Friday, March 4, 2011

CRD Board Meeting Highlights - March 2nd, 2011

Support for Small Scale Wind Energy Production

The Cariboo Regional District will provide a letter of support to the BC Cattlemen’s Association and the BC Agricultural Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp) regarding feasibility of small-scale wind energy production on agricultural operations. The letter of support will accompany their applications for funding from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, BC Hydro and Farm Credit Canada. Should small-scale wind energy projects prove to be viable, and eventually be developed at locations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would contribute to the Cariboo Regional District’s goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions 33 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 from 2007 levels.

Survey Says

The minutes from the CRD 2011 Town Hall Meetings have now been compiled. The Town Hall meetings saw slightly smaller crowds this year with the highest attendance at the meetings taking place in Areas L and F, both with 53 residents. Attendance figures are also reflective of the inclement winter weather conditions experienced throughout January and February within the Cariboo Chilcotin. Some of the most commonly discussed topics included;
• Solid Waste Management
• Recycling
• Invasive Plant Management

This year at a number of meetings, residents inquired about increased Bylaw Enforcement opportunities within the region.

During the 2011 Town Hall meetings, the residents were also requested to complete a survey about the session, recent experiences with the Regional District and the extent to which they understand the taxation process. The survey results also establish a baseline of resident satisfaction throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin and awareness of any issues that may be emerging on the local, sub-regional or regional basis. The survey included general questions, a section about the Town Hall Meeting process, and the financial plan. The Board of Directors will now use this information to help make their final decisions on the budget prior to its adoption at the March 25 Board meeting. Full comments from the Town Hall meetings and results from the surveys are available for viewing here (Town Hall Minutes)and here (Town Hall Survey Results)

Declarations

Community Social Services Awareness Month – March 2011
Drinking Water Week – May 1-7, 2011
National Honey Bee Day – May 29, 2011

Community Works Funds for Interlakes Complex

The Board approved a request from the Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission Society to access up to $7,500 of Community Works Funding. The funds will be used to perform lighting upgrades and, other related, minor services at the Interlakes Community Complex. The upgrades will improve the energy efficiency of the building, resulting in annual energy savings of approximately 3,200 KWH.

RCMP Grow Op Update

Warren Brown, Staff Sergeant, Williams Lake Detachment Commander, RCMP, presented information to the CRD Board of Directors information relating to grow-ops in the Cariboo Chilcotin. He also spoke to the Board about the need for changes in provincial legislation regarding the proceeds of crime. The RCMP encourage residents and communities to become more involved to help reduce the numbers of grow-ops within the Cariboo Chilcotin.

North Central Local Government Association

The Cariboo Regional District Board will submit the following resolutions to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference to be held in Prince Rupert May 11-13, 2011.
• The ban of incandescent light bulbs
• Tourist accommodation taxation
• Environmental levy on incoming freight
• Terminology amendment to legislation regarding invasive plants
• Prohibition of sale of seeds/plants
• Support for SPCA
• Cell phone and high speed internet accessibility
• Removal of phone booths in rural communities
• Fair compensation from BC Hydro rights of way
• Development of a comprehensive agricultural policy
• Development of a refundable deposit system for all glass products.

Director and Mayor Mitch Campsall of 100 Mile House will be seeking election as First-Vice President for the 2011 NCLGA Executive. Quesnel City Councillor Laurey Roodenburg will be running for the Regional District Representative while Councillor Surinderpal Rather of the City of Williams Lake has been nominated for Director at Large.

Next Board Meeting

March 25, 2011

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