Peace River Regional Hospital District

Peace River Regional District

10 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2010

at the

Regional District Office Boardroom 1981 Alaska Avenue Dawson Creek, BC

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Additional Items / Handouts will be available the week following the meeting

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF THE DAY’S EVENTS

January 14, 2010

10 a.m. Regional Hospital District Board Meeting

Immediately Regional District Board Meeting following

DELEGATIONS:

11 a.m. D-1 Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Andy Stewart, General Manager Glenda Farnden, Major Gifts Manager

Re: Update on STARS Northern Base

12 noon to 1 p.m. Luncheon

1 p.m. Closed Meeting - if required

Immediately Reconvene Regional Board Meeting following

DELEGATIONS:

1:15 p.m. D-2 South Peace Seniors Access Services Society (SPSASS) Sharon Miller, Chairperson

Re: Goals / Purpose of the Access Centre for Seniors

5 p.m. Adjournment - no later than  M M M M M M M M 

Peace River Regional Hospital District

January 14, 2010 Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Directors' Notice of New Business

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. Minutes

HM-1 Regional Hospital District Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2009.

5. Business Arising from the Minutes

6. Delegations

7. Petitions

8. Correspondence

HC-1 Copy of Northern Health's December 7, 2009 letter to Mayor Lyman Clark, Village of Pouce Coupe regarding Pouce Coupe Care Home.

9. Reports

10. By-laws

11. Diary

Regional Hospital Diary

12. New Business

13. Consent Calendar

14. Notice of Motion (for the next meeting)

15. Media Questions (on agenda items and business discussed at the meeting)

16. Adjournment Peace River Regional District

January 14, 2010 Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Directors' Notice of New Business

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. Minutes

M-1 Regional District Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2010.

5. Business Arising from the Minutes

6. Delegations

11 a.m. D-1 Shock, Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Andy Stewart, General Manager Glenda Farnden, Major Gifts Manager Re: Update on STARS Northern Base

1:15 p.m. D-2 South Peace Seniors Access Services Society (SPSASS) Sharon Miller, Chairperson Re: Goals / Purpose of the Access Centre for Seniors and Request for Funding

7. Petitions

8. Correspondence

C-1 December 4, 2009 - UBCM Secretariat regarding Elections Task Force.

C-2 December 7, 2009 - Justice Education Society regarding Being an Active Citizen program.

C-3 December 9, 2009 - UBCM Secretariat regarding Management Framework for Off Road Vehicles.

C-4 December 16, 2009 - Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources regarding consultation on the OGAA Regulations.

C-5 December 18, 2009 - Northwest Corridor Development Corporation regarding submissions to the Rail Freight Service Review Panel.

C-6 December 16, 2009 - UBCM Executive Release - November 26-27 Meeting Highlights.

C-7 December 18, 2009 - UBCM Member Release - Report on New Fire Service Model. 8. Correspondence - continued

C-8 December 17, 2009 - John Slater, MLA Boundary-Similkameen regarding Living Water Smart blog.

C-9 January 4, 2009 - BC Assessment regarding assessment notices sent for the South and North Peace River Region.

C-10 December 7, 2009 - Peace Valley Environment Association regarding information sent to MLA's regarding Site C Accountability.

9. Reports

R-1 December 9, 2009 - Chair Goodings regarding ALC Meeting Attendance.

R-2 December 15, 2009 - Solid Waste Committee regarding December 7, 2009 meeting recommendations.

R-3 December 14, 2009 - Northeast Invasive Plant Committee regarding December 8, 2009 meeting recommendations.

R-4 January 5, 2010 - Fred Banham, CAO regarding Peace River Corridor Park Boundary Amendment.

R-5 Director Jarvis - report of attendance at the November 30, December 1, 2009 NCDC meeting in Victoria, BC.

R-6 Electoral Area Directors' Committee December 17, 2009 meeting recommendations.

R-7 ALR Subdivision Application 178 / 2009 - Bruneau.

R-8 January 7, 2009 - Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer regarding scheduling board meetings at other locations.

R-9 January 7, 2009 - Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer regarding meeting with Ministers to discuss the ALC Delegation Agreement.

R-10 Director Hadland regarding Financial Management.

R-11 Director Goodings regarding the Regulatory Process relating to the Oil and Gas Activities Act.

10. By-laws

B-1 Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1857, 2009 (Borek / Secure Energy) a) December 17, 2009 report from Owen Bloor, Land Use Planner; b) "Peace River Regional District Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1857, 2009". CONSIDERATION OF THIRD READING AND ADOPTION 10. By-laws - continued

B-2 Harper Imperial Subdivision Sewage Collection Services Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010 a) January 5, 2010 report from Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services. b) "Harper Imperial Subdivision and Area Sewage Collection Services Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010". CONSIDERATION OF FIRST THREE READINGS

B-3 Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1877, 2010 (Davis) a) January 4, 2010 report from Owen Bloor, Land Use Planner; b) "Peace River Regional District Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1877, 2010". CONSIDERATION OF FIRST TWO READINGS AND AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

11. Diary

a) Regional Diary b) Agenda Preparation Schedule c) Schedule of Events

12. New Business

13. Appointments

A-1 Board Appointments for 2010.

14. Consent Calendar

MA-1 South Peace Fringe Area OCP Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009.

MA-2 Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2009.

MA-3 Electoral Area Directors' Committee Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2009.

MA-4 Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009.

MA-5 Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2009.

CA-1 Local Government Program Services regarding 2009 West Nile Virus Program Completion.

CA-2 Local Government Program Services regarding Fuel Management - One Island Lake Project. 14. Consent Calendar - continued

CA-3 Local Government Program Services regarding 2009 UBCM Administered Grants to PRRD.

CA-4 Mayor Lantz, City of Fort St. John regarding a shift in Air Canada's Flight Pass policy.

15. Notice of Motion

16. Media Questions

17. Adjournment

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT

DECEMBER BOARD MEETING MINUTES

DATE: December 11, 2009

TIME: 3 p.m.

PLACE: North Peace Cultural Centre Carpet Room, Fort St. John, BC

PRESENT: Directors Director Goodings, Chair Director Hadland Director Lantz Director Hiebert Director Saugstad Director Jarvis Director White Director Caton Director Anderson Director Ackerman Director Clark Director Bernier

Staff Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer Bruce Simard, General Manager of Development Services Sheila DeCosta, Secretary – Legislative Services, Recorder

Others Christine Rumleskie, Moose FM Matthew Bains, Northeast News Andrew Hopkins, Astral Media David Bell, Alaska Highway News Darlene Hiebert Cariad Garratt, Project Coordinator, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

1) Call to Order The Chief Administrative Officer called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.

2) Officers and Officials RHD/09/12/01 MOVED by Director Jarvis, SECONDED by Director Caton, that the Chair, Acting Chair, Auditor, Secretary Treasurer and other officers, officials, and employees of the Regional District Board shall be the Chair, Acting Chair, Auditor, Secretary Treasurer, and other officers, officials and employees of the Regional Hospital District. CARRIED. Peace River Regional Hospital District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 2

Officers and Officials - The Chief Administrative Officer stepped down from the Chair which was assumed by continued Chair Goodings at 3:22 p.m.

DIRECTORS NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS:

None

ADOPTION OF AGENDA:

3) Adoption of Agenda RHD/09/12/02 MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, that the Peace River Regional Hospital District agenda for the December 11, 2009 meeting be received: 1. Call to Order Officers and Officials 2. Directors’ Notice of New Business 3. Adoption of Agenda 4. Minutes HM -1 Regional Hospital District Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2009. 5. Business Arising from the Minutes 6. Delegations 7. Petitions 8. Correspondence HC-1 November 13, 2009 - Sander Rose Trobak regarding terms of engagement for annual audit. 9 Reports 10. By-laws 11. Diary Regional Hospital Diary 12. New Business 13. Consent Calendar 14. Notice of Motion (for the next meeting): 15. Media Questions (on agenda items and business discussed at the meeting) 16. Adjournment CARRIED. MINUTES:

4) HM-1 RHD/09/12/03 Regional Hospital MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, District Meeting Minutes that the Regional Hospital District Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2009 be adopted of November 26, 2009 as presented. CARRIED.

DIARY:

5) Item #1 RHD/09/ 12/04 Northern Medial MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Hadland, Programs Trust that staff be requested to set up a meeting with the City of Fort St. John, the District of Taylor and Electoral Areas ‘B’ and ‘C’ in order to discuss completion of the commitments made to the Northern Medical Programs Trust. CARRIED.

Peace River Regional Hospital District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 3

DIARY: continued

6) Item #2 RHD/09/12/05 Shortage of Nurses MOVED by Director Anderson, SECONDED by Director Clark, that item #2 on the Diary regarding the Shortage of Nurses be updated to include the following information: “the Northern Lights College Nursing Baccalaureate Program Advisory Committee has established its Terms of Reference and will be meeting again in January 2010”. CARRIED.

7) Adjournment RHD/09/12/06 MOVED by Director Saugstad, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, that the meeting adjourn. CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 3:31 p.m.

Sheila DeCosta, Recording Secretary Karen Goodings, Chair

CERTIFIED a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional Hospital District from a meeting held on December 11, 2009 in the North Peace Cultural Center Carpet Room, Fort St. John, BC

Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer

¬¬¬ REGIONAL HOSPITAL DIARY ¬¬¬

LAST DIARY ITEM DIARIZED COMMENTS REVIEWED 1. Northern Medical 02/11/28 Contributions Update from NMPT UNBC - March 31, 2009 Dec 11, 2009 Program Trust - Community Pledge Donations to date % of goal University of Chetwynd 82,040 38,324 46.71% Northern BC Dawson Creek 235,780 145,896 61.88% Fort St. John 479,612 419,599 87.49% Hudson’s Hope 32,340 36,826 113.87% Taylor 35,728 29,529 82.65% Pouce Coupe 26,040 24,047 92.35% Tumbler Ridge 65,128 85,101 130.67%

- Director Bernier advised that Dawson Creek has now reached its 100% pledge commitment - Staff were requested to set up a meeting with the City of Fort St. John, the District of Taylor and Electoral Areas ‘B’ and ‘C’ in order to discuss completion of the commitments made to NDIT.

2. Shortage of Nurses 07/04/26 Paula Bond, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, Dec 11, 2009 Chief Nurse Executive advised the Board of the 50% increase in 2006/07 nursing spaces at UNBC and the initiation of a number of recruitment initiatives: grants, UK recruitment, revamping website, specialty education to existing RNs. – Diarized, to see how this affects nursing shortage numbers over time. Staff requested to provide an update report. - January 29, 2009 - the Board reviewed letter from Betty McCracken Morris which listed vacancy numbers and replied to the Human Resources Manager and NE Recruitment officer with a suggestion they work together with municipalities as they often have recruitment packages. - February 12, 2009 - the Board requested that staff investigate recruitment / retention options with NH, and if bursaries or scholarships for students would be of assistance - November 26, 2009 - a reply has been received from Northern Health requesting to meet with Fred Banham and Faye Salisbury to discuss options. - the Northern Lights College Nursing Baccalaureate Program Advisory Committee has established its Terms of Reference and will meet again in January 2010.

3. Report – “Lets Talk 07/11/22 Diarized in order to allow Directors time to study the report and July 9, 2009 About Addictions and then make comments Mental Health” - Report distributed to the newly elected officials - Northern Health provided the requested update (HC-1 July 9)

4. NH Report – 07/11/22 Diarized in order to allow Directors time to study the report and Oct. 23, 2008 “Cancer Care in then make comments: Northern BC” x We want to encourage Northern Health to move ahead on its own recommendations, especially in regard to the discrepancies in service. x Met with NH in Prince George on October 20, 2008, there was considerable discussion and excitement around the establishment of the cancer care clinic in Prince George. The BC Cancer Agency funded project is expected to open in 2011.

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

DECEMBER BOARD MEETING MINUTES

DATE: December 11, 2009

TIME: 3 p.m.

PLACE: North Peace Cultural Centre Carpet Room, Fort St. John, BC

PRESENT: Directors Director Goodings, Chair Director Hadland Director Lantz Director Hiebert Director Saugstad Director Jarvis Director White Director Caton Director Anderson Director Ackerman Director Clark Director Bernier

Staff Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer Bruce Simard, General Manager of Development Services Sheila DeCosta, Secretary – Legislative Services, Recorder

Others Christine Rumleskie, Moose FM Matthew Bains, Northeast News Andrew Hopkins, Astral Media David Bell, Alaska Highway News Darlene Hiebert

D-1 Cariad Garratt, Project Coordinator, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

1) Call to Order The Chief Administrative Officer called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.

2) Election of Chair The Chief Administrative Officer called for nominations for the office of Chair for 2010.

RD/09/12/01 MOVED by Director Bernier, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, that Director Hiebert be nominated for the office of Chair for 2010. CARRIED. Director Hiebert accepted the nomination. Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 2

Election of Chair The Chief Administrative Officer called a second time for nominations for the office of - continued Chair for 2010.

RD/09/12/02 MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Clark, that Director Goodings be nominated for the office of Chair for 2010. CARRIED.

Director Goodings accepted the nomination.

The Chief Administrative Officer called a third time for nominations for the office of Chair for 2010.

Hearing no further nominations, nominations closed.

Director Goodings and Director Hiebert presented their two minute addresses to the Board.

Ballots were handed out and votes were counted by Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services and Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer.

Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer declared Director Goodings elected as the Chair of the Peace River Regional District for 2010.

3) Election of Vice Chair The Chief Administrative Officer called for nominations for the office of Vice Chair for 2009.

RD/09/12/03 MOVED by Director Hadland, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, that Director Caton be nominated for the office of Vice Chair for 2010. CARRIED.

Director Caton declined the nomination and added that serving as Vice Chair for the past eight years has been a great privilege.

The Chief Administrative Officer called a second time for nominations for the office of Vice Chair for 2010.

RD/09/12/04 MOVED by Director Bernier, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, that Director White be nominated for the office of Vice Chair for 2010. CARRIED.

Director White accepted the nomination.

Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 3

Election of Vice Chair RD/09/12/05 - continued MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Anderson, that Director Hiebert be nominated for the office of Vice Chair for 2010. CARRIED.

Director White withdrew his previous acceptance of the nomination.

The Chief Administrative Officer called a third time for nominations for the office of Vice Chair for 2010.

Hearing no further nominations, nominations closed.

Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer declared that by acclamation, Director Hiebert is the new Vice Chair of the Peace River Regional District for 2010.

RD/09/12/06 MOVED by Director Jarvis, SECONDED by Director Clark, that the ballot papers be destroyed. CARRIED.

4) Adjourn to the Call of RD/09/12/07 the Chair MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Clark, that the meeting adjourn to the Call of the Chair in order to go into the Regional Hospital District meeting. CARRIED. The meeting adjourned to the Call of the Chair at 3:19 p.m.

5) Recall to order The Chair recalled the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Chair Goodings congratulated Vice Chair Hiebert and thanked Director Caton for his many years of service as Vice Chair of the Peace River Regional District. She stated she was humbled by the Directors’ support and was looking forward to serving as Chair for another term.

DIRECTORS NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS:

None ADOPTION OF AGENDA:

6) Adoption of Agenda RD/09/12/08 MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, that the Peace River Regional District agenda for the December 11, 2009 meeting, be received: 1. Call to Order by Administrative Officer Election of Chair and Vice Chair 2. Directors’ Notice of New Business 3. Adoption of Agenda 4. Minutes M -1 Regional District Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2009. 5. Business Arising from the Minutes

Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 4

Adoption of Agenda - RD/09/12/08 continued: continued 6. Delegations 3:15 p.m. D-1 Stantec Consulting Ltd. Cariad Garratt, Project Coordinator Re: PRRD Corporate Energy Plan 7. Petitions 8. Correspondence C-1 November 13, 2009 - Sander Rose Trobak regarding terms of engagement for annual audit. C-2 November 20, 2009 - Sander Rose Trobak regarding responsibility roles and procedures of annual audit. C-3 November 17, 2009 - Opposition Critic for Transportation and Infrastructure request for submission of concerns. C-4 November 20, 2009 - President Nyce - Gas Tax / Public Transit Management Services regarding fund payment. C-5 a) November 26, 2009 - Alex Ferguson, Commissioner and CEO, BC Oil & Gas Commission letter. b) 2008 / 2009 Oil and Gas Commission Field Inspection Annual Report. C-6 Pitch in BC request for 2010 membership renewal. C-7 November 20, 2009 - Mining Association of BC, NDIT, AMEBC regarding the value of the mining industry to the province. C-8 December 1, 2009 UBCM regarding New Relationship Agreements between the province and aboriginal groups. C-9 November 23, 2009 - City of Burnaby regarding proposed costs of the Police Records Information Management Environment. 9 Reports R-1 November 16, 2009 - Ron Storie, Manager of Community Services regarding Blackfoot Playground Equipment. R-2 November 25, 2009 - Karen Goodings, Chair EADC regarding November 19, 2009 meeting. R-3 December 1, 2009 - Karen Goodings, Chair and Fred Banham, CAO regarding Independent Land Information & Advocate Office. R-4 ALR Subdivision Application 176/2009 - Dyck. R-5 ALR Non-farm Use Application 176/2009 (PRRD). R-6 December 4, 2009 - Kim Frech, CFO regarding Banking Services. 10. By-laws 11. Diary a) Regional Diary b) Agenda Preparations Schedule c) Schedule of Events 12. New Business 13. Appointments 14. Consent Calendar MA-1 Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009. MA-2 Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009. CA-1 BC Activity Coordinator’s Association letter of appreciation. CA-2 November 19, 2009 - Mayor Saugstad, District of Chetwynd regarding accessing Private Lands through Moberly Lake Provincial Park. CA-3 November 26, 2009 - Minister of Health Services regarding discussion meeting during UBCM convention. CA-4 November 27, 2009 - Agricultural Environment Initiatives regarding Wildlife Mitigation Workshop. 15. Notice of Motion (for the next meeting): 16. Media Questions (on agenda items and business discussed at the meeting) 17. Adjournment CARRIED. Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 5

MINUTES:

7) M-1 RD/09/12/09 Regional Board MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Lantz, Meeting Minutes of that the Regional Board Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2009 be adopted as November 26, 2009 presented. CARRIED. BUSINESS ARISING:

8) BA-1 Directors suggested that further information regarding the specifics of the proposed page 4 re: Oil and Gas stand alone set back regulations, be requested when the Board meets again with Mr. Activities Act Lambert, Executive Director, Oil and Gas Division, Ministry of Energy and Mines.

9) BA-2 RD/09/12/10 page 6 re: Provincial MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hadland, Review of the that the following resolution from the November 26, 2009 meeting also be referred to Agricultural Land the Agricultural Advisory Committee for information: Commission Act RD/09/11/10 (26) MOVED by Director Bernier, SECONDED by Director Lantz, WHEREAS, There are growing concerns in our area over the objectives and processes of the Agricultural Land Reserve and the Administrative body, the Agricultural Land Commission; AND WHEREAS, Public confidence in the proper balancing of interests in land use is crucial for well managed growth and development; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, The Peace River Regional District call on the Provincial Government to undertake a rigorous review of both BC’s agricultural reserve lands, and the Agricultural Land Commission Act and report their findings to the public; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that, This resolution be forwarded to the North Central Local Government Association for consideration. CARRIED.

10) BA-3 Discussion ensued regarding the omission of nay votes on resolutions pertaining to Errors and Omissions items R-3 and R-4 of the November 26, 2009 meeting minutes. Fred Banham explained page 5 and 6 - Items that according to Section 8, item 59 of Peace River Regional District Procedural By-law R-3 and R-4 No. 1633, 2006, nay votes are only recorded if specifically requested by the Director Resolutions voting on the motion.

Chair Goodings ruled that as the minutes had already been adopted, they would stand as recorded.

Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 6

DELEGATIONS:

11) D-1 At 3:43 p.m. the Chair invited Cariad Garratt, Project Director for Stantec Consulting Ltd to Stantec Consulting Ltd. present her overview of phase one of the Peace River Regional District Corporate Energy Cariad Garrett re: PRRD Plan. Corporate Energy Plan The Peace River Regional District, in collaboration with the municipalities of Chetwynd, Power Point Pouce Coupe, Taylor and Tumbler Ridge retained the Sheltair Group (now Stantec) to Presentation develop both corporate and community energy plans for each community and rural area. The plan will enable the local governments to meet their voluntary commitments under the Climate Action Charter and their regulatory commitments under the “Green Communities” amendment to the Local Government Act (Bill 27, 2007).

Ms. Garratt provided a summary of the Peace River Regional District’s corporate energy consumption and emissions baseline inventory which was taken in 2008. From the total of 5463 GJ of energy consumed and 221 tonnes of Co2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, it was determined that energy consumption in the buildings accounts for 42% of the carbon emissions, fleet vehicles account for 56%, and infrastructure accounts for 1%. The proposed reduction target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% below 2008 levels by 2015.

Ms. Garratt went on to explain eighteen recommended actions to existing buildings; fleet; infrastructure; new buildings; purchasing; leadership; and to regional collaboration in order to meet the target.

A question and answer period ensued with the following points discussed: ƒ qualifications and verification procedure of offset reduction projects; ƒ inclusion of industry, as they have expressed interest; ƒ recreation centers’ emissions included under the operator’s (municipal) inventory; ƒ if local government were to fund a wind farm, it could qualify as an offset purchase project; ƒ no direct penalty if the voluntary target is not reached; however it would limit qualifications for provincial grants; ƒ Europe has an active carbon market; it is increasing in British Columbia.

Ms. Garratt concluded her presentation at 4:20 p.m.

The Chair thanked Ms. Garratt, stating she expected there would be more questions as the project progresses.

RD/09/12/11 MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Clark, that the December 11, 2009 power point presentation from Stantec Consulting Ltd. regarding the Peace River Regional District Corporate Energy Plan be received. CARRIED. Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE:

12) C-6 RD/09/12/12 Pitch in BC request for MOVED by Director Saugstad, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, 2010 membership that the Pitch-in British Columbia 2010 membership fee in the amount of $550.00 be renewal approved from Environmental Service Funds. CARRIED. REPORTS:

13) R-1 RD/09/12/13 November 16, 2009 - MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Ron Storie that the Regional Board authorize the purchase of playground equipment, up to a re: Blackfoot Playground maximum of $13,000, for Blackfoot Park, out of the 2009 Regional Parks Budget. Equipment CARRIED.

14) R-2 RD/09/12/14 November 25, 2009 - MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, Karen Goodings, EADC that a letter be forwarded to the Task Force on BC Ranching to request: re: November 19, 2009 a) that the current legislation regarding trespassers on private property be enforced; meeting and recommendations b) that trespassing on private property become a finable offence, similar to the Trespass to Property Act that was recently enacted by the Saskatchewan provincial Re: ATV’s Trespassing government. on Private Property CARRIED.

RD/09/12/15 Re: Chetwynd to Taylor MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, Highway that a) letters be forwarded to the MLA’s for both Peace River north and south to request that a priority be placed on the construction of a highway from Chetwynd to connect with the Alaska Highway at Taylor; and b) copies of the letters be sent to the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, Energy Services BC and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

RD/09/12/16 Motion to Amend MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Jarvis, that resolution RD/09/12/15 be amended by striking out the words “priority be placed on” and replaced with “feasibility study be done, with participation from the Regional District”.

The Chair called the question on the amending motion:

NAYS 1: Director Anderson CARRIED.

Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 8

REPORTS: continued

R-2 - continued The Chair called the question on the motion as amended, which reads as follows: EADC November 19, 2009 Meeting RD/09/12/15 Recommendations MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, that Re: Chetwynd to Taylor a) letters be forwarded to the MLA’s for both Peace River north and south to request Highway that a feasibility study be done with participation from the Regional District, on the construction of a highway from Chetwynd to connect with the Alaska Highway at Motion as Amended Taylor; and b) copies of the letters be sent to the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, Energy Services BC and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

NAYS 1: Director Anderson CARRIED.

RD/09/12/17 Re: Wabi Hill Trailer Park MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Ackerman, Lagoon that a letter be forwarded to the District of Chetwynd to request that the District evaluate the feasibility of connecting the residents in the Wabi area to the District’s sewer system. CARRIED.

RD/09/12/18 Re: ALC Discussion MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Anderson, Paper that staff be authorized to work with Agricultural Land Commission staff to prepare a Discussion Paper on business case significance to permit quarter-section subdivisions on Agricultural Land Reserve land in Northeast BC. CARRIED.

15) R-3 RD/09/12/19 December 1, 2009 MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Karen Goodings, Chair a) that the Regional Board enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the and Fred Banham CAO Provincial Government to facilitate an Independent Land Information & Advocate re: Independent Land Office (Farmers’ Advocate); and Information & Advocate b) that staff be authorized to work with Provincial Ministry staff to develop and Officer advertise a Request for Proposal. CARRIED. 16) R-4 RD/09/12/20 ALR Subdivision MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, Application 176/2009 that the Regional Board support ALR Subdivision Application 176/2009 for David Dyck to (Dyck) subdivide a 20 acre lot including the applicants home-site from the parent parcel A (H6722) Northeast ¼ Section 19, Township 78, Range 16, W6M, PRD; and authorize the application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission on the basis that the proposal appears to meet the requirement for subdivision under Section 946 of the Local Government Act.

NAYS: 1 Director Hadland CARRIED. Peace River Regional District December 11, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes Page 9

REPORTS: continued

17) R-5 RD/09/12/21 ALR Non-farm Use MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Application 177/2009 that the Regional Board support ALR Non-farm Use Application 177/2009 for the Peace (Peace River Regional River Regional District to develop a manned Solid Waste Transfer Station on Lot 1, Plan District) 5983, Section 16, Township 25, PRD; and authorize the application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission on the basis that the proposal falls under the category of “Public Utility” which is a permitted use in all zones. CARRIED.

18) R-6 RD/09/12/22 December 4, 2009 - Kim MOVED by Director Ackerman, SECONDED by Director Lantz, Frech, CFO a) that the Peace River Regional District continue it’s banking services with the Toronto re: Banking Services Dominion Bank until December 31, 2014; and b) that the Peace River Regional District’s Banking policy be amended to tender banking services every 10 years or earlier if conditions warrant.

NAYS: 1 Director Hadland CARRIED.

APPOINTMENTS:

19) A-1 RD/09/12/23 2010 Board MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Anderson, Appointments to that the committee appointments, portfolios, signing authorities and auditors remain the Committees and same, at least until the January 14, 2010 Regional Board Meeting. Outside Agencies CARRIED.

20) Adjournment RD/09/12/24 MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Lantz, that the meeting adjourn. CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.

Sheila DeCosta, Recording Secretary Karen Goodings, Chair

CERTIFIED a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional District from a meeting held on December 11, 2009 in North Peace Cultural Centre Carpet Room, Fort St. John, BC.

______Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: December 4, 2009 4:56 PM Subject: Elections Task Force - News Release and Holding Lines

TO: Mayor and Council Chair and Regional District Board FROM: UBCM Secretariat DATE: December 4, 2009 RE: Elections Task Force Underway

Earlier today UBCM and the Province of British Columbia distributed a news release to provide notice with regard to the work of the Elections Task Force. The news release is included with this distribution.

The Premier invited UBCM to participate in the task force at the 2009 Convention. At our board meeting last week, the Executive appointed First VP Councillor Barbara Steele (Surrey) and Third VP Mayor Mary Sjostrom (Quesnel) to join President Harry Nyce to represent UBCM for the duration of the consultation.

As local government leaders, you may receive questions from local media with regard to the work of the task force. To assist your responses to local media questions, we are providing some holding lines to clarify the task force s status and purpose:

The aim of the task force is to improve the fairness, accountability and transparency of the elections process at the local government level.

The task force recognizes that there are legislated guidelines already in place for local government elections. A lot of positive changes have been made in recent years to the Local Government Act to modernize elections, and the team will look at any remaining gaps in the process.

The task force will examine specific issues related to Local government elections topics such as campaign financing, enforcement, the role of B.C. s chief electoral officer, the election cycle, the corporate vote, candidate eligibility and other matters as agreed to by the Task Force.

Local government elections impact all British Columbians, and the task force will actively seek input from a variety of stakeholders, including local governments, representative groups and the public.

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Community and Rural Development 2009CD0051-000725 Union of British Columbia Municipalities December 4, 2009

ELECTIONS TASK FORCE GETS UNDERWAY

VICTORIA – A task force dedicated to reviewing and making recommendations for B.C.’s local government electoral process has held its first meeting. Co-chairs Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development, and Harry Nyce, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), announced the composition of the Local Government Elections Task Force and the scope of its work.

“The aim of the task force is to improve the fairness, accountability and transparency of the elections process at the local government level,” said Bennett. “We’re looking forward to working with UBCM to ensure legislative changes work for local governments and all British Columbians.”

“The elections task force will provide a forum to review and improve the legislation directing local government elections,” said Nyce. “In recent years, B.C. local governments have proposed a number of resolutions to amend the legislation, and we appreciate the Premier’s invitation to further explore specific issues related to elections.”

On Oct. 2, Premier Gordon Campbell announced that a special joint task force co-chaired by Bennett and Nyce would be making recommendations for changes to local government elections legislation. Two other UBCM designates and two government MLAs were confirmed at meetings on Nov. 27:

Surrey Councillor Barbara Steele, first vice-president, UBCM. Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom, third vice-president, UBCM. Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA. Douglas Horne, Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA.

The task force, which met Dec. 3, will review specific issues related to various local government elections topics, including campaign financing, enforcement, the role of B.C.’s chief electoral officer, the election cycle, the corporate vote, candidate eligibility and other items to be mutually agreed upon.

The task force recognizes the importance of seeking feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders and will invite input from local governments, representative groups and the public on topics under review.

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The recommendations of the task force are to be presented to the Province no later than May 30, 2010, in time for approved legislative changes to be implemented for the 2011 local government elections.

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Contact: Public Affairs Bureau Paul Taylor Ministry of Community and Relationships and Communications Advisor Rural Development UBCM 250 387-4089 250 356-2938

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

MEMBER NOTICE

TO: Mayor and Council Chair and Regional District Board

FROM: UBCM Secretariat

DATE: December 4, 2009

RE: Elections Task Force Underway

Earlier today UBCM and the Province of British Columbia distributed a news release to provide notice with regard to the work of the Elections Task Force. The news release is included with this distribution.

The Premier invited UBCM to participate in the task force at the 2009 Convention. At our board meeting last week, the Executive appointed First VP Councillor Barbara Steele (Surrey) and Third VP Mayor Mary Sjostrom (Quesnel) to join President Harry Nyce to represent UBCM for the duration of the consultation.

As local government leaders, you may receive questions from local media with regard to the work of the task force. To assist your responses to local media questions, we are providing some holding lines to clarify the task force’s status and purpose:

• The aim of the task force is to improve the fairness, accountability and transparency of the elections process at the local government level.

• The task force recognizes that there are legislated guidelines already in place for local government elections. A lot of positive changes have been made in recent years to the Local Government Act to modernize elections, and the team will look at any remaining gaps in the process.

• The task force will examine specific issues related to Local government elections topics such as campaign financing, enforcement, the role of B.C.’s chief electoral officer, the election cycle, the corporate vote, candidate eligibility and other matters as agreed to by the Task Force.

• Local government elections impact all British Columbians, and the task force will actively seek input from a variety of stakeholders, including local governments, representative groups and the public.

EXECUTIVE RELEASEDECEMBER 16, 2009 Highlights of the UBCM Executive

60-10551 Shellbridge Way Richmond, B.C. V6X 2W9 Meeting held November 26 - 27, 2009 Ph (604) 270-8226 Fax (604) 270-9116 E-mail: [email protected]

he November Executive meeting is the first full meeting of the newly constituted Executive. Since Convention, there have been some additional changes to the composition of the Executive including the appointment of TCouncillor Tim Stevenson as the new City of Vancouver appointment and Mayor Greg Moore of Port Coquitlam as the new Metro Vancouver appointment. We welcome both individuals to the UBCM Executive. At the end of this release, a list of the current 2009-10 Executive and the relevant committees are provided for your information.

s part of the two day session, meetings were held consultation process with respect to amending the for seven committees and Executive members took resolutions process. Consultations with the members Apart in an orientation session; received an update include interviews with the Executive, Past Presidents, on current program activities and identified priorities and others; a presentation and discussion at the 5 area for the coming year as well as holding a separate media association conferences in Spring 2010; and online training session. Executive members also met with the survey available in the Spring 2010. A final report will Minister of Community and Rural Development, the be presented at the 2010 Convention for member Honourable Bill Bennett, as part of their Friday Executive consideration. meeting agenda. • reviewed recommendations developed by the Fire General Executive decisions: Services Liaison Group regarding the future delivery of • appointed Mayor Mary Sjostrom, Third Vice-President fire services and is looking forward to working with the and Councillor Barbara Steele, First Vice-President as province on this matter. the UBCM representatives to the Local Government • supported the following conferences for 2010: Elections Task Force. Further discussion was held - Electoral Area Forum about the scope, role and timelines for the Task Force - Benefits Conference as part of the Executive’s agenda with the Minister of - Regional Districts Chair and CAO Forum Community and Rural Development as indicated in a - Environment Conference separate sidebar within this release. - Local Government Leadership Academy • approved the proposed process for developing - Community to Community Forum recommendations in relation to industrial taxation, - RCMP Contract Meeting including the formation of both a Steering Committee Further information will follow as to firm dates and and an Advisory Committee. Subsequent to this locations for the above referenced conferences. discussion, Chair Robert Hobson was appointed to • confirmed plans to hold the spring Executive Meeting the Steering Committee, along with UBCM Executive in conjunction with the Association of Kootenay and Director Gary MacIsaac; Gerry Armstrong, consultant; Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) in April 2010. and Mayor Dan Rogers, City of Prince George. • considered the resolutions referred to the Executive • approved the work plan for engaging members in a

Please make copies of this circular and distribute to Council/Board Members /Staff. EXECUTIVE RELEASE • UBCM • DECEMBER 16, 2009 P a g e 

from the 2009 Convention and approved referral of • received a report on the extensive media coverage relevant resolutions to Executive committees, the obtained at the 2009 UBCM Convention. Elections Task Force and the Steering Committee on • received a report on the work undertaken during the Industrial Taxation. The Executive will consider the fifth technical mission to the Philippines as part of remaining resolutions at its meeting in January 2010. UBCM’s MOU with the League of Cities and League of • approved report on conveyance of 2009 resolutions Municipalities. to the provincial and federal governments as well as • confirmed support of the existing policy with respect to other organizations, and directed staff to report back awarding Life Memberships. to sponsors, the UBCM Executive and the UBCM membership as responses to the resolutions are • will obtain a legal opinion on the broader implications received. of the Supreme Court decision supporting a successful nuisance action resulting from the impact of the • received a status report on Victoria Operations construction of the Canada Rapid Transit Line along including a status on the current provincially funded Cambie Street in Vancouver. programs administered by UBCM under the Local Government Program Services and the Gas Tax / Public • continue to work with the Province on the development Transit Programs. and implementation of changes to the farm assessment process in response to the Report of the Farm • confirmed committee appointments for the coming Assessment Review Panel. (separate member release year. The President will fill any remaining external issued) committee appointments in the coming weeks.

Decision on Resolutions Referred to Executive

The Executive referred the following resolutions to relevant committees or working groups for further research or to be considered as part of processes already underway.

Referred to Community Economic Development B77 Proposed Tax Authority Restrictions Committee: B96 Amendments to the Community Charter B127 Closed Containment Aquaculture Technologies B168 Communications Strategy on Infrastructure Funding Gap Referred to Environment Committee: B109 Carbon Tax for Alternate Energy Products & Referred to Elections Act Task Force: Programs B98 Elected Officials as Volunteer Firefighters B112 Carbon Credits B99 Local Government Elections Act B120 Environmental Fee B102 Disqualification of Regional District Employees from B128 Riparian Area Protection on Private Forest Lands Municipal Office B152 Drinking Water Quality Guidelines B103 Requirement for Disclosure on “Other Voting B153 Strata Water Quality Regulation Campaigns B104 Limits on Campaign Contributions & Expenses Referred to Healthy Communities Committee: B182 Provincial Connectivity Software Systems Referred to Steering Committee on Industrial Taxation: B77 Proposed Tax Authority Restrictions Referred to Presidents Committee: LR6 Heavy Industry Mill Rate A2 BC Local Government Week LR7 Industrial Property Taxes B71 Benefit Plan for Volunteer Firefighters LR8 Requisition of Major Industry Tax EXECUTIVE RELEASE • UBCM • DECEMBER 16, 2009 P a g e 

• indicated support for the proposed new management home inspectors. framework for ORVs and will confirm with Minister • continue to work with the Building and Safety Policy Krueger our interest in continuing to work with him on Branch to address some of the ongoing concerns implementation measures. (separate member release identified in the implementation of 6-storey wood issued) buildings. • in response to the Province’s move to implement the • consult with local governments regarding the Landfill HST, advise the Minister of Finance the importance Gas Capture regulation and respond with any local of continued local government involvement in government concerns. the Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) and Resort Municipality Hotel Room Tax Transfer (RMHRTT) • monitor the implementation of the Controlled Alien programs. (separate member release to follow on this Species Regulation to determine if the Regulation poses matter.) any challenges for local governments. • continue to monitor the new licensing requirements for • monitor the impact of the new Wood First legislation and the regulations that are developed to implement to it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Presidents Environment The Presidents Committee confirmed its Terms of The Committee members reviewed the mandate of the Reference for the coming year; appointed Vice-Presidents Committee, discussed the status of key environment files to specific portfolio responsibilities and received a general and priorities for the 2009/2010 year, and provided input report on status of member services and the group on a draft 2010 Environment Conference framework. benefits program. The Committee made the following recommendations: The Committee made the following recommendations: • approve the 2009/2010 Environment Committee • approved the 2010 member visits plan reflecting priorities; the addition of specific member visits to the Metro • approve the draft 2010 UBCM Environment Vancouver and Capital regions; Conference framework, and hold a conference subject • will proceed with the preparation of a 2010 Member to guaranteed financial support and staff participation Satisfaction Survey with a targeted distribution early in by the senior orders of government; and the new year; and • respond to the City of Chilliwack’s request to include • engage in discussions with representatives from Metro discarded farm plastics in provincial discussions around Vancouver on the their report and recommendations a product stewardship program for plastics. with respect to their relationship with UBCM. First Nations Relations Convention The Committee reviewed its Terms of Reference and The Committee reviewed several aspects of the 2009 discussed its priorities for the coming year. There was Convention, including 2009 Delegate Evaluation ratings also discussion around the complexities of the Common and comments. Some preliminary 2010 Convention Table treaty discussions and the recommendation coming planning was also discussed, with the Committee from the Electoral Area Directors Forum on the need for receiving information on the annual staff work plan and public review of treaty negotiations at regular intervals cycle; renewing audio-visual contracting services; firming throughout the process. up plans with future Convention host communities and The Committee made the following recommendations: reviewed costs of some of the meal functions to ensure • approved the Committee’s Terms of Reference and that fees reflect the full costs to the UBCM. priorities for 2009/2010; EXECUTIVE RELEASE • UBCM • DECEMBER 16, 2009 P a g e 

• write the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and • approved their 2009/2010 goals and priorities; Reconciliation requesting the Province develop a • respond to letters received requesting that UBCM program for treaty adjustment funding; establish a medical marijuana access committee • request a copy of BC and Canada’s written responses and write to Health Canada to inquire about Health to the BC Treaty Commission’s report on the Common Canada’s process for issuing and following up on Table; and medical marijuana licenses. • write the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation in support of the recommendation from Community Economic Development the Electoral Area Directors Forum on the BC Treaty The Committee reviewed its Terms of Reference and Process. discussed its work plan for the coming year in the context of its goals and priorities. Healthy Communities The Committee made the following recommendations: The Committee reviewed its mandate and the status • approved its work plan for the coming year, including of work from 2008/2009, and discussed its goals and identified priorities; priorities for the coming year. The Committee put forward • received correspondence from the Canadian Wind the following recommendations:

Meeting with Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development

The Executive discussed the following issues with Minister Bennett: Industrial Taxation - Minister reported that discussions between UBCM and Ministry staff are proceeding and have resulted in the proposal to establish a joint UBCM/Provincial Steering Committee that will be supported by an Advisory Committee comprised of local government, provincial and industry representatives. The intention is to bring forward shared recommendations to UBCM and government in 2010. Elections Review - The Minister discussed the announcement by the Premier at the 2009 Convention that an Elections Act Task Force would be established to review local government elections legislation. The Minister expressed an interest in implementing any changes in time for the November 2011 local government elections. Discussion ensued about the tight timeline and how this might be managed in a manner that would ensure adequate member and public consultation. Discussion also focused on how best to engage members and the public and types of communications (ie. web-based materials) that would allow interested parties to provide feedback. (A separate release on the Task Force was issued on December 4, 2009) Regional District Task Force - Task Force Chair Robert Hobson provided an update on the Task Force and suggested that the current process did not appear to be meeting the expectations of some UBCM members and discussed how best to address this. The Minister noted that it was important to balance the expectations of, municipalities, electoral areas and the provincial government. The Minister indicated that he would be interested in measures that would improve regional district operations and balance the interests of all parties involved. Rural Resource Roads - Minister Bennett reported that at the 2008 Convention the Premier announced that a committee of provincial Ministers and representatives of UBCM would be established to address issues related to resource roads. He reported that due to the challenges in getting all parties together he expressed an interest in taking the lead and working with UBCM on the issue and invited the UBCM Executive to work with him directly. Executive members indicated that they would be open to suggestions as to how to best make the process work. EXECUTIVE RELEASE • UBCM • DECEMBER 16, 2009 P a g e 

Energy Association and will be looking to meet with concerning the provincial decision to increase the PRIME- representatives at a future meeting; and BC levy: • write to the Minister of Agriculture and Lands • write the minister indicating its opposition to the fee with respect to the status of federal – provincial increase; discussions on aquaculture regulation and to reiterate • request information on: Who currently is a member UBCM support for the various local food production/ of the PRIME-BC board? Why the cost of PRIME-BC is sustainability initiatives supported by the Ministry. going up at this time? What is driving the costs of this technology? What the future costs of operating PRIME- Community Safety BC will be? What evaluations have been undertaken on PRIME-BC and the results of any reviews? ; and The Committee reviewed its mandate and discussed its goals and priorities for the upcoming year. • request that a local government representative be appointed to the board governing PRIME-BC to ensure The Committee made the following recommendations some accountability to the process.

2009 - 2010 UBCM COMMITTEES

Resolutions Community Safety First Nations Relations Mayor Sharon Gaetz, Chair Councillor Barbara Steele, Chair Councillor Murry Krause, Chair Director Heath Slee, Vice Chair Councillor Kevin Flynn, Vice Chair Mayor Barry Janyk, Vice Chair Mayor Christopher Causton Mayor James Atebe Director Rhona Martin Mayor Greg Moore Mayor Sharon Gaetz Mayor James Atebe Councillor Barbara Steele, VP Liaison Councillor Tim Stevenson Chair Robert Hobson, VP Liaison Director Heath Slee, VP Liaison Nominating Community Economic - to be established for 2009-2010 Environment Development UBCM Past President and Area Director Rhona Martin, Chair Mayor Mary Sjostrom, Chair Association Representatives Director Grace McGregor, Vice Chair Chair Karen Goodings, Vice Chair (Presidents or their designates) Mayor Barry Janyk Convention Councillor Kevin Flynn Councillor Wesly Graham Mayor Roland Stanke Chair Robert Hobson, Chair Director Grace McGregor Councillor Wesly Graham, Vice Chair Mayor Greg Moore Mayor Christopher Causton Chair Al Richmond Regional District Task Force Mayor Mary Sjostrom, VP Liaison Healthy Communities Chair Robert Hobson Chair Harry Nyce Presidents Committee (as Chair Al Richmond, Chair Director Susie Gimse established in Executive policies) Mayor Roland Stanke, Vice Chair Chair Al Richmond Chair Harry Nyce, President Councillor Murry Krause Director Rhona Martin Councillor Barbara Steele, First Councillor Tim Stevenson Mayor Sharon Gaetz Vice-President Chair Karen Goodings Director Heath Slee, Second Mayor Frank Leonard Vice-President Director Hans Cunningham Mayor Mary Sjostrom, Third Vice-President Chair Robert Hobson, Past President EXECUTIVE RELEASE • UBCM • DECEMBER 16, 2009 P a g e 

2009-2010 EXECUTIVE

President Chair Harry Nyce Kitimat-Stikine RD

First Vice-President Councillor Barbara Steele Surrey

Second Vice-President Director Heath Slee East Kootenay RD

Third Vice-President Mayor Mary Sjostrom Quesnel

Past President Chair Robert Hobson Central Okanagan RD /Kelowna

Vancouver Representative Councillor Tim Stevenson Vancouver

Metro Vancouver Rep. Mayor Greg Moore Port Coquitlam

Small Community Rep. Mayor Roland Stanke Clinton

Electoral Area Rep. Chair Al Richmond Cariboo RD

AKBLG Director Grace McGregor Kootenay Boundary RD

LMLGA Mayor James Atebe Mission

NCLGA Chair Karen Goodings Peace River RD

SILGA Councillor Kevin Flynn Salmon Arm

AVICC Mayor Christopher Causton Oak Bay

Directors at Large Mayor Sharon Gaetz Chilliwack Councillor Wesly Graham Creston Mayor Barry Janyk Gibsons Councillor Murry Krause Prince George Director Rhona Martin Columbia Shuswap RD MEMBER RELEASEDECEMBER 18, 2009 REPORT ON NEW FIRE SERVICE MODEL

60-10551 Shellbridge Way Richmond, B.C. V6X 2W9 Ph (604) 270-8226 Fax (604) 270-9116 The report on “Public Safety in British Columbia: Transforming the Fire Rescue Service” E-mail: [email protected] has been released for review and comment (for complete details of the report see www.fcabc. bc.ca). The final report was prepared by the Fire Services Liaison Group (FSLG) and contains 14 recommendations. These recommendations are prioritized on the basis of immediate objectives and long term objectives for developing a new model for the delivery of fire services. A number of the recommendations call for further studies or development of strategies to implement the suggested changes.

he UBCM supported the Fire Services Liaison Group There were a number of issues raised in the draft report that (FSLG)—which includes representatives from the Fire UBCM saw a need for further consultation on to ensure a clear TChiefs Association of BC, BC Professional Fire Fighters understanding around the intent of the changes before any Association, Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC, Fire action was taken. These included issues such as: Prevention Officers Association of BC, and Fire Training Officers • expansion of the delivery of fire services to include first Association of BC—in getting financial assistance from the responder services, motor vehicle accidents, and rescue services; provincial government to undertake a review of the fire service model. • implementation of mandatory fire service standards across the province; and In early consultations with the FSLG, UBCM became concerned that the intent of the review was to impose new requirements • changing the underlying responsibility and accountability for on local government to provide mandatory delivery of fire/ the delivery of fire services across the province. rescue services (fire suppression, first responder services, rescue The primary service provided by fire departments currently is fire services etc.) and that a mandatory minimum training standard suppression. If this is to be expanded to include other services, be introduced for all fire departments. UBCM indicated early and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties is in the discussions that local government could not afford the expected to change, it is important to understand whether there implementation of these types of measures and that they could is the capacity to undertake these changes. The new report have a major impact on the delivery of fire services across the attempts to address some of the concerns raised. province, and withdrew as an active participant in the report being developed by the FSLG looking at a new model for the The UBCM Executive has indicated its support for the following delivery of fire services. recommendations outlined in the report on Transforming the Fire/Rescue Service: A draft report entitled “Proposed Fire/Rescue System Model” was released to members of the fire services community on • Recommendation 1: Establish A Fire Services Advisory December 15, 2008 and local governments were also requested Board to provide input into the process. The report contained 36 • Recommendation 4: Support Training, Recruitment and recommendations, or elements, as they were identified in the Retention For Volunteer Departments document. UBCM requested local government comments on • Recommendation 7: Investigate Local And Regional the report, and based on the comments received, the following Efficiencies issues were identified as high priority; • Recommendation 10: Update Compensation Agreements • Improved Training Delivery – particularly as it relates to For Services To Provincial Agencies – the tariffs paid to fire volunteer firefighters; departments for services provided to provincial agencies • Improved Liability Protection – provide liability protection • Recommendation 11: Improve Training Opportunities to local government when it is responding to a request for fire services outside its local boundaries; • Recommendation 13: Research And Develop Best Practices. • New Financial Resources – need to enhance the financial The other recommendations in the report will require further resources available to provide fire services, and recognize that discussion and review. UBCM is interested in participating in the province and other provincial agencies that are benefiting further discussions through a provincial advisory committee from the delivery of fire services contribute to the cost of these on the issues identified in the report and how they might be services; implemented in the future. It is anticipated that there will be further opportunity for local government to comment on the • Creation of a Fire Services Advisory Board. recommendations outlined in the report.

Please make copies of this circular and distribute to Council/Board Members /Staff.

Summary of Living Water Smart commitments related to Water Act Modernization (WAM)

WAM Theme Living Water Smart commitment 1. Protecting stream • By 2012, all land and water managers will know what makes a health and aquatic stream healthy, and therefore be able to help land and water users environments factor in new approaches to securing stream health and the full range of stream benefits. • By 2012 water laws will improve the protection of ecological values. • Legislation will recognize water flow requirements for ecosystems and species. • Government will require all users to cut back their water use where stream health is threatened. • Wetland and waterway function will be protected and rehabilitated. 2. Improving water • By 2012, water laws will provide for more community involvement. governance • Government will support communities to do watershed management arrangements planning in priority areas. • Government will improve the quality and protection of drinking water sources. • Tools to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into information and decision making will be developed by 2015. • Government will continue to work toward preserving First Nations’ social and cultural practices associated with water. 3. Introducing more • By 2012 water laws will provide incentives to be water efficient. flexibility and • Government will require all users to cut back their water use in efficiency in the times of drought. water allocation • Government will limit all new licences to 40-year terms in areas system where there is high demand and pressure on water. • By 2012, government will require all large water users to measure and report their water use. • Government will secure access to water for agricultural lands. • Government will require more efficient water use in the agricultural sector. • By 2012, new approaches to water management will address the impacts from a changing water cycle, increased drought risk, and other impacts on water caused by climate change. 4. Regulating ground • By 2012, government will regulate groundwater use in priority water use in priority areas and large groundwater withdrawals. areas and for large • By 2012, government will require all large water users to measure withdrawals. and report their water use.

Water Act Modernization Backgrounder

1. Living Water Smart Living Water Smart: British Columbia’s Water Plan outlines government’s vision and plan to keep our water healthy and secure for the future. One-third of the 45 actions in the plan either require legislative change or would be strengthened with changes to water laws. Key commitments in the plan include:  “By 2012, water laws will improve the protection of ecological values, provide for more community involvement, and provide incentives to be water efficient”  “Legislation will recognize water flow requirements for ecosystems and species” and,  “By 2012 new approaches to water management will address the impacts from a changing water cycle, increased drought risk and other impacts on water caused by climate change”.

2. Objectives of a new Water Act The Water Act is the heart of the Province’s water governance framework. Established in 1909, the Water Act is the primary water management legislation and has a key role in the sustainability of BC’s water resources. Reforming the Water Act is not about fixing something that is broken. Instead it is about recognizing that the context and foundation upon which the Water Act was built was very different 100 years ago. How can we make it more responsive for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges while making it simpler to understand, communicate, administer and enforce? How can it complement non-regulatory tools?

The following four objectives will be addressed as part of the Water Act review:  Protect stream health and aquatic environments;  Improve water governance arrangements;  Introduce more flexibility and efficiency in the water allocation system;  Regulate ground water use in priority areas and for large withdrawals.

3. Process The Water Act review has four phases: Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Jurisdictional Review and Policy Development & Legislation Drafting Bill Introduction to Scoping Engagement Legislature Complete Fall 2009-Spring 2010 Fall 2010 Spring 2011

Ministry of Environment December 2009

4. Schedule  Public discussion paper – Jan 2010  First Nations and stakeholder meetings – Winter-Spring 2010  Legislative proposal development – Summer 2010  Bill introduction to legislature – Spring 2011

5. Engaging with First Nations and Stakeholders Engaging with stakeholders, all orders of government including First Nations and the public is an essential part of policy development. MLA John Slater, Parliamentary Secretary for Water Supply and Allocation will champion the public, First Nations and stakeholder engagement process, and the cross-sector dialogue on the Water Act modernization project throughout the fall and winter of 2009/2010. A range of tools and methods will be used throughout the process including:  Online tools including a moderated blog and website to provide regular updates on the policy development process and an open forum for discussion and comment;  A public discussion paper and submission process to focus dialogue on outcomes and policy options;  Email notices to registered stakeholders including invitations to register for updates on the WAM process and progress;  Face-to-face meetings with First Nations and stakeholders to explore potential opportunities and implications of policy options with stakeholders from a range of sectors.  Cross-government advisory team will be used throughout the process to ensure the review is coordinated and integrated across government;  Participation at stakeholder-hosted events to provide information for newsletters and websites, and present at events where appropriate.

6. For more information Water Act Modernization Project Phone: (250) 387-4734 Ministry of Environment Fax: (250) 356-1202 Water Stewardship Division Email: www.livingwatersmart.ca PO Box 9362 Stn Prov Govt Website: [email protected] Victoria, B.C. V8W 9M2

Ministry of Environment December 2009

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release January 4, 2010

ASSESSMENT NOTICES SENT TO PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE SOUTH PEACE RIVER REGION

DAWSON CREEK – More than 21,600 property owners in the South Peace River Region can expect to receive their 2010 assessment notice in the next few days.

Assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2009. This common valuation date ensures that all properties are assessed fairly and there is an equitable base for property taxation.

The real estate market creates property value which is reported annually by BC Assessment. Local governments and other taxing authorities are responsible for property taxation, and after determining their own budget needs this spring, will determine their property tax rates based on BC Assessment’s data.

“Most homes in the South Peace are worth more on this year’s assessment roll than they were on the 2009 assessment roll,” said Scott Sitter, Deputy Assessor. “Most home owners in the region will see increases in the 5% to 15% range. Many acreage and waterfront properties will see increases over 20%. The exception is Chetwynd where most home owners will see a modest decrease in their assessment.”

Changes in property assessments are reflective of movement in the local real estate market and can vary greatly from property to property. When estimating a property’s market value, a professional appraiser analyzes current sales in the area, as well as considering other characteristics such as size, age, quality, condition, view and location.

The following table illustrates how Assessment Roll values have changed compared to last year for each community. It also illustrates two of the most common property classifications that make up the Total Roll value. The total value reflects changing market conditions and also includes new subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.

Location Total / Prop Class 2009 2010 Change

Dawson Creek Total Roll $1,270,243,000 $1,397,006,000 9.98% Residential $773,177,000 $858,773,000 11.07% Commercial $439,470,000 $479,916,000 9.20% Tumbler Ridge Total Roll $407,795,000 $421,821,000 3.44%

Residential $215,050,000 $220,822,000 2.68% Commercial $70,738,000 $67,974,000 -3.91%

www.bcassessment.ca

Chetwynd Total Roll $327,250,000 $321,053,000 -1.89%

Residential $144,363,000 $138,692,000 -3.93% Commercial $85,456,000 $89,050,000 4.20% Pouce Coupe Total Roll $58,974,000 $64,865,000 9.99%

Residential $44,086,000 $49,215,000 11.63%

Commercial $13,326,000 $14,007,000 5.10%

“Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2009 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact the BC Assessment office indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Sitter.

Assessments and sales by address are available for residential property owners to further assist them in understanding their property's market value and to provide comparable sales information. This service is available on BC Assessment’s website at www.bcassessment.ca; click on the e-valueBC link. Paper copies of neighborhood assessments are also available at local area offices and most municipal halls, libraries and government agent’s offices across the province.

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our staff, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by February 1 for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” said Sitter. The panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community and Rural Development, and meet between February 2 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

The Peace River Assessment Office is located at 1112 – 103rd Avenue in Dawson Creek. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

For more information on the 2010 Assessment Roll, regional and province-wide real estate market trends, please visit www.bcassessment.ca and click on the 2010 assessment roll information link.

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For More Information: Scott Sitter, Deputy Assessor BC Assessment Office Phone: 250-782-8515 local 227 Toll Free: 1-800-990-1160

www.bcassessment.ca

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release January 4, 2010

ASSESSMENT NOTICES SENT TO PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE NORTH PEACE RIVER REGION

DAWSON CREEK – More than 37,000 property owners in the North Peace River Region can expect to receive their 2010 assessment notice in the next few days.

Assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2009. This common valuation date ensures that all properties are assessed fairly and there is an equitable base for property taxation.

The real estate market creates property value which is reported annually by BC Assessment. Local governments and other taxing authorities are responsible for property taxation, and after determining their own budget needs this spring, will determine their property tax rates based on BC Assessment’s data.

“Most homes in the South Peace are worth more on this year’s assessment roll than they were on the 2009 assessment roll,” said Scott Sitter, Deputy Assessor of the Peace River Assessment Office. “Most home owners in the region will see modest increases in the 5% to 10% range. Many acreage and waterfront properties will see increases over 15%.”

Changes in property assessments are reflective of movement in the local real estate market and can vary greatly from property to property. When estimating a property’s market value, a professional appraiser analyzes current sales in the area, as well as considering other characteristics such as size, age, quality, condition, view and location.

The following table illustrates how Assessment Roll values have changed compared to last year for each community. It also illustrates two of the most common property classifications that make up the Total Roll value. The total value reflects changing market conditions and also includes new subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.

Location Total / Prop Class 2009 2010 Change

Fort St John Total Roll $2,370,685,000 $2,547,748,000 7.47% Residential $1,498,460,000 $1,599,342,000 6.73% Commercial $779,662,000 $858,214,000 10.08% Taylor Total Roll $97,638,000 $114,050,000 16.81%

Residential $211,509,000 $226,926,000 7.29%

www.bcassessment.ca

Commercial $20,438,000 $23,565,000 15.30% Hudson’s Hope Total Roll $1,456,607,000 $1,431,492,000 -1.72%

Residential $105,693,000 $113,426,000 7.32% Commercial $32,687,000 $32,478,000 -0.64%

“Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2009 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact the BC Assessment office indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Sitter.

Assessments and sales by address are available for residential property owners to further assist them in understanding their property's market value and to provide comparable sales information. This service is available on BC Assessment’s website at www.bcassessment.ca; click on the e-valueBC link. Paper copies of neighborhood assessments are also available at local area offices and most municipal halls, libraries and government agent’s offices across the province.

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our staff, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by February 1 for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” said Sitter. The panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community and Rural Development, and meet between February 2 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

The Peace River Assessment Office is located at 1112 – 103rd Avenue in Dawson Creek. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

For more information on the 2010 Assessment Roll, regional and province-wide real estate market trends, please visit www.bcassessment.ca and click on the 2010 assessment roll information link.

-30-

For More Information: Scott Sitter, Deputy Assessor BC Assessment Office Phone: 250-782-8515 local 227 Toll Free: 1-800-990-1160

www.bcassessment.ca

Peace River Regional District

REPORT

To: Chair and Directors of the Regional Board

From: Director Tim Caton, Chair - Solid Waste Committee Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services

Date: December 15, 2009

Re: Solid Waste Committee meeting recommendations

The following recommendations arising from the December 7, 2009 Solid Waste Committee meeting is for the Regional Board’s consideration and approval. The minutes are on the Consent for your information.

Recommendation No. 1 - Solid Waste System Review and Audit that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that the Solid Waste System Review and Audit budget be increased by $6,821.33 to allow for the addition of an investigation of a Regional waste-to-energy facility and presentations of the report by Sperling Hansen Associates to the Solid Waste Committee.

Recommendation No. 2 - Clean Up Campaign – Voucher System that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board: a) that the Regional District undertake one typical clean up campaign, in the spring of 2010; and b) that a pilot “voucher system” be operated for 2010, in conjunction with the typical clean up campaign, for the disposal of bulky waste items; and c) that an evaluation report on the pilot project be prepared at the end of 2010 for review by the Solid Waste Committee.

Recommendation No. 3 - Fort St. John Landfill location that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board: a) that the Fort St. John landfill continue to operate at its present location until its remaining fill capacity has been fully utilized; and b) that staff be authorized to investigate expansion opportunities for the existing landfill.

Recommendation No. 4 – Fort St. John Landfill – Expression of Interest that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that that staff be authorized to issue an Expression of Interest for the long term supply of soil cover material for the Fort St. John landfill.

Department Head CAO Page 1 of 2 Report – Chair and Directors December 15, 2009 Page 2 of 2

Recommendation No. 5 – Fort St. John Landfill - Versus Goliath Project Solutions Inc. that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be authorized to investigate a gas rights agreement at the Fort St. John landfill with Versus Goliath Project Solutions Inc., for consideration by the Regional Board.

Recommendation No. 6 - Materials Recycling Task Force that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be authorized to continue participating on the Materials Recycling Task Force.

Page 2 of 2

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

R E P O R T

TO: Chair and Directors FROM: Director Tim Caton, Chair – Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services

DATE: December 14, 2009 RE: Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Recommendations

Following are recommendations arising from the December 8, 2009 Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting for the Regional Board’s consideration and approval. The meeting minutes are on the Consent Calendar for your perusal.

Recommendation No. 1 - Rig Mats that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Dan Hanson, Oil and Gas Commission, requesting clarification on the procedure for removal of soils from rig mats and suggest that rig mats be kept within a specified area in an attempt reduce the import of invasive plant seeds from Alberta and other areas.

Recommendation No. 2 - Hawkweed that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Linda Wilson, Manager, Invasive Plant Management Program requesting that all alien Hawkweed Species be added to the Regional List of prohibited weeds in the Weed Control Act.

Recommendation No. 3 - Hawkweed – District of Tumbler Ridge that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the District of Tumbler Ridge requesting that they treat Hawkweed within their municipal boundary as fire mitigation work may result in the spread of Hawkweed into other areas.

Recommendation No. 4 - Northwest Invasive Plant Committee that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Northwest Invasive Plant Committee expressing appreciation for the work they undertook in the Pine Pass area in 2009.

Recommendation No. 5 - Pesticide Free Zone that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister of Environment, requesting the use of aminopyralid within Pesticide Free Zones (PFZ’s) as per Invasive Plant Management Regulation, Section 74, with a copy to the Northwest Invasive Plant Committee.

Department Head CAO Report – Chair and Directors Page Two December 14, 2009

Recommendation No. 6 - Pine Pass Invasive Plant Management Area that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that continuation of the Pine Pass Invasive Plant Management Area (IPMA) be approved.

Recommendation No. 7 - Disposal of hand pulled weeds that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a best management policy / procedure for the disposal of hand pulled weed plants be implemented, including but not limited to: a) that may include the waiving of tipping fees for disposal; b) possible signage at disposal sites; c) do not recycle garden debris into a public park or natural area; and d) avoid composting invasive plants, as they can quickly re-establish themselves.

Recommendation No. 8 - Pipelines a) that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Steve Henderson, Spectra Energy Transmission and Pembina Pipeline Corporation requesting that their companies consider investing funding towards invasive plant management within their pipeline right-of-ways for the 2010 / 2011 season; b) with copies to Devin Scheck, Oil and Gas Commission and Marion Johannson, Spectra Energy Transmission.

Recommendation No. 9 - Cosmetic use of herbicides that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister of Environment explaining the difference between cosmetic use of herbicides versus agricultural / forestry use of herbicides.

Peace River Regional District Box 810, 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, B. C., Canada V1G 4H8 Telephone: 250/784-3200 Fax: 250/784-3201

REPORT

To: Chair and Directors

From: Fred Banham, CAO

Date: January 5, 2010

Subject: Peace River Corridor Park Boundary Amendment

PURPOSE/ISSUE:

Request for a letter of support from the South Peace Hutterian Brethern Colony to assist in their request to BC Parks to amend the boundary of the Peace river Corridor Park to allow for a water well.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Board provide a letter of support to the South Peace Hutterian Brethern Colony for their appeal to BC Parks to amend the Peace River Corridor Park to allow for a water well to supply ground water to the South Peace Colony farm operation.

BACKGROUND:

From: Morrison, Ken ENV:EX [mailto:[email protected]] Subject: Peace River Corridor Park: Proposed Boundary Modification One of the requirements of the Provincial Protected Area Boundary Adjustment Policy, Process and Guidelines (see web link below) is that applicants consult with the local community, including local government(s), to assess the level of support for the proposed developments and resulting boundary modification. Further to our discussion, it would be helpful in considering the request from the South Peace Hutterian Brethern Colony to modify the boundary of Peace River Corridor Park, if you could obtain a letter from the Peace River Regional District outlining its position on this request. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/bound_adj_policy.html

Ken Morrison Manager, Planning and Land Administration Parks and Protected Areas Division Ministry of Environment

See attached report.

Department Head: ______CAO: ______

HISTORY

• 1974 = SPC moved to Kiskatinaw Triangle – water was a problem – produce grain, chickens, eggs, turkey, geese, turkeys, ducks – existing Poultry Butchering Plant – red meat butcher Plant under construction • 1982 = Range License RAN 073334 issued • 1982 = 2005 quality water was always a problem • 1997 = Peace Corridor Park was LEGISLATED • Colony WAS NOT INFORMED HISTORY

• 2006 = DROUGHT • – dug well in Peace Valley –built water pipeline to fill 2 Colony reservoirs –Parks advised Colony that well & pipeline was in trespass in Peace River Corridor Park • 2007 = January 1, 2007 RAN 073334 (range use permit) was renewed. There was NO reference to the Peace River Corridor Park • - Continued dialogue with Parks HISTORY

• 2008 = DROUGHT – built a 58 million gallon water reservoir for irrigation –Red Meat Processing Plant under construction • Oct 8, 2008 = Permission received from Parks Minister to pursue a Park Boundary amendment for water well • Feb 7, 2009 = Community meeting to continue to gain support for Park Boundary Amendment

Peace River Regional District

REPORT

TO: Chair and Directors

FROM: Director Jarvis

DATE: November 30 and December 1, 2009

RE: Attended the NCDC Reception and Board Meeting

On November 30 and December 1, 2009 I attended the above-noted meeting workshop conference in Victoria, BC

The key topics/points of interest were: The review of last year's, today's, and future business and options for the coming year, e.g. financial / contractor / employee, etc. Who are the key players and what are some key accomplishments at higher levels with the government and industry? How more attention needs to turn to development of a secondary corridor to service the main corridor, e.g. a Pine Pass corridor into north east BC, Northern Alberta, Yukon to North West Territories and Nunavut. Northwest BC is already working on this with advancing success. There was much discussion because of the fear of loosing all secondary rail lines, air and pipelines.

Topics of discussion that I particularly enjoyed or felt was relevant to the Regional District include: - reception with representatives of the Provincial Government and Provincial bearuocrats - presentation of Bruce Barrett of BC Transmission Corporation on the Northwest Transmission line. - NCDC can plan an important role at the PNWRDC

Action or follow-up required by: Regional District Director None Regional District Board Others

Recommendations: Continue membership and work to enhance more active participation from our area because there are many active agencies beyond us that beg for our higher participation to help and add value to this.

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

R E P O R T

TO: Chair and Directors FROM: Karen Goodings, Chair - Electoral Area Directors’ Committee DATE: December 28, 2009 RE: Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Recommendations

Following are recommendations arising from the December 17, 2009 Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting for the Regional Board’s consideration and approval. The meeting minutes are on the Consent Calendar for your perusal.

Recommendation 1 - Sales Taps on TransCanada PipeLines Limited pipeline: that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that: a) staff, in conjunction with Director Caton, contact PNG (NE) to request that PNG apply to TransCanada PipeLines Limited to have two sales taps installed on the pipeline that is to be built from Groundbirch BC to Gordondale Alberta; b) staff investigate Provincial legislation regarding the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources having the authority to direct TransCanada PipeLines Limited to install sales taps; and c) copies of all correspondence be forwarded to the Honourable Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Recommendation 2 - Lone Prairie Tower that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be encouraged to work with Mr. Arvo Koppel, System Administrator, PRiS to negotiate a mutual agreement that would provide PRiS access to the Lone Prairie tower in order to provide internet access to the local residents.

Recommendation 3 - Alternate Power Sources that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that the Regional District task BC Hydro to staff this region with sufficient line crews to have on hand for power-outage emergencies especially during the winter season.

Recommendation 4 - BC Natural Resource Forum that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that Directors Hadland and Hiebert be authorized to attend the BC Natural Resource Forum and Economic Summit on January 13 and 14, 2010 in Prince George.

Department Head CAO Page 1 of 1 PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ALL MEMBERS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PARTICIPATE. REPORT ON SUBDIVISION WITHIN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE (ALR)

FILE NO. 178/2009

OWNER: Alain and Angela Bruneau DATE: Dec 9, 2009 AREA: Electoral Area B LEGAL: Section 27, Township 87, Range 19, W6M, PRD LOT SIZE: 257 ha (635 ac) LOCATION: Murdale Area (35 km north of Fort St. John)

PROPOSAL To subdivide the subject property into one half-section and two quarter-sections.

RECOMMENDATION: OPTION 1 THAT the Regional Board support and authorize the application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission on the basis that it conforms to the Official Community Plan and Zoning.

OPTIONS OPTION 1: THAT the Regional Board support and authorize the application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission on the basis that it conforms to the Official Community Plan and Zoning.

OPTION 2: THAT the Regional Board refuse authorization for the application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission as submitted.

LAND USE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (OCP): Rural Resource - Agricultural, Bylaw No. 820, 1993 ZONING: A-2 (Large Agricultural Holdings Zone), Bylaw No. 1000, 1996 AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE (ALR): Within BUILDING INSPECTION AREA: Outside COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Outside

SITE CONTEXT The subject property is located 2 km east of Murdale Lake and Whispering Pine Lake along Prespatou Road and 264 Road, about 35 km north of the City of Fort St. John. The area is predominantly a farming area comprised of full-, half-, and quarter-sections. The subject property borders or faces agricultural land on all sides.

SITE FEATURES LAND: Partially cleared and under cultivation. STRUCTURES: House, shop, corrals, and riding arena. ACCESS: From the paved and gravelled Prespatou Road and the gravelled 264 Road. CLI RATING: Most of the subject property is rated 60% Class 4X and 40% Class 5W. The remainder is Class O. FIRE: The subject property is not with a fire protection area.

Page 1 of 2 Printed on: ______09-Dec-09 11:33:54 AM Department Head CAO Report prepared by: Timothy Donegan, Land Use Planner

File No. 178/2009

PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS – SUBJECT PROPERTY None on file.

PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS – PROPERTIES WITHIN 100 M None on file.

COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS APPLICANT: The owners propose to subdivide the section into one half-section and two quarter-sections.. ALR: The subject property and proposed subdivision lie within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Therefore, this proposal requires Agricultural Land Commission approval. Note: Pursuant to the Agricultural Land Commission Act, an application may not be considered by the ALC unless the Regional Board authorizes the proposal to proceed to the ALC. This is intended to provide local governments with latitude to consider and weigh the local community interests of each application, in addition to its zoning and official community plan. Should the Regional District forward the application to the ALC, the information and recommendation offered by the Regional District is taken into consideration by the Commission but should not be construed as being binding on the Commission’s opinions or decisions. OCP: The subject property is currently designated as “Rural Resource - Agricultural” within the North Peace Official Community Plan By-law No. 820, 1993. The minimum parcel size is 63 hectares (155 acres). The proposed subdivision meets this minimum parcel size requirement. Therefore, this proposal will NOT require an OCP amendment.

ZONING: The subject property is currently designated as A-2 (Large Agricultural Holdings Zone) within Zoning By-law No. 1000, 1996. The minimum parcel size for this designation is 63 hectares (155 acres). The proposed subdivision meets this minimum parcel size requirement. Therefore, this proposal will NOT require a zoning amendment.

IMPACT ANALYSIS AGRICULTURE: This proposal may negatively affect the agricultural potential of the subject property by reducing its size.

CONTEXT: The proposed lots would be consistent in size and use with neighbouring agricultural properties.

POPULATION: This proposal could increase the local population by 6 persons (BC Stats 2006).

TRAFFIC: This proposal could increase the number of vehicles in the area by 4 (BC Stats 2006).

Page 2 of 2 ALR SUBDIVISION REPORT ̛ BRUNEAU MAPS FILE NO. 178/2009

North Peace Official Community Plan (Map 1)

Subject Property Ĺ N Alaska Hwy

Zoning By-Law 1000, 1996 (Map 1)

A-2 Ĺ Subject N Property

264 Rd.

Prespatou Rd.

ALR SUBDIVISION REPORT ̛BRUNEAU MAPS FILE NO. 178/2009

Agricultural Land Reserve (Maps #94A.056) Ĺ N

ALR

Subject Property

Non- ALR

Non- ALR

CLI-Soil Classification (Maps #94-A-10) Ĺ N

60% Class 4X – 40% Class 5W

Subject Property

Class O

Page 2 of 3

ALR SUBDIVISION REPORT ̛BRUNEAU MAPS FILE NO. 178/2009

Air Photos #94A.056

Ĺ N

Page 3 of 3

Peace River Regional District Report

TO: Chair and Directors FROM: Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer DATE: January 7, 2010 RE: Scheduling Board Meetings in other locations within the Regional District

RECOMMENDATION:

That, for the months of May, July and September 2010, when both of the Board meetings are scheduled to be held in Dawson Creek, that one meeting each month be held at various other locations within the Peace River Regional District; and

That a review be done at the end of 2010 to ascertain the effectiveness of moving some of the Board meetings around the Region.

RATIONALE:

At the November 12th 2009 Board meeting staff was requested to report on the costs involved if the regional board were to hold some board meetings at other locations within the region.

The costs range from $3,600 to hold a meeting in Dawson Creek (at the Regional District office) $4,100 in Fort St. John; $5,350 in Tumbler Ridge and $5,500 in Buick. All figures are approximate. Meeting fees were estimated using a 5 hour meeting plus travel time and contacts were made to obtain prices of meeting rooms and catering.

______Department Head CAO

Peace River Regional District Report

TO: Chair and Directors FROM: Faye Salisbury, Corporate Officer DATE: January 7, 2010 RE: Meeting with the Honourable Blair Lekstrom and the Honourable Steve Thomson to discuss the results of the ALC Delegation Agreement with the Oil and Gas Commission

BACKGROUND: On November 12th the Regional Board resolved to invite the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Agriculture and Lands to attend a future Board meeting to discuss difficulties being faced by the agriculture industry as a result of the Agriculture Land Commission’s Delegation Agreement with the Oil and Gas Commission. Attached to the invitation letter was the list of issues identified by the Agriculture Advisory Committee.

We have been advised that neither Minister is available for the Board meetings in January or February.

OPTIONS: 1. Provide the Ministers’ offices with the Board meeting schedule for the entire year.

2. Request the Ministers to provide dates when they would be available and schedule a special Board meeting to meet with them.

3. Request a meeting with both Ministers in Victoria and send a delegation to meet with them.

______Department Head CAO

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

DIRECTORS’ NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS

TO: Chair and Directors FROM: Director Goodings DATE: January 6, 2010 RE: Regulatory process

Purpose / Issue: The re-write of OGAA (oil & gas activity act) was past either 2009 or perhaps late 2008. The regulations are now being developed and there is a push to finish so they can be enacted in the spring legislature, likely May. Drilling and production; environmental; seismic; pipelines; Roads (which we have not yet seen); notification and consultation. There may be more that I have not thought of tonight. One of the concerns that have come forward through all of these is the lack of baseline information; lack of enforcement; and the need for meaningful consultation. The OGC is charged with being the regulators, they will use the regulations to determine the need for enforcement, if the enforcement is not clearly laid out the result could be the landowners/companies ending up in the court system to settle their differences. Meaningful consultation is when you sit down in the same room, discuss the issues, bargain for the final result and then move forward. The problem here is there is a form of consultation with landowners, then with industry, never do the two have the opportunity to sit down and work through the issues. It is sincerely felt that if the consultation is done right, there will be much less conflict. Once these regulations become part of the OGAA there will be much less opportunity to "get it right".

Recommendation / Action: Write to Minister Lekstrom, suggest that these are important regulations that will be in place to serve us well if they are done with adequate thought and discussion. Consultation is the beginning of getting it right.

Background: We really appreciate everything the Minister is doing to recognize the importance of the oil and gas industry to our region. Let's not rush this and get it wrong.

Attachments:

Department Head CAO Page 1 of 1 Comments on Drilling & Production Regulations by Custodians of the Peace Country Society

II Section 2.1 Exemptions: The numbering is evidently still in draft form, as some numbers are skipped, but there appears to be about 75 sections in the Draft Regulations. Section 2.1 gives authority to “an official” to grant exemptions from 23 of them, so roughly a third of these regulations are really only “guides.” One of the complaints heard from landowners is that they don't know what the rules are – just when they think they undersand how things work, they find out there is a special circumstance or an exception for some reason. Landowners agree that there needs to be some flexibility in order to adjust to circumstances but these regulations give a great deal of latitude to one individual and when an exemption which is detrimental to a landowner/resident's interests is contemplated, there ought to be consultation with that individual.

There is no definition of “official” in the definitions (Part I). The OGA Act itself provides a definition but it would seem logical that if there is a list of definitions to be included in the Drilling /Production Regulations, that “official” be one of them, given the wide-ranging power which this official is destined to wield.

Some of the regulations which may be exempted are significant. Exemptions of concern: Sections 5(1)and 5(2), the position of wells: There is no guidance provided a landowner as to what might prompt an exemption. The possibility of exemption means he has no certainty regarding th basic set-back. A landowner ought to have the right of refusal of a well which is closer than the basic set- back. Section 34(2): See Part III Air Quality Section 35: - See Part IV Water Section 43: Suspension of inactive well. The official is given complete freedom to do as he wishes regarding an inactive well. What assurance does the landowner or the general public have that the variance of this regulation would be done for the public interest as opposed to the corporate interest? There ought to be some guidelines delineating the circumstances under which this regulation would be exempted. Section 45: These appear to deal with safety and with the exception of 45(1)k, it is difficult to understand why they would be open to exemption. Again justification for departing from the regulation should be available to the landowner and/or public if requested. Section X: Emergency Planning Zones. These are of considerable concern to landowners/residents in the rural areas. We would appreciate the opportunity to be consulted on these whatever is proposed for EPZ's prior to final concepts being decided upon. Section 58: SeePart III Air Quality Section 94: See Part IV Water

Recommendations Regarding Exemptions: 1) Define “official” in the list of definitions. 2) Provide detail and guidance as to when & under what conditions exemptions can be made so that landowners have some assurance that these regulations are more than just a guide for the “official.”

III Regulations Pertaining to Air: Air is essential; gas is important but not essential. Air quality is fundamental to health and safety. There is only one atmosphere to which substances can be emitted. These Draft Regulations approach air quality from the individual operation specifying how much an individual well or facility can emit. There is no attention to the base state of the air to which these emissions are being added; no attention to cumulative impact; no requirement to use alternatives to emitting into the atmosphere.

There is no choice as to what air one breathes: one must breathe that which is next to one's nose. The approach taken in this Draft to regulate individual wells as opposed to the quality of the total air envelope misses the point. It doesn't matter to landowner/resident/wildlife whether poor air quality comes from one well/facility gone amok, fugitive emissions from an unknown source, or from many wells/facilities all operating within regulation but each contributing to the accumulation of emissions. What matters is that the air quality is poor. For that reason, some way of regulating air quality other than by looking at individual wells or facilities must be found.

We understand that air quality in oil/gas production areas could be improved by the use of varied technologies such as in-line testing, vapour recovery units, incinerators, and so on. We've been told that these technologies are sometimes passed over in favor of venting or flaring because they cost more. Air quality should not be sacrificed for corproate profit. What is the cost of not maintaining air quality, in terms of health and well-being?

Landowners have neither the expertise nor the capacity to hire expertise to advise what should be used. This seems to be a case where “Results Based Regulation” would be effective. A regulation based on what is allowed to go into the air, either by venting, flaring, etc., would be a more effective means of controlling air quality than regulating by setting out how much gas can be flared or vented.

Air Quality Recommendations: 3) Develop “results-based” regulations based on what will be added to the air, rather than the prescriptive approach which specifies how much gas can be flared. 4) Develop a regulation to deal with cumulative impact of emissions on air quality. 5) Specify that venting or flaring should only be approved as a last resort, when other technologies have proven unsuitable.

IV Regulations Pertaining to Water: Water is essential. Gas and oil are important but not essential. Other than regulations pertaining to ground water proection, the Draft Regulations appear to completely ignore the use of water in drilling and production.

Water Quality & Quantity Recommendations: 6) Develop regulations which require: a) that the use of water for drilling and production be minimized, b) that surface as well as ground water be protected, c) that to the extent possible, water used for drilling and fraccing be recovered and treated for re-use rather than pumped deep underground in a disposal well.

V Regulations Pertaining to Noise: Noise affects people differently and those who live in rural or isolated places often do so in order to be away from constant noise and activity. They find it is now being imposed upon them and it is interfering with their lifestyle needs and with the quiet use and enjoyment of their property. 40 decibels may be acceptable in locations where ambient noise is already present; it may well be too high for the tolerance of a resident who has been without ambient noise. Guidelines presently in use measure noise at the outside of a residence, not at the edge of a property. Rural people spend significant amounts of time outside, whether it be in their garden, a barnyard, sundeck, firepit or some other favorite retreat. Noise detracts from the enjoyment of those locations. Measurement of noise should, therefore, be done at the edge of the curtilage area and/or locations where landowners spend significant amounts of time.

Some people find noise that varies in intensity levels more troublesome than noise that is constant and therefore need regulation that has a lower threshold for noise that varies rather than one that is constant.

Noise measurements should stipulate the upper level of that which is acceptable; measurements should not be averaged.

We are told that if included in the design at the outset of construction, the cost of reducing noise in a facility such as a compressor is much less than if it is done as a retrofit. Other site-specific factors such as weather, prevailing winds, topography, also determine noise levels in surrounding areas. That being so, it would seem prudent to have regulation which requires that those facilities should be built to the highest standard of the day to start with, particularly in areas which are settled or are expected to be settled. Also, that considerable time be taken to explain the noise issue to people living in the vicinity so they are able to consider the implications and make suggestions before it becomes an issue and requires expensive retrofit.

Regulations Pertaining to Noise: 7) That regulations be developed to ensure that noisy facilities such as compressors be built to the highest standard at the outset to avoid problems at a later date. 8) That noise thresholds be lower for vacillating noise than for a steady noise. 9) That noise regulation be based on an upper level rather than an average. 10) That the threshold for noise be lower in areas where there is no ambient noise than in areas where ambient noise is present. 11) That there be extensive consultation with nearby residents and that they be made fully aware of the nosie levels which will emanate from the facility they will live with. 12) That measurement of noise be done at the edge of the curtilage area and/or locations where landowners spend significant amounts of time.

Custodians of the Peace Country Society

response to

Oil and Gas Activities Act Consultation Draft - Environmental Protection and Management Regulation

November 29, 2009 Prepared by Gwen Johansson after consultation with CPCS membership.

General Comments: Custodians of the Peace Country Society (CPCS) is pleased to see environmental regulations brought to the oil/gas industry. CPCS appreciates the opportunity to comment on the November 4, 2009 Consultation Draft: Environmental Protection and Management Regulation (the “Environment Regulation” or “regulation”).

With the exception of one topic (impact on humans), we believe the Draft covers the topics needed although, as previously noted, it seems odd that the industry's effect on air quality is dealt with in the Drilling & Production Regulation rather than in the Environmental Regulation.

As with the Drilling & Production Regulations, these appear to be more guidelines than firm regulations. Wording is vague and exceptions abound. A great deal of latitude is built in: x First, in most sections, the BC Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) officer has wide latitude in deciding whether the company proposal is the “practicable option,” and/or is disturbing “no more than necessary.” x Then we get to Part 5, which allows the various ministers to exempt petroleum companies from complying with regulations pertaining to their ministry. x Finally, there is Section 6, which allows ministers to delegate their responsibilities under the Water Act, Wildlife Act, Land Act or Forest Act, to another body. One assumes that this is to facilitate more agreements similar to the Agricultural Land Commission's Delegation Agreement with the OGC. The delegation model appears to us to be ineffective in protecting that which ministers are responsible to protect.

A pattern appears in the Environmental Regulation in that often the Clause (1) will be quite clear and definitive. But then Clause (2) will undercut the strength of (1) with “unless there is no practicable option,” or some other provision which will allow the activity.

There is no public interest decision review. A reconsideration mechanism should be built into the regulations.

In order to be at all meaningful, the environmental regulations need to be much more focused on protecting water, land and air than is in these draft regulations.

Specific Comments: Part 2 – Environmental protection and Management Requirements: Division 1 – Water Protection It is hard to see where water is afforded any protection of consequence by these regulations. Water very much needs protection. A company provided this information regarding water use in drilling operations. Other sources indicate a greater use of water and less return.  they use 1500 cubic meters per frac;  they frac each well 10 times;  they are customarily getting about 50% of the water back;  That 50% which is recovered is stored, diluted with new fresh water and used again. (We understand that some companies are not re-using any of the recovered water – any that comes back is injected into deep disposal wells so this example appears to be “the best” of the story;);  they are currently siting 8 wells per pad, expect to go to 12, are doing calculations to see if 24 would work, and  they anticipate approximately 1 pad per section (640 acres). The company is permitted to use surface water and drill wells to access shallow aquifer water.

You do the math. This is a tremendous amount of water which will be used and lost from the water cycle. It will be drawn both from surface sources and aquifers.

Where in the regulations is there protection of water that will stand up to this scale of demand? Especially when:  there is no requirement for operators to minimize the use of water and  there is no requirement for operators to clean up and re-use the water that comes back after a frac.

There is a requirement that an operator does not negatively affect an aquifer. But how will anyone know? As we understand it, the aquifers in at least some parts of the northeast have never been mapped. How many monitoring wells are there? As we understand it, there is one in the Peace River region. How can you assess damage if there is no baseline to start with?

There is a requirement that an operator not negatively impact a waterworks or water supply well and if it happens, then a “qualified professional” selected and hired by the company will determine whether the problem was caused by the operator. This system appears to be copied from Alberta. Landowners in that province have told us that the system is inadequate to protect their water supply. There is no mechanism for appeal and ultimately it falls to the affected resident to prove there has been damage if the operator's “qualified professional” comes down on the side of the company. Should “replacement” water be supplied under Section 6.2 subsection (3) it should be not only of equal or better quality of the water supply it replaces but also of equal or greater quantity.

The wetlands that cover Northeast BC serve as a massive sponge holding water for plant and animal life. It appears to us that the projected scale of development threatens that role as well as the viability of the rivers and streams. Protection of water should be much, much stronger.

Fraccing Fluids: There should be a requirement that if asked, an operator is required to disclose all ingredients in the fraccing fluid they are using.

Division 2 – Riparian Management Areas, Fish and Fish Habitats Are the terms “riparian management area” and “riparian reserve zones” used interchangeably here?

Division 3- Conserving Wildlife and Biodiversity 14 (2) d – an operator is required, “to the extent practicable,” to choose an area for carrying out the activity that minimizes the clearing required.” Preserving wildlife habitat is admirable but as was pointed out by grazing tenure holders, they have spent considerable time, effort and money to develop grass in their grazing tenures. Having the oil company move in to their improved pasture reduces the grass available for their animals. In the past, these tenure holders say they were consulted but that has been downgraded to “notified” in recent years and they have been unable to protect their interest in the tenure area. They wish to be consulted rather than notified and they wish to see regulations which would protect their interests on the tenure.

General Comment re: Activity Siting: we note that the regulations specifically mention that operators should  stay away from riparian zones (Section 7.2);  avoid clearing wildlife habitat (Section 14 {2} [d]);  restrict activity in old-growth management areas (Section 17);  minimize activity in areas containing commercial timber (Section 21), and  watch out for resource features such as karst systems, range development, Crown land used for research or experimental purposes, sample sites, interpretive forests, recreations sites, trails etc. One feature that didn't merit specific mention was agricultural land and/or private land generally. Why are other values specifically mentioned but agricultural land is not? Operators are cautioned about disturbing wildlife or wildlife habitat but no cautions are made about disturbing humans or human habitat in the rural areas where these activities take place. If the other values are worthy of specific mention one would think that human rural residents might merit the same attention. We ask that these concepts be included in the regulation.

Missed Topic in Regulation: The topic that was missed altogether in this draft regulation is that of oil/gas activities' impact on human health or impact on humans. As noted above, the regulation should deal with this topic.

Division 6 – Soil Conservation 24. (b) Soil should be allowed to settle after the activity is completed, before it is re-worked. We suggest that 24.1 {b} have an addition so that it would read: “if the activity disturbs the land surface of an area, as soon practicable after the completion of the activity, and after soil settlement has occurred, ensure that.....” 24.1(b) ii We suggest the following addition: “or is returned to a level that meets or exceeds the productivity of the disturbed land adjacent to the area.”

26 Landowners suggest that on private land, culverts should not be used to concentrate flows unless requested by the landowner. (Water should be allowed to spread out over a field or be directed through shallow depressions which facilitate it being absorbed by the soil. Landowners further suggest that in 26(2), the “altered surface drainage pattern is compatible with the original natural surface drainage pattern...” should be augmented with wording which would require two assessments of drainage: one at the time of temporary construction, say when a berm is built around a lease site, and the second when the well goes into production and the longer-term “tear-drop” is put in place.

Topsoil: In 2004, J Clapperton of Agriculture Canada, wrote that, “Soils that have been severely disturbed and stockpiled for more than 4 weeks continuously lose most of their biological activity.” When speaking of pipelines, she said, “There is a dilution effect as well: the sub soil dilutes any remaining top soil biological activity when the soils are replaced in the trench...... There will continue to be difficulty until the populations of mycorrhizae and other beneficial soil microbes and micro and meso fauna have been re-established.” We note that some oil/gas activity results in topsoil being stockpiled for more than 4 weeks, at which point the microbial activity in the soil would have been lost. It has been suggested that if the disturbance will endure more than 4 weeks, then the best way to preserve the topsoil is to feather it over the rest of the field where it will be of use and where biological activity will be maintained.

If topsoil must be brought on to a private landowner's farm from elsewhere, the landowner should have the right to determine what topsoil comes on to his land. This is to prevent unwanted import of weeds or diseases. I believe this was in past regulations.

It takes a very long time to build topsoil; it is precious and should be treated as such. The importance of topsoil should be reflected in the regulations; the draft doesn't do that.

On behalf of CPCS and its members, thank you for accepting comments on the Draft Environmental Regulation. We hope this input will be of value as the regulations are finalized. A summary of CPCS recommendations follows on the next page.

Summary of CPCS Recommendations

1) General Recommendation: Make the regulations much stronger, especially water and topsoil.

2) Include a mechanism by which the public can appeal decisions.

3) Include a requirement for operations to minimize the use of water.

4) Include a requirement for operators to recycle water that returns following oil/gas operations.

5) Include a mechanism whereby the owner of a private well can appeal the judgment of a qualified professional and that if the appeal is successful, the costs will be paid by the operator.

6) Section 6.2(3) Include a provision that the replacement water must be of equal quantity as well as equal quality.

7) Include a regulation requiring that, if requested, operators disclose all ingredients in fraccing fluids.

8) Review the activity siting guidelines so that consideration is given to all tenure holders rather than just those presently included.

9) Include a regulation addressing health and habitat protection of humans as well as wildlife.

10) 24.1(b) Include an addition so that it would read: “if the activity disturbs the land surface of an area, as soon practicable after the completion of the activity, and after soil settlement has occurred, ensure that.....”

11) 24.1(b) ii We suggest the following addition: “or is returned to a level that meets or exceeds the productivity of the disturbed land adjacent to the area.”

12) Include a regulation that on private land, water flows should not be concentrated in culverts unless authorized by the landowner.

13) Section 26: Augment the regulation to ensure there are two assessments of drainage patterns: one following temporary disturbance (such as lease construction such as when a berm is built around the site) and the second when the well goes into production and the long-term disturbance is in place.

14) Include a regulation which ensures that topsoil is preserved and that treatment of the topsoil does not impede microbial/biological activity.

15) Include a regulation that ensures that if it is necessary to import topsoil on to private land, that the landowner has the right to determine what topsoil is imported on to his property.

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Part 26 Participants. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Includes all except Districts of Tumbler ZONING AMENDMENT Ridge and Taylor. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT 3rd and Final Reading FILE NO. 65/2009

OWNER: Kenn Borek DATE: December 17, 2009 AGENT: Secure Energy Services Inc. & Northern Rockies Environmental Services Inc. AREA: Electoral Area D LEGAL: NE¼ Section 5, Township 79, Range 14, W6M, PRD LOT SIZE: 65 ha (161 acres) LOCATION: Rolla Road, northeast of Dawson Creek

PROPOSAL To rezone a ~3.4 ha (~8.5 ac) portion of the subject property from A-2 to I-4 in order to construct and operate a disposal well servicing the oil and gas industry.

RECOMMENDATION: OPTION 1 THAT the Regional Board approve Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1857, 2009 to rezone the Northeast ¼ of Section 5, Township 79, Range 14, W6M, PRD for 3rd and Final Reading;

OPTIONS OPTION 1: THAT the Regional Board approve Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1857, 2009 to rezone the Northeast ¼ of Section 5, Township 79, Range 14, W6M, PRD for 3rd and Final Reading;

OPTION 2: THAT the Regional Board refuse the application.

BACKGROUND 1. SUMMARY OF PROCEDURE September 16, 2008  Regional District receives draft proposal for deep well injection facility from Secure Energy Services. May 4, 2009  Peace River Regional District receives Zoning application from Secure Energy/Borek July 13, 2009  Regional Board adopts Resolution RD/09/07/12 (23) that the Regional Board authorize a public hearing regarding the Zoning amendment application July 28, 2009  Public Hearing Notice mailed to adjacent landowners August 4 & 5, 2009  Public Hearing advertised in the Dawson Creek Daily News August 11, 2009  Public Hearing held at the Rolla Community Hall in Rolla, BC

SITE CONTEXT The subject property is located about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of the City of Dawson Creek via Rolla Road and Highway 49. The site is about a mile north of McQueen’s Slough. It is over a hill so that the land drains northward, away from the slough. This is a farming area of predominately quarter-section parcels that are cultivated and entirely

Page 1 of 3 Printed on: ______Department Head CAO Report prepared by: Owen Bloor, Land Use Planner

File No. 65/2009 within the Agricultural Land Reserve. This is mainly a farming area, though the oil and gas industry is increasing in prominence in the last few years.

SITE FEATURES LAND: The subject property is cleared and cultivated with canola. There are two other wellsites located on the subject property. STRUCTURES: The only structure on the subject property is the existing well, and associated equipment. ACCESS: The paved Rolla Road runs along the eastern boundary of the subject property. CLI SOIL Class 2C – moderate limitations that restrict the range of crops or require moderate conservation RATING: practices. Subclass C refers to an adverse climate. FIRE: The subject property is not within a Fire Protection Area.

COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS APPLICANT: It is the intent of the agent, Secure Energy Services, to construct and operate a water disposal facility that would dispose, via a deep well injection, waste water and produced water from oil/gas operations. ALR: The subject property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve and therefore requires the permission of the Agricultural Land Commission as a Non-Farm Use. The Agricultural Land Commission approved this application on December 15, 2009 by way of Resolution #1627/2009 OCP: Pursuant to the Dawson Creek Rural Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 477, 1986, the subject property is designated “Agriculture – Rural Resource”. This designation permits oil and gas installations. The proposal is consistent with the OCP.

ZONING: The subject property is zoned A-2 (Large Agricultural Holdings) pursuant to PRRD Zoning Bylaw No. 1343, 2001. Oil field waste management facilities that require a permit under the Waste Management Act are not permitted in this zone. This proposal requires a re-zoning to the I-4 (Oil / Gas Production) zone. LAND: The I-4 zoning regulations would only apply to the ~3.4 ha (~8.5 ac) portion being leased by Secure Energy. The remainder of the parcel would remain under the A-2 zone. EQUIPMENT: The proposal involves using land for a flare stack, a tank farm, risers and a work shop and office. Secure Energy Services also plans to add a hopper and a solids processing building with a receiving pad. This equipment is necessary to support a proposed injection well located on a neighbouring parcel (to the east). PUBLIC The re-zoning process requires that the Regional District issue a public notification on the CONSULTATION: proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. There is an option to either advertise a public notification or to advertise a Public Hearing that can be held at a time and place of the Board’s choosing. The advertisements must reach at least every landowner within 100 meters of the subject property and be published twice in a local newspaper. However, the limits to the notification parameters may be altered if more people or areas are deemed affected by the proposal.

IMPACT ANALYSIS AGRICULTURE: This non-farm use would occur on currently cultivated land. There is a concurrent ALR Non-Farm Use application, as well as comment by the PRRD Agricultural Advisory Committee regarding the ALR application.

CONTEXT: There is oil and gas development dispersed throughout the farming area.

SETBACK: The closest homesites to this leased area are about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) to the northeast and northwest.

TRAFFIC: The agent expects about 10 trucks to enter/leave the site daily. It is located along a paved all-weather Page 2 of 3 File No. 65/2009 road suitable for such traffic. The facility’s service area extends from the Chetwynd-Tumbler Ridge area to the Peace River and into Alberta. Its location is accessible from Alberta via Highway 49 without going through any BC communities. Its location south of Rolla means trucks coming from the north would pass through that community. Its location northeast of Dawson Creek means traffic coming from the south or west may travel through the City.

EMPLOYMENT: Secure Energy stated they expect the facility to “be continuously manned with the majority of the activity expected between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm”, and that it would employ 4 to 6 people (and, if successful, up to 12 people in the long term).

Page 3 of 3

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Public Hearing Minutes Proposed Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1857, 2009

Date: August 11, 2009 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Rolla Community Hall, Rolla, BC

Present: Director: Wayne Hiebert Director of Electoral Area “D” Staff: Debbie Kunz Assistant Manager of Development Services OwenBloor Land Use Planner Applicant: Corey Higham Secure Energy Services Karen Myrheim Secure Energy Services Public: Clarence Veiner Rolla, BC Dorthy Veiner Rolla, BC Hugh MacLiennan Rolla, BC Eldon Veiner Dawson Creek, BC

1. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

2. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING – Wayne Hiebert, read the statement of “Public Hearing”.

3. INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSAL – The proposal and the OCP and Zoning Amendment process were reviewed by Debbie Kunz.

4. SUMMARY OF PROCEDURE September 16, 2008  Regional District receives draft proposal for deep well injection facility from Secure Energy Services. May 4, 2009  Peace River Regional District receives Zoning application from Secure Energy/Borek July 13, 2009  Regional Board adopts Resolution RD/09/07/12 (23) that the Regional Board authorize a public hearing regarding the Zoning amendment application July 28, 2009  Public Hearing Notice mailed to adjacent landowners August 4 & 5, 2009  Public Hearing advertised in the Dawson Creek Daily News August 11, 2009  Public Hearing held at the Rolla Community Hall in Rolla, BC 5. COMMENTS FROM AGENCIES AND MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVED City of Fort St John - Interests unaffected by by-law City of Dawson Creek - Interests unaffected by by-law District of Hudson’s Hope - Interests unaffected by by-law

6. COMMENTS BY APPLICANT

Using 6 poster boards, Corey Higham explains various aspects of the proposed disposal 2 Peace River Regional District Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2009 (By-law No. 1857, 2009)

well facility, including location, equipment, facility set-up, site characteristics, and injection well process.

7. CORRESPONDENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT

Hugh MacLiennan – indicated his concern about what the facility could look like if maintenance was poor, “things could go downhill very quickly if not maintained properly”

Corey Higham – replied that Secure Energy operates to a standard of excellence and due to the fact that “Big Oil Companies” such as Shell, Encanna, ARC, Murphy oil and others will not bring their waste products to a facility that is not maintained to such a standard.

Hugh MacLiennan – stated that the facility was to be developed on some of the best soils in the region and that the development would reduce the agricultural viability of the land.

Corey Higham – Acknowledged the quality of soils in the area as it had been brought up during consultation regarding their Non-farm Use application to the Agricultural Land Commission by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. That is one of the main reasons that Secure was applying to re-zoning the property and that within the application it is clearly stated that Secure Energy committed to return the area back to its original state. Corey also indicated that even if Secure Energy were to go bankrupt, they are required to post a bond with the Oil and Gas Commission for the amount it would require to reclaim the site. Corey also stated that many people who have had pipelines and leases reclaimed on their lands indicated that the reclaimed area was often the most productive due to the soils being aerated. Corey also indicated that presently the agricultural industry was currently in an economic downturn as many other industries and that the Secure Energy facility can provide local employment and could help keep some people from having to move away from the farm.

Karen Myrheim (Secure Energy) - responded by inviting Mr. MacLiennan or any other person to visit any of their existing facilities in order to see just how well they are maintained and operated

8. FINAL COMMENTS

None

9. TERMINATION – The hearing was terminated at 7:31 pm.

3 Peace River Regional District Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2009 (By-law No. 1857, 2009)

______Owen Bloor, Recorder Wayne Hiebert, Chair

Peace River Regional District

REPORT

To: Chair and Directors of the Regional Board

From: Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services

Date: January 5, 2010

Re: Harper Imperial Subdivision Sewer

Recommendation that “Harper Imperial Subdivision and Area Sewage Collection Service Area Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010” be given first three readings.

Rationale:

Letters with petitions requesting the Regional District to provide the Harper Imperial Subdivisions with a sewage collection service were sent to owners of the 56 parcels liable to be charged for the proposed service.

For the petition to pass it had to be signed by the owners of at least 50% of the parcels and the persons signing must be the owners of parcels that in total represent 50% of the net taxable value of all land and improvements within the proposed service area.

The results, attached, were 52% (29 of the 56 parcels) representing 56% of the net taxable value of all land and improvements received petitioning for the service. Please note that four additional petitions, in favour of the service area, were received after the deadline for petition submission.

A loan authorization by-law and a fee and service charge by-law will be prepared, for Board approval, upon completion and finalization of all costs.

Attachments:

Page 1 of 1

Department Head: CAO:

Harper Imperial Subdivision Petition for Sanitary Service Results

 Section 797.4 of the Local Government Act requires that landowners within a specified boundary, may submit a petition for service to the Peace River Regional District, and that the said petition must be signed by at least 50% of parcels that represent at least 50% of the taxable value of all land and improvements in order for the petition to be sufficient in obtaining local support. The following are the local petition results:

 % of net taxable value of land and improvements in favour = 56%

 % of landowners in favour = 52% [29 out of 56]

I hereby certify that pursuant to the Local Government Act the Harper Imperial Subdivision Sewer petition results, as noted above, are deemed to be sufficient in gaining local approval to proceed with the project.

______Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer

Dated this 5th day of January, 2010.

Peace River Regional District By-Law No. 1878, 2010

A by-law to establish a service within a defined portion of Electoral Area 'D' for the provision of Sewage Collection

WHEREAS the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional District may, by by-law, pursuant to Section 796 of the Local Government Act, establish and operate any service the Board considers necessary or desirable for all or part of the Regional District;

AND WHEREAS the Board wishes to establish a sewage collection service for the benefit of the residents of the service area established by this by-law;

AND WHEREAS the Board has received a petition pursuant to Section 797.4 of the Local Government Act requesting the installation and operation of a sewage collection system in a defined portion of Electoral Area 'D', and such petition has been determined to be sufficient pursuant to Section 212 of the Community Charter;

AND WHEREAS the Regional Board has authorized the approval of the participating area required under Section 801(1)(b) of the Local Government Act to be given on behalf of the electors in accordance with Section 801.5 of the Local Government Act;

AND WHEREAS the Director of Electoral Area 'D' has consented, in writing, to the adoption of the by-law in accordance with Section 801.5(2) of the Local Government Act;

AND WHEREAS the approval of the Inspector of Municipalities has been obtained pursuant to Section 801 of the Local Government Act;

AND THEREFORE, the Board of the Peace River Regional District, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:

Service Being Established

1. The Service established under this by-law is to provide a sewage collection system for the benefit of the residents of a defined portion of Electoral Area 'D'.

Service Area Boundaries

2. The boundaries of the Service Area are those portions of Electoral Area 'D' as outlined in the shaded area on the map attached as Schedule “A” to this by-law.

Cost Recovery

3. The Regional District may recover the costs of the sewage collection service by means of fees and charges imposed under Section 363 of the Local Government Act and by parcel taxes in the Service Area described in Section 2.

4. The maximum amount that may be requisitioned for the service is $100,800, to be recovered annually via parcel tax.

1

Peace River Regional District By-law No. 1878, 2010 ______

Citation

5. This by-law may be cited as "Harper Imperial Subdivision and Area Sewage Collection Service Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010."

READ A FIRST TIME this ______day of ______, 2010. READ A SECOND TIME this ______day of ______, 2010. READ A THIRD TIME this ______day of ______, 2010. APPROVED by the Inspector of Municipalities this ____ day of ______, 2010. ADOPTED this ______day of ______, 2010. FILED with the Inspector of Municipalities this ____ day of ______, 2010.

CERTIFIED A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY THE CORPORATE SEAL of the Peace of "Harper Imperial Subdivision and Area River Regional District was hereto affixed in Sewage Collection Service Establishment the presence of: By-law No. 1878, 2010."

______Fred Banham, Karen Goodings, Chair Chief Administrative Officer

______Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING to be a true and correct copy of By-law No. 1878, 2010 cited as "Harper Imperial Subdivision and Area Sewage Collection Services Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010" as read a third time by the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional District at a meeting held on the ______day of ______, 2010.

Dated at Dawson Creek, B.C. this ______day of ______, 2010.

______Fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer

2 PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 1878, 2010

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SCHEDULE "A" Meters

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“CERTIFIED a true and correct copy of ROADS R

D Schedule "A" to Harper Imperial Subdivision Hard Surface and Area Sewage Collection Service Establishment By-law No. 1878, 2010"”, Gravel City of Dawson Creek

Fred Banham Land Parcels

Chief Administrative Officer￿￿ Proposed Service Area Boundary Harper_Imperial_Sub_sewer_bylaw1878.mxd By_Law_1878_2010.pdf

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Part 26 Participants. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Includes all except Districts of Tumbler ZONING AMENDMENT REPORT Ridge and Taylor. BY-LAW NO. 1877, 2010 1st and 2nd Reading FILE NO. 003/2010

OWNER: Chris & Tracy Davis DATE: January 4, 2010 AREA: Electoral Area D LEGAL: Fractional NE ¼ Section 3, Township 78, Range 17, W6M LOT SIZE: 16.6 ha (41 acres) LOCATION: Arras, along Cameron Road

PROPOSAL To rezone the subject property to a residential status to accommodate the proposed subdivision.

RECOMMENDATION: OPTION 1 THAT the Regional Board approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1877, 2010, for 1st and 2nd reading;

THAT the Regional Board waive holding of a public hearing pursuant to s. 890(4) of the Local Government Act, and authorize public notification pursuant to s. 893 of the Local Government Act.

OPTIONS st nd OPTION 1: THAT the Regional Board approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1877, 2010, for 1 and 2 reading;

THAT the Regional Board waive holding of a public hearing pursuant to s. 890(4) of the Local Government Act, and authorize public notification pursuant to s. 893 of the Local Government Act.

OPTION 2: THAT the Regional Board approve Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1877, 2009 for First and Second Reading to rezone the Northeast ¼ of Section 3, Township 78, Range 17, W6M, PRD; and

THAT a public hearing be scheduled for January 26, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Upper Cutbank Community Hall; and

THAT the holding of the public hearing be delegated to Director Hiebert.

OPTION 3: Refuse the application.

LAND USE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (OCP): Agriculture – Rural Resource, Bylaw No.477, 1986 ZONING: A-2 (Large Agricultural Holdings), Bylaw No. 1343, 2001 AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE (ALR): Within BUILDING INSPECTION AREA: Within

Page 1 of 3 Printed on: ______Department Head CAO Report prepared by: Owen Bloor, Land Use Planner

File No. 003/2010

SITE CONTEXT The subject property is located 22 km (14 miles) west of Dawson Creek, is located along the Old Hart Connector on the northern border and the eastern boundary runs adjacent to the Kiskatinaw River. The area consists of various sized parcels ranging from 2 acres up to quarter-sections divided by road right-of-ways and watercourses. Except for areas straddling the deeply-incised Kiskatinaw River and Tremblay Creek, most of the land is within the Agricultural Land Reserve and much of it is under cultivation

SITE FEATURES LAND: The subject property is partially cleared in order to accommodate the applicant’s home site, while the remainder has been left unaltered STRUCTURES: The applicant’s home-site is located in the north-western corner of the subject property ACCESS: The gravel Cameron Road runs adjacent to the northern boundary of the subject property. CLI SOIL Predominantly Class 3X- 4T; Soils in these classes have moderately severe (Class 3) to severe (Class RATING: 4) limitations that restrict the range of crops or require special conservation practices. Subclass X indicates soils having a limitation resulting from the cumulative effect of two or more adverse characteristics. There is a small portion of the subject property with Class 5T – O; Soils in class 5 have very severe limitations that restrict the range of crops and special conservation practices are feasible. Class O soils are denoted as “Organic Soils” and are not placed in capability classes. Subclass T refers to topographical constraints. FIRE: The subject property is outside all fire protection areas

COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS APPLICANT: It is the intent of the landowner to subdivide the parcel into 2 lots whereby one lot could be offered for sale to the public. ALR: The subject property lies within the Agricultural Land Reserve and the applicant has been granted permission to subdivide within the ALR by way of Resolution 1674/2009 dated December 15,

2009. OCP: Pursuant to the Dawson Creek Rural Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 477, 1986, the subject property is designated “Agriculture – Rural Resource” whereby according to Policy 2.2, “minimum parcel size shall be 63 ha (155 acres)” however the subject property is currently existing non-conforming as it is only 17.86ha in size and because a portion of the subject property is actually outside the ALR with Class 5 soils, Policy 2.3 states “ For lands designated Agriculture – Rural Resource not within the ALR the minimum parcel size shall be 63ha (155 acres); subdivision of land to smaller parcel sizes may be permitted in the following situations: paragraph iii) states: “creation of a small holding parcel (minimum parcel size being 8ha or 20 acres) in areas deemed to have lower agricultural capability being a Canada Land Inventory Agricultural Capability rating of Class 5, 6 or 7: based on these factors, The proposal will not require an

amendment to the OCP.

ZONING: The subject property is zoned A-2 (Large Agricultural Holdings) pursuant to PRRD Zoning Bylaw No. 1343, 2001 in which section (viii) states “minimum parcel size is 63ha (155 acres)” neither the newly created lot nor the remainder will meet these requirements, therefore this rezoning application is required.

IMPACT ANALYSIS AGRICULTURE: This proposal will have little effect on agriculture in the area due to this properties proximity to the Kiskatinaw valley.

CONTEXT: There are several small to medium sized land parcels in the area therefore this proposed subdivision is consistent with surrounding land uses.

Page 2 of 3 File No. 003/2010

POPULATION: This proposal will increase the population by 3 (BC Statistics, 2006) and the number of vehicles in the area by 2. (BC Statistics, 1996)

Page 3 of 3 Peace River Regional District

Application # ____149/2009_____

Dawson Creek Rural Official Community Plan By-law No. 477, 1986 (map# _5__)

Peace River Regional District Zoning By-Law No. 1343, 2001 (Schedule B map#6)

Peace River Regional District

Application # ____149/2009______

Agriculture Land Reserve (map#___93P-078_____)

CLI-Soil Classification (map#____93-P- 10____)

Peace River Regional District By-law No. 1877, 2010 SCHEDULE "A"

Map. No. 6 - Schedule B of "Peace River Regional District Zoning Bylaw No. 1343, 2001" is hereby amended by rezoning the Fractioal NE1/4 Section 3, Township 78, Range 17, W6M, PRD from A-2 "Large Agricultural Zone" to R-5 "Residential 5 Zone" as shown shaded on the drawing below:

CERTIFIED a true and correct copy of Schedule "A" to "Peace River Regional District Zoning Amendment By-law No. 1877, 2010." ______Fred Banham, CAO

CPPP REGIONAL DIARY PPP

LAST DIARY ITEM DIARIZED COMMENTS REVIEW Director Jarvis and April Moi attended Tourism Day on Parliament Hill in November 2007 and had good discussions with ministers. Mr. Mgrath and Michael Audy from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board said even though the 1. Kiskatinaw Bridge - bridge does not meet the criteria for historic site designation, they will work together with us – possibly through Federal Heritage 07/02/22 April 2009 Designation recognition of the whole Alaska Highway. The paperwork (Federal) is underway for national heritage designation of the whole Alaska Highway, which will include the bridge. Tour and meeting held June 24, 2008.

Regional District involvement would require creating a Heritage Service Function and establishing a Commission; creating a community heritage register; acquiring the land; and compiling the necessary documentation to be added 2. Charlie Lake Cave - 09/10/22 Heritage Designation to the Provincial Heritage Registry.

Notification received October 15, 2009 from Maxine Koppe, NCLGA regarding the Resources Expo 2010 scheduled 3. Resources Expo 2010 09/11/12 for June 3-5, 2010 in Prince George B.C.

AGENDA PREPARATION SCHEDULE 2010 January 14, 2010 (Dawson Creek) January 28, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, January 7 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, January 21 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday January 8 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday January 22

February 11, 2010 (Dawson Creek) February 25, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, February 4 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, February 18 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday February 5 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday, February 19

March 11, 2010 (Fort St. John) March 25, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, March 4 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, March 18 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday March 5 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday March 19

April 8, 2010 (Dawson Creek) April 22, 2010 (Fort St. John) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, April 1 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, April 15 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday April 2 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday April 16

May 13, 2010 (Dawson Creek) May 27, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, May 6 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, May 20 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday May 7 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday May 21

June 10, 2010 (Fort St. John) June 24, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, June 3 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, June 17 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday June 4 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday June 18

July 8, 2010 (Dawson Creek) July 22, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, July 1 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, July 15 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday July 2 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday July 16

August 12, 2010 (Dawson Creek) August 26, 2010 (Fort St. John) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, August 5 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, August 19 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday August 6 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday August 20

September 9, 2010 (Dawson Creek) September 23, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, September 2 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, September 16 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday September 3 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday Sept. 17 UBCM - Whistler September 27 - October 1 October 14, 2010 (Dawson Creek) October 28, 2010 (Fort St. John) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, October 7 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, October 21 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday October 8 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday October 22

November 10, 2010 (Dawson Creek) November 25, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation – Thursday, November 4 Agenda Preparation – Thursday, November 18 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday November 5 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday, Nov 19

DECEMBER 10, 2010 (Dawson Creek) Agenda Preparation, Thursday December 2 Post Agenda to PRRD Website - Friday December 3

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT 2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

JANUARY January 13 -14 - BC Natural Resource & Economic Summit - Prince George, BC January 14 - 17 - High on Ice Festival - Fort St. John, BC

FEBRUARY February 10-12 - FCM, Sustainable Communities Conference, Ottawa, On February 14 - Valentines Day

MARCH March 5 - NCLGA - Resolutions Deadline March 14 - Time Change March 16 - 18 - BC Rural Communities Summit - Port Hardy, BC March 21 - 22 - Annual Sled Dog Races - Taylor, BC March TBA - Peace River Municipalities Association Meeting - Chetwynd, BC

APRIL April 2 - Good Friday April 5 - Easter Monday April 13 - 19 - Grey Power Players Curling Championship - Dawson Creek, BC April 20 - 22 - NCMOA - Prince George, BC

MAY May 9 - Mother’s Day May 24 - Victoria Day

JUNE June 3-5 - Resources Expo 2010 - Prince George, BC June 16 - 18 - Local Government Leadership Academy Forum, Richmond, BC June 20 - Father’s Day

JULY July 1 - Canada Day Celebration - Pouce Coupe, BC

AUGUST August 2 - Civic Holiday August 1-2 - Gold Panning Championships August 10 - 15 - Dawson Creek Fall Fair, Exhibition and Pro Rodeo August TBA - Kiskatinaw Fall Fair August 13 - 15 - North Peace Fall Fair August 30 - Battle of the Bands, Tumbler Ridge, BC August 31 - Grizfest, Tumbler Ridge, BC

SEPTEMBER September 6 - Labour Day Sept 27 - Oct 1 - UBCM - Whistler, BC

OCTOBER October 11 - Thanksgiving Day October 31 - Halloween

NOVEMBER November 7 - Time Change November 11 - Remembrance Day

DECEMBER December 10 - PRRD Christmas Party, Dawson Creek December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day December 27 - Stat (Monday off in lieu of Christmas falling on a Saturday) December 28 - Stat (Tuesday off in lieu of Boxing Day falling on a Sunday)

SOUTH PEACE FRINGE AREA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Meeting– Dec 3, 2009

Date: December 3, 2009

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: Peace River Regional District office

Committee: Linda Fontaine Ian Marchuk Judy Madden Barbara Swail Rod Kronlachner Frank Breault Kerry Clark Iva Tuttle Director: Wayne Hiebert, Director of Electoral Area ‘D’ Staff: Debbie Kunz, Assistant Manager of Development Services Bruce Simard, Manager of Development Services NH Sheila Withrow, Northern Health

1. CALL TO ORDER - meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

2. BACKGROUND - brief update of last months bus tour, meeting and surveys - Nov. 5th Advisory Meeting and Bus Tour of planning area - It was noted that the southern boundary of OCP area has been expanded to include areas west of Tomslake, encompassing Fire Protection and Building inspections areas. - Survey responses are coming in, with a reminder of the Dec. 8th deadline - but will allow an extra 4 or 5 days for late responses. Committee members to put an extra push on neighbors or friends for replies - Focus will soon be working on tabulating the Survey results. - Committee members viewed School Kids ‘I love my Community because…’ art work. - Both Debbie and Jodi McLean have been out to a number of other community groups to speak to them and gather their input on local community planning issues - Upper Cutbank, Bessborough (these communities share a close boundary between the South Peace Fringe Area and Rural Area OCP’s. - Resulting from member requests at the Nov. 5th Committee meeting, this is the 1st of several Information Sharing and Gathering Sessions.

3. INTRODUCTIONS - those present introduced themselves. It was reminded that the purpose of these Information sharing sessions is to better Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Mtg SPFA-OCP Dec. 3, 2009 understand existing provincial legislation within the context of preparing an Official Community Plan. We are not here to debate the regulations. Once the OCP is prepared it can be reviewed with a broader understanding of other Agency regulations and influences.

4. NORTHERN HEALTH (NH) - Rural Sewage Waste Disposal Standards (Sheila Withrow) Sewage Disposal Regulations were revised in 2005. - Prior to 2005 - rural land owners required a Sewage Disposal Permit for new developments. Sewage systems were installed and NH inspected and signed off on the system for use. - IN 2005, the Province revised the Sewage Disposal Waste Standards. - NH submitted recommendations for systems that would best suite the northern area however; the new standards do not ideally suit the climate and soil conditions of the Peace Region. - New sewage systems can be installed by: o BC Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) or; o Professional Engineer - New systems are designed, installed and maintained by one of these persons. - NH is now removed from any involvement of these standard requirements, except for the holding of these records. - Costs to meeting these new Sewage standards are significantly higher for both the land owner and installers. Extra costs to installers; training, certification and insurance coverage which are in turn passed on to customers.

Peace area Issues with current design - The newly designed sewage systems for rural acreages are a challenge for the Peace area, due to the new systems being too large and shallow, resulting in freezing problems. However, to date none are causing health hazards. - Peace country soils are predominately clay based which are ideal for lagoon systems. Some soils are sandy and allow for alternative type sewage systems. i.e. Hudson Hope, Chetwynd, and some lake or river front properties have sandy soils. - There has been concern expressed by the installers of the new sewage standards for installing independent private land owner systems. - Within the Oil and Gas industrial camps, high level Sewage treatment package plants are being installed.

Standard Practice Manual - ROWP cannot deviate from the Provincial Standards; however Professional Engineers can request a deviation on sewage standards on site specific areas, based on soil conditions, etc. - There have been some lagoons installed, based on approved deviation requests. - Possibly the professionals should approach the Province to consider amending the Standard Sewage Practice Manual’ to allow for conditional provisions for Northern installers to deviate from the provincial standards, in cases where a traditional lagoon systems would be more suitable based on a set of pre-determined site conditions. - There are times and cases when provincial standards exceed Peace River area needs.

2 Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Mtg SPFA-OCP Dec. 3, 2009 Summary / policy direction: - All sewage systems installed must meet Provincial Sewerage Disposal Standards. - Sewage systems requirements - limit the approved Parcel size. Currently 4 acre is a minimum parcel size with approved sewage disposal systems. - Improperly installed sewage systems are a Public Health Issue. - Sewage disposal is directly linked to the amount of water used. - Potable water should NOT be used for the purpose of filling or replenishing sewage disposal systems. This is ‘irresponsible’ use of water! - To work collaboratively with prov. government towards addressing the Northern BC sewage system standard alternatives.

5. Alternative Sewage Disposal System Study - PRRD, Bruce Simard - In 2008, the Regional Board approved a study to research the opportunity to provide information to assist property owners with on-site sewage disposal options for lots less than 4 acres. The scope of the proposal included: a) Identify opportunities and barriers for compact development, related to rural sewage disposal challenges in the Peace region; b) Research alternative onsite sewage treatment/disposal options for rural lot development that will enable approval of Type II or Type III sewage systems on lots less than four acres in the Peace region; c) Partner with Northern Health; d) Produce a publication for developers to use as a resource in creating new small lot subdivisions. Concerns regarding climate change and energy emissions have raised public concern about community form. Opportunity to develop smaller rural lots will help the development potential for rural communities; facilitate more compact development (compared to current standards); enable some re-subdivision of existing residential land to increase the stock of rural residential lots, without the need to expand residential areas into farm areas. The ability to make smaller lots may also provide greater flexibility and opportunity for farm estates. This study is set out in two primary phases: x The first phase involved a brainstorming session with consultant experts such as, BC Sewage Association, PRRD, Northern Health, and MOTI to discuss reasonable options. x The second stage is now moving forward whereby detailed design options are to demonstrate the ability of alternative designs to meet provincial regulations. A combined version of a ‘Mound and Septic Treatment package system’ (Minnesota Mound) is getting the finer design details completed. - It is not known yet how much land area will be needed for this type of system, but it is hoped that a parcel size of less than 4 acres is practical. - Once the alternative system is completed, a ‘pilot project’ is planned. - If a suitable sewage disposal system is achieved, this alternative system would be added to the provincial Sewage Disposal Standard Manual. - An alternative sewage system will assist with achieving a higher density, lower costs for infrastructure and services such as; natural gas, telephone and roads.

3 Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Mtg SPFA-OCP Dec. 3, 2009 Community Sewage systems - Shared sewage disposal systems were briefly discussed where two or more parcels share a common sewage system. - Such common sewage systems are designed and used in Manufactured Home Parks. - It was noted that there are numerous under sized parcels in the rural area, which were subdivided prior to any provincial sewage standards. These existing under sized lots have difficulty meeting sewage requirements.

6. Agricultural Land Commission / Agricultural Land Reserve - presented by Debbie Kunz A presentation of the ALC and the ALR was reviewed highlighting the following topics: - Who are the ALC and what is the ALR? - 5% of province land base is within the ALR (4.7 million hectares) - These ALR lands are located in the same area that settlements, roads and utilities are concentrated. How much ALR and Class 1 t 3 lands are in the Peace country? - ALC Act was revised in 2002, but has been in existence since 1972 The Northern Panel representatives are: - William Norton, Chilako Lake, west of Prince George - Denise Dowswell, Vanderhoof, east of Prince George - leaving the Peace Country seat currently vacant It was noted that the representative for the Peace Country will soon be filled. On a recent visit the Land Commissions said, this position has not yet been filled due to too much training time required to get this person up to speed. Purpose of the ALC - to preserve agricultural land - To encourage farming on agriculture land - To encourage all users to accommodate farm use of agricultural lands and uses compatible to agriculture in their plans, bylaws and policies Two main functions of the ALC are: o Application processing o Local government (and others) plans and bylaw review. Types of Applications o 20% are ALR Inclusion and Exclusion applications o 80% are Subdivision and Non-farm use applications within the ALR. List of Permitted Farm uses and Non-farm uses were discussed, noting that the complete lists of use are best referenced within the ALC Act - when developers come into the office, proposals are checked against the ALC Act and then checked with the local area by-laws (OCP’s , Zoning, Building Inspection) - Any question of how a proposal is affected by the ALC Act, the Commission is contacted directly. - Agricultural Advisory Committees have been established and may review controversial applications that may affect the ALR and agricultural land related issues - Application process and ALC decision criteria were briefly reviewed, noting that the ALC provides each land owner with a decision and reasons for that decision. Local government continues to be a partner with the ALC in agricultural land preservation.

4 Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Mtg SPFA-OCP Dec. 3, 2009 Delegation Agreements - between the Land Commission and local government are pursuant to Section 26 of the ALC Act - These are a voluntary agreement - Commission may delegate decision making to local government - applies to applications for subdivision and non-farm use - Does not apply to applications for Exclusion or Inclusion It was noted that to date, this Regional District has not taken on a Delegation Agreement, however during the development of the South Peace Fringe Area OCP - this may be an opportune time to consider options for such an agreement.

Advantages of Delegation: ¾ Simplifies the application process, faster turn around - one stop shopping ¾ More local government accountability ¾ Improved ability to meet the applicants ¾ Closer working relationship with local government ¾ Retention of fees and penalties Principles of Delegation - Independent decisions by local gov. in terms of the ALC Act - Voluntary mutual agreement between local gov. and ALC - No appeal to ALC - Opportunities for stakeholders and public input - Faster more efficient Information transfer To date Fraser Fort George and the East Kootney Regional District have taken on a Delegation Agreement with the ALC - for parts of OCP area or for specific uses. The ALC and OGC Delegation agreement was briefly reviewed as follows: 3 main parts to the agreement a) Exemptions for oil and gas non-farm use of ALR (similar to old Gen. Order) b) OGC Applications delegated for oil and gas non-farm use decisions to OGC Commissioner c) ALC Applications - some oil and gas non-farm use still go to the ALC via the Local government office See the attached Appendix 1 from the OGC agreement for details on applications. The following is a list of ALC/OGC Delegation conditions - surface landowner consent or MAB order (mediation and arbitration board) - advice of reclamation specialist obtained - Schedule A pre-site report / reclamation plan developed in consultation with surface land owner - Area reclaimed as per Schedule B - submit prior to COR (certificate of rrestoration) with 24 month pipeline - Maximum total area used for oil and gas is 7 ha per quarter section OR an application for a non-farm use to the ALC via the local government (refer to Non-farm use #10 on Appendix 1).

7. NEXT STEPS x Continue Educational/Information Sharing Sessions - Key speakers x NEXT speaker and DATE - TBA 5 Minutes - Community Advisory Committee Mtg SPFA-OCP Dec. 3, 2009 x Survey closing date Dec. 8th with a weeks late grace time. x Focus will be working on tabulate/analysis the Survey results. x Building Profile - gathering and collecting background information and demographics to establish framework of OCP.

8. Community Energy Plan (CEP) - Bruce briefly explained that the province has set a province wide target to reduce our total Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 33% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 (from 2007 levels). The PRRD has signed on to the BC Climate Action Charter where our challenge will be to reduce our energy consumption and GHG. GHG reduction targets will be established and incorporated into the policies of this OCP.

9. MEETING was terminated at 9:10 pm. ______Debbie Kunz, Recorder

6

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

RURAL BUDGETS ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

DATE: December 17, 2009 TIME: 1:00 p.m. PLACE: Peace River Regional District, Dawson Creek, BC

PRESENT: Directors Director Karen Goodings, Electoral Area ‘B, Meeting Chair Director Hadland, Electoral Area ‘C’ Director Wayne Hiebert, Electoral Area 'D', Meeting Chair Director Tim Caton, Electoral Area ‘E’

Staff Shannon Anderson, Deputy Administrator Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer Ron Storie, Manager of Community Services Diana Mitchell, Executive/Recording Secretary

1) Call to Order: The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:20 am.

NEW BUSINESS: Director Caton: - Pine Valley Exhibition Park - Fair Share for minor hockey

Director Hadland: - feasibility for Cargill Elevator - funds for Old Fort Cemetery

ADOPTION OF AGENDA:

2) Adoption of Agenda MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee agenda for the December 17, 2009 meeting be adopted.

CALL TO ORDER: - Director Goodings to chair the meeting DIRECTORS’ NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS: ADOPTION OF AGENDA: MINUTES: M-1 Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: DELEGATIONS:

Peace River Regional District Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2009

ADOPTION OF AGENDA: continued

2) Adoption of Agenda CORRESPONDENCE: C-1 November 30th letter and December 14th Grant Request Application from Stan Brooks, Director Big Bam Ski Club regarding funding to cover costs of restoring BC Hydro service to the hill. C-2 ** To be handed out at meeting Funding request from Dawson Creek Ski Hill. REPORTS: R-1 December 7th report from Ron Storie regarding additional Area ‘B’ BC Rail funding to cover first aid courses delivered to Wonowon. R-2 December 11th report from Shannon Anderson, Ron Storie and Kim Frech, regarding an increase in the Area ‘B’ Fair Share commitment toward the Buick Creek Arena. R-3 Financial Report as of November, 2009 1) Grants-in-Aid; 2) Fair Share Money Market Fund; 3) BC Rail; and 4) Reserve Balances. NEW BUSINESS: NB-1 Pine Valley Exhibition Park – water lines NB-2 Fair Share for minor hockey sweaters NB-3 Feasibility study for Cargill Elevator NB-4 Funding for Old Fort Cemetery ADJOURNMENT: CARRIED.

MINUTES: 3) M-1 MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, RBAC Meeting Minutes that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, of November 19, 2009 2009 be adopted. CARRIED.

BUSINESS ARISING: 4) BA-1 MOVED by Director Hadland, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Charlie Lake Sewer that the Charlie Lake Sewer Monitoring Project be diarized. Monitoring CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE: 4) C-1 Director Hadland excused himself from the meeting at this time due to a conflict of Big Bam Ski Club interest. request for funds MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee approve a $4,000 grant from the New Rural Loan Fund Interest to the Big Bam Ski Club toward costs incurred to restore hydro power to the hill (the equivalent of the maximum grant available under the Fair Share Hydro Electrification policy). CARRIED. Director Hadland returned to the meeting.

Page 2 of 5 Peace River Regional District Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2009

CORRESPONDENCE: continued

5) C-2 MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Bear Mountain Ski Club that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee approve $2, 500 from Electoral request for funds Area ‘D’ and $9,000 from Electoral Area ‘E’ Grants to Community Organizations; and, a loan of up to $6,500 from the New Rural Loan Fund for a total of $18,000 toward the cost of insurance for the Bear Mountain Ski Club.

CARRIED.

REPORTS: 6) R-1 MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, Wonowon First Aid that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee approve an additional Courses re: additional commitment of $4,000 from Area ‘B’ BC Rail toward first aid training for the funding Wonowon Horse Club Society.

CARRIED. 7) R-2 MOVED by Director Hadland, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Buick Creek Arena that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee approve increasing the Area ‘B’ Budget re: increase Fair Share commitment to the Buick Creek Arena from $1,110,000 to a maximum of $1,500,000. CARRIED. 8) R-3 The financial report was reviewed: Financial Report as of x It was noted that the funds remaining for the RCMP broomball could be November 2009 referred to rural broomball by resolution; and that the funds do not get written off for a few years

MOVED by Director Goodings, SECONDED by Director Hadland, that the remaining Electoral Area ‘B’ Fair Share commitment of $19,039.64 for Rose Prairie water be removed as the project is complete. CARRIED.

MOVED by Director Goodings, SECONDED by Director Hadland, that the remaining Electoral Area ‘B’ Fair Share commitment of $$1,754.16 for Montney/Upper Pine water be removed as the project is complete.

CARRIED.

NEW BUSINESS: 9) NB-1 MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, Pine Valley Exhibition that the Rural Budgets Administration Committee approve increasing the Electoral Park Area ‘E’ Fair Share commitment, to the Pine Valley Exhibition Park for replacement of outside water lines, by $5,000 for a total of $25,000. CARRIED.

10) NB-2 Discussion ensued – the Directors decided it would be precedent setting and Fair Share for Minor inappropriate to use Fair Share funds for Minor Hockey sweaters. Hockey Sweaters

Page 3 of 5 Peace River Regional District Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2009

NEW BUSINESS: (continued)

11) NB-3 It was noted that the request for funding toward a feasibility study for the Cargill Feasibility study for Elevator should be forwarded to the North Peace Economic Development Cargill Elevator Commission.

12) NB-4 It was noted that Electoral Area ‘C’ would include funding for cemeteries in the new Funding for Old Fort budget. Cemetery

ADJOURNMENT: MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, that the meeting adjourn. CARRIED. The meeting adjourned at 12:35 pm.

Director Karen Goodings, Meeting Chair Diana Mitchell, Recording Secretary

Page 4 of 5 Peace River Regional District Rural Budgets Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2009

DIARY

DIARY ITEM DIARIZED COMMENTS LAST REVIEW 1. Charlie Lake Sewer December 17, 2009 - ongoing Monitoring

Page 5 of 5

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: December 17, 2009 TIME: 10 a.m. PLACE: Regional District Office Boardroom, Dawson Creek, BC PRESENT: Director Karen Goodings, Electoral Area ‘B’ and Meeting Chair Director Wayne Hiebert, Electoral Area ‘D’ Director Arthur Hadland, Electoral Area ‘C’ Director Tim Caton, Electoral Area ‘E’ Staff: Shannon Anderson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ron Storie, Manager Community Services Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer Owen Bloor, South Peace Planner (10:55 p.m.) Barb Coburn, Recording Secretary

1) Call to Order Chair Goodings called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

DIRECTOR’S NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS TC Alternative Power Sources AH Cargill Elevator included in the ALR KB BC Natural Resource Forum

ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2) December 17, 2009 MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Hadland, Agenda that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee agenda for the December 17, 2009 meeting be adopted, including items of New Business: Minutes: M-1 Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009 Business Arising: Correspondence: C-1 December 10, 2009 email from Dan Morrison, Customer Account Manager, Commercial West - Markets, TransCanada PipeLines Limited regarding Sales Taps. C-2 December 15, 2009 email from Arvo Koppel, System Administrator, PRiS System Operations regarding a request to use the Lone Prairie Tower. Reports: New Business: NB-1 Alternative Power Sources NB-2 Cargill Elevator included in ALR NB-3 BC Natural Resource Forum Diary: Adjournment: CARRIED.

Page 1 of 5 Peace River Regional District Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2009

MINUTES: 3) M-1 MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Caton, re: EADC meeting that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting minutes of November 19, minutes of Nov 19/09 2009 be adopted with the following amendment: Page 3, Item C-1, in the last sentence of the first paragraph, change the word ‘length’ to ‘size’, to read: “. . sewer lines would be sufficient in size to connect to . .” CARRIED.

BUSINESS ARISING 4) BA-1 The Directors expressed their appreciation for the update delivered by Jodi re: NB-3, Rural OCP MacLean, Project Planner regarding the progress of the Rural Official Community Plan. They wished to compliment Mr. MacLean on how well the public meetings were organized as well as the dialog he was able to generate from the local residents in the various communities.

A discussion ensued regarding the difficulties faced in planning rural meetings. It was mentioned that planning the public meetings in conjunction with other meetings already set in the community was quite successful in reaching more residents. However, at some of those meetings the demographics were a little one-sided as the participants were mostly either male or female. It was noted that a mix of both male and female participants is more desirable as the responses are from different points-of-view and therefore covers a wider vision of future needs for the community.

CORRESPONDENCE: 5) C-1 The Directors discussed the information received from Mr. Dan Morrison, re: Sales Taps on the Customer Account Manager, Commercial West - Markets of TransCanada TransCanada PipeLines Limited. It was noted that TransCanada would accept and evaluate PipeLines Limited an application from PNG to have sales taps installed along the pipeline that is to pipeline. be built from Groundbirch BC to Gordondale AB.

MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hadland, that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that: a) staff, in conjunction with Director Caton, contact PNG (NE) to request that PNG apply to TransCanada Pipeline Limited to have two sales taps installed on the pipeline that is to be built from Groundbirch BC to Gordondale Alberta; b) staff investigate Provincial legislation regarding the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources having the authority to direct TransCanada PipeLines Limited to install sales taps; and c) copies of all correspondence be forwarded to the Honourable Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. CARRIED

Page 2 of 5 Peace River Regional District Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2009

CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED): 6) C-2 The Directors discussed the email from Mr. Arvo Koppel, System re: Lone Prairie Administrator, PRiS System Operations regarding the request to use the Lone Tower Prairie Tower to provide high-speed internet access to the rural residents in the area. It was noted that there may be some liability issues that would require addressing.

MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be encouraged to work with Mr. Arvo Koppel, System Administrator, PRiS to negotiate a mutual agreement that would provide PRiS access to the Lone Prairie tower in order to provide internet access to the local residents. CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS: 7) NB-1 The Directors discussed the recent thirteen-hour power outage in Tumbler Alternate Power Ridge and the need for residents and communities to have back-up power Sources sources ready in case of emergency situations, especially during extreme cold weather conditions. It was also noted that one of the problems experienced in Tumbler Ridge is that seals on the air trips that are used to restore power were not sealing in the forty below weather.

Another difficulty experienced in this region is that when the linemen were moved from the area, the expertise and knowledge of where things are located and the familiarity of the road systems in the region went with them. Neither the dispatchers in Prince George nor the linemen sent to this area are familiar with the local road systems and therefore take a considerable amount of valuable time trying to locate where the problem originated.

Emergency Services has a list of what kind of power sources are available and where they are being stored; but, if a generator is needed in Chetwynd and had to come from Dawson Creek, it would take several hours to load up the generator, transport it to Chetwynd, then warm it up so it can be started and eventually plugged into a transfer switch.

The Directors stated that it is important to have a secondary power supply in the local communities. It was also noted that rural residents should be advised to have secondary supplies on hand in case of emergencies. The Directors discussed whether the Regional District should place full-page advertisements in local papers, annually just prior to the winter season to remind residents that winter is on its way and list some of the precautions that should be taken. The ad should also include suggestions on how to be prepared; for instance, having emergency back-ups for homes as well as having vehicles prepared and equipped with emergency kits.

Page 3 of 5 Peace River Regional District Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2009

NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED): 7) NB-1 (continued) Mr. Storie advised that there is good information regarding different methods to use during a power failure provided by Canadian Mortgage and Housing Commission (CMHC) on the Peace River Regional District website at: www.prrd.bc.ca/services/emergency/documents/backup_power.pdf. If that link does not work, the information is on the Regional District website under Emergency Services, then the Get Prepared link. There was some further discussion on providing more information to the general public regarding the cost and possible funding for transfer switches to accommodate generators.

MOVED by Director Hadland, SECONDED by Director Caton, that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that the Regional District task BC Hydro to staff this region with sufficient line crews to have on hand for power-outage emergencies especially during the winter season. CARRIED

8) NB-2 The Directors discussed the advisability of the North Pine Farmers Institute Cargill Elevator land making an application to the Agricultural Land Commission to have the lot inclusion in ALR where the newly-acquired Cargill elevator is located included in the Agricultural Land Reserve. It was suggested that only the portion of lot that immediately surrounds the elevator be included in the application, leaving the remaining land zoned as it is to allow for any future approved use that could possibly generate additional funding.

The need to include the land within the Agricultural Land Reserve is to protect the elevator from issues that may occur and complaints that may be expressed by neighbouring businesses and residents.

9) NB-3 The Directors discussed the BC Natural Resource Forum and Economic BC Natural Resource Summit that is scheduled to be held on January 13 and 14, 2009 in Prince Forum and Economic George. It was noted that the Forum is to be held at the same time as the first Summit Regional Board meeting which is scheduled for January 14, 2009.

MOVED by Director Caton, SECONDED by Director Hiebert, that the Electoral Area Directors’ Committee recommend to the Regional Board that Directors Hadland and Hiebert be authorized to attend the BC Natural Resource Forum and Economic Summit on January 13 and 14, 2010 in Prince George. CARRIED

DIARY: 10) Diary-1 The Directors were advised that a double-wide outhouse has been ordered for Sundance Lake Rest the Sundance Lake Rest Stop. The free-Crown grant has not been applied for at Stop this time as we are still waiting to complete the consultation process with First Nations.

Page 4 of 5 Peace River Regional District Electoral Area Directors’ Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2009

DIARY (CONTINUED): 11) Diary-2 The Directors enquired whether Telus had been in touch with the Regional Telus Delegation District to advise whether there is an employee who is ‘up to speed’ that would be able to attend a Board meeting to update the Directors on future plans for cellular service in the rural areas. To date there has not been any word from Telus; however, Mrs. Faye Salisbury has been regularly contacting Telus.

12) Diary-3 The Directors were advised that the Hutterite Community had hired a Access to water well consultant to complete the process for acquiring access to the water well located within the Peace River Corridor Provincial Park which borders their property. All parties involved have come to an agreement and the community has met all outstanding commitments; however, bureaucracy states that a resolution from the Regional Board is required. It was suggested that the Hutterites contact the Regional District to request to be a delegation at a future Board meeting.

13) Adjournment MOVED by Director Hiebert, SECONDED by Director Hadland, that the meeting adjourn. CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

Karen Goodings, Chair Barb Coburn, Recording Secretary

Page 5 of 5 PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT NORTHEAST INVASIVE PLANT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: Regional District Offices, Dawson Creek, BC

PRESENT: Tim Caton, Electoral Area ‘E’ Director, Meeting Chair Mike McConnell, PR Regional Cattlemen’s Association Art Seidl, PR Regional Cattlemen’s Association Mike Deliman, President, Spectrum Resource Group Inc., 10:15 am Andrew Shwetz, Sunrise Environmental Ltd. Manuel Mariotto, IPM Unit, Ministry of Environment Marilyn Belak, Timberline Trail and Nature Club Bob Drinkwater, Ministry of Forests and Range, Prince George Dennis Meier, Invasive Plant Contractor - Regional District Stephanie Haight, Ministry of Forests and Range, Dawson Creek Christy Strocel, Louisiana Pacific Canada Ltd. Troy Gould, District of Taylor Mohammed Farah, Oil and Gas Commission, Fort St. John, 10:15 am Denise McLean, Chair, Northwest Invasive Plant Council Ron and Verena Reznicek, PR Organic Producers Association, 1:20 pm Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services Suzanne Garrett, Corporate Services Coordinator

Via Teleconference Linda Wilson, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Sonja Leverkus, Ministry of Forests and Range, Fort Nelson Steve Guterham, Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories Daryl Nolan, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Raylene Otto, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Carolyn Astley, Hemmera - Environmental Service Consultant Charlie Palmer, Hemmera - Environmental Service Consultant

1) Call to Order Director Caton called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: 2) Adoption of the MOVED by Denis Meier, SECONDED by Bob Drinkwater, Agenda that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Agenda for the December 8, 2009 meeting including New Business and additional items for the agenda, be adopted as amended. CARRIED. Minutes M-1 Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2009 M-2 Northeast Invasive Plant Management Area Steering Committee Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009 M-3 Borders North Initiative Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2009.

Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009

Adoption of the Agenda (continued)

2) Adoption of the Business Arising from the Minutes: Agenda Correspondence C-1 August 20, 2009 email from the Fort Nelson Invasive Plant Management Area Steering Committee regarding: a) North American Weed Free Forage Program; and b) Native Plant Society C-2 November 12, 2009 email from Bob Drinkwater, Ministry of Forests and Range regarding request to the Minister of Environment to review and consider an amendment to regulation 74 to include aminopyralid. C-3 November 23, 2009 email from Sonja Leverkus, Ministry of Forests and Range regarding “what to do with them after we pick them?” C-4 November 3, 2009 email from Marilyn Belak, Timberline Trail and Nature Club regarding Peace River Parkland mixture. Reports: R-1 November 20, 2009 Chair’s report from the Fort Nelson Invasive Plant Management Area Steering Committee - Sonja Leverkus R-2 Report on the Pine Pass, North and South Peace Invasive Plant Management Areas - Stephanie Haight R-3 Report on the Ministry of Forests and Range 2009 Invasive Plant Program - Stephanie Haight R-4 Report on the new multi agency Program - Bob Drinkwater R-5 Report on the 2009 Pest Management Program - Sunrise Environmental Inc. R-6 Report on the 2009 Pine Pass IPMA Program - Spectrum Resource Group Inc. R-7 Agency reports on the 2009 Invasive Plant Program. New Business: NB-1 Cosmetic Herbicides NB-2 Outreach and Education Program Adjournment:

MINUTES: 3) M-1 MOVED by Karen Goodings, SECONDED by Marilyn Belak, NEIPC Meeting that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of Minutes of April 28, 2008 be adopted. April 28, 2009 CARRIED.

4) M-2 MOVED by Marilyn Belak, SECONDED by Dennis Meier, NEIPM Area that the Northeast Invasive Plant Management Area Steering Committee Steering Cmte. Mtg. Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2009 be received. Min. of Nov. 19, 2009 CARRIED.

5) M-3 MOVED by Troy Gould, SECONDED by Sonja Leverkus, Borders North that the Borders North Initiative Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2009 Mtg. Min. of be received. Oct 2, 2009. CARRIED. Page -2- Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:

6) M-1, page 3 Concern was expressed that there is no concentrated effort being taking in steam cleaning of rig mats.

MOVED by Art Seidl, SECONDED by Bob Drinkwater, that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Dan Hanson, Oil and Gas Commission, requesting clarification on the procedure for removal of soils from rig mats and suggest that rig mats be kept within a specified area in an attempt reduce the import of invasive plant seeds from Alberta and other areas. CARRIED.

7) M-1, page 3 Members were advised that the sub-committee - Sonja Leverkus, Oil and Gas Art Seidl, and Jill Copes participated in a teleconference call with Linda Activities Act Wilson, Manager, Invasive Plant Management Program regarding the draft Oil and Gas Activities Act. Draft comments were compiled.

A second draft of the Act is open for public review/consultation on the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources web site. Members will be checking the second draft to determine if their comments have been included.

8) M-2 Best Ms. Haight had prepared a referral for the Quality Wind project within Management Practice the Hourglass fire area. It was suggested that an invasive plant best management practice (BMP) document be developed that the Integrated Land Management Branch, Oil and Gas Commission, the Ministry of Forests and Range, etc., can hand out to tenure holders and all industries. It was suggested that this document be referred to in the Plan and Profile.

MOVED by Stephanie Haight, SECONDED by Mike Delimann, that a Sub-Committee consisting of the following members be struck to draft a Best Management Practice document for review at the Spring NEIPC meeting: Stephanie Haight, Dennis Meier, Carolyn Astley, Mike Deliman CARRIED.

Some items to include in the BMP - gravel pits, steam cleaning, natural re-vegetation, minimum disturbance, etc.

9) M-2 Hawkweed MOVED by Dennis Meier, SECONDED by Manuel Mariotto, that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Linda Wilson, Manager, Invasive Plant Management Program requesting that all alien Hawkweed Species be added to the Regional List of prohibited weeds in the Weed Control Act. CARRIED.

Page -3- Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009

Business Arising from the Minutes: (continued) 10) M-2 NWIPC MOVED by Marilyn Belak, SECONDED by Dennis Meier, appreciation that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Northwest Invasive Plant Committee expressing appreciation for the work they undertook in the Pine Pass area in 2009. CARRIED.

11) M-2 Hawkweed MOVED by Mike Deliman, SECONDED by Andrew Shwetz, Tumbler Ridge that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the District of Tumbler Ridge requesting that they treat Hawkweed within their municipal boundary as fire mitigation work may result in the spread of Hawkweed into other areas. CARRIED.

12) M-2 PFZ’s MOVED by Andrew Shwetz, SECONDED by Dennis Meier, that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister of Environment requesting the use of aminopyralid within PFZ’s as per Invasive Plant Management Regulation, Section 74, with a copy to the Northwest Invasive Plant Committee. CARRIED.

Members were advised that the letter should include additional information as backup to the request. Contractors are on the ground, they know what chemical works in different circumstances, i.e. pulling Hawkweed makes it spread faster. Broad spectrum kills everything, give examples, i.e. helicopter pad Monkman Park. Milestone is the preferred chemical to use close to water, however Reg 74 only allows glyphosate to be used in riparian area, which kills all plant species. Milestone is an environmentally safer chemical. Contractors will be providing comments to Stephanie to document their expertise in the letter.

Marilyn Belak requested a copy of this information for City Council.

13) M-2 Pine Pass MOVED by Stephanie Haight, SECONDED by Mike Deliman, IPMA that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that continuation of the Pine Pass Invasive Plant Management Area (IPMA) be approved. CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE: 14) C-1a) Discussion ensued regarding contaminated forage being taken into weed free weed free areas. It was suggested that a better approach needs to be forage undertaken to ensure all stakeholders/users use weed free forage. It was noted that Alberta has an informal weed free program. Ms. Leverkus will forward information on their program.

MOVED by Dennis Meier, SECONDED by Troy Gould, that this item be referred to the 2010 spring meeting. CARRIED. Page -4- Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009 Correspondence: (continued)

15) C-3 Discussion ensued regarding the disposal of mechanically treated what to do with weeds. Currently weeds that have been hand pulled are put into them after we garbage bags and disposed of at the nearest landfill, transfer station pick them? or burned at the West Fraser burner. It was felt that if an individual takes the time to hand pull weeds they should be encouraged and not be charged at the landfill for disposal, $2.00. Bags could be identified with tags.

MOVED by Marilyn Belak, SECONDED by Sonja Leverkus, that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a best management policy / procedure for the disposal of hand pulled weed plants be implemented, including but not limited to: a) that may include the waiving of tipping fees for disposal; b) possible signage at disposal sites; c) do not recycle garden debris into a public park or natural area; and d) avoid composting invasive plants, as they can quickly re-establish themselves. CARRIED.

16) Recess The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m. 17) Reconvene The meeting reconvened at 12:30 p.m.

REPORTS:

18) R-1 Chairs Ms. Leverkus briefly reviewed the 2009 Chair’s report from the Fort report from FN Nelson Invasive Plant Management Area Steering Committee. Priorities IMPA for 2010 include:

1. Treatment contract 2. Partnerships and funding 3. Education and awareness 4. Projects - native seeds and plants, weed free forage, BMP’s for industry and sand for fracing follow-up. 5. Finding additional funding sources

19) R-2 Pine Pass, Report on the Pine Pass, North and South Peace Invasive Plant North, South Peace Management Areas by Stephanie Haight. IMPA (Handout) Treated areas included: Moberly and Johnson Forest Service Roads (FSR’s) - Hawkweed Sunkunka FSR, Blind Creek FSR and Lower Burnt FSR Hasler FSR Clearwater and Silver Sands FSR’s

Issues for 2010 - activity in Sukunka - Johnson Creek Hawkweed infestation “bridging” the Peace River at the lower dam and entering the North Peace IPMA - Highway ditch control options and handpulling

Page -5- Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009 Reports: (continued)

20) R-3 MoFR Mr. Drinkwater briefly updated members on the status of the 2009 Program Ministry of Forests and Range Invasive Plant program. (handout) Issues for 2010 - Hawkweed containment, very challenging as the more survey work that is done the more sites are found. Hawkweeds are moving in quickly and it will be an effort to maintain containment. - Dalmation Toadflax - NEIPC Plan says all sites will be managed - there is an issue with the large site found this year at the Fort St. John Lookout. Bio control agents were released in the center of this large infestation on very difficult terrain while strategies to eliminate the site are investigated. Note the bio control has been very successful in other parts of the province. - Caraway, the infestations along the Alaska Highway really took off this year. It appears the NEIPC 2007-2008 decision to begin work on containing Caraway was timely. - Common Tansy, the visibility of Common Tansy is going to assist in containing the species as it is easy to locate and awareness work should bring in reports.

21) R-4 Multi Agency Mr. Drinkwater advised members that the Ministry of Forests and PMP Range; Ministry of Environment; Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; have commenced application for a multiple agency Pest Management Permit.

22) R-5 Sunrise Mr. Andrew Shwetz reviewed the 2009 Pest Management Program. Environmental Areas covered included highways, Regional District landfills, gravel report pits and pastures (MoFR). (handout)

23) Pipelines Discussion ensued regarding invasive plants at pipeline sites. It was felt that Spectra Energy should be encouraged to increase their participation.

MOVED by Dennis Meier, SECONDED by Sonja Leverkus, a) that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to Steve Henderson, Spectra Energy Transmission and Pembina Pipeline Corporation requesting that their companies consider investing funding towards invasive plant management within their pipeline right-of-ways for the 2010 / 2011 season; b) with copies to Devin Scheck, Oil and Gas Commission and Marion Johannson, Spectra Energy Transmission. CARRIED.

24) R-7 Mr. Daryl Nolan, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advised Agency Reports members that the invasive plant budget will remain the same for 2010.

Page -6- Peace River Regional District Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2009 NEW BUSINESS:

25) NB-1 MOVED by Karen Goodings, SECONDED by Dennis Meier, Cosmetic use that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee recommend to the of herbicides Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister of Environment explaining the difference between cosmetic use of herbicides versus agricultural / forestry use of herbicides. CARRIED.

26) NB-2 Outreach A program has been initiated for providing outreach support in a number and Education of locations across the province. The program will hire unemployed Program workers (no need to be a resource worker) to increase awareness of invasive plants by providing youth programs, spotters workshops, assist at local community events, etc. The Invasive Plant Council has hired Barb Stewart as Program Manager for this two year program.

MOVED by Andrew Shwetz, SECONDED by Mike Deliman, that the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee, support in principle, the Hot Spots Outreach and Education Program, to increase awareness of invasive plants by providing youth programs, subject to program operation costs and the availability of interested participants. CARRIED.

27) Committee MOVED by Troy Gould, SECONDED by Dennis Meier, Report that the recommendations from the Northeast Invasive Plant Committee Meeting of December 8, 2009 be recommended to the Regional Board for approval. CARRIED.

28) Adjournment MOVED by Mike McConnell, SECONDED by Art Seidl, that the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

______Tim Caton, S. Garrett, Chair Corporate Services Coordinator

Page -7-

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes

DATE: Monday, December 7, 2009

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: Regional District offices, Fort St. John, BC

PRESENT: Director Tim Caton, Electoral Area ‘E’, Committee Chair Director Bruce Lantz, City of Fort St. John Director Evan Saugstad, District of Chetwynd Director Karen Goodings, Electoral Area ‘B’, 10:15 a.m. Shannon Anderson, General Manager of Environmental Services Jeff Rahn, Manager of Solid Waste Services Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Garrett, Corporate Services Coordinator

Guests Director Arthur Hadland, Electoral Area ‘C’ Dr. Tony Sperling, Sperling Hansen Associates Owen Carney, Carney’s Waste Systems

1) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.

2) Adoption of the MOVED by Director Saugstad, SECONDED by Director Lantz, Agenda that the Solid Waste Committee Meeting agenda for the December 7, 2009 meeting, including Directors’ New Business and Additional Items for the agenda, be adopted as amended. CARRIED. Minutes: M-1 Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2009 Business Arising from the Minutes: Delegations: D-1 Director Hadland regarding Vancouver Sun newspaper article entitled “Follow the money, not the trash pile, in solving solid waste management mess.” D-2 Dr. Tony Sperling, Sperling Hansen Associates regarding an update on the Solid Waste System Review. Reports: R-1 October 28, 2009 report from Ellen Calliou, Economic Development Officer, District of Chetwynd, regarding Clean Up Trails for Tomorrow. R-2 November 24, 2009 report from Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer regarding Clean Up coupon program. R-3 November 24, 2009 report from Kim Frech, Chief Financial Officer regarding Financial Report for the Solid Waste Management function. R-4 November 26, 2009 report from Jeff Rahn, Manager of Solid Waste Services regarding an update on the Fort St. John Landfill R-5 November 30, 2009 report from Jeff Rahn, Manager of Solid Waste Services regarding Versus Goliath proposal for landfill gas assessment and collection at the Fort St. John Landfill. R-6 November 26, 2009 report from Jeff Rahn, Manager of Solid Waste Services regarding Materials Recycling Task Force - Terms of Reference. 1 Peace River Regional District Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2009

2) Adoption of the New Business: Agenda NB-1 Solid Waste Committee meeting schedule (continued) Diary:

MINUTES:

3) M-1 MOVED by Director Saugstad, SECONDED by Director Lantz, SWC Mtg. Min. that Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2008 of Sept. 15, 2009 be adopted. CARRIED. DELEGATIONS:

4) D-1 Director Hadland expressed concern that following a review of the Regional re: RSWMP Solid Waste Management Plan that the Regional District was not being proactive article enough within the scope of the Plan. There are many innovations that could be investigated, i.e. waste to energy. There is a need to look to the future for the benefit of the whole of the region.

It was noted that a number of options have been investigated over the years. Some innovations are expensive to implement and cost recovery takes time. The focus in Phase I of the Plan is investigation of options, costs to the taxpayer, etc.

5) D-2 Dr. Tony Sperling, P. Eng., Sperling Hansen Associates was in attendance to re: update on the provide members with an update on the Solid Waste System Review. SW system review. Tasks to be undertaken include data and budget review, facility profile and financial model, benchmark survey, facility inspections, review of Regional District operations - how do operations compare to rest of the Province.

The scope of work was changed to include exploring the feasibility of a joint Regional District - Industry waste to energy facility. The second change is the presentation of the draft report and final report to the Solid Waste Committee.

Director Goodings noted that the Regional District needs to find a better system for the disposal of bale wrap. Producers burn the plastic in the spring.

6) Recess The meeting recessed for coffee at 11:30 a.m.

7) Reconvene The meeting reconvened at 11:40 p.m.

MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that the Solid Waste System Review budget be increased by $6,821.33 to allow for the addition of an investigation of a Regional waste-to-energy facility and presentations of the report by Sperling Hansen Associates to the Solid Waste Committee.

CARRIED.

2 Peace River Regional District Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2009

REPORTS: 8) R-1 Ms. Ellen Calliou, Economic Development Officer, District of Chetwynd re: Clean Up forwarded the final report for the Clean Up Trails for Tomorrow program. Job Trails for opportunities were created under this program for those affected by the Tomorrow economic and social impacts being faced by the forestry industry. A crew of 20 members conducted maintenance and re-establishment of local trail systems, clean up of garbage that was dumped in several areas and assisted in the clean up of creeks. Projects completed included Old Baldy, Project Greenspace, Project R2, Project Stream Keepers and Project Cleanup. The Regional Board had authorized waiving of tipping fees up to $1,500.00 toward the Clean Up Trails for Tomorrow Program.

9) R-2 Discussions have taken place regarding the implementation of a “voucher re: Clean up system” to replace the Spring and Fall Clean up campaigns. Campaign voucher system It was noted that currently refuse is dumped at transfer bin sites and is constantly picked up. Will the Regional District see any improvement if a voucher system is implemented, or will people just continue to dump their large bulky items at the bin sites.

There are a number of rural areas that are against the proposed voucher system. However, spring and fall clean up costs approximately $240,000 annually and costs keep escalating. Concern was expressed that more garbage will be found along roadways, need to ensure that loads are tarped. Cost to implement voucher system would be approximately $50,000.

MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board:

a) that the Regional District undertake one typical clean up campaign, in the spring of 2010; and b) that a pilot “voucher system” be operated for 2010, in conjunction with the typical clean up campaign, for the disposal of bulky waste items; and c) that an evaluation report on the pilot project be prepared at the end of 2010 for review by the Solid Waste Committee. CARRIED.

10) R-4 - in 2004 it had been estimated that there was enough pitting space to re: update on FSJ continue landfilling for 5 years; landfill - after that five year period landfilling could continue above ground in different areas of the site for a further 11 years, but only if sufficient cover material was readily available from off-site; - slope stability concerns relative to steep slopes adjacent to the landfill, and landfill elevations that an adjacent property owner had identified were impacting his viewscape. Slope stability has been monitored through bi-annual readings of geotechnical instruments installed in the ground. Observations have revealed no movements associated with the upland slope. As well landfill elevations were investigated through modeling of final contours associated with the 5 and 16 year fill plans along with digital photos showing the appearance of final elevations as viewed from an adjacent resident.

3 Peace River Regional District Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2009

Reports: (continued)

10) R-4 It was determined that final elevations would be approximately one-half (continued) the height of a tree line buffer separating the two properties. remaining air space, there are substantial portions of the landfill that can still be utilized that would significantly extend its life, subject to the availability of cover material.

Given the costs, complexities and difficulties of establishing a replacement landfill for the Fort St. John are, staff are recommending that the Regional District fully utilizes the remaining capacity of the site, this time line affords an opportunity to investigate and utilize alternate means of disposal i.e. waste-to-energy.

MOVED by Director Saugstad , SECONDED by Director Lantz, that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board: a) that the Fort St. John landfill continue to operate at its present location until its remaining fill capacity has been fully utilized; and b) that staff be authorized to investigate expansion opportunities for the existing landfill; and c) that staff be authorized to issue an Expression of Interest for the long term supply of soil cover material for the Fort St. John landfill. CARRIED.

11) R-5 Versus Goliath Project Solutions Inc. have expressed an interest in re: gas collection conducting a landfill gas assessment at the Fort St. John Landfill to determine if the site is economically viable.

MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be authorized to investigate a gas rights agreement at the Fort St. John landfill with Versus Goliath Project Solutions Inc. for consideration by the Regional Board. CARRIED.

12) R-6 Staff have been participating on a Materials Recycling Task Force re: Terms of organized by Recycle Plus, Grande Prairie, Alberta for the purpose of Reference developing long term, sustainable and effective collection and processing of recycling strategy for northern Alberta and British Columbia. The Task Force has recently finalized its Terms of Reference. This is a worthwhile undertaking that could result in a more efficient and cost-effective system of recycling within the Regional District.

MOVED by Director Saugstad, SECONDED by Director Lantz, that the Solid Waste Committee recommend to the Regional Board that staff be authorized to continue participating on the Materials Recycling Task Force. CARRIED.

NEW BUSINESS:

13) NB-1 Discussion ensued regarding the establishment of a meeting schedule for Meeting schedule the Committee. Members felt that meetings should be scheduled on an as needed basis.

4 Peace River Regional District Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2009

New Business: (continued)

14) NB-2 Director Goodings inquired on the status of the final report on the clean fill Clean Fill pilot pilot project that was undertaken at the closed Dawson Creek landfill. project Mr. Anderson advised that the report would be on the next agenda.

15) NB-3 Mrs. Frech asked members for a suitable meeting date to discuss the Budget meetings Regional Solid Waste Management budget. A meeting date of January 28, 2010 was agreed upon.

16) Committee MOVED by Director Lantz, SECONDED by Director Saugstad, Report that the recommendations from the Solid Waste Committee Meeting of December 7, 2009 be recommended to the Regional Board for approval. CARRIED.

17) Adjournment BY CONSENSUS, that the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.

______Tim Caton, Chair S. Garrett, Corporate Services Coordinator

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