Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics
Discussion of the issues that affect you on a local, provincial and federal level
Monday, March 18, 2024
BC Wildfire Service's Spring 2024 Outlook
As the snow melts, expect an active spring wildfire season ahead according to long-range forecasts. The widespread drought, persisting due to insufficient rain, heightens the risk of quick-fire starts and rapid growth.
With most human-caused wildfires in BC occurring during the spring, it's especially important to remain vigilant when open-burning during the shoulder seasons.
More at https://lnkd.in/gFV4-azy
Upcoming Prescribed Burn along Highway 20 Corridor
Burning may begin as early as March 20, 2024, and will continue periodically until May 31, 2024.
The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.
Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn may be visible from Tsi Del Del, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas. Firefighters will closely monitor this fire at all times.
Learn More:
A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration
burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks
and Cultural and prescribed fire - Province of British
Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
You can follow the latest wildfire news:
- on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available
for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
- on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
Friday, March 15, 2024
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of March 18-22, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Category 2 & 3 Fire Prohibition planned throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Prescribed burns planned within City of Williams Lake
A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration
burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.
You can follow the latest wildfire news:
- on the free BC Wildfire Service
public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
- on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
Tŝilhqot’in Leadership Meet with Regional Partners to Discuss Health Care Crisis
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
WL Council Highlights - March 12th mtg
Saturday, March 9, 2024
What to expect from upcoming Cariboo RD Emergency Notification System Test
On
Tuesday, March 12, anyone who is signed up to receive notifications for
unincorporated (rural) areas in the CRD will begin receiving notifications
starting at 10:00 a.m (Electoral Areas). The exact time of delivery will change depending on how
the region’s telecommunications network manages an estimated 29,520
notifications for the rural areas. Notifications for locations inside municipal
boundaries will then start at 11:30 a.m. with Quesnel, then Williams Lake (1:00
p.m.), Wells (2:30 p.m.) and 100 Mile House (3:00 p.m.).
Some
subscribers may receive multiple notifications throughout the day, which will
confirm that they are registered to receive alerts for both municipal and rural
locations. Notifications will also be sent to all contact methods registered
with the system, which ensures that the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency
Notification System can notify you during a real emergency.
Residents
are encouraged to sign up for the system or log in and manage their personal
information before the test. You can do so through the Voyent Alert app,
available through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or online through
our website at www.cariboord.ca/EmergencyNotification.
Anyone
requiring assistance with registration or with questions about how the system
works can contact Emergency Programs staff at 1-800-665-1636.
The
Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System, in operation since 2015, is
funded in partnership with the City of Quesnel, District of Wells, City of
Williams Lake, and District of 100 Mile House.
Friday, March 8, 2024
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of March 11-15, 2024
Quesnel Council Highlights - March 5th mtg
Presentation - RCMP Auxiliary
The RCMP Auxiliary program was discontinued in 2023. S/Sgt. Richard Weseen and Cpl. Steve Pelletier made a presentation to former Auxiliary members who helped to protect the community and front line RCMP members with their dedicated long service:
- Frank Gonzalez, served for 29 years
- Michael Perkins served for 17 years
- Mark Heinzelman was unable to attend but S/Sgt. Weseen acknowledged his 34 years of service.
Delegation - BC Transit
BC Transit provided Council an overview of BC Transit system updates:
- The new electronic fare collection system (UMO), which will introduce new and more convenient ways for passengers to pay for fares;
- Fare policy changes: Universal refund and expiration policy, Cash Balance policy and 30-day pass policy;
- Next Ride allows customers to see real-time bus location and anticipated arrival times; and
- 2025 fare review.
Repatriation of Local Artist's Sculpture
Council approved allocation of up to $5000.00 from the Council Initiatives for Mayor Paull's travel to Camosun College in Victoria to transport Bert DeVink’s moose sculpture to Quesnel.
Volunteer Recognition
Council approved allocating up to $7,500 from Council Initiatives to install a Volunteer sign on Quesnel Firehall No.1.
BC Transit Changes
Following the BC Transit delegation, Council approved a change in the structure of the Transit Monthly Pass as part of the implementation of the Umo Electronic Fare Collection System in which the pass is converted from a fixed-date pass to a rolling 30-day pass
2024 Operating Budget
Following public engagement and several budget reviews by the Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee and Council, Council approved the 2024 Operating Budget, and staff will continue building the Five Year Financial Plan based on this budget.
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1955 - City of Quesnel West Quesnel Business Improvement Area Bylaw 1955, 2024 - Petition results and third reading
- Bylaw 1954 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1954, 2024 (118 Juniper Road) - Final adoption.
- Bylaw 1956 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1956, 2024 (530 Carson Avenue) - Final adoption.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Pile burning planned for Chimney Valley area
- on the free BC Wildfire Service
public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
- on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Updates made to Securing Small Business Rebate Program
Friday, March 1, 2024
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings|Week of March 4-8, 2024
Cariboo RD Board Highlights - March 1st mtg
Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Board Highlights - March 1st mtg
Present: Chair A. Richmond/Vice Chair M. Sjostrom and Directors Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Coleman, Paull, Rathor, Pinkney and Smith
Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - February 2024
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Cariboo RD Finance/Budget Committee Highlights - Feb 29th mtg
Present: Chair J. Glassford; Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, Neufeld, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Pare, Anderson, De Vries, Paull, Rathor and Pinkney
Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Highlights - Feb 29th mtg
Quesnel Council Highlights - Feb 20th and 27th mtgs
5:30 p.m. Public Hearing - Proposed bylaws 1956, 1957 and 1958
1957 and 1958
Proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws regarding commercial zoning in West Quesnel at 668 Doherty Drive, to allow conversion of a commercial building into a 17-unit residential apartment.
1956
Proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw to allow the use of supportive housing to be located at 530 Carson Avenue (commonly known as Grace Inn).
Regular Council Meeting
Presentation:
Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program - 2024 New Candidate Presentation
Mayor Paull introduced the 2023 Ambassadors and the 2024 Candidates & Sponsors, while Councillor McKelvie led the pinning ceremony.
Coordinator: Rose Scott
2023 Ambassadors:
- Jamie-Lynn Fedoruk
- Avery Cassidy
- 2024 Candidates and Sponsors
- Aryanna Langan - Six Diamond Real Estate Inc.
- Taylor Wilwand - Reid Street Pharmacy
- Jayla Wheeler - Mama C’s Gifts & Giggles
- Jane Cronkhite - South Quesnel Business Association (unavailable)
- Lacey Anderson - Bouchie Lake Country Store
- Aubrey Williams - Bliss!
- Aiyana Doern - William Lacy Real Estate (unavailable)
Development Services:
Development Permit 2023-64 - 118 Juniper Road (application for an 18+ vapour retail store addition). APPROVED, subject to obtaining a sign permit.
Development Permit 2024-68 - Lot 2 Nickel Ridge Avenue (application for a single-storey dwelling). APPROVED, subject to geotechnical report requirements and updated covenant.
Development Permit 2023-63 - 668 Doherty Drive (form & character and parking variance application for conversion of a commercial building to a residential apartment). NOT APPROVED.
*Three written submissions were received for the Public Hearing of Bylaws 1957 and 1958 opposing the development for parking concerns. Council did not approve this DP and directed Staff to bring a comprehensive parking report to a future meeting.
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1954 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1954, 2024 (118 Juniper Road) - First three readings
- Bylaw 1956 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1956, 2024 (530 Carson Avenue) - Third reading
- Bylaw 1957 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1957, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Second reading
- Bylaw 1958 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1958, 2024 (668 Doherty Drive) - Second reading
The City of Quesnel held a public engagement session on February 27th to present an overview of the budget process and the Preliminary Budget Estimates for 2024 and, to allow residents a further opportunity to participate and provide feedback on the 2024 Operating budget.
If you were unable to attend and would still like a chance to contribute, you can do so by emailing budget@quesnel.ca.
The 2024 Operating Budget will come forward on the March 5, 2024 Regular meeting of Council for final discussion and approval.
- The draft operating budget has total taxation of $20,437,700. This is a 5.6% total tax levy increase over 2023.
- At this point, the increase to the average residence for municipal taxes would be $64.73 or $18.25 per $100,000. The increase for commercial would be $86.40 per $100,000.
- Residential Assessments were fairly flat in 2024, increasing only 2.6%. Revised Assessments will be received in mid March that will determine the final taxation rates that will be built into the tax rate bylaw.
More details and a copy of the budget presentation can be found at https://letsconnectquesnel.ca/budget-2024