From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
January 23, 2023 Committee of Whole Meeting
Viewpoint Film Project - Questionnaire
A questionnaire is required to be completed by the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to provide Viewpoint with information that will assist in the development of the pre-production of the three videos to be produced this summer. 
Parks and Trails Accessibility Next Steps
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has been invited to proceed to Stage 2 of the Destination Development Fund Program, Council’s feedback and direction regarding the conceptual design for the Andy Bailey Park Improvement Project are required in order to complete the application.
January 23, 2023 Regional Council Meeting
Heritage Week Proclaimed February 20-26, 2023
Regional Council proclaimed the week of February 20-26, 2023 as 'Heritage Week' in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. The land on which we live, work, and play are in the unceded Treaty 8 territories of Fort Nelson and Prophet River First Nation and as collective beneficiaries of Treaty 8, the Northern Rockies, Fort Nelson, and Prophet River First Nations wish to celebrate our rich and diverse heritage.
WildSafe BC 2022 Annual Report
WildSafeBC Northern Rockies Coordinator Kim Eglinski presented Regional Council with the WildSafeBC Annual Report 2022. There were 195 black bear sightings reported through the RAPP line in 2022, slightly higher than previous years likely due to a sow with 3 cubs hanging around town for most of September. The WildSafeBC Northern Rockies Facebook page grew 25% from 362 followers in 2021 to 453 followers in 2022.

Recommended initiatives for 2023 include: hosting a community meeting to bring partners and collaborators together to promote community participation; continue to support the NRRM in working towards Bear Smart Community status; continue door-to-door campaigns; continue to promote the use of WARP; continue to gain more followers on the Facebook page, the place where residents can go to seek current, valuable, and factual information; as well as increase Bear Spray Demos and Bear Aware & Safety Presentations.
Northern Rockies Fire Rescue Firefighter Training Matrix
Northern Rockies Fire Chief provided Council with a training matrix on the current level of training of the Northern Rockies Fire & Rescue department in comparison to the Office of the Fire Commissioner's Structure Firefighter's Competency and training Playbook standards as requested.

As described in Administration Report #99/22, the Playbook provides an industry and province-wide standard of training based on and bridging to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter qualifications. That said, the Playbook does not include guidelines or levels of training for other fire rescue disciplines such as motor vehicle incident response, medical first responder – BCAS assist, or hazardous materials incidents.

Development Permit Application Approved
Regional Council approved Development Permit Application #2201 for a 501.21 sq.m. restaurant and dual drive-thru business located at 4804 50th Avenue N.

Construction is planned to commence in early Spring 2023 with completion anticipated in October 2023.
WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Grant Program
Regional Council approved an application to be submitted to the 2023 WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Program, and a budget of $6,000 be pre-approved in principle (subject to the approval of grant funds).

Applications for the 2023 WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Program are due to the BC Conservation Foundation by January 31st, 2023. As noted within the Program Guide, the funding available is limited, and the program is highly competitive. Applicants can strengthen their application by providing additional in-kind support or applying with increased matching funds as has been the case since 2020, with the NRRM providing annual contributions of $6,000 to the program.

Share Shed Trial Project Update
Regional Council approved the ongoing operation of the Northern Rockies Share Shed.

The Share Shed Trial Project was initiated at the Northern Rockies Landfill in 2022 to reduce waste and provide an opportunity for repurposing used goods. Over the six-month trial project, the Share Shed has facilitated a significant quantity of goods including housewares, sports equipment, winter outerwear & footwear, luggage, toys, pet supplies, home-building supplies, seasonal goods, and furniture.
BC Rural Health Network
Regional Council approved the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality's application to become a Regular Member of the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN) at an annual cost of $50. Membership with BCRHN alongside advocates seeking solutions for rural healthcare challenges from across BC strengthens the NRRM’s voice and advocacy on healthcare-related issues and targeted initiatives (e.g. patient transport) as well as provides another opportunity for engagement with senior Government.
Correspondence
Correspondence for Discussion or

From: Daniel Campbell, Villers Air Service
Re: No Medivac Requests
A letter was received from Daniel Campbell regarding the lack of utilization of Villers Air Service for Emergency Air Medivac and Air-based Medical transport since signing an AD-hoc Contract with BCAS last February. Unsure of where the disconnect is happening, Council resolved to authorize staff to spend time with regard to this advocacy effort.

From: Northern Lights College, Fort Nelson Campus
Re: Letter of Support for Automotive Service Technician (AST) Level 1 Training
A letter was received from the Northern Lights College, Fort Nelson Campus requesting a letter of support for AST Level 1 Training to be offered at the Fort Nelson Campus. Council resolved to authorize staff to draw up a letter of support in favor of this program being offered in Fort Nelson.
Also of Note
Councillor Andrews attended the Northern Rockies Stakeholders meeting with Darius Low, District Manager of Fort Nelson Natural Resource District.

Mayor Fraser and Councillor Soles attended the Natural Resource Forum in Prince George.

Councillor Gerwing attended the Northern Medical Trust meeting via Zoom, the Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and the Northern Lamplighters Board Meeting.