In the Vancouver Province - political columnist Mike Smyth wonders if BC Premier Christy Clark will be able to back her "tough talk" on the Vancouver riots with action - see here
In the Vancouver Sun - political columnist Vaughn Palmer looks at the upcoming union contracts with provincial civil staff and what the Ministers' of Education/Finance have to say - see here
Friday, June 17, 2011
CRD Board Highlights - June 17th meeting
CRD Adopts Social Media Policy
The Cariboo Regional District is the most recent local government in BC to adopt a Social Media Policy. Following last year’s success with using Facebook to communicate during the firestorms, the Board identified the need for a social media policy around the use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media. The new policy also provides guidelines for implementation and a monitoring plan. The CRD will focus on using social media for special projects and emergency operations and will incorporate this communication media into existing online activities such as CRD website located at www.cariboord.bc.ca
Big Creek Surface Water Impacted
Chilcotin Rancher, Randy Saugstad appeared before the Board to discuss the impact on surface water in the Big Creek area due to logging of mountain pine beetle infested stands with significant green tree composition. According to Saugstad, current logging in the area is creating water related issues which affect ranchers.
Towns for Tomorrow
The Regional District has been approved for $400,000 from the provincial government’s Towns for Tomorrow program and $100,000 from the Northern Trust Economic Diversification Infrastructure program towards improvements at the Anahim Lake Airport. The total estimated cost of the runway extension and terminal building construction is $700,000 with up to $200,000 coming from the airport’s capital reserves, annual capital plan and $23,000 in residual funding from the former airport commission society.
The Big Tree Hunt
The Cariboo Regional District is the 2010-2011 Forest Capital of Canada! To celebrate the program’s last year and the 2011 United Nations International Year of Forests, the CRD invites the students and teachers of School Districts 27 and 28 to participate in the Big Tree Hunt! During National Forest Week, September 18-24, 2011, schools will engage in a friendly competition to discover the tallest and widest trees in their area. The contest will be divided into four regions: north, south and central Cariboo, and the Chilcotin with prizes for each region provided by the CRD’s Forest Capital of Canada Committee. Further information is available online at www.cariboord.bc.ca
Board on the Road
The Regional District Board of Directors and staff travelled to 150 Mile House on June 16 and 17 for the first Board on the Road event for 2011. On Thursday evening, the CRD and the 150 Mile Trails and Greenbelt Society hosted a successful community barbeque to raise funds for 150 Mile House’s 150th Anniversary, which will be held on July 16, 2011. Over 110 local residents joined in the festivities. During the barbeque, the CRD also acknowledged the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department as it is celebrating its 30th year of providing fire protection services to the area.
The Board reconvened on Friday, June 17 at 9:30am for the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The next Board on the Road event will be taking place in Kersley (Area 'A') on September 15 and 16, 2011.
Let’s Talk Trash!
During the last meeting of the Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee (AC), Sperling Hansen and Associates (SHA) presented various options associated with potential recycling and composting programs, as well as preliminary assessments as to current program operating efficiencies. With regards to efficiencies, SHA determined that potential operational savings may be possible by increasing the density of loads at transfer stations; however, a substantial change to existing infrastructure would be required, whereby current bins would be replaced by larger open top bins that could facilitate compaction by on site equipment. As well, SHA also indicated that closure and conversion of small rural landfills to transfer stations may also provide some operational savings. The dates for public consultation have not been set but should occur sometime in September or October of 2011.
CRD’s 2010 Carbon Footprint
CRD staff has created an inventory of the corporate carbon footprint for 2010. Services included in the inventory include administration; sewer and water; solid waste collection and transportation; arts, recreation and culture; and fire protection. Total emissions from all energy sources for these services totaled approximately 2,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Staff will be investigating best ways of reducing or offsetting these emissions prior to the 2012 reporting and offsetting requirement in the Climate Action Charter.
Next Board Meeting
Friday, July 8, 2011 – 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
The Cariboo Regional District is the most recent local government in BC to adopt a Social Media Policy. Following last year’s success with using Facebook to communicate during the firestorms, the Board identified the need for a social media policy around the use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media. The new policy also provides guidelines for implementation and a monitoring plan. The CRD will focus on using social media for special projects and emergency operations and will incorporate this communication media into existing online activities such as CRD website located at www.cariboord.bc.ca
Big Creek Surface Water Impacted
Chilcotin Rancher, Randy Saugstad appeared before the Board to discuss the impact on surface water in the Big Creek area due to logging of mountain pine beetle infested stands with significant green tree composition. According to Saugstad, current logging in the area is creating water related issues which affect ranchers.
Towns for Tomorrow
The Regional District has been approved for $400,000 from the provincial government’s Towns for Tomorrow program and $100,000 from the Northern Trust Economic Diversification Infrastructure program towards improvements at the Anahim Lake Airport. The total estimated cost of the runway extension and terminal building construction is $700,000 with up to $200,000 coming from the airport’s capital reserves, annual capital plan and $23,000 in residual funding from the former airport commission society.
The Big Tree Hunt
The Cariboo Regional District is the 2010-2011 Forest Capital of Canada! To celebrate the program’s last year and the 2011 United Nations International Year of Forests, the CRD invites the students and teachers of School Districts 27 and 28 to participate in the Big Tree Hunt! During National Forest Week, September 18-24, 2011, schools will engage in a friendly competition to discover the tallest and widest trees in their area. The contest will be divided into four regions: north, south and central Cariboo, and the Chilcotin with prizes for each region provided by the CRD’s Forest Capital of Canada Committee. Further information is available online at www.cariboord.bc.ca
Board on the Road
The Regional District Board of Directors and staff travelled to 150 Mile House on June 16 and 17 for the first Board on the Road event for 2011. On Thursday evening, the CRD and the 150 Mile Trails and Greenbelt Society hosted a successful community barbeque to raise funds for 150 Mile House’s 150th Anniversary, which will be held on July 16, 2011. Over 110 local residents joined in the festivities. During the barbeque, the CRD also acknowledged the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department as it is celebrating its 30th year of providing fire protection services to the area.
The Board reconvened on Friday, June 17 at 9:30am for the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The next Board on the Road event will be taking place in Kersley (Area 'A') on September 15 and 16, 2011.
Let’s Talk Trash!
During the last meeting of the Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee (AC), Sperling Hansen and Associates (SHA) presented various options associated with potential recycling and composting programs, as well as preliminary assessments as to current program operating efficiencies. With regards to efficiencies, SHA determined that potential operational savings may be possible by increasing the density of loads at transfer stations; however, a substantial change to existing infrastructure would be required, whereby current bins would be replaced by larger open top bins that could facilitate compaction by on site equipment. As well, SHA also indicated that closure and conversion of small rural landfills to transfer stations may also provide some operational savings. The dates for public consultation have not been set but should occur sometime in September or October of 2011.
CRD’s 2010 Carbon Footprint
CRD staff has created an inventory of the corporate carbon footprint for 2010. Services included in the inventory include administration; sewer and water; solid waste collection and transportation; arts, recreation and culture; and fire protection. Total emissions from all energy sources for these services totaled approximately 2,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Staff will be investigating best ways of reducing or offsetting these emissions prior to the 2012 reporting and offsetting requirement in the Climate Action Charter.
Next Board Meeting
Friday, July 8, 2011 – 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
Local Gov't Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of June 20-24
A number of local governments are meeting this upcoming week:
Monday, June 20th - City of Quesnel:
Regular Council Meeting that starts at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (410 Kinchant St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Monday, June 20th - South Cariboo Rural Caucus:
Regular Meeting that starts at 4:00pm in the CRD Office in 100 Mile House at the South Cariboo Recreation Center (175 Airport Rd)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Monday, June 20th - South Cariboo Joint Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Tuesday, June 21st - District of Wells:
Regular Meeting that starts at 7:00pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue)
Tuesday, June 21st - City of Williams Lake:
Regular Meeting that starts at 6:00pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Wednesday, June 22nd - Central Cariboo Recreation Advisory Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St)
Thursday, June 23rd - Central Cariboo Joint Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Monday, June 20th - City of Quesnel:
Regular Council Meeting that starts at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (410 Kinchant St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Monday, June 20th - South Cariboo Rural Caucus:
Regular Meeting that starts at 4:00pm in the CRD Office in 100 Mile House at the South Cariboo Recreation Center (175 Airport Rd)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Monday, June 20th - South Cariboo Joint Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Tuesday, June 21st - District of Wells:
Regular Meeting that starts at 7:00pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue)
Tuesday, June 21st - City of Williams Lake:
Regular Meeting that starts at 6:00pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Wednesday, June 22nd - Central Cariboo Recreation Advisory Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St)
Thursday, June 23rd - Central Cariboo Joint Committee:
Regular Meeting that starts at 5:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St)
See the Agenda/Reports here
Bob Simpson: Pls make informed decision in HST Referendum
Yesterday, Ind. Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson, in a blog post, made a passionate plea for all to make an informed and well-thoughtout decision in the upcoming HST Referendum. See that blog post here
Obviously - I share Bob's idea behind this blog post and I strongly encourage everyone in Cariboo-North, Cariboo-Chilcotin and the entire Province of British Columbia to research the pros and cons on either:
1) Retaining the HST
2) Return to the old PST/GST
and make your appropriate choice
SBF
Obviously - I share Bob's idea behind this blog post and I strongly encourage everyone in Cariboo-North, Cariboo-Chilcotin and the entire Province of British Columbia to research the pros and cons on either:
1) Retaining the HST
2) Return to the old PST/GST
and make your appropriate choice
SBF
June 30th Shutdown of Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool
The Sam Ketcham Pool in the Cariboo Memorial Complex will be under-going an unscheduled shutdown effective June 30th at 6 p.m. to investigate and address water loss in the main pool tank.
The fitness centre will open for regular hours on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the shutdown, but the teaching pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room will be unavailable during the length of the shutdown. Swim lesson sets scheduled to commence July 4th will also be cancelled, and all those registered will be personally contacted.
At this time there is no date for re-opening of the pool and the situation will be updated regularly and as soon as more information is available. It is expected that this closure will last at least three weeks, but it may be longer.
“We realize this closure will have a significant impact on all of our users,” says Director of Community Services, Geoff Paynton. “We will make every effort to ensure the closure is as short as possible, however we must also ensure that the water losses we are experiencing are addressed fully.”
As a result of this unscheduled shutdown the regularly scheduled shutdown for the pool from August 29th to September 17th will be cancelled as all items can be addressed during this shutdown and it will no longer be necessary.
For more information, please contact:
Geoff Paynton - Director of Community Services
The City of Williams Lake
250 392-1786 or gpaynton@williamslake.ca
The fitness centre will open for regular hours on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the shutdown, but the teaching pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room will be unavailable during the length of the shutdown. Swim lesson sets scheduled to commence July 4th will also be cancelled, and all those registered will be personally contacted.
At this time there is no date for re-opening of the pool and the situation will be updated regularly and as soon as more information is available. It is expected that this closure will last at least three weeks, but it may be longer.
“We realize this closure will have a significant impact on all of our users,” says Director of Community Services, Geoff Paynton. “We will make every effort to ensure the closure is as short as possible, however we must also ensure that the water losses we are experiencing are addressed fully.”
As a result of this unscheduled shutdown the regularly scheduled shutdown for the pool from August 29th to September 17th will be cancelled as all items can be addressed during this shutdown and it will no longer be necessary.
For more information, please contact:
Geoff Paynton - Director of Community Services
The City of Williams Lake
250 392-1786 or gpaynton@williamslake.ca
Tolko - Soda Crk Sawmill temporarily shuts down
From the Rush (Local Radio Station):
The saw mill at Tolko Industries Soda Creek division in Williams Lake has shut down until further notice.
Ryan Oliver is manager of the mill. He says they’ll be shutdown Friday, Monday and next Tuesday. He says they’ll re-evaluate the situation early next week.
Oliver says the wet spring is to blame adding it’s difficult and expensive to haul logs at the moment.
Tolko keep their logs in the bush which has sparked criticism from the local steelworkers union. They say they’d like to see Tolko stock more logs at the yard.
Oliver has countered that there’s a cost to log up your yard “for something you’re not going to expect.”
The temporary shutdown affects approximately 50 workers. Oliver says the planer, shipping departments and log yard will be unaffected by the shutdown.
The saw mill at Tolko Industries Soda Creek division in Williams Lake has shut down until further notice.
Ryan Oliver is manager of the mill. He says they’ll be shutdown Friday, Monday and next Tuesday. He says they’ll re-evaluate the situation early next week.
Oliver says the wet spring is to blame adding it’s difficult and expensive to haul logs at the moment.
Tolko keep their logs in the bush which has sparked criticism from the local steelworkers union. They say they’d like to see Tolko stock more logs at the yard.
Oliver has countered that there’s a cost to log up your yard “for something you’re not going to expect.”
The temporary shutdown affects approximately 50 workers. Oliver says the planer, shipping departments and log yard will be unaffected by the shutdown.
Quesnel Council Stipend and Expenses for period ending Dec 31st, 2010
On Monday, Quesnel Council will receive a report from their Director of Finance which outlines how much Quesnel's Mayor (M. Sjostrom) and the six City Councillors plus Quesnel City Staff made in stipend/salary and expenses for the year ending December 31st, 2010. See that item here (Staff Report) with the actual Stipend & Expense List of 2010 here
However, for the record:
Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom:
In 2010 - Stipend was $40,728.00 and Expenses of $9,585.02
In 2009 - Stipend was $40,228.00 and Expenses of $8,500.95
Quesnel Councillors:
All Councillors (Mike Cave, L-A Roodenburg, Coralee Oakes, Sushil Thapar, Peter Couldwell and Ron Paull) all recieved a stipend of $13,968.00 in 2010 with the same stipend being $13,468.00 in 2009
In 2010 - Expenses Claimed by Councillors Cave, Oakes, Roodenburg, Couldwell, Thapar and Paull (from most to least):
Councillor L-A Roodenburg - $5,215.08
Councillor Ron Paull - $3,353.52
Councillor Coralee Oakes - $3,023.20
Councillor Mike Cave - $2,304.34
Councillor Sushil Thapar - $1,770.27
Councillor Peter Couldwell - $62.00
In 2009 - Expenses Claimed by Councillors Cave, Oakes, Roodenburg, Couldwell, Thapar and Paull (from most to least):
Councillor L-A Roodenburg - $4,477.97
Councillor Mike Cave - $4,429.00
Councillor Ron Paull - $4,249.90
Councillor Coralee Oakes - $3,903.89
Councillor Sushil Thapar - $3,607.84
Councillor Peter Couldwell - $2,010.11
See the full information here
Also - Byron Johnson's (Quesnel City Manager for 2009 and 2010) Salary and Expenses Info is as follows:
2010;
Salary - $105,492.07
Expenses - $1,819.49
2009:
Salary - $137,421.72
Expenses - $7,529.48
Williams Lake's 2010 SOFI Report should be out later today when the June 21st WL Council Agenda is published (late this afternoon) and I'll be doing a blog post Saturday (hopefully) on the 2010/2009 SOFI Reports as it'll be interesting to see what WL City Staff report as their Staff Salary for 2010 as Brian Carruthers' will have served one full year as Chief Administrative Officer and I'd like to see what will be reported as his salary and expenses in 2010 in addition to City Council Stipend/Expenses
However, for the record:
Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom:
In 2010 - Stipend was $40,728.00 and Expenses of $9,585.02
In 2009 - Stipend was $40,228.00 and Expenses of $8,500.95
Quesnel Councillors:
All Councillors (Mike Cave, L-A Roodenburg, Coralee Oakes, Sushil Thapar, Peter Couldwell and Ron Paull) all recieved a stipend of $13,968.00 in 2010 with the same stipend being $13,468.00 in 2009
In 2010 - Expenses Claimed by Councillors Cave, Oakes, Roodenburg, Couldwell, Thapar and Paull (from most to least):
Councillor L-A Roodenburg - $5,215.08
Councillor Ron Paull - $3,353.52
Councillor Coralee Oakes - $3,023.20
Councillor Mike Cave - $2,304.34
Councillor Sushil Thapar - $1,770.27
Councillor Peter Couldwell - $62.00
In 2009 - Expenses Claimed by Councillors Cave, Oakes, Roodenburg, Couldwell, Thapar and Paull (from most to least):
Councillor L-A Roodenburg - $4,477.97
Councillor Mike Cave - $4,429.00
Councillor Ron Paull - $4,249.90
Councillor Coralee Oakes - $3,903.89
Councillor Sushil Thapar - $3,607.84
Councillor Peter Couldwell - $2,010.11
See the full information here
Also - Byron Johnson's (Quesnel City Manager for 2009 and 2010) Salary and Expenses Info is as follows:
2010;
Salary - $105,492.07
Expenses - $1,819.49
2009:
Salary - $137,421.72
Expenses - $7,529.48
Williams Lake's 2010 SOFI Report should be out later today when the June 21st WL Council Agenda is published (late this afternoon) and I'll be doing a blog post Saturday (hopefully) on the 2010/2009 SOFI Reports as it'll be interesting to see what WL City Staff report as their Staff Salary for 2010 as Brian Carruthers' will have served one full year as Chief Administrative Officer and I'd like to see what will be reported as his salary and expenses in 2010 in addition to City Council Stipend/Expenses
Oliver Street Project Update #5
In the past two weeks on Oliver Street, water services near 3rd Avenue were upgraded, a fire hydrant was relocated, and unused main line water valves were removed.
Work scheduled for next week includes replacing more water connections on Oliver Street, with work moving east from 3rd Avenue. The project is currently on schedule and on budget.
Works are expected to last several more weeks, and there will be intermittent periods of traffic disruption. Work is anticipated to be performed on Sundays during the day and Monday to Thursday starting at 7:00pm. In an effort to perform the work while keeping the downtown open and accessible, traffic and street parking on Oliver Street will be limited during the evening hours after 7:00pm while contractors are at work. While steps will be taken to mitigate disruption, schedules and traffic restrictions may change if circumstances require. The public is asked to exercise caution in the area of construction and to obey signs and the instructions of flagging personnel.
For more information please contact:
Joe Engelberts
The City of Williams Lake
250 392-1785 or jengelberts@williamslake.ca
Work scheduled for next week includes replacing more water connections on Oliver Street, with work moving east from 3rd Avenue. The project is currently on schedule and on budget.
Works are expected to last several more weeks, and there will be intermittent periods of traffic disruption. Work is anticipated to be performed on Sundays during the day and Monday to Thursday starting at 7:00pm. In an effort to perform the work while keeping the downtown open and accessible, traffic and street parking on Oliver Street will be limited during the evening hours after 7:00pm while contractors are at work. While steps will be taken to mitigate disruption, schedules and traffic restrictions may change if circumstances require. The public is asked to exercise caution in the area of construction and to obey signs and the instructions of flagging personnel.
For more information please contact:
Joe Engelberts
The City of Williams Lake
250 392-1785 or jengelberts@williamslake.ca
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Open Letter to British Columbians from BC's Premier re: Vancouver Riots
British Columbians are understandably embarrassed and disappointed by Wednesday night’s activities. It should have been a celebration of the tremendous effort by the Canucks in their playoff run. It turned into a shameful display of behaviour by people bent on violence.
The vast majority of citizens gathered and dispersed peacefully, but sadly they also witnessed the mayhem. There were also good Samaritans there: people who had the guts to stand up for what is right and citizens who showed up the morning after to help with the clean-up.
These people deserve our thanks. They are the ones who will define our city and our province.
The police and fire fighters had a very difficult job and their hard work is appreciated. The clean-up crews and the businesses have all worked hard to restore the downtown core. I’d also like to thank the first responders who tended to those who were injured as a result of these foolish actions.
There were a lot of preparations. Based on the Olympics, Vancouverites hoped and expected we were past the type of destruction we saw in 1994. It’s very disappointing. We will work with the City of Vancouver to review what we can learn from this. When this happened in ‘94, new approaches were incorporated. We have more to do.
I want to be very clear: this is not who we are. We will not let this band of criminals define us.
None of us want to live in the kind of society we saw last night. We are going to send a strong message of deterrence: if you played a part in this, we have a mountain of evidence and that evidence will be used by authorities to support criminal charges.
Members of the public can help the police and crown prosecutors by submitting any photos, videos or other evidence they may have. Vancouver police are asking people to email their photos and videos to robbery@vpd.ca, or post information through Twitter at #VPD.
Citizens have also come together to create their own social media sites to share information about events and images of troublemakers captured on mobile phones. The police will monitor these sites closely as part of their efforts to gather evidence.
We will push for full justice. Collectively, we will do our best to bring those responsible to account. Criminal charges will be pursued wherever possible and appropriate.
If you are responsible, we will hold you responsible. Your family, friends and employers will know. We will ensure we have the resources to do this. You will not be able to hide behind your hoodie or your bandana.
No one wants this to happen again. We will not let the behaviour of a few disgrace the City of Vancouver or British Columbia as a whole. This is not who we are.
On Thursday morning I met with Mayor Robertson and Charles Gauthier of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association to survey the damage. We met dozens of citizens who had gathered downtown, saddened by what happened last night but determined to clean up.
Among them was a student from David Livingston Elementary School, broom in hand, doing her part to sweep away the stain left on her city last night. In these people I saw the spirit, grace and responsibility that make Vancouver and British Columbia the kind of place we all want to live.
Hon. Christy Clark
Premier of British Columbia
The vast majority of citizens gathered and dispersed peacefully, but sadly they also witnessed the mayhem. There were also good Samaritans there: people who had the guts to stand up for what is right and citizens who showed up the morning after to help with the clean-up.
These people deserve our thanks. They are the ones who will define our city and our province.
The police and fire fighters had a very difficult job and their hard work is appreciated. The clean-up crews and the businesses have all worked hard to restore the downtown core. I’d also like to thank the first responders who tended to those who were injured as a result of these foolish actions.
There were a lot of preparations. Based on the Olympics, Vancouverites hoped and expected we were past the type of destruction we saw in 1994. It’s very disappointing. We will work with the City of Vancouver to review what we can learn from this. When this happened in ‘94, new approaches were incorporated. We have more to do.
I want to be very clear: this is not who we are. We will not let this band of criminals define us.
None of us want to live in the kind of society we saw last night. We are going to send a strong message of deterrence: if you played a part in this, we have a mountain of evidence and that evidence will be used by authorities to support criminal charges.
Members of the public can help the police and crown prosecutors by submitting any photos, videos or other evidence they may have. Vancouver police are asking people to email their photos and videos to robbery@vpd.ca, or post information through Twitter at #VPD.
Citizens have also come together to create their own social media sites to share information about events and images of troublemakers captured on mobile phones. The police will monitor these sites closely as part of their efforts to gather evidence.
We will push for full justice. Collectively, we will do our best to bring those responsible to account. Criminal charges will be pursued wherever possible and appropriate.
If you are responsible, we will hold you responsible. Your family, friends and employers will know. We will ensure we have the resources to do this. You will not be able to hide behind your hoodie or your bandana.
No one wants this to happen again. We will not let the behaviour of a few disgrace the City of Vancouver or British Columbia as a whole. This is not who we are.
On Thursday morning I met with Mayor Robertson and Charles Gauthier of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association to survey the damage. We met dozens of citizens who had gathered downtown, saddened by what happened last night but determined to clean up.
Among them was a student from David Livingston Elementary School, broom in hand, doing her part to sweep away the stain left on her city last night. In these people I saw the spirit, grace and responsibility that make Vancouver and British Columbia the kind of place we all want to live.
Hon. Christy Clark
Premier of British Columbia
Kerry Cook: Bring on the municipal election...
Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook, in response to Walt Cobb's announcement that he wants to be Williams Lake's Mayor, starting December 1st said the following (from the Rush's website):
Competition is healthy and I'm looking forward to debating in the fall.
That was Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook's response to news Chamber of Commerce President Walt Cobb has decided to challenge her for the Mayor's seat in November.
Cook won't go into details but says fiscal responsibility and crime reduction during her term in office will be two areas she'll campaign on.
She's also quick to point out that the only capital project this council endorsed was the paving along McKenzie Avenue, which she adds came in under budget.
Cobb, a former Mayor of Williams Lake, entered the race Wednesday and says taxes and economic development will be two of his biggest issues in the upcoming campaign.
He also took Cook and some members of council to task for what he calls their lack of experience.
Also - Joe Alphonse says First Nations will be looking for a mayoralty candidate that opposes the Prosperity Mine, west of Williams Lake (see more below - again from the Rush's website):
A prominent First Nations leader in the region says Walt Cobb won’t be receiving their support in his bid to become the next Mayor of Williams Lake.
Tl’etinqox-T’in Chief Joe Alphonse says electing someone like Cobb would be a step backwards. He says it’s all due to Cobb’s support of the Prosperity Mine project and for previous comments he’s made about First Nations people.
Alphonse says current Mayor Kerry Cook has done a pretty decent job building relationships with the First Nations community but says First Nations will be looking to support a candidate who supports their opposition to the Prosperity Mine Project.
Cobb, the outgoing President of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, officially announced he’ll be seeking the Mayor’s seat on Wednesday.
Competition is healthy and I'm looking forward to debating in the fall.
That was Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook's response to news Chamber of Commerce President Walt Cobb has decided to challenge her for the Mayor's seat in November.
Cook won't go into details but says fiscal responsibility and crime reduction during her term in office will be two areas she'll campaign on.
She's also quick to point out that the only capital project this council endorsed was the paving along McKenzie Avenue, which she adds came in under budget.
Cobb, a former Mayor of Williams Lake, entered the race Wednesday and says taxes and economic development will be two of his biggest issues in the upcoming campaign.
He also took Cook and some members of council to task for what he calls their lack of experience.
Also - Joe Alphonse says First Nations will be looking for a mayoralty candidate that opposes the Prosperity Mine, west of Williams Lake (see more below - again from the Rush's website):
A prominent First Nations leader in the region says Walt Cobb won’t be receiving their support in his bid to become the next Mayor of Williams Lake.
Tl’etinqox-T’in Chief Joe Alphonse says electing someone like Cobb would be a step backwards. He says it’s all due to Cobb’s support of the Prosperity Mine project and for previous comments he’s made about First Nations people.
Alphonse says current Mayor Kerry Cook has done a pretty decent job building relationships with the First Nations community but says First Nations will be looking to support a candidate who supports their opposition to the Prosperity Mine Project.
Cobb, the outgoing President of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, officially announced he’ll be seeking the Mayor’s seat on Wednesday.
June 15th Central Cariboo Rural Caucus Meeting
Present:
Chair J. Sorley (Area 'F' Director) with Directors Deb Bischoff and Steve Mazur
Staff Present:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
R. Brundrige - Manager of Planning (for portion of the meeting)
B. Crowe - Executive Assistant
Meeting to order at 3:12pm
Business:
1) Fund Canada Day Celebrations 2011
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
$250 each from Areas D & F Opportunity and that Board Policy be waived for use of the Opportunity Fund
2) Building Inspection Taxation Issue:
Darren Campbell, from the BC Assessment Authority (BCAA), gave an overview to the Central Cariboo Rural Caucus on the history of this item including the fact that BCAA is soon going to run out of tax codes and that this is a provincial, and not a local, issue. In the next little bit, supplementary property tax notices will be issued to affected residents' in CRD Electoral Areas 'D', 'G', 'H' and 'L'. And residents' could either end up owing money to the Cariboo Regional District (keeping in mind, it is a legitimate tax) or receiving either a credit (if a refund of $100 or less is expected) or if refund of $101 or more - property tax owner may get a cheque as some in North Cariboo received in 2009 as a result of the tax code mixup with North Cariboo Parks and Recreation/Central Cariboo Recreation
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
A Press Release be issued to clarify this issue for the public
3) Fire Protection Taxation Issue:
CFO/CAO reviewed this item with the Central Cariboo Rural Caucus
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
Information received and discussion will continue at June 23rd Central Cariboo Joint Committee
4) Update on WL Fringe and Area OCP/150 Mile House OCP
The CRD Manager of Planning gave Central Cariboo Rural Caucus an oral update on work on both the WL Fringe OCP and the 150 Mile OCP
Meeting adjourned at 4:33pm
Chair J. Sorley (Area 'F' Director) with Directors Deb Bischoff and Steve Mazur
Staff Present:
J. Bell - CAO
S. Reid - CFO
R. Brundrige - Manager of Planning (for portion of the meeting)
B. Crowe - Executive Assistant
Meeting to order at 3:12pm
Business:
1) Fund Canada Day Celebrations 2011
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
$250 each from Areas D & F Opportunity and that Board Policy be waived for use of the Opportunity Fund
2) Building Inspection Taxation Issue:
Darren Campbell, from the BC Assessment Authority (BCAA), gave an overview to the Central Cariboo Rural Caucus on the history of this item including the fact that BCAA is soon going to run out of tax codes and that this is a provincial, and not a local, issue. In the next little bit, supplementary property tax notices will be issued to affected residents' in CRD Electoral Areas 'D', 'G', 'H' and 'L'. And residents' could either end up owing money to the Cariboo Regional District (keeping in mind, it is a legitimate tax) or receiving either a credit (if a refund of $100 or less is expected) or if refund of $101 or more - property tax owner may get a cheque as some in North Cariboo received in 2009 as a result of the tax code mixup with North Cariboo Parks and Recreation/Central Cariboo Recreation
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
A Press Release be issued to clarify this issue for the public
3) Fire Protection Taxation Issue:
CFO/CAO reviewed this item with the Central Cariboo Rural Caucus
Discussion ensued
By Consensus:
Information received and discussion will continue at June 23rd Central Cariboo Joint Committee
4) Update on WL Fringe and Area OCP/150 Mile House OCP
The CRD Manager of Planning gave Central Cariboo Rural Caucus an oral update on work on both the WL Fringe OCP and the 150 Mile OCP
Meeting adjourned at 4:33pm
2011 Spring/Summer edition CRD Upfront Newsletter
Yesterday, the Cariboo Regional District released its' 2011 Spring/Summer Upfront Newsletter of which you can read the latest version here
Once the postal strike is over and regular postal mail begins to be delivered once again - you can see the paper version in your mailbox
SBF
Once the postal strike is over and regular postal mail begins to be delivered once again - you can see the paper version in your mailbox
SBF
CRD Directors' Stipends/Expenses List + Debts for Region
In a late report item going to the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board on Friday - the CRD Chief Financial Officer is presenting the SOFI or Statement of Financial Information Report for the year ending December 31st, 2010 which details how much each CRD Director or Alternate earned for a stipend, plus expenses and vehicle allowance, how much debt the CRD, the Cities of Williams Lake/Quesnel and the District of 100 Mile House/Wells are in for as well as payments to suppliers for the year ended Dec 31st, 2010 - see the full report here
As for Long-Term Debt:
The Cariboo Regional District currently owes $7,095,901 for the year ending 2010. In 2009, it was $7,646,994.43
The District of Wells currently owes $66,015. In 2009, it was $84,061.88
The City of Quesnel currently owes $9,803,396. In 2009, it was $11,162,710.49
The City of Williams Lake currently owes $14,661,854. In 2009, it was $8,937,681.28
The District of 100 Mile House owes $2,420,166. In 2009, it was $815,998.09
So - the 4 Member Muncipalities of the CRD owe a combined $26,951,431. In 2009, the same amount equalled to $21,000,451.74 or an increase of 28% in a one year period
Remuneration for CRD Directors' and their Alternates cost CRD Taxpayers' $277,675.53 in 2010 which is down from 2009 when Remuneration cost CRD Taxpayers' $282,279.40
The Top 3 CRD Directors for take home pay in 2010 are:
1) Area 'A' Director, CRD Board Vice-Chair and Treaty Advisory Committee Chair Ted Armstrong with $45,146.41
2) Area 'G' Director and CRD Board Chair Al Richmond with $40,953.47
3) Area 'H' Director and CRD Finance Chair Art Dumaresq with $38,148.69
The Top 3 CRD Directors' for take home pay in 2009 were:
1) Area 'A' Director, CRD Board Vice-Chair and Treaty Advisory Committee Chair Ted Armstrong with $47,203.19
2) Area 'H' Director and CRD Finance Chair Art Dumaresq with $38,667.84
3) Area 'G' Director and CRD Board Chair Al Richmond with $38,099.04
Municipal Directors' Take Home Pay in 2010:
Wells Director Jay Vermette received $14,310. In 2009, it was 13,015.60
Quesnel Director Mary Sjostrom received $16,202.10. In 2009, it was $17,415.59
Williams Lake Director Kerry Cook received $12,126.00. In 2009 (and with WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias representing the City on the CRD Board) it was $14,128.02
100 Mile Director Mitch Campsall received $16,289.98. In 2009, it was $14,270.86
As for Long-Term Debt:
The Cariboo Regional District currently owes $7,095,901 for the year ending 2010. In 2009, it was $7,646,994.43
The District of Wells currently owes $66,015. In 2009, it was $84,061.88
The City of Quesnel currently owes $9,803,396. In 2009, it was $11,162,710.49
The City of Williams Lake currently owes $14,661,854. In 2009, it was $8,937,681.28
The District of 100 Mile House owes $2,420,166. In 2009, it was $815,998.09
So - the 4 Member Muncipalities of the CRD owe a combined $26,951,431. In 2009, the same amount equalled to $21,000,451.74 or an increase of 28% in a one year period
Remuneration for CRD Directors' and their Alternates cost CRD Taxpayers' $277,675.53 in 2010 which is down from 2009 when Remuneration cost CRD Taxpayers' $282,279.40
The Top 3 CRD Directors for take home pay in 2010 are:
1) Area 'A' Director, CRD Board Vice-Chair and Treaty Advisory Committee Chair Ted Armstrong with $45,146.41
2) Area 'G' Director and CRD Board Chair Al Richmond with $40,953.47
3) Area 'H' Director and CRD Finance Chair Art Dumaresq with $38,148.69
The Top 3 CRD Directors' for take home pay in 2009 were:
1) Area 'A' Director, CRD Board Vice-Chair and Treaty Advisory Committee Chair Ted Armstrong with $47,203.19
2) Area 'H' Director and CRD Finance Chair Art Dumaresq with $38,667.84
3) Area 'G' Director and CRD Board Chair Al Richmond with $38,099.04
Municipal Directors' Take Home Pay in 2010:
Wells Director Jay Vermette received $14,310. In 2009, it was 13,015.60
Quesnel Director Mary Sjostrom received $16,202.10. In 2009, it was $17,415.59
Williams Lake Director Kerry Cook received $12,126.00. In 2009 (and with WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias representing the City on the CRD Board) it was $14,128.02
100 Mile Director Mitch Campsall received $16,289.98. In 2009, it was $14,270.86
Scout Island hosts "Nature Explorers Camp"
Nature Explorers Camp
Ages 7-13
July 11-15
Go deep into a marsh, peek into the lives of the tiniest of creatures, set up experiments, learn survival skills, go on a midnight excursion to listen for owls and bats, and gaze at the stars!
At Scout Island
Thursday 1pm- Friday 11am (overnight)
At a farm nearby
Only 12 spaces—register early and pay by July 7
Contact 250 398 8532 or email scoutisland@midbc.com
Cariboo-North MLA to host meeting on Provincial Meat Regulations
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING – PROVINCIAL MEAT INSPECTION REGULATIONS
Bob Simpson, MLA for Cariboo North will hold a public meeting, Tuesday, June 21 2011, 7-9pm at the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre. This public meeting is an opportunity for local meat producers and members of the agricultural community to be updated on the current status of the provincial meat inspection, licensing and animal waste disposal regulations.
This will be an opportunity for producers to ask questions about the licensing requirements for their particular operation and will be the first in a series of meetings designed to create a regional plan for red meat slaughter and processing in the Quesnel area.
What: Public Meeting – Information and Input on BC Meat Inspection Regulations
When: Tuesday, June 21 2011 – 7-9pm
Where: Quesnel Seniors’ Centre – 461 Carson Avenue
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cariboo North Community Office at 1.866.991.0296 or bob.simpson.mla@leg.bc.ca
Bob Simpson, MLA for Cariboo North will hold a public meeting, Tuesday, June 21 2011, 7-9pm at the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre. This public meeting is an opportunity for local meat producers and members of the agricultural community to be updated on the current status of the provincial meat inspection, licensing and animal waste disposal regulations.
This will be an opportunity for producers to ask questions about the licensing requirements for their particular operation and will be the first in a series of meetings designed to create a regional plan for red meat slaughter and processing in the Quesnel area.
What: Public Meeting – Information and Input on BC Meat Inspection Regulations
When: Tuesday, June 21 2011 – 7-9pm
Where: Quesnel Seniors’ Centre – 461 Carson Avenue
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cariboo North Community Office at 1.866.991.0296 or bob.simpson.mla@leg.bc.ca
Thursday News Wrap - June 16th
In the Williams Lake Tribune:
* More on Walt Cobb's announcement to seek the Mayor's chair in Williams Lake this November - see here (Editor's Note - as required, Walt Cobb will step down from his post as President of the local Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Cobb will not being doing his weekly column in the Tribune for the next 5 months, pending the November civic vote)
* Spanish Mountain Gold begins provincial and federal environmental review processes - see here
* Letter writer (and Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidate) Walt Cobb calls on people in Williams Lake to vote no in the upcoming HST Referendum - see here
In the PG Citizen:
* BC's Privacy Commisioner says she could have gotten involved in the case of leaked in-camera documentation between the City of PG and PG City Councillor Brian Skakun - see here
In Rossland:
In a first (that I can remember) in BC - a Rossland City Councillor was ordered out of a Council Meeting by the Mayor of Rossland, after raising an issue about the CAO contract in public (a big no-no) and was escorted out by local RCMP after refusing the Mayor's order (note, it includes video) - see here
Editor's Note - For the record, most, if not all, procedural bylaws for local governments in BC provide for authority for the Chair of a Council or Council Committee Meeting & also Regional District Board or Committee of a Regional District Board to order a member of the public or Council/RD Member out of a meeting and that, if called upon, the RCMP enforce the Chair's order as if it were a Court Order
* More on Walt Cobb's announcement to seek the Mayor's chair in Williams Lake this November - see here (Editor's Note - as required, Walt Cobb will step down from his post as President of the local Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Cobb will not being doing his weekly column in the Tribune for the next 5 months, pending the November civic vote)
* Spanish Mountain Gold begins provincial and federal environmental review processes - see here
* Letter writer (and Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidate) Walt Cobb calls on people in Williams Lake to vote no in the upcoming HST Referendum - see here
In the PG Citizen:
* BC's Privacy Commisioner says she could have gotten involved in the case of leaked in-camera documentation between the City of PG and PG City Councillor Brian Skakun - see here
In Rossland:
In a first (that I can remember) in BC - a Rossland City Councillor was ordered out of a Council Meeting by the Mayor of Rossland, after raising an issue about the CAO contract in public (a big no-no) and was escorted out by local RCMP after refusing the Mayor's order (note, it includes video) - see here
Editor's Note - For the record, most, if not all, procedural bylaws for local governments in BC provide for authority for the Chair of a Council or Council Committee Meeting & also Regional District Board or Committee of a Regional District Board to order a member of the public or Council/RD Member out of a meeting and that, if called upon, the RCMP enforce the Chair's order as if it were a Court Order
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Reaction to Walt Cobb's Mayoralty Announcement
Earlier today - former Cariboo-South MLA and former Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb announced that he would challenge Kerry Cook for the Mayor's seat, here in Williams Lake, in this November's municipal election
Greg Fry (The Rush's radio reporter) asked members of WL Council and other politicians for their response to Mr. Cobb's mayoralty announcement and here is what they said (From Twitter):
Councillor Barr - No Comment
Councillor Bourdon - No Comment
Councillor Rathor - Unavailable (I'm advised that Councillor Rathor will be contacting Greg Fry tomorrow with his own take on this, stay tuned!)
Councillor Walters - Not happy with Walt Cobb's "inexperience" comment and hasn't decided who she is supporting
Editor's Note - Mr. Cobb was referring to the fact that Mayor Kerry Cook is, in his view, inexperienced as Mayor of Williams Lake, given she hadn't served on WL Council since 1999 and perhaps that is why the City is in so much difficulty
Councillor Zacharias - Is supporting Kerry Cook for Mayor in November but hasn't decided yet if she will seek re-election
TNG Tribal Chief Joe Alphonse - Step back for Williams Lake if Walt Cobb is Mayor on Dec 1st, 2011
Analysis:
No surprise around Councillors Barr and Bourdon not commenting on Walt Cobb's announcement. Don't expect either Councillors Barr or Bourdon to endorse any candidate for Mayor
Of course - everyone should know, for months now, that Councillor Sue Zacharias felt that Kerry Cook is the best individual for Mayor and she should get a 2nd Term as Mayor of Williams Lake
With regard to Councillor Laurie Walters - given her comments on Walt Cobb running for Mayor, I suspect she is strongly leaning towards supporting Kerry Cook for Mayor - and yes, I firmly believe that Ms. Walters will seek re-election this fall
As for Mr. Alphonse - his comments are also no surprise, given some of what Walt Cobb has written about in his weekly Williams Lake Tribune column
It will be interesting to see what these individuals have to say whenever Scott Nelson makes his intentions known, with regard to the November civic election
Greg Fry (The Rush's radio reporter) asked members of WL Council and other politicians for their response to Mr. Cobb's mayoralty announcement and here is what they said (From Twitter):
Councillor Barr - No Comment
Councillor Bourdon - No Comment
Councillor Rathor - Unavailable (I'm advised that Councillor Rathor will be contacting Greg Fry tomorrow with his own take on this, stay tuned!)
Councillor Walters - Not happy with Walt Cobb's "inexperience" comment and hasn't decided who she is supporting
Editor's Note - Mr. Cobb was referring to the fact that Mayor Kerry Cook is, in his view, inexperienced as Mayor of Williams Lake, given she hadn't served on WL Council since 1999 and perhaps that is why the City is in so much difficulty
Councillor Zacharias - Is supporting Kerry Cook for Mayor in November but hasn't decided yet if she will seek re-election
TNG Tribal Chief Joe Alphonse - Step back for Williams Lake if Walt Cobb is Mayor on Dec 1st, 2011
Analysis:
No surprise around Councillors Barr and Bourdon not commenting on Walt Cobb's announcement. Don't expect either Councillors Barr or Bourdon to endorse any candidate for Mayor
Of course - everyone should know, for months now, that Councillor Sue Zacharias felt that Kerry Cook is the best individual for Mayor and she should get a 2nd Term as Mayor of Williams Lake
With regard to Councillor Laurie Walters - given her comments on Walt Cobb running for Mayor, I suspect she is strongly leaning towards supporting Kerry Cook for Mayor - and yes, I firmly believe that Ms. Walters will seek re-election this fall
As for Mr. Alphonse - his comments are also no surprise, given some of what Walt Cobb has written about in his weekly Williams Lake Tribune column
It will be interesting to see what these individuals have to say whenever Scott Nelson makes his intentions known, with regard to the November civic election
Breaking News: Walt Cobb wants to become City of WL Mayor again
Walt Cobb (former Cariboo-South MLA and former Williams Lake Mayor) wants to become Mayor once again. I suspect that with this announcement - former Williams Lake Mayor Scott Nelson (and rumoured Mayoralty candidate) will not wait too long to announce whether or not he is running. At the very least - he'll make his intentions known not later than the end of June
UPDATE (12:29pm) - Story on this from Williams Lake Tribune here
From the Rush's website:
Walt Cobb wants his old job back.
The former Williams Lake Mayor and current Chamber of Commerce President will challenge Mayor Kerry Cook in next fall’s municipal election.
He says “there is a growing level of concern in the community regarding budgeting and spending decisions that are seeing increased property taxes.”
Cobb says his twenty years in public life including six years in the Mayor’s chair is his greatest asset and says he’s looking forward to an interesting election in November.
He declined to release his campaign platform at this time other than to say he’ll be running on economic development.
Cobb was Mayor of Williams Lake from 1990 until 1996 and served ten years as Councilor. He was also an MLA from 2001 through 2005.
UPDATE (12:29pm) - Story on this from Williams Lake Tribune here
From the Rush's website:
Walt Cobb wants his old job back.
The former Williams Lake Mayor and current Chamber of Commerce President will challenge Mayor Kerry Cook in next fall’s municipal election.
He says “there is a growing level of concern in the community regarding budgeting and spending decisions that are seeing increased property taxes.”
Cobb says his twenty years in public life including six years in the Mayor’s chair is his greatest asset and says he’s looking forward to an interesting election in November.
He declined to release his campaign platform at this time other than to say he’ll be running on economic development.
Cobb was Mayor of Williams Lake from 1990 until 1996 and served ten years as Councilor. He was also an MLA from 2001 through 2005.
Upcoming items at next Central Cariboo Joint Committee
Tonight's Central Cariboo Joint Committee has been postponed until next Thursday (June 23rd) and in my opinion for two reasons:
1) Lack of Quorum of WL Council (easily solved by teleconference)
2) Tonight's Game #7 of Canucks vs Bruins (again - easily solved by broadcasting the game at the meeting). * Reminder - the public can watch the game at the Gibraltar Room at 5:00pm tonight *
Had the meeting occured tonight - the following interesting items are coming up (see the actual Agenda here)
Agenda:
Delegation:
1) Mike Simpson from the WL Interface Fire Group to give an update & discuss emergency access through WL Indian Band lands (note - this item is important to South Lakeside Drive residents' as they need to have two ways to evacuate due to fire or other emergency needs and this item has been discussed since the 2005-2008 WL City Council)
Business:
1) Grant-In-Aid (GIA) Review
New Memo between CRD-City of WL to be signed with new application process and no late applications accepted after September 30th. New Evaluation Committee to be established to review GIA applications and make recommendations to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
2) Esler Sports Complex Commission Minutes/Recommendations for improvements
3) Former WL Timberwolves Costs report - Costs include $39,202.03 in outstanding debt, $6,731.24 in direct legal costs, $6,200 to finish mezzinine in Rink #1. Lost budget income in CMRC Budget equals $15,900 with former Timberwolves owners owing $6,028
4) Letter from Stefan Hoelzler (Owner of Concrete Fitness) who questions CMRC Operating Costs. Staff to recommend meeting between CRD/City Staff and City/CRD Elected Officials and they report back to Joint Committee. Mr. Hoelzler has been asking for information about CMRC Operating Costs since February of 2011. Stay tuned as Mr. Hoelzler could raise his concerns during the upcoming muncipal elections in the fall if he fails to get support from the current elected officials with regard to his concerns
5) Two Discussion Items:
a) Director Mazur - Tax Increase for Rural Fire Protection (Phase 2) for certain Area 'E' properties adjacent to City of WL
b) Director Bischoff - Revisit poltical liaison appointment to Central Cariboo Search and Rescue
1) Lack of Quorum of WL Council (easily solved by teleconference)
2) Tonight's Game #7 of Canucks vs Bruins (again - easily solved by broadcasting the game at the meeting). * Reminder - the public can watch the game at the Gibraltar Room at 5:00pm tonight *
Had the meeting occured tonight - the following interesting items are coming up (see the actual Agenda here)
Agenda:
Delegation:
1) Mike Simpson from the WL Interface Fire Group to give an update & discuss emergency access through WL Indian Band lands (note - this item is important to South Lakeside Drive residents' as they need to have two ways to evacuate due to fire or other emergency needs and this item has been discussed since the 2005-2008 WL City Council)
Business:
1) Grant-In-Aid (GIA) Review
New Memo between CRD-City of WL to be signed with new application process and no late applications accepted after September 30th. New Evaluation Committee to be established to review GIA applications and make recommendations to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
2) Esler Sports Complex Commission Minutes/Recommendations for improvements
3) Former WL Timberwolves Costs report - Costs include $39,202.03 in outstanding debt, $6,731.24 in direct legal costs, $6,200 to finish mezzinine in Rink #1. Lost budget income in CMRC Budget equals $15,900 with former Timberwolves owners owing $6,028
4) Letter from Stefan Hoelzler (Owner of Concrete Fitness) who questions CMRC Operating Costs. Staff to recommend meeting between CRD/City Staff and City/CRD Elected Officials and they report back to Joint Committee. Mr. Hoelzler has been asking for information about CMRC Operating Costs since February of 2011. Stay tuned as Mr. Hoelzler could raise his concerns during the upcoming muncipal elections in the fall if he fails to get support from the current elected officials with regard to his concerns
5) Two Discussion Items:
a) Director Mazur - Tax Increase for Rural Fire Protection (Phase 2) for certain Area 'E' properties adjacent to City of WL
b) Director Bischoff - Revisit poltical liaison appointment to Central Cariboo Search and Rescue
Quesnel/100 Mile News
In Quesnel:
* BCs Lieutenant-Governor (Hon. Steven L. Point) visits Klukus (First Nations community west of Quesnel) - see here
* Letters in support to extinguish the HST - see here and here
In 100 Mile House:
* No Little Britches rodeo in 2011 - see here
* Vandalism hits 100 Mile Junior - see here
* Phone Booth removal concerns CRD Chair (and Area 'G' Director) Al Richmond - see here
* BC Lung Association congratulates BC Premier Christy Clark on helping smokers - see here
* Letter writer Garry Worth from Kamloops says PM Harper showing "true colours" - see here
* BCs Lieutenant-Governor (Hon. Steven L. Point) visits Klukus (First Nations community west of Quesnel) - see here
* Letters in support to extinguish the HST - see here and here
In 100 Mile House:
* No Little Britches rodeo in 2011 - see here
* Vandalism hits 100 Mile Junior - see here
* Phone Booth removal concerns CRD Chair (and Area 'G' Director) Al Richmond - see here
* BC Lung Association congratulates BC Premier Christy Clark on helping smokers - see here
* Letter writer Garry Worth from Kamloops says PM Harper showing "true colours" - see here
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