PARKLAND BRUNCH WITH SANTA - SUNDAY, DEC. 11, 2012

On Sunday, December 11th I attended brunch at Parkland School hosted by the Parkland Recreation Commission and Parkland Community Association.  Parkland School is located approximately 15 km. north of Quesnel on Highway 97.  To access the school, turn onto Bjornson Road which is the next left after the access road to 10 Mile Lake Provincial Park.  Although, "Parkland" includes the communities of Moose Heights and 10 Mile Lake, the brunch was open to the public. 

Karla & Rob - friendly greeters at the door

Sign adjacent to Hwy. 97N.

Parkland Rec. Commission Members

Roberta Faust with Santa & Mrs. Claus

The brunch was held in the gym at Parkland School, from 10 am -  2 pm which was beautifully decorated.  A fantastic brunch was offered to all those who attended.  Admission was  by donation to the local food bank.  The Master of Ceremony was Roberta Faust, Past Director of Electoral Area B.  The food was prepared by Chow Now Foods.  Face painting was also an option with Kids Den Events.
At 10:45 am, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived much to the thrill, excitement and amusement of everyone present.  Many photos were taken with Santa... including one of the entire Parkland Recreation Commission.  What a fine group they are... all local & committed volunteers doing a wonderful job for their community.

Andy McGibbon, Parkland Rec. Commission Chair

In 2012, plans for the Parkland Recreation Commission include opening up a Community Centre in Parkland Elementary School using what are currently un-used classrooms.  Once formally approved in the 2012 Cariboo Regional District budget, this facility will be funded through North Cariboo Parks & Recreation & will increase the recreational opportunities for residents of the area.  The Parkland Recreation Commission is governed by Bylaw 4271.  The group is also working on establishing an equestrian facility and additional trails in the area (see below).  It is exciting and inspiring to see first hand what a committed and dedicated group of volunteers can offer to their community.  As the new Director for Electoral Area B, I look forward to working closely with this group & to hopefully assist them with aspiring to their goals!  Thanks Parkland!!!


EXTRACT FROM SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 MINUTES OF NORTH CARIBOO JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE:

On September 20, 2011, Parkland Recreation Commission presented their plans to the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee. The following is an extract from the Minutes of that meeting.  The Minutes can be viewed at https://quesnel.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=22911

Parkland Recreation Commission
Andy McGibbon, Chairman and Norm Livingston of the Parkland Recreation Committee introduced themselves to the committee and reported on their submission and their request for funds for DL 6199, the north end of Ten Mile Lake known as Kosta’s Cove Park, under the umbrella of the CRD and managed by the Parkland Recreation Commission. The Commissioned polled the community to identify interests, wants and needs. Projects identified were: the enhancement at Kosta’s Cove Park, construction of equestrian grounds for local riders, further trail expansions and the establishment of a community centre at Parkland School. Accessible trail development in the Kosta’s Cove area are currently being completed from funding by Towns for Tomorrow.

Operating and Capital Budget requests were put forth as follows:

- Operating: Community Centre $23,120 and Parkland Recreation Commission $10,000; and

- Capital: Horse Riding/Multi-Use area $17,640 and further Trail Development $18,500 for a total request of $69,260.

The commission members noted that they have had 80 volunteers out to clean up the Kosta’s Cove Park and beach area. They noted that they are working on the agreement with the School District regarding using part of the Parkland Elementary School for a community centre. Joint Committee members thanked commission members for the report and the work that they are doing in the area, not just for local residents but the community as a whole. Commission members were reminded that they may need to look at a phased-in approach for their projects and that the community will need to prioritize their needs.

Committee members also requested that the Recreation Commission members work with staff regarding their requests for funding.

11-06-65 MOVED Director Faust, Seconded Director Glassford and resolved:

THAT the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee recommends to the CRD Board to approve, in principle, the Parkland Recreation Commission vision for the community plan as presented.

CARRIED

11-06-66 MOVED Director Massier, Seconded Director Faust and resolved:

THAT the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee recommends to the CRD Board that the Parkland Recreation Commission Plan be referred to staff to provide detailed budget costing and recommendations for the 2012 budget;

AND THAT the Parkland Recreation Commission be requested to work with staff.

CARRIED

Parkland Recreation Commission members announced that the trail project is currently being completed and there will be a grand opening in October.

ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS WANTED!

DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN LOCAL COMMUNITY PLANNING????

The Cariboo Regional District is currently accepting applications from interested individuals to sit on Advisory Planning Commissions (APC's) throughout the CRD.  APC's for Regional Districts are established through Section 898 of the Local Government Act (http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/LOC/freeside/--%20L%20--/Local%20Government%20Act%20RSBC%201996%20c.%20323/00_Act/96323_30.xml#section898).

The purpose of the APC is to be an advisory body that considers and reports on matters, such as rezoning and Agricultural Land Commission applications (http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alr/application_process.htm), referred to it by the Regional Board.  Each Electoral Area within the CRD can have an APC.  APC members are selected by the applicable Electoral Area Director (for Area B... that would be me!) and are appointed by the CRD board.  APC members are to be appointed by February 17, 2012!

The principal objective of the APC is to represent the community viewpoint and to evaluate individual development proposals to determine whether or not they conform to community objectives.  The recommendations made by an APC should take account of background knowledge of how the community as a whole is developing and should develop in the future.

One of my tasks as the Director of Area B Electoral Area will be to select APC members and recommend them for appointment to the APC by the CRD board.  Based upon the Local Government Act, the APC is governed by a bylaw.  Bylaw 4714 is the bylaw governing APC's in the CRD.

As per Bylaw 4714, each APC shall consist of not less than 4 and not more than 10 appointed members, at least 2/3 of whom shall be residents of the electoral area.  Although members must serve without remuneration, they may be paid reasonable and necessary expenses that arise directly out of the performance of their duties.  Unlike a Recreation Commission, the board director is not eligible to be a member of an APC but may attend at a meeting of the commission in a resource capacity.  Minutes of all APC meetings must be kept and, on request, made available to the public.

Ideally, members of an APC should be a cross section of the community population so it is representative of the community the APC represents.  According to Section 2(d) of Bylaw 4714, APC members will be selected based upon the following criteria:

(i) geographically, socially and occupationally diverse mix of residents;
(ii) demonstrated community interest, availability, work experience, and knowledge; and
(iii) preference should be given to citzens residing in the Electoral Area of the PAC, with the exception of those with special expertise in the Electoral Area.

One of the first tasks once an APC is appointed will be to review the legislation governing the APC and understand community objectives.  Documents worth reviewing would be the Quesnel Fringe Area Offical Community Plan (OCP) (http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/Services/Planning/OCPs/QuesnelFringeOCP.aspx) and applicable land use bylaws (Bylaw 3504 - Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Bylaw & 3505 - North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Bylaw). 

If you, or you know someone, who might be interested in being a member of the APC for Electoral Area B, please let Rick Brundrige, Manager of Planning Services, at the CRD Office or myself know.  I can be contacted at DirectorAreaB@cariboord.bc.ca

NOTE: The Cariboo Regional District is NOW on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/caribooregion

CLAYMINE PROPERTY TOUR

On Nov. 27, 1011, I was fortunate to meet up with Phyllis and Brenda of the Claymine Trails Committee to tour the Claymine Property.  I met with these 2 lovely ladies at 10 am; the temperature was above 0 deg. C. and the weather slightly drizzly and misty / foggy.  We walked and chatted for upwards of 2 hours discussing plans for the property, their vision, and some politics.  It was, for me, a well worthwhile meeting and I so appreciate the time they gave on this Sunday morning.  We walked through what is a typical mixed forest stand, for this area, comprised of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, spruce intermixed with paper birch and some aspen.  The area was, at one point, heavily infested by mountain pine beetle, but much of these dead and damaged trees have fallen and /or been removed.

Brenda LeBeck & Phyllis Robertson - my tour guides

Claymine Property is located on Claymine Road in the Bouchie Lake area.  To access the trail, turn right on to the Blackwater Road and right again on Claymine Road.  The parking lot and trail head is on the left a short drive along Claymine Road.  The property is 48 acres (Lot E of DL 8639) and is owned by the Cariboo Regional District.  It is managed by the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission as per the CRD Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission Bylaw No. 4712, 2011. 

These trails are a jewell to the Bouchie Lake area.  Trails have existed throughout this property for many years; they were comprised of previously used logging roads, wildlife trails, and quad (ATV) trails.  Plans have been in the works for several years to develop a walking trail system on the property for local & non-local residents to enjoy and use.  Through the dedication, perseverance and hardwork of a small number of local volunteers, this dream has been realised.

In 2010, the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission accessed a $2000 grant through the Quesnel Community Foundation (http://www.quesnelfoundation.ca/) for signage and fitness stations.  There are now 3 fitness stations which are accessible via the trail system. 

It was decided to chose the section of trails to develop and improve, taking into consideration neighbours and other issues.  The result is a "figure 8" loop.  Other funds were received through Action Plan D'Action.


Phyllis demonstrating the use
of this fitness station



Heloise using this fitness station












 One of the aims for the Claymine Property is to engage people so that it be used on a regular basis and for activities and events.  Currently, Bouchie Lake Elementary School has adopted approximately 100 metres of a section of a trail and are looking after its management.  This includes removing any fallen debris and keeping the trail free and open.  This section of trail is marked with beautiful markers designed by children at Bouchie Lake School.

Other features at the property include a well maintained and clean outhouse, a bridge, parking lot, and excellent front entrance signage.  For 2012, it would be wonderful for some events to be planned on the property so as to raise funds and increase its profile within the community.  Volunteers are always needed to assist with maintenance and clean up.  Areas of the property have experienced a substantial amount of blow down.

As the property is managed by the BLRC, I will be recommending that an appointed commissioner have Claymine Property within their portfolio of responsibilities.  In January, 2012 I will also be recommending to the incoming commission that a Claymine Property Committee be established comprised of a designated commissioner and 3-4 community members at large who have a vested interest in developing a 1-3 year plan for Claymine Property.  This committee will create their own Misson Statement and establish their own mandate, priorities and goals which are reported to the BLRC for final comment and approval.  If you are interested in being on this Committee, please let me and /or the incoming Commission know.

Thank you again for Phyllis and Brenda for being such wonderful guides and for working so hard for the community.

CARIBOO REGIONAL DISTRICT 2012 MEETING SCHEDULE - as of Nov. 23, 2011

Date	Meeting Type	Time	Location
January 20, 2012	CRHD/CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0930/0945	WL
February 17, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
March 9, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
March 30, 2012	CRHD/CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0930/0945	WL
April 20, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
May 11, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
June 2012 Meeting Date TBA	COW	TBA	Barkerville (Board on the Road)
June 2012 Meeting Date TBA	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	Barkerville (Board on the Road)
July 13, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
August 24, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
September 13, 2012	COW	TBA	Kersley (Board on the Road)
September 14, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	Kersley (Board on the Road)
October 4, 2012 (Thursday)	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
October 25, 2012	FIN	TBA	WL
October 26, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
November 15, 2012	FIN	TBA	WL
November 16, 2012	CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0945	WL
December 14, 2012	CRHD/CCRHD/BOARD/TAC	0930/0930/0945	WL

WE NEED YOU... VOLUNTEERING WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Within Area B, there are two Recreation Commissions, namely Parkland Recreation Commission (PRC) and Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission (BLRC).  These Commissions are governed by Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Bylaws and members of each respective commission are volunteers.  One of my tasks upon being sworn in as Director of Area B will be to recommend to the CRD volunteers who wish to take on the role as members of these Commissions.  These people will then be appointed by the CRD.

Although volunteering can be frustrating, it can have a meaningful and positive impact on your community.  Fundamentally, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely.  Unlike many things in life, there IS a choice involved with volunteering.  As a volunteer you have made a decision to help on your terms, free from pressue to act from others.  My belief is that volunteers should be treated with the uptmost of respect and any time and /or resources someone is willing to give, is a gift to be valued.  Above all, volunteering should be fun and rewarding.  If it's not... why would anyone give their valuable time?? 

Here are a few benefits of volunteering:

(i) Volunteering Connects you to others

One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. However, volunteering can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.  It will expose you to people with common interests, neighbourhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

(ii) Volunteering is good for both your mental and physical health and well-being

Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.

Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

(iii) Volunteering can advance your career

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization.

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of benefit to your career.

(iv) Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you raise awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

 

(v) Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

 

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

Information in this post extracted from http://helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm

RECREATION COMMISSIONS WITHIN AREA B

Within Electoral Area B, we are fortunate to have two Recreation Commissions - Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission & Parkland Recreation Commission.  Both of these are governed by bylaws, specifically Bylaw 4712 for the "Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission" (BLRC) and 4271 for the "Parkland Recreatoin Commission" (PRC). 

These commissions are ideally comprised of a diverse group of volunteers who are interested in their community, are positive, forward, progressive thinkers, are action & project oriented and are dedicated to making their communities a better place to live, work and play.  For the PRC, the commission will be comprised of the CRD Director of Electoral Area B and 6 members-at-large of which 4 must be residents of the 10 Mile Lake area.  For BLRC, the commission consists of the CRD Director of Electoral Area B and a minimum of 6 members to a maximum of 10 members-at-large, of which 2/3rds must be residents of the Bouchie Lake area.

For both commissions, it is one of the responsibilities of the CRD Director to recommend Commission members to the CRD board so that they can be appointed.

As per their respective bylaws, the purpose of each commission is to manage the land and buildings as described in the Schedules which form part of the bylaw.  Management of the identified properties ensure its use and enjoyment for the public.  For both, the lands shall be utilised to conduct public recreation & other community activities.

The properties identified as being managed in Bylaw 4712 (BLRC) include (i) Bouchie Lake Community Hall & Grounds & (ii) Claymine Property.  The properties identified as being managed in Bylaw 4271 (PRC) is the Parkland Community Area (also known as Costas Cove on Ten Mile Lake).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING INVOLVED IN YOUR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES BY BEING A COMMISSION MEMBERS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

NORTH CARIBOO RECREATION & PARKS - A Summary on Governance

North Cariboo Recreation & Parks (NCRP) is a service of the Cariboo Regional District and governance authority for the NCRP lies with the CRD Board.  The Board receives recommendations from CRD established Recreation Commissions (e.g. Bouchie Lake, Parkland, Barlow Creek) and the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (NCJPC).  This latter committee is comprised of 4 CRD Northern Directors (Areas A,B, C, & I) and 7 City of Quesnel counsellors.

The NCRP is primarily funded through taxation & user fees.  Policy decisions related to the NCRP are made by the North Cariboo Recreation & Parks Commission (established by Bylaw 4391).  Policy decisions outside of the authority of the Commission are considered by NCJPC with recommendations to the CRD board for ratification.  This Commission is comprised of 2 CRD Directors from Electoral Areas A, B, C, & I, 2 members of Quesnel City Council, 1 SD #28 representative, & 2 members of the general public (1 selected by the CRD Northern Rural Caucus and 1 selected by Quesnel City Council).

The City of Quesnel, through the Quesnel & District Leisure Services Department, manages the NCRP on behalf of the CRD under the terms of a 5 year agreement.  Services are primarily offered through the Quesnel & District Arts & Recreation Centre & the Quesnel & District Twin Arenas.  School & some outdoor facilities are also utilised.  Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Barlow Creek Recreation Commission, Parkland Recreation Commission, and Alex Fraser Park Society also provide services with funding support received through NCRP.  Pioneer Park, on Dragon Lake, is operated by the Quesnel Archery Club, at no cost to NCRP with the exception that NCRP pays for their public liability insurance.

In terms of the Recreation Commission within the rural areas,  Parkland, Bouchie Lake, & Barlow Creek Recreation Commissions were all established by the CRD & are governed by Bylaws (4271, 4272, & 4273 respectively).  These Commissions were established to manage specific CRD lands & buildings to ensure that they can be enjoyed by the public for purposes of recreation & community acitivities.  The Director of the CRD Electoral Area in which the properties lie is a member of the respective Recreation Commission as is set out in the bylaws for the Recreation Commission.

THE PURPOSES OF A REGIONAL DISTRICT IN BC

Regional Districts are recognised in the legislation of British Columbia and their purposes are set out in Section 2 of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT (see link below).  This Section states the following:

Recognizing that regional districts are an independent, responsible and accountable order of government within their jurisdiction, the purposes of a regional district include

(a) providing good government for its community,

(b) providing the services and other things that the board considers are necessary or desirable for all or part of its community,

(c) providing for stewardship of the public assets of its community, and

(d) fostering the current and future economic, social and environmental well-being of its community.

The purposes are fairly non-specific and can be interpreted to include a great many things.  I would be very interested in hearing how you feel the Cariboo Regional District can operate to better meet its purpose as set out in legislation.

Please comment here if you have any suggestions, thoughts and /or recommendations.

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/LOC/freeside/--%20L%20--/Local%20Government%20Act%20RSBC%201996%20c.%20323/00_Act/96323_01.xml#section2

QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER ARTICLE - Oct. 19, 2011

IT'S OFFICIAL

At the time the nominations closed on October 14, 2011, I was the sole candidate for CRD Area B Director.  As such, I have been acclaimed into this position.  The 1st Board of Director's Meeting following elections (on Nov. 19, 2011) is Friday, December 9, 2011 in Williams Lake.

In the interim, I am researching and chatting to many people.  I have begun a FACEBOOK site titled Heloise R. Dixon-Warren - Candidate CRD Area B Director (2011-2012) which I encourage everyone to follow.   My aim is to work closely with Area B residents and become as informed as possible so as solid, educated and smart decisons can be made by communities.

If you live in an area where there is a Recreation Commission (e.g. Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Parkland Recreation Commission) and you are interested in creating healthy communities whereby our halls and schools become focal points within our communities, I suggest you become involved with these worthwhile groups.  They are lead by volunteers that reside in your communities and active, involved and positive people can make such a difference.

To all Area B residents, I look forward to being your representative and will work hard to influence change on your behalf.

Land Use Zoning Bylaws within Area B of the CRD

Area B of the Cariboo Regional District encompasses an area approximately 1419 square km. with a population of approximately 4,338 people based upon the CRD's website (http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/).  It is referred to as "Quesnel West / Bouchie Lake" but in fact incorporates many other rural based communities - e.g. Bouchie Lake, Milburn Lake, parts of Baker Creek, Parkland (10 Mile Lake), Moose Heights, Cinema, and a small area to the east of Hyw. 97 North.

This area is subject to 2 particular bylaws governing rural land use and zoning which Area B residents should be aware of and informed about.  Bylaw 3504 (Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Bylaw) and Bylaw 3505 (North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Bylaw) can be viewed at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/Documents/Bylaws.aspx.

Bylaw 3504 applies specifically to the Quesnel Fringe Planning Area which contains parts of Electoral Areas A, B, C and I in the CRD including the Dragon Lake and 2 Mile Flats area, the West Quesnel and West Fraser areas, the Bouchie Lake area, 10 Mile Lake, and Barlow Creek areas (see map below).

The purpose of Bylaw 3504 is to establish land use regulations for the Quesnel Fringe Planning Area consistent with the existing official community plan policies relevant to specific portions of this area.

For all property owners within Area B, it is well worth determining whether your land is within the Quesnel Fringe.  If it is, your land is subject to Bylaw 3504; if it is not, it is subject to Bylaw 3505.

CIVICINFOBC has a BC Election Reporting System which can be viewed at the following website:  http://www.elections.civicinfo.bc.ca/2011/reports/report_candidates.asp

On the far right hand side of the main page of this site (http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/) is a link to ELECTIONS 2011 and "Candidates & Results" for both Local Government & School District elections.  The closing date for Nominations in this coming Friday, October 14th and the names of all people who have submitted their nomination papers for local office can be viewed here.

What a resource!  Check this site out.  It is full of great information about local government & processes.  According to the site, "CivicInfo BC is an award-winning, co-operative information service for those who work, or have an interest in British Columbia's local government sector. The main goal of CivicInfo BC is to facilitate the free and open exchange of local government information, which is done primarily through this web site."

ABOUT ME...

Greetings everyone!  Thank you for taking the time to read this snippet of information about me.  It is a simple way of providing some general information about me as I inform residents of my plans to have my name stand for Area B Director.

I have lived in the Milburn Lake / Bouchie Lake area west of Quesnel since April, 2002.  I grew up in the lower mainland (Maple Ridge) in a family of 8 and after travelling abroad for a year, I attended Simon Fraser University graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography & Biology.  Through participating in the Co-operative Education Program whereby I obtained work experience with the Ministry of Forests in 100 Mile House, I decided to return to university to study Forestry.  In 1994 I wrote the Registration Exam and became a Registered Professional Forester.  Since that time I have worked for both the private and public sector (including First Nations) gaining experience both in the field and in administrative duties.  I have been fortunate to live in a variety of areas within BC and Alberta experiencing both small and large town life.  Although I have not been directly involved with “conventional forestry practices” since moving to the North Cariboo, I have retained by RPF status and practice forestry on our farm by managing for Non-Timber Forest Products and undertaking some forestry / agricultural diversification work.

I am married to Ted Traer and we have 2 school aged girls (ages 14 and 11).  We relocated to the North Cariboo when Ted received a transfer through work.  We chose a rural area to reside as we felt that we could embrace the lifestyle in that it a good place to raise our girls and begin a home based business.  We began our farm based business immediately upon moving to the Quesnel area and although we did not have a plan, we have managed to create a niche business based upon the opportunities that presented us and what we were knowledgeable about.  Quesnel and the surrounding area has been all that we have wanted in a place to live, work and play.

Since 2007, we have been the recipient of several awards and accomplishments which I am extremely thrilled about.  These have emphasized the fact that the choices we have made have been the right ones. We were recognized as Live Smart Heros for our efforts towards creating a more sustainable environment. In 2008 I was profiled in the book “New Pioneers – Stories of 100 BC Women Entrepreneurs” and I received the “Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri‐Food” In 2007, I was honoured to receive the “2007 Innovator of the Year Award” at the Northern BC Today’s Woman Awards.  We have also received the “2007 and 2010   Home Based Business Excellence Award” at the Quesnel Business Excellence Awards and has also won a Golden Rooster Award at the last 3 Quesnel Fall Fairs.

I am a strong believer and advocate of “local” in whatever sense “local” can be defined by.  I also believe in the success of grassroots initiatives whereby people are encouraged to become engaged in activities and projects which benefit them directly.  I believe that creating healthy, sustainable, local communities is one catalyst for creating neighbourhoods which people enjoy living in. Since relocating to the Quesnel area, I have been actively involved with several volunteer based groups.  I am one of the founding members of FARMED (North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association / www.farmed) and have also held a volunteer position on the following organizations: Quesnel Agricultural & Exhibition Association, Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Baker to Bouchie Network, British Columbia Agri-tourism Alliance, Quesnel Pony Club, and most recently, the Due West Dancers.

Thank you so much.  Should you have any questions, please contact me at mmfarm@goldcity.net or 250.249.5329

As one way of sharing my views, I will be using Social Media.  I have begun a FACEBOOK site (Heloise Dixon-Warren, Candidate for CRD Area B, a BLOG (http://heloisedixonwarren.blogspot.com)and use Linkedin.  I am also available to chat to anyone on the phone and /or meet with them in person.

MY GOALS & OBJECTIVES AS CRD AREA B DIRECTOR

If elected to the position of CRD Area B Director, Dixon-Warren will commit to working hard in hopes of achieving the following goals:

(i)                   To work closely with the residents of Area B and to listen closely to their concerns, hopes, and values;

(ii)                 To liaise with Area B groups to facilitate actions and goals within the mandate set by the CRD;

(iii)                To inform myself of the issues affecting Area B residents so as to fully understand any concerns and to work diligently with them and for them so together issues can be resolved and solutions set forth;

(iv)                To work closely with both the other Directors of the CRD and City of Quesnel in terms of how bylaws and policies affect Area B residents including those which are impacted by the Quesnel Fringe Official Community Plan;

(v)                 To undertake respectful dialogue and debate at all times and lobby appropriate levels of government, when applicable;

(vi)                To be part of a community, both urban and rural, which works towards being sustainable, green, community based which results in an area which is successful and a wonderful place to work, live and recreate.

NEWS RELEASE - QUESNEL, OCTOBER 12, 2011

North Cariboo resident, Heloise Dixon-Warren, has decided to drop her name into the bucket and let her name stand for the elected position of Cariboo Regional District Area B Director.  After living and working in the Bouchie Lake / Milburn Lake area for the last 9 ½ years, Dixon-Warren feels she is sufficiently aware of the local and regional issues to act upon them and make a difference.

Since relocating to the North Cariboo from Houston, British Columbia, with her husband, Ted, and their two school aged girls, Dixon-Warren, a Register Professional Forester, has focused her efforts on raising their girls and building a strong and viable farm based business (www.moosemeadowsfarm.ca), while serving the community in many ways through volunteer based not-for-profit groups.  Dixon-Warren is a founding member of FARMED (North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association / www.farmed.ca) which now has a membership of 26 individuals and agri-based businesses and organizations.  Dixon-Warren has also been actively involved with the British Columbia Agritourism Alliance, Quesnel Agricultural & Exhibition Association, Quesnel Pony Club, District H Farmers Institute, the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Baker to Bouchie Network, and most recently is a founding member of the Due West Dancers.  Although Dixon-Warren continues to practice forestry, her primary interest now lies in non-timber forest products, agro-forestry and agricultural diversification.  She has recently been a guest speaker at several workshops and conferences focused on sustainability and diversification.  In 2008, she was appointed to the BC Assessment Farm Assessment Review Panel to review how farm land in classified in BC.   This panel met regularly and provided recommendations to the province as to how the farm land classification system could be revised.  She has recently been a guest speaker at several

Dixon-Warren is a strong advocate of creating a economic and environmental climate whereby communities become increasingly sustainable, food security issues are addressed, populations become healthier and services provided by government which we, as taxpayers pay for, are easily and readily available.  Dixon-Warren believes in having access to resources and services close to home so that we reduce our carbon footprint, become more “green”, not have to travel so much on roads, and create strong local communities whereby we know our neighbours.

If elected to the position of CRD Area B Director, Dixon-Warren will commit to working hard in hopes of achieving the following goals:

(i)                   To work closely with the residents of Area B and to listen closely to their concerns, hopes, and values;

(ii)                 To liaise with Area B groups to facilitate actions and goals within the mandate set by the CRD;

(iii)                To inform myself of the issues affecting Area B residents so as to fully understand any concerns and to work diligently with them and for them so together issues can be resolved and solutions set forth;

(iv)                To work closely with both the other Directors of the CRD and City of Quesnel in terms of how bylaws and policies affect Area B residents including those which are impacted by the Quesnel Fringe Official Community Plan;

(v)                 To undertake respectful dialogue and debate at all times and lobby appropriate levels of government, when applicable;

(vi)                To be part of a community, both urban and rural, which works towards being sustainable, green, community based which results in an area which is successful and a wonderful place to work, live and recreate.

Area B is referred to as “Quesnel West / Bouchie Lake” and encompasses an area of 1,419 km² and has a population of approximately 4,338.  Communities located within this area are as follows: Bouchie Lake, Milburn Lake, parts of Baker Creek,  Parkland, Moose Heights, and Cinema.  CRD Services provided in this area include the following: Local Services (Bouchie Lake Fire, Ten Mile Lake Fire Protection, Pacific Rd. Street Lighting), Sub-Regional Services (Quesnel Sub-Regional Recreation, North Cariboo Cemetaries, North Cariboo Economic Development),  and Regional Services (Land Use Planning, Weed Control, Waste Management, Building Inspection, Bylaw Enforcement, Library System, Corporate Administration, and Electoral Area Administration)

Heloise Dixon-Warren, Candidate for Area B CRD Director

Home: 250.249.5329 / email: mmfarm@goldcity.net