IS IT TIME TO MOVE BEYOND RATES, RECREATION & RUBBISH??

An opportunity for local governments to develop public health policy!

Since taking on the role of being an elected representative of the Cariboo Regional District I find myself surprised and interested to learn what services local government feels is their responsibility to provide, manage and tax for.  In regards to the CRD, it provides the following services (budget allocation in parenthesis):

Recreation (32%), Environmental (16%), Protective Services (14%), General / Admin (12%), Water (6%), Sewer (3%), Development (6%), Airports (3%), Municipal Debt (6%), Other (2%).  For a complete description of each of these services, refer to the CRD Town Hall Budget Booklet which can be accessed online at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/WhatsNew/TownHallMeetings.aspx

The Cariboo Regional District had a budget in 2011 of $41,031,413 and a population of 62,392 (based upon the 2011 Canada Census results).  As such, the average cost per person for the services offered was  $657.00.  Fortunately for Regional District residents, the CRD has several sources of funds other than just tax requisition.  The sources (with percentages in parentheses) are: Tax Requisition (54%), Operating Surpluse (22%), User Fees (4%), Grants (7%), Municipal Debt (6%), Capitol Reserve (2%) and Other (5%).

As can be noted, based upon the above numbers, the CRD spent upwards of $6,565,026.00 on “Environmental Services” which includes Invasive Plant Management, Solid Waste Management and Rural Refuse.  Rural Refuse has the largest budget and basically equates to managing items we purchase but no longer want and /or have use for.  In simple terms, it is garbage, biodegradable / compostable items, recyclables, etc.  It surprises me that we purchase packaging and then turn around and pay to manage its disposal.  Based upon the total number, it costs each CRD resident approximately $105.00 to manage for garbage and invasive plants.

Another large budgeted item is Recreation (32% / $ 13,130,052.16) which primarily is focused on the administration and management of numerous recreational services within the Region.  This includes major facilities (ice rinks, swimming pools, multi-purpose spaces) and rural community recreational services (e.g. halls, sport fields, green spaces).

One discussion I had recently is the linkage between Health and Recreation.  As can be noted, the Cariboo Regional District currently does not develop policy pertaining to health.  It could be argued (and it is) that Health and Recreation are quite separate whereas  I believe they are linked and that local government can also take a more active role in policy setting which embraces the creation of local healthy communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being" and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. It is known that better health is central to human happiness and well-being.  It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive, and save more.  There are many ways our society could achieve greater "health".  Access to  recreation is but one way "health" can be achieved.  Other ways include affordable housing, increased food security, poverty reduction, reduced usage of fossil fuels, a focus on sustainable community development, clean air, more exercise, etc.  There are many issues that local government could address other than just recreation.

Perhaps local government should also have policies on "health" of which access to recreational services is included in the policies. According to the WHO, Health Policy refers to decisions, plans, and actions that are undertaken to achieve specific health care goals within a society.  It outlines priorities and the expected roles of different groups; and it builds consensus and informs people.

In May 2011, the Province launched a Healthy Families BC Strategy.  This $68 million health promotion program will be comprised of a 4 key Healthy Families BC strategy to support families and communities.  The 4 areas are:    

Ø  Healthy Lifestyles – supporting British Columbians in managing their own health and reducing chronic disease by working with physicians to ensure consistent delivery of proven prevention initiatives.

Ø  Healthy Eating – initiatives aimed at supporting healthy choices, in the home, the school and the community and creating environments that support the provision of healthier foods and make their choice easier.

Ø  Healthy Start – helping the most vulnerable families in British Columbia get the best start in life.

Ø  Healthy Communities– encouraging British Columbians to lead healthier lives where they live, work, learn and play.

Local governments are included in the 4th area - Healthy Communities.  YAY!!!  Based upon this… health will become a priority of local government!

Based upon a News Release titled “Healthy Communities Support Healthy Families BC” (http://www.fraserhealth.ca/about_us/media_centre/news_releases/news-releases-archive/2011_news_releases/healthy_communities_support_healthy_families_bc?tpid=110) comprehensive consultations will take place with local governments throughout British Columbia  over the next few months with the intent to launch Healthy Families BC Communities in early 2012.

 As a part of the Healthy Families BC Communities initiative, provincial health authorities will work with interested communities to develop plans to make their city or town healthier. Planning can take place in such areas as physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco reduction, healthy-built environments and priority populations.

 Some of the topics to be discussed during upcoming consultations will include:

Ø  Partnerships between the Province, local governments and health authorities;

Ø  Development of community health profiles and community baseline assessments to identify priority actions;

Ø  Recognition of communities that have made a commitment to develop priority actions to improve the health of citizens;

Ø  Targeted health authority intervention to support local actions to address measurable improvements in the health of communities; and

Ø  Community events to celebrate success.

 

Chronic disease and obesity not only result in direct costs to the health-care system, but indirect ones as well. These include increased absenteeism and decreased productivity at work, as well as a lower quality of life.

Local government is ideally placed to develop and implement local policies and actions to address health and the broad range of deteminants that influence health.  This involves actions in a range of areas including transport, roads, parks, waste, land use, house and urban planning, recreation and cultural activities and creating safe public places. 

I will be attending the Local Government consultation session with Northern Health scheduled for May 2, 2012 in 100 Mile House, BC at North Central Local Government Association (http://www.nclga.ca/) conference.  I look forward to hearing the approach to building relationships between local government and health authorities and how this consultation will benefit our northern communities.

AREA B TOWN HALL MEETING - PARKLAND ELEMENTARY, Feb. 5, 2012

Yesterday, the CRD Staff and myself hosted the 2012 Area B TOWNHALL MEETING at Parkland Elementary School north of Quesnel in the 10 Mile Lake area.  As it was my first Town Hall Meeting as a CRD Director, I feel it went well.  25 people attended and there was a good cross section of people from the Electoral Area.  Always nice to see more but a VERY big THANK YOU to all that attended and made my "inaugural Town Hall Meeting" a welcoming and good experience.  I hope those that attended left feeling more informed about the services that the CRD provides.  There were people I recognised from the Bouchie Lake / Milburn Lake area, Ten Mile Lake, and Quesnel - Hixon areas.  The meeting was a great way to meet some new faces.  Also in attendance were Director John Massier (CRD Electoral Area C / Barlow Creek to Barkerville) and Chair Art Kaehn of Fraser Ft. George Regional District & Director of Electoral Area "E" (Woodpecker - Hixon).  It was great having the support of these 2 more "seasoned" Directors!  As it is Director Massier's 2nd term (4th year as a Director) he was able to fill in the gaps on decisions that were made prior to my term.

 

 

 The Meeting began with myself providing an introduction and an overview of the meeting and the CRD.  Following my wee spiel,  Janis Bell, CAO and Shelly Burich, Manager of Communications (both of the CRD) did a GREAT presentation, with power point, which provided an overview of the CRD and 2012 5-Year Financial Plan. Thanks ladies!!! This presentation can be viewed at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/WhatsNew/TownHallMeetings.aspx  I highly recommend that ALL CRD RESIDENTS review this presentation. 

 

A few points of interest to be noted is that the CRD MUST balance its budget and there is no source of general revenue.  All budgets have "fire walls" between them so money cannot be moved from one function to another.  As such, funds collected through taxation for recreation cannot be used to manage waste.

 

Janis also provided an update on some of the projects that are underway or nearing their close.  To summarise, they are as follows:

 

(i) The Solid Waste Management Plan: now complete.  With the information collected, the Solid Waste Management Committee will now prepare a plan which will be presented to the CRD Board in the spring, 2012.  For additional information on the Solid Waste Management Plan Review, check out  http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/Services/SolidWasteManagement/SWMReview.aspx;

 

(ii) North Cariboo Recreation Boundary Review: This coming year, the City of Quesnel and CRD will be reviewing the current taxation boundary for North Cariboo Parks & Recreation and will make recommendations for any appropriate changes.  The existing boundary is ~ 30 years old and does not reflect property development occuring on the outside edge of the taxation area.  Funding has been allocated in the 2012 budget for consulting services as required to complete this goal.  Extensive consultation will be undertaken as part of the review process.  The proposed boundary is the "Handy Dart Taxation Boundary";

 

(iii) Emergency Planning Open Houses: these are being scheduled throughout the CRD to collect important information that will be used by the CRD during an emergency.  The 1st meeting of this type held in Area B was on Feb. 1st at Bouchie Lake Hall.  Another meeting was held at Parkland School immediately following the Town Hall Meeting.  More information is available at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/Services/ProtectiveServices/EmergencyOperationsCentreEOC.aspx

 

Following the CRD Presentation, there was an opportunity for open discussion and residents to voice their concners / comments / opinions and recommendations on any issue they so chose.  It was great to hear people speak to issues that are of importance.  I am hoping to expand on the concerns / comments brough forward over the next few weeks as I look into things and learn more.  Three issues were brought forward and they are summarised here:

 

(i) In the spring of 2011 there were several houses that were destroyed because there was concern, due to the flooding of the Cottonwood River, that these houses would end up in the river. The property on which houses were located are now "vacant Crown land" and plans include ensuring that they are rehabilitated to their "natural state".  For additional information on the flooding, refer to this BC Government online site http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2011/05/safety-concerns-cease-flood-mitigation-work-cottonwood.html
A concern was also brought forward regarding the use of these aforementioned properties by people that use them for "partying" during the summer.  They drink alcohol and are reported to leave garbage on-site.  It was also requested to have Fishey signage posted and that there was also concern regarding the status of the main road when there is another large flood.  I plan to report more on the status of this situation as time progresses. My plan also includes doing a "road trip" out this way to better familiarise myself with the sites, issues and concerns.  To view on satellite imagery or maps the geographic location of the Cottonwood River, please click on this link: http://maps.google.com/?q=Cottonwood River Provincial Park, British Columbia

 

(ii) An Area B based volunteer fire fighter enquired about a "LODD" / Line of Duty Death fund / policy being set up so local volunteer fire fighters are able to have some of their expenses covered to attend the memorial services of fire fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  Volunteer fire fighters give of their time and they consider themselves to be a "family". 

(iii) Another Area B based volunteer fire fighter discussed the proposed plan of the Quesnel Firemans's Association to erect a monument at Lebourdais Park (downtown Quesnel) which honours all volunteer fire fighers. There was a discussion as to whether the CRD had funds to assist in the installation and creation of this said monument and whether it could be cost shared with the City of Quesnel.  The option to research available funds / grants was discussed along with the Association doing a delegration to the Joint Planning Committee.  As the CRD does not have a source of general revenue, any CRD funds allocated towards such a monument would have to be included in taxation and a budget.  A brief discussion ensued regarding the possibility of accessing funds through Quesnel Community Foundation (http://www.quesnelfoundation.ca/)

 

My goal is to research these three concerns / issues brought forward and provide some information, and perhaps an answer, to them.  Watch here for additional information! 

EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMUNITY CAPACITY RESPONSE OPEN HOUSES

DATES FOR ELECTORAL AREA B:

Bouchie Lake / Milburn Lake / Baker Creek
February 1, 2012, 5-8 pm at the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Dunkley / Strathnaver / Cinema / Ten Mile Lake / Moose Heights / Cottonwood / Barlow Creek:

February 5, 2012, 2:30 – 4:30 pm at Ten Mile Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Protective Services at the Cariboo Regional District will be hosting public meetings throughout the CRD to garner information and input from the public regarding each community and surrounding area.  The dates and times above are the 2 meetings being held specific to Electoral Area B. 

These meetings are not about creating individual evacuation plans for each community but rather will focus on the collection of information about each community so that if evacuations are ever required the CRD has the information needed to make informed decisions and contact key people for information and / or help in an emergency to address the needs specific to each community.

These meetings will be held in an open house format where people can come, ask questions, provide input and leave throughout the duration of the event.   All members of the community are welcome, and encouraged, to attend – anyone and everyone with local knowledge can help.

The type of information Protective Services is looking  to collect and /or share is as follows:

1)       Collect information from the local people about their communities such as:
·         resources,
·         hazards,
·         road accesses,
·         shops,
·         stores,
·         schools,
·         buildings,
·         resorts,
·         land uses,
·         recreation areas,
·         livestock,
·         equipment and operators available in area,
·         muster sites, etc.

2)      Answer questions  people may have about emergency planning, operations and recovery;

3)      Recruit people that may be interested in being volunteer emergency contacts (VEC’s) for their area;

4)      Survey people about communications and communicating during emergencies;

5)      Listen to and consider/address people’s ideas and concerns regarding emergencies; and

6)      Provide people with printed information about how to plan for emergencies, what to do if under evacuation alert and/or order, etc.

I will be in attendance at both the meetings scheduled for within Area B.  Hoping that many of the residents will be able to attend also.  For additional information, please contact me at 250.249.5329 or HDixon-Warren@cariboord.bc.ca or the Cariboo Regional District office.

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

SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDS VS. DIRECTOR INITIATIVE FUNDS

There are two specific funds available for Directors of the Cariboo Regional District.  They are outlined in Section 5, Directors Policies, of the CRD Policy Manual.  These 2 funds are the "Special Project Funds" and the "Director Initiative Funds".

SPECIAL PROJECT FUND / SPF

Special project funds are discretionary funds to be used on a limited basis for projects that have broad benefit to an Electoral Area, that arise during the course of the year and that could not reasonably be foreseen far enough in advance to access the annual grant for assistance program.

Eligible projects may include:

• capital projects generally of an emergency or otherwise time-sensitive nature;
• operational expenditures of an emergency nature;
• special events that occur in response to the needs of an Electoral Area and that would provide a demonstrated benefit to the Electoral Area. Annual or recurring special events are not eligible for funding for more than year.

Ineligible Projects include:

• routine operational expenditures;
• capital projects that could reasonably have been submitted for consideration during the grant for assistance process;
• ongoing annual or recurring special events that could have been submitted for consideration during the grant for assistance process or that have received funding from the Cariboo Regional District on a previous occasion;

Directors may request a requisition in any fiscal year fro the SPF.  Funds may be accumulated from year to year provided that the annual allocation for the SPF does not exceed $5000.00.  Funds can only be expended with the approval of 2/3rd of the Board.

DIRECTOR INITIATIVE FUNDS / DIF

Director Initiative Funds / DIF are discretionary funds to be used on a limited basis for:

• the cost for a Director’s attendance at seminars/workshops associated with development as an elected official other than training offered by NCLGA and UBCM or specifically contained in the Board’s Electoral Area Administration budget;
• the cost for a Director to conduct meetings within their Electoral Area on topics of interest to their constituents provided those topics are not inconsistent with established Board policies or decisions;
• the cost of a Director’s additional travel outside of the region for special initiatives of importance to their electoral area. An example of such travel would be to meet with provincial or federal ministers with respect to an issue, provided that the matters is not contrary to established Board policies or decisions; and
• the cost of Long Service Recognition for CRD Commissioners including: (i) the purchase of a retirement gift as a long service award to members of CRD Commissions who have served a minimum of 5 years; (ii) hosting a luncheon or similar venue to present long service awards.

Ineligible projects include:

• attending general interest seminars, workshops or conferences unrelated to the business of the Cariboo Regional District;
• hosting special events such as community luncheons, dinners, barbeques, etc.;
• advertising, mail-outs or other media except as related to conducting a meeting approved in accordance with the above guidelines; and
• providing funds, gifts, or favours to third parties.

Directors may request a requisition in any fiscal year for the DIF.  Funds may be accumulated from year to year provided that the annual allocation for the DIF does not exceed $5000.00.  Funds can only be expended with the approval of 2/3rd of the Board.

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