COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE
March 21, 2018
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Regional Council Calendar 4 COUNCIL CALENDAR March 26, 2018 - April 01, 2018
Invitations to Mayor and Council 5 - 6 INVITATION TO ATTEND BCTECH SUMMIT May 14, 2018
Miscellaneous Correspondence 7 CITY OF MAPLE RIDGE, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Re: Employer Health Tax
8 - 9 FORT NELSON & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Re: Greyhound support reconsideration March 16, 2018
Training, Conferences and Seminars 10 CANADA GAS & LNG EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE Vancouver, May 14-16, 2018 Document available upon request
News Articles 11 - 13 ENERGETIC CITY.CA BIV reporter says LNG Canada preparing FID documents ahead of construction this year Article by Chris Newton, March 14, 2018
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14 - 16 ENERGETIC CITY.CA MLA Davies introducing Private Member's Bill to change Peace River North riding name Article by Chris Newton, March 15, 2018
17 - 20 ENERGETIC CITY.CA B.C. government announces panel members for scientific review of fracking Article by Chris Newton, March 15, 2018
21 - 22 ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS Northern Rockies granted $2.98 million for economic planning, wastewater upgrades March 15, 2018
23 ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS White Bear Industries awarded Alaska Highway maintenance contract March 19, 2018
24 - 25 ENERGETIC CITY .CA Fort Nelson First Nation discussing purchase of PolarBoard OSB mill with potential buyers Article by Chris Newton, March 21, 2018
26 - 28 NATIONAL POST Alberta NDP suspends caribou conservation plan, calls on federal government for cash infusion Article by Clare Clancy, March 19, 2018
Flowers and Condolences 29 A DONATION WAS MADE IN MEMORY OF PAT HUMM
Documents Available Upon Request CANADA GAS & LNG EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE Conference Brochure
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May 14-16 2018
MINERAL EXPLORATION Spring 2018
Page 3 of 29 Regional Council Calendar
March 2018 April 2018 March 26, 2018 - SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa 123 1234567 45678910 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 April 01, 2018 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30
Monday, March 26 Tuesday, March 27 12:00am Councillor Gerwing Away 10:00am - 12:00pm NDIT North East Regional Advisory Committee 6:30pm - 9:30pm Regional Council Meeting (Bear Pit) (NERAC) Meeting-in person (COUNCILLOR DOLAN-via teleconference) (Fort St John City Hall Meeting Room)
Wednesday, March 28 Thursday, March 29
Friday, March 30 Saturday, March 31
Sunday, April 01
Cheryl Cantelon 1 3/21/2018 8:46 AM Page 4 of 29
Dear Bill Streeper,
On behalf of the BC Innovation Council and Government of British Columbia, I am thrilled to invite you the 2018 #BCTECH Summit. Now in its third year, this event is expected to draw 6,000 attendees, making it Western Canada’s largest technology conference. Once again, it will take place at the world-class Vancouver Convention Centre.
Technology has the power to revolutionize business, industry and everyday life, no matter who you are or where you're from. From forestry to mining to agriculture, businesses in local economies like yours are growing and thriving thanks to tech and industrial innovation. I invite you to join us in learning how tech adoption continues to increase competitiveness and productivity in B.C.
I am also excited to hear from this year’s keynotes, including Jared Cohen (founder of Google Ideas and now CEO of Jigsaw) and Brent Bushnell (CEO and co-founder of Two Bit Circus). As a leader in your community, you can look forward to an incredible speaker lineup and program:
Learn about tailored tech solutions that can support your government, local businesses and regional economy; Connect with the pioneers and innovators of B.C.’s flourishing tech sector through business- to-business meetings; and Get a glimpse of the largest showcase of innovation in B.C. through the Marketplace, Technology Showcase, Startup Village and Ignite Research Pavilion.
I would like to offer you and your network a special conference rate in hopes of enticing you to join us this spring. Use discount code MUNI to save $100 off the current conference price.
B.C. is home to a growing roster of dynamic tech companies that are solving real industry and
Page 5 of 29 public-sector challenges with innovative solutions. We want everyone in every region across B.C. to know about the innovation and the opportunities that exist here—and we especially want you here to see for yourself.
Sincerely,
Shirley Vickers President & CEO BC Innovation Council
The #BCTECH Summit is an initiative of the Government of British Columbia in partnership with the BC Innovation Council.
Copyright © 2018 BC Innovation Council, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our mailing list.
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Our mailing address is: BC Innovation Council 1188 West Georgia Street 9th Floor Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2 Canada
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Page 6 of 29 Ommnoowarm7\_m _._o:oSmc_m om8_m _m_3mm _<__3m.§ 2 _u_:m:om _uowoxoobm ms 3o< moi <_o.8:m. mo U8: _<=:.m.§ om8_m _m3mm. mag < #5 q__\mo.H.382 9. Em osmsmw..o« Sm 05 9. _<_m_o_mmama2___ cmmQo:_o__:m9" <<:m.m2mm 85 :32 _<_mo__om_mm2_om Em: Ema _o$3E3m. : _m=xm_ _<_::_o:om_Emm32¢ 32 o_o:o:m.8 oo<2 oom? S?mmmwm. 2 c:o:m:mma.Em um<8__Ex <<=_8mg: 3 S?mmmmm .8 9.039.? Exam ow qmgcozosw 8 3c:_o:um_ mm2_omm Swcazm :03 Sam _om_:m $m__oom.8a .8 oo Emmmmoosmam?o_o:o:m8 $.83? .8 3&6 Sm .:m:m:_o: .8 3m m3u_o _»mm_omo3___<. \§ P9 E» Q Page 7 of 29 2_oo_m mama _<_m =_m2: _.=m_=mwm_ Emanr mm.Noam wmmmmammaaamamnooaamanoawoman NS 1 £3 wnmamrmanmaamma Smaoanm.wn. < EmmmmrorcmrmmwnmmmE nornmnaBm 3 Nmo?owmmm M35:< wm< Please find enclosed the Canada Gas & LNG Conference brochure This leading conference runs in Vancouver May 14 - 16 alongside an extensive exhibition. The Conference provides a vital opportunity to connect with the key players and take stock of the evolving developments within the Canadian Gas & LNG industry. The program features over 50 prominent industry speakers - worldwide leaders who are engaged in key partnerships and LNG projects within Canada. With ample opportunity for face-to-face networking, interactive conference sessions and high profile social functions, the Canada Gas & LNG Conference has quickly become the go-to annual event where global leaders converge to meet, discuss strategies and forge long-term partnerships. Supported by the First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP) and the First Nations LNG Alliance the Canada Gas & LNG exhibition & conference will give you access to updates and discussions around ongoing and upcoming Canadian gas & LNG projects. It will be a one stop shop for companies looking to develop long- term relationships within the Canadian gas & LNG sectors. What previous delegates said: "The Canada LNG conference provided a great opportunity to network with key Canadian LNG stakeholders and learn about project updates, First Nations and regulatory dynamics, and perspectives from participants across the entire LNG value chain."GE Oil & Gas - Canada "Great networking opportunity for Canadian LNG projects. "ConocoPhillips If you would like to find out more, please review the brochure enclosed or visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you to the event in May. Richard Mackintosh, Event Director 2 Derry Street, Northcliffe House, London W8 5lT; UK I T: +44 (0)20 3615 5936 1 E: [email protected] 10 of 29 I W: www.theceegas.com Registered in England & Wales: Company no. 2246951 IVAT no.: GB 494 1614 35 Home Energy News BIV reporter says LNG Canada preparing FID documents ahead of construction this... BIV reporter says LNG Canada preparing FID documents ahead of construction this year By Chris Newton - March 14, 2018 7:18 pm A rendering of the proposed LNG Canada facility in Kitimat. Photo by LNG Canada VANCOUVER, B.C. — LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz said today at a forum in Vancouver that his company is preparing final investment documents with Page 11 of 29 plans to start construction on a proposed liquified natural gas export terminal near Kitimat later this year. Business in Vancouver reporter Nelson Bennett tweeted earlier today that Calitz spoke at the Globe Forum 2018 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and said that LNG Canada is preparing final investment documents for the project, with the plan to start construction some time in 2018. Andy Calitz, CEO for LNG Canada, tells #GLOBEforum plan is to start construction on Kitimat project 2018, FID documents being prepared. — Nelson Bennett (@nbennett_biv) March 15, 2018 Quoting Calitz directly, Bennett said in a follow-up tweet that the LNG Canada CEO stated two years ago that his company wanted construction to have started on the project some time this year, and that those plans remain unchanged. Direct quote: “At the time (2016) we said we wanted to be in construction in 2018. My answer remains unchanged.” https://t.co/bJwNJt0VmB — Nelson Bennett (@nbennett_biv) March 15, 2018 Energeticcity.ca has attempted to reach out to an LNG Canada spokesperson, though phone calls have not been returned. Resource Works executive director Stewart Muir said that he heard Calitz speak last fall, saying that a year from then he anticipated announcing some good news. “If within that timeframe he has come forward today to indicate that they’re going to be spending in anticipation of the F.I.D., that is a major development. I think it means that the upstream side in the Peace is going to be very excited. I’ve heard that everyone’s working around Fort St. John right now, that it’s a very brisk period. This is a good time for someone to Page 12 of 29 start a project because they’ll be looking for that labour from the labour pool. Maybe they’re starting to see that things are picking up generally and they better get going.” The day after his government came to power last June, B.C. Premier John Horgan stated that LNG Canada’s proposed project had the support of his party, something he echoed in January at the Premier’s B.C. Natural Resource Forum in Prince George. While speaking with Muir at the forum, Horgan said that he imagined the potential for as many as several LNG export facilities to be built in B.C. over the next few years. Page 13 of 29 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Energeticcity.ca UPDATED: MLA Davies introducing Private Member’s Bill to change Peace River North riding name By Chris Newton - March 15, 2018 9:54 am Peace River North MLA Dan Davies questioning Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Page 14 of 29 Development Minister Doug Donaldson about the Ministry's plans for timber rights in the Fort Nelson area last October. Photo credit: B.C. Legislature UPDATE: Davies’ Private Member’s Bill passed first reading in the Legislature this morning. Davies said that’s it’s now up to the government whether the bill will be brought forward for second reading and debate. VICTORIA, B.C. — Peace River North MLA Dan Davies doesn’t want to be known as Peace River North MLA Dan Davies, and will be introducing a Private Member’s Bill in the Legislature today to try to make the change official. Advertisement Davies said in a statement this morning that he’ll be introducing a bill in the B.C. Legislature today to get the name of the riding that includes Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, and Fort Nelson renamed to Peace River-Northern Rockies. He said that he’ll be introducing the Private Member’s Bill this morning at around 10:10 a.m. Davies explained that since his nomination as the BC Liberal candidate for last May’s election, he’s felt that the name of the provincial riding in the far corner of Northeast B.C. doesn’t properly reflect the entire riding. “FOLKS UP IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES [REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY], THEY’RE NOWHERE NEAR THE PEACE RIVER. THEY’RE IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WATERSHED. NORTHERN ROCKIES TAKES UP TEN PERCENT OF THE PROVINCE’S LANDMASS. IT’S A MASSIVE PIECE OF THE Page 15 of 29 RIDING. IT’S REALLY THE SAME REASON WHY THE FEDERAL ELECTORAL DISTRICT WAS CHANGED TO INCLUDE NORTHERN ROCKIES.” Davies’ speech can be watched live on the Legislative Assembly of B.C.’s website: https://www.leg.bc.ca/documents-data/broadcasts-and-webcasts. Page 16 of 29 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Energeticcity.ca B.C. government announces panel members for scientific review of fracking By Chris Newton Energy Minister Michelle Mungall answers a question by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross in the Legislature in November. Photo by BC Legislature Page 17 of 29 VICTORIA, B.C. — Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Michelle Mungall announced this morning that the provincial government is moving forward on condocting an independent scientific review of hydraulic fracturing. Mungall said the review will be done to ensure that fracking in B.C. is meeting the highest safety and environmental standards, and will be carried out by a three-member independent panel consisting of a professor of hydrogeology, a geological engineering professor and a geological engineer and geophysicist. Advertisement The three panellists are: Diana M. Allen, P. Geo, a professor in the department of earth sciences at Simon Fraser University; Erik Eberhardt, P. Eng, a professor of rock mechanics and rock engineering, and the director of the geological engineering program at the University of British Columbia; and Amanda Bustin, PhD, a research associate at the University of British Columbia and the president of Bustin Earth Science Consultants. Nalaine Morin will provide advice to the panel on traditional Indigenous knowledge. “PROTECTING OUR AIR, LAND AND WATER IS CENTRAL TO OUR GOVERNMENT’S DIRECTION OF SUSTAINABLY DEVELOPING THE PROVINCE’S RESOURCES AND CREATING JOBS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS,” SAID MUNGALL IN A STATEMENT THURSDAY. “WE KNOW BRITISH COLUMBIANS HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HYDRAULIC FRACTURING. IT’S Page 18 of 29 OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS CONTINUE TO MEET WORLD-CLASS STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. THE SCIENTIFIC PANEL WILL LOOK AT THE PROCESS OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING USED TO EXTRACT B.C.’S NATURAL GAS, REVIEW OUR REGULATIONS AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO MINIMIZE RISKS TO THE ENVIRONMENT.” The appointment of the panel follows Mungall’s announcement last fall that the government intended to conduct a science-based review of the fracking process. During a debate on her Ministry’s budget last November, Mungall was asked by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross whether the government intended to impose a moratorium on fracking either during or after the review, Mungall essentially ruled out a moratorium. In a release, Ministry spokesperson Suntanu Dalal said the panel will look at the role of hydraulic fracturing as it relates to induced seismicity and its impacts on water quantity and quality. It will also look into fugitive methane emissions that may occur during the fracking process. “The panel will be hearing presentations and collecting scientific evidence from organizations and experts, as well as traditional Indigenous knowledge from First Nations,” said the release. “Information and evidence will also be collected from Page 19 of 29 academics, industry associations, northeast B.C. communities, Treaty 8 First Nations and environmental organizations.” The Ministry said the panel will report its findings to Mungall before the end of the year. Page 20 of 29 Northern Rockies granted $2.98 million for economic planning, wastewater upgrades Alaska Highway News March 15, 2018 09:57 AM The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has secured federal gas tax funding to upgrade its wastewater treatment system and develop an economic strategy. The municipality has received two gas tax grants, worth a combined $2.98 million. article continues below Trending Stories The lion's share, or $2.9 million for wastewater upgrades to bring the plant in compliance with new Environment Canada effluent regulations to increase efficiency and replace aging infrastructure, the municipality said in an announcement. Most importantly, the municipality has received $82,500 to develop a regional economic strategy, which the municipality says comes at a "critical juncture" in its history. The funds will pay for a refreshed plan, which hasn't been updated since before the municipality's amalgamation in 2009. Page 21 of 29 “The NRRM is excited for this opportunity to ensure that our region is always ready and open for business,” Mayor Bill Streeper said in a statement. “With the funding this grant provides, we can continue to build on current strategies to support the growth of our local economy.” The municipality says the funding for the economic strategy will help to develop an investment readiness assessment, which will provide recommendations on how to put the Northern Rockies on the radar of international investors. The funds will also help to develop an investment and marketing strategy to study the current economic environment, and undertake community consultations to develop a regional strategy for economic development, the municipality says. The funds will also help to develop a marketing toolbox on how the municipality can best market itself. The wastewater upgrades will be made to the aeration system, which includes new blower units and construction of a blower pad, new air header and lateral piping, lagoon diffuser replacements, electrical modifications, and desludging of aeration cells. "The wastewater treatment system is critical infrastructure and it’s important to improve our processes in line with regulations to protect the environment for our children," Streeper said. "I’m confident that the aeration project funded by this grant will demonstrate some creative and effective ways to address wastewater treatment in a northern climate.” The grants were announced last week as part of a $192.9-million gas tax funding package for B.C. [email protected] Page 22 of 29 White Bear Industries awarded Alaska Highway maintenance contract Alaska Highway News March 19, 2018 10:44 AM The federal government has signed a five-year, $79.8-million contract to maintain the Alaska Highway to White Bear Industries of Terrace. The contract, announced March 19, covers an 835-kilometre stretch of the highway north of Fort St. John at Mile 83 to the Yukon border. Work includes highway rehabilitation, cleaning and repairing ditches, snow removal, sanding, ice control, and pavement line marking. "The maintenance of the Alaska Highway is key to the economic prosperity of the northern part of this region," Carla Qualtrough, minister of public services and procurement, said in a statement. "The work resulting from this contract will make the highway safe for travellers and will ensure local communities get sustainable, safe and reliable infrastructure assets that will contribute directly to their quality of life." The province of B.C. is responsible for maintaining the first 133 kilometres of the Alaska Highway up to the Mile 83 marker. Public Services and Procurement Canada is responsible for maintaining the remaining 835-kilometre stretch to the Yukon border. The Yukon government is responsible for maintaining the rest of the Canadian portion of the highway. [email protected] Page 23 of 29 Energeticcity.ca Fort Nelson First Nation discussing purchase of PolarBoard OSB mill with potential buyers By Chris Newton - March 21, 2018 7:24 am The now-closed Canfor OSB mill in Fort Nelson. Photo by Mike Gilbert Page 24 of 29 FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson First Nation Chief Harrison Dickie has been confirmed to have engaged in talks with a potential buyer of Canfor’s PolarBoard OSB mill. In its March newsletter, the First Nation’s council stated that Chief Dickie met with members of the Stern Group. The Vancouver-based investment firm was founded 29 years ago by Ronald N. Stern, who has also served on the board of the Vancouver Airport Authority, the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation, and Science World. Advertisement In the newsletter, the First Nation said that the firm was receptive of the First Nation’s Medzih Action Plan to help the region’s caribou populations recover, and is also optimistic about partnering with the First Nation. The newsletter added that discussions are still continuing behind closed doors about the potential purchase of the mill, and that Chief Dickie will give a detailed presentation to the community in mid-April. Canfor announced that it was closing both the PolarBoard OSB mill and the Takama sawmill in Fort Nelson indefinitely just over ten years ago. The company also holds vast timber rights in the Fort Nelson area, which the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has said discouraged potential buyers of the mills. Last October, Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson said that forest tenures in the area could be made available if a potential buyer of either mill came forward. At that time, Northern Rockies mayor Bill Streeper said that there were two Canadian investors that had surveyed Canfor’s PolarBoard OSB mill in Fort Nelson with the possibility reopening it, however he added that neither Canfor nor the prospective investors said anything about a potential deal at the time. Streeper also travelled to China last fall to speak with another prospective investor, whose primary concern was the availability of obtaining a cut license in the area. Page 25 of 29 National Post Alberta NDP suspends caribou conservation plan, calls on federal government for cash infusion Alberta so far has spent $9.2 million on caribou recovery, but restoration costs over the next 40 years are pegged at $1 billion File photo of a woodland caribou.The Canadian Press Clare Clancy March 19, 2018 6:09 PM EDT Page 26 of 29 The NDP suspended portions of its caribou protection plan Monday and called on the federal government to step up on the file, citing a $1-billion price tag over the next four decades. “Alberta’s approach … and fulfilling the requirements under federal law cannot and will not come at the expense of our economy,” said Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips in a letter sent to Ottawa. The province released its draft plan on Dec. 19 to help threatened woodland caribou populations recover in 15 different ranges. Hundreds of Albertans have since voiced concerns, Phillips said, referencing public meetings in communities including Cold Lake, Fort McMurray and High Level. In the letter to federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, Phillips said the province needs a cash infusion “to restore habitat necessary to ensure population growth.” Alberta so far has spent $9.2 million on caribou recovery, but restoration costs over the next 40 years are pegged at $1 billion, she stated. “Rearing facilities in our protection plan will cost in the neighbourhood of $75 million.” Lisa Wardley, chairwoman of the Northwest Species at Risk Committee, said communities in northern Alberta feel ignored. She advocated for a detailed assessment to determine the effects of caribou range planning on local economies. “My hamlet is within a caribou range,” Wardley said, speaking about her Zama City home about 600 km north of Grande Prairie. “There is no protected land in that range right now.” She said communities currently have control over the land, but that would change under the proposed provincial plan. “Predator management is a big thing, so in protected areas you can’t necessarily do that,” she said in an interview. “We have trappers that are actually creating that wildlife balance. Can they continue if it’s a protected area? We’re not sure.” Wardley said she’s concerned the range planning would affect nearly 40 per cent of the province’s land mass and hinder forestry and energy industries. “In a nutshell, if it was in your backyard, wouldn’t you want a say?” Page 27 of 29 On Monday, the NDP kiboshed conservation plans pending the outcome of a socioeconomic plan, which means for now there will be no new parks created. But the province will still invest in other projects, such as industry-led efforts to maintain caribou populations. Several United Conservative Party MLAs repeatedly asked about the issue during Monday’s question period. Opposition leader Jason Kenney asked for Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to commit to examining the effects of caribou range planning on jobs. “It goes without saying that is part of the socioeconomic assessment that the ministers have indicated to the federal government we want to see completed,” Notley responded. Page 28 of 29 A Donation was made to the Northern Lamplighters Society in Memory of Pat (Patricia) Humm Page 29 of 29