From the Bear Pit
Regional Council Meeting News
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March 28, 2022 Regional Council Meetings |
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Fort Nelson Community Forest |
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Beginning in early 2022, harvest operations began within various areas of the Community Forest (CF) which has generated conversation within the community. Beginning as early as 2010, the NRRM a local Community Forest to encourage local forestry development. A partnership between the NRRM and Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) was formed and the Fort Nelson Community Forest (FNCF) was approved in 2019, forming the largest community forest in BC at the time.
The management objectives and business plan are included in a comprehensive management plan for the Community Forest. The FNCF tenure was issued effective April 1, 2020 for a term of 25 years, covering 197,571 hectares and including an Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) up to 185,000 cubic meters.
The Community Forest is managed through a limited partnership agreement (the FNFN/NRRM Community Forest General Partner Corporation) that is legally separate from the shareholders. Each shareholder is responsible for appointing 2 members to the CF Corporation board to act in the best interests of the corporation.
An operational update from the Community Forest board of directors is anticipated for mid-April.
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Land Acknowledgement Update |
and history of the Indigenous peoples of the region.
A framework around the inclusion of land acknowledgements in municipal operations has now been developed to equip Regional Council and NRRM staff with an understanding of the Indigenous communities in the region. and encourage cultural awareness across the organization and support efforts to develop meaningful relations.
Council resolved that First Nations governments and Indigenous organizations be provided with opportunity to comment on the draft Land Acknowledgement Framework, with these perspectives to be brought back to Council.
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NRRM Animal Control, Pound and Licensing Bylaw Revision
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has experienced various animal welfare challenges with animal welfare over the past year. In an effort to unify animal control, pound keeping and humane services, staff have been engaging with local stakeholders and representatives of the BC SPCA. There have also been several areas of concern identified in the existing Animal Control, Pound and Licensing Bylaw No. 09, 2009. creating challenges regarding enforcement.
An update to NRRM Animal Control, Pound and Licensing Bylaw No. 09, 2009 will be initiated with input sought from stakeholder and the public.
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In an effort to divert usable goods from the landfill, a "Share Shed" was proposed by Council with staff to provide information related to recommended structures and associated costs for implementation.
Based on estimates provided, Regional Council approved a budget of $20,000 for the purchase and installation of a 13 x 20 mobile share shed structureat the Northern Rockies Landfill transfer station with an operational period of May – October 2022.
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- An application for a Development Variance Permit (DVP) No. 22-01 has been received from Wide Sky Disposals (1989) Ltd. The variance would allow for an office modular accessory structure (not attached) to be placed in front of the principal building at 4501 55 Street. Adjoining properties will be notified of the application. Administration Report #29/22 | Application Letter | Subject Property Map
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To: BC Ministry of Health, the Honourable Adrian Dix
As a result of awareness raised by the AccessBC Campaign, Regional Council for the NRRM would like to join the voices of communities and individuals across the province calling for improved access to prescription contraception, based on research showing that young, low-income women are less likely to use contraception due to financial barriers.
From: City of Abbotsford, Mayor Henry Braun
A request for municipal resolutions of support for the City of Abbotsford's Lower Mainland Local Government Assn. (LMLGA) resolution for 100% "Build Back Better" funding for critical infrastructure, in advance of the UBCM convention this September.
A request for support of the Chamber's call to eliminate GST/PST on fuel as well as pause the planned increase to BC Carbon Tax.
To: FortisBC Energy Inc., Matt Mason, Community & Indigenous Relations Manager
Concerns brought forth by residents regarding the billing of services being estimated rather than precise meter readings. In some cases, residents have noted unexpected variability and increased costs on their estimated natural gas consumption.
A reply to local contractor regarding concerns that projects aren't consistently awarded locally. The NRRM recognizes the value of supporting local businesses and is guided by the NRRM Purchasing Policy which specifies the application of a local differential factor from 2.5% to 10% on goods and services valued under $75,000 and construction valued under $200,000. Amounts over these are regulated by the New West Partnership Trade Agreement which does not permit policies with local preference.
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Northwestel Planned Outage Notification April 3 |
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Northwestel has scheduled an outage for network equipment upgrade/replacement on Sunday, April 3, 2022, between 12:01 am – 6:00 am that will shut down Bell Mobility phone service, DSL, 911 and long-distance calling. They are hoping that the scheduled work will take between 120-180 minutes. Once they have completed work, restoration of circuits will proceed, beginning with 911 service.
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