From the Bear Pit Council Newsletter: April 28, 2025

From the Bear Pit

Council News

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

Committee of the Whole April 28, 2025

Asset Retirement Obligation Policy

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) is working to meet new national financial reporting standards that require municipalities to plan for the eventual retirement of public infrastructure—like buildings, wells, and landfills.

Under Public Sector Accounting Standard PS 3280, the NRRM must identify and estimate the future costs to safely decommission certain assets when they’re no longer in use. These are called Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs) and may include removing asbestos, sealing old wells, or closing landfills.

While this was not fully implemented in the 2023 financial statements, staff are actively working to meet the requirements for 2024. A policy is being developed to guide this process, with Council’s endorsement to follow.

COTW Report #12/25 | DRAFT Policy | Video Recording

Regional Council April 28, 2025

Campaign 911 - Report Impaired Drivers Signage Program

Mayor and Council supported MADD Canada’s Campaign 911 Signage Program, approving the installation of “Report Impaired Drivers” signs throughout the community. The initiative aligns with NRRM’s community safety strategies and involves no cost to the municipality.

Executive Summary Report #24/25 | Video Recording

Grant Application to UBCM's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning Funding Stream

Council approved submitting a grant application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund under the Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning stream. The application seeks up to $40,000 in funding to cover 100% of the costs for developing crisis communication tools, enhancing evacuation route mapping, and providing crisis communication training for both staff and Council.

The project includes hiring a consultant to support the creation of communication templates, improve website design for emergency messaging, and build internal capacity for consistent, effective public communication during emergencies.

Admin Report #25/25 | Video Recording

RRETI (Recruitment & Retention, Education & Training Incentive) Program 2025 Quarter 1 Update

One new recipient was approved through the NRRM Recruitment & Retention, Education & Training Incentive (RRETI) program in Q1 2025, with total disbursements of $17,657.94.

Disbursements by Position:

Registered Nurse – $1,500 Welcome Package + $3,900 Financial Incentive
Lab Manager – $900 Financial Incentive + $3,250 Training Incentive
Lab Technician – $3,750 Financial Incentive + $1,200 Training Incentive
Physician – $3,158 Financial Incentive + NRRM Housing (2 recipients)

Total to date (2025): $17,657.94

Other: Donated condo housed one Ultrasound Technician (Feb 1 – Apr 13).

Some approved applicants have not yet met disbursement eligibility criteria.

Admin Report #26/25 | Video Recording

Letter regarding American Flag at the Recreation Centre

A resident expressed concern about the continued display of the American flag at the Recreation Centre, citing current political tensions and noting that many Canadian municipalities have removed foreign flags from municipal buildings.

Members of Council emphasized the strategic importance of tourism and cross-border relationships. Highlighting the value of welcoming American travelers—including truckers, military personnel, and tourists—who regularly travel through the Northern Rockies via the Alaska Highway. Also noting that it is common for individuals to disagree with their governments at times, and staff confirmed that collaboration with the Visitor Information Centre and Destination BC continues, including efforts to ensure tourists feel welcome.

Letter from Cliff Livingstone | Video Recording

Correspondence