Diane Nicolson, president, and Jason Quigley, EVP Stakeholder and Regulatory Affairs from HDI Amarc, appeared before the board to provide an update on mining exploration in the Chilcotin.
The presentation focused on the significant copper-molybdenum-silver discovery at the IKE Project in the South Eastern Chilcotin area. More information is available online at amarcresources.com.
Interlakes Governance Report Reviewed
The CRD board of directors reviewed the recent Interlakes Governance Report which was prepared by Circle Square Consultants under the leadership of former MLA and Provincial Cabinet Minister George Abbott.
Discussions have been held with the Interlake Economic Association and some recommendations from both the CRD and the association are currently under consideration.
The aim of the study was the provision of factual information for the community and the regional district about current service delivery arrangements.
Proposed Upgrade for 100 Mile’s Martin Exeter Hall
The CRD authorized up to $3,200 of Capital Reserves from the South Cariboo Recreation budget to hire an architect to undertake a review of the Martin Exeter Hall in 100 Mile House. The architect will also be required to produce a report for a potential expansion of the facility. The objective of the proposed project is to extend the building by up to 16 feet to provide new washrooms and also to review the existing building for conformance with current health and life safety regulations.
Fuel Management Projects Successfully Completed
The regional district was recently notified that the Fuel Management Projects at Nimpo & Charlotte Lakes have been successfully completed. The Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative Working Group has reviewed final report documentation for the completion of the project and the reporting requirements have been met. The CRD received a total of $33,546 to cover the costs of this project.
Policies Endorsed
The CRD Board of Directors endorsed a proposed Community Works Fund Prioritization Policy. The policy guides the use of Community Works funds received from the federal government. The policy establishes priority use of the funds and sets rural projects as the strongest priority as well as the traditional environmental projects such as clean air, clean water, energy efficiency before considering other eligible projects of a sub-regional, regional or non-environmental nature.
The Board also adopted an asset management policy which will help ensure that the assets required to delivery services to our residents are available and able to meet service levels expectations at a reasonable cost.
Esler Recreation Capital Projects Endorsed
The CRD Board endorsed a recommendation from the Esler Recreation Commission to support three capital projects at the Esler Sports Complex. The improvements will include:
• Soccer: Construction of a water holding tank.
• Minor Fastball: Safety upgrades to the clubhouse.
• Slo-Pitch: Construction of bleachers and a large sign
A total of $5,000 for each user group to use on capital projects was allocated in the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services budget and business plan for 2016.
The board also approved renewal of the use and occupancy agreements between the CRD and the Williams Lake Soccer Association and the Slo-Pitch League.
BC Rural Dividend Fund
The CRD will be sending a letter to the provincial government requesting that the current requirement for “audited” financial statements to qualify under the Rural Dividend Fund be relaxed to the provision of financial statements only. The BC Rural Dividend assists rural communities with a population of 25,000 or less in strengthening community resilience, and supports social, cultural and economic viability. The Program is providing $25 million a year over three years to help rural communities across BC reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, making them more attractive places to live and work. More information about the BC Rural Dividend Fund is available online at gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend16:36:50.
The next CRD board meeting will be July 22.
