Earlier today - the Canadian Federation of Independent Business or CFIB released a report on business taxation rates relative to residential tax rates
Read the full report here
The CFIB argues that local government should have a 2:1 ratio for business to residential tax rates
Of muncipalities in the Region, Williams Lake fared the best being ranked #43 of 161 local governments, 100 Mile House ranked #44, Quesnel ranked #111 and Wells ranked #130 (1 being best and 161 being worst)
~SF
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 20th meeting
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Third quarter reports on agenda
Council received the third quarter reports on the following:
- Strategic Planning - Highlights include the parkland inventory which is complete and will be tendered in October; public meeting update on the West Quesnel Land Stability program and request for Phase II funding from the Federal Government; improved snow clearing practices to be implemented this winter season; design work on the new arena is ongoing and fundraising efforts have resumed; work on a 20-year model asset plan for Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program.
- Financial update - The City’s financial position at September 30 showed the capital program is well underway and at this point, the overall operating budget is expected to be on target.
- Fire Department - Staff, volunteers and active members numbers; fire calls in the last quarter; training sessions; new recruits.
- Quesnel Visitor Centre - Statistics re visitor numbers; summer student summaries and experiences.
For report details are available on our website at www.quesnel.ca, click the “Council” link and the “Agendas and Minutes” section.
Council approves lease renewals at the airport
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN AIR - A five-year Air Terminal Space Lease and Air Service Agreement with Central Mountain Air for scheduled air service at the Quesnel Regional Airport. Rent for the first year will be $1,896.40 (plus applicable taxes) with annual increases of 2%. Air Service Fees will also see a marginal increase.
WESTSIDE LOGGING LTD. - A twenty-year Lease term with Westside Logging Ltd. for a parcel of land measuring approximately 5,600 meters square at the Quesnel Regional Airport. Annual revenue for the first year will be approximately $6,000 with annual 2% increases.
Financial Plan amendment
Council proceeded with the first three readings of the City’s 2014 to 2018 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1749. Section 165 of the Community Charter requires the City to adopt by bylaw a Five year Financial Plan. Projects proposed during the year that were not in the original financial plan require approval of an amendment bylaw. Accordingly, in June 2014 Council approved the purchase of Cariboo Fields from the School District and approved the use of $100,000 from the parks reserve for the purchase.
Funds used from reserve funds must be accounted for in the financial plan bylaw. In addition to this change, Council was made aware of an expected adjustment to the Landfill liability accrual this year.
BC on the Move
The Province of British Columbia is developing a new 10-year provincial transportation plan called BC on the Move and are asking for the public to engage in the discussion to help identify the transportation opportunities and priorities ahead. Their goal is to continue to build our economy, connect our communities, protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and provide infrastructure to meet the growing desire to travel by transit, walking or cycling. Residents are asked to complete a survey which is available online at www.quesnel.ca. The deadline for submissions is December 12, 2014.
Other News
- Council will send a letter of support to the Chamber for their 2015 Trade Show scheduled for May 8 - 10. The Chambers is applying for a Job Creation Partnership participant through EI and Work BC and the application asks for letters of support.
- Council approved the Development Variance Permit for a Minimum Lot Size Variance for 1275 and 1295 Highway 97 North, permitting two lots less than 1 hectare in size without community sewer as outlined in a Plan of Proposed Subdivision.
- Council denied a Development Variance Permit and Encroachment request for a building constructed without a permit at 836 Elgin Street.
Proclamations
October 31 to November 10 - Veterans Days
Important dates
November 11 - Remembrance Day
NEXT Regular Council Meeting:
Monday Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
NEXT Committee of the Whole Session:
Monday Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
NEXT North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting:
Tuesday Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m.
Third quarter reports on agenda
Council received the third quarter reports on the following:
- Strategic Planning - Highlights include the parkland inventory which is complete and will be tendered in October; public meeting update on the West Quesnel Land Stability program and request for Phase II funding from the Federal Government; improved snow clearing practices to be implemented this winter season; design work on the new arena is ongoing and fundraising efforts have resumed; work on a 20-year model asset plan for Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program.
- Financial update - The City’s financial position at September 30 showed the capital program is well underway and at this point, the overall operating budget is expected to be on target.
- Fire Department - Staff, volunteers and active members numbers; fire calls in the last quarter; training sessions; new recruits.
- Quesnel Visitor Centre - Statistics re visitor numbers; summer student summaries and experiences.
For report details are available on our website at www.quesnel.ca, click the “Council” link and the “Agendas and Minutes” section.
Council approves lease renewals at the airport
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN AIR - A five-year Air Terminal Space Lease and Air Service Agreement with Central Mountain Air for scheduled air service at the Quesnel Regional Airport. Rent for the first year will be $1,896.40 (plus applicable taxes) with annual increases of 2%. Air Service Fees will also see a marginal increase.
WESTSIDE LOGGING LTD. - A twenty-year Lease term with Westside Logging Ltd. for a parcel of land measuring approximately 5,600 meters square at the Quesnel Regional Airport. Annual revenue for the first year will be approximately $6,000 with annual 2% increases.
Financial Plan amendment
Council proceeded with the first three readings of the City’s 2014 to 2018 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1749. Section 165 of the Community Charter requires the City to adopt by bylaw a Five year Financial Plan. Projects proposed during the year that were not in the original financial plan require approval of an amendment bylaw. Accordingly, in June 2014 Council approved the purchase of Cariboo Fields from the School District and approved the use of $100,000 from the parks reserve for the purchase.
Funds used from reserve funds must be accounted for in the financial plan bylaw. In addition to this change, Council was made aware of an expected adjustment to the Landfill liability accrual this year.
BC on the Move
The Province of British Columbia is developing a new 10-year provincial transportation plan called BC on the Move and are asking for the public to engage in the discussion to help identify the transportation opportunities and priorities ahead. Their goal is to continue to build our economy, connect our communities, protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and provide infrastructure to meet the growing desire to travel by transit, walking or cycling. Residents are asked to complete a survey which is available online at www.quesnel.ca. The deadline for submissions is December 12, 2014.
Other News
- Council will send a letter of support to the Chamber for their 2015 Trade Show scheduled for May 8 - 10. The Chambers is applying for a Job Creation Partnership participant through EI and Work BC and the application asks for letters of support.
- Council approved the Development Variance Permit for a Minimum Lot Size Variance for 1275 and 1295 Highway 97 North, permitting two lots less than 1 hectare in size without community sewer as outlined in a Plan of Proposed Subdivision.
- Council denied a Development Variance Permit and Encroachment request for a building constructed without a permit at 836 Elgin Street.
Proclamations
October 31 to November 10 - Veterans Days
Important dates
November 11 - Remembrance Day
NEXT Regular Council Meeting:
Monday Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
NEXT Committee of the Whole Session:
Monday Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
NEXT North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting:
Tuesday Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m.
Jason Ryll launches his FB Election Page
This morning - WL City Councillor candidate Jason Ryll launched his Facebook election page which you can view here
Meanwhile, other WL City Councillor candidates who have their own Facebook pages include:
Marnie Brenner - here
Bobbie-Jo Macnair - here
Sue Zacharias - here
Sue Lachance - here
Craig Smith - here
Peter Bowman - here
Wayne Lucier - here
Tovi Pare - here
Laurie Walters - here
The only two to not have a FB Election Page are Scott Nelson and Ivan Bonnell
~SF
Meanwhile, other WL City Councillor candidates who have their own Facebook pages include:
Marnie Brenner - here
Bobbie-Jo Macnair - here
Sue Zacharias - here
Sue Lachance - here
Craig Smith - here
Peter Bowman - here
Wayne Lucier - here
Tovi Pare - here
Laurie Walters - here
The only two to not have a FB Election Page are Scott Nelson and Ivan Bonnell
~SF
Author Chris Czajkowski launches new book And the River Still Sings
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) will be hosting local author Chris Czajkowski at the CRD’s 100 Mile Branch and Williams Lake Branch Libraries to launch her latest book, And the River Still Sings, published by Caitlin Press. Czajkowski will be at the 100 Mile Branch on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., and at the Williams Lake Branch on Wednesday, Oct.29 at 6:30 p.m.
Czajkowski’s was born and raised at the edge of a large village in England, and as a young adult went to Uganda to study farming. After returning to England, she found nothing to hold her attention, so in 1971 she hitchhiked around the world, heading off into remote areas, where she cultivated mountain skills and further learned to appreciate the joy found in solitude.
By 1979, Chris had arrived in Canada, where she travelled to the West Chilcotin and built a cabin deep in the woods. Several years later, she constructed her second cabin alongside a pristine and secluded high-altitude lake and called her home Nuk Tessli. She lived there for twenty-three years, and developed a successful wilderness resort and guiding business.
In 2012, after many contented years of living alone in the bush, Chris sold Nuk Tessli and concluded a pivotal chapter of her life.
And the River Still Sings explores the experiences that led Chris to a solitary lifestyle and details her shift to a life closer to civilization. Although Chris’s “retirement home” has easier access to a road and neighbours, she still lives beyond the end of the power line.
Encouraged by Peter Gzowski, Chris first began writing about her adventures in 1980 and published Cabin at Singing River, to wide national acclaim. This was followed by other books including Diary of a Wilderness Dweller (2005) and Ginty’s Ghost: A Wilderness Dweller’s Dream (2012).
This free event will include a slideshow presentation, conversation, and books will be available for purchase and signing.
Further information about the 100 Mile House event is available by contacting the library branch at 250-395-2332 or email ohmlib@cariboord.bc.ca. For more information about the Williams Lake event, call 250-392-3630 or email wlake@cariboord.bc.ca. Information about this and other CRD Library events taking place throughout the region is available online at cln.ca.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Local Election On!
Earlier today - the Chief Election Officers for Quesnel, Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District officially declared that an election by voting is necessary to vote in Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Director for Areas, A, B, D, E, I and K as well as a School District #27 Zone 6 Trustee
For the City of Quesnel:
Mayor – One (1) to be elected
Bob Simpson
Mary Sjostrom
Councillor – Six (6) to be elected
John Wilson Brisco
Ed Coleman
Scott Elliott
Ernest Gamache
Kyle Jones
Ron Paull
Laurey-Anne Roodenburg
Shawna Siemens
Sushil Thapar
General Voting Day is Saturday Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Quesnel City Hall, Correlieu Senior Secondary School and Dragon Lake Elementary School.
Advanced Voting takes place on Wednesday Nov. 5 and Saturday Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Quesnel City Hall as well as on Wednesday Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CNC/UNBC Campus.
Special Voting opportunities will be available at Dunrovin Park Lodge -Thursday Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon; Maeford Place - Thursday Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Fraser Village – Friday Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon; and GR Baker Memorial Hospital – Friday Nov. 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For the City of Williams Lake:
View the official notice here
For the Cariboo Regional District:
Directors for Areas C, F, G, H, J and L were declared elected by acclamation from December 2014 until October 2018 as follows:
Area C - John Massier
Area F - Joan Sorley
Area G - Al Richmond
Area H - Margo Wagner
Area J - Roger William
Area L - Brian Coakley
The following individuals in Areas A, B, D, E, I and K are officially declared as candidates for the following Electoral Areas:
Area A:
Ted Armstrong
Cory Delves
Susan MacNeill
Area B:
Jerry Bruce
Heloise Dixon-Warren
Area D:
Pennie Daffurn
Steve Forseth
Blaine Wiggins
Area E:
Byron Kemp
Phyllis Webstad
Area I:
Dylan Cash
Jim Glassford
Area K:
Betty Anderson
Geraldine Charleyboy
Melynda Neufeld
For District of Wells - click here
For District of 100 Mile House - click here
For School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) (For Zones 4/5) - click here
For School District #28 (Quesnel) - click here
For precise voting rules or locations - please contact your local municipal office, Cariboo Regional District office or School Districts #27 or #28 Offices
For the City of Quesnel:
Mayor – One (1) to be elected
Bob Simpson
Mary Sjostrom
Councillor – Six (6) to be elected
John Wilson Brisco
Ed Coleman
Scott Elliott
Ernest Gamache
Kyle Jones
Ron Paull
Laurey-Anne Roodenburg
Shawna Siemens
Sushil Thapar
General Voting Day is Saturday Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Quesnel City Hall, Correlieu Senior Secondary School and Dragon Lake Elementary School.
Advanced Voting takes place on Wednesday Nov. 5 and Saturday Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Quesnel City Hall as well as on Wednesday Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CNC/UNBC Campus.
Special Voting opportunities will be available at Dunrovin Park Lodge -Thursday Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon; Maeford Place - Thursday Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Fraser Village – Friday Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon; and GR Baker Memorial Hospital – Friday Nov. 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For the City of Williams Lake:
View the official notice here
For the Cariboo Regional District:
Directors for Areas C, F, G, H, J and L were declared elected by acclamation from December 2014 until October 2018 as follows:
Area C - John Massier
Area F - Joan Sorley
Area G - Al Richmond
Area H - Margo Wagner
Area J - Roger William
Area L - Brian Coakley
The following individuals in Areas A, B, D, E, I and K are officially declared as candidates for the following Electoral Areas:
Area A:
Ted Armstrong
Cory Delves
Susan MacNeill
Area B:
Jerry Bruce
Heloise Dixon-Warren
Area D:
Pennie Daffurn
Steve Forseth
Blaine Wiggins
Area E:
Byron Kemp
Phyllis Webstad
Area I:
Dylan Cash
Jim Glassford
Area K:
Betty Anderson
Geraldine Charleyboy
Melynda Neufeld
For District of Wells - click here
For District of 100 Mile House - click here
For School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) (For Zones 4/5) - click here
For School District #28 (Quesnel) - click here
For precise voting rules or locations - please contact your local municipal office, Cariboo Regional District office or School Districts #27 or #28 Offices
2014 Election Campaign kicks into high gear...
With all of the statutory withdraw or challenge periods completed at 4pm last Friday - the election campaigns for locally elected officials can kick into high gear...
Today at 4pm in WL Council Chambers - Cindy Bouchard, the City of WL's Chief Election Officer, will announce formally the list of candidates for Williams Lake Mayor and City Councillor in the Nov 15th election.
At this stage - there are exactly 16 days to campaign prior to the Wednesday, November 5th 1st Advanced Vote for local office and 25 days prior to General Voting Day on Saturday, November 15th (minus November 11th - Remembrance Day - where I personally would expect and implore my fellow candidates to "take the day off" and respect/pay homage to those who made the "ultimate sacrifice" so we can practice this thing called "democracy"
There are campaign signs around the community up already with WL Mayoral Candidate Kerry Cook and WL City Councillor candidate Peter Bowman and Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director candidate Blaine Wiggins putting theirs up. I personally hope to have my campaign signs up in Area D later this week although I don't plan to go "all out" but to place them strategically throughout Area D
Next week - we'll see two forums, both put on by the local Chamber of Commerce, for WL City Councillor and Mayoral candidates. (Oct 27th, 6-9:30pm in the Gibraltar Rm for WL City Councillor candidates - 12 & Oct 28th from 11:45am - 1:30pm at the Pioneer Complex for WL Mayoral candidates - 4). These forums should give voters an opportunity to help them decide (if they haven't already) who will receive their vote(s). As of this writing - there are no all candidate forums scheduled for SD27 Zones 4, 5 and 6 candidates nor Cariboo RD Areas D+E candidates
It is conventional political knowledge that the four WL Mayoral candidates will ask their campaign teams to vote at one of the two Advance Voting Opportunities (Nov 5th + Nov 12th) so that they are available on Nov 15th with getting the vote out or GOTV. Given what I have heard about the Nov 15th City of WL Local Gov't election - it is probable that we can expect to see high turnout at the two Advance Votes - perhaps even higher than the 2011 Election...
As always - I encourage you, as a fellow voter, learn about your WL City Councillor or Mayoral candidate, ask questions and then, no matter what, get out and vote. You only have to select one for Williams Lake Mayor and 1 for Williams Lake Councillor (if you select more than one, that is great as well but it is not required)
~SF
Today at 4pm in WL Council Chambers - Cindy Bouchard, the City of WL's Chief Election Officer, will announce formally the list of candidates for Williams Lake Mayor and City Councillor in the Nov 15th election.
At this stage - there are exactly 16 days to campaign prior to the Wednesday, November 5th 1st Advanced Vote for local office and 25 days prior to General Voting Day on Saturday, November 15th (minus November 11th - Remembrance Day - where I personally would expect and implore my fellow candidates to "take the day off" and respect/pay homage to those who made the "ultimate sacrifice" so we can practice this thing called "democracy"
There are campaign signs around the community up already with WL Mayoral Candidate Kerry Cook and WL City Councillor candidate Peter Bowman and Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director candidate Blaine Wiggins putting theirs up. I personally hope to have my campaign signs up in Area D later this week although I don't plan to go "all out" but to place them strategically throughout Area D
Next week - we'll see two forums, both put on by the local Chamber of Commerce, for WL City Councillor and Mayoral candidates. (Oct 27th, 6-9:30pm in the Gibraltar Rm for WL City Councillor candidates - 12 & Oct 28th from 11:45am - 1:30pm at the Pioneer Complex for WL Mayoral candidates - 4). These forums should give voters an opportunity to help them decide (if they haven't already) who will receive their vote(s). As of this writing - there are no all candidate forums scheduled for SD27 Zones 4, 5 and 6 candidates nor Cariboo RD Areas D+E candidates
It is conventional political knowledge that the four WL Mayoral candidates will ask their campaign teams to vote at one of the two Advance Voting Opportunities (Nov 5th + Nov 12th) so that they are available on Nov 15th with getting the vote out or GOTV. Given what I have heard about the Nov 15th City of WL Local Gov't election - it is probable that we can expect to see high turnout at the two Advance Votes - perhaps even higher than the 2011 Election...
As always - I encourage you, as a fellow voter, learn about your WL City Councillor or Mayoral candidate, ask questions and then, no matter what, get out and vote. You only have to select one for Williams Lake Mayor and 1 for Williams Lake Councillor (if you select more than one, that is great as well but it is not required)
~SF
Saturday, October 18, 2014
My Area 'D' Election Platform
Earlier today - I uploaded my Electoral Area 'D' Director platform for your viewing pleasure. You can view that here
In summary:
* Lobby for 2nd Floor Upgrades at Cariboo Memorial Hospital
* Assist McLeese Lake VFD Society in their efforts to becoming a full fledged Volunteer Fire Department with pursuing of grants or fire equipment
* Complete process to having a modernized McLeese Lake Community Library
* Assist residents of Wildwood with a process to deal with dog and motorized vehicle conflicts
Other long - term issues:
* Monitor local roads and advise Interior Roads of repairs as necessary
* Continued support for Central Cariboo Arts/Culture and lobby for local investment for Arts/Culture in Area D
* Continued long term support for Mountain Bike trails on Fox Mountain
* Look into future participation of Building Inspection in Area 'D' - has been requested by Area D residents and the Cariboo RD Board has started looking into the future of the Building Inspection Service
* Assist residents with any concerns (local, provincial and federal) and direct them to the appropriate government for resolution
* Renew the 5 year Rural Fringe Fire Services contract with the City of Williams Lake by Dec 31st, 2017
My recent experiences of attendance at CRD Board meetings since 2004, Chair of the CRD Area D Advisory Planning Commission from late 2008-present and the Area D Alternate Director from Feb 2013 - Oct 2014 shows that I have both time and recent experience to be an excellent representative for the taxpayers of Area 'D'.
Any questions/concerns - pls don't hesitate to contact me at 250-267-6725 or by email at sforseth000@hotmail.com
~SF
In summary:
* Lobby for 2nd Floor Upgrades at Cariboo Memorial Hospital
* Assist McLeese Lake VFD Society in their efforts to becoming a full fledged Volunteer Fire Department with pursuing of grants or fire equipment
* Complete process to having a modernized McLeese Lake Community Library
* Assist residents of Wildwood with a process to deal with dog and motorized vehicle conflicts
Other long - term issues:
* Monitor local roads and advise Interior Roads of repairs as necessary
* Continued support for Central Cariboo Arts/Culture and lobby for local investment for Arts/Culture in Area D
* Continued long term support for Mountain Bike trails on Fox Mountain
* Look into future participation of Building Inspection in Area 'D' - has been requested by Area D residents and the Cariboo RD Board has started looking into the future of the Building Inspection Service
* Assist residents with any concerns (local, provincial and federal) and direct them to the appropriate government for resolution
* Renew the 5 year Rural Fringe Fire Services contract with the City of Williams Lake by Dec 31st, 2017
My recent experiences of attendance at CRD Board meetings since 2004, Chair of the CRD Area D Advisory Planning Commission from late 2008-present and the Area D Alternate Director from Feb 2013 - Oct 2014 shows that I have both time and recent experience to be an excellent representative for the taxpayers of Area 'D'.
Any questions/concerns - pls don't hesitate to contact me at 250-267-6725 or by email at sforseth000@hotmail.com
~SF
All Candidate Forum Questions due Tuesday am
Cariboo News/Events reports on their Facebook page that the WL Chamber of Commerce's Forum Committee will receive possible questions to put to the candidates - WL Mayor or City Councillor until Tuesday, October 21st as the Forum Committee meets on this day to establish the list of questions to be asked.
Questions can be emailed here
Questions can be emailed here
2014 WL Stampede Survey
I just became aware of a survey that the Williams Lake Stampede Association is conducting in regards to the 2014 Williams Lake Stampede
They are seeking feedback on their use of social media, timeliness of social media updates, best new event and constructive feedback on the 88th Williams Lake Stampede events
I have already taken the survey and you can as well here
~SF
They are seeking feedback on their use of social media, timeliness of social media updates, best new event and constructive feedback on the 88th Williams Lake Stampede events
I have already taken the survey and you can as well here
~SF
Friday, October 17, 2014
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Oct 20-24
A number of local governments are meeting this upcoming week as follows:
Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting at 7pm on Mon, Oct 20th in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* 2014 UBCM Reports
* 3rd Quarter Report from City Manager
* Lease at Quesnel Airport
* 2014-18 Financial Plan Amendment
* 2 DVP Applications
View full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting at 6pm on Tues, Oct 21st in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegations (3) - Signing of Memo of Understanding between WLCBIA/City of WL, RCMP Report from Insp. Warren Brown and Jr Council Inauguration
* Approve Joint Committee recommendations from its' Oct 2nd meeting
* 3rd Quarter Economic Indicators Report
* Report of WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias re: 2014 UBCM Convention
* DVP Application - 1265 11th Ave North (Lorne Marshall)
* DP Application - 1070 Murray Drive (BuildWorks Construction - Tour Bus Storage Facility)
* Adopt two Bylaws
* Request from WL Stampeders Hockey Club - November 1, 8, 15, 16 and 22, 2014, December 13, 2014 and January 9, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
* Letter of Support request from Cdn Mental Health Association - Community Gaming Grant application - CMHA Multiculturalism Program
* CAO Update
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District:
Tuesday, Oct 21st - South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave). On the Agenda:
* Delegation - Interior Roads to appear before the Committee review Summer Operations and preparation plans for Winter Season
* Delegation - 100 Mile Fire Chief Darrell Blades to present Operational Review
* 2015 Proposed Meeting Schedule
* 2015 South Cariboo Recreation - Proposed Business, Financial and Capital Plans
* Report of South Cariboo Pool Working Group
* 2015 Grant in Aide applications
* Discussion Item - South Cariboo Joint Ec Dev Initiative
View the full Agenda here
Wed, Oct 22nd - Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* 2014 CCACS 3rd Quarter Report
* 2014 Performances in the Park, Year-End Report
* Sam Ketchum Pool - Communications Working Group -- Meeting Notes
* Central Cariboo Recreation - 2015 Proposed Business, Capital and Financial Plans
* Central Cariboo Arts/Culture - 2015 Proposed Business and Financial Plans
* Response from NDIT re: Delegation Status (this is good news - NDIT reports that the Region can apply to the local Advisory Committee by Nov 14th for a grant over $250,000 for the Sam Ketchum Pool Project. I hope that the Joint Committee will authorize an application, refer to CRD Board at its' Oct 24th meeting for endorsement)
* 2015 GIA Applications - City of WL & CRD
View the full Agenda here
Friday, Oct 24th - CRD Board of Directors' meeting. Starting with CCRHD (Regional Hospital District) at 9:30am, followed with CRD Board at 9:45am - both meetings in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Ave, Williams Lake). On the CCRHD Agenda:
* Hospital Consent Calendar (various press releases)
* Letter from Horsefly resident Bruce MacLeod re: Alzheimers
* GR Baker/CMH Hospital Capital Upgrades Timelines Report
* Funding for Digital Mammography Unit
There is also going to be an In-Camera meeting under provisions of Sections 90(2b) of the Community Charter (information held in confidence between local government and Ottawa/Victoria)
View the full Agenda here
On the CRD Board of Directors' Agenda:
* Various Land Use matters
* Report from CRD Mgr of Community Services re: Budget for Community Hall Energy Upgrades from Community Works Funding
* 2014 Town Hall meeting notes
* CRD Web Posting Guidelines
* Options of Agenda Software switch
* Opportunities for Cariboo RD - 2015 Canada Winter Games
* Consent Calendar
* Various minutes/recommendations from local Joint Committees or Commissions
* Request from Area D Director Deb Bischoff re: CRD Signage at City of WL Boundaries
* Request to re-direct Grant In Aide funds - Horsefly Seniors' Activity and Wellness Society
An In-Camera session will be held under Section 90(1K - negotiations) of the Community Charter
View the full Board Agenda here
Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting at 7pm on Mon, Oct 20th in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* 2014 UBCM Reports
* 3rd Quarter Report from City Manager
* Lease at Quesnel Airport
* 2014-18 Financial Plan Amendment
* 2 DVP Applications
View full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting at 6pm on Tues, Oct 21st in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegations (3) - Signing of Memo of Understanding between WLCBIA/City of WL, RCMP Report from Insp. Warren Brown and Jr Council Inauguration
* Approve Joint Committee recommendations from its' Oct 2nd meeting
* 3rd Quarter Economic Indicators Report
* Report of WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias re: 2014 UBCM Convention
* DVP Application - 1265 11th Ave North (Lorne Marshall)
* DP Application - 1070 Murray Drive (BuildWorks Construction - Tour Bus Storage Facility)
* Adopt two Bylaws
* Request from WL Stampeders Hockey Club - November 1, 8, 15, 16 and 22, 2014, December 13, 2014 and January 9, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
* Letter of Support request from Cdn Mental Health Association - Community Gaming Grant application - CMHA Multiculturalism Program
* CAO Update
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District:
Tuesday, Oct 21st - South Cariboo Joint Committee meeting in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Ave). On the Agenda:
* Delegation - Interior Roads to appear before the Committee review Summer Operations and preparation plans for Winter Season
* Delegation - 100 Mile Fire Chief Darrell Blades to present Operational Review
* 2015 Proposed Meeting Schedule
* 2015 South Cariboo Recreation - Proposed Business, Financial and Capital Plans
* Report of South Cariboo Pool Working Group
* 2015 Grant in Aide applications
* Discussion Item - South Cariboo Joint Ec Dev Initiative
View the full Agenda here
Wed, Oct 22nd - Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* 2014 CCACS 3rd Quarter Report
* 2014 Performances in the Park, Year-End Report
* Sam Ketchum Pool - Communications Working Group -- Meeting Notes
* Central Cariboo Recreation - 2015 Proposed Business, Capital and Financial Plans
* Central Cariboo Arts/Culture - 2015 Proposed Business and Financial Plans
* Response from NDIT re: Delegation Status (this is good news - NDIT reports that the Region can apply to the local Advisory Committee by Nov 14th for a grant over $250,000 for the Sam Ketchum Pool Project. I hope that the Joint Committee will authorize an application, refer to CRD Board at its' Oct 24th meeting for endorsement)
* 2015 GIA Applications - City of WL & CRD
View the full Agenda here
Friday, Oct 24th - CRD Board of Directors' meeting. Starting with CCRHD (Regional Hospital District) at 9:30am, followed with CRD Board at 9:45am - both meetings in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Ave, Williams Lake). On the CCRHD Agenda:
* Hospital Consent Calendar (various press releases)
* Letter from Horsefly resident Bruce MacLeod re: Alzheimers
* GR Baker/CMH Hospital Capital Upgrades Timelines Report
* Funding for Digital Mammography Unit
There is also going to be an In-Camera meeting under provisions of Sections 90(2b) of the Community Charter (information held in confidence between local government and Ottawa/Victoria)
View the full Agenda here
On the CRD Board of Directors' Agenda:
* Various Land Use matters
* Report from CRD Mgr of Community Services re: Budget for Community Hall Energy Upgrades from Community Works Funding
* 2014 Town Hall meeting notes
* CRD Web Posting Guidelines
* Options of Agenda Software switch
* Opportunities for Cariboo RD - 2015 Canada Winter Games
* Consent Calendar
* Various minutes/recommendations from local Joint Committees or Commissions
* Request from Area D Director Deb Bischoff re: CRD Signage at City of WL Boundaries
* Request to re-direct Grant In Aide funds - Horsefly Seniors' Activity and Wellness Society
An In-Camera session will be held under Section 90(1K - negotiations) of the Community Charter
View the full Board Agenda here
WL City Council Candidate Survey Results
Earlier this week - I did an unbiased two day survey on the candidate for Williams Lake Mayor and City Councillor.
Before I share the results - a number of caveats...
1) The results are in no way scientific but represent those who participated so the results should be taken with a "grain of salt"
2) Pollsters in both BC and Alberta general elections predicted that both Opposition Parties in these two provinces would rout the governing political party and the final result showed that public support for these governing political parties (notwithstanding the pros/cons of the current electoral system - First Past the Post)
So - after two days, the survey results (bold font shows if election were held today who would be elected)
While I have heard disappointment with WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias and her comments in the Williams Lake Tribune earlier this week. It is still, with the realm of possibilities, that 1 or more City Councillor incumbent can win, but time will tell as we get towards Nov 5th/10th (Advance Votes) and Nov 15th (General Voting) if this is possible..
As always - I encourage to stay aware of your local government race (City, CRD - Areas D/E, and SD27 - Zones 4, 5,6), ask questions or contact your local candidate for office and then make a decision accordingly. Those of you who may be in CRD Area D or know of people in Area D can contact me at 267-6725 at any time or via email at sforseth000@hotmail.com
~SF
For the Office of Mayor - City of Williams Lake:
1) Walt Cobb - 134 of 275 responses
2) Surinderpal Rathor - 44 of 275 responses
3) None of the above - 33 of 275 responses
4) Kerry Cook - 24 of 275 responses
5) John Bjornstrom - 6 of 275 responses
For the Office of City Councillor - City of Williams Lake:
1) Scott Nelson - 130 of 275 responses
2) Jason Ryll - 127 of 275 responses
3) Tovi Pare - 126 of 275 responses
4) Craig Smith - 126 of 275 responses
5) Bobbie-Jo Macnair - 121 of 275 responses
6) Sue Lachance - 101 of 275 responses
7) Peter Bowman - 62 of 275 responses
8) Marnie Brenner - 53 of 275 responses
9) Ivan Bonnell - 46 of 275 responses
10) Laurie Walters - 44 of 275 responses
11) Sue Zacharias - 43 of 275 responses
12) Wayne Lucier - 36 of 275 responses
While I have heard disappointment with WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias and her comments in the Williams Lake Tribune earlier this week. It is still, with the realm of possibilities, that 1 or more City Councillor incumbent can win, but time will tell as we get towards Nov 5th/10th (Advance Votes) and Nov 15th (General Voting) if this is possible..
As always - I encourage to stay aware of your local government race (City, CRD - Areas D/E, and SD27 - Zones 4, 5,6), ask questions or contact your local candidate for office and then make a decision accordingly. Those of you who may be in CRD Area D or know of people in Area D can contact me at 267-6725 at any time or via email at sforseth000@hotmail.com
~SF
Economic Impact Survey - BC Ferries (Central Coast)
This afternoon - I was advised by Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff of an Economic Impact Survey of the Route 40 closure of BC Ferries
As this route's closure has already demostrated negative economic repercussions to this region - I would strongly recommend all readers' here to take this survey
The results of the survey, I'm sure, will be used to continue to lobby Minister Todd Stone to reverse the decision as it relates to Route 40
Link to survey here
As this route's closure has already demostrated negative economic repercussions to this region - I would strongly recommend all readers' here to take this survey
The results of the survey, I'm sure, will be used to continue to lobby Minister Todd Stone to reverse the decision as it relates to Route 40
Link to survey here
Thursday, October 16, 2014
CC Rural Caucus Mtg - Oct 16th/2014
Present: Chair J. Sorley and Directors D. Bischoff and B. Kemp
Staff: S. Reid - CFO (part of meeting) and A. Johnston (part of meeting)
Meeting called to order at 3pm
Agenda with late item approved
Mins of the Sept 17th, 2014 CCRC meeting approved
Delegations - None
Business:
1) Grant in Aide (GIA) applications
The Chair and the CFO provided initial comments
Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Board that it provide preliminary approval for the following Grant in Aide applications and the City of Williams Lake be advised of those GIA applications which will be funded on a 70/30 (City of WL/CRD) split
a) CMHA (Harmony Walk) -- Area F ($150)
b) CCPL Society -- Areas D, E, F ($150/per Electoral Area)
c) Chimney/Felker Lakes Land Association -- Area 'D' ($5,000) and Area 'E' ($20,000)
d) Horsefly VFD -- Area 'F' ($5,000)
e) McLeese Lake VFD -- Area 'D' ($5,000)
f) Mt Timothy Ski Society - Schedule meeting between CRD Directors for Areas D, E, F, G, H, L & WL/100 Mile Municipal Councils to consider this item
g) Navy League -- Areas D, E, F ($1,200/per Electoral Area)
h) Potato House -- Areas D/F ($500 per Electoral Area)
i) WL Community Living -- Areas D, E, F ($50 per Electoral Area)
j) WL RCMP Aux Police -- Area D ($500) and Area F ($1,000)
k) Gavin Lake Forest Society - Areas D, E, F ($400 per Electoral Area)
l) Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium Area D ($1,000); Area E ($1,600) and Area F ($1,000)
2) CRD Signage at City of WL Boundary
Director Bischoff reviewed the matter with the Committee
Discussion ensued
Resolved - That Staff be requested to replace signage as per Committee discussions
Meeting concluded at 4:09pm
Staff: S. Reid - CFO (part of meeting) and A. Johnston (part of meeting)
Meeting called to order at 3pm
Agenda with late item approved
Mins of the Sept 17th, 2014 CCRC meeting approved
Delegations - None
Business:
1) Grant in Aide (GIA) applications
The Chair and the CFO provided initial comments
Resolved - That the Committee recommend to the Board that it provide preliminary approval for the following Grant in Aide applications and the City of Williams Lake be advised of those GIA applications which will be funded on a 70/30 (City of WL/CRD) split
a) CMHA (Harmony Walk) -- Area F ($150)
b) CCPL Society -- Areas D, E, F ($150/per Electoral Area)
c) Chimney/Felker Lakes Land Association -- Area 'D' ($5,000) and Area 'E' ($20,000)
d) Horsefly VFD -- Area 'F' ($5,000)
e) McLeese Lake VFD -- Area 'D' ($5,000)
f) Mt Timothy Ski Society - Schedule meeting between CRD Directors for Areas D, E, F, G, H, L & WL/100 Mile Municipal Councils to consider this item
g) Navy League -- Areas D, E, F ($1,200/per Electoral Area)
h) Potato House -- Areas D/F ($500 per Electoral Area)
i) WL Community Living -- Areas D, E, F ($50 per Electoral Area)
j) WL RCMP Aux Police -- Area D ($500) and Area F ($1,000)
k) Gavin Lake Forest Society - Areas D, E, F ($400 per Electoral Area)
l) Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium Area D ($1,000); Area E ($1,600) and Area F ($1,000)
2) CRD Signage at City of WL Boundary
Director Bischoff reviewed the matter with the Committee
Discussion ensued
Resolved - That Staff be requested to replace signage as per Committee discussions
Meeting concluded at 4:09pm
Quesnel Election 2014 - FAQ #5 (Renter/Voting)
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- information below is equally applicable for those for Wells, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House voters...
Editor's Note -- information below is equally applicable for those for Wells, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House voters...
WL Council candidates Survey closes!
After two full rounds (2 x 150 responses) of survey responses - I have decided to close the survey early
I will be reviewing the responses today with the survey responses to be published Friday...
THANK YOU to all of you who participated...
~SF
I will be reviewing the responses today with the survey responses to be published Friday...
THANK YOU to all of you who participated...
~SF
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
30 Days....
Exactly 30 days from tonight - the local elections will be over and those who have won will be excited to start and those who lose will be disappointed but hopefully want to stay involved!
As of this writing (and I'm not expecting anyone to withdraw) -- here are the essentially official races by local government
Wells - Mayor Robin Sharpe re-elected by acclamation to 4 year term while 8 contesting for 4 Councillor positions
Quesnel - 2 contesting for Mayor while 9 contesting for 6 City Councillor positions
Williams Lake- 4 contesting for Mayor while 12 contesting for 6 City Councillor positions
100 Mile House - 2 contesting for Mayor while 7 contesting for 4 Councillor positions
Cariboo Regional District - 3 contesting in Area 'A'; 2 contesting in Area 'B'; 3 contesting in Area 'D'; 2 contesting in Area 'E'; 2 contesting in Area 'I'; 3 contesting in Area 'K'while Directors for Areas C, F, G, H, J and L were elected unopposed
School District #28 (Quesnel) - 9 contestants for 7 Trustee positions
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Trustees for Zones 1, 2, 3 and 7 are elected unopposed. While 2 are contesting for the Zones 4, 5 and 6 Trustee seats
Names of those running:
North Cariboo - here
Central Cariboo - here
South Cariboo - here
CRD Area 'K' - here
The only forums I'm aware of are as follows:
Williams Lake:
Oct 27th - WL City Councillor candidates at the Gibraltar Room (525 Proctor ST at CMRC) from 6-8pm
Oct 28th - WL Mayoral Candidates at the Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Rd) from 11:30am - 1:30pm
Quesnel:
Oct 28th - All Candidates - 6:30pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall (262 Kinchant St)
100 Mile House:
Nov 4th - All Candidates - 7pm - The Lodge Conference Centre (150 Highway 97 North)
There are no scheduled School District #27 (Zones 4,5,6 - WL) or #28 (Quesnel) neither Cariboo Regional District Director All Candidate Forums that I am aware of at this time...
~SF
As of this writing (and I'm not expecting anyone to withdraw) -- here are the essentially official races by local government
Wells - Mayor Robin Sharpe re-elected by acclamation to 4 year term while 8 contesting for 4 Councillor positions
Quesnel - 2 contesting for Mayor while 9 contesting for 6 City Councillor positions
Williams Lake- 4 contesting for Mayor while 12 contesting for 6 City Councillor positions
100 Mile House - 2 contesting for Mayor while 7 contesting for 4 Councillor positions
Cariboo Regional District - 3 contesting in Area 'A'; 2 contesting in Area 'B'; 3 contesting in Area 'D'; 2 contesting in Area 'E'; 2 contesting in Area 'I'; 3 contesting in Area 'K'while Directors for Areas C, F, G, H, J and L were elected unopposed
School District #28 (Quesnel) - 9 contestants for 7 Trustee positions
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Trustees for Zones 1, 2, 3 and 7 are elected unopposed. While 2 are contesting for the Zones 4, 5 and 6 Trustee seats
Names of those running:
North Cariboo - here
Central Cariboo - here
South Cariboo - here
CRD Area 'K' - here
The only forums I'm aware of are as follows:
Williams Lake:
Oct 27th - WL City Councillor candidates at the Gibraltar Room (525 Proctor ST at CMRC) from 6-8pm
Oct 28th - WL Mayoral Candidates at the Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Rd) from 11:30am - 1:30pm
Quesnel:
Oct 28th - All Candidates - 6:30pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall (262 Kinchant St)
100 Mile House:
Nov 4th - All Candidates - 7pm - The Lodge Conference Centre (150 Highway 97 North)
There are no scheduled School District #27 (Zones 4,5,6 - WL) or #28 (Quesnel) neither Cariboo Regional District Director All Candidate Forums that I am aware of at this time...
~SF
WL City Council Candidate Survey
Update #1 (3:50pm on Wed Oct 15th) - I have received the maximum amount of responses possible. THANK YOU for that. Link to new survey (with same questions) is here
Original Blog Post:
Now that the list of candidates for Williams Lake City Councillor & Williams Lake Mayor is out unofficially (official by Friday at 4pm). I thought I would survey voters as to their personal choices for 6 Williams Lake City Councillor and 1 Mayor of Williams Lake. No candidate was given any advance notice of this survey
The survey can be taken here
The survey will close Friday at midnight and I will report the results on Saturday..
~SF
Original Blog Post:
Now that the list of candidates for Williams Lake City Councillor & Williams Lake Mayor is out unofficially (official by Friday at 4pm). I thought I would survey voters as to their personal choices for 6 Williams Lake City Councillor and 1 Mayor of Williams Lake. No candidate was given any advance notice of this survey
The survey can be taken here
The survey will close Friday at midnight and I will report the results on Saturday..
~SF
Concentration of Power at CIty Hall - Part 1
On 250News.com - Columnists Peter Ewart & Dawn Hemingway write, in a two-part series, on the concentration of power in PG City Hall between current PG Mayor Shari Green and PG City Manager Beth James. They also discuss the fact that 250News.com has been shut out of the PG Mayor's Office for the last 3 years in addition to PG City Councillors 'in the dark' on personnel matters before reading them in the media when they are entitled to know at the same time as the Mayor
Read the thought-provoking essay here
The essay shows, in my opinion, how a local government ought not to operate...
~SF
Read the thought-provoking essay here
The essay shows, in my opinion, how a local government ought not to operate...
~SF
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Bobbie-Jo Macnair's 1st Campaign Ad
Disclosure Note -- I personally endorse Bobbie-Jo Macnair for Williams Lake City Council. I respectfully request anyone who voted for me in the 2005/2011 City of Williams Lake Local Government Elections to vote for Ms. Macnair. She will be an excellent WL City Councillor...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)