National Drowning Prevention Week - July 20-26, 2025

Regional Council of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is proud to proclaim July 20–26, 2025 as National Drowning Prevention Week in the NRRM. The Lifesaving Society Canada’s mission is to prevent drowning across the country — and even one drowning in B.C. is one too many. Most drownings are preventable through Water Smart education and by fostering a healthy respect for the risks that any body of water can pose.

By learning to be Water Smart, individuals and communities can safely enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of our lakes, rivers, and pools.

The Lifesaving Society urges everyone to:

✔ Supervise children in and around the water

✔ Avoid alcohol during aquatic activities

✔ Always wear a lifejacket when boating

The United Nations General Assembly has declared July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day, and Lifesaving Society Canada has named July 20–26, 2025, as National Drowning Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about drowning risks and help save lives.

Let’s work together to build a Water Smart community and keep everyone safe.

Proclamation | NRRM National Drowning Prevention Week | Video Recording

Operations Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Risk Reduction Plan

Regional Council received a presentation about the Wildfire Risk Reduction Plan from Christina Taylor, Land and Resource Specialist, and Robert Warner, Director of Wildfire Recovery. The plan focuses on identifying and treating high-risk areas near Fort Nelson and surrounding communities. By using the Provincial Strategic Threat Analysis (PSTA) alongside Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) data, areas needing fuel management—such as thinning trees, pruning, or controlled burns—are prioritized. Developed with input from Fronterra Forest Solutions, the plan’s next steps include field assessments, consultations, and funding applications, with the goal of beginning treatments this winter.

Wildfire Risk Reduction Plan | Video Recording

Cumulative Impacts of Emergencies on Businesses

Regional Council was presented with a report highlighting the significant challenges local businesses have faced due to recurring emergencies over the past several years. These emergencies—most notably multiple wildfires and closures of the Alaska Highway—have disrupted economic activity across the Northern Rockies. The report details how these events have affected businesses of various sizes through direct risks, reduced highway traffic, cancellations, and broader uncertainty, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the regional economy to such disruptions.

Council thanked staff for the comprehensive report and noted that the insights provided will be valuable in future discussions on tourism and economic development with the provincial government and ministers at UBCM.

Admin Report #39/25 | Video Recording

Destination BC Video Launch

Representatives from Destination BC (DBC) and the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) recently visited the region and produced a short video highlighting the "Gotta Go" program and its investment in improved roadside signage. The video is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025.

The "Gotta Go" program represents a collaborative partnership between the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Peace River Regional District, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Northern BC Tourism Association, and Public Services and Procurement Canada. Together, these partners have taken a coordinated approach to developing and maintaining roadside facilities—including accessible washrooms, picnic tables, interpretive signage, and, where feasible, enhanced communication technologies—to better support travelers across northern B.C.

Admin Report #33/25 | Video Recording

Recruitment Retention Education & Training Incentive Quarter 2 Update

Regional Council received the Quarter 2 update on the RRETI program, which reported no new applicants this quarter. Just over half of the annual budget remains, which is on track given we are just past the mid-point of the year. The existing condo continues to house physicians and health care professionals providing part-time services in the community, while renovations are underway at the newly acquired unit, which will be used to accommodate nurses once complete.

Admin Report #41/25 | Video Recording

Official Community Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment

Regional Council gave First and Second Readings to proposed OCP and zoning amendments for the 4603 50 Ave S (Midnight Sun), changing the designation from Highway Commercial (C-2, C-3) to Urban Residential Manufactured Home Park (RMH). The rezoning aims to legalize the current use and permit up to 48 manufactured homes, exceeding the standard 35-unit limit.

A site-specific provision is proposed, and a detailed site plan will be required prior to Third Reading to confirm that the proposed density is achievable and complies with zoning, BC Building Code, and fire safety setbacks. While there is some hesitation about the increased density, the use of smaller units may make it workable.

A Public Hearing is scheduled for August 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

Bylaw Report #236/25 | Ortho Image | 1970 Site Plan | Google Maps Image | OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 236, 2025 | Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 237, 2025 | Video Recording

Initiation of a Land Use Planning Process in the Kaska Ancestral Territory within North Central BC

Council discussed the engagement letter regarding the Kaska Land Use Planning Project, which may result in the creation of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) over a portion of the 9 million hectares under consideration—3 million of which fall within the NRRM.

A poster and QR code were circulated to encourage public feedback; however, Council expressed concern that the July 25th deadline is too short, especially during a peak season for many stakeholders. Feedback suggests that the limited timeline does not allow those most affected to meaningfully engage with what could be a significant change in land use.

Key concerns raised include:

• Potential restrictions on economic development, including forestry, mining, and access for wildfire management;
• Possible loss of public access to areas along the Alaska Highway;
• Cumulative impacts when overlaid with existing land use constraints;
• Lack of clarity regarding which areas would be protected and for what specific purposes;
• The need to track respondent locations to distinguish between feedback from NRRM residents and those from outside the region.

Council directed that a letter be written in response to the engagement request, outlining the concerns discussed, requesting an extended timeline, inclusion of cumulative impact mapping, tracking of respondent location data, and the need for a comprehensive economic impact study. The letter will be shared with the appropriate contacts.

Letter | Video Recording

Concern Regarding Derelict and Unsightly Properties

Regional Council recently received a letter from a concerned resident about the condition of some properties in the community. In response, staff were able to report that 33 properties have had action taken under the Property Maintenance Bylaw so far this season.

The bylaw exists to support community health, safety, and aesthetics by requiring property owners to maintain their yards and structures to a reasonable standard. This includes controlling overgrown grass, removing debris or junk, and maintaining buildings in good repair.

How the Enforcement Process Works:

1. Inspection & Education – When a concern is reported or observed, staff inspect the property and may first provide information or a courtesy notice to the owner.
2. Order to Comply – If no progress is made, a formal order is issued with a deadline to bring the property into compliance.
3. Municipal Action – If a property remains non-compliant after the deadline, the Municipality may carry out the cleanup and recover the costs through property taxes.
4. Repeat Offenders – For those who have previously received education and notices, the process may skip directly to an order without a warning phase.

Why It Matters:

Addressing unsightly properties helps prevent health hazards, discourages pests, supports property values, and keeps our neighbourhoods safe and welcoming. Staff take care to follow all legal requirements when entering properties and work closely with owners to avoid unnecessary enforcement when possible.

Community members are encouraged to maintain their properties regularly—and to reach out if they need clarification in doing so. If you have a concern about a property near you please report to 250-774-2541 ext 2059 or do so online by visiting northernrockies.ca/report.

Letter | Video Recording

Request for Proposal RFP-2025-18

Airport High Intensity Approach Lighting Rehabilitation - Engineering Services

Closing Date: July 24, 2025