Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Special WL City Council Highlights - Nov 10th mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors Boehm, Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Ryll and Smith

Video Link here

Meeting called to order - 7:10pm
Meeting Agenda adopted

Business:

1) Remedial Action Order - Frizzi Road Properties

A report of the Senior Bylaw Officer was presented to Council
Discussion ensued thereon, including a Public Input Period with affected property owners'

Resolved:

That Williams Lake City Council (Council) resolve to impose remedial action requirements for 11 properties on Frizzi Road as set out below:

 

WHEREAS Division 12 of part 3 of the Community Charter authorizes Council to impose a remedial action requirement on the owner or owners of a building or other structure or erection of any kind, or the owner of land that it is on, to remove, demolish, bring up to a standard, or otherwise deal with it in accordance with directions of Council, a person authorized by Council, where the Council considers that the matter or thing is in or creates an unsafe condition and is a declared nuisance;

 

WHEREAS on November 10, 2020 Council, in open meeting assembled, resolve to impose remedial action requirements the following 11 Properties on the basis that they create an unsafe condition:

 

         4005 Frizzi Road – Lot 10, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4007 Frizzi Road – Lot 9, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4009 Frizzi Road – Lot 8, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4011 Frizzi Road – Lot 7, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4013 Frizzi Road – Lot 6, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4015 Frizzi Road – Lot 5, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 8843, Cariboo Land District;

         4019 Frizzi Road – Lot 4, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 11574, Cariboo Land District;

         4021 Frizzi Road – Lot 3, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 11574, Cariboo Land District;

         4023 Frizzi Road – Lot 2, Plan PGP15181, District Lot 11574, Cariboo Land District;

         4029 Frizzi Road – Parcel A, Plan PGP24239, District Lot 11574, Cariboo Land District;

         4105 Frizzi Road – Lot A, Plan PGP37483, District Lot 8844, Cariboo Land District;

 

WHEREAS the Council has now determined the specific remedial action requirements to be carried out by the Owners in respect of the Properties;

 

NOW THEREFORE, Council, in open meeting assembled, resolves and orders as follows:

 

1.     That Council hereby considers that the properties pose an unsafe and hazardous condition within the meaning of Section 73 (1) (a)(b)(e) of the Community Charter for both the public at large and person(s) occupying the Properties.

 

2.     That Council hereby considers that the properties pose a declared nuisance within the meaning of Section 74 (1) (a)(b)(e) of the Community Charter for both the public at large and person(s) occupying the Properties.

 

3.     That Council hereby orders, pursuant to its remedial action powers under Part 3, Division 12 of the Community Charter, that the Owners, by November 27, 2020, elect to proceed with the removal of all inventory, accumulated materials, stockpiles, equipment and debris within:

         25 metres from the crest of the bank at 4005, 4007, 4009 and 4105 Frizzi Road, and

         15 metres of the crest of the slope for the rest of the subject Properties listed earlier

 

And further, the setback be considered a no access setback for any person on these properties including but not limited to its employees, agents, contractors, service providers, and invitees (including members of public without specific authorization).

 

4.     That the City of Williams Lake advise that:

 

The Owners may, pursuant to Section 78 of the Community Charter, request Council to reconsider the remedial action requirements imposed for the Property by providing the City of Williams Lake written notice within fourteen (14) days of the date on which the notice under Section 77 of the Community Charter [Notice to affected persons] was sent.

 

5.     If the Owners do not elect, on or before November 27, 2020, to complete the removal of all inventory, accumulated materials and debris, the City may, pursuant to section 17 of the Community Charter, at its option, enter onto the Properties and carry out all or any of the remedial action requirements at the Owners’ expense and without further notice. All cost recovery options will be employed by the City, including civil proceedings if necessary.


Council agreed to adjourn at 8:10pm

BC State of Emergency extended to continue B.C.'s COVID-19 response until Nov 24th

 Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on Nov. 24, 2020, to allow staff to continue to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’re all in it together,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “It’s time to focus on the actions that helped keep us safe this spring: diligent handwashing, physical distancing, wearing a mask and staying home when you’re sick. We all have a role to play in supporting our health-care workers, the health-care system and essential workers, and we must do all we can to keep our loved ones safe, schools open and the economy moving.”

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.‘s health and emergency management officials. The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer (PHO), declared a public health emergency.

Recent increases in the number of cases of COVID-19 in all regions of B.C, but particularly concentrated in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, have led to the PHO issuing further restrictions on social gatherings, indoor group exercise and travel for a two-week period in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions. The Province continues to urge all British Columbians to follow the orders and guidance of public health officials to combat rising cases and help avoid further restrictions.

“Now more than ever, we are asking all British Columbians to pull together and redouble our efforts to flatten the curve,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The vast majority of British Columbians are doing the right things and following the advice of public health officials. Our government will continue to ensure that police and other enforcement officials have the tools necessary to address the selfish actions of a small minority of people who take needless risks with our collective health.”

The Province continues to use, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, measures under the Emergency Program Act to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes issuing tickets for owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s orders. Between Aug. 21 and Nov. 9, 2020, 47 violation tickets were issued, including:

  • 19 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s order on gatherings and events;
  • two $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO’s Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order; and
  • 26 $230 tickets issued to individuals who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is continually working to align Emergency Program Act enforcement orders with those of the restrictions enacted by the PHO.

Additionally, since the pandemic began, police agencies in British Columbia have issued 58 violation tickets to individuals who are in contravention of the Federal Quarantine Act, totalling $64,000. The purpose of the Quarantine Act is to protect public health by taking comprehensive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases.

On July 10, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

Quick Facts:

  • Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
  • The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of up to 14 days at a time.
  • During the 2017 wildfire season, the province was in a provincial state of emergency for 10 weeks from July 7 to Sept. 15.

Learn More:

For information on the orders announced on Nov. 7, 2020, in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions, as well as general COVID-19 information for all British Columbians, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support

For recommendations on protecting yourself and community, including for employers, businesses and schools, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter: @CDCofBC
Or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Nov 10th, 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 525 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 19,239 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 5,133 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. Currently, 142 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 46 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“There are 9,781 people under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 13,704 people who tested positive have recovered.

“We have had 159 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 325 in the Fraser Health region, seven in the Island Health region, 27 in the Interior Health region, seven in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 284 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have two new health-care facility outbreaks at Holyrood Manor and Burnaby Hospital. In total, 33 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and six acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“We need to break the chains of transmission and slow the surge of COVID-19 cases – especially in the regions and locations of highest spread.

“The regional health authority restrictions are a short-term pause on non-essential activities to ensure we can maintain capacity within our health-care system and continue important essential activities.

“We need to slow down and take a step back to allow us to safely move forward in the weeks ahead.

“A growing number of people in British Columbia are now self-isolating at home, away from their work, school, friends and family, which in turn is creating unnecessary financial and emotional strain for far too many.

“We can turn this trend around and the time to do that is now.

“Over the next two weeks, and especially tomorrow on Remembrance Day, let’s honour our veterans for all that they have done for our province and nation. Let’s recognize the sacrifices and hardship they faced and overcame by making our own small sacrifices right now.

“While the ceremonies may be remote, the poppies virtual and our legions closed this Remembrance Day, we can still show our appreciation, in a safe and respectful way, to the men and women who have proudly served our nation.

“Thank you to our veterans for your service and thank you to everyone in British Columbia for doing your part to protect our veterans, our Elders and communities.”

Learn More:

To find the PHO’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

Guidance on new restrictions for those in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions: http://gov.bc.ca/regionalrestrictions

Businesses in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions with group physical activities can submit their plans to: ehvc@vch.ca or worksitefitnessplans@fraserhealth.ca

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

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

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

Monday, November 9, 2020

November 9th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

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

Editor's Note -- update on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) can be viewed here

“Today, we are reporting on two 24-hour periods. From Nov. 7 to 8, we had 536 new cases. In the last 24 hours, we had a further 462 new cases.

“This represents 998 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 18,714 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 4,891 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. Currently, 133 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 43 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Currently, 9,179 people are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 13,425 people who tested positive have recovered.

“There have been 210 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 737 in the Fraser Health region, 12 in the Island Health region, 28 in the Interior Health region, 11 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been five new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 281 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 Harrison Pointe and Normanna. The outbreaks at Fair Haven Homes Burnaby Lodge, at PICs and at The Gateway Assisted Living for Seniors have been declared over. In total, 32 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and five acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“On Saturday, new regional provincial health officer (PHO) orders were put in place in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions in response to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and health-care outbreaks. The orders will be in place for the next two weeks until Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, at noon.

“The purpose of the new orders is to break the chains of transmission connected to social gatherings occurring at a rapid rate in this part of the province.

“We have seen the virus spread in people’s homes, in a number of workplaces and with indoor group physical activities. This is increasing the risk across the entire province and we need to do all we can to stop this – now.

“This latest action in our COVID-19 response is about putting a short-term pause on non-essential activities and travel to ensure our essential activities – like school and work – can safely continue.

“For those regions included in the PHO orders, we ask that you prioritize ‘critical’ over ‘optional’ for the next two weeks. As we have done before, socialize virtually, plan parties and celebrations when it is safe to get together and support your neighbours at a distance.

“If you are in doubt about whether to travel or see someone, do not do it. If you can adjust your usual routine to see fewer people, then now is the time.

“We ask every business in the province to revisit its COVID-19 safety plans to ensure you are doing all you can to protect your employees and customers.

“Businesses operating within the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health authority regions must now ensure all employees conduct daily health symptom checks to ensure everyone coming into your workplace is healthy. For those locations providing indoor group physical activities, new guidance and safety requirements are under development to help ensure you can continue to operate safely.

“We recognize taking a step back now has an impact on our mental, emotional and financial well-being. Especially with Remembrance Day ahead, let’s all look to our veterans who have shown us how important it is to persevere when there seems to be more darkness than light.”

Learn More:

To find the PHO'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

Guidance on new restrictions for those in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions:
gov.bc.ca/regionalrestrictions

Businesses in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions with group physical activities can submit their plans to: ehvc@vch.ca or worksitefitnessplans@fraserhealth.ca

BCCDC's safer celebrations guidance, including for Remembrance Day:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations

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

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

2019 Crime Severity Index Numbers (Cariboo-Chilcotin Region)

Recently -- Statistics Canada released the Crime Severity Index numbers for 2019 (latest available).. 

In the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region:

Source data here

District of Wells -- no data available

City of Quesnel:

Municipal -- Crime Severity Index: 289.92 (in 2018, this was 290.88)
Rural -- Crime Severity Index: 66.07 (in 2018, this was 78.21)

City of Williams Lake:

Municipal -- Crime Severity Index: 277.09 (in 2018, this was 206.16)
Rural -- Crime Severity Index: 79.35 (in 2018, this was 64.57)

District of 100 Mile House: 

Rural -- Crime Severity Index: 106.34 (in 2018, this was 64.07)

Conclusions:

While the City of Quesnel Council and its' rural neighbours will be pleased with these numbers, both Williams Lake/100 Mile House Councils' and their rural neighbours will NOT be pleased with these numbers and the elected officials, both on Williams Lake and 100 Mile House Municipal Councils' and their CRD Area Director counterparts in Areas D,E,F,G,H,J,K,L are aware of the challenges in the respective communities (incorporated and unincorporated) and will continue to lobby the Province (and likely the Federal Government as well) for more safer communities, both in Williams Lake/100 Mile House and in the outlining rural areas... 

SF

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Nov 7th, 2020 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

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

Editor's Note -- a Regional Provincial Health Officer order for Metro Vancouver (Vancouver Coastal/Fraser Health Authorities) was issued, click here

“Today, we are reporting 567 new cases, for a total of 17,716 cases in British Columbia. There are 31 people in intensive care.

“There have been 122 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 411 in the Fraser Health region, three in the Island Health region, 22 in the Interior Health region, nine in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 276 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 The Residence in Mission. In total, 33 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and four acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

“In the last two weeks, we have seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks in health-care facilities centred primarily in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions.

“These are the result of transmission in people’s homes and in many workplaces, including food processing facilities, retail locations, public venues, as well as with indoor group physical activities.

“The goal of our COVID-19 response is to maintain capacity within our health-care system, to protect those who are most vulnerable and to keep as much as possible going in our communities.

“We need to keep essential services and essential activities open and operating safely. This is now in jeopardy. As a result, we must now take further action to step back from our restart activities in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions, to avoid potentially serious consequences for all of us.

“Today, new provincial health officer orders have been put in place for all individuals, places of work and businesses across the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions, with the exception of Hope, the central coast and the Bella Coola Valley.

“The orders are in effect starting today, Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. through to Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, at 3 p.m.

“Right now, it is very important that everyone in these regions significantly reduces their social interactions.

“The orders focus on three areas: social gatherings, group physical activities and workplaces, and are outlined in the following backgrounder.

“We are putting measures in place to better protect people who participate in group physical activities and we are also requiring all businesses and worksites to revisit and ensure strict adherence to their COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We appreciate this takes sustained daily effort and sacrifice, but these actions are critical to us keeping businesses open and communities safe over the winter months.

“In support of this new order, active inspections are being increased and businesses that do not comply will be subject to fines, and/or ordered to close, until a refreshed safety plan and commitment to comply are established.

“Finally, we are strongly recommending travel into and out of these regions be limited to essential travel only and people within the regions stay within their local community, as much as possible. We ask those who live outside of the regions not to visit unless it is essential.

    “Provincial health officer orders are always a last resort, and these additional measures are required right now.

    “We need everyone to help us keep our wall strong to re-double our efforts to protect our hospitals, our schools, our workplaces and our communities.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about today's orders for the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/lower-mainland

    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 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

    City of Williams Lake Receives Significant COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant

    Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

    The City of Williams Lake is pleased to share the great news that it has received a COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant for Local Governments in the amount of $2,618,000 from the Province of BC. 

    The funding is a conditional grant to be used for eligible COVID-related costs, which include: 

    • addressing revenue shortfalls 
    • facility reopening and operating costs 
    • emergency planning and response costs 
    • bylaw enforcement and protective services such as fire protection and police 
    • computer and other electronic technology costs (to improve interconnectivity and virtual communications) 
    • services for vulnerable persons (e.g. persons living with disabilities, mental illness or addictions, persons experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities) 

    The City will allocate this funding to a Financial Stabilization COVID Reserve Fund, and will provide reporting on the use of the funds to the Province. 

    “This is a huge Christmas present for Williams Lake,” stated Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “This funding will help the City in its ongoing pandemic response, and will be instrumental in addressing shortfalls from the reduction in airport revenues and the gaming grant monies that were significantly impacted due to COVID-19.” 

    Councillor Scott Nelson, Finance Committee Chair, said, “this is absolutely fantastic news for Williams Lake. We would like to thank Premier Horgan for creating this fund, and delivering one of the largest grants provided to our community in extraordinarily tough times.”

    Friday, November 6, 2020

    Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Nov 9-13

    Next week will be an abbreviated one, due to Remembrance Day being held on Wednesday, Nov 11th - please don't forget to pause at 11am on Nov 11th to remember our veterans, both passed away and living so we can all practice this thing called democracy ... 

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

    Williams Lake - Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 10th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

    * Remedial Action Order - Frizzi Road Properties (4005 - 4105 Frizzi Rd)

    View the full Agenda here

    100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 10th at 7pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

    * Public Hearing (6:30pm) -- Property at "West of Spruce Avenue/9th Street) -- Zoning Amendment Bylaw #1374, 2020 -- click for full Agenda here

    * Regular Council (7:00pm) -- Bylaw Officer's Report for Oct 2020; NDIT Facade Grant Application; Street Lines Painting Tender

    Click for full Agenda here

    Cariboo Regional District - meetings as noted below:

    Nov 9th -- South Cariboo Rural Caucus/South Cariboo Joint Committee (11am for Caucus; 12 noon for Joint Committee), BOTH at 98B Cecil Place, 100 Mile House.  On the Agenda:

    Caucus:

    * Lone Butte Historical Association Financial Contribution Agreement Renewal

    Full Agenda - click here

    Joint Committee:

    * 2021 Grants for Assistance Applications
    * Update on Outdoor Skating Rink

    View the full Agenda here

    Nov 10th -- North Cariboo Joint Committee at 5:30pm in the Gallery Roundtable, Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St.).  On the Agenda:

    * Old Business: Review North Cariboo Joint Committee Resolutions 20-08-40 and 20-08-41
    * CRD Board Resolution - Grant Funding Priorities/Process Discussion
    * CRD NDIT Bouchie Lake Outdoor Rink Upgrade & Gold Rush Cycling Club Trail Development Grant Applications
    * Quesnel Youth Soccer Association Management Agreement Renewal 
    * 2021 - 2025 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Business Plan and Budget
    * 2021 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule - For Approval
    * Quesnel Rodeo Club - Facility Naming Request (Gus Cameron Arena)

    View the full Agenda here

    Nov 12th -- Mid Term Review of the Regional District Board's Strategic Plan at 1pm on Thursday, Nov 12th in the Cariboo Regional District's Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  View the full Agenda here

    Nov 13th -- Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards' of Directors, starting at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom

    On the Agenda:

    CCRHD Board:

    * Hospital District Board Consent Calendar
    * Report from Interior Health Capital Projects Update -- September 2020
    * In-Camera Session -- Sec 90(1j/1k - information prohibited from Public Disclosure and Negotiations) of the Community Charter 

    View the full Agenda here

    Cariboo RD Board:

    * Election of Board Chair/Vice-Chair for the 2020/21 Term
    * Land Use Matters (Electoral Areas only)

    * Funding Schedule for 2021 and 2022 Replacement of Transistor Waste Bins
    *  BC Recycling Regulation Intentions Paper Feedback
    * Invasive Plant Court Enforcement Action Against Blue Goose Cattle Company
    * NDIT Application – Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club Bull Mountain Storage Facility 2021
    * "Show Cause" Hearings -- 1227 Bass Rd/641 Fir St (Area A)
    * Committee Minutes/Recommendations
    * Requests from Areas B/D Directors' (B. Bachmeier/S.Forseth) - Attendance at virtual 2021 BC Natural Resources Forum

    View the full Agenda here

    Nov 6th, 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 589 new cases, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 17,149 cases in British Columbia.

    “There are 3,741 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 7,887 people who are under active public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases and 13,035 people who tested positive have recovered.

    “Currently, 104 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19, 28 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

    “There have been 146 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 402 in the Fraser Health region, five in the Island Health region, 24 in the Interior Health region, 12 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

    “There have been two new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 275 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “There have been six new health-care facility outbreaks at Suncreek Village, Fort Langley Seniors Community, Northcrest Care Centre, Fellburn Care Center – PATH unit, Ridge Meadows Hospital and Langley Memorial Hospital. The outbreak at Fair Haven Homes Burnaby Lodge has been declared over. In total, 31 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and four acute-care facilities have active outbreaks.

    “There has been one new community outbreak at the Royal Inland Hospital construction site (City of Kamloops). 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.

    “The BCCDC has implemented a texting service for new cases of COVID-19. People in B.C. can now sign up to receive text notification of both positive or negative test results, in addition to test results being available through Health Gateway and other online portals. For more information, go to: www.bccdc.ca/results

    “Keeping businesses open is important to all of us and we can all take confidence in knowing the vast majority of businesses are doing all they can to keep their employees and customers safe throughout the province. This has allowed us to have as much as possible open in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “As we have done with many sectors, public health teams are continually reviewing guidance and working with individual business owners to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and continue to operate safely.

    “When faced with the gathering storm clouds of increased exposures and transmission in a particular sector, we step up inspections to identify gaps and, at times, increase the safety measures that are required. Only if it is clearly demonstrated that a business or sector is unable to operate safely are businesses ordered to close.

    “Right now, particularly in the Lower Mainland, we are asking businesses to review their COVID-19 safety plans to ensure every step is being taken to protect everyone.

    “For employees and customers, you can also do your part and help businesses to stay open by staying away if you are feeling unwell, using a mask when indoors and not asking businesses or their employees to bend the rules.

    “We have one COVID-19 curve in B.C., and we all have a role to play to get through this storm and push our curve back down.”

    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 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