From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
November 28, 2022 Regional Council Meeting
Regional Hospital District Board
Following the discussion at the October 24, 2022 Regional Council meeting, it was resolved that beginning January 9, 2023, the meetings of the Regional Hospital District Board be held separately from that of the Northern Rockies Regional Council. On November 28, Regional Council resolved to appoint themselves as the Hospital District Directors and to also extend an invitation to other entities including Fort Nelson First Nation and Prophet River First Nation to also appoint a director from their Council.
FortisBC Common Rates Update
NRRM staff presented an update to Regional Council on the approved Application for Common Rates and Revenue Requirements submitted to the BC Utilities Commission from FortisBC Energy, The BC Government wished to unify rates for utilities province-wide and caused FortisBC to request that the Fort Nelson Service Area be subsumed into the rate regime that applies to other customers in BC. The BCUC ultimately decided to approve the application from FortisBC despite intervention filed by the NRRM and the Fort Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce.
Delivery rates will see a modest increase for the average residential customer, but the Common Rates changes will be more noticeable. The Common Rates currently for Residential customers are lower than the rest of the province while the rates for Commercial customers are higher. The Common Rates application would rebalance the distribution of total cost, raising residential and lowering commercial. This could be seen as a win for industry consumers and have a positive impact on economic recovery. Residential users will see an annual incremental increase, estimated at $5 for each year over 5 years.
Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery Plan Update and Economic Impact Assessment Options
In September 2022, NRRM staff sent a letter to the Province highlighting concerns regarding the Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery Plan, however, a response has yet to be received.

Stantec Consulting has provided two assessment options relating to socioeconomic impacts for Regional Council to consider. The first option would review the analysis undertaken by the BCPRP and the validity of information used by the Province. The second option would include the review and also provide an analysis of the potential opportunity cost related to industrial activity. Although the second option is more costly, in both funds and time, Regional Council decided to pursue Option #2 and to also request assistance from other groups for funding assistance (Fort Nelson First Nation, Northeast Wildlife, etc.) Concerns were raised that the assessment may have no influence on the Province's position, but regardless will be useful to the NRRM for other departments and projects.
Community Waste Diversion
The Environmental Advisory Committee provided Regional Council with information on the effectiveness of current waste diversion efforts. To that end, it was recommended that Council direct staff to continue investigating waste diversion improvement options within the Municipality, developing a plan, and strongly advocating for changes to Organic Matter Recycling Regulations in regard to vermicomposting through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
2023 First Quarter Grant-in-Aid Applications
Council received 8 applications from local organizations, including the Fort Nelson Events Society, Fort Nelson Hospice Society, Fort Nelson Minor Hockey Association, Fort Nelson Playschool, Mile 300 Figure Skating Club, North Paw Animal Rescue, Northern Rockies Arts Council and the Traditional Muskwa River Dancers. All applications requesting funds were approved and one application for a Rec Centre rental fee exemption was approved in principle. An updated policy related to fee exemptions at the Rec Centre will be reviewed at the Regional Council meeting on December 12.
Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)
Staff recommended that the NRRM participate in the Local Government Climate Action Program and commit to completing all mandatory requirements. The plan provides funding for local governments to plan and implement climate action projects to reduce emissions and create opportunities in a clean economy. The requirements include regular reporting demonstrating an investment equal to 20% of the received funding, report on projects linked to objectives from the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030
Recreation Highlights from October, 2022
  • Adult and Youth Cooking classes were held on October 7, 8 and 21
  • Many enjoyed the Halloween events including Spookerama (1350 attended), Halloween Craft and Creations (20 registered), Spooktacular Swim (164 attended) and a new Halloween Fun Run with Northern Rockies Chiropractic & Wellness (74 registered)
  • New Acro and Tumbling classes were added Oct 15 with 44 registered
  • Return of Aquatic Fitness, Indoor soccer and the Nowhere Lounge
Correspondence
From: Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs
Re: UBCM Follow Up
Minister Cullen writes to congratulate the elected Council and to acknowledge the work done by the NRRM relating to industry and to residents.

From: Michael McKnight, President and CEO of United Way British Columbia
Re: Request to Present on Social Issues and Solutions in Your Community
Regional Council received a request for a presentation from the United Way British Columbia and resolved to schedule a meeting.

From: Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests
Re: UBCM Follow Up
Minister Conroy sent a letter following up on conversations held at the UBCM conference in September and assuring the NRRM that concerns regarding the rail link and stumpage rates were heard.

From: Dan Davies, MLA Peace River North
Re: Inability to Schedule Meeting with Health Minister
The NRRM received a copy of a letter sent from MLA Dan Davies to the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, regarding a lack of meetings with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality since 2018.

From: Michelle Farris, Mayor of Rainbow Lake, Crystal McAteer, Mayor of High Level, and Joshua Knelson, Reeve of Mackenzie County
Re: Meeting Request
Mayor Farris, Mayor McAteer and Reeve Knelson are requesting to meet with Regional Council to make acquaintance and to discuss the possibility of a northern corridor between Rainbow Lake, Alberta and Fort Nelson.

From: Cathy Ulrich, President, and Colleen Nyce, Chair of Northern Health
Re: Congratulations
Ms. Ulrich sent a message of congratulations to Mayor Fraser on the recent election and provided contact information for the representatives of our area.

From: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
Re: UBCM Follow Up
Minister Kahlon congratulated newly elected Mayor Fraser and acknowledges that additional conversations regarding the rail link are occurring between officials in the ministry and the municipality.

From: Sunny Dhaliwal, Assistant Deputy Minister of Citizens' Services
Re: Grant-in-Lieu of Property Tax
Regional Council received a letter from Assistant Deputy Minister Dhaliwal indicating approval of the municipality's 2022 Grant-in-Lieu of property tax payment.

From: Sue Kenny, General Manager of Community Futures Peace Liard
Re: Request for Letter of Support
Community Futures Peace Liard requested a letter of support for a funding application to the Province of British Columbia Community Workforce Response Grant Program to assist with the Northeast Primary Care Paramedic Training Program. Council resolved to provide the support requested.

From: Tarilee Rauscher, Manager, Community Engagement, BC Oil & Gas Commission
Re: Congratulations
Regional Council received a welcome letter from Ms. Rauscher requesting contact to build a working relationship and to provide support relating to regulation updates, new initiatives, and issue resolution.

From: Danielle Smith, Executive Director, Ministry of Children and Family Development
Re: Transformation of Services for Children and Youth with Support Needs in BC
A letter was received from Ms. Smith following up on the concerns surrounding difficulties with accessing family connections centres in the community.

To: Lorence Forsberg
Re: Service to the Community Forest Partnership Corporation
Regional Council sent a letter of appreciation to Mr. Forsberg, after serving with the Fort Nelson First Nation/ Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Community Forest Partnership Corporation.
Also of Note
Regional Council resolved to purchase an advertisement in the 2023 BC/Yukon Military Service Recognition Book. An amendment was made to the motion to make this an annual purchase and will only need to be presented to Council should a new advertisement need approval.

Regional Council received a letter from Jim Bartlett expressing his concerns about light pollution from an especially bright security light from GW Carlson school. Unfortunately, there are no current bylaws that prevent light pollution. School District and municipal staff are in contact and looking into a solution.

With rising food costs, the Fort Nelson Ministerial Association requested a donation from the NRRM to assist with their annual Food Hamper program. Regional Council resolved to donate $1000.00 to the program from the Grant-in-Aid budget. The Fort Nelson Ministerial Association would be approved to receive Grant-in-Aid funding in the future and they will also be provided with all the necessary information to apply for 2023 funding for next year.
November 23rd Special Regional Council Meeting
Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club Funding Request
Regional Council met with Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club to discuss their request for additional funding to offset unforeseen expenses that occurred in the year. Poplar Hills Golf and Country Club requested $25,000 to cover outstanding payables following equipment failures and broken irrigation wires underground that are still not repaired. The Back Nine simulator is set to provide more revenue this winter with a new liquor license and a league starting in January 2023.

Council carried an amended motion to provide advance funding from the 2023 budget of $25,000 to cover the remaining 2022 payables.
November 28th Special Regional Council Meeting
Municipal Overview
Regional Council met with CAO Scott Barry and NRRM staff for a Municipal Overview presentation. The presentation covered an overview of the region, NRRM departments and facilities, and the organization structure with regard to the responsibilities of each department. This Special Regional Council Meeting covered Corporate Services, Finance and Public Works. Regional Council will meet again on December 12 for the remainder of the presentation, including Recreation, Parks and Facilities and Fire Rescue and Bylaw Enforcement.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality www.NorthernRockies.ca