From the Bear Pit Council Newsletter: September 2, 2025

From the Bear Pit

Council News

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

Committee of the Whole September 2, 2025

Complete Community Need Strategy Final Report

The Complete Community Needs Strategy has been completed and accepted by Council, which combines resident feedback and technical analysis on housing, transportation, services, and infrastructure. The report includes recommendations based on community feedback with things such as an off-leash dog park, a temporary public pop-up space, accessible and senior-friendly housing, and a scheduled public bus route.

The work and analysis presented in this report will inform the Official Community Plan and other initiatives, enabling Council to set priorities for livability, sustainability, and community well-being. The project was finished on time and within budget ($97,462), being wholly funded by the Union of BC Municipalities.

Complete Communities Needs Strategy Final NRRM Report

Complete Community Needs Strategy DRAFT Final Report Attachment | Video Recording

Official Community Plan (OCP) - Legal Review

Followed by two phases of community engagement and regular meetings with the OCP Advisory Committee, the Draft Official Community Plan was sent out for legal review, which recommended revisions including clearer housing policies, adjusted land use wording, a simplified glossary, and updates to development permit area objectives. Council requested that the OCP Advisory Committee review the feedback and make a recommendation on future public engagement if deemed required.

OCP Update Summary Report | OCP Update Engagement Summary Report | Video Recording

Regional Council September 2, 2025

Northern Development Trust Grant Applications

The NRRM will pursue three annual grants to offset operational costs for economic development-related initiatives. If accepted, these grants will offset costs for grant writing support ($8,000), help fund a Regional Economic Development Officer position up to $50,000, and allow the NRRM to continue to offer the Business Facade Improvement Program to the local business community of up to $20,000.

Admin Report #45/25 | Video Recording

Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendments

The amending bylaws were adopted to formally zone 4643 50th Avenue South (the Midnight Sun Manufactured Home Park) as Urban Residential. These amendments align the land use regulations with the use of the property in its long local history. This change will guide future development permits, allow for an increased density to consider 'mini homes', and foster renewal and reinvestment into the properties and our community.

Bylaw Report #236B/237B, 2025 | Bylaw Report 236B & 237B Attachment OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 236, 2025 | RM237 Zoning Amendment Bylaw | Video Recording

Toad River Firefighting Equipment Reimbursement Request

Wildfire structure loss prevention is at the forefront for Toad River. A request was made by the Northeast BC Wildlife Fund for reimbursement of $20,000 spent on wildland firefighting equipment for the Toad River community, purchased proactively in response to requests for help from residents and tenure holders (guide outfitters) during the Richards Creek and Tetsa Fires in June 2025. Council agreed to approve this reimbursement from the Wildfire Resiliency Budget, understanding that proactive actions are the best response in wildfire season.

Request Letter | Video Recording

Walking the Path of Justice: First Nations Court Conference 2025

Council agreed to have Mayor Fraser accept the invination from Doig River First Nation to the First Nations Court Conference. The conference is focused on Indigenous perspectives on crime prevention and community reintegration.

Invitation Letter | Video Recording

BC Nurses Union (BCNU) Healthcare Champion Award Nomination

Through the Northern Rockies Healthcare Recruitment, Retention, Education and Training Incentive (RRETI) program and Council's ongoing advocacy for sustainable health services in the community, Council supports the submission of a nomination for the Inaugural BCNU award recognizing advocacy efforts around health professional recruitment, retention, and safety improvements in local healthcare. To be recognized for the work Council, staff, and the community has put toward our healthcare would be a great accomplishment.

Nomination Invitation | Video Recording

Support for Overwintering Fires Research

After having two years of impacted forests due to overwintering fires within the NRRM, Council agreed to provide a letter of support for Northern FireWrx's research on best practices and improved future fire management strategies. The project will involve prescribed fire to mitigate overwintered blow-down timber in areas impacted by wildfire in prior years.

Request Letter | Video Recording

Local Contractors’ Concerns with Public Works Procurement

The NRRM advocates for local contractors to receive fair opportunities for municipal work. Within the procurement process, balancing qualifications and operational needs must be taken into consideration. Staff reported ongoing efforts to ensure local contractors will receive fair opportunities and will amplify the work contractors to build local capacity.

Letter | Video Recording

Correspondence