From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
April 11, 2022 Regional Council Meetings
Hard Surfacing of Rural Gravel Roads - Administrative Report # 33/22
On August 9, 2021, a petition requesting that the NRRM consider chip sealing or paving both Fediw Subdivision and Tazma Crescent was put forward by a majority of Fediw/Tazma residents. Fediw Road and Tazma Crescent residents have also raised concerns in the past regarding the application of dust control and the effect it has on their vehicles, as have other residents on gravel roads in the rural areas,.

A dust suppressant is applied to many of the gravel roads to to reduce airborne dust particles which may cause respiratory and safety (visibility is reduced with airborne dust) issues. The NRRM has typically applied liquid calcium chloride as the dust suppressant as it has proven to be the most effective from a cost and performance perspective. Other types of dust suppressants have been tested in the past such as magnesium chloride in flake form, and most recently beet juice. Both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are corrosive and complaints are typically more common shortly after the application process, until the suppressant ‘sets up’. The application rate and frequency of the dust suppressant is determined by the classification of the road (i.e.: collector vs local), traffic volumes, weather, and road inspections. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has a publication that explains in depth the benefits, drawbacks, and application methods of dust suppressants on unpaved surfaces. This document is a good guideline for application of dust control suppressants and has directed the NRRM’s practices over the last year.

Cost is the major factor affecting the hard surfacing of gravel roads. While chip seal/asphalt roads are less expensive to maintain than gravel, the upfront cost is estimated at $400,000 for chip seal and $1.4M for pavement. Staff are in the process of analyzing options associated with hard surfacing gravel roads and further information about traffic, road use and types is required. This information will be collected in the summer of 2022 in order to provide a report to Council by the end of 2022.
FN Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast receives Community Grant-in-Aid
The Fort Nelson Rotary Club requested a grant-in-aid to cover the Community Hall rental fee for a Free Community Pancake Breakfast on April 10 for the residents of Fort Nelson. The Mayor and Council all voted in favor of awarding the $790.13 rental fee waiver.
Also of note
Muncho Lake Fishing Derby
Fort Nelson Rotary Club is organizing a Muncho Lake Fishing Derby June 18-19, 2022. Rotary member and Regional Councillor Todd Penney proposed a fishing app to help promote the event and the region by allowing fishers to post pictures. No cellular service is required to use the app, participants can upload photos once wi-fi is available. The Northern Rockies Lodge has agreed to act as the host for the derby and can provide the necessary wi-fi service. Council agreed to fund the $2,800 purchase from the Tourism Budget.
2022 Roadworks Contract
The NRRM has awarded the Roadworks contract for the past 2 years but there has been a lack of competition for the contract and the contractor has been unable to complete the work before the winter season. With this important road maintenance 2 years behind, Council resolved to pursue a different contract method in the form of a "Municipal Services Agreement." This has been used for other contract services (such as plumbing and electrical) to acquire services on a "quantity" pricing rather than a "project" pricing method but is relatively new to paving and roadworks. With the 2022 construction season upon us, the NRRM will use the same tender process this year as in past years, to allow for thorough investigation and preparation for a Municipal Services Agreement process in 2023.
Correspondence
From: The Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens' Services
Re: Invitation to Roundtable Broadband Discussion
Minister Beare has invited the NRRM to attend a roundtable discussion regarding plans to expand internet services to all rural areas of B.C. with internet speeds of less than 50/10 Mbps. On March 8, the Governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest up to $830 million to support connectivity infrastructure projects that will improve access to high-speed internet for underserved rural communities and First Nations in B.C. Minister Beare would like to work together to connect the remaining underserved rural areas of B.C. to high-speed internet services.

From: The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Re: Grant Funding with Ties to Russian State
n response to Russia’s egregious actions, the Government of Canada has implemented sweeping sanctions in coordination with like-minded partners and is examining all of its activities and holdings. These actions reflect the broad international support for the people of Ukraine.

In this context, the Department of Canadian Heritage is undertaking a review to identify activities involving Russia and Belarus as part of the Government’s ongoing response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Local governments are urged to do the same, and to suspend all activity involving the participation of Russian or Belarusian state organizations or their official representatives.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality www.NorthernRockies.ca