News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Northern Health Tackles H1N1

The Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District reviewed information received from Northern Health regarding its H1N1 strategies. Five strategies have either already been, or are currently being implemented throughout the north Cariboo; Emergency Operations Committees, reducing the spread of H1N1 in society, continuity of care, antivirals and a vaccination campaign. For further information about H1N1 vaccination clinic dates in your area; visit the NH website at www.northernhealth.ca  or for residents serviced by Interior Health visit www.interiorhealth.ca

Encorp Pacific

Mr. Neil Hastie, CEO of Encorp Pacific, presented information to the Board on the status and performance of beverage container and electronic recycling, including service levels and future opportunities in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Some of the key elements of the presentation included a general overview of industry product stewardship (ISP), the performance of their Climate Change and economic contributions, and the diversion rates of recyclables from the landfill sites in the region. The report also included information on what year different products such as tires, used oil or electronics, joined the ISP program in BC, and the associated benefits of stewardship practices. Further recycling information is available on their website at www.encorp.ca 

Barking Dogs

The CRD Board of Directors adopted a new Barking Dog Complaint Policy. This Policy will be enforced through the Cariboo Regional District Noise Control Bylaw (No. 4463) adopted earlier this year. A large part of this policy is the "Barking Dog Incident Log" which is required to be filled out by the complainant. The log helps to confirm that the dog is a chronic barker and a nuisance to the neighbourhood. All dogs bark, for various reasons, but not all dogs are nuisances. The only way to prove the dog is a nuisance is to have evidence that it is an ongoing problem. The "Barking Dog Incident Log" shows a pattern of behaviour that may or may not prove a violation. Visit the CRD website, www.cariboord.bc.ca to view the policy and to view the noise bylaw adopted earlier this year. 

Dog Creek Water and Sewer

Over the next week residents of the Dog Creek area will be receiving a survey from the Cariboo Regional District to seek the interest level of residents for a new water or water/sewer system services established through taxation. Local meetings along with informational materials will be coming soon. Watch the CRD website at www.cariboord.bc.ca  or local media for meeting details. 

Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods

At the request of the District of Maple Ridge, the Cariboo Regional District will be sending a letter to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) in support of a resolution dealing with safer communities and neighbourhoods. The resolution that had been proposed and endorsed at the UBCM conference identified a lack of legislative tools to adequately deal with illicit drug houses, problem addresses, businesses and the issues associated with them. The resolve to this resolution was that the Government of British Columbia works with UBCM to create or improve existing legislation in order to address the public disorder and neighbourhood deterioration caused by these problem addresses. The resolution closely aligns with the CRD's UBCM resolution that addressed the proceeds of crime. This resolution called for the allowance of local governments to share in the proceeds from property seized due to the cultivation and/or production of illegal substances on the premises or to acquire the property for community purposes at no cost. 

Support for TAC

The Regional District will be submitting an application to UBCM for continued funding for its Treaty Advisory Committee (TAC). UBCM advised local governments that the existing funding will be enhanced and applications for funding to support eligible TAC's may be provided under this program. Since 2007, UBCM has been managing funds on behalf of the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation in order to support increased transfer of knowledge between TACs and to support treaty implementation. 

Invasive Plant Management

In accordance with the newly adopted Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Quesnel, which includes a new cooperative approach to invasive plant management within the municipal boundaries, the CRD adopted a revised Invasive Plant Management Bylaw. This contractual agreement will allow both the CRD and the City of Quesnel to participate in invasive plant management activities.

| More...