Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee

Regional Council considered establishing a Community FireSmart and Resiliency Advisory Committee to enhance public involvement and collaboration on wildfire risk reduction. This committee, supporting the Northeast BC FireSmart and Resiliency Working Group, would include Council representation and gathering public input on treatment areas, FireSmart projects, and aiming to strengthen local wildfire resiliency efforts.

COTW #15/24 | Video Recording

Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Discussions centered on Northern Rockies' energy security, including reliance on natural gas backup and the potential for geothermal alternatives. BC Hydro announced a $1.2M vegetation management investment for 2024, part of a $4M commitment since 2021. The challenges of maintaining zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure in remote areas and reliance on private operators were also raised, along with calls to advance carbon capture and sequestration to support sustainable natural gas reinvestment post-NRM closure.

Video Recording

Public Safety and Solicitor General

The discussions highlighted problems with RCMP staffing at senior levels, especially the lack of local leadership and communication challenges. The significant concerns about a rise in arsons and the community's perception of insufficient police coverage, which could lead to people taking matters into their own hands. Normally, when the detachment commander position is vacant, the District Superintendent would step in, but that hasn’t happened in Fort Nelson. It was noted that the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) manages the agreement for RCMP services but doesn’t handle day-to-day policing, though took away the concerns raised by the NRRM for follow up with the RCMP.

Video Recording

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Discussions focused on the impact of wildfires on land and concerns over inaccurate data used for Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery measures. A pause was requested on implementing Wildlife Habitat Areas to reassess the data and current conditions. It was confirmed that the campground at Muncho Lake is included in the park, with plans for rustic camping and a request for public engagement in the planning process. Mayor Fraser thanked everyone involved in the M-KMA planning for back-country parks. Regarding carbon pricing, Ministerial staff indicated that producers would likely see minimal impact in the next 18 months as the pricing system is still being developed and negotiated.

Video Recording

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Appreciation was expressed to the Minister for Ministry staff's support during the evacuation. Discussions focused on the challenges local governments face during emergencies, including the need for flexibility in Emergency & Disaster Management Act (EDMA) Regulations to better support small, remote communities. It was emphasized that Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) needs adequate resources during activations, particularly with the newly enacted planning and response responsibilities.

Eligible reimbursements for local governments were discussed, noting that some claims had been declined. It was highlighted that unique community needs might justify certain costs, and all declined claims will be reviewed.

Video Recording

Municipal Affairs

It was noted that provincial pressures on local governments should be considered during climate crisis events. Discussions addressed the impact of federal immigration changes on Fort Nelson’s newcomer community and concerns about the potential for increased delinquent taxes following North River Midstream’s closure.

NRRM is working to ensure value for money and better cost predictability for capital projects amid inflation. Analyzing tender results from the past decade is underway to forecast future costs, factoring in remoteness to cost increases as well. Challenges also remain in contractor availability and bid interest for major projects.

Video Recording

Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

There was a strong emphasis on the need to reinvigorate the local economy, which will require support from the provincial government. Current forestry activities include wildfire salvage, with harvested materials being shipped to other communities. However, value-added manufacturing is limited by the rail line's capacity to transport products out of the region.

Investment in the rail line beyond federal funding is crucial. Additionally, the decline in the natural gas economy underscores the necessity for favorable provincial policies to encourage investment and production in the sector.

Video Recording

Tourism, Art, Culture and Sports

It was emphasized that tourism could be a key economic driver for the NRRM amid the downturn in the natural resource economy, though permitting challenges hinder service expansion. Concerns were raised about the 30 by 30 goals potentially restricting land use for back-country accommodations and lodges.

The Ministry is collaborating with EMCR to encourage travelers to "know before you go," and each tourism region has an emergency management coordinator to mitigate impacts during climate emergencies.

There was a request for TACS to advocate for better infrastructure and basic tourism amenities, such as washrooms and communication along northern travel corridors, along with providing for ongoing provincial funding opportunities such as the Fairs, Festivals, and Events program.

Video Recording

Forestry - Staff

Great appreciation was expressed for the collaboration of the BC Wildfire Service during the 2024 season, along with support for increased resources and seasonality at the Fort Nelson Zone Office due to recent demands. It was noted that some positions in the FN Zone Office have been challenging to fill, and efforts are being made to coordinate recruitment with other agencies.

The concept of exchanging Crown Land with high wildfire risk for tenure currently in Community Forest areas for treatment management and future agricultural development was well-received. Additionally, Ministry staff mentioned ongoing work with local First Nations on a Liard Basin Land Use Plan Agreement, highlighting an opportunity for NRRM to participate in the process.

Video Recording

Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship - Staff

Emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing impactful plans, such as the Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery Plan and the associated Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs). It was pointed out that the plan and WHAs are based on outdated information, including caribou population counts and habitat conditions prior to recent wildfires.

NRRM has reached out to the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) to discuss a potential renewed analysis of the land base. Ministry staff noted that WHAs were chosen based on areas with typically lower-quality fibre, and studies have indicated that caribou have not evacuated burned areas in other regions facing similar conditions.

Video Recording

BC Emergency Health Services

Reported that BCEHS has enhanced its capacity with more personnel and equipment, including a helicopter based in Fort St. John to assist with patient transfers during emergency room diversions in the Northeast.

A traveling paramedic program allows paramedics to work in various communities, and a new critical care team in Prince George supports fixed-wing and helicopter resources.

Response times remain consistent, with dispatch occurring within one minute. Recruitment in Fort Nelson is strong, with only one vacant position. BCEHS is also seeking government funding for a second ambulance and additional staffing in Fort Nelson.

Video Recording

BC Hydro

Discussions centered on vegetation management and utility rights-of-way maintenance, noting improvements in private sector contractor capacity. This year’s budget for vegetation management is $1.2 million for 162 km of transmission line.

For long-term energy security, a more robust solution is needed as BC Hydro aims to reduce diesel reliance by 80% by 2030. Ongoing talks with Fort Nelson First Nation focus on geothermal opportunities from Tu Deh Kah. Enbridge has also applied to supply natural gas to the Fort Nelson Generating Plant, with discussions about additional supply options with local producers.

Video Recording

Northern Health

The CT Scanner project has moved beyond the business case stage and is now identifying funding sources, with a goal to raise $2.5 million from outside NRRHD and NH. The capital team is refining project numbers for a more accurate total cost estimate, and communications will be shared once partners are confirmed.

Additionally, work is underway with NDIT on regional transportation initiatives, including a scheduled daily bus service throughout the north that includes Fort Nelson, which will require provincial funding. A pilot project within Northern Health is also in the works to coordinate non-emergency patient transportation services across 2-3 modalities within a facility.

Video Recording

Union of BC Municipality Convention Meeting Summary | UBCM Meeting Topics

Snowmobile Club Trail Construction

Fort Nelson Snowmobile Club's request to build a snowmobile trail on municipal land designated for the Phase II Community Trail was approved. The land is legally described as Block AT District Lots 1535 and 4233 Peace River District Plan EPP30951. The approval is contingent upon the club entering into a written agreement with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality before construction begins.

Admin Report #58/24 | Map | Video Recording

Quartzside RV Show

Discussions were had about marketing strategies for the Alaska Highway, emphasizing the need for collaboration with Destination BC and local groups. Staff reached out to Destination BC about reviving the North to Alaska marketing partnership, but there was no interest at the provincial level. The Go North RV co-op expressed some interest in participating in the Quartzsite RV Show, which has historically attracted US travelers seeking information for their trips. However, NRRM would need to fund its booth independently, with costs estimated at $17,256 for two attendees. Council members noted the importance of targeting the US market and suggested further inquiries into provincial marketing efforts to do so.

Admin Report #59/24 | Video Recording

2025 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 229, 2024

Bylaw No. 229, 2024, for the 2025 Permissive Tax Exemption, has been adopted by the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. This bylaw permits certain specified lands and improvements to be exempt from taxation, as authorized by the Community Charter. The decision, reached in an open meeting, recognizes that these exemptions serve the public interest and comply with the necessary notice provisions of the Charter.

Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2025 | Video Recording

Request for Support for Celebration of Lights

FN Historical Society reached out looking for support for the Celebration of Lights as a great family attraction to run through the month of December. Council members discussed assisting with display creation and involving Public Works for electrical or other assistance. Council committed to providing labour for displays and for the NRRM to assist with coordinating logistics. Councillors Gerwing and Enax agreed to lead the effort and will confirm NRRM Council's participation.

Letter | Video Recording

Mental Health and Addictions Accord

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) endorsed the signing of the Mental Health and Addictions Accord, committing to work collaboratively and advocate for positive changes to address the mental health and addiction crisis in Central and Northern British Columbia. The Accord is recognized as a flexible, living document that will evolve over time, with the NRRM pledging to uphold the principles of collaboration, cultural safety, equity, and prevention to support the well-being of all residents.

Letter | Video Recording

For Information

Mayor's Discretionary Charges 3rd Quarter

Correspondence

Grant-in-Aid Quarterly Distribution Report - 4th Quarter

Correspondence

NRRM and FNFN Letter to Ben Wall, General Manager, Community Forest GPC

Request to Pause Elective Activities NRRM FNFN

Correspondence

Letter from Michelle Toth

Community , Connectivity, and Collaborators

Correspondence

Letter from Northern Rockies Tourism & Events Society

Ribfest Thank You for Support

Correspondence

Letter from Mark and Danber Salvatierra

Thank You for the RRETI Program

Correspondence

Letter from Okenge Yuma Morisho, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs

Thank You for attending the UBCM convention

Correspondence

Letter from Ted Patterson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health

Primary Care Online Launch & Primary Care Network Branding Update

Correspondence

Letter from Tara Richards, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Follow Up for UBCM Meetings

Correspondence

Council Information Package - October 16, 2024

Correspondence

Council Information Package - October 23, 2024

Correspondence

No current opportunities.