From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
September 26th - October 28, 2022 Regional Council Meeting
Small Business Week October 17-21, 2022
Regional Council proclaimed October 17-21, 2022 Small Business Week in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. A small business is defined as having fewer than 50 employees and make up 98% of all BC businesses. The Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce's Business & Community Excellent Awards was held on October 19, 2022.
Endorsement of the Human Bear Management Plan
Following the August 12th Wildsafe BC presentation to Regional Council of the Human-Bear Conflict Management Plan (HBCMP)., it was formally endorsed at the September 26th Regional Council Meeting. The HBCMP is intended to assist NRRM staff in reducing conflict between humans and bears within the Municipality and contains recommendations for the development of the foundation to do so. Regional Council endorsed the Human-Bear Conflict Management Plan as a guiding document for the NRRM with the objective of reducing human-bear conflicts and attaining the status of a Bear Smart Community.
Business License and Regulation Bylaw Update
On September 26th, Staff presented an update to Regional Council outlining classifications and fees association and NRRM's authority to evaluate proper licensing obtained by businesses for services provided. Resulting of engagements with internal departments, external stakeholders as well as advertising, opportunities were identified to streamline the current Business License Renewal Process. Based on inquiries of Council, it was confirmed that local governments have the authority to request proper licensing and proof of insurance as a condition of business license application approval. The current Business License Bylaw does allow NRRM to conduct inspections and certifications in the interest of the protection of public safety.

Preparation is underway for further engagement with the business community to take place. Staff are expecting to bring a more wholesome report of the business licensing program to be brought back to Regional Council for further consideration in the New Year.
Write-Off of Uncollectible Taxes - 2022
When local government financial assets (tax receivable) are deemed to be uncollectible, the Regional
Council may, by resolution, request a Minister’s order to write off the outstanding taxes plus any
applicable penalties and interest, as authorized by Section 781 of the Local Government Act.

Regional Council approved a request to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to issue a Minister’s Order for authorization to write off property taxes as identified on the attached listing totaling the amount of $77,685.25 (NRRM portion $42,415.49 for taxes and $15,621.21 for penalty & interest).
Draft Travel Expense Policy
Amendments have been made to address travel expense levels and, as discussed in Administration Report #61/22, noting that the historic bylaws that remain in effect no longer reflect the rates being paid. Navigation system costs as part of a car rental were added to the policy.
2023 Permissive Tax Exemptions
Regional Council gave the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality 2023 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 209, 2022 first, second and third reading, and finally adopted the bylaw on October 24, 2022.
Cancellation of November 14, 2022 Council Meeting & Confirmation of Inaugural Meeting
The first meeting in November has been rescheduled in order to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act, such that the first meeting of a newly elected Council will occur within the first ten days of November. The Inaugural meeting has been scheduled for November 7, 2022.
Recreation Highlights from July, 2022
  • Canada Day celebrations had 2600 people coming through the Rec Centre doors and 1400 hot dogs were served
  • A new Diabetes Education and Support Group began July 6
  • 46 children were registered in Swim Lessons
  • 92 children were registered for Summer Fun Day Camp (per week registration) and 188 registrations for Adventure Crew (per day registration)
  • The Aquatics team ran a SFA & CPR-C OFA 1 course with 9 registered
Zoning Amendment for Triple G Campground
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 208, 2022 was given first and second reading with a Public Hearing scheduled for 6:00pm on October 24, 2022. This zoning amendment will give 5715 Alaska Highway the ability to add Site-Specific Propane Retail. A Public Hearing was held on October 24, 2022, and in the absence of comments from the public at the hearing, the Zoning Amendment Bylaw was given third reading and adoption.
Downtown Revitalization Project Update
As presented at the October 11, 2022 Regional Council Meeting, the Downtown Revitalization Project is now moving ahead as planned, finishing up with its last public engagement held virtually late in September. There was a great deal of feedback received, which was compiled into a summary report. Reflecting on the feedback received, the current work underway includes draft concepts, which are planned for release to the public in early November.
Development Variance Permit
NRRM staff had issued a stop work order on property 5360 41st street as a shed had undergone construction without an approved building permit. The building in question was outside setback and height restrictions as defined by the Zoning Bylaw. Regional Council approved proceeding with required notifications to impacted property owners (within 100m of the subject property), prior to further consideration of the application. At the October 24th Regional Council Meeting, Council approved the Development Variance Permit allowing the Accessory Building height to exceed the Principal Building height but the request to relax the Interior Side Yard and Rear Yard Setbacks was denied.
Associate Member Insurance for Instructors
The Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre has proposed undertaking an association member relationship with instructors, for additional insurance to cover liabilities under the NRRM's current insurance for an additional $350 a year. Regional Council approved this recommendation.
Meeting Dates Following an Election Amendment Bylaw
The Meeting Dates Following an Election bylaw amendment #207, 2022 was adopted so that the first Regular Regional Council meeting date after an election must occur in the first ten days of November.
Additional 2022 Fourth Quarter Grant-in-Aid Applications
Regional Council received two late applications from the Fort Nelson Old Timers Hockey Club and Fort Nelson Search and Rescue Society to provide for property taxes on the leased spaces which were unexpectedly assigned roll numbers in 2022. Administration Report #78/22
Zoning Amendment for 4804 50th Ave North
The Regional Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw #202, 2022 to convert 4804 50th Ave N from a C-6 Service Station Commercial to C-2 Highway Commercial.
Recreation Highlights from August, 2022
  • The Recreation department hosted the Northern Rockies Triathlon for the first time with 43 participants registered in 4 different levels
  • The 2022 Fall Leisure Guide was released August 26, with registration open for fall programs on August 30th
  • The annual Teddy Bear picnic was held August 14 with approximately 70 children, parents and bears in attendance
  • The ice in the Secondary arena went in early this year and was well used by people escaping the heat and warming up their skills for the hockey season
October 24th, 2022 Regional Council Meeting
Regional Health District Meeting and Budget Separation
Beginning in January 2023, Administration of Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District will be separated from regular Regional Council meeting business as well as the budget preparation. During a review of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and Hospital District Act, it was identified that combining the meetings of Regional Council and the Regional Hospital District Board is inconsistent with the intent of the Acts, ensuring that the business of the two boards be conducted independently and fulfill their separate purposes as defined by legislation. The Regional Hospital District will meet quarterly and will be scheduled at 6:00 pm, ahead of the regular Regional Council meeting scheduled on those days.
Grant Application to UBCM's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund
Northern Rockies Regional Council passed a resolution to submit a grant application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities' 2022 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training) to fund up to $30,000 of eligible training activities.
General Election Results
The NRRM had 2 candidates for Mayor, 9 candidates for Regional Council, and 7 candidates for School Board Trustees. The results of the election will have new Mayor Rob Fraser sworn in on November 7, along with the six elected council members (Kyle Andrews, Lorraine Gerwing, John Roper, and Danny Soles as incumbents and Brenda Enax and Leslie Dickie as new members). The school trustees saw three incumbents (Bill Dolan, Linda Dolan, Yvette Taylor) along with new members Kathi Dickie and Frank Peach.
Recreation Highlights from September, 2022
  • The annual Whatchamacallit ran alongside the Northern Rockies Arts Council Street Festival on Sept 10
  • Fall programs resumed including fitness classes, climbing lessons, dance lessons, youth nights and Parent and Tot Play
  • The aquatic centre held free trial aquafit classes Sept 6-13
  • The annual pool shutdown occurred Sept 19 - Oct 9
  • Auditions were held Sept 17 and rehearsals began Sept 27 for the Community Musical
  • The annual Trail Mix and Fun Run had 41 participants on Sept 17
Healthcare Additions
  • Regional Council passed a motion to write a letter to the Minister of Health outlining recent failures with Northern Health and BC Emergency Health Services experienced by a resident, with their permission. The letter will also include the issues of repatriation and returning residents to Fort Nelson when transported outside of the community. A second motion was passed to provide the resident with appropriate contacts for official complaints to the organizations responsible for delivering health services.
  • A motion was passed to provide financial and resource assistance for locum physician Dr. Fourie to assist him in extending his work visa to allow him to return to Fort Nelson for relief coverage.
Correspondence
From: Judith Sayers, and Matt Austin, Co-Chairs, First Nation Heritage Conservation
Re: Invitation to Participate in the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project
Regional Council received an invitation to participate in the HCATP engagement sessions in Fall 2022. Engagement sessions will involve various in-person, virtual and written/survey opportunities to help guide the HCATP.

From: Fort Nelson First Nation
Re: 2022 Election Results
Fort Nelson First Nation wrote Regional Council to inform of the results of the General Election that took place in August., follow which Regional Council returned a letter of congratulations.

From: Wade Mathison, President, Fort Nelson Motocross Club
Re: Land Use License and Expansion
Mr. Mathison sent a letter to Regional Council to request an addition to the September 26th agenda to discuss options for expanding and amending the current land use license for the Fort Nelson Motocross track.

To: Robert Cheyne, President of the Fort Nelson Rod & Gun Club
Re: Prohibition of Sale, Purchase or Transfer of Handguns
A letter was sent in response to correspondence from Mr. Cheyne in July discussing the Federal announcement regarding handguns. In general, Regional Council was in agreement with Mr. Cheyne but remain uncertain as to whether or when Municipalities will have an opportunity for input on Bill C-21.

To: Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Re: NDIT Connected Network Co-funding Proposal
Regional Council sent a letter to Minister Fleming expressing support for the NDIT Connected Network Co-Funding Proposal. The NRRM mentioned the challenges community members continue to face regarding road transportation to destinations outside of the region.

To: MLA Dan Davies, Fort Nelson First Nation, and Prophet River First Nation
Re: Invitation to Attend UBCM
Invitations to participate in the UBCM Convention were sent to MLA Davies, FNFN and Prophet River to discuss various topics of interest to the NRRM, including Economic Recovery and Renewal and Access to Health Services.

To: Ben Stewart MLA and Michael Lee MLA
Re: Support for Continuation of Rail Service in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
Regional Council sent a letter to MLA's Stewart and Lee to show appreciation for their support to discuss rail service in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

To: MP Bob Zimmer
Re: Interruption to Mail Services in Fort Nelson and the Northern Rockies
Regional Council sent a letter to MP Bob Zimmer to express the importance of regular mail service and the impact the accident on the Sikanni River Bridge is having on deliveries to the community.

To: Fran Haughian, Community Economic Development Liaison, Peace Liard
Re: Support for First Annual Agro Connect conference and Agricultural Market
The NRRM offered its support for the first annual Agro Connect Conference and Agricultural Market to take place in February 2023. This conference will explore the challenges of sustaining a local food system in northeast BC.

To: Hon. Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Government of Canada
Re: Meeting Request; Sikanni River Bridge, Mile 162 of the Alaska Highway
Regional Council requested a virtual meeting to discuss the current state of the Sikanni River Bridge and to express the importance of keeping a direct ground transportation route open. Regional Council received a response to their letter requesting a virtual meeting with the Minister of Transportation regretfully declining due to schedule constraints.

To: Heather Maga
Re: Northern Rockies Tourism Advisory Committee
A letter was sent to Heather Maga to express appreciation and recognition for her contributions to the Tourism Action Committee.

To: Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
Re: Draft Boreal Caribou Protection and Recovery Plan
Regional Council sent a letter to Minister Osborne to provide more information in relation to identifying key concerns specific to the draft of the BCPRP including Socioeconomic Impacts, Predator Management and Plan Implementation.

To: Brenda Enax, Fort Nelson Events Society
Re: Letter of Support for the Northern Lights Festival, March 16-26, 2023
Regional Council sent a letter to express support to the Fort Nelson Events Society for the grant application submitted for the Northern Lights Festival coming up in March, 2023. This event attracts many visitors to our area and will benefit the community.

To: Clean Transportation Branch
Re: Comments Regarding the ZEV Act and Regulation 2022 Formal Review Intentions Paper
A letter was sent to the Clean Transportation Branch expressing concerns and the challenges the NRRM faces in the revised timelines for ZEV Act.

From: Rob Fleming, Minister of Transport
Re: Fort Nelson River Bridge
Regional Council received a response to their request for the installation of a cattleguard on the Fort Nelson River Bridge and expressed that the Ministry of Land, Water and Resources would need to evaluate impacts associated with preventing the herd from moving south.

From: BC Museums Association and Heritage BC
Re: Request for Travel Bursary Support for Northern Rockies Region
BC Museums Association and Heritage BC is requesting the municipality assist with travel supports for Northern Rockies community members wishing to attend the upcoming conference in Victoria, BC.

From: Allison Bond, Deputy Minister for Children and Family Development
Re: Maureen Nelson Thank you
Minister Bond sent a letter acknowledging and congratulating the eleven years of dedicated service from Ms. Nelson to the children and youth of our community as a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician.

From: Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development
Re: UBCM Meeting Follow up
Minister Dean wrote to Regional Council to follow up on the concerns around mental health supports for children and youth in the community along with the progress of transitioning to a new system of services provided by Family Connections Centres.

To: Lisa Andres, Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Re: Section 781 Request to Write Off Uncollectible Taxes
NRRM sent a letter to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs requesting approval to write off uncollectible property taxes following a resolution by Council at the September 26 meeting.

From: Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens' Services
Re: UBCM Meeting Follow Up
A letter was received from Minister Beare following up on discussions regarding connectivity in our region and iterating that the Province is committed to expanding high-speed internet services to all households by 2027.
Also of Note
Regional Council ratified their decision on the waiving of the Grant-in-Aid Policy and approved a Grant-in-Aid of $450 plus applicable taxes to cover the cost of the Phoenix Theatre rental for the Chamber of Commerce to host the All-Candidates Forum for the upcoming 2022 General Local Election.

Regional Council ratified their decision that the Raw Water Pond Intake Screens for the Water Quality Improvements Capital Project be acquired through single-source award from Elgin Separation Solutions for the amount of $127,900 plus applicable taxes.

Regional Council received an update in regards to the Fort Nelson Motocross Club Licenses Area and Areas of Interest. Since April of 2021, staff have been working with the club on their request to expand their motocross area, currently located on lands of the Northern Rockies Regional Airport. Land of which was included in a sponsored crown grant which was purchased in 2014 for $1 for 906 hectares, which was valued at $776,000. In accordance with said grant a covenant restricts the use of the land for airport purposes only. The current use puts this grant in non-compliance. Staff will continue work with the Provincial Government on proposed options to remedy the issue at hand.

Regional Council approved three annual NDIT grants for submission. These grants include the Writing Support Program for the maximum amount of $8,000 to offset the costs of providing grant writing and support services, the Economic Development Capacity Building Program for a maximum amount of $50,000 to partially fund a Regional Economic Development Officer position, and the Business Façade Improvement Program for the maximum amount of $20,000 to fund the 2023 Fort Nelson Business Façade Improvement Program.

Regional Council was invited to celebrate Kerissa Dickie in her achievement in creative writing on November 2, 2022 at the Phoenix Theatre. Kerissa Dickie will read her story that made the shortlist for the 2022 CBC Nonfiction Prize, 'Seh Woo, My Teeth'.
September 7th Special Regional Council Meeting
Regional Council carried the following resolutions
Resolution #64/22 that Council approves the Recruitment, Retention, Education & Training Incentive (RRETI) Program and the Regional Health Recruitment Liaison Communications Plan, including the Draft Media Release.

Resolution #65/22 to enter into an agreement with Doug Blackie Consulting aligning with the remaining capital budget of $13,000 associated with the Regional Health Advocacy Strategy.

Resolution #66/22 to create an advocacy plan for an upgraded rail transportation system for the NRRM.
Sepember 23rd Special Regional Council Meeting
Town Hall Renewal Project Decision
Regional Council reconvened to discuss the three proposed scenarios from Jak McCuaig of McCuaig & Associates Engineering. After a discussion around the financial impacts of each scenario and the possibility of grants or borrowed funds, Council unanimously agreed on proceeding with the detailed design for Scenario #2.
September 26th Special Regional Council Meeting
Fort Nelson Forest District & NRRM Updates
Greg Van Dolah and Darius Low, of the Ministry of Forests, provided an overview of the Nonda Creek Road, where approximately 600 meters of the road surface had been significantly impacted by the redirection of the Nonda Creek. There is no timeframe for activities at this stage, and Council expressed interest in the NRRM taking on the engagement process to ensure all interested parties have a say.
Other updates provided by the Ministry of Forests:
  • The progress of the Old Growth Strategy has added resources to support the process and is being implemented through negotiations with Treaty 8 Nations and Blueberry River First Nations.
  • The tenure transfer from Canfor to Peak Renewables was completed and they are in a position to begin harvesting at any time.
  • The Province is looking at expanding research in terms of calf recruitment and predator control for Boreal Caribou Planning.
October 24th Special Regional Council Meeting
Community Grant Program
Regional Council is reviewing policies related to the Community Grant Program to adjust the criteria and allow more organizations to receive support. Options included updating current Grant-in-Aid and Recreation Centre Rental Exemption policies or establishing a new policy to address eligible organizations.
Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention
Councillor Andrews, Mayor Foster, Board Chair Colleen Nyce, and NH CEO Cathy Ulrich
Mayor Foster pictured with Honorable Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests
Councillor Soles, Mayor Foster, Minister Lisa Beare (Citizens Services), MLA Roly Russell(Parliamentary Secretary for Rural and Regional Development), and Councillor Andrews
Councillor Andrews, Minister Mitzi Dean (Children and Family Development), Mayor Foster, Councillor Soles
Regional Council and NRRM staff attended the UBCM Convention in September and met with several Ministries to discuss projects and concerns for our community.

Northern Health
Regional Council discussed recruitment and retention of physicians and health professionals as well as communications between Northern Health and the Regional Hospital Districts.

Ministry of Forests
This meeting focused on the pricing policy related to Community Forests and the concerns from the NRRM that changes to the current policy may negatively affect the social and economic goals of the communities. The forest tenure transfer to Peak Renewables was discussed

Ministry of Citizen Services
The main concerns discussed included internet service and cell coverage regarding public safety. Requests were made to the Ministry to engage with telecom providers to expand coverage along the Alaska and Liard Highways and to continue working with rural Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to identify needs and service gaps.

Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation
Economic recovery is critical for the NRRM and collaboration will be key in the success of future projects, including the Peak Renewables pellet manufacturing project. Rail investment and concerns about the line condition were discussed.

Ministry of Children and Family Development
The NRRM expressed the critical need for scheduling Developmental Assessments and for providing access to Mental Health Support for children and youth in the community in order to receive the support needed.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs
An update on the Infrastructure Development Contribution Agreement (IDCA) was provided. The NRRM expressed gratitude for having the agreement in place and the concerns with delinquent taxes on Crown Land related to oil & gas leases.

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
Discussions occurred around the Peak Renewables project and the Hydrogen Naturally project along with the importance of economic renewal and future projects. Concerns were brought forward that the gaps in policy and the project appears quite aggressive from a scheduling standpoint.

Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
There is immense economic value and opportunity in tourism and the NRRM has developed a new 5-year tourism strategy. Main issues require cross-ministry communication and collaboration. The Ministry staff described a program being offered through Northern Lights College to address staffing concerns.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality www.NorthernRockies.ca