From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
December 12, 2022 Regional Council Meeting
Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid - Economic Marketing Opportunity
Regional Council was presented with the opportunity to create a film project with the television series Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid to market the economic, recreational and tourism aspects of our region. The opportunity could provide approximately 145 million views in the U.S. of education and inspirational programming highlighting aspects of our region. The NRRM would have ownership rights and licensing to use all videos plus any supplemental footage collected for future projects and marketing.

There were a few concerns with the project, including the costs, partnering with a foreign company, and how much of a say the NRRM would have on the storyline. Regional Council ultimately decided to pursue the opportunity after seeing that there are enough funds in the remaining 2022 budget and that the concept storyline has yet to be developed.
Local Government Intern - Northern Development Initiative Trust Grant Application
After positive outcomes in 2011, 2020, and 2021, Regional Council supports the NRRM's application for a grant through Northern Development Initiative Trust for $40,000 to host an intern under the Local Government Internship Program. This program not only supports professional development for graduates but also assists with succession planning and adding staff resources and organizational capacity. The intern will be able to assist or lead several projects for the NRRM, including the Official Community Plan and the Northern Rockies Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. The funds allocated by the grant will go towards the intern's salary along with their professional development.
Proposed Off-Road Vehicle Trail
The Fort Nelson Snowmobile Club has expressed interest in establishing an off-road vehicle (ORV) trail on a parcel that was designated for the Phase II Community Trail, south of the industrial area of Fort Nelson. The section of land is 50-80 metres wide and will be able to accommodate both the off-road vehicle trail and Phase II of the Community Trail if interest returns for adding the next section. Regional Council agrees, in principle, to the construction of the ORV trail, provided all statutory and legal obligations are met.
Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) Program Update
Regional Council received an informational update on the CRI Program, which the municipality has participated in since 2019 and has applied for funding. Starting in 2024, new requirements were added for all applicants to be considered for further funding including:
  • Recruitment of a dedicated FireSmart position - this could be duties added to a current staff member or a new hire.
  • Establishment of a Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee
  • Development of a current Community Resiliency Plan or Community Wildfire Protection Plan that is acceptable to the BCWS Wildfire Prevention Officer
Efforts by staff will begin in early 2023 to focus on the development of an application and what the new requirements would mean for the organization.
Transportation Grant Application - Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program
Regional Council authorized an application to the BC Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) of up to $100,000 to support the creation of a Local Ground Transportation Plan. There was a concern that the Plan should include other methods of transportation (air and/or rail), but it was determined that focusing on ground transportation could have immediate results, and in an area where the NRRM could have more direct influence.
Grace Manor Request for Funding

The Fort Nelson Senior Citizens Housing Society presented their request for funding assistance of $25,000. Grace Manor has been struggling with increased utilities, food and medicine costs. Their elevator alone costs $12,000 per year and is essential for their residents. The Fort Nelson Senior Citizens Housing Society submitted a late Grant-in-Aid application for the fourth quarter of 2022. Regional Council approved their application and they will be eligible to apply again in 2023.

Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District (2023 Provisional Budget Adoption)
The NRRHD 2023 Provisional Budget was given first, second and third readings before being adopted. Regional Council was concerned that renovation costs for adding a CT scanner were not included in the budget for 2023. As the budget is not finalized, Regional Council believed there to be time to lobby and discuss concerns with Northern Health.
Agro Connect Conference and Agriculture Market
Fran Haughian, representing the Agro Connect Team and working with Community Futures, made a presentation about the conference to Council. The Agro Connect Conference will work to achieve food security by ensuring an inclusive showcase of food producers region-wide, building relationships and creating a platform for farmers, producers, and food advocates. This conference and market is a step towards encouraging economic growth while increasing food sustainability.

The Agro Connect team also shared an opportunity with Regional Council through correspondence for the NRRM to become a Core Sponsor at the Agro Connect Conference and Agriculture Market in Dawson Creek this February. While Regional Council is enthusiastic about the event, they are hesitant to become sponsors for $5,000 before participating. The NRRM is excited to attend the Agro Connect conference and will host a booth to provide information on local vermicomposting initiatives and agriculture in our region.
Correspondence
Correspondence for Information

From: Sarah Herring, BC SPCA Government Relations Officer
Re: SPCA Overview & Available Resources
Regional Council received correspondence from the BC SPCA providing information for the newly elected council, including the 2021 Annual Report and a new bylaw search tool for recommended bylaws.

To: Mayor Herb Pond and the Community of Prince Rupert
Re: Letter of Condolences
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality sent a letter of condolence to the Community of Prince Rupert after the loss of two of their residents.

To: Sue Kenny, General Manager of Community Futures Development Corporation Peace Liard
Re: Northeast Primary Care Paramedic Training Program
Regional Council sent a letter of support to the Northeast Primary Care Paramedic Training Program. This program will provide local individuals and youth the opportunity to pursue an education close to home and supply our region with a trained a qualified workforce.
Correspondence for Discussion or Decision

To: Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests
Re: Member Representation on Forestry Worker Supports and Community Resiliency Council
The NRRM sent a letter to the Minister of Forests expressing disappointment about the membership of the Forestry Worker Supports and Community Resiliency Council. The Parliamentary Secretary has since requested a meeting with Mayor Fraser and CAO Barry on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Mayor Fraser is hopeful that an explanation regarding their decisions will be given at that time and requested Council feedback regarding participation or representation, should it be requested.

From: Brenda Southam, Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of BC
Re: Request for Contribution to Editorial
Mayor Fraser received a request to submit an article for the Real Estate Institute of BC industry magazine. The March 2023 issue will focus on the NEBC and Regional Council is hopeful that the article will give the NRRM opportunity to showcase what is happening in the region.

From: Nancy Stevens, President of the Northern Rockies Arts Council
Re: NDIT Resolution and Funding Request
The Northern Rockies Arts Council (NRAC) requested a resolution that Regional Council support the NRAC's application for a Northern Development Initiative Trust Grant to provide assistance for the 2023 Street Festival.

From: Nancy Stevens, President of the Northern Rockies Arts Council
Re: Request for Resolution of NRRM Funding (Grant-in-Aid) for Application to Canadian Heritage Grant
The Northern Rockies Arts Council requested a resolution that Regional Council support the application for the Canadian Heritage Grant to provide assistance for the 2023 Street Festival.
Also of Note
The Accessible British Columbia Act was enacted in 2021 and local governments have until September 2023 to comply with new legislative requirements. Under the Act, local governments must establish an accessibility committee, develop an accessibility plan, and create a tool to receive feedback concerning accessibility. A special project has been proposed in the 2023 budget to facilitate implementation of the requirements and staff will continue to seek accessibility-related grant funding opportunities, recruit committee participation, and undertake long-term planning.

Following the issues brought up at the October 24 meeting relating to health services, inquiries were made with Grande Prairie Fire (9-1-1 answering services), BC Emergency Health Services, and Northern Health. BCEHS acknowledged receipt but has not provided a formal response. The Northern Health Patient Quality Care Office is undertaking an investigation and is expected to provide a response by December 20. Regional Council resolved to send a letter to the Ministry of Health outlining the issues and hardships the patient faced after leaving Fort Nelson.

Northern Rockies Fire Rescue requested policy direction from Council as to the operational level of service delivered by the NRFR, in order to budget training costs for 2023 and beyond. The fire department trains to meet all the criteria of full-service operation, as outlined in the Playbook from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Mayor Fraser requested a report outlining the requirements and how the NRFR meets them. Regional Council believed there was enough information provided and resolved to declare the Northern Rockies Fire Rescue a full-operation service, as well as the training matrix for reference.

December 12th Special Regional Council Meeting
Municipal Overview
Regional Council met with CAO Scott Barry and NRRM staff for the remainder of the Municipal Overview presentation from November 28. The presentation included Recreation, Parks and Facilities and Fire Rescue and Bylaw Enforcement.
Council Procedures Review
Regional Council has taken the opportunity to review its procedures and administrative processes following the General Local Elections this fall. Regional Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole on January 9, 2023 to discuss the Order of Proceedings and Business and the Committee of the Whole before bringing the Procedures Bylaw to a Regular Regional Council Meeting.
December 15th Special Regional Council Meeting
Parks and Trails Accessibility Summary
Lees and Associates met with Regional Council and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality staff to present the culmination of the last 6 months of the Parks and Trails Accessibility project. This includes results from site visits, draft concept plans and community engagement findings.

Regional Council and staff discussed future steps for the project and grant opportunities. The project is currently at a concept point and Regional Council will be presented with the opportunity to move to the design phase at a future meeting, once all members have had the chance to go over the reports.