The Cariboo Regional District is providing a letter of support to the BC Cattlemen’s Association and the BC Agricultural Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp) regarding feasibility of small-scale wind energy production on agricultural operations.
The letter of support accompanies their applications for funding from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, BC Hydro and Farm Credit Canada. Should small-scale wind energy projects prove to be viable and eventually be developed at locations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would contribute to the Cariboo Regional District’s goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions 33 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050 from 2007 levels.
Survey says
The minutes from the CRD 2011 town hall meetings have now been compiled. The town hall meetings saw slightly smaller crowds this year with the highest attendance at the meetings taking place in Areas L and F, both with 53 residents.
Attendance figures are also reflective of the inclement winter weather conditions experienced throughout January and February within the Cariboo Chilcotin. Some of the most commonly discussed topics included;
• Solid Waste Management
• Recycling
• Invasive Plant Management
This year, at a number of meetings, residents inquired about increased bylaw enforcement opportunities within the region. During the 2011 town hall meetings, the residents were also requested to complete a survey about the session, recent experiences with the Regional District and the extent to which they understand the taxation process.
The survey results also establish a baseline of resident satisfaction throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin and awareness of any issues that may be emerging on the local, sub-regional or regional basis.
The board of directors will now use this information to help make their final decisions on the budget prior to its adoption at the March 25 board meeting.
Full comments from the town hall meetings and results from the surveys are available for viewing on the March 2 CRD board agenda online at www.cariboord.bc.ca
Declarations
Community Social Services Awareness Month – March 2011
Drinking Water Week – May 1-7, 2011
National Honey Bee Day – May 29, 2011
Interlakes complex
The board approved a request from the Rose Lake and District Recreation Commission Society to access up to $7,500 of Community Works Funding.
The funds will be used to perform lighting upgrades and other related minor services at the Interlakes Community Complex.
RCMP
Warren Brown, Staff Sergeant, Williams Lake Detachment Commander, RCMP, presented information to the CRD board of directors relating to grow-ops in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
He also spoke to the board about the need for changes in provincial legislation regarding the proceeds of crime.
The RCMP encourage residents and communities to become more involved to help reduce the numbers of grow-ops within the Cariboo Chilcotin.
NCLGA
The Cariboo Regional District Board will submit the following resolutions to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference to be held in Prince Rupert May 11 – 13:
• the ban of incandescent light bulbs;
• tourist accommodation taxation;
• environmental levy on incoming freight;
• terminology amendment to legislation regarding invasive plants;
• prohibition of sale of seeds/plants;
• support for SPCA;
• cell phone and high speed internet accessibility;
• removal of phone booths in rural communities;
• fair compensation from BC Hydro rights of way;
• development of a comprehensive agricultural policy;
• development of a refundable deposit system for all glass products.
Quesnel City Councillor Laurey Roodenburg is running for the regional district representative.