Board discusses FireSmart strategy and how to move forward
The Board held early discussions over the CRD’s wildfire mitigation strategies, in advance of a future funding opportunity. A FireSmart education program is currently underway, and has seen CRD staff present at public meetings and events to provide information about the benefits of incorporating FireSmart practices into home maintenance and design. The Board requested more information for a possible review of the current program in the fall to help inform a FireSmart grant funding application for 2025.
RCMP discuss dangerous dog concerns
Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon of the RCMP attended by teleconference the Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting to provide an overview of RCMP jurisdiction and responsibility to manage dangerous dogs in the regional district where no bylaws are in place for animal control. The principal concern for the RCMP was the lack of infrastructure and programming to care for animals which have been impounded. The Board and RCMP discussed specific concerns about dangerous dogs in the CRD, and the importance of having issues reported to the RCMP.
In discussion after the RCMP left the meeting, the Board identified concerns that dangerous dogs are expensive to deal with, particularly when destruction is involved – an expensive and onerous process for local governments. In discussing how a service would need to be established, CAO Daly advised that regulatory services like animal control do not require a referendum to establish a service. However, a referendum would be needed to authorize any borrowing to finance the construction of facilities or other infrastructure for the service.
The Board at this time will not be committing to an animal control service and has planned to re-connect with RCMP officials at a later time.
Rezoning proposal for tourist commercial resort in Area J receives preliminary consideration
The Board gave first reading to the bylaw, and established several conditions that needed to be met before second reading would be given. This includes a public information meeting, a professional report about site suitability for sewage disposal systems, and submission of an Archeological Overview Assessment to determine if further archeological investigations are required. Conditions for possible adoption were also specified, including: restrictive covenant restricting the maximum density of the resort to 70 sleeping or housekeeping units and 25 staff accommodation units, or a combination of that; a Shoreland Management Policy covenant on title to protect riparian areas and wetlands; and consolidating the properties into a single property.
Statement of Financial Information available for public inspection
As required by the Financial Information Act, the Regional District is releasing its Statement of Financial Information for public inspection. The annual report sets out how much the regional district spends on director and employee salaries, benefits, and expenses, contracts with other entities, debt financing, and other information to provide citizens with information about how we are using their money.
Community Works funding to support critical sewer system repairs in Lac La Hache
The Board has authorized $34,000 in Community Works funding to be used for critical utility system repairs. The repairs include replacing electrical and mechanical components for a sewer system lift station in Lac La Hache for $26,000, and repairs to the reservoir drain and overflow area for the Forest Grove water system ($8,000). These repairs were not included in the 2024 budget or business plans for either service, and assigning funding from the CRD’s Community Works fund allocation ensures they will be completed.
Community Works Funding committed for energy efficiency upgrades at Forest Grove Community Hall
$12,500 will be distributed to the Forest Grove & District Recreation Society to help install two new energy efficient furnaces in the Forest Grove Community Hall. This funding will come from the CRD’s Community Hall Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation envelope of the Community Works Fund. The funding envelope now has $42,500 available for other eligible community hall projects in the CRD.
Upcoming Meetings:
July 5 @ 9:30 a.m. – CCRHD / CRD Board
August 16 @ 9:30 p.m. – CCRHD / CRD Board
See the full CCRHD and CRD agendas and minutes at cariboord.ca/agendasminutes.