Back to SearchProvince and Cattlemen’s Association talk fencing
Staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, and BC Cattlemen’s Association were on hand to present information to the Board about livestock fencing. All agencies reaffirmed that the legal requirements for fencing out livestock adjacent to range lands remain with property owners, not range holders. However, they clarified that fencing between private properties is the joint responsibility of both property owners.
Residents should note that livestock may be permitted to be on range lands from mid-spring to late fall, dependent on seasonal conditions. Each rancher is allocated a set amount of time they can have their livestock on range lands, and each ranch has a range use plan identifying when livestock will be on range lands. Provincial compliance and enforcement personnel will investigate complaints about livestock being on range lands outside of these times, and may issue tickets, suspensions, or cancellations of licenses. Complaints can be made by calling 1 888-221-7141 or emailing AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca.
The Board raised several concerns about unmaintained or absent fencing along numbered highways in the region, and livestock being present on major highways. Representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advised that it is the responsibility of livestock owners to build and maintain livestock fencing along a highway. Funding is available through the BC Cattlemen’s Association to maintain and build fencing until 2025. Applications can be submitted through the BC Cattlemen’s website and are due by August 31, 2024.
More information about livestock at large, range lands, and fencing requirements can be found online through the Province’s website.
First behind the scenes glance at bylaw enforcement activity
The Board received its first glimpse at the files being actioned by the CRD’s bylaw enforcement division, which is currently staff by one enforcement officer along with administrative support from Building Inspection services. The CRD’s bylaw officer is currently handling over 300 active files at various stages of enforcement, investigation, and litigation, including over 25,000 kilometers travelled and 73 individual contacts for the purpose of compliance and enforcement.
The Board unanimously acknowledged the effort put in by the CRD’s bylaw enforcement officer, and commended them for their work to date. Consensus was also achieved that bylaw complaints cannot be filed through CRD Directors. Discussion also occurred highlighting a need to consider a more enforcement-oriented approach, along with resourcing to support a proactive enforcement approach. These considerations will be researched as part of the department’s 2025 business planning.
Residents who wish to report a possible breach of CRD bylaws can do so:
- By calling our office at 1-800-665-1636;
- Emailing bylaw@cariboord.ca;
- Online at www.cariboord.ca/bylawcomplaint.
Please note, the Regional District will not investigate anonymous complaints, and will also protect the privacy and identity of complainants as permitted by provincial privacy laws.
Dangerous Dog bylaw gets impounded
The Board debated a possible dangerous dog bylaw following concerns expressed by residents in the Central Cariboo sub-region. Currently, the Regional District directs concerns about dangerous dog issues to the RCMP. The Board was advised by staff that, if a service were to proceed, Regional District taxpayers would need to pay for building and staffing a containment facility, costs for feeding and caring for animals that have been impounded, and any legal fees related to enforcement disputes. A feasibility study would need to be completed prior to any service proceeding as well, along with defining a service area.
At this time the regional district will not be pursuing a dangerous dog enforcement service. It will be engaging with the RCMP on how to better coordinate enforcement and support their use of current community charter powers. The issue will be further discussed through the Central Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus.
Board recognizes UNBC undergraduate student’s research on agricultural policy
Matt Henderson, an undergraduate student with UNBC’s School of Planning and Sustainability, was on hand to present his findings from research conducted in 2023. Through community-based participatory research methods, concerns and issues around policies and regulations impacting the agricultural profession were explored. Key takeaways included a need for improved communication and public engagement from all levels of government, evaluating how productive agricultural land is valued at the local level, and the importance of access to local processing facilities and markets. The research also identified marketing opportunities for more local processing within the north-central interior of B.C.
Recreation management agreements approved for Williams Lake, 100 Mile House
Recreation management agreements have been approved for the Central Cariboo with the City of Williams Lake and the South Cariboo with the District of 100 Mile House. Under the agreements, the operating and capital costs for the recreation services are paid by the municipalities as the facility operators and then reimbursed by the Region quarterly upon receipt of an invoice from the District. Funding will continue to be provided by the Regional District through sub-regional property taxation. User fees and program registration fees will be retained by the municipalities to offset the cost of the service. Funding for this research project was provided by Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, and I, the Kersley Farmer’s Institute, and the Planning Institute of B.C.
Board reaffirms commitment to reconciliation
The Board will be sending formal communication to the Lhtako Dene First Nation’s Chief and Council reaffirming its commitment to the principles of reconciliation and cooperation with First Nations and other Indigenous governing bodies. The concerns followed material being distributed in Quesnel which promoted residential school denialism. Information about the impacts that residential schools have on residential school survivors, indigenous and non-indigenous communities, and the ongoing work needed through reconciliation is documented in depth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ final report to the House of Commons, among various other official reports and investigations. The Cariboo Regional District Library Network also has several books available for residents to borrow which share the stories and perspectives of survivors. These materials can be requested at any branch location or online through the Cariboo Library Network website.
Community Hall support funding to proposed for Area J, West Chilcotin
A bylaw to establish a service to fund community halls in the West Chilcotin has received three readings from the Board. Voter approval will be required and an alternative approval process will be initiated to attain that approval. More information about AAP timelines and process will be available to Area J residents at a later date.
Upcoming Meetings:
Mar. 27 @ 11:00 a.m. – Central Cariboo Joint Committee
Apr. 8 @ 11:00 a.m. – South Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus
Apr. 8 @ 12:00 p.m. – South Cariboo Joint Committee
Apr. 9 @ 3:00 p.m. – North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus
Apr. 9 @ 5:30 p.m. – North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee
Apr. 12 @ 9:30 a.m. – CCRHD / CRD Board
See the full CCRHD and CRD agendas and minutes at cariboord.ca/agendasminutes. For a list of future meetings, please visit www.cariboord.ca/calendar
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