Saturday, November 17, 2012

WL Council/CC Joint Committee Business - Nov 20/21

On Tuesday - WL Council will consider the following noteworthy items:

1) Janine North from Northern Trust will brief WL Council on Funding Opportunities for Community Grants and New Programs from the NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust)

Read more here

2) Irene Willsie from the Violence Prevention Committee will speak to WL Council regarding the Purple Ribbon Campaign (awareness campaign of violence against women)

3)  WL Council will receive an update from the Airshed Quality Roundtable re: WL Airshed

4) Speed Reader Boards coming to 3rd Avenue (near Marie Sharpe) and Foster Way - read more here

5) Latest Housing Study requested by the City of WL in - read here.  Interesting that regarding Cariboo Lodge, the plan calls for the oldest wing to either be demolished and the land sold or demolish/do nothing while the 2nd part be converted in market housing (no age limits described) and CMHA retain its use in the old Heritage House.  Personally, I'd like to see the whole Cariboo Lodge block re-converted in mixed seniors' housing in various forms

6) Beth Holden of McLeese Lake raises concerns regarding the cross at Mckenzie Ave and Oliver St - read here

Meanwhile - on Wednesday, the Central Cariboo Joint Committee made up of WL Council and Cariboo RD Directors from Areas D, E,F, J and K will meet the next day (Wed Nov 21st) to consider the following:

a) Grants-in-Aid 2013 - read here.  A number will be rejected because either they are of a operational nature or because they benefit a specific community.  At today's meeting hosted by Bob Simpson (Ind MLA for Cariboo-North), CRD Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley stated the application from the Likely VFD will receive support while the two from the 150 Mile Elementary PAC (Parent Advisory Council) will undergo further research to ensure that they are ones that the Board is able to support, if they so choose later on

b) 2.5% Tipping Fee on the way for the Central Cariboo Transfer Station - read here
c) Recommendation from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission - read here

d) Update from the Pool Task Force - read here and here.  Mr. Paynton will also report that the Pool Task Force will meet Thursday to finalize its' report for submission to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee


Friday, November 16, 2012

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Nov 19-23

A number of local governments are meeting next week:

Wells - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 20th at 7:00pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells)

School District #28 - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 21st at 7:00pm in the School District #28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  View the Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 20th at 6:00pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  View the Agenda here

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 21st at 5:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom, WL City Hall (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  View the Agenda here

*** Reminder ***

1) Meeting Saturday from 10am - 2pm at Wildwood Elementary to discuss the Draft WL Fringe OCP and also the 2013 Cariboo RD Budget.  CRD Staff and CRD Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff to be in attendance

2) Meeting Saturday from 2-4pm at 150 Mile Elementary, hosted by Ind. Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson, to discuss constituency/provincial issues

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - Nov 16th mtg

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Interior Health Update

Todd Mastel, Director of Business Support, and Peter Du Toit, Regional Acute Care Director of Interior Health (IH), appeared before the Board to provide an update on issues relating to Interior Health in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Discussion focused on the recent Deni House project, highlights from the October 2012 IH regional meeting in Kelowna, the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Master Plan and the upcoming annual capital request letter from Interior Health. Further information about Interior Health is available online at interiorhealth.ca

Community Works Funds

The CRD Board allocated up to $146,000 in 2013 Community Works Funding towards the energy efficiency upgrades to be incorporated into the Anahim Lake Airport Terminal Building. While the proposed 900-square foot building is designed to be basic and functional, the opportunity exists to include various energy efficiency upgrades which reduce long-term operating costs as well as the Regional District’s carbon footprint. Because the Anahim Lake area is served by diesel-generated electricity, the carbon emissions reduction from the efficiency upgrades is much more significant. It is expected that the upgrades will provide an 80 percent reduction in fossil fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions over the building systems not including these upgrades. By including the upgrades, the CRD will be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the construction techniques and materials in a rural and remote climate. During the last Board meeting, Zirnhelt Timber Frames Ltd. was identified as the preferred proposal for construction of the new terminal building.

Later in the meeting the CRD Board also agreed to use up to $20,000 to complete energy efficiency projects at the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department hall for a heating retrofit and ancillary upgrades.

Proposed Recycling Pilot Project in Wells

The Cariboo Regional District received a request from the Wells Legion, Branch 128 regarding a proposed recycling pilot project. The CRD and the District of Wells will look into the feasibility of creating a recycling depot based in Wells. The Legion is prepared to provide the property on which to place recycling bins, as well as the supervision necessary to ensure maintenance of the bins.

Blackwater Gold Project

The Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors has appointed Area I Director Jim Glassford to represent the CRD on the Environmental Assessment working group for the Blackwater Gold project. The CRD had been advised by the provincial Environmental Assessment Office that the Blackwater Gold project was now in the review process and invited the CRD to participate on this working group. The group will consist of representatives from the provincial, federal and local governments and First Nations.

Northern Development Initiative Trust

Janine North, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDI), appeared before the Board to provide an update on NDI programs. NDI is looking at amalgamating segregated accounts and creating a regional combined account for the Cariboo Chilcotin. This change would maximize the amount of funding available to rural communities. The update also included an overview of new programs including a local government internship initiative. The second program would be a downtown improvement program. Further information about the NDI funding programs is available online at northerndevelopment.bc.ca

Budget 2013

The second of two finance budget meetings took place on November 15. The proposed 2013 budgets and business plans will receive some small adjustments before being presented to the Board for adoption at the December 14 meeting. The provisional budget will then be presented to CRD residents in 2013 through three sub-regional consultation meetings taking place in the South Cariboo (100 Mile House) on January 30, North Cariboo (Quesnel) on January 31, and the Central Cariboo (Williams Lake) on February 2. Further information including times and locations of these meeting will be announced soon.

The traditional Town Hall Meetings for 2013 will now be held at the beginning of the budgeting process in September and October in each of the electoral areas and municipalities.

Important Dates

WL Fringe Fire Protection Referendum
Advance Polls – Nov. 19
General Voting Day – Nov. 24

CRD Board Meeting – Friday, Dec. 14

6-7% Property Tax Hike on the way in PG..?

In today's Prince George Free Press - they report some sobering news from PG City Staff that, in the outcome of recommendation of the recently-completed Core Review, the recommendations resulting from the review would result, at this point, in a tax hike of 6.45% for 2013, provided nothing else changes between now & May 15th, 2013

The biggest cost driver for the City of Prince George budget in 2013 is its' debt servicing costs, on a debt of $102.8 million, is $2.4 million with City Staff salary/benefits close behind

Read the report of Kathleen Soltis, City of PG's Acting City Manager (CAO) here

Also - read the PG Free Press editorial here

With the formal closure of the Tolko - Creekside mill in Williams Lake and the fact that Williams Lake City Council has committed to the South Lakeside road upgrade in 2013, it may make for "lively" 2013 Budget and Tax discussions...

Local Gov'ts get Grants in lieu of taxes in '12

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Government is distributing $16.9 million in compensation for municipal property taxes to 64 communities throughout British Columbia, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Open Government Ben Stewart announced today.

Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed every November as a way to reimburse communities for services that benefited government properties, such as municipally-run sewers, roads and fire protection.

According to the Municipal Aid Act, a grant-in-lieu is payable on land owned by the provincial government – for example, courthouses, provincial government office buildings, ambulance stations and warehouses. Since schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes, a grant-in-lieu is not payable on these properties. In addition, highways, forests, parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation are excluded from compensation under the act.

The funds are distributed electronically on behalf of government by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and Open Government. The amounts paid are based on the municipality’s tax rate and the assessed value of the properties.

Ben Stewart, BC's Minister of Open Government says:

“Grants-in-lieu provide much-needed funding for local governments, allowing them to invest extra money into meaningful projects. These funds can have a huge impact on communities throughout British Columbia because they help municipalities to continue providing services residents and businesses rely on.”

The District of Wells will recieve $1,817.70
The City of Quesnel will receive $55,018.97
The City of Williams Lake will receive $61,764.33
The District of 100 Mile House will receive $21,396.73

Daybreak Rotary donates to local Dog Park

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note -- interesting this item ran in the WL Tribune Weekender prior to formal release of this press release by the City of Williams Lake??

The City of Williams Lake was pleased to accept the donation of two park benches recently from the Daybreak Rotary Club. One bench is located in the small dog park area, and the other in the big dog area. The benches provide a space for owners to sit while at the park with their dogs, and are the first improvement to the park.

“This is a wonderful community amenity, and I’m so happy a community organization is helping to develop this park to be even better for users,” says Councillor Laurie Walters. “Anyone interested in contributing to the park in a similar matter is encouraged to call the City.”

The grand opening for the dog park will be held next spring

Tolko - Creekside Mill closes for good!

Courtesy of HQCariboo.com:

Tolko Industries Creekside mill is officially closed.

Mark Everard is site manager for Tolko in Williams Lake who says the agreement with the United Steelworkers also includes a severance for the 167 affected workers.

He says the decision to close was hard to make but necessary considering US housing starts are still less than half of what they were before the recession.

Everard says operations at Tolko’s Lakeview and Soda Creek mills will not be affected. The agreement between Tolko and the Steelworkers is tentative and will be subject to a vote by the Steelworkers Executive Board sometime today.

The mill closed back in February, 2009.

Editor's Note -- you can read more on this here

Candidates for SD #27 Zone 3 (100 Mile)

Couresy of HQCariboo.com

Holly Davidson:

Davidson cites her main experience as being Secretary for the 100 Mile Elementary PAC for the last two years. She heads the fundraising committee there as well.

Davidson does want to make one thing specifically clear:

“I know against my opponent I don’t have a lot of experience, but I make that up in determination, time and passion for it.”

We asked Davidson about the current Initial Options Report (IOR) as it stands and she says realistically with the amount of money currently being lost and the amount of money that could potentially be saved, it’s probably the best idea to close 100 Mile Junior.

She’s a little more tentative on the closure of Buffalo Creek but says the fact they use a well for some of their water is a good thing to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not to close that school.

Currently at Buffalo Creek Elementary, the Parents’ Advisory Committee purchases bottled water for drinking purposes.

Finally, Davidson tells us why she is running.

“I’m a mother of four; I think we as parents need to speak up for our children’s educational opportunities and keep them open as well. I want to be part of the solution. My oldest daughter is part of those grade 7 students that would be immediately affected.”

She says she wants to be, “…the voice of the people.”

Chris Pettman:

Pettman currently sits on five boards in the area, two of which he Chairs. Those would be the Friendship Centre Society and Canadian Parents for French.

He also sits on the South Cariboo Community Planning Council, the Canim Lake Economic Development Corporation and the Agricultural Enterprise Centre.

He tells us why he’d be great for the job.

“I think I’d bring a real good long term insight to the Board. I do have the goals and representation of 100 Mile House at heart. They really need someone from 100 Mile House who feels passionate about our community.”

Pettman says he’s trying to be realistic about the current proposal from the District with regards to closing the Junior in 100 Mile and Buffalo Creek and that it’d be really easy to just say because of economics and the number of students, it should be closed.

He says however, it really isn’t that easy when there are so many people on both sides of the coin.

He adds that he’s relishing the opportunity to work with this Board.

“I’ve been involved with some other boards that aren’t as structured. Maybe some issues get lost in the matter. I just think that this Board is very straight-forward and professional and that intrigues me.”

He conludes by saying that he can see himself running again for the Board once the remainder of this term runs out, which will be in 2014.

To vote on December 15th, you must be at least 18 years of age, have been a resident of 100 Mile House for at least the last 30 days and have been a resident of BC for at least the last 6 months.

Polls will be open from 8am until 8pm on the 15th and there will be advance polling on December 5th.

More information on this by-election can be obtained by calling the Municipal Offices of 100 Mile House at 250-395-2434.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

CRD Finance Committee Mtg #2 (2013 CRD Budget)

Present:

Chair J. Glassford and Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Massier, Bischoff, Kemp, Sorley, Richmond, Wagner, William, Mernett, Rattray, Sharpe, Cook, Campsall and Alternate Director Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Staff Present:

Janis Bell - CAO
Scott Reid - CFO

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm
Agenda was adopted

Discussion ensued on the proposed Cariboo Regional District 2013-2017 5 Year Financial Plans for the various Functions

Functions discussed include:

a) South Cariboo Regional Airport - Director Campsall (100 Mile)
b) Central Cariboo HandyDART - Director Kemp (Area E)
c) McLeese Lake Recreation - Director Bischoff (Area D)
d) Bylaw Enforcement - Director Sorley (Area F)
e) Lac La Hache Water/Streetlighting - Director Richmond (Area G)
f) Central Cariboo Arts/Culture - Directors' Sorley/Bischoff (Areas D/F)
g) Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - Director Bischoff (Area D)
h) 108 Mile Fire Protection - Director Richmond (Area G)
i) 150 Mile House Fire Protection - Director Sorley (Area F)
j) Emergency Planning (all EA's) - Director Bischoff (Area D)
k) EA Administration - Director Bischoff (Area D)

Committee Resolutions:

1) Resolved -- Increase the 2013 McLeese Lake Recreation Facilities budget to $18,500
2) Resolved -- 108 Mile Fire Protection tax rate to be held at $47.82 per $100,000 of property assessment
3) Resolved -- All proposed 2013-17 Financial Plans, except Central Cariboo Arts/Culture, BE APPROVED

4) Resolved -- the 2013-17 Central Cariboo Arts/Culture 5 Yr Financial Plan be approved - Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff recorded a 'no' vote

5) The Committee received a report of the CAO (J. Bell) regarding updates to the 2013 CRD Financial Plan
6) The Committee received a report from the CFO (S. Reid) regarding 5 year projects to be funded from Community Works Funding

7) The CAO (J. Bell) brought forward an item regarding Capital Financing and how it should be funded (cash vs debt) and the philosophy the Board wishes to follow on Capital Financing.  Bulk Purchasing for Cariboo RD Fire Departments

The Committee agreed to adjourn at 7:35pm

More problems for the BC Conservatives'

In his column tomorrow - Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun will report that the BC Conservative has lost its' Deputy Financial Agent.  In explaining her departure, she says:

She went on to cite personal attacks on her “character” and “work ethic” as well as the questionable state of the information being proved to her for preparation of the party’s quarterly financial filing: “ No person schooled in accounting would accept that data and put their name to it.“

As well - legal counsel for the recently dismissed ex-BC Conservative Party members go on to say:

“Provincial board members should take notice that I am evaluating whether an action exists against Board members personally,” said a recent letter from legal counsel for the trio. “Frankly I am concerned that Conservative party resources may be used to defend the actions of individuals whose actions were outside the scope of their duties as directors.”

Clearly - many challenging days lay ahead for the BC Conservatives' Provincial Board and one can only wonder now if they'll have the human/financial resources required to be a major contender on the provincial political scene in May of 2013.  For me - I think not, but time will tell... but my own conclusion is that the fight for BC is really between the BC Liberals and BC NDP

Read Mr. Palmer's article here

Quesnel's Mayor says: Where is the Commitment by Ottawa??

Courtesy of HQCariboo.com:

With West Fraser's 1-million dollar contribution to the proposed North Cariboo Multi-Centre in Quesnel, there is still one noticeable missing piece to the puzzle.

The Northern Development Initiative Trust has chipped in with 2 million dollars and the Provincial Government has committed 4-million dollars to the project but the Federal Government has so far come up with a big donut.

Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom hopes to change that.

She's off to Ottawa for a week on Sunday in her role as President of the Union of B-C Municipalities and while the mayor doesn't have any firm meetings yet she hopes to meet with some cabinet ministers.

Mayor Sjostrom was asked if she was frustrated that Ottawa hasn't stepped up.

She says "yes because they were told to get the province to the table and we'll step up."

Sjostrom says she's not sure if they can get a Multi-Centre without the Federal Government's help but she says she won't give up and there is no plan-b for her until they run out of time on the referendum.

Minister Bill Bennett in Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel website:


Bill Bennett, B.C.'s Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development was in Quesnel November 13 visiting a number of sites. Here, the City's Director of Public Works, Ken Coombs, speaks to the Minister and Mayor Mary Sjostrom about the City's newest water well. The $1.1 million project received a $375,000 grant from the Towns for Tomorrow grant program in 2009. The well came online in August and can pump more than 1,100 gallons a minute, a great improvement over the well it replaced that pumped about 525 gallons per minute.

Mtg on Glendale Elementary gets too personal...

Advisor Article - Meeting at Glendale Elem.

Yesterday, the Cariboo Advisor reported on a private meeting on Nov 6th between teachers/parents & School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Trustees regarding the potential closure of Glendale Elementary at the end of the current school year, in accordance with the Initial Options report that the Board of Education for SD #27 released in late September for public consumption/debate.

According to Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers' Association President Joan Erb - teachers' felt "dismissed, embarrassed and humiliated" at this meeting

Meanwhile - one of the parents' at the Nov 6th meeting reported that a female SD #27 Trustee, who goes unnamed, called their presentation "offensive" and this Trustee went so far as to call the parents who were presenting as "racist"

The unnamed SD #27 Trustee was contacted by the Advisor and deferred to SD #27 Board Chair (and Zone 1 Trustee) Will Van Osch who failed to respond by Advisor press deadlines

The Trustee in question (one of Trustees Guenther, Austin, Boehm or Cooper) should be made by the local Board of Education to publicly apologize to the parents of Glendale Elementary.  There is no need to cast aspersions about a parents' presentation.  Trustees are free to disagree with conclusions' in a presentation but in the 21st century, there is absolutely no place for calling parents' "racist" for wanting to keep their school open, in light of it being considered for closure by the local Board of Education

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

West Fraser commits $1 million to NC Multi-Centre

Courtesy of the NC Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee:

A generous contribution from West Fraser has given a huge boost to the North Cariboo Multi-Centre fundraising campaign for a new ice and theatre complex in Downtown Quesnel.

"On behalf of City Council, I thank West Fraser for their long-time dedication to our community," said Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "I also thank our fundraising committee and the corporate fundraising team for their extraordinary efforts throughout this process. This is an exciting announcement that gets us closer to our goal. We now look to others in the community, both corporate and individuals, to help us realize our dream of constructing an outstanding sport and art facility for the benefit of all our residents."

"We sincerely thank West Fraser for supporting this important project for our North Cariboo residents," said CRD Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong. "This contribution shows West Fraser's commitment to our community and region. They continue to prove they are a great corporate citizen and a pillar of our communities. This is just one more example of what can be accomplished when local governments, industry and communities work together."

The funding contribution from West Fraser includes an initial $500,000 contribution, plus another $500,000 to match local fundraising efforts, including the seat sale campaign and the North Cariboo Nature mural campaign. More information about these programs will be announced in the coming weeks.

"West Fraser started with just one small planing mill in Quesnel more than 50 years ago. Today, hundreds of our employees and their families have built their lives here," said Ray Ferris, West Fraser's VP of Wood Products. "Our donation is an investment in supporting the continued health and well being of our employees in the region, and the continued vitality of the communities of Quesnel and the Cariboo."

With this contribution, West Fraser will have their business name located at the entrance to the centre and at the entrance to the ice arena. The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be named the "West Fraser Centre" and the new ice rink will be called "West Fraser Arena."

The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace the 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure. It will feature a 1,600 seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly area.

For more information about the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project or how you can participate in the fundraising efforts, visit www.ourmulticentre.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Al Siebring out as BC Conservative Prez

On Sunday, North Cowichan Councillor Al Siebring announced to all members' of the up-start BC Conservative Party that he was leaving as President of the BC Conservative Party Board of Directors', just a mere 50 days after taking the job at the AGM of the BC Conservative Party on Sept 22nd of this year

Mr. Siebring cites an unexpected increase in his professional work in January 2013 and his inability to dedicate the time required to get the BC Conservatives' ready for the 2013 BC Election as the primary reason to leave the post of President of the BC Conservatives.  BC Conservative Vice-President Christine Clarke (former BC Conservative candidate in the previous Port Moody - Coquitlam by-election) will now assume the post of President.  Mr. Siebring also says the upcoming lawsuit against the BC Conservatives' where several ex-BC Conservatives' members' are trying to get their memberships restored has nothing to do with him leaving.

Mr. Siebring explains more fuller as to why he left the post of President here

Dean Skoreyko of "BC Blue" gives his own take on the Siebring resignation here while BC Conservatives' Kamloops Regional Director Alan Forseth counters Mr. Skoreyko's viewpoint here.  Finally - the Conwichan News Leader has a story on this here

For myself - I was surprised that Mr. Siebring made the decision he made.  The timing is interesting, given the upcoming lawsuit against the BC Conservatives' from several ex-members of the BC Conservative Party.

Also - Mr. Siebring, in his letter to members' of the BC Conservatives', appeals for them to donate to the Party to cover the upcoming costs over the December lawsuit.  If those monies do not show, I would be curious how much the Party would have to cover for the pending lawsuit and how much of a financial crimp that would put into the current BC Conservatives' plans to field 85 candidates in the May 14th, 2013 BC Election

SBF

Monday, November 12, 2012

1 Dead, 4 Injuried in MVI on Dog Creek Rd in WL

Yesterday (Nov 11th), a tragic MVI saw one dead and 4 injuried on Dog Creek Road just up from the Highway #20 intersection.  Dog Creek Rd was shut down from mid-afternoon Sunday until roughly 8:30pm Sunday to clean up the road plus tend to the four injuried.  The name of the deceased is not being released at this time, in addition, the cause of the accident is not been released or speculated on

Read here (Welcome to Williams Lake), here (WL Tribune) and here (The Rush/The Wolf)


Doris Lee Book Launch at WL Library Friday

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District Library will be hosting the launch of local author Doris C. Lee’s first published work Ever Changing Sky – Doris Lee’s Journey from Schoolteacher to Cariboo Rancher on November 16 at 7 p.m. in the Williams Lake Branch Library.

In this compelling memoir, Doris Lee leads readers through stunning mountain passes on horseback, comes eye to eye with grizzlies and cougars, and provides deep insight into the rearing and protecting of two young boys in the remote wilderness. She becomes captivated by the magic of evenings spent around the comfort of a campfire, and finds spiritual connection in the mysterious beauty of the aurora borealis. The brutal winters of the Cariboo and the never-ending demands of raising livestock shape her soul and challenge her to become stronger than she ever imagined.

Ms. Lee was a twenty-four-year-old schoolteacher from Northern California when she moved to the central Cariboo to become a rancher in 1950. New to the challenges of country life, Doris was a willing learner with her husband, John, and relied on several old-timers as mentors. At their ranch at Big Lake east of Williams Lake, Doris learned to ride horses, round up cattle, herd sheep, swing an axe and live without the amenities she grew up with in the city. She and John raised two sons, Michael and Gary. Doris now lives in Williams Lake, BC.

For further information about this event, visit the CRDL website at cln.bc.ca or call 250-392-3630.

Coralee Oakes takes leave of absence from Quesnel CoC

From the Rush:

The Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce has a new Manager, at least for now.

Coralee Oakes is stepping aside now that she has formally been given the green light to represent the Liberals in Cariboo North in the upcoming Provincial Election.

Oakes says the Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization so it is in the best interest that she step aside.

She says Kara Purdue has been brought in as acting Chamber Manager.

Oakes says Purdue has been with the Chamber before and she is confident that she will do an outstanding job.

Oakes says she will still be around until the spring to help out with training and the Business Excellence Awards.

She is taking what is called short term leave and could return should she be unsuccessful in the election.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Premier of BC's Remembrance Day Message

Courtesy of the Hon. Christy Clark - Premier of British Columbia:

“Each year on Remembrance Day, we say thank you to all those who gave their lives for our country, for our freedom.

“It is when we pay silent tribute to the names of those etched in stone in cities large and small so generations who follow remember the price of their duty.

“It is when we honour all those who served – in conflicts past and current – and have returned home to towns, villages and cities across British Columbia, their service complete.

“As Canadians, we have never sought conflict but always rise to the occasion when asked to defend our ideals.

“We know and appreciate what a special place we call home, where differences are settled with ballots and not bullets, where tolerance binds us together and fear does not tear us apart.

“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we join together to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives and those who suffered the ravages of war on our behalf.

“Time may make the service of so many seem a distant memory, but that is their lasting gift, a peace that endures, a belief in democracy and a spirit that won't die.

Let us never forget.”

Video:



Pictures from today's Williams Lake Remembrance Day ceremony can be viewed here

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Proposed 2013 Cariboo RD Budget impacts on Quesnel/WL Residents'

Next Thursday at 5:30pm -- the Cariboo Regional District Board consisting of 12 Rural Directors and the 4 Municipal Directors from Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House will meet as a Finance Committee to review the 2013-17 financial plans for the roughly 105 services that the Cariboo Regional District provides to the roughly 65,000 residents' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin

View their Agenda here

In a separate report to the Committee - the Cariboo RD CAO Janis Bell will report that, after a few minor adjustment to the 2013-2017 Financial Plan, total tax requisition will drop by 1.3% or $287,724 in 2013 than that same tax requisition sought in 2012 - read her report here

While the lion's share of the Cariboo Regional District's services affect rural residents' only, there is still a fair number that affect municipal residents in Williams Lake & Quesnel and I'll go over the potential impact in 2013 below:

City of Quesnel residents:

North Cariboo Recreation and Parks - rate to remain steady (2012/2013) at $130.99 per $100,000 of residential assessment

Library - in 2012: $36.07 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $32.47 per $100,000 of residential assessment

9-1-1 Emergency Telephone - in 2012: $8.53 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $8.96 per $100,000 of residential assessment

General Administration - in 2012: $12.19 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $11.57 per $100,000 of residential assessment

Governance - in 2012: $1.93 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $1.83 per $100,000 of residential assessment

City of Williams Lake residents:

Central Cariboo Recreation -- In 2012: $86.69 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $91.04 of residential assessment

Central Cariboo Arts/Culture -- In 2012: $4.77 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  In 2013: $5.10 per $100,000 of residential assessment


Library - in 2012: $36.07 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $32.47 per $100,000 of residential assessment

9-1-1 Emergency Telephone - in 2012: $8.53 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $8.96 per $100,000 of residential assessment

General Administration - in 2012: $12.19 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $11.57 per $100,000 of residential assessment

Governance - in 2012: $1.93 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  For 2013: $1.83 per $100,000 of residential assessment