At 2pm today in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue) - the South Cariboo Joint Committee, which consists of the Cariboo Regional District Area G, H, L Directors (Al Richmond, Margo Wagner and Brian Coakley) & all of 100 Mile District Council (Mayor Campsall and Councillors Dave Mingo, Spence Henderson, Bill Hadden and Ralph Fossum), will be meeting to discuss the following matters:
Delegation -- Maryanne Capnerhurst, 100 Mile Nordics (Update on Club Activities)
Business:
* 100 Mile Community Band - $300 Funding Request
* Use and Occupancy Agreement Renewal with the 100 Mile Agriplex Society - Renew until March 31st, 2019
* Review Public Consultation Results - South Cariboo Recreation Expansion Project - and determine next steps
View the full Agenda here
Friday, March 16, 2018
Thursday, March 15, 2018
BC Hydro Greenlights Energy Purchase Agreement for Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm
Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) applauds BC Hydro for their recent plan to pursue power purchase agreement negotiations with the Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm (TSF). Located within the Tŝilhqot’in territory, once completed, the TSF will be the first large-scale solar power plant owned and operated by a First Nation in western Canada. While producing power for BC, this 1.25 MWdc solar photovoltaic solar farm will help to enrich the local economy
There are numerous expected outcomes of the TSF. This includes generation of clean energy, redevelopment of a closed sawmill and adjacent brownfield site, support to local communities, and creation of employment and business opportunities. Through the purchase of power generated from the TSF, the Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) will ensure the success of the TSF through the final implementation stage and the future years while in operation.
The Nation would like to thank the hard work and dedication of Chief Russell Myers Ross along with his community of Yunesit’in in pursuing and leading this project. We would also like to thank EcoSmart for their many contributions to this endeavour.
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Tŝilhqot’in National Government said:
“Since having our Aboriginal title recognized we have been looking for diverse opportunities within our territory. The development and operation of this solar farm is not only useful for the area, but also brings employment and training to our Nation. As a Nation we have always said that to do business with us you need to come through our doors and sit at the table in a meaningful way. The solar farm is a great example of that.”
While Michel de Spot, President and CEO of EcoSmart stated:
“Solar energy is the fastest growing and most promising technology in the world. Building the largest solar photovoltaic system in BC makes the Tŝilhqot’in Nation de facto leaders in cleantech development.”
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) applauds BC Hydro for their recent plan to pursue power purchase agreement negotiations with the Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm (TSF). Located within the Tŝilhqot’in territory, once completed, the TSF will be the first large-scale solar power plant owned and operated by a First Nation in western Canada. While producing power for BC, this 1.25 MWdc solar photovoltaic solar farm will help to enrich the local economy
There are numerous expected outcomes of the TSF. This includes generation of clean energy, redevelopment of a closed sawmill and adjacent brownfield site, support to local communities, and creation of employment and business opportunities. Through the purchase of power generated from the TSF, the Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) will ensure the success of the TSF through the final implementation stage and the future years while in operation.
The Nation would like to thank the hard work and dedication of Chief Russell Myers Ross along with his community of Yunesit’in in pursuing and leading this project. We would also like to thank EcoSmart for their many contributions to this endeavour.
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Tŝilhqot’in National Government said:
“Since having our Aboriginal title recognized we have been looking for diverse opportunities within our territory. The development and operation of this solar farm is not only useful for the area, but also brings employment and training to our Nation. As a Nation we have always said that to do business with us you need to come through our doors and sit at the table in a meaningful way. The solar farm is a great example of that.”
While Michel de Spot, President and CEO of EcoSmart stated:
“Solar energy is the fastest growing and most promising technology in the world. Building the largest solar photovoltaic system in BC makes the Tŝilhqot’in Nation de facto leaders in cleantech development.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Overwhelming support for the proposed North-South Interconnector
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Almost 600 residents signed postcards in support of the North-South Interconnector and the proposed Racing Road improvements. All of the postcards and 13 letters of support from the Quesnel business community have been delivered to the Honourable Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. The City also provided a letter of support stating its hopes for a commitment of funds to proceed with the next stage of this necessary project.
For the past 50 years, the City has recognized the need to remove commercial truck traffic away from GR Baker Memorial Hospital. The North-South Interconnector is a solution that is technically feasible, would remove 100% of the commercial truck traffic from downtown Quesnel (other than local deliveries), would see the replacement of both the Quesnel River Bridge and the Railway Bridge, and would see the City gain full control over Carson Avenue, Front Street, and Legion Drive. This project has the support of downtown businesses and City Council.
Over 850 residents attended an open house held by the City and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Residents were invited to ask questions and provide input for the Quesnel Transportation Plan. Residents were also able to provide input online.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will present their final report from the community consultations at the City Council meeting on March 27 at 7 pm.
Almost 600 residents signed postcards in support of the North-South Interconnector and the proposed Racing Road improvements. All of the postcards and 13 letters of support from the Quesnel business community have been delivered to the Honourable Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. The City also provided a letter of support stating its hopes for a commitment of funds to proceed with the next stage of this necessary project.
For the past 50 years, the City has recognized the need to remove commercial truck traffic away from GR Baker Memorial Hospital. The North-South Interconnector is a solution that is technically feasible, would remove 100% of the commercial truck traffic from downtown Quesnel (other than local deliveries), would see the replacement of both the Quesnel River Bridge and the Railway Bridge, and would see the City gain full control over Carson Avenue, Front Street, and Legion Drive. This project has the support of downtown businesses and City Council.
Over 850 residents attended an open house held by the City and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Residents were invited to ask questions and provide input for the Quesnel Transportation Plan. Residents were also able to provide input online.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will present their final report from the community consultations at the City Council meeting on March 27 at 7 pm.
SD28 Board of Education meets tonight!
This evening at 7pm in the School District #28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd) - the Board of Education for School District #28 (Quesnel) meets. On their Agenda:
* Superintendent's Reports
* 2018/2019 Budget Planning Process
* Trustee Remuneration
* 2018/2019 District Calendar and Two Week Spring Break Decision
* Appointment of 2018 Local General Election Officials
View the full Agenda here
~SF
* Superintendent's Reports
* 2018/2019 Budget Planning Process
* Trustee Remuneration
* 2018/2019 District Calendar and Two Week Spring Break Decision
* Appointment of 2018 Local General Election Officials
View the full Agenda here
~SF
Beyond Budgets and Bylaws
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson who can be reached via email here
The main function of any elected Council is to provide governance and oversight to a corporate entity that delivers public services and programs, and which builds and maintains public infrastructure within a legally defined geographic area. All the properties within that geographic area pay taxes based on both the assessed value and use (residential, commercial, and industrial) of their property at a rate established by Council. The tax rate Council sets should cover both the annual operating costs of the corporation and the present and future capital investments required to maintain core infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, sewer, water, etc.).
The other major function of an elected Council is to establish local laws (bylaws) and policies to guide property development within the legal boundary governed by that Council. Bylaws and policies can also be used to help create a healthy, safe, and livable community, and to ensure standards are maintained to protect property values.
There was a time when local governments only had to concern themselves with their core responsibilities: budgets and bylaws. But, as a result of a significant shift in focus at the provincial and federal levels of government, local governments must now tackle a whole host of issues that they are neither mandated nor financially equipped to address; issues like systemic poverty, social housing, health care, seniors’ care, victim services, the opioid crisis, mental health and addiction, economic development, investment attraction and job creation, tourism marketing, and the list goes on.
Some municipal councils and regional district boards continue to resist taking on these “downloaded” responsibilities. Others have embraced them as an opportunity to show real leadership and to work with their residents to create interesting and sustainable communities. Quesnel City Council fits into the latter category.
For example, Council’s proactive partnership with Northern Health enabled us to address what would have been a critical shortage of doctors before this became a crisis. We continue to work with Northern Health on a number of fronts that are essential to addressing the very real challenges confronting our community but that are also clearly in the domain of the provincial government. Specifically: we’re working with Northern Health (NH) and BC Housing on a mental health and addictions initiative that will help us improve the delivery of these services throughout our city; we’re collaborating with NH and our seniors advocacy groups on an age-friendly initiative that will result in significant improvements in the delivery of services and programs for seniors; and, we’re working with NH and our local Green Team to address the serious public safety issue of disposed needles throughout our community.
Council has also taken deliberate steps to address our community’s need for more social, accessible, and affordable housing. A housing incentive bylaw was established by Council that enabled the development of the housing projects currently under construction in the City and we continue to work with BC Housing to attract more such investments.
Economic development has also been a major focus for this Council, and our recent leadership on the wildfire recovery initiative is just another expression of our desire to lead our community through this challenging transition period. Recently, we’ve secured some funding to pull together into one document all the initiatives we have underway to attract and retain more visitors, residents, and investment to our City and our region.
Quesnel City Council has clearly demonstrated, on multiple fronts, that we are willing to go beyond our core obligation of budgets and bylaws. We’ve embraced the challenge to demonstrate leadership on the social, economic, and environmental initiatives that will make our community an attractive and livable community for generations to come
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson who can be reached via email here
The main function of any elected Council is to provide governance and oversight to a corporate entity that delivers public services and programs, and which builds and maintains public infrastructure within a legally defined geographic area. All the properties within that geographic area pay taxes based on both the assessed value and use (residential, commercial, and industrial) of their property at a rate established by Council. The tax rate Council sets should cover both the annual operating costs of the corporation and the present and future capital investments required to maintain core infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, sewer, water, etc.).
The other major function of an elected Council is to establish local laws (bylaws) and policies to guide property development within the legal boundary governed by that Council. Bylaws and policies can also be used to help create a healthy, safe, and livable community, and to ensure standards are maintained to protect property values.
There was a time when local governments only had to concern themselves with their core responsibilities: budgets and bylaws. But, as a result of a significant shift in focus at the provincial and federal levels of government, local governments must now tackle a whole host of issues that they are neither mandated nor financially equipped to address; issues like systemic poverty, social housing, health care, seniors’ care, victim services, the opioid crisis, mental health and addiction, economic development, investment attraction and job creation, tourism marketing, and the list goes on.
Some municipal councils and regional district boards continue to resist taking on these “downloaded” responsibilities. Others have embraced them as an opportunity to show real leadership and to work with their residents to create interesting and sustainable communities. Quesnel City Council fits into the latter category.
For example, Council’s proactive partnership with Northern Health enabled us to address what would have been a critical shortage of doctors before this became a crisis. We continue to work with Northern Health on a number of fronts that are essential to addressing the very real challenges confronting our community but that are also clearly in the domain of the provincial government. Specifically: we’re working with Northern Health (NH) and BC Housing on a mental health and addictions initiative that will help us improve the delivery of these services throughout our city; we’re collaborating with NH and our seniors advocacy groups on an age-friendly initiative that will result in significant improvements in the delivery of services and programs for seniors; and, we’re working with NH and our local Green Team to address the serious public safety issue of disposed needles throughout our community.
Council has also taken deliberate steps to address our community’s need for more social, accessible, and affordable housing. A housing incentive bylaw was established by Council that enabled the development of the housing projects currently under construction in the City and we continue to work with BC Housing to attract more such investments.
Economic development has also been a major focus for this Council, and our recent leadership on the wildfire recovery initiative is just another expression of our desire to lead our community through this challenging transition period. Recently, we’ve secured some funding to pull together into one document all the initiatives we have underway to attract and retain more visitors, residents, and investment to our City and our region.
Quesnel City Council has clearly demonstrated, on multiple fronts, that we are willing to go beyond our core obligation of budgets and bylaws. We’ve embraced the challenge to demonstrate leadership on the social, economic, and environmental initiatives that will make our community an attractive and livable community for generations to come
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Grant Funding Announced for Airport Investment Master Plan
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
The City of Williams Lake has been awarded a $48,000 grant from the Rural Dividend Program for its Airport Investment Master Plan.
“We were pleased to hear that we were successful in our application to the Rural Dividend Program for this grant,” says Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “This project will enable the City to develop a strategy to guide future development of the airport lands.”
The BC Rural Dividend Program provides funding to assist rural communities to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, with a goal to increase their strength and sustainability, making them more attractive places to live and work. The program is focused on supporting worthy projects that help rural communities navigate changes impacting their economies, such as attracting and retaining youth, using innovation to drive economic growth, and developing new and effective partnerships to support shared prosperity.
The City of Williams Lake has been awarded a $48,000 grant from the Rural Dividend Program for its Airport Investment Master Plan.
“We were pleased to hear that we were successful in our application to the Rural Dividend Program for this grant,” says Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “This project will enable the City to develop a strategy to guide future development of the airport lands.”
The BC Rural Dividend Program provides funding to assist rural communities to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, with a goal to increase their strength and sustainability, making them more attractive places to live and work. The program is focused on supporting worthy projects that help rural communities navigate changes impacting their economies, such as attracting and retaining youth, using innovation to drive economic growth, and developing new and effective partnerships to support shared prosperity.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Special Committee of Whole Session (WL Council - 2018 Budget) - March 12th mtg
Present: Councillor S. Nelson (Chair); Councillors I. Bonnell, C. Smith, L. Walters, S. Zacharias and Mayor W. Cobb
Media - 0
Members of the Public - 2
Media - 0
Members of the Public - 2
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00pm
Meeting Agenda approved
The Committee resumed its' consideration of the City of Williams Lake's Draft 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets along with a March 6th update report from the City's Chief Financial Officer - click here
Discussion ensued thereon with the Committee providing feedback/direction to Staff
The Committee adjourned at 1:35pm
BC Rural Dividend funds wildfire recovery projects in Cariboo-Chilcotin
Courtesy of the Government of British Columbia:
Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing more than $2 million to fund 20 projects for community organizations and First Nations in wildfire-impacted communities in the Cariboo Region, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.
“The rural dividend is just one aspect of our rural-development mandate committed to making rural communities more resilient,” said Donaldson. “Given the unprecedented wildfires in the Cariboo, project applications from those impacted communities were prioritized.”
Among the projects funded in the Cariboo are trail developments in the North Cariboo and near Wells and Williams Lake, and a plan for Indigenous tourism near Barkerville. The District of Wells, as part of its recovery plan, will complete a corridor wildfire mitigation and beautification project. Lillooet will implement a regional tourism and economic development plan. Quesnel received funding for a waterfront development plan, and to market the city as a four-season destination to attract new residents, tourists and investors.
During the fourth intake, applications for rural dividend funding from wildfire-impacted areas were prioritized for review. Three of the projects were funded under the special circumstances provision of the rural dividend, specifically designed to assist communities undergoing economic hardship.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25-million-per-year rural dividend to 2020-21.
Projects funded in Cariboo-Chilcotin:
The District of 100 Mile House is being awarded $86,986 to create a sustainable-heating system and upgrade washrooms at historic Martin Exeter Hall in order to meet occupancy standards and improve accessibility.
The Cariboo Regional District is being awarded $75,000 to develop construction-ready design plans for an aircraft staging area and full runway overlay at the South Cariboo Regional Airport, which serves the south Cariboo area from 108 Mile Ranch.
The Cariboo Regional District is being awarded $335,000 under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision for the North Cariboo Trail Development Project – completing two trail networks over a two-year period, with two more to follow, and partnering with the College of New Caledonia to develop training programs for trail design, planning, building and marketing.
Cariboo Ski Touring Club is being awarded $10,000 to buy and install portable snow-making equipment at its main Hallis Lake venue, near Quesnel.
The Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society is being awarded $100,000 to identify items its five-member First Nations wish to display in a proposed museum and cultural centre. In an earlier intake, the Rural Dividend Program funded construction documentation for the centre.
The Potato House Sustainable Community Society is being awarded $10,000 to hire staff and support marketing, renovation and compost programs at The Potato House Project, a community initiative to celebrate one of the last standing heritage houses in downtown Williams Lake.
The City of Quesnel is being awarded $100,000 for a waterfront development plan at the confluence of the Fraser River, Quesnel River and Baker Creek that is based on stakeholder engagement and considers planning, economic development, archeological and engineering issues.
The City of Quesnel is being awarded $250,000 under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision to market the city as a four-season destination for visitors and residents, and to target investors to diversify the economy.
The Quesnel Downtown Association is being awarded $68,000 to create a marketing plan to inform the public about the Reid Street revitalization project in the downtown core, and ensure customers continue to access businesses during the construction.
The Quesnel Shelter and Support Society is being awarded $99,458 to create and sustain Rebuild Junction, a second-hand building supply and junk-removal business that offers skills development and opportunities for individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing other significant barriers to employment.
The Barkerville Heritage Trust is being awarded $100,000 to work with the Lhtako Dené Nation, and other Indigenous partners in the region, to design and implement Indigenous tourism with interpretive and cultural activities and programming.
Ulkatcho First Nation is being awarded $56,960 to train 16 community members to use a portable sawmill, so the business can expand and increase employment in the community.
The District of Wells is being awarded $85,000 to determine the feasibility of extending municipal boundaries, including public and First Nations consultation, infrastructure and environmental reviews, and mapping.
The District of Wells is being awarded $299,450, under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision, to hire community members to complete corridor wildfire mitigation and community/corridor beautification — a project that is linked to the community’s recovery plan.
The Wells and Area Trail Society is being awarded $10,000 to implement the second phase of the Cornish Mountain ski trail development, including a link to a five-kilometre loop trail being built by the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest and West Fraser Mills.
The City of Williams Lake is being awarded $48,000 to develop an investment master plan to guide future development of airport lands and address infrastructure upgrade requirements.
Williams Lake Indian Band (T’exelc) is being awarded $100,000 to support a marketing strategy for its Coyote Rock community development, which features T’exelc culture and the Coyote Rock brand.
Xatśūll First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) is being awarded $96,544 to complete the design and construction of 8.52 kilometres of cross-country and downhill trails, and provide advanced training in trail planning, construction and maintenance for 12 local youth and community members.
Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing more than $2 million to fund 20 projects for community organizations and First Nations in wildfire-impacted communities in the Cariboo Region, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.
“The rural dividend is just one aspect of our rural-development mandate committed to making rural communities more resilient,” said Donaldson. “Given the unprecedented wildfires in the Cariboo, project applications from those impacted communities were prioritized.”
Among the projects funded in the Cariboo are trail developments in the North Cariboo and near Wells and Williams Lake, and a plan for Indigenous tourism near Barkerville. The District of Wells, as part of its recovery plan, will complete a corridor wildfire mitigation and beautification project. Lillooet will implement a regional tourism and economic development plan. Quesnel received funding for a waterfront development plan, and to market the city as a four-season destination to attract new residents, tourists and investors.
During the fourth intake, applications for rural dividend funding from wildfire-impacted areas were prioritized for review. Three of the projects were funded under the special circumstances provision of the rural dividend, specifically designed to assist communities undergoing economic hardship.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25-million-per-year rural dividend to 2020-21.
Projects funded in Cariboo-Chilcotin:
The District of 100 Mile House is being awarded $86,986 to create a sustainable-heating system and upgrade washrooms at historic Martin Exeter Hall in order to meet occupancy standards and improve accessibility.
The Cariboo Regional District is being awarded $75,000 to develop construction-ready design plans for an aircraft staging area and full runway overlay at the South Cariboo Regional Airport, which serves the south Cariboo area from 108 Mile Ranch.
The Cariboo Regional District is being awarded $335,000 under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision for the North Cariboo Trail Development Project – completing two trail networks over a two-year period, with two more to follow, and partnering with the College of New Caledonia to develop training programs for trail design, planning, building and marketing.
Cariboo Ski Touring Club is being awarded $10,000 to buy and install portable snow-making equipment at its main Hallis Lake venue, near Quesnel.
The Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society is being awarded $100,000 to identify items its five-member First Nations wish to display in a proposed museum and cultural centre. In an earlier intake, the Rural Dividend Program funded construction documentation for the centre.
The Potato House Sustainable Community Society is being awarded $10,000 to hire staff and support marketing, renovation and compost programs at The Potato House Project, a community initiative to celebrate one of the last standing heritage houses in downtown Williams Lake.
The City of Quesnel is being awarded $100,000 for a waterfront development plan at the confluence of the Fraser River, Quesnel River and Baker Creek that is based on stakeholder engagement and considers planning, economic development, archeological and engineering issues.
The City of Quesnel is being awarded $250,000 under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision to market the city as a four-season destination for visitors and residents, and to target investors to diversify the economy.
The Quesnel Downtown Association is being awarded $68,000 to create a marketing plan to inform the public about the Reid Street revitalization project in the downtown core, and ensure customers continue to access businesses during the construction.
The Quesnel Shelter and Support Society is being awarded $99,458 to create and sustain Rebuild Junction, a second-hand building supply and junk-removal business that offers skills development and opportunities for individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing other significant barriers to employment.
The Barkerville Heritage Trust is being awarded $100,000 to work with the Lhtako Dené Nation, and other Indigenous partners in the region, to design and implement Indigenous tourism with interpretive and cultural activities and programming.
Ulkatcho First Nation is being awarded $56,960 to train 16 community members to use a portable sawmill, so the business can expand and increase employment in the community.
The District of Wells is being awarded $85,000 to determine the feasibility of extending municipal boundaries, including public and First Nations consultation, infrastructure and environmental reviews, and mapping.
The District of Wells is being awarded $299,450, under the rural dividend’s special circumstances provision, to hire community members to complete corridor wildfire mitigation and community/corridor beautification — a project that is linked to the community’s recovery plan.
The Wells and Area Trail Society is being awarded $10,000 to implement the second phase of the Cornish Mountain ski trail development, including a link to a five-kilometre loop trail being built by the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest and West Fraser Mills.
The City of Williams Lake is being awarded $48,000 to develop an investment master plan to guide future development of airport lands and address infrastructure upgrade requirements.
Williams Lake Indian Band (T’exelc) is being awarded $100,000 to support a marketing strategy for its Coyote Rock community development, which features T’exelc culture and the Coyote Rock brand.
Xatśūll First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) is being awarded $96,544 to complete the design and construction of 8.52 kilometres of cross-country and downhill trails, and provide advanced training in trail planning, construction and maintenance for 12 local youth and community members.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Cariboo RD Board to receive Final Report of Post-Wildfire Community Consultation Meetings
At its' Special Meeting on Friday, March 16th - the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors' will receive the final report of the 2017 Post Wildfire Community Consultation Meetings held throughout the Region last fall/winter which was led by Butterfly Effect Communications, an external communications firm hired by the CRD to complete this work and develop a crisis communications strategy.
Funding for the meetings and the final report is being provided by the Province of British Columbia which is greatly appreciated
The final report has a number of recommendations broken down by topic area which includes:
* Communications
* Prevention
* Wildfire Fighting
* Recovery
You can view the final report along with its appendix, which includes comments made at the individual meetings here. CRD Staff are recommending that this report be referred to the CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee to develop an Action Plan to consider implementing the Final Report's recommendations which ultimately must be approved by the full CRD Board of Directors'.
The Board will also be presented with the internal debrief with Emergency Operations Centre staff & external agencies the CRD coordinated with during the wildfires and the Board at the same meeting. This report will be available late next week as a late agenda item
The CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee's membership is comprised of the following Cariboo Regional District elected officials:
Directors' Margo Wagner (Committee Chair and CRD Board Chair), Ted Armstrong, John Massier, Steve Forseth, Joan Sorley, Al Richmond and Betty Anderson (CRD Electoral Areas A, C, D, F, G, H and K)
~SF
Funding for the meetings and the final report is being provided by the Province of British Columbia which is greatly appreciated
The final report has a number of recommendations broken down by topic area which includes:
* Communications
* Prevention
* Wildfire Fighting
* Recovery
You can view the final report along with its appendix, which includes comments made at the individual meetings here. CRD Staff are recommending that this report be referred to the CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee to develop an Action Plan to consider implementing the Final Report's recommendations which ultimately must be approved by the full CRD Board of Directors'.
The Board will also be presented with the internal debrief with Emergency Operations Centre staff & external agencies the CRD coordinated with during the wildfires and the Board at the same meeting. This report will be available late next week as a late agenda item
The CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee's membership is comprised of the following Cariboo Regional District elected officials:
Directors' Margo Wagner (Committee Chair and CRD Board Chair), Ted Armstrong, John Massier, Steve Forseth, Joan Sorley, Al Richmond and Betty Anderson (CRD Electoral Areas A, C, D, F, G, H and K)
~SF
Friday, March 9, 2018
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 12-16
The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:
Quesnel - Executive Committee on Tuesday, March 13th at 10:30am in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Rick Hansen Accessibility Grant Application - City Manager Johnson - DISCUSSION ONLY
* New Payroll Tax to Replace MSP - City Manager Johnson - DISCUSSION ONLY
* Agriculture and Forestry Update - Mayor Simpson to Discuss
* In-Camera Session, as per Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Williams Lake - Meetings as listed below:
Special Committee of the Whole Session (2018 Budget Discussions) - Monday, March 12th from 1-3pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). View the Agenda here
Regular Committee of the Whole Session - Tuesday, March 13th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Brian Hansen, Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association & Kelly Goertz, Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association re Update on Sites for Indoor Turf / Gymnastics Facility and Request for Council Liaison
* Request for Revitalization Tax Exemption for Lakeview Lumber Sawmill at 180 Hodgson Road (Tolko)
* North Saanich Request for Support for 'Marijuana Addiction Treatment, Prevention and Education' Resolution to UBCM
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as listed below:
North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Tuesday, March 13th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Lori Fogarty and Linda Atkinson from North Cariboo Partnering for Healthier Communities
* Request from Back Country Horsemen of BC - Collins Overland Historic Telegraph Trail
View the full Agenda here
North Cariboo Joint Committee - Tuesday, March 13th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers. On the Agenda:
* Delegations (3) -- Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Wildfire Recovery - Erin Robinson (Fraser Basin Council) and Alex Fraser Park Society - Greg Brink
* Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Fuel Management Funding - Mayor Simpson to Report
* North Cariboo Arena Project Update Report
* 2018 Quesnel Airport Referendum
* NDIT Strategic Initiatives Grant Update
* North Cariboo Joint Committee Draft Terms of Reference
View the full Agenda here
Special CRD Board of Directors Meeting - Friday, March 16th at 9am in the Cariboo Regional District Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Receipt of Wildfire Consultations Final Report and refer it to the CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee for consideration of next steps to implement the report's recommendations
View the full Agenda here
Quesnel - Executive Committee on Tuesday, March 13th at 10:30am in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor - 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:
* Rick Hansen Accessibility Grant Application - City Manager Johnson - DISCUSSION ONLY
* New Payroll Tax to Replace MSP - City Manager Johnson - DISCUSSION ONLY
* Agriculture and Forestry Update - Mayor Simpson to Discuss
* In-Camera Session, as per Section 90(1e - land) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Williams Lake - Meetings as listed below:
Special Committee of the Whole Session (2018 Budget Discussions) - Monday, March 12th from 1-3pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). View the Agenda here
Regular Committee of the Whole Session - Tuesday, March 13th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Brian Hansen, Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association & Kelly Goertz, Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association re Update on Sites for Indoor Turf / Gymnastics Facility and Request for Council Liaison
* Request for Revitalization Tax Exemption for Lakeview Lumber Sawmill at 180 Hodgson Road (Tolko)
* North Saanich Request for Support for 'Marijuana Addiction Treatment, Prevention and Education' Resolution to UBCM
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as listed below:
North Cariboo Rural Caucus - Tuesday, March 13th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant St, Quesnel). On the Agenda:
* Delegation: Lori Fogarty and Linda Atkinson from North Cariboo Partnering for Healthier Communities
* Request from Back Country Horsemen of BC - Collins Overland Historic Telegraph Trail
View the full Agenda here
North Cariboo Joint Committee - Tuesday, March 13th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers. On the Agenda:
* Delegations (3) -- Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Wildfire Recovery - Erin Robinson (Fraser Basin Council) and Alex Fraser Park Society - Greg Brink
* Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Fuel Management Funding - Mayor Simpson to Report
* North Cariboo Arena Project Update Report
* 2018 Quesnel Airport Referendum
* NDIT Strategic Initiatives Grant Update
* North Cariboo Joint Committee Draft Terms of Reference
View the full Agenda here
Special CRD Board of Directors Meeting - Friday, March 16th at 9am in the Cariboo Regional District Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake). On the Agenda:
* Receipt of Wildfire Consultations Final Report and refer it to the CRD's Emergency Preparedness Committee for consideration of next steps to implement the report's recommendations
View the full Agenda here
New trucks delivered to CRD Fire Departments
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
Three Cariboo Regional District volunteer fire departments are proud owners of new fire apparatus. The last truck, a tandem-axel water tender, arrived this week for the Ten Mile Volunteer Fire Department (VFD).
“The new tender will improve our response times to emergency incidents, because it will fill and empty faster than what the Ten Mile VFD has at the moment. We are thankful to the CRD for their cooperation and assistance to help make it happen,” said Ten Mile VFD Chief Danny Keeler.
The CRD also purchased a new fire engine for the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department and a tandem-axel water tender for the 108 Mile Volunteer Fire Department. These new vehicles were delivered over the last two months.
Interlakes VFD Chief Doug Townsend explains, “It is nice to have a new piece of equipment to work with and this certainly would not be possible without the tax structure of the CRD. We now have something to take great pride in!”
Because of insurance requirements, all the CRD’s fire apparatus are on a replacement schedule. Last year, the CRD made the decision to standardize the trucks used by the volunteer fire departments for the next 15 years. Going forward, this style of engine and water tender will be the standard as departments’ apparatus requires replacing.
“This last summer just goes to show how important our volunteer fire departments are to our communities. Having equipment that is up to standard is critical for the work they do. Many thanks to all the volunteers that serve and protect our communities,” commented CRD Chair Margo Wagner.
The CRD’s Protective Services department provides a variety of services throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin, including 9-1-1, Emergency Planning, Search and Rescue, Highway Rescue, Structural Fire Protection and Wildland/Urban Interface Fuel Management.
The Cariboo Regional District has 14 volunteer fire departments. For more information about the CRD’s VFD’s or information about joining these groups of dedicated volunteers, visit cariboord.ca
Three Cariboo Regional District volunteer fire departments are proud owners of new fire apparatus. The last truck, a tandem-axel water tender, arrived this week for the Ten Mile Volunteer Fire Department (VFD).
“The new tender will improve our response times to emergency incidents, because it will fill and empty faster than what the Ten Mile VFD has at the moment. We are thankful to the CRD for their cooperation and assistance to help make it happen,” said Ten Mile VFD Chief Danny Keeler.
The CRD also purchased a new fire engine for the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department and a tandem-axel water tender for the 108 Mile Volunteer Fire Department. These new vehicles were delivered over the last two months.
Interlakes VFD Chief Doug Townsend explains, “It is nice to have a new piece of equipment to work with and this certainly would not be possible without the tax structure of the CRD. We now have something to take great pride in!”
Because of insurance requirements, all the CRD’s fire apparatus are on a replacement schedule. Last year, the CRD made the decision to standardize the trucks used by the volunteer fire departments for the next 15 years. Going forward, this style of engine and water tender will be the standard as departments’ apparatus requires replacing.
“This last summer just goes to show how important our volunteer fire departments are to our communities. Having equipment that is up to standard is critical for the work they do. Many thanks to all the volunteers that serve and protect our communities,” commented CRD Chair Margo Wagner.
The CRD’s Protective Services department provides a variety of services throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin, including 9-1-1, Emergency Planning, Search and Rescue, Highway Rescue, Structural Fire Protection and Wildland/Urban Interface Fuel Management.
The Cariboo Regional District has 14 volunteer fire departments. For more information about the CRD’s VFD’s or information about joining these groups of dedicated volunteers, visit cariboord.ca
Local BC Communities benefit from Federal Gas Tax Funding
Courtesy of the Government of BC:
Editor's Note - for communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, the following local governments received funding from today's announcement
Wells - $498,200 for a District Community Energy System and $58,000 to develop a Community/Economic Development Plan
Quesnel - $100,000 for Asset Data Updates and Improvements
Williams Lake - $100,000 for Facilities and Pavement Condition Assessment
Cariboo Regional District - $80,000 for 2017 Asset Management Planning
British Columbians will benefit from modern, up-to-date community infrastructure that will make communities throughout B.C. even better places to live through new investments from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Government of Canada, along with the Government of British Columbia and Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), announced that 108 projects have been approved and four have been conditionally approved, for nearly $193 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“I am pleased to see the important work that will be done across British Columbia thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund,” said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Whether a community needs to expand its recreational centre, repair roads, or make energy-saving upgrades, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in the local infrastructure Canadians want and need.”
The funding supports a wide range of capital and capacity-building projects in communities throughout B.C., including upgrades to drinking- and waste-water facilities; recreational, sport and cultural infrastructure; local roads and bridges; solid waste management; community energy systems; and disaster mitigation measures.
“I’m thrilled to know that all of these projects are going forward, because I know they will make a positive impact for people in B.C.,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson. “Our government is committed to working with local governments throughout the province to make life better for all British Columbians. This is a great example of strong partnerships working together for the benefit of people in the community.”
One of the capital projects being funded this year will improve the drinking-water supply in the Village of Granisle.
Funding is also going towards raising the dikes along the Kicking Horse River in Golden, to provide flood protection for the historic downtown area.
The District of Lake Country will build a new multi-generational activity centre, upgrade the local arena and renovate the seniors centre, significantly boosting recreational and fitness opportunities in the community.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates how all levels of government are working to improve core infrastructure in B.C. communities,” said UBCM President Wendy Booth. “The federal Gas Tax Fund is providing long-term support to renew facilities and strengthen asset-management practices throughout the province. Local governments appreciate this support and welcome this investment.”
The 54 capacity-building projects will focus on improving communities’ asset management, a process that integrates information about a community’s physical assets and finances to support efficient local decision making and sustainable service delivery.
Quick Facts:
The total federal Gas Tax Fund contribution towards the 112 projects in B.C. is $192,980,158.
This includes 58 capital projects ($184,539,746) and 54 capacity-building projects ($8,440,412).
The Government of Canada provides more than $278 million in indexed, annual funding for local government infrastructure in B.C. through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C., in partnership with the governments of Canada and B.C. The funding flows through UBCM to all local governments on a per capita basis.
The funding for these projects comes through the application-based Strategic Priorities Fund of the federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C.
Learn More:
For more information about the federal Gas Tax Fund: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html
For a list of projects funded through the current intake of the federal Gas Tax Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/files/2017_Project_Approvals.pdf
Editor's Note - for communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, the following local governments received funding from today's announcement
Wells - $498,200 for a District Community Energy System and $58,000 to develop a Community/Economic Development Plan
Quesnel - $100,000 for Asset Data Updates and Improvements
Williams Lake - $100,000 for Facilities and Pavement Condition Assessment
Cariboo Regional District - $80,000 for 2017 Asset Management Planning
British Columbians will benefit from modern, up-to-date community infrastructure that will make communities throughout B.C. even better places to live through new investments from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Government of Canada, along with the Government of British Columbia and Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), announced that 108 projects have been approved and four have been conditionally approved, for nearly $193 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“I am pleased to see the important work that will be done across British Columbia thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund,” said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Whether a community needs to expand its recreational centre, repair roads, or make energy-saving upgrades, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in the local infrastructure Canadians want and need.”
The funding supports a wide range of capital and capacity-building projects in communities throughout B.C., including upgrades to drinking- and waste-water facilities; recreational, sport and cultural infrastructure; local roads and bridges; solid waste management; community energy systems; and disaster mitigation measures.
“I’m thrilled to know that all of these projects are going forward, because I know they will make a positive impact for people in B.C.,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson. “Our government is committed to working with local governments throughout the province to make life better for all British Columbians. This is a great example of strong partnerships working together for the benefit of people in the community.”
One of the capital projects being funded this year will improve the drinking-water supply in the Village of Granisle.
Funding is also going towards raising the dikes along the Kicking Horse River in Golden, to provide flood protection for the historic downtown area.
The District of Lake Country will build a new multi-generational activity centre, upgrade the local arena and renovate the seniors centre, significantly boosting recreational and fitness opportunities in the community.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates how all levels of government are working to improve core infrastructure in B.C. communities,” said UBCM President Wendy Booth. “The federal Gas Tax Fund is providing long-term support to renew facilities and strengthen asset-management practices throughout the province. Local governments appreciate this support and welcome this investment.”
The 54 capacity-building projects will focus on improving communities’ asset management, a process that integrates information about a community’s physical assets and finances to support efficient local decision making and sustainable service delivery.
Quick Facts:
The total federal Gas Tax Fund contribution towards the 112 projects in B.C. is $192,980,158.
This includes 58 capital projects ($184,539,746) and 54 capacity-building projects ($8,440,412).
The Government of Canada provides more than $278 million in indexed, annual funding for local government infrastructure in B.C. through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C., in partnership with the governments of Canada and B.C. The funding flows through UBCM to all local governments on a per capita basis.
The funding for these projects comes through the application-based Strategic Priorities Fund of the federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C.
Learn More:
For more information about the federal Gas Tax Fund: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html
For a list of projects funded through the current intake of the federal Gas Tax Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/files/2017_Project_Approvals.pdf
Community Theatre Workshops - City of Quesnel
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Join us for a workshop to discuss the need for a community theatre in Quesnel! Share your thoughts on what a Quesnel community theatre should look like! Choose which workshop time works best for you:
Wednesday, March 14 | 6 pm - 9 pm
Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre, 319 North Fraser Drive
Thursday, March 15 | 9 am – 12 pm
Dunkley Room, West Fraser Centre, 330 Vaughan Street
If you’re unable to attend, take the survey online available on March 19 at quesnel.ca
Join us for a workshop to discuss the need for a community theatre in Quesnel! Share your thoughts on what a Quesnel community theatre should look like! Choose which workshop time works best for you:
Wednesday, March 14 | 6 pm - 9 pm
Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre, 319 North Fraser Drive
Thursday, March 15 | 9 am – 12 pm
Dunkley Room, West Fraser Centre, 330 Vaughan Street
If you’re unable to attend, take the survey online available on March 19 at quesnel.ca
Thursday, March 8, 2018
International Women's Day 2018
Today (March 8th) is International Women's Day -- A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity - a detailed background of this day can be viewed here
This year's world theme for International Women Day 2018 is Press for Progress. Canada's 2018 International Women Day's theme is #MyFeminism. More details about International Women's Day in Canada here
From a local government perspective - there are many women I have tremendous respect for, whether serving in an elected or staff position who do tremendous work in serving the public.
For those serving at a Staff level - the elected officials often do not thank them for the work they do behind the scenes, in my humble opinion. For the work they do, I am forever grateful and words are never enough to express how much I, as one individual, am deeply appreciative, serving both the general public and the elected officials
At the elected level - there are many female local elected officials whom I hold in very high regard and often talk with for advice including local Cariboo Regional District Directors Joan Sorley and Margo Wagner. Director Margo Wagner, of course, is our new Board Chair and is only the 2nd or 3rd female CRD Chair in the last 50 years that the Cariboo Regional District has existed. I consider her to be a mentor and I'm personally pleased that she is Chair
On the CRD Board - there are 4 women on the Board of the 16 seats available or 20% of all seats available which is below gender parity of 50% or even the United Nations standard of a minimum of 33% of elected positions be female. The closest the CRD Board came to the UN Standard was the 2011-14 Board where 6 of the 16 CRD Directors were female or 37.5% of all 16 seats were held by females. The 2018-22 CRD Board can make gains on having more females on the Board
I look forward to the day when society treats females on the exact same level as men, whether on the basis of salary, positions, etc ... To do so is the right thing to do!
~SF
This year's world theme for International Women Day 2018 is Press for Progress. Canada's 2018 International Women Day's theme is #MyFeminism. More details about International Women's Day in Canada here
From a local government perspective - there are many women I have tremendous respect for, whether serving in an elected or staff position who do tremendous work in serving the public.
For those serving at a Staff level - the elected officials often do not thank them for the work they do behind the scenes, in my humble opinion. For the work they do, I am forever grateful and words are never enough to express how much I, as one individual, am deeply appreciative, serving both the general public and the elected officials
At the elected level - there are many female local elected officials whom I hold in very high regard and often talk with for advice including local Cariboo Regional District Directors Joan Sorley and Margo Wagner. Director Margo Wagner, of course, is our new Board Chair and is only the 2nd or 3rd female CRD Chair in the last 50 years that the Cariboo Regional District has existed. I consider her to be a mentor and I'm personally pleased that she is Chair
On the CRD Board - there are 4 women on the Board of the 16 seats available or 20% of all seats available which is below gender parity of 50% or even the United Nations standard of a minimum of 33% of elected positions be female. The closest the CRD Board came to the UN Standard was the 2011-14 Board where 6 of the 16 CRD Directors were female or 37.5% of all 16 seats were held by females. The 2018-22 CRD Board can make gains on having more females on the Board
I look forward to the day when society treats females on the exact same level as men, whether on the basis of salary, positions, etc ... To do so is the right thing to do!
~SF
Preparing for the Next Emergency
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- This week's Quesnel Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
As many of you may have heard on the news, people in the Okanagan are being warned to start preparing for flooding this spring. After record setting floods last year, government officials are giving residents fair warning that 2018 could be just as bad, if not worse, since the region has seen an above average snow year leading to very high snow pack conditions.
Despite the accumulation of snow on the ground here, our region’s snow pack is just below normal. This may surprise some people because we’ve become accustomed to less snow, as our region has been experiencing drought for almost a decade, creating the conditions for greater forest fire risks in our area. While an immediate concern for us is how fast the accumulated low-level snow will melt off if the weather turns spring-like too quickly, our longer-term concern remains our region’s vulnerability to more catastrophic wildfires like last summer’s.
Unfortunately, some people may view the above statements as fear-mongering and others simply may not want to be reminded of last year’s emergencies and this year’s vulnerabilities. One of the reasons political leaders tend to quickly move on to other matters after emergencies are over -- despite their promises to do everything possible during the emergency to make sure the necessary steps are taken to prevent future such events -- is that voters, in general, also want to move on and don’t want to be constantly reminded of their vulnerabilities.
This makes exercising real leadership in the domain of emergency planning very difficult for politicians who are too sensitive to the vagaries of public sentiment. It also means we never get the unprecedented responses politicians promise during our increasingly unprecedented emergencies.
But, our new reality is that as our weather patterns shift as a result of climate change, we need to take more deliberate steps to plan for more weather-related emergencies and be willing to undertake unprecedented measures to moderate and mitigate the risks associated with a changing climate. To date, I have to say that the Provincial government has not undertaken any unprecedented measures to protect our communities from the increasing threats of flood or wildfires under both the past and present government.
To be fair, the current government is conducting a review and seeking public input on last year’s flood and wildfire events. The BC Flood and Wildfire Review is now well underway, and you can weigh in on this process at bcfloodfirereview.ca/engagement/. If you want the Provincial government to truly tackle the challenges associated with emergency preparedness and response, then please take the time to have your voice heard during this process.
The City of Quesnel is formally engaged in this provincial review and is recommending that the Province consider funding a full time emergency preparedness and response coordinator in our region, provide ongoing and easily accessible funding to maintain our emergency response systems and equipment, modernize the Emergency Social Services Response system, provide funding for the regional airport as an integral part of our emergency response system (the Province provides no operational funding for the airport), and consider legislative changes to enable us to coordinate our emergency response at the sub-regional level (e.g. North Cariboo rather than entire CRD) when the situation requires it.
If you are interested in learning more about our region’s growing wildfire risks to stimulate your thinking about how to respond to the Province’s Flood and Wildfire Review, please attend a special free presentation of the “Era of Megafires” this Thursday (March 8) at the Seniors Centre at 6:30 pm.
Editor's Note -- This week's Quesnel Council Column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
As many of you may have heard on the news, people in the Okanagan are being warned to start preparing for flooding this spring. After record setting floods last year, government officials are giving residents fair warning that 2018 could be just as bad, if not worse, since the region has seen an above average snow year leading to very high snow pack conditions.
Despite the accumulation of snow on the ground here, our region’s snow pack is just below normal. This may surprise some people because we’ve become accustomed to less snow, as our region has been experiencing drought for almost a decade, creating the conditions for greater forest fire risks in our area. While an immediate concern for us is how fast the accumulated low-level snow will melt off if the weather turns spring-like too quickly, our longer-term concern remains our region’s vulnerability to more catastrophic wildfires like last summer’s.
Unfortunately, some people may view the above statements as fear-mongering and others simply may not want to be reminded of last year’s emergencies and this year’s vulnerabilities. One of the reasons political leaders tend to quickly move on to other matters after emergencies are over -- despite their promises to do everything possible during the emergency to make sure the necessary steps are taken to prevent future such events -- is that voters, in general, also want to move on and don’t want to be constantly reminded of their vulnerabilities.
This makes exercising real leadership in the domain of emergency planning very difficult for politicians who are too sensitive to the vagaries of public sentiment. It also means we never get the unprecedented responses politicians promise during our increasingly unprecedented emergencies.
But, our new reality is that as our weather patterns shift as a result of climate change, we need to take more deliberate steps to plan for more weather-related emergencies and be willing to undertake unprecedented measures to moderate and mitigate the risks associated with a changing climate. To date, I have to say that the Provincial government has not undertaken any unprecedented measures to protect our communities from the increasing threats of flood or wildfires under both the past and present government.
To be fair, the current government is conducting a review and seeking public input on last year’s flood and wildfire events. The BC Flood and Wildfire Review is now well underway, and you can weigh in on this process at bcfloodfirereview.ca/engagement/. If you want the Provincial government to truly tackle the challenges associated with emergency preparedness and response, then please take the time to have your voice heard during this process.
The City of Quesnel is formally engaged in this provincial review and is recommending that the Province consider funding a full time emergency preparedness and response coordinator in our region, provide ongoing and easily accessible funding to maintain our emergency response systems and equipment, modernize the Emergency Social Services Response system, provide funding for the regional airport as an integral part of our emergency response system (the Province provides no operational funding for the airport), and consider legislative changes to enable us to coordinate our emergency response at the sub-regional level (e.g. North Cariboo rather than entire CRD) when the situation requires it.
If you are interested in learning more about our region’s growing wildfire risks to stimulate your thinking about how to respond to the Province’s Flood and Wildfire Review, please attend a special free presentation of the “Era of Megafires” this Thursday (March 8) at the Seniors Centre at 6:30 pm.
Quesnel Council Highlights - March 6th mtg
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Elliott Street Supportive Housing Project – Second Proposal
BC Housing, Proponent for the Elliott Street Housing project, has submitted a second proposal for their Supportive Housing development that would be located on 6 vacant lots within the 300 Block of Elliott Street. Highlights of the second proposal submitted includes:
Removes the short stay shelter and emergency shelter components of the development
Has 32 units of supportive housing with space for staff, programming and common facilities on the first floor.
Floor plans will continue to be a three storey building, although the footprint may be reduced.
30 residential units will be self-contained one-bedroom units with full washroom and kitchen with shared common laundry rooms.
2 units will be used by Northern Health for 4 beds of support recovery.
Next steps include:
BC Housing will issue a Request for Proposal to invite qualified non-profit societies to operate this project.
Once the Operator contract has been awarded, the exact needs for the first floor will be determined and finalized floor plans will be determined.
Public Consultation
Council to determine if the discretionary open house hosted BC Housing is required
Council will consider setting a date/time for the required Public Hearing should this development proceed.
City’s 2017 Fourth Quarter Report
The City’s fourth quarter report for 2017 was presented and includes each department’s key activities and statistics and lists an update for activities included in the Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan.
Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit
Council approved a Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit for Site #1 that is located on the corner of Reid Street and St. Laurent Avenue to Golden Boy Dog. The Proponent will have access to Site #1 for up to three years. City staff will work with the Proponent on alternative locations that may be required during the Reid Street Revitalization project that is scheduled to commence April 2018 and continue to late Fall 2018.
Bylaw of the Month Program - Dog Regulations
For the month of March 2018 the City’s Bylaw of the Month Program will focus on providing educational awareness, through the Bylaw Enforcement Department, around the following dog regulations:
Residents can keep up to a maximum of 3 dogs per house/dwelling and any dog over the age of 3 months must have a valid license which must be applied for prior to March 31st of each year.
Owners or caretakers must also ensure dogs are leashed in public spaces and clean up feces in a timely and sanitary manner, especially during the spring snow melt.
There is a $50 fine that may be applied if in contravention of the above regulations.
Bylaws
1829 Official Community Plan Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (1st Proposal) – Rescind First Reading and Stand Down
1830 Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (1st Proposal) – Rescind First Reading and Stand Down
1848 Official Community Plan Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal) – First Reading
1849 Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal) – First Reading
Next Meetings
5:30 pm, March 13, 2018 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee
7 pm, March 27, 2018 – Regular Council Meeting
Elliott Street Supportive Housing Project – Second Proposal
BC Housing, Proponent for the Elliott Street Housing project, has submitted a second proposal for their Supportive Housing development that would be located on 6 vacant lots within the 300 Block of Elliott Street. Highlights of the second proposal submitted includes:
Removes the short stay shelter and emergency shelter components of the development
Has 32 units of supportive housing with space for staff, programming and common facilities on the first floor.
Floor plans will continue to be a three storey building, although the footprint may be reduced.
30 residential units will be self-contained one-bedroom units with full washroom and kitchen with shared common laundry rooms.
2 units will be used by Northern Health for 4 beds of support recovery.
Next steps include:
BC Housing will issue a Request for Proposal to invite qualified non-profit societies to operate this project.
Once the Operator contract has been awarded, the exact needs for the first floor will be determined and finalized floor plans will be determined.
Public Consultation
Council to determine if the discretionary open house hosted BC Housing is required
Council will consider setting a date/time for the required Public Hearing should this development proceed.
City’s 2017 Fourth Quarter Report
The City’s fourth quarter report for 2017 was presented and includes each department’s key activities and statistics and lists an update for activities included in the Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan.
Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit
Council approved a Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit for Site #1 that is located on the corner of Reid Street and St. Laurent Avenue to Golden Boy Dog. The Proponent will have access to Site #1 for up to three years. City staff will work with the Proponent on alternative locations that may be required during the Reid Street Revitalization project that is scheduled to commence April 2018 and continue to late Fall 2018.
Bylaw of the Month Program - Dog Regulations
For the month of March 2018 the City’s Bylaw of the Month Program will focus on providing educational awareness, through the Bylaw Enforcement Department, around the following dog regulations:
Residents can keep up to a maximum of 3 dogs per house/dwelling and any dog over the age of 3 months must have a valid license which must be applied for prior to March 31st of each year.
Owners or caretakers must also ensure dogs are leashed in public spaces and clean up feces in a timely and sanitary manner, especially during the spring snow melt.
There is a $50 fine that may be applied if in contravention of the above regulations.
Bylaws
1829 Official Community Plan Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (1st Proposal) – Rescind First Reading and Stand Down
1830 Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (1st Proposal) – Rescind First Reading and Stand Down
1848 Official Community Plan Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal) – First Reading
1849 Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal) – First Reading
Next Meetings
5:30 pm, March 13, 2018 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee
7 pm, March 27, 2018 – Regular Council Meeting
Friday, March 2, 2018
Delainey vs Neufeld for Cariboo RD Area E Directorship
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
At 4 p.m. today, Chief Election Officer for the Cariboo Regional District, Alice Johnston, announced the candidates for the upcoming Area E by-election. The by-election is scheduled for April 7, 2018.
Angie Delainey and Melynda Neufeld were nominated to run for Electoral Area E Director in the by-election.
Advance polling will be available at the CRD’s Williams Lake office on March 28 and April 3, 2018. General voting day will be April 7, 2018. Polling station locations will be announced closer to the date.
The nomination period for candidates began at 9 a.m. on Feb. 20, 2018 and closed at 4 p.m. on March 2, 2018.
At 4 p.m. today, Chief Election Officer for the Cariboo Regional District, Alice Johnston, announced the candidates for the upcoming Area E by-election. The by-election is scheduled for April 7, 2018.
Angie Delainey and Melynda Neufeld were nominated to run for Electoral Area E Director in the by-election.
Advance polling will be available at the CRD’s Williams Lake office on March 28 and April 3, 2018. General voting day will be April 7, 2018. Polling station locations will be announced closer to the date.
The nomination period for candidates began at 9 a.m. on Feb. 20, 2018 and closed at 4 p.m. on March 2, 2018.
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 5-9
The following local governments of the Cariboo Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 6th in Wells Community Hall - Banquet Room (4269 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* ABC Communications Proposal
* District of Wells 2018 Proposed Budget
* 6 Letters from local Wells residents'
View the full Agenda here
Quesnel - Meetings as noted below in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St)
Policy/Bylaw Review Committee - Tuesday, March 6th at 1:15pm. On the Agenda:
* Flexible Ride-Sharing Regulation in the Province of BC
* Follow Up Research - Petitions and Public Hearings - Policies and Brochure
* New Council Orientation Program - Discussion to Guide Staff
View the full Agenda here
Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, March 6th at 7pm. On the Agenda:
* 2018 North Central Local Government Association Resolutions - Professional Reliance/Changes to Grant Funding Programs
* 4th Quarter 2017 Update
* Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit
* New Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal)
* Bylaw of Month - Dog Regulations
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Meetings as noted below:
Committee of the Whole Session (2018 Budget) - Monday, March 5th from 1-4pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart Street). Agenda can be viewed here
Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, March 6th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street). On the Agenda:
* Delegations (2) -- Derek Godin, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre re Request to Install R.C. (Remote Control) Race Track in Boitano Park & Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander re Police Commission Year-End Report & New Strategic Plan
* 3 Permits for Approval -- 1 Temporary Permit, ! Development Variance Permit and 1 Development Permit
* 2 Committee of the Whole recommendations pertaining to Wildfires
* In-Camera Resolution to be reported -- Land Disposition/Rona Properties (GRB Holdings Ltd.) - 298 Proctor Street
View the full Agenda here
Finally - next week, there will be re-playing of the Era of Mega-Fires as follows:
100 Mile House
Tuesday, March 6 at 7 PM
100 Mile House Community Hall (265 Birch Avenue)
Williams Lake
Wednesday, March 7 at 7 PM
Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Regional Complex (525 Proctor Street)
Quesnel
Thursday, March 8th at 7 PM
Quesnel Seniors Centre, 461 Carson Avenue
Description of Era of Mega-Fires:
The Era of Mega Fires is a 90-minute live presentation featuring Dr. Paul Hessburg, a research landscape ecologist with Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station. In this live presentation, Hessburg explains that over the past decade, the number of large, severe wildfires has been on the rise. These megafires are wildfires that burn more than 100,000 acres; they can destroy or severely damage human communities, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. This special presentation conveys the conditions that lead to megafires and how they might be managed or mitigated.
“A future without wildfire isn’t an option,” Hessburg says. “So, what kind of future do we want for our forests? The goal of this project is to share a vocabulary and increase the understanding and ability of ordinary citizens so that they can enter into local discussions and planning for a more certain future for public forest lands."
Dr Hessburg will be present at both sessions (100 Mile House/Williams Lake)
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 6th in Wells Community Hall - Banquet Room (4269 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* ABC Communications Proposal
* District of Wells 2018 Proposed Budget
* 6 Letters from local Wells residents'
View the full Agenda here
Quesnel - Meetings as noted below in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St)
Policy/Bylaw Review Committee - Tuesday, March 6th at 1:15pm. On the Agenda:
* Flexible Ride-Sharing Regulation in the Province of BC
* Follow Up Research - Petitions and Public Hearings - Policies and Brochure
* New Council Orientation Program - Discussion to Guide Staff
View the full Agenda here
Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, March 6th at 7pm. On the Agenda:
* 2018 North Central Local Government Association Resolutions - Professional Reliance/Changes to Grant Funding Programs
* 4th Quarter 2017 Update
* Sidewalk Food Vendor Permit
* New Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development (2nd Proposal)
* Bylaw of Month - Dog Regulations
View the full Agenda here
Williams Lake - Meetings as noted below:
Committee of the Whole Session (2018 Budget) - Monday, March 5th from 1-4pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart Street). Agenda can be viewed here
Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, March 6th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street). On the Agenda:
* Delegations (2) -- Derek Godin, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre re Request to Install R.C. (Remote Control) Race Track in Boitano Park & Jeff Pelley, RCMP Inspector/Detachment Commander re Police Commission Year-End Report & New Strategic Plan
* 3 Permits for Approval -- 1 Temporary Permit, ! Development Variance Permit and 1 Development Permit
* 2 Committee of the Whole recommendations pertaining to Wildfires
* In-Camera Resolution to be reported -- Land Disposition/Rona Properties (GRB Holdings Ltd.) - 298 Proctor Street
View the full Agenda here
Finally - next week, there will be re-playing of the Era of Mega-Fires as follows:
100 Mile House
Tuesday, March 6 at 7 PM
100 Mile House Community Hall (265 Birch Avenue)
Williams Lake
Wednesday, March 7 at 7 PM
Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Regional Complex (525 Proctor Street)
Quesnel
Thursday, March 8th at 7 PM
Quesnel Seniors Centre, 461 Carson Avenue
Description of Era of Mega-Fires:
The Era of Mega Fires is a 90-minute live presentation featuring Dr. Paul Hessburg, a research landscape ecologist with Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station. In this live presentation, Hessburg explains that over the past decade, the number of large, severe wildfires has been on the rise. These megafires are wildfires that burn more than 100,000 acres; they can destroy or severely damage human communities, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. This special presentation conveys the conditions that lead to megafires and how they might be managed or mitigated.
“A future without wildfire isn’t an option,” Hessburg says. “So, what kind of future do we want for our forests? The goal of this project is to share a vocabulary and increase the understanding and ability of ordinary citizens so that they can enter into local discussions and planning for a more certain future for public forest lands."
Dr Hessburg will be present at both sessions (100 Mile House/Williams Lake)
CRD Board Highlights - March 2nd mtg
Present: Vice-Chair J. Massier; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, A. Richmond, D. Cash, R. William, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, B. Kuch, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and Alternate Directors J. Darney (Electoral Area 'F') and R. Cash (Electoral Area I)
Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the CRD Board meeting held February 16th adopted
Delegations Memorandum of Business (MOB) received and at the request of Director Forseth, the delegation pertaining to CN Rail was removed from the Delegations MOB
Late Item -- Resolved, The Board gave 3rd Reading/Adoption to Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw #5120, 2017 (Area A - Dougherty)
Business:
1) The Board received the January 2018 Municipalities and Cariboo Regional District Building Statistics Reports
2) The Board received an memorandum from the Manager of Development Services in regards to Additional Regulations for Secondary Suites, endorsed the 3 recommendations contained within it and directed Staff to report back at the March 23rd Board meeting
3) The Board endorsed two NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust) applications, as per Board Policy, as follows:
a) Nimpo Lake Community Trail System
b) Barkerville - Underground Mining Interpretation Project
4) The Board received Grant for Assistance applications (Year Round Intake) as follows:
a) Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council - $1,000 from Areas I/J/K
b) Tatla Lake Elementary Junior Secondary School - $800 from Area J
c) Alexis Creek Community Club - $1,000 from Area K
d) Chilcotin Rod and Gun Club - $1,000 from Area E/K
5) The Board approved changes to the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Building Inspection Service by increasing tax requisition by an additional $10,000 in 2018 to fund changes to the service delivery model for the function and the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Building Inspection Service be changed accordingly and a letter be forwarded to the Province in regards to lack of Building Inspectors
6) The Board approved changes to the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Planning Services Function by increasing tax requisition by an additional $122,000 to fund an additional position in the Planning Department and the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Function be changed accordingly
7) The Board approved submission of an 2018 North Central Local Government Association Resolution pertaining to Regional District By-Elections held in the year of a local general election as follows:
WHEREAS under the Local Government Act, municipalities are not required to conduct a by-election if a vacancy occurs after January 1st in a general election year;
AND WHEREAS under the Local Government Act, regional districts are required to conduct a by-election unless a vacancy occurs after June 1st in a general election year, which is expensive and unnecessary for such a short period of time:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to amend the Local Government Act to enable regional districts to decide whether they wish to conduct a by-election if a vacancy occurs after January 1st in a general election year.
Meeting recessed at 10:48am
Meeting resumed at 10:57am
8) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of March 2nd, 2018
9) The Board received NCLGA/FCM/UBCM Member Items, as follows:
a) Village of Chase - Copy of Letter to Minister of Public Safety - Revenue from Cannabis Sales
b) Town of Oliver - Copy of Letter to Premier Horgan - Alberta-BC Trade War
c) Village of Chase - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels
d) District of Sicamous - Cannabis Sales Revenue Sharing
e) District of North Saanich - Resolution re Marihuana Addiction Treatment, Prevention and Education
f) City of Enderby - Revenue Sales from Cannabis
g) Township of Spallumcheen - Copy of letter to City of Courtenay - 2018 Resolution/Asset Management
10) The Board received the following minutes from its Committees/Commissions, as follows:
a) North Cariboo Joint Planning and School District #28 Joint Minutes - June 14, 2017
b) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - October 25, 2017
c) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - February 13, 2018
d) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - February 13, 2018
e) Special Meeting, Committee of the Whole - February 15, 2018
11) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees/Commissions as follows:
a) North Cariboo Appointments (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
b) Proposed North Cariboo Agricultural Development Advisory Committee (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
Board divided. Approved by the following vote:
Affirmative - Vice-Chair Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Neufeld, Richmond, William, Anderson, Coakley, Kuch, Simpson, Cobb, Campsall and Alternate Directors Darney/Cash
Negative - Director S. Forseth (Area D)
c) Funding Options for Quesnel Amateur Radio Operators (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
d) Request for Funding - Paramill for the Arts and Recreation Centre (North Cariboo Joint Committee - February 13th, 2018)
e) Think Tank Session on the Future of Forestry (North Cariboo Joint Committee - February 13th, 2018)
f) Cariboo Strong Program - (Special Committee of Whole Board Meeting - February 15th, 2018)
g) Communications regarding Planning Applications and Issues - (Special Committee of Whole Board Meeting - February 15th, 2018)
12) The Board agreed to adopt West Fraser Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5131, 2018
13) At the request of Director Richmond (Area G) - the Board agreed to authorize funding from the Area 'G' Director Initiative Fund up to $3,500 for him to attend the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Halifax, NS from May 31st to June 3rd, 2018
14) The Board received the report of Chair M. Wagner as of February 25th, 2018
Directors' reported on activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality
The Board then convened an In-Camera Meeting under the provisions of Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter and after some time, adjourned its' meeting
Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the CRD Board meeting held February 16th adopted
Delegations Memorandum of Business (MOB) received and at the request of Director Forseth, the delegation pertaining to CN Rail was removed from the Delegations MOB
Late Item -- Resolved, The Board gave 3rd Reading/Adoption to Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw #5120, 2017 (Area A - Dougherty)
Business:
1) The Board received the January 2018 Municipalities and Cariboo Regional District Building Statistics Reports
2) The Board received an memorandum from the Manager of Development Services in regards to Additional Regulations for Secondary Suites, endorsed the 3 recommendations contained within it and directed Staff to report back at the March 23rd Board meeting
3) The Board endorsed two NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust) applications, as per Board Policy, as follows:
a) Nimpo Lake Community Trail System
b) Barkerville - Underground Mining Interpretation Project
4) The Board received Grant for Assistance applications (Year Round Intake) as follows:
a) Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council - $1,000 from Areas I/J/K
b) Tatla Lake Elementary Junior Secondary School - $800 from Area J
c) Alexis Creek Community Club - $1,000 from Area K
d) Chilcotin Rod and Gun Club - $1,000 from Area E/K
5) The Board approved changes to the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Building Inspection Service by increasing tax requisition by an additional $10,000 in 2018 to fund changes to the service delivery model for the function and the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Building Inspection Service be changed accordingly and a letter be forwarded to the Province in regards to lack of Building Inspectors
6) The Board approved changes to the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Planning Services Function by increasing tax requisition by an additional $122,000 to fund an additional position in the Planning Department and the 2018 Business/Financial Plans for the Function be changed accordingly
7) The Board approved submission of an 2018 North Central Local Government Association Resolution pertaining to Regional District By-Elections held in the year of a local general election as follows:
WHEREAS under the Local Government Act, municipalities are not required to conduct a by-election if a vacancy occurs after January 1st in a general election year;
AND WHEREAS under the Local Government Act, regional districts are required to conduct a by-election unless a vacancy occurs after June 1st in a general election year, which is expensive and unnecessary for such a short period of time:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to amend the Local Government Act to enable regional districts to decide whether they wish to conduct a by-election if a vacancy occurs after January 1st in a general election year.
Meeting recessed at 10:48am
Meeting resumed at 10:57am
8) The Board received the Consent Calendar, as of March 2nd, 2018
9) The Board received NCLGA/FCM/UBCM Member Items, as follows:
a) Village of Chase - Copy of Letter to Minister of Public Safety - Revenue from Cannabis Sales
b) Town of Oliver - Copy of Letter to Premier Horgan - Alberta-BC Trade War
c) Village of Chase - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels
d) District of Sicamous - Cannabis Sales Revenue Sharing
e) District of North Saanich - Resolution re Marihuana Addiction Treatment, Prevention and Education
f) City of Enderby - Revenue Sales from Cannabis
g) Township of Spallumcheen - Copy of letter to City of Courtenay - 2018 Resolution/Asset Management
10) The Board received the following minutes from its Committees/Commissions, as follows:
a) North Cariboo Joint Planning and School District #28 Joint Minutes - June 14, 2017
b) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - October 25, 2017
c) North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Minutes - February 13, 2018
d) North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Minutes - February 13, 2018
e) Special Meeting, Committee of the Whole - February 15, 2018
11) The Board endorsed recommendations from its' Committees/Commissions as follows:
a) North Cariboo Appointments (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
b) Proposed North Cariboo Agricultural Development Advisory Committee (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
Board divided. Approved by the following vote:
Affirmative - Vice-Chair Massier; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Neufeld, Richmond, William, Anderson, Coakley, Kuch, Simpson, Cobb, Campsall and Alternate Directors Darney/Cash
Negative - Director S. Forseth (Area D)
c) Funding Options for Quesnel Amateur Radio Operators (North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting - February 13th, 2018)
d) Request for Funding - Paramill for the Arts and Recreation Centre (North Cariboo Joint Committee - February 13th, 2018)
e) Think Tank Session on the Future of Forestry (North Cariboo Joint Committee - February 13th, 2018)
f) Cariboo Strong Program - (Special Committee of Whole Board Meeting - February 15th, 2018)
g) Communications regarding Planning Applications and Issues - (Special Committee of Whole Board Meeting - February 15th, 2018)
12) The Board agreed to adopt West Fraser Fire Protection Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5131, 2018
13) At the request of Director Richmond (Area G) - the Board agreed to authorize funding from the Area 'G' Director Initiative Fund up to $3,500 for him to attend the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Halifax, NS from May 31st to June 3rd, 2018
14) The Board received the report of Chair M. Wagner as of February 25th, 2018
Directors' reported on activities in their Electoral Area or Municipality
The Board then convened an In-Camera Meeting under the provisions of Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter and after some time, adjourned its' meeting
CCRHD Board Highlights - March 2nd mtg
Present: Chair B. Simpson; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, M. Neufeld, A. Richmond, D. Cash, R. William, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, B. Kuch, W. Cobb, M. Campsall, S. Watson and Alternate Directors J. Darney (Electoral Area 'F') and R. Cash (Area I)
Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the CCRHD Board meeting held February 16th, 2018 adopted
Business:
1) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar
2) The Board received the Interior Health Authority's Capital Projects and Planning Status Report for January 2018
3) The Board received a Vancouver Sun article entitled "Metro Exempt from Hospital Capital" and a letter be forwarded to BC's Health Minister and copies to Northern/Interior Health regarding cost sharing principle of 40/60 (RHD/Province) for hospital capital
4) The Board received the minutes of the special CCRHD Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 15th and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting, as follows:
a) Capital Planning Processes with Interior/Northern Health Authorities
b) Review of CCRHD Recruitment/Retention Policy
c) Funding Request from Northern Health - Building Integrity Projects
Meeting Agenda adopted/Minutes of the CCRHD Board meeting held February 16th, 2018 adopted
Business:
1) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar
2) The Board received the Interior Health Authority's Capital Projects and Planning Status Report for January 2018
3) The Board received a Vancouver Sun article entitled "Metro Exempt from Hospital Capital" and a letter be forwarded to BC's Health Minister and copies to Northern/Interior Health regarding cost sharing principle of 40/60 (RHD/Province) for hospital capital
4) The Board received the minutes of the special CCRHD Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 15th and endorsed 3 recommendations from that meeting, as follows:
a) Capital Planning Processes with Interior/Northern Health Authorities
b) Review of CCRHD Recruitment/Retention Policy
c) Funding Request from Northern Health - Building Integrity Projects
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