, via teleconference, to discuss the 2020 Memory Tree Celebration

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Johnson for her time/information

Resolved  -- Council authorized the following in regards to the 2020 Memory Tree Celebration:

1) the placement of the 'In Memory' Book, signage and ornaments in the City Hall lobby from November 12 to 30, 2020, as well as a donation/draw box to be located at the reception counter during these dates;

2) the use of the City Hall lobby and tree for displaying of the name ornaments from November 12 through to Christmas and;

3) the use of Council Chambers for a small ceremony for the reading of the 'In Memory' Book names to be recorded and posted for public viewing online 

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated October 15, 22 and 29, 2020

2) Council authorized removal of the permissive property tax exemption for the property located at 289 Third Avenue North (old Youth for Christ) as it no longer conforms to the conditions necessary to qualify for a tax exemption and accordingly, Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to City of Williams Lake Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 2342, 2020

3) Council approved submission of the 2020 UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) Structural Flood Mitigation grant application in the amount of $750,000 for River Valley flood mitigation projects

4) Council ratified an email poll authorizing a letter of support endorsing the Cariboo Heritage Park Society’s application to the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) and other similar grants 

5) Council approved entering into the Rural Fringe Fire Protection Extension Agreement for a three-year term from 2021 through 2023 with the Cariboo Regional District for portions of Cariboo RD Areas D,E,F and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City.

6) Council endorsed a Central Cariboo Joint Committee recommendation to approve the 2021 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule - view here

7) Council endorsed 3 Committee of the Whole recommendations, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #10-2020, the report of the Planner dated October 27, 2020 be received and Council direct staff to add this project to the workplan for 2021 so staff can begin drafting an updated bylaw scheduled for completion in Fall 2021; and further, that approximately $5,000 be granted to complete a legal review of the updated Zoning Bylaw from the 2021 legal operating budget

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #11-2020, the report of the Economic Development Officer dated October 23, 2020, together with In-Camera Report #07-2020, regarding options for an application to the Province of BC's New Child Care Spaces fund be received and that staff be directed to proceed with investigations and consultations for a future intake of this program

c) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #12-2020, City Council oppose the release of Tyrell Giroux into the Williams Lake area; and further, that staff be directed to draft a letter to the judge reviewing the case, Crown Counsel and the RCMP outlining the concerns related to releasing this individual in the community and recommending that GPS monitoring be used regardless of where he is released.

8) Council received for public information "In-Camera Report #6, 2020" in respect of a passed Resolution in regards to waiving of commercial rent for certain tenants at the Williams Lake Regional Airport.  The resolution that was agreed to at the Closed (In-Camera) Council Meeting of October 20th, 2020 was:

“That pursuant to the report of the Economic Development Officer and the Corporate Officer dated October 9, 2020, Council waive facility rent fees and minimum required payments for commercial tenants at Williams Lake Regional Airport terminal for a period of six months, effective October 2020; and further, that this decision and a summary of the rationale for providing the waiver be brought forward to a public meeting.” 

View more here

9) Late Item #1 -- Council awarded the Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping, and Mitigation Study contract to Tetra Tech Canada Inc. for a total amount of $134,605, plus GST.

10) Late Item #2 -- Council directed City Staff to postpone the Public Hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2336, 2020 (2000 Mackenzie Ave. North - former Glendale Trading building) originally scheduled to be held at City Hall on November 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM until such time that staff receive revised drawings for this proposal, and be staff be directed to issue notice of this postponement to property owners and tenants within 100m of the subject property that were previously advised of the Public Hearing and Council rescinded second reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2336, 2020.

11) Council received the 'Council Information Package' as of Nov 3rd, 2020 as follows:

* October 20, 2020 - UBCM re 2019 Community Child Care Planning Program (Williams Lake Child Care Plan) - view here

* October 27, 2020 - Regional Community Airports of Canada re Canada's Regional and Community Airports Expect Massive Fee Increases and Operational Service Reductions in 2021 - view here

Members of Council and the CAO provided oral reports on their recent activities... 

Media Question Period -- none (Williams Lake Tribune/Goat Radio)

Council adjourned at 6:40pm

Nov 3rd, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Deputy Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Reka Gustafson/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 299 new cases, including four epi-linked cases, for a total of 15,800 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 3,017 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 6,888 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 12,430 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 92 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 22 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 4,993 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 9,234 in the Fraser Health region, 270 in the Island Health region, 788 in the Interior Health region, 425 in the Northern Health region and 90 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 272 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There has been one new health-care facility outbreak at Belvedere Care Centre. In total, 27 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There has been one new community outbreak at Capella Dance Academy. There continue to be exposure events around the province. Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.

“Our goal for the COVID-19 pandemic is to continue to minimize severe illness, death and social disruption in our communities. The more we learn about the virus, the better we are able to manage all three of these important objectives.

“As part of this, we all need to understand the risks in our local communities and adjust our activities if that risk increases.

“Today, much of the recent transmission is connected to social gatherings. That is why it is so important to keep our groups small.

“This is particularly important in the Fraser Health region where public health teams are asking everyone to avoid all social gatherings in your home right now – even those that are within the restrictions of the provincial health officer order.

“Keeping our communities well means keeping them safe. It is about ensuring we have capacity within our health-care system, protecting those who are most vulnerable and continuing what's important to our well-being in safe, responsible ways.”

Learn More:

BCCDC’s safer celebrations guidance: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations

To learn more about the Oct. 5 modelling presentation, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Going_Forward_Oct_2020.pdf

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Share sheds reopen at most CRD transfer stations

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is reopening most of the regional share sheds to local users on a trial basis beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3. Residents are reminded to obey all signage and limit use of share sheds to one person or family ‘bubble’ at a time, in order to maintain social distancing.

Residents are asked to be mindful of the space limitations in share sheds and bring a limited number of items for drop off at a time.

The reopening is on a trial basis only, at the discretion of the CRD.

They will be CLOSED again if:

• Share sheds become over-full of donated or prohibited items
• Users demonstrate aggressive or confrontational behaviour towards staff or others
• Users loiter on foot or in vehicles
• Increased share shed traffic inhibits operation of the refuse sites

Items that CANNOT be left at share sheds:

• Clothing (take to your local thrift store) Share sheds are not designed to manage clothing, they too often become soiled and they quickly overwhelm the space. (Excess clothing used to be diverted to a local non-profit, but their end buyer is not purchasing textiles due to COVID-19.)
• Car seats and baby/child safety equipment – for liability reasons these types of items cannot be accepted. Please give these types of non-expired and undamaged items to friends, family or neighbors. Or post for sale or for free on buy and sell or social media sites.
• Small loose toys or toy parts (puzzles, games, figures, etc). These items easily become separated and end up being discarded. If all parts are present, they should be contained in a clear, sealed plastic bag and labeled.

Users are asked to stay home if they are feeling unwell (symptoms of flu, cold, or fever); or have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days; or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Nov 2nd, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Deputy Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Reka Gustafson/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting on three 24-hour periods. From Oct. 30 to 31, we had 352 new cases. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, we had 389 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we have had a further 379 new cases.

“This represents a total of 1,120 new cases, including seven epi-linked cases, for a total of 15,501 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 2,945 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 6,448 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 12,207 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Currently, 90 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 19 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 4,898 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 9,049 in the Fraser Health region, 265 in the Island Health region, 777 in the Interior Health region, 422 in the Northern Health region and 90 cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been six new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 269 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been three new health-care facility outbreaks at Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre, Hamilton Village Care Centre and Rotary Manor Dawson Creek. The outbreak at Baillie House has been declared over. In total, 26 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks and the outbreak at J&L Beef has been declared over. There continue to be exposure events around the province. Public alerts and notifications are posted on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website and on all health authorities’ websites.

“We have learned much about COVID-19 – what living with the virus looks like and what we need to do to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

“Testing to identify new cases, contact tracing to contain further transmission and using our layers of protection are the cornerstones of our response and the tools we will continue to use as we navigate this pandemic.

“Our goal is to continue to minimize severe illness and death, balanced with keeping as much as possible open and active in our communities. But to achieve this careful balance, we all need to do our part.

“We are going to see fluctuations and surges in some communities. And when we do, increased effort and stepped up focus will be applied, using all of the public health measures we have available to us.

“We have seen that the vast majority of people in B.C. are spending time with people outside of their household in safe and responsible ways. We thank the many businesses and organizations who are allowing that to take place with robust COVID-19 safety plans in place.

“As we look ahead, it is important for all of us to continue to pay attention to the COVID-19 transmission in our community. If there is transmission in your social circle or workplace, take the recommendations of public health contact tracing teams to heart and use all of the protective measures available to us.

“For our communities and for each of us, staying well means staying safe. It means always following the COVID-19 safety basics and when spending time with others, always taking precautions to keep ourselves and others safe.”

Learn More:

BCCDC’s safer celebrations guidance: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations

To learn more about the Oct. 5 modelling presentation, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Going_Forward_Oct_2020.pdf

To find the provincial health officer’s orders, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

If you are experiencing symptoms, find a collection centre near you to get tested: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) update can be accessed here

Collective agreement ratified for CUPE 1050

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel and the CUPE 1050 bargaining unit have ratified the terms of a new four-year collective agreement. This agreement covers the inside/outside workers in Public Works and Community Services, City Hall and RCMP Detachment.

“Council appreciates the collaborative efforts of the City’s management team and the Union’s bargaining team which led to this new collective agreement. In this time of uncertainty, obtaining a four-year settlement provides both wage stability to our unionized workers and greater budgeting certainty for our ratepayers,” stated Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.

“We are pleased with the settlement that we achieved and we look forward to the next four years,” stated CUPE Local 1050 President Christi McKee-Poitras.

Settlement Details:

The term is four years effective June 8, 2020, and expires on June 7, 2024. The wages increase is 7.5% over four years (1.5%, 2%, 2% and 2%).

The collective agreement for CUPE 1050-01 still remains to be negotiated. This primarily covers the recreation staff.

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - October 2020

 In the month of October 2020 -- I attended the following meetings or events: 

* Oct 2nd -- Meetings of CCRHD/Cariboo RD Boards'

* Oct 5th -- Virtual Session of UBCM Electoral Area Directors' Forum

* Oct 6th - Webinar by Tracy Lorensen entitled "Hindsight is 20/20; Lessons learned during COVID-19 so far and looking forward

* Oct 13th - Attended the meeting of the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society's Board of Directors', in my capacity as the Central Cariboo CRD Director Liaison... 

* Oct 17th - Wildwood VFD's 35th Anniversary event at the Wildwood Fire Hall

* Oct 19th - Ad Hoc meeting of the Wildwood Community Association

* Oct 22nd - Meeting of the Cariboo RD Board's Committee of the Whole and the Regional District's Finance/Budget Committee to commence the review of the 2021 Business Plans/Budgets

* Oct 23rd - Meetings of the CCRHD/Cariboo RD Boards'

* Oct 26th - Virtual Meeting (via Skype) with MOTI Cariboo District Manager Todd Hubner in regards to Area 'D' Rural Roads issues/concerns

* Oct 27th - Teleconference with Interior Health, jointly with Cariboo RD Area F Director Maureen LeBourdais, in regards to Rural Health Clinics at McLeese Lake, Horsefly and Likely

* Oct 28th - Meetings of Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus and Joint Committee

* Oct 29th - Virtual Meeting (via Zoom) of the Gibraltar Mines Technical Advisory Committee & Williams Lake/District Chamber of Commerce "COVID-19 friendly" AGM... 

As well -- virtually attended meetings of the NCLGA Executive Committee on Oct 16/27 in my capacity as a NCLGA Table Officer (2nd Vice President).  

Also - responded to various inquiries from Cariboo RD Area D residents' via social media, text, phone calls or emails with follow-up as needed/required... 

As to expenses submitted in the month of October 2020:

* Oct 2nd/23rd -- $412 for CCRHD/Cariboo RD Board Meetings

* Oct 22nd - $206 for Committee of the Whole/Finance Committee Meetings

SF