From the Bear Pit

Council News


Publication Date: December 4, 2024

Committee of the Whole November 25, 2024

Tourism Action Committee Recommendations

Camilo Montoya-Guevara from Bannikin Consulting presented ideas to improve the Tourism Action Committee (TAC) and also encouraged Council to share thoughts on how TAC can better support tourism growth. Council suggested focusing on non-traditional tourism opportunities, like eco-tourism and local events, improving communication with the public, and addressing barriers faced by tourism operators. They also discussed ways to make membership more inclusive and effective, including youth involvement and better meeting structures. These updates aim to strengthen TAC’s role in promoting regional tourism.

Video Recording

Tourism Action Committee Refresh Discussion

The Tourism Action Committee’s (TAC) current terms end in December 2024, with membership and effectiveness challenges identified. To address this, Regional Council extended terms in June to review the committee’s structure. Engagement sessions highlighted the need for clearer roles, diverse representation, and stronger connections to the NRRM’s tourism strategy.


Recommendations include updating the Terms of Reference, redefining the mandate, improving communication with Council, and shifting to bi-monthly meetings. Revised materials will be provided for Council’s review in December.

Admin Report #46/24 | Current TOR | Video Recording

Regional Council November 25, 2024

Write-Off of Uncollectable Taxes-2024

Regional Council approved the request to write off $128,235.45 in uncollectible taxes, including $61,494.35 in NRRM property taxes and $45,328.77 in penalties and interest. These include taxes on mobile homes, which cannot be recovered if moved or destroyed without certification, and Crown leased properties impacted by lessee bankruptcy or receivership. The NRRM portion will be covered by the allowance for bad debts, while taxes for other agencies will be recovered through the Ministry of Finance.

Admin Report #66/24 | 2024 List | Video Recording

Staff Appointment, Acting Positions and Responsibilities

Council reviews and approves staff appointments and responsibilities annually as per NRRM Officer and Delegation of Authority Bylaw. Due to recent staffing changes and updates to statutory responsibilities adopted by RM Resolution 279/24, an updated list of appointments and acting positions has been approved, effective December 1, 2024, ensuring staff have the authority to fulfill both statutory and operational duties.

Admin Report #67/24 | List of Appointments | Video Recording

Assessment of Economic Development Potential of the Natural Resource Sectors in the NRRM

A final report titled Assessment of Economic Development Potential of the Forestry, Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG), and Mining Sectors in NRRM by Stantec Consulting Ltd. was presented to Council. It evaluates the economic contributions of these sectors and the impacts of the Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery Plan (BCPRP). The forestry sector’s Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) increased in 2018 but could be reduced by 26% under the BCPRP, significantly affecting jobs and revenues. Oil and gas development faces challenges from high costs and accessibility issues, with the BCPRP potentially limiting development in key basins. Mining development is less affected by the BCPRP but constrained by transportation costs. The report emphasizes that infrastructure issues, particularly the condition of the rail line, remain a significant barrier to economic development across all sectors. Regional Council is encouraged to consider the findings for future planning and advocacy efforts.

Admin Report #68/24 | Final Stantec Report | Video Recording

NRRM Zoning Bylaw Amendments SSMUH (Housing) Legislation

Both the Zoning (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) Amendment Bylaw No. 230, 2024 and the Rural Zoning Bylaw (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) Amendment Bylaw No. 231, 2024 received First and Second Readings. These amendments update the NRRM’s current Zoning Bylaws to comply with provincial legislation under Bill 44, which supports small-scale multi-unit housing to address the housing crisis.


Key changes include enabling secondary or granny suites for communities with populations under 5,000, updating language for compliance, and adjusting zoning requirements, such as the height limits for accessory dwelling units. While most requirements were already addressed in existing bylaws, minor updates were made to ensure full compliance. Staff clarified that mobile homes cannot be considered accessory suites. Council has moved to proceed with the readings to meet the legislative deadline by the end of the year, with further updates to the Official Community Plan (OCP) required by the end of next year.

Bylaw Report #230/24 | Amendment Bylaw No. 230, 2024 | Comparison | Video Recording Bylaw Report #231/24 | Amendment Bylaw No. 231, 2024 | Comparison | Video Recording

Letter to David Eby, Premier and John Rustad, Leader of the Opposition, from the NE Leaders Table

Council ratified the decision from the email poll to support and sign the letter authored by Northeast Leaders of both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities to Premier Eby and John Rustad, Leader of the Opposition, expressing concerns about racism and anti-Indigenous comments during the recent provincial election.

Letter | Video Recording

Correspondence


For Information


Letter from Judy Greenaway, President, North Central Local Government Association

Mental Health and Addictions Symposium and Accord

Correspondence

Email from Toni MacDonald

Proposal for a Fitness Centre within the Recreation Centre

Correspondence

Letter from Board of Directors, Community Forest General Partner Corporation

Response to FNFN/NRRM Letter November 12, 2024

Correspondence

Letter to Mr. Ben Wall and Board of Directors

NRRM/FNFN Community Forest General Partner Corporation

Correspondence


Council Information Package - November 13, 2024

Correspondence


Council Information Package - November 20, 2024

Correspondence

Council Reports


Council reported on the meetings, activities and appointments to Committees/Boards related to their roles on Council.

Video Recording

Career Opportunities at the NRRM

Job Posting No. 2024.24

Lifeguard Instructor (Part-time Term)

Closing date: December 5, 2024

Job Posting No. 2024.01
Closing date: December 31, 2024

Closing date: Until Filled
Bidding Opportunities

No current opportunities.

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