Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District Financial Statements

The auditors presented the 2024 financial statements for the Northern Rockies Hospital District, which were prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. The auditors issued a clean opinion, confirming the statements are accurate and supported by sufficient and appropriate evidence. Management and Council were congratulated on this achievement.


Council approved a motion to adopt the 2024 Audited Financial Statements as presented.

Video Recording

Economic Diversification Engagement with Council

Deloitte LLP presented to Regional Council to provide an update on the Economic Diversification Strategy Project, launched earlier this summer. The project includes a review of the previous Economic Development Strategy, new data collection, and analyses focused on the region’s economic base, investment readiness, and alignment with global trends. Deloitte has begun hosting sector-specific workshops—covering Tourism & Hospitality, Professional Services, Transportation, and Energy/Resource/Agriculture—to engage local businesses and residents.


The goal of the strategy is to create a clear, focused vision for where the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality should invest its time and resources to achieve the greatest impact. Early findings highlight the region’s strengths—ample industrial land, affordable housing, skilled trades base, and strong Indigenous partnerships—alongside challenges such as population decline, an aging workforce, and limited transportation options. Deloitte will return in November to present progress and work with Council to prioritize key actions ahead of a draft strategy expected in early spring.

Council Interview Guide | Video Recording

Write-Off of Uncollectible Taxes - 2025

Regional Council approved a request to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for a Minister’s Order authorizing the write-off of uncollectible property taxes totalling $8,660,467.57, including the NRRM’s portion of $5,577,374.13 in taxes and $1,668,894.18 in penalties and interest. The outstanding amounts primarily relate to mobile homes and Crown-leased properties, which cannot be recovered through the tax sale process.

Council noted that the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is unique in the way it manages uncollectible taxes. Unlike other local governments, NRRM must bear a significant portion of these losses directly, as the Province recovers only the amounts levied for schools and policing through year-end reconciliation. The NRRM portion is funded through its allowance for bad debts, which will have a remaining balance of $4.44 million once this write-off is processed. Council emphasized that while similar issues exist in other jurisdictions, the financial impact is far greater for NRRM due to the high value of industrial and Crown-leased properties. Ongoing discussions with the Province aim to identify long-term solutions to address this unsustainable burden on the municipality.

Admin Report #46/25 | 2025 Request for Tax Write-Off | Video Recording

Grant Application to Canada Community Building Fund - Strategic Priorities Fund, Capacity Building

Regional Council approved submitting a $50,000 grant application to the Canada Community Building Fund – Strategic Priorities Fund (Capacity Building Stream) to implement Long-term Planning and Financial Analysis Software. This software will centralize operational and capital data, support long-term financial forecasting, and enhance sustainable service delivery planning across municipal services.


Admin Report #47/25 | Video Recording

2024 Statement of Financial Information

Regional Council approved the 2024 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for submission to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The SOFI, prepared in accordance with the Financial Information Act and Ministry of Finance guidance, includes audited financial statements, employee remuneration, and payments to suppliers, ensuring compliance with provincial reporting requirements.

Admin Report #48/2025 | 2024 SOFI | SOFI Compliance Checklist | Video Recording

Community Action Initiative; Convening Grant

Regional Council approved the submission of an application for a $20,000 Convening Grant through the Community Action Initiative (CAI) to support the re-establishment of a community committee focused on mental health and substance use care. The grant would help facilitate a collaborative planning table to bring together local partners, service providers, and stakeholders.

Council discussed the importance of reviving this initiative, noting that the initial phase would involve a contractor in helping organize and launch the committee. While NRRM will lead the process at this stage, the long-term goal is for another organization to take ownership of the initiative. The CAI grant is seen as a first step toward demonstrating need and building eligibility for future operational funding.

Admin Report #49/25 | Video Recording

2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 240, 2025

Regional Council gave first, second, and third readings to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 240, 2025.

The bylaw authorizes the exemption of eligible properties from taxation for the 2026 taxation year, as permitted under section 224 of the Community Charter. Permissive tax exemptions allow Council to support organizations that contribute to community well-being and align with municipal objectives outlined in the NRRM’s five-year financial plan and Policy #49/21.

Applications for the 2026 program were reviewed and found to meet the policy requirements. Public notice of the proposed bylaw will be issued in accordance with the Community Charter and the NRRM Public Notice Bylaw. The total estimated value of exemptions for 2026 is approximately $190,000.


Bylaw Report #240/25 | Notice | 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw | Video Recording

Zoning Amendment (4401 55 st - Site Specific Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238, 2025

Regional Council gave first and second readings to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Zoning Amendment (4401 55 St – Site-Specific Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238, 2025, and scheduled a Public Hearing for October 27, 2025, at 6:00 pm held in the Bear Pit at the Municipal Hall 5319 50th Ave South.

The proposed amendment would allow bulk fuel sales as a permitted use at 4401 55th Street, within the M-1 Light Industrial Zone, where such uses are not currently permitted. The site has historically operated as a fuel cardlock and currently stores up to 150,000 litres of fuel, with potential expansion to 1.8 million litres if approved.

Council discussed concerns related to safety, traffic, and proximity to residential and recreation areas, as well as the importance of ensuring compliance with fire and environmental regulations. The proposal will proceed to a public hearing to allow residents and stakeholders to provide input before further consideration.


Bylaw Report #238/25 | Parcel Overview | Letter | Zoning Amendment 4401 55 St Bulk Fuel | Video Recording

Home Town Takeover Canada Nomination

Regional Council approved the submission of an application to HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada, the first Canadian expansion of the popular U.S. series. The show will feature one small town (population under 20,000) for a community-wide revitalization and national showcase, airing on HGTV and Citytv+ in fall 2026/winter 2027.

Council noted this represents a unique opportunity to highlight the Northern Rockies, showcasing the community’s character, resilience, and potential to audiences across Canada.

Article | Video Recording

Email Poll Letter to Northern Lights College Expressing Concern

Regional Council ratified the email poll approving that the NRRM write a letter to Northern Lights College expressing concern over the cancellation of the Automotive Service Technician Level 3 program. The letter advocates for years 3 and 4 of automotive training to be delivered in Fort Nelson, reflecting identified student demand and the community’s ongoing support for local trades training.

Email Poll | Video Recording

Firefighter Frank Peach Receives Staff Award for 20 Years

Council recognized Frank Peach for his 20 years of dedicated service as a firefighter with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Highlighting the significance of this milestone, noting that committing two decades to the community while putting one’s life on the line demonstrates extraordinary dedication and resilience. Frank’s long-term service has contributed to the safety, growth, and well-being of the community, and his experience reflects the evolving challenges and progress within the NRRM over the past twenty years. Council expressed sincere appreciation for his commitment and the example he sets for both colleagues and the broader community.

Video Recording

Community Wildfire Resiliency Committee Update

Council approved a budget of $25,000 to retain a qualified professional to conduct biological assessments and prepare an implementation plan, including obtaining any required authorizations, to confirm the four sites recommended by the Community Wildfire and Resiliency Committee as viable water sources for wildfire suppression activities.

Video Recording

FNFN/NRRM Community Forest Limited Partnership Update

Council appointed Jeff Thompson as the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality’s newly designated director to the Fort Nelson First Nation/Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Community Forest General Partner Corporation (CF Corp), and directed staff to proceed with the recruitment of an alternate director for the CF Corp.

Video Recording

Items for Bid

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) is holding another auction for materials, including bricks in various colors, as well as chairs. Items can be viewed at the old Aquatic Center parking lot on 53rd Ave W.


Contact Rose Sheppard Monday to Friday 8am-5pm at 250-774-2541 ext 2088 or at rsheppard@northernrockies.ca to place a bid. Bidding closes Tuesday, October 28th. 

The highest bidder will receive the lot, and will be notified.

Public Hearing Notice


The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality invites the public to a Public Hearing regarding the proposed:

“Zoning Amendment (4401 55 St – Site-Specific Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238, 2025”

Date & Time: Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Location: NRRM Municipal Office, 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC

Virtual attendance available – contact admin@northernrockies.ca for details

Purpose: To allow a site-specific amendment permitting 4401 55 Street to be used as a bulk fuel plant (normally limited to M-2 Heavy Industrial zone).


Documents: Available at the NRRM Office, Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Oct 17–27, 2025, or online at northernrockies.ca/Oct14RCAgenda, item 7.6. 


Comments: Submit in person, or in writing to:

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality

PO Bag Service 399, 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0

Attention: Lisa Thompson


Contact: Lisa Thompson at 250-774-2541 ext. 2042