Beyond
the beetle
Beyond The Beetle – A Mid Term Timber Supply Action Plan, which was recently released following the extensive Timber Supply meetings held by the provincial government earlier this year was received by the Cariboo Regional District board, Oct. 26.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is implementing the action plan in its ongoing response to the mountain pine beetle infestation. The key elements of the Action Plan include reforestation, forest inventory, fuel management and silviculture. The full report can be viewed online at for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/mountain_pine_beetle/index.htm.
CRD’s South
Cariboo Regional Airport
The CRD Board of Directors endorsed a recommendation for the South Cariboo Regional Airport Management and Operations Renewal Agreement. Mr. Nick Christianson of Nick’s Rag and Tube will continue to look after the management and operations of the facility. Further information about the CRD airport services is available online at cariboord.bc.ca/Services/Airports.aspx
Budget
2013
On Thursday, October 25, the CRD Board of Directors started the process of reviewing proposed 2013 budgets and business plans. As part of this process, directors ensure budgets and business plans fall in line with Board strategic priorities.
The next Finance Budget meeting will be taking place on Thursday, Nov. 15.
The proposed budget will be presented to residents through three sub-regional consultation meetings taking place in 100 Mile House, Quesnel and Williams Lake in January and February, 2013. The traditional Town Hall Meetings for 2013 will be held at the beginning of the budgeting process in each of the electoral areas and municipalities in September and October next year. Further information about the dates, times and locations of these meeting will be announced soon.
Reduction of local
services by Greyhound
The Regional District Board will be writing a letter to Greyhound Bus Lines to express concern about the proposed service level reductions to communities throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin and northern B.C.
Invasive plants
pilot project
The CRD Board of Directors approved in principle a new 50/50 cost share Landowner Assistance program to supplement existing invasive plant management programs. This program will be in addition to the traditional herbicide dispensing and equipment loan programs.
Results of the pilot program will be recorded yearly as a basis upon which to measure success of the program and its suitability for complete adoption within the Landowner Assistance Program.
Health authority
updates
Margaret Sadlon, Health Service Administrator for Northern Health (NH) appeared before the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) Board to discuss the GR Baker Memorial Hospital Master Plan. The presentation included an overview of planning criteria, goals, the draft Master Plan and the next steps. Further information about NH is available online at northernhealth.ca
Earlier in the meeting CCRHD Chair John Massier provided an update from a recent meeting between the CCRHD and Interior Health (IH). On October 23 and 24, the CCRHD met with IH in Kelowna to discuss a number of items including prioritization of the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Master Plan and the need for the opening of more beds at Fischer Place Lodge in 100 Mile House.
Anahim Lake
Airport
Terminal Building
design selected
The preferred proposal for construction of the new Anahim Lake Airport Terminal Building was a cross laminated timber design submitted by Zirnhelt Timber Frames Ltd. The proposal was selected based on the use of structural wood which is consistent with the CRD’s Wood First policy and a demonstration of energy efficiency options. Once design details are completed, construction will begin in the spring of 2013.
