Back to SearchNorth Central Local Government Association resolutions approved
Several resolutions calling for changes to provincial policies and programs are being referred to the North Central Local Government Association for consideration at its annual general meeting in May. Advocacy topics being brought to the NCLGA include:
- Returning to a market value based approach for Provincial Sales Tax levied on private used vehicle sales;
- Additional resources, funding, and support for local governments as the Province implements the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;
- Notification to rural residents by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure about subdivisions proposed in their area; and
- Equal opportunities for local governments to be informed and participate in internet upgrade projects which are currently overseen by the Ministry of Citizens Services and internet service providers.
City of Williams Lake provides update on Healthcare Landing Program
The CCRHD Board received an update on the City of Williams Lake’s Healthcare Landing Program from Beth Veenkamp, Melissa LaPointe and Jeanie Ryduk. The Board heard several success stories, including the various ways the Healthcare Landing Team has left positive impressions on physicians coming to the area. Program highlights included a strong focus on leaving positive first impressions, arranging welcoming accommodations during their visits, and providing custom-built Cariboo lifestyle experiences. The program has resulted in 36 locums, students, and resident physicians receiving stronger landing supports and community integration.
The program was launched in 2022 with a $150,000 budget to support efforts by the Interior Health Authority to recruit healthcare professionals to Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. The project is based on a successful program launched in 2015 by the City of Quesnel with the CCRHD’s support.
Cariboo Memorial Hospital Project Update (Feb 23)
Representatives from Interior Health were on hand to provide the Board with an update on the Cariboo Memorial Hospital upgrade project. The project is expected to start by April 2023, and through two phases be completed in late 2029. The first phase of the project will be focused on the construction of a 9,500 square metre (10,100 square feet) addition, which would add an additional 40% of floor space to the hospital. The second phase will involve the relocation of equipment to the new hospital wing and renovations to the existing hospital floors.
The project will result in several enhancements to the services provided through Cariboo Memorial Hospital, including: acute care, mental health and addictions, emergency, maternal care, oncology, and pharmacy services. The project will also provide for traditional healing practices for indigenous persons, including modifications to the HVAC system to accommodate smudging ceremonies.
Board reviews results of Tatla Lake groundwater supply feasibility study
The Board has reviewed the final results of a feasibility study commissioned in 2021 to assess potential sites and options for addressing water quality issues in the Tatla Lake community water system. The privately owned and operated system is currently on a “do not consume” order issued by Interior Health due to arsenic levels which exceed Health Canada’s Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. Costs to develop a new well are estimated to be in the range of $80,000 to $100,000, subject to depth of drilling and location.
The regional district does not operate nor collect funding from the system, and financed the feasibility study at a cost of $23,000 through the regional district’s feasibility study fund. However, there are no further plans to provide financing for the operation or maintenance of the system, due to prohibitive operating costs, a legal prohibition against assisting businesses, and the uneconomical tax and utility rates that would be required for the Cariboo Regional District to do so.
Board rejects soil or fill use application in Agricultural Land Reserve
The Board has rejected an application for soil or fill use within the Agricultural Land Reserve, after considering additional information supplied to it by both the applicant and Williams Lake First Nation. Following an application deferral and review period, the Board did not approve the application due to unaddressed impacts to WLFN’s indigenous rights and title. Concerns were raised by WLFN over the alleged disruption of potential and identified archeological sites and access to adjoining reserve lands which have not been resolved between the property owner and Williams Lake First Nation.
The Cariboo Regional District desires to see the applicant continue to work with Williams Lake First Nation to resolve outstanding concerns over the property’s use in a mutually satisfactory manner. The Board has expressed its willingness to consider a refined application should these outstanding issues be resolved.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Mar. 13 @ 11:00 A.M. – South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus
- Mar. 13 @ 12:00 P.M. – South Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee
- Mar. 14 @ 5:30 P.M. – North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee
- Mar. 21 @ 10:00 A.M. – Heritage Steering Committee
- Mar. 22 @ 5:30 P.M. – Central Cariboo Joint Committee
- Mar. 24 @ 9:30 A.M. – CRD & CCRHD Board Meeting
See the full CCRHD and CRD agendas at cariboord.ca/agendasminutes.
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