Regional district board meets in McBride
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors met in McBride for their regular meeting in May.
While in the community, the Board heard a presentation from the local high school about a recent trip to Mexico where students assisted in building homes for impoverished people. Directors attended a public meeting with the School District and had the opportunity to tour Regional District facilities like the Robson Valley Recreation Centre, the McBride and District Volunteer Fire Hall and the new home for the McBride library and museum. They also toured Castle Mountain Power, and independent power producer near McBride and stopped in at Ancient Forest to see recent improvements to that area.
The board will meet in Valemount on July 20 and in Mackenzie on September 21 as part of the regional district’s 50th anniversary.
Update from the Agricultural Land Commission
Representatives from the Agricultural Land Commission presented an overview of the ALC and delegation agreements between the commission and local governments. This agreement allows the Regional District Board to make decisions on certain non-farm use and subdivision Agricultural Land Reserve applications. The commission is looking to update the agreement to reflect legislative changes and plans to set up training for directors to review changes.
Board grants conditional approval for moto-cross event
The regional district has provided conditional approval for a special events licence for a moto-cross pro nationals event at the Blackwater MX track west of Prince George. Under bylaw, the regional district has the authority to grant licences for special events with an expected attendance of 1,000 or more. Applicants must meet a number of conditions to ensure events are planned with appropriate consideration to public safety, security and comfort.
The board voted to give conditional approval, subject to receiving outstanding information regarding insurance, health and sanitation, security, traffic control and parking, first aid, and an emergency management plan. A building permit for any proposed temporary structures must also be issued. The Board gave event organizers until Thursday June 1 to provide the required information before the license can be issued. A special events license will not be issued if the required information is not received by the deadline.
Community Grants
The board approved the following requests for Community and Recreation Grants:
• $7500 to the Mud River-Beaverly Farmers’ Institute for transport trailer modifications
• $2000 to the Prince George Farmers Institute for annual convention costs
• $500 to the Bear Lake Fire Fighters Association for a recruitment function
• $910 to the Bear Lake Recreation Association for insurance
• $15,000 to the Mackenzie Fire Fighter Association for road and ice rescue tools and equipment
• $3000 to the Canoe Valley Community Association for active living kids pilot project
• $2500 to the Robson Valley Music Society for music festival health and safety