Several local issues formed the bulk of the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) last month, including transportation, environmental issues, funding for projects in several electoral areas and the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities meeting in September. Here is a round-up of the board meeting which took place on Aug. 15.
TRANSIT NEEDS
The RDBN received the Director of Planning鈥檚 memorandum regarding Fort St. James and Telkwa Transit Service Participation.
Discussions addressed the need for transit services to meet regional needs and the requirement for cost certainty from the Province. The potential use of Northwest B.C. Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) funding was considered, along with the role of First Nations and community participation.
The importance of holding a regional transit workshop or meeting was highlighted. Ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure about funding beyond March 31, 2025, were noted. Director Martin Elphee will next present the topic to the District of Fort St. James Council and explore grant funding options.
ASBESTOS SAFETY
The board also received the director of environmental services鈥� report on the implementation of the Asbestos Safety Program. In addition the board directed staff to prepare a report for the Sept. 12 meeting on the possibility of transferring $300,000 annually from special projects to Regional Grant in Aid to support larger projects.
The discussion covered the need for an Asset Management Plan for non-government asset granting, options for staff time allocation, and other potential funding sources. The impact of changes to the new agreement and Grant in Aid policy was reviewed, along with the potential effects on not-for-profit organizations and the division of funds.
DRINKING WATER
The board authorized the use of up to $90,000 from Electoral Area B鈥檚 Canada Community Building Fund allocation for a Drinking Water Infrastructure project in the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake. Additionally, the Board approved the withdrawal of up to $90,000 from the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund to support the project.
The Board authorized up to $20,000 from Electoral Area B鈥檚 Northern Capital and Planning Grant to be allocated to the Environmental Services Capital Budget for 2024. Furthermore, $20,000 in Regional Grant in Aid was approved for the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake to support the installation of a metered Water Filling Station.
CONIFER RESEARCH
The Board approved allocating $3,000 in Grant in Aid funds, with $1,000 each from Electoral Areas C, D, and F, to the Nechako Valley Regional Cattlemen鈥檚 Association for a conifer shavings research project.
FIRE EQUIPMENT
Finally, the Board approved the purchase of one utility trailer for each of the four rural fire departments using Northern Capital and Planning Grant funding.
UBCM
In preparation for the upcoming upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver Sept. 16- the Board requested staff to schedule meetings with several provincial ministries. This includes the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills to discuss the health care worker shortage and reducing the length of post-secondary education programs.
They also want to meet with BCEHS 鈥� BC Ambulance to look into helipads in rural communities, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry for State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation.
DIRECTORS REPORTS
In addition, the directors also provided verbal reports from their electoral areas which included concerns about the Nechako reservoir's water levels.
Director Shirley Moon from Vanderhoof Rural shared an agricultural update from the area and said that most crops are performing better than in 2023, although there is still noticeable residual damage from last year's events.
Moon also raised concerns about Rio Tinto's plans to raise the water levels of the Nechako River and insufficient communication with rural residents and municipalities. The discussion included the short-notice changes in river flow due to weather conditions.
Director Clint Lambert from Francois/Ootsa Lake Rural also reported the closure of the portage between Whitesail and Eutsuk Lake due to low water levels in the Nechako Reservoir.
Meanwhile, Director Kevin Moutray from the District of Vanderhoof explained adjustments to the Nechako Reservoir are overseen by a third-party consultant in Vancouver, as per the 1987 Agreement with the Province, which takes temperature conditions into account.
Director Shane Brienen from the District of Houston echoed concerns about the ongoing drought and its impact on water levels in wells and municipal sources in the area.
Director Gladys Atrill from Smithers highlighted CN Rail鈥檚 tabletop exercise conducted in Witset and Smithers, with upcoming meetings planned with the Town of Smithers council.
Atrill also provided an update on the Smithers Skate Park Society's Phase 2 expansion project, noting the exceptional fundraising efforts and high quality of the work.
Director Linda McGuire from the Village of Granisle announced the start of construction for a new Seniors Facility, which will include 12 units (10 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom), with an expected completion date in 2025.
Director Sarah Storey from the Village of Fraser Lake reported the appointment of a new economic development officer, Jesse Gervais, as well as her own candidacy for the position of third vice president of the UBCM.
Director Henry Wiebe from the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake noted the installation of new business signs in the industrial park and announced that the Highway 16 and Richmond Loop Intersection Project is set to be completed by September.
Board chair and Fraser Lake Rural Director Mark Parker provided an update on the regional district's participation in three meetings of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act Regulations Committee. This committee, consisting of three regional district representatives and three additional members aside from staff, serves as a platform to address issues related to regional district capacities and restrictions. They also discussed the 2024 wildfire season, noting less direct impact on residents compared to 2023 and engaging in productive conversations about timber values.
