CRD Board Highlights - January 20, 2012

Here are the highlight's from the CRD Board of Director's Meeting on January 20th.

Election of CRHD & CCRHD Chair and Vice‐Chair

The Cariboo Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) elected their Chair and Vice Chair for 2012. Area C Director, John Massier was elected as Chair while Vice‐Chair duties will continue to be carried out by City of Quesnel Director and Mayor, Mary Sjostrom.

Nazko First Nation

Councillor Terrence Paul and Executive Director Mike McGee from the Nazko First Nation appeared before the Board to discuss their Economic Development Plan. The presentation focused on planning, forestry, mining, geothermal opportunities, and the need for a three-phase power system through the Nazko Territory. During the meeting, the Cariboo Regional District endorsed a resolution to support the Nazko First Nation three-phase power system proposal.

Special Projects Funds Authorized

The Board authorized Electoral Areas D, F, G, H and L to jointly contribute a maximum of $450 from their Special Projects funds. These funds will be used to assist the South Cariboo Sustainability Society and the South Cariboo Agri-Culture Enterprise Centre Society to bring in Richard Heinburg as a guest speaker to 100 Mile House on February 7th. Heinburg is a published author of ten books, and is regarded as an authority on the need to transition away from fossil fuels.

Community Works Funds for McLeese Lake

The McLeese Lake Recreation Society and the Cariboo Regional District will enter into a contribution agreement to provide the Society with up to $25,000 of Community Works funds to install a well system at the McLeese Lake Community Hall. The new well will allow the community hall to discontinue use of surface water in favour of well water, which will make it easier to control water quality and be at less risk of contamination.

Municipal Auditor General

The Cariboo Regional District Board received a report from the provincial government regarding the establishment of an Auditor General for local governments. Last summer, Premier Christy Clark announced that an Auditor General position would be created to provide “independent oversight” of local government operations to ensure public accountability. The Cariboo Regional District welcomes any constructive advice on opportunities to improve its service delivery methods.

Parkland Recreation Commission

The Cariboo Regional District will be entering into an agreement with School District 28 for an occupancy license for Parkland Elementary School. This agreement will allow the Parkland Recreation Commission to utilize a portion of the Parkland Elementary School as a Community Centre. Further information about the Parkland Recreation Commission is available online at http://web.me.com/normlivingstone/Parkland_Recreation_Commission/Welcome.html

Rural Roads

The Regional District will be sending a letter in support of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. The Trust is requesting the completion of the Purden Lake Connector Road as a circle tour and secondary emergency escape route.

Later in the meeting discussion was held about Young Road just west of Alexis Creek. Last year a portion of the road had been washed out during the freshet and to date, it has not been repaired. This road has been traditionally used as an emergency route when other roads in the area are impassable. In response to local residents’ requests, the CRD Board of Directors will be lobbying the provincial government to ensure this road is repaired and re-activated.

Upcoming Town Hall Meetings

Mon. Jan. 23 – Area I – 7pm – West Fraser Fire Hall
Wed. Jan. 25 – Williams Lake – 7pm – Council Chambers
Thurs. Jan. 26 – 100 Mile House – 7pm – Council Chambers
Thurs. Jan. 26 – Wells – 7pm – Council Chambers
Sat. Jan. 28 – Areas J & K – 1pm – Tatla Lake Comm. Hall
Mon. Jan. 30 – Area C – 7pm – Barlow Creek Fire Hall
Tues. Jan. 31 – Area D – 7pm – Wildwood Elementary
Wed. Feb. 1 – Quesnel – 7pm – Council Chambers
Sun. Feb. 5 – Area B – 1pm – Parkland Elementary
Mon. Feb. 6 – Area L – 7pm – Watch Lake Comm. Hall

 Declarations

International Development Week - February 5-11, 2012
Heritage Week – February 20-26, 2012

Next CRD Board Meeting
Friday, February 17, 2012 – 9:30 am