Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
Williams Lake has had its participation in a new pilot program for rural entrepreneur immigration confirmed today.
“This pilot program is a good opportunity for Williams Lake to raise its profile as an attractive place to relocate and start a business venture,” says Beth Veenkamp, Economic Development Officer for the City of Williams Lake. “The purpose of the program is to spread the benefits of Canada’s immigration programs into regional communities; typically this kind of investment goes into large cities.”
Part of the process will be to highlight what a great community Williams Lake is and demonstrate the market that exists here for small businesses to flourish. This will be done by hosted exploratory visits to the city that will look at the community as a whole including education options, health services and recreation. “The goal of our participation is to find entrepreneurs who really want to come to Williams Lake and build a life here. The City of Williams Lake will have the opportunity to endorse the proposed business by providing a referral letter to the Province when they file their application. This will give us the opportunity to meet with people and have open discussions about the community and, hopefully, ensure that we are attracting people who will genuinely want to be here.”
Mayor Walt Cobb says this is one of the initiatives being undertaken by the Economic Development department to achieve the goals set in the Economic Development Strategy. “One of the priorities coming from that strategy is increasing the quality of life and livability of Williams Lake so that people want to stay in the community. This program will be one of the initiatives that we will be using over the next two years to see more businesses open, which in turn gives our residents more choices and options.”
The program is set to run for two years and will be managed by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, where the existing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will still run concurrently. The Regional Pilot will include incentives such as a lower investment threshold and personal net worth in order to apply. The program is only for start-up businesses, although people wishing to purchase an existing business are encouraged to apply through the regular PNP Program.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Tsilhqot’in National Government building largest First Nations solar farm
Courtesy of the Government of BC:
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is moving ahead with the redevelopment of an industrial site into a solar farm, supported by a $300,000 equity investment from the Province.
Funding is provided through B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), which supports Indigenous communities in their efforts to pursue clean-energy projects. The FNCEBF supports CleanBC, the Province’s plan to build a cleaner future that creates opportunities for all British Columbians, while protecting B.C.’s clean air, land and water.
TNG is developing a 1.25-megawatt-peak-solar photovoltaic project on a former sawmill site. When complete, it will be the first and largest solar farm fully built, owned and operated by a First Nation in B.C.
Construction started in October 2018 and is expected to be complete by summer 2019.
The 2018 First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund also provided funds to six other First Nations to prioritize clean-energy equity projects in their communities. A total of $1.94 million in additional funding was granted to:
Dzawada’enuxw First Nation – $500,000 to create a hydropower project to reduce its reliance on diesel power generation;
Ehattesaht First Nation – $500,000 to purchase equity in a run-of-river hydroelectricity plant, enabling the Nation to purchase additional units and reduce debt;
West Moberly Frist Nation – $150,000 to help fund a biomass conversion project to heat the Twin Sister Native Plants Nursery;
Westbank First Nation – $150,000 to build a rooftop solar farm to demonstrate the viability of clean energy;
Homalco First Nation – $140,000 to implement a community energy plan that will introduce efficiency upgrades to homes and community buildings; and
The FNCEBF also provided a combined $250,000 in funding to seven B.C. First Nations to support clean-energy strategy and planning.
Applications for the next First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund intake will be accepted until the end of May 2019.
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tsilhqot'in National Government Tribal Chairman 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.”
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is moving ahead with the redevelopment of an industrial site into a solar farm, supported by a $300,000 equity investment from the Province.
Funding is provided through B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), which supports Indigenous communities in their efforts to pursue clean-energy projects. The FNCEBF supports CleanBC, the Province’s plan to build a cleaner future that creates opportunities for all British Columbians, while protecting B.C.’s clean air, land and water.
TNG is developing a 1.25-megawatt-peak-solar photovoltaic project on a former sawmill site. When complete, it will be the first and largest solar farm fully built, owned and operated by a First Nation in B.C.
Construction started in October 2018 and is expected to be complete by summer 2019.
The 2018 First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund also provided funds to six other First Nations to prioritize clean-energy equity projects in their communities. A total of $1.94 million in additional funding was granted to:
Dzawada’enuxw First Nation – $500,000 to create a hydropower project to reduce its reliance on diesel power generation;
Ehattesaht First Nation – $500,000 to purchase equity in a run-of-river hydroelectricity plant, enabling the Nation to purchase additional units and reduce debt;
West Moberly Frist Nation – $150,000 to help fund a biomass conversion project to heat the Twin Sister Native Plants Nursery;
Westbank First Nation – $150,000 to build a rooftop solar farm to demonstrate the viability of clean energy;
Homalco First Nation – $140,000 to implement a community energy plan that will introduce efficiency upgrades to homes and community buildings; and
The FNCEBF also provided a combined $250,000 in funding to seven B.C. First Nations to support clean-energy strategy and planning.
Applications for the next First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund intake will be accepted until the end of May 2019.
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tsilhqot'in National Government Tribal Chairman 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.”
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
It’s time to think about spring emergency preparedness
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
|
Making Quesnel Safer
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
Quesnel is a very safe place in which to live. This bears repeating: Quesnel is a safe community to live in, to raise a family in, and to grow old in.
However, over the past two years the incidences of property crime, particularly thefts from vehicles, have increased dramatically and Quesnel’s calls for service from the RCMP are among the highest in the province on a per officer basis.
Despite social media claims to the contrary, however, Quesnel has not gone “downhill” from some bygone time when we experienced little or no crime, nor is our community struggling with anything that’s different from any other community our size or larger. As a result of systemic poverty,
increasing homelessness, the opioid crisis and other mental health and substance abuse related issues, property crime, panhandling, squatting, and public consumption of drugs is on the rise everywhere.
Over two years ago, Quesnel City Council created a new Standing Committee, our Public Safety and Policing Committee (PSP), to examine these issues, explore best practices, and present Council with options to address them. Our PSP Committee has worked with stakeholders and retained the assistance of an expert in policing and bylaw to help us develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the emergent public safety issues that can make our community feel less safe than it actually is.
One of the key principles underlying our approach to making Quesnel safer is that we must avoid merely displacing issues from one part of town to another and we must make every effort to develop partnerships to address the root causes of the public safety issues we’re trying to resolve. Displacing the problem or neglecting the root causes of the problems will not result in any lasting remedies.
To this end, Council has played an active role in our Community Caring for People with Addictions (CCPA) roundtable initiative designed to improve the suite of services our community provides to people with mental health and addictions issues. This initiative is now in the implementation stages and has a coordinator and peer worker support to ensure the strategy actually addresses the street issues we’re seeing.
Council, in partnership with the Cariboo Regional District, is also embarking on a new housing initiative that will create an updated housing needs assessment for the entire North Cariboo and a strategy for everything from shelter and social housing to market housing. Staff will also be bringing proposed bylaws to Council to assist us to more quickly deal with problem properties, including drug houses, and improve the overall quality and safety of rental properties in our community.
Our growing partnerships with First Nations, the School District, and Northern Health will also help us to address some of the systemic issues in a preventative way that will hopefully, over time, break the cycle of abuse and poverty which creates the circumstances that can lead to the property crime and street-related public safety issues we need to address (i.e. squatting, panhandling, petty property crime, etc.).
While we work on these longer-term strategies, however, Council is very aware that we need to take steps now to address the rise in property crime we’re experiencing while attempting to resolve some of the emerging public safety issues in our community. Along with adding more police and bylaw resources in the 2019 budget, Council has also received and committed to a consultant’s report that will see us deploy these resources effectively and initiate a new program, “Safer Quesnel,” designed to immediately address our current public safety concerns.
Everyone has a role to play in making Quesnel even safer, please stay tuned as we embark on this new initiative and be prepared to play your part.
Read the Safer Quesnel Report here
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
Quesnel is a very safe place in which to live. This bears repeating: Quesnel is a safe community to live in, to raise a family in, and to grow old in.
However, over the past two years the incidences of property crime, particularly thefts from vehicles, have increased dramatically and Quesnel’s calls for service from the RCMP are among the highest in the province on a per officer basis.
Despite social media claims to the contrary, however, Quesnel has not gone “downhill” from some bygone time when we experienced little or no crime, nor is our community struggling with anything that’s different from any other community our size or larger. As a result of systemic poverty,
increasing homelessness, the opioid crisis and other mental health and substance abuse related issues, property crime, panhandling, squatting, and public consumption of drugs is on the rise everywhere.
Over two years ago, Quesnel City Council created a new Standing Committee, our Public Safety and Policing Committee (PSP), to examine these issues, explore best practices, and present Council with options to address them. Our PSP Committee has worked with stakeholders and retained the assistance of an expert in policing and bylaw to help us develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the emergent public safety issues that can make our community feel less safe than it actually is.
One of the key principles underlying our approach to making Quesnel safer is that we must avoid merely displacing issues from one part of town to another and we must make every effort to develop partnerships to address the root causes of the public safety issues we’re trying to resolve. Displacing the problem or neglecting the root causes of the problems will not result in any lasting remedies.
To this end, Council has played an active role in our Community Caring for People with Addictions (CCPA) roundtable initiative designed to improve the suite of services our community provides to people with mental health and addictions issues. This initiative is now in the implementation stages and has a coordinator and peer worker support to ensure the strategy actually addresses the street issues we’re seeing.
Council, in partnership with the Cariboo Regional District, is also embarking on a new housing initiative that will create an updated housing needs assessment for the entire North Cariboo and a strategy for everything from shelter and social housing to market housing. Staff will also be bringing proposed bylaws to Council to assist us to more quickly deal with problem properties, including drug houses, and improve the overall quality and safety of rental properties in our community.
Our growing partnerships with First Nations, the School District, and Northern Health will also help us to address some of the systemic issues in a preventative way that will hopefully, over time, break the cycle of abuse and poverty which creates the circumstances that can lead to the property crime and street-related public safety issues we need to address (i.e. squatting, panhandling, petty property crime, etc.).
While we work on these longer-term strategies, however, Council is very aware that we need to take steps now to address the rise in property crime we’re experiencing while attempting to resolve some of the emerging public safety issues in our community. Along with adding more police and bylaw resources in the 2019 budget, Council has also received and committed to a consultant’s report that will see us deploy these resources effectively and initiate a new program, “Safer Quesnel,” designed to immediately address our current public safety concerns.
Everyone has a role to play in making Quesnel even safer, please stay tuned as we embark on this new initiative and be prepared to play your part.
Read the Safer Quesnel Report here
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Public Open House on Williams Lake Water Management Strategy
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
TAKE NOTICE that the City of Williams Lake on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, is holding an Open House/ Information Session in the Gibraltar Room at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex located at 525 Proctor Street to present findings and recommendations of the Williams Lake Water Management Strategy.
Focusing on sustainable operations, the strategy addresses future water demands, supply options and costs, water quality expectations, and financial implications. A phased approach to investments will enable the City to meet its obligations and maximize potential for senior government infrastructure funding.
Members of the public are invited to attend the open house to review the findings and recommendations of the Water Management Strategy. Representatives from City Public Works and Development Services, from Interior Health Authority, and from the consulting engineers, Urban Systems Ltd will be available to provide information, receive comments, and respond to inquiries from public.
Brief presentations are scheduled from 6:30 to 7:00 pm.
Summary reports of the Water Management Strategy are available now for viewing here
TAKE NOTICE that the City of Williams Lake on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, is holding an Open House/ Information Session in the Gibraltar Room at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex located at 525 Proctor Street to present findings and recommendations of the Williams Lake Water Management Strategy.
Focusing on sustainable operations, the strategy addresses future water demands, supply options and costs, water quality expectations, and financial implications. A phased approach to investments will enable the City to meet its obligations and maximize potential for senior government infrastructure funding.
Members of the public are invited to attend the open house to review the findings and recommendations of the Water Management Strategy. Representatives from City Public Works and Development Services, from Interior Health Authority, and from the consulting engineers, Urban Systems Ltd will be available to provide information, receive comments, and respond to inquiries from public.
Brief presentations are scheduled from 6:30 to 7:00 pm.
Summary reports of the Water Management Strategy are available now for viewing here
Editorial: Proposed changes to the Ag Land Commission Act causes debate
Editorial:
Last week -- BC's Agriculture Minister, the Hon. Lana Popham, introduced Bill 15 entitled Agriculture Land Commission Amendment Act, 2019 - you can read the contents of Bill 15 here
Since then - BC Liberals MLA's like Mike Bernier/Dan Davies (Peace River North/South) and Mike De Jong have all decried Bill 19 with Mike De Jong, himself a farmer, taking a shot at local governments' by saying to Black Press's Tom Fletcher:
The local government can submit an application “if they want,” he said. “If they’re not too busy. When they get around to it. There’s no incentive.”
Fletcher's full article - click here
Meanwhile - Jordan Bateman, a former 2 term Langley Township Councillor weighed on the changes here
Finally -- Minister Popham defended the changes in an op-ed which you can read here
It's not surprising to hear opposition from BC Liberals on the proposed changes to the Agriculture Land Commission Act. They have felt the need to have "flexibility" for land in the ALR for many years going back to the days of Bill Bennett/Pat Pimm (2014) - click here
Many of the changes are either administrative in nature or bring into line what has been practiced under "unwritten rules" for years... Given local government land use bylaws (OCP's) in the creation stage involving the ALR can not proceed without approval of the Agriculture Land Commission -- there is sense in ensuring that ALR Exclusion or Non Farm use applications are collaborative in nature (local government land use rules/ALR Rules) before submitting them formally to the Agriculture Land Commission for consideration and there is power in having the local government and the Agriculture Land Commission collaborate on land use "together", especially on the question of Agriculture Land Reserve land...
As an Electoral Area Director whose Electoral Area has ALR land within it, I take strong exception to the suggestion of MLA De Jong that somehow local governments will stall on ALR applications, if a local government takes the stance of servant leadership - then they will consider it when it arrives & give it the appropriate due diligence and not "when we get to it" as MLA De Jong suggests... but I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the court of public opinion in the next number of weeks!
~SF
Editor's Note -- this opinion piece is my own and not representative of my elected position as Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director....
Last week -- BC's Agriculture Minister, the Hon. Lana Popham, introduced Bill 15 entitled Agriculture Land Commission Amendment Act, 2019 - you can read the contents of Bill 15 here
Since then - BC Liberals MLA's like Mike Bernier/Dan Davies (Peace River North/South) and Mike De Jong have all decried Bill 19 with Mike De Jong, himself a farmer, taking a shot at local governments' by saying to Black Press's Tom Fletcher:
The local government can submit an application “if they want,” he said. “If they’re not too busy. When they get around to it. There’s no incentive.”
Fletcher's full article - click here
Meanwhile - Jordan Bateman, a former 2 term Langley Township Councillor weighed on the changes here
Finally -- Minister Popham defended the changes in an op-ed which you can read here
It's not surprising to hear opposition from BC Liberals on the proposed changes to the Agriculture Land Commission Act. They have felt the need to have "flexibility" for land in the ALR for many years going back to the days of Bill Bennett/Pat Pimm (2014) - click here
Many of the changes are either administrative in nature or bring into line what has been practiced under "unwritten rules" for years... Given local government land use bylaws (OCP's) in the creation stage involving the ALR can not proceed without approval of the Agriculture Land Commission -- there is sense in ensuring that ALR Exclusion or Non Farm use applications are collaborative in nature (local government land use rules/ALR Rules) before submitting them formally to the Agriculture Land Commission for consideration and there is power in having the local government and the Agriculture Land Commission collaborate on land use "together", especially on the question of Agriculture Land Reserve land...
As an Electoral Area Director whose Electoral Area has ALR land within it, I take strong exception to the suggestion of MLA De Jong that somehow local governments will stall on ALR applications, if a local government takes the stance of servant leadership - then they will consider it when it arrives & give it the appropriate due diligence and not "when we get to it" as MLA De Jong suggests... but I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the court of public opinion in the next number of weeks!
~SF
Editor's Note -- this opinion piece is my own and not representative of my elected position as Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director....
Monday, March 11, 2019
Smoke from pile burns to be visible in Horse Lake area
Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:
The BC Wildfire Service is planning to conduct a series of controlled open burns north of Horse Lake to reduce wildfire threats around the Imperial Ranchettes neighbourhood and in the 100 Mile House Community Forest.
Trained fire crews will begin burning piles of woody debris at the end of Gray Road on Monday, March 11 and will continue periodically until about June 30, 2019.
This pile burning will only proceed if weather conditions are favourable. Wind speed, wind direction, venting and site conditions will all be considered prior to ignition to help prevent smoke accumulating in the community.
Burning these piles is part of an ongoing fuel management project under the direction of the BC Wildfire Service. The primary goal is to reduce wildfire risks through the prescribed thinning or spacing of trees and the removal of surface fuels that could burn in the event of a wildfire.
Wood debris and forest fuels collected during this thinning process must be disposed of responsibly and safely. This is typically done by burning the material in piles no larger than two metres by three metres. The piles will be burned in groups of two to four piles at a time and will be strategically placed to minimize impacts on neighbouring trees.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
* Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
The BC Wildfire Service is planning to conduct a series of controlled open burns north of Horse Lake to reduce wildfire threats around the Imperial Ranchettes neighbourhood and in the 100 Mile House Community Forest.
Trained fire crews will begin burning piles of woody debris at the end of Gray Road on Monday, March 11 and will continue periodically until about June 30, 2019.
This pile burning will only proceed if weather conditions are favourable. Wind speed, wind direction, venting and site conditions will all be considered prior to ignition to help prevent smoke accumulating in the community.
Burning these piles is part of an ongoing fuel management project under the direction of the BC Wildfire Service. The primary goal is to reduce wildfire risks through the prescribed thinning or spacing of trees and the removal of surface fuels that could burn in the event of a wildfire.
Wood debris and forest fuels collected during this thinning process must be disposed of responsibly and safely. This is typically done by burning the material in piles no larger than two metres by three metres. The piles will be burned in groups of two to four piles at a time and will be strategically placed to minimize impacts on neighbouring trees.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
* Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Single Measles case confirmed in 100 Mile House
Courtesy of Interior Health:
Editor's Note -- Interior Health has now scheduled measles immunization clinics in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake this upcoming week (March 11-15) to ensure your measles immunization is up to date -- click here
A case of measles infection has been confirmed in the Interior Health region, in 100 Mile House.
Interior Health medical health officers have determined that this infection was likely acquired outside of the province and is not linked to cases on the B.C. coast. This is the only confirmed measles case in Interior Health at this time.
Interior Health is following up with individuals who have been in contact with the patient to determine immunization status and, if necessary, offering the post-exposure protection. The risk to the broader public is considered low.
If you were at any of the following locations during these times you may have been exposed to measles and could be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis:
• Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 – Tim Hortons, 100 Mile House, 4-6:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 1, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 7-11 p.m.
• Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Market and Canco, Lone Butte, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Regional Library, Lone Butte, 5:30-8:15 p.m.
• Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Smitty’s Restaurant, 100 Mile House, 2:30-6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 4:15-7:30 p.m.
Please call 1-855-549-6364 to speak with a public health nurse who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and arrange for post-exposure prophylaxis if eligible.
Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days.
Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms. This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to prevent other people from potential exposure.
If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to measles but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.
Protect yourself and your family
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre. Your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available.
Editor's Note -- Interior Health has now scheduled measles immunization clinics in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake this upcoming week (March 11-15) to ensure your measles immunization is up to date -- click here
A case of measles infection has been confirmed in the Interior Health region, in 100 Mile House.
Interior Health medical health officers have determined that this infection was likely acquired outside of the province and is not linked to cases on the B.C. coast. This is the only confirmed measles case in Interior Health at this time.
Interior Health is following up with individuals who have been in contact with the patient to determine immunization status and, if necessary, offering the post-exposure protection. The risk to the broader public is considered low.
If you were at any of the following locations during these times you may have been exposed to measles and could be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis:
• Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 – Tim Hortons, 100 Mile House, 4-6:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 1, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 7-11 p.m.
• Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Market and Canco, Lone Butte, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Regional Library, Lone Butte, 5:30-8:15 p.m.
• Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Smitty’s Restaurant, 100 Mile House, 2:30-6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 4:15-7:30 p.m.
Please call 1-855-549-6364 to speak with a public health nurse who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and arrange for post-exposure prophylaxis if eligible.
Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days.
Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms. This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to prevent other people from potential exposure.
If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to measles but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.
Protect yourself and your family
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre. Your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 11-15
This upcoming week -- the following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting, as follows:
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* District of Wells 2019 Proposed Budget -- extend public input period to March 22nd
* Letter to Mayor and Council regarding the 2019 Wells Reunion from Leanne Davies
* In-Camera Session -- Section 90(1a,c,d,j,l,m,n) of the Community Charter covering appointment, labour, security of property of municipality, information prohibited from public disclosure, preparation of annual report, matter under another enactment requires the meeting be closed to the public and the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under Section 90(1a or 1b) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Road, Quesnel). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street). On the Agenda:
* Amendment to Council Policy No. 84 re Airport Surplus
* Councillor Craig Smith's Travel to BC Transit Workshop in Kamloops, BC
* Poll of Council - NCLGA Resolution Submission re Crime Statistics Reporting
* City Contribution to 2019 Indoor Rodeo
* 4 Recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole session for consideration of endorsement
View the full Agenda here
At 7pm at WL Council Chambers -- there is a Public Hearing in respect of Bylaw No. 2300 - Fox Mountain Brewing Company Ltd (215 Donald Rd). You can view the full Public Hearing Agenda here
100 Mile House - Meetings as listed below, all in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue) on Tuesday, March 12th
6:00 pm -- Public Consultation Meeting on 2019 Budget - Agenda here
6:30 pm -- Public Hearing on Bylaws #1342/1343, 2019 - Agenda here
7pm - Regular Council Meeting. On the Agenda:
* By-law Officer's Report for Feb 2019
* Communities in Bloom Request
* DVP application - Husky
* Various Bylaws for 2nd/3rd Readings, 3rd Reading or Adoption
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus/Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel). On the Agenda:
* Delegation -- Caroline Mitchell and Barb Van Hauldren, from the Skyfest Society, will be in attendance to discuss marketing plans for Skyfest 2019.
* Back Country Horsemen Grants for Assistance Application
* Discussion Item -- Alternate Director Participation in North Cariboo Joint Committee Meetings
View the full Agenda here
Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue). On the Agenda:
* District of Wells 2019 Proposed Budget -- extend public input period to March 22nd
* Letter to Mayor and Council regarding the 2019 Wells Reunion from Leanne Davies
* In-Camera Session -- Section 90(1a,c,d,j,l,m,n) of the Community Charter covering appointment, labour, security of property of municipality, information prohibited from public disclosure, preparation of annual report, matter under another enactment requires the meeting be closed to the public and the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under Section 90(1a or 1b) of the Community Charter
View the full Agenda here
School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 North Star Road, Quesnel). When available, the Agenda can be viewed here
Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street). On the Agenda:
* Amendment to Council Policy No. 84 re Airport Surplus
* Councillor Craig Smith's Travel to BC Transit Workshop in Kamloops, BC
* Poll of Council - NCLGA Resolution Submission re Crime Statistics Reporting
* City Contribution to 2019 Indoor Rodeo
* 4 Recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole session for consideration of endorsement
View the full Agenda here
At 7pm at WL Council Chambers -- there is a Public Hearing in respect of Bylaw No. 2300 - Fox Mountain Brewing Company Ltd (215 Donald Rd). You can view the full Public Hearing Agenda here
100 Mile House - Meetings as listed below, all in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue) on Tuesday, March 12th
6:00 pm -- Public Consultation Meeting on 2019 Budget - Agenda here
6:30 pm -- Public Hearing on Bylaws #1342/1343, 2019 - Agenda here
7pm - Regular Council Meeting. On the Agenda:
* By-law Officer's Report for Feb 2019
* Communities in Bloom Request
* DVP application - Husky
* Various Bylaws for 2nd/3rd Readings, 3rd Reading or Adoption
View the full Agenda here
Cariboo Regional District - North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus/Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101-410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel). On the Agenda:
* Delegation -- Caroline Mitchell and Barb Van Hauldren, from the Skyfest Society, will be in attendance to discuss marketing plans for Skyfest 2019.
* Back Country Horsemen Grants for Assistance Application
* Discussion Item -- Alternate Director Participation in North Cariboo Joint Committee Meetings
View the full Agenda here
International Women's Day 2019
Today is International Women's Day 2019 - a day whose roots go back to 1911 in Europe -- click here
The global theme for #IWD2019 is #BalanceForBetter - for more details on this year's global theme, click here while here in Canada, this's year theme for #IWD2019 is #InnovateForChange, for more details, click here
Meanwhile -- as a male local elected official, I deeply appreciate my work relationship with my Cariboo Regional District female local elected officials. Right now of the 12 Electoral Areas, 6 of those elected seats are held by women including our Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner who joins a very small class of women who has been Chair of the Cariboo Regional District. I believe with the 50/50 split of the elected positions to the Cariboo Regional District Board, my male colleagues and I are better off, for the other 6 seats held by women including:
* Area A Director Mary Sjostrom
* Area B Director Barb Bachmeier
* Area E Director Angie Delainey
* Area F Acting Director Joan Sorley (but given 2 of the 3 candidates in the March 30th CRD Area F By-Election are women, I strongly believe that this seat will continue to be held by a women)
* Area H Director (and CRD Chair) Margo Wagner
* Area L Director Willow Macdonald
Many of the above female directors' I consider to be close friends and I often seek their advice on political and non-political matters. Also my Area D Alternate Director (Phyllis Webstad) is also a women and I feel blessed that she continues to serve Area D as its' Alternate Director and often seek her advice on matters. In addition, I seek the advice of female elected officials in local government in BC and I appreciate their leadership in their home communities
While we have made "baby steps" in gender parity in the world -- we have much work to do if we want to see true gender parity on a number of fronts including equal women/men representation in our political systems (local, provincial and federal) and in the workplace....
Finally, a statement by the Rt. Hon Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister on International Women's Day 2019:
The global theme for #IWD2019 is #BalanceForBetter - for more details on this year's global theme, click here while here in Canada, this's year theme for #IWD2019 is #InnovateForChange, for more details, click here
Meanwhile -- as a male local elected official, I deeply appreciate my work relationship with my Cariboo Regional District female local elected officials. Right now of the 12 Electoral Areas, 6 of those elected seats are held by women including our Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner who joins a very small class of women who has been Chair of the Cariboo Regional District. I believe with the 50/50 split of the elected positions to the Cariboo Regional District Board, my male colleagues and I are better off, for the other 6 seats held by women including:
* Area A Director Mary Sjostrom
* Area B Director Barb Bachmeier
* Area E Director Angie Delainey
* Area F Acting Director Joan Sorley (but given 2 of the 3 candidates in the March 30th CRD Area F By-Election are women, I strongly believe that this seat will continue to be held by a women)
* Area H Director (and CRD Chair) Margo Wagner
* Area L Director Willow Macdonald
Many of the above female directors' I consider to be close friends and I often seek their advice on political and non-political matters. Also my Area D Alternate Director (Phyllis Webstad) is also a women and I feel blessed that she continues to serve Area D as its' Alternate Director and often seek her advice on matters. In addition, I seek the advice of female elected officials in local government in BC and I appreciate their leadership in their home communities
While we have made "baby steps" in gender parity in the world -- we have much work to do if we want to see true gender parity on a number of fronts including equal women/men representation in our political systems (local, provincial and federal) and in the workplace....
Finally, a statement by the Rt. Hon Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister on International Women's Day 2019:
“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women around the world: their achievements, their contributions, and their leadership. We also take a hard look at the inequalities and injustices women still face – and redouble our efforts to build a gender-equal world.
“This year’s theme, #InnovateForChange, is a call to remove barriers to women’s success as entrepreneurs, as tradespeople, and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). When women have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the careers of their choice, everyone benefits.
“We have seen major progress in the last few years, as more and more women are entering under-represented fields and being recognized for their work. Last October, Canadian physicist Dr. Donna Strickland was a winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics – becoming only the third woman in history to win the prestigious award, and the first woman in 55 years. By breaking glass ceilings, trailblazers like Dr. Strickland pave the way for others to follow suit, and help empower more women and girls to pursue their highest ambitions.
“Advancing gender equality is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Last year, for the first time in Canada’s history, we put gender equality at the core of the federal budget and provided important new funding for women entrepreneurs, newcomer women, and women in trades. In 2017, we launched the first-ever national Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender Violence. With Budget 2018, we made further investments in the strategy, and also announced important funding for organizations across Canada that are on the frontlines of the movement for gender equality. And last December, we created the new Department for Women and Gender Equality to lead these efforts.
“We are also taking action beyond our borders to promote gender equality and help more women and girls achieve their goals. Canada made gender equality and women’s empowerment the central theme of its G7 presidency, and created the Gender Equality Advisory Council to steer that commitment. Thanks to their leadership, at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Canada and partners announced $3.8 billion to support quality education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations – the single largest investment of its kind. Canada also looks forward to hosting the Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Vancouver this summer, and bringing together global leaders in the fight for gender equality.
“Measures like these are making a concrete difference in the lives of women and girls the world over. But we still have a long way to go to promote the rights of women, girls, transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit people, and make sure everyone has the same support, opportunities, and chance to succeed. That includes addressing the major disparities among women, and breaking down particular barriers still faced by Indigenous women, women of colour, trans women, queer women, women with disabilities, and others. Moving forward means working to make sure everyone’s rights are equally protected, and everyone’s voice is heard.
“Today, let’s celebrate the major achievements of women everywhere, and keep pushing for progress on gender equality. We all benefit when everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive – and we all have a role to play to make that a reality.”
Thursday, March 7, 2019
New legislation will strengthen independence of Agricultural Land Commission
Courtesy of the Government of BC:
Legislation has been introduced to strengthen the independence of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), so it can better fulfill its mandate of preserving the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), while encouraging farming and ranching within British Columbia.
Bill 15, the agricultural land commission amendment act 2019, continues the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to revitalize the ALR, the farmland within B.C. that’s protected for the province’s food security.
“The bill tabled today builds on the work we started over a year ago to better protect farmland and encourage farming and ranching in B.C.,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “We are ensuring the commission has the tools and the governance model required to strengthen its independence and ability to act in the best interest of our farmland within the Agricultural Land Reserve, so that British Columbians are able to access safe, locally grown food for generations to come.”
If passed, the legislation will strengthen ALC governance and independence, and further protect land within the ALR by:
- replacing the current ALC governance model of six panel regions and an executive committee with one commission maintaining regional representation by requiring membership from all six administrative regions;
- providing the chair of the ALC with more flexibility to organize commission members into a decision-making panel on applications when warranted, by topic, technical expertise or by an administrative region;
- adding new decision-making criteria to prioritize the protection and enhancement of the size, integrity and continuity of the land base that the ALC must consider when exercising any power or performing a duty under the ALCA;
- adding more compliance and enforcement capacity and tools, including a new offence for landowners who do not produce records to the ALC when ordered;
- requiring that exclusions be submitted to the ALC only by local governments, First Nations governments or the Province, to encourage these type of applications be done as part of thoughtful land-use planning process.
The legislative changes are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to revitalize the ALR and the ALC. The ALR was established in 1973 to protect land with prime agricultural conditions for farming and ranching. It currently protects approximately 4.6 million hectares of agriculturally suitable land in British Columbia. The ALR is administered by the Agricultural Land Commission, an independent tribunal mandated to preserve agricultural land and encourage farming on agricultural land.
“BC Agriculture Council appreciates working with government on its efforts to revitalize the ALC/ALR,” said Stan Vander Waal, president, BC Agriculture Council. “In order to ensure farmland is protected for current and future food security, while protecting the rights of farmers and ranchers, the ALC’s governance structure must have a decision-making process that is flexible, adaptive and efficient. Overall, the update is a positive step forward. We strongly support local regional input, which is critical given the diversity of agriculture in B.C.”
Quick Facts:
- The ALR includes 46,159 square kilometres of B.C. that are preserved for agricultural use, which is equivalent to less than 5% of B.C.’s total land base.
- Land in the ALR falls into one of seven soil classes, ranging from Class 1 (wide range of crops can be grown without difficulty) to Class 7 (unsuitable for soil-based agriculture or sustained grazing, suitable for barns, greenhouses and processing facilities).
- Currently, 10% of the land in the ALR produces 85% of B.C.'s farm receipts, and 3% of ALR land in the South Coast region produces 65% of the province's farm receipts.
Learn More:
For a news release on legislation to protect farmland, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019AGRI0018-000261
To see a news release on new legislation about "farmland is for farming", visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018AGRI0083-002125
Public Consultation Results for Cariboo RD 2019 Budget
At the March 1st Cariboo Regional District Board Meeting - the Board received the results of the public consultation exercise the Regional District undertook, in respect of its' 2019 Draft Budget. You can view that at:
https://www.cariboord.ca/uploads/4387/2019_Budget_Consultation_Results.pdf
If you still wish to provide the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors' feedback on its' 2019 Draft Budget - you can send an email to mailbox@cariboord.ca. You can view the CRD's 2019 Draft Budget at:
https://www.cariboord.ca/budget
The Cariboo Regional District Board will adopt its' 2019 Budget at its' regular scheduled meeting of Friday, March 22nd, 2019
~SF
https://www.cariboord.ca/uploads/4387/2019_Budget_Consultation_Results.pdf
If you still wish to provide the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors' feedback on its' 2019 Draft Budget - you can send an email to mailbox@cariboord.ca. You can view the CRD's 2019 Draft Budget at:
https://www.cariboord.ca/budget
The Cariboo Regional District Board will adopt its' 2019 Budget at its' regular scheduled meeting of Friday, March 22nd, 2019
~SF
Fire truck replacements scheduled for Kersley, Lone Butte and Forest Grove
Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
Several of the CRD’s volunteer fire department trucks are on their last wheels and due for replacement according to fire insurance requirements. Currently, the CRD is holding alternative approval processes to replace fire engines for the Kersley, Lone Butte and Forest Grove volunteer fire departments.
“Like many local governments across Canada, the CRD is faced with replacing old and aging infrastructure like water lines, sewers and equipment including fire trucks,” says CRD Vice-Chair John Massier.
“We have a lot of fire trucks timing out over the next five years and we have to replace them to keep our fire departments licensed and operating. Including the Interlakes VFD referendum last summer and these three AAPs this spring, we are planning for fourteen fire truck replacements before 2023.”
To lower the impact on taxes, the Regional District is changing how it purchases trucks by moving to ten-year debt financing rather than five-year financing. This model spreads out the purchasing cost, creates the least impact on tax rates and helps the fire department build up savings for future maintenance and truck replacements.
“Major purchases like this can have a significant impact on taxes,” Massier explains. “We are doing our best to keep taxes manageable by moving to a ten-year financing model. We are also saving the taxpayers money by holding an alternative approval process as referendums are quite costly.”
Local governments need residents’ permission to enter into debt financing arrangements longer than five years. To gather that permission, the Regional District has chosen to use an alternative approval process (AAP) to purchase new fire engines for Kersley, Lone Butte and Forest Grove.
“Last summer, we held a referendum to replace two fire trucks for the Interlakes VFD and 98 per cent voted in favour. That has given us the comfort level to use a more cost-effective form of public assent for these fire departments,” states Massier.
“Basically, if you are a qualified elector in the Kersley, Lone Butte or Forest Grove fire protection areas and you are fine with the CRD purchasing a fire truck with 10-year financing, then you do not have to do anything. If you are opposed, you need to submit the official Elector Response Form.”
An AAP is a ‘reverse’ form of public assent where the proposed change will go ahead unless at least 10 per cent of the eligible voters submit a signed Elector Response Form saying they are against the proposal. This means the CRD will purchase the trucks through ten-year financing unless 10 per cent of the residents in the specific fire protection areas object. At that point the proposal would go to a full referendum.
Visit cariboord.ca/firedepartments for the Elector Response Forms and a Frequently Asked Questions document for each AAP. The FAQs outline the impact on taxation for each fire protection area and provide more details on the alternative approval process. Signed Elector Response Forms must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.
Area 'A' Director Mary Sjostrom stated:
“The Kersley Volunteer Fire Department is an invaluable part of our community. I’m pleased this new engine will meet the department’s needs and support them in the selfless work they do as firefighters and first responders.”
Area 'H' Director Margo Wagner commented further:
Having equipment that is up to standard is critical for the work the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department does. Many thanks to all the volunteers that serve and protect our community.”
Finally, Area 'L' Director Willow Macdonald said:
“I am a big fan of the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department and can’t thank them enough for their countless hours of volunteer service. This new engine is a needed replacement for the truck they are using currently.”
Full background on this item can be viewed here
Several of the CRD’s volunteer fire department trucks are on their last wheels and due for replacement according to fire insurance requirements. Currently, the CRD is holding alternative approval processes to replace fire engines for the Kersley, Lone Butte and Forest Grove volunteer fire departments.
“Like many local governments across Canada, the CRD is faced with replacing old and aging infrastructure like water lines, sewers and equipment including fire trucks,” says CRD Vice-Chair John Massier.
“We have a lot of fire trucks timing out over the next five years and we have to replace them to keep our fire departments licensed and operating. Including the Interlakes VFD referendum last summer and these three AAPs this spring, we are planning for fourteen fire truck replacements before 2023.”
To lower the impact on taxes, the Regional District is changing how it purchases trucks by moving to ten-year debt financing rather than five-year financing. This model spreads out the purchasing cost, creates the least impact on tax rates and helps the fire department build up savings for future maintenance and truck replacements.
“Major purchases like this can have a significant impact on taxes,” Massier explains. “We are doing our best to keep taxes manageable by moving to a ten-year financing model. We are also saving the taxpayers money by holding an alternative approval process as referendums are quite costly.”
Local governments need residents’ permission to enter into debt financing arrangements longer than five years. To gather that permission, the Regional District has chosen to use an alternative approval process (AAP) to purchase new fire engines for Kersley, Lone Butte and Forest Grove.
“Last summer, we held a referendum to replace two fire trucks for the Interlakes VFD and 98 per cent voted in favour. That has given us the comfort level to use a more cost-effective form of public assent for these fire departments,” states Massier.
“Basically, if you are a qualified elector in the Kersley, Lone Butte or Forest Grove fire protection areas and you are fine with the CRD purchasing a fire truck with 10-year financing, then you do not have to do anything. If you are opposed, you need to submit the official Elector Response Form.”
An AAP is a ‘reverse’ form of public assent where the proposed change will go ahead unless at least 10 per cent of the eligible voters submit a signed Elector Response Form saying they are against the proposal. This means the CRD will purchase the trucks through ten-year financing unless 10 per cent of the residents in the specific fire protection areas object. At that point the proposal would go to a full referendum.
Visit cariboord.ca/firedepartments for the Elector Response Forms and a Frequently Asked Questions document for each AAP. The FAQs outline the impact on taxation for each fire protection area and provide more details on the alternative approval process. Signed Elector Response Forms must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.
Area 'A' Director Mary Sjostrom stated:
“The Kersley Volunteer Fire Department is an invaluable part of our community. I’m pleased this new engine will meet the department’s needs and support them in the selfless work they do as firefighters and first responders.”
Area 'H' Director Margo Wagner commented further:
Having equipment that is up to standard is critical for the work the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department does. Many thanks to all the volunteers that serve and protect our community.”
Finally, Area 'L' Director Willow Macdonald said:
“I am a big fan of the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department and can’t thank them enough for their countless hours of volunteer service. This new engine is a needed replacement for the truck they are using currently.”
Full background on this item can be viewed here
Safer, more efficient schools for B.C. students
Courtesy of the Government of British Columbia:
Editor's Note -- School District #28 (Quesnel) will be receiving $1.775 Million from this announcement while School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) will be receiving $2.738 million from this announcement
Thousands of British Columbia students will learn and travel to school more safely and comfortably as $206 million flows to school districts for energy upgrades, maintenance projects and new buses.
“For too many years, maintenance projects weren’t funded properly, and now we are providing school districts with increased resources to improve schools for students,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Education. “This funding provides better instructional environments for both teachers and learners to focus more of their energies on student success.”
This year’s funding is a $20.6-million increase from 2016-17. It is broken down into five programs:
School Enhancement Program
Carbon Neutral Capital Program
Bus Acquisition Program
Building Envelope Program
Annual Facility Grant
The School Enhancement Program provides $65 million for 127 school projects throughout the province, including mechanical upgrades and safety improvements.
Through the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, 19 school districts are receiving a combined $5 million for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.
This year’s Bus Acquisition Program provides $13 million for 81 new school buses provincewide, so students can be transported to and from school safely.
The Building Envelope Program supports districts to remediate schools that have experienced water damage. In 2019-20, $8 million is allocated for this work.
In addition to these programs, the $115.5-million Annual Facilities Grant will allow all school districts to undertake additional maintenance projects that promote the continued safe and efficient operation of schools. Funding for this program was increased by government in 2018 by $5 million, the first increase since 2004.
“CUPE's K-12 Presidents Council is pleased that revenues are being targeted for the maintenance and much-needed upgrades to more than 50 school districts around the province. It is also very encouraging to see that safe transportation of students is a priority for this government,” said Warren Williams, president, K-12 Presidents Council. "Students need safe and inclusive learning environments, and this funding is a step in the right direction.”
Many of the projects supported under these programs will benefit school districts through saving money on electricity, natural gas, fuel and ongoing maintenance. Those savings can be reinvested in classrooms to support student learning.
For breakdown by School District - click here
Editor's Note -- School District #28 (Quesnel) will be receiving $1.775 Million from this announcement while School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) will be receiving $2.738 million from this announcement
Thousands of British Columbia students will learn and travel to school more safely and comfortably as $206 million flows to school districts for energy upgrades, maintenance projects and new buses.
“For too many years, maintenance projects weren’t funded properly, and now we are providing school districts with increased resources to improve schools for students,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Education. “This funding provides better instructional environments for both teachers and learners to focus more of their energies on student success.”
This year’s funding is a $20.6-million increase from 2016-17. It is broken down into five programs:
School Enhancement Program
Carbon Neutral Capital Program
Bus Acquisition Program
Building Envelope Program
Annual Facility Grant
The School Enhancement Program provides $65 million for 127 school projects throughout the province, including mechanical upgrades and safety improvements.
Through the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, 19 school districts are receiving a combined $5 million for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.
This year’s Bus Acquisition Program provides $13 million for 81 new school buses provincewide, so students can be transported to and from school safely.
The Building Envelope Program supports districts to remediate schools that have experienced water damage. In 2019-20, $8 million is allocated for this work.
In addition to these programs, the $115.5-million Annual Facilities Grant will allow all school districts to undertake additional maintenance projects that promote the continued safe and efficient operation of schools. Funding for this program was increased by government in 2018 by $5 million, the first increase since 2004.
“CUPE's K-12 Presidents Council is pleased that revenues are being targeted for the maintenance and much-needed upgrades to more than 50 school districts around the province. It is also very encouraging to see that safe transportation of students is a priority for this government,” said Warren Williams, president, K-12 Presidents Council. "Students need safe and inclusive learning environments, and this funding is a step in the right direction.”
Many of the projects supported under these programs will benefit school districts through saving money on electricity, natural gas, fuel and ongoing maintenance. Those savings can be reinvested in classrooms to support student learning.
For breakdown by School District - click here
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Quesnel Council Highlights - March 6th mtg
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
2019 Operating Budget
For 2019, Council has given City staff direction that 2019 will be a maintenance year with no major disruptive capital projects planned. Council intends to use this year to review the City’s financial policies and bring forward a tax framework for the remainder of Council’s term to 2022.
The current draft Operating budget shows a total taxation increase required of 7%. The City Staff Report advises that Council is considering the use of 2018 Surplus (once known) to fund one time supplemental requests of $321,369, which would reduce the total taxation increase to 4.9%. Council’s approach to supplementals is that ongoing supplementals are structural changes that must be built into taxation. One time supplementals are not ongoing and, therefore alternative funding, such as surplus, should be looked at as an option for funding these. A 4.9% tax increase would be an approximate tax increase of $41.29 to the average residence valued at $200,659; or $20.58 per $100,000 residential-assessed value.
The supplementals include the final increase required for the new public works facility. No future tax increases are anticipated for construction of the Public Works Building.
Next steps include:
• Receive final property assessments from BC Assessment, which could change the proposed tax rates denoted above for 2019.
• Review option for the 2018 Budget Surplus
• Set the 2019 Tax Rates, and finalizing the 2019 Tax Rates Bylaw
• Finalize the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw (2019 – 2023) before May 15, 2019.
Elliott Street Supportive Housing Project - Development Permit
Council reviewed, and approved, the Development Permit, with attached Existing Site Plan, Proposed Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Parking Plan, Variance Letter of Rationale, for the proposed 32-unit supportive housing development that would be located on Elliott Street.
Highlights of the Development Permit are:
• Three storey, 644.6 m2 (6938.5 ft2)
• Variances include: parking requirements and front property line setback distance for the entire building frontage
• Conditions include:
o Approval of subdivision
o Approval of final servicing plans
o Enter into a servicing agreement with the City prior to Building permit approval
o Obtaining a landscape bond
o Paving of required off-street parking areas as described in the parking plan.
Council also approved final adoption of the OCP and Zone Amendment Bylaws.
Façade Improvements
Council was provided with an update of the 2018 completed façade improvements to local Quesnel business buildings. The following businesses are the five applicants that completed these façade improvements in 2018:
• Big Country Printers (402 St. Laurent Avenue)
• Tim Hortons (382 Front Street)
• Green Tree and Pharmacy (359 Reid Street)
• Gold City Dental (160 Barlow Avenue)
• The Barber Shop ( 372 Reid Street)
In 2018, the City of Quesnel received $20,000 in grant funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust (“Northern Trust”) Façade Improvement Program (“Program”). The City has received notice from Northern Trust that in 2019 the City will be eligible for further grant funding through this Program.
Quesnel Safer Report and Action Update
In late 2018, the City contracted Randy Churchill Consulting for Municipalities to complete a Safer Community Plan providing recommendations to address crime and disorder, which resulted in the Quesnel Safer Plan. City staff provided Council with an update of crime prevention and disorder actions that been completed and actions that are in progress. The Quesnel Safer Plan recommendations include:
• Create a Safer Working Group
• Increase Enforcement Presence
• Increase RCMP Resourcing
• Acknowledge and Support the Importance of Health & Social Services Role
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design – Complete and Train
• Dealing with Problem Properties
• Courts/Crown – Prolific & Chronic Offenders
Bylaws
• 1848 – OCP Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Final Adoption
• 1849 – Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Final Adoption
• 1862 – West Quesnel Business Association – Local Service Area – Third Reading
Next Meetings
• 6 pm – March 26, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting (If Required) – City Hall/Council Chambers
• 6 pm – April 2, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting - City Hall/Council Chambers
2019 Operating Budget
For 2019, Council has given City staff direction that 2019 will be a maintenance year with no major disruptive capital projects planned. Council intends to use this year to review the City’s financial policies and bring forward a tax framework for the remainder of Council’s term to 2022.
The current draft Operating budget shows a total taxation increase required of 7%. The City Staff Report advises that Council is considering the use of 2018 Surplus (once known) to fund one time supplemental requests of $321,369, which would reduce the total taxation increase to 4.9%. Council’s approach to supplementals is that ongoing supplementals are structural changes that must be built into taxation. One time supplementals are not ongoing and, therefore alternative funding, such as surplus, should be looked at as an option for funding these. A 4.9% tax increase would be an approximate tax increase of $41.29 to the average residence valued at $200,659; or $20.58 per $100,000 residential-assessed value.
The supplementals include the final increase required for the new public works facility. No future tax increases are anticipated for construction of the Public Works Building.
Next steps include:
• Receive final property assessments from BC Assessment, which could change the proposed tax rates denoted above for 2019.
• Review option for the 2018 Budget Surplus
• Set the 2019 Tax Rates, and finalizing the 2019 Tax Rates Bylaw
• Finalize the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw (2019 – 2023) before May 15, 2019.
Elliott Street Supportive Housing Project - Development Permit
Council reviewed, and approved, the Development Permit, with attached Existing Site Plan, Proposed Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Parking Plan, Variance Letter of Rationale, for the proposed 32-unit supportive housing development that would be located on Elliott Street.
Highlights of the Development Permit are:
• Three storey, 644.6 m2 (6938.5 ft2)
• Variances include: parking requirements and front property line setback distance for the entire building frontage
• Conditions include:
o Approval of subdivision
o Approval of final servicing plans
o Enter into a servicing agreement with the City prior to Building permit approval
o Obtaining a landscape bond
o Paving of required off-street parking areas as described in the parking plan.
Council also approved final adoption of the OCP and Zone Amendment Bylaws.
Façade Improvements
Council was provided with an update of the 2018 completed façade improvements to local Quesnel business buildings. The following businesses are the five applicants that completed these façade improvements in 2018:
• Big Country Printers (402 St. Laurent Avenue)
• Tim Hortons (382 Front Street)
• Green Tree and Pharmacy (359 Reid Street)
• Gold City Dental (160 Barlow Avenue)
• The Barber Shop ( 372 Reid Street)
In 2018, the City of Quesnel received $20,000 in grant funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust (“Northern Trust”) Façade Improvement Program (“Program”). The City has received notice from Northern Trust that in 2019 the City will be eligible for further grant funding through this Program.
Quesnel Safer Report and Action Update
In late 2018, the City contracted Randy Churchill Consulting for Municipalities to complete a Safer Community Plan providing recommendations to address crime and disorder, which resulted in the Quesnel Safer Plan. City staff provided Council with an update of crime prevention and disorder actions that been completed and actions that are in progress. The Quesnel Safer Plan recommendations include:
• Create a Safer Working Group
• Increase Enforcement Presence
• Increase RCMP Resourcing
• Acknowledge and Support the Importance of Health & Social Services Role
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design – Complete and Train
• Dealing with Problem Properties
• Courts/Crown – Prolific & Chronic Offenders
Bylaws
• 1848 – OCP Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Final Adoption
• 1849 – Zone Amendment – Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development – Final Adoption
• 1862 – West Quesnel Business Association – Local Service Area – Third Reading
Next Meetings
• 6 pm – March 26, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting (If Required) – City Hall/Council Chambers
• 6 pm – April 2, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting - City Hall/Council Chambers
UBCM Executive Highlights - Feb 20-22, 2019 mtg
The Union of BC Municipalities'' or UBCM has reported on its' Executive Meeting held from Wednesday to Friday, February 20-22, 2019
Click here
~SF
Click here
~SF
Survey Says....
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
Local governments are required by law to consult with the public prior finalizing their annual budget and five-year financial plan. Over the last term, Council tried hosting town halls to get early input into the City’s budget rather than simply asking people to show up at City Hall during a regular Council meeting. Unfortunately, while we did get a few more people showing up at the Town Hall meetings than at the Council regular meetings, attendance was still very low.
Last year, for the first time, we tried using an online survey to gather feedback during our budget process. The participation rate was higher than either the Town Halls or the regular Council meeting sessions, with 116 people completing the survey. Overall, the results were very positive, with the vast majority of people indicating they were supportive of the general direction Council was taking the City in.
However, the comments people made on last year’s survey revealed there was significant confusion about the City’s responsibilities versus those of the provincial and federal governments. For example, some people made strong demands on the City to fund the bypass, or a new hospital, or a new school. Some also suggested that Council improve health care delivery or more teachers or more judges and prosecutors. All of these investments are, of course, not in the domain of local government and completely out of scope for the City’s budget.
This year, the City once again used an online survey to gather input on the 2019 budget. Learning from last year, a preface was developed for this survey that attempted to clarify what is and is not funded with local tax dollars. Council is very pleased with the feedback we received, as 544 people participated this year and the commentary was much more focused on matters that are in Council’s domain.
Like 2018, the vast majority of people are satisfied with the general direction the City is taking with respect to public services and investments and indicated a willingness to pay more taxes to maintain the current service levels rather than see them reduced. In particular, people stated they would pay more taxes to increase the number of RCMP officers the City funds in order to deal with what was the number one concern of the majority of respondents: property crime.
There were also some interesting mixed messages in this year’s survey results, however, providing us with great feedback on areas where we need to provide more clarity and context for our ratepayers.
For example, while people clearly wanted Council to add more police officers, funding for bylaw officers was rated as one of the least important budget items by the majority of respondents. Yet, Bylaw Officers are a vital part of our overall policing function and play a significant role in assisting us to maintain safe streets and neighbourhoods. In fact, in the 2019 budget we will not only be adding 2 more RCMP Officers (bringing the funded complement up to 23) we will also be adding more bylaw capacity, as the combination of RCMP and Bylaw is a best practice in maintaining safe streets and neighbourhoods.
Another example is that people clearly want us to focus more on economic development, but the majority of respondents also suggested we reduce spending on beautification and hosting community events. These latter two are a critical part of our economic development strategy and, as hosting the recent Curling Championships showed, fundamental to our transition to a more diverse economy.
Therefore, not only did we use the 2019 survey results to shape this year’s budget, we will also use them to refine our communications strategy and provide more clarity to the public about what the City funds and why.
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s survey.
Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here
Local governments are required by law to consult with the public prior finalizing their annual budget and five-year financial plan. Over the last term, Council tried hosting town halls to get early input into the City’s budget rather than simply asking people to show up at City Hall during a regular Council meeting. Unfortunately, while we did get a few more people showing up at the Town Hall meetings than at the Council regular meetings, attendance was still very low.
Last year, for the first time, we tried using an online survey to gather feedback during our budget process. The participation rate was higher than either the Town Halls or the regular Council meeting sessions, with 116 people completing the survey. Overall, the results were very positive, with the vast majority of people indicating they were supportive of the general direction Council was taking the City in.
However, the comments people made on last year’s survey revealed there was significant confusion about the City’s responsibilities versus those of the provincial and federal governments. For example, some people made strong demands on the City to fund the bypass, or a new hospital, or a new school. Some also suggested that Council improve health care delivery or more teachers or more judges and prosecutors. All of these investments are, of course, not in the domain of local government and completely out of scope for the City’s budget.
This year, the City once again used an online survey to gather input on the 2019 budget. Learning from last year, a preface was developed for this survey that attempted to clarify what is and is not funded with local tax dollars. Council is very pleased with the feedback we received, as 544 people participated this year and the commentary was much more focused on matters that are in Council’s domain.
Like 2018, the vast majority of people are satisfied with the general direction the City is taking with respect to public services and investments and indicated a willingness to pay more taxes to maintain the current service levels rather than see them reduced. In particular, people stated they would pay more taxes to increase the number of RCMP officers the City funds in order to deal with what was the number one concern of the majority of respondents: property crime.
There were also some interesting mixed messages in this year’s survey results, however, providing us with great feedback on areas where we need to provide more clarity and context for our ratepayers.
For example, while people clearly wanted Council to add more police officers, funding for bylaw officers was rated as one of the least important budget items by the majority of respondents. Yet, Bylaw Officers are a vital part of our overall policing function and play a significant role in assisting us to maintain safe streets and neighbourhoods. In fact, in the 2019 budget we will not only be adding 2 more RCMP Officers (bringing the funded complement up to 23) we will also be adding more bylaw capacity, as the combination of RCMP and Bylaw is a best practice in maintaining safe streets and neighbourhoods.
Another example is that people clearly want us to focus more on economic development, but the majority of respondents also suggested we reduce spending on beautification and hosting community events. These latter two are a critical part of our economic development strategy and, as hosting the recent Curling Championships showed, fundamental to our transition to a more diverse economy.
Therefore, not only did we use the 2019 survey results to shape this year’s budget, we will also use them to refine our communications strategy and provide more clarity to the public about what the City funds and why.
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s survey.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
2018 World Air Quality Report
Alternate Directors/Regional District Governance
Editorial:
Back in 1968, when the BC Legislature established Regional Districts', via legislation, to take over local governance for residents' residing in unincorporated communities' in BC under the W.A.C. Bennett provincial government -- previous to 1968, all rural matters outside municipalities were dealt with by the Provincial Cabinet (BC Government) -- it established the role of Area Director and Alternate Area Director to ensure that there was always a representative from the Electoral Area to represent the views of the residents' of that Electoral Area and this is the reason why the elected Area Director and the appointed Alternate Director (yes, unelected) are both required to take an Oath of Office including keeping confidential information private until released publicly by a Regional District Board
Section 201 of the Local Government Act is the legal authority for Alternate Directors for Electoral Area Directors' on Regional District Boards'. Click here
The system has worked well for the last 40 years until in recent years where there were some cases where an Alternate Area Director(s) was attending more meetings than the elected Area Director(s) in some Regional Districts'.
This particular situation is where some will argue that an unelected individual should not be voting on use of public dollars, etc when there is no direct link to the electorate and did not submit themselves to the electorate in a local general election
In January 2018 -- Cariboo Regional District Area 'G' Director Al Richmond presented on this topic at the annual UBCM Electoral Area Director Forum. View that presentation here. Some Electoral Area Directors' in attendance were not in full support of the Committee's activities/direction
Then in July 2018 - the Ad Hoc Committee on Unelected Alternate Electoral Area Directors' tabled its recommendations on changes to the Local Government Act, in respect of Alternate Electoral Area Directors. View that here
On Feb 11/12th, 2019 - Quesnel City Council held a Strategic Planning Session. Following that session - the following Resolution resulted:
WHEREAS the duly elected City Council of Quesnel (the “Council”) values the collegial relationship which developed over the previous term between the Council and the Northern Directors of the Cariboo Regional District;
AND WHEREAS, the Council believes that there are a number of areas in which progress needs to continue to be made in order to deliver modern effective services to the greater North Cariboo Community;
AND WHEREAS the Council believes in the values of accountability and responsibility of Elected Officials to the public who elected them;
AND WHEREAS participation at the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (“NCJPC”) meeting by electronic means is available if an Elected Official cannot attend the meeting;
AND WHEREAS the NCJPC is an advisory committee to the Cariboo Regional District Board;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Quesnel provides notice to the Cariboo Regional District Board that, effective immediately, the Council will not participate in NCJPC meetings that include Alternate Directors acting on behalf of elected Northern Directors
The above noted Resolution was communicated to CRD Chair Margo Wagner; CRD CAO John MacLean and North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair (and CRD Area C Director/Vice-Chair) John Massier. This Resolution was also publicly presented at the Feb 26th, 2019 Quesnel City Council Meeting - Click here while Director Massier responded on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District yesterday - click here
While it is true that Electoral Area Directors are compelled under the Local Government Act to appoint an Alternate Director otherwise the Regional District Board is legally required to appoint one for that Electoral Area, the Area Director is not legally required to use an Alternate Director under the terms of the Local Government Act however the option is there, if the Area Director chooses to send their Alternate Director to a Regional District Board or Committee meeting.
Like Director Massier -- I too regret that this particular issue can not be resolved at the North Cariboo Joint Committee, as I believe a discussion on this topic would be helpful to clear the air around Regional District governance....
Finally - if Quesnel City Council feels strongly (as it appears to be the case with their Alternate Director resolution from their Strategic Planning Session) about this item -- they have the option to pursue an NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Resolution calling for an action in relation to RD Alternate Directors and if it passes at NCLGA, then it would go on to UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities') and if it passed at UBCM, then it becomes UBCM Policy and then the UBCM Executive would need to lobby annually for that resolution via annual UBCM Advocacy Days...
If this topic finds its' way to the Cariboo RD Board table, I will raise the above points but I'm hoping cooler heads will prevail and the discussion can occur at the North Cariboo Joint Committee table....
~SF
The above noted editorial is my own opinion and not that of my elected position as Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director....
Back in 1968, when the BC Legislature established Regional Districts', via legislation, to take over local governance for residents' residing in unincorporated communities' in BC under the W.A.C. Bennett provincial government -- previous to 1968, all rural matters outside municipalities were dealt with by the Provincial Cabinet (BC Government) -- it established the role of Area Director and Alternate Area Director to ensure that there was always a representative from the Electoral Area to represent the views of the residents' of that Electoral Area and this is the reason why the elected Area Director and the appointed Alternate Director (yes, unelected) are both required to take an Oath of Office including keeping confidential information private until released publicly by a Regional District Board
Section 201 of the Local Government Act is the legal authority for Alternate Directors for Electoral Area Directors' on Regional District Boards'. Click here
The system has worked well for the last 40 years until in recent years where there were some cases where an Alternate Area Director(s) was attending more meetings than the elected Area Director(s) in some Regional Districts'.
This particular situation is where some will argue that an unelected individual should not be voting on use of public dollars, etc when there is no direct link to the electorate and did not submit themselves to the electorate in a local general election
In January 2018 -- Cariboo Regional District Area 'G' Director Al Richmond presented on this topic at the annual UBCM Electoral Area Director Forum. View that presentation here. Some Electoral Area Directors' in attendance were not in full support of the Committee's activities/direction
Then in July 2018 - the Ad Hoc Committee on Unelected Alternate Electoral Area Directors' tabled its recommendations on changes to the Local Government Act, in respect of Alternate Electoral Area Directors. View that here
On Feb 11/12th, 2019 - Quesnel City Council held a Strategic Planning Session. Following that session - the following Resolution resulted:
WHEREAS the duly elected City Council of Quesnel (the “Council”) values the collegial relationship which developed over the previous term between the Council and the Northern Directors of the Cariboo Regional District;
AND WHEREAS, the Council believes that there are a number of areas in which progress needs to continue to be made in order to deliver modern effective services to the greater North Cariboo Community;
AND WHEREAS the Council believes in the values of accountability and responsibility of Elected Officials to the public who elected them;
AND WHEREAS participation at the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (“NCJPC”) meeting by electronic means is available if an Elected Official cannot attend the meeting;
AND WHEREAS the NCJPC is an advisory committee to the Cariboo Regional District Board;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Quesnel provides notice to the Cariboo Regional District Board that, effective immediately, the Council will not participate in NCJPC meetings that include Alternate Directors acting on behalf of elected Northern Directors
The above noted Resolution was communicated to CRD Chair Margo Wagner; CRD CAO John MacLean and North Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair (and CRD Area C Director/Vice-Chair) John Massier. This Resolution was also publicly presented at the Feb 26th, 2019 Quesnel City Council Meeting - Click here while Director Massier responded on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District yesterday - click here
While it is true that Electoral Area Directors are compelled under the Local Government Act to appoint an Alternate Director otherwise the Regional District Board is legally required to appoint one for that Electoral Area, the Area Director is not legally required to use an Alternate Director under the terms of the Local Government Act however the option is there, if the Area Director chooses to send their Alternate Director to a Regional District Board or Committee meeting.
Like Director Massier -- I too regret that this particular issue can not be resolved at the North Cariboo Joint Committee, as I believe a discussion on this topic would be helpful to clear the air around Regional District governance....
Finally - if Quesnel City Council feels strongly (as it appears to be the case with their Alternate Director resolution from their Strategic Planning Session) about this item -- they have the option to pursue an NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Resolution calling for an action in relation to RD Alternate Directors and if it passes at NCLGA, then it would go on to UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities') and if it passed at UBCM, then it becomes UBCM Policy and then the UBCM Executive would need to lobby annually for that resolution via annual UBCM Advocacy Days...
If this topic finds its' way to the Cariboo RD Board table, I will raise the above points but I'm hoping cooler heads will prevail and the discussion can occur at the North Cariboo Joint Committee table....
~SF
The above noted editorial is my own opinion and not that of my elected position as Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area 'D' Director....
Monday, March 4, 2019
Xat'sull Band Councillor Election (2) - Nomination Mtg/March 26th
Courtesy of Xat'sull First Nations:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)