CRD Board on the Road BBQ in McLeese Lake
A free community barbecue was held at the McLeese Lake Recreation Centre on June 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to allow Board Members to connect with Electoral Area D residents. The Barbecue was made possible because of the Salvation Army of Williams Lake, which supplied volunteers to cook and serve food. A donation will be made to the Salvation Army in recognition of their event support and service to the area.
Water and Sewer Capital Projects and Asset Management Update
An update was provided on future infrastructure funding needs for the CRD’s 16 water and sewer systems. Various upgrades, which are estimated to require $9,850,000 over the next ten years, are required to address known infrastructure deficiencies, changes to regulatory compliance requirements, and support operational efficiency. In addition, the systems are also facing challenges with aging infrastructure, compounding the issues to be faced in the future.
The Board has approved a preliminary resolution calling for greater advocacy to the Government of Canada to provide suitable and accessible financing mechanisms for improvements to water and sewer systems, due to the limited capacity for users of each system to finance individual system upgrades and maintenance costs to meet federal and provincial regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Board has requested staff to return with a prioritized list of projects that may be eligible for funding under the Growing Communities Fund, of which the CRD has $1.4 million remaining to be allocated towards infrastructure improvements. These recommended actions will be brought forward for further consideration and ratification at the next regular Board meeting.
Energy Step Code Presentation
A presentation was given to the Board from Virgil Hoefels, Chief Building Inspector, on changes to the building permitting process due to the incorporation of the Energy Step Code into the BC Building Code. A fulsome discussion was held, and covered subject areas such as cost implications for builders, differences between the standard performance based and prescriptive compliance models in the Building Code, and methods to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the Step Code. Key takeaways included a need for continued support and education of builders to achieve compliance, particularly as the Province continues to codify and require buildings to be “Net-Zero Ready” by 2032.
Engagement Strategy
Initial discussions were held around the Regional District’s commitment in the Strategic Plan to improve how it communicates and engages with residents, interested parties, and rights and title holders. The Board reviewed best practice guidance from the International Association of Public Participation, and considered its role in promoting public awareness and participation in the CRD’s decision making processes. The Regional District will continue exploring ways in which it can increase awareness of its initiatives, decisions, and priorities, while also exploring avenues to continue improving its engagement efforts.
Central Cariboo Joint Committee endorses recommendation to fund Williams Lake Bike Park
The Board endorsed a recommendation to include maintenance costs for the Boitanio Bike Park in the Central Cariboo Recreation budget going forward, which will provide funding from a broader tax base to support ongoing maintenance and operating costs. In previous years, the City of Williams Lake provided the Williams Lake Cycling Club with $7,500.00 per year to support the maintenance of park features.
2022 SOFI Approved by Board
As required under the Financial Information Act, the Regional District has published its Statement of Financial Information for the 2022 fiscal year. The report is now available for public inspection online at https://www.cariboord.ca/en/regional-government/finances.aspx. Questions can be directed to Kevin Erikson, Chief Financial Officer, through the Central Cariboo Office.
CCRHD commits funding for GR Baker Memorial Phone System Replacement
Initial authorization has been given to provide Northern Health with up to $262,500 from the Regional Hospital District for upgrades to the phone system at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. An expenditure authorization bylaw will be presented at the next regular CCRHD Board meeting.
Upcoming Meetings:
July 12 @ 7:00 P.M. – Public Hearing – Bouchie-Milburn Neighbourhood Plan
July 13 @ 9:30 A.M. – CRD Committee of the Whole
July 14 @ 9:30 A.M. – CCHRD & CRD Board
See the full CCRHD and CRD agendas at cariboord.ca/agendasminutes.