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From the Bear Pit
Council News
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
| | Committee of the Whole October 27, 2025 | |
Investment of Reserve Funds
Regional Council was presented with a draft investment policy for discussion and consideration. Currently, all NRRM funds are held in bank accounts earning interest, with no formal investment policy. As reserve funds grow, it is prudent to establish a policy that balances capital preservation, portfolio diversification, return on investment, and liquidity, while incorporating internal controls to protect public funds. The policy proposes working with the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA), a legislatively governed, AAA-rated partner, to provide expert guidance on short- and long-term investments. NRRM staff will collaborate with MFA on recommendations, with the final policy, allocation decisions, and investment instruments brought back to Council for approval.
COTW Report #19/25 | Draft Policy | Video Recording
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Draft Municipal Facility and Property Lease Policy
The Regional Council reviewed a draft policy about leasing and disposing of (selling) municipal buildings and land. This policy explains how the municipality will handle leases fairly and consistently.
Commercial tenants will pay market rent, while not-for-profit groups offering programs and services in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities can lease space for a nominal rent of $100. The policy follows principles from the Government Transfers program to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper internal controls for things like insurance and lease management.
The $100 rent serves as a municipal contribution to help community organizations deliver local services.
COTW Report #20/25 | Draft Policy | Video Recording
| | Public Hearing October 27, 2025 | | |
Notice of Public Hearing
A public hearing is a meeting where Council provides the public an opportunity to speak or submit comments on a proposed bylaw, policy, or project before a decision is made. Members of the community can present their views, ask questions, or express support or concerns, and Council considers all input before voting on the matter. A public hearing was held regarding Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 238, 2025, described below.
Public Hearing Bylaw No. 220, 2023 | Public Hearing Guidelines | Video Recording
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NRRM Zoning Amendment (4401 55 St - Site-Specific Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238, 2025
This bylaw proposes to amend the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Zoning Bylaw No. 119, 2016, to allow a site-specific bulk fuel plant at 4401 55 Street. The amendment would add “Bulk Fuel Plant” as a permitted principal use for that property, with all other zoning regulations remaining unchanged. The change is intended to support local commercial and industrial activity while ensuring proper zoning controls remain in place.
Zoning Amendment (4401 55 St - Site Specific Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238, 2025 Map | Map 2 | Map 3 | Map 4 | Regional Council Video Recording
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Letters and In Person Feedback Received
During the public hearing on the proposed zoning amendment for a site-specific bulk fuel plant, some residents raised concerns about safety, insurance costs, and spot zoning, urging Council to maintain existing zoning. Others noted that the facility would use existing infrastructure, would not expand operations, and that allowing the amendment could support local business. Letters reflecting a range of views were read into the record, and all comments will be considered before Council makes a decision.
After the hearing, Council cannot accept individual submissions or new information. The next meeting—whether a special or regular meeting—will be another open public meeting where Council may discuss the bylaw. The next formal step is the third reading, after which Council may adopt the bylaw, deny it, or suspend it to gather more information.
Parkland Corp | Anonymous | Anonymous 2 | B Deinstadt | Video Recording
| | Regional Council October 14, 2025 | |
Amendment of Grant Application to Canada Community Building Fund - Strategic Priorities Fund, Capacity Building
Council approved an amendment to a previous resolution to confirm that, if the grant application is successful, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will manage the grant funding for the Canada Community Building Fund – Strategic Priorities Fund. The Municipality will also cover any extra costs, if needed, for implementing the new Long-term Planning and Financial Analysis Software.
Admin Report #47/25 | Video Recording
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Letter of Support for Junior Rangers Program to be Established in Northern Rockies
Regional Council heard a presentation from LCdr Victor Pullen on the Junior Canadian Ranger Program, an optional extension of the Canadian Rangers for youth aged 12–18. The program teaches ranger, technical, and life skills, with activities defined by the community and delivered by local Rangers. It includes regular meetings, land-based training, and an annual retreat.
The program is self-sufficient, with funding provided for local Rangers to run activities, and the School District offering training space. Council appreciated that the program is community-driven and flexible ad welcomed the opportunity it will provide Fort Nelson youth.
Council supported establishing a Junior Canadian Ranger Patrol in Fort Nelson and approved sending a letter of support for the program.
Video Recording
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6 Yard Bin Collection Contract awarded to Wide Sky Disposals 1989 Ltd.
Regional Council approved the award of the 6 Yard Bin Collection Contract to be awarded to Wide Sky Disposal 1989 Ltd. in the amount of $135,761.72 annual plus all applicable taxes and CPI increases; for a three year term with an option for an additional term based on mutual agreement of both parties. This contract covers garbage collection along the Alaska Highway from Prophet River to Contact Creek, including several municipal sites within Fort Nelson. The current contract expires on February 28, 2026, so awarding a new contract now was necessary to ensure continued service.
Admin Report #50/25 | Video Recording
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Recruitment Retention Education & Training Incentive (RRETI) Program Quarter 3 Update
Regional Council received the Recruitment Retention Education & Training Incentive (RRETI) Program Quarter 3 for information. A program which helps attract, retain, and support health care professionals in the Northern Rockies. The program provides financial incentives, training support, housing, transportation, and welcome packages for eligible health care workers, as well as secondary school students from the region. Eligible participants include those recruited by public, private, or nonprofit employers, as well as residents from the Fort Nelson First Nation and Dene Tsaa Tse K’Nai First Nation (Prophet River First Nation).
Highlights from 2025:
- Quarter 1 (Jan–Mar): $18,553 in financial incentives awarded (excludes $7,150 in welcome packages).
- Quarter 2 (Apr–Jun): $10,680 in incentives awarded (excludes $3,900 in welcome packages).
- Quarter 3 (Jul–Sep): $14,435 in incentives awarded (excludes $3,900 in welcome packages).
- Year-to-date financial/housing incentives: $43,668 of the $67,000 budgeted for the 2025 year.
Welcome packages, housing, and training incentives are provided to help new health care professionals settle and succeed in the community. A condo donated by NorthRiver Midstream and the Fort Nelson First Nation accommodated a Locum Physician from July to October, 2025, and renovations on another NorthRiver Midstream condo were completed by the end of the quarter.
The program continues to be an important tool to support health care staffing in the Northern Rockies.
Admin Report #51/25 | Video Recording
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Mountainview Condo Renovations
In late 2024, NorthRiver Midstream donated one of their remaining Mountainview Condos to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM). Following Council approval of a renovation budget, the unit was upgraded to provide comfortable, modern housing for healthcare staff in the community.
Renovations, completed within the $100,000 budget, included:
- New high-efficiency furnace and hot water tank
- Full bathroom was added in the basement
- Modern kitchen with new cabinets, counters, and fixtures
- New flooring and fresh interior paint throughout
- New interior doors and garage improvements
Now complete and fully furnished, the condo will be used to accommodate visiting health professionals.
Admin Report #52/2025 | Before and After Photos | Video Recording
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2024 Annual Report
The draft 2024 Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Annual Report was made publicly available on October 10, 2025, for review and comment. The report provides a detailed look at the Municipality’s operations over the past year, including audited financial statements, a summary of municipal services, community programs, and achievements. After the public viewing period and with no formal comments received, Council adopted the report as final, effective October 27, 2025. The Annual Report helps residents, businesses, and potential investors understand municipal performance, priorities, and progress year-over-year.
Admin Report #53/25 | 2024 Annual Report | Video Recording
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Resolution Amendment for Grant Application to Canada Community Building Fund - Strategic Priorities Fund, Capacity Building
Council approved an amendment to a previous resolution to confirm that, if the grant application is successful, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will manage the grant funding for the Canada Community Building Fund – Strategic Priorities Fund. The Municipality will also cover any extra costs, if needed, for implementing the new Long-term Planning and Financial Analysis Software.
Admin Report #54/25 | Video Recording
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Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 240, 2025
Northern Rockies Regional Council adopted the 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 240, 2025. This bylaw allows Council to exempt certain lands and improvements from property taxation, as permitted under the Community Charter. Notice of these exemptions was provided to the public in accordance with the law. The bylaw is intended to support community interests by providing tax relief to qualifying properties.
Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw #240/25 | Video Recording
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Dr Kenyon and Judith Kenyon Awards and Signage
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) honored Dr. Kenyon and Judith Kenyon with the ‘Freedom of the Municipality’ award at the Community Excellence Awards and the Key to the Community. This designation, recognized under the Community Charter, gives recipients the right to vote as electors in local elections and to be nominated, elected, and hold office on Regional Council in future elections—a first for the Northern Rockies.
In addition, NRRM staff were directed to source decorative street signage designating Kenyon's Hill—from the top of Liard Street to the intersection at 52nd Avenue West—at a cost of up to $5,000 to further recognize their contributions to the community.
Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw #240/25 | Video Recording
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For Information
Letter from Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
Correspondence
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Career Opportunities at the NRRM
| | Opportunities and Notices | | |
Item 1 - 1983 Champion 710 Grader - 3803.6 Hours (Located at the Airport)
Item 2 - 2002 Ford F150 Truck 106,632.1 KM (Located at Public Works)
Item 3 - 1997 Ford F150 Truck - 96,876 KM (Located at Public Works)
Item 4 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 107,531 KM (Located at Public Works)
Item 5 - 2007 Jeep Commander – 88,103 KM (Located at Public Works)
Viewing and Bid Submission:
To schedule a viewing or to pick up a bid form, contact Public Works at 250-774-2541 ext. 2090 or pwmgmt@northernrockies.ca, from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Sealed bids will be accepted until Friday, November 7, at 12:00 p.m. After bidding closes, the highest bidder will be notified and issued an invoice. Upon full payment, the vehicles can be arranged with the Public Works Department for pickup.
The successful bidder is solely responsible for the relocation of the vehicles and equipment, including all associated costs and expenses. The deadline to have the vehicles removed is Friday, November 28, 2025.
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