New SD27 Secretary-Treasurer appointed

Courtesy of School District #27(Cariboo-Chilcotin):

The Board of Education is pleased to announce that Ms. Norine Durban is the successful candidate for the position of Secretary-Treasurer. 

Ms. Durban has been serving the District in a temporary capacity since the departure of her predecessor in December 2018. Ms. Durban joined School District No. 27 in August 1998 as an IUOE Member in the payroll department where she worked as payroll clerk. 

In August 2005 she moved into the Assistant Accountant position until November 2007 when she was appointed District Business Manager. In December 2018 Ms. Durban stepped in as Acting Secretary-Treasurer and was then appointed Interim Secretary-Treasurer in February 2019 until she was offered the position permanently at a recent meeting of the Board of Education. 

The Board recognized Norine’s commitment and work ethic as well as her dedication to ensuring that business and financial operations in the District continued to function efficiently. 

Most recently Ms. Durban was able to deliver a balanced budget to the Board. 

Ms. Durban will continue to serve the District as a valuable member of the Senior Leadership team under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools/CEO. We wish Ms. Durban continued success in her permanent role as Secretary-Treasurer.

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 23rd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Bridges Supportive Housing (355 Elliott Street) and Seasons House (146 Carson Avenue) At the request of Quesnel City Council, Malachy Tohill, BC Housing Regional Director and Melanie McDonald, Quesnel Shelter and Support Society (“QSSS”) Executive Director provided an update on the new supportive housing development to be located on Elliot Street (Bridges Supportive Housing) and Seasons House Emergency Shelter located on Carson Avenue. Council requested discussion around 1) expectations of the City 2) confirmation that terms of agreements in place (Housing Agreement and Good Neighbour Agreement) are being met and 3) clarify what the future of the Seasons House Emergency Shelter is. Expectations of the City of Quesnel At the meeting outset the Mayor confirmed that the City of Quesnel is not a housing agency, as this role is fulfilled by the Provincial Government (BC Housing), but Council/City Staff will continue to work with BC Housing on publically funded housing developments that addresses the needs of the entire community. Housing Agreement and Good Neighbourhood Agreement BC Housing confirmed that the Housing Agreement is in place between them and the City to ensure the operation of the facility meets the conditions Council set out in the development approval process requiring the Operator (QSSS) to enter into a Good Neighbour Agreement and maintain a process for such. The Quesnel Shelter and Support Society is going to re-initiate the Good Neighbour Agreement (GNA) Committee.  The public GNA meeting is on July 22, 2020 from 1 – 3 pm. Due to COVID-19, this meeting will be a teleconference. Please visit https://www.qsss.ca/ for 1) more information on the facility; 2) the events page to register for the July 22nd meeting; and/or 3) the contact page to provide comments/concerns to be addressed at this meeting. Council also recommended QSSS canvass the neighbourhood, around the new facility, to identify neighbourhood concerns and inform the neighbourhood of the GNA process of which neighbourhood residents may participate. Seasons House – Future of Emergency Shelter Services in the Community Council requested BC Housing and QSSS provide the following to determine future shelter needs in the community: That the Homeless Count Report be forwarded to the City. More information on the “hard to house” population that currently resides in the community. Meeting(s) to be scheduled, in the fall of 2020, to discuss future shelters needs for the community.

Annual Drinking Water Report The City of Quesnel Annual Drinking Water Report, that includes water-monitoring results, is now available for public to view, as per the Drinking Water Protection Act, and the Drinking Water Protection Regulation.

COVID-19 Business Support Team and Community Marketing Update Council was updated of COVID-19 Business Support Team/Hotline and #InQuesnel Campaign activities, and the planned community marketing tactics that will go forward once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted in the Province. Business Support Hotline launched on April 8, 2020, in partnership with the Community Futures North Cariboo, City of Quesnel, Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce, West Quesnel Business Association, Quesnel Downtown Association, and District of Wells, provided the following assistance to local businesses around COVID-19 government financial supports: 755 businesses were called 218 intake forms completed 113 referrals made 147 follow up connections made to date $16,415 average amount received so far $3.6 million estimated total amount received by businesses contact by the hotline team 20% of businesses are asking for additional application support 60% of businesses are open with staffing levels the as pre-COVID-19; 11% remain closed #InQuesnel A series of shop local/support local campaigns have been launched through the Love Quesnel channel, using the #InQuesnel hashtag that resulted in: 28 days of $100 gift card giveaways (best ever engagement 9,400 engagements and 1,300 entries); and a week long “takeover” of the page for each of partner organizations. The upcoming campaign will have $1600 worth of giveaways to local businesses and four staycation themes. This fall, watch for videos featuring local business owners giving reasons to shop local and more changes to win when you support local businesses. Tourism Marketing (Editor's Note -- Phase 3,as referenced below, was authorized by the Province of BC yesterday -- more here Once Provincial travel is permitted, under Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, the following tourism marketing tools will be launched by the City: Mountain biking video, landing page, and a social media campaign. The new trail map is complete and has been distributed to the Visitor Centre and businesses who advertised in the map. Quesnel is now also featured on Mountain Bike BC. Tourism and marketing videos through the City and its consortiums including: Explore Cariboo, BC Ale Trail, #SkiNorthBC, and Mountain Bike BC.

Next Meeting 6:00 pm – July 7, 2020 – Council Meeting

June 24th, 2020 #COVID-19 Numbers

Joint Statement of BC's Health Minister/Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

“Today, we are announcing 14 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2,849 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 162 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,516 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 14 individuals are hospitalized, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 963 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,491 in the Fraser Health region, 131 in the Island Health region, 199 in the Interior Health region and 65 in the Northern Health region.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 171 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, six long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facility have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks and the outbreak at Maersk Distribution Canada Inc. in Delta has been declared over. Public health teams continue to provide support for the two remaining community locations.

“We have worked hard to find the balance in British Columbia: to flatten our curve, keep new cases low and safely increase our social interactions by continuing to follow our core, foundational rules.

“We are in a unique and unusual time, and until we have an effective treatment or vaccine, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in our communities. We need to keep our actions going to minimize any cases.

“The things we have been doing will get us through this time and allow us to safely enjoy many activities this summer and through the fall.

“No matter where we may be this summer, remember that COVID-19 is still with us. So let’s make sure we travel respectfully, by using our travel manners, planning ahead, being prepared and maintaining safe social interactions.

“Before you go, do your research. Check in with the community to understand if it is welcoming visitors and what services are available and what may still be closed. Take your provisions with you if needed, and while away, take the same safety precautions you have been doing at home.

“For the visitors who come to our province from elsewhere in Canada, let’s show them how we are staying vigilant, being respectful of those around us and doing all we can protect our communities, our Elders and our loved ones.

“The things that we do and the decisions we make each day make a difference, so let’s do our part by being 100% committed to staying safe.”

Learn More:

For the latest modelling information presented on June 24, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/conducting-health-research-evaluation/reports-publications

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

BC tables Economic Stabilization Act, confirms COVID-19 supports

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

New legislation confirms supports for people and businesses, while responding to the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 by allowing government to run deficit budgets.

“We are making sure people and business have the support they need, while we work together to restart and rebuild an economy that works for everyone,” said the Hon. Carole James, Minister of Finance. “Much has changed since we released Budget 2020, and deficits will occur as a result of lower government revenues and our plan to invest in people and support our province’s recovery.”

The amendments introduced authorize deficit budgets for the next three years, while the Province supports economic recovery from COVID-19. Additionally, the amendments allow government to continue to table supplementary estimates before the legislative assembly. The amendments also clarify the existing limits and uses of special warrants while the legislative assembly is not in session to maintain essential services and respond to provincial emergencies and disasters like a pandemic. 

While the amendments allow deficit budgets, the legislation makes no changes to salary holdback requirements for executive council for years where deficits occur.

The Economic Stabilization Act brings the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers into law and updates the eligibility date to March 1, 2020. The change will allow people whose income is affected by COVID-19 and who filed federal employment insurance claims between March 1 and March 15 to benefit from the support. The application for these individuals will be available as of June 26, 2020. Almost 600,000 people have been approved to receive the benefit to date.

The legislation introduced also confirms many of the previously announced supports for people and business from the COVID-19 Action Plan, including:

• authorizing filing and payment deferrals for employer health tax, provincial sales tax, hotel tax, carbon tax, motor fuel tax and tobacco tax to Sept. 30, 2020;
• postponing the date that late payment penalties apply for commercial properties in classes 4,5,6,7 and 8 to Oct. 1, 2020, to give businesses and landlords more time to pay their reduced property tax, without penalty;
• allowing municipalities to keep school taxes and the police tax collected for the Province until January 2021; and
• requiring municipalities to remit taxes they collect for TransLink in July 2020 so it can continue operating, as well as allowing other municipalities to continue to make their service payments to BC Transit.

Other measures from the B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan are being done through regulation, such as reducing the school property tax rate for commercial properties, enhancing the B.C. climate action tax credit and pausing B.C. student loan payments.

Learn More:

To determine your eligibility and apply for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, visit: gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit

To learn more about the supports and services available for people, businesses and communities through the pandemic, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://bccdc.ca/
Or follow the BCCDC on Twitter @CDCofBC.

For the provincial health officer's orders, notices and guidance, visit: http://gov.bc.ca/phoguidance

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, call (toll-free) 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week, or visit: http://gov.bc.ca/Covid19

Evacuation ALERTS lifted for five properties in Maple Drive area

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:

Effective immediately the following Evacuation Alerts from May 8, 2020 for the Fern Road and Maple Drive areas have been lifted:

• 671 Fern Road
• 682 Fern Road
• 692 Fern Road
• 734 Maple Dr
• 750 Maple Dr
• 766 Maple Dr.

See an overview map: https://bit.ly/mapledriveEAlift 

An evacuation alert or order may need to be reissued due to flooding activity and residents must remain prepared:

• Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside the area (while practicing physical distancing if possible), should the area be brought back under evacuation order.
• Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work (plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member)
• Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly
• Keep important papers in watertight containers and have a record of your valuables in a safe place
• If flooding is likely in your area, pay attention to the local media for information
• Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees
• Know that banks of rivers and streams may be unstable and dangerous
• Keep a safe distance away from fast flowing water, especially children
• Teach your children about flood safety
• Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock prior to an alert being issued.

Contact the CRD’s EOC if you have concerns about flooding in your area or need sand or sandbags. It is the homeowner's responsibility to undertake temporary and permanent flood protection works to protect their home and property.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding evacuation alerts and orders: member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup 

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit cariboord.ca  or facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations  or @CaribooRD or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (8:30am – 4:30pm daily).

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Jun 24th mtg

Present: 

Chair J. Ryll 

Directors S. Forseth, A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais; 

Councillors I. Bonnell and S. Boehm

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Shuswap territory

Special Meeting Resolution re: COVID-19/Public Access to the June 24th, 2020 Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting 

Resolved -- That no members of the public be permitted to physically attend the June 24th, 2020 meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per Ministerial Order M192 from the Provincial Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor-General (Hon. Mike Farnworth) dated June 17th, 2020, as the Cariboo Regional District is in the process of updating its re-opening plan and cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, elected officials and members of the public in such circumstances

Openness, Transparency, Accessibility and Accountability, in respect of this meeting will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes

Meeting agenda adopted and minutes of the Committee meeting held on May 27th, 2020 were received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Ken O’Brien & Jason Noble – Rotary Club of the Williams Lake Daybreak (via conference call) appeared before the Committee to discuss 2021 Stampede Parade Funding

A Question/Answer period ensued 

The Chair thanked the delegation for their time/information

Resolved -- That the letter from the Rotary Club of the Williams Lake Daybreak dated June 9, 2020, together with their original letter dated November 26, 2019, advising that the 2020 Stampede Parade event has been cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic and requesting consideration of event funding for the 2021 event and future years, be received, referred to Staff for follow-up, based on the Committee's discussions and the matter return to the September Joint Committee meeting for further consideration

Business:

1) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Annual Report'

The President & Executive Director of the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society were present, via teleconference

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's '2019 Annual Report' be received for information

2) Esler Recreation Advisory Commission – 2020 Spring Meeting Minutes and Recommendations

A report from the CRD Manager of Community Services was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon... 

Resolved - That it be recommended to the Regional Board:

That the agenda item summary from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services, dated June 16, 2020, and attached minutes from the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held May 28, 2020, be received; 

and further, that the following recommendations from the Commission be endorsed: 

a) that the proposed 2020 capital projects for Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Williams Lake Soccer Associations, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball League be approved, including: 

Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League’s refinish of the infields and fencing upgrade, Williams Lake Soccer Associations’ purchase of a tow-mower and more field top dressing, and Williams Lake Minor Fastball League’s purchase of a storage container for equipment. And further, that $5,000 to each group for approved capital projects be provided as allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services (CCRLS) 2020 budget; and 

b) That the Esler Recreation Advisory Commission members for 2020 be appointed as follows: Linda Barbondy for the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, Brian Hansen for the Williams Lake Soccer Associations, Nick Surette for Williams Lake Minor Fastball, and Bruce Newbery and Pierre Mayette for the Esler Community Association. 

3) BC Games Society 2024/2026 Bid Opportunities - Verbal Update

A verbal report from the City Director of Community Services 

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the verbal report be received and the matter be referred  to the Regional Board for further discussion

Resolved - That the resolution authorizing up to $10,000 for the 2020 Williams Lake Stampede Parade with funding coming from Cariboo Strong - Central Cariboo allocation be rescinded

4) Action Page

Discussion ensued

Resolved - Action Page received and Items #9,10 be deleted from the Action Page

The Committee agreed to adjourn at 7pm

CC Rural Directors' Caucus - June 24th mtg

Present: Chair S. Forseth and Directors A. Delainey, M. LeBourdais and G. Kirby (via teleconference)

Meeting called to order at 3:00pm

The Chair recognized that the meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) territory and on the unceded, traditional territory of the Williams Lake First Nation 

Special Meeting Resolution re: COVID-19/Public Access to the June 24th, 2020 Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus

Resolved -- That no members of the public, except Williams Lake RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley, be permitted to physically attend the June 24th, 2020 meeting of the Central Cariboo Rural Caucus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per Ministerial Order M192 from the Provincial Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor-General (Hon. Mike Farnworth) dated June 17th, 2020, as the Cariboo Regional District is in the process of updating its re-opening plan and cannot, at this time, ensure the safety of staff, elected officials and members of the public in such circumstances

Openness, Transparency, Accessibility and Accountability, in respect of this meeting will be achieved by the open publishing of the minutes

Meeting Agenda and Minutes of the Feb 26th, 2020 Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus meeting were both received/adopted

Delegation:

1) Insp. Jeff Pelley from the Williams Lake RCMP appeared before the Caucus to provide an update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Insp. Pelley for his time/information

Business:

1) Renewal of Williams Lake Fringe Fire Protection Agreement

A report from the Manager of Protective Services was presented to Caucus

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved -- That it be recommended to Board:

That the agenda item summary from Stuart Larson, Manager of Protective Services, dated June 19, 2020, regarding renewal of the Williams Lake Fringe Fire Protection agreement, be received. Further, that the current rate structure being used for the Williams Lake Fire Department to provide these services to the Williams Lake fringe areas within the Cariboo Regional District remain the same, with a 2% non-cumulative amount added each year, and that staff prepare an agreement drafting a three year term commencing January 2021.

2) Discussion Items (no resolutions resulted from the discussions)

a) Food Security & formation of a Central Cariboo Agriculture Development Advisory Committee -- Megan Dark from Interior Health, Nicole Pressey from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Cariboo RD Board Vice-Chair John Massier joined the meeting for this discussion 

b) Regional Museum Funding 

3) Action Page

Resolved - Action Page received and Items #2 and #3 be removed

Caucus adjourned at 4:35pm

BC enters Phase 3 of Restart Plan

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

British Columbians are taking the next step in BC’s Restart Plan with a gradual transition to Phase 3, including the safe and respectful return of travel and tourism within the province.

“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of British Columbians, and under the guidance of the provincial health officer, we are now entering Phase 3 of our four-phase restart plan,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “As we carefully turn up the dial on our activity, we can now look to travel safely around the province. But as we hit the open roads this summer, we must remember we are not leaving COVID-19 behind, and we need to continue to do our part to bend the curve and protect the progress we’ve made.”

British Columbians who wish to travel within B.C. this summer are advised to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns. The provincial health officer has laid out travel guidelines for everyone travelling to and within B.C.:

• pre-trip planning and research on available resources at arriving destination;
• respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities;
• no travelling for anyone who is sick, and if symptoms develop while travelling – self isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing;
• practising safe physical distancing of two metres at all times;
• spending time in small groups and open spaces; and
• practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and cleaning.

“Like other activities during our COVID-19 pandemic, summer holidays and travel will be different this year,” Premier Horgan said. “We are asking British Columbians to be respectful of the communities you travel to and do your research before you leave. We will help people get the tools and information they need to navigate this new normal safely.”

Most of the businesses listed in Phase 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan now have the guidance they need to safely begin to open. WorkSafeBC, public health officials and industry representatives have developed guidelines for hotels and resorts, parks, the film industry and select entertainment, like movie theatres, and businesses in these sectors have already begun to open with COVID-19 safety plans in place.

“We've succeeded in flattening the curve by working together, but COVID-19 will continue to be in our province until we have an effective treatment or vaccine. By staying vigilant and following our foundational rules, we can safely do many of the things that we enjoy for the months to come,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.

The government has also formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response. The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on July 7, 2020, allowing government to continue to take the necessary steps to keep British Columbians safe.

“We’re extending the provincial state of emergency, while we work to keep the economy moving and provide more opportunities for B.C. businesses to welcome our communities back,” Farnworth said. “We’ve also introduced legislation that will allow us to put longer-term solutions in place, so we can continue to provide the support British Columbians need to get through this crisis.”

On Monday, June 22, 2020, government introduced the CdOVID-19 Related Measures Act, legislation to allow provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed after the provincial state of emergency ends.

Learn More:

For information on Phase 3 and guidelines and advice for safe travel this summer, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID-19

For information on BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/RestartBC

Learn more about B.C.’s economic recovery planning: http://gov.bc.ca/recoveryideas

For information on federal and provincial government supports available to individuals, families, businesses and organizations, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covidgovernmentbenefits

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers, businesses and schools, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BCCDC on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit its website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Smoke from pile burns to be visible near 100 Mile House

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service crews are planning to burn piles of woody debris near 100 Mile House over the next two weeks to reduce wildfire risks in the area. Smoke and flames may be visible from 100 Mile House and surrounding communities.

 

This work is part of ongoing fuel management projects. Cariboo Fire Centre crews have already piled up the accumulated debris in the two locations listed below. By removing this material, less fuel will be available to burn in the event of a wildfire, and any such fire will burn with less intensity.

 

Bridge Lake Ice Caves: Located on the southwest side of Bridge Lake, burning will commence on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, and continue periodically until July 10, 2020. 

 

Nolan Creek Provincial Park: Located on the south side of Green Lake, along Nolan Creek. Burning may begin as early as June 24, 2020, and continue periodically until July 10, 2020.

 

99 Mile Ski Trails: Located about 1.6 km south of 100 Mile House. Burning may begin as early as June 24, 2020, and continue periodically until July 10, 2020.

 

These piles will only be lit if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated. BC Wildfire Service personnel will be on-site and monitoring these fires.

 

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 at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

June 23rd, 2020 #COVID-19 Numbers

Joint Statement of BC's Health Minister/Provincial Health Officer (Hon. Adrian Dix/Dr. Bonnie Henry):

We are announcing 13 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2,835 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 174 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,491 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the total COVID-19 cases, 16 individuals are hospitalized, seven of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 960 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,480 in the Fraser Health region, 131 in the Island Health region, 199 in the Interior Health region and 65 in the Northern Health region.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 170 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks. In total, six long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facility have active outbreaks.

“There have been no new community outbreaks. Public health teams continue to provide support for the three remaining community locations.

“Today’s modelling shows us that in British Columbia the measures we have in place to protect ourselves and each other from COVID-19, combined with the slow, gradual transition in Phase 2, is working.

“We have eased our restrictions in a way that has allowed us to increase our social interactions to around 65%, while keeping our new cases of COVID-19 low.

“Looking ahead, until we have an effective treatment or vaccine, the rules for safe social interactions must continue to be maintained as part of our everyday activities to stay at this manageable level.

“The modelling tells us that if we go too far, we risk a rapid rebound in B.C., something many others are now experiencing.

“To continue to maintain this careful balance, we have to keep doing what we’re doing as individuals and we all know what we need to do.

“The foundations of safety are clear: always stay home when ill, follow good handwashing hygiene, maintain a safe physical distance and use barriers and a non-medical mask if that is challenging. These are our layers of protection and will help protect us all.

“Effective contact tracing is another important layer of protection. As individuals, we also have an important role to play in contact tracing. It is a team effort and requires commitment from all of us to be successful.

“Our responsibility is to keep our bubbles small and know everyone we are with at all times, to allow public health teams to notify everyone who may be at risk and contain the spread as quickly as possible.

“This approach applies to all of us, no matter where we may be: at home, at work, at school or travelling to another community.

“The things that we do, the decisions we make each day, make a difference. We can find the balance as we chart our cautious path forward. Together, let’s continue to do our part to protect our province, our communities, our Elders and loved ones.”

Learn More:

The latest modelling presentation and information is available online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/modelling-projections

For more information about BC’s Restart Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

For B.C.’s surgical renewal plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/conducting-health-research-evaluation/reports-publications

For mental health and anxiety support, visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

BC invests in active transportation projects in the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Residents in the Cariboo will benefit from new and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

The Province’s Active Transportation Grants program is helping rebuild British Columbia’s economy out of the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting CleanBC climate goals.

“People throughout B.C. have a real appetite for safe, alternative ways of getting around,” said the Hon. Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “One way to restart our provincial economy is to work with municipalities and Indigenous communities to support new active transportation projects.

“It has been just a year since our government launched our provincial active transportation strategy, Move. Commute. Connect. The funding we are providing will make it easier for people to connect and interact in their community, address issues of climate change and congestion, and help with people’s physical and mental well-being.”

The B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program provides Indigenous governments, municipalities and regional districts with financial support to build new infrastructure and make improvements to existing networks. The program supports goals set out in the Province’s CleanBC plan, as well as Move. Commute. Connect. – B.C.’s strategy for cleaner, more active transportation. Together, these programs help British Columbia meet climate action targets that reduce B.C.'s carbon footprint and improve air quality for all residents.

“This is really good news for the community,” said Mitch Campsall, Mayor of the District of 100 Mile House. “We are so grateful to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in recognizing the importance of this project to improve public safety and connectivity to the core areas of our community. Council and staff can’t wait to get started on this project.”

A total of $906,000 in Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants have been awarded for the following 2020-21 projects:

• Quesnel is approved to receive $406,000 for the Sugarloaf Multi-Use Pathway that will connect North Fraser Driver near Fawcett Street up to the Sugarloaf dog park area and the Baker Driver neighbourhood.
• 100 Mile House is approved to receive $500,000 for the Cariboo Trail Sidewalk from Horse Lake Road to Jens Street that will include pavement markings for crosswalks at intersections and additional lighting along the corridor.

The program also supports the development of community network plans for future active transportation infrastructure that aligns with the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide. Two communities in the Cariboo region will benefit from an additional $40,088 in funding from the Province’s Active Transportation Network Planning Grant. The Esk’etemc First Nation and Lhtako Dené Nation are approved to receive this funding to develop active transportation network plans that may be considered for future infrastructure funding. 

“Over a year ago, Minister Trevena asked me to lead the consultations on our made-in-B.C. active transportation strategy, Move. Commute. Connect.,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End. “I advocate for strong investments in safe bike routes, walking paths and other active transportation investments because when you give people more affordable, safe, clean and efficient ways to get around, you get better communities and happier, healthier people. It’s also a foundational part of our government’s plan to make life better for British Columbians. Investments through this grant program will help meet the needs of urban and rural communities, so people of all ages and abilities can benefit from better connections between neighbourhoods, transit stations and town centres."

Approved projects may include safety improvements to sidewalks, improved lighting along pathways, multi-use and protected travel lanes, and other amenities that connect people to public transit, downtown cores and schools.  Projects receiving funding strengthen Indigenous initiatives, land use planning and have the potential to generate tourism and other economic benefits.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Fact:

• Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has provided direction on physical distancing relating to going outside during the time of COVID-19. Henry has said that playgrounds, bike trails and running routes can be safely used as long as people limit gatherings to small numbers, avoid physical contact as much as possible, practise proper hand hygiene and stay home when sick.

Learn More:

Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program: www.gov.bc.ca/activetransportationgrant

Move. Commute. Connect. – B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active/

British Columbia Active Transportation Design Guide: www.gov.bc.ca/Activetransportationdesignguide

CleanBC: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

For a backgrounder detailing the 2020-21 Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants provincewide, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020_06_24_Backgrounder_Active_Tran_Grants.pdf

Suite Living in Quesnel

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

As Council developed its strategic plan for 2020, we recognized how many major initiatives we had underway and felt the urgent need to communicate more directly with the public about them; specifically, we wanted to give people the opportunity to better understand how each initiative is connected with and integrated into our comprehensive transition strategy. Our original intent was to embark on a process we dubbed “Engagement 2020,” a combination of major face-to-face public engagement events and online education and promotion of our key initiatives … then along came COVID-19.

We’re now working on a major householder that will be distributed in the fall. This householder will describe the major aspects of our transition and economic development strategies and point interested citizens to additional, more detailed, information available on the City’s website.

In the meantime, staff are busy getting the word out on more time-sensitive initiatives and you can sign up for notices about these key initiatives on the City’s website.

One domain that it is vitally important for the City’s future, and key to achieving our transition strategy, is housing. Quesnel simply does not have the kind of housing we need to both retain our current population (especially as it ages) and attract new residents. We need newer, smaller footprint, affordable, easier to maintain, and more diverse housing options in every neighbourhood in the City. We also need to be able to densify housing in each neighbourhood to better maximize the limited land we have available for development.

One way to modernize our current housing stock, provide more housing options in all our neighbourhoods, and maximize the use of our limited land base is through accessory dwellings: secondary suites, carriage houses, and secondary dwellings. Our new Official Community Plan and Master Zoning Bylaw now enable these alternative housing options throughout the City.

A secondary suite is a separate, self-contained living area built to specific standards within a single-family home. A carriage house is a dwelling space created in an accessory building on the same property as the single-family home (e.g. a garage). A secondary dwelling (sometimes called a “coach house”) is a freestanding detached home located on the same property as the single-family home.

Building permits are required for all of these accessory dwellings and interested homeowners are encouraged to engage early in the planning process with the City’s Development Services staff who will be happy to listen to your ideas and help you find the resources you need to ensure you comply with all applicable laws and bylaws.

The best place to start your thinking about whether an accessory building is an option for you is our new Accessory Dwelling Units page on the City’s website www.quesnel.ca/building-development/accessory-dwelling-units.

Like all communities, Quesnel has a number of illegal suites in single-family homes. These illegal suites can create safety, legal, and insurance issues for both the homeowner and the renter. Many of these suites have the potential to be renovated and brought up to code; if they can’t they need to be removed from the home.  Look at our Secondary Suites page under Accessory Dwelling Units to learn how to legalize your suite.

To legalize an existing suite within the City limits (one built without a completed building permit) contact our Building Department at buildinginspection@quesnel.ca or 250-992-2111.  Also see the city’s website for more information on creating or legalizing a suite.  To facilitate the legalization of as many suites as possible, Council has waived the building permit fees for these conversions for 2020 and 2021. After that, there will be a surcharge for these conversions.

Building an accessory dwelling unit on your property may be a way for you to help Quesnel to address our need for more diverse housing options while helping you to address your own housing affordability needs. Please work with our City staff to see if ‘Suite Living in Quesnel’ might work for you.