Back to SearchMay 8, 2024
24-11
CRD issues guidance on service impacts from the BCGEU strike
Williams Lake, BC – The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is providing further information about the direct service delivery impacts from BCGEU’s strike. BCGEU may initiate strike action beginning on Thursday, May 9 at 9:53 a.m., and it is expected that services will be disrupted immediately after that time.
Essential and Contract Services unaffected
The strike will not impact the operation of the CRD’s essential services and contracted services. Specifically:
- Fire Departments will not be affected, because they are staffed by volunteer firefighters and contract Fire Chiefs, and will continue with training and fire protection efforts.
- Our landfills and transfer stations will not be impacted because they are operated by independent contractors, whose employees are not party to the CRD’s collective agreement with BCGEU. Transfer stations and landfills will continue to operate at regular hours, and services will not be impacted by the strike. For hours of operation, please visit our Hours of Operation webpage.
- Operations, maintenance, and emergency repairs will continue to be provided to customers of the CRD’s 16 water and sewer systems. Please note that emergencies can be reported after hours by calling 1-800-665-1636 and select option 5 from the automated menu.
- Central Cariboo Search and Rescue will operate normally, as it is staffed by volunteers.
The Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will still function in the event of an emergency. Work will also continue to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season and respond to current wildfire activity.
Residents are encouraged to ensure they are prepared, using advice and tools available on Prepared BC’s website. Having an emergency plan, emergency supply kits, and signing up for our emergency notification system are the best first steps to personally prepare for possible emergencies in our region, including wildfires.
Impacts to Cariboo Regional District Services
We will continue providing public services under modified conditions and at reduced levels. A drop-down menu follows with information about specific service impacts from this strike.
| Board Meetings |
|
Board meetings will continue for the duration of the strike. Agendas and minutes for Board Meetings are available online through our website. Livestreamed audio will also be available for the duration of the Board meeting, however no recordings of these meetings will be available afterwards. Please note that an active picket line should be expected for the duration of the strike, and access to the Board Room may be impacted. |
| Building Permit Applications |
|
Building permits can be submitted digitally to building@cariboord.ca. Due to limited staffing, no customer support is available to assist in completing Building Permit Applications. Visit the Building Department’s web page at www.cariboord.ca/building to find out what is required as part of your permit application. Building Permit processing will be completed on a first come first basis. No assured processing times will be given due to limited technical staff. |
| Building Inspection Requests |
|
Building Inspections will generally be completed on a “first-come, first-served” basis with no scheduled dates or times given. Inspections which are in the same area as a priority inspection may also be scheduled if convenient for inspection personnel. For a list of required inspections, visit https://www.cariboord.ca/inspections-required/. Submit all Inspection requests to building@cariboord.ca. Our staff will confirm the time and date of your inspection with you after a request is received. Include ALL of the following information in your request:
|
| Bylaw Enforcement for Building Permits and Inspections |
|
We understand that builders are wanting to complete projects in a timely manner. However, it is important to complete all inspections required for permitted projects. The Regional District may still proceed with compliance and enforcement action if buildings are constructed without a permit or without necessary inspections being completed. To enable compliance with the Regional District’s building and land use bylaws, you can:
|
| Bylaw Complaints for other matters |
|
We will continue to accept complaints about possible bylaw infractions, however no compliance or enforcement staff will be able to respond to the complaint during the strike. Bylaw complaints can be submitted online at http://www.cariboord.ca/BylawComplaint |
| Development, Zoning, and Property Information |
|
Due to the strike, general zoning and land use questions will not be taken. Property owners who wish to know what they are permitted to do on their property can use our online zoning tool to look up the applicable zoning regulation. We also encourage you to obtain legal advice to address specific questions about permitted uses in an applicable zone. |
| Development Applications |
|
Our ability to process development applications will be limited because of the strike. Applicants should expect delays and longer processing timelines because of the strike. |
| Elections, Alternative Approval Processes, and Referenda |
|
Elections and referenda that are required to be conducted during the strike will proceed as planned. We will attempt to establish polling stations at locations where strike action is not being undertaken to support any voter in their decision not to cross picket lines. Additionally, any voter may apply to vote by mail even if they would be able to otherwise attend a voting station. |
| Freedom of Information Requests |
| There may be delays to our responses to requests for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Section 10 of the Act identifies circumstances where the Regional District may request a time extension for responses. We will communicate with individual requestors about any delays in meeting the 30-day response timeline under the Act. |
| Grant Writer Support Program |
| Grant writing support services will be postponed for the duration of the strike. |
| Grants of Assistance |
|
Grants of assistance will continue to be accepted through our online application portal during designated times, and reviewed in a timely manner. Applications are accepted annually from August 1st to October 2nd for funding in the following calendar year. For more information, please visit our grants for assistance webpage. |
| Invasive Plant Management |
|
Invasive Plant Management services and activities will be postponed for the duration of the strike. Requests for service can still be made, however we will be unable to assign a work order for that service until the strike concludes. You can submit your request for service to InvasivePlants@cariboord.ca. |
|
Library Programs and Services |
|
As a result of the strike, all CRD libraries will be closed beginning on May 9, and will remain closed until the strike is over. Late fees for library books which are due for return after May 8 will be waived for the duration of the strike. |
| Utility Bill Payments |
|
Utility bill payments will still be collected, however we will not be accepting payments through our offices at this time. You can pay your utility bill through:
Cariboo Regional District
Questions about your utility bill can be submitted through the CRD’s central office at 1-800-665-1636 or by email to mailbox@cariboord.ca. |
Subscribe