Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 22nd, 2024 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Policies

As per City Development & Review Policy IWC-15, the Policy and Bylaw and Financial Sustainability and Audit Committees are conducting a five-year review of Council and Administrative policies.

Union of BC Municipalities Convention

Five members of Council participated in this years' convention. Councillors Elliott, Goulet, Roodenburg, Runge and Vik travelled to Vancouver, to represent our community and take in a variety of sessions available to participants.  Council identified several topics that were relevant to Quesnel, including Indigenous Relations, housing, homelessness / encampments, public safety, climate change, transportation, water solutions and emergency preparedness. 

2025 Council Remuneration

As per the Council Remuneration Policy, Council remuneration is adjusted annually by the BC Stats consumer price index for September. Council Remuneration will increase by 2.0% on January 1, 2025. 

Development Services

Council waived one of the Multi-Unit Incentive Bylaw’s livability requirements for the proposed 17-unit housing development at 668 Doherty Drive.., permitting eight units to have balconies where all units are required by the incentive bylaw. 

Grants

Council approved the following grant applications:

• Northern Development Initiative Trust - $20,000 Business Façade Improvement 
• Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Volunteer & Composite Fire Department Training & Equipment funding program, to increase the capacity of the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department, offering auto extrication and a fire officer program.

• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program - Tourism Capacity Enhancement Project 

Indigenous Relations 

Indigenous Liaison Councillor Roodenburg, advised that on November 5th, City Council will sit down to dinner with Lhtako Dene Council and Elders.

In response to a letter from Nazko First Nation, the City will be reaching out to Nazko to set up meetings to further dialogue and relationship building.

Councillor Roodenburg noted that Council's commitment to reconciliation will then have them reaching out to Lhoosk'uz Dene Nation and ?Esdilagh First Nation to start building relations with all four of our neighbouring Indigenous communities.

Bylaws

• Bylaw 1957 - Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1957, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Final Adoption
• Bylaw 1958 - Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1958, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Final Adoption

Announcements/Events

• October 25/24 – 1:00 – 4:00 pm – The Quesnel Lions Club is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a free swim at the Quesnel Arts & Recreation Centre.
• October 31/24 – 3:00 – 4:30 pm – Spooktacular Halloween - The Rotary Club of Quesnel is hosting a costume parade at Dunrovin Park Lodge.  Register in advance at rotaryhalloweenparade@gmail.com
• October 31/24 – Grant opportunity - The Rotary Club of Quesnel will distribute $1600 to local musical organizations.  Deadline is October 31st – check out the application process on their Facebook page.
• October 24/24 – 12:00 pm – World Polio Day. The Rotary Club of Quesnel is hosting an open public meeting at the Legion hall.

The October 22, 2024 Council Meeting was unable to be recorded due to technical difficulties. As a result, no video recording is available.

Central Cariboo Joint Committee Highlights - Oct 23rd, 2024 mtg

Present from Cariboo RD: Directors S. Forseth, M. Neufeld and M. LeBourdais

Present from City of Williams Lake: Councillors S. Boehm, J. Flaspohler and S. Nelson

Meeting Chair: Director M. LeBourdais

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional, unceded Williams Lake First Nation territory within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of the previous Joint Committee meeting was adopted

Business:

1) The Committee received for information the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Performances in the Park 2024 Report' 

2) The Committee received for information the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2024-2028 Strategic Plan'

3) The Committee endorsed Fee for Service renewals for both Williams Lake Cycling Club and Scout Island Trails 

4) The Committee agreed to recommend the following to the Regional Board:

*  That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 17, 2024 regarding the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2025 Business and Financial Plans be received, and the plans be endorsed as presented

  * That pursuant to the report of Brandy Links, Community Services Facility Manager, City of Williams Lake dated October 17, 2024, the Board endorse the proposed adjustment of funds in the current capital budget as outlined and reallocate $20,000 from unspent capital funds from completed 2024 capital projects for the purchase of four new Pump Impellers for the West Fraser Aquatics Centre

* That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, Cariboo Regional District dated October 17, 2024 regarding the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services 2025-2029 business and financial plans and the 2024-2029 capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex be received, and the plans be endorsed as amended (Add Business Plan Goal: Participate in Discussion for new Bike, Skate and Scooter facility in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake) 

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson 

5) The Committee agreed to recommend to Williams Lake Council/Regional District Board that the draft 2025 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule be approved

The Committee discussed the Response Letter from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy re Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable and referred the item to the January 2025 Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

The Committee received its' Action Page and agreed to remove Item #4 and #5

The Committee adjourned at 7:15pm

Lac La Hache gets new water treatment system

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Water supplied through the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Lac La Hache water system will soon be protected from bacterial infections through chlorination of the drinking water supply. While most communities in B.C. chlorinate their drinking water supply, the Lac La Hache water system has not been chlorinated, and coliform bacteria have been previously detected in the system.

Chlorine is a versatile disinfectant that kills many types of bacteria, viruses and parasites (pathogens) that cause water-borne infections. Some water-borne infections can cause severe illness and even death. Water suppliers add chlorine disinfectants to drinking water to protect public health and protect against contamination from the pipes water travels through.

The well replacement and treatment process was made possible by $750,000 in funding from the BC Growing Communities Fund. To ensure that water supplied through this well was safe to drink, filtration and disinfection processes were included. This also reduces the potential requirement to issue boil water notices to residents in the future because of the reduced risk of pathogens being present in the water supply.

The CRD Utilities Department will be holding a public information meeting on November 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Lac La Hache Community Hall. Electoral Area "G" Director, Al Richmond, and the CRD's Utilities Manager, Kelly McDonald, will be present to answer questions and provide residents with more information about their water system. For more information, please contact the Utilities Department at 1-800-665-1636 or by email to mailbox@cariboord.ca

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Oct 22nd, 2024 mtg

Present: Acting Mayor S. Nelson and Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, and Lyons

Absent: Mayor SPS Rathor and Councillor A. Delainey

Editor's Note -- Councillor Micheal Moses is currently on unpaid leave of absence from Williams Lake City Council/Committee meetings' until end of October 2024, due to his participation as a BC NDP candidate in the Provincial Election of October 19th, 2024 

The Acting Mayor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Agenda approved

Meeting Video here

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Williams Lake City Council held October 8th, 2024 were adopted

Delegations:

None

Business:

1) Council received for information a report of the Manager of Planning & Development regarding an update on the Boitanio Mall redevelopment project and Staff were directed to report back to Council on options for keeping the Boitanio Mall project moving forward in 2025 

2) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated October 8, 10 and 17, 2024

The Acting Mayor acknowledged the presence of Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth at tonight's meeting of Williams Lake City Council 

3) Council endorsed a recommendation from a previous meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, as follows:

That the report of the Deputy Corporate Officer, City of Williams Lake, dated September 18, 2024, be received and that Council approve the proposed amendment to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference to allow for an annual special joint review meeting to include all members of City Council and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Area D, E, F, J and K Directors, for consideration of funding applications submitted under the CRD’s Grants for Assistance Program and the City’s Community Grants Program, respectively.

4) Council approved an application to the Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Forest Transition stream for financial assistance toward the proposed Airport Café Project for a new facility to be located within the Williams Lake Regional Airport terminal building

5) Council approved an application to the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for $37,500.00 toward a Williams Lake Fire Department Structural Turnout Gear Washing and Drying System

6) Council received letters regarding meetings at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention, as follows:

* Deputy Minister of Housing Teri Collins

* Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Fazil Mihlar

7) Council received the September 25th, 2024 meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee

8) In relation to the request of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 139 in their letter dated October 9, 2024, Council:

a) approved the Poppy Campaign sale days from October 24 to November 11, 2024;

b) approved the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the small Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11, 2024, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

c) approved the use of the City Hall lobby for accumulation of wreaths and crosses before and after the Cenotaph ceremony; and further,

d) authorized the Legion Flag to be displayed on the City's flag pole for the week of November 7 through 11, 2024

9) In relation to the letter from the Williams Lake Hospice Society dated October 15, 2024 - Council:

a) approved the placement of the 'In Memory' Book, signage and ornaments in the City Hall lobby from November 2024 leading up to the event, as well as a donation/draw box to be located at the reception counter during these dates;

b) approved the use of the City Hall lobby and a tree for displaying of the name ornaments from November through to Christmas;

c) approved 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;

d) approved the barricading of the City Hall parking lot during the Memory Tree event taking place outside City Hall on Sunday, December 1, 2024 for the lighting of the Hospice Tree, and Staff coordinate the placement of barricades as requested;

And that the event be coordinated with City Staff and the Fire Department

10) Council received a letter from the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) dated October 18, 2024 requesting consideration of endorsement of their regional Mental Health and Addictions Accord and inviting a representative from Council to participate in the Symposium being held November 14, 2024 in Prince George, BC and that Council issue a letter of support in favour of this NCLGA initiative 

Acting Mayor S. Nelson advised that he was serving Notice that the following Resolution of Council would be brought forward for reconsideration at the November 5th, 2024 Williams Lake City Council Meeting:

That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024, the presentation from Cianna O'Connor regarding overdose awareness be received for information; and further, that Council work with the Interior Health Authority to discuss safe consumption sites.

11) Council received the "Council Information Package" as of October 22nd, 2024 

Council received a verbal update from the Manager of Economic Development in relation to the situation at the Atlantic Power Co-Gen Power Plant

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Closed Council Meeting:

At  6:28pm -- Council resolved the following:

That Council proceed into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 of the Community Charter, as follows: 

(1a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality 

Council adjourned at 6:29pm

Williams Lake Community Forest Now Accepting Grant Applications

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2024 Granting Application six-week window is currently open and accepting applications for 2025 projects until 4 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Grant applicants must be living and/or working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake, and CRD Electoral Areas D, E, and F. This area extends west to the east side of the Fraser River, North to Marguerite and south to Dog Creek.  Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, then east to Bosk and Crooked Lakes and north  encompassing Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake.  A map is provided on the WLCF website under the “About/Location” section.  

Applications can come from registered charities, non-profit and/or community organizations such as Parent Advisory Councils, clubs including 4H clubs, and community associations.  Public, Private and Indigenous schools and educators are also invited to apply if they are within the “local area” described above. 

Funds are targeted toward:

• recreation and recreational structures including trails, signs and kiosks; 
• community-based culture and arts projects as they relate to nature; 
• capital improvements to facilities available for public use;
• Outdoor opportunities relating to sustainable forestry
• education and outreach projects for all age groups; 
• environmental stewardship; and
• other projects particularly related to forest resource values.

There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, along with a budget template. Five per cent of annual WLCF profits are set aside to be distributed to the community through this granting program.  

The Williams Lake Community Forest has increased its allocation for 2025 and expects to award a record $80,000 for 2025 projects. Previous WLCF grant distributions were $23,500 in 2019, $45,000 annually from 2020 – 2022, $65,000 in 2023, and $75,000 in 2024.     

Paper application forms are available at the Williams Lake Community Forest Office at 177 Yorston Street, or locate digital forms online at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/. 

BC Election 2024 - Initial Count Complete. Final Count to come Oct 26-28, 2024

Courtesy of Elections BC:

Initial count is complete in all electoral districts across the province, and Elections BC is preparing to administer final count for the 2024 Provincial General Election. Under the Election Act, final count cannot begin until at least the fourth day after Final Voting Day, and candidates cannot officially be declared elected until final count is complete.Final count is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

Initial count

Initial count began after polls closed at 8 p.m. Pacific time on October 19. Results from voting places with tabulators were reported faster than ever before, with first results reported within 15 minutes and over 50% of results within 30 minutes. There were non-technology voting places throughout the province, and results from these manual counts were not reported until later in the evening. Extensive out-of-district results from B.C.’s “vote anywhere” model also took more time to report.

Elections BC’s goal was to report 50% of preliminary results by 8:30 p.m., which was achieved with 59% of preliminary results reported by that time. By 9 p.m. 85% of preliminary results had been reported. Under the manual counting processes in the 2017 B.C. election, 13.5% of preliminary results had been reported by 9 p.m. on election night.

Results reporting on election night slowed after 9 p.m. for several reasons. The manual count of ballots at non-technology voting places took longer to complete and report. For voting places with tabulators, election officials were focused on reporting out-of-district ballots. Out-of-district ballots take longer to report because election officials must report ballots from multiple electoral districts (in some voting places ballots from over 50 other districts had been cast). On Elections BC’s website, many districts showed their results complete except for one ballot box from Final Voting Day. Before confirming that all ballot boxes from advance voting and final voting have reported, election officials check that the results they have reported are accurate as a quality assurance measure. This process took time but was essential to ensure results had been reported accurately.

Results reporting paused early in the morning on October 20 with results 99.72% reported, and resumed later on the morning of October 20.

Most types of ballots are counted at initial count. This includes ballots from advance voting, Final Voting Day, and mail-in ballots received by mail before the close of advance voting. Some ballots cannot be counted until final count, because they require additional integrity checks to ensure the voter was eligible to vote and that they only voted once. Ballots counted at final count include mail-in ballots returned after the close of advance voting, and out-of-district ballots cast by voters at non-technology voting places.  

Final count

Election officials are now preparing for final count, scheduled for October 26 to 28. As part of this process, further quality assurance checks are conducted on the results reported at initial count. Any transcription errors identified will be corrected on the Elections BC website and candidates will be notified. Ballots considered at final count are screened before being counted to ensure that the voter was eligible and that they only voted once.

Final count includes absentee and mail-in ballots that cannot be counted at initial count. The majority of the ballots counted at final count will be mail-in ballots. Packages could be returned up until 8 p.m. Pacific time on October 19, either by mail or in person. Many packages were received close to the deadline and must be counted at final count. Elections BC estimates that approximately 49,000 ballots will be considered at part of final count. A breakdown of the number of ballots being considered at final count by electoral district will be provided before final count starts.

Voting results will be updated on Elections BC’s website during preparations for final count the week of October 21 (to correct any transcription errors) and while final count progresses from October 26 to 28.

Recounts

District electoral officer recounts will take place in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre electoral districts. Under the Election Act, recounts must take place in these districts because the difference between the top two candidates is 100 votes or fewer. These recounts will take place as part of final count between October 26 and 28. Under the Election Act, ballots at district electoral officer recounts are counted manually, by hand. Candidates or official agents can also request district electoral officer recounts until October 22. Recount requests may only be made for the reasons outlined in section 139(2) of the Election Act.

Judicial recounts may occur after the conclusion of final count. If the difference between the top two candidates in an electoral district is less than 1/500th of the total ballots considered, a judicial recount must take place. Judicial recounts are conducted by a justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and may include some or all of the ballots in an election. Judicial recounts can also be requested by a candidate for the same reasons as a district electoral officer recount (see section 139(2) of the Election Act). Judicial recount requests must be made within six days of the conclusion of final count (November 4).

Voter turnout

At the conclusion of initial count, voter turnout was estimated to be 57.41%. This is up from the last B.C. election in 2020, in which 53.86% of registered voters cast a ballot. As of the close of initial count, 2,037,897 ballots have been cast, the most ever in a provincial election in B.C. The previous record was 1,986,374 votes cast in the 2017 provincial election.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Region painted "Conservative Blue"

As of midnight on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 -- 

Lorne Doerksen was successfully re-elected in the newly expanded provincial riding of Cariboo-Chilcotin in an vote count of 13,412 vs Micheal Moses of the BC NDP who received 5,731 votes.  In terms of percentages: MLA-elect Doerksen received 70.06% of all votes cast vs 29.94% of all votes cast for Micheal Moses.  Vote counting has been suspended until later Sunday.  At this stage: all Advanced Votes have been counted while 38 of 41 ballot boxes on General Voting Day have been counted

Meanwhile in Prince George-North Cariboo:

Sheldon Clare of the BC Conservatives' was elected vs incumbent Independent candidate Coralee Oakes by a vote count of 11,262 vs 4,296 (Clare/Oakes).  All ballots boxes (Advanced/General Voting) have been fully counted.  MLA-elect Clare received 57.08% of all votes cast vs 21.78% of all votes cast for Coralee Oakes 

All preliminary vote results can be accessed at the Elections BC website at https://electionsbcenr.blob.core.windows.net/electionsbcenr/Results_7097_GE-2024-10-19_Candidate.html

At this stage: 

 

BC NDP have been elected or leading in 46 seats 

BC Conservatives have been elected or leading in 45 seats

BC Greens have been elected or leading in 2 seats 

Next steps:

* Final count starts on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 

* Automatic re-count in ridings where vote different between candidates is 100 or less

* Possibility of judicial recounts (where accepted and ultimately decided by the BC Supreme Court) 

* Writs of Election for all 93 BC Legislature seats due to BC's Chief Electoral Officer no later than Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings: Week of October 21-25, 2024

During the week of October 21-25, 2024 -- the following Local Governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will meet, as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers/via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be viewed here

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:

1) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Introduction of new City Manager (CAO) - Joel McKay 

* Committee or Council Event Reports

* Northern Development Initiative Trust Facade Improvement Grant application 

* 2025 Council Remuneration

* Multi-unit Housing Incentive Bylaw 1901, 2020 Exemption - Bylaws 1957 and 1958, OCP and Zoning (668 Doherty Drive)

* Union of BC Municipalities - Volunteer Firefighter Training Grant application 

* Zoning Amendment for Vape Store at 1805 Hwy 97 N 

* REDIP (Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Program) Tourism Enhancement Grant application

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at 9am in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Comprehensive Fees Bylaw Update

* Heritage Garden - Discussion

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Annual Elections for SD27 Board Chair/Vice-Chair and Committee Appointments

* Reports from Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* REDIP Grant Application - Airport Cafe Project

* Boitanio Mall Redevelopment Update

* UBCM Grant Application for Williams Lake Fire Department Turnout Gear Decontamination Units

* Letters from Deputy Ministers re: Meetings at 2024 UBCM Convention

* Letter from NCLGA Membership Letter re Mental Health and Addictions Accord

* Remembrance Day Ceremonies & Poppy Sales - Annual Requests

* Closed Council Meeting - Section 90(1a - appointment) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 5pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* 4pm: In-Camera Meeting as per Section 90(1g - potential/actual litigation) of the Community Charter

* NDIT Business Facade Improvement Grant

* Verbal update from the Director of Ec Dev/Planning

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Committee Meetings, as noted below:

1) South Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Monday, October 21st, 2024 at 12pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: 100 Mile House Outdoor Skating Rink Society

* 2025 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule, for approval

* South Cariboo Recreation 2025-2029 Business, Financial and Capital Project Plans - for Endorsement

* Discussion Item: Pickleball

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Central Cariboo Arts and Culture 2025 Business and Financial Plans

* Central Cariboo Recreation 2025 Business, Capital and Financial Plans

* Proposed 2025 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Schedule

* Fee for Service Agreement Renewals - Scout Island Trails and WL Cycling Club

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Oct 17th, 2024 mtg

Present: Chair T. Pare; Directors Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais and Anderson

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Rural Caucus meeting were received/adopted

Delegation:

Williams Lake RCMP Detachment Commander - Insp. Rob Lake - appeared before Caucus to discuss crime stats for Electoral Areas D,E,F,K of the Cariboo Regional District

A Question/Answer period then ensued

The Chair thanked Insp. Lake for his time/information

Business:

Caucus discussed the following matters:

i) Victim Services Annual Report 2023

ii) Community Interventions for Crime Reduction - City of Williams Lake

iii) Williams Lake Timber Supply Review

iv) Public Communication Record/Dawson Road Maintenance

No resolutions/recommendations to Regional Board resulted from the above-noted items

There being no further business - Caucus agreed to adjourn

Joel McKay is the new City Manager - City of Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is happy to announce that Mayor and Council have appointed Joel McKay as the new City Manager. McKay has served as the Chief Executive Officer for the past eight years at Northern Development Initiative Trust and is scheduled to start his position as City Manager in January 2025.

The City of Quesnel began the process of recruiting a new City Manager upon the resignation of Byron Johnson, who accepted a position with the District of Clearwater.

“Joel brings a wealth of connected knowledge and ambition to the City of Quesnel, and on behalf of Council, I am pleased to welcome him to his new role,” said Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull. “His drive and ambition will be a great asset to the community, and we look forward to working with him on projects and initiatives to help further develop our beautiful city.”

“I would like to express my gratitude and excitement as I enter this new role,” said Joel McKay. “It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive Officer at Northern Development Initiative Trust, and I look forward to utilizing the skillsets that I have developed there to fulfill the role of City Manager for the City of Quesnel. Mayor and Council have provided me with this incredible opportunity to be a part of this exceptional team and community and I look forward to the work ahead of us all.”

Deputy City Manager Kari Bolton will continue to fulfill the role during this transition until Joel McKay starts with the City on January 2, 2025.

Central Coast RD Area "E" By-Election result confirmed by BC Supreme Court as "Valid"

Earlier this year -- the Central Coast Regional District held a by-election to fill a vacancy in the Electoral Area "E" Directorship, due to the previous Area "E" Director resigning.  

Following a detailed review after the conclusion of the by-election, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) then filled an application with the BC Supreme Court to challenge the by-election result as there was evidence of a person voting when not entitled to vote in the Electoral Area. Elections documentation indicates that an elector from outside the Electoral Area voted in the election by mistake. There was no evidence to indicate this was done purposefully to undermine the validity of the election  

After reviewing the matter and relevant materials, the BC Supreme Court has ruled, as per Section 155(2a) of the Local Government Act that the final determination of the CEO in relation to the Area "E" By-Election is confirmed as valid

Therefore: current Central Coast Regional District Area "E" Director Leslie Harestad will remain in office until the end of the current BC Local Government term of 2022-2026

Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Museum of Vancouver Work Together in Repatriation

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG), in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver (MOV), has completed the repatriation of over 60 Tŝilhqot’in ancestral belongings back to the Tŝilhqot’in territory. In February 2024, a delegation of elders, youth, children, Women’s Council members and former Tŝilhqot’in leaders travelled to Vancouver to bring the belongings home.  

The items repatriated include: 29 qatŝ’ay (coiled root baskets), 29 lithics, one birch bark knife sheath (embroidered with dyed porcupine quill) and one pair of snowshoes made from wood, rawhide and sinew. Some of these belongings are currently on display at the TNG Dasiqox office in Williams Lake.

The TNG and MOV are continuing their partnership through the development of a collaborative exhibition to honour the MOV’s role in caretaking these objects, as well as to showcase the repatriation as an example of successful collaboration surrounding repatriation of ancestral belongings. “Celebrating Tsilhqot’in Repatriation” will be part of an exhibition titled, The Work of Repair: Redress and Repatriation at MOV, which is scheduled to open in the spring at the MOV.

About the Tŝilhqot’in National Government: The TNG is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

About the Museum of Vancouver: The Museum of Vancouver connects Vancouverites to each other and connects Vancouver to the world. The Museum’s programs, exhibitions and collections bring people together and inspire conversation about the future. The Museum is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a socially connected, civically engaged city. The Museum of Vancouver and the city of Vancouver are located within the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

City of Williams Lake's 45th Annual Halloween Fireworks Blast Off at 7:45 pm - October 31, 2024

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake invites the entire community for a thrilling Halloween night as it celebrates the 45th Annual Halloween Fireworks on Thursday, October 31 at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds.

The free festivities kick off at 6:30 pm with a community favourite and annual tradition: hot dogs and hot chocolate served up by the Williams Lake Lions Club by donation. New this year, Halloween-themed games with prizes will be provided for children and youth to take part in prior to the fireworks.

Warm up by the bonfire starting at 7:15 pm behind the Stampede grandstand, leading up to the Halloween fireworks show at 7:45 pm.

Gates to the Stampede Grounds at Mackenzie Avenue and at 7th Avenue South will open at 6:15 pm, with Community Policing volunteers on site ensuring safe traffic flow to and from the event.

“The City’s annual Halloween Fireworks display is such a cherished community tradition, and we are pleased to carry it on year after year,” said Maria McKee, Adult Recreation Program Coordinator. “We invite families to join us in their costumes after trick-or-treating for a warm meal while supporting a great charity and enjoying the fireworks and bonfire.”

The City of Williams Lake would like to thank Tolko for donating wood for the bonfire, Williams Lake Community Policing for directing parking and managing traffic, the Williams Lake Stampede Association for use of the grounds and the Williams Lake Lions Club for their generous contributions to the annual celebration.

“We can’t wait to see everyone there for a night of fun, food and fantastic fireworks,” McKee said.

2024 #CaribooRD Area "D" Community Survey

A message from #CaribooRD Area “D” Director Steve Forseth for those residing in: 

• Soda Creek Road (past City of Williams Lake municipal boundary) 

• Mile 168 Road 

• Commodore Heights 

• Fox Mountain 

• Pine Valley 

• Wildwood 

 • Deep Creek 

• Xat’sull First Nation (Deep Creek Reserve) 

• Tyee Lake 

• Xat’sull First Nation (Soda Creek Reserve) 

• Soda Creek Valley 

• McLeese Lake 

• Duckworth Lake 

• Macalister

• Marguerite 

I am conducting my annual Community Survey to gauge residents’ on local issues in your local unincorporated community within #CaribooRD Electoral Area “D”. The online survey can be accessed at https://forms.gle/raSnYT6TNbZKteB78 

The responses provided (at your pleasure) helps me to ensure your questions/concerns are being addressed in a timely way, in top of monitoring social media groups and one-on-one discussions that I have with you at community events in the Electoral Area… 

 The deadline to fill out the survey is Thursday, October 31st, 2024 and any/all feedback received will be used during 2025 Cariboo Regional District Budget Discussions as well as discussions with BC Provincial Ministries, the local MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo and the local Member of Parliament…. 

Thank you in advance for all input provided in the community survey so that I can continue to serve you to the best of my ability

Williams Lake City Council & Overdose Prevention or Safe Consumption Site

Editor's Note: The following are my own thoughts and not representative of the Cariboo Regional District or its' Board of Directors': 

Last week on Facebook: I noted media coverage about the following Committee of Whole (Williams Lake) Council recommendation which was adopted by a 5-1 vote at the October 8th, 2024 Williams Lake Council Meeting (Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson was opposed and Williams Lake City Councillor Micheal Moses is currently on unpaid leave from Williams Lake City Council until the end of October 2024 while he participates in the 2024 Provincial Election) 

"That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024, the presentation from Cianna O'Connor regarding overdose awareness be received for information; and further, that Council work with the Interior Health Authority to DISCUSS safe consumption sites" -- Background: https://williamslake.civicweb.net/FileStorage/76B34158B8A04F95B04CDEEB108C3F63-October%208%202024-E1.pdf

Video of the October 8th, 2024 Williams Lake City Council meeting where this item was discussed can be viewed at -- 

https://www.youtube.com/live/E6abcgqn3JA?si=ME9Wu6kLMcWdnZFv&t=2651

This matter was first discussed with Interior Health at the December 6th, 2022 meeting of Williams Lake City Council - background at https://williamslake.civicweb.net/FileStorage/3D2823978FF540CFB56B7A04CEE71746-December%206%202022-B3.pdf and https://www.wltribune.com/news/council-hears-request-for-mobile-overdose-prevention-site-in-williams-lake-5548996

as well as a follow-up delegation from former Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb on December 20th, 2022 - background: 

https://williamslake.civicweb.net/FileStorage/3B83DA2F983340F3A7729220D9C09CE7-December%2020%202022-B3.pdf

and a City of Williams Lake Staff report was presented to Williams Lake City Council at its' February 21st, 2023 meeting.  Background: 

https://williamslake.civicweb.net/FileStorage/DDBED4896D1346868B9B83A7A20455F4-February%2021%202023-C3c.pdf

In addition, a Change.Org petition is now circulating in Williams Lake in support of an Overdose Prevention Site/Safe Consumption Site which has garnered 179 electronic signatures of support so far (and as of the writing of this post on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024) ... the petition can be accessed at https://www.change.org/p/open-a-safe-consumption-site-not-forced-treatment-in-williams-lake

Generally speaking: when it comes to provincial healthcare policy, such as Overdose Prevention Sites, healthcare services (in general terms), etc -- the role of a Municipal Council or Regional District Board is strictly limited to advocacy but serving previously as President of the NCLGA/North Central Local Government Association -- I heard often from many Mayors or Councillors across BC struggling with this topic, community safety or lack of mental health services (and not just in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region) and thanks to the collective advocacy work of NCLGA -- they are putting on a forum on Mental Health/Addictions in Prince George (in conjunction with the City of Prince George/Regional District of Fraser Fort George) in mid November 2024 to connect local elected officials with subject matter experts about how they can work towards solutions and more safer communities (I would like to thank publicly Williams Lake Councillor Sheila Boehm, who also previously served as a NCLGA President, for pushing hard for the NCLGA Mental Health/Addictions Forum in Prince George in mid November 2024) -- more on the NCLGA Forum at https://www.nclga.ca/press/2024-mental-health-and-addictions-symposium-in-prince-george

In terms of a general provincial timeline on this subject:

* April 14th, 2016 -- BC Provincial Health Officer declares Public Health emergency for the opioid crisis.  Background: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016HLTH0026-000568

* December 12th, 2016 -- BC Health Minister Order (Hon. Terry Lake) regarding the opioid crisis.  Background: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016HLTH0094-002737#:~:text=Health%20Minister%20Terry%20Lake%20has,development%20of%20overdose%20prevention%20sites

* Summer of 2017 -- BC NDP take over from BC Liberals/BC United 

* January 31st, 2023 -- Federal Government approves trial of drug decriminalization for BC. Background: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/decriminalization

There is also a useful legal opinion from Pivot Legal Society on the role of BC Local Government when it comes to Overdose Prevention Sites and when a local government may or may NOT do.  More at https://assets.nationbuilder.com/pivotlegal/pages/3664/attachments/original/1662072048/final_OPS_MUNI_BACKGROUNDER.pdf?1662072048 - it should be noted that the principle of "statutory immunity" or doctrine of paramountcy are enjoyed by "agents of the Provincial Crown which includes Health Authorities like Interior Health" -- that is to say: that where provincial responsibilities are in play (healthcare/social services) -- a local government can not prevent decisions about provincial services but can advocate for the best needs of its' community which is why many local governments' prefer to influence decisions by provincial decision makers', as best as they are able vs. putting up roadblocks (ie: you can more done with honey than vinegar) 

While a local government may seek community feedback on any topic including on the subject of Overdose Prevention Sites or Safe Consumption Sites -- either through a Town Hall meeting (online or in-person) or using Section 83(2) of the Community Charter (BC) to initiate a referendum to seek the opinion of the community however the results are NOT binding on the Municipal Council -- it is my observation is neither of these two options are used by local government in BC generally but they remain open to a variety of feedback (ie: in-person, phone call, social media, emails, etc) to understand where the community is at and report that at meetings with Health Authority Staff as they appear as delegations at local government meetings 

Conclusion:

Monitoring the online conversation on the topic of an Overdose Prevention Site/Safe Consumption Site in Williams Lake -- it is NOT correct that the community of Williams Lake could or would get a binding vote on this subject, however community members can certainly (and I would encourage this) reach out to Williams Lake City Council via email at "council@williamslake.ca" and let them know your thoughts; reach out to the 2 Provincial MLA Candidates -- Micheal Moses via email at michael.moses@bcndp.ca or Lorne Doerksen via email at lorne.doerkson@conservativebc.ca and because drug policy is set federally -- you can also reach out to our local MP, Todd Doherty who I know is always happy to hear from his constituents including those in Williams Lake and the outlying communities at todd.doherty@parl.gc.ca or by phone at his constituency office in Prince George at 250-564-7771

There are constructive ways to reach out to your local, provincial and federal elected officials to express your concerns and I know all of them want to work with YOU, the voter, to solve them and collectively have a safe Greater Williams Lake community 

Finally -- I would recall a quote of Coretta Scott-King who said:

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members”

Thanksgiving Day Canada 2024

 

Today, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the 2nd Monday of October of each year…

On January 31, 1957, Governor General of Canada Vincent Massey issued a proclamation stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."

Whether you celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday or today with your family/friends — I hope you were able to partake in a wonderful meal with family/friends as well as remember those among us who are the less fortunate…. 

#ThanksgivingDayCanada2024 #Grateful #Thankful

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of October 15-18, 2024

As a result of the Thanksgiving Long Weekend -- the following Boards' of Education or Local Governments' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will meet during the shortened work week of October 15-18, 2024 - as follows:

Quesnel - Committee Meetings, as noted below, in the Fraser Room/Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  

i) Public Safety/Policing Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 15th at 10:30am. On the Agenda:

* Committee Meeting Schedule for 2025

* Closed Committee Meeting - Section 90(1j - information prohibited from public disclosure) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

ii) Policy/Bylaw Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 3:15pm.  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

School District #28 (Quesnel) -- Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, October 16th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Report of the Superintendent

* Committee Reports

* 2024 Remembrance Day event in Quesnel/representation from SD28

* Letter from City of Quesnel re: former Quesnel Jr Secondary School site/re-purpose of lands for housing

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - "Coffee with Council" on Wednesday, October 16th from 3-7pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House).  More information here

Cariboo Regional District -- all meetings, as noted below, take place in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake)

1) Indigenous Relations Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 10am.  On the Agenda:

* Discussion Items -- UNDRIP, Provincial Community-to-Community Forum, 2025 Indigenous Relations Budget

View the full Agenda here

2) Emergency Preparedness Committee - Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 1pm.  On the Agenda:

Information Items -- Chilcotin River Landslide, EDMA Implementation/Indigenous Engagement

Action Items -- DRAFT Emergency Programs Service Business Plan for 2025 (for consideration of endorsement)

View the full Agenda here

3) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 3pm.  On the Agenda:

Information Items -- Central Cariboo Victim Services Annual Report for 2023, Williams Lake Timber Supply Review

View the full Agenda here

4) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, October 18th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Request from South Cariboo Hospital Foundation - Foundation Partnership funding for Videoconferencing System and an Omnicell Cabinet

View the full Agenda here

5) Cariboo Regional District Board - Regular Meeting on Friday, October 18th at 9:45am.  On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- Invasive Species Council of BC and Enbridge

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors only)

* Tatla Lake Community Hall Community Works Funding (CWF) solar panel project and enabling agreement

* Committee Recommendations - for approval

* Forest Grove Water Service Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5495, 2024 (for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings)

* Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5491, 2024 (for Adoption)

* Requests from Area Directors...

Area B (Director B. Bachmeier) -- amend 2025 Board Schedule (2025 Keeping It Rural Conference)

Area D (Director S. Forseth) -- Request for funds from Area "D" Director Initiative Fund to attend 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, BC

Area F (Director M. LeBourdais) -- "Our Future in Agriculture" event at TRU in November (request for funds from Area "F" Director Initiative Fund); Request for CRTC Letter of Support

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake Council Highlights - October 8th, 2024 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons and Nelson (via Zoom)

Editor's Note -- Councillor Micheal Moses is currently on unpaid leave of absence from Williams Lake City Council/Committee meetings' until end of October 2024, due to his participation as a BC NDP candidate in the current Provincial Election of October 19th, 2024 

Meeting Agenda approved, as amended (4 Late Items)

Meeting Video here

Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of Williams Lake City Council held September 24, 2024 were adopted

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated September 25 and October 3, 2024

2) Council received for information a report updated the status of the City of Williams Lake's 2024 Budget to date (end of September 2024)

3) Following a Public Input Opportunity -- Council approved Development Variance Permit #4-2024 at 1406 Broadway Avenue South

4) Council ratified an email poll conducted on October 2, 2024 authorizing the City to enter into the 2024-2034 Community Works Fund Agreement with the Union of BC Municipalities 

5) Council endorsed the name of the new community exercise park located in Kiwanis Park as the “Williams Lake Community Fitness Park” and encourage the community to attend the grand opening tentatively schedule for October 26th

6) Council approved an application to the 2025 Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) Business Façade Improvement Program in the amount of $20,000

7) Council denied a request from Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) to include their properties located at 253 Fourth Avenue North and 925 Second Avenue North in the City of Williams Lake Permissive Property Tax Exemption Bylaw

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

Resolved:  That Staff review the existing City of Williams Lake Permissive Property Tax Exemption Bylaw and report back to Council on options/next steps

8) Council awarded the request for proposal for engineering services for bridge inspections to ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. for the proposed price of $31,250.10 per year for three years, totaling $93,750.30

9) Council awarded the tender for supply of dried bulk highway salt to Chances Bulk Unloading Ltd. for the tendered price of $228.34 per cubic metre

10) Council endorsed 2 recommendations from a previous Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024, the presentation from Cianna O'Connor regarding overdose awareness be received for information; and further, that Council work with the Interior Health Authority to discuss safe consumption sites

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor S. Nelson

* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #26-2024 and the the report of the Manager of Administrative Services dated September 24, 2024, Council receive the information on the community engagement strategy for the annual budget process and direct staff to undertake budget communications and investigate creative opportunities to get budget information out to the public within existing budgets and staff capacity.

11) Late Item #1 -- At the request of Councillor Nelson: 

Council unanimously agreed to support the establishment of a secure housing and care facility in the Cariboo- Chilcotin Region, where people held under the Mental Health Act will receive long-term care and that the City of Williams Lake work in partnership with local First Nations, the Cariboo Regional District, other local levels of government, and Interior Health to align a strategic path to create and support a project locally and that the Province of British Columbia and the Minister of Health be so advised and requested to support this initiative

12) Late Item #2 -- the CAO provided a verbal update to Council regarding the Lake Harvester and the CAO responded to questions of Council.  

13) Late Item #3 -- Council proclaimed October 2024 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in the City of Williams Lake

14) Late Item #4 -- Council proclaimed October 10, 2024 as"World Mental Health Day" in the City of Williams Lake

15) Council received the Council Information Package as of October 8th, 2024

A verbal update was provided regarding the situation at Atlantic Power...

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Closed Council Session:

At 7:36pm -- Council agreed to the following Resolution:

That Council authorize proceeding into a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Meeting of Council - according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1c) of the Community Charter relating to labour relations or other employee relations

Council adjourned at 7:37pm

Oakes calls for targeted Rural Post-Secondary funding

Courtesy of Coralee Oakes - Independent Candidate for MLA, Prince George-North Cariboo

Former post-secondary shadow minister and independent candidate for the BC Legislature, Coralee Oakes is calling for the establishment of a targeted rural post-secondary operating grant.

Today, rural communities are struggling with labour shortages that are impacting everything from health care, education to accessing skilled trades people. With the very real affordability challenge it is becoming cost prohibitive for many people to leave rural communities to access training.  “Local training is critical to providing an inclusive and balanced workforce that provides people access to well-paying full-time employment that also meets the local labour market needs.  Recruitment from other jurisdictions is not working,” said Oakes.  

Rural colleges help communities reach their full potential and with the impacts from mill closures, they help support community transition and resilience.   Colleges also serve many lower income families which supports building equity through education.  90% of learners remain working in their home region following college. “Imagine the impact that increased health care training can have on a community that continues to struggle with ER closures due to staffing shortages.  Imagine a redesign of training that would allow an LPN access bridging training to become an RN, at the same time as they are working in community.  Other jurisdictions are doing this, why is British Columbia not?” continues Oakes.  

We need to provide sustainable targeted funding for small, rural post-secondary institutions where the geographic locations and large number of satellite campuses results in higher program delivery costs.  

Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick provide targeted funding to small campuses to account for their higher costs due to their geographic remoteness and smaller population.  

“Rural colleges support the most vulnerable learners yet have the most vulnerable budgets.”

Cariboo- Chilcotin All Candidates Forum at 100 Mile House

Lorne Doerksen (L) of the BC Conservatives and
Micheal Moses (R) of the BC NDP 

Last night from 6:30 to 8:30pm in 100 Mile House inside a packed Creekside Seniors' Centre nearing capacity limits -- residents' in the 100 Mile House and surrounding areas listened to a lively debate between the two candidates (Micheal Moses of the BC NDP and Lorne Doerksen of the BC Conservatives), as to why they should be elected as the local MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin... 

Topics covered at the All Candidates Forum included:

* Healthcare 

* Education  (SOGI, lack of teachers,) 

* Amendments to BC's Land Act 

* Jobs in the Cariboo-Chilcotin

* Indigenous Reconciliation

* Justice System/Homeless Camps

* Wildlife Management (science based vs public opinion) 

* Auto insurance policies in B.C.

* Vacant Downtown Buildings/Provincial incentives 

* Housing Policies 

* Support for Local Infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc) 

* Single use plastics policy / returning to plastics products (straws, etc) 

Unfortunately, Mr. Moses had to leave the Forum half way through for reasons that were not publicly disclosed 

Following answering submitted questions -- Mr. Doerksen agreed to answer questions from the floor including:

* ICBC, 

* Roads at Deka Lake 

* negative election campaigning, 

* SD27 public communications 

* more teachers in SD27

* tuition incentives for healthcare workers based on location, 

* incentives to mentor new nurses

I am not currently aware of any future All Candidates Forums - either in Williams Lake or 100 Mile House prior to Advanced Voting starting on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 and General Voting Day happening on Saturday October 19th, 2024 

~SF

Cariboo Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of Oct 7-11, 2024

During the week of October 7-11, 2024 -- the following Boards' of Education or Local Governments' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be holding meetings as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at 3pm in Wells Council Chambers/via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* In-Camera Session (Oct 8th, 2024 from 1-2:30pm) as per Sections 92 + 90(1a,l - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the closed meeting notice here

* Delegation: Quilt Draw—Kathy Landry

* Strategic Projects Updates

* Reports from Mayor Coleman and CAO

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Committees of the Board of Education (Policy, Finance and Education Committees') to meet on Tuesday, October 8 + Wednesday, October 9th at the SD27 Board Office (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  When available, the Committee Agendas can be all viewed here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* 2024 Q3 Budget Status Report

* Email Poll of Council - UBCM Community Works Fund Agreement

* Community Exercise Park Update - Kiwanis Park

* Permissive Tax Exemptions Amendment Bylaw - Request to Add Properties (Tsilhqot'in National Government)

* Recommendations from October 1st, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting - for endorsement

* Closed Council Meeting -- Sections 92 + 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here

View the full Open Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at 5pm in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* In- Camera Session from 4:30pm - 5:00pm -- Sections 92 + 90(1a - apppointment) of the Community Charter

* Bylaw Officer's report for September 2024

* Tax Exemption Bylaw #1424, 2024 - for Adoption

View the full Agenda here

Prince George-North Cariboo All Candidates Forum in Quesnel - Oct 2nd, 2024

Earlier tonight -- voters got to hear from the candidates for MLA, Prince George-North Cariboo at the College of New Caledonia Campus in Quesnel:

* Coralee Oakes, Independent (incumbent)

* Sheldon Clare, BC Conservative 

* Randy Thompson, BC Greens 

Denice Bardua, BC NDP candidate was not in attendance

Topics discussed during the 2 hour session including:

* Housing

* Drug Policy

* Highway 97 North-South Connector Project

* Safety of Students in Schools

* Healthcare System Policies 

* Review of 5 Day Sick Leave Program/Impacts on Small Businesses

* Reconciliation and what does it mean to you/political party

* Deactivation of FSR/Forest Service Roads or Rural Roads 

* What is the biggest challenge in Quesnel and how do you propose to resolve it?

* Forestry Policy (fibre supply/raw log exports, FireSmart Programs, etc.)

* Seniors' Care

* Protection of Vulnerable Individuals 

Thanks to the Quesnel/District Chamber of Commerce for arranging for and administrating this All Candidates Forum and thank you to the candidates for your answers to the questions! 

Video from the Forum (in part) can be viewed here

Quesnel Council Highlights - October 1st, 2024

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Legislated Changes for Development Services

The province mandated review and update of the Official Community Plan be completed by the end of 2025.

Council directed staff to proceed with securing consulting services for revision of the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and Development Application Procedures Bylaw concurrently and, allocation of up to $100,000 from the 2025 operating budget to facilitate the process. 

Updating these bylaws will allow the City to review and consider how to take advantage of all the policy changes implemented by the province which are intended to support and encourage housing development.

City received $195,000 from the province to complete mandated policy updates. There is currently $155,000 remaining following modest expenditures to update the zoning bylaw for Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing and the Housing Needs Assessment. Staff are estimating an approximate cost of $255,000.00 for this work and noting urgency in posting a request for proposal, as all municipalities in B.C. will be seeking expertise.

The following objectives will be incorporated into the review of these bylaw updates:

Early and ongoing First Nation consultation in the development of the OCP;

Development of Accessible Documents and update and improvement of all related applications and information forms;

Improvement of all development applications and public guidance documents;

Incorporation of Master Infrastructure Plan into the Official Community Plan; and

Incorporation of Housing Needs Assessment and the Housing Action Plan.

TNG Celebrates Nits’ilʔin Alphonse being Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal

Courtesy of Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is celebrating Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse as the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his significant contributions to Canada and B.C. Nits’ilʔin Alphonse was nominated by Honourable Bowinn Ma, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness for his leadership and efforts to protect his community from wildfire and also advance reconciliation within the field of Emergency Management.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created in 2023 with 2024 being the first year that the medal was awarded to outstanding Canadians. There were 30,000 medals awarded in 2024

Nits’ilʔin Joe Alphonse has shown amazing leadership through his time as Nits’ilʔin and Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. He has been able to show leadership over the years by recognizing that the right decision isn’t always the easy one. In the face of the climate crisis, emergencies have become a regular occurrence for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. All levels of government have a long way to come in managing emergencies in culturally appropriate ways that recognize Indigenous jurisdiction. Nits’ilʔin Alphonse has been there, front and center, as a leader and guide to this learning process.”

~ Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - September 2024

During the month of September 2024 -- I attended the following meetings or events:

* September 5th -- monthly meeting of the McLeese Lake Recreation Commission

* September 19th -- Poverty Reduction Leadership Committee Meeting

* September 25th - Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting

* September 26th - Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Board Meetings

In addition -- responded to inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents via social media, phone/text or emails

The following expenses were submitted for approval in the month of September 2024:

* September 25th - $83 to attend the monthly meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee

* September 26th - $206 to attend meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District Boards'