From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
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September 27, 2021 Regional Council Meetings
Muncho Lake Campground
Regional Council received a letter from JIm Standen, Assistant Deputy Minister, BC Parks and Conservation Officer Service Division in response to letter sent from NRRM July 19 inquiring when the development of further campsites at Muncho Lake may be expected. Due to increased demand on the current park, the province acquired the land at Muncho Lake. BC Parks advises that they have a number of steps to complete in advance of any development:
  • Adding the land to Muncho Lake Park through legislative amendments
  • Conducting assessments and report on site to assist in addressing health, safety and BC Parks facility standards
  • Completely any necessary improvements identified above; and
  • Working with the Park Operator to determine feasibility of adding new inventory into the reservation system.
Animal Rescue Update
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At the May 25, 2021 Council meeting, Regional Council requested a review of the current Animal Control and Pound Keeping contracts as well as alternative options for animal control and sheltering services.

After receiving the Animal Rescue Update, Regional Council directed staff to move forward with investigating how to better utilize our current contractor services.
BC Caribou Recovery Program
The British Columbia (BC) Caribou Recovery Program is seeking input from stakeholders, interest groups and the citizens of BC on a five-year approval for continued predator reduction to support the recovery of caribou, recommencing in the winter of 2021-2022. 
Regional Council directed staff to come back once they have liaised with the stakeholders and explored our options.
2021 Asphalt & Road Base Project Update
Roadworks projects for 2021, including asphalt patching, road overlays, and road reconstruction, were awarded to Terus Construction (DGS Astro) in May of this year.

On September 13th, Terus informed NRRM they will be unable to secure materials for the project, and requested an extension into next year. NRRM will investigate options to limit similar issues in future.
Prophet River First Nation ( IR #4) Proposed Addition
Prophet River Indian Reserve #4 is currently 380 hectares in area, and is seeking a proposed Addition to Reserve (ATR) area of 371.7 hectares. Indigenous Services Canada is requesting technical comments from the NRRM regarding this addition.

A review of information related to this proposed ATR land was completed. The NRRM is currently working with Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to determine jurisdiction of a closed landfill area located in the northeast corner of FL 4341. An additional analysis will be undertaken to evaluate the impact to taxation converting these fee simple properties to reserve land. Any considerations resulting from the analysis will be submitted in due course.
Deactivation of EOG Canada Roads
A letter from EOG Canada was received by Regional Council regarding deactivation of the four roads currently tenured to EOG located in proximity to Highway 77. The level of this deactivation is highly dependent on the response of stakeholders. NRRM requested that ensure that information is provided to NRRM staff as early as possible in advance of the commencement of work, once EOG has determined timelines related to deactivation and the level of deactivation to be completed on each road. 
Also of note
Update: Public Health Orders
CAO Barry provided update on the Public Health Orders communicated by Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix related to proof of vaccination.

Communications went out that residents were encouraged to attend Service BC, the Public Library, the Municipal Office, or any other location that offers support for vaccine passport registration and printing.
Update: Regional Health Advocacy Strategy Project
Mr. Blackie provided an update on the Regional Health Advocacy Strategy project. Work is ongoing to finalize the implementation plan. Coordination and preparation is underway for the Community Partner Summit on September 14, further refining the project and developing the network of advocates for priorities identified. As well as a review of the BC Auditor General Connecting BC Report, Mr. Blackie should have a final version of the strategic plan by the end of September 2021.
  • Regional Council received a presentation regarding a proposal to rename the Rotary Spray Park to "Katie June's 'Bee Yourself' Rotary Spray Park." More information will be provided at the November 8th Regional Council Meeting.



  • Regional Council discussed a request to provide Grace Manor with backup power. Staff will look into potential grant funding that may meet this need.


  • Regional Council were copied on a letter from MLA Dan Davies to the Honourable Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation regarding recent power outages in Fort Nelson. The letter outlined that our community experienced two large power disruptions in June totaling nearly 20 hours without power.


  • Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean declared October to be Foster Family Month in British Columbia in an email dated .September 10, 2021.
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