Quesnel Council Highlights - March 15th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Community Forest – Conceptual Options

Mr. James Snetsinger, RPF, Senior Advisor from Industrial Forestry Service Ltd., provided a summary of three land base options that were explored for a potential Community Forest for the City of Quesnel.  The three options proposed ranged from a 5 km to a 20 km radius surrounding the City. Council has a number of objectives for seeking a Community Forest, including managing and developing trail networks, improving the protection of the community from wildfire, and potentially realizing an incremental timber supply to feed our local mills. These objectives would be achievable with a higher level of community-based management of forestry activities in the community's interface.

Next steps involve the Mayor presenting the report findings to the Minister of Forests, and Council conducting meetings with other elected officials, First Nations, and forestry licensees/stakeholders to discuss potential governance models for a Community Forest.   Ultimately, the City must await final decisions on the new annual allowable cut for the Quesnel timber supply area and the distribution of that cut to existing licensees, both are scheduled to occur by the end of 2016, before the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations can assign any potential timber volume to a new community forest for our community. The Mayor noted, however, that this is the first time since the mid-1990s that the City has developed a proposal which has gained support from local licensees provided the province can find incremental timber to include in a community forest tenure surrounding the City.

2015 General Surplus - Allocation

Council voted in favour of allocating the City’s $209,511 2015 Annual Surplus as follows:

$125,000 - Tax Stabilization Reserve

$71,975   - Future Tax Sale Purchases

$12,536   - Capital Reinvestment Reserve

For full details regarding the City’s 2015 Annual Surplus, please see the City’s Website at: quesnel.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/66410?preview=73357

2016 Annual Drinking Water Report

The City’s water infrastructure system is comprised of 6 operating groundwater wells, 8 reservoirs, 5 booster pump stations, 2 main Pressure Reducing Valve stations,  approximately 100 km of water main and one independent groundwater well.  Approximately 10,500 residents are serviced by this system.  Approximately 2,618,910 cubic meters of water was used in 2015; that is a reduction of 332,129 cubic meters from 2014.  The water is tested at its source and monitored in consultation with the Provincial Health Inspector and the Public Health Engineer with the Northern Health Authority and adheres to the British Columbia Drinking Water Regulations.  Water samples are tested for bacteriological, chemical and physical contaminants.  The City exceeds the minimum requirement of 13 samples per month, by sampling 16 individual sites bi-weekly and all reservoirs and wells are tested on a monthly basis.  In 2015, 362 samples were tested for Ecoli and 362 tested for total coliforms.  There were zero exceedences of Ecoli and four exceedences for total coliform.  The results of subsequent re-testing at the site had no detect of coliform.

To see the full 40-page report and attached schedules, please visit the City’s website at: quesnel.ca/reports2016.html

New Water Production Well – Grant Application

Council approved staff to submit a grant application to the New Build Canada –Small Communities Fund to assist with funding a new water production well, estimated at $1,000,000, proposed to be located in the area of Sugarloaf Ball Park in West Quesnel.   If the grant funding is successful, federal and provincial grant funds would cover up to 2/3 of the project with the City contributing 1/3.

Museum and Heritage Commission

As part of Council’s strategic direction to review all City committees, Council has determined that the Museum and Heritage Commission should be replaced with a Select Committee.  A Heritage Forum was held on February 17, 2016 whereby heritage stakeholders generally agreed with this direction.  A new Terms of Reference will be reviewed by all parties involved as this matter moves forward.

Bylaws

1793 – Secondary Suite/Coach Road South– Third Reading

1796 – Repeal Quesnel Museum and Heritage Commission       

             Bylaw – First, Second and Third Readings

Next Meetings

- 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – Regular Council Meeting

- 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 5, 2016 – Regular Council Meeting

2016 McLeese Lake Rec Society AGM

Inside of McLeese Lake Community Hall

Before a crowd of roughly 20 people from the McLeese Lake community this evening - the 2016 McLeese Lake Recreation Society Annual General Meeting was held

I am pleased to report that Howie Chamberlin, the unofficial "Mayor" of McLeese Lake was returned again as President of the Society as were a number of the Executive

It will again an honour to work with Howie and the Society Executive during the year to continue to improve the standing of the McLeese Lake Community Hall

Also a shout out to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for their part funding in getting the main floor replaced and the Hall ceiling repainted (see picture at left)

~SF

Making an Informed Decision - Proposed PW Building

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel

Weekly Column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson

Making an Informed Decision - Mayor Bob Simpson

WL Council-in-Committee - March 15th mtg

Present: Mayor W. Cobb (Chair), Councillors S. Nelson, J. Ryll, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Meeting Agenda adopted/Mins of the March 1st COW Meeting adopted

Delegations:

1) Todd Doherty - Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George appeared before the Committee to give an update as to his recent activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked MP Doherty for his time/information

2) Larry Stranberg, Chair & John Dell, Vice Chair of the Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation appeared before the Committee to give an update as to the Corporation's activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mssrs Stranberg/Dell for their time/information

Business:

1) Request for Support from District of Lillooet re Passenger Rail Service Between North Vancouver & Prince George

The Committee reviewed the letter dated March 7th from the District of Lillooet. Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend to Council:

That Council authorize a letter of support, as requested by the District of Lillooet

Resolved - That notice of a Special In-Camera meeting to be held immediately after adjournment of this meeting be waived as per Section 127(4) of the Community Charter

The Committee adjourned at 7:45pm and Williams Lake City Council then immediately convened a Special In-Camera Meeting

Prescribed Burn for Chimney Lake Area

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is planning a series of controlled burns near Chimney Lake and Felker Lake between March 16 and April 31, 2016, weather conditions permitting.

These burns are intended to reduce wildfire hazards in the following areas:

* Felker Lake Recreation Site

* Chimney Lake Recreation Site (north site)

* Chimney Lake Recreation Site (central site)

The proactive use of fire will help clear out accumulations of grass and shrubs around these recreation sites and significantly reduce the threat of a devastating wildfire, since any future fires in the area will have less fuel available and will burn at a lower intensity.

Prescribed fire is often used to help protect communities and infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface, where developed areas border on forests or grasslands. Fire crews may let a portion of the landscape burn within predetermined boundaries or ignite piles of branches and other vegetation that crews have gathered together beforehand.

Trained BC Wildfire Service personnel will carefully monitor the fires at all times.

All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.

Prescribed fires are only ignited if weather conditions are suitable to ensure that the fire does not get out of control and that it does not create excessive smoke. Important factors that determine whether or not a burn will go ahead include the venting index, temperature, humidity and forecast wind activity.

More information about prescribed burning is available on the BC Wildfire Service website:
http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/PrescribedFire/

A Factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-and-ecosystem-restoration-burns

Happy 87th Birthday, City of Williams Lake

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and
President - Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Mike McDonough

This afternoon - before a small crowd in the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, the City of Williams Lake celebrated its' 87th Birthday.

Elected officials in attendance included Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, Williams Lake City Councillor Sue Zacharias and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director Steve Forseth

Special guests were BC's Leader of the Official Opposition John Horgan and Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Carole James

Mr. Horgan made quick mention that he felt that the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin was the best in the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Happy Birthday Williams Lake and I'm looking forward to many more!

2 New Doctors come to Quesnel!

Courtesy of the BC Government:

As part of the Province’s work to make sure British Columbians have access to high-quality primary care, 11 internationally-trained physicians will begin practicing in rural and remote communities in B.C., including six family doctors in the North.

Two doctors will practice in Quesnel and one doctor each in Chetwynd, Houston, Fort Nelson and Prince Rupert.

“The Practice Ready Assessment BC program is one of several ways we are strengthening health care in local communities, especially in rural and remote areas of the province,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Doctors in smaller communities provide a broad range of health care in their practices and hospitals that not only support the health and wellness of individuals, but the community as a whole.”

One of the physicians, Dr. Joseph Obanye, who is practicing in Quesnel and completed his 12-week assessment in Valemount, calls the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) “One of the best programs for internationally trained physicians wanting to work in Canada, as it benefits the patients, the doctor and the community in general,” he said. Together with his wife, they moved from the U.K., in a move he described as “now or never.”

The PRA program assesses internationally trained physicians for practice in B.C. It is funded for a total of $7.6 million by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues – a collaborative committee of the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC. It is part of the Province’s strategy to strengthen access to primary care throughout British Columbia. Funding for the program has been extended to March 2018.

“Our collective efforts with Northern Health, the Ministry of Health, northern communities, Doctors of BC and other stakeholders to improve health care in the north are starting to show results,” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. “Through this work, we are seeing more doctors discovering the supportive communities of the North where they can establish their practice and homes.”

“I appreciate Dr. Obanye’s decision to move his family to Quesnel to start a practice here as our community has much to offer,” said Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North. “On behalf of Quesnel, I welcome Dr. Obanye, who joins us as one of the two new physicians within our community. This is a huge boost for families in the area.”

“We know that having a regular family doctor is an opportunity for health concerns to be addressed more proactively and can mean better health and wellness for patients,” said Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North. “These new doctors not only bring their education and experience to support their patient’s health, but will also support those doctors already practicing in the area. I know they are warmly welcomed.”

“Congratulations and welcome to each of the doctors starting their new practices in Chetwynd, Quesnel, Houston, Fort Nelson, and Prince Rupert,” said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “As a life-long Northerner, I encourage you to discover the beauty, diversity and many unique experiences of rural living in your new home communities.”

“This program not only ensures that qualified international doctors are working in rural areas where they are most needed, but the three-year return of service also provides stable access to care for patients,” said Doctors of BC president, Dr. Charles Webb. “The partnership of Doctors of BC and the provincial government allows us to tackle rural recruitment and retention concerns in a strategic way that benefits patients, physicians and our health care system.”

As part of the program, doctors undergo a rigorous assessment process, spending three months with a B.C. physician who evaluates their skills as they care for patients. Physicians successfully completing the program commit to practice for at least three years in a designated rural community in need. The new physicians will start practicing within the next month.

“I was immediately welcomed with open arms in the community of Valemount. The community was so warm, so receptive – I’ve worked all over the U.K., from Wales, to Brighton, everywhere and never had the same connection with a community. The people of Valemount have a heart of gold,” said Dr. Obanye of his first placement. “I’ve already made so many friends in the northern communities.” Dr. Obanye anticipates creating the same sense of community as he works with patients in Quesnel.

The province is working with health care providers, health authorities and community agencies on a comprehensive strategy to improve access to integrated primary health care services across the province. The Practice Ready Assessment program is one component of this strategy.

It also includes the work of more than 30 Divisions of Family Practice to implement innovative changes that meet the needs of their specific communities, such as recruiting new doctors and preparing for retirements, introducing team-based practices, helping general practitioners increase their capacity to accept new patients, using telehealth, and creating stronger links between family doctors and community support services.

The ministry has also introduced incentives for family doctors to care for more patients with complex care needs or frailty, and is exploring different types of practices in more rural areas, such as Fort St. John. In addition, the province has introduced community paramedicine – expanding paramedics’ roles to support rural communities with some primary care – and is working with the First Nations Health Authority on a number of primary care projects specific to First Nations communities.

Learn more:

To learn more about the Practice Ready Assessment-BC program, please visit: http://www.prabc.ca/

To read the Ministry of Health’s strategic document, Setting Priorities for the B.C. Health System and the accompanying policy papers, please visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=EF73BCF3DE34484CB4DBA9E34092402C

Restoration of Passenger Rail Service

Back on March 7th - Lillooet Mayor Marg Lampman sent a letter to Mayor/Councils', Regional District Boards', First Nations' Chief/Councils and BC Liberal MLA's Jordan Sturdy, Jackie Tegart, Donna Barnett, Shirley Bond and Mike Morris calling upon their support for restoration of the former passenger rail service between the City of Prince George and the City of North Vancouver which was shut down back in 2002

CBC British Columbia also looks at this story here.  Meanwhile, BC Transportation Minister Todd Stone is dumping ice on the idea as:

1) The route took 14 hours to travel by rail in the corridor (Prince George - North Vancouver) and less than 10% of the public took advantage of passenger rail service on the route

2) Passenger Rail Service in the corridor was/is not financially viable as it would cost tens of millions to replace the aging passenger rail cars

Williams Lake City Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole this evening, will consider her request this evening - read the letter and background documents here

In a twist of irony - Council will consider the item as current Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb was the-then MLA for Cariboo-South when CN Rail was the successful bidder for BC Rail back in 2003 for roughly $1 billion dollars and current Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson was on the 2002-05 Williams Lake Council who vigorously opposed the arrangement as bad for rural BC Communities as did former Williams Lake City Councillor Surinderpal Rathor at the time (2003-04)

~SF

McLeese Lake Rec Society AGM on Wednesday

If you are a resident of the McLeese Lake community - you need to come to the McLeese Lake Recreation Society AGM on Wednesday at 7pm - McLeese Lake Community Hall on Forglen Rd.  I will be in attendance to observe

Details below:

Amended wildfire laws propose tripling of some fines

Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:

The B.C. government is taking a tougher stand to discourage behaviour that contributes to increased wildfire risks to help protect communities, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfire damage.

Proposed legislative amendments introduced last week as part of the Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 12) include provisions aimed specifically at people who interfere with firefighting efforts in B.C.

“Between 30 and 40 per cent of wildfires in B.C. are caused by humans,” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said. “Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and these legislative amendments contain tough new regulations to discourage people from interfering in wildfire suppression or violating our wildfire laws.”

Additional legislative changes will result in significantly increased ticket fines for 19 violations under the Wildfire Act and for seven violations under Wildfire Regulation. These changes mean that B.C. now has some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in the country.

For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act is increasing from $345 (including a $45 victim surcharge) to $1,150 (including a $150 victim surcharge). This represents a 333.33 per cent increase over the previous fine for that offence.

In addition:

• Bill 12 clarifies what is considered to be “interference” in terms of actions that could hinder firefighters. The proposed amendments would also clarify that interference does not have to be intentional to constitute a contravention of the Wildfire Act.
• The proposed amendments to the Wildfire Act would strengthen compliance and enforcement provisions by establishing an offence and penalties of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year for failing to comply with a stop-work order.

The 2015 fire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years, with more than 283,400 hectares burned and more than $278 million spent on wildfire management.

To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

Delegates explore Respectful Leadership at 2016 LGLA Forum

Courtesy of the Local Government Leadership Academy:

Materials considered at the 2016 Local Government Leadership Academy Forum entitled "Respectful Leadership" can all be viewed here

LGLA Update 2016 Forum 1

Dirty Laundry Campaign

Recently - the local Multiculturalism Committee, an off-shoot of the local Canadian Mental Health Association has started an anti-racism campaign called "Dirty Laundry Campaign".  Both my colleague, Cariboo Regional District Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley and my Area D Alternate Director Phyllis Webstad, are involved with this campaign.  Shaw TV did a story on this as has other local media.

I am proud of both of their work on this item as an inclusive community is good for our society

Watch the story from SHAW-TV below:

Time Change NCLGA Resolution

Yesterday - CKPG-TV interviewed Fraser-Fort George Regional District (RDFFG) Electoral Area 'C' Director Lara Beckett in regards to her proposed North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Time Change Resolution.  Watch the interview below:



The actual wording of the Resolution is:

WHEREAS the Province of BC has the authority to regulate time change and currently observes Pacific
Standard Time with an annual time change to Daylight Saving time but for certain areas of the North and
Southeast corners of the Province;

AND WHEREAS data supporting the occurrence of adverse health effects on individuals following the
annual time change and negating the energy savings argument continues to grow:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and the UBCM lobby the Provincial Government to consider
discontinuing the annual time change within the Province of BC.

However - the decision of the RDFFG Board at their Feb 18th, 2016 meeting was not unanimous as RDFFG Alternate Director (and Prince George City Councillor) Garth Frizzell voted against submitting the Resolution to the 2016 NCLGA Convention. Meanwhile - this topic will be visited by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Group. Read more here

In related NCLGA Resolution news - the deadline to file a proposed 2016 NCLGA Resolution for consideration having passed on March 4th.  The following local governments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin have submitted NCLGA Resolutions for consideration at this May's NCLGA Convention:

Wells - none

Quesnel - 2: Road Lines and RCMP DNA Analysis Download Costs

Williams Lake - 1: Prolific Offenders/GPS Tracking

100 Mile House - None

Cariboo Regional District - 3: Equal Public Consultation on Resource Extraction, Treaty Negotiations and Ranchers & Regulation of Marijuana Grow Op Waste

Local Gov't Meetings - Week of March 14-18

The following local governments are having meetings next week:

Quesnel - Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

Delegation - Jim Snetsinger, Senior Advisor, Industrial Forestry Service Ltd re: Potential Quesnel Community Forest

Business:

* Various Internal Committee Reports
* 2015 General Surplus
* Build Canada Fund - Well Project
* 2015 Annual Drinking Water Report
* Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit Application
* Repeal Quesnel Museum and Heritage Commission Bylaw

View the full Agenda here

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  When available, the Agenda may be viewed here

Williams Lake - Council-in-Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (450 Mart St - Basement).  On the Agenda:

Delegation -- Update from Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation - Larry Stranberg, Chair & John Dell, Vice Chair

Business -- Request for Support from District of Lillooet re Passenger Rail Service Between North Vancouver & Prince George

View the Agenda here

Upcoming Community Events:

Monday, March 14-17 from 9:30am - 3:00pm -- Nature Exploring/Art in Nature from ages 6-13 at Scout Island.  More details -- email Sue Hemphill at shemphill@xplornet.com or call 250-398-8532

Tuesday, March 15th at 1-3pm - City of Williams Lake's 87th Birthday Tea at the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Tuesday March 15th/Wed March 16th from 4:30-6:30pm - Tours of Atlantic Power Plant (Co-Gen Plant).  Reserve by email only at wlppinfo@atlanticpower.com

Be Cautious with Outdoor Burning!

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Given the current dry conditions, the Cariboo Fire Centre is encouraging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities over the weekend and into the coming weeks.

While FireSmart activities are encouraged this time of year to reduce the risk of wildfires on private property, there is a safe way to conduct backyard burning. Anyone wishing to light an open fire must watch for changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations in order to reduce the number of preventable wildfires.

Even the spring season can present significant fire risks. The grass and small shrub layer is drying out quickly at lower elevations and in valley bottoms, due to increased temperatures, lack of precipitation and wind. Fires in these situations can spread very rapidly, especially when driven by wind.

In light of the conditions this spring, the public is also advised that restrictions on backyard burning and industrial burning may come into effect earlier than usual in the region this year.

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the BC Wildfire Service website - http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/ - consult the Homeowner's FireSmart Manual and take the following precautions:

* Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.

* Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.

* Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.

* If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.

* Never leave a fire unattended.

* Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.

Before conducting a burn, check with your local fire department, municipality or regional district to check if there are any open burning restrictions or bylaws in effect.

If you are planning to burn a pile larger than two metres high by three metres wide, burn more than two piles of any size, or are conducting a grass burn over 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), you must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Always check the venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If venting conditions are rated "Poor" or "Fair", open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html

Be advised that, if your fire escapes, you may be liable for fire suppression costs and damages. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are burning in a safe, responsible manner that is in accordance with current restrictions.

Up-to-date information on burning restrictions and current wildfire activity can be obtained by calling 1 888 3-FOREST or online at: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

WL Indian Band appeals Specific Land Claim to Supreme Court of Canada

Via Northern Shuswap Tribal Council:

Posted by Northern Shuswap Tribal Council on Thursday, March 10, 2016

Posted by Northern Shuswap Tribal Council on Thursday, March 10, 2016

Job Creation and Local Taxation

Weekly Column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson:

Job Creation/Taxation

UBCM Forest Survey Results Confirm Need for Better Consultation

Courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities website:

Results from UBCM’s forestry survey found that 85% of respondents felt that they are not adequately consulted or engaged when tenure holders make forestry decisions that will impact their communities. 

Members will recall that UBCM’s Community Economic Development Committee launched its forestry survey on December 16, 2015.  The purpose of the survey was to inform the Committee about existing communication and consultation practices between forest tenure holders and local governments, and the impact of forestry decisions upon communities.

The survey results are outlined in UBCM’s report Forest Policy Decision-Making: The Case for Greater Community Consultation and Engagement. What was learned was not surprising. In fact it confirms what our members and other organizations have been saying for years; communities need to be consulted and engaged in forest policy decision-making. A lack of community engagement and consultation has led to varied and significant consequences.

The report’s findings reiterate a call for change in how forestry decisions are made.  Local governments can be key partners in the dialogue to ensure that forestry decisions are made in a manner that: considers the communities interests, identifies environmental impacts, and other potential consequences that may result due to conflicting land uses and strategies within a specified area. 

The report and survey results have been shared with the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and with the members of the Ministers Advisory Council on Forests and Range Practices (PAC).  It is our hope that this report will inform future deliberations around forest policy decision-making.

Active Transportation Survey

The Active Transportation Committee is doing an Active Transportation Survey. The Committee asks you fill out the survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JRQKG9L

Thanks!

Janine North to retire this fall

Courtesy of the Northern Development Initiative Trust:

After a distinguished career of service, Janine North, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Development Initiative Trust, has indicated her desire to retire in the fall of 2016.

The Trust’s Board of Directors supports her decision, and will determine the process and timeline for selecting and hiring a new CEO at its next meeting in April. Ms. North will remain CEO until her replacement has been selected and hired, and will work with her successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“Janine’s retirement is one I accept with mixed emotions. I’m sad to see someone with her experience, desire and leadership skills leaving the Trust, while at the same time I’m happy and supportive of her decision to retire and begin experiencing life where work isn’t one’s main focus in life,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development.

“On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Janine on all of her achievements while leading the Trust and making it the truly unique and valuable organization that it has become. Her tireless work and leadership took the Trust from an organization that began with a large bank account and not much else, to the organization that has become institutionalized as an essential part of our communities, with an even bigger bank account. Well done Janine and all the best in your retirement.”

Ms. North’s decision to retire comes after more than a decade of service to the Trust, and is driven by a personal desire to spend more time with her family and friends.

“The development of the Trust as a sustainable cornerstone of this region’s development has been a life work for me; rewarding, challenging, exhilarating and humbling, and I treasure the relationships and friends that I have gained. I have been honoured to work with passionate leaders who invest in making our communities even better places to live, work and raise our families. We have demonstrated together that the best economic and community development decisions are made in the north. With a long transition period, the board and I are committed to ensure smooth leadership succession. I will be remaining in Northern B.C. and enjoying the best that it has to offer.”

Ms. North is the founding CEO of the North Development Initiative Trust, which was established by the Province of British Columbia in 2005. Since 2005, the Trust has combined its financial resources with smart thinking to make a difference in the communities it serves.

The Trust’s mandate is to strengthen the economy, and it has used its resources to approve more than $142 million in funding for more than 2,000 projects throughout central and northern B.C. In that time, the Trust has leveraged $1.2 billion in new investment to the region and helped diversify the economy. Today, the Trust is sustainably managed with a capital base in excess of $250 million and two dozen programs and services that foster collaboration, sustainability and diversification in the region’s communities.

Ms. North’s career and family life have been intertwined with the resource sectors of central and northern B.C., and she has spent her career passionately building a stronger north for future generations. As an accredited corporate director she will continue to serve on the BC Hydro and ViaSport boards.

Throughout her career, Ms. North’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through being honoured as one of the 50 most influential women in B.C., the Influential Women in Business Award, Association for Mineral Exploration of BC Honourary Service Roll, University of Northern B.C. Honourary Lifetime Alumni, Northern B.C.’s Woman of Influence and Impact, Northern B.C. Mentor of the Year to Industry and Business, Northern B.C. Newsmaker of the Year, and Central Interior Logging Association Contractor of the Year.