From the Bear Pit Council Newsletter: March 24, 2025

From the Bear Pit

Council News

Publication Date: March 31, 2025

Committee of the Whole March 24, 2025

Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship Boreal Caribou Update

An update on the Boreal Caribou Protection & Recovery Plan (BCPRP) was presented to the Mayor and Council to outline habitat protection measures for the caribou in the Northern Rockies region. Developed in partnership with Fort Nelson First Nation, the plan includes the establishment of 8 Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs), covering ~2.4 million hectares of land, with 1.6 million hectares newly protected, primarily in the Fort Nelson area, and was endorsed by provincial Cabinet in 2023, and currently awaits final approval by the Statutory Decision Maker. These measures aim to restrict forestry activities under the Forest and Range Practices Act, with allowances for habitat restoration and certain exemptions (e.g., wildfire salvage) to recover Boreal Caribou to a self-sustaining population over time.

Key monitoring data, including GPS collars and aerial surveys, indicate stable caribou populations with signs of improvement in calf survival despite the significant impacts of wildfire in overlapping caribou range areas in recent years. The plan estimates a reduction in timber harvest of ~405,000 cubic metres per year in the Fort Nelson area from the overall Allowable Annual Cut of 2.8 million m3.

Proposed Medzih (Boreal Caribou) Wildlife Habitat Area Presentation | COTW Report #11/25 | Key Messages | Video Recording

Regional Hospital District March 24, 2025

2025 Annual Regional Hospital District Budget Adoption

The 2025 Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District Budget & Bylaw No. 84 was adopted with no changes from the December meeting. The Hospital District has budgeted to fund 40% of an $8.8M hospital project, including he potential for a future CT scanner, X-ray machine replacement, phone system and elevator upgrades, and structural/IT improvements. Funding will come from short-term financing and a levy of $424,400 through taxation. Discussions highlighted the benefits of a CT scanner for local diagnostics but emphasized the need for Northern Health’s commitment to ongoing operation. Direct administrative expenses were also approved.

NRRHD Bylaw Report #84/25 | 2025 Annual Budget Adoption Bylaw No. 84, 2025 | Video Recording

Regional Council March 24, 2025

Fort Nelson Events Society Request for RibFest Fee Waivers & Consideration to Amend the Facility Fee Waiver Policy

Staff noted that the current Fee Waiver policy applies broadly to various organizations and events, with the potential to introduce a tiered approach to accommodate organizations that host large-scale, multi-day events. Council members expressed interest in revisiting the policy to provide additional guidance and ensure fairness, particularly considering the economic impact of events. There was discussion on engaging with event organizers to refine the tiered approach. A revised draft is expected well in advance of Ribfest’s event in early July, with a target for Council review by the first meeting in May.

Video Recording

Northeast BC Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) Program Update

Moira Green (Community Futures Peace Liard) provided an update on the employer-driven Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). Businesses must complete training before acceptance to the program, complete other points of qualification to the program and before offering permanent jobs to residency candidates. A regional steering committee oversees implementation, with Local Governments verifying employers in their communities.

Covering the PRRD and NRRM (220,000 km²), the program has 60 residency recommendations for 2025. Occupation codes and employer participation will be reviewed annually by the regional steering committee. Future funding is uncertain, requiring an estimated $200,000 per year that has yet to be secured.

Local Governments may need to contribute funding in future, with requests expected to be received in June 2025. Currently, 12 employers are interested in the NRRM. A decision on whether the NRRM will enter into the Memorandum of Understanding to provide in-kind support through existing staffing resources is expected by April 14.

Presentation | MOU | Video Recording

Central Mountain Air Concerns Among Residents

The reliability of Central Mountain Air (CMA) has been a growing concern in Fort Nelson, with frequent last-minute cancellations affecting residents, businesses, and essential medical travel. Community members, healthcare providers, and local representatives shared their experiences and emphasized the need for dependable air service.

In response, Council has committed staff to engaging with CMA to address these issues and exploring alternative carriers like Pacific Coastal or Air North. Ensuring reliable air travel is a priority, and updates will be shared as available.

Letter from G Hanaback | Letter from Dr. Mahairhu | Concerns from Attendees | Video Recording

Letters of Support for Community Groups Funding

A few residents have raised concerns about the proposed freeze on operational funding for local non-profit organizations in the 2025 budget, including the Fort Nelson Public Library, Phoenix Theatre, and Fort Nelson Historical Society. These organizations are essential to the community, supporting education, cultural programs, and tourism. Residents have urged the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to reconsider the freeze, emphasizing these groups' critical role in the NRRM.

Council recognizes the importance of non-profits and will continue discussions during the budget process. Public feedback is encouraged as Council works toward a final funding decision. A survey will be launched ahead of the open house, which will be held in the second week of April once availability is confirmed. Both opportunities will be available for residents to share their views. The final budget will be determined in late April, with Council committed to making decisions that reflect the community's needs and priorities.

Letter from Danika Andrews | Letter from Dave Andrews | Video Recording

Letter of Support for Northern Rockies Art Council

A letter of support has been approved for the Northern Rockies Arts Council's grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for up to $20,000 in a 50/50 grant. The funding will support "Celebrating Local Arts and Culture: A Marketing Initiative for Artists and Knowledge Keepers," aimed at promoting local artists and cultural knowledge holders.

Email Poll | Video Recording

Correspondence