Dear Area F resident:
As we come to the end of another year, it is time once again to update you on what I’ve been up to. Firstly, I wish to express my appreciation for the support I receive wherever I go throughout the area. I take my responsibilities to represent you very seriously, and I thank you! Secondly, I wish to pay tribute to all the volunteers who work so tirelessly throughout our area for the benefit of their communities. Whether you are a member of a volunteer fire department, search and rescue, community organization, or you simply come out to work bees or help your neighbour, I salute you!! Our communities would not be the same without your efforts, and because of them, they are the best places on earth! And normally, I would not single out anyone for special mention because there are so many of you who do so much, but this year, I feel compelled to pay special tribute to Robin Hood of Likely. I’ve worked with Robin very closely since the Mount Polley mine breach, and I’m pretty sure that his entire life is spent working for the betterment of his community. Even now, as he prepares to enter the fight of his life, he continues to oversee the various projects going ahead in Likely. Rob, thank-you for your dedicated service, and I know I speak for all when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dar, that you both are able to stay strong and positive through this fight. Likely is definitely richer because of your service!!
Mount Polley
Much of my time continues to be spent in meetings and conversations around Mount Polley. 2015 saw the approval of the restricted re-start, and the short-term water management plan. The Post-Event Environmental Impact Assessment Report was released for public input, and the company has now submitted its application for return to full operations using the rebuilt TSF. We have asked for a community impact study (relative to the PEEIAR), and while the province has not been forthcoming in that regard, First Nations have commissioned such a study, and have included impacts on the communities of Likely, Horsefly and Big Lake. Thank you, Chief Louie and Chief Dixon for that inclusion! The draft report is expected early in the New Year. I sit on the expanded MPMC Public Liaison Committee, which meets quarterly. Communication issues continue to be a challenge, and we will be holding a meeting in January to review a draft communication plan.
Budget
The provisional budget for 2016 contains an overall 0.7% increase over 2015, with the exception of new services approved by the public through an assent process (additional 1.1% for a total of 1.8%). Also of note to Area F residents, the additional funding in the Economic Development function approved last year will remain in 2016, to continue to allow for some modest support for economic recovery initiatives for Likely and the other eastern communities affected by Mount Polley. Grants for assistance have not yet been incorporated into the provisional budget, but the Board has approved grants to the Big Lake Community Association and the Likely and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as some small contributions to non-profit organizations serving the broader region of the Central Cariboo.
The traditional town hall meetings have not been the most effective means of soliciting public input on the budget process, so this year we are trying something new. The budget will be posted on our website early in the New Year, and it will be available in our libraries for those who wish to review it. We encourage your questions and feedback. We will hold regional multi-agency open-house forums annually instead of the town hall meetings. Our first one was held this year in McLeese Lake, and was a great success. There were about seven agencies in attendance, and the feedback from residents was positive. In addition, Directors will hold annual “meet and greets” in their own area. I plan to hold one in the spring in conjunction with the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department 35th anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for more after the New Year!
Recycling
Recycling services offered at the 150 Mile Transfer Station, as well as at the other sites throughout the Regional District, have been an unqualified success. In 2016, following a successful pilot in Wells, we will offer some recycling services at three rural sites, in partnership with local non-profit organizations. I am excited to announce that the Horsefly transfer station is one of the sites chosen, and I will keep you posted.
NCLGA/UBCM/FCM
I continue to represent the Cariboo Regional District on the Board of the North Central Local Government Association, and I chair the Community Engagement Committee whose mandate is to foster increased membership, and facilitate First Nations involvement in the NCLGA. I also serve on the Resolutions Committee. Our AGM and convention was held in Prince George in May. Visit www.nclga.ca for more information.
Together with local government colleagues from around the province, I attended the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference and AGM in Vancouver in September. We met with Ministers Polak and Oakes along with MLA Barnett and senior staff members to discuss a proposal for long-term fish monitoring in Quesnel Lake, and with Minister Letnick to discuss reforestation on agricultural land for carbon credits. We debated resolutions on issues affecting our province and our country, and we attended workshops and information sessions on a variety of important and emerging issues. We (Cariboo Regional District) put forward several resolutions, on supporting the forest industry, increasing physiotherapy seats in universities, national recognition of Orange Shirt Day, implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations, and against the requirement for local governments to perform fire inspections in rural areas. All were endorsed, and will be submitted to senior governments. The NCLGA executive put forward 3 resolutions: work to end human trafficking, improve rail safety, and establish a task force to end rape culture. The rape culture and the rail safety resolutions, as well as the Orange shirt day resolution, will be advanced to the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) for debate at their AGM and convention in June.
Community Forest
I continue to sit on the Standing Committee for Resource Values and Interests to the Williams Lake Community Forest. Logging this winter in our area is taking place in three blocks off Swanson Road, and one off the Telus Road to Potato Mountain. For more info, and/or to provide input, contact Ken Day, 250-392-2207, or visit the website http://williamslakecommunityforest.wordpress.com.
Representatives from the Likely-Xhatsull Community Forest and Big Lake continue to work together on an expansion proposal, and we continue to have conversations with provincial officials.
Mental Health
Director Margo Wagner and I worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in 100 Mile and Williams Lake on a successful Bell Let’s Talk grant. The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues, and the project is to deliver a program for employers to incorporate into their health and wellness program. The grant will allow the program to be provided free of charge for the first year, with the hope that it will become self-sustaining over the long-term. The program will be rolled out in a meeting January 5th in our Board room.
Agricultural Climate Action Advisory Committee
The work of the advisory committee is complete, with the identification of priority projects and a 3-year work plan overseen by the Cariboo Adaptation Strategies Working Group (of which I am a member). For more information, visit http://www.bcagclimateaction.ca/wp/wp-content/media/RegionalStrategies-Cariboo.pdf
Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition
In 2015, I was appointed to represent the Cariboo Regional District on CCBAC, and at our recent AGM, I was elected treasurer. This coalition was formed in response to the pine beetle crisis in our region, and was funded by the province. This year, we approved a new strategic plan. Our membership is now limited to First Nations and local government elected officials, and we have a two-year plan to wind down operations as the funding runs out, while enabling and supporting economic development initiatives in our region.
Orange Shirt Day, Reconciliation and Racism Awareness
Another, very successful Orange Shirt Day was held this year in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. The day was observed across the country and into the United States as well. Phyllis and I travelled to Calgary this year to present to Bow Valley College, and to Vancouver to present to the BC School Superintendents. Both were very well received. I chair the First Nations Relationship Building committee, and we have made recommendations to the Board as to how we might implement the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations applicable to local government. The Board will consider our recommendations at a meeting in February. Additionally, I have been assigned to a Racism Awareness committee led by the Canadian Mental Health Association Multiculturism group. The CMHA has received a grant to raise awareness of racism in our communities, and to find ways to counter it.
For more information, or to discuss any issues, please feel free to contact me. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-Sorley-Cariboo-Regional-District-Director-Area-F , or visit our webpage: www.cariboord.ca . It is my privilege to represent you at the Board table and elsewhere, and I thank you once again for your support. Vince and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy 2016!
Sincerely,
Joan Sorley
Director, Cariboo Regional District Area "F"
PO Box 147
Big Lake Ranch, BC V0L 1G0
250-243-2261, e-mail: [email protected]
As we come to the end of another year, it is time once again to update you on what I’ve been up to. Firstly, I wish to express my appreciation for the support I receive wherever I go throughout the area. I take my responsibilities to represent you very seriously, and I thank you! Secondly, I wish to pay tribute to all the volunteers who work so tirelessly throughout our area for the benefit of their communities. Whether you are a member of a volunteer fire department, search and rescue, community organization, or you simply come out to work bees or help your neighbour, I salute you!! Our communities would not be the same without your efforts, and because of them, they are the best places on earth! And normally, I would not single out anyone for special mention because there are so many of you who do so much, but this year, I feel compelled to pay special tribute to Robin Hood of Likely. I’ve worked with Robin very closely since the Mount Polley mine breach, and I’m pretty sure that his entire life is spent working for the betterment of his community. Even now, as he prepares to enter the fight of his life, he continues to oversee the various projects going ahead in Likely. Rob, thank-you for your dedicated service, and I know I speak for all when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dar, that you both are able to stay strong and positive through this fight. Likely is definitely richer because of your service!!
Mount Polley
Much of my time continues to be spent in meetings and conversations around Mount Polley. 2015 saw the approval of the restricted re-start, and the short-term water management plan. The Post-Event Environmental Impact Assessment Report was released for public input, and the company has now submitted its application for return to full operations using the rebuilt TSF. We have asked for a community impact study (relative to the PEEIAR), and while the province has not been forthcoming in that regard, First Nations have commissioned such a study, and have included impacts on the communities of Likely, Horsefly and Big Lake. Thank you, Chief Louie and Chief Dixon for that inclusion! The draft report is expected early in the New Year. I sit on the expanded MPMC Public Liaison Committee, which meets quarterly. Communication issues continue to be a challenge, and we will be holding a meeting in January to review a draft communication plan.
Budget
The provisional budget for 2016 contains an overall 0.7% increase over 2015, with the exception of new services approved by the public through an assent process (additional 1.1% for a total of 1.8%). Also of note to Area F residents, the additional funding in the Economic Development function approved last year will remain in 2016, to continue to allow for some modest support for economic recovery initiatives for Likely and the other eastern communities affected by Mount Polley. Grants for assistance have not yet been incorporated into the provisional budget, but the Board has approved grants to the Big Lake Community Association and the Likely and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as some small contributions to non-profit organizations serving the broader region of the Central Cariboo.
The traditional town hall meetings have not been the most effective means of soliciting public input on the budget process, so this year we are trying something new. The budget will be posted on our website early in the New Year, and it will be available in our libraries for those who wish to review it. We encourage your questions and feedback. We will hold regional multi-agency open-house forums annually instead of the town hall meetings. Our first one was held this year in McLeese Lake, and was a great success. There were about seven agencies in attendance, and the feedback from residents was positive. In addition, Directors will hold annual “meet and greets” in their own area. I plan to hold one in the spring in conjunction with the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department 35th anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for more after the New Year!
Recycling
Recycling services offered at the 150 Mile Transfer Station, as well as at the other sites throughout the Regional District, have been an unqualified success. In 2016, following a successful pilot in Wells, we will offer some recycling services at three rural sites, in partnership with local non-profit organizations. I am excited to announce that the Horsefly transfer station is one of the sites chosen, and I will keep you posted.
NCLGA/UBCM/FCM
I continue to represent the Cariboo Regional District on the Board of the North Central Local Government Association, and I chair the Community Engagement Committee whose mandate is to foster increased membership, and facilitate First Nations involvement in the NCLGA. I also serve on the Resolutions Committee. Our AGM and convention was held in Prince George in May. Visit www.nclga.ca for more information.
Together with local government colleagues from around the province, I attended the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference and AGM in Vancouver in September. We met with Ministers Polak and Oakes along with MLA Barnett and senior staff members to discuss a proposal for long-term fish monitoring in Quesnel Lake, and with Minister Letnick to discuss reforestation on agricultural land for carbon credits. We debated resolutions on issues affecting our province and our country, and we attended workshops and information sessions on a variety of important and emerging issues. We (Cariboo Regional District) put forward several resolutions, on supporting the forest industry, increasing physiotherapy seats in universities, national recognition of Orange Shirt Day, implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations, and against the requirement for local governments to perform fire inspections in rural areas. All were endorsed, and will be submitted to senior governments. The NCLGA executive put forward 3 resolutions: work to end human trafficking, improve rail safety, and establish a task force to end rape culture. The rape culture and the rail safety resolutions, as well as the Orange shirt day resolution, will be advanced to the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) for debate at their AGM and convention in June.
Community Forest
I continue to sit on the Standing Committee for Resource Values and Interests to the Williams Lake Community Forest. Logging this winter in our area is taking place in three blocks off Swanson Road, and one off the Telus Road to Potato Mountain. For more info, and/or to provide input, contact Ken Day, 250-392-2207, or visit the website http://williamslakecommunityforest.wordpress.com.
Representatives from the Likely-Xhatsull Community Forest and Big Lake continue to work together on an expansion proposal, and we continue to have conversations with provincial officials.
Mental Health
Director Margo Wagner and I worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in 100 Mile and Williams Lake on a successful Bell Let’s Talk grant. The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues, and the project is to deliver a program for employers to incorporate into their health and wellness program. The grant will allow the program to be provided free of charge for the first year, with the hope that it will become self-sustaining over the long-term. The program will be rolled out in a meeting January 5th in our Board room.
Agricultural Climate Action Advisory Committee
The work of the advisory committee is complete, with the identification of priority projects and a 3-year work plan overseen by the Cariboo Adaptation Strategies Working Group (of which I am a member). For more information, visit http://www.bcagclimateaction.ca/wp/wp-content/media/RegionalStrategies-Cariboo.pdf
Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition
In 2015, I was appointed to represent the Cariboo Regional District on CCBAC, and at our recent AGM, I was elected treasurer. This coalition was formed in response to the pine beetle crisis in our region, and was funded by the province. This year, we approved a new strategic plan. Our membership is now limited to First Nations and local government elected officials, and we have a two-year plan to wind down operations as the funding runs out, while enabling and supporting economic development initiatives in our region.
Orange Shirt Day, Reconciliation and Racism Awareness
Another, very successful Orange Shirt Day was held this year in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. The day was observed across the country and into the United States as well. Phyllis and I travelled to Calgary this year to present to Bow Valley College, and to Vancouver to present to the BC School Superintendents. Both were very well received. I chair the First Nations Relationship Building committee, and we have made recommendations to the Board as to how we might implement the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations applicable to local government. The Board will consider our recommendations at a meeting in February. Additionally, I have been assigned to a Racism Awareness committee led by the Canadian Mental Health Association Multiculturism group. The CMHA has received a grant to raise awareness of racism in our communities, and to find ways to counter it.
For more information, or to discuss any issues, please feel free to contact me. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-Sorley-Cariboo-Regional-District-Director-Area-F , or visit our webpage: www.cariboord.ca . It is my privilege to represent you at the Board table and elsewhere, and I thank you once again for your support. Vince and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy 2016!
Sincerely,
Joan Sorley
Director, Cariboo Regional District Area "F"
PO Box 147
Big Lake Ranch, BC V0L 1G0
250-243-2261, e-mail: [email protected]