Thompson-Nicola Regional District public meetings in 2023

Thompson Regional Hospital District

The Thompson Regional Hospital District Board is reviewing the 2024-2028 Provisional Five Year Plan for approval. The meeting also includes an update on the Kamloops Cancer Centre public advocacy campaign and a review of previous meeting minutes.

• Approval of the 2024-2028 Provisional Five Year Plan
• Update on the Kamloops Cancer Centre public advocacy campaign contract with Santis Health
• Review of Interior Health Regional District notification letter regarding regional services
• Adoption of November 9, 2023, meeting minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposal to initiate a Parks and Trails Strategy with an expected completion in 2025. The committee also received information regarding a $5.3 million estimated cost for fire department radio system improvements.

• Proposed Parks and Trails Strategy costing up to $100,000 funded by the regional parks reserve fund
• Estimated $5.3 million cost for Fire Department Dispatch Radio Telecommunication System upgrades
• Identification of a $3.1 million funding gap for radio system improvements
• Review of TNRD land assets and disposal processes
• Update on TNRD ongoing initiatives

Board of Directors Regular

The Board will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning 920 and 934 Harrwood Drive from residential to recreational commercial. The change would allow the Mike Wiegele Heli-Ski Resort to use the property for traveller accommodation.

• Rezoning of 920 & 934 Harrwood Drive, Blue River to allow Traveller Accommodation Use
• Approval of the Provisional 2024-2028 Five Year Financial Plan with $64,604,819 in 2024 operating expenditures
• Authorization to register section 57 notices on title for building infractions at 40 Edith Lake Rd and 9209 Kealty Rd
• Adoption of Septage Disposal Services Repeal Bylaw 2023
• Proposed rezoning of 2037 Martin Prairie Road, Pritchard to a Small Holding zone

Utility Systems Committee

The Utility Systems Committee is reviewing various scenarios to address funding gaps in thirteen community utility systems. The committee will provide input on potential rate increases for user fees and changes to annual parcel taxes.

• Proposal to increase annual parcel taxes for all TNRD systems to $250/year, excluding Paul Lake sewer systems
• Review of three user fee scenarios ranging from inflation-based increases to those covering capital replacement
• Recommendation to end early payment discounts and set a year-round base user fee
• Capital Projects Update report from General Manager of Operations J. Vieira
• Adoption of October 12, 2023, meeting minutes

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss the mission statement and ongoing development of the Accessibility Plan. Members will also receive updates on public feedback forms and an accessibility checklist review.

• Discussion regarding the Accessibility Plan Mission Statement
• Verbal update on the Public Feedback Form from Communications & Marketing Manager C. Davies
• Presentation of the Accessibility Checklist Review by Deputy Corporate Officer M. Jeremiah
• Verbal update from TNRL Accessibility Intern M. Rye

Electoral Area Directors

The Electoral Area Directors will consider options for continuing the economic development function. The committee will also receive updates on Tiny House Village discussions and changes to firefighter remuneration for 2024.

• Discussion regarding the continuation of the economic development function
• Information regarding 2024 changes to TNRD firefighter remuneration
• Verbal report on Tiny House Village
• Review of November 7, 2023, Special Electoral Area Directors Meeting minutes

Board of Directors Regular

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board is reviewing several bylaw amendments regarding solid waste fees and mandatory recycling materials. The agenda also includes decisions on Agricultural Land Commission applications for subdivisions and residential uses, as well as authorization for building infraction notices.

• Amendment Bylaw 2827, 2023 to update weight and volume-based solid waste user fees
• Bylaw 2829, 2023 to expand the list of mandatory recyclable materials
• Authorization to register section 57 notices on titles for building infractions at 2412 Willow Dr and Electoral Area 'O'
• Proposed 4% increase to annual Director indemnities retroactive to January 1, 2023
• ALC Application ALR 224 for a road dedication subdivision of Highway 5A near Merritt

Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing the 2024 Provisional Budget and 2024-2028 Financial Plan for discussion before it goes to the Board. The report includes a projected global tax requisition increase of approximately $1,777,297 for the 2024 Draft Budget.

• Review of 2024 Provisional Budget and 2024-2028 Five Year Financial Plan
• Projected global tax requisition increase of approximately $1,777,297 for the 2024 Draft Budget
• Proposed $120,000 yearly expenditure increase for Director base pay and communication costs
• Approval of September 6, 2023, Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

Thompson-Nicola Invasive Plant Management Committee

The committee is reviewing the 2023 Annual Report regarding education, outreach, and operational outcomes. The meeting also includes discussion of correspondence from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Forests regarding long-term invasive plant management funding.

• Review of 2023 Annual Report - Education, Outreach & Coordination Outcomes
• Review of 2023 Annual Report - Operational Outcomes
• Correspondence from Hon. Minister Heyman regarding funding for crown lands
• Correspondence from Deputy Minister O'Donoghue regarding provincial public lands funding
• Approval of 2024 meeting dates: March 20, May 15, and October 16

Thompson Regional Hospital District

The Thompson Regional Hospital District Board is reviewing a contract award to Santis Health for an advocacy campaign. The project aims to promote the development of a cancer centre in Kamloops to reduce patient travel for radiation treatment.

• Contract award to Santis Health for up to $75,000 for cancer care advocacy
• Approval of proposed 2024 Thompson Regional Hospital Board meeting dates
• Scheduling of an additional meeting for December 15, 2023, to review the 2024-2028 Provisional Budget
• Presentation from Royal Inland Hospital Foundation CEO Heidi Coleman

Board of Directors Regular

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board will hold its annual election for Chair and Vice-Chair. The agenda also includes decisions on multiple zoning amendments, building infraction notices, and the adoption of new refuse collection bylaws.

• Election of Board Chair and Vice-Chair
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2814, 2023 for a secondary suite at 240 Holloway Drive, Tobiano
• Authorization of section 57 notices on title regarding building infractions at 5265 Merritt-Spences Bridge Highway 8 and 183 Green Lake South Rd
• Adoption of Automated Refuse & Recyclables Collection Bylaw No. 2794, 2023
• Review of $10,000 in regional grants for five community organizations

Special Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole reviewed the first draft of the 2024 Budget and 2024-2028 Five-Year Financial Plan. The workshop included departmental SWOT analyses and a discussion on a projected $1,777,297 global tax requisition increase. The committee recommended bringing the draft budget to the Regular Board meeting on December 14, 2023.

• Projected global tax requisition increase of approximately $1,777,297 for the 2024 Draft Budget
• Proposed addition of one full-time FTE in People and Culture to support payroll and HRIS transition
• $150,000 allocated for planned software upgrades for invoice management, budgeting, and contract work
• Utility Services rates increased by approximately 2% year over year
• Total TNRD expenditures projected at $80,743,932 for the 2024 Draft Budget

Special Electoral Area Directors

Electoral Area Directors are meeting to provide feedback on proposed amendments to the current Bylaw and Board Policies regarding remuneration and expenses. The discussion focuses on streamlining multiple existing policies into a single guiding bylaw to improve transparency and efficiency.

• Proposed replacement of Bylaw 2711, 2022 with new Bylaw 2825, 2023
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.4 regarding accommodation remuneration
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.5 regarding airline tickets
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.12 regarding conference and meeting cancellations
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.16 regarding board expense reimbursement

Agricultural Advisory Commission

The Agricultural Advisory Commission is reviewing multiple applications to the Agricultural Land Commission, including road dedications and residential use changes. The meeting also includes a discussion on a zoning amendment for property in Blackpool.

• ALC Application ALR 224: Dedicating 0.62 km of Highway 5A through a private parcel
• ALC Application ALR 225: Request for non-adhering residential use to build a single-family dwelling at 1688 Nicolls Road
• ALC Application ALR 227: Application for property at 1480 Old North Thompson Hwy, Blackpool
• ALC Application ALR 228: Application for property at 1840 / 2149 Marriot Road, Big Bar Lake
• Zoning Amendment BA 253: Application for property at 1256 Hern Road, Blackpool

Board of Directors Regular

The TNRD Board of Directors will review several infrastructure and policy items, including a $263,500 funding request for Smith Pioneer Park. The meeting also includes discussions on building infractions and a new contract for hazardous waste services.

• Request to fund up to $263,500 for infrastructure improvements at Smith Pioneer Park
• Contract award of up to $1,000,000 to North-Wood Environmental Services Ltd. for household hazardous waste services
• Authorization to register section 57 notices on titles for building infractions at 3028 McCreight Road and 9641 Tranquille-Criss Creek Road
• $6,750 sponsorship for the 2024 SILGA convention
• Notice of Motion to examine options for limiting cabin sizes in resort zones

Regional Solid Waste Management Committee

The committee will discuss and support a proposed Mandatory Recyclable Materials Amendment Bylaw, as well as amendments to user fees for solid waste management facilities. Other items include presentations from Grassland Organics and the South Cariboo Sportsmen Association.

• Proposed Mandatory Recyclable Materials Amendment Bylaw
• Amendments to Solid Waste Management Facilities Bylaw No. 2681 with Amendment Bylaw No. 2731
• Presentation by Grassland Organics on new waste management facility
• Presentation by South Cariboo Sportsmen Association regarding recycling impacts

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposal to consolidate multiple board policies and bylaws into a single new bylaw. The report recommends replacing Bylaw 2711, 2022 and several existing expense policies with the proposed Bylaw 2825, 2023 to increase transparency and efficiency.

• Proposed adoption of Bylaw 2825, 2023 Board Remuneration & Expenses
• Proposed repeal of Bylaw 2711, 2022 Board of Directors Remuneration
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.4 regarding accommodation remuneration
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.5 regarding airline tickets
• Proposed repeal of Board Policy 1.1.12 regarding cancellation of attendance

Board of Directors Regular

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board is reviewing several zoning bylaw amendments for Birch Island and Logan Lake. The meeting also includes discussions on authorizing notices against property titles due to building infractions and approving grant applications for emergency preparedness.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2823 to redevelop a shooting range near Logan Lake
• Authorization of Section 57 notices on titles for building infractions at 232 Vavenby Bridge Road, 5885 Tranquille-Criss Creek Road, and 9677 Hwy 97C
• Approval of up to $22,000 plus a 5% fee for Knutsford Community Hall energy efficiency upgrades
• Proposal to increase the 2024 Regional Grants & Sponsorship annual budget from $20,000 to $50,000
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2817 to resolve a zoning anomaly in Birch Island

Board of Variance

The Board of Variance will consider application BOV 60, which requests a reduced front yard setback for a single-family dwelling at 3206 Powell Rd. The applicant seeks to reduce the required 6-metre setback to 4.5 metres due to a steep lot and a retaining wall.

• Application BOV 60: Request for 4.5m front yard setback at 3206 Powell Rd, Pinantan Lake
• Review of minutes from the August 30, 2023, Board of Variance meeting

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The committee is reviewing feedback from 138 respondents regarding accessibility in TNRD physical and digital spaces. Members will use these results to identify focus areas for the upcoming Accessibility Plan Framework.

• Review of 2023 Accessibility Survey responses from 26 different communities
• Presentation on the Accessibility Plan Framework
• Presentation on the TNRD Audit Plan
• Adoption of June 13, 2023, meeting minutes

Wells Gray Country Services Committee

The Wells Gray Country Services Committee is reviewing potential capital projects for the 2024 budget planning process. Items for discussion include cemeteries, community parks, economic development, and streetlights. The committee will also receive updates on the Vavenby Annex fund and upcoming committee position vacancies.

• Discussion of future capital projects for Area A cemeteries, parks, and streetlights
• Review of District of Clearwater resolutions suspending Wells Gray Community Forest Commission operations
• Update on Vavenby Annex funds
• Process for filling Committee positions expiring December 31, 2023
• Receipt of Tourism Wells Gray minutes from June 8 and July 6, 2023

Thompson Regional Hospital District

The Thompson Regional Hospital District Board is reviewing a request to fund an outsourced regional campaign. The campaign aims to advocate for the creation of a cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital to provide local radiation treatment.

• Funding request of up to $75,000 for a Cancer Care Advocacy Campaign
• Proposal to outsource a contract for campaign preparation and delivery
• Adoption of June 16, 2023, meeting minutes
• Notice of a closed meeting regarding provincial government negotiations

Board of Directors Regular

The Board of Directors will review rezoning requests for properties in Blue River and Birch Island, as well as a proposal to rebuild a shooting range near Logan Lake. Additionally, the Board will consider allocating $8,500 for a new dock at Blue River Community Park and reallocating $45,751 for park maintenance.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2:: Rezoning 5914 Angus Horne St and 857 Spruce St in Blue River to legalize residential use and allow horticultural use
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2817: Rezoning two properties in Birch Island to residential to resolve a zoning anomaly
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2823: Rezoning 7781 Highway 97D near Logan Lake to enable outdoor sport shooting range redevelopment
• $8,500 allocation from Canada Community Building Fund for a new dock at Blue River Community Park
• $45,751 reallocation of Electoral Area B park funds for maintenance and brushing of luge hill at Herb Bilton Way Park

Policy and Governance Committee

The Policy and Governance Committee is reviewing updates to the Flag Protocol Policy to allow for flying First Nations flags. The committee is also considering amendments to the Regional Grants and Sponsorship Policy and discussing whistleblower policy updates.

• Amendment to Flag Protocol Policy (No. 1.4.1) to include flags of hosting First Nations
• Amendment to Regional Grants and Sponsorship Policy (No. 5.1.1)
• Update to Disclosure (Whistleblower) Policy
• Discussion on Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility training for the Board

Electoral Area Directors

The meeting will review the minutes from a previous session and hear updates on various community initiatives and emergency operations. No major decisions are expected.

Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing a first draft of a 10-year capital plan intended to improve asset management and long-term funding strategies. The presentation also covers budget engagement planning, a new budget variance tool, and surplus discussions.

• Review of the draft 10-year Capital Plan and Funding Strategy
• Presentation on 2024 Budget Engagement Planning
• Demonstration of a Budget Variance Tool
• Discussion regarding surplus levels

Board of Variance

The Board of Variance will review two applications regarding property variances in Savona. The items include a request for an increased fence height and a request to decrease a required front setback.

• Application BOV 58: Request to increase front setback fence height from 1 metre to 1.8288 metres at 6524 Savona Access Rd
• Application BOV 59: Request to decrease required front setback from 6 metres to 4.5 metres at 6289 Savona Access Road

Board of Directors Regular

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board is reviewing several bylaws, including a temporary use permit for commercial motocross in Westwold and rezoning in Blue River. The Board is also considering a $36,096 annual lease for a storefront library at Aberdeen Mall.

• Temporary Use Permit for commercial motocross at 7229 Douglas Lake Road
• Rezoning of 5914 Angus Horne Street and 857 Spruce Street in Blue River
• $36,096 annual lease for a storefront library at Aberdeen Mall
• $10,000 grant application to host reconciliation forums with Simpcw and Tk’emlúps
• $146,164.97 total distribution of Search and Rescue grants